Faith Christian Academy
Where Dreams Take Flight
Student
Handbook
PO Box 748
West Plains MO
(417) 256-1817 x204
fca@fcawarriors.org
www.fcawarriors.org
Faith Christian Academy
805 Worley Drive
West Plains, MO 65775
Mailing Address:
Faith Christian Academy
PO Box 748
West Plains MO 65775
Email:
fca@fcawarriors.org
Website:
www.fcawarriors.org
Office Hours:
7:45am – 3:45pm
(417) 256-1817 x204
x206
(Main Office)
(Mrs. Jacobs)
(417) 257-2838
(FAX)
Like us on Facebook: Faith ChristianAcademy
**************************************************************************
Faith Christian Academy is accredited through the National Association of Private Schools
(NAPS). We are associated with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI),
and the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS).
__________________
The primary objective and purpose of Faith Christian Academy is to train students in the
knowledge of God and the Christian way of life, and to provide them with an excellent
education. The teachers of FCA realize the solemn responsibility before God in molding the
life and character of each student in order to give them a good foundation for the future. The
well-qualified administration and faculty demonstrate a care and concern for each student.
FCA operates not for profit.
Your cooperation and support is very important for our school to continue to maintain high
expectations and achievements.
Roberta Jacobs
Administrator
Updated 6/13
CONTENTS
Beginning of School
1
Financial Policies
1
General Information
Address Changes
Attendance
Automobile Policies
Bad Weather Conditions
Bible
Bullying
Care of property
Discipline
Dress Code
Extra-Curricular Activities
Fire/Tornado Drill
Ill Students
Lost & Found
Lunch
Medication
Patriotism
Personal Entertainment Device
Parents in Partnership (PIP)
Re-enrollment
Tardiness
Telephone Policy
Textbooks
Transportation
Visitors
Withdrawal Policy
2
2
2
3
3
4
5
6
4
9
9
7
6
10
10
7
10
6
11
11
3
7
11
8
6
11
Academic Information
Class Weight
Grading Scale
Graduation Requirements
Homework
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Report Cards
12
14
12
13
12
11
11
BEGINNING OF SCHOOL
ALL SCHOOL ORIENTATION
During this meeting, we will be covering the policies of our school, addressing any changes that have been
made, and be available to answer your questions. The short orientation in the sanctuary will be followed by an
open house for each class.
At Orientation, you will be able to pick up your child’s schedule (GR 5-12), get locker assignments, and pick up
already purchased yearbooks.
On the first day of school, the schedule is as follows:
First Class Bell…………………......................7:45 am
Tardy Bell……………………………………...8:00 am
Afternoon Dismissal…………………………...3:30 am
It is important that all students arrive at school on time, and are ready to begin class promptly at 8:00am.
Students should also be picked up promptly at 3:30 pm. We do NOT provide after-care at the school unless
otherwise specified. Students not picked up by 3:40, will be charged $1/minute/child. For the safety of your
child – this applies to all students Grades K-12. No student is to be left unattended.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
FCA endeavors to keep low tuition rates for the benefit of every parent. For this reason, we will conduct
fundraising events throughout the year. Student and/or parent’s participation in helping raise funds will be
needed. While participation is voluntary, we ask that all parents be an active participant in all fundraisers. Our
fundraisers help keep tuition cost well below the national average. The school receives no Federal assistance
other than a tax-exemption status.
Because of the high cost of education, and the desire to keep tuition costs as low as possible, it is crucial that
payments are made in a timely fashion. Tuition is an annual amount, however, we allow parents to spread their
payments out in 10 monthly installments beginning August 1st.. If you choose the monthly tuition plan,
payments are due in the office by the first day of each month. Tuition is considered late if not paid by the 5th
and will be assessed a $20 late fee. Payments not made by the 1st of the following month will result in
suspension until the student’s account is brought into balance. It is our policy to charge $30 for all checks
returned to us by your bank for any reason. If two checks are returned, the account is on a cash basis. Our ACH
program is available to assist us in collecting your tuition automatically, and as a result, we offer reduced tuition
rates for those who participate. We only pull ACH transfers once/month. Should you require us to pull your
payment on a different day, you will be charged an additional $10 fee. If an ACH transfer is rejected by your
bank there will be an additional $30 fee for re-running the process. You may be subject to the $20 late fee as
well. If 2 ACH payments are rejected, your account will be suspended and you will be required to pay in the
office at the higher tuition rate.
No student record or graduation diploma will be released for any student when there is a balance owed on the
student’s account. No student will be permitted to graduate until all fees are up to date.
1 FCA HANDBOOK
ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER CHANGES
Any time an address or phone number (home, office, or cell) changes please notify the school office
immediately.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
FCA expects regular attendance, and urges students not to be absent from class unless necessary. The
educational loss, resulting from absences can never be entirely regained through make-up work,
If your child is absent for one day, he/she will have 2 days to complete assignments. Failure to complete and
turn in within 2 days automatically results in a zero for each assignment. All assignments (grades 5-12) are
written on the board at the beginning of every week. Even if a student is absent, he/she is expected to bring
completed work back to school. If a test falls on the 1st day back to school and the test was on the board before
the student was absent, he/she will be expected to take the test that day, unless other arrangements have been
made.
PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES
FCA tries to be sensitive to the schedules of parents and grandparents. We understand that summer may not
always be the time when families are able to take vacation. We ask that all planned absences be cleared through
the school office at least 2 weeks in advance to allow the teachers to prepare the lessons for your child while
he/she is away. If the pre-arranged absence is only for 1-2 days, and a test is scheduled during that absence, the
student will need to take the test prior to leaving for the absence (unless other arrangements are made with the
teacher). All assignments should be completed upon return, and missed tests will be administered the day
he/she returns to school, unless other arrangements have been made.
INCIDENTAL ABSENCES
When your child is absent due to sickness, please notify the school office by 8:30am. If absences become
habitual (deemed by administration), the student may not be allowed to make up missed assignments or
exams (grades 5-12). A doctor’s excuse will be required before the student is re-admitted
If a student participates in an extracurricular activity, he/she is expected to be at school the day of and the
school day following the event. Failure to attend school on those days may result in a zero in all classes and
event suspensions will occur.
Students with 3 or more unexcused absences will lower their quarter grade one full letter in each subject.
Students with more than 10 excused absences will also have their grade lowered one full letter unless otherwise
authorized by the administration.
Students absent more than 20 days/year may not pass to the next grade level, receive credit for subject taken,
and/or graduate. No refunds are made for absences.
Any student leaving before 10am will be counted as absent for the entire day. If a student leaves the school
premises without permission, the parent will be contacted immediately and an out of school suspension may
occur.
2 FCA HANDBOOK
TARDINESS
Tardiness is disruptive to the classroom and has an adverse effect on your child’s educational progress. Just as
adults are expected to arrive at work on time, the same consideration should be given at school. Students
arriving earlier than 7:45 am need to go directly to the office. Students are not to wander the halls or wait
outside classroom doors. We will not permit students to sit in vehicles in the parking lot, wait for other
students at the doors, or hang out in the bathrooms.
Students need to arrive at school by 7:45 am in order for them to have enough time to get their things put in
lockers, sharpen pencils, and be ready to begin their day when the 8:00 am bell rings.
Students arriving after 8:00 am will be considered tardy. They should report directly to their class. Tardiness is
excused for the following reasons: (1) automobile accident; (2) flat tire: (3) other automobile failure; (4)
inclement weather. Students will receive an unexcused tardy for any other reason which could have been
avoided.
Consistent tardiness is a sign of disrespect and laziness. When a student is tardy, it requires the teacher to cover
missed material. We desire to train our students to become excellent employees in the workplace. Employees
who are consistently late to work may suffer termination; therefore, we feel excessive tardiness must be
penalized.
Students are expected to come to class prepared. Any student needing to leave class for books and/or supplies
will receive an unexcused tardy.
Three (3) or more unexcused tardies will result in a 5% grade reduction in the class where the student is tardy,
and if a student participates in an extra-curricular event, he/she will be suspended from the next
performance/game. Five (5) or more excused tardies in any quarter also results in 5% grade reduction.
AUTOMOBILE POLICIES
All student-driven cars are to be parked in the back parking lot on the left side of the building behind the
playground facing towards the school. Cars are to remain parked until students leave school at the end of the
day. Cars are not to be occupied during school hours, nor are students to sit in parked cars while waiting for
school to begin or after school dismisses.
Parents are to drop off and pick up their children at the school entrance in the rear of the church building. Please
be respectful of people picking up their children. If you need to conduct business in the school office, please
park your car in the parking lot. If you are in the pick-up lane and leave your car to enter the building, you will
be asked to return to your car and move it to the upper lot. Please do not block the stairs.
Grades PK-4th: Pick up students in the LOWER drive.
Grades 5th-12th: Please drive to the UPPER lot and wait for your child.
BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS
In case of inclement weather, school-closing announcements will be made on FACEBOOK, local radio stations,
and KY-3. You will also receive an automatic voice notification from the school announcement system and an
email from our online grading system. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct phone number is listed on
school announcement system, as well as the correct email submitted to the school. Please contact the school
office to let us know of any address or phone changes.
3 FCA HANDBOOK
BIBLE
Bible study is recognized at FCA as of fundamental importance, and is a required subject. It augments the
study of English, history, geography, and science. Without knowledge of Biblical truth, a student cannot be
considered educated. The Bible gives direction for this life and the only hope for the life to come. No other
book can so enrich the minds and hearts of men as “The Book of Books.”
Knowledge of the Bible is one of the greatest educational assets anyone can have in addition to the moral and
spiritual values resulting from the study
Character development is the most important work of a school. No other course offered in school affords
greater opportunities for laying the foundation of Christian character. Because of the importance FCA places
on the study of the Bible, any student (grades 7-12) who fails Bible two consecutive semesters will not be
allowed to return the following semester.
DISCIPLINE
Effective classroom discipline is a necessary key ingredient for a good learning environment. Discipline at
FCA is to not only achieve this goal but also help our students learn self-discipline and good character traits.
To maintain a good learning environment, we expect students to conduct themselves appropriately. The teacher
is responsible to maintain appropriate classroom behavior. Certain behavior is not acceptable and will not be
tolerated. When misconduct occurs, corrective measures will be used to help the student change his/her
behavior and attitude. Parents will be notified if continued disruption occurs in the classroom. It is the
responsibility of the parent to take appropriate action at home so the teacher’s time is not consumed with
behavioral problems but rather academic instruction. Examples of typical corrective measures are time-out, a
writing assignment, a student-teacher conference, a student-administrator conference, a parent-teacher
conference, suspension, or expulsion.
As outlined in Ephesians 4:31 and 5:1-10, we expect students to participate in wholesome talk and actions.
This applies to not only his /her behavior at school, but also any activity outside of school, which would reflect
negatively on FCA. This also involves unwholesome web pages and/or unwholesome posting on another
person’s website, and or cyber-bullying.
FCA expects full cooperation from both student and parent in the education of the student. Actions that
threaten or harm another individual’s ability to function rightly and safely will require further corrective
measures. Students may be expelled for any action or statement associated with potentially harmful or
violent behavior including a joke, which could be interpreted as a threat.
Students’ lockers, book bags, or other storage areas are subject to search, upon reasonable suspicion, for
prohibited or illegally possessed substances or objects.
Actions that threaten another student and/or staff member will result in suspension. Students may be
suspended and/or expelled for lying, bullying (cyber, physical, instigated, or verbal), stealing, disrespect,
cursing, cheating, vandalism, gang related items or symbols, and other social misconduct.
Sexual harassment is defined as: behavior of a sexual nature, which is unwelcome and personally offensive to
its recipients. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct, which is demeaning to another person. Verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment.
Verbal abuse to staff is defined as: any disrespectful language to any staff member. Students are expected to
respect authority.
Staff members are not expected to, nor will they tolerate “back talk” from students. If a student has a grievance
over a disciplinary action, he/she should obey the staff member immediately, and then, at a later time, come to
4 FCA HANDBOOK
the office to discuss the problem with the Administrator. Students are not to argue over directions or
disciplinary procedures with staff members. No student is to challenge the authority of any teacher and/or staff
member. He/she is expected to respond to disciplinary action with respect. We understand that there may be
times where a student feels unjustly accused. The student reserves the right to request a meeting with the
Administrator to discuss his/her grievances. Every effort is made to ensure complete understanding of every
disciplinary correction. If Teachers/Staff are found not to have complete information, he/she will come to the
office to resolve the situation with student/Administrator present. Godly confrontation is designed to resolve
and bring reconciliation. It is our desire that once an issue has been discussed, all parties would feel their side
has been heard and understood. Since “God’s mercies are new every morning,” once the meeting has taken
place, the grievance is left in the room. There is to be no more discussion of the situation or discipline.
Public Display of Affection (PDA)
While we encourage our students to show Christ-like love to one another, they must refrain from un-Christ like
public displays of affection at school, school-sanctioned events, and/or travelling to and from a schoolsanctioned event. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for physical contact such as handholding,
inappropriate touching, or kissing.
Corporal Correction Policy
Please see our Corporal Correction form for an explanation of our policy.
If corporal correction (Grades PK-8th) is necessary, we will defer to the signed Corporal Correction Form in the
file. If the parent desires to come to school to carry out this discipline, we will ask the student to remain in the
office until the parent arrives.
Please note: The student will not be permitted to return to class until the correction takes place and the
guidelines set forth in the Corporal Correction Form will apply.
Standards of Conduct
A sense for spiritual growth in the light of Biblical principles has led FCA to adopt Standards of Conduct,
which are believed to be conducive to the environment that will best promote the spiritual welfare of the
student.
Students are expected to abide by the Standards of Conduct throughout their enrollment; whether at home,
school, or elsewhere. Students (grades 5-12) will not be admitted to class without a Standard of Conduct
agreement on file in the office. Keeping the Standards of Conduct is necessary to remain a student at FCA.
Full cooperation is expected from both student and parents in the education of the student. If at any time the
school feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be requested to transfer out. In addition, if the
student’s behavior or attitude indicates an uncooperative spirit, or one that is out of harmony with the spirit and
standards of FCA, whether or not there is any definite breach of conduct, he/she may be requested to transfer
out.
BULLYING
FCA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, violence, fighting, or threats of any kind. Full
cooperation is expected from both student and parents in the education of the student. If at any time the school
feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be requested to transfer out. This includes both physical
as well as verbal bullying, and extends to cyber bullying. The Administration deems when a student and/or
parent is out of harmony with the school’s philosophy. Attending FCA is a privilege and not a right. Students
forfeit this privilege if they do not conform to the standards and ideals of the school.
We firmly believe there is no place at FCA for divisions that are so common in other schools. We strive for an
excellent spirit where every student is treated fairly regardless of nationality or background. Therefore, any
student who promotes division or a divisive spirit through secret clubs, homosexuality, symbols, pictures,
writing, flags, banners, slogans, or any divisive activism is out of harmony with the standards and Christian
5 FCA HANDBOOK
philosophy of FCA and may be withdrawn or refused reenrollment at the discretion of the administration.
CARE OF PROPERTY
Students will be held responsible for proper care of all supplies, apparatus, and furniture supplied to them by
FCA. Students who deface or damage school/church property shall be required to pay all damages. Further
discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion may be administered.
A new policy for the 2013-2014 school year is that backpacks will no longer be allowed in the classrooms.
Students will need to store them in their lockers or on a hallway hook.
Students are encouraged to put locks on their lockers (Grades 5-12). ONLY SCHOOL ISSUED LOCKS
ARE PERMISSABLE. These locks are free to be used on their lockers. The locks must be checked out in the
school office and returned before the final day of school attendance. If the lock is NOT turned back in to
the school office there will be a $20 lock assessment fee placed on your account. Switching lockers is not
permitted without permission from the office. If students – 1st-4th grade would like to rent a lock for their
locker, the fee is $5 for the school year. The same return policy applies for these locks as well.
PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
Students are not to bring radios, cell phones, tape players, headphones, cd-players, cd’s, cassettes, hand-held
computer games, laser pointers, roller blades, skateboards, and toys in general to school during school hours.
This also includes beepers, pagers, I-Pods, MP-3 players, and PDA’s,. Cell phones are to be turned into the
office upon arrival at school. If found, teachers shall confiscate these items immediately and turn them in to the
office. These items will not be returned to the student. The parent will be called and asked to come to the office
to retrieve the item(s). Two repeated violations will be interpreted as open defiance of the rules, and
discipline will follow those guidelines.
VISITORS
Students are not to bring non-FCA students to school without prior permission from the administration.
Parents are always welcome to visit classrooms without notice. We do ask that all visitors check in to the
school office prior to entering a classroom and obtain a visitor pass. Any parent who enters his/her child’s
classroom without a visitor pass will be asked to return to the office.
ILL STUDENTS
Healthy children are better learners, therefore, please do not send your child to school if he/she has a fever, is
coughing profusely, or has vomited. A student who becomes ill at school should get permission from the
teacher to report to the office. If a student has vomited, or is running a fever, he/she will be required to go
home. Our goal is to provide immediate care, not prolonged care, therefore, we require your child to be free of
fever, diarrhea, and vomiting for 24 hours (without the use of medications such as Tylenol, etc.)
Please notify the school office immediately if your child is being treated or has been treated for a contagious
illness. While we will not single out your child, it is the responsibility of the school to notify parents that an
outbreak has occurred so parents may take precautions to avoid a school-wide epidemic. All notifications are
kept confidential. Students with a communicable disease will not be re-admitted to school without a note from
the doctor indicating treatment given.
In case of an accident, parents are notified when their child has been injured, and in the judgment of school
personnel may require further medical attention. Minor injuries may be explained in a note sent home.
It is essential for parents to provide at least THREE CURRENT phone numbers for contact in case of
emergency. Providing transportation and adult supervision for a child needing to be sent home for sickness or
6
FCA HANDBOOK
injury is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. No ill or injured child will be sent home alone or with
another student. If parents are unavailable, they must secure transportation and supervision with a responsible
adult.
MEDICATION
If a student is to take any medication while at school, he/she must have a note from the parents (on file in the
school office). Any prescription medication must arrive at school in the original prescription bottle, be properly
labeled (with instructions for use), and brought to the school office.
It is not the policy of FCA to dispense medication on a daily basis to students. We keep general medical
supplies, such as Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, etc., in the office. If a student requests medication repeatedly, parents
will be notified and asked to seek medical attention for their child. (example: daily requests for
Tylenol/ibuprofen). If your child needs other medication, such as aspirin, cough syrup, etc. that medication
should be sent along with a note of instruction.
USE OF TELEPHONE
The telephone in the office is a business phone, and is not for student’s use except in case of emergency. No
personal messages will be taken and delivered to students unless an emergency exists. We understand that
students may carry cell phones when they travel, however they are not permitted in school and must be checked
in at the school office each day. Cell phones may be taken on school-sponsored trips but must be checked in
with the adult in authority for the duration of the trip. The person in authority will make his/her cell phone
number available to parents.
FIRE DRILL
Fire Drill instructions are located in each classroom and drills are conducted throughout the school year.
TORNADO DRILL
The school and church offices are equipped with weather alert radios. In the event of inclement weather, an
alarm is sounded from the radios. We are able to monitor the weather. In case of a tornado alert, all teachers
are notified, but remain in the classroom until further instruction. If the storm increases, students above the
ground level are moved into the gym and cafeteria. If the storm elevates to a warning, and we are instructed to
take immediate shelter, all classes will proceed to the early education classrooms on the opposite side of the
cafeteria. A long bell will signal the all clear.
For any evacuation and/or drill, teachers will carry their grade books with them to account for students when
evacuation is complete. Just as with all emergencies, teachers will immediately assess the situation to
determine if the designated route is the safest. In the event the safest route is not available, an alternate plan
will be used. An alternate plan will be posted in each classroom.
EARTHQUAKE DRILL
Students will be instructed to get under their desks, covering their head with one hand and holding on to the
desk with the other hand. They need to be away from windows and anything that could fall during an actual
quake (such as cabinets/bookcases). Students are to remain under the desks until instructed otherwise by their
teacher.
7 FCA HANDBOOK
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS
FCA tries to provide transportation to extra-curricular events (sports, field trips, etc.) As such, students are
required to ride to and from these events on school provided transportation. The only exception is when a
student is released to the physical care and custody of their PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN by the
EVENT SPONSOR, in which case all accident liability rests with that parent.
The parent or guardian must sign the student out if they are not riding the bus back to school.
Non-FCA students are not permitted to ride to any school-sponsored event in an FCA vehicle, unless approved
in advance by the administration in the office. Keeping the Standards of Conduct is necessary t
PARENT VOLUNTEERS/SCHOOL STAFF
It should be understood that taking students off school property is an awesome responsibility. Please
understand, we greatly appreciate any parent, teacher, or coach that goes the extra mile, and please note the
students only benefit from your generosity. Anyone that transports students to and from a school-sanctioned
event must adhere to the following guidelines.
o Everyone is to be respectful and mindful that the name “Faith Assembly” is painted on the side
of our vehicles; therefore, you are representing our church/school, as well as Christ when you are
riding in that vehicle.
o Outings taken during a time when school is “not in session” is still considered a school function
and all rules apply.
o There are to be no weapons of any kind in a student’s possession at any time. Please note: This
also includes anything that a student may purchase while under your supervision.
o Student emergency information cards must be carried at every event.
o The driver should follow all speed limit regulations, wear a seatbelt, and ensure all students wear
theirs at all times.
o One person per seatbelt only.
o Students must stay seated at all times while the vehicle is moving.
o Nothing is to be thrown out van windows at any time.
o Non-Christian music is not to be played on the vans, and only approved Christian music is to be
brought or played on the vehicle.
o If a student violates any rules of the school and/or transportation agreement, the parent should be
advised upon returning from an event, and the administration notified the following school day.
o Please contact a parent coordinator when leaving the event, so he/she can notify all parents of
estimated arrival time back to the school.
o The van is to be completely cleaned out upon returning to the school.
o All students should pick up all trash from around their seats.
o No trash is to be left in any of the vans.
8 FCA HANDBOOK
o Any damage to the van must be immediately reported.
o After returning to the school, no student is to be left unattended. All children must be picked up
before the authorized parent volunteer leaves the premises.
DRESS CODE
FCA administration reserves the right to deem any clothing or appearance inappropriate if necessary.
SHIRTS: It is the policy that all students 1st – 11th grade will wear any style polo-type shirt. We ask that no
writing be on the shirts – unless it says Faith Christian Academy. Official FCA t-shirts are also acceptable.
The shirts must be long enough to cover the midriff area even when arms are raised over the head.
PANTS: Any style jean or khaki/cargo pant is permissible, with the exception of torn, shredded, and/or
extremely baggie or tight. Pants are not to hang on the hips revealing any part of the lower body or underwear.
Sweats or wind pants are not to be worn except on casual Fridays.
An addition for the 2013-2014 school-year is capris’ (girls) or long shorts (boys) are acceptable
throughout the year, provided they adhere to the same dress code as a full-length pant.
SHOES: Any completely enclosed basic style shoe is appropriate. No flip-flops or open-toed sandals are
permitted, but croc style shoes are permitted as long as they have a back strap. Sandals ARE permitted for
grades 5 & up as long as the sandal has a back strap to hold the shoe in place. Tennis shoes are recommended
for Pre-School thru 4th Grade.
Girls may wear skirts that fall at the knee. When choosing to wear a skirt, the required polo must be worn as
well. Shorts should be worn under any skirt.
Inappropriate attire: attire with inappropriate symbols, characters (ie: skulls, etc.) hats, body piercing (other
than pierced ears-for girls), or anything considered immodest. Students will be asked to change clothes if attire
is determined unsuitable.
Casual Fridays: Athletic shorts (below the knee) are acceptable for both boys and girls.
Seniors (12th grade) may wear regular appropriate classroom attire. Shirts with negative or demeaning writing,
slogans, or pictures are not acceptable. Shirts must be right side out and not be revealing. Jeans with holes or
extremely baggy or tight jeans are not acceptable. The standard enclosed shoe (as outlined above) is required.
Seniors who violate the modest dress code as outlined in the above paragraphs will be interpreted as open
defiance of the rules, and discipline will follow those guidelines.
Students coming to school without his/her uniform will be sent to the office and the parent contacted and asked
to bring a change of clothes to the school. Two repeated violations will be interpreted as open defiance of
the rules, and discipline will follow those guidelines.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Currently we offer girls & boys basketball, girls’ volleyball, cheerleading, and chess. Students must maintain
an overall “C” average (in core subjects) to participate.
Any student receiving a school suspension is subject to dismissal from one or more events. The athletic fee
(for basketball & volleyball) of $50 helps to pay for referee costs for home games, extra game balls, and
playbooks. The athletic fee must be paid prior to the beginning of the first sports season in which the student
participates. If the athletic fee is not paid, the student will not be allowed to participate until the fee is met.
Uniforms must be returned to the school office within one (1) week of the final game. Anyone failing to return
a ball uniform will be charged a $75 replacement fee.
9 FCA HANDBOOK
Students participating in the sports program will be required to furnish an emergency release form and
proof of insurance. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their child is physically able to participate in
the desired sport.
BETA CLUB
Admission to BETA club requires a student maintaining an 87% G.P.A or higher (in core subjects).
Membership fees will be outlined in the BETA guidelines covered with potential qualifying members and
members in good standing.
LOST & FOUND
Articles are taken to Lost and Found (located in the school office). In previous years, students left their
clothing, etc., on the bathroom floors. This year, in an effort to teach our students personal responsibility, any
articles left in the bathrooms, etc., will be turned into the school office at the end of the day. FCA is not
responsible for lost or stolen items. All lost items must be claimed by Friday or they will be removed from the
premises.
LOST BOOKS
Due to the high costs of reproducing pages for students who have lost a text book, any student who loses a
textbook will be given one school week to find the book.
Parents will be notified a book has been lost. Until the book is found or replaced, the cost of reproducing
textbook pages will be billed to the parent at 0.25 cents per page. Students must find the book within one week
or a new book will be ordered and billed to his/her account.
LUNCHES
Our hot lunch program operates on the funds received from lunch. Lunches are $3 each. Should your child
arrive at school late, please notify the school office if he/she will be eating a hot lunch.
PATRIOTISM
“Patriotism is an inner feeling that is difficult to define; for each of us it has a different meaning and each of us
meets it with a different emotional reaction – a feeling of pride, a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye, a
swelling of the chest, a quickened breath, a fierce desire to battle for that which we believe, and even the
dedication of one’s life to a cause. Where and when these feelings begin, we do not know, but we feel that the
school should play an important part in developing patriotism in all its aspects.
The small child is just beginning to have feelings of loyalty and pride, and these will grow best in an
atmosphere of love and security, in aroused interests and broadened fields of knowledge, in chances to work
with others, and through good examples in everyday living.” (Excerpt from Planned Patriotism.)
FCA is dedicated to preserving patriotism.
10 FCA HANDBOOK
RE-ENROLLMENT
Our early re-enrollment period is February 15th – March 15th. During that time, you may re-enroll your child for
$25/family. After March 15th, open enrollment begins and the registration fee is $75/per family. Anyone
making a new student referral receives a $25 credit for any family that is accepted at FCA.
PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP (PIP)
We believe that parental involvement is vital to the success of FCA. The PIP program is designed to get
parents, grandparents, etc., involved in helping FCA keep the overall operating costs as low as possible. Parents
will be required to volunteer at least one hour (1) each month per student at the school. PTF (Parent-Teacher
Fellowship) meetings count as 1 hour/child.
If a parent is unable to volunteer, they can send someone in to help such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. If a
parent chooses not to participate, a $15/month/student or $25/family assessment will be added to your
statement. We will assess the account in December and April to allow parents to volunteer multiple hours
without being penalized one month.
TEXTBOOKS
All Textbooks are property of the school and must be returned in good condition or a maintenance/replacement
fee will be charged at the end of the year.
Damaged books will be assessed accordingly. For the policy on textbook replacement, please refer to page 10
– LOST BOOKS.
WITHDRAWALS
All withdrawals must go through the school office. Students attending one day of any period (one month) will
owe the full month’s tuition. In the event the account is showing a credit balance at the time of withdrawal, this
amount will be refunded.
No school records will be released for any student when there is a balance owed on the student’s account.
REPORT CARDS
All grades K-12 are on www.renweb.com. Grade cards are not issued from the school but are available for
download and printing on www.renweb.com. It is the responsibility of the parent to log on and check his/her
student’s grades. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers by emailing them at
teachers@fcawarriors.org and notating the teacher’s name in the subject line of the email.
PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS
We want to build strong parent-teacher relationships. Our teachers are very open to after school meetings,
however they make personal appointments immediately after school, so they are unable to accommodate after
school parent drop-in meetings.
Any time a parent wishes to meet with his/her child’s teacher, contact the school office to schedule an
appointment. Please allow at least 24 hours (if possible) for the teacher to re-arrange his/her schedule.
11 FCA HANDBOOK
HOMEWORK
FCA will always strive to give additional time for students to complete daily assigned work; however, students
may be assigned work to do at home. Homework may be given for several reasons:
A: For completion of the daily assignments.
B: For reinforcement of the daily lessons.
C: For practice of work needing to be mastered.
D: For remedial activity to overcome such difficulties.
F: For special projects such as book reports, research assignments, and projects.
We request parental involvement in the student’s academic career. Failure to complete homework will affect
the student’s daily grade. Failure to complete the assignment will result in additional work assigned. Repeated
failure to complete homework will be interpreted as open defiance of the rules, and discipline will follow
those guidelines.
GRADING SCALE
The following system is used to determine letter grades and grade points for the determination of (GPA) and
class rank.
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Average Grade Point Avg.
98-100
4.0
94-97
4.0
90-93
3.67
87-89
3.33
84-86
3.0
80-83
2.67
76-79
2.23
73-75
2.0
70-72
1.67
66-69
1.33
63-65
1.0
60-62
.67
0-59
0
12 FCA HANDBOOK
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Twenty Eight (28) credits and a minimum GPA average of 2.33 are required for graduation in our college
preparatory program.
Required credits for a college preparatory diploma are:
4 credits
English
3 credits
Math (Alg I, Geometry, Alg II)
3 credits
Science (Physical, Biology, Earth Science)
½ credit
Personal Finance
½ credit
Economics
½ credit
Health
3 credits
History
4 credits
Bible
1 credit
Practical Art
1 credit
Foreign Language
1 credit
PE
1 credit
Fine Art (Drama/Music)
5.5 credits
Electives
Electives offered are:
1 credit
3 credits
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
Keyboarding
Computer Literacy I, II, III (may be completed in a 3-yr program)
Childhood Dev. (practical)
Office Management (practical)
Accounting (practical)
Family Living (practical)
Electives vary based on availability and class size.
General Diploma
A minimum of 25 credits are required to graduate with a general diploma. Since FCA is a college-prep school,
a general diploma is only awarded if a student transfers in from another high school and is not able to complete
the college-prep requirements or the general diploma requirements are negotiated for special circumstances.
The general requirements are:
4 credits
English
3 credits
Math
3 credits
Science
3 credits
History
½ credit
Health
4 credits
Bible
1 credit
Practical Art
1 credit
Fine Art
½ credit
Personal Finance
1 credit
PE
4 credits
Electives
13 FCA HANDBOOK
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The Senior class Valedictorian will meet the following requirements: the student must have been at FCA for 2
years, rank #1 in his/her class, and have completed the college prep track with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or
higher. In a class of 6 or more, a Salutatorian will also be selected. Graduation with honors will be presented to
any student who completes the college-prep track with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Valedictorian: Gold Cord
Salutatorian: Red Cord
Honors:
White Cord
Weighted Classes
GPA’s will be weighted according to the type of classes taken. Listed below are the class weights.
SUBJECT
English I & II
English III & IV
History (all)
Sciences
Geometry
Algebra 2
Accounting
Health
Drama/Music
Speech
Bible
Family Living
Computer Literacy (Level 3) / Foreign Language
Dual Credit College Courses
WEIGHT
1
+.5
1
1
+.5
+1
1
1
1
1
1
+.5
+1
+1.5
The advantages of weighting classes are:
1) More challenging courses may be offered.
2) It increases the student’s GPA.
3) Higher class rankings for those who take courses that are more demanding.
4) Students are more competitive with peers from other schools with weighted grading for first choice and
more elite college acceptance.
5) Better chances for students to receive more in scholarship monies.
6) More likelihood for students to have higher self-esteem.
Our class weights were determined based on the requirements from colleges.
It is the goal of FCA for every student to be prepared to enter college immediately following graduation.
Therefore, the administrator will sit down with all incoming freshmen and set in place a 4-year plan to assist
them in reaching their academic goals.
Students on the College Prep track will be eligible for special awards such as United States Achievement
Academy, People To People, etc.
14
FCA HANDBOOK