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PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
REVISED 08/01/2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome
Vision Statement
Potomac Heights Christian Academy Purpose
Educational Philosophy
Statement of Faith
Educational Objectives
Admission
Tuition & Fees
Before & After Care
General information
Transportation
Dress Code
Attendance Policy
Communication
Parent Involvement
Academics
Student Code of Conduct
Pre- & Kindergarten Section
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WELCOME
We are delighted to have your student enrolled in our school. It is our firm belief that all students
who come here do so because it is part of God’s plan for their lives. We recognize our
responsibility to you and to God for the training and education we provide for your student. We
want to work closely with you. If you have a question or concern at any time, please contact the
school by e-mail, phone, or note.
Potomac Heights Christian Academy [henceforth, PHCA] has been a ministry of Potomac
Heights Baptist Church [henceforth, PHBC] since its inception in 1973. Together PHCA and
PHBC have a goal of making disciples of all the nations [Matthew 28:16–20].
We encourage each PHCA family and employee to be actively involved in a local Biblebelieving and Bible-preaching church family. If you and your family do not have such a church
family, we want to cordially invite you to be a part of the PHBC family. You may contact the
PHBC office for further details (301-743-5444 or visit online at www.phbc.com).
The following pages make clear the philosophical foundation for this school and the various
rules and regulations that make it function smoothly. Please read this handbook carefully, and
keep it where you can refer to it. Please be aware that we as a school reserve the right to change
our policies at any time should such a change be warranted. We will inform you of any such
change that affects your family. In addition, we reserve the right to make an exception to a stated
policy for certain circumstances. But in making the exception to a policy, we as a school in no
way waive our right to enforce that policy in the future.
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VISION STATEMENT
A message from your Principal:
It is an honor to be appointed as the Principal/Administrator of PHCA. I wanted to share with you my
vision for this school and the steps we will take to bring it to fruition.
The vision for PHCA is to have a school that produces strong Christian young men and women equipped
with a solid relationship with Jesus Christ, who are grounded in a firm foundation in biblical principles,
who can defend their faith and live a life that brings glory to God.
PHCA is a ministry that will bring children to know the Lord and develop a relationship with Him, to
have a passion to study His Word, and to lead a life that brings glory to Him. By establishing this priority,
students will automatically thrive in their academics. To know the Lord, and seek to glorify Him, students
will be intrinsically motivated to perform with excellence in every aspect of their education. As a
Christian academy, this should be a school that produces well-behaved students, an orderly environment,
where Christ-like attitudes and actions are clearly demonstrated from students and staff on a daily basis,
and where students, parents, and staff feel the permeating love of God.
The steps that will be taken to ensure this vision will include:

The hiring and retention of Christian teachers and staff, who are active in pursuing a relationship with Christ,
involved with ministries within their church, and are actively pursuing continued educational growth.
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The implementation of a solid Bible curriculum that integrates into every subject throughout the academic day.
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The implementation of a proven academic curriculum that is rigorous and reflects current trends in education,
which will prepare our students to be competitive and ready for assimilation into future schools.
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Enforcing of the policies described in this handbook with consistency and fairness.
I look honored and look forward to serving your families through this academy.
Sincerely,
Esther Williams
Esther Williams, Principal
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POTOMAC HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PURPOSE
PURPOSE 1: TO ASSIST PARENTS IN EDUCATING THEIR CHILDREN
Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers....bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Psalm 78:5b-7. That they should make (God’s statutes) known to their children that the generations to
come might know them, the children who would be born, that they might arise and declare them to their
children that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the words of God, but keep His
commandments;
The school program reinforces the teaching and values of the Christian home as parents seek to fulfill
their biblical responsibilities for the education of their children.
PURPOSE 2: TO REACH ALL FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY
Acts 1:8b and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of
the earth.
God loves every person regardless of background, race, or culture. The school is open to all parents who
desire to provide this educational opportunity for their children.
PURPOSE 3: TO TRAIN CHILDREN IN THE WORD OF GOD
II Timothy 3:15 ...and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 119:11 Your word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.
Beginning in pre-kindergarten when children learn Bible stories through the middle school years when the
emphasis is on applying biblical principles to life situations, children study God’s Word. All children
memorize scripture passages appropriate to their age and understanding.
PURPOSE 4: TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR ETERNAL LIFE
Mark 10:14b Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of
God.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on
Him should not perish but have eternal life.
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Through verbal expressions and through the lives of staff members, the school seeks to tell and show
God’s great love to each child. The meaning of Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection is
explained so that children will have the understanding they need to accept God’s gift of eternal life when
they reach spiritual accountability.
PURPOSE 5: TO INTEGRATE GOD’S WORD INTO HUMAN KNOWLEDGE IN ALL AREAS
OF THE CURRICULUM
Proverbs 9:10a The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.
We seek to educate children to be wise by illuminating all areas of the curriculum with the light of God’s
word.
PURPOSE 6: TO HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP A GODLY LIFE-STYLE IN AN UNGODLY,
ANTI-CHRISTIAN SOCIETY
Romans 12:2a And to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Eccl.12:13 Let us hear at the conclusion of the whole matter; fear God and keep His commandments, for
this is the whole duty of man.
As children mature in their understanding, they are taught to view the world through a “biblical grid” that
they might make decisions in every area of their lives based on scriptural principles.
PURPOSE 7: TO PROVIDE CHILDREN A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THEIR FURTHER
EDUCATION.
II Timothy 1:9 (God) has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
God has a purpose for each life He has created. A solid academic foundation, illuminated with God’s
truth, combined with opportunities to develop God-given talents, allows children to acquire the
knowledge and skills they need as they go on to further education to follow God’s calling for their lives.
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EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
PHCA has set forth educational objectives which will promote and provide for the building of sound
Christian character in all ages. Recognizing that man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,
it is without apology that we make our foremost objective that of spiritually preparing minds and bodies
to know God personally and become all that He expects and desires His children to be in all facets of life.
The curriculum that we use encourages students to think clearly, logically, and independently. A major
priority of PHCA is that students are taught the importance leading a life that glorifies God through selfdiscipline and self-control. Both of these tenets are to be sought after and practiced daily.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Since PHCA is a ministry of PHBC, PHCA operates under the same statement of faith as PHBC. This
statement of faith is the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. The entire statement can be found at
http://www.sbc.net/bfm/default.asp. If you would like a copy but are unable to access it via the internet,
please contact the PHCA office and we will gladly provide you with a written copy.
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EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The faculty of PHCA, fully trusting in the power of God, has set themselves to the task of teaching
children and young adults that life must have a proper relationship with Almighty God. This teaching is
concerned not only with the counsels of God revealed in His word, but also in the counsels of God
revealed in His world. We desire to teach that all truth is God’s truth, and Jesus Christ is central in all
truth; again not simply in the Word, but also in history, in geography, in music, and in all of creation.
From the educational philosophy of PHCA stems certain educational objectives:
FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND MORAL GROWTH OF THE STUDENTS, PHCA seeks:
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To lead the students into a personal, saving relationship with Christ as Savior and Lord;
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To develop a desire to know and to do the will of God;
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To teach the students consistent daily Christian living and service, equipping and encouraging them
to be a positive witness for Christ;
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To develop a Biblical sense of right and wrong and teach the students how to overcome sin by faith
and trust in Christ;
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To foster self-discipline in the students based upon respect for and reverence toward God and all
authority; and
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To build in the students a God-consciousness that helps them develop a consistent Christian
worldview by integrating all subjects with the Bible.
FOR THE STUDENTS’ PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, PHCA aims:
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To develop a balanced personality based on proper understanding and acceptance of himself/herself
as God made him/her and on the full development of his/her capabilities in Christ;
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To foster wholesome personal relationships through development of social skills based on the
Christian concept of love;
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To prepare the students for wholesome and Christian use of leisure time;
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To show a realistic and Biblical view of life and work and provide skills for future endeavors in
college and in a chosen occupation;
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To develop the proper attitudes, understanding, and skill needed to establish God-honoring homes;
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To promote fitness, maintenance, and skillful use of the body as the temple of God; and
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To impart the Biblical attitude toward material things and promote the wise use of them for God’s
glory.
ACADEMICALLY, PHCA endeavors:
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To teach and encourage the formation of good study habits;
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To promote high academic standards and help the students gain a thorough comprehension and
command of the fundamental processes used in written and oral communication with others;
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To teach the students how to do research and use a scientific method that includes the knowledge of
God as the foundation of reason;
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To teach students how to apply a range of techniques effectively to solve problems.
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To develop creative and critical thinking skills and the proper use of Biblical criteria for evaluation;
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To promote good citizenship through developing an understanding and appreciation of our Christian
and American heritage of freedom and human dignity; and
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To impart knowledge of the world and current affairs in all fields and relate them to God’s plan for
mankind.
WORKING WITH THE HOMES FROM WHICH THE STUDENTS COME, PHCA desires:
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To cooperate closely with the parents in every phase of the students’ development, especially as it
relates to the PHCA program; and
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To aid families in making their homes God-centered.
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ADMISSIONS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
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Being a student of PHCA is a privilege, not a right. Only those who meet the set qualifications of
PHCA and whom we can assist in growing in Christ will be considered for admission at PHCA. All
prospective K3 students must be 3 years old by September 1; K4 students must be four years old by
September 1; K5 students must be five years old by September 1.
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The Board of Directors and the Administrator may refuse to admit a student with severe disciplinary,
psychological problems, or learning deficiencies.
SPACE AVAILABILITY
ALL prospective students are placed on a waiting list until the following application process is
completed:
(1) Grade Level Testing (ASCI standards/A Beka Entrance Exams)
All prospective students will be tested for admission to the requested grade level by the
administration. Successful completion of this test, with a passing grade, will allow the application
process to proceed. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the test results upon their review.
(2) Space Availability
The goal for each class grade is to maintain a teacher-student ratio that is suitable for each grade level
and classroom size. These ratios are maintained in order to enhance classroom participation and
performance. Should a classroom become “full,” prospective students will be placed on a waiting list
pending an opening in an already established class or the addition of a new class.
(3) Records
All application forms and their accompanying signatures and signatures of a Notary Public must be
turned in to the PHCA office. Copies of immunization records are mandatory. Until all necessary
forms are completed, a child will not be admitted to PHCA.
The non-refundable registration fee is due when the student applies to attend PHCA.
(4) Behavior/Conduct
Each transfer student must provide contact information from their previous school (name, address,
phone number, etc.) so that the administration can request information (by phone or letter) to
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ascertain if the student’s prior conduct is appropriate for PHCA. Students who have been expelled
from another school may not be accepted at PHCA.
Upon satisfactory completion of this process, the PHCA administration will meet with the parents and
student(s) to review the Parent/Student Handbook and welcome the family as a part of PHCA (if they did
not participate in the Parent Orientation Night offered before the beginning of each school year).
All students must perform satisfactorily in academics and exhibit exemplary behavior during the first 30
school days (probationary period). At the end of the probationary period, the student’s status will be
reviewed. Any problems in either of these areas will be reported to the Administrator’s office for further
action.
RE-ENROLLMENT:
The re-enrollment process will begin on March 1 and conclude on April 30. The only way you can
adequately be assured a place for your child for the following year is to register during the re-enrollment
period. Students’ applications will be acted on in order of the date received, registration fee paid, results
of testing, and interview (if necessary).
Students of PHCA families have priority over students of prospective PHCA families on the waiting list.
The enrollment form accompanied with the appropriate non-refundable registration fee must be returned
within the re-enrollment time period. Upon receipt of the re-enrollment forms and registration fee, the
student is then placed on the class list.
If there is an outstanding balance due, re-enrollment registration fees are applied toward the outstanding
balance, and that student’s place will be given to another prospective student.
When teachers and staff at PHCA apply for admission of their own children, they will be considered
PHCA family so as to have the same priority accorded to other PHCA families.
TRANSFERS/WITHDRAWALS:
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Parents wishing to transfer their child from PHCA must notify the Administrator in writing at least four
weeks before the child is withdrawn. Four weeks tuition is expected to be paid if this notice is not given.
This does not apply to military families who receive transfer orders.
For all students withdrawing during the course of the school year, a pro-rated portion of the year’s tuition
will be charged for those paying in full or in two payments. Tuition refunds will be mailed to the
student’s home address within 30 days of the withdrawal date.
If money is owed to PHCA, records, report cards, books, and supplies will be withheld until the
outstanding debt has been paid.
When a student is withdrawn from PHCA, the teacher sends all books and student supplies to the office
for dissemination to the student. Student supplies consist of the pencil box/case and its contents at the
time of withdrawal. The classroom teacher and PHCA Secretary will be responsible for completing the
student’s records and attendance. Student records are forwarded to the receiving school per written
request only.
CUMULATIVE FOLDERS:
Cumulative Folders for each student are set up by the PHCA Secretary and are updated by the teacher.
These folders remain in the PHCA office’s locked file cabinets.
All information in the folders is treated as confidential. Folders may be shown to parents in the presence
of a PHCA representative (parents have a right to request a copy of any school records pertaining to their
child). Folders are updated at the end of each school year by the classroom teacher and checked by a staff
member. If a student leaves during the school year, the classroom teacher and the PHCA Secretary
update the folders at that time.
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TUITION AND FEES
Tuition:
Unless full payment is made at the beginning of the school year or half payment is made at the beginning
of each semester, all tuition fees are paid via FACTS Tuition Management Services. Any questions or
requests are to be placed with the PHCA FACTS Representative. All payments are to be received at
FACTS by the 30th of the month (last day of February) or a $25.00 late charge will be assessed by
FACTS. Tuition payments are to be sent directly to FACTS. Do not bring/send them to the PHCA
office.
Delinquent Tuition:
All tuition payments must be current prior to the start of each semester, before a student may register for
the next school year. Families with tuition more than thirty (30) days past due will be contacted by the
school administration and/or a member of the Academy Board, and families with tuition more than sixty
(60) days past due will be unable to continue at PHCA until their account is current. Current means paid
up to date or that your family has made payment arrangements which are acceptable to the PHCA
Academy Board. Families with delinquent tuition at the end of the school year will be required to pay the
following year’s tuition in full before being re-admitted.
PHCA reserves the right to take legal action to collect delinquent tuition and fees. Parents/Guardians will
be responsible for all costs of collection, including court expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees.
Tuition at PHCA is an annual charge. Credit is not given for days absent, holidays, or vacations.
Fees:
Registration is due upon registering a child, book and student fees are due by July 1st, unless full tuition
and fees are paid to FACTS. A bank charge of $25.00 will be accessed for any returned checks. After the
second occurrence, only cash or money order will be accepted.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND PHCA UNTIL THESE FEES ARE PAID.
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TUITION SCHEDULE
Registration Fee is due at the time of enrollment
New Student: $100.00
Returning Student by April 24th $50.00
Returning Student after April 24th $100.00
Fees
$300.00 per student, due no later than July 1
Fee covers yearbook, classroom consumable materials, technology, fine arts,
P.E. uniforms, school wide field trip, lab fees and yearly testing.
Book Fees - Due no later than July 1st
K3-K5
1st- 5th Grade
6th-8th Grade
$225.00 per student
$250.00 per student
$290.00 per student
Tuition
Student tuition is required to be paid through a ten month FACTS Tuition
payment plan or may be paid in full on or before August 15, 2012.
25% multiple child discount for the second and each additional child.
20% discount per child for PHBC church members.
Number of Students
Tuition Fees
1st Child
$5995.00
Each additional child with 25% Discount
$4496.25
2 Children
3 Children
Tuition with 20% Church Discount
$10,491.25
$14,987.50
$4796.00
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BEFORE & AFTER CARE PROGRAM:
All students from K3 through 8th grade have supervision available for before and after school
hours. Time runs from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The supervision
fee is a weekly charge and is due each Monday. To enroll or withdraw your child from the
Before & After Care Program, contact the Before & After Care Director at 301-753-9350.
All students enrolled in this program must have an immunization record and completed health
forms in the PHCA office prior to admission. The established PHCA uniform policy applies to
the students in the Before & After Care Program. Homework may be accomplished during the
evening hours; however, the Before & After Care staff is not responsible for assuring the
completion of the homework during this time.
When reserving a slot for your child, you are committing to a weekly payment. Families with
more than one child in this program are entitled to a discount of $5.00 per week, per family. You
will not be charged when PHCA is closed for Christmas and Easter breaks. Due to Maryland
State regulations, our facility is only allowed to have a certain number of children in the
program.
The Before & After Care Program fees are a flat weekly rate regardless of how many days are
used. NO credit will be issued for unused days. Payment is due on Monday for that week. If
payment is not received by Wednesday, a $10.00 late fee will be assessed. If payment has not
been received by Friday of that week, your child’s slot will go to the first available person on the
waiting list. A bank charge of $25.00 will be accessed for any returned checks. After the second
occurrence, only cash or money order will be accepted. If children are not picked up by the end
of the program time a late fee, not to exceed $30.00 a day per child, will be added to your weekly
bill.
Discipline and respect are of the utmost importance. Any individual found to be conducting
himself/herself outside the guidelines of PHCA will be subject to removal and permanent
expulsion from the Before & After Care Program. All teachers, staff, and students are to be
treated with the highest respect at all times.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
CHAPEL:
Chapel is held each Monday morning at 9:00am to provide a place of “worship and spiritual growth” for
all students, faculty, and staff. Students are to file in and out of the Chapel in a quiet and reverent
manner. Parents are welcomed to attend these chapel services.
LUNCH
Students have an option to bring lunch to school or pay for a school lunch. The cost of student lunch is
$3.00 per day and is prepaid bi-weekly. Menus are sent home every two weeks and a monthly menu is
available online at www.phca.us. If your child brings his/her lunch from home make sure it is in a lunch
box or bag. Please do not send an item requiring adult supervision, as the teacher must be free to monitor
all of their class during lunch time. Milk or juice may be purchased for $.40 or you may send a noncarbonated, low-sugar beverage from home.
MEDICATIONS:
ALL medications, prescription and non-prescription, are to be administered by the Administration Staff
upon approval of parents/guardians. EVERY parent MUST fill out the information on the back of the
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARD. This will allow the student to be given Tylenol. Parents must bring
all other instructions and the medication to the PHCA Secretary.
SICKNESS
If your child has any of the following, please do not send him or her to school.
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Communicable disease
Diarrhea
Earache
Fever
Head lice
Inflamed eye
Upset stomach
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Vomiting
Severe headache
Skin infection or rash
Sore throat
Swollen glands
Thick nasal discharge
Persistent cough
If there is any doubt about whether to send your child to school, it is probably best to keep him or her at
home. This not only benefits your child but other children and staff in the school. While at school, if a
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combination of two of any of the following conditions exist in a student, parents will be called and must
be picked up immediately.
•
•
•
diarrhea
vomiting of food content or phlegm
temperature 100 degree or higher
While at school, in the event of a serious illness, including a body temperature of 100 degrees or more,
the parent(s) of the student will be contacted (or, if the parent(s) cannot be reached, the other persons
listed on the Emergency Medical Card will be contacted), and the CHILD MUST BE PICKED UP
IMMEDIATELY. If parents refuse to pick up their children immediately, are unable, or if, after
contacting everyone on the Emergency Medical Card, no one can be found to immediately pick up an ill
child, we will call 911 and request that an ambulance transport the child to a hospital or medical facility.
***THERE IS A 24-HOUR WAITING PERIOD (AFTER THE LAST INCIDENT) BEFORE AN ILL
CHILD MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR ANY FEVER, VOMITING OR BOWEL SICKNESS***
If a student complains of an illness, the teacher will send them to the office. The PHCA Secretary will
then assess the student’s illness and contact the parent either by phone (if in need of immediate attention)
or written report.
ACCIDENTS, AND INCIDENT REPORTS:
***PARENTS: PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE PERSONS YOU LIST FOR EMERGENCY
CONTACTS ON THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARD ARE PERSONS YOU WANT TO PICK UP
YOUR CHILD(REN) IF YOU ARE UNABLE.
Any accident (student or staff) will be reported to the office immediately. The PHCA Secretary will
assess the seriousness of the situation and determine whether the student or staff member can be treated in
the office or if emergency help should be summoned.
When the immediate situation has been resolved, the staff member involved will report to the PHCA
office at the earliest possible time to complete an “Accident Report.” This report will be filled out by the
staff member within 24-hours of the incident and submitted to the PHCA Secretary who will
communicate serious health problems to the PHCA Administrator. Parents will receive a copy of this
report within 48-hours of the incident.
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In the case of head lice, the PHCA office, after consultation with the Administrator, will prepare a letter
to be sent home with each student notifying parents of the situation. When a student returns after
treatment for head lice, the classroom teacher is responsible for sending them immediately to the office.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT:
It is the responsibility of every employee of PHCA to report each instance of known or suspected child
abuse/neglect to the proper authority. If a questionable situation concerning a student’s well-being is
detected in school, it will be reported to the PHCA Administrator or the designee in his/her absence. The
Administrator will examine the reported case in order to determine whether the case would be an
appropriate referral to a community agency. The Administrator will also inform the Senior Pastor of
PHBC of this situation.
RECESS:
Recess is held outdoors, unless the temperature drops below 34 degrees or there is inclement weather. In
event of inclement weather, recess will be held in the multipurpose room or in the classroom.
SCHOOL PICTURES:
Students will have their picture taken at designated times during the school year. Details and procedures
will be sent home prior to the pictures being taken.
TELEPHONE USE:
Office telephones are available for student use in the event of the cancellation of a PHCA event and to
make calls to or return calls from parents. We will not allow students to use or turn on cellular phones or
pagers while they are under the supervision of PHCA personnel.
VALUABLES:
PHCA will not be responsible for any valuables brought in by your child. We strongly recommend that
students not bring valuables to school. Purses should not be left unattended.
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TRANSPORTATION:
Bus Riders:
PHCA students are transported on Charles County school buses. Bus schedules are published in
the county newspapers before school starts each year. You will want to check the schedule for
the time of pick up and location of the bus stop nearest your home. Be sure the schedule states
that PHCA students ride the bus. School buses run regular routes and adhere closely to the
established times of pick up. Children should be ready well ahead of the pick up time.
MISBEHAVIOR ON THE SCHOOL BUS IS CONSIDERED VERY SERIOUS AND WILL
NOT BE TOLERATED. ONE CHILD’S IMPROPER CONDUCT COULD ENDANGER THE
ENTIRE BUS LOAD OF CHILDREN.
Should the bus driver write up a student for misbehavior, the parent will be notified by letter with
a copy of the “Pupil Behavior Report” provided by the bus driver. Second offenses may cause
the student to be suspended from riding the bus for a specific period of time. If this happens, the
student will have to be transported to and from PHCA by car. If a third offense occurs, the
student will not be allowed to ride the school bus for the remainder of the school year.
Car Riders:
Car riders are to be dropped off and picked up at the designated parking lots as stated in the
“Welcome Packet”. Please allow the designated staff members to assist your child getting out of
and into your car.
If your child will be leaving PHCA by any other means of transportation, a note MUST be sent
to the teacher. In the case of an emergency, a phone call to the office will be acceptable.
Without a note or phone call (emergencies only), your child will leave school by his/her regular
mode of transportation. Word of mouth from the student to the teacher concerning a change in
transportation is NOT acceptable.
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DRESS CODE
All students attending PHCA are required to wear school uniforms as follows:
Girls:
Shirt:
Blue short- or long-sleeved pullover polo shirts or shirts with a collar. Shirts with tails
are to be tucked in.
Bottoms:
khaki pants or capris
khaki skirt
khaki skort
khaki shorts (April 1 – October 31st)
All skirts, skorts, and shorts must be no shorter than the student’s fingertips when their
arms are extended at their sides.
Jumper:
Solid navy or khaki
Sweater:
Solid navy or khaki cardigan (optional)
Socks:
Match bottom color of outfit, or white
Shoes:
Tennis shoes (mostly black or white or brown)
On PE days any color sneakers are allowed
Soft-soled black dress shoes (no high heels)
Belt:
Solid black belt must be worn with all types of bottoms unless there are no belt loops.
Boys:
Shirt:
Blue short- or long-sleeved pullover polo shirts or shirts with a collar. All uniformed
shirts will be tucked in while on school property.
Bottoms:
khaki pants
khaki shorts (April 1 – October 31st)
Shorts must be no shorter than the student’s fingertips when their arms are extended at
their sides.
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Sweater:
khaki cardigan (optional)
Socks:
Match bottom color of outfit, or white
Shoes:
Tennis shoes (mostly black or white or brown)
On PE days any color sneakers are allowed
Soft-soled black dress shoes (no high heels)
Belt:
Solid black belt must be worn with all types of bottoms unless there are no belt loops.
For Both Girls and Boys:
Hair:
must be well-groomed, neat and tidy, and must not be a distraction to the learning
environment for themselves or to others.
Jewelry:
Only moderate jewelry may be worn.
Announced Dress Down Days (On Fridays):
Shirt:
PHCA T-shirt and/or PHCA sweatshirt
Bottom:
Solid navy jeans (no writing, no holes, no form-fitting or excessively baggy) or
PHCA shorts
Shoes:
Tennis shoes (mostly black or white)
PE Uniform:
Shirt:
PHCA T-shirt and/or PHCA sweatshirt
Bottom:
Black, blue, or gray sweatpants (November 1st - March 31st)
PHCA shorts (April 1st - October 31st)
Shoes:
Tennis shoes ***If students come to school out of dress code, the student will be sent to
the office. If, in the opinion of the Administrator, the violation is serious, the student must wait in the
office until parents bring proper clothing. If, in the opinion of the Administrator, the violation is not
serious, the student may return to class. In either case, a note will go home to the parents. After two (2)
dress code violations during the year, the student must serve detention (Grades 1-8).
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It is the teacher’s responsibility to notify the Administrator of students who do not comply with the dress
code. FINAL AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO DRESS AND GROOMING WILL REST WITH THE
ADMINISTRATOR.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
In order for the student to gain the most from school, he/she must be regular in attendance. No student
should arrive before 8:15 a.m. unless enrolled in Before Care. School officially begins at 8:35 a.m. All
students, with the exception of late bus riders, will be marked LATE (tardy) after 8:35 a.m. Students
arriving after 8:35 a.m. must go to the PHCA office where they will receive a “tardy slip.” The school
day ends at 3:00 p.m.
***AFTER 3:10 P.M., PARENTS WILL BE CHARGED A LATE FEE NOT TO EXCEED $30.00 A
DAY FOR EACH CHILD WHO REMAINS AT SCHOOL AND IS NOT ENROLLED WITH AFTER
SCHOOL CARE (unless a teacher has requested that they stay after school, have detention, or the parent
has notified the PHCA office of extenuating circumstances either by phone or in writing).
TARDIES:
Each teacher is to maintain a file on each student of the class. Every tardy is recorded on a daily basis.
Three tardy slips = 1/2 day absent.
After FIVE unexcused tardy notices, the teacher, in writing to the Administrator, provides the student’s
name and the date for each unexcused tardy. The Administrator will inform the student’s parents, via
letter, that the situation needs to be corrected. If the situation occurs again, a conference will be
scheduled between parents and the Administrator.
ABSENCES:
It is considered a serious situation if a student is absent more than twenty (20) days within one school
year. Absence abuse may result in a student repeating a grade. Absences are recorded on a daily basis.
A notice will be sent to parents after ten (10) absences and again after fifteen (15) absences. After twenty
(20) absences the student may be retained.
After a total of FIVE days absence, excused or unexcused, the teacher, in writing to the Administrator,
provides the student’s name and the date for each absence. The Administrator will send a letter to the
parents.
After a total of TEN days absence, excused or unexcused, the teacher, in writing to the Administrator,
provides the student’s name and the date for each absence. The Administrator will request a conference
between the parents and the Administrator.
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If a student is going on an extended trip, the parent, in the form of a letter, must make a request for such
an absence TO THE ADMINISTRATOR explaining the NEED for the absence. ANY absence of this
type NOT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED, will be considered unexcused.
If approval is granted, the student is still responsible for completing his/her missed assignments in the
timeframe designated by the student’s teacher.
Excused Absences/Tardies: Sickness, death in the immediate family, medical/dental
appointments, or family emergencies are considered excused absences. A doctor’s certificate is
required after three consecutive days of absence due to illness. The student must make up all
missed assignments. He/she is granted as many school days as was missed to accomplish this
task.
Unexcused Absences/Tardies: Students will not be allowed to make up work missed on the
day(s) of the unexcused absence and will receive a zero (0) for all quizzes/tests missed during that
time. Teachers will notify the student’s parents of this action.
EARLY DISMISSAL:
Early dismissal time is 12:50 p.m. There will be no art, computer, music, and PE classes on early
dismissal days. There is no recess on early dismissal days. Lunch times are adjusted on these days.
Middle School students’ schedules do not change.
SNOW DAYS AND DELAYED OPENINGS/CLOSINGS:
Our schedule will be the same as the Charles County Public Schools. Delayed opening days are either
one or two hours later than regular school openings. Each announcement will indicate the number of
hours of delayed opening. School delayed openings/closings are announced on both radio and TV
beginning at 6:00 a.m., or you may call the Charles County Board of Education at 301-932-6610.
PICKING UP CHILDREN DURING SCHOOL HOURS AND VISITORS:
All parents or authorized adults must go to the PHCA office to pick up their child during the day. Parents
and guests are not allowed to go to the classrooms for any reason without first signing in and receiving a
“Visitors Badge” at the PHCA office.
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COMMUNICATION
At PHCA, we encourage communications between parents and teachers. We view the process of
educating your child as a joint effort. We will work together as a team, as co-laborers with God, in order
for your child to experience success in school. Whenever problems arise during the school year, please
contact the staff member involved. Many problems can be solved quickly with early contact between
parents and staff. Other problems may take weeks and months of joint effort to overcome. We are here to
minister to you and with you as you carry out your biblical mandate to bring up your student in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord.
SUMMER MAILING
A very important mailing is sent to each school family in late July. This mailing includes information
about carpools, announcements vital to the new school year, Visiting Days dates, and PTF information.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
The school calendar is available on the school’s website, www.PHCA.us. Any necessary changes to this
yearly calendar as the year progresses will be announced through the BLUE Office communication folder
and will be noted on the on-line calendar.
COMMUNICATION FOLDERS
Every week, students will be bringing home RED communication folders from their teacher to track their
progress, and for the teacher to communicate directly with parents. A BLUE communication folder will
be sent home which will be a correspondence from the office and will contain important information that
affects students school-wide. These communication folders MUST be sent back to school with an initial
to indicate parent’s receipt.
E-MAIL, NOTES, AND TELEPHONE CALLS
If you have access to e-mail, please make this your primary means of communicating with the school and
teachers. The school’s general e-mail address is office@PHCA.us. In addition, each staff member has an
individual e-mail address consisting of his/her first name@PHCA.us. For example, Anna Taylor’s e-mail
is anna@PHCA.us. Please be aware that it may take two days for a teacher to respond to emails.
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You may also send information to school by note. It is best to enclose it in an envelope with the name of
the person to receive it written clearly on the outside. According to the responsibility level of your student
and the importance of the note, you may wish to call the school office to check that it was received. Notes
to the student’s teacher can be given to the teacher by the student.
Whether it is an email or note, please consider the feelings of the teachers, and keep your communications
respectful and cordial.
Please refrain from contacting teachers at home UNLESS it is a matter of UTMOST URGENCY which
CANNOT possibly wait until the next day to be handled.
Through the use of these various communication methods, we hope to meet the needs of the student, the
parents and the teachers as we strive to provide the best learning experience for your student.
FAMILY POINT OF CONTACT
Parents/Guardians are also expected to be in harmony with the philosophy and policies of PHCA. We
appreciate your input; however, parents/guardians will not be allowed to micro-manage their child’s
education or PHCA discipline procedures. Disrespect of our staff and procedures will NOT be tolerated.
Your child may be dismissed for these infractions.
Parents/Guardians promoting or encouraging religious practices other than what we endorse or
proselytizing will NOT be tolerated. Your child may be dismissed for these infractions.
Parental Custody/Non-Custody: A copy of the guidelines of a current legal custody document must be
on file in the PHCA office. If so designated by the court agreement, the non-custodial parent has the right
to review student records and be informed about the student’s progress. Under no circumstance, will the
non-custodial parent be able to visit or pick up their child without a court order stipulating so. Any
changes in custody arrangements are to be communicated to PHCA as soon as the order is valid. Copies
of court documentation are to remain on file in the PHCA office.
UPDATED INFORMATION
We strive to stay in constant contact with our parents, with this in mind it is very important that we have
all new contact information. If you have recently changed jobs, offices, cell phones, addresses or there is
a change in your living situation it is very important that you notify the office immediately so you may be
contacted if your child is injured or ill. All new information must be submitted in writing whether it be by
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fax, email or note from home. Upon receiving this information the office will send home a new
emergency contact sheet for the office and your child’s teacher.
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The PTF is the support arm of PHCA and is made up primarily of parents. The officers of the PTF are
voted on by the membership of the current school year’s PTF. The elected officers must be approved by
the Board of Directors, Administrator, and Pastoral Staff.
PHCA’s Parent Teacher Fellowship lends invaluable assistance and support to the school and its many
activities. Parents are required to invest 24 hours of volunteer service to this organization in order to
ensure their commitment to their children, our Academy, and its purposes. This requirement can be
fulfilled by means of attending regular meetings, attending prayer walks, chaperoning field trips, or
helping out with staffing fundraisers here at the school. We look forward to partnering with you to make
the most of your child’s school experience and help us accomplish our desired ministry goal.
ROOM PARENTS:
Parents who want to volunteer as a Room Parent for their child’s class are to contact their child’s teacher.
Room parents should be in contact with the classroom teacher well in advance of party dates. The Room
Parent is provided a list of students in the class by the teacher with telephone numbers and dates of parties
and special events. The responsibility of the Room Parent is to contact other class parents and arrange for
providing items needed for parties and special events scheduled throughout the school year.
Serving as a Room Parent does not include being the primary chaperone on class trips. Chaperones are
selected on a “first note in” basis. This allows other parents an opportunity to take part in a field trip.
FIELD TRIPS:
Several times a year, your child’s class will participate in out-of-classroom education. These activities
may have a nominal fee to help pay for transportation costs, labs, etc. These trips are scheduled to
enhance the learning experience; therefore, we recommend your child’s participation. Field trip
announcements and permission slips will be sent home prior to each field trip date. The permission slips
MUST be signed and returned by the due date. If your child is NOT going on the field trip, they will be
required to attend school where they will work on assigned class work. If they do not attend school, and
do not have a valid excuse, the day will be counted as an “unexcused absence.” Poor classroom behavior
may result in your child not being able to participate in the field trip experience. In such cases, your
child’s attendance is required in school and appropriate class work will be assigned.
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Chaperones are selected by the teacher on a “first note in” basis. The teacher will notify those who are
selected as chaperones as soon as possible. Chaperones are to follow the same dress code as the teachers
for the trip and are not allowed to smoke or consume alcohol on PHCA grounds OR during the field trip.
The teacher assigns the students that the chaperones are responsible for and provides each chaperone with
the “Chaperone Responsibility Sheet.”
Keep in mind that participation in scheduled field trips is a privilege, not a right, and any disruptive or
misbehavior on field trips will be dealt with on an individual basis by the PHCA Administrator. The
consequences for misbehavior can include, but is not limited to, detention, in-school suspension or even
out-of-school suspension.
The teacher is in charge of the field trip and will deal with all matters, including discipline.
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ACADEMICS
CURRICULUM:
PHCA uses the A Beka curriculum for K3 to 8th grades. The Bible curriculum is currently
provided through A Beka, and Positive Action. Our math curriculum for 3rd through 8th grade is
ACSI Purposeful design, science curriculum is Macmillan/McGraw Hill Science for 3rd through
8th grade. Every attempt will be made to provide a consistent program within grade levels.
Students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of “C” and no failing grades in core subjects
in order to serve on the Student Council or on any other PHCA group or team.
Grades K2-K4:
The curriculum includes Bible, phonics, reading, guided handwriting, numbers, poetry, Spanish,
art, computer, music, PE, and classroom procedures. Reading is taught using the phonetic
approach.
Grades Kindergarten through Second:
The curriculum includes Bible, phonics, reading, language, poetry, guided handwriting, spelling,
mathematics, science, Spanish, art, computer, music, and PE. Math concepts are learned through
drill and reading is taught using the phonetic approach. Spelling Pre-Tests are given one day
prior to the announced test.
Grades Third through Fifth:
The curriculum includes Bible, reading, mathematics, language skills, poetry/literature, creative
writing, spelling, science, history, health, geography, Spanish, art, computer, music, and PE.
ALL subject tests are to be announced ONE WEEK in advance.
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Grades Sixth through Eighth:
The curriculum includes Bible, language arts (which includes spelling, literature, grammar, and
creative writing), science, health, history, geography, Spanish, art, computer, music, and PE.
Spelling Pre-Tests are not given. Students are to be responsible at this level of education for
writing down assignments and notices of upcoming tests.
HOMEWORK:
A RED COMMUNICATION FOLDER WILL BE SENT HOME EACH MONDAY. IT WILL
CONTAIN GRADED WORK FROM THE WEEK BEFORE, AS WELL AS, A WEEKLY
NEWSLETTER AND OTHER COMMUNICATION.
The responsibility for scholastic achievement is placed on the student. It is expected that all
students bring work home, the amount of that work increasing with each grade level. Homework
serves the following purposes: to reinforce what has been taught; to let the teacher know that
he/she has successfully communicated the material to the students; to enable the student to
ascertain that he/she has a good understanding of what was covered in class by doing homework
independently; and to help the student become responsible by doing the work assigned and doing
it on time.
Homework should be viewed as an extension of instruction, designed to reinforce and permit
practice of learning begun in the classroom.
Homework assignments must be completed, turned in on time, and written properly. The only
acceptable excuse for not completing homework is the student’s illness OR a written note from
the parent stating why the homework was not completed. Failure to do homework can adversely
affect a student’s grade.
Homework should be kept to a minimum on Wednesdays. It is preferred that no homework be
given on Wednesdays, if at all possible, to encourage students to participate in activities within
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their church. Tests may be given on Thursdays as long as they are announced earlier in the
week.
Grades Kindergarten to Second:
A homework sheet will be written and sent home for review and signature. It is to be signed by
the parent/guardian and returned with the work on the next day. The teacher will check the next
day for assignment completion and signature and notify the parents/guardian of any incomplete
assignments. Points will be deducted for incomplete/late assignments.
Grades Third through Eighth:
Students are responsible for writing down and keeping track of their homework assignments.
Points will be deducted for incomplete/late assignments. Detention slips will also be issued.
QUIZZES AND TEST PAPERS:
ALL quizzes and test papers are graded and placed in the student envelope each Monday. ANY
quizzes and test papers with grades of “D” or “F” will be sent home for the parent to sign.
(Exception: Middle School does not send these papers home for signatures, but are placed in the
Red Folder each Monday. THE SIGNED PAPERS ARE TO BE RETURNED WITHIN THREE
SCHOOL DAYS.) Papers not returned within three days will be followed up by a phone call or
note from the teacher to ensure that the parent has had the opportunity to see the paper.
PROGRESS REPORTS:
All Students:
Progress Reports are sent home every 4th week of the grading period. They are used as a means
of communicating to parents concerning the academic progress of their children half-way
through the quarter. They also are used to alert the parents of any behavioral problems. ParentTeacher conferences should be scheduled to discuss low grade(s) and behavioral problems (if
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there are any). The teacher should be as explicit as possible in preparing these reports. The
teacher should maintain copies of the student’s work and keep notes on the behavior problems to
use during the conferences.
Progress Reports are sent with the students and should be signed by the parent and returned to
the school within THREE days. It is the teacher’s responsibility to keep track of students that
have or have not returned these reports and notify the parents accordingly.
REPORT CARDS:
ALL REPORT CARDS MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE TEACHER WITHIN
THREE DAYS. THERE WILL BE A $5.00 FEE FOR LOST REPORT CARDS.
If parents have any outstanding PHCA fees, report cards will be withheld until accounts are paid
up to date. The first three report cards will be sent home with the students. The fourth quarter
report card will be mailed.
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GRADING:
Grades K2-K4:
Grades are recorded during the first grading
period. Social behavior is graded during the
first grading period. Seatwork is averaged
in with the phonics grade. There are no
spelling tests.
Most assignments in this age group involve
completing activities at age appropriate
levels. Therefore the grading scale is based
on the following:
O= completion of assignment above
expectations
S= Completion of assignment at expected
levels
N=Need of constant assistance
Social behavior grades are denoted by using
the following scale:
O = Outstanding
Grades K5 through Eighth:
A = 93-100
B = 85-92
C = 74-84
D = 66-73
F = 65 & Below
Grades K5 through 5th grade use letter
grades on all subjects, except
Specials. Specials (art, computer, music,
and PE) will use:
O = Outstanding
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
Grades 6th through 8th use percentages and
letter grades on all subjects.
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
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PROMOTION/RETENTION:
Whenever a student’s grades are a “D” or “F” in the core class subjects (Bible, math, language,
spelling, reading, science, history) as recorded on the progress report, a conference is to be
scheduled with the student, student’s parents, and the teacher.
If the student is having minor difficulty (student is doing the work/homework, but having
difficulty catching on to the process), outside tutoring will be suggested and “help classes” may
be provided by the teacher.
If a student in grades 4–8 fails two or more core curriculum courses for the entire school year,
they will be retained until they successfully complete a summer school course offered through
Charles County Public School System, or Prince George’s County Public School System, in
those subject areas in order to be promoted to the next grade. Proof of their successful
completion must be presented to the Administrator’s office, in writing, in order to facilitate the
promotion.
For grades K3 – 3rd, the promotion/retention process should be a collaborative effort between
the teacher, parent, and administration. If a student in grades K3 – 3rd is in danger of retention
(in the teacher’s judgment), the parent MUST be called in for a conference by the end of the
third term. If retention is recommended, a conference will be scheduled with the teacher,
parents, and administration. A decision will then be made as to the promotion or retention of the
student. If the parents are in disagreement with PHCA personnel, the parents may be asked to
put their concerns/wishes in a letter that will be filed in the student’s cumulative record.
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HONOR ROLL:
(In all grades starting with 1st) Bible, math, language, spelling, phonics, reading, history and
science grades are used to determine whether a student can be placed on the honor rolls.
High Honor Roll:
All A’s (no D’s, F’s, or N’s in Specials)
Honor Roll:
All A’s and B’s (no D’s, F’s, or N’s in Specials)
AWARDS
At the end of each school year we have a special time when awards are given for academic
achievements, special recognition, etc.
We need to keep in mind that an award is a form of recognition for exemplary academic work.
Attainments, extraordinary service, and special projects not necessarily required by PHCA
and/or classroom teacher, may not necessarily be recognized at our Awards Assembly. NOT
EVERYONE GETS AN AWARD AT THIS ASSEMBLY.
STUDENT COUNCIL
A representative structure for students, through which they can become involved in the affairs of
PHCA, working in partnership with teachers and the Administrator. Each grade will have a
representative and that student must maintain a grade of “C” of higher in all subjects to
participate.
SAT TESTING
Students in grade K5 to 8th grade will be given the TerraNova Achievement Test with Bible
Assessment in the spring of every school year. These tests are designed to measure academic
and biblical knowledge against a national “norm”.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT GUIDELINES
It is our responsibility to provide a safe and orderly environment where children can learn
academically, emotionally and spiritually. A well-disciplined classroom creates the best
environment for learning. Since we are responsible as a school to God and to parents, these
guidelines have been set to give order to the school and to the lives of the student.
All students are expected to display Christ-like behavior in the following ways:

Respect those in authority over you by being obedient and respectful.

Show kindness and compassion to one another.

Be sensitive to other people’s feelings in the things you say and do.

Respect self and others, other people’s belongings, the school building and property.

The school uniform must be worn neatly and appropriately in accordance with the Dress
Code Policy.

Remain quiet while instruction is being given.

Give your best effort at your schoolwork by completing assignments and homework on
time.

Gum chewing is prohibited during school hours and school activities.

Students are not permitted to have inappropriate conversations and make suggestive
comments whether in person, with notes, or on the internet.
CHURCH and SCHOOL BUILDING

Students are to remain in the school area of the building. All other areas are off limits to
students.
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
At times, church members use the building during school hours. Students are to be courteous
and respectful to all people they encounter in the hallways or on school grounds.

Students must walk at all times inside the building.

Students must enter the school building quietly and remain quiet in the hallways.

Students must keep hands and feet off the walls.

The phone in the hallway and kitchen are off limits.

Radios, i-pods, mp3, cell phones, texting devices and video games are to be left at home.

Playing cards are discouraged on school property.

Toys are to be left at home unless requested by the teacher.

During recess, permission must be obtained to re-enter the school building before the end of
recess.
CLASSROOM STANDARDS

Desks are to be kept clean.

Do not keep anything of value in desks.

Students may leave the classroom only after receiving permission from the teacher. They are
to go directly to their destination and return directly. Do not loiter in the hallways.

Writing on or defacing desks or equipment will not be tolerated.

Paper on the floor should be picked up and disposed of properly.

Hats and coats are not to be worn in classrooms.
LUNCH AREA STANDARDS
While in the lunch area all students should:

Talk in low voices and only to immediate neighbors.

Not throw food, papers, or other objects.
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
Always clean up their lunch trash after eating.

Sit at assigned tables until excused.

Walk to the playground after being dismissed.
PLAYGROUND STANDARDS
For the safety of the students as well as his/her peers, all children on the playground will be
expected to adhere to the following rules:

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Use equipment safely at all times.

Use good sportsmanship and obey game rules.

Do not bounce balls against buildings, in rooms, or in hallways.

Return all equipment before lining up after recess.

Be under control. No running in hallways. Watch for others when running on the
playground.
RESTROOM STANDARDS
All students are expected to:

Keep restrooms clean and quiet.

Never play in the restrooms.

Paper towels and toilet paper should be used sparingly and properly disposed.

Bathrooms must be left clean.

Leave playground equipment outside when entering restrooms.

Put paper towels and other trash in trash cans.

Go directly to and from the restrooms when dismissed from class.

Respect other’s privacy.
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
Wash hands.
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STUDENT CONDUCT OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
Whenever on field trips or other school activities, students are expected to be on their best
behavior as they represent our school and the Lord. The students are expected to dress according
to the dress code unless otherwise instructed by the classroom teacher. Misbehavior, disrespect,
or wandering off from the group are serious offenses and will be handled appropriately by the
classroom teacher. Serious misbehavior will be reported to the administration for further action
when the class/group returns to school.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Disrespect, disobedience or insubordination exhibited to teachers or staff

Destroying or defacing school property including textbooks, (parents are expected to pay for
repairs or replacement of property damaged by their children)

Hurtful arguing and conflict (both verbal and physical aggression)

Leaving the school grounds without permission

Cheating

Lying or incomplete truth

Swearing or unclean language

Chewing gum

Horseplay in the school building or on field trips

Handling other students’ property or taking personal property without permission

Smoking and/or possession of tobacco

Possession of any drug not prescribed for the student by a physician

General disturbances such as talking out in class without permission, interrupting the class,
writing notes, throwing objects indoors, or running or shouting in any building.

Skipping any class, including electives, or detention.
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
Misuse of the school’s information technology, i.e. computers, internet access, as outlined in
the Computer Use Policy

Any other conduct which directly opposes the school’s Statement of Faith, Philosophy and
Mission as determined by a teacher, a staff member and the administrator.
STEPS to DISCIPLINE...
Students will be disciplined in a spirit of love and concern, and will include counseling and
prayer as appropriate. Discipline will be administered as personally and discretely as possible.
Depending upon the severity of the disciplinary action, parents will be informed by a note and/or
phone call.
All teachers will take responsibility for discipline in their classrooms with the support of the
administrator and in consultation with parents. If it is determined that a student is not responding
to the teaching and discipline of the school staff, the following steps may be taken (depending on
situation, order of discipline may vary):
STEP 1: The teacher deals with the infraction in an appropriate manner. This might
include a warning, time-out, removal of privileges, assigning of extra tasks, a detention,
or other disciplinary actions worked out between the teacher and student. Parents will be
notified depending upon the severity of the infraction.
STEP 2: The student is sent to the school office. A conference with the administrator
will occur. If the circumstances warrant, a detention will be given and the student
discipline report will be recorded. Parents will be notified.
STEP 3: When a student continues to be sent to the administrator, a conference with the
parents, teacher, the student, and administrator will be scheduled.
SUSPENSION OFFENSES…
Note: Depending upon severity, some may be expulsion offenses.

Fighting

Extortion
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
Theft

Cheating/Plagiarism

Possession of weapons

Use and abuse of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances at school or at school functions

Destruction of school property

Inappropriate expression of anger or defiance to a staff member

Leaving school grounds without permission from a staff member

Continual disrespect for authority
A student will not be allowed to participate in any school sponsored extracurricular activities for
the duration of the suspension. The student’s parents will be immediately informed in writing of
the grounds of the suspension, the duration, and the type (In School or Out of School). A
discipline report will be signed by the parent and the suspensions will take place the following
day.
Under no circumstances will corporal punishment be given to any student at PHCA.
DETENTION POLICY FOR LATE WORK (Grades 4-8):
Detentions for late work will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-3:30 p.m. in the
teacher’s room (example: if the student receives a detention slip on Friday, they will serve the
detention the following Tuesday).
If a student receives a detention slip, he/she may avoid serving the detention by turning in both
the late work and the detention slip, signed by the parent, by 8:45 a.m. the following school day.
Points may be deducted from the assignment by the teacher because the assignment was late.
Teachers are not obligated to remind students.
If the late work and the signed detention slip are not turned in by 8:45 a.m. on the next school
day to the teacher who issued the detention slip, the student must serve detention. The parents
will be called and the student will serve the detention.
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When a student serves detention for late work, they must first finish the work that was late, then
they must work on other class work or read a book. No talking or playing will be allowed. If
this rule is violated, another detention may be given.
DETENTION POLICY FOR BEHAVIOR (Grades 1-8):
Detentions for behavior will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-3:30 p.m. in the
teacher’s room (example: if a student receives a detention slip on Friday, they will serve the
detention the following Tuesday).
When a student serves detention for unacceptable behavior, they must work on homework, class
work, or read a book. No talking or playing will be allowed. If this rule is violated, another
detention may be given.
IF A STUDENT FAILS TO REPORT FOR EITHER TYPE OF DETENTION UPON BEING
ASSIGNED TO DO SO, HE/SHE WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIT IN THE OFFICE FOR A
ONE-HALF DAY IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION. All class work missed while in the office will
have to be made up.
SUSPENSIONS:
In-School Suspension: Student is removed from classroom and placed in a separate room and
given assignments to do under the supervision of the Administrator or designated staff member.
Removal From School: Student is suspended from school and may not be on PHCA property for
the entire period of suspension. Zeros (0) are given for every subject for each day of suspension.
It is our desire to work with each student in helping them to come to maturity in Christ.
However, we can only help students who have the proper attitude. We cannot help students who
maintain a rebellious attitude.
The type and length of the suspension is the Administrator’s decision. The third suspension for
the same offense will result in expulsion.
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EXPULSION:
A student may be expelled from PHCA at any time he/she is found to be out of harmony with the
rules and policies of PHCA. The Administrator makes decisions concerning expulsion, after
consultation with the student, parents, and Board of Directors.
Students expelled for other reasons will not be eligible for re-admission until at least one year’s
absence from the date of expulsion.
ANY student found with tobacco of any kind, drug substances, guns or weapons of any type, or
alcoholic beverages upon his/her person or in use on PHCA grounds WILL BE REMOVED
FROM CONTACT WITH STUDENTS AND WILL BE SUBJECT FOR EXPULSION FROM
PHCA.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Whenever a student’s grades are BELOW C- in two or more of the core subjects (math,
language, spelling, reading, science, history) a conference is to be scheduled with the student,
student’s parents and teacher.
Courses of action:
Unrecorded 30-day probationary period – Phase 1
If the student is having minor difficulty (student is doing the work/homework but having
difficulty catching on to the process) outside tutoring will be suggested and “help classes” should
be provided by the teacher. After 30 days another evaluation will be made by the teacher.
Recorded 30-day probationary period – Phase 2
If there is no improvement the student will be placed on another 30-day probationary period.
This time the student and parents will be notified IN WRITING that improvement to a passing
grade must be accomplished within this 30-day period or the student could face academic
expulsion.
NOTE: If a student is not doing his class work and/or homework assignments and is failing the
core subjects, Phase 1 above can be skipped and written notification (Phase 2) will be enforced.
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PRE AND KINDERGARTEN SECTION
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CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN
To ensure that each child has a pleasant, positive learning experience, a classroom management
plan for Pre and Kindergarten has been developed. Every child deserves to learn in an
environment that allows learning. This plan will help insure control in the learning environment.
GUIDELINES:

Be a good listener; do not interrupt others when they are talking.

Follow directions the first time they are given.

Walk in the classroom and quietly in the hallways.

Share with classmates.

Treat others with respect. No fighting, teasing, tattling or saying “bad” words.

Use an “inside” voice while working in the classroom.
If these guidelines are not followed, the following consequences will take place.
CONSEQUENCES:

First time: Verbal Reminder/Warning

Second time: Child meets with teacher to discuss their behavior.

Third time: Child loses 5 minutes of playtime and is redirected to another activity (if
appropriate.)

Fourth time: Child loses 10 minutes of playtime and contact is made with parents by
phone or note.

Fifth time: A referral is written and the child is sent to the office to meet with the
Administrator.
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Each day is a new beginning. When the children are “caught being good.” There will be various
individual or group rewards given.
CLOTHING
Pre and Kindergarten students are to adhere to the same uniform policy as described on pages
23-24 of this handbook. Each student will receive one PE uniform to be worn on PE days only.
ONLY black or white VELCRO shoes may be worn, no “light-ups”, “Heelies”, or laced shoes.
Boots may be worn ONLY in inclement weather.
Please provide two full set of clothes (top, bottom, underclothes, socks) which will be kept in
their classrooms in case of emergency, and replenish as needed.
LABELING
Please - please, label all clothing with your child’s name, including all uniform and especially,
sweaters, hats, mittens, coats and boots.
MONEY
Any time that you send money or a check to school it should be in a marked envelope with your
child’s first and last name, and placed in the Red Parent Teacher Communication Folder. A
small Ziploc bag is also acceptable. Please do not combine payments into one check as they may
need to be separated for our records.
RECESS
In suitable weather, children will usually have an outdoor playtime. Please dress them
appropriately for outdoor play. Recess is held outdoors, unless the temperature drops below 40
degrees or there is inclement weather.
REST TIMES
Young children need a certain amount of “rest time/quiet time” to assure they are not
overwhelmed by daily routines. Rest time is an essential part of our day and will follow our
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lunch/recess. During this time students will nap on cots or sit quietly at their desk while listening
to soothing music. This is a time for the students to rest their minds as well as their bodies.
Students are allowed to have a small pillow and blanket that we will send home every Friday to
be washed and will need to be returned on the first day of the next week.
SNACKS AND PARTIES
Each class will have a morning and afternoon healthy snack time each day. Holidays, birthdays,
and other special days are often celebrated in the classroom. Parents may be asked to assist in
planning these special days, as well as providing snacks and attending the activity.
TOYS
Electronic games, communication devices and similar items are not to be brought to school and
all toys are to be left at home unless permission given by teacher for “Show and Tell Day”.
Please refrain from sending items that will cause classroom disruption. Research has proven that
toy weapons increase aggression and negative interactions. Therefore, no such toys are
permitted.
PARENT VISITATION
We encourage our parents to visit during the day. We do request that visits for long periods of
time (more than 10 minutes) be scheduled with the teacher to ensure that class activities are not
interrupted. We recognize the importance of a structured environment for our students, and
understand that unanticipated interruptions may do more harm than good. We also request that
all conferences be held at appropriate times and not at drop off or pick up times as the teachers
are responsible for their class and must be able to attend to them at these critical times of the day.
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