Policy Statement

Our purpose is to be the best Christian preparatory school.

Our goal is to prepare each child to reach his own potential for success in school and life. Christian studies, doctrine, and faith help us to motivate the children in their achievement, behavior, and work habits. We believe a student will enjoy his work and experiences more if he comes to understand the Christian view that each of us should work hard to develop his God-given talents and abilities within the plan God has for him.

Academically, we work to build a solid foundation of fundamental skills in Language and Mathematics for our students, adding on a priority basis, all other areas of instruction and creative experience which will bring the knowledge and understanding they need. We plan complete, organized coverage of all subject matter appropriate for each Grade level upon which the parents can depend.

Our aim is to develop students who:

• appreciate and value themselves as a creation of God
• like school and teachers
• look upon school as their present daily occupation
• expect to do a creditable performance here each day
• learn good, right, and acceptable as opposed to bad, wrong, and
• unacceptable
• are prepared for what we know is their next step in life
• have a chance here to be "ahead" of their academic level
• can read and write their language

Our methods are generally teacher-centered with whole-group instruction because, for all appropriate subjects, this method simply accomplishes more in less time toward scholastic achievement. We do individualize and give opportunity for individual acceleration. We maintain order and routine for a better learning atmosphere.

We are recognized by the local public schools for transfer purposes, on the basis of reliable, annual testing and student performance.

SCHOOL HOURS AND ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance: Classes begin at 8:00 A.M for all students. Students are marked tardy at 8:01 A.M

Students should not arrive on campus before 7:30 A.M. The school will not assume responsibility for any student arriving before 7:30 A.M. since no staff member will be available to monitor students until 7:30 A.M. Classes end at 11:45 A.M. for PK and Kindergarten. Classes end at 12:00 p.m. for first grade.

Classes end at 2:30 P.M. second through sixth grades. Children still waiting fifteen minutes after class dismissal will be sent to the Extended Day program. Cost depends on the length of stay.

Students are expected to attend each designated school day. Excuses are accepted for illness or a family emergency. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for all class work missed.

Absences and Release During School Hours: Parents are required to contact the office when children are absent or need to be dismissed during school hours for doctors' appointments, or for any other reason. Parents must meet students in the school office. If someone other than the parent picks up students for an appointment or after school, the school office and the classroom teacher must receive notification from the parent in writing or by phone. If the teacher does not know the person picking up a student, the person must show some type of identification and the teacher or an office staff member must call the parent before allowing the student to leave with a person who is a stranger to the faculty and staff of the school.

Dismissal for Inclement Weather or Emergency: Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy follows the decisions made by the Nacogdoches Independent School District. For information regarding inclement weather school closures, parents or guardians are encouraged to listen to news media announcements. Do not assume schools are closed or dismissed early unless a specific notification is made to that effect. In case of early dismissal because of hazardous weather, each family is personally notified by phone to confirm that an early dismissal decision has been made.

AGE AND MATURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

To be in line with public schools, a September 1 birth date is set as a cutoff time.

To register for PK-4 a child must be 4 years old before September 1

To register for Kindergarten a child must be 5 years old before September 1

To register for First Grade a child must be 6 years old before September 1

Exceptions to the age requirements and regrouping or placement in another class will be considered at all levels.

PRE-SCHOOL GUIDELINES

Children entering PK-4, and Kindergarten must be of sufficient maturity and intelligence to derive benefit from the program.

Other criteria for pre-school admission include the ability to communicate effectively, to use the restroom independently, and to manage clothing independently.

CLASS SIZE

Maximum enrollment for PK-4 is 14 students.

Maximum enrollment for all other classes is 18.

FEES AND TUITION CONTRACT

The tuition and fee schedules are to be set by the school board on an annual basis and are as follows:

REGISTRATION FEE:This fee is non-refundable, and it is due upon enrollment.

SUPPLY FEE: A supply fee to students enrolled in pre-kindergarten - sixth grade. This fee may be paid in two installments. The first installment is due with the September tuition. The second installment is due with the

January tuition payment. This additional fee will be used for the purchase of other educational materials, computer

lab upkeep, and for software purchases.

TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE: The first tuition payment for students entering PK through grade six is due September 1 of each year.

Payments are due the tenth of each month.

REFUNDS

Tuition paid in the spring for the coming year is refundable up to June 1. The Board may be petitioned for refund after this date.

DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS

There is a three-month limit on arrears. After two months delinquency, a warning letter will be sent stating that the child will not be allowed to remain in the school beyond the third month of non-payment of tuition and fees.

Families may appear before the School Board for special consideration, or they may make satisfactory arrangements for the account payment with the Principal.

STUDENT ABSENCE, WITHDRAWAL, REFUND

Students who are absent from classes due to illnesses or any other reason continue to receive services from the school in the form of homework assignments and faculty contact. In light of these services, no refund in cash or credit is given for such absences.

TRANSFER OF STUDENTS

If a child enrolled in the school is not returning, a record release form will be sent to the school of the parent's choice. When a child transfers to Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy from another school, arrangements must be made to have test scores and other records forwarded from the previous school before admission to Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy is finalized. A form for this purpose is available in the school office and at www.fhbacademy.com .

The school shall retain copies of the records for all students; original copies shall be provided for students transferring from the school or graduating from the school.

TESTING INFORMATION

Incoming first grade students and above must participate in a screening evaluation administered by the school's principal. Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy provides a somewhat more advanced curriculum than is typically obtained in the public sector.

Parents must also provide report cards and achievement test scores from previous years. All children in grades one and above will be given the Stanford Achievement Test in the spring. This is a group test. Test results are helpful to the teachers in planning the instructional program for the following school year. These test results are discussed with the parents at the spring conferences.

STUDENT PROMOTION GUIDELINES

Parents will be notified in writing or in a parent-teacher conference at any time during the year that a child is not progressing socially or academically.

A student will be promoted on a merit or academic basis but parent, teachers, and Principal will confer on a final

decision regarding all questionable promotions.

There will be four reporting periods at approximately nine-week intervals for students in pre-kindergarten and all grades above pre-kindergarten.

SCHOOL'S RIGHTS FOR PLACEMENT AND STUDENT DISMISSAL

The right is reserved, because of limited space and the purpose and philosophy of the school, to choose from among applicants who are most likely to profit from the school's advanced curriculum.

The school shall have the absolute right in its discretion to require the withdrawal of a student if that child does not meet the school standards and requirements of conduct, behavior, and academic achievement.

When more than one section of a grade or age level exists, the administration reserves the right to arrange classes which seem to be beneficial to the nature and ability of the individuals.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The Parent Teacher Organization is designed to facilitate better participation of parents and better communication among parents, teachers, and administration. The PTO President of the organization calls meetings.. The group assists the school in many ways including fund-raising and holding special events.

All extra-curricular activities sponsored by the PTO which involve parents and students will be attended on a voluntary basis. All such activities must be coordinated with the Principal.

The president of the PTO will provide a monthly report of activities to the Academy Board.

DRESS CODE GRADES PK-2

As the styles change and parents purchase clothing for the spring and summer seasons, we want to clarify the required dress code for Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy.

Caps should not be worn in school.

Flip-flops are not allowed at any time.

Principal has authority to make final decision for questionable attire of students.

Tennis shoes MUST be worn to physical education.

For Chapel:

Boys wear long pants & a shirt with a collar. Girls wear dresses, skirts or jumpers. No see-through blouses that reveal undergarments or spaghetti straps. Girls may wear leggings with their dresses, skirts, or jumpers. The dresses, skirts, or jumpers must be finger-tip length.

DRESS CODE GRADES 3-6

As the styles change and parents purchase clothing for the spring and summer seasons, we want to clarify the required dress code for Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy.

Caps should not be worn in school.

Straps on shirts, dresses, or blouses must be three inches in width. (No strapless dresses, blouses, tops are permitted).

No halter tops.

No clothing which reveals the tummy.

Skirts and shorts must be finger-tip length.

Appropriate undergarments should be worn, depending on the physical maturity of the student.

Flip-flops are not allowed at any time.

Principal has authority to make final decision for questionable attire of students.

In addition:

Tennis shoes MUST be worn to physical education.

For Chapel:

Boys wear long pants & a shirt with a collar. Girls wear dresses, skirts or jumpers. No see-through blouses that reveal undergarments or spaghetti straps. Girls may wear leggings with their dresses, skirts, or jumpers. The dresses, skirts, or jumpers must be finger-tip length.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher Conferences are held each semester and at other times when necessary. At the Fall Semester conference, the topic of discussion concerns the direction that social or academic progress may take given the performance of the child early in the school year.

Plans to help the child perform well throughout the rest of the year are made during this conference. A Spring Conference is schedule at the conclusion of the Stanford Achievement Tests, and all parents are invited to schedule a time to conference with their child's teacher on that day. Additional conferences are scheduled as needed. The Principal may attend any conference if requested by either teacher, or parent, or if the Principal judges it necessary.

The teacher, Principal or parent may request a conference at anytime. Parents are requested not to interrupt any teaching situation or to expect teachers to interrupt their normal teaching routine for conferences. Parents are requested to phone the school office to leave a message for the teacher to call back to arrange an appointment time. Children attend conferences only if requested by the parent, teacher or Principal.

The parking lot, hallway, or lunchroom are not appropriate places to hold conferences. Teachers are requested to hold conferences.

In a private area. Therefore, it is highly likely that a teacher may decline to comment when a parent spontaneously solicits information in a non-private area. When a teacher requests a private area to conference, this request is made in the best interest of the parent and of the child. Such a request is in keeping with school policy.

Telephone Conferences: Phone conferences are acceptable according to the guidelines set down by individual teachers. If a call is made at a time that is inconvenient for the teacher, the teacher is expected to note that fact and to arrange for a more convenient time. As a matter of school policy, the teacher is not obligated to speak to parents about classroom difficulties at times when full attention cannot be given to the problem or at times when the privacy of the parent or child may be compromised.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Grievance Procedure: Parents may bring problems or questions to the attention of the Principal at anytime. Parents, however, are encouraged first to discuss any difficulties with the teacher. In almost every instance, polite dialogue can bring a solution.

If a problem cannot be resolved, parents may consult the Principal. If difficulties still exist, parents may meet with the

the Academy Board. To ensure open communication, the teacher and Principal may attend.

INSURANCE

A Student Accident Plan covers Academy students, faculty, and staff. "The medical expense benefit of this program is an 'excess' type benefit that picks up where other coverage leaves off. If the injured person's expenses or treatment are covered under any other individual, franchise, blanket or group coverage which provides benefits or services for, or by reason of medical or dental care or treatment, this program will pay only the medical expenses not provided or reimbursable under the other coverage." This program provides benefits ONLY for accidental bodily injuries. It does NOT cover sickness. The excess coverage becomes primary coverage if a person has no other coverage. There is no deductible.

MEDICAL POLICY, MEDICATION AND IMMUNIZATIONS, ACCIDENT POLICY

• Any severe allergies should be reported to the office and to the teacher. A child showing symptoms of a new on-set cold should stay home from school for at least 24 hours before returning to school. Children who cannot go outside for recess must stay at home until able to go outside unless previously arranged with principal.
• Immunizations must include a complete series of state required immunizations including a test for tuberculosis.
• It is a state law that all students have a complete visual exam prior to first grade.
• All students will be expected to have a local physician with that physician's name on file with the school.
• In the event of an emergency the following procedure will be followed:
  • The parent or designated contact person will be notified.
  • If the parent cannot be contacted, the student's local physician will be notified.
  • If the local physician cannot be reached, the child will be taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
• Students with communicable diseases may not return to school until released by a physician with a written release presented to the school administration.
• In order for a student to receive medication at school, the following Texas Department of Health/Texas Education Agency guidelines must be followed:
  • The medication must be in its original container with the student's name clearly written on the label.
  • There must be a current written consent form from the parent or legal guardian stating the dose, the time, and any other pertinent information regarding administration of the medicine. Over-the-counter medication may only be given with a signed prescription slip from a health care provider.
  • Authorized school personnel will dispense all medication given at school. Students will not be allowed to self-administer medication.
  • All medication to be given at school must be furnished by the parent.
  • Parents are always welcome to come to the school to administer their child's medication.
• The only treatment of scratches, cuts, bruises or other minor injuries is soap and water, a band-aid and/or an ice pack. If the injury is considered serious, the parent will be notified immediately. In case of severe injury or illness, the child will be taken to the emergency room of the local hospital or to the family physician designated by the parent.
• In the event of an accident, the following measures will be taken:
  • Minor Injury: An Accident Report Form will be filled out by the supervising adult and given to the parents of the involved child/children. Depending on the nature of the minor injury, parents may be notified by phone.
  • Serious Injury: Parents will be called and appropriate emergency measures taken. The appropriate measures taken will depend upon the nature of the injury and on the information provided on the child's Emergency Medical Form on file in the main office and the Extended Day office. An Accident Report Form will be filled out.
  • All injuries occurring in the satellite buildings and on the playground must be reported to the main office immediately.
  • Accidents occurring during the Extended Day Program, after the main office is closed, must be reported to the office the next day. An Accident Report Form must be filled out.
  • When a supervising adult is in doubt concerning the seriousness of the injury, the parents should be called.

ILLNESS

Students who are ill belong at home. Please use the following guidelines to determine if your child is well enough to attend school:

• Your child has been free of fever WITHOUT MEDICATION for twenty-four hours.
• Your child does not have a green or yellow nasal discharge.
• Your child has not had vomiting or diarrhea for twenty-four hours.
• Your child does not exhibit other behavior that might indicate illness. If you send your child to school with any of these symptoms, we will call you to come and pick up your child. If your child becomes ill during the day, we will isolate him/her from the other children to the best of our ability and then notify you. Please keep the school office informed of changes in phone numbers or of changes in your daytime location so that our information will always be current. In the case of an extreme emergency or illness, we will immediately call 911.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Appropriate discipline is the responsibility of the home and school working together with the ultimate goal of self-discipline. To develop effective discipline teachers must:

• Develop an atmosphere that encourages students to perceive Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy as a
• good place to be.
• Make sure that rules and requirements seem reasonable and that students know what is expected of
• them academically and behaviorally.
• Acknowledge and emphasize what children do that is right and good.
• Clearly understand the consequences when a rule is broken.
• Maintain consistency in discipline.
• Allow students to participate in the development of classroom rules and state these rules in a positive manner.

School Rules

• Keep hands, bodies, and objects to oneself.
• Listen to the adult in charge.
• Walk quietly while inside the building.
• Walk when going from one building to another.
• Use acceptable language.
• Use quiet voices in buildings.
• Stay in assigned area.
• Show respect and courtesy to fellow students, to teachers, and to other adults.

Consequences for Appropriate Behavior: Teachers are required to recognize good behavior frequently and consistently. The use of a token system or other form of positive reinforcement is used in every classroom at every grade level. It is important to give children attention for what they do right and to withdraw attention, as much as possible, when they act inappropriately. At times, a procedure called planned ignoring may be used to decrease the frequency of inappropriate behavior.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior: Consequences imposed depend upon the teacher's assessment of the seriousness of the disruption, the frequency of the behavior, and the student's intent. Consequences include:

• Time-Out: Consequences for inappropriate behavior include one reminder and then time-out. "Time-out" may be imposed as frequently as necessary. "Time-out" means that children sit still and quiet for a designated length of time in a place in the classroom away from class activities. This length of time is typically one minute for each year of age. The time begins when the child begins to sit still and quiet. The time starts over, at any point, when the child is not sitting still and quiet. In addition, when inappropriate behavior occurs, a teacher or the Principal may choose to make the following responses:
  • Ask the student to describe what happened in writing,
  • Provide a private opportunity later in which the student may freely judge the results of the inappropriate behavior,
  • Prepare a plan with the student which may enable the student to avoid similar situations in the future,
  • Ask the student to commit to the plan,
  • Follow-up by evaluating the plan after a designated length of time.
• Withdrawal of Privileges: It is assumed that, as part of a teacher's system of positive reinforcement, certain privileges may be earned. Therefore, if necessary, the withdrawal of certain privileges may be imposed. Privileges may include, but are not limited to, free play outside, play or learning center time within the classroom, various types of treats, and some field trips.

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON SCHOOL PREMISES

The following items are forbidden at school: sharp instruments, knives, matches, lighters, handcuffs, real or toy guns, and real or toy swords. Toys of any kind, electronic games, skateboards, roller blades, and roller skates are not permitted except by special permission. Tattoos are not allowed, and students may not write or draw on themselves. Carbonated drinks are not permitted in snacks.

Children may not use microwaves to heat lunches. Because of supervision and time issues, faculty or staff is not permitted to heat lunches for students.

For special events or any school event, only G-Rated movies are permitted.

CHAPEL ATTENDANCE

All students of Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy are required to attend chapel. Part-time faculty is encouraged to attend chapel when they are on campus.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES

The School Board shall consist of nine members nominated by the Church Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. Each member shall serve for three years and rotate off or be chosen to serve further terms.

HOMEWORK

At the beginning of each school year, teachers will state their individual classroom policy in writing.

Agendas: Children in grades four and above are required to take their Agendas home each day, and Agendas must be brought back to school each day. Parents are required to sign the Agenda each day. If a child looses an Agenda, parents will be required to replace the agenda at the parent's expense.

Homework Defined: Homework consists of practice of skills presented in class, study for tests, and reading for practice and for pleasure. Learning new skills is not given as homework.

Length of Assignments: Teachers attempt to give assignments that are of reasonable length for the grade level of the students. Students may have additional working time at home, if classroom assignments need to be completed at home. At times, special projects may require additional time. It is difficult to place exact time limits on homework and maintain an effective and flexible learning experience. Learning often takes hard work.

Excessive Homework: Various factors affect the amount of time children spend on homework. These factors may include but are not limited to: the amount of unfinished class work that must be completed at home, the speed at which children work, the motivational level of children, and the number of self-imposed interruptions or outside interruptions that occur while children work on homework assignments. What appears to be excessive homework is often due to the work habits of children. If children are truly experiencing difficulties understanding concepts, the teacher may individualize homework for a child. Parents should conference with their child's teacher if difficulties arise. A plan to help the child can be made.

General Guidelines:

• Homework assignments must be written down each day in the assignment book provided by the school. If no homework is assigned, "no homework" must be written in the assignment book for that day.
• Parents are required to initial the assignment book each night, even if no homework is assigned for that night.
• Children are expected to complete and return homework assignments on time. Each teacher establishes consequences for unfinished homework.
• Homework must be done neatly and according to teacher guidelines. Children will be asked to do an assignment over again if it is not done neatly and according to the guidelines set down by the teacher.
• Although parent involvement with children is important, homework is the child's responsibility. Homework is given to reinforce skills that have been already taught during the school day.

GRADING POLICY

Late Work: One letter grade is subtracted from the grade if work is one day late. Only fifty percent of the grade is taken if work is two days late. After the second day, a grade of zero is assigned.

Tests: Test retakes are generally not permitted. If students are experiencing difficulties with particular concepts, the teacher will establish an individual plan of action with the child. The lowest daily grade may be dropped for daily assignments once each nine-week period in each subject. Test grades may not be dropped. Tests are weighted twice.

Folder Checks: Teachers send home graded work regularly throughout each grading period. Parents are encouraged to look carefully at the work contained in these folders.

Enrichment Classes: Art, Technology, Music, P.E., and Spanish are integral parts of the curriculum. Student performance will be evaluated and graded with as much seriousness as the core academic subjects. Each individual enrichment teacher will determine the manner of evaluation and grading.

REPORT CARDS

Frequent communication with parents concerning academic progress and conduct is important. Four reporting periods are planned, at intervals of approximately nine weeks, for students in pre-kindergarten and above. Three-week progress reports are sent to parents in intermediate grades in the middle of a grading period. Parents, however, may be notified in writing at any time during the year if a child is not progressing adequately academically or socially.

EMERGENCY DRILLS AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES

As required by state law, the Fire Marshall inspects buildings annually. Periodically, emergency drills are held. Children are instructed in the proper procedures to use in case of any type of emergency. The guidelines used are those recently established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

All visitors, including parents, are required to check in at the school office before visiting any area of the school.