HANDBOOK
Chesterfield Christian Academy
Handbook 2011-2012

Table of Contents (click on titles to jump to corresponding sections)

Mission Statement
Chesterfield Christian Academy is an extension of the homeschool.  Our philosophy is taken from the scriptures in that we believe the body of Christ consists of people who have different strengths and weaknesses that work together to function.  CCA strives to provide a variety of teachers who have strengths in the subject they bring to the classroom so that you may pick and choose which subject will best support your homeschool.  In each subject it is our primary focus to teach students to develop and grow their personal relationship with Christ and become a light in our world.  We strongly feel the education environment should be comprised of students and families with like minds and share in their love for Christ.
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Our Organization
Chesterfield Christian Academy (CCA) is a privately owned tutoring service run by the Co-Directors.  A Parent Advisory Board will be formed in the 11/12 school year for input and guidance in assuring the mission and goal of CCA are being met.

Administration
Co-Directors – Tanya Williamson and Tracy Francis

Application and Registration Procedures
  • Before applying to CCA, families must be in compliance with the homeschooling laws of the State of Virginia, Section 22.1-254.1.
  • Each family must submit a registration/application form with accompanying registration fees.  There is one form per family.  The Administration and PAB will prayerfully review all applications and you will be notified of acceptance via email.
  • Families may request to be enrolled in as many courses as they wish.  During any “breaks” between classes, students must be registered for a study hall.  However, students are only allowed ONE FREE study hall hour between classes per day.  If your child has more than one hour in between classes they are scheduled for you must register and pay for a monitored study hall. This does include time a student is sitting and waiting for a sibling.  See the Study Hall section for more information.
  • Students may only come to CCA on days they are registered for classes.  You may not come to CCA and sit to wait for a ride to another event or location if you are not there for a class. 
  • No application is complete until CCA receives the registration form and the spiritual reference/testimony form.  The form differs based on age.  Spiritual Reference Forms are due within 30 days of registration.  Emergency/Medical forms are due before the first day of classes.
  • Parents’ social security numbers are required unless tuition is paid in full by August 7th, 2010. 
  • After being accepted to CCA, you will receive a tuition contract that must be signed and returned by Aug 7.  
  • Families must provide CCA with current contact information.
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Tuition/Payments
  • Tuition may be paid in full by August 7th or made in 10 monthly installments on the 7th of each month beginning in August 2011 through May 2012.
  • There is a late fee of $15 for any payments not received by the 7th of the month.
  • There is a $30 returned check fee.  Accounts will be placed on a cash-only status after two returned checks.
  • Tuition will not be prorated for illnesses, vacation, or holidays.  In the event of illness more than thirty (30) days, exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Co-Directors.
  • If more than two payments are missed, the student will not be allowed to attend class until account balance is paid in full.
  • Chesterfield Christian Academy has the right to cancel classes if enrollment does not meet the minimum of six students.
  • Once the first payment is made, the parent is responsible for the full tuition of the class.  Teachers base their decision to devote their time to teaching based on the tuition of the enrolled students.  Unless there are extreme circumstances, it is unfair to ask the teacher to teach at a lower salary.   The Co-Directors, with the Parent Advisory Board if needed, will review any cases individually should the need arise.
  • If a student withdraws from CCA and/or graduates and needs grades from teachers for a new school, etc., CCA nor teachers will release any grades until all outstanding balances are paid and/or a financial agreements has been made and approved. 
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Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
Each year both the teachers and the administration provide a limited number of tuition waivers based on financial need.  Request forms are available on our website.

New for the 2011-2012 school year, CCA will provide a limited number of scholarships for qualified families.  Scholarships will require at least one parent to work a certain number of volunteer hours and will be determined on an individual basis.

Scholarships and Tuition Waiver may be provoked if students do not follow rules, have poor attendance, and/or display poor academic standards. 
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Technology
New for the 2011-2012 school year, each family must pay a $25 per year technology fee.  This fee can be paid in full at the time of registration, or broken up into payments of $2.50 per month for ten months that can be paid with tuition and will be included in your tuition contract. 

The technology fee provided every family access to CCA’s online system through Ren Web.  This system will give parents a wealth of information 24/7.  The system will provide information such as homework assignments, grades in all classes, attendance, account and payment information, upcoming events, and much more.

Each family will receive access information before the first day of classes.  A brief training session will be provided over the summer to help familiarize parents with the system.  During the year, if a family fails to meet their financial commitment to CCA, their access to Ren Web will be withdrawn until a payment agreement has been made. 
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Parent Responsibilities
  • Parent/Guardian will read the Chesterfield Christian Academy Handbook with each child enrolled and will turn in a signed form stating the agreement to the guidelines of CCA.
  • Parents must notify CCA if their contact information changes.
  • Parents will drop off their child/ren no more that 10 minutes before class begins and pick the child up no more than 10 minutes after class ends.  CCA hours are from 8:00 until 3:00.  NO student may remain at CCA outside these times.  No student may arrive before 8:00 and any student in the café after 3:00 will receive a separate bill from XZone for the time they are there. Please note:  Students may NOT sit in the café to wait for a sibling if they do not have classes that day. 
  • Parents will ensure that their child/ren is adequately prepared for class by providing the required materials and curriculum. Being unprepared for class is a serious offense and is addressed further below. 
  • Parents may be asked to volunteer to assist in some way during the school year. 
  • Parents are responsible for following the driving routes as set up by XZone and Southside Nazarene Church. 
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Driving Students

All students who drive themselves to and from CCA must be a legal, licensed driver.  Students are expected to obey all traffic laws, particularly eligible riders, wearing safety belts, and driving the speed limit.  While on the church property, students are requested to play music at an appropriate level that cannot be heard from outside of the vehicle.  Students who wish to leave CCA for their lunch break and return for class after lunch are NOT the responsibility of CCA once they arrive to their vehicles.  CCA needs written permission from ALL involved parents if students are allowed to leave during their lunch period, between classes or to ride with one another.
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Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy

Maintaining an orderly atmosphere in the classroom is critical to the learning process.  Additionally, maintaining order and discipline in between classes contributes to the safety and well-being of all students. Students are able to learn best and reach their full potential in an environment where respect and dignity prevail. As an extension of your homeschool, we do expect the parent to be the lead in all discipline and to partner with us if a behavior needs to be corrected.  

Chesterfield Christian Academy has developed a Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy based on (1) the morals and ethical principles of Scripture, (2) developing an environment that helps to fulfill the Academy’s mission and goals, and (3) expectations for an environment of mutual love, respect, and encouragement among students, faculty, and staff.  All students are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct.  Teachers will use a system of classroom management that encourages compliance with the Code of Conduct.  Students who do not adhere to the Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action as described in the Discipline Policy section.
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Student Rules

1.Students are expected to treat any worship, prayer, and/or classroom discussion with reverence.  The Lord’s name should not be taken in vain.
2.Students should always show respect for authority.
3.Students must arrive to class on time.
4.Students must have consistence attendance to class. Please see detailed information on “Missed Classes” below.
5.Students must complete all assignments before coming to class.
6.Students must refrain from actions that distract others from their academic pursuits.
7.Students should refrain from malicious gossip, instead should encourage and build-up one another.
8.Students are expected to complete all work with honor and according to the guidelines given by each teacher.  Cheating includes but is not limited to copying others work, using texts and/or notes on closed book tests, and copying the words of sources without proper documentation.
9.Students are not allowed physical contact with other students.
10.Students must refrain from language or action that is vulgar, demeaning, discouraging, or inappropriate to God or others.
11.Students are expected to refrain from hitting, punching, tripping, wrestling, etc.
12.Students are expected to refrain from teasing, criticizing, insults, and name-calling.
13.No public displays of affection are allowed on the premises, including the parking lot.
14.Students must be truthful.
15.All drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons of any kind are prohibited on the property.
16.Students must dress modestly and in a manner that honors God. Specific guidelines include: 
oUndergarments should not be visible.
oMidriffs should not be visible.
oShort/Skirt length general guideline:  one hand length above the knee
oGuideline for appropriate neckline:  students should see no cleavage even if leaning forward.
oAny wording or graphics on clothes should be respectful of God and others.
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Café Rules and Respect for Facility
Our physical facilities are a provision from God.  Students are expected to treat all school materials and church grounds with respect and care.  Students are expected to keep the school grounds neat and clean.  Students are also expected to respect the off-limit areas of the church and grounds.  Food and drinks are to be consumed only in designated areas.

General Facility and Cafe Rules
  • Students must be supervised by a teacher during class, a volunteer during lunch, study hall monitor during study hall or a parent at all other times.  Students will not be allowed to roam freely on the property.
  • Students may go outside during lunch time if they request and are granted permission. 
  • Students must be in class, study hall, or lunch while on the premises of Southside Nazarene Church. 
  • Tables and chairs are NOT to be moved at any time in the café.  Tables with four chairs are only allowed to have four students sitting at the table.  Tables with two chairs are only allowed to have two students sitting. 
  • Skateboards, roller blades, etc. are not permitted during CCA’s school hours.
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Study Hall Guidelines
Study hall periods are divided up into one-hour increments and do not include lunch time.  During the hour, 40 minutes will be dedicated to quiet study and if students respectfully comply, socialization will be allowed in the final 20 minutes.  Study halls will be monitored and all students must register for study halls during breaks between classes.  If your child is registered for more than one study hall period per day, you will be charged $100 per year.  This will be included in your tuition and will become a part of your tuition contract to be included in your monthly payments if you choose not to pay in full. 
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Internet and Public Behavior Policy
Sadly, in our world today, morality is considered a personal issue and values are often left to be determined by the individual.  However, as Christians, it is our duty to live according to the Bible and our behavior and morals must be determined by God’s Word.  CCA has a mission to provide a safe, moral environment for Christian families who wish to minimize exposure to un-Godly behavior.  We expect our students and families to behave as Christians, both while at the academy and away from the academy.  The image and reputation we create for ourselves outside of the class setting does reflect upon our Academy, Christians in general, and one’s own heart.   With these principles in mind, the following is the Internet Policy of CCA.

CCA expects moral, Christian behavior from each student both on and off of campus. Students are expected to refrain from the use of profanity and sexually explicit language and/or material in a public way, or habitual behavior that doesn’t attract others to Jesus. This includes language and images portrayed on web-pages, blogs, message boards and behavior in public. 
“But examine everything carefully; holdfast to that which is good; abstain from every appearance of evil.”
I Thess. 5:21-22


Missed Classes
Whereas we realize that all students will occasionally miss class, CCA students are expected to attend class regularly.  Excused absences include illness, family commitments, vacations, etc.  When an absence is unavoidable, students or parents (depending on the age) should:
1. Please contact your teacher if you are absent and let them know the reason you missed class.
2. Contact another student to find out the homework assignment for the week.
3. Contact the teacher and briefly explain the reason for the absence.  If you were unable to contact a student you may ask the teacher for the assignment at this time. 
4. You may ask the teacher questions about the missed material if your absence was excused.
When a student misses a class or is tardy repeatedly with unexcused absences, it will be their sole responsibility to make up their work.  If the student needs to work with the teacher and/or receive lengthy explanations via phone or email in order to understand the missed work, student will be charge for private tutoring at the rate of $25 per hour.
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Student Discipline
Biblically, discipline is far more than correction or punishment.  Discipline is the practice of discipling students.  Teachers will seek to disciple students by a full range of activities including praise for excellence, thoughtful evaluation and correction, and where needed, corrective punishment.  The goal of all discipline is to train students to be wise, self-controlled followers of Jesus Christ who know how to conduct themselves appropriately in the classroom setting, as well as in other areas of his/her life.  The staff and administration are responsible to make judgments on the seriousness of infractions of the Code of Conduct and to discipline lovingly by all appropriate means.  Most discipline, both positive and corrective, will occur naturally within the classroom according to the policies of the classroom teacher.  Love and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline process.  It is because we love that we discipline.

The parents, as the primary teachers, will be expected to take the lead in the disciplining process.  Parents will be notified and expected to endeavor to correct the behavior, but if this doesn’t occur, CCA will determine whether or not a student will be permitted to stay.

CCA administration will assert necessary discipline for students who have behavior issues while on the property but not in a class. Teachers will asset discipline for students who have behavior issues during a class. If a teacher deems it necessary to inform one of the Co-Directors regarding a student’s behavior, CCA will rely on the parent to lead and assist the academy in the consequences for the behavior.  In doing so, the following procedures will be observed:

First Offense: A warning will be sent home with the student explaining the misbehavior and will require a parent signature. This may come as an email, which will require a return email with an electronic signature.  The teacher and/or CCA will reiterate the expectations at this time and the parent should go over these with their child before signing and returning the letter or email.
Second Offense: A second warning will be sent home and/or a phone call made to the parent(s) and parents will be called in for a conference with the Co-Directors to discuss the behavior and determine appropriate consequences. Parents may be asked to attend class with their child temporarily. Students may receive a temporary suspension from the class until the behavior is corrected and/or missed work is completed. 
Third Offense:  Parents will be notified immediately to remove the student from the premises.  The staff will then meet to discuss possible expulsion from the academy.

Violations include all rules as stated in this handbook, but not limited to, and recapped below:
•Repeated classroom disturbances
•Crude language, swearing, profanity
•Inappropriate affection, touching, or interaction
•Meddling with other people’s property
•Defiant disobeying of rules
•Dress code violations
•Leaving school without permission
•Possession of morally questionable material
•Destruction or misuse of school or church property
•Persistent abuse of, or imitation of, other students
•Endangering staff and students
•Plagiarism
•Lying
•Cheating
•Stealing
•Fighting
•Repeated violation of school rules

Please Note:
      1.  Administration may assign probationary status to students who exhibit habitual or various misbehaviors.
     2.  The Co-Directors may, at their discretion, bypass this process and impose immediate dismissal should the situation warrant it.
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Student Probation

Students can be placed on academic and/or disciplinary probation for the following reasons:
  • Failure to complete assignments on a regular basis
  • Lack of integrity in completing work
  • Repeated unexcused absences
  • Failing grades in multiple classes
  • Repeated discipline issues

Each case will be handled individually with a written probation form outlining the reasons for probation, the expectations, and the consequences for their behavior.

Serious Misconduct and Dismissal
Certain conduct may result in immediate and permanent dismissal from Chesterfield Christian Academy.  In such incidences, the parents are responsible for the remainder of the current semester’s tuition. 
1. Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
2. Rebellious disrespect for authority.
3. Persistent pattern of disobedience and classroom disruption.
4. Sexual immorality.
5. Possession of weapons or threats made to the safety of others.
6. Any violation of US or Virginia law.

Dismissal will be determined by consensus of the Co-Directors and a Parent Committee.

Chain of Command
If at any time, a parent or student has a complaint or concern with a teacher or a specific class, please follow the protocol below:
1. If appropriate, parent or student should address their concern with the teacher either via phone, email, or in person.
2. If resolution is not achieved by discussing matters with the teacher, the parent or student may then approach the Co-Directors in order to have the issues resolved. 

Upon completion of reading this document, please visit our Registration Page to print the form that acknowledges reading the handbook and the agreement to follow all guidelines.
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