2014-15 STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

MISSION STATEMENT

Westminster Christian Academy is a Christian high school distinguished by a clear mission: Westminster Christian Academy honors Jesus Christ by providing an excellent education, rooted in biblical truth as interpreted by the Westminster Confession of Faith, for the children of Christian parents. Faculty and staff enable students to discover and embrace a biblical view of the world and integrate that view into every area of life.

Contents

Mission/PhilosophyMission Statement/Philosophy.......................................................................4

OrganizationAccreditation/Recognition...................................................................5The Association......................................................................................5The Board of Directors...........................................................................5Faculty & Staff.........................................................................................6Parent Organization (PAW)......................................................................6Directory................................................................................7

General PoliciesAttendance & Absences........................................................................8Bookstore................................................................................10Building & Grounds.............................................................................10Cafeteria.....................................................................................10Change of Address................................................................................10Complaint or Problem Procedures......................................................11Students with Disabilities....................................................................11Discipline...........................................................................................11Discipline Procedures...........................................................................13Student Search & Seizure.....................................................................13Pregnancy Policy..................................................................................15Standardized Dress Code..........................................................................16Student Drivers & Student Parking.....................................................17Student Transportation.............................................................................17Hall Passes..............................................................................................18School Hours/After-School Supervision...............................................18Lockers...............................................................................................18Lost & Found.........................................................................................18Reenrolling Current Students...................................................................19Restrooms........................................................................................19Snow Announcements..........................................................................19Social Events.......................................................................................19Textbooks.......................................................................................20Campus Visitors.....................................................................................20Junior/Senior Privileges.............................................................................20

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Program of InstructionChapel.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Parent-Teacher Conferences................................................................21Academic Distinctions..........................................................................21Promotion.............................................................................................23Dropping or Adding a Course...............................................................23Plagiarism.............................................................................................23Guidance & Counseling......................................................................24Academic Hub.........................................................................................24Physical Education..............................................................................25Classroom Procedures ...........................................................................25Material Selection Guidelines..............................................................26Cocurricular Music Selection Guidelines..............................................27Student Leadership..............................................................................27Student Records....................................................................................27Upper School Academic Policies.........................................................30Advanced Placement Courses.................................................................30Grade Reporting & Grading Procedure...............................................31National Junior Honor Society/National Honor Society...................31Standardized Testing............................................................................32Summer School Academic Policy........................................................32Summer School Enrollment.................................................................33Tutoring Policy......................................................................................33Withdrawing from Westminster...........................................................33

Health & Safety Health Records.....................................................................................34Physicals...................................................................................34Immunizations......................................................................................35Medication...........................................................................................35Illness....................................................................................................36Accidents/Injuries................................................................................37Student Insurance.................................................................................37

Business & FinanceFees ...................................................................................................38Financial Policies/Payment Plans.........................................................38Returned Checks.......................................................................................39

Athletic Policies Ten Pillars for Wildcat Athletics...........................................................40Purpose of Athletic Program.................................................................40Upper School Athletic Eligibility Standards......................................41Middle School Athletic Eligibility Standards......................................42Guidelines for Team Selection & Playing Time....................................42Communication with Coaches ............................ .................................43

Index............................................................................................................44

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Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year at Westminster Christian Academy. This year, we anticipate the student body at Westminster Christian Academy to reach 1,000 students from more than 700 families. Wow! That is big community, and we are pleased that you are a part of it. Whenever you have groups of people working together for a common purpose, it is important to have clearly stated policies to help the organization operate smoothly and efficiently. Athletic teams have playbooks; bands and orchestras have the musical score; and schools have Student/Parent Handbooks. The purpose of this handbook is to guide our daily life together in the school community. We are responsible for communicating expectations clearly and ensuring that they are accurate. For this reason, we constantly reflect upon these policies and update this handbook each year. In addition to communicating these policies, the faculty, staff, and administration give their best to implement them as consistently as possible in order to enable our community to flourish. We ask two things of you with regard to this handbook. First, we ask you and your student(s) to read it so that you will all become familiar with the policies and procedures that will guide our year together. After reading it, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to find the answer for you. Second, we ask that you follow and support these policies as a practical expression of the essential partnership between your home and the school in your child’s education. In a community like ours, challenging situations occasionally arise. When they do, a strong partnership between the home and school will help us to work through them together. It is going to be a great year! Love to you in Christ,

Tom Stoner, EdDHead of School

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Tom Stoner, EdDHead of School

Mission/PhilosophyIN THIS SECTION• Mission Statement

• Philosophy

Mission StatementWestminster Christian Academy honors Jesus Christ by providing an excellent education, rooted in biblical truth as interpreted by the Westminster Confession of Faith, for the children of Christian parents. Faculty and staff enable students to discover and embrace a biblical view of the world and integrate that view into every area of life.

PhilosophyWestminster is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school serving students in grades 7-12. It is founded on the following:

We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things and that Jesus Christ is the only redeemer of our fallen world. As a covenantal school, we are committed, in partner- ship with home and church, to a quality education based on these truths.

We believe that our curriculum provides an academically diverse student body with knowledge in the traditional liberal arts and the skills and wisdom to apply that knowledge. Teachers are committed to designing and employing creative teaching strategies to meet this goal.

We believe that a complete education transforms knowledge into practical action. The development and application of Christian character through leadership training, community service, cocurricular programs, and the building of relationships, are essential outgrowths of our educational perspective.

We believe that trust, respect, and open communication are the foundations of the school program and the community atmosphere. We expect staff and students to exemplify biblical standards in their attitudes and lifestyles, and to take personal responsibility for the growth and development of others.

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OrganizationIN THIS SECTION• Accreditation/Recognition• The Association• The Board of Directors• Faculty & Staff• Parent Organizations• Assistance Directory

Accreditation/RecognitionThe Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) accredits Westminster Christian Academy. ISACS is comprised of over 200 accredited schools in 15 Midwestern states. In 1991, the United States Department of Education recognized Westminster as a “National School of Excellence.”

The AssociationWestminster Christian Academy was established and is run by a parent association that has a constitutional role in the ongoing ministry of the school. Association members must be supportive of the Constitution and Bylaws (copies are available in the Business Office), and must sign the Association membership form on an annual basis. The Association meets in November and March of each year for the purpose of electing Board members, approving the annual budget and curriculum, and receiving financial, academic, and other appropriate reports.

Membership in the Westminster Association is considered both a privilege and a responsibility for Christian parents dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education for their children. Association members are encouraged to attend both regular meetings and any special meetings in order to effectively participate in the successful operation of our school.

The Board of DirectorsThe Westminster Board of Directors is the chief policy-making body of the school, consisting of no fewer than nine and no more than eighteen members. At the March meeting of the Association, one-third of the directors are elected for a three-year term of office. Board members are nominated on the basis of their prior interest and service to Westminster.

In order to effectively govern Westminster, the Board is organized into five standing committees and several special committees. Board members and parents outside of the Board serve on these committees to provide leadership and direction for our school. The standing committees are enrollment, finance, building and grounds, education, and development.

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Wesminster Board of Directors, 2014-15Jeffrey G. Alldredge Jeffrey X. ClayThomas C. DruryPeter B. Harre (Treasurer)John M. HibblerScott HighmarkJeff JohnstonChristopher M. KehrSteven A. Linton (Past President)

Bret Mehlhouse Jeffrey J. Meyers Joel A. Montgomery, Jr. (Secretary)Rowdy MontgomeryMichael Ottsen (Vice President)Michael Stanfill (President)Robert F. Wilkinson Peter J. Zandstra

Faculty & StaffThe administrators and teachers at Westminster are appointed by the Board after careful consideration of their spiritual, academic, and physical qualifications. All teachers and administrators possess the minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but many hold a master’s degree and beyond.

All members of the teaching staff must also declare their unconditional agreement with the Constitution and Bylaws of Westminster Christian Academy. They must be members of a church whose doctrine is in agreement with the Bylaws, must be scripturally sound in their teaching, and must lead exemplary Christian lives.

The administrators and teachers are committed to serving our Lord and the families of Westminster. If you have questions or concerns about a specific area of our school’s curriculum or program, please contact the teachers and/or administrators who can help you. As a school family, we must utilize effective communication to best achieve the goals

and objectives we have established for our school.

Parents Advancing Westminster The mission of Parents Advancing Westminster (PAW) is to encourage all parents to come alongside the administration, faculty and staff in taking an active role in their children’s education and extracurricular activities. PAW is designed to bring together parents and grandparents as we encourage Westminster students, as well as faculty and staff, to use their gifts and talents to glorify Jesus. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can participate as a Westminster parent.

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Who Should I Call in Regard to........?

The following directory lists the person you need to speak with about that particular topic.

Absences/Tardiness: Upper School: Betty Richardson Middle School: Teri Haxel

Academic Hub: Marjan Kempen

Admissions: Peggy Johnson

Athletics: Todd Zell

Bookstore: Diane Miller

Business: Todd Fuller

Classroom Concerns: Contact classroom teacher first; then contact: Upper School: Cindy Zavaglia Middle School: Anne DeRousse

College Information: Kate Kindbom or Karen Aaberg

Curriculum Concerns: Upper School: Cindy Zavaglia, Director of Teaching & Learning Middle School: Anne DeRousse, Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning

Discipline: Upper School: Tim Hall, Dean of Students Middle School: Deana Vandegriff, Director of Middle School

Drop Course and/or Schedule Change: Upper School: Cory Snyder, Registrar Middle School: Deana Vandegriff, Director of Middle School

Financial Aid: Eileen Goebel, Director of Student Accounts & Financial Aid

Illness of Student: Sue Haverstick, School Nurse

Personal Problems of Students: Upper School: Grades 9 & 11: Kathy Karigan Grades 10 & 12: Carla Meyer Middle School: Craig Walseth

Transcripts & Report Cards Transcripts (grades 9-11) & Report Cards (grades 9-12): Betty Richardson Transcripts (grade 12 & alumni): Karen Aaberg Transcripts & Report Cards (grades 7 & 8): Teri Haxel

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SECTION 3

General PoliciesIN THIS SECTION• Attendance & Absences• Bookstore• Building & Grounds• Cafeteria• Change of Address/Telephone Number• Complaint or Problem Procedures• Students with Disabilities• Discipline • Student Search & Seizure• Discipline Procedures• Pregnancy Policy• Dress Code• Student Drivers• Hall Passes

• School Hours/After School Supervision• Lockers• Lost & Found• Restrooms• Snow Announcements• Social Events• Telephones• Text Books• Campus Visitors• Facility Use• Junior/Senior Privileges

Attendance & AbsencesWestminster is committed to the philosophy and practice of classroom academic instruction. Each school day provides new learning experiences and opportunities to grow. In addition, the social and relational aspects of the learning process are as significant as the content and subject matter. While some elements of a missed classroom experience may be repeated or recovered, certain other facets are lost, to the student’s detriment. Therefore, it is expected that students attend and participate in all classes. Some absences, however, are inevitable and unavoidable. The following attendance policy will be utilized to encourage faithful attendance and ensure student performance:

Excused AbsencesIf a student must be absent on a school day, a parent must notify the appropriate school office before 9 a.m. This is considered an “excused absence.” All students will be limited to 5 excused absences (EA) per class per quarter without penalty. For each EA in excess of 5, a 1% quarter grade reduction/class will be applied.

In the case of severe and/or prolonged illness (for example, when hospitalization is required), exceptions to the maximum absence policy may be made at the discretion of the school administration. A doctor’s note is required within one week of any extended absences. Classroom work will be made up at the discretion of the appropriate teacher, department head or administrator.

Unexcused AbsencesWhen a parent fails to contact the appropriate school office to excuse his/her student’s absence, it is considered an “unexcused absence.” Additionally, organized “skip days” by classes or groups of students are considered unexcused absences. Any unexcused absences (UA) will result in a 1% reduction in his/her quarter grade per UA. Students will be required to make up missed work according to the direction of the appropriate teacher. Appeals of unexcused absences must be made within one week of the absence.

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Excessive Absence PolicyBecause Westminster believes that classroom instruction plays a vital role in a student’s education and that one can never compensate for absence from school, students must meet certain attendance standards to receive credit for a class. Therefore, the following will apply in the case of excessive student absences:

• Any student who exceeds 15 absences of any kind per semester – excused or unexcused – will not receive credit for the class.

• The student’s grade level counselor will call the student’s parents when the student’s absences have reached an initial level of concern in any one semester.

• A conference between the student’s parents and the grade level counselor and the appropriate administrator will be convened if a pattern of absences continues.

• A long-term illness exemption may be pre-approved via a written appeal from the parents that includes a doctor’s signed statement indicating that the student is unable to be in school.

• School-sponsored events (e.g., field trips or athletic competitions) will not be treated as absences.

Family TripsStudents who desire to go on a family or college trip causing them to be absent from school for more than two days must make prior arrangements with the appropriate school office. A Trip Form can be obtained by sending a note from home indicating the dates and purpose of the trip. The completed form must be returned to the appropriate school office in advance of the trip (5 school days prior to the trip is recommended). After reviewing the reason for the requested absence, the input from the teachers, and the current academic status of the student, a decision will be made as to the advisability of the absence.

Students who are absent are required to hand in all missed assignments and take all missed tests/quizzes within the number of days equal to the number of days absent.

Leaving Campus• If a student becomes ill, he/she must report to the school nurse to telephone his/her

parents for permission to leave campus. Students should not use personal cell phones for this purpose. Parents must give permission to the school nurse before a student leaves campus.

• If a student must leave campus during the school day, a parental note must be presented to the appropriate school office at the beginning of the school day, at which time the student will be given a pass for dismissal from class. In the event of something unforeseen, a parent must call the appropriate office with permission before a student will be allowed to leave campus.

• Prior to leaving campus, the student must sign out in the appropriate school office. Students must report to the office when returning to be issued an admittance pass.

• Students who leave school without permission or who do not sign out in the office before leaving will receive an unexcused absence for all class time missed. Additionally, a conduct detention may be issued by the Director of Middle School/Dean of Students if deemed appropriate.

TardinessIn order to best develop and utilize their God-given talents, students must be wise stewards of their class time each day. Punctual arrival to class and school each day is crucial to the effective operation of our school and the enhancement of individual self-discipline. It is therefore important to fully understand and support the following tardy policies and

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expectations.• Students who arrive after 7:55 a.m. (9:30 a.m. on Thursdays) must report to the office

for a pass.• Students are expected to be in their classroom and seated when the bell rings. • All tardies to the first hour of the day will be unexcused. This includes 2nd or 3rd

periods when they are the first block on upper school block schedule. • A tardy becomes an unexcused absence fifteen (15) minutes after classes begin if the

appropriate school office does not receive a note or telephone call.

Tardiness to individual classes/study hall/Advisory will be treated on a quarterly basis in the following manner:

1st: No consequence. 2nd: No consequence. 3rd: (4th for 1st period): Teacher contacts parents. 4th (5th for 1st period): 30-minute detention with teacher5th (6th for 1st period) and any additional: Tardy detention

BookstoreThe bookstore operates as a service to families. It is open daily. P.E. uniforms, a variety of school supplies, and school spirit items are available for purchase and may be paid for by cash, check or through a Bookstore & Café debit account. The latter makes it simple for your student to purchase food and beverage items from the Café and books and supplies from the Bookstore throughout the year. You can add funds to the account any time, receive “low balance” notifications, and view all of your student’s purchases.

Building & GroundsThrough the generous contributions of prayer, energy, and financial resources of many parents and friends of Westminster, we are blessed with a beautiful facility. All of us must assume a personal responsibility for the care and upkeep of the buildings and grounds of our school.

Any damage to the buildings, grounds, or furnishings of Westminster must be repaired and/or replaced at the expense of those causing the damage. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action if they willfully or negligently cause the destruction of school property.

CaféThe school Café offers students a variety of hot and cold foods each day. Students may bring their lunches from home or purchase items from the Café. Students are expected to display good manners, to assist in keeping the Café clean by removing items from their table when finished, and to clean up the area where they eat.

Students will be permitted in the kitchen only with a school pass or when doing volunteer work. Access to the kitchen facilities for use by students or parents will be available when necessary.

Parents have the option to deposit funds into a Bookstore & Café debit account (see also Bookstore). This can be accomplished either online at wcastl.org or by mailing a check payable to Westminster Christian Academy (with your child’s name in the memo line) to the Westminster Business Office.

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Change of Address/Telephone Number Please notify the Business Office as soon as possible regarding any change in a student’s address or telephone number. This information is imperative for our financial, emergency, and health records.

Complaint or Problem ProceduresDuring the course of the year, misunderstandings or problems can arise. This is often the result of lack of communication between those involved. Westminster’s policy for dealing with these situations and complaints is consistent with the teachings found in Matthew 18:

• All questions, problems or complaints should be brought to the teacher first before anyone else is involved.

• If the situation is not cleared up at this level through direct contact, it should then be brought to the appropriate administrator.

• If the situation is not solved at this level, it should then be presented in writing to the chairman of the Education Committee of the Board for inclusion in the agenda of the regular monthly meeting of the Education Committee.

• Finally, but only when all of the above three steps have been taken, the problem is submitted to the Board of Directors through written appeal from the Education Committee or the parent or teacher. It will then be placed on the agenda of the entire Board of Directors at its regular monthly meeting.

Students with DisabilitiesWestminster requires the parent or guardian of any student with a diagnosed disability who desires accommodations to provide the school with a request for the accommodations and evidence establishing the disability. Parents or guardians must notify both the Director of Special Services and the Guidance Counselor (Middle or Upper School) of any requestsfor accommodations based on disability. Students with a current school year ISP meet this notification requirement through the ISP process.

DisciplineBecause Westminster Christian Academy is dedicated to honoring Jesus Christ, all of us must represent our school with behavior and attitudes that are pleasing to Christ and further the cause of His kingdom. Our conduct and speech should always seek to follow God’s directive to “love Him above all and our neighbor as ourselves.”

In order to direct our behavior down the path our Lord sets before us in the Bible, the following guidelines have been established:

Respect: Act in such a way that you demonstrate proper respect for God, school authorities, school rules and policies, school property, the feelings and rights of other students, and yourself. Honesty: Be honest in all school situations, including the taking of tests, the completion of homework, and in the interrelationships that are a part of daily school life.Integrity: Use language and display character that is properly moral and Christ-like. Cooperation: Cooperate with the faculty and staff in achieving the goals of Westminster regarding conduct, performance, and attitude. Effort: Use the gifts God has given you to the best of your ability in accordance with God’s will for your life and proper Christian stewardship.

Student misconduct at Westminster is divided into two categories: Type A Behavior, which

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is considered serious, and Type B Behavior, which is less serious but still inappropriate and unacceptable. Students who violate standards in either category will be subject to discipline as deemed appropriate by the administration.

Type A BehaviorsThese may result in suspension and/or expulsion. Type A Behavior infractions include but are not limited to the following:

• Possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes (or similar, whether they deliver nicotine or not) on campus or at school-sponsored activities.

• Possession and/or use of dangerous or potentially dangerous items such as guns, knives, matches or lighters and fireworks.

• Spoken or written threats made on campus during school hours or at school-sponsored events.

• Fighting. • Honesty infractions such as lying, stealing, forgery, plagiarism, or cheating. If

students are found cheating on homework, tests, or quizzes, they will also receive a zero for that work.

• Skipping school (all work missed will be given a zero). • Setting a fire or pulling the fire alarm. • Excessive detentions and/or behavioral problems. • Participation in pranks against the school or school property. • Racial or ethnic slurs, discrimination, hazing, intimidating others, or engaging in hate

acts/remarks and all other verbal or physical conduct of a racial, ethnic, or otherwise offensive nature.

• Sexual harassment: meaning unwelcome sexual advances and all other verbal (e.g. sexually offensive jokes, innuendoes, and other sexually oriented statements or behavior) or physical conduct of a sexual or otherwise offensive nature.

• Bullying: meaning any systematic or chronic conduct that physically, emotionally or mentally harms a student or creates an intimidating or hostile environment that interferes with a student’s educational opportunities.

Type B BehaviorsThese may result in reprimand, pink slip, work assignment, conduct detention, suspension, or other forms of disciplinary action. Type B Behavior infractions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Profanity, obscenity, and/or vulgar speech. • Insubordination or disrespect. • Classroom disruptions. • Inappropriate access to the Westminster computer network, misuse of school

technology, or violation of the Westminster iPad use/Internet use policy.• Use of cell phones during class or chapel times for upper school students, and during

school hours for middle school students.• Use of personal technology for playing video games, watching movies or music videos

at any time during school day.• Use of social media including taking and posting pictures or video without permission• Possession and/or use of skateboards, scooters, roller blades, or roller shoes on

campus.• Running and/or horseplay in the building.• Sending out for food during the school day without teacher permission. • Public displays of affection and/or inappropriate physical contact between students. • Entry into certain “off limits” areas of the building or grounds: kitchen, maintenance

areas, closets, storage areas, and busses.

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• Skipping a class. (Note: Any work that is missed—tests, quizzes, and/or homework may receive a zero when skipping is involved.)

• Reckless driving on the school parking lot or parking violations.

Students who engage in other serious misconduct in or outside of school not expressly covered by the foregoing standards (e.g. social media, Internet abuse, or other digital communication), but which is disruptive to school operations and detrimental to good order and discipline, may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

Student Search & SeizureThe administration recognizes that incidents may occur which jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff and which necessitate the search and seizure of students, their property, cars, or their lockers by school officials. Students shall be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by school officials. School officials may search a student’s outer clothing, pockets, or property by establishing a reasonable cause or securing the student’s voluntary consent.

The search is reasonable if it meets both of the following criteria: 1. The action is justified at the inception, i.e. the school official has reasonable grounds

for suspecting that the search will uncover evidence of a rule and/or criminal violation.

2. The scope of the search is reasonably related to the circumstances that justified the search in the first place, i.e., the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search and are not excessively intrusive in light of the age and gender of the student and the nature of the infraction.

Discipline ProceduresStudent ResponsibilityAs members of a Christian community who are concerned for one another, students are expected to follow the guidelines of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:15-17) when aware of violations of the school standards. This will usually mean the following:

First: Personally confront the person and encourage him to stop the violation and to make known his problem to those in authority. The problem should not be communicated to other students who are not immediately involved. Second: Others who are aware of the problem should be encouraged to talk to the person if the first step is unsuccessful.Third: It is the responsibility of the student, in obedience to the Lord’s command, to report a violation to school authorities so that the one who has committed the violation can be helped. Inability or failure to follow the first two steps should not keep a student from following the last.

Teacher ResponsibilityIndividual teachers will handle inappropriate behavior in their own classrooms. It is expected that most disciplinary problems will hopefully be resolved between the student and teacher.

Pink SlipsPink slips can be issued for minor infractions (e.g. leaving bags in the hall or dress code violations). A Conduct Detention is assigned for every two pink slips issued per quarter.

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Conduct Detention HallAfter-school conduct detention will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15–4:15 p.m. in Room A115. Conduct Detentions The following is the quarterly progression for Conduct Detentions:

First: One-hour detention. Second: One-hour detention. Third: One-day suspension (1 percent reduction in quarter/semester grades). Fourth: Two-day suspension (2 percent reduction in quarter/semester grades) and possibly a Behavior Contract instituted. Fifth: Consideration of withdrawal.

Students will be issued conduct detentions by the Director of Middle School, Dean of Students, or teachers. The student will have two dates from which to choose to serve the detention. The student is to take the detention notice home to inform his/her parents and make transportation arrangements. The signed detention form must be turned in at the beginning of the detention time (3:15 p.m.).

No conduct detention may be served without a parent’s signature on the detention form. Failure to serve a detention on one of the two dates assigned on the form will result in an additional one-hour detention.

Tardy Detentions Tardy detentions are considered a form of disciplinary punishment and should be regarded as such by students in the detention hall. Students will be expected to complete a written assignment or work detail as assigned by the detention hall monitor. Homework or other study may be done after the written assignment has been successfully completed. Talking, sleeping, eating, drinking, chewing gum, or causing any kind of disturbance will not be tolerated.

The Dean of Students, Director of Middle School, or Director of Student Services will issue tardy detentions. The student is to take the tardy detention notice home to inform his/her parents and make transportation arrangements.

Students will serve their tardy detention for one hour, from 3:15–4:15 p.m. on the Friday identified on the detention form. The signed detention form must be turned in at the beginning of the detention time. If a student fails to serve his tardy detention on the date assigned, he will be issued a conduct detention. While accumulating tardy detentions during a quarter will not result in a suspension, students are reminded that accumulating three conduct detentions during a quarter will result in a day of in-school suspension.

Severe and/or Chronic BehaviorIf a student is involved in behavior inconsistent with the mission of the school, or has reached the limit of the classroom teacher’s discipline plan, he/she will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

SuspensionA student may be suspended for Type A or Type B Behavior violations. When possible, in-

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school suspensions will be used. On the day of an in-school suspension, the student must report to the office by 7:30 a.m. with enough academic work to occupy his/her time for the day. Students suspended from school are not permitted to participate in after-school practices, rehearsals, performances, or athletic contests on the day(s) of their suspensions. The student is released at 3:30 p.m. A reentry meeting with parents, administrators, and/or teachers may be required.

Behavior ContractA student who consistently displays behavior or attitudes in opposition to the standards and requirements of Westminster could be placed on a Behavior Contract. The following conditions will define this procedure:

• Students will be placed on a Behavior Contract at the discretion of the school administration and teachers after careful evaluation, prayer, and consultation with parents.

• The probation period will last for at least one semester. • The contract will describe the behavior problem and the conditions for improvement. • A Behavior Contract may specify that the student on probation will not represent

Westminster as a member of any team, organization, activity, or group.

ExpulsionStudents who do not respond to corrective measures and continue to exhibit negative behavior and/or attitudes, who are involved in very serious misconduct, or who bring discredit to Westminster Christian Academy, may be expelled or asked to immediately withdraw. Parents may appeal the expulsion of their child to the Board of Directors.

Pregnancy PolicyWhen the administration becomes aware of a pregnancy, the students involved will be suspended for an indefinite period of time (not less than 5 days) to allow for an investigation of the facts, discernment of the spiritual condition of the students involved, and the appropriate response of the school. Continued enrollment at Westminster will be conditional upon the approval of the Head of School, with the support of the Education Committee and the Board of Directors. Such approval will include the following stipulations:

• The students must reside with parents or legal guardian under ordinary circumstances. Married students will not be permitted to continue enrollment at Westminster.

• The students and parents must be willing under ordinary circumstances to enter into a working relationship with the school and their church. The administration will make contact with the student’s pastor to assess the spiritual condition of the student and his/ her parent, and to form a cooperative plan with the intention of bringing the student back into a proper relationship with the Lord and encouraging appropriate behavior.

• Students involved in a pregnancy and their parents must support open, timely, factual communication with the Westminster student body and parent community.

• If the indefinite suspension of Westminster students continues beyond one week, Westminster will under ordinary circumstances help students fulfill their academic responsibilities.

• In addition, students involved in a pregnancy may later be asked to pursue home-bound instruction and/or be suspended from the privilege of representing Westminster in school-sponsored performances, including athletics, music, drama, and leadership positions. Normally, those students will be permitted to participate in graduation and receive all appropriate academic honors.

• In order to be considered for continued enrollment, the students and parents must fully cooperate with the school’s attempts to fulfill these conditions.

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Standardized Dress Code Lands’ End is our official clothing provider. Purchasing from this vendor is required to ensure compliance with Westminster’s standardized dress code policy.

o The most convenient way to purchase standardized dress items is by shopping online. You can access the selection of clothing for Westminster by visiting wcastl.org/standardized-dress-program, and clicking the link to the Westminster section of the Lands’ End store. Should you simply access landsend.com/school, you can find our school using the Preferred School Number 900145103. You may also call 1.800.469.2222 to place your order, or visit your local Lands’ End at Sears (located at Chesterfield Mall and MidRivers Mall). Note that the stores have a limited product assortment and no merchandise with our school logo.

o Styles and colors not listed should not be purchased for school dress. Please follow the approved color key.

o Lands’ End will embroider the Westminster logo on select items for an additional charge of $5.50 per item. Please note that the school logo is mandatory on all Land’s End shirts/tops.

o If you would like to receive email updates regarding sales, you may sign up at landsend.com/school.

Fit Guidelines• Shorts and skirts may not be more than 3 inches above the top of the knee.• In addition to Land’s End fleece jackets or button-up sweaters, students may wear

Westminster team/organization/bookstore outerwear, specifically sweatshirts, jackets or pullovers. Students must dress so that if they chose to remove their team, organization or bookstore outerwear that they are still in compliance with the Westminster standardized dress code (i.e. Land’s End shirts/tops are worn underneath)

• All shirts should extend below the waist of the student and the waistband of the slacks or skirt. If a student’s midsection can be seen at any time, the shirt should not be worn to school. Here are two good tests:

1. When you raise one hand above your head, if your midsection can be seen, the shirt is too short. 2. When you bend or sit, if your shirt is too short or tight and rides up to expose your midsection, your shirt is too short. • Girls: No bra straps, cleavage, or midriff should show at any time (including when

bending over).• Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.

Additional Guidelines• Shoes may be athletic or dress-type. Sandals must have a strap across the heel.• Hair (for boys) must not hang in the eyes.• Distracting or inappropriate hairstyles and unnatural colors are not allowed.• Hats, caps, bandanas, head scarves and other headwear are not permitted during the

school day.• Visible tattoos and body piercing, with the exception of girls’ earrings, are prohibited

for both genders. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings.

There may be special days when the dress code is modified. •This includes casual days when students may wear Westminster spirit wear tops (either Westminster Spirit T-shirts or T-shirts/tops purchased from the Westminster

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Bookstore) and jeans. Jeans must be free of holes and tears.• Dress during spirit week is expected to be modest at all times.• Students are expected to dress appropriately for school-sponsored social events. Girls’

formal dresses should be modest with necklines revealing absolutely no cleavage. Midriffs must be covered.

A student who is observed to be in violation of these guidelines will be liable for disciplinary action; a parent may be notified via phone or email for dress code infractions. Students are issued a pink slip for dress code violations, and an accumulation of two pink slips per quarter results in a conduct detention.

In addition, the administration may immediately do one of the following: (1) send individual students home for violations; (2) require parents to bring appropriate clothing from home. Parents are urged to carefully monitor the clothing worn by their students when they leave for school and school functions.

Westminster reserves the right to request that students refrain from wearing or displaying a particular style of dress, makeup, or hairstyle that calls undue attention to them and/or is judged inconsistent with the standards that define the rules and policies of Westminster.

Students are expected to conform to the dress code during exam week. The administration retains the right to monitor the dress of Westminster students during school functions both on and off campus, and to request compliance from students when necessary.

Student Drivers & Student ParkingStudents who park on campus are required to purchase a parking permit and park only in the areas designated for student parking immediately upon arrival on campus. Once cars have been parked, they may not be removed during the school day without permission.

Westminster reserves the right to search any vehicle parked on school property for prohibited items outlined in the Discipline section of this handbook. The driver of the vehicle will be considered the responsible party if a prohibited item is found. No loitering in the parking lot is permitted.

Extreme caution is to be exercised at all times when driving in the parking lot. Drive slowly and carefully and always give pedestrians the right-of-way. Students who are in violation of these guidelines will be disciplined and could lose their driving privilege.

CarpoolPlease reference the Parking & Traffic Diagram.

Student TransportationTransportation of students to school-related events occurring during the school day or immediately after school will be provided by a school bus whenever practical. Transportation of smaller groups may be accommodated by vehicles (owned or rented) driven by students or adults.

Whenever student transportation will be accommodated by a means other than a school bus (e.g., students driving themselves or riding with another student or adult), the student and parent will be required to sign a travel authorization form acknowledging their approval of the method of transportation.

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Hall PassesStudents in the halls during class periods are required to have a pass signed by a teacher or staff member when going from one teacher to another.

School Hours/After-School SupervisionSchool hours are from 7:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. (Middle School)/3 p.m.(Upper School) and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Middle and Upper Schools) on Thursdays. Students should not be in the hallways before 7 a.m. (or 8:30 a.m. on Thursdays) or after 3:45 p.m. unless under the direct supervision of a faculty or staff member.

LockersA locker is assigned to each student at the beginning of the school year. Because important school communications are frequently placed in lockers, it is important that each student use only the locker assigned to him/her.

Upper school students are encouraged to lock their school lockers. Only combination locks provided by the school may be used. These are available for a $5 fee ($10 deposit, $5 refund upon return) from the Upper School Administrative Assistant.

All middle school students will be issued a combination lock and should use it to secure their belongings (especially their iPads) in their lockers. A student will be charged a $10 fee if the lock he/she is issued is not returned at the end of the school year.

Students should keep their lockers clean and neat with no open containers of food or drink in them. Decorating the inside of lockers is permissible if tastefully done. Pictures that are not offensive to the Westminster community may be posted with removable tape. Outside decorations are limited to Westminster teams and organizations only.

Students must not remove or deface their name/ID stickers on the outside of lockers.

Special locker stickers recognizing a student’s participation as a member of a Westminster athletic team, school club/organization or special activity (such as musical or fall play) may be tastefully added to a student’s name/ID sticker on the outside of his or her locker. These stickers must be no larger than 1.5” x 1.5”.

Outside locker decorations for birthdays, special recognition or sports events will be removed the next day. Any exceptions must be approved by the Assistant to the Director of Middle School or Director of Student Services.

Although a locker is for the private use of the individual student, the faculty and administration reserve the right to search student lockers and contents if necessary.

Lost & FoundUnclaimed articles will be placed in the lost and found. Students may check in the following locations for lost or missing personal items and textbooks.:• Jewelry, money, or other items of value should be brought to the Middle School

Office or the Student Services Office. • All clothing or personal items will be located in marked lost and found mobile storage

units located in the hallway outside the Maintenance Office (near the Café’ food line entrances).

At the end of each semester, unclaimed items will be donated to a charity.

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Reenrolling Current StudentsStudent registration, reenrollment contract, and tuition deposit are due in January to reserve a place for the following school year. Contracts are renewed annually. Once the reenrollment process is completed, the student is able to create a course schedule for the following school year. Because Westminster is a voluntary community, the school reserves the right to review and alter a student’s enrollment status at any time. Past enrollment does not guarantee ongoing enrollment. Examples of factors under review include but are not limited to a student’s academic or behavioral record, the family’s tuition payment history, or the conduct of the parent(s) in the larger school community.

RestroomsStudents may use the restrooms before and after school, between class periods, and during lunchtime. Loitering in restrooms is not permitted. Students who are ill should report to the school nurse and not go to and/or remain in a restroom.

Snow AnnouncementsIn case the school is closed or operating on the snow schedule because of inclement weather and poor traveling conditions, Westminster will inform local media as early as possible. Parents are advised to watch/listen to broadcasts early in the morning and during the day if a storm develops during school hours. Starting time for the snow schedule is 9:30 a.m. All households may also be contacted by the school’s automated voice message system.

Social EventsThe scriptural standard for social activities can be summarized in God’s directive in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory ofGod.” Wholesome activities are heartily commended as examples of ways in which we mayglorify God and delight in His world and one another.

Dancing (with the exception of square dancing) is not permitted at school or schoolsponsored events. While not making a moral judgment regarding social dancing, theWestminster Board of Directors has formulated this policy on the basis of two arguments:1) the difficult task of setting and monitoring limits to ensure that social dancing would betruly honoring to the Lord and edifying to a holy life; and 2) the fact that social dancingwould create an offense for some of our Westminster family.

The following should guide school-sponsored social activities: • Teachers and parent chaperones involved in the planning of social activities with

classes and student groups should make sure that students are properly chaperoned at all times, and should assume the responsibility of holding students accountable to conduct them- selves in a manner consistent with Westminster’s standards and expectations.

• Modest attire should be worn at all social activities. Modest swimwear (preferably one- piece suits for ladies and swim trunks for men) is required.

• School activities will not be held on Sunday (with the exception of musical performances that constitute all or part of worship services).

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Textbooks Most textbooks are loaned to students and therefore remain the property of Westminster. Students are responsible for the care and protection of textbooks and will be charged for any that are lost or unreasonably worn or damaged. All hardbound textbooks are to be covered by the beginning of the second week of school. Some classes may require special supplies, materials, or books that are not furnished by the school. Teachers will provide ample instructions regarding the acquisition of these required classroom materials.

Campus Visitors Westminster has established the following guidelines regarding campus visitors:

• No visitors are allowed to attend classes without permission from the Admissions Office.

• Non-Westminster students seeking enrollment are permitted to visit the campus and attend classes only upon prior approval of the Director of Admissions. Parents of the visitor or host student must make arrangements with the Director of Admissions at least one day in advance. All visitors will be issued a visitor’s pass from the school receptionist on the morning of their visit.

• A friend visiting a Westminster student from out of town may only attend classes for one day per year after making prior arrangements with the Admissions Office.

• All other campus visitors should sign in at the school receptionist desk to receive a visitor’s pass.

• With the exception of family members, alumni and youth pastors, lunch visitors are not permitted. Visitors must sign in at the school receptionist desk to receive a visitor’s pass.

• Parents, grandparents and alumni are always welcome at chapel, assemblies, and all cocurricular activities.

Junior PrivilegesJuniors with no incomplete grades or semester/4th quarter grades below a C average for any course in the second semester of their sophomore year are eligible to exercise “junior privilege,” provided they have first submitted a signed junior privilege form to Mrs. Brown in the Student Services Office. This privilege allows juniors to report to either the Cafe or the 11th and 12th Grade Commons instead of the academic hub during their study hall period only. The administration reserves the right to suspend or revoke junior privileges for disciplinary or academic reasons.

Senior PrivilegesSeniors with no incomplete grades or semester/4th quarter grades below a C average for any course in the second semester of their junior year are allowed to leave campus during their study hall period, provided they have first submitted a signed senior privilege form to Mrs. Richardson in the Upper School Office. Seniors who abuse this privilege in any way may have their senior privileges temporarily suspended or permanently revoked. The administration reserves the right to suspend or revoke senior privileges for disciplinary or academic reasons.

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SECTION 4

Program of InstructionIN THIS SECTION• Chapel• Parent-Teacher Conferences• Academic Distinctions• Plagiarism• Guidance & Counseling• Classroom Procedures• Materials Selection Guidelines• Student Leadership• Student Records •Upper School Academic Policies• Grade Reporting (Schoolmaster) & Grading Procedure

• National Junior Honor Society/ National Honor Society• Standardized Testing• Summer School• Tutoring Policy• Withdrawing from Westminster

Chapel Weekly chapel service is a key component of community life at Westminster. Chapel is intended to promote spiritual growth and to provide students and staff the opportunity to worship God together. Guest speakers, musical groups, drama presentations, as well as Westminster students and faculty members, lead these services. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent-teacher conferences will be held on the dates indicated on the annual school calendar. Parents are encouraged to utilize these conferences to communicate directly with their student’s teachers.

Conferences with a teacher at any time of the school year are both welcomed and encouraged. It is only through close home and school cooperation and communication that the true educational ideals of Westminster can be achieved. Please contact the teacher directly or a guidance counselor if you desire a conference with a teacher.

Academic DistinctionsStudents who distinguish themselves through outstanding academic achievement will be placed on one of the following honor rolls at the conclusion of each semester: President’s List: Students with a GPA of 4.0 or above. Honor Roll: Students with at least a 3.5 GPA.Honorable Mention: Students with at least a 3.333 GPA. At graduation, senior academic achievement will be honored as follows: High Honors: Students with a four-year GPA of 3.667 or above. Honors: Students with a four-year GPA of 3.333 and up to 3.666.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Grades 9–12)(Units required for each diploma.)

SUBJECT HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSBible 3 3 3Business, Comm. and 1b 1b 1b

TechnologyEnglish 3d 4 4 Fine Arts 1d 1 1World Language 0 2 2f

History 2g 3 3Math 2d 3a 4a

Physical Education 1 1 1Science 2 3c 3c

Electives 7d 3 4 TOTAL 22 24 26e

The High School Diploma is available by administrative approval only. a. Some colleges and universities require Algebra 1 as a fourth unit of mathematics. Westminster offers Algebra 1 in 8th grade; therefore it does not count as a high school unit. b. Two half units of Business, Communications and Technology are required.c. Physics, Biology, and Chemistry are the three sciences required for the College Preparatory and Scholars Diplomas. d. Elective Recommendation: a fourth year of English and a third year of math are

strongly recommended. The Missouri State High School Diploma requires two units of fine arts.

e. At least four of these units must be AP classes. No semester grade less than a C- in an AP

class is allowed. A minimum overall GPA of 3.5 is required. f. In order to take an AP exam in a language, a student needs four years of that language. g. History of Global Conflicts (1 semester), Western Civilization, Government (1

semester) and U.S. History are required courses.

Note: Seniors must fulfill all graduation requirements,including those for the senior service program, by the end of the senior examination period in order to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma.

Seniors who fail to meet these requirements will be placed on a contract specifying what work is to be completed for graduation. The student will have until the first Monday in August to complete the work or permanently forfeit the right to graduate.

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Promotion In order for a student in the Upper School to be promoted to the next grade, the following total number of credits must be earned prior to the start of the school year: CUMULATIVE NUMBER OF GRADE LEVEL EARNED CREDITS Entering Grade 10 6 Entering Grade 11 12 Entering Grade 12 18*Students must pass both math and English to be promoted.

Dropping or Adding a Course (Upper School) Courses may be dropped or added only during the first two weeks of a semester, except in emergency situations. Courses added after the two-week guideline may require adequate tutoring, which will be the responsibility of the student and parents. Any student who is removed from a class for disciplinary reasons after the first two weeks may receive an “F” for the entire semester.

The following procedure should be followed to add or drop a course: (1) Student consults with a guidance counselor and they fill out forms together; (2) Parent’s signature is required first; (3) Teachers sign both the class-dropped and the class-added spaces; (4) the form is returned to the guidance counselor for final signature and authorization.

PlagiarismThere are two distinct types of plagiarism: intentional plagiarism and unintentional plagiarism. The intentional type can be identified by the following behaviors: 1. A student copies another’s paper completely or in part. 2. A student purchases or steals from the Internet an essay and claims it as his or her own. 3. A student copies passages, ideas, statistics or wording from a book, periodical, Web site or other source and claims it as his own without either parenthetical citations or a listing on a works cited page. Intentional plagiarism is tantamount to cheating. In such cases, students may receive the full punishment of cheating—a zero and suspension.

However, on occasion students make inadvertent mistakes on papers because of a failure to understand the breadth of plagiarism. Accordingly, we recognize that sometimes students unintentionally plagiarize. Whether or not suspect wording is merely a mistake in documentation or truly egregious plagiarism should be left to teachers and administrators. Since this issue is not simply black or white, fairness and clear judgment should prevail. Thus, the following shall serve as examples of unintentional plagiarism: 1. A student lists a source on his works cited page but fails to include it as an in-text citation. 2. A student does the reverse: he fails to put a parenthetical citation cross-reference on the works cited. 3. A student unintentionally fails to put quotation marks around a passage he paraphrases or summarizes.

In such cases the teacher should deduct points for manuscript errors and use the occasion to clarify what plagiarism is rather than imposing the full penalty for outright plagiarism.

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Guidance & CounselingThe Guidance and Counseling Department is committed to helping students recognize their God-given talents and gifts and to develop them to their maximum potential. Because they are God’s image bearers, we recognize that He has given each student unique abilities and gifts that they are to use for Him. The guidance counselors are always available to help students understand themselves better, overcome obstacles, and see God’s plan for their lives.

Personal Counseling: The disciplines of learning, growing, and living for Christ can often confront students with significant challenges. They sometimes need help in their relationships with God, with themselves, and with others. The guidance counselors are available to give them the love, understanding, and direction that will help them work through difficulties.

Academic Counseling: Often, students will face decisions regarding courses and their schedule. Difficulties with particular courses, misunderstandings with teachers, and problems with studying or test taking may crop up on occasion, impeding academic progress. The guidance counselors can help students achieve their academic goals. Our counselors are also available to meet with families to develop a four-year plan to help guide course selection throughout high school.

College and Vocational Counseling: As students progress through the upper school program, they will face important decisions regarding what college to attend or vocation to pursue. The Guidance Department is trained to help students with the college assessment and application process. Counselors can also provide information about college and career choices.

Parent Support: Parenting adolescents in a godly manner is a task full of joy and challenges. Questions about adolescent development, academic concerns and personal, social/ emotional issues often trouble parents. The guidance counselors are available to schedule meetings with parents or guardians to discuss any questions that might arise in this area.

The Guidance Department at Westminster exists for students. Students are encouraged to ask for help when problems, questions, or concerns are bothering them.

Academic Hub All students are invited and encouraged to make full use of the Academic Hub for research, study, and reading. The library is open from 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7 a.m.– 4 p.m. on Friday.

In order to best utilize our Academic Hub, the following guidelines will be observed: • No books, magazines, or reserve materials may be taken from the Academic Hub

unless checked out. • Please respect others who are using the Academic Hub by working quietly. • Students must pay for the replacement of any Academic Hub materials checked out in

their name that are damaged or lost. • Students may have no more than five (5) books checked out of the Academic Hub at

one time.

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Physical EducationPhysical education is an important part of each student’s total development at Westminster and an integral part of our curriculum. The following guidelines will be in effect:

Attendance/TardyAttendance and tardiness to P.E. class will be treated the same as in any other Westminster class. Students are to be in the locker room by the late bell and dressed and in their designated spot five (5) minutes after the late bell.

Excuse PolicyA written excuse must be submitted to the P.E. teacher prior to class on the day of non-participation. The parental excuse should contain the reason for not participating and be signed by the parent. Students with extended excuses (more than three days) must have written verification from both their parents and a medical doctor (who is not one of the student’s parents) stating the cause, duration, and possible moderate exercises. Any missed workouts, excused or unexcused, need to be made up for the student to receive points toward his/her overall grade. Students will need to individually discuss make-up options with their teacher.

Uniform PolicyStudents will be required to wear the Westminster t-shirts and shorts, white socks, and

athletic shoes. Clothing must be marked for identification.

General Physical Education Rules and PoliciesGeneral rules and policies for Physical Education (P.E.) classes are as follows:

• Jewelry must not be worn during the P.E. class. • Glass containers are not permitted in the locker rooms. • P.E. students are encouraged to take showers at the end of class.• Students should bring a towel from home since towels are not supplied by

Westminster. Towels are to be taken home and laundered at least every other day.• Students are expected to use provided P.E. lockers and locks to lock up all valuables

during P.E. class.

Classroom Procedures In order for students to have the freedom to make the most of every class period, certain basic requirements and understandings have been established. As a community dedicated to glorifying God and growing in Him, it is vital that each student contributes to each learning activity and opportunity in a positive way.

Classroom ExpectationsIn order to promote a quality learning environment in each classroom and the development of good manners, students are expected to follow the guidelines below: Students should not speak out or express disapproval when another student or teacher has the floor. Our attitude and manners should reflect our desire to follow Christ’s command to love one another.

• Students should come to class with the proper supplies: textbooks, notebook, homework, paper, pen or pencil.

• The teacher and not the bell will dismiss class. Students are not to leave their desks before they are dismissed.

• Students should wait to be recognized by the teacher before making a request.

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• Windows, lights, heat, blinds, and the AMX/AV system should be adjusted by the teacher or at the teacher’s direction only.

The following guidelines are to assist students:

HomeworkHomework is considered to be an essential part of the academic program of Westminster. Students can expect a reasonable amount of homework in each class every school day in order to enhance classroom learning, prepare for the next day’s class, and establish traits such as self-discipline and responsibility.

Homework assignments are expected to be handed in on time. Late assignments will receive a lowered grade or might not be accepted at all, depending upon the discretion of the individual teacher.

Students who miss class time to participate in cocurricular activities are expected to obtain the assignments from the teacher or a classmate and come to the next class fully prepared.

Tests and ExaminationsTests are an important part of each class, and final exams are administered to students in grades 9-12 at the conclusion of each semester. Final exams do not count more than 20 percent of the final semester grade. They may count less than 20 percent depending upon the discretion of the teacher.

When tests or final exams are missed due to an absence, they are to be taken at the teacher’s convenience. The student is responsible to make the necessary arrangements.

Material Selection GuidelinesThe Westminster Christian Academy community includes families that represent the broad evangelical community, which means that different perspectives relating to biblical under- standing and interpretation surface periodically. Therefore, it is important to understand the criteria by which Westminster teachers choose curricular materials, including films and texts, to be used in their classes. The following basic principles inherent in Westminster’s Philosophy of Education guide decision making in this area:

Principle #1We believe that all that we do must be designed to clarify the person and work of Jesus Christ and to help Westminster students wrestle with the implications of living in a world that seems terribly out of line with God’s design for mankind. Therefore, teachers must choose materials for their classes that not only point to the beauty of God’s creation and the wonder of His work on our behalf but to the impact of the Fall as well so that their students can understand the world in which they live and how they can seek to have an impact upon it under God’s direction for their lives.

Principle #2We believe that Westminster teachers bear a great responsibility as partners with the home and the church in the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual development of the children of Christian parents. Therefore, it is important that Westminster teachers carefully consider the standards and expectations of parents when choosing materials to be used in class.

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Principle #3We believe that much of the material produced by secular writers and directors must be rejected out of hand because it is not designed to enlighten or instruct but merely to titillate or appeal to the prurient interests of those who read or view their work. Material that does not help students better understand the person and work of Christ, the desperate condition of humanity apart from His sacrifice on the cross, and the bankruptcy of worldviews that fail to embrace those truths should be avoided.

Principle #4 We believe that all truth-whether it comes from the pen of a Christian or a pagan-reflects the wisdom that can come only from God. The implications of this statement help to determine the materials teachers choose for their classes since the works of secular writers can offer great insight into the nature of mankind and our estrangement from God. Though the philosophies and worldviews of some writers run counter to the truths of scripture, Christian teachers can use their works to show how the world thinks so that students may wrestle with the implications of a life apart from God and are better able communicate with those who do not embrace the truths of Christianity.

Principle #5We believe that God has placed His people as agents of transformation in a fallen world. With that end in mind, Westminster teachers must challenge students to understand how the world thinks and acts so that those students will leave this school committed to that task. Our goal is not to protect Christian students from the world; it is to prepare them to change the world through service to God.

Given all of the above, teachers at Westminster Christian Academy are encouraged to choose curricular materials that will enable students to discover who they are in the light of God’s truth, embrace the implications of His work on their behalf, and accept their role in carrying out that which God has called them to do. Whether they enter into work that is typically considered secular or sacred, Westminster students should understand that all work is to be done to the glory of God and that all work committed to Him is holy. As Donovan Graham writes in Teaching Redemptively, “God has not created a split-level world in which some dimensions are to be considered sacred and holy while others are relegated to second-class status.” It is the goal of this school to work with the home and the church to prepare the next generation to be Christ’s ambassadors in whatever arena He chooses to place them, and because of that, the materials Westminster teachers use must be geared toward that end.

Cocurricular Music and Film Selection Guidelines and ProceduresWestminster Christian Academy is blessed with many opportunities to broaden the scope of the Christian education of students through special events and cocurricular activities.

Our school culture is marked by an understanding of the responsible freedoms we are provided through the work of our Savior Jesus Christ. While we strive to focus on relationship before rules, we also seek to encourage each other with the truth of I Corinthians 10:23- 24: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.”

During events and cocurricular activities, we must seek the good of our guests and larger community. Each event is an opportunity to be a positive example, holding to what is good, true, and beautiful. Each event is also an opportunity to be a negative example– to confuse, agitate, be a stumbling block, or appear inconsistent with the expectations of a distinctively

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Christian school that has a positive reputation in the community.

In choosing music for such events, we do not try to determine if a song represents good or bad music or if it is appropriate for students to listen to outside the classroom. What we are trying to determine is if a song is appropriate to share with the public (inside and outside our school) and is representative of Westminster Christian Academy.

This guide does not apply to the classroom/instructional use of music. The Material Selection Guide (pages 18-19 in the Faculty Handbook) outlines how to purposefully choose items for class discussion. Music of many kinds can be useful when it can be explored in an educational setting. In a public setting, however, music is presented without any discussion possible. If we are unable to give our audience a lens through which to view a song, then the song must stand on its own.

Procedure for Helping Students Select Music for Events and Cocurricular ActivitiesAdvisors, please exercise excellent leadership and positive communication by following the procedures outlined below:

1. Have students submit song titles, band names, and lyrics to you for review in advance of the function. If the music will be used for a performance, students should submit these before they begin rehearsing. If a teacher, advisor, or coach is selecting music, please follow the remaining steps in this procedure and the guidelines outlined in the General Guidelines section below.

2. Read the lyrics of the entire song(s) –even if only a short instrumental section or version of the song will be played– to determine its appropriateness for visitors, students, parents, grand- parents, and younger children. Instrumental popular music with inappropriate lyrics, even if not sung, is still considered inappropriate for events and cocurricular activities.

3. Seek out the appropriate administrator (e.g. Athletic Director or Director of Student Services) if you are uncertain about the decision or uncomfortable making it on your own.

4. Give your approval to the song selection, or suggest a change. If a change of music is required, students must submit only the new portion for review.

5. Students should give the advisor a copy of the final song or mix of songs, in the event there is a need to check against the actual music played.

General GuidelinesTeachers, advisors, coaches, and student leaders planning to use music in any function outside the classroom should follow these general guidelines:

1. Generally, any music by Christian bands, those bands promoted as “Christian,” may be played, unless specific portions of the song wouldn’t meet the other criteria outlined within these guidelines.

2. Music by bands not professing to be Christian may be played but must be reviewed care- fully. References (implicit or explicit) to violence, drugs, or sex will disqualify a song. Songs with multiple versions, one of which is explicit, will be disqualified.

3. Any profanity will disqualify the song for consideration.

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4. A song that repeatedly or prominently uses questionable language or words with a great deal of “shock value” for some younger audiences should also be avoided.

5. Bands with a general reputation for music about violence, drugs, or sex should not be approved.

Procedures to Follow in Film SelectionTeachers in any grade planning to show an R-rated movie (or an unrated movie with an age-specific warning) to their classes or teachers planning to show a PG-13 film in grades 7-9 should follow the procedures outlined below:

1. Consult the Department Chair concerning the film to be shown to gain his/her approval. It is important that the Department Chair view the potentially offensive parts of the movie to understand what the possible objections might be and to understand the rationale for showing the movie.

2. The teacher should send a letter home to parents two weeks before the viewing date informing them of that fact, explaining the rationale for showing the film and requesting a parent’s signature permitting his/her child to view the movie. If a parent declines to allow his/her child to view the film, the teacher should be prepared to offer an alternative assignment.

3. Remember that all letters sent home to parents should be routed through the appropriate administrator for approval.

4. In deciding whether to use a film in class, teachers should be ruled more by discernment and an understanding of this community’s values than by the movie’s rating alone in judging a movie’s appropriateness for the age level of their students.

Student Leadership Many leadership positions are open to Westminster students each year. Elections are held each spring for the following school year. All students who meet the following criteria areeligible to run for office: • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. • Faculty approval based on contact with the student in the areas of leadership, character, behavior and attitude. • Signing the Leadership Contract after election, which commits the student to: (1) full participation in all functions; (2) execution of all necessary duties; (3) no behavioral suspensions for the year; and (4) maintaining a minimum semester GPA of 2.0.

Student Records• Cumulative files for current students are kept in the Middle School or Upper School

Office and include grades, scores from standardized tests, teacher evaluations, special achievements, discipline records, and other pertinent information.

• Information from the cumulative files is not released outside the school without parental permission.

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Upper School Academic PoliciesUnexcused Late Work• Students will receive a 10 percent reduction per day for any major assignments (as

defined by the teacher) for the first five school days after the initial due date.• Major assignments submitted late on the actual due date(a student in second hour turns

in a paper after school, for example) will receive a five percent reduction.

Extra Credit• Extra credit may be given at the discretion of the teacher but cannot raise a quarter

grade more than five percent. • Extra credit assignments must receive prior approval by the teacher and must be relevant

to the course curriculum.• Extra credit must be turned in/completed at least one week prior to the end of the

quarter.

Advanced Placement CoursesAdvanced Placement classes play an important role in the curriculum of Westminster Christian Academy in that they push students and teachers alike to strive for academicexcellence as defined by a nationally recognized standard. Because AP tests are difficult and comprehensive, they challenge students both to master complex information and demanding concepts and analyze and reflect upon that knowledge in sophisticated ways. That students seeking to earn the Scholar’s Diploma must pass at least four AP courses with a grade of C- or better indicates the importance Westminster places upon Advanced Placement work as a measure of academic rigor.

However, Advanced Placement tests should not be allowed to define or limit the curriculum of an AP course. Both Westminster’s Philosophy of Curriculum and Philosophy of Pedagogy encourage teachers to dig deeply into the ideas and concepts of each course to ensure that students not only have a thorough knowledge base of important core concepts but also the ability to understand the relevance of that information to their lives and to God’s world at large. That means that in the interest of deeper student understanding, teachers in each AP course have the freedom to adjust their curriculum to focus on that in- formation most vital to that field of study at the expense of total coverage of every concept or idea that might appear on an AP test. While Westminster believes that scores on an AP test matter, a life-long love for a specific discipline matters more, so teachers should not sacrifice the search for deeper understanding and a sense of wonder about God’s creationto the urgency of covering material that may or may not appear on the AP exam.

Advanced Placement Test Policy Students enrolled in AP classes are required to take the AP exam in May. To ensure that expectation is fully communicated and executed, the following steps will be taken:

• Wording that students must take the AP exam will be included in the course description for each AP class.

• Early in the school year, all teachers of AP classes will announce that taking the AP exam is not optional.

• Billing for AP tests will be completed in January.• If a student announces that he/she will not take the AP test, the AP director will

notify the parents of that student’s intentions. • If a student does not take the AP test, the student will lose the grade point increase

for the AP class, will forfeit the AP notation on his/her transcript, and will not be able to count that class toward the AP requirement for the Scholar’s Diploma.

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Grade Reporting & Grading Procedure • Grading Scale: Credit Percent Grade Points Range A+ 4.333 98–100 A 4.000 93–97 A- 3.667 90–92 B+ 3.333 87–89 B 3.000 83–86 B- 2.667 80–82 C+ 2.333 77–79 C 2.000 73–76 C- 1.667 70–72 D+ 1.333 67–69 D 1.000 63–66 D- 0.667 60–62 F 0 Below 60

• Veracross Access: Students and parents can access Veracross at https://portals.veracross.com/wca. Students and parents will gain access to Veracross by using their login and password provided by the school.

• Incompletes (“I”): If students fail to make up daily work or tests due to recent or extended illness, they will receive an incomplete (“I”) on their grade report. They must make up this work or make special arrangements with their teacher within one week after the last day of the grading period to prevent the incomplete from becoming an “F.” Students assume responsibility for initiating contact with teachers regarding incompletes.

• A course is completed on the final day of the semester. No makeup work may be submitted after the exam day for that course.

• Honors Credits: Students enrolled in courses designated as “Honors Courses” will receive an additional 0.5 point added to grade of “C-” or above in that course (i.e. a student receiving a grade of “B” in an honors course will receive a 3.5 instead of a 3.0). All AP courses receive an additional 1.0 point. Please refer to the Online Course Selection Guide for a complete listing of all Honors, Excel, and AP courses offered at Westminster.

• When a student retakes a class for which he or she has already received a grade, both the original grade and the second grade will be reported on the student’s transcript. The second grade – not the first – will be used to compute the student’s GPA, whether the second is an improvement or not.

National Junior Honor Society/National Honor SocietyA National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) chapter (Grades 7–9) and the John B. Prentis III National Honor Society (NHS) chapter (Grades 10-12) are sponsored by Westminster. Both organizations are governed by the Constitution of the National Junior and National Honor Societies. In order to be eligible for consideration for membership in both the NJHS and NHS, students must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.500 or above for NHS and 3.750 or above for NJHS and be enrolled at Westminster for at least one semester. After meeting the scholarship requirement, candidates will also be evaluated in regard to leadership, character, service (and citizenship for NJHS), as per the requirements of the national constitution.

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The following process will be utilized to review NJHS and NHS candidates:• Students with a qualifying GPA and attendance are eligible for NJHS and NHS

membership. Students who wish to be considered for membership are requested to write a letter of interest and complete an activity form.

• All teachers will be given the opportunity to evaluate the students they have contact with in the areas of leadership, character, and service for the NHS, and leadership, character, service, and citizenship for the NJHS.

• The appointed advisor for the NJHS and NHS will read and review each candidate’s application and the faculty evaluations of leadership, character, service, and citizenship. NHS candidates are required to have held an elected or appointed leadership position in school, church or community organization prior to application.

• A faculty council makes final determination regarding acceptance for membership in both the NJHS and NHS.

Members of both the NJHS and NHS are reviewed and evaluated each semester by the faculty advisor of each organization. Students who are not maintaining the standards of the NJHS or NHS in the areas of scholarship, leadership, character, service, or citizenship will be placed on probation for one semester. Students may be dismissed from membership in the NJHS and NHS if they do not improve their performance to minimum standards over a specified period of time.

Standardized TestingThe standardized testing program for students in grades 7-12 provides for annual testing of each student. Tests administered at Westminster include the following:

• Math and Language Arts placement testing for students entering 7th grade and for new 8th grade students.

• ERB Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) —grades 7,8 and 9. • The ACT Aspire Test (Preliminary ACT)—grade 10. • The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Qualifying Test)—grade 11. • Advanced Placement Exams—administered in May. • Individual testing as needed for career counseling purposes.

The Guidance Department administers all testing, communicates test scores to students and parents, and keeps permanent records current.

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and the ACT (American College Test) are administered at various test sites in the St. Louis area. Applications for these tests are available at Westminster in the Guidance Department

The Westminster school code (CEEB code) required for ACT and SAT applications is 263- 121.

Summer School Academic Policy• Teachers wishing to offer a summer school course for academic credit must receive

approval from their Department Chair before the proposal is sent on to the Administrative team via the Director of Teaching & Learning for final approval.

• Summer school courses offered for credit at Westminster are typically open to Extended Learning Center-The Learning Center students, and students who need to make up a credit because of academic failure. Students facing unusual circumstances may be allowed to take a summer school course for credit with permission of the Director of Teaching & Learning and the Upper School Counselor.

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• To receive credit in any academic course, students must attend class for 20 hours and complete 15 hours of work outside of class. All written work — tests, essays, projects, etc. — must be collected in a portfolio to be graded by the Summer School teacher and turned in to the Upper School Counselor and Director of Teaching & Learning for review before credit will be granted.

• Financial arrangements for summer school classes must be approved by the Director of Finance.

• Only one credit can be earned per student per summer.

Summer School EnrollmentRequests for credit granted by summer school programs outside of Westminster must be approved by the US Counselor and the Director of Teaching & Learning in advance. Students are not permitted to take summer classes for credit except for credit recovery or for enrichment. Enrichment courses may be taken to earn elective credit only. Completion of a summer enrichment class does not excuse students from fulfilling all of the credit demands mandated by Westminster’s graduation requirements, nor does it allow a student to attend Westminster part-time once credits sufficient for graduation have been earned. Only one high school credit can be earned per student per summer.

Tutoring PolicyUpper School students seeking credit through a one-on-one tutorial must receive permission from the Director of Teaching & Learning and Director of Guidance & Counseling students seeking credit through a one-on-one tutorial must receive permission from the Middle School counselor. To receive credit, students must spend at least 20 hours in direct contact with the tutor and complete 15 hours of work outside of class. All written work (tests, essays, projects, etc.) must be collected in a portfolio to be graded by the tutor and turned in to the Upper School or Middle School Counselor for review before credit will be granted. Tutors must submit a copy of their teaching certificate or letter of recommendation and a resume before being approved to tutor a Westminster student for credit.

Withdrawing from Westminster If during the school year it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from Westminster, the following steps are to be completed:

1. A written notification from the parents or guardians requesting the withdrawal must be presented to the Director of Admissions.

2. A withdrawal form will be sent to each teacher, along with the librarian, bookkeeper, and coaches, to initial, indicating that all books have been collected, fines paid, tuition and fees paid in full, and any other items have been returned.

3. The withdrawal form will then be submitted to the appropriate administrator. If all obligations have been met and there are no outstanding financial responsibilities, transcripts will be forwarded at the request of the receiving school.

4. Parents may be asked to complete a withdrawal questionnaire that will assist the administrative staff and School Board in evaluating school curriculum and programs.

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SECTION 5

Health & SafetyIN THIS SECTION• Health Records • Physicals • Immunizations• Medication• Illness• Accidents/Injuries• Student Insurance

The Westminster School Board will provide for the health and physical well-being of students through the establishment of a Student Health Service Program in the school. The purpose of the health program is to help each student attend school in optimum health and to benefit from the school experience.

Registered nurses will be employed to staff the health service program. The school nurse will serve under the direction of the Dean of Students. The School Nurse, Director of Middle School, or designee will make all contacts with parents/guardians regarding health services. The student health services program shall not include diagnosis of illness, treatment or administration of medications without written physician and parental/guardian authorization.

Health RecordsStudent health information is confidential and disclosed only on a need-to-know basis. The school nurse and/or designee maintains student health records and will contact parents, as needed, for clarification of a health concern. Parents are encouraged to contact the school nurse when any significant changes occur in their student’s health during the course of the school year. The school nurse, on occasion, may find it necessary to contact the student’s physician or health care provider to clarify a diagnosis, immunization date, medication order or instruction regarding health-related school accommodations.

PhysicalsNew Students: Westminster requires that all new students have a physical examination submitted before June 15, 2014. The physical must be done on or after February 1, 2014. New students will not be permitted to try out or participate in sports/P.E. until cleared by his or her physician.

Returning 8th grade students are not required to have a physical. However, physicals are strongly recommended for 8th grade students participating in sports and physical education.

Upper School Students: Westminster and MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Activities Association) require that all upper school student athletes have a physical examination submitted before August 1, 2014 for fall sports or the tryout date of a winter/

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spring sport. The physical must be done on or after February 1, 2014. Students will not be permitted to tryout or participate until cleared by his or her physician. Please use the MSHSAA Pre-Participation form. It contains vital information and the required signatures that are needed for upper school student athletic participation.

Emergency Contacts/Annual Health UpdatesWestminster requires all students to update their emergency contacts, health information, and medication permission annually and as needed during the school year. New students should complete the 2014-15 New Student Emergency Forms found in their acceptance packets. Returning students’ information should be updated in Veracross via the parent portal during the reenrollment process. Once the school year begins, all students’ health information may be updated in Veracross via the parent portal.

ImmunizationsIt is the policy of Westminster that all students attending the school be in compliance with state laws and regulations relative to required immunizations. The parents or guardians of each new student entering the school shall furnish satisfactory proof that the student has been adequately immunized or that the immunization process has begun. Documentation is due at the time of registration and must include month, day, and year from a recognized health care provider. It is unlawful for any student to attend school unless the student has been satisfactorily immunized or unless the parents/guardians have signed and placed on file with the School Nurse a statement of exemption. Failure to comply with this legal requirement may result in the student’s exclusion from school until proof of compliance has been met.

The 2014-15 Missouri School Immunization Requirements are as follows:• DTaP/DTP/DT: Minimum of 4 doses; last dose on or after 4th birthday and last dose

of pediatric pertussis before 7th birthday.• Tdap: Contains pertussis vaccine, is required for students enrolled in 8th, 9th, 10th,

11th, and 12th grades who have completed the recommended child hood DTP/DTaP/DT series and who have not received a Td booster within the past two (2) years. Tdap may be given at any time in the event of a pertussis outbreak situation.

• Polio (OPV/IPV): Minimum of 3 doses; last dose on or after 4th birthday. • MMR- 2 doses on or after 1st birthday; minimum 28 days between doses. • Hepatitis B: 3 doses • Varicella: One dose required for 7th, 8th, and 9th grades or satisfactory evidence of

disease (written statement of month and year).

Medication Pursuant to Westminster policy, the giving of prescription and nonprescription medicine by the school nurse or designee shall be restricted to necessary medication that cannot be given on an alternative schedule. Students are not permitted to keep medication in their lockers or on their person. This includes vitamins and nutritional supplements. However, students who have written physician orders for MDI’s (metered dose inhalers), EpiPens, and Insulin and whose parents authorize and acknowledge their students demonstrated proficiency in administration, may self medicate.

All medication to be administered at school requires written orders from the prescribing physician along with written authorization from the parent/guardian for the current school year. Parents should contact the School Nurse to obtain a Westminster medication form, which details this policy. This authorization is effective for the school year for which it is granted and must be renewed annually.

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In addition, no prescription medication will be given from an improperly labeled or outdated container. Changes to any prescription during the school year, requires written orders from the physician clearly stating the change. The container must match the written order. Your pharmacist will gladly provide a duplicate labeled container specifically for the medication that is to be administered at school.

As a courtesy, the School Nurse keeps acetaminophen, ibuprofen and TUMS in stock for treatment of minor complaints of discomfort. Written permission to administer these medications must be granted by the parent or guardian on the Student Health Inventory and Field Trip Permission Form at the beginning of each school year. This courtesy is limited. Parents will be asked to provide medication if their student’s needs dictate. Over- the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications are not available to students. Parents are encouraged to consult the School Nurse if these are needed during the school day.

The School Nurse reserves the right to determine whether medication requested by a student or parent, is necessary, and assess each need accordingly. The School Nurse shall not administer the first dose of any new medication ordered by a physician.

IllnessPer the American Academy of Pediatrics, an oral temperature of 100.4 is considered a fever. Therefore, a student should not attend school or school-sponsored event with this temperature or above. In addition, students should remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other fever reducing medication. Students with acute gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea), persistent cough/respiratory distress or rash of unknown origin should also remain home until symptoms subside. At the discretion of the School Nurse, students may be sent home when there is evidence of illness and reason to believe the student is potentially contagious.

Students who become ill during the school day should be seen by the School Nurse. Students who wish to go home may contact their parents from the nurse’s office to make arrangements for dismissal. At her discretion, the School Nurse may send a student home based on presenting symptoms. Parents will be contacted by the nurse so arrangements can be made. In the event of a medical emergency, EMS (911) will be called for any student experiencing life threatening symptoms.

If your student will be absent due to illness, please contact the appropriate school office (Upper School – 997-2901, Ext. 6121; Middle School - 997-2901, Ext. 6150) to report the absence. If your student is hospitalized, has an extended illness (three or more days), or is diagnosed with a potentially contagious/infectious disease (influenza, mono, strep throat, shingles, chicken pox, etc.), contact the School Nurse (997-2901, Ext. 6180) in additionto the attendance hotline. A physician’s note is requested upon student’s return, which states the diagnosis, any classroom accommodations needed and/or the anticipated date of return. Parents of upper school students are encouraged to contact the Upper School Administrative Assistant to make arrangements for assignments when there is prolonged absence due to health reasons.

Westminster will implement reporting and disease outbreak control measures in accordance with the provisions of Missouri Department of Health publication PACH-16, “Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases: A Guide for School Administrators, 36 Nurses, Teachers and Day Care Operators,” a copy of which is kept on file in the nurse’s office.

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Accidents/InjuriesThe School Nurse, Athletic Trainer or designee will notify a parent or guardian when a student sustains a significant injury during the normal school day. Lacerations, soft tissue injuries, minor head injuries, etc., will be initially treated by the school nurse, athletic trainer or designee and when necessary, a recommendation or referral for physician care will be made. It is at the parent/guardian’s discretion whether or not to seek additional medical care for their student.

If a student requires classroom accommodations (wheelchair, crutches, splint, ice/heat application, medication, etc.) or has P.E. restrictions for more than three (3) days, a physician’s note is required stating such and the duration for which it will be needed. The school nurse will communicate these accommodations to the student’s respective teachers and the appropriate school personnel.

Students enrolled in physical education class are expected to dress out and participate daily. Parents must provide a written note to the P.E. teacher/coach, the day of, if their child is unable to participate due to illness or injury.

An athletic trainer is available each day after school to address the needs of Upper School student athletes. The athletic trainer and school nurse collaborate daily to provide for the safety and well-being of each student athlete. Injuries or illness, which sideline a student from practice or competition, must be communicated to the athletic trainer (Upper School) or School Nurse (Middle School) and coach. When appropriate, a return to competition/participation form, completed by the student’s physician, may be necessary before the student athlete is permitted to resume activity.

Please note the Westminster athletic policy regarding concussions (see Athletic Handbook) and pertaining changes to the MSHSAA Pre-Participation Form. These guidelines and protocols will apply to any upper or middle school student who is suspected of or has been diagnosed with a concussion. In either case, Westminster requires a physician’s note stating when the student may return to competition or physical activity.

Student Insurance Students participating in MSHSAA sports, cocurricular sports, field trip events, summer camps, summer seminar or other school-related trips will be required to have proof of health and/or basic accident insurance coverage.

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SECTION 6

Business & FinanceIN THIS SECTION• Fees• Financial Policies/Payment Plans

FeesThe fee and tuition schedule will be established annually by the School Board and will be communicated along with tuition information. Westminster fees include:

• Application Fee—$50 (new students only): This fee must accompany the application form of all new students and is nonrefundable.

• Registration Deposit—$250 (returning families)/$500 (new families): The registration deposit is required for each student and must accompany the registration form. This deposit is part of the total tuition and is nonrefundable after May 1.

• Student Activity Fee—$100 (all students): This fee covers the cost of the school newspaper, the school yearbook, and field trip transportation for each student.

• Graduation Fee—$100 (seniors only): The graduation fee helps cover the costs involved in graduation.

• Parking Fee—$50: All students who drive to school and park on school property are required to purchase and display a Westminster parking permit. Failure to do so will result in fines and/or loss of parking privileges on campus.

• Lock Fee—$10: Students who wish to lock their lockers must use a combination lock provided by the Upper or Middle School Office. This fee must be paid upon receipt of the lock. At the end of the school year, $5 will be refunded if the lock is returned to the Upper or Middle School Office.

Financial Policies/Payment PlansBy signing a financial commitment with Westminster Christian Academy, families enter into a covenant with the school and are expected to follow through with payments on a timely, consistent basis. Prepaid full and semester payments are most helpful to Westminster. Tuition statements will be mailed in May. A family can choose from one of the following three payment plans:• Prepaid Tuition: Tuition may be paid in full in a single payment.• Semester Payments: Two equal payments due June 1 and November 1.• Ten Payments: Ten equal payments due the first of each month. The first payment will

be due June 1, with the final payment due March 1. A $25 late fee will be assessed if payment is not received during the month that payment is due. Late fees will not be waived.

If a student withdraws after June 1, 2014, but before school begins, the parents will be responsible for paying the full tuition for the first quarter ($3,612.50). If a student leaves for any reason after classes have begun, parents are still responsible for paying the full tuition for that quarter. The following conditions will apply to families whose parents/guardians have an outstanding financial obligation (tuition, fees or fines) that is more than 30 days

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delinquent:• No transcripts will be provided on behalf of their student(s).• Their students will not be permitted to sign-up for any school sponsored trip that is

not a part of a class in which they are currently enrolled (e.g., summer seminar, foreign language immersion trip, baseball team spring break trip).

• Their students will not be permitted to attend Westminster Christian Academy beginning on the first day of the next semester.

• These families will only be able to re-enroll existing students and/or enroll new students on a provisional basis until the account is brought current.

• Financial aid for future school years will not be awarded until account is brought current.

These conditions will remain in effect until the account is brought up to date, or until special arrangements are made with the Finance Committee. Payment to release transcripts must be made in cash, money order or cashier’s check. Otherwise, a 14-day hold will be placed on your student’s transcript. Families with outstanding financial obligations (including tuition, fees, or other bills) to Westminster Christian Academy on the last day of school will not receive final grades, transcripts or a diploma (in the case of graduating seniors) until balances are paid in full. On June 1, a five percent (5%) late fee will be assessed on any outstanding balance and your child will be withdrawn from Westminster. A one percent (1%) late fee will be assessed on the 1st of each month thereafter.

The school reserves the right to review a family’s tuition payment history at any time and, at its sole discretion, require modified financial arrangements, which may include but are not limited to pre-payment of tuition or the monthly electronic transfer of tuition funds.

The Board of Westminster Christian Academy is committed to helping make Christian education affordable for families who lack the financial ability to afford such schooling. The Board has established a significant, though limited, financial aid budget for this purpose. Recognizing that it is the responsibility of a student’s family to finance private school education, we ask that applicants examine their budget and lifestyle to determine areas in which funds may be available to meet this obligation before applying for financial aid. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need.

You may apply online at www.wcastl.org/admissions/. All financial aid applications must be submitted by January 1. Award decisions are mailed to applicants with completed applications in April. Financial aid is awarded on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed or gender.

Returned ChecksIf your bank account has insufficient funds to cover a draft or check written to Westminster Christian Academy, your account will be charged $35 to cover the cost of the return item processing. If the school experiences multiple returned checks for payments on your account (more than three return items in any school year), the school may require all future payments to be made with official checks, certified checks or money orders.

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SECTION 7

Athletic PoliciesIN THIS SECTION• Ten Pillars for Wildcat Athletics• Purpose• Eligibility Standards• General Athletic Policies• Guidelines for Team Selection

Ten Pillars for Wildcat AthleticsAll members of the Westminster Christian Academy athletic program will be committed to upholding the following pillars for athletic success:

• Honor Jesus Christ in all things. This is the most important measure of our success.• Christian character defines who we are. God-honoring behavior, good sportsmanship,

and avoiding drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are required.• Good grades and conduct lead the way. Successful athletes must be successful

students.• “We” before “me.” What is best for the team always comes first.• We will run the race to win. Competing at the highest possible level is the goal.• We are in this together. Student athletes, coaches, and parents are all on the same page.• Commitments are paramount. Showing up and honoring your word is the norm.• We will grow and improve in and out of season. Getting better demands hard work.• Supporting other players and teams is expected. We all share Wildcat pride.• Positive attitudes will influence outcomes. Passion, enthusiasm, and energy will drive us.

Purpose of Athletic Program We believe that interscholastic athletics at Westminster Christian Academy are an integral part of the total curriculum offered to students. Westminster is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that enables students to discover and embrace a biblical view of the world and integrate that view into every area of life. Our athletic program supports the mission of the school by teaching the Christian way of competing and the Christian way of life. Our teams must participate in such a way that we honor our God and convey a positive witness to those around us. The ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, positive attitudes, and dedication should be exemplified by our teams, and will hopefully be carried on throughout the life of the participants.

Westminster is committed to athletics that develop a perspective on both winning and losing consistent with the will of God. We need athletes who will dedicate themselves to this challenge. The challenge is very great in a sports world that all too often emphasizes winning at any cost. Winning should be one of our goals, but losing can often provide beneficial learning. To this end, Westminster strives for excellence in all athletic endeavors but the win-loss record will not be the primary barometer of excellence. Successful Christian education results in the development of a balanced lifestyle in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our total being.

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“In everything you do, put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Proverbs 3:16

Upper School The upper school interscholastic athletic program provides opportunities for students to participate at a high level of play in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The most qualified students are selected in order to field highly competitive sports teams. Students are required to demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice time, give an intense effort, and place the team above self-interest. When appropriate, alternatives in sports education will be emphasized, such as physical education, sports clubs, or other co-curricular activities.

Middle SchoolMiddle school interscholastic athletics provides a program that allows students to participate in various sports at developmentally appropriate levels.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

In essence, athletics is a form of worship, a celebration of life in Christ. Participants are accountable to God for their attitude and actions.

Upper School Athletic Eligibility Standards Westminster is mandated by the MSHSAA to follow certain standards. Schools have the freedom to add to these minimum standards:

• Students must be credible upper school students enrolled in courses that offer 3.0 units of credit and must have earned 3.0 units of credit the preceding semester (MSHSAA standard for athletes, cheerleaders and dance.)

• Students cannot compete in any sport for more than four seasons or in any but the first eight semesters they are enrolled in upper school.

• Students must enter school within the first 11 days of the semester to be eligible to play that semester.

• Students must not accept an award for competing in any sport except the awards approved by Westminster.

• Upper School students who reach their 19th birthday prior to July 1 will be ineligible for further competition the succeeding year.

• During the sport season in which students represent their school by competing in an interscholastic athletic contest, they cannot compete as a member of a non-school team or competition in that same sport.

• Students may not practice or compete in a non-school competition of a different sport on the same date they practice or compete for the school without approval in advance by the athletic director.

• If students transfer schools, they are ineligible for varsity play for 365 days from the date of transfer unless there is a corresponding parental change of residence out of the present school’s boundary or unless they meet other exceptions to this rule. In such cases, a student may be eligible to participate on a sub-varsity team. Hardship cases will be considered by the MSHSAA.

• Transferring from one school to another because of the influence by any person to play sports will cause the student to be ineligible for one full year.

• Students shall not attend a specialized athletic camp involving a fall season sport after July 31 of that school year. There is no restriction on the number of non-school

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summer specialized athletic camps. There are restrictions for non-school sponsored clinics and tryouts during the school year. Consult the athletic director for specific information.

• Students are required to have the following before they can practice for a sports team, cheerleading, or dance squads:a. Positive physical exam dated on or after February 1 of the previous school year.b. Insurance and medical doctor information.c. Parental permission to participate and parental authorization of medical treatment.

Middle School Athletic Eligibility StandardsThe Middle School is not regulated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. The following standards apply to determining eligibility for middle school athletics:

• Students must be credible middle school students currently enrolled and regularly attending the normal courses for their grade level.

• Students must maintain a 1.5 grade point average (Westminster standard).• Students are required to have the following before they can practice for any

Westminster team, cheerleading, or dance squads:a. Positive physical exam dated on or after February 1 of the previous school year.b. Insurance and medical doctor information.c. Parental permission for participation and parental authorization to obtain medical treatment.

All of the above requirements are satisfied by completion of the MSHSAA Participation Certificate prior to the first day of practice. These are available in the Middle School Office or the Athletic Director’s office.

This is only a partial list of standards and represents the most common questions asked by parents. The athletic director or Head of School will interpret the standards for special cases.

Guidelines for Team Selection & Playing Time It is the responsibility of each coach to set and communicate criteria for selection of players for their teams. Such criteria may include the following.

• Christ-like attitudes.• Team relationships and sportsmanship.• Coachability.• Fundamental skills.• Knowledge of the game.• Statistics from past seasons.• Height and weight.• Physical fitness level.• Enthusiasm and willingness to work hard.• Dedication and responsibility to the team.• Academic progress.• Year in school.

Coaches have the freedom to add criteria that would be helpful in choosing players for their team. Again, these should be communicated to those trying out for the team.It is the responsibility of athletes and parents to respect and support the final selection of a team. This is an emotional and difficult time for all involved. The coaches spend a great deal of time observing, evaluating, and prayerfully selecting their teams. Athletes should do

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their very best and accept the decisions of the coaches.

Athletes should note that playing time varies for each level of competition. There is a progression that coaches follow to help build a successful athletic program. Generally, playing time for middle school athletics is more equal among all athletes because the primary focus here is to develop skill. Playing time becomes less equal as one moves from sub-varsity to varsity upper school teams, due primarily to the competitive nature of these activities. As with team selection, it is the athletes’ and parents’ responsibility to respect and support the decisions the coaches make as to playing time.

Communication with Coaches Proper communication with coaches is vital in maintaining a positive atmosphere on our sports teams. Problems and complaints should be handled in keeping with Christ’s teaching in Matthew 18: 15-17: “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Student athletes are encouraged to speak to their coach as the first step in resolving problems. Parents who perceive that their son or daughter is being treated unfairly should communicate with the coach directly before anyone else is involved. Below is a Communication Ladder that outlines the proper channel to follow when lodging a complaint:

Board

Head of School

Assistant Head of School

Athletic Director

Coach

Parents and/or Student Athlete

AAcademic Distinctions 21Academic Hub 24Accreditation/Recognition 5Accidents/Injuries 37Adding a Course 23Assistance Directory 7Association 5Athletic Eligibility 41Attendance & Absences 8

BBehavior Contract 15Board of Directors 5Bookstore 10Building & Grounds 10

CCafé 10Change of Address 10Chapel 21Chronic Behavior 14Classroom Expectations 25College Counseling 24Communication Ladder 43Complaint 11Conduct Detention Hall 14Counseling 24

DDetention Hall (see Conduct Detention Hall)Discipline 11Discipline Procedures 13Dress Code 16Dropping a Course 23

EExcused Absences 8Expulsion 15

FFaculty & Staff 6Family Trips 9Fees 38Financial Policies 38

GGrading 31Graduation Requirements 22

HHall Passes 18Health Records 34Homework 26

IIllness 36Immunizations 35

LLeaving Campus 20Library (see Academic Hub)Lockers 18Lost & Found 18

MMedication 35Mission Statement 4Music Selection Guidelines 27

NNational Honor Society 31

PParent Organization (PAW) 6Parent/Teacher Conferences 21Payment Plans 38Philosophy 4Physical Education 25Pillars of Wildcat Athletics 40Pink Slips 13Plagiarism 23Pregnancy Policy 15Promotion 23

RRestrooms 19Returned Checks 39

SSchool Hours 18Snow Announcements 19Social Events 19Standardized Dress Code 16Standardized Testing 32Student Drivers 17Student Insurance 37Student Leadership 29Student Parking 17Student Records 29Student Search & Seizure 13Student Transportation 17Suspension 14

TTardiness 9Ten Pillars of Wildcat Athl. 40Tests 26Textbooks 19Type A Behavior 12Type B Behavior 12

UUnexcused Absences 8

VVisitors 19

WWithdrawing 33

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