Home » About LFCA

Welcome to Little Flock Christian Academy

Our academy is a cooperating member of the Association of Christian Schools International and is committed to academic excellence in a Christian environment. We feel honored that you have chosen our school to be your partner in the education of your children.

Our staff believes the ministry of our Christian School is to lead young people to Christ and to turn them in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). With this in mind, we are committed to teaching your children a well balanced education with an emphasis on character building and leadership skills. We believe with the church, the school, and the home working together we can strive to make "Today's students tomorrow's leaders."

Family Handbook 2011-2012

School History

Little Flock Christian Academy began in the fall of 1995 with grades kindergarten-third grade. We moved into our current building in the spring of 1997. Since then, our enrollment has steadily grown as we now have students in grades kindergarten-eighth grade. The first class to complete our eighth grade class graduated from high school in 2005 with many of them winning national honors and continuing their education at various colleges.

We have been blessed with a wonderful facility as a ministry of Little Flock Baptist Church and continue to add new programs in athletics, music and drama, computer lab, missions, and a cafeteria. The school participates in many events through the Association of Christian Schools International including: Science Fair, Math Olympics, Music Festival, Art Festival, and Creative Writing. Our achievement test scores have consistently been at and above grade level for each class each year. Our administration, faculty, and students continuously strive for excellence in all areas of education at our school and have been blessed by God through our efforts.

School Philosophy

Little Flock Christian Academy will provide a solid academic foundation and basic fundamentals of learning for the average to above-average child along with Christian training. There is a distinct emphasis on patriotism, leadership, and character building. LFCA teachers are of the highest caliber and are educationally prepared to give each student a thorough scholastic background. Our teachers are selected, not only for their instructional skills and academic preparedness, but also for their love and understanding of children and God. LFCA offers a program for students who desire an education in a Christian environment and who are capable of achieving in a program dedicated to academic excellence.

Statement of Faith

*We believe in the verbal inspiration and authority of the Scripture.
*We believe that the Bible reveals God, the fall of man, the way of salvation and God’s plan and purpose for all people.
*We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, eternally existing as the Trinity.
*We believe that God created the Heavens and the Earth.
*We believe in the Deity, virgin birth, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
*We believe that eternal life comes when one personally places his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
*We believe in the visible and personal return of Jesus Christ.
*We believe that children are a heritage of the Lord and that parents are responsible for training them to walk in the commandments of the Lord.

Goals and Objectives

Little Flock Christian Academy seeks to attain certain goals and objectives in the administration of the school in dealing with the lives of students, teachers, and families. Those goals are:

*To introduce each child to Jesus Christ as his/her Savior and Lord
*To help each child develop to his/her highest level spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially
*To uphold Jesus Christ as the model for all actions at all times
*To prayerfully seek God’s will
*To honor and respect each person as a creation of God
*To commit to excellence in leadership by example
*To emphasize high academic standards
*To stress the importance of developing good reading skills in the early grades
*To create a school atmosphere that will be conducive to higher learning
*To cultivate positive attitudes and loyalty to Little Flock Christian Academy
*To promote partnership in Christian education among administration, faculty, parents, and students
*To evaluate our program continuously in order to improve

Admission Policy

Nondiscriminatory Policy

LFCA admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Special Needs

LFCA will do whatever possible to accommodate and lead a student to be successful. Though we have the ability to assist students that need extra help; we do not have the funds, facilities, or trained personnel to meet the special needs of some children. Please keep this in mind as you make decisions to place your child in LFCA.

Children who have been diagnosed as having a learning disability will be required to meet the same academic standards as all the other children in their grade level.
Children who have been diagnosed as having a learning disability will be given as much individual instruction and encouragement as their classmates.

There will be a 9-week probation period for all students new to LFCA.

Enrollment Procedure

An entrance exam must be conducted with any student entering LFCA in grades K-8.
The principal will assess the student’s scores and determine if the student is eligible to enroll in the desired grade level.
Students must be five years old on or before October 1^st upon entering kindergarten.
The principal may want to conduct an interview with the parent and student prior to acceptance.

All applicants must submit to the office the following information before admittance will be approved:
registration form and fees
most recent report card including conduct reports
original immunization certificate
copy of original birth certificate
documentation of physical exam (KY state law requires kindergarten and sixth grade physical exam)
eye exam on file (from kindergarten)
dental screening on file (from kindergarten)

Admission Decisions

Admission of a student falls into three categories: conditional admission, probationary admission, and denial of admission.

Conditional admission: Tutoring will be mandated for each deficiency in the core content areas (reading comprehension, language, math procedures, math problem solving) as shown on their entrance exam. One hour of tutoring per subject is required for at least a period of nine weeks. Grades will then be reviewed to determine if further tutoring is required.

Probationary admission: Applicants with minor deficiencies in any of the specified core content areas may be offered probationary admittance. Probationary admissions are reviewed at the end of the first grading period by the principal. If the necessary corrections have not occurred, the student will be placed on conditional admission. If the principal and the student’s teacher(s) agree it is highly likely the deficiencies will be corrected at the end of a second nine weeks, probationary admission can be extended.

Denial of admission: This will be given by the principal if the applicant is deficient in one or more of the specified core content areas and it is unlikely he/she will be successful. Denial of admission does not prohibit a student from applying again if the deficient areas are corrected. Following removal or withdrawal from the school for academic reason, a student may apply to be re-enrolled on academic probation if the following conditions are fulfilled:

The student has attended another school or home school for one full semester
The student has completed a full academic load for one semester
The student received no grade lower than a “C” in any subject

Communicable Childhood Diseases

Upon having any of the following diseases, a child must obtain written consent from a physician or the Health Department to return to school, or be subject to school office approval for re-admittance:

Chicken Pox 6. Impetigo
Measles 7. Pink eye
Mumps 8. Pinworms
Pneumonia 9. Scabies
Whooping Cough 10. Ringworm

Re-Registration

All students must re-register each year to retain their position. This is done by turning in a completed registration form with the fees during the designated re-registration period. Registration is not considered complete until the full amount of the fee has been paid. Current students will be afforded the first opportunity to register before open enrollment begins. Any student or family not in compliance with policies set forth by the school board may lose their opportunity for re-registration.

Tuition Policy

Tuition and other fees are necessary in order for Little Flock Christian Academy to successfully fulfill its mission. Little Flock Christian Academy has financial and contractual agreements with faculty, staff, vendors, etc. which are made well in advance of the school year.

All registration/book fees are non-refundable and non-transferable and must be paid in full before your student’s placement is guaranteed.

Families withdrawing students after the first day of the first quarter; but before the beginning of the third quarter; will be responsible for a half year’s tuition. Families withdrawing students after the first day of the third quarter will be responsible for the full year’s tuition.

Little Flock Christian Academy reserves the right to withhold student records or transcripts, and students may not participate in kindergarten and/or 8^th grade graduation ceremonies if the student has not settled his/her financial obligations to the school.

No portion of the tuition shall be excused for a student who either is dismissed or withdraws for disciplinary reasons.

Tuition is charged on an annual basis. However, for the convenience of the parents, tuition may be paid in ten equal installment payments from August through May. Payment is due by the first of each month and past due notices will be sent if payment is not received by the tenth. If the tuition payment is received after the tenth of the month, the account is considered delinquent and a late fee will be applied as follows:

11^th-14^th $15 fee

15^th-21^st $20 fee

22^nd-31^st $25 fee

If a tuition payment is not received by the end of the month, the student will be suspended until full payment is made. All tuition accounts must be paid in full before a student can return to school. Days missed will be counted as excused absences and students will be permitted to make up any class work or tests for full credit.

Any unpaid balances after 60 days will be turned over to a collection agency.

LFCA assumes no responsibility for moneys sent to the school in the care of students. Payments should be made in person to the office, placed in the drop box, or mailed to:

Little Flock Christian Academy
5500 North Preston Highway
Shepherdsville, KY 40165

All tuition payments and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Accounts must be settled in full before any student records are forwarded to a requesting school or before final report cards are sent home.

Returned Checks

Any check returned to LFCA for any reason will result in a charge of $20 to the student’s account to cover fees and additional bookkeeping.

School Hours

8:30-3:30

Students should not arrive before 7:30 AM and must leave school property by 3:45 PM to avoid any late pickup fees. Those students desiring to remain at Little Flock Baptist Church after school hours to participate in youth ministry related activities must be picked up by a responsible adult whom permission is given in writing by their parents. Any student not picked up by 3:45 will go to after care and his/her account charged accordingly.

After School Care

The school day ends at 3:30. There is no supervision provided for students who remain on the school or church campus after 3:45. Therefore, students are expected to be enrolled in an after school program or be in the care of an adult that is pre-approved by the parents and the school office. Students involved in any after school activity must report to their supervising sponsor/coach when released from dismissal. A student will not be allowed to wait in any part of the school or church campus for the start of an after school activity unless with their supervising adult.

An after school care program is offered to students who need supervision at school after school hours. This is not a program included within LFCA, and appropriate payment must be made to the teacher offering supervision. If behavior problems persist, the student will forfeit their place in this program.

Transportation

Little Flock Christian Academy does not provide transportation to or from the school; therefore families are responsible for transportation. Car pools may be set up to assist parents in providing this need. The office staff will assist the parent as much as possible in locating families in the same area. The office staff will not make arrangements nor be responsible for controlling the arrangements that are made.

When dropping off or picking up your child, please enter the lower parking lot, staying in a single file with all other cars, and drop off or pick up your child at the gym doors. If you wish to walk with your child to or from the gym, please park in the school parking lot- do not leave your parked car in the driveway. For the safety and security of your child during dismissal, students will only be released through the gym doors to the cars in the pick-up line. Parents will also be permitted to pick up their children at the front doors. Prior to each field trip and mission trip, students will receive a permission slip stating that they might be carpooling in the absence of bus transportation. We ask that every parent who is able, to participate in this carpooling and chaperoning process. Note: you must have an approved background check completed on the website by August 31 of each school year.

Dismissal Procedures

Dismissal for all students is at 3:30. Teachers are to take their students to the gym at that time. Students are to be sitting quietly in their designated place, with the teacher remaining with them until 3:40, unless otherwise assigned. If a student is to be taken from the school prior to 3:30, a parent/guardian must sign them out through the office.

The office must have, in writing, a list of names that may be picking up your child from school. If a change is made, that information must be given in writing to the school office prior to the pickup. Parents will be notified and identification will be requested if a different person is picking up your child.

Severe Weather- School Closings

In case of severe weather, (i.e. snow, ice) the official announcement for school closings may be heard over the local radio and TV stations. Pay particular attention to WHAS-11, WDRB-41, and WAVE -3. Please do not call the school. We will NOT follow Bullitt County Schools. Always tune in for a full cycle of closings to be sure of LFCA’s plans. You may also check the school website for updates.

Field Trips

Field trips enrich and reinforce learning. Students may participate in a minimum of two field trips per school year. All students will be required to participate in all scheduled field trips unless special arrangements are made through the principal.

Information sheets and/or permission slips will go home two or three weeks in advance. Permission slips must be signed and dated by a parent one week before a student is allowed to go on the trip; unless otherwise noted.
Parents may serve as chaperones; however a background check must be completed.
If your child will be riding with someone else, a permission slip must be signed to that effect.
Parents wishing to take their children home with them from the field trip location must sign the student out on site. Students cannot be checked out prior to leaving.

Emergency Procedures

Disaster and fire drill regulations are posted in each classroom. Drills, held at regular intervals, are an important safety precaution. In the case of severe weather, students will not be dismissed from the school building until weather conditions improve.

Medication and Illness Policy

All student medication must be maintained and given in the office by the office staff. An authorization to dispense prescribed medication signed by a licensed physician must be obtained and on file in the school office in order for your student to be able to take medication during school hours. This form is available in the school office and on the school website. Students are not permitted to possess medication of any kind- it must be kept in the office at all times. All medication must be in the original packaging. If students who do not have authorization to take medication during school hours have a need for medication, a parent or their designee will need to come into the school to dispense the medication. Students must be fever free and not vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.

Lice Policy

The “No Nit Standard” at LFCA requires that students with nits and/or lice are dismissed from school until they are free of lice and nits. Head lice are a common occurrence among children and frequent screenings at home are necessary. Head lice do not necessarily reflect unsanitary households or neglected children. If lice or nits have been found on a child at school, further information on screening will be sent home to all students.

Student Attendance

Little Flock Christian Academy is required to account for every student every day that school is in session. All students are expected to attend school regularly. Regular and punctual attendance is essential for success as a student. Absences, tardiness, and early dismissal from class, interrupt the smooth and complete process of learning.

Parent Responsibilities

Encourage prompt and regular attendance. Please schedule appointments and family trips so that attendance at school is affected as little as possible. When your student is absent, call the office as soon as possible to notify the school of your student’s absence that day, the reason for the absence, and the anticipated length of absence. Upon return to school, a note is to be presented to the school office explaining the absence, the date of absence, and the parent signature.

Missed Assignments

Assignments will be posted on the school website, and you may request missed class work, homework, and textbooks for your student. Requests made after 9:30 AM cannot be guaranteed. Items will be ready to be picked up in the school office by 3:30. Students shall have the number of days absent plus one to make up work missed unless additional time is allowed by the teacher. Regularly scheduled tests, reports, and projects that were announced prior to the student’s absence will be due on the day of return to school. Make-up work may not be the same as assignments made to students who were in the class. Teachers may alter assignments in attempt to compensate for the class lectures and discussions that were missed. Upon returning to school, it is the responsibility of the student to request the work/assignments missed.

Extended Absence

When a student is absent due to illness or hospitalization for more than five consecutive days, parents should contact the school as soon as they become aware that the student will be absent for several consecutive days. The following information will be requested:

Doctor’s statement of reason for absence
Location of the student (home, hospital, etc.)
Approximate length of absence
School work and materials needed

If a student is to be absent more than 10 consecutive school days, the school will have the option to release the student to an approved homebound instructor so the student may complete and receive credit for work completed. Upon return to school, please provide the following information:

A signed release from the doctor to return to school
A written description of permissible and non-permissible activities
A list of medications the student will be taking at school
An up-to-date evaluation of the student’s academic progress from the homebound teacher

If it is necessary for a family to keep a student from attending school for a family trip, the following procedure is to be followed:

Notify the office of the dates which the student will miss school at least two weeks in advance.

The administration will contact the teacher and identify the impact of the student missing those specified dates of class.

High School Campus Visits

Current 8^th grade students are given 3 days for the purpose of visiting high school campuses and for interviews. Parents must notify the school office prior to the visits and present a note from the high school in order for the student to not be counted absent. Students are responsible for missed class work, homework, quizzes, tests, reports, and projects, and these are to be completed and turned in upon returning to school.

School Related Absences

Absences due to LFCA related activities will not be included in the cumulative count. However, if a student chooses to leave school following a school trip, during school hours, it will be counted as an early dismissal.

Absences and After School Activities

Any student absent at least three hours prior to the end of the school day is not eligible to participate in an after school activity, such as athletics. Students must attend the last three hours of the last school day before the weekend to be eligible for weekend activities.

Late Arrivals

It is important for students to be on time to school and class. Whenever a tardy student enters a class late, the learning process is either interrupted or delayed for all students in the class. Students who arrive after 8:30 must report to the school office and will receive a tardy. The tardy policy will be upheld even if student tardies are due to situations beyond their control. An accumulation of 5 tardies per grading quarter will equal 1 absence per quarter.

Early Dismissals

Early dismissals interfere with the continuity of learning and disrupt class time. Parents are encouraged to avoid early departures. However, if your student is to be dismissed from school before the end of the school day, they are to present a note from their parents to their classroom teacher. The note is to include the student’s name, date, time and date of departure, estimated time of return (if returning that day), reason for leaving early, and a parent’s signature. The student will be called to the office when the parent arrives to sign them out. An accumulation of 5 early dismissals per grading quarter, for any reason, will equal one absence per quarter.

Accumulation of Absences

Students who accumulate up to 10 absences during the school year, for any reason, can receive full credit on make-up work if the work is made up within the required time allotment and to teacher satisfaction.

Students who accumulate more than 10 absences during the school year, for any reason, are required to meet with the administration. Students will be asked for documented reasons for each absence. These reasons may include but shall not be limited to:

Extended illness and/or hospitalization (doctor’s note required)
Extended illness and/or hospitalization of an immediate family member
Death within the immediate family
Legal issues
Natural disasters

Absences related to parental requests (church or religious activities, illnesses not verified by a licensed physician, family trips, etc.)

During the review process, the administration will determine if an academic penalty will be assessed.

If a penalty is assessed, a maximum of 2% may be deducted from the student’s final grades in each subject if the work is made up. If additional absences occur, this process will repeat.

After School Supervision

Dress Code

The dress code of LFCA is intended to place an emphasis on the student to be neat and well-groomed, to ensure modesty, and to promote safety. Students, as well as their parents, should assume responsibility for acceptable appearance. Any type of attire or hair style which is considered contrary to good hygiene or attracts undue attention to the wearer and, thus causes a disturbance in the school, is in bad taste and not acceptable. Tight fitting clothing will not be permitted at any time. If students and parents take care of dress, the school will not have to discipline for dress code violations. The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of each student’s attire. If clothing is considered undesirable, students will be referred to the office. If an immediate change is needed, parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothing.

During field trips and certain school functions, the required dress is determined by the event itself. Each teacher will communicate the dress code for the trip or event. Each student will wear their LFCA mission t-shirt and jeans on all mission trips. Game days: athletes may wear game jerseys only; with normal dress code pants, but the jerseys must be tucked in.

Pants: Must be uniform style

Cargo, and corduroy styles are acceptable

Must be navy, black, or khaki in color

Must not have emblems or piping

Must be worn at the waist

Must not be low rise to where the shirt does not remain tucked

Must not have rips, tears, or holes, nor be faded

Shorts and Capris:

Must be navy, black, or khaki

Must not have emblems or piping

Must touch the kneecap

Must be worn at the waist

Must not be low rise to where the shirt does not remain tucked

Must not have rips, tears, or holes, nor be faded

Must be hemmed at the bottom

Jeans:

Jeans are allowed to be worn on designated days only

Jean skirts/jumpers/dresses/shorts/capris must touch the kneecap

Appropriate designs are permitted

Must not have rips, tears, or holes

Must not be jean cut-offs

Must not be low rise to where the shirt does not remain tucked

Skirts, Jumpers, and Dresses:

Must be cotton, polyester, rayon, or cotton/polyester/rayon blends

Must be navy, black, or khaki

Must not have emblems or piping

Length: must touch the knee cap and back must be even with front

A solid colored, collared shirt or solid colored turtleneck must be worn with jumpers

Dresses must be solid, have a collar, and follow the color guideline

Shirts:

Must have collars and sleeves

Must be solid in color with no trim or emblems (except LFCA)

To ensure modesty, shirts must be fastened and not be low cut

All shirts must be tucked in

If a shirt is worn underneath a school shirt, it must be solid

Sweaters and sweatshirts:

Must be solid in color with no trim or emblems (except LFCA)

A dress code shirt must be worn underneath a sweater, sweatshirt, or hoodie

Turtlenecks may be worn as a collared shirt under a sweater, sweatshirt, or hoodie

All shirts worn underneath must be tucked in

T-shirts:

No t-shirts permitted unless in PE class or with Friday Jeans attire. (Must be LFCA t-shirt)

4^th – 8^th grades must wear LFCA gym shorts or athletic pants (black and gray only) and shirts

Belts:

Must be worn if pants have belt loops (grades 1-8)

Shoes:

All shoes must have a back or back strap

Flip flops are prohibited

Sneakers must be worn during PE classes

Hair:

Must be clean and neat

Color is limited to that which is found naturally (no severe contrasting highlights)

Male student’s hair must be above the collar and above the eyebrows, and may not be pulled back behind the ears

Wearing of hats is prohibited on campus

Jackets and coats:

Not to be worn during the school day (for cooler temperatures, wear dress code sweaters, fleeces, and LFCA sweatshirts or windbreakers)

Piercing:

Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or any inserts in piercings

Girls may have ears pierced only

We strongly discourage any permanent tattoos and encourage parents to regulate this among their children. We reserve the right to deny admission to any student with a tattoo which we perceive to be distracting to the learning process of other students. We also reserve the right to dismiss any student from school who reveals any distracting tattoos.

Visitors

We value our parents and friends as helpers within our school and welcome you to visit at appropriate times. For security purposes, the only access into the school building is through the front office entrance. When visiting the school, please sign in at the office first, and receive a visitor’s tag to be worn. Do not go directly to any classroom. If you have items to be delivered to your children, bring them to the school office, and the items will be delivered at the appropriate time.

When parents or visitors visit the school or attend a school function, we ask that you respect the rules concerning dress which apply to our students and set a good example before them. Volunteers should dress modestly, including no low cut shirts or pants, or bare midriff. Please refrain from sleeveless attire.

If you smoke, please do not do so on the school property or on school field trips. Please drive carefully and safely on the school grounds and park in designated areas.

Note: All volunteers must have an approved background check filled out on the website by the end of August each school year.

In our attempt to keep expenses at a minimum, each family will be required to volunteer at least 10 hours per school to be completed May 1. Families wishing to opt-out of the mandatory volunteer hours can do so by paying a fee of $100 per school year.

Policy on LFCA Background Checks

If a background check is received with inconsistencies regarding name and/or birth date, the person must bring their driver’s license and original social security card to the school office. We will make a copy of the license, and view and verify the last 4 digits of the social security number with the background check. We will not copy down or photocopy the social security number. We will then relay the information to Little Flock Baptist Church. They will then proceed to approve or deny the background check request.

Volunteer opportunities are available daily and some evening volunteer times will be made available as needs arise. Volunteer hours can be met through activities such as:

Field trips – if you are asked to supervise children besides your own. Attending with your own children or a relative or friend is not considered supervising.

Helping teachers – in the classroom before, during, or after school

Lunchroom / kitchen help

Fall Festival – set up, working booths, clean up

Library help

Designated Homeroom parents

Office help

Scheduled Work Days/nights

Note: Service times required by athletic teams, such as cleaning up after a game, and 8^th grade fundraisers do not count toward the 10 hours of volunteer work for the school.

Scheduling Appointments/Conferences

Parents wishing to contact a teacher, administrator, or other school personnel should first do so by email. You may, if necessary, contact the school office, preferably by phone, to set up a convenient time for a conference. Following the completion of the first grading period, there will be dates set aside for parents to conference with their child’s teacher(s).

Lunch Program

The “God Rock Café” is available each day for students wishing to purchase a balanced and nutritious lunch at school. Students may choose to bring their lunch from home as well. Soft drinks are not permitted. Please be aware that refrigerators and microwaves are not available for student use at any time. If parents wish to bring lunch to their child, please do not include a soft drink.

On the first Thursday of every month a group from the church meets in the theater and uses the kitchen during our lunch periods, so students will need to bring their lunch from home. On this day, they are permitted to bring cold soft drinks from home. The school does offer pizza, soda, and dessert as a fundraiser for $3 on this day.

Fund Raising

Little Flock Christian Academy is primarily funded by tuition. Throughout the school year, various fund raising opportunities will be held to benefit the school and its programs. The school’s Fund Raising Chairperson and Principal will approve all fundraisers and all students are highly encouraged to participate in order to maintain LFCA’s affordable tuition rates.

Holidays

There will be several opportunities for classroom celebrations during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. During the Christmas and Easter holidays, LFCA focuses on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and asks that no items recognizing Santa or the Easter Bunny be brought to school. Also prohibited are: leprechauns, and any Halloween item such as witches, ghosts, skeletons, haunted houses, etc.

Birthday Parties

Birthday parties will not be held at school. However, children who wish to celebrate their birthday may bring a treat (such as cupcakes or cookies) for the entire class for lunch or snack time. No personal party invitations are to be distributed at school unless every child in the class receives one.

School Pictures and Yearbooks

Individual school pictures are taken in the fall and again in the spring. Group pictures, by class, event, and activity, are taken in the spring. Team and individual pictures are also taken of our sports teams.

These fall individual pictures and spring group pictures will be included in the school yearbook that is available to purchase in the spring.

Chapel Services

All students are required to attend daily chapel services. This is a time of worship, prayer, Bible study with guest speakers, class presentations, and student performances. An offering may be collected in order to support mission activities or guests and their ministries.

Missions

Little Flock Christian Academy is a Christ-centered, mission-minded school. Students have the privilege of serving our community through our missions program using Acts 1:8 as our guideline. Approximately two times per year, each class will go out and serve in their mission field (Jerusalem and Judaea). Also, in their Missions classes, they will learn about, pray for, communicate with, and contribute to other missionaries serving elsewhere (the uttermost part of the earth). In order to fulfill our mission statement, student participation in all Missions projects is required. If a student is absent and / or does not attend the mission project, then it is the responsibility of the parent to arrange a make up project for the student that will be equivalent in hours and purpose. Parent-arranged make up projects must be pre-approved by the Principal. Each spring, the eighth grade class participates in a short-term mission trip (Samaria).

Computer Lab and Website

The computer lab at our school is for student use during their class time and computer usage is monitored at all times. Security use of a firewall is updated continually to ensure appropriate website access. In addition, various computer programs will be introduced during the computer class time.

You are able to access our website at: www.littleflockchristianacademy.com. Permission is necessary to include your child’s picture on this website.

Student Activities Policies

All activities whether they be Academic, Athletic, or the Arts must operate on the basis of our philosophy, goals, and the mission of the school. Therefore,

all academic activities will be for the express purpose of supplementing the curriculum and learning in the classroom,
all athletic activities will be for the purpose of developing healthy bodies as temples to the Lord,
all arts activities will be for the purpose of supporting the students’ growth in appreciation and expression of the wonderful things God has provided for His children.

Academics – All faculty, staff, and coaches will emphasize the Apostle Paul as a role model. He was well educated – able to speak to all intellects (Acts 17), and possessed a craft so that he could support himself as he spread the Gospel without being a burden on others (Acts 18).

Athletics – all faculty, staff, and coaches will emphasize serving the Lord by of taking care of their bodies as it is written in Romans 12:1 “…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”.

The Arts – all faculty, staff, and coaches will emphasize the standards set forth by King David as they relate to the expression of worship to the Lord through the arts as in I Chronicles 15:16.

Clubs and Activities

The school participates in many events through the Association of Christian Schools International including: Science Fair, Math Olympics, Music Festival, Art Festival, Creative Writing, Geography Bee, Young Authors and Illustrators Festival, Desktop Publishing, Spelling Bee, and Speech Meet. Students will participate in monthly club meetings to prepare for these festivals and to enhance their interests into different areas of enrichment.

Athletics

The athletic program at LFCA offers basketball, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, cross country, flag football, soccer, and track. Contact the Athletic Director for information on age cut-offs and gender availability. The athletic director will determine and communicate the following: practices, games, uniforms, fund raising, parent volunteer needs, and any other relevant information.

Note: Games and sports that require physical contact, such as tackle-football and wrestling, are not allowed to be played by students or staff on the LFCA campus unless it is an organized team practice, competition or any other event approved by the Principal.

Physical Examinations

Each student interested in participating in any athletic endeavor will be required to present a physician’s certificate signed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or registered nurse practitioner that states the student is physically able to participate without undue risk. A student will not be allowed to participate in practices or games until the certificate is on file.

Athletic Probation

Student athletes must maintain a 2.0 grade point average without failing any subjects including conduct to be eligible to participate in any athletic practices and/or games. Grades will be checked every three weeks by means of a progress report and report card. Ineligible players will be submitted by teachers directly to the Athletic Director for suspension. If a student falls below a 2.0 GPA or receives an “F” in any academic area including conduct, he or she will be ineligible for one week. This means that the student will not be able to dress or participate in any games or practices that entire week. However, the student is required to attend all games and practices while ineligible. Practice time will serve as a study hall for the student and possible disciplinary action time for the coaches. Once a child has lost eligibility, his or her grades will be monitored on a weekly basis until a 2.0 GPA is earned. Repeat offenders will be evaluated for further disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the team.

It is the philosophy of the Athletic Department that student athletes should be the examples for fellow classmates to follow. They should excel academically, athletically, and in Christian character. School comes first, then extracurricular activities!

Curriculum

LFCA uses a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on state and national standards with a Christian-worldview. This advanced approach to Christian education keeps learning lively, interesting, and memorable. Textbooks from A Beka, the ACSI, and the BJ Press are used to supplement the curriculum. The materials reflect sensible theory that is firmly anchored to practicality and Biblical truths.

Textbooks

All textbooks are property of the school. They must be handled with care and kept in good condition and free from marks. Any damaged or lost textbooks, workbooks, student planners, or school issued materials must be replaced by the student through the school office.

Homework

Parents may request to pick up homework assignments or daily work at the end of the day for students who have missed class. The requests will be honored only if the teacher has sufficient time to provide the information. We encourage parents to make requests before 9:30 a.m.

Homework assignments are given to students to help master academic subjects through additional practice. Students must record homework assignments in their planners. Homework shall be assigned in such quantities as to provide adequate training in independent study and in practicing the skills conferred in the classroom, without interfering too much with non-academic activities or with meeting a healthy bedtime hour. If a student consistently has difficulty in this area, please contact the classroom teacher so that the matter might be resolved in a timely manner.

To help students budget their time, one should expect one hour or less of homework each night in the elementary grades and two hours or less in the upper elementary and junior high. Homework will not be assigned on Wednesdays or Sundays so that students may attend evening church services. There will be no tests or quizzes on Mondays or Thursdays, unless arrangements have been made for makeup work.

Note: classes that do not meet every day are not bound to the Monday and Thursday no test rule.

Missing graded assignment after the first date due (a 50% grade reduction on the date due, and then 0% credit the following day if the assignment isn’t completed and returned). Homework and other important information may be accessed from the school’s website at www.littleflockchristianacademy.com .

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Letter grades are given for each subject and report cards are issued every nine weeks. There are a total of four grading periods over the course of the school year. A progress report will be sent home between the fourth and fifth week of each grading period. Throughout the grading periods, all grades will be posted weekly on the online grading system which may be accessed through an account set up with your teacher.

Academic Grading Scale

A= 93-100

B= 85-92

C= 76-84

D= 65-75

F= 0-64

Honor Roll

Little Flock Christian Academy will recognize those who have excelled in their conduct and academics by placing them on the Honor Roll. To qualify, the student must have all A’s to be placed on the “A Honor Roll” or all A’s and B’s with at least one “A” to be placed on the “A-B Honor Roll.”

Retention

It is highly recommended that students with deficiencies in any core content area receive the necessary tutoring within the school year. Any student who receives one F or two D averages must attend summer school in order to pass to the next grade at LFCA. Individuals providing tutoring must be approved by the Principal. Any student with deficiencies of one or more F’s or of two or more Ds cannot be promoted to the next grade at LFCA. If the student is retained, a position in their current grade at LFCA may not be available for the next school year.

Any student in kindergarten and/or eighth grade who does not pass will not be permitted to participate in their class graduation ceremony.

Summer school will be held in the month of June. Each core content area class will last ten days for three hours each day. Students must complete all work, quizzes, and tests, attend each day for the full three hours, and achieve a minimum of 76% in order to pass. The cost will be $500, per class taken, paid in full before classes begin, and no refunds will be given after classes begin.

Standardized Testing

Each spring, students will participate in Achievement Testing. Parents should make every effort to have their child in school each day during testing week.

Student Behavior

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17

Students’ responsibilities:

Attend school regularly
Be punctual for all classes
Have necessary supplies for all classes
Complete all assignments to the best of their ability
Participate in all class activities to the best of their ability
Cooperate with administration, faculty, and classmates in such a manner that classes will be able to function as an educational entity

Conduct Toward Authority

Romans 13:1-5 instructs us to subject ourselves to authority. The matter of respect for teachers and administration is given the utmost importance at LFCA. We are not above making mistakes, but everyone deserves to be treated with respect and courtesy (1 Corinthians 14:40; Philippians 2:3; Romans 12:10). Therefore, any student or parent who directs profanity, name calling, derogatory comments, or any other verbal or physical assault toward a teacher or administration member will forfeit the student’s continued attendance at LFCA.

Student Discipline

Little Flock Christian Academy expects full cooperation from both students and parents in the education of students. At a minimum, discipline should be training in a positive direction. The school discipline program is called Discipline with Love and Logic. This method of discipline works most effectively when parents, teachers, and administrators act as a team to lead the children into responsible behavior. The Love and Logic approach allows children to grow through their mistakes (Love) and allows them to live with the consequences of their choices (Logic).

A student who shows repeated behavioral problems will meet with the Principal and his/her parents to discuss the course of action needed to correct the behavior. This will be an indication that parents need to take action at home so that the teacher’s time is not consumed with behavioral problems but with academic instruction. If at any time the school feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be requested to transfer out of LFCA.

Attendance at LFCA is a privilege and students may forfeit this privilege if they do not conform to the standards and ideals of work and life of this school. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

It is essential to institute some guidelines to help students keep their behavior within acceptable boundaries. The student may be sent to the principal’s office at any time during this process if necessary.

Students who choose to break the rules will earn conduct points. Points will accumulate and be reflected on the report card per grading period as follows:

0-2 A

3-5 B

6-7 C

8-9 D

10- F

DISCIPLINE LEVELS

(*Based on 30 point system)

Please note that the administration reserves the right to make adjustments and/or exceptions to disciplinary procedures on a case-by-case basis.

Points will continue to accumulate throughout the entire school year, but will not carry over to the next school year.

Conduct grades for each report card are based on points accumulated for that grading period only.

Class 1 Acts of Misconduct (1 discipline point per infraction)

Class 1 acts of misconduct are those which interfere with the orderly operation of the classroom or school activities. Examples of Class 1 acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to, classroom disruption; disorderly behavior; being unprepared for class; being off task; dress-code violations; and tardiness to class.

Class 2 Acts of Misconduct (3 discipline points per infraction)

Examples of Class 2 acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to, threats; intimidation; destruction of property; skipping class; disrespect toward administration, teachers, or other students; leaving campus without permission; profane, obscene, or inflammatory language or gestures; taking God’s name in vain; or inappropriate public displays of affection. Class 2 also includes repeated Class 1 offenses.

Class 3 Acts of Misconduct (6 discipline points per infraction)

Class 3 acts of misconduct include the honor infractions of cheating (and plagiarism) on tests or assignments or other academic assignments; deception; and stealing. Class 3 also includes repeated Class 2 offenses.

Class 4 Acts of Misconduct (10 or more discipline points per infraction)

Examples of Class 4 Acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to, fighting; tampering with school equipment (e.g. fire alarms, fire extinguishers, lights, school intercom); possession of a simulated weapon. A student who cheats on an assignment, quiz, or test for the second time will be suspended for one day.

Class 5 Acts of Misconduct (15 or more discipline points per infraction)

Examples of Class 5 acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to, use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages; sexual harassment; assault; possession of or involvement in pornography; public indecent exposure; or any criminal violation (misdemeanor).

Class 6 Acts of Misconduct

The following acts of major misconduct may result in automatic expulsion from LFCA:

Bringing a weapon, explosive device, or firearm on campus or to any school-sponsored event (law enforcement personnel will be notified).
Threatening or bringing bodily harm to a student, faculty or staff member, or administrator.
Possession of alcoholic beverages or tobacco on campus at any time
Involvement in sexual immorality (including homosexuality or bisexuality), pregnancy, or marriage while enrolled at LFCA.
Any involvement with illegal drugs.
Any criminal violation (felony).

Levels of Disciplinary Intervention

Level 1—the accumulation of 6 discipline points will result in:

Letter sent to parent(s) or guardian(s)
Student conference with member of Administration
Detention

Level 2—the accumulation of 10 discipline points will result in:

Letter sent to parent(s) or guardian(s)
Student conference with Administration/intervention plan set up
One (1) day of suspension from school

Level 3—the accumulation of 15 discipline points will result in:

Letter sent to parent(s) or guardian(s)
Parent/student conference with Administration/intervention plan set up
Three (3) days of suspension from school

Level 4—the accumulation of 20 discipline points will result in:

Letter sent to parent(s) or guardian(s)
Parent/student conference with Administration

Five (5) days of suspension from school

Level 5—the accumulation of 30 discipline points will result in:

Letter sent to parent(s) or guardian(s)
Parent/student conference with Administration
Expulsion from school, upon evaluation by and recommendation of the School

Articles Prohibited

Tobacco products in any form; alcoholic beverages; any narcotics or other drugs; dice; playing cards; knives; guns; fireworks or explosives of any kind; water pistols; radios; voice recorders, without prior consent; inappropriate books or magazines; personal listening devices for music; and laser pointers are not permitted on school property. Any toy weapons such as light sabers, guns, knives, etc. are not permitted on school grounds. Any student caught with a prohibited article will have it confiscated immediately by the teacher or administrator. A parent or guardian of the student must pick up the article from the office.

If a cellular phone rings or is being used by a student at any time on school property without permission from the administration, then it will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian at the school office. A Class 1 offense will be recorded.

*Food, candy, drinks, and gum are prohibited in the classroom and gym at all times unless pre-approved by the administration.

Detention

Parents will be notified in writing that the student has received detention and the reasons leading to this step. Detention will be held after school on a date set by the office (usually the day after the parent is notified). Detention will be served for one hour, and a writing assignment will be given to the student.

Students in grades K-2 may serve their detention time in isolation during the school day.

Suspension

Parents will be notified in writing the reasons for the suspension. A suspended student will be reinstated to class after consultation with both the student and parent with assurance from them that such behavior and/or attitudes will be discontinued, and that the student will assume his/her place in the school community with a cooperative and happy spirit.

All assignments for the day will be sent by the teacher(s) to the office to be completed by the student.

Expulsion

When a student is expelled, both student and parent will be notified in person and in writing as to the reasons for the expulsion. The school board alone has the authority to expel a student for any reason deemed necessary (upon recommendation from the Principal), with or without the consent and/or agreement of the parent. Parents are responsible to uphold the Tuition Policy and Financial Obligation.

The student and his/her parent may appeal their case to the school board only for the reason that the evidence upon which the decision to expel was made or based on inaccurate or insufficient evidence. Their appeal shall be in writing and shall be presented to the principal within three days of the expulsion. Only the parent, guardian, or a member of the school board may represent their case in a specially called meeting of the board. The school board’s decision shall be final.

Expulsion may result from serious departure from school policies or expectations for students, including but not limited to the following:

Repeated misconduct
Failure to respond positively to repeated efforts at correction by school personnel
A serious breach of the school’s code for student conduct, including stealing, the use of possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons, either on or off school grounds
Threatening or bringing harm to themselves or to any member of the school community- this may result in mandatory counseling and temporary expulsion. The principal must have approval in writing from a counselor to re-admit the student to school.

Complaint or Problem Procedure

During the course of the year, occasional misunderstandings or problems arise between a teacher and student, teacher and parent, parent and school, or any of several possible areas. This is often the result of a lack of communication between those involved.

LFCA’s policy for dealing with these situations is mentioned below. This policy is consistent with the teachings found in Matthew 18:15-20: “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 even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you; by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My Name, there I am with them.”

All questions, problems, or complaints should first be taken directly to the teacher before anyone else is involved.
If the situation is not cleared up at this level through direct contact, it should then be taken to the principal.
If the problem is still not solved at this level, and the parent wishes to bring a grievance before the school board, the parent must fill out a grievance form and submit it to the principal. The principal will then take the grievance before the board. This form must be filled out and returned to the principal at least one week before the scheduled bimonthly board meeting. The school board is the final level of appeal. *Forms are available in the office or on the website.

Parent / Student Handbook Agreement

We have read the Student Handbook and hereby agree to the terms described above.

Name of student_____________________________________________________________________

Signature of Mother/Guardian__________________________________________________________

Signature of Father/Guardian__________________________________________________________

Date____/_____/_________

LITTLE FLOCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY GRIEVANCE STATEMENT

Today’s Date _____/_____/__________

Person Filing Grievance

_________________________________________________________

Relation to LFCA (i.e. student, parent, etc.)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Date problem occurred _____/_____/__________

State your grievance:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature

_________________________________________________________________

Principal’s comments:

Principal’s signature

___________________________________________________________________