Student Handbook

Mohawk Valley Christian Academy is an educational branch of the First Baptist Church of Little Falls, New York. It is established to help parents carry out the Biblical instruction of bringing up a child “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

In view of the presence of public schools, the natural question is, “Why a Christian School?” The following philosophy of education will give the answer. Please take the time to carefully read it.

Philosophy of Education

The Mohawk Valley Christian Academy accepts the Bible as being the Word of God and, as such, it is our final authority. When the Bible is accepted as the final authority, it becomes impossible to adequately educate except in the light of and in harmony with this authority. The absolutes of the Bible are accepted as such and all other knowledge is viewed with this understanding. Accepting the Bible as the final authority enables education to be accomplished within the framework of definite guidelines and disciplines. Right and wrong can clearly be defined, and definite direction can be given. The principles of the Bible provide a foundation of security that produces certain purpose and reason for existence. Education that is founded upon the absolutes of the Bible makes it possible for the student to know where he came from, why he’s here, and where he’s going.

The Bible asks the question, “What is man?” (Psalm 8:4), and for the believer, the Bible answer must be accepted before education can even begin. It is essential to know the true nature of man if a proper education is to be provided.

The Bible clearly and emphatically shows that man is the result of the immediate, creative, and formative acts of God. Man was created in the image of God, possessing intellectual faculties and a holy nature. By an act of disobedience man fell from his state of innocence, thus bringing upon himself and his posterity a sinful nature, sorrow, pain, and death. Man, by nature, is not essentially good and is not inclined to spiral upward. Man alone, apart from God, is not capable of understanding life or realizing its full potential.

True education must have as its primary goal the bringing of the student into a right relationship with God. Everything else is secondary to and dependent upon this. Through Jesus Christ, God has made provision for this right relationship.

In the Bible believing Christian philosophy of education, the student is not taught self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-assurance, but rather he is taught to deny himself and to totally depend upon God. Proper education brings an understanding of the pupil’s constant need for God in every aspect of his life. This does not mean that the student is not taught confidence, but his confidence comes from God who fails not. Paul expressed it to the Philippians this way: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Just as the Bible is accepted as the final authority, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example. The Bible teaches us that in His humanity, Jesus, as a child, increased in three ways: in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) Complete education benefits the physical, the intellectual, and the spiritual aspect of man. This is the total man, body, soul and spirit. (I Thessalonians 5:23)

For those who seriously accept the Bible as absolute truth, an educational program should be designed to meet the needs of the total man. This involves instruction that benefits not only the intellectual but also the moral and spiritual aspects of man. These three are inter-related and inseparable, and it is impossible to neglect one without injury to the whole man. To ignore or avoid spiritual truth while presenting all other truth will result in, at least, a seeming minimization of spiritual truth. To teach math, science, and even social relations apart from God’s truth is to glorify the temporal at the expense of the eternal. However, in reality God’s truth is not merely minimized but denigrated and attacked. A natural blending of spiritual truth with all other aspects of education will establish the basis for a complete education. To provide intellectual advancement without the spiritual and moral strength to handle it can prove to be disastrous.

Thus, in Christian education, every subject is taught in the light of God’s Word. The Bible is integrated into and through every lesson. The student learns to depend fully upon God in every aspect of life. God has commanded parents to teach their children concerning Him (Psalm 78:4,8); they will want to provide the very best education that will teach the whole child academically, spiritually, and physically, and that will not allow an ungodly system to tear down and steal away the precious teaching of God’s Word.

Accreditation

Accreditation by a state governmental agency is an administrative mechanism designed to ascertain uniform education for all children in public schools. It was established as a governmental means of causing local public school districts to provide what the state educational agencies determine as minimum academic and facility standards for all schools. Accreditation teams, therefore, investigate and approve or disapprove facilities, faculty and curriculum in educational institutions according to the criteria developed by and for secular education, which do not have Christian educational goals in mind.

MVCA has not sought accreditation by any governmental agency because to do so would be tantamount to surrendering the authority of God’s school to a secular governing body. For the same reason, we have not sought state registration. Registration in New York State is voluntary. In registering, a school agrees to submit to all state regulations on education. The state would again dictate administrative policy, discipline procedures, and academic curricula. There would be little reason to have a “Christian school” that was identical to a state school with the only difference being addition of a Bible class.

We do belong to the New York Association of Christian Schools, which is affiliated with the American Association of Christian Schools. Through the American Association of Christian Schools we participate in achievement testing which indicate a student’s academic growth and progress on a recognized national standardized test. Our students have consistently scored on average more than a year above grade level on these tests.

Admissions Procedure

Mohawk Valley Christian Academy recognizes that it cannot meet the educational needs of all children. It is a school offering quality Christian training, but it is not designed to be a correctional institution for problems arising beyond those usually encountered in average school children. While we love delinquent and emotionally unstable children, the school is just not equipped or staffed to meet their needs.

Although Mohawk Valley Christian Academy is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Little Falls, that does not mean we accept only Baptists as students. Our student body represents a variety of denominations. Our purpose is not to indoctrinate toward a particular church or denomination, but to bring our students into a right relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Admission to Mohawk Valley Christian Academy is determined by the prospective student’s attitude, emotional stability and academic testing.

To apply for admission, follow these steps:

Read this handbook thoroughly
Complete the application for admission and return it to the office accompanied by the registration fee.
The office will call for an interview appointment for parent and pupil with the principal.
Parents will be notified of acceptance status.
Parents are expected to cooperate with the school in matters of academics, discipline, and spiritual instruction.

Medical Requirements

A child must be immunized against diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and chickenpox (varicella) before being allowed to enter school. This applies to students transferring into our school district as well as kindergarteners and first graders entering our school. A medical record of such immunizations, or a certificate by a physician of the projected completion of such immunizations, must be on file in the school office before a student can be admitted to classes.

Each year, parents will be required to sign an emergency medical treatment authorization which will be kept on file at the school. If a child should become injured or ill at school, parents will be contacted if at all possible.

Medication

If your child needs to take medication at school, you must deliver it in the original container along with a note from the doctor. This includes over-the-counter medications. The medication will be secured and dispensed only under the teacher’s supervision.

Parental Involvement

As an extension of the Christian Home, Mohawk Valley Christian Academy recognizes the necessity of parental involvement in the activities of MVCA students. As such, parents of MVCA students are required to:

Attend the annual Parent Orientation Fellowship: This activity will be held just before the start of school each year. The purpose of this event is to get acquainted with the staff of MVCA, learn the theme and special events of the coming school year, review school policies and be informed of any changes, and reinforce a spirit of unity between the Christian home and school.
Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences following the 1st & 3rd school quarters: Conferences are required for all students at both of these times. Additional conferences may be scheduled at either the teacher’s or parents’ request.
Attend the Awards Ceremony at the end of each year. Students have worked hard during the year and it is important that parents support them and the school. Students must be present at the awards ceremony to receive any awards they earned.
Students who have not had a parent attend the required events may not be considered for re-enrollment the following year. If there is an emergency that will keep a parent from attending the required events, they must contact the school before the event if possible (after if not possible).

Attendance

A written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the teacher when a student returns to school after an absence. If the absence is foreseeable, a note should also be sent in advance. It is also the responsibility of the parent to send in a note indicating why your student was absent so that it can be recorded as either “excused” or “unexcused”. Notes that do not indicate specific reasons will be considered “unexcused” in nature therefore jeopardizing your student’s academic future. Please note that it is impossible for students to be academically successful if they are not in school to benefit from instruction. Doctor, dental, music, and other appointments should be made for other than school hours if at all possible. Students should not be sent to school when obviously ill (running a fever, throwing up, etc.) Excused absences are due to illness (must have a doctor’s note), church mission trip, or death in the family. All other absences are unexcused. Unexcused absences are serious deficits on a student’s permanent transcript. Institutions look at the amount of absences a student accumulates. Excessive unexcused absences may in fact show a disregard for priorities and authority. If there is a large amount of unexcused absences at the end of the year, that student may be in jeopardy of not continuing to the next grade. Parents should do everything they can to abide by these attendance policies to ensure your student with the best possible transcript for their future. If a student contracts head lice or a communicable disease (other than common colds, flu, or stomach “bug”) the school should be notified immediately. In the case of head lice the student must be inspected before being admitted back in school.

A student is considered tardy if he is not in opening exercises by 8:00 a.m. Excused tardies are due to medical appointments, church missions trips or death in the family. The student needs to submit a written excuse to the office. All public school transportation problems, except missing the bus, are excused and do not require a written excuse.

Attendance Policy

Each student is allowed six unexcused absences per quarter. Every three unexcused tardies equals one unexcused absence. If your child reaches seven unexcused absences within a quarter they will lose their “V” privilege for the remainder of that quarter and will not be able to earn it back until the third week of the following quarter. If your child reaches 20 unexcused absences (during the duration of the school year) a meeting will be arranged to discuss your child’s enrollment at the academy. Excused absence would be a death in the family, doctor’s written excuse, or a church mission trip.

Field Trips

Throughout the school year your student will present you with permission slips for attending a school sponsored field trip. These field trips are often for academic reasons. It is the desire of the Academy administration that you encourage your student to attend all school sponsored field trips. In the event that you decide against their attendance of the field trip your student will still be required to come to school and work. Arrangements will be made by the remaining staff to have your student monitored so that he or she can continue their school work though they have not attended the field trip. In the event that your student does not go on the field trip and does not come to school, their absence will be considered unexcused.

School Calendar

Each year a school calendar will be published and given to each family. It will include the opening and closing dates of school, holidays, and important events in the coming year. It will be mailed out in August along with a list of school supplies required for the grade level of your student(s). Parents will be notified of other important dates as they arise.

School Closings

Snow day information

In the event of a snow day, we will put the announcement on WKTV, the texting platform and our social media pages for MVCA and First Baptist Church of Little Falls. We are on the School Closings Network also so it will be widely announced and publicized. See below for all of the places that the School Closings Network publicizes. In general, we follow Little Falls but, please make sure to check for our school listing.

MVCA text alert platform

Text “mvcaalerts” to 844-918-3999.

You will receive a text when school is either closed or delayed. We will probably use it for special occasions or events as well.

Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Message and data rates may apply.

We have joined the School Closings Network which will allow us to get closing information out on more media sites. If it becomes necessary to close school because of snow or other emergency, an announcement will be made between 6 and 8 a.m. on the following websites:

The Daily Gazette
The Post-Star
The Times Union
Time Warner Cable News
WFLY – FLY 92
WGY – 810 WGY
WNYT TV
WRGB TV
WRVE – The River
WTEN TV
WYJB – B-95.5
WXXA TV
wktv.com

School Day

The school day consists of approximately six hours. The school is not responsible for children before 7:30 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m. unless special arrangements have been made for after school help.

Pledges

Students will recite the following three pledges each day:

Pledge to the American Flag

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Pledge to the Christian Flag

I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands: one Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.

Pledge to the Bible

I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word; I will make it a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path; and I will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.

Supplies

Each child should bring a King James Version of the Bible. The classroom teacher will provide a list of other supplies needed. It will be mailed with the school calendar in August.

Lunches

Pupils will bring their own lunches to be eaten only during lunch hour and in an assigned place. We do have microwaves available should a student need to reheat food. Teachers supervise the use of kitchen equipment.

Physical Education

No student is excused from the required physical education course without a doctor’s written excuse. To be excused from a given physical education class, a note from a parent or guardian must be presented. A prolonged excuse for over one week’s classes or an exemption from certain activities requires a doctor’s written excuse. For all physical education classes in grades 3-12, unless otherwise instructed, boys and girls will wear gym uniforms: T-shirt and shorts purchased at the school office, and gym shoes.

Due to insurance regulations, footballs are not allowed in school or on school property at any time.

We will engage in Air Rifle for gym during the months of October and November with the schedule to be set at the beginning of the school year depending on our coaches’ schedules. All coaches must attend training and obtain the proper certification to be a coach through the Student Air Rifle Program out of Missouri. Each student enrolled in grades 5th-12th will be expected to take Air Rifle for gym class. A waiver will be sent home before the first class to be signed by a parent.

We will engage in Archery for the gym during the months of January through March. That schedule will be decided during winter break to coincide with the coaches’ schedule. All coaches must attend training and obtain the proper certification to be a coach through the New York State Archery in School Program. Each student enrolled in grades 4th-12th will be expected to take Archery for gym class. A waiver will be sent home before the first class to be signed by a parent.

NASP also has a State Tournament in March that we expect our students to attend. That tournament is held in Syracuse at the NYS Fair Grounds. Students that compete and place there will be eligible to compete in Kentucky for the National Archery Tournament. This is not required, and all costs associated will be endured by the family. We will be happy to obtain information needed for the family to attend but, generally speaking, we do not attend as a school.

Fire Drills

Fire drills will be held periodically according to New York State guidelines. It is the responsibility of each student, for his own safety and the safety of others, to follow these rules:

Each student is to follow the teacher’s directions for leaving the building
There is to be absolutely no talking.
Each student should move rapidly, but not run.

Telephone

The school telephone will not be available for student use unless permission is given by the student’s teacher with a reason for making a call home during school hours or has been requested by the parent to return a call to home or work at their earliest convenience. The student is not allowed at any time to use their cell phone for such purposes. All calls are to be made from the school office. There will be no exceptions. The school office hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please observe the following times to contact teachers by telephone: 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Calls at these times are more than welcome, and conferences will be arranged when necessary.

Cell Phone Use

Students are not permitted to use a cell phone in the school building before or during school time. After school, students should not use cell phones until they have left the school building.

MVCA staff should also abide by these general guidelines. However, a teacher may use their cell phone before 8:00 AM and after 2:15 PM. Under no circumstances should a teacher be using their cell phone during class time or in their class room. All calls made to their cell phone outside of said hours must be returned only at lunch or after school hours. There will be no exceptions. If there is a family emergency please instruct your family members to call the school office so that Academy staff can at least know and secure coverage for your class while you are being informed of the family emergency. Please take care of personal business prior to or after your school day.

Any use of a cell phone in school during school hours by a student will result in disciplinary action. If a student brings a cell phone to school, the cell phone must be turned in to the learning center director in the morning and turned off. They will be returned in the afternoon once school has finished for the day.

NOTE: “Forgetting” to turn off the cell phone is not an excuse.

Use of a cell phone during a test for any reason (i.e. text messaging, photos) will automatically be considered cheating, no questions asked and appropriate academic and disciplinary action will be taken in the sole discretion of the administration.

No taking of or other use of cell phone photographs is permitted during the school day. Particularly, no cell phone photographs are permitted in the restrooms or locker room areas at any time. Violation of this prohibition is a serious discipline offense.

Parents who need to contact their child during the school day for emergency purposes should use the school’s normal emergency contact process and the main school number which is 315-823-3696. School staff will assist parents in communicating with their child in appropriate emergency situations. Parents should not consider their child’s cell phone as a means of contacting their child for any reason during the school day.

Transportation

Transportation of children to and from school is the responsibility of the parents. New York State law requires your local school district to provide transportation to private schools located within fifteen miles of your home. If you live further than fifteen miles away, you can still receive transportation from a central pick-up point if your school district is already transporting someone to our school. To receive transportation, you must apply ANNUALLY to your local public school district before April 1. Bus transportation is the sole responsibility of the parents as it is an agreement between you and the school district. The school will not be responsible for contacting the bus for transportation needs.

Any child in grades K-8 who will be leaving school by other than the regular mode of transportation should bring a note from a parent.

Curricula

Grades Pre-K & K use a traditional classroom approach to education. We primarily use ABEKA curriculum. This curriculum has a strong phonics approach to reading, but other methods are incorporated to give a complete, well-rounded approach.

Grades 1 through 12 primarily use individualized, self-paced courses from A.C.E. and Alpha Omega. With this program, each student has his own private “office” learning area where he works his way through a course of study individualized to meet his specific needs and learning capabilities. One-on-one learning assistance is provided as well. Our program incorporates academic excellence, mastery-based learning, character building, goal setting, traditional values and the teaching of critical thinking skills. Students become more successful when they are responsible for setting and achieving their academic goals.

Grade Promotion: Grades 1–12

At MVCA, students are generally grouped according to age. However, there are basic steps a student must achieve in order to progress from one grade to the next. With our curriculum, we generally consider 12 PACEs to be a year’s work in a given subject, with some slight variations in high school courses. Students who become six PACEs or more behind in core curriculum subjects may not be promoted to the next grade, but will instead repeat their current grade.

Grading System

Each year, each student at MVCA is given an academic projection that outlines the expectations for that student’s academic progress for the given school year. With the exception of some high school classes, each course is comprised of 12 PACES. Students are expected to complete three PACES per quarter, per subject, in order to complete a year’s worth of work in each subject. After a projection has been determined, courses may not be dropped after the start of the school year without authorization from our administrator.

The grading system is designed to give a true indication of the student’s progress or lack thereof. Progress Reports will be sent home with the students following the end of each quarter. Reports will be issued at the end of the year only after accounts have been paid in full.

Only passing grades (80% or higher) are recorded and averaged to compute grades for Progress Reports and Academic Records. The 80 percent requirement for passing PACEs and classes is a built-in success factor.

Goals

The goals card is to be completely filled in for the day before school opening and may not be changed without permission. The goals are to be neatly written in ink and specific. Goals must meet minimum requirements, be completed on time, and not be crossed off until completed.

PACEs

PACEs are to be completed according to the procedure explained by the supervisor. This includes proper scoring and initialing by a supervisor. If a PACE is lost or severely damaged, it will be replaced and charged to the student. If a student fails a PACE, they must retake that PACE to make sure they are retaining the given information. Any failed PACE will result in a $5.00 charge to the family account to replace the PACE.

Throughout each PACE, there are several check-ups. Check-ups may be done at home but must be signed off by a supervisor before they are scored. Any check-up that is failed, must be retaken. This ensures that the student is learning and retaining the information given before moving on in the PACE.

Self-tests are never to be done at home. They must be signed off on at school by a supervisor. The supervisor will audit the PACE before signing off to make sure that all the required work has been completed. This includes proper scoring and signing off on supervisor pages. Once a self-test is taken, the student will score it and take notes on any wrong answers. The PACE is then turned in to the supervisor. The PACE test, or final, will be taken the next day. They are not taken on the same day.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the overall program of education. Parents are expected to aid the teachers to see that homework is completed neatly and on time. Homework is to be completed before opening. The supervisor will determine time needed for scoring and correcting homework. Students not meeting goals for any day will be required to do their work at home

Honor Roll and High Honor Roll

Honor Roll (HR) and High Honor Roll (HHR) are granted on a quarterly basis according to the following requirements:

92.00 average or above (HR), 97.00 average or above (HHR)
All required work completed
Each month’s Bible selected recited by month’s end (HR) or by the 15th (HHR)
No more than four (HR) or three (HHR) detentions during the quarter
No more than five unexcused absences for the quarter.

Graduation Requirements

Students in grades 9 – 12 must earn a minimum of 22 credits for the general diploma, a minimum of 24 credits for the college preparatory diploma, and a minimum of 26 credits for the Honors diploma. Students must carry a minimum of 4 credits each year not including Bible Class or Physical Education.

Grades 9–12: Honors Course

The following course of study is adequate to prepare most students for college studies.

Subject	Min Credits Req’d
Bible	4
English	4
Math	4
Social Studies	4
Science	4
Health	1/2
Speech	1/2
Music	1/2
Christian Growth (to complete in senior year)	1/2
Foreign Language (in the same language)	2
Physical Education	2
Minimum Total Credits	26

Grades 9–12: College Preparatory Course

The following course of study is adequate to prepare most students for college studies.

Subject	Min Credits Req’d
Bible	4
English	4
Math	3
Social Studies	4
Science	3
Health	1/2
Speech	1/2
Music	1/2
Christian Growth (to complete in senior year)	1/2
Foreign Language (in the same language)	2
Physical Education	2
Minimum Total Credits	24

Grades 9–12: General Course

Subject	Min Credits Req’d
Bible	4
English	4
Math	2
Social Studies	4
Science	2
Health	1/2
Speech	1/2
Music	1/2
Christian Growth (to complete in senior year)	1/2
Physical Education	2
Foreign Language	1
Electives	1
Minimum Total Credits	22

Electives

Course	Credits	Course	Credits
Bible:		English:
Christian Growth	1/2	Grammar & Composition (general diploma only)	1
Introduction to Missions	1/2	American Literature	1/2
New Testament Ch. Hist.	1	British Literature	1/2
Soul Winning	1/2	Communication Applications	1/2
Life of Christ	1	Composition	1/2
Old Testament Survey	1	English IV	1
Foundations for Living	1/2
Math:		Science:
Geometry	1	Physical Science	1
Trigonometry	1	Physics	1
Consumer Math	1	Chemistry	1
Business Math	1	Astronomy	1/2
		Geology	1/2
		Life Science	1/2
Social Studies:		General:
Anthropology & Sociology	1/2	Accounting	1
The Constitution	1/2	Chorus	1/2
		Music Appreciation	1/2
		General Business	1
		Home Economics	1
		Music	1/2
		Art Appreciation	1/2
		Brush Art	1/2
		Advanced Art	1
		Art	1/4
		Greek I	1
		Spanish I, II, III, IV	1 ea
		French I	1

Specifics for All Students

Every effort will be made to offer the subjects for each course of study. However, if a subject required for a course of study is not available, the student will be assigned an additional elective to make up for the credit.
After a projection has been determined, courses may not be dropped after the start of the school year, unless determined necessary by the school administration.
Bible is required of all students while in attendance at our school. Transferring freshmen or sophomores must complete all four credits of Bible. Transferring juniors must complete a minimum of three credits of Bible. Transferring seniors must complete a minimum of two years of Bible.
Transferring students are required to still achieve the minimum total credits for the course of study that they select. Transfer credits count toward the number of credits earned.
All students must take the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) before graduation.
Graduating seniors are required to attend the commencement service. Those who fail to attend will not receive recognition during the service. The school administration must be contacted as soon as possible in the event of unavoidable circumstances for any exceptions.
MVCA does not participate in dual enrollment programs. We will not give credit for courses taken at other institutions while a student is currently enrolled at MVCA.

Students Who Transfer to MVCA Their Junior or Senior Year

It is the policy of this Academy to welcome all incoming students. In the event that such a transfer is a Senior, the incoming Senior will not be eligible for class positions of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. In the event that such a transfer is a Junior, the incoming Junior must be a transfer student in the fall of their Junior year in order to be eligible for class positions of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. That is, they must have begun their Junior year with us in the month of September. Any Junior or Senior that transfers later than that will be ineligible to hold one of the two positions of honor unless they are the only student graduating that year or the class size is small. If this is the case careful measures will be taken for class ranking and placement determination within the graduating class. In addition to this is the understanding that the Booster club scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors not only by class rank but by the amount of time the student has been at MVCA. In other words, a transfer student may in fact receive scholarship(s) but preference is given to long standing students of MVCA and must have met the scholarship criteria.

Cut Off Dates for Class Ranking

The cut off date to determine class rank will be at the conclusion of the fourth quarter of each year for that class of Seniors. This means at the end of the fourth quarter, class rank will be determined by the school administration.

Early Graduation

Early graduation and early completion are permissible only for students who have attained the age of 16 and completed the Honors program. Bill for tuition and fees will be for the entire year, regardless of when the student completes his program. Other students finishing their programs early are required to remain in attendance and take additional courses.

Special Note to Parents of High School Students

As you know, the public schools are no longer able to offer local (non-regents) diplomas such as our students earn. That means that students who transfer from our school to a public school during the senior high years may be required to take additional regents courses and tests at the public school in order to get the state diploma. The time needed for these additional classes may mean that the student cannot graduate in the traditional four years. When you register your student at our school or any other non-registered, non-public school, you should make that commitment prayerfully and fully aware that a return to state education may no longer be a convenient option. We do not offer an official New York State diploma.

Visitors

All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the office. Nothing may be distributed to students without the prior approval of the administration.

All-day student visitors will be limited to definite, prospective students only, and arrangements must be made with the administration prior to the day of the visit.

Dress Code

Students and faculty must dress and groom themselves in a manner becoming Christian modesty and in a way that will be glorifying to the Lord rather than calling attention to one self. We make no apology for the fact that we seek to use every means at our disposal, including clothing regulations, to encourage students to think and act like LADIES and GENTLEMEN. Our dress code is intended to encourage virtues such as humility, simplicity, and respect for others and to discourage vices such as pride, materialism, and sensuality. We encourage each student to gain in recognition through personal charm and conscientious work.

The teachers or principal shall have sole authority in matters of dress. Their decisions in all questions are final. By enrolling their child in Mohawk Valley Christian Academy, parents give their tacit approval to any directives given concerning dress or grooming by the teachers or principal and agree to carry out those directives. Continued antagonism, opposition, or griping will not be tolerated but will be cause for dismissal of the student(s) involved. All parents, as well as students in grades 7 – 12, must sign the agreement of cooperation with school standards and discipline on the application or re-enrollment form.

All Students

Clothing must be neat, clean, and without holes or tears. Extreme fads in clothing and hair style are not allowed. Clothing that is close fitting, too tight, or too baggy is not appropriate. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans and capris are only allowed on dress down days. Shorts, jogging pants, sweatpants and the like are not allowed. Clothing with pictures or writing is not allowed. Low cut clothing, front or back, is not allowed; the midriff and shoulders must be completely covered at all times. No undergarments may show. Shoes with laces must be completely laced and tied. Students wearing sneakers should be sure they are clean and free of holes or tears before entering the gymnasium. If they are not, the student will need a separate pair of clean sneakers for gym class. In winter, snow boots and snow pants may be worn to school but not in the classroom. Hats and hoods are not to be worn inside the building. Hooded sweatshirts are not to be worn with hoods up inside the building. Hair styles should avoid extremes that call undue attention to a student’s appearance. Dress code applies until 2:30 p.m. each day unless casual dress is required for a school activity.

Boys

Boys will not come to school in immodest or inappropriate styles of clothing. Boys should wear slacks (Dockers, Dickies, or cargo type) with button down dress shirts, 3-button golf or polo style shirts. Shirts must be tucked in. Pants must be pulled up to the waistline, must not be extremely baggy or extremely tight, and must not touch the floor. Pants with belt loops must be worn with a belt. Boys wearing sweaters or polar fleece tops must wear a shirt with a collar underneath. All boys must wear dress shirts, shoes (not sneakers), and ties on chapel days. Boys’ hair must be kept cut so that it is off the ears, shirt collar in back, and eyebrows in front. Boys may not wear earrings or other jewelry that may be deemed inappropriate. Boys must remove their hats as they enter the building.

Girls

Girls will not come to school in immodest or inappropriate styles of clothing. Girls may wear slacks (Dockers, Dickies, or cargo type) with 3-button golf or polo style shirts or knit tops with jewel (round) necklines. Necklines must be no lower than three finger widths below the collarbone. Girls may wear dresses (the usual neckline and shoulder rules apply) or they may wear skirts or split skirts with the same types of tops as are allowed with slacks. Tops must not have pictures or writing. NO T-SHIRTS. Dresses, skirts, and culottes must be below the knee, and slits must not extend above the knee. Backless high heels are not allowed. Nothing should be visible through the clothing. Skinny-cut clothing is not allowed at any time. Girls must wear shoes, (no sneakers) and dresses or skirts (no split skirts) on chapel days. Leggings are allowed only under a dress or skirt. Girls are to wear their hair so it is kept out of the eyes at all times.

Dress Down Days

On dress down days students are allowed to wear jeans or capris and T-shirts. T-shirts must not contain offensive pictures or writing. Offensive includes, but is not limited to, rock bands, peace signs, skulls, and the Goth look. Anything that identifies with destructive elements in the culture is prohibited. Clothing must be neat and clean with no holes or tears. No tank tops, no muscle shirts, no halters, and no Spandex are allowed. Midriffs and shoulders must be completely covered at all times.

Dress Code Violations

For any dress code violation involving immodesty, the parents will be phoned and the student will remain in the office until an appropriate change of clothing is brought to school.

Grades Pre-K–2:

A note will be sent home to the parents so the violations are not repeated. For repeated violations, the parents may be phoned to bring an appropriate change of clothing.

Rules of Conduct

A high Christian standard of conduct is expected from each student. It is expected that all students will abide by the particular guidelines set down by the school. However, just obeying the rules is not sufficient; a negative, critical attitude will not be tolerated.

The pupils are expected to conduct themselves in a behaved manner both in school and in coming and returning from school. They should be respectful of teachers, school staff members, other pupils, and other adults they meet in or outside of school. All personnel will be addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Miss appropriately. Proper treatment and use of school property as well as the property of those encountered coming to and going from school is expected.

If any student becomes involved in UNCHRISTIAN, immoral, or criminal activities outside school jurisdiction, we reserve the right to not retain that student in our school. Recognizing that our students are under the authority of their parents, we expect parents to monitor all of the influences that affect their children.

Routine classroom disturbances will be disciplined by the teacher and the parents will not be notified unless such behavior persists.

That there might be understanding and uniformity in our discipline, the following procedure will be followed. In all cases, the principal is invested with the authority to make disciplinary judgments. If an issue remains unresolved, it can be presented at a school board meeting by requesting the office to put the issue on the agenda.

Our students should be courteous, practice the fruit of the Spirit, be kind and helpful to younger children, and be obedient and respectful to those in authority. When disciplinary action is necessary, our staff strives to be firm, consistent, fair, and tempered by love. We use a number of controls for discipline:

Detention for Minor Offenses and Excessive Carelessness

Demerits and punishment:

1 — 0
2 — 0
3 — 20 minutes detention
4 — 30 minutes detention
5 — 45 minutes detention
6 — 60 minutes detention

ALL detentions for grades 3-12 will be served after school.

A detention slip will be sent home with the student on the day the offense occurred. This slip must be returned the next school day signed by the parent. Please do not write on the detention slip. Failure to return the signed detention slip will result in a phone call to the parent and an additional automatic 20 minute detention. Detentions must be served the next school day after the student receives their detention regardless if the slip has been signed by a parent. No detentions will last over one hour on any given school day. Detention time in excess of one hour (7 or more marks in one school day) will be spread over two detention periods. If you have any questions, please call or visit the principal before the next school day begins.

The first four detentions within the quarter will be served after school. For all detentions after the fourth within a quarter, the student will remain at home the following day and complete work assigned by the supervisor.

Other Disciplinary Controls

Loss of privilege: Students who misuse a privilege or misbehave while using a privilege may have that privilege taken away.
Suspension with or without an assignment: 2-5 days. Student must be brought by parent to be reinstated.
Withdrawal: Pastor and principal may ask the parents to withdraw their child.
Expulsion: Pastor and principal dismiss the student.

Demerit Procedures Grades 3–12

In each category, offenses receive progressively stronger discipline for the individual student until the end of the quarter. For example, the first time a student is disciplined for wasting time, he will receive one demerit. The second time he is disciplined for the same offense, he receives two demerits. The third time, he receives three demerits.

1 Demerit

Disturbance
Disrespect
Damage or misuse of property. In addition, the student will be charged a fee to cover the cost of repairing damage. Accidental damage will also be charged even though the student will receive no marks.
Improper language
Eating at times and in locations other than those designated
Reading or passing notes
Wasting time
Late
Brown envelope not signed and returned
Excuse for absence or tardiness not turned in
Homework not done/PACE(s) not brought to school
Dress code violation
Out of seat without permission
Bible not brought to school
Incomplete gym uniform
Improper scoring
Disorderly behavior
Incomplete office supplies
Not following learning center procedures (checkups, vocabulary not signed, goals not set, improper use of flag, etc.)

6 Demerits (Automatic 60 minute detention)

Boys and girls that have physical contact
Cheating, lying
Major scoring Violation
Off limits
Defiance in attitude or action toward staff
Fighting, vulgar language
Detention slip not signed or returned (3 demerits, 20 min.)
Misuse of technology; using computers for purposes other than school related research.

Grades 3–12 Responsibilities and Privileges

Level “M”: Earned at weeks 3, 6, or 9, retained for the remainder of quarter.

Responsibilities:

Has completed the projected PACEs and other subjects required at week 3, 6, 9.
Has not accumulated any more than 4 detentions in the Quarter.
Has completed Monthly Scripture for the Quarter on time.

Privileges:

May participate in extracurricular sports program.

Level “MV”: Earned at weeks 3, 6, or 9, retained for three weeks.

Responsibilities:

Same as level “M”

Privileges:

May Score without permission in the Learning Center
May be out of seat without permission in the Learning Center

Level “MVCA”: Earned at weeks 3, 6, or 9, retained for three weeks. (Grades 9-12)

Responsibilities:

Same as levels “M” in addition to the following:
Has completed one set ahead of the projected PACEs required for week 3, 6, or 9.

Privileges:

May take Fridays off. (Must report to school for extracurricular events.)

Privilege Days

Students in grades 7th-12th who have completed the following requirements are eligible (not required) to stay at home the last three days of each quarter (possibly more at the end of Q4):

Complete the required work for every subject for the quarter
Students ahead of grade level in every subject have already met the requirements for completing required work
Completed the monthly scripture for the quarter on time
No more than 4 detentions for the quarter

Payments

The registration fee must be paid with the application. If the child is not accepted, or if the child is withdrawn before August 1, the registration fee will be refunded.

The first tuition payment is due on the first day of school. Monthly payments thereafter are due on the first of each month, and are to be paid no later than the tenth. If an account is more than sixty days delinquent, the child will be subject to suspension. There will be a $20 charge for any dishonored checks.

No end-of-year report cards or documents will be issued or school records released until a family’s account is up to date.

When using the 12-month payment plan, the first payment must be made in July, the second in August.

Early Withdrawal

The school should be notified as soon as possible about an early withdrawal. A parent should come in and sign a release form for records to be sent to the new school. Academic records will not be released until the family’s bill is current. For billing purposes, a student who begins a month is liable for that month’s tuition.

Sports Policy Supplement

No more than four nights a week are used on sports.
No weekend practices
No “volunteer” practices
Practices are not to exceed two hours.
Practices must end by 6:30 pm on Wednesdays.
Practices may not start until the previous quarter has ended.
All non-league games must be scheduled through the school office. An events calendar will be kept in the office.
Dress code applies to games for enrolled students as well as home-schooled. (hair, clothing, jewelry)
All sports students (enrolled or home-schooled) must memorize the monthly scriptures for as long as the sport is in season. There are no exceptions. Papers with the monthly verses can be found in the office.

Sports Schedule

Volleyball/Soccer — 1st quarter
Basketball — 2nd quarter – 3rd quarter (February)
Softball — 4th quarter

Coaching Responsibilities

To oversee uniform responsibility
1. Turn in uniform list at the start of the season with player name, number, shirt size, short size, (socks).
2. To order replacements for damaged or lost uniforms (player at fault pays for uniform)
3. To turn in all uniforms to the school within one week after the season (collect uniforms after last game)
To uphold the values and policies of the school
Coaches have the right to dismiss a player that they feel is a detriment to the team.
Coaches must attend the annual coaches meeting at the start of the year. If they are unable to attend the meeting they must set up an appointment with the school administration to cover what was missed in the meeting.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that MVCA with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, MVCA may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the Academy to the contrary in writing. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Academy to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include: programs, sports rosters, yearbooks and honor roll or other recognition lists.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, yearbook publishers, newspapers, and military recruiters.

If you do not want the Academy to disclose directory information from your child’s educational records without prior written consent, you must notify the Academy in writing prior to September 30. The Academy has designated the following information as directory information: student’s name, address, telephone number, photograph, dates of attendance, grade level, participation in sports and activities, honors and awards received, college planning to attend.