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	GSA School Policy   MISSION STATEMENT The mission of The Good Shepherd Academy is to provide quality educational enrichment in a Christian environment. We desire to join with the family and the church in promoting the values and beliefs of the Christian lifestyle, in addition to providing excellent academic enrichment opportunities.   STATEMENT OF FAITH The Good Shepherd Academy is a Christian organization, not affiliated with any one church or denomination. We believe that there are certain precepts which are fundamental to the Christian faith. Among these are the belief that:   The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God.   Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, atoned for our sins through His death on the cross, was resurrected, and will return again for His bride.   All men have sinned and salvation is the free gift of God to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We desire to join with the family and the church in fulfilling the admonition of Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."   ADMISSION STANDARDS The Good Shepherd Academy shall admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the academy. The following standards have been established for entrance into The Good Shepherd Academy:   Parent(s) must be in agreement with our program goals and statement of faith.   The student's behavior at home, church, and school should reflect good citizenship; the student must agree to abide by the standards and guidelines of the academy.   An initial interview with parent(s) and child(ren) will be required before enrollment into the Excel/Good Start or other selected program(s).   Registration forms must be completed and submitted for school files before enrollment is complete.   EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY The Good Shepherd Academy is committed to an educational program that recognizes the unique value, needs, and talents of each individual student. The educational programs offered through the academy are enrichment in nature; they are designed to provide learning alternatives which supplement the core curriculum of home education. A standard of excellence, both morally and academically, is central to our philosophy. Educational instruction received through the academy is not intended to replace the core hour requirements of individual states. Parents are encouraged to be diligent in record-keeping to safeguard their legal rights.   STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES God's Word sets a certain standard for personal and social conduct. If we follow the guidelines established for us in the Bible, then our endeavors will be fruitful and blessed. In order to develop and maximize the learning experience of each student, certain student responsibilities will include:   Respectful attitudes   Kindness in action and speech   Courtesy and politeness   Prompt obedience   Behavior that is trustworthy, self-controlled, and responsible   Active engagement in classroom learning   ACADEMY FUNDING The Good Shepherd Academy is organized as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. No state or federal funds are received by the academy. Tuition does not cover the yearly operating expenses of the academy. Therefore, the academy is dependent upon outside contributions in meeting financial obligations which cannot be met by tuition alone. Contributions made to the academy are tax-deductible. Fundraising opportunities are provided to the families during the school year. All families are strongly encouraged to participate to keep the academy's tuition as reasonable and affordable as possible.   FINANCIAL POLICY Academy programs are designed for a defined enrollment term. Pre-payment is required for all academy classes. Should a family need to withdraw mid-term, a thirty (30) day written notice (or payment for one month) will be required. If a family withdraws, re-enrollment fees will be due before re-admittance. Monthly tuition payments are due on the first class day of each month. A late fee of $15 will be added for any payment not received by the 10th day of the month. Any account thirty (30) or more days past due may result in children being suspended from class. There are no discounts or refunds for missed days. Registration, student, supply and curriculum fees are not refundable. All fees must be paid in full before the student(s) can attend class. These policies are in effect for all programs administered by the academy.   DISCIPLINE POLICY The academy teachers are aware of the need for discipline in the classroom, but are also sensitive to the fact that many home schooled students have never been in a structured classroom environment before. Discipline policies are discussed with the students at the beginning of the year, and are constantly reinforced during the school year. Simple policies such as standing in line, keeping hands to yourself, asking permission to leave the room, etc., are important for proper classroom control. These policies will be reinforced throughout the school year. When the teacher deems necessary, a structured discipline plan will be implemented. The basic discipline plan is:   Verbal Warning/Time Out by staff member (remind child that he/she has signed the student responsibility policy)   Student may lose privilege(s) or incentives, as decided by teacher   Student conference with administrator   Parent Notification (written or verbal)   Conference with parents (may include teacher and/or administrator)   Probation (length as determined by administrator) Severe disobedience or extreme disruptions by the child may result in immediate probation. Reasons may include (but are not limited to): profanity, harming self or other, willful damage to property, extreme disrespect to staff member. The goal of the staff will be to work with the parents/child in all discipline situations to reinforce Godly values and proper respect for all students and staff members. In the event that a child must be put on probation or expelled, no refund of fees or tuition will be given.   DRESS CODE Students attending the academy should dress neatly and modestly. Students need to wear comfortable, casual shoes that will allow physical activity (tennis shoes are recommended; flip-flops are highly discouraged). Parents should consider that children will be engaged in active play and will be using paints, markers, etc. The academy does not accept responsibility for damage to clothing. Students may be requested to wear special clothing for certain activities. In respect to varied family beliefs and in respect to God’s House, the following dress code policies have been established. Acceptable attire would include: Jeans, mid-thigh length shorts, slacks, dresses or skirts worn with modest shirts/tops. All clothing should be of appropriate size and length for the student. Waistbands should ride close (within 2”) to the natural waist. Inappropriate dress would include: Tight, short or torn clothing (all shorts/skirts should be no more than 4” above the center of the child’s kneecap);clothing that exposes any part of the midriff or back, esp. when student is sitting or has arms raised; tank/halter tops (top straps should be full shoulder); any inappropriate pictures or wording (i.e. reference to alcohol, drugs, violence, vulgar or suggestive); excessive jewelry/make-up (this includes facial piercing or tattoo); hats (on boys or girls); unusual or distasteful hairstyles (including odd or excessive hair coloring);exposed undergarments in any way; other attire deemed inappropriate by staff. Students that are in violation of the dress code will be sent home. No refund of tuition will be given for any days missed. Suggestions (from teachers and other parents) for acceptable clothing ideas: Girls with short shirts/tops might consider wearing a close-fitting tank-top or undershirt that will tuck into the pants and will keep the midriff from being exposed. Shorts of the longer style are available through Lands End, uniform stores or athletic stores. Capri pants are also an acceptable (and fashionable) alternative to girl’s shorts.