You can read the parent handbook below or download the Sonshine Christian Academy Parent Handbook. In it, you will find rules, policies and regulations that Sonshine Christian Academy adheres to.
It is an essential belief at the Sonshine Christian Academy that the Word of God is the fundamental source of knowledge and wisdom for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, …the beginning of knowledge, … and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ.” (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Colossians 2:3) Moreover, we adhere to a theistic rather than the humanistic frame of reference for the origins of the universe. We believe, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
It is our contention that a student’s adherence to Christian principles, as taught at SCA, will positively affect his/her relationship with society. We will teach our children to imitate positive role models of inspired teachers who exemplify the love, peace, tenderness, kindness, long-suffering, meekness, and gentleness of Christ Jesus. When children are exposed to those Christ-like characteristics, they will imitate them, and in turn, exemplify them to others contributing to a moral society.
Only after receiving a quality education will students learn and accept their purpose in life. Therefore, Christian education is constitutive to the making of the individual, the preservation of the family and the survival of the nation.
At Sonshine Christian Academy, we offer a Christ-centered educational program that enables each student to acquire knowledge, personal qualities, skills, understanding and the qualifications necessary for students to live and thrive in a multicultural and ever-changing society. The achievement of this philosophy demands emphasis on effective learning within a school culture conducive to this end.
The objectives of the Sonshine Christian Academy are:
Only after learning of God and His purpose for man can we learn of ourselves and our purpose of life. Therefore, Christian education is essential to the making of the individual, the preservation of the family, and the survival of the nation.
Sonshine Christian Academy exists as a coeducational day Academy for grades PreK-8. It is operated as a nondenominational educational corporation incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Ohio and governed by a member-elected Board of Trustees.
Sonshine Christian Academy will provide a Christ-centered education for the qualified children of the Columbus area and surrounding communities without distinction to race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin or socioeconomic status.
Sonshine Christian Academy has been established for these purposes:
Charter and Affiliation
Our school is fully chartered by the Ohio Department of Education and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.
Teachers
Teachers at SCA are all born again Christians fully committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They also meet the certifications standards set by the State of Ohio and the standards of the school regarding Christian testimony and lifestyle.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Sonshine Christian Academy does not discriminate in its admission procedures on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin or ancestry.
Non-Christians
Students who practice other religions besides Christianity are free to enroll at Sonshine Christian Academy. However, the life of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Bible will be taught throughout the school program. Literature and symbols of non-Christian religions will not be allowed on school premises without consent of school administration.
Daily Schedule
MORNING
7:00 A.M. Building Open to all Students
7:00 – 7:20 A.M. Breakfast for Students
7:30 A.M. Classroom Morning Devotion
The building will not open to students prior to times above.
LUNCH & RECESS SCHEDULE
PK3 – PK4 Lunch & Recess 10:00 A.M.-10:45 A.M.
K – 2nd Grade Lunch & Recess 10:45 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
3rd – 5th Grade Lunch & Recess 11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.
6th – 8th Grade Lunch & Recess 12:15 P.M.-1:00 P.M.
Recess
Recesses are not held outdoors during inclement weather or when the temperature is 40 degrees or below. Students will be given outdoor recess on as many occasions as possible. Proper clothing is essential to insure the comfort and good health of your children.
Transportation
The Ohio Department of Education affords three (3) options of transportation to those families living outside a two (2) mile radius of the school. The options are: school bus, COTA pass, and reimbursement of personal expenses incurred for transporting your child. Applications for Columbus City Schools’ transportation may be obtained from the school office. A NEW BUS APPLICATION MUST BE FILLED OUT EACH SCHOOL YEAR. Reimbursement-in-lieu of transportation is provided only if there is no school bus available and no COTA Pass is issued. The due date for full year reimbursement application is September 29, 2017. Late applications will be pro-rated from the date of receipt and stipend mailed in the summer.
As students learn to work to please the Lord (Col. 3:23), achievement and grades will reflect that effort. Because each student is different, we discourage comparing one student’s grades with those of another student, especially within the family. Rather, ask whether each student is reaching his or her own potential. Grade cards are available online at the end of each nine-week grading period as designated on the School Calendar.
Grades are explained on the report card. Students who are working below grade level are evaluated with consideration for improved progress. Such evaluations involve the input of the classroom teacher, the remedial reading teacher and/or the academic assistance tutor if applicable.
**SPECIAL NOTE: Access to Report cards will not be released to students who have:
PROGRESS REPORTS (K-8th only)
Interim reports are available online at the end of four and a half weeks in the middle of each grading period to inform parents of their student’s progress and difficulties.
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A remedial reading teacher is available to work with at-risk students on a limited basis. With parental approval, students recommended for the program are tested and scheduled for small group or individual tutoring sessions outside the regular classroom.
ACADEMIC DETENTION / SATURDAY SCHOOL
Academic Detention is not to be confused with a Disciplinary Detention. The purpose of Academic Detention is to compel a student to take time to do the required work that has been neglected or poorly done.
Academic Detention / Saturday School will be held on Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday School supervision cost will be $15.00 per student, and will need to be paid by parent or guardian upon arrival. Parents will be notified at least two days prior to the detention. Notices received by the student on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday will be served on Saturday of that same week. Notices received on Thursday or Friday will be served on the Saturday of the following week. Parents must have their child at SCA a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. and pick them up promptly at 12:00 p.m. An out of school suspension will result if student does not attend an assigned Saturday School.
PROMOTION and RETENTION
GRADING SCALE
The following grading scale is used for 1st – 8th grade students (Grades Pre-K and Kindergarten use the following reporting system: O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, I=Improving, N=Needs Improvement):
100 O+/A+ 78-79 I+/C+
94-99 O/A 74-77 I/C
90-93 O-/A- 70-73 I-/C-
88-89 S+/B+ 68-69 N+/D+
84-87 S/B 64-67 N/D
80-83 S-/B- 60-63 N-/D-
0-59 F
An average of at least one grade per week is recorded in each subject area (at least 9 grades per grading period). Grades are to be earned from the percentages:
Quizzes 30%
Tests 50%
Homework 15%
Participation 5%
Homework may be assigned as an extension of any classroom instruction. It may be designed to reinforce basic skills, develop self-discipline and independent work habits, provide growth in research skills, or enhance creativity. Assignments are designed to meet individual needs.
Teachers may assign homework to supplement classroom instruction. In most instances, if students use their study time wisely during the day, they will have minimum homework to do in the evenings. Homework should not exceed one hour per evening. Students who fail to complete four consecutive assignments will receive an Academic Detention to be served at the teacher’s discretion.
Teacher’s Responsibilities:
Student’s Responsibilities:
Parent’s Responsibilities:
TEXTBOOKS
Students shall be responsible for the care of their textbooks. Elementary and Middle School students must cover their textbooks (Contact the SCA Main Office if you have questions about appropriate book covers). Lost textbooks or those damaged beyond normal usage shall be the responsibility of the student and replacement cost(s) shall be assessed accordingly. School fees do not cover the total cost of textbooks used.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
A copy of the Sonshine Christian Academy School Supply List may be obtained from the school office. Please label all supplies/clothing with the student’s name and replenish all supplies during the course of the school year as needed.
Good discipline is essential if students are to learn. Discipline is taught and learned with the ultimate goal being self-discipline. Discipline is concerned with the rules students know and understand and the consequences that occur when they break the rules.
In order to secure orderly conduct, any adult staff member or parent volunteer shall have the authority to correct students and shall be supported by the Administration. The Administration reserves the right to dismiss a student who, in its judgment, does not conform either to the stated regulations of student conduct or to the expressed principles, policies and programs of the school.
Student Uniform Discipline Policy / Procedures
GENERAL STANDARDS
It is the expectation of Sonshine Christian Academy that students will behave in a proper fashion in the classroom and at all school activities. Students who violate the following school standards will be disciplined accordingly.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PURPOSE
To have a clearly defined process for reporting known or suspected cases of abuse or neglect of students.
RESPONSIBILITY
The authority of this policy shall reside with the Board of Trustees.
RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibility for the implementation of this policy shall be granted to the Principal and/or designee.
IMPLEMENTATION
Duty to Report: Any employee who knows or suspects that a child has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability or condition of a nature that indicates abuse or neglect of a child, must immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to the Franklin county children’s services board or to other local law enforcement.
Knowledge or suspicion of abuse or neglect may be based on an employee’s direct knowledge or observation or may be based on a report of such from a child, parent or third party.
Reports shall be made regardless of whether that abuse or neglect occurred in the child’s home, in the school, or in some other setting.
The duty to report includes the obligation to report immediately to the Franklin County Children Services board or to other local law enforcement knowledge or suspicion that a teacher, administrator, coach, other person in authority at SCA has engaged or is engaging in sexual conduct or activity with a student, including touching for purposes of sexual gratification or arousal.
Reports required under this policy may be made either by telephone or in person.
Employees who report known or suspected abuse or neglect may take or have photographs taken of areas of visible trauma on a child.
Reporting Criminal Activity: The Columbus Police
Department (614-645-4545/911) shall be immediately called if criminal behavior is suspected.
Principal to be Informed: An employee making a report as described above shall also notify the Principal. Reporting to the Principal shall not replace or relieve the employee of the obligation to immediately report to Franklin County Children Services and/or Law Enforcement.
Cooperation with Investigation by Franklin County
Children’s Services or Law Enforcement Agency: Employees shall comply with any request for a written report made by the receiving agency or officer. Investigations of reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect will be conducted by the Franklin County Children’s Services Board and/or local law enforcement. Employees must cooperate in such investigations, but should not undertake any independent investigation or other action that might interfere with investigations by these other agencies.
Referral to Board of Trustees: If a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect relates to alleged actions on the part of a SCA employee, the Principal must immediately contact the Board of Trustees Chairperson to consider a process for internal review of the matter and to consider the possible need for appropriate personnel action. Referral to the Board of Trustees is in addition to the mandatory reporting required by this policy.
Confidentiality: Information concerning alleged child abuse of a student is confidential information and is not to be shared with any unauthorized person. A staff member who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
CELL PHONES / ELECTRONIC DEVICES
We strongly discourage the students from bringing cellular phones and /or electronic devices to school. However, we do know that students will have cell phones; therefore, the following rules will be enforced.
SCA will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phone/electronic devices. We greatly appreciate your attention to this matter as we strive for educational excellence.
WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?
Cyberbullying is bulling that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.
WHY CYBERBULLYING IS DIFFERENT?
Students who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, students who are cyberbullied have a hard time getting away from the behavior.
Please take note cyberbullying will not be tolerated if it affects the educational process of SCA.
Cyberbullying may result in expulsion.
CLASSROOM STANDARDS
It is the responsibility of the student to respect the teacher’s authority and decisions at all times. Respect for authority is required regardless of whether or not the student agrees with the teacher’s decision or instructions. The teacher is solely responsible for conducting the class – not the pupil!
HARASSMENT POLICY
In accordance with federal and state laws and school policy, Sonshine Christian Academy WILL NOT TOLERATE HARASSMENT AGAINST ANY STAFF MEMBER OR STUDENT.
This policy prohibits harassment on the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. Harassment is defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation or any verbal or physical attack directed at someone’s sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.
For purposes of implementation and enforcement of this policy, harassment shall be deemed to occur only when the alleged conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive, that it materially and adversely affects a student’s ability to benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile or abusive educational or employment environment.
ALL students will be told to keep their hands, feet and mouths to themselves. If this simple rule is followed, there should not be a danger of harassment charges being brought forth against your children.
Keeping ones mouth to themselves includes touching someone else with the mouth or saying things to people that can be defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation or any verbal attack directed at an individuals race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. Please remind your children to follow the rules and stay out of trouble. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.
INFRACTIONS
A conference between the student and teacher, Dean of Students or Principal will handle infractions of the discipline and/or dress codes. A written report, letter, or phone call will be directed to the parents. Parents may be asked to come to school for a conference. All such infractions will be documented and where a pattern of infractions are identified, additional disciplinary action will be imposed.
Students and parents are expected to support the spirit and intent of SCA disciplinary and dress codes rather than just the letter of such codes. Students and/or parents of SCA students who are unwilling to accept and support these higher standards of conduct should find other educational institutions suitable to their life-styles. To reiterate, the opportunity to attend Sonshine Christian Academy is a privilege.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
While it is our goal to focus on the student success plan and SCA guidelines, there are times when we need to help students solve problems, make better decisions, improve academic excellence, and/or be more respectful. Our first and foremost goal is to make sure that each child is safe and has access to a positive learning environment. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to use the discipline procedures to help redirect behavior to keep the student and our school safe. The following describes the LEVELS I, II, and III offenses. PLEASE NOTE THAT HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING ARE AGAINST THE LAW AND HAS MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.
LEVEL 1: Minor Offenses
The staff deals with minor offenses when they occur. When dealing with minor offenses, staff members attempt to make it a teachable moment, to help the student become more successful. A behavior referral form may be initiated for minor offenses.
Class Disruption/Interference
Out of Class Disruption
Defiance
Profanity
Truancy
Tardiness/Absences
Cheating
Theft
Inappropriate Use of Technology
Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)
The staff deals with minor offenses as they occur. We will attempt to help the child or children problem solve and resolve conflicts.
LEVEL 2: Major Offenses
Defiance
Truancy
Fighting
Detention Refusal
Theft
Alcohol/Tobacco
Vandalism
Drugs
Assault
Weapons
Gang Activity
Inappropriate Use of Technology
Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)
The Dean of Students/Principal deals with severe offenses as they occur. Habitual infractions lead to further intervention and more severe consequences. Severe offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause a disruption the educational process. A behavioral referral form will be initiated for severe offenses.
LEVEL 3: HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING
SCA is firmly committed to having a positive educational and work environment that encourages respect, dignity, and equality for students, patrons, parents/guardians, applicants, volunteers, contractors, and employees. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying in SCA’s education or working environment, regardless of whether the discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying is based on conduct that is adult to student, student to adult, student to student, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male, or female to female.
Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender/sex, age sexual orientation, or disability are prohibited. Harassment includes: a) hostile work or educational environment, b) sexual harassment, c) malicious harassment, and d) intimidation, or bullying.
Hostile environment includes the following conduct, if the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s educational or work environment through unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwanted derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, cartoons, pictures, gestures, innuendos, and other unwelcome or uninvited verbal or physical conduct of a sexual orientation, or disability.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual comments, cartoons, innuendos, and other unwelcome or uninvited verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature if (1) submission to the conduct is made a term or condition, implied or explicitly, of obtaining an education or employment; or (2) submission to or rejection of that conduct by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s education or employment.
LEVEL 3: HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING (Continued)
Malicious harassment includes malicious and intentional conduct based on a person’s perception of another’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability that: 1) causes physical injury; or 2) causes physical damage to or destruction of property; or 3) threatens a person or group of persons and places the person(s) in reasonable fear of harm. Words alone do not constitute malicious harassment unless the context surrounding the words indicates that the words are a threat.
Intimidation, and bullying means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to being shown to be motivated by any characteristic, (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act: 1) physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or 2) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or 3) is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or 4) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Reprisal, retaliation, or false accusations against anyone reporting or thought to have reported discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying is substantiated. False accusations are prohibited and will be treated as a serious violation of this policy. Classroom teachers will provide and complete initial training about discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying annually, or as directed by Principal. The teacher, Dean of students, or principal may deal with harassment, intimidation, bullying offenses as they occur. Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and mire severe consequences. Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause disruption to the educational process. An infraction sheet will be initiated for harassment, intimidation, and/ or bullying offenses.
CONSEQUENCES:
Level 1:
Written referral
Saturday School
Detention
Task Incentive
Student Discipline Essay
Parent/Child Teacher Meeting
Classroom Loss of Privileges
Verbal Warning
CONSEQUENCES: Level 1 (Continued)
Telephone call Home
Email Home
Written Letter of Apology
Apology Classmates
Counseling
Level 2:
Written Referral
Short-Term Suspension
Long-Term Suspension
Expulsion
Emergency Expulsion
Law Enforcement Referral
Counseling/Child Welfare Referral
Interagency/Intervention Referral
Level 3:
Short-Term Suspension
Long-Term Suspension
Expulsion
Emergency Expulsion
Law Enforcement Referral/Report
Behavioral Referral Forms
Behavioral referral forms may be issued for Levels I, II, and III offenses. Parent contact will be made by phone if necessary. School personnel will disburse copies describing the offense. Behavior referral forms must be returned the next day, otherwise, students may receive additional consequences. Conferences may be scheduled with parent, teacher/specialist, student, Dean of students, and/or principal. Behavior plan contracts, interventions referrals, student/teacher/parent assistance team meetings, counseling, or legal actions may initiated
Conduct Grading
Each grading period, students will be graded in conduct. The highest possible conduct grade is 100%. The minimum satisfactory grade is 70%. The following will be enforced:
Sonshine Christian Academy does not discriminate in its admission or hiring procedures on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin or ancestry.
