School Handbook
Welcome to Salem Baptist Academy where we believe Christian education is not an expense, but an investment!
We here at Salem Baptist Academy count it an honor and a privilege that you would give us the opportunity to help you, the parent, “train up a child in the way he should go” Proverbs 22:6a. Our philosophy in education is Christocentric, in that Christ is the center of everything rather than humanistic, which teaches that man is the center of all.
Benjamin Rush, the first founder to call for free national public schools, stated;
"let the children... be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education. The great enemy of the salvation of man, in my opinion, never invented a more effectual means of extirpating [removing] Christianity from the world than by persuading mankind that it was improper to read the Bible at schools"
Obviously, we have drifted far away from the idea of Benjamin Rush.
We also believe that God has placed the responsibility of teaching children to the parents not to the government. Salem Baptist Academy does not take the place of the parent rather we assist the parent in the process of training children in both academics and spirituality.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:(7)And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
We are totally dedicated to this task, and by enrolling your child/children you are telling us that you are dedicated to it as well.
That we "...shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might"
Pastor Michael Wilder
To the Parents:
Salem Baptist Academy welcomes you and your child/ren! We believe that with the proper cooperation our association will be a happy and rewarding experience. Our staff will be glad to assist you in any way we can, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance and guidance.
This handbook will explain the rules and regulations of our school. We ask each parent to study the handbook carefully and accept the responsibility of instructing their children on its contents. We ask each student to abide by the stated rules and be governed by the intended spirit of the handbook. If there are any questions concerning this publication, please feel free to ask any staff member for an answer
We believe the commitment that you have taken toward Christian education represents an important step in your attempt to provide a Christ-centered education for your children.
For God's Glory,
Salem Baptist Academy
Section I. Parent Obligations
All parents should understand that students are admitted ONLY if the following conditions are met:
Parents grant permission to the school authorities to discipline their children using necessary methods. The method of discipline used by the school authorities shall be at the discretion of the school authorities. Parents agree that they will cooperate and discipline in the home.(Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 22:15)
Parents agree that if students should become involved in any difficulty, have a problem with any student or faculty member, they will in no case complain with other parents. This will be handled in a prayerful spirit with the teacher(s) and administration. Any questions, comments, or problems should be handled through the teacher(s) prior to going to the principal or administrator. Going to any outside source, organization or group without first working through the school chain of command is a violation of scripture and, therefore, against school policy. (I Chronicles 15:11; Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2).
Parents agree that their children will abide by all school rules and policies. All students must meet the dress code.
Parents agree to meet their financial obligations to the school. This includes tuition, fees, etc. (II Kings 4:7; Romans 13:8).
Parents understand that the school does not maintain any policies of liability insurance on students and that insurance for injuries occurring during or as a result of all school activities and events must be covered under the parents' insurance policies.
Parents understand that they are responsible for all information in this handbook. Changes may occur from time to time. Written notification will be made available to parents about changes.
Section II. Student Conduct and Discipline
Article 1. Conduct and Discipline
A lifestyle that reflects Christian principles stands out in today’s world. At Salem Baptist Academy, we have standards of conduct and dress that we feel should be a part of the students’ mode of living. Our standards are simply to uphold the Biblical principles upon which our school was founded.
Article 2. Boy/Girl Relations
Salem Baptist Academy provides opportunities for boys and girls to cultivate friendships with the opposite sex. In some instances, these associations will deepen into more than passing friendships. This is both natural and expected. However, all such friendships must be handled in a responsible manner. Public displays of affection. Such as hand holding and other physical intimacies will be considered in poor taste and will not be tolerated.
Article 3. Chapel and Assemblies
Chapel and assemblies will be an important part of the spiritual educational program of Salem Baptist Academy. Each chapel/devotional period will consist of prayer, Bible reading, and singing. The following guidelines will be used:
Attendance is required of all students.
Each student will demonstrate proper courtesy to the speaker or group leader.
There will be no unnecessary talking, distracting of others, or disturbances.
Students will not be allowed to study during the chapel or assembly period.
Article 4. Suspension
Any student who disobeys and breaks the rules so seriously that they must be suspended will receive a three to ten day dismissal from school. Upon returning to school, the student must apologize to the school staff and the student body. Students suspended from school are still responsible for full tuition.
Article 5. Physical Education
Physical education is a required subject and NO student will be excused from the course without a physicians written excuse.
Article 6. Student Injury
The staff of Salem Baptist Academy will attempt to exercise responsible judgment for the care of students in case of physical injury. In those cases, where an injury appears to be serious, we retain the right to seek professional help, including ambulance, doctor, and emergency room services. Parents will be responsible to pay for the services obtained on the child’s behalf.
Article 7. Supervision of Students
Although you may visit the school, we retain the right to oversee your child while at school. Parents are expected to pick up their child/ren within 15 minutes of school's dismissal
Article 8. Transportation
Primarily due to cost of liability factors, the Salem Baptist Academy does not provide transportation to or from school. Assistance will be given to establish “car pools.” Any other cooperative effort of parents to facilitate the transportation of students will be welcomed.
Article 9. Telephone Calls and Messages
All telephone calls and messages to students or teachers must be directed to the school office. No student or teacher will be called out of class except in the case of emergency.
Article 10. Sexual Activity
Such activity that comes to the knowledge of the school will be investigated and if proven true, the student will be immediate expelled.
Article 11. Lost and Found
Please label all clothing, lunch boxes, supplies, games, and toys. This expedites the search for the rightful owner. All items found should be turned in to the office. Lost items that are not claimed by the end of the year will be given away.
Article 12. Medications
Parents are asked to consider the potential danger of having students bringing medication(s) to school. The school recognizes that medications are justified in chronic health conditions and short-term acute health conditions, but no medication will be administered without the written request of a parent and/or directions of a physician.
Article 13. Parent Visits
Parents are always welcome to visit the school; however, preschool age children and visiting school age guests are not permitted to visit classes. Parents who plan to visit a classroom should inform the school office of their intentions by a note or a phone call. It should be noted that visitors would be expected to adhere to modest apparel.
Article 14. School Colors and Mascot
The official school colors of Salem Baptist Academy are red, white and blue The school verse is Deuteronomy 6:6-7. The school’s mascot is "Patriots"
Webster's defines a patriot as one who loves his country and zealously guards its welfare, especially a defender of liberty.
Article 15. Field Trips
Parents will normally be invited to participate in field trips, but it should be understood that the supervision of the students is the responsibility of the teacher and they will retain full right to exercise authority in the administration of supervisory and disciplinary measures.
Article 16. Fire Drills
Throughout the year there will be unannounced fire drills. When the fire alarm sounds, all persons in the school building will file out in a quiet, orderly fashion. All doors must be shut, lights turned off, and absolutely no talking will take place. Teachers are to bring their student attendance book. Each student is to remain with the classmates at all times. All classes will have an assigned exit through which they are to pass. A signal will be given to reassemble in the classroom.
Article 17. Health Records
Students entering school are to present a certificate of immunization. The following immunizations are required by order of the Health Department: Polio, DPT, Measles and Mumps. In most cases, immunization certificates can be obtained through the local county nurse or your family doctor. A copy of the student’s birth certificate must also be on file.
Article 18. Illness During School Hours
If the pupil becomes ill during school hours, the student may be excused to go home by the administrator or teacher. Before the pupil is excused, the school office will contact a parent. For this reason, it is important that the school has the correct home and work telephone number of both parents.
Article 19. Truancy
Truancy is defined as an absence without the knowledge and consent of the parents and/or the school staff. This would include leaving school without permission before the end of the day, and staying out of any scheduled class without permission. Such action will not be tolerated. A student who is absent more than 7 times in a quarter may receive an incomplete for that quarter.
Article 20. Early Dismissal
Checking out of school early is strongly discouraged. Parents should try to schedule all medical appointments after school hours. However, if it is necessary for a child to be taken from school before dismissal, the school office needs to be duly informed. Parents must go to the school office to pick up their children. No student will have permission to leave unless accompanied by his/her parent or guardian. If it is necessary that someone other than the parent or guardian pick up a child, please notify the teacher by phoning or sending a note ahead of time.
Article 21. Tardiness
It is important that students always be on time to school and to class. By being prompt, the student is demonstrating self-discipline and responsibility. Self-discipline in this area is not only important for proper academic achievements; it is essential for the development of personal habits that are characteristics of success and good citizenship in every walk of life. Each student is expected to be in the classroom when the period begins. All students must come prepared with the materials needed for class.
Section III. Basic Academic Matters
Article 1. Accreditation
Salem Baptist Academy is accredited by the highest ranking body on earth...The Lord's Church!
Accreditation by a state or regional governmental agency is an administrative mechanism designed to ensure uniform education for all children in secular schools. Accreditation was established as a governmental means for determining whether minimum academic and faculty standards were being met by secular tax-supported schools. Salem Baptist Academy has not sought accreditation by any governmental agency for several reasons:
Salem Baptist Academy is not interested in using textbooks adopted or approved by the state. Many of those textbooks are developed by secular authors who reject fundamental Christian principles and therefore are saturated with “Humanistic” values.
Salem Baptist Academy will not be bound by state curriculum or teacher certification requirements that often interfere and are contrary to those of Christian education standards.
Salem Baptist Academy believes it is unreasonable for parents to withdraw their children from a governmental school with its academic and moral ills and place them in a private institution with the same curriculum methods and objectives. To accept the secular school and their accrediting criteria as our standard would be to leave no viable alternative available to Christian parents.
Accreditation of a Christian school is not necessary for a graduate who wishes to enroll in a college or university. The basic criteria for college admission are student aptitude and achievement as determined through nationally standardized tests. The instructional program of the Salem Baptist Academy is designed and implemented to allow its graduates to stand on their own academic achievements and merits.
Article 2. Enrollment Policy
All decisions concerning the admission and enrollment of a family into the school will be made by the administration. Details of the enrollment procedure are developed by the school Administrator. The enrollment procedure includes:
Carefully reading the handbook for parents and the student.
Attending an initial parent orientation designed to communicate to parents what is expected if accepted into the school.
Parents scheduling an interview with a school official and/or admissions committee should have the student available as well.
Parents will be notified of acceptance or rejection of the student’s registration by the school Administrator.
Completing all forms in the “Registration Packet.”
Parents making the necessary financial agreements required by the school.
School arranging a schedule for testing and placement of each student.
Article 3. Attendance Policy
It is the responsibility of the student and parent to create the habit of being punctual and regular in attendance. Faithful attendance is necessary for maximum benefits. Legitimate absences include:
Personal illness, injury or doctor appointments that cannot be scheduled after school hours.
Illness in the immediate family that requires the student’s presence.
Death in the family.
Absences with prior approval from the school office.
There are two ways in which to communicate notification of an absence:
A note from an authorized person explaining the absence must be presented to the school following the absence.
A phone call by one of the parents to the school office on the day of the absence or on the return day. In such cases a note does not have to be sent when the student returns.
Article 4. School Goals
To encourage students to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which manifests itself in knowing, loving, and fearing His authority,(Proverbs 2:1-5; Matthew 22:36-37; Proverbs 1:7).
To develop an understanding of one’s unique responsibility to God and to one another, (Philippians 2:1-4; I Corinthians 13:1-7.).
To help students realize their capabilities and limitations and how to make the most of them toward growth and service, (II Timothy 1:8,9; Ephesians 1:3-12).
To help students with the ability to communicate clearly, logically, and effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
To encourage creativity and curiosity.
To encourage an appreciation of the arts.
To teach fundamentals of physical fitness, nutrition, and hygiene.
To teach the fundamentals of the Bible, Literature, English, Mathematics, History and Science.
Article 5. Reporting Student Progress to Parents
Reporting student progress is an important, yet difficult part of parent/teacher communications. The reporting process is meant to convey the amount of growth of each student. Several reporting methods will be utilized and in each case the focus will be upon the individual, not the group or comparison with a group.
Progress Reports - Regular interim reports will be sent home for parents’ examination throughout each year.
Conferences - Regular scheduled conferences will be a part of the school'’ reporting process. Parents must attend these conferences.
Article 6. Faculty
All staff members of Salem Baptist Academy have been carefully selected on the basis of their education, experience, integrity, and faithfulness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The most outstanding requirements of the instructional staff are an unselfish spirit of education to children, and a belief that the Christian school ministry is their service to God, and a complete and personal acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Article 7. Facilities
The school represents a ministry of Salem Missionary Baptist Church and is therefore privileged to use all of its facilities as needed. All activities of the school day will take place on the church premises unless parents are notified otherwise.
Article 8. Homework
It will not be the policy of the school to assign large amounts of homework. However, when homework is assigned it will be geared to the child's ability and relative deficiencies. A Homework Assignment Form will be sent home to explain the work and be signed. Homework does provide an opportunity to spend time on worthwhile activities and projects. You, as a parent, can help by giving your child a proper environment for study. You may need to be firm in eliminating some of the distractions that interfere with getting homework done, including television. If you do not understand the homework policy, please discuss it with your child’s teacher.
Article 9. Discipline
Correction of Offenses - Teachers will generally be responsible for the conduct of students throughout the school day. Students should expect to be corrected be a teacher whenever they are guilty of any of the thoughtless acts that are not in the best interest of the school. In case of minor infractions, parents will not be contacted unless the teacher’s corrective action has proven unsuccessful, in which case, parents will be informed and involved. The school Administrator will generally be responsible for handling the more serious offences. Parents will be notified of the nature of the offense and also the disciplinary action taken.
Disciplinary Actions can be, but are not limited to, the following: Parent conference, noon or recess detention, work detail, non-participation in extra-curricular activities, and release to parent custody.
Article 10. Damage to School Property
It is expected that all damage, even if accidental, will be acknowledged by the person involved and a plan for reimbursement made.
Section IV. Dress Code
All students from kindergarten through grade 12 will be required to wear the blue and white dress code to school.
With NO EXCEPTIONS uniforms will be as follows:
BOYS:
Solid navy blue pants.
White dress or knit shirt with a collar. Can have navy trim.
Ties must be worn ALL day on Fridays. Except as allowed for activities, recess...etc.
Hair is to be off the collar and above the ears. No spikes, bowls, zips, etc.
GIRLS:
Navy blue skirt or jumper. Can have white trim.
White blouse or knit shirt (no T-shirts). Can have navy trim.
Girls may wear shorts under their skirts as long as they cannot be seen. Skirts and jumpers must be past the knee.
No open-toe shoes. Gym shoes may be worn. They must be clean and laced up. Any accessories that are worn in the classroom, such as, but not limited to, vest, sweaters, and jackets must be navy and/or white.
Hair should be clean and combed.
ANY child coming to school out of uniform will be sent home with a note. The second time, parent(s) will be called to pick their child up or to bring proper clothes to school.
Dress code violations will be at the discretion of the teachers or administrator.
On occasion, (field trips, etc) students will be permitted to wear school or church T-Shirts and long shorts (boys) or culottes (girls)
Section V. Tuition and Fees
TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
See Tuition Fee schedule in menu.
Your first payment is due August 5th, and your final payment is due May 5th.
Book Fees are due by July 15. No student books will be ordered until book fees are paid in full.
Tuition is due by the 5th of each month. There will be a one dollar per day late fee assessed on all payments that are not made on time. If current month tuition is not received by the 15th, the student will be sent home until payment is received.
All checks and money orders are to be payable to Salem Baptist Academy.
Book fees are: Grades K-12 $225.00
Registration Fees are: $75.00 New Students
$20.00 Returning Students
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God without error as originally written.
We believe in the preservation of the scriptures in our English text, (KJV).
We believe in the Genesis account of creation and the fall of man.
We believe in the total depravity of man.
We believe that all are lost unless born again.
We believe that we are saved by grace through faith and without works on the part of man.
We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces and that all who do not repent and believe are lost.
We believe in the security of the believer.
We believe that faith without works is dead.
We believe that all who have repented and believed should confess the Lord and follow Him in baptism and to seek to do His will.
We believe that Jesus Christ organized a church while here on earth during His personal ministry (before Pentecost), and that He gave that church a commission. Matthew 28:19,20
We believe that there are two church ordinances; Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe that the church is local, visible, and that she has the Bible for her one and only and all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.
We believe that the way to finance the Lord’s work is by freewill offerings.
We believe that all churches should be missionary minded.
We believe in the pre-millennial second coming of Jesus Christ.
Salem Baptist Academy is a ministry of
Salem Missionary Baptist Church
|
