Attendance Policies

School Hours

Pre-K: 12:20pm-3:20pm

Grades K-6: 8:25-3:20pm

Attendance

Students at ADCCA are expected to attend all prescribed classes. A record of attendance for each student will be kept.

The office must be notified by 8:15 a.m. with the reason for any unplanned absence. Absences will be listed as unexcused (i.e.truant) until the parent has communicated with the school regarding the absence. Three or more unexcused absences could lead to student probation or expulsion. Excused absences are considered for medical reasons and bereavement. The school may require suitable proof of excused absences, including written statements from medical sources. 

Full-Day Absence: The student is absent from school for 3.5 hours or more.

Half-Day Absence: The student is absent from school between 1 and 3.5 hours.

The school may notify and/or conference with the student’s parents when the student has accumulated 5 days of excused/unexcused absences in a school year. The school will use discretion for all cases of absences where they are aware that the student has been under a physician’s treatment. 

Tardy Policy

Tardiness is a form of absence and interferes with student learning. Disruption and loss of instruction time result when students are not in their classroom ready to begin learning on time. Parents are expected to have their students at school a minimum of 5 minutes prior to the start of class. Anytime a child arrives in the classroom after 8:25 a.m. (Grades K-6), or after 12:20 p.m. (PreK) is considered tardy.  

A phone call home will be made after the 3rd tardy and subsequent tardies. The school door will be locked at 8:20. If you are tardy, you will need to be buzzed in at the office door and walk your child to his/her classroom. Parents may drop their child off in the hallway. Parents are not permitted to go into the classroom for a tardy drop off.

Below are definitions of excused and unexcused tardies. Tardies are recorded and reported on the report card.

Excused Tardy: The student is late to the school because of sickness, injury, death in the family, medical or dental appointments with a note from the physician, school sponsored activities, or other reasons approved by school administration.

Unexcused Tardy: The student is late to school and it is not due to one of the reasons in the excused tardies listed above. 

Conflict Resolution Policy

We consider it a great privilege to serve families in educating their children from a Christian and classical perspective. We are committed to upholding and supporting each family’s authority in the lives of their children. This kind of relationship requires clear communication. We recognize that in this relationship there lies a great temptation to talk to others (gossip) about a specific issue or person rather than take direct action to resolve conflicts in a manner consistent with scripture. We have outlined the proper lines of communication and dealing with grievance according to the biblical principle found in Matthew 18 and James 3. We believe that Scripture teaches that conflicts should be handled discreetly and carefully, while believing and speaking the best about each individual involved.  ADCCA administration and teachers will abide by these same principles in communication with parents and students.

It is understood that if any disputes arise which are not covered by this policy, the Board will decide what procedures to follow based on a parity of reasoning from those procedures established by this policy.

Students/Parents to Teachers:

All concerns about the classroom must first be presented to the teacher by the parents, or if the student is mature enough, by the student himself. Before the concern is presented, the student and/or parent should take the time to prayerfully consider the plank in his/her own eyes. They ought also to think the best of the teacher until proven otherwise. All concerns must be presented in a respectful and gentle manner. If the problem is not resolved, the parents or student may bring the concern to the headmaster. If the student brings the concern, he must have permission from his parents to do so.  If there is no resolution, they may request a hearing from the ADCCA School Board.

Parents/Patrons to Administrator:

If parents or patrons have a grievance or dispute about the general operation of the school (apart from the operation of the classrooms), they may bring their concerns to the headmaster. Parents may also present concerns about an individual teachers’ behavior, rules or procedures directly to the headmaster if the matter was not resolved with the specific teacher. If there is no resolution, they may request a hearing from the ADCCA School Board. This procedure applies to board members who are acting in their capacity as parents/patrons, and not as representatives of the Board.

Volunteers to Staff/Administration:

If any volunteer has a concern about the volunteer work, he may present that concern to the staff member responsible for his oversight. If the problem is not resolved, then the concern may be presented in writing to the headmaster, followed by a meeting with him to discuss the concern. If the problem is still not resolved, the volunteer may request a hearing from the Board in writing. The headmaster is required to pass the request on to the Board.

While clear communications between school and families can break down with negative issues, they can break down with positive issues as well. Often parents will have an idea on how to improve the school, but are not sure how to share it. In this case, the same principles should be applied. A parent who has an idea about how to improve a classroom should talk to the teacher. A parent who has an idea about how to improve the school in general should talk to the administration. It is always best to communicate directly with the person primarily in authority over the issue at hand.

* This handbook does not contractually bind the school in any way.

Discipline Policy

The purpose of discipline is to teach children how to act in a godly, Christian manner when sin occurs and how to seek forgiveness to return to fellowship. 

It is imperative that our school be a haven of safety for all children. Actions that jeopardize the safety of others are dealt with promptly. The kind and amount of discipline will be determined by the teachers and the headmaster. The discipline will be administered in light of the student’s problem and attitude.  As part of our belief in the authority of the family, parents will be made aware of concerns or warnings given to a student by a teacher or the headmaster.  

The goals of discipline at ADCCA are:

1. To handle sin and other issues in a godly manner.
2. To maintain a highly effective learning environment where students focus on gaining knowledge with as minimal distraction as possible.
3. To utilize the need for discipline as a rich opportunity for students to learn about themselves and others, and to provide students with actual character education and lessons.
4. To reinforce ADCCA’s commitment to treating all students with fairness, respect, and equality.

Teachers have the authority to implement discipline in their classrooms that is consistent with the ADCCA discipline goals listed above. Teachers will utilize the headmaster to implement discipline whenever appropriate and most especially when disciplinary action by the teacher would take away from maintaining an effective learning environment in the classroom. Disciplinary procedures may also involve the other designated ADCCA staff besides those mentioned.  

Teachers may use the following means of discipline:

1. Writing student’s name on board 
2. Asking the student to sit in a different place in the classroom or hall
3. Calling parents
4. Sending the student to the Headmaster for an office visit

The headmaster’s role in discipline occurs when there are instances where a stronger warning or more severe penalty is needed. There are six basic offenses that will automatically necessitate such action. 

They are:

1. Disrespect shown to any staff member.
2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, and stealing.
3. Rebellion, i.e., outright disobedience in response to instructions, including repeated failure to follow teacher directions or complete tasks as assigned.
4. Fighting, i.e., striking in anger with the intention to harm another student.
5. Unkind, obscene, vulgar, or profane language.
6. Gossip, rumor or talk of a personal, sensational or intimate nature. Trivial talk or writing about another individual.

The goal of any meeting between a student and the headmaster is that of a learning opportunity for the student to implement a positive change in thought and behavior. The process will involve a discussion of the Gospel and forgiveness. In most instances, parents will be notified of the student’s visit to the headmaster’s office. The primary goal of the choice of consequence by the headmaster is to require the student to take responsibility for the infraction and reconcile the student to classmates and/or teacher and staff.  

If a student receives an office visit, the following accounting will be observed within the school year:

1. The first two times a student has an office visit the student’s parents will be contacted afterward and given the details. Their assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought.
2. The third office visit will be followed by a meeting with the student, his/her parents, headmaster, and teacher if necessary.
3. Should the student require a fourth office visit, he/she will be suspended for two days. The student will be required to make up all classroom assignments and tests missed during the suspension period.
4. If a fifth office visit is required, the student will be expelled from the school.

The included goals of a parent conference with the headmaster are:

1. To exchange accurate information about the student.
2. To determine how the parent-school partnership can best work together to lead the student to reform his behavior and heart.

The headmaster will determine the nature of the discipline. The headmaster may require immediate suspension for the remainder of the day, restitution, janitorial work, parental attendance during the school day with their child, or other measures deemed appropriate. In severe cases where there is no change in the student’s actions or assistance from the parents, the child will be expelled for the remainder of the school year.

Serious Misconduct

Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the headmaster deems it necessary, the protocol defined above may be bypassed and suspension or expulsion imposed immediately. Examples of such serious misconduct could include acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, gross violence/vandalism to the school facilities, violations of civil law, or any act in clear contradiction of scriptural commands. Students may be subject to school discipline for serious misconduct which occurs after school hours.

Suspension

The headmaster will normally follow the protocol below. In cases where change is evident and the student appears repentant, exceptions are possible. These exceptions will be determined by the headmaster. Appeals for exceptions will not be recognized.

1. First offense of any of the above-mentioned behaviors and others where the child is clearly disobeying authority – Warning, restitution/apologies, suspension for one school day. Missed work must be turned in when the child returns to school or a grade of zero will be recorded.
2. Second offense – Restitution/apologies, suspension for two school days. Missed work must be turned in when the child returns to school or a grade of zero will be recorded.
3. Third offense – Restitution/apologies, suspension for five school days. Missed work must be turned in when the child returns to school or a grade of zero will be recorded.
4. Fourth offense – Expulsion for the remainder of the school year.

Expulsion

The ADCCA Board realizes that expelling a student from school is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Forgiveness and restitution (repairing the damages through work, apologies, etc.) are fundamental to our total discipline policy. However, should a student and his parents not be able to eliminate behavioral problems before a fourth offense occurs, the student will be expelled. The procedure will be as follows:

First Formal Meeting

A meeting will be held to discuss concerns between the headmaster, teacher, and parent.

1. Parents will be notified immediately after the decision for expulsion.
2. The student will turn in all school texts/materials, clear out his/her desk and/or locker area, and be picked up by his/her parents the same day.
3. Transfer of school records will be arranged within a week following expulsion.
4. Appeals may be made first to the headmaster and then to the ADCCA School Board.

Classroom Etiquette

There are a number of etiquette protocols that students will be taught to follow in the classroom. This will show respect to others. 

1. When someone enters the classroom, students will stand up and greet the visitor as a group. (ie- “Good morning, Mrs. Smith”)
2. When asked a direct question by the classroom teacher, the student will stand up and answer clearly in complete sentences. 

(ie- “George, what is the capital of Wisconsin?” stands “The capital of Wisconsin is Madison.”

3. Students will respond to questions with “yes” or “no,” and avoid all variants including “yeah.” 
4. Students will raise their hands and wait patiently to be called on. 

Teachers will have the ability to create classroom routines and question and answer responses unique to their class. There will also be a standard set of assembly sayings that will be used throughout ADCCA. The following will be used joyfully in the classroom and may be used at home for reinforcement as well. The teacher/parent will start with the bold phrase, and the students will recite the response. 

1. Obey … Right away, all the way, with a good attitude everyday
2. Greater love has no one than this… that someone lay down his life for his friends. 
3. Leave it… better than you found it. 
4. Lines… sprint, straight, silent (clap, clap, clap)
5. God is opposed to the proud… but gives grace to the humble. 
6. Never … panic.
7. He who hates correction … is stupid. 
8. Hand . . . shake, firm & cheerful eyes on eyes.
9. You will reap… what you sow.
10. Out of the abundance of the heart . . . the mouth speaks.

If anyone is not willing to work…let him not eat.

Student Electronic Device/Internet Policy

Electronic Devices

Unless an exception is made by a student’s teacher, no electronic devices or use of the internet are allowed on the school grounds. If a student brings an electronic device on the school premises, it must remain in the student’s backpack until the student is picked up after school. Students caught with electronic devices out of their backpack will have the device taken away until the end of the school day and a parent will have to come retrieve it from the student’s teacher.

Internet

No student shall use the internet without explicit permission.

Cell Phones

Cell phones shall not be seen or heard in any class or within the school. They must be stored on silent or off in each student’s personal locker/cubby. Students caught with cell phones out of their backpack will have the device taken away until the end of the school day and a parent will have to come retrieve it from the student’s teacher.

ADCCA is not responsible for loss, theft, or breakage of items brought to the school.

School Policies

Behavior

We love because God first loved us. “Behavior” is a matter of treating others as defined in Scripture in God’s law. Thus, the expectation at ADCCA for behavior is found in God’s law. 

1. Children should honor and fear the Lord. Treating our Lord and Savior with irreverence will not be tolerated.
2. Students are to love their elders by honoring and respecting all adults and other authorities while at school (and otherwise). Some of the details of what this will look like are spelled out below. Disrespect of teachers, adults, or other authorities will not be tolerated. 
3. Students are to relate to their peers freely and with fun while learning to treat others as they would want to be treated.

When these are followed the students should:

1. Be polite and attentive.
2. Attend school consistently, be on time, and take responsibility for making up any work promptly when absent. Each student will bear the responsibility for his own conduct. Each student will respect the school’s atmosphere of learning by attending class and being prepared and punctual.
3. Follow directions when they are given.
4. Follow all reasonable requests made by adults on the premises with a positive attitude, and show respect for self, others, and property. Each student is expected to cooperate with and respect the faculty and staff, including administration, teachers, secretaries, custodians, and any other people working in the school. Students are expected to communicate in an acceptable tone of voice using an acceptable choice of words.
5. Follow lunchroom, playground, field trip, lab, and individual classroom rules. Each student is expected to follow school rules when participating in school-related events.
6. Adhere to the dress code.
7. Not use threats or intimidation against any other person.
8. Respect the health and safety of others, safety rules, and not use tobacco, alcohol, or other illegal substances.
9. Be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell or the clock.
10. Not leave school or the playground without permission.
11. Students will not bring anything to school that could be used to harm another or that is illegal.
12. Be honest. Cheating is unacceptable at ADCCA and is defined as the following: plagiarism or copying an answer, working together on an assignment that was intended to be completed individually, and looking at another student’s paper during a test.