CURTIS BAPTIST SCHOOL

Student/Parent

Handbook

Mission Statement To infuse a Biblical worldview in all areas of academics, fine arts,

and athletics, developing bold and devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

School Office (706) 828-6624

Day Care (706) 396-1006

Fax (706)722-1881

1326 Broad Street - Augusta, Georgia 30901

curtisbaptistchristianschool.org

Revised 07/14

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WELCOME

Curtis Baptist School has stayed the course for 50 years and is still helping to prepare the next generation of servant leaders for Jesus Christ. Teaching students to understand and apply the never-changing principles of the Word of God permeates every facet of our rigorous curriculum. How well our graduates know the Word of God and how much they love the God of the Word is the ultimate measure of our success.

This handbook will give you an overview of what you can expect from Curtis Baptist School and what is expected from our parents and students. Realize though, that Curtis is more than courses, textbooks and rules. Equipping students involves people...and it is the personal interaction among faculty and students—in class, in chapel, in prayer, and in fellowship—that develops a passion for God and a desire to please Him in all that we do.

School Verse Col. 1:9-10 ~ …we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask

that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work

and increasing in the knowledge of God.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and inerrant in the original writing, and they are the supreme and final authority in faith and life. (II Timothy

3:16-17)

We believe in one God, externally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (John 14:10, II Corinthians 13:14)

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. (Matthew 1:18-20)

We believe that man was created in the image of God; that He sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all are born

with a sinful nature. (Genesis 1:27)

We believe in this Biblical teaching that man was created by a direct act of God and not from previously existing forms of life and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and

Eve, the first parents of the entire human race. (Genesis 2:7)

We believe according to the scriptures that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the

grounds of His shed blood. (Luke 24:46-47)

We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate. (Luke 24:1-6)

We believe that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again of the Holy Spirit, and thereby become children of God, and are eternally secure in Him. (John 3:5-8)

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost. (1 Corinthians 15:22-23)

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Accreditation

Curtis Baptist School is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). CBS is an active member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).

Philosophy

At Curtis Baptist School our desire is to have everything we do honor God and helping our students to grow in knowing Him personally. We endeavor for excellence in academics, fine arts, athletics, and daily living skills by integrating spiritual principles into every phase of our school life.

Inherent in our philosophy of Christian education is our commitment to provide educators who model Biblical truth, communicate facts, skills, character and the Christian lifestyle.

Further, the curriculum of our school is taught from a Biblical worldview of truth. The education process is seen as a means used by the Holy Spirit to bring the student into a fellowship with God, to help them become strong in the spirit by developing the mind of Christ and to help students demonstrate Christ-like character qualities to fulfill God's total purpose for their lives, personally and vocationally.

We seek students who are serious about learning and desire to be at Curtis Baptist School. We seek families that desire for their children to be at Curtis, and parents who understand and strive to be Biblically-grounded parents.

Objectives

A. FOR THE STUDENTS’ SPIRITUAL AND MORAL GROWTH, the school seeks for its students: 1. Salvation

a. to lead lost students to accept Christ as Savior. (John 3:16) 2. Christian Growth

a. to lead saved students to recognize Christ as Lord by following His authority through obedience. (Psalm 119:10,15-16)

b. to love the Bible as God’s revealed and inspired Word. (Ps.19:11) 3. Service

a. to create opportunities for sharing and service (mission projects, chapel participation). (Matthew 25:35-40)

b. to become involved in a Bible teaching church. (Hebrews 10:24-25) c. to identify and develop their gifts and abilities for the benefit of the Christian

community. (Ephesians 4:12-16) B. FOR THE STUDENT’S ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT, the school endeavors to provide high

quality teaching in an effort to: 1. encourage students to think logically, clearly, and independently. (Proverbs 8:32-36) 2. cultivate strong work and study habits. (I Thessalonians 4:11) 3. appreciate fine arts. (Jeremiah 9:24) 4. develop good citizenship. (Matthew 7:12) 5. develop good stewards of the environment. (Jeremiah 27:5) 6. gain skills in setting short and long range goals. (Philippians 3:14) 7. prepare students to pursue academic and vocational goals. (Colossians 1:10-11) 8. utilize creative and critical thinking and develop the proper use of Biblical criteria for

evaluation. (Proverbs 8:10-11)

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The Ministry of Reconciliation

The principles in Matthew are simple. When we know that our brother or sister has something against us, we are to go to that person and only that person and seek resolution. The scripture indicates for resolution to be reached we are to go and ask forgiveness for any offense that we might have caused.

GENERAL INFORMATION Office Contact Information:

Day Care (706) 396-1006

School Office (706) 828-6624

School Office Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM (Mon – Thurs) and 8 AM – 3:30 PM (Fri)

School Day Hours

It shall be the policy of Curtis Baptist School to have a minimum school day as required by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Requirements may be exceeded as deemed necessary by the CBS school board.

The school day is as follows:

Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Grades 1-5: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Grades 6-12: 7:50 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

ABSENCES The State of Georgia recognizes the following reasons as excused absences from school:

• Illness • Family Emergency • Funeral • School Sponsored Activities

Elementary School

Parents are requested to call or email the school office (dharper@curtisbaptist.org) the day of their student’s unplanned absence, notifying the school of the reason for the absence. If a student is absent due to an illness, he/she must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. A written note, signed by a parent, must be presented to the office within 24 hours of the first day back to school for ALL absences. Excessive tardies may result in a meeting with Administration and/or the Student Affairs Committee. If an elementary student misses more than 20 days within the school year, retention may be considered. NOTE: Perfect attendance will be awarded if a student has no absences for the school year.

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Middle and High School Parents are requested to call or email the school office (dharper@curtisbaptist.org) the day of their student’s unplanned absence notifying the school of the reason for the absence. If a student is absent due to an illness, he/she must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. If a student in grades 6-12 misses more than 15 minutes of a class period, he or she will be counted absent for the full period. NOTE: Perfect attendance will be awarded if a student has no absences and no tardies for the school year. High School students should not miss more than 10 class days (not counting school-related absences) of a two-semester course. NOTE: For excessive absences, the student and parent(s) will be contacted by the administration and will appear before the student affairs committee to determine if credit will be given based on the reasons for the absences. - 5th Absence Student/Parent notified - 8th Absence Parental/Administration meeting -10th Absence Review of academic status

TARDIES

K-5th

Grade Tardiness:

A student is considered tardy to school when the student is not in the classroom when the bell rings at

8:00 a.m. If a student is tardy, the student should report to the school office to obtain an Admit Slip

before going to class. Each student will be allowed three (3) tardies per nine week period. If a student

has more than three unexcused tardies on one nine week period, the following actions will occur:

- 4th

Tardy Administrator sends letter to parent/guardian outlining tardy policy.

- 7th

Tardy Administrator contacts parent/guardian by telephone.

- 10th

Tardy Administrator meets with parent/guardian to review tardy policy.

- 12th

Tardy Case is referred to the Student Affairs Committee of the School Board for

consideration of tardy contract and/or consequences.

6th

– 12th

Grade Tardiness:

Punctuality is a matter of primary importance in the education process. Students are expected to be on

time to school and to classes. Students, when tardy, disrupt the educational process and jeopardize their

own academic achievement. A High School student missing more than 10 minutes (10 minutes for

Middle School) of class (beginning or end) will be counted absent from that class unless excused.

Tardiness:

Parents, older siblings, and car-poolers should allow time in the morning so the riders will not be tardy;

however, the student is responsible for being on time regardless of transportation arrangements.

Tardiness caused by traffic or car trouble will be unexcused. A student is considered tardy to school

when not in the classroom when the bell rings at 7:50 a.m. A student who arrives to school late or who

arrives in the classroom after the tardy bell has rung will be recorded as being “Tardy”. Tardiness will

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be excused if the student presents a notice of excused tardiness from the office or from a teacher. If

tardy, the student should report to the school office to obtain an Admit Slip. If a student is tardy due to a

doctor’s/dentist appointment, the student must check in at the office, present a valid excuse from the

appropriate physician’s office, and receive an Admit Slip from the office. This will be recorded as:

“Tardy, Excused”. Each teacher will keep a record of tardiness. Excessive tardies will be handled as

follows for each nine week period:

- 1st - 3

rd Tardies Free (with a warning letter to parents about subsequent tardies)

- 4th

Tardy One hour detention

- 5th

Tardy Two consecutive detentions (one hour each)

- 6th

Tardy ISS (In School Suspension)

- 7th

Tardy Two day out of school suspension

- 8th

Tardy Referred to Student Affairs Committee for possible expulsion

K-5th

Grade Tardiness:

A student is considered tardy to school when the student is not in the classroom when the bell rings at

8:00 a.m. If a student is tardy, the student should report to the school office to obtain an Admit Slip

before going to class. Each student will be allowed three (3) tardies per nine week period. If a student

has more than three unexcused tardies on one nine week period, the following actions will occur:

- 4th

Tardy Administrator sends letter to parent/guardian outlining tardy policy.

- 7th

Tardy Administrator contacts parent/guardian by telephone.

- 10th

Tardy Administrator meets with parent/guardian to review tardy policy.

- 12th

Tardy Case is referred to the Student Affairs Committee of the School Board for

consideration of tardy contract and/or consequences.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL –

Grading scale, Kindergarten – 12th:

E Excellent A 90 - 100 Excellent G Good B 80 - 89 Good S Satisfactory C 75 - 79 Average NI Needs Improving D 70 - 74 Passing U Unsatisfactory F Below 70 Failing Report Cards will report letter grades based on the above scale.

Promotion Policies

**Students entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old on or before September 1.

Kindergarten – 5th will be advanced to next grade level based on classroom performance, ability to pass required subjects, social maturity, and teacher evaluation.

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Honor Roll

Grade 1 Grades are based on developmental acquisition of foundational skills that will be built upon for the rest of their education. Honor roll recognition will not be given until the second grade. Grades 2-5 Honor Roll will be computed and published at the end of each nine-week grading period. At the end of the fourth grading period, a yearly Honor Roll list will be compiled. The following criteria will be used when computing honor roll recognition: • “A” Honor Roll is for those receiving an average of 90 or above in all academic areas • "A-B" Honor Roll is for those receiving an average of 80 or above, and at least one A, in all

academic areas The end-of-the-year honor roll awards will be issued on Awards Day. **Students are eligible for honor roll if they have behavior consistent with the character of our school.

Testing Resources Administered at Curtis: CBS students in grades 1st through 11 are given the Terra Nova Test Series annually. Students enrolled in the Learning Place may be given the diagnostic version of the Terra Nova. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude (PSAT) is administered to ALL sophomores each October. Any 11th grade student who chooses to take the PSAT may do so at a cost of $20.00 per student.

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ACADEMIC STANDARDS-

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL Advanced Placement Classes

(See statement under Honor Graduates to be recommended for these classes.)

Curtis Baptist High School offers AP classes which are college level courses taught in a high school setting. These courses are designed to prepare students to take the College Board sponsored Advanced Placement (AP) exam in May. Students who take the AP exam are required to pay exam fees at their own expense. There will be an additional $100 charge per class for home school students who take AP classes. The AP scores will be sent directly to the student from the College Board during the summer months after taking the AP tests.

Graduation Etiquette

All graduating seniors will participate in graduation practice.

Transcripts will be held for students who fail to comply with graduation decorum expectations or disrupt the ceremony.

Graduation Reception and Senior Night – Curtis will assist in reserving a space for these events and will also supply the paper products. Parents will be responsible for supplying the refreshments, decorations, servers, and set up/clean up.

Graduation Fee - $100 is due by March 1st. This fee includes, but is not limited to costs acquired by the speaker, diplomas, diploma covers, tassels, cords, seals, and transcripts sent during the current school year, and the final transcript. Written requests need to be made to the school office at least two days in advance for transcripts and college recommendations.

Graduation Requirements Curtis Baptist School offers a college preparatory diploma. Students must complete all graduation requirements set forth by the state in which the students resides (Georgia or South Carolina) in order to receive their diploma. Carnegie credits are awarded for year long courses to students based on the full-year average rather than the semester average. Credits are awarded to semester courses at the end of the semester. Transfer credit from an accredited school will be accepted as stated on the transcript. Students must earn a minimum grade of 70 or higher in order to earn credit for the course. If a grade of 70 is not earned, a student must retake the course to recover the credit. Students are required to take one credit of Bible each year they are in high school. Bible counts as an elective credit. Students are required to take one credit of Fine Arts.

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Georgia Graduation Requirements English – 4 Credits Math – 4 Credits Science – 4 Credits Social Studies – 3 Credits Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE), and/or Modern Language/Latin, and/or Fine Arts – 3 Credits Health and Physical Education – 1 Credit Electives – 4 Credits Total Credits = 23

South Carolina Graduation Requirements English – 4 Credits Math – 4 Credits Science – 3 Credits Social Studies – 3 Credits Career, Agriculture Education, and Technical Education (CATE) or World Language – 1 Credit Computer Science – 1 Credit Physical Education or JROTC – 1 Credit Electives – 7 Credits Total Credits = 24

Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit programs provide opportunities for Georgia and South Carolina high school students to take college-level courses and earn concurrent credit toward a high school diploma and a college degree while in high school. Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit courses are primarily available for any eligible 11th or 12th grade high school students. Students may enroll in credit-bearing college level courses approved by the respective State Board of Education. The following requirements for Dual Enrollment must be met:

• Student must be 16 year of age or older. • Student must maintain an overall high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. • Dual Enrollment courses must work with the student schedule at the enrolled high

school. • Student must meet Dual Enrollment requirements determined by the accredited college

or university to which the student is applying for courses. This includes taking the SAT/ACT/COMPASS test and meeting minimum scores determined by the accredited college or university.

• Requirements for Dual Enrollment vary at different colleges. Students must contact the institution for specific requirements.

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Dual Enrollment requires a parent and student conference with the high school guidance counselor where graduation requirements and the college level courses can be reviewed for approval. This conference must occur before the appropriate forms can be completed and signed by the counselor, parent, and student as required by state legislation.

Class Ranking Class ranking for VAL/SAL and Honor Graduates will be based on a cumulative grade point average in core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language) on a weighted 4.0 scale.

Weighting of Courses Core Courses will receive the following weights on a 4.0 scale. Add 1.0 weight to Advanced Placement courses. Add 1.0 weight to Dual Enrollment core courses. Add .5 weight to Honors courses.

VAL/SAL Requirements Student must be enrolled as a student attending Curtis Baptist School. The student cannot be a home school student taking courses at Curtis Baptist School. Student must have attended Curtis Baptist School for the junior and senior year. Student must attend at least one scheduled course on campus at Curtis Baptist School each school year if they are dual enrolled at an accredited college or university. Student must meet the Honors Graduate requirements. The top two students in the senior class with the highest cumulative grade point average in core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language) on a weighted 4.0 scale will be named Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

Honor Graduate Student must complete 3 units of the same foreign language. Student must complete a minimum of two Advanced Placement courses, two Dual Enrollment core courses at an accredited college or university, or one Advanced Placement course and one Dual Enrollment core course. Student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.7 in core courses on a weighted 4.0 scale. Student will receive a gold honor cord and gold tassel to be worn at the graduation ceremony.

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Special Recognition Students in the senior class who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in college prep or honors courses core courses on a weighted 4.0 scale will receive an honor cord to be worn at the graduation ceremony.

School Records

Per the US Department of Education and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Parents/guardians of students currently in attendance or eligible students have the right to: Inspect and review the student’s education records. Please call the principal’s office to make arrangements. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. This request must be submitted in writing to the principal’s office. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and section 99.31, authorize disclosure without consent. File with the Department a complaint under section 99.63 and 99.64 concerning alleged failures by the educational agency or institution to comply with the requirements of the Act. The school maintains a cumulative academic, attendance, and health record for each student enrolled in accordance with the Federal Family Rights and Education Privacy Act. Information on the student’s permanent record will be given out to the following:

• To the parents/guardians and adult students by written request. • To colleges, universities, and military services upon the student’s written request.

• To the court system by parental/guardian permission or by warrant (parent/guardian

will be notified). • Records are not released if accounts are not current.

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

Each year we are required by federal regulations to notify our patrons regarding the asbestos content of the building materials in areas used by our school. The original inspection (1984) and laboratory reports revealed that some building materials did contain asbestos. During the years since that time as work and renovations have taken place most asbestos containing material has been removed. The middle school and high school buildings are all asbestos free except for the older floor tile and the glue used to apply the tile. In most cases these floors are covered with carpet and are not deemed a hazard. Constructions since that date are all asbestos free.

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AWARDS DAY ATTIRE For all award ceremonies at CBS, students must wear a solid-color, Polo-style shirt with khaki-colored Docker-style pants or knee length shorts. Boys’ shirts must be tucked in and worn with a belt. No additional outer coverings may be worn (i.e. hoodies, etc…)

BEFORE/AFTER CARE All students who arrive on campus before 7:15 a.m. must come in through the Day Care entrance and sign-in with the morning care teacher. There is a $5.00 per day charge. Morning care is located in room H-112:

• Between 7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m., Kindergarten - 2nd grade students will remain in H-112 • 3rd-5th grades will go to room H-213 • 6th-12th grades will go to the gym • After 7:45 a.m., all students are to go directly to their classrooms.

Middle and High school students must obtain a tardy slip in the main school office after 7:50 a.m. and Elementary students must obtain a tardy slip after 8:00 a.m.

Students who have not been picked up in the afternoons within 15 minutes after school dismissal time will be directed to after-care and will be charged $5.00 per day. Parents must then go directly to after care to sign their child out. For the safety of our students, at no time before or after school hours will students be allowed to roam the hallways or campus unsupervised. If a student cannot follow these guidelines, parents will be asked to make alternate arrangements for their children before and after school.

BETA CLUB Article II-Candidate Eligibility 2.1 A beta club candidate for membership must be a student in good standing of Curtis Baptist School and currently enrolled in Curtis Baptist School as a sophomore, junior or senior.

2.2 A beta club candidate for membership must have a year-end weighted average of:

a. 85 for the previous school year in each of the four core classes (math, English, science, history/geography) for incoming sophomores.

2.3 A student that has been removed from membership due to grades, attendance or disciplinary issues, may re-apply for membership in subsequent years, based upon Administrative interview and determination.

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2.4 All candidates must demonstrate exemplary attendance, behavior, and citizenship habits. Candidates must have had a least 90% attendance rate for the previous school year and must not have been assigned any type of suspension (to include athletic suspension) during the previous school year to be eligible for membership. The Leadership Team will make the final determination regarding a candidate’s citizenship eligibility for membership or re-instatement based on the criteria outlined in this constitution. 2.5 Candidates must complete all requirements for membership prior to initiation and by deadline dates set by the sponsor, including but not limited to timely submission of application, timely submission of all required forms and monetary dues, and attendance of all required meetings. Any candidate failing to complete all requirements who is otherwise eligible for membership will not be allowed membership, absent extenuating circumstances as determined by the sponsor. 2.6 A member may transfer his/her membership into this chapter of the National Beta Club if he/she meets the requirements set by this club.

BIBLE VERSIONS CBS has adopted the New International Version (NIV).

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES Elementary and Middle School – Cell phones are to be OFF and kept in the student’s bookbag during school hours unless given authorization by the teacher to use them.

High School - We understand that cell phones are a vital part of today’s culture, and proper guidelines should be established for student use. To avoid cheating and distractions in the classroom, cell phones are to remain OFF and placed in their bookbag. High school students will be allowed to use their cell phones during lunchtime and before/after school.

Electronic devices are learning tools that can be effective instruments in today’s classroom. The use of iPads, laptops, etc…may be used for classroom assignments only when supervised by the teacher. NO videos or pictures of other students will be allowed to be taken at school or any school activity.

CHAPEL Chapel is a vital part of the CBS curriculum, and therefore all coaches, staff, and teachers are expected to attend if their duties allow. Teachers should make sure students bring their Bibles to chapel, and homeroom teachers will take attendance in chapel. Because the spiritual growth of students is so important, consistent chapel attendance cannot be stressed enough. After the second unexcused chapel absence, the student will be issued a detention. Upon the third unexcused chapel absence the student will serve a Saturday detention. Upon the fourth unexcused chapel absence, the student may receive a suspension.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE To live like Christ is to emulate the greatest Servant Leader. Believing that students should be

taught to serve others, community service is required for all high school students attending CBS. Students will be required to report their community service hours to the principal no later

than May 1. These service hours will consist of unpaid volunteer work completed outside of school activities. These hours may be completed during the school year or during the summer prior and cannot be carried over to the coming year. It is the responsibility of each student

to pick up the community service form in the high school office and return the completed form for posting on transcripts. Minimum requirements for community service hours are as

follows:

• 9th Grade – 5 hours

• 10th Grade – 7 hours

• 11th Grade – 9 hours

• 12th Grade – 12 hours

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SCHOOL COMPUTER USAGE I agree to refrain from the following practices while using any computer or electronic device at Curtis Baptist School: • Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images. • Using the computer resources for personal gain. • Using or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization. • Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission. • Violating copyright law. • Failure to observe licensing agreements. • Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur cost to the school or initiate unwanted

internet services and transmissions. • Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the school or our Lord’s

reputation. • Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials. • Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals. • Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to school related

purposes or activities. • Using the internet for political causes or any sort of gambling. • Jeopardizing the security of the church’s electronic communications system. • Passing off personal views as representing those of the school. • Sending anonymous e-mail messages.

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE In the classroom, teachers practice assertive discipline which is a positive systematic approach

to discipline. Since the teacher is the authority in the classroom, this enables them to set firm consistent limits for students, while at the same time remaining cognizant of the reality of the student’s need for warmth and positive support.

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Standards of Conduct: Christian Character 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - 2 Corinthians 5:20 - Colossians 3:17, 22 - Jude 3

1 Peter 3:15 - 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Disciplinary Guidelines Once a student has been accepted to our school they are considered a CBS student whether by new enrollment or re-enrollment and all policies and procedures apply in and out of school, on or off campus. The Standards of Conduct extend to all school activities, on or off campus. Detention - Days detention will be held are Tuesday and Thursday each week. Parents/students will be given a 24-hour notice prior to serving detention. Students not attending/skipping a detention will receive an in-school suspension.

In-School Suspension (ISS) - In-School suspension is a suspension served on school property. Students must report to the principal by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the suspension. Students will need to bring all their books to the principal’s office and will work on assignments throughout the day. They will be given bathroom and lunch breaks at scheduled times and will be released at the end of school. Students serving an ISS will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular events (athletics, fine arts...) on the day of ISS.

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) - OSS may be given as a consequence for repeated or severe actions. Parents will be contacted and required to pick up their child and take them home to serve a suspension. Suspensions will range from 1-3 days. A grade of zero will result on any grades taken on the day(s) of suspension.

Expulsion - An expulsion will be used in extreme cases of repeated misbehavior or severe misbehavior (see Level Four infractions). All efforts will be taken to work with parents and students before an expulsion is warranted.

The following is a general, not all-inclusive, list of possible violations that will be dealt with in the manner prescribed below. Infractions involving elementary students will be handled in an age-appropriate manner.

Level ONE infractions may include, but are not limited to, the following and will receive a written warning for the first offense:

1. Dress code violations 2. Minor classroom disruptions (talking, disturbances, etc) 3. Not following instructions 4. Horseplay at school 5. Inappropriate behavior/language 6. Personal Electronic Violation (first offense) 7. No food or drink in the classrooms (except teacher sponsored activities) water bottles will be allowed

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Level TWO infractions may include, but are not limited to, the following and may result in a detention:

1. Personal Electronic Violation (repeat offense) 2. Continual classroom disruption 3. Name calling or disrespect of fellow students

4. Bus misbehavior

5. Harsh teasing

6. Excessive tardies

7. Recurring dress code violations

8. Invasion of privacy

Level THREE infractions may include, but are not limited to, the following and may result in an In- or Out-of-School Suspension:

1. Excessive teasing or bullying 2. Profanity

3. Inappropriate material 4. Minor fighting 5. Disrespect 6. Cheating/Plagiarism (a zero will be received for assignment, quizzes, and tests) 7. Failure to report to a detention 8. Lying 9. Harassment 10. Vandalism 11. Possession of or use of tobacco products 12. Betting or gambling 13. Skipping class or school 14. Stealing

Level FOUR infractions may include, but are not limited to, the following and will result in expulsion:

1. Assault on staff or students 2. Sexual Misconduct 3. Possession of a weapon 3. Threats of any kind (made in person or through cyber bullying) 4. Possession, use of, or selling illegal drugs or alcohol

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DRESS CODE

The dress code prescribed for all Curtis Baptist School students:

- Conforms to the Biblical mandate to dress modestly. (1 Thess. 5:22, 1 Tim. 2:9-10)

- Helps to create an environment that maintains a Christian atmosphere that is suitable for

learning.

- Presents a reasonable objective standard that can easily be followed and enforced.

NOTE: Repeated dress code violations will be subject to disciplinary action

Boys (Kindergarten – 12th

grade) Shirts:

- All shirts must have a collar, be loose fitting, be either a polo or oxford style, and may be

worn with only the top button unbuttoned.

- Shirts must be tucked in at all times, even if an outer covering is worn.

- Shirts must not be of a transparent material.

Pants:

- Boys must wear loose fitting (not baggy) Docker style pants or knee-length shorts. All

pants or shorts must be worn at the waist. No jeans are to be worn except on designated

days (i.e. spirit days, Spirit Week, Special Field Trips, etc.) and must not have tears, holes

or frayed hems.

- Belts must be worn with all pants and shorts

Shoes:

- Boys must wear closed toe shoes. Crocs, Flip Flops or any other type of sandal are not

allowed to be worn.

- Middle & High School Students may wear the hiking-style sandal called Chaco with the

stipulation that they have a closed back (note: a strap back is considered to be a closed

back for the Chaco).

General Appearance:

- Boy’s hair must be neatly combed and cut so that it does not touch the eyebrows or fall

below mid-ear. Boys must not wear their hair in colors or in styles that cause disruption.

Sideburns are not allowed below the bottom of the ear. Boys must be clean shaven.

- Hats or sunglasses are not to be worn inside the church or school building.

- Visible tattoos are not allowed. Boys may not wear earrings or other body piercing-type

jewelry.

- Chapel Day for Elementary school boys: Elementary school boys may wear dress

shirts and ties on Chapel Day.

- Excessive use of hygiene products in the classroom will not be tolerated

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Girls (Kindergarten – 12th

grade)

Shirts:

- All shirts must have a collar, be loose fitting, have sleeves, be a polo or oxford style, and

may be worn with only the top button unbuttoned. Shirts must not be of a transparent

material.

- No midriff or cleavage is to be seen at any time.

Pants:

- Girls must wear loose fitting (not baggy) Docker style pants, knee-length shorts, or

capris; and, all must be worn at the waist.

- No skirts, dresses or skorts are allowed.

- Jeans are not allowed unless otherwise specified by the Administration (Spirit Day, Spirit

Week, Special Field Trips, etc…) and must not have tears, holes or frayed hems.

Shoes:

- Girls must wear closed toe shoes with backs. Shoes may either be a flat, athletic, boot, or

dress shoe (no platform shoes or heels).

- Crocs, Flip Flops or any other type of sandal are not allowed to be worn.

- MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS may wear the hiking-style sandal called

Chaco with the stipulation that they have a closed back (note: a strap back is considered

to be a closed back for the Chaco).

General Appearance:

- Girls must not wear their hair in colors, in styles that are extreme, in a style that has “hair

in the eyes”, or in a style that causes disruption.

- Girls may wear earrings in the lower earlobe ONLY. No other visible body piercing

jewelry is allowed.

- Visible tattoos are not allowed.

- Hats or sunglasses are not to be worn inside the church or school building.

- Chapel day for elementary school girls: Girls may wear dresses or skirts. These skirts

must be Knee-length, and they must wear shorts or tights/leggings under the dress or

skirt. Dresses or shirts must have sleeves. Dressy shoes may be worn as long as they are

flat and closed-toe (NO Heels).

- Excessive use of hygiene products in the classroom will not be tolerated

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FIRE: Fire drills are held once a month, and students will be familiarized with the proper procedures and exits. Students are expected to remain quiet and follow teacher instructions. Teachers are advised to bring emergency preparedness notebook and grade book outside with them in case personal parent information is needed during the drill. TORNADO: Tornado watches issued by the weather service means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. A tornado warning means a funnel cloud has been sighted in the area. If we are under a tornado watch, teachers will be informed by the office through email (in the case of a power outage, teachers will be notified in person). If we have a tornado warning a two-burst emergency signal will be given. At that time, students will be taken to the designated locations immediately and remain quiet and wait for teacher instructions.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Registration and Tuition

Returning students’ registration is due in February. On June 1, the family has the option of paying tuition annually, quarterly, in twelve payments, or ten payments. The Development Fee and half of the registration fee is refundable only if the school cannot accept the student or if the family moves out of the area prior to the start of school (half of the registration fee is applied to processing and testing fees). In rare and tragic cases involving the death of the student or a parent, registration and development fees will also be refundable prior to the start of the school year.

Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are due on the first of each month. A late charge is due on all monthly fees after the 20th of the month. Checks should be made payable to Curtis Baptist School. A fee of $25 will be charged for all returned checks. Absences because of sickness or other reasons will cause no reduction in tuition. If satisfactory arrangements for unpaid tuition and fees have not been made by the end of the school term, the school will hold the records for that child pending full payment of the account balance.

Withdrawals

Parents considering the withdrawal of their child from Curtis must first check with the financial office for clearance to have records released. A signed official records request form must be filled out by the parent in order for records to be released and sent to a new school. Any request for release of remaining tuition agreement will be considered by the School Board.

Discounts

Siblings of current students will each receive a 10% discount on tuition. Active members of Curtis Baptist Church will receive a 15% discount on tuition

Development Fee

A development fee is required for all new families who enroll students in grades 1-12. This fee is payable only one time regardless of how many years the student attends or how many students from that family enroll.

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Accident Insurance

Accident insurance is provided for all students and serves as secondary coverage to the family’s primary health insurance. It covers accidents occurring at school and on school trips. Accident forms are available in the school office. All accidents are to be reported to the office within 24 hours.

Financial Aid Program

Purpose

A financial aid program exists at Curtis Baptist School to aid worthy students who would otherwise be unable to attend our school. Eligibility for this program shall be determined with the aid of family financial information.

Qualification

To qualify, a student must meet the standard entrance qualifications and be approved through the regular student acceptance procedures. He/She must maintain passing grades and enter into the spirit of the school program.

Application

Parents must complete a financial aid application and submit all materials to Curtis Baptist School’s financial secretary by May 1. The completed application, along with required financial records, will be filed with the Financial Aid Committee of Curtis Baptist School. This committee will notify all applicants of its decision in a timely manner.

Senior Pictures

Senior portraits are contracted out each year by Curtis Baptist School. These photos are used in the Sword & Shield yearbook. Dates and times of these photo sessions will be announced in advance via the yearbook advisor. Parents who wish to include photographs taken by an alternate photographer are welcome to use those pictures in the senior ad section if they choose to purchase an ad for their graduate.

Yearbook

Every student enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve will receive one complimentary yearbook. All others can order a yearbook in the fall when advance orders are taken. An initial deposit will reserve additional yearbooks and the balance is to be paid at the time of delivery.

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GRADING GUIDELINES – MS/HS **Elementary grading policies are established by individual teachers according to grade level. The following guidelines are to be adhered to by all Middle and High School teachers: Each nine weeks/quarter is comprised of the following:

*Tests = 45% *All other = 55%, to be spelled out in individual syllabi *Class participation is not to be figured into a student’s final grade.

There should be at least two or more major tests in each of the nine week quarters Each semester is comprised of the following: (High School only) *Two quarter grades at 40% each, for a total of 80%, plus at least one semester exam at 20% *For courses that do not have a semester exam, each quarter is worth 50% Students in the 9th-12th grades (only) can exempt the 2nd semester exam if they have a yearly average of 89.5 or above. Students are ineligible for this exemption if they have had any suspensions or more than ten (10) absences in the 2nd semester. Syllabi stating the material covered, tests, projects, grading criteria et cetera for all classes are to be given to the students at the beginning of the semester. Students on the block schedule will have no more than two tests on the same day. Students not on the block schedule will have no more than three tests on the same day. Teachers should be respectful of Wednesday night activities when scheduling major tests, projects, and reports. Teachers should not assign written homework on Wednesday that is due the next day. Extra Credit may be offered at teacher discretion and should be something a student earns academically.

LUNCH INFORMATION Curtis Baptist School provides hot, nutritious meals each day. Menus are published a month in advance on our Web site (extra milk/juice is .30 each).

Grades K-5th $3.50 per meal

Grades 6-12 $4.00 per meal

Thursday is the day where the following lunch vending option is available for middle and high school students.

• Thursday - Domino’s pizza - $1.50 per slice or $4.00 (MS/HS) for two slices, fries, milk/juice

NOTE: Cash only on Thursday for vended lunch. If lunch is paid ahead, monies cannot be used on lunch vending days.

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Parents are encouraged to come to the school to have lunch with their child. Please remember to sign in at the school office prior to proceeding to the lunch area. If school lunch will be ordered, please send a note that morning so the count can be figured into the class total.

PARENT COMMUNICATIONS Report Cards

Report cards are issued each nine weeks. The first report card will be issued directly to the parents at a teacher/parent conference. The second and third nine-week report cards will be issued one week after the nine-week period ends. All report cards are to be signed and returned to school ASAP. Final report cards will be mailed to those with no outstanding fees.

RenWeb RenWeb is the CBS School Management Software. This system allows a view of your student's weekly assignments, homework, the teacher's CBS email, et cetera. The RenWeb system has up-to-date calendar information including athletic events and weekly grading notifications. Information is available for first-time CBS parents and students in the school office. The RenWeb Parents Web can be accessed through the RenWeb link on the CBS website or by visiting www.renweb.com/login. The Curtis Baptist School ID is CBS-GA.

Connect-Now (C-NOW) C-Now is an organization of parents and teachers designed to promote unity and to enhance involvement of family in the life of the school. C-Now coordinates parent volunteers, supports school and sports functions, increases parent-teacher communication, and provides fellowship and encouragement of one another, our administration, and teachers. Officers are elected by the membership. Participation is encouraged.

Parent Volunteers We believe our school will be effective to the degree that we have parent involvement, and we encourage each parent to become involved. Parents are encouraged to volunteer as aides, chaperones, special dinner workers, etc. Depending on the type of work a volunteer is involved with in the school, he/she may be required to complete a background check before assisting at the school. Whenever coming to school to volunteer, please sign in at the office first.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled throughout the year to provide an opportunity to discuss student academic, spiritual, and social development. Parents or teachers may schedule a conference at any time.

Homework

Homework is an assumable fact at Curtis Baptist School and will be assigned grade and subject appropriate. Homework will be adjusted, minimized, or not given when possible on Wednesdays. Parents are encouraged to e-mail or call teachers if there is a question about a specific assignment. Curtis provides an online overview of what children are working on each week through RenWeb. It is important to note that online information could change according to the progress of the previous day’s lesson.

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School Closing

If for any reason it becomes necessary to close school on short notice, parents will be given details by way of the school Web site, the media listed below, and/or a personal phone call. We normally follow Richmond County closings for snow, ice, flood, disasters, etc. If public schools in your area are closed due to weather conditions or another disaster, your child will be excused. Watch local television stations for information and directions. Area radio stations will also be contacted with closure information.

Listed below are the radio stations and television channels that will have closure information for Curtis.

Radio Stations/TV Channels

WAFJ - 88.3 FM

WRDW – Channel 12

WAGT – Channel 26 ~ NBC Augusta

WJBF – Channel 6

Lost and Found

Parents are encouraged to label jackets, shoes, coats, and any other items that young students may lose so we can identify the owner and return any lost items. If you should lose an item, please contact the school office and leave a detailed description of the article that has been misplaced. Lost articles are kept for a designated time; after that time, all items are donated to charity. The church and school assume no responsibility for the loss or theft of valuables.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS Students in Elementary and Middle school attend PE classes weekly. Tennis shoes must be worn on PE days.

PE Uniforms A uniform will be required for 6TH - 9th grade PE classes and weight training class: non-form fitting, knee length black shorts and a plain or CBS gray t-shirt. To receive full credit, students must dress out for PE.

Athletics Please refer to the Athletic Handbook for full descriptions of policies, eligibility, awards, and requirements.

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STUDENT SICKNESS

If a student complains of being ill or shows signs of illness, he should be sent to the office for care. Students with a fever or other contagious symptoms will be sent home. Children who are sick are required to stay at home until a physician releases them to return to school. Students not under a doctor’s care are not to return to school until they are fever/symptom free for 24 hours without medication.

Medication Students requiring prescription medications will be administered those medications in the front office as directed. Medications must be in the original bottle with the prescription label attached. The parent must complete a Medication Authorization form prior to dispensing medication. Over-the-counter medications will only be given with parental authorization and directions each time it is needed.

VISITORS All visitors must enter through the main school entrance to receive a visitor’s badge

• During lunch – parents are encouraged to have lunch with their child. Please sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. Parents, please sit at the designated parent/visitor table with your child.

• Former CBS graduates who visit during lunch are asked to sign in to receive a visitor’s badge and sit at the visitor’s table.

• If dropping off lunch items, please bring them to the main entrance and we will get it to your child.

• STUDENT SHADOWING- Before a student can be considered for shadowing, a consent form must be filled out and approved by Administration prior to the day of the visit. A visitor’s badge must be worn at all times.

WEEKLY SPIRIT ATTIRE Students and teachers may wear jeans on the designated weekly spirit day when worn with any CBS shirt/CBS t-shirt that is purchased through the school. Jeans are to be properly fitted and without holes, tears, or fraying.

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CURTIS BAPTIST SCHOOL –SCHOOL COMPUTER USE WAIVER FORM (**All Students in Grades 6- 12 must have a signed copy of this form on file with the school office.)

Curtis Baptist School maintains all rights to monitor, at any time, any communication, files, or

other information in the computer assigned to me by the school or on any technological device

that I use while at school.

I also agree to refrain from the following practices while using any computer or electronic device

(whether assigned to me by the school or my own personal device):

• Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images.

• Using the computer resources for personal gain.

• Using or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization.

• Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission.

• Violating copyright law.

• Failure to observe licensing agreements.

• Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur cost to the school or initiate unwanted

internet services and transmissions.

• Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the church/school or our Lord’s

reputation.

• Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials.

• Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals.

• Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to school related

purposes or activities.

• Using the internet for political causes or any sort of gambling.

• Jeopardizing the security of the school’s electronic communications system.

• Passing off personal views as representing those of the church/school.

• Sending anonymous e-mail messages.

SIGNED: _______________________________________________________________

DATE: _________________________________________________________________

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CURTIS BAPTIST SCHOOL - Parental Cooperation Agreement

Curtis Baptist School endeavors to provide an environment which infuses Biblical truth with spiritual growth in the development of young people. Our standard of conduct is based on the following Biblical principles:

• All student and school activities must be subordinate to the glory of God in conjunction with school policy. (Colossians 3:23)

• All students are expected to avoid all practices that would tarnish the testimony of themselves, their church, parents, or Curtis Baptist School. (I Thessalonians 5:21-23)

• Each student should maintain Christian standards in courtesy, kindness, morality, and honesty. (Ephesians 4:24-31)

• Students should abide by these standards throughout their enrollment whether at home, school, or in the community. (Philippians 4:8)

Students are not permitted to use alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and/or partake of immoral behavior. Students found to violate any of these actions will be subject to disciplinary action by the administration and/or Student Affairs Committee.

As a parent or guardian, I understand that attendance at Curtis Baptist School is a privilege. By enrolling my child(ren) in CBS, I agree to abide by the Biblical standards set forth. I also agree to be supportive and encouraging when dealing with situations and will deal with them in a Biblical manner as laid out in Scripture. ____________________________________________________________________________ Father’s Name (please print) Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ Mother’s Name (please print) Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________Student(s) name(s)