School Policies

School Policy Information

Classroom Policy

Our Commitment to Our Students:

 Parakaleo, which in Greek means to exhort – to come alongside for the purpose of encouraging, I will do this in three ways:

 1.       To admonish the unruly.

 2.       To encourage the faint-hearted – by teaching each student that confidence and faith come from The Lord.

 3.       To be patient – by encouraging each student to walk with the Lord academically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

 

 Titus 2:7: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned….”

 

4 RULES OF COMMUNICATION

 Ephesians 4:25-31 

 

 Rule #1:      BE HONEST

 “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

 

 Rule #2:      KEEP CURRENT     

 “Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, do not give place to the devil.”

 

 Rule #3      ATTACK THE PROBLEM, NOT THE PERSON

 “Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

 

 Rule #4      ACT – DON’T REACT

 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”     

 

Classroom Policies

 LOMSAA strives to include the individual child in a safe, inviting atmosphere of communication and growth, promoting lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. This is best accomplished through instructing the child how to become a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. The main principle of the classroom is…RESPECT.

 

 Respect

  •  to show consideration or thoughtfulness in relation to somebody or something
  •  synonyms: to admire, to value, to show consideration for, to follow

 

 We have choices to make, and while making choices, we are:

 ·   Making every decision carefully

 ·   Thinking everything through responsibly

 ·   Exercising our freedom to choose

 ·   Deciding what is right and doing it

 

 We have the choice to respect ourselves and others in 3 ways. 

 We can…

 1.      Have a Respectful Attitude

 2.      Use Respectful Words

 3.      Show Respectful Actions

 

 Respectful Attitude is choosing to:

 Show respect to others.

  •   We use the “Golden Rule” as a guideline for our Attitude and words 
  •  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! = Treat others better than the way YOU want to be treated. 
  •  We will choose to have a good & thankful attitude.
  •  We listen and follow directions.
  •  We remain in our assigned area.
  •   We stay on task. 

 

Our actions – our good manners – will be a natural outflow of our respectful Attitude and words. Let us treat others better than the way we want to be treated.

 Respectful Words is choosing to:

  •  Keep a respectful attitude which will help us use respectful words.

 We say the Five Fabulous Phrases:

  •  Please!
  •  Thank you!
  •  You’re welcome.
  •  Excuse me.
  •  I’m sorry will you forgive me?
  •  We use kind words – not hurting, rude or disrespectful words     
  •  We want to build people up – not tear them down.
  •  We always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
  •  We speak in a quiet voice.

 

 When we talk with each other, we show respect by looking into their eyes and being good listeners. 

 Respectful Actions is choosing to:

 Put the Golden Rule in action, which helps to show other people that we think they are special.

  •  We are kind and show respect to teachers, students, parents, and others.
  •  We are prepared to learn. 
  •  We show respect by being polite while a teacher or student is on the phone. 
  •  We show hospitality to our classroom guests, and we show kindness and compassion to those who are less fortunate. 
  •  We never hurt anyone on the inside or the outside.
  •  We keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
  •  We are prepared and ready at the start of each class period 
  •  We work quietly and remain on task.
  •  We raise our hands to talk.
  •  We respect other people’s property – we don’t steal, cheat or “borrow” without permission.
  •  We keep our tables tidy. We take care of our supplies. 

Discipline Procedures

LOMSAA strives to include the individual child in a safe, inviting atmosphere of communication and growth which will promote lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. This can best be accomplished through instructing the child how to become a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. The main principle of the classroom is RESPECT. 
If a child chooses to disobey the classroom rule of respect as outlined in the Classroom Policies then the child will go through the following steps:
 
 1.    Verbal Warning (If more than one student is involved, all students will be warned and given opportunity to discuss individually and as group.)
 2.    Student Improvement Plan which will go home for completion and parent signature
 3.    Phone call to a parent to establish further disciplinary suggestions
 4.    Communication Log to be implemented at school with parental input.
 5.    Mrs. Gourley will discuss disciplinary action with Board of Directors
 6.    Board of Directors decision on further action, which may include:
      a. extended independent study (suspension of classroom participation privileges)
      b. asking the student to pursue other education options (expulsion)
 
 If the child submits to the correction listed above then the process stops at that point and is considered finished. If the child refuses to submit and come under the authority of the classroom teacher and parent then the child will proceed through each step until the end when the discipline for that child will be referred to the board. 
A SIGNED COPY OF THIS FORM IS KEPT ON FILE FOR EACH STUDENT FOR THE DURATION OF ENROLLMENT.
 

School Policy

VISION STATEMENT: Preparing middle school students to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior and to live that faith in high school and beyond.

 MISSION STATEMENT: Making Disciples of Christ through daily academic, spiritual, and social development. 

 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY: LOMSAA is made up of families who believe the middle school years are critical in the raising of godly young adults in a world where their faith will be put to the test daily.

 

EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE:

 I.          Spiritual and Moral Growth of the Students through Opportunities to grow spiritually through Hermeneutics, Apologetics, Evangelism, Convictions, and Bible Devotions. Opportunities to develop leadership skills through participation on student council. Opportunities to love others through service projects. Opportunities to learn about their world through field trips and speakers. 

 II.         The Academic Achievement of Students through: LOMSAA provides a rigorous, challenging, fully-accredited academic program within a guided Christian framework.

 III.        The Personal and Social Development of Students through: We believe that God has gifted each student with unique abilities and has a plan to use them to further His kingdom. We offer opportunities for students to explore the world through athletics, worship band, field trips, service projects, and life skill classes, which highlight the expertise of our parents and other professionals in their field.

 IV.        The Collaboration with the Parents or Guardians of Students through: A committed community of adults who are choosing to invest three years of time, treasure, and talents into a journey that is designed to infuse the student with a life of faith, accountability, and reaching out to a fallen world. 


 STATEMENT OF FAITH: We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God without error, there is one living and true God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, all-knowing, omnipresent; an eternally existing Spirit in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that man is fallen, separated from God, and in need of a Savior. Salvation is a free gift from God, received by placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Rom 3:23-24, 6:23; John 1:12; Psalm 19:7; Prov. 30:5; Matt 5:18, John 17:17; 1 Cor. 2:7-14; Col. 3:16; Gen 1:26; Isaiah 45:5-7; Jer 10:10; John 4:24; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 John 4:8.

Board Of Directors & Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mr. and Mrs. Shurtz, Mr. and Mrs. Yamasaki, Mr. and Mrs. Shultz

DIRECTOR: Mrs. Laurie Gourley

Academic Information

Academic Supplies Requirements

 All families will be responsible for having a functioning computer and printer at home to print out academic assignments and informational forms for various administrative activities of the classroom.

Attendance Policies

Absences

 · Parents should email Mrs. Gourley at director@lomsaa.com before 9:00 am to notify the school of the student’s absence.

 · If an extended absence is necessary, a one-time notification is permitted.

 · Students are responsible for completing all academic assignments while absent and must work hard not to get behind in the class.


Tardiness

 Students have a responsibility to the class and to themselves to be on time. To be on time for class instills an important life lesson and is therefore taken very seriously. The following policies regarding tardiness will be strictly enforced.

 

All students who are not in their assigned seats when the bell rings are considered tardy. Students 15 minutes or more late to school will spend 15 minutes at lunch in detention (which means sitting with the teacher at lunch and not their friends). All tardies between breaks are unexcused unless they have direct permission from the teacher or on-sight coordinator.

 

Examples of excused tardies are as follows:

 · Sickness with parent verification by note, email, or phone call.

 · Medical appointment with verification by note, email or phone call.

 · Auto accidents, direct or indirect involvement.

 · Unavoidable breakdowns (flat tire, dead battery, etc…)

 · Unique, unavoidable circumstances

 

Tardy Policy:

 All tardies will be recorded and processed by the classroom teacher as a part of classroom management. Parents will be notified of excessive tardies by email.

  • Upon receipt of unexcused tardy number (5), the student will serve a 15-minute detention during lunch. 
  •  Every subsequent tardy after the 5th one will result in a writing assignment completed by the next class period.

 

Closed Campus

 LOMSAA maintains a closed campus. To ensure campus safety and security, students and visitors must comply with the following requirements.

  •  Student Passes – To leave the classroom during class time for any reason, the student needs permission from the teacher.
  •  Visitor Passes – Parents and visitors are always welcome to the classroom. Any visitor (student, parent, alumnae, youth pastor, etc…) must seek permission from Mrs. Gourley or the on-sight administrator.
  •  Early Pickup – If a student needs to be picked up early, a parent/guardian must tell Mrs. Gourley or supervising Staff Member. A child cannot be picked up without notification.


Code Of Conduct

Church Attendance
Students are strongly encouraged to attend church regularly with their parents.

Discipline
The Director has the ultimate authority over students at school and in the classroom. Students are expected to be respectful, cooperative, courteous, orderly, and respond properly to correction (Hebrews 13:17). Restorative discipline at LOMSAA includes Biblical counseling as well as other corrective measures. Disobedience is ultimately an issue of rebellion and as such is a matter of the heart. LOMSAA will deal with disobedience from this Biblical perspective.

Detention Policies
Students assigned detentions are to report promptly to the teacher at designated time. Tardiness to detention will result in the assignment of an additional day of detention.


Students in detention are not allowed to communicate in any manner with other students during their detention period unless exception is made for a service project to be fulfilled during detention time. Failure to comply will result in an additional day of detention. Service projects may include the following:

  • Collecting trash
  • Washing tables
  • Sweeping the floor
  • Straightening of the classroom
  • Etc.


 Suspension Policies
Students who are suspended are the responsibilities of the parents for the duration of the suspension. Length of suspension is determined by the severity of the offense in the judgment of the Board of Directors and Director. Length is normally one to five days. It is also the responsibility of the student and parents to complete all academic assignments during suspension. Student will not be allowed back to class if they are behind in their schoolwork.

Administrative Procedure
The Director will be the first point of contact for all discipline events on campus. Serious misconduct will be referred to a Board Member who will take further appropriate action. In cases of expulsionary offenses, the student will be immediately suspended. The parents will be called and the student will be sent home. The student and his/her parents will then have an opportunity to meet before the Board of Directors and Director with the explicit purpose of establishing whether or not the student should be allowed to return to school.

Offenses, which may result in expulsion, include:
·      Physical or verbal violence toward another person
·      Destruction of school property or facilities
·      Smoking
·      Drug or alcohol use
·      Stealing/cheating
·      Disrespect to a teacher or other adult
·      Lying
·      Profanity
·      Truancy – neglect of school work
·      Bringing contraband on campus
·      Willful disobedience
·      A rebellious attitude
·      Denial of Christ as Lord and Savior
 

School Investigations Policy

LOMSAA endeavors to provide a safe and orderly school and, therefore, a school free of the presence of dangerous substances or related activities or potentially harmful or disruptive material and or/activity. The school considers it in the common interest of all school community members to actively support and cooperate with the school in this endeavor. In the course of investigations by the school officials including, the Director, Teachers, On-Sight Coordinator, or Board Member, students may be questioned about their activities and those of other students and/or persons. Students are expected to be cooperative and truthful when questioned as part of any such investigation.

 

Disciplinary Probation

 Students may be placed on disciplinary probation. The terms of probation will vary depending upon the individual infractions. Students, who violate their probation, will be immediately expelled and brought before the Board of Directors.


Respect for Adults
 Students should be prepared to follow directions given them by the adults present in the classroom. They should always show the proper respect for all adults in the facility.
 

Dress Code

LOMSAA bases its dress code upon two criteria: 

Biblical standards of modesty (I Timothy 2:9, Romans 12:1) and the desire for a neat, clean, and attractive appearance. To maintain modesty, dress should be distinctly masculine or feminine.  Dress and appearance codes will be enforced at all times, including after school activities or any other school function.

General Physical Appearance

  • Hairstyles and colors must not be extreme and must be representative of the conservative Christian environment we seek to maintain at all times.  Hair must be neat and kept out of the students’ face.  Hair length must be no shorter than a #1 cut.  Longer hair for young men must conform to the standards put forth in 1 Corinthians 11:14.  Hair must not extend below the middle of the ear, into the eyes or over the top of the collar.
  • No tattoos or body piercing are permitted at any time.  The only exception is that girls may wear earrings, but are limited to no more than two per ear.
  • No extreme makeup
  • Jewelry or any other accessory must be kept simple and non-distracting.


General Dress Requirements for all Students

  • Tasteful and Christian logos are permitted on clothing.
  • No hats are allowed during school hours.
  • Sunglasses must be worn outside only. Jackets or sweaters may be worn outside only (cardigan style or zip up the front only. No pullover sweaters or sweatshirts).
  • All shirts for boys and girls must have a collar – even when worn under a jacket.  A collar is defined as that which you see on a typical polo shirt. Collared flannel shirts or traditional collared cotton shirts may be worn.
  • Students may wear dress/cargo shorts (no shorter than fingertip length), jeans or other types of pants of any color.  However, they should not have holes or frays. No athletic shorts may be worn except during PE classes. Jeans must fit properly and may not be either excessively baggy or tight.  Jeans in proper condition may be worn every day. No leggings.
  • Sweat pants, warm-ups, and other recreational clothing may not be worn unless authorized by the director.
  • Flip flop sandals or slippers are not allowed at any time on campus. Girls may wear sandals that have a back on them.


Specific Dress Requirements for Young Women

  • Backless attire, crop tops, and halter-type necklines are not permitted.  Shirts with buttons must remain buttoned at least to the second button from the top.
  • NO DRESSES OR SKIRTS.
  • The waistline shall be covered at all times.  Capri style pants are acceptable.


 Specific Dress Requirements for Young Men

  • The face is to be clean-shaven
  • Shirts with buttons must remain buttoned at least to the second button from the top.
  • Belts are preferred
  • At no time may a young man go shirtless on campus.


Note:  In deference to the guidelines in dress for our students, we request that parents and visitors dress modestly while at school or at school functions.
 
 Dress Code Enforcement
LOMSAA reserves the right to make the final decision in regard to dress. Parental review and support is vital to the upholding of dress code standards – please make it a habit to inspect your students’ dress prior to leaving the house. 

Repeated violations of dress code in a school year will result in detentions, suspensions, and/or expulsion. Students whose attire does not meet the standards at a school function may be asked to leave.

Dress code violations are cumulative:

  • 1st Violation: Email to parent to let them know of infraction; student must change into a LOMSAA polo on hand, and returned at the end of the day
  • 2nd Violation: A call will be made to the parent to bring proper attire AND a 15 minute lunch detention will be assigned.
  • 3rd Violation: A call will be made to the parent AND the student will be suspended for the day. The student will be required to complete their academic work at home and on time.
     

General Student Behavior

Public displays of affection are inappropriate and are not permitted. This includes holding hands, kissing, and inappropriate caressing. The discipline process is as follows:

 

1st offense – warning

 2nd offense – 15-minute lunch detention

 3rd offense – 30-minute lunch detention

 4th offense – 2-day suspension with parent conference

 

Assaults of any kind will bring immediate suspension. Assaults include:

 ·   Transporting students against their will

 ·   Hazing of any kind

 ·   Any other kind of physical or emotional mistreatment

 

Harassment:

 Any form of harassment, physical, sexual, written (including cyber-harassment) is absolutely prohibited. Any incident of possible harassment should be brought immediately to the attention of the Director, who will thoroughly investigate the matter in confidence. Disciplinary action up to and including dismissal will be taken against any student who is found to have engaged in harassment.


 Food in the Classroom

 Food is not allowed in the classrooms unless specifically permitted by the Director for special events. Water bottles may be brought to class.


 Prohibited Materials

 All audio/video/electronic/digital equipment (with the exception of cell phone) are prohibited on campus unless specific permission has been given from a supervising adult.

 

Cell phones will be placed in the cell phone holder in the classroom at 8:15 and will be returned at 2:30. They will be confiscated if they are used in any classroom. If the cell phone is confiscated for a second time, a parent and student must meet with the classroom director before the phone is returned.

 

Medications must be left with the Director with physician/parental instructions on dosage and use. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them in school without a written directive from a physician. 

 

Property Damage

 Breakage of or damage to school facilities or equipment will be the responsibility of the party (ies), whether done intentionally or accidentally.

 

COMPUTER USE RULES: (Computers will be used for testing)

 ·   No food or drinks (except closed water bottles) will be allowed on the table next to a computer at any time.

 ·   Students may not access the Internet without the classroom director’s permission.

 ·   At no time is a student to download anything from the Internet.

 ·   No unauthorized software of any kind may be brought into the classroom.

 ·   No communication between students via computers while at school.

 ·   No student at any time is allowed access to the Director’s computer.

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