We recognize that God has given different abilities to each student. We want each student to work to capacity, motivated by a heartfelt love for Christ.

On the spiritual level, we desire to assist the parents in maturing the young person. This goal is the reason for our school's existence and is met by Bible class, a biblically-based curriculum, and theological training for the staff.

Our staff intellectually challenges the students through Christian and secular curricula. We include music, PE and computer instruction. We use nationally-normed achievement tests to chart the progress of the students. We hire Christian teachers who:

Emphasize the worth of each student as a unique creation of God.

Openly share the love of Christ with students.

Encourage students to respect, love, and obey their parents.

Attempt to inspire loyalty to and respect for the church.

Attempt to inspire love for country/respect for authority.

Equip students with solid academic skills.

Social opportunities are provided through intramural participation in art fairs, speech meets, science fairs and spelling bees; whenever possible Bethany combines with like-minded schools. These opportunities are in addition to the small group setting that develops leadership skills.

We actively seek Christian families who desire a Christ-centered education that includes wholesome friends, quality academics, and a disciplined learning environment. It is our intent to enroll students who believe in Christ and have at least one parent who is also a believer. In an effort to maintain harmony in our work, we do not seek, visibly practice, or promote speaking in tongues. Without being anti-charismatic, we are a non-charismatic school.

Statement of Faith

We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were verbally inspired and completely inerrant in the original writings. They are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.

We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit, and was born of the Virgin Mary. He is true God and true man.

We believe man was created in the image of God; he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature, and those who reach moral responsibility become sinners in thought, word, and deed.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. Any person who, in simple faith, trusts in the risen Christ as his only hope of heaven, refusing to trust in anything else, receives the gift of eternal life which, once granted, can never be lost.

We believe the crucified Christ was bodily resurrected, ascended into Heaven, and lives today as our High Priest and Advocate.

We believe in "that blessed hope"--the personal, premillennial, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost.

Academic Policies

Non-Discrimination Policy

Bethany Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin with all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its policies or programs.

Admissions Policies and Procedures

Bethany Christian School’s biblical role is to work in conjunction with the parents to mold students to be Christlike. On occasion, the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home may be counter or in opposition to the biblical lifestyle the school teaches. Bethany retains the right to refuse enrollment to or to expel any student who engages in sexual immorality, including any student who professes to be homosexual/bisexual or is a practicing homosexual/bisexual, as well as any student who condones, supports, or otherwise promotes such practices (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:27).

As a private institution, Bethany Christian reserves the privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards for student conduct, dress, and scholarship. It is understood that to be a student at Bethany is a privilege and not a right. Any student who does not conform to the standards and regulations of the institution may forfeit this privilege. The school maintains the right to admit only those students who are in harmony with the standards of the school. The school may expel any student at any time, who, in the opinion of the school, does not share the spirit of the institution--regardless of whether or not the student conforms to the specific rules and regulations of the school.

Parents may register students by filling out a registration form available in the office. The completed form along with the registration fee is to be given to the office. Fees cannot be refunded (see financial information).

State law requires that all students attending school must be immunized prior to admittance. Students will not be admitted unless they comply with the state ordinances relating to this matter. Immunization forms are obtainable from your doctor or the Health Department. All required forms must be in the office within 30 days of the student’s first day of school or the student will not be allowed to continue in class until the forms are returned.

The Academic Affairs Council shall determine the grade placement of students when placement is not obvious. New students must be tested by a nationally normed placement test. The cost of testing and the administration of the test are to be born by the applicant.

While we realize that a particular student's academic readiness or ability is not always tied to age, we seek to establish classes where children of the same age are in the same class. Therefore, we have established policies that place students according to age and not ability only. If a student is too young, the Academic Affairs Council may grant enrollment to a student who is within 30 days of meeting the deadline (i.e. someone whose birthday is September 30 applying for first grade). If a student is too old, the school shall not enroll nor re-enroll any student who is two or more grade levels behind the grade that they should be in. The following shall apply for determining appropriate age/grade status:

Four by September 1 go into kindergarten-four (K-4)

Five by September 1 go into kindergarten

Six by September 1 go into first grade

Seven by September 1 go into second grade

Eight by September 1 go into third grade

Nine by September 1 go into fourth grade

Ten by September 1 go into fifth grade

Eleven by September 1 go into sixth grade

Twelve by September 1 go into seventh grade

Thirteen by September 1 go into eighth grade

Fourteen by September 1 go into ninth grade

Fifteen by September 1 go into tenth grade

Sixteen by September 1 go into eleventh grade

Seventeen by September 1 go into twelfth grade

Curriculum

Selection of curriculum is an area of vital concern for Bethany. The Academic Affairs Council must approve any changes in curriculum. Through use of a standardized achievement test we are able to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum now in use. We prefer to use Christian publishers and currently rely heavily on Abeka and Bob Jones University Press. It is our belief that integration of Christianity into all walks of life takes place through the teacher's efforts and not solely the curriculum. Therefore, we choose the materials that best equip the student for learning the subject under study and will from time to time select materials from secular sources.

Bethany is accredited by the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS) and is a member of the Texas Association of Non-Public Schools (TANS). The Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS) is fully recognized by TEPSAC as an educational association authorized to provide accreditation for its member schools. State law stipulates that credits and grades given by schools accredited by the TEA, SACS or TEPSAC are equally transferable. Renewal of accreditation is required every five years; Bethany’s renewal is set for 2012.

Classroom academics

Report cards will be given every nine weeks. The report will give a numerical grade for each academic subject. Physical Education is graded pass or fail. The student will also receive a behavioral report in each subject: excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. Both academic and behavioral grades are objective and are determined by verifiable data.

The Administration reserves the right to withdraw a student from a particular class. Students who are withdrawn from a class due to an administrative decision automatically lose all credit for the class, and receive a WF (withdrawn failing) regardless of the earned average at the time of withdrawal. This policy applies to both required courses and electives. If the class is required, the student is still responsible for earning that credit before graduation.

The faculty may drop graded assignments for the entire class, but may not drop an individual student's assignments. Therefore, students must complete the work or receive a zero. The Academic Affairs Council, which determines and implements a unified grading scale for the school, must approve variation from this policy.

Parents may observe a particular class by an appointment made through the administrator.

Written progress reports are sent out after the completion of the fifth week of classes within the nine-week quarter. Parents will be verbally notified by the homeroom teacher or the adjunct instructor when a student receives the third failing grade within a particular subject. Verbal notification may not be feasible when the third failing grade coincides with the written progress report or the report card.

Homework is an important part of the educational process. We desire that students learn to carry the responsibility of learning to plan and budget the necessary study time to complete a reasonable amount of outside preparation. As a general rule the average student should spend ten minutes per grade level per night five nights per week. Homework is not generally assigned on Wednesday in order to encourage school families to participate in Wednesday night church activities. Teachers have discretion in this matter and may on occasion assign on Wednesday work due on Thursday.

Students have one day for each day of excused absence to turn in assignments. It is the student's responsibility to determine the missed assignments. The student is responsible for everything covered in class. Work not turned in will be graded as a "zero." The teacher shall schedule make-up tests and quizzes. Tests not made up will be recorded as a "zero."

A student whose overall quarter average is 90 or above shall be placed on the Pastor's List of Honor Students. These students will be appropriately honored for their accomplishments and will receive special attention throughout the following quarter. Physical Education and other Pass/Fail classes shall not be included in calculating the quarter average.

Academically distressed students sometimes ask for extra work in order to improve their grades. Extra work is not allowed for the purpose of improving grades. Students struggling with regular work do not need additional work. A teacher may allow a class to redo an assignment, but grades are earned during an entire semester and should not be artificially increased through a last minute flurry of extra credit work.

The Academic Affairs Council allows schedule changes only upon approval. A course drop form must be filled out and submitted to the office. The student must remain in the class until the drop has been granted, a new schedule has been issued to the student, and the teacher has been notified. No credit is given for a course dropped before the end of the semester. The course may not be dropped if it results in an academic deficiency. The student's transcript will record a WP (withdrawal passing) or a WF (withdrawal failing) if dropped before the semester ends.

Some students are invited to sign up to be teaching or office assistants. These students will be responsible to work with a staff member and will receive academic credit for their work. Students on academic or behavioral probation may not serve as teaching assistants or office assistants.

Records and transcripts are available to the parent. Please arrange a time for the administrator to explain the testing scores, grades, etc.

Promotion and Graduation Requirements

Junior High students must earn a final average for the year of 70 or above in language arts, a final average of 70 or above in mathematics, and all grades averaged together must equal at least 70. The grading scale is as follows: A=100-90, 4.0; B=89-80, 3.0; C=70-79, 2.0; F=69-0, 0.0. Behavioral grades are as follows: E=Exceptional, S=Satisfactory, U=Unsatisfactory, Honor Roll=90-100 average in all subjects, and Probation=0-69 average in all subjects.

Grade classifications for High School are as follows:

Freshman -- 9th 0-6 credits

Sophomore -- 10th 7-13 credits

Junior -- 11th 14-20 credits

Senior -- 12th 21-32 credits

Bethany is on a quarter system. Two quarters equal one semester. Credits are earned only when the entire semester is passed. High School students must earn a minimum of 28 credits to graduate. Required credits are

4 Bible

4 English

4 Math

4 History

3 Science

3 Foreign Language

3 Electives

1.5 Physical Education

1 Computer

.5 Health

The Academic Affairs Council may increase or decrease the amount of credits the student receives if the work required, or the nature of the subject under study or the policies of other schools merits the change. The semester must be completed to receive credit. No credits are given for completion of a quarter. No credits are given for WP (withdrawal passing) or WF (withdrawal failing). At the end of the student’s time in the school, credit total will be rounded up to the nearest quarter credit.

Enrollment in a private school requires discipline and effort. Not all children are able to achieve the level of academic proficiency that Bethany requires. It is not in a child's best interest to allow him to continue in an environment where academic achievement may be beyond his ability. Academic Probation is an action taken by the Academic Affairs Council of the school that notifies the parent that the student's grade average of all grades is below 70. Students in seventh through twelfth grades shall be placed on academic probation if their grade average is below 69 at the end of a grading period. The average shall be determined from all classes, including electives. The student shall be expelled if grades are not 70 or above by the end of the next grading period. The Board shall have final authority in this matter. Appeals for continuing in the school shall be made to the Board. The Academic Affairs Council may place a student on academic probation before the end of the grading period if the Council determines that the student's present grade average is 69 or below. The student shall be expelled if the student's grades are not 70 or above by the end of 60 days.

Seniors may be exempted from a course's final exam provided they have an average of 90 or above for both semesters, have not been placed on behavioral probation during their senior year, do not have any unexcused absences, and have no more than five excused absences per semester.

Attendance

Private schools differ greatly in their attendance policies. The Texas State Education Code and the Texas State Family Code specifies the policies for public schools. Children enrolled in private or parochial schools are exempt from the State requirements of compulsory attendance (§ 25.086.a.1 EXEMPTIONS). This exemption is the reason for the significant variances among private schools. It is our desire to voluntarily comply with all laws that enhance the educational objectives of Bethany Christian School.

Classroom Attendance

Students are expected to be present and punctual for all classes throughout the year. Parents have the responsibility to require that their child attend school regularly. Students who wish to leave school during school hours must be signed out in the school office. If the student returns to school before school is out he must be signed in before returning to class.

Students are required to attend 90% of the classes each semester in order to receive credit for the class. Failure to attend 90% of the classes will result in lost credit for High School and repetition of the grade for Junior High. Appeals for variance from this policy may be submitted in writing to the Academic Affairs Council.

Absences are determined to be excused or unexcused. This determination relates to whether the student is allowed to receive makeup work with credit. The 90% rule stands independent of the excused or unexcused determination.

Spiritual Emphasis Week

It is our desire to provide for our students growing experiences that require off campus trips. These trips may involve such activities as leadership training programs sponsored by camping organizations or historical trips coordinated and planned by our staff. Students who desire to participate are approved to attend by the administration. Academics, attitude and seniority are considerations for attending. Students who participate will be given extra credit for their work in the appropriate academic subjects. Students who do not participate will be required to attend classes on campus. The number of students and the nature of the trip determine the cost of the program. The cost of the program is split among the participating students. The administration reserves the right to cancel a trip. Students on probation are not allowed to attend these trips. Discipline or behavioral problems that arise may result in a student being returned to Dallas at the parent’s expense. Money for the trip is due on the Friday that is two weeks before the trip.

Excused Absences

Absences resulting from personal sickness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, medical appointments which could not be scheduled after school or any other unusual cause acceptable to the school administration are excused. After 5 days of personal illness the administration may require a doctor's note verifying the illness.

A note signed by the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence is required the day the student returns to school. If a student fails to submit a note, the absence will be considered unexcused and the student will be allowed three (3) days to get the absence excused. Makeup work with credit will be allowed for excused absences. Students have one day for each day of excused absence to turn in assignments.

As a private school we also provide five (5) days excused absences for such things as family trips. These days are at the discretion of the administration. Permission to be absent for trips must be requested in writing at least one week (five days) prior to the trip or these absences will be considered unexcused. Failure to follow this procedure will result in unexcused absences. Address the request to the student's homeroom teacher. You will be notified within two (2) days of the administration's decision.

Students who leave school before lunch will be considered absent for the whole day. Students who leave after that time will be considered absent for 1/2 of the day.

Unexcused Absences

Assignments, daily grades and quizzes missed during an unexcused absence will receive grades of "zero." Makeup work will not be allowed. Tests may be made up. More than five unexcused absences per semester will make the student eligible for grade penalties, dismissal, or being retained in his/her current grade or class.

Tardies

The school regards three tardies as a one-day unexcused absence. More than five unexcused absences per semester will make the student eligible for grade penalties, dismissal, or being retained in his/her current grade. During unusual situations such as inclement weather the office may decide to delay the starting time of school thus eliminating tardies for that day. Students arriving at school from a doctor's appointment shall not be considered tardy provided they have a note from the doctor verifying their appointment.

There is no financial penalty for the first three times a student is late to school. The accounts of students who arrive at their class after the start of school shall be charged a fee of $5.00 per tardy for times 4 through 7. Upon the 8^th time a student is late to school the charge increases to $10.00 per tardy. Each student starts each grading period with zero tardies. Fees shall be added to the next month's tuition bill. This charge is a per-family charge, not a per child charge (for example, a family with 3 children will be charged a flat rate, not by the child). Each family is allowed to be tardy without charge three times within a nine-week grading period. Families may use these however they wish. We do not determine whether tardies are excused or unexcused.

Students who are late to class will be subject to a variety of disciplinary measures. Please see the section on “General Disciplinary Actions.”

Late Pickup

Students who provide their own transportation may not remain on campus after school is over without supervision by one of our staff members.

Students not providing their own transportation must be picked up within 15 minutes after the end of school or within 15 minutes of the end of the tutoring session or detention. It is the student’s responsibility to inform and coordinate his/her transportation so that the school staff is not required to stay beyond the arranged times. The accounts of students who are not picked up from school within 15 minutes after the end of the school session shall be charged a fee of $5.00 for each 15-minute time period that the student remains at the school. These fees shall be added to the next month's tuition bill. This charge is a per-family charge, not a per child charge (for example, a family with 3 children will be charged a flat rate, not by the child). Each family is allowed 3 free late pickups within a nine-week grading period. Families may use these however they wish. During unusual situations such as inclement weather the office may decide to suspend this policy for that day.

Drop Off and Pick Up of Students

Students may be dropped off at the front door of the school between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Please drop them off at the front door. After the first few days of school we ask that you do not walk students to their class. Please do not use the time before and after school to visit with the teacher. The office can arrange an appointment for you. Students dropped off after 8:30 a.m. must report to the office before they go to class.

Students may be picked up after school between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. You may wait in your assigned carpool line or you may park and come into the foyer of the school. You may not leave the foyer area and go to your child’s classroom. You may not check your student out near the end of school to avoid the carpool line. It is important for the student to be in class for the entire day. Students who consistently miss portions of days will be marked as absent and are subject to our attendance rules.

Student Dress Code

There is much variance between Christians on the issue of proper attire. Bethany does not require uniforms. We do ask that modesty, good grooming, and common sense should guide a student’s choice of dress. Teachers and administrators are often required to make judgment calls on these issues. We believe that appropriate clothing encourages responsible behavior, therefore we ask for a gracious attitude on the part of both student and parent. Please check with the school office first when in doubt concerning clothing. If a student comes to school in clothing deemed inappropriate, the school will call to have the proper clothing brought to school or the student will be sent home to change. Absences or tardies from school caused by failure to comply with dress code standards will be considered unexcused. Repeated offenses will be dealt with as a serious disciplinary matter and will ultimately result in the student's expulsion. The dress code applies to all school activities unless specifically modified by the administration. Parents are asked to observe our dress code when in the building. The principal may change this code at any time to adjust to appropriate/inappropriate fashion fads.

Shorts must be no shorter than 2" above the top of the kneecap. No biker/spandex shorts (or skintight pants) of any length can be worn unless covered to within 2" of the top of the kneecap.
Sleeveless shirts/blouses must have "normal" armholes (not cut in or cut low) or another shirt should be worn underneath. Straps must be 2” or wider and must cover all undergarments.
Skirts and dresses must reach the top of the kneecap or longer while standing upright.
Bare midriff (crop) tops must have another shirt underneath. If a student raises both arms in the air and skin shows then the outfit requires a shirt underneath.
No torn, cut, fringed or frayed jeans (beyond normal wear), shorts, or shirts can be worn. Cut-offs must be hemmed or rolled to dress code length. Students may not wear clothing that has been written or drawn on.
Traditional necklaces may be worn as approved by the administration.
Clothing must fit properly, modestly and neatly. The saggy pants look does not meet our dress code. Students are not to wear their pants in such a way that the waist or crotch is lower than where it should be worn.
No clothing, jewelry, symbols or accessories that are pagan, anti-Christian, or inappropriate to a Christian school are allowed. This includes all non-Christian musicians and any sort of satanic symbol.
All gang or secret society clothing and/or symbols are prohibited.
No makeup prior to grade 7--light makeup is allowed for grade 7 and up.
Guidelines may be adjusted for field trips. Certain association events will require us to ask boys to wear dress slacks, shirts and occasionally a tie. Girls may be asked to wear dressy skirts and blouses or dresses.
Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flop type shoes and sandals are not allowed.
Hats will not be worn during school hours of 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. except on Friday.
Proper undergarments need to be worn at all times by male and female students, and should not be visible.
Male students may not wear earrings. Females are not allowed to wear multiple earrings. No body or tongue piercing is allowed.

Hair Styles

Any student with a hairstyle that the administration considers disruptive to the school or not in good taste will not be allowed to attend classes until the hairstyle has been modified to the satisfaction of the administration. Male students may not wear ponytails. Hair length for males must be off the collar of a normal dress shirt and no more than half the ear may be covered on the sides.

Body Marking

Tattoos, temporary tattoos, and similar markings are prohibited. Students may not write or draw on themselves.

Student Management

The best system of student management is one where the student is self-disciplined. It is our desire that students learn to make wise choices because they follow after the Lord Jesus. Bethany's code of expected behavior is very simple:

Respect for God

Respect for others

Respect for self and

Respect for property.

These simple statements have far-reaching implications. Virtually every time a student is corrected it will be due to a violation of one of the above statements. It is our desire that each student has a heartfelt respect for God. Such a respect is the basis for respect of others, self and property, but respect for God is something that must come from inside a person and cannot be imposed from the outside. Bethany seeks to guide and model a heartfelt love for the Lord without allowing students who do not share our love to disrupt the Christian educational process. We are careful to allow each student to learn about God, yet we know that heartfelt respect for others, self and property will not come until that love is present.

As stated under the Academic Policies, Admissions Policies and Procedures section, attendance at Bethany is a privilege and not a right. Any student who does not conform to the standards and regulations of the institution may forfeit this privilege. The school maintains the right to admit only those students who are in harmony with the standards of the school. The school may expel any student at any time, regardless of whether or not the student conforms to the specific rules and regulations of the school. Each year students are evaluated before enrollment is allowed. Continuation in the school is based upon these evaluations.

We understand that people make mistakes and we truly believe that Jesus is in the business of forgiveness and restoration. We want Bethany to be a place where students can benefit from their mistakes. We also understand that profound or repetitious ungodliness undermines the school community. As a group of people we are called together in the name of the Lord and we have an obligation to protect the integrity of the student body as a whole.

Substance abuse, sexual immorality, theft, violence, cheating, racism, terroristic threats, occult practices and other unchristian behaviors will not be ignored and the school will actively attempt to bring these practices to light. Public displays of these types of problems or the need to uncover them against resistance will always lead to suspension or expulsion. If a student, on the other hand, comes for help on his or her own initiative, privately, with a sincere and repentant heart, and with the matter at hand not yet made public, the school then has more latitude with a watchful eye and in the mercy of the Lord to attempt to redeem the situation. Some situations may require the assistance of a medical doctor. When the principal deems it necessary the student and the parents will be asked to cooperate with the medical profession and provide the school with the appropriate information necessary to accurately assess the situation.

General Guidelines

The following activities are considered major offenses and are justification for expulsion at any time. Students caught engaging in any of the following activities will be subject to a minimum of one-day, off-campus suspension.

1. Any conduct which threatens the safety, learning or acceptance of others will not be tolerated. Students will not resort to verbal or racial abuse or physical violence. This includes all forms of harassment, intimidation, and exploitation, including verbal, physical and visual harassment. The school does not allow harassment based upon race, color, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, sex, disability, or age. Any student who believes that he/she has been the victim of unlawful harassment should immediately report the matter to a teacher or administrator. Complaints of harassment will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion.

2. Inappropriate language or profanity.

3. Possessing, delivering, using, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage; controlled substance or dangerous drug; glue, paint, or other chemical substance; any mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs on or off the campus the year round.

4. Possessing, delivering or using tobacco products of any sort.

5. Sexual immorality of any kind. This includes possession of or distribution of all forms of pornography or other forms of deviant sexuality.

6. Cheating or plagiarism.

7. Stealing.

8. Vandalism of school or private property.

9. Possessing, delivering, or using any weapon, including firearms, knives, explosives, dangerous objects, or fireworks.

10. Defiance or direct confrontation with school authorities.

11. Arson.

12. Extortion.

We also ask that students do not bring the usual list of prohibited items such as gum, comic books, squirt guns, electronic games, games etc. Bringing this sort of item to school may result in confiscation and, if the behavior is continued, the student may be disciplined.

Substance Abuse

At Bethany we endeavor to have an environment that is completely nicotine, alcohol and drug free. This goal is only attainable through cooperation between the home and the school. The school, the students and the parents must all be committed to establishing and maintaining a drug-free environment. Achieving this goal in Plano has become increasingly difficult over the years. Drug abuse in the city of Plano has reached epidemic proportions among the young people. The public schools are expelling students at a faster pace than in former years. These students must then seek an education from the private sector. While we do our best to enroll only students whose families are in agreement with our philosophy of ministry, the desperation of finding a school for the student causes some applicants to be less than truthful about their reasons for applying for admission.

When someone decides to use illegal substances they also decide to hide their behaviors. Early detection of substance abuse can provide a student with both assistance and oversight to stop a habit that may become deadly. Students found to be involved with illegal substances will be counseled and educated. Continued violation of our substance abuse policy will result in the student’s dismissal from the school.

In order to maintain an environment free from substance abuse the school will:

q Ask that parents and students voluntarily come forward with information that may assist us in maintaining a substance abuse-free environment.

q Maintain the right to search all personal property, lockers, or vehicles brought to school.

q Follow up on credible reports of a student’s use of illegal substances on or off campus.

q Call for the proper authorities when students may be guilty of criminal behavior.

q Require random drug tests of all students.

We recognize that in our age it will never be possible to resolve these difficult matters to everyone’s satisfaction. It is our hope that in our Lord’s absence this substance abuse policy will assist our families in raising young people in as safe an environment as possible.

Internet and Newsletters

Students do not have the right to publish or distribute a student newsletter, internet site or any other publication. The school administration has the right, in its sole discretion, to control what is published, circulated, or otherwise distributed to students or staff.

General Disciplinary Actions

We work together as a staff to determine appropriate discipline to fit the act. These judgment calls take into account the particular student's history, general attitude, and the specific unacceptable action. In the administration of discipline we do not ever want to threaten the student and we want to avoid partiality. We will use a variety of disciplinary actions. Some of the actions available to us are: verbal correction, warnings, calling the parents, loss of privileges, written warnings to student and parents, removal from class, withdrawal from a class, principal-student conference, principal-student-parent conference, isolation within the classroom, in-school suspension, suspension, behavioral probation, and expulsion.

We do not use corporal punishment. Bethany believes in corporal punishment, but we believe that the student’s family best administers it.

Detentions can be effective with some students. Detentions are to be served after school the same day or the day after it is assigned. The teacher assigning the detention will notify the student’s parents. Students refusing to serve detentions will be assigned in-school suspensions.

Removal from class is an action that the teacher may take to discourage improper classroom behavior. The principal may choose to extend the removal to no more than five consecutive days. The student will not be counted absent and will not be penalized academically for this action.

Withdrawal from the class is an action that the administration may take when persistent misbehavior is demonstrated. The student will receive a WF for the class and in the case of a required credit will be required to repeat the class.

Only the principal may assign in-school suspension. The student must report to the office immediately upon arrival on campus and must remain in a designated location until released by the office. In-school suspension may not exceed five consecutive school days. The student will receive excused absences, is required to do the assigned work, and will receive full credit for the work done. In-school suspension may result in the student being placed on behavioral probation.

Only the principal may assign suspension. The parents will be notified to take the student home on the day of the occurrence. In the event that they are unavailable the student will be kept in a designated area until the close of school. Terms of suspensions shall not exceed five days. Suspensions are considered unexcused absences. See section titled "unexcused absences" for penalties.

Behavioral probation means that the student is in imminent danger of losing the right to remain at Bethany. Students on probation shall not be allowed to represent the school at any school activity or public program. They will not be allowed to go on any away activities such as Spiritual Emphasis Week. The school will not provide an alternative program for students on probation. School days missed due to the student’s class being gone shall be counted as excused absences. The principal will notify the parents immediately if a student is placed on probation. The status of the student will be evaluated at the first meeting of the Academic Affairs Committee following the end of the quarter. At that time the Council shall determine whether to continue the probation, remove the probation or assign other action.

Expulsion of a student is a power reserved for the school board. The principal will notify the parents of the student that the school staff is recommending to the board that the student be expelled. Once the staff has made its decision appeals must be made to the board and not the principal.

General Information

Party Guidelines

Sending treats to school for a birthday child's class is welcomed. Please check with the teacher for the best time, or in case something else special is planned.

Party invitations may be distributed at school only if the entire class (or all the boys/all the girls) is invited. Otherwise, they should be mailed or delivered elsewhere. If a party is after school, we prefer that unless the entire class (or students of the same sex) is invited, that they not be picked up in a group from the school. The basic guideline for party planning should be sensitivity to all the students’ feelings.

Holiday Guidelines

We have specific guidelines for the following holidays.

§ Thanksgiving is celebrated with an all-school feast with food provided by our school parents. We invite you to help prepare, serve, and eat with your student.

§ Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. We are careful with secular symbols.

§ Valentine’s Day class parties are a fun break. Parents bring snack foods.

§ Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. We use spiritual applications of the signs of spring like butterflies, eggs, etc. The emphasis is on the joy of the season, not on the secular.

Traffic Patterns

Bethany has a very unusual traffic pattern due to the absence of a left turn into our property from Parker Road. We also seek to have the carpool backup on our property and not on Parker Road. Please obtain a handout from the school office and have the traffic procedure explained to you. Our goal is to have a safe and rapid pick up system. The first week of school is always a challenge--even with someone directing traffic. Please ask the Lord for patience. By the end of the second week you should be in and out with minimal delays. Students who drive their own vehicles are required to obey the traffic patterns and maintain a slow, safe speed. Students who park in the front of the parking lot (facing Parker Road) may leave at 3:30; those parking in the back must wait until 3:45 (after the carpool line clears).

Non-school Sponsored Activities

The Board of Bethany Bible Church has adopted the following policy:

Whereas we are a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation and thus prohibited by the laws of Texas to participate in any political endeavors, and whereas we are a church whose primary purpose is the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and whereas the individual's primary reason for involvement in this corporation ought to be his spiritual relationship with God, and whereas we do not wish to evaluate and pass judgment on each of the various requests for involvement in political, social, or economic issues

We do hereby request that individuals refrain from using any aspect of this ministry to circulate petitions, gather signatures, or solicit support, and

We do hereby request that individuals refrain from using any aspect of this ministry to disseminate information regarding the same, and

We do hereby request that individuals refrain from using any aspect of the ministry to solicit funds or raise funds through the sale of merchandise of any sort for organizations not under the direct authority of the Board of Bethany Bible Church.

Commercial Enterprise

This policy is from the Board of Bethany Bible Church: "It is the intent of the Board of Bethany that our church building and grounds do not become a center for commercial activity. We feel, therefore, that it would be in the best interests of our ministry to ask individuals or business organizations not to use the church building, grounds, or functions to sell or promote products or services."

Fund Raising Policy

As a ministry, the goal of the school is to eventually become completely supported by tuition and gifts. We believe that giving to the Lord's work should be planned, cheerful, and generous. For this reason, we keep fund-raising to a minimum.

Visitors

In order to provide the safest possible environment for the children, all individuals, including parents, must register their presence in the school office. You will be given a visitor’s pass. Please return it to the office before you leave. Individuals remaining in the tiled foyer need not register.

Only enrolled students are allowed on campus and only enrolled students may attend school functions. The principal may grant exceptions to this rule.

Bad Weather Day

The school may close for bad weather. Please call the school office and listen to the taped message to determine if the school is closed or open. The decision to close the school will be posted by 6:30 a.m. As a general rule we will close when the Plano public schools close, but since our school staff travel significant distances to come to work, we will close even when the public schools do not. Please call the school if there are any schools closing within a 40-mile radius of Plano. Do not come to school if you are concerned about the safety of the trip.

Medication

For the convenience of our parents, we provide a medication waiver that must be signed and kept in the office. It gives us permission to administer Tylenol, ibuprofen (Advil) and Tums. If parents prefer, we will call for permission each time medication may be warranted.

It is forbidden for students to carry medication of any sort in pockets or lunch boxes. All medication must go through the office and is kept in a safe place. If a student must carry an inhaler rather than keeping it in the school office, he needs to have permission from the office. All prescription medications must be in pharmacy bottles, clearly marked with name, medication, and instructions regarding the date and amount to be administered. Over-the-counter medications must be in original containers (no single pills in a baggie) with written instructions on a separate waiver signed by the parent and available in the office.

Parent-Teacher Conference/Appointments

Parent orientation and conferences promote good understanding between parents, the faculty, and the administration. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in these opportunities for information and feedback.

Parent conferences with teachers are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of both parties. Whether the parent or the teacher initiates the conference, the office should be notified. Conferences will be by appointment only. Please avoid before school and after school chats. Please do not "drop by" the classroom for a visit, especially during school hours. Our teachers are professionals and their job is teaching your students with a minimum of distractions and interruptions. When entering the building, please check in at the office.

AIDS Policy for Bethany Christian School

Bethany Christian School has taken the following position about students or staff members who are HIV positive or have been diagnosed as having AIDS:

Research has indicated that AIDS is transmitted by intimate sexual contact, blood and body secretions; therefore the US Government has determined that it would not be hazardous to other students or staff to allow boys or girls who are HIV positive or have AIDS to participate in Bethany Christian School.
People who are HIV positive or have AIDS will be allowed to enroll and participate in Bethany Christian School if they have written permission from their attending physicians indicating that they are physically able to participate in essential academic school functions.
Parents of students who are HIV positive or have AIDS will be informed that the student may be at risk for opportunistic diseases due to contact with many people and the classroom environment.
Following the US Government’s regulations for confidentiality, only those individuals coming into contact with an infected student’s bodily fluids, blood, or wound drainage will be notified of the student’s infected status. This is for the protection of the care givers.

Parent Volunteers

We do not require parents to volunteer, but we welcome any help and involvement that our parents wish to give. However, parents are asked not to enter a classroom without having received approval from the teacher and checking in through the office.

Financial Information

The Schedule of Fees, available in the office details the financial costs for Bethany. As a ministry of Bethany Bible Church we endeavor to keep our tuition and our costs as low as possible. The Schedule of Fees includes the charges as established by the board. It is not possible for us to refund fees. Unused or paid-in-advance tuition is NOT refundable. Fees are assessed to delinquent accounts. Students with unpaid balances will not be allowed to attend class. Charges may be assessed to a student's account for vandalism and similar expenses. The minimum charge for vandalism and similar expenses is $10. No reduction of tuition will be made for absences, holidays, or vacations.

Withdrawals

Please fill out the form in the office for withdrawing a student. Tuition charges continue to accrue until the form is completed. No books, supplies or assignments will be released until the account is clear. No records will be forwarded until the student's account is clear. If you withdraw your student while class is in session we ask that you wait in the office until your child is brought to you. Your child's personal belongings and educational materials will be available in the office the day following the withdrawal. Although this procedure requires an additional trip for the parent, it keeps disruptions to the class at a minimum.

Testing

Students are expected to pay for the cost of the various pre-college entrance tests such as the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. The school will absorb the staff cost for administration of tests done at our campus. Achievement testing is included in the registration fee.

Reporting of Abuse

In accordance with state law and school policy, school staff is obligated under penalty of fines and jail term to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or child neglect. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the school will not contact parents in advance of making a report to authorities, which would be the procedure followed in most other legal matters. The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse be made. School staff will make such reports in the best interest of the affected child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.

Disclaimer of Liability

Neither the teachers, staff, employees, nor governing board of Bethany Christian School will be liable or responsible for personal injury that occurs as the result of any student attending the school. Parents or guardians are responsible for obtaining proper insurance to adequately cover personal loss or injury to a student.

Additionally, neither the teachers, staff, employees, nor governing board of Bethany Christian School shall be liable for loss of any personal property owned by any student, parent, or guardian as a result of the student attending school. The student, parent, or guardian shall purchase and maintain in force sufficient insurance to guard against loss of personal property.

Mediation Clause

Bethany Christian School assumes that parents and students enrolling in the school are Christians and believe that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian community in conformity with the biblical injunctions of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, and Matthew 18:15-20. Therefore, the parties agree that any claim or dispute arising out of, or relating to enrollment or participation in the school, including statutory claims, shall be settled by biblically-based mediation.

If resolution of the dispute and reconciliation do not result from such efforts, the matter shall then be submitted to a panel of three arbitrators for binding arbitration. Each party to the agreement shall have the right to select one arbitrator. The two arbitrators selected by the parties shall jointly select the neutral, third arbitrator. If there is an impasse in the selection of the third arbitrator, the Institute for Christian Conciliation division of Peacemaker Ministries of Billings, Montana (406) 256-1583 shall be asked to provide the name of a qualified person that will serve in that capacity. The mediation and arbitration process shall be conducted in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation” contained in the Peacemaker Ministries booklet, Guidelines for Christian Conciliation.

The parties agree that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of the educational relationship and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit against one another in any civil court for such disputes, except to enforce a legally binding arbitration decision. Each party, regardless of the outcome of the matter, agrees to bear the cost of his/her/its own arbitrator and one half of the fees and costs of the neutral arbitrator and any other arbitration expenses. (If the parties mutually agree to use only one arbitrator, each party shall bear the cost of one-half of the fees, costs, and any other arbitration expenses).

Revision Date: May 4, 2009