Dress Code

Richards Christian Academy Parent/Student Handbook 2022-2023

Please take time with your child(ren) to review the 2022-2023 Parent/Student Handbook. In its pages, you will find the rules and procedures that govern our community and enable us to provide a safe, successful environment for all of our students. It is important that, following review, you sign the acknowledgment forms below. For the full handbook, please go to www.richardsacademy.com. 

Michelle Richards, Principal

Parent and Student Acknowledgement 2022-2023

It is my understanding that attending Richards Christian Academy is a privilege that may be revoked at any time for unsatisfactory academic and/or behavioral performance by students, or unsatisfactory compliance with policies, procedures and/or behavior by parents/guardians. By sending my son(s)/daughter(s) to Richards Christian Academy, I agree that the Administration and Staff of Richards Christian Academy have the right to expect me and my son(s) / daughter(s) to comply with the rules and regulations outlined in this handbook, as well as other policies of this school. I also understand that the Administration has the right to make decisions not only in the best interest of my son(s) / daughter(s), but also in the best interest of the entire student body. I also understand that as a parent or legal guardian, I am required to follow the rules and policies set forth by the school and to act in collaboration with the school in the best interest of my child.

By enrolling my student at Richards Christian Academy, I acknowledge that I will comply with the school rules and regulations as outlined in the family handbook and will accept those decisions made by the school and Administration.

Philosophy 

Richards Christian Academy is a private school that has proudly served the local community and exemplified excellence in education since 2001. Richards Christian Academy currently provides an all-inclusive and well-rounded educational experience for students in grades 5K-12th Grade. The program focuses on the intellectual, emotional, and social development of all its children. Richards Christian Academy provides its students with a strong moral background and teaches personal responsibility. While Richards Christian Academy is a Christian school, our doors are open to children and families of all faiths and backgrounds.

Educational Program 

The educational program at Richards Christian Academy is developed with the expectation of high standards for achievement. We are Accredited with Quality from 5K-12th grade by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. We teach religious moral values within the educational process. We provide our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the areas of Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Religion.

The Christian faith is integral in everything we do within the classroom, the school, and the community. We firmly believe that Christ is the foundation of the whole educational experience at Richards Christian Academy.

Core Learning Goals 

We set and accomplish the following educational goals in the course of our comprehensive 5-K through 12th-grade programs offered at school:

·  To develop self-esteem and a sense of personal effectiveness while fostering our children’s belief in their ability to shape the future and assume a responsible, active role in school and society.

·  To develop knowledge and love of God and Church through prayer, good example and service to our local and global community.

·  To develop critical thinking, i.e. assess a situation, bring prior knowledge to it, generate alternatives, make logical and reasonable judgments, implement the plan, and evaluate the results.

·  To promote independent reading, reading comprehension, thoughtful discussion, independent inquiry, and the desire to pursue lifelong learning.

·  To develop the ability to read, write, communicate an idea, and provide supporting facts and research.

·  To develop scientific knowledge and inquiry skills to be used in the collection and analysis of data, and to solve various relevant life problems.

·  To develop skills in general mathematics, including estimation, mental math, and math concepts.

·  To nurture an appreciation of the value and dignity of hard work.

·  To develop dependability, personal accountability, and resourcefulness in accomplishing tasks.

·  To develop respect for the world’s various cultures and demonstrate an appreciation of the richness that cultural diversity brings to the human experience.

The Family’s Role in Education 

We at Richards Christian Academy consider it a privilege to work with families in children's education. We believe parents/guardians are the primary role models for developing their student’s life. Your choice of Richards Christian Academy involves a commitment and responsibility.

Once you have chosen to enter into a partnership with us at our school, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years, your student needs constant support from family and faculty to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical aptitude. Neither the family nor teachers can afford to doubt the sincerity of the efforts of their educational partner in the quest of challenging and nourishing the student to reach his/her potential. The family and teachers must remember that allowing oneself to be caught between the student and the other partner will never have positive results. To divide authority between school and home, or within the home, will only teach disrespect of all authority. Evidence of mutual respect between families and teachers will model good mature behavior and relationships.

Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. However, sometimes in the process of maturation, new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and discipline. At times, the student may perceive discipline as restrictive. However, boundaries and limits provide a young person with guidance and security.

A child must take responsibility for grades he/she has earned and be accountable for all assignments. This includes homework, long-term assignments, quizzes, tests, and all other assigned work. This responsibility also extends to times of absence. Together, let us commit to partnership as we support one another in helping your student become the best person he/she is capable of becoming.

Parents/Guardians as Partners 

As partners in the educational process, we ask parents/guardians to do the following:

·  Set rules, times, and limits so your student(s) get enough sleep on school nights and have a  nutritious breakfast, snack, and lunch every day. A healthy diet can greatly influence the student’s  ability to complete work and concentrate.  

·  Assure students are completing assignments on time.  

·  Make arrangements, so your student(s) arrive at school on time and are picked up on time at the  end of the day.  

·  Ensure that your student(s) dress according to the school uniform/dress code.  

·  Actively participate in school activities.  

·  Ensure that your student(s) pay for any damage to schoolbooks or property due to carelessness or  neglect on the students’ part.  

o  Notify the school of any changes to address, phone number(s), emergency contacts, or persons  authorized to pick up your student(s).

o  Meet all financial obligations to the school.  

·  Inform the school of any special situation regarding a student’s well-being, safety, and health.  

·  Support the morals and educational goals of the school.  

·  Support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school.  

·  Treat faculty and staff with respect and courtesy.  

·  All members of our school community need to be good role models of our Christian faith to our students. Therefore, we expect that all written and verbal communication between parents, guardians, and school staff will be respectful.

We aim to nurture your child while they are with us at RCA. To do that, we must implement safety measures for all students. Your child, while a student at RCA must maintain a moral and safe lifestyle on and off-campus. Drug use, smoking, or vaping have no place at RCA. Any student caught smoking or vaping (or with a vape in their possession) will be expelled. Students in middle and high school can be drug tested at any time while at school. You, as the parent, will be notified if your child is tested. If the child tests positive, the student will be expelled from RCA. 

*Please note that we expect ALL Middle and High School students to be good mentors and examples to the younger students. While we are a compassionate program, we cannot sacrifice the well-being of our students by having them exposed to the aforementioned behavior. We will of course help to place any expelled student into other programs.

SCHOOL DAY 

The building is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. (This includes After School hours.)

Student Day: 

Arrival- between 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Classes begin- 8:30 a.m.

Lunch- 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (5K-5th) 

Lunch 11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (6th-12th)

Dismissal- 1:20 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.

After School Program- 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

At 8:00 a.m., students may enter the building and report directly to their homeroom. All students must be in their homerooms by 8:30 a.m. Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy and must report to the school office for a late slip. Parents bringing students to school late (after 8:30 a.m.) are required to bring the child into the school office to sign them in. 

Tardiness Policy 

Tardiness is recorded on the child’s report card and permanent record. If you have an issue that is consistently preventing your child/children from arriving at school on time, please schedule a time to discuss your concerns with the principal. Three (3) tardies, whether excused or not, will equal one absence.

Absence 

If a student is absent, the parent must call the office by 8:30 a.m. to report the absence. Absences for illness of 3 or more days require a physician’s note. Please make arrangements with the teacher to have your child make up work that has been missed due to absence/illness. Whenever possible, appointments with doctors and dentists are to be made outside of school hours. A combined absence of 10 days or more may compromise academic promotion.

Expectations 

Textbooks and School Property 

Students are responsible for their textbooks. Students must carry books to and from school in an appropriate bag or carrier (i.e. a book bag). Cubbies/hooks are provided for each student in grades 5K through 5. Students who deface, damage, and/or lose books must pay for the materials destroyed or lost.

Any student found defacing desks, walls, or any school property will either pay to repair or replace the item(s). Sometimes, a student may be asked to repair the damage themselves.

Homework Expectations/Policies/Philosophies 

Homework is any assigned review and/or reinforcement of work the child knows and understands, as well as any incomplete classwork or makeup work the student may have. Homework is to be done at home and will be collected and checked so parents, as well as the student, can keep records of progress, increase classroom preparedness/participation, and identify any curriculum questions that may arise.

Each teacher will set consequences for forgotten, incomplete, or lack of homework. Homework may be included in the grading system set up by the teacher. Continued missed assignments will result in a conference with the student, parents, teacher, and principal. It is strongly advised that an assignment book or log be kept by the student and checked daily by the parent. Homework should reflect the child’s best ability and meet the expectations for quality work, including accuracy and neatness. No teacher is expected to accept anything less than that and may require the student to redo the work. No phone calls may be made for forgotten homework.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones and all other electronic devices are not permitted to be used in the classroom or on campus at any time. If students bring these devices to school, they will be turned off and collected. This policy will result in a 2-day suspension, with no exceptions. It is best to leave these devices at home.

Disruptive Behavior in the Classrooms:

Any student being disruptive or disrespectful will be sent to the admin office, where a call will be made to the student's parents. If the behavior continues, the parent will be asked to pick up their child, and they will be suspended for the following day. 

Social Media

Richards Christian Academy DOES NOT give permission for any student to record or photograph any area of the school or anyone at the school. If a post of any sort of social media is posted, the student will be suspended for 5 days. Students should not have their cell phones visible or out at any time. 

Dress Code

LADIES: 

Collared shirts- Navy blue, Light Blue, White, Grey, Pink

Pants- Navy blue, Khaki

Skirts- Uniform only in Plaid, Navy, or Khaki

Jackets/Sweaters- Navy blue, Light Blue, White, Grey, Pink with school logo

**No shorts are allowed**

GENTLEMEN

Collared shirts- Navy blue, Light Blue, White, Grey

Pants- Navy blue, Khaki

Jackets/Sweaters- Navy blue, Light Blue, White, Grey, Pink with school logo

P.E Uniform shirts must be purchased through our school website.

Failure to comply with our dress code will result in being sent home for the school day. Multiple offenses will result in a 2-day suspension.