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EAGLES LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Student Handbook
2008-2009
“The Education for Now and Eternity”
Eagles Landing Christian Academy
A Ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church

Part I: PHILOSOPHY OF EAGLE’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY[]

MISSION STATEMENT[]

The mission of Eagles Landing Christian Academy is to glorify God by assisting parents in involving their children in a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through Kingdom Education, spiritually, academically, aesthetically, athletically, and socially.

CORE VALUES[]

  1. The Bible-All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction and righteousness.
    (2 Timothy 3:16)
  2. Christ-likeness-He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
    (1 John 2:6)
  3. People/The Christian Family-The Christian family is God's training ground for preparing future generations to know and serve Jesus Christ.
    (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
  4. Church-The Church has been and always will be God's instrument to fulfill His purpose here on earth.
    (Acts 2:42-47)
  5. Academic Excellence-"If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."
    (Philippians 4:8)
  6. Service-"Whoever wants to become great among us must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first must be our slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many."
    (Matthew 20:26-28)

KINGDOM EDUCATION PRINCIPLES[]

  1. The education of children and youth is the primary responsibility of parents.
    Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-21; Psalms 78:1-7; Psalms 127:3; Proverbs 22:6; Malachi 2:13-16; Ephesians 6:4
  2. The education of children and youth is a 24 hour-a-day, 7 days-per-week process that continues from birth until maturity.
    Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19; Proverbs 22:6
  3. The education of children and youth must have as its primary goals the salvation of and discipleship of the next generation.
    Psalms 78:6-7; Matthew 28:19-20
  4. The education of children and youth must be based on God’s Word as absolute truth.
    Matthew 24:35; Psalms 119
  5. The education of children and youth must hold Christ as preeminent in all of life.
    Colossians 2:3; 6-10
  6. The education of children and youth must not hinder the spiritual and moral development of the next generation.
    Matthew 18:6; 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
  7. The education of children and youth, if and when delegated to others by parents, must be done so with utmost care to ensure that all teachers follow these principles.
    Exodus 18:21; 1 Samuel 1:27-28; 3:1-10
  8. The education of children and youth results in the formation of a belief system or worldview that will be patterned after the belief systems or worldviews of the person’s teachers.
    Luke 6:40
  9. The education of children and youth must lead to true wisdom by connecting all knowledge to a biblical worldview frame of reference.
    Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1; Proverbs 4:5,7; 3:19; 9:10, Psalms 104:24; 136:5;Jeremiah 10:12;Romans 11:33; Luke 11:52; Colossians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:8; Romans 1:28
  10. The education of children and youth must have a view of the future that includes the eternal perspective.
    Colossians 3:1-2; Matthew 6:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Acts 20:24; Hebrews 11:13; Colossians 3:23-24

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy provides educational programs not only to prepare students for entering college to continue their education but also to prepare students to enter careers of service to humanity. These programs seek to transmit and expand knowledge as well as to provide opportunities for research and service. The school will provide the kind of atmosphere which will promote the spiritual, intellectual, social, and character development of students. With a clear commitment to academic integrity and excellence, the school will fulfill its mission through the following objectives:

  1. To provide instruction by a competent Christian faculty committed to a quality academic program.
  2. To provide students with an atmosphere which is wholesome, stimulating, and conducive to learning and to serving within the Christian concept.
  3. To provide a balanced emphasis regarding Christian beliefs, daily life and conduct, and educational philosophy and practice.
  4. To effectively train young men and women to be servants of Christ in the church and in the world.
  5. To provide students with a solid academic and biblical program that will help them to be leaders in areas of their own choice.
  6. To use an approach to education which addresses the changing technological nature of our society.
  7. To acquaint students with methods of research in order to develop habits of study for a life of intellectual pursuit.
  8. To motivate students to think and communicate clearly, objectively, and creatively.
  9. To offer additional opportunities for complete student development through various extracurricular activities such as academic enrichment, fine arts programs, social events, and athletic participation.
  10. To constantly evaluate our student body to ensure that we have only those students who desire to enable us to pursue the goals and purposes of ELCA.

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy was founded on the belief in the inerrant, inspired Word of God, the Bible, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. The school exists to assist parents in fulfilling God’s ultimate purpose of preparing children to enter into and mature within His spiritual family and to respond to Him with respect and obedience. The school seeks to assist in personal growth and development of students by providing an education based upon an integrated understanding of biblical principles and academic knowledge. Education with a proper emphasis on the spiritual, mental, social, and physical aspects of life will lead to the balanced development of the whole person.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT[]

THE BIBLE[]

This is God’s Word to us. It is the most important book at ELCA. All classes are taught in direct reference to this book. Every student is expected to have his/her Bible at school every day.

CHAPEL[]

Chapel is a time for celebration of praise and worship of Jesus Christ. Chapel is a regular part of school life at ELCA and every student is required to attend the service every week. Middle School and High School students are expected to bring their Bible to Chapel. Correct posture in chapel is very important as well as respect for the program and speaker. Students who continue to be disrespectful during chapel will be dismissed from ELCA.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy strives to provide a Christ-centered program through its atmosphere, curriculum, and staff. However, ELCA’s efforts are not a substitute for personal, spiritual growth. We strongly encourage each family member to strengthen his/her personal faith through the study of God’s Word (the Bible), active involvement in a Bible-teaching church, and prayer.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE[]

The ELCA Student Leadership Institute’s mission is to honor God by assisting students to influence their generation for Jesus Christ.
The three objectives of the ELCA Student Leadership Institute are:

  1. To provide opportunities for students to learn biblical principles of leadership
  2. To provide opportunities for students to develop the leadership skills they have learned
  3. To provide opportunities for students to apply these skills and principles


The Institute is a voluntary, year-long program open to all students in grades 9-12. The students must apply for entrance to the program, and be recommended by their Pastor or Youth Pastor.

Part II: GENERAL INFORMATION[]

HISTORY[]

The History of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy has its roots in the founding of McDonough Christian Academy in 1970. In the years between 1970 and 1994, the Academy operated as Meadow Creek Academy and Greater Atlanta Christian School- Meadow Creek Campus. In 1994, the Academy became a ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church. Since the Academy has been operated as a ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church, it has experienced it strongest growth resulting in the move to an eighty-six acre campus on Highway 42 North in August of 2000. God has blessed us with a wonderful student body and cooperative families. Together, we are hoping and praying that the Academy will be an institution of learning that will exalt God the Father, magnify the Son, and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

ACCREDITATION/MEMBERSHIP[]

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). This accreditation qualifies our students' eligibility for state scholarships and ensures credit recognition to any college or school in the country. Eagle's Landing Christian Academy is a member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Region 5-A, Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE[]

After a prospective family has completed the Academy tour, they will be given an Application Packet. The Admissions Office will answer any questions and properly instruct the applicant on the procedures for admission to the Academy. All forms in the Application Packet, as described below, are to be completed and returned to the Admissions Office with the application fee or the waiting pool fee; both fees are non-refundable.
Applications will not be accepted until all forms are completed.

  1. Forms and Fees to Be Submitted
  2. Completed Student Application-$300.00 fee Non-Refundable
  3. Waiting Pool-$100.00 fee Non-Refundable
  4. Current Report Card
  5. Current Standardized Testing- (ITBS, CRCT, Stanford, etc.)
  6. Additional Testing Records- (If your child has been tested professionally for any one of the following: speech, language development, hearing, vision, ADD/ADHD, SLD, gifted, or any other)
  7. Financial Agreement
  8. Statement of Cooperation
  9. 2 Letters of Recommendations-from Principal, Teacher, Counselor, Pastor (4th-12th grade)



Applications will be forwarded to the appropriate school principal who will contact you to schedule entrance testing and a family interview. The complete file will then be presented to the Admissions Review Committee. You will be notified by mail of final acceptance.

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy admits all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, ethnic or national origin.

SCHOOL ORIENTATION[]

At least one parent is required to attend grade-level Orientation as follows:

  • Thursday, August 2nd, K3-5th 5:00 p.m. (Parent’s Only)
  • Tuesday, July 31st, 6th – 8th 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 31st, 9th – 12th 7:00 p.m.

TRANSCRIPTS[]

Transcripts and other information from a student’s permanent records will be released by ELCA to educational institutions in compliance with their admission requirements only upon receipt of written request or consent from the student’s parents or from a student who is eighteen years of age or alder. Also, all school bills must be current before records will be released.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION[]

TUITION AND FEES[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy tries to keep tuition rates low. The school does not receive governmental assistance and is not subsidized by outside organizations. Prompt payment of tuition is vital and essential to the ongoing operation of ELCA. School tuition and other charges may be paid annually or in eleven monthly installments. The first payment is due July 1st, and the last payment is due May 1st. If it becomes necessary for parents to withdraw a student, tuition is due through the end of the current month the student attends. In addition, a withdrawal fee of $500.00 ($150.00 for Pre-K) will be due at time of withdrawal. There will be NO exceptions to the withdrawal fee (loss of job, transfer job, etc.). Student records will not be released until all payments are cleared through the bank. Annual payments must be made in advance. Listed below are the payment schedules.

TUITION[]

Yearly Payments[]

  • One Payment July 1

Monthly Payments[]

  • One Payment July 1
  • Second August 1
  • Third September 1
  • Fourth October 1
  • Fifth November 1
  • Sixth December 1
  • Seventh January 1
  • Eighth February 1
  • Ninth March 1
  • Tenth April 1
  • Eleventh May 1


Tuition payments should be received by the business office no later than the first (1st) of the month. A returned check fee of $30.00 will be incurred each time a check is returned due to insufficient funds. After an account has had two returned checks, all payments on behalf of the student (i.e. lunch, field trips, tuition, etc.) must be paid by cash or cashier’s check.
Should an account fall behind in payment, the following procedure will apply to all students and parent/families:

  • After ten (10) days of delinquency, a $25.00 late fee will be applied per student to the current balance due.
  • After twenty (20) days of delinquency, a letter will be sent to the parent/family stating that the student will not be allowed to return to school if the account is not paid by the end of the month (30 days).
  • After thirty (30) days of delinquency, if no agreement has been made, the student will be asked to withdraw from ELCA until the account is paid in full.


If a student has a delinquent account, he/she will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity such as class trips, athletics, drama, etc., until the account is current. NO ACCOUNT will be allowed to go beyond thirty (30) days overdue. If the student has withdrawn, and a delinquent balance remains after fifteen (15) days of withdrawal, the account will be given to the school’s attorney for collection.
NOTE: If the student is not attending ELCA due to payment delinquency, the student will not be allowed to participate in any sporting event or school activity during this time.
All regular, financial transactions are to be handled directly with the Business Office. Students will not be allowed to take final exams, receive report cards, begin another semester’s work, transfer permanent records, or graduate until ALL accounts with the school are paid in full.
Should you have questions concerning your account or need to make special arrangements, you may contact the Business Office. Transcripts and other information from the student’s permanent records will be released by ELCA to educational institutions in compliance with their admission requirements only upon receipt of written request or consent from the student’s parents or from a student who is eighteen years of age or older.

ADDITIONAL FEES[]

  • Technology Fee - $100.00 (per student K5 – 12th grade)
  • Capital Expansion Fee - $250.00 (per student)
  • Auxiliary - $50.00 per family (membership to PTF, Booster, Fine Arts Patrons Club)
  • Athletic - $100.00 per sport
  • Fine Arts - $50.00 per class (5th grade and MS/HS Band, Chorus, Art and Drama)

FUNDRAISING POLICY[]

The objective of the Fundraising Policy is to be good stewards of the donors in our school and community, and to support a coordinated school-wide philanthropic plan. The three primary purposes for the policy are:

  1. To strengthen communication and to unify the coordination of philanthropic and fundraising results for all school groups and auxiliaries associated with Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.
  2. To share our mission with all our constituents who are asked to support and invest in what the Lord is doing here at ELCA through “Kingdom Education.” We must also properly record and acknowledge our supporters for their investment.


To build and strengthen existing relationships between the school, constituents, and the community. Philanthropic and fundraising efforts by school groups or auxiliaries will be coordinated with the Development Office prior to initiating solicitation to individuals or businesses. A fundraising calendar will be set each May for the upcoming school year. Once the calendar is finalized no new fundraising efforts can be added for that year. All requests for fundraising must be submitted in writing to the Development office prior to the May deadline.
The policy relates to all school organizations, in particular to any group in which fundraising is conducted to help supplement our existing operating budget (Athletic, Fine Arts, PTF, and all other activities). It also relates to all types of fundraising and solicitations including solicitations for sales of any kind of merchandise, clothing, coupon books, and includes advertising, and sponsorships of any kind. ELCA discourages our students from selling door to door with the fundraising products that we sell. We encourage them to sell to friends and relatives.
The policy relates to philanthropic efforts and fundraising solicitations in any manner including mail, phoning, email, and personal ask. Any promotional material, mailers, clothing, and other related items using the school’s name or logo, must follow the ELCA brand and marketing policy.

HOW THE POLICY WILL BE ADMINISTERED:[]

  1. A representative from the department, auxiliary or group will meet with the School Administrator, Director of Development and the Director of Community Affairs prior to the May deadline to establish a fundraising plan

and timeline for the represented group.

  1. The representative is responsible for preparing a summary that defines the purpose and goals of the group’s philanthropic/fundraising initiatives, as well as a timeline of the solicitation and a description of the method of solicitation to be used.
  2. The representative will provide a list of names of individuals/businesses they plan to solicit; a sample solicitation and acknowledgement letter and a timeline for the solicitation.
  3. If there is a reason within the Development Office that the individuals or businesses on the solicitation list should not be contacted, the names will be withdrawn from the solicitation list.
    ELCAONLINE.ORG: CHARGER CHAT NEWSLETTER, TEACHER PAGES, AND NETCLASSROOM



Our website is an Internet communication resource provided to every family at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. This is the most important, informative line of communication families have with ELCA. Please check it regularly for important news, grades, classroom information, athletic and fine arts information/events, and more. The school’s master calendar is also posted.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS[]

The following policies and regulations have been designed to assist the administration, faculty and staff, students, and parents in working together in the educational processes of ELCA. Undoubtedly, there will be extenuating circumstances to almost every policy and/or rule.

VISITORS[]

We welcome prospective students and parents as visitors to ELCA during the school day. All visitors (parents and family members) on campus must report to the school receptionist for a Visitor’s Pass when they enter the building. REQUESTED VISITOR DRESS (PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS) When visiting or attending school functions such as field trips, extracurricular activities, lunch, class parties, etc., please take into consideration ELCA’s dress policy which emphasizes modesty in appearance.

SCHOOL HOURS[]

  • Preschool
    • 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Half-Day Students
      • After 12:15p.m. a $1.00 per minute late fee will be billed to your account.
  • K5-4th Grades
    • 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
      • After 3:15p.m. a $1.00 per minute late fee will be billed to your account.
  • 5th-12th Grades
    • 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
      • After 3:15 p.m. a $1.00 per minute late fee will be billed to your account.
  • School Office Hours
    • 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL[]

If a student plans to leave the school by any means other than the way he/she came to school, that student must present to the office by 8:00 a.m. a note of written permission from the parent(s) for the change in transportation. Any student planning to take a guest home from school must also present written permission to the office by 8:00 a.m. Students driving to and from school must not allow another student to ride in their cars without written permission from both sets of parents.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL POLICIES[]

  1. NO students should be in the school building before 7:00 a.m. unless under the immediate supervision of a teacher, parent, or extended care worker. Elementary and Middle School students must sit in the cafeteria until 7:45 a.m. if they arrive early. High School students must report to the designated high school classroom. Students are not to sit in cars or loiter in the parking lot.
  2. After arriving on the school grounds, students are not to leave before first period without written permission from the office. Before dismissal, no student is to leave the building before obtaining permission and signing out.
  3. Parents must pick up all students no later than 3:15 p.m. Should an emergency occur, please call the school office immediately.
  4. No student is permitted in the building or on the school grounds after 3:15 p.m. unless:

Requested by a teacher Participating in a supervised after-school activity Enrolled in the After-School Enrichment Program or MS/HS After–School Program Every student on the school grounds after 3:15 p.m. must be under the immediate supervision of a coach, teacher, sponsor, parent, in the assigned study hall, or an After-School Program.

  1. Out of respect for other drivers and for the safety of our children, parents must remain with their cars at all times while waiting for their riders. If your rider(s) is not in sight, and you have other cars blocked, you must exit the front of the line and park in a designated parking space or make the circle

around the entry again.

  1. Please do not park your car in front of the building outside the boundaries of a designated parking space at any time. The front entrance to the school must be clear at all times in case of emergency.
  2. Parents are not to enter school to pick up their students during dismissal unless you have a medical appointment or family emergency. All students will be in their assigned areas with school personnel.
  3. Parents are requested not to escort their students into the school building upon arrival. Students being dropped off are not to exit the vehicle until appropriate school personnel opens the door.

EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL[]

ELCA operates a closed-campus policy. Students must stay on the school grounds from the time they arrive until official dismissal. Identification is required to check out a student. Students needing to leave the school early must present a note of written permission from their parent/guardian, or a parent may check them out at the office. The note must be given to the office by 8:30 a.m. If the note is not in the office by 8:30 a.m., the absence will be unexcused. Verification of the appointment may be requested on occasion. Students will not be allowed to leave school early for personal matters (errands, job interviews, haircuts, fitting for clothes, etc. or to return home for books, papers, money, etc.
For safety reasons, teachers will not be permitted to release a child from the classroom without authorization from the school office. All parents, or others designated by parents, must sign the “check-out form” in the school office before the student will be permitted to leave the classroom.
If a parent must go out of town and leave his/her child under another’s care, that parent must provide the school, in advance, written notification of the name of the appointed guardian and whether or not that guardian is authorized to grant permission for various student requests (i.e., leaving school early, going home from school with another student, etc.).

DRESS CODE POLICY[]

Since the Bible teaches that God cares about our appearance, it is our belief that we should strive to ensure that our appearance is pleasing to Him. The intent of our dress code is to promote and encourage modesty as well as a clean, neat appearance, expressing the Christian values we represent. Shorts and skorts cannot be more than 2 inches above the knee (this would be 4 inches above the knee in a kneeling position). Parents are responsible for making sure their children’s uniforms meet dress code, allowing for growth spurts.
Appearance can affect not only learning and the quality of school work but also the strength of our Christian witness, all of which represent our purpose as a Christian school. Therefore, we strongly encourage appropriate dress and good grooming and ask that parents and students understand our intent. The following dress code guidelines apply to all students while at school and at school-sponsored functions whether on our campus or at other locations.
All students must follow the Uniform Daily Dress Code, located on the School Store Website – Uniform Information & Guidelines.

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT[]

The Counseling Department enhances ELCA’s ability to address the needs of the whole student, not only their academic capacities. The Counseling Department offers students spiritual, emotional, mental, and social support, which contributes to their success academically, athletically, and aesthetically.
The Counseling Department is available for all students, their families, and ELCA staff. The department provides counseling through a Master’s Level, licensed clinical social worker.
Students may be self-referred or referred by friends, family or staff. In addition to providing students with general counseling opportunities, the Counseling Department also works in conjunction with the school administrators in order to assist students who have disciplinary or academic concerns. Therefore, a disciplinary action by the school may include the student meeting with the counselor.
If the counselor determines, in the counselor’s sole discretion, that a student needs to receive counseling for on-going or long-term intervention and/or accountability, then the counselor will notify the parents of that determination. Unless the counselor receives a written objection from a custodial parent or guardian, the counselor will meet with the student as deemed reasonable or necessary by the counselor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the counselor determines, in the counselor’s sole discretion, that the student’s need for counseling is limited to a minor or one–time issue, the parent may or may not be notified, depending on the severity of the situation and related circumstances. The Counseling Department’s records are maintained independent of other ELCA student records and are privileged and confidential. The counselor, however, will provide information if it is determined, in the counselor’s sole discretion, that disclosing the information is in the best interest of the student. By participating in counseling with the counselor and by signing this handbook, the student and parent/guardian agree to the terms and conditions for counseling and the handling of records as set forth in this handbook.

The Counseling Department works to further the educational goals of ELCA. Therefore, the Counseling Department and its staff consult with ELCA administration as necessary and when consultation is in the best interest of the student and/or the school. The counselor is also required by law, as a mandated reporter, to report abuse, neglect, suicidal ideation with intent, and homicidal ideation with intent. The Counseling Department is open during regular school hours as well as on an abbreviated schedule during holidays/summer break. The department can be reached directly at 404-867-0909 or holly.capp@eagleslanding.org. Currently, the Director of the Department is Holly Capp, a licensed Clinical Social Worker.

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY AND PROCEDURE[]

In order to provide an environment that fosters spiritual and academic growth for each student, the ELCA administrative body has adopted a standard of behavior. Our goal is to clearly define the school’s standards and expectations of each student. In order to build godly character within the hearts of our students and to establish a daily environment that promotes excellence in academics and conduct and creates self- discipline within each student, it is imperative that the discipline policy be strictly enforced. The intent of the school is to be consistent in the enforcement of consequences and to be fair by avoiding partiality.
Examples of minor, intermediate, and major acts of misconduct and a description of the consequences of violations of the discipline policies set forth for ELCA students are detailed in Section IV and V. However, discipline is meted out at the discretion of administration, thus consequences may vary by case depending upon motive, intent, severity, repentance, recidivism, etc.

BOOK SELECTION POLICY[]

The fact that a certain book is used as a textbook, supplemental reading, or is placed in the library does not necessarily mean that ELCA endorses its contents from the standpoint of morals, philosophy, theology, or scientific hypotheses.
It is our policy to help our students develop a mature, Christian attitude when dealing with objectionable material found in some books. We want our students to understand that there are certain morals, terminologies, philosophies, ideals, etc., which we can neither condone nor practice as Christians.

TEXTBOOKS[]

All non-consumable textbooks are the property of ELCA. Books will be issued to students at the beginning of the school year and collected at the end of the term. Students are expected to keep books in good condition (i.e., no torn pages, no writing in the book or on the outside cover, etc.).
Teachers will inspect books when collected. If a book has received more wear than is normally expected, the student will be charged a fine for excessive damages. If the book is damaged beyond use or lost, the student must pay the cost necessary to replace the book.

INCLEMENT WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSING POLICY[]

In the event of inclement weather, parents and students should tune to WSB, 11 Alive, Fox 5, or Star 94 for reports of school closings. Also, check our website at elcaonline.org or call 770-957-2927.

EMERGENCY DRILLS[]

During the school year, there will be unannounced fire/emergency drills. Instructions for evacuation of the building are posted in each classroom. When the emergency bell rings, students and visitors are instructed to exit the building quickly and quietly with their teacher(s).

LOST AND FOUND[]

Students are responsible for their personal property; the school does not accept any responsibility for a student’s property. All personal items used at school should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Students who find lost articles are instructed to take them to the school office to be placed in the “Lost & Found.” Lost articles, which are not claimed within a reasonable time, will be given away.

DELIVERY OF ITEMS TO STUDENTS[]

Parents who deliver forgotten items to their students are asked to bring those items to the main school receptionist.

CLINIC POLICY[]

ELCA maintains an up-to-date clinic staffed by a full-time registered nurse. All reported minor injuries are referred to the clinic. When deemed necessary, the school nurse will call a parent about a sickness or injury and make arrangements for the child to be cared for.
If your child is sick, has a fever, or is contagious please keep him/her at home. If medicine needs to be administered, you must come to the clinic, complete a form, sign, and date it. We cannot administer any medicine without written instructions. In cases of prescriptions, the bottle must have your child’s name and dosage on it. All medicines need to be brought to the clinic and not kept by the child. If your child has a fever of 99.6 or more, he/she must be kept home for 24 hours.

PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP[]

All ELCA parents are encouraged to participate in our PTF. All of our Parents are VIP’s (Very Important Parents). Paying an annual membership fee automatically makes you a member of the PTF. This organization promotes fellowship and cooperation between parents, teachers and administration in order to ensure the shaping of students’ lives and reinforcement of Christian values in the world in which we live.

VOLUNTEERS[]

At ELCA, we consider the role of volunteers an integral part of the education process. Research indicates that children whose families become actively involved in their education (school, home and church) are more likely to be better students with a higher level of self-esteem and a generally more positive outlook on life. Volunteer opportunities can be found on the website and through our Auxiliary Organizations.

Part III: PRESCHOOL[]

The entire preschool staff would like to thank you for entrusting your child to us. One of our goals is for all of the children to have a wonderful year of positive experiences and memories to carry throughout life. Informed and supportive parents are the key.
Requirements:

  1. Must be age-appropriate by September 1. (Age 3 for K-3/Age 4 for K-4)
  2. Must be completely potty trained.
  3. Immunization form #3231.
  4. A copy of birth certificate.
  5. A copy of social security card.
  6. Eye, Ear, and Dental form #3300 for K-4.


Parents furnish supplies for preschoolers. You may pick up a supply list in the preschool/elementary office if you did not get one in the mail. Book bags for preschool students are included on the list of supplies brought from home. Please label everything with your child’s name.
Book bags will be used every day for transporting snacks, important papers, and/or show- and-tell items. Please do not send toys unless specifically requested by the teacher. Parents need to check book bags every day for important notes from the teacher. Your child needs to bring his/her snack with a disposable drink each day. This ensures that it is something he/she likes and will eat.
Morning carpool arrival will be at the portico beside the playground. Aides will be outside at 7:30 A.M. to greet and assist your child when entering the building. Two teachers or aides will be available in an “early morning room” from 7:30 A.M. to 7:50 A.M. to supervise students before class begins at 8:00 A.M. Students arriving after 7:50 A.M. will go directly to their own classroom. If you prefer to walk your child into the building in the mornings, do not leave him/her in a room without a teacher or aide present.
Afternoon carpool dismissal will begin at 11:50 A.M. Dismissal will be at the covered sidewalk area outside the elementary wing of the building. There will be a late charge of $1.00 per minute for any child who hasn’t been picked up by 12:15 P.M. Please keep the carpool line moving by staying in your car with your carpool sign in the passenger window. Your child will be brought to you. If you need to pick up your child early, enter the main entrance and notify the receptionist. She will call your child’s classroom, and your child will meet you in the front reception area. Please inform the school if someone other than you will be picking up your child.
Discipline problems are handled in the following manner:

  1. Time out, talking about his/her feelings and actions, informing you by note in his/her book bag.
  2. If there is no improvement, your child will be sent to the preschool/elementary office for further discussion with the principal.
  3. If the problem persists, you will receive a call from the teacher or principal and, if needed, a conference time will be arranged.
  4. If the situation warrants, you may be asked to withdraw your child. Biting, hitting, kicking, and any other forms of disrespect will not be tolerated. If there is a need that we feel we cannot meet or a situation that we are unable to address, you will be contacted. The course of action is left to the discretion of the school administration.


Presently, K-3 or K-4 classes do not take field trips due to safety issues. Therefore, when possible, field trips will be brought on campus. Any cost for the field trip will be added to your monthly statement.
Birthdays are special for everybody. On your child’s special day, you may celebrate with cake, a birthday cookie, etc. Please make arrangements in advance with your child’s teacher as to the day and time that works best for his/her class. You may also participate in the Birthday Book Club which benefits our library. Additionally, you can have your child’s name put on the birthday board and receive a balloon and a special treat which is a fifth grade fund raiser for their St. Augustine field trip. Detailed information is sent home at the beginning of each school year.

Part IV: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy is dedicated to the academic and spiritual enrichment of each student. Therefore, we offer a Christ-centered academic program that strives to develop a biblical worldview based on biblical values and truths through Kingdom Education.

GRADING SCALE[]

Grade K5[]

  • E – Excellent
  • G – Good
  • S – Satisfactory
  • NI – Needs Improvement

Grades 1-5[]

  • A+ = 99 – 100
  • A = 92 – 98
  • A- = 90 – 91
  • B = 82 – 87
  • B- = 80 – 81
  • B+ = 88 – 89
  • C+ = 78 - 79
  • C = 76 - 77
  • C- = 74 - 75
  • D+ = 73
  • D = 71 – 72
  • D- = 70
  • F = Below 70



Note: The teacher assigns a grade for various areas of growth and development listed on the report card.

HONOR ROLL[]

Students in grades 1-5 are eligible for the All “A” and “A-B” Honor Roll.
At the end of each nine-week grading period, those students in grades 1-5 who earn all “A’s” and “B’s” shall be placed on the ELCA Honor Roll. Students who earn all “A’s” will receive a blue ribbon. Students who earn all “A’s” and “B’s” or all “B’s” will receive a red ribbon.
If a student receives a “U” in any area of the report card, the student will be ineligible to be placed on the ELCA Honor Roll.

SOAR[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy offers a program for fourth and fifth grade students designed to be an enrichment program for those students who soar above and beyond in the regular classroom. SOAR stands for “Student’s Outstanding Achievement Recognized”. Activities involved in SOAR will be a hands-on extension of various segments from the daily classroom curricula. SOAR classes meet one day a week. The criteria for SOAR are based on the student’s previous year’s standardized test, teacher recommendation, and classroom behavior.

ATTENDANCE[]

The philosophy of our attendance policy was developed to teach students the value of punctuality and good attendance in the workplace. The school is the students’ workplace. Parents, please help us by reinforcing this character-building philosophy. When a student is absent from school, a parent must telephone the school office by 8:30 a.m. to inform the school of the child’s absence. To request homework or make-up assignments, the parent should call the school office by 8:30 a.m. or check the teacher’s website.
Please be aware that based on Georgia law (20-2-690.1) and State Board of Education rule (JB), any child between the ages of 6 and 16 who during the school calendar year (180 days) has more than 5 days of unexcused absences from school will be considered truant. The legal penalties and consequences for truancy include referral of parents, guardians, or custodians to State Court and referral of juveniles to Juvenile Court for prosecution. Unexcused tardies and unexcused early checkouts are detrimental to the academic success of individual students and classmates. Therefore, excessive unexcused tardies and checkouts must also be referred to the Henry County Courts for consideration of prosecution.

ABSENCES[]

A student must be in attendance for a minimum of four (4) clock hours in order to receive credit for a full day of school attendance.
Students and parents are encouraged to be present and on time. It is very difficult for the student to be late or absent from school. Work can be made up, but teacher instruction cannot.

MAKE-UP WORK[]

Students will be allowed to make up any work assignments or tests missed without penalty.
Due dates for the work and dates to make up tests will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

PLANNED ABSENCES[]

A Planned Absence needs to be approved by the administrator and the classroom teacher needs to be notified in advance. All school assignments will be given to the student prior to the absence. The assignments will be due at the time given by the classroom teacher.

HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY[]

Homework is given on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights only. As a rule, homework is not given over the weekend.
Total homework time for an average student in grades 1-5 is:

  • 1st grade – 25 minutes
  • 2nd grade – 30 minutes
  • 3rd grade – 30-45 minutes
  • 4th grade – 30-45 minutes
  • 5th grade – 45-60 minutes


Kindergarten through second grade teachers will send home a folder each day containing the student’s completed assignments and a form to be signed by the parent(s) after reviewing the child’s work. Third through fifth grades have a student agenda which will be sent home each day. The agenda is used to record homework assignments, test dates, and other important classroom information. Third through fifth grades will also send home a folder once a week containing the student’s graded papers and tests.
The folder is to be returned to the teacher on the next scheduled school day. Parents are encouraged to praise their child’s work and to prominently display special assignments in the home (The refrigerator seems to be a favorite “brag” wall).

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION[]

Parent-Teacher communication is a very important component of our school. Communication is attained through teacher websites, email, phone calls, and parent- teacher conferences.
Check elcaonline.org to access teacher web pages which includes classroom information, assignments, and tests schedules.

Faculty members will not be allowed to leave a classroom during their regular instruction hours to take telephone calls. Any parent wishing to speak with a teacher must leave a phone message or email them asking the teacher to return his/her call or email during a free period or after school.

Parent-Teacher Conferences[]

All ELCA faculty members appreciate and encourage parent conferences. Any time a parent feels a need to meet with a teacher, he/she must make an appointment with the teacher.

REPORT CARDS[]

Grades may be accessed at elcaonline.org under Net Classroom. Report Cards will be issued at the end of each nine-week period. Parents wishing to discuss their child’s Report Card with the teacher(s) must follow the procedure outlined above under Parent-Teacher Conferences.

PROMOTION/RETENTION[]

Recommendations for promotion or retention are based on overall student achievement in each subject. Students not receiving passing grades in all academic classes may be retained. Factors to be considered by the administration are date of birth, size, emotional maturity, grades, testing results, and teacher recommendations.

BASIC CODES OF CONDUCT[]

FOOD AND GUM[]

In an effort to keep our school facilities and equipment clean, students are not allowed to have food or drinks in any room except the lunchroom before, during, or after school.
Chewing gum is strictly prohibited.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT[]

Students may not bring radios, CD players, tape players, Ipods, MP3 players, or video games of any kind to school. This also includes field trips except for overnight field trips. These items will be collected and returned only to the parent. Cell phones and Blackberry devices brought into school must be off until school is dismissed. Other items that will not be allowed at school are trading cards such as sports cards, etc. Students may also not wear Heeleys.

ROCK CONCERTS AND “R” RATED MOVIES[]

The atmosphere and behavior that accompany most rock concerts seriously undermine the basic philosophy of our school and the ideals of Christian young people. The morals depicted in “R”-rated movies are generally detrimental to the Christian values, which ELCA strives to instill in our students. With this in mind, we strongly recommend and encourage parents to prohibit their children from attending rock concerts and from viewing “R”-rated movies and/or immoral programs on television. We appeal to parents to carefully consider our concerns and assist their children in understanding the basis for this recommendation.

LOST AND FOUND[]

Students are responsible for their personal property; the school does not accept any responsibility for a student’s property. All personal items used at school should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Students who find lost articles are instructed to take them to the elementary school office to be placed in the “Lost & Found.” Lost articles, which are not claimed within a reasonable time, will be given away.

CLASS PARTIES[]

All parties planned by faculty, parents, or students to be held during a class, must be approved at least two weeks in advance by the principal of the appropriate school. Parents may send refreshments for a class to honor their child’s birthday; the refreshments can be served during morning break or lunch only. Birthday parties cannot be held during regular instruction hours. You may also participate in the Birthday Book Club which benefits our library. Additionally, you can have your child’s name put on the birthday board and receive a balloon and a special treat, which is a fifth grade fund raiser for their St. Augustine field trip. Detailed information is sent home at the beginning of each school year. We encourage parental participation in the organization and preparation of class parties. Parents will be invited to serve as room parents at the beginning of the year.

RESPECT[]

Proper respect is to be shown to all faculty and staff members at all times. Faculty and Staff members should be addressed by Mr. or Mrs. or by their title such as coach, etc. Proper respect will also be shown by one student for another at all times. Name-calling, teasing, intentional provocation, or other forms of annoyance will be considered disrespectful and will be prohibited. Likewise, faculty and staff should show proper respect to other staff members and students.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR[]

It is the desire of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy to have an environment in every class that will be conducive to a positive teaching/learning experience for all. Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself properly in the classroom. A student may be sent from class to the office for behavior that disrupts the class. Behavior, which will result in such action includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Fighting in class
  2. Direct or obvious disobedience
  3. Any form of abusive language

BEHAVIOR AT STUDENT ACTIVITIES[]

Any and all programs, projects, parties (socials), and trips in which ELCA students will be involved must be approved in writing by the administration. The appointed sponsor must strictly supervise such activities, and all students involved must cooperate fully with that sponsor. ELCA will not sponsor dances or swimming activities.
While in attendance at plays, concerts, talent shows, or any other type of auditorium event, ELCA students must demonstrate polite, respectful behavior by remaining quietly seated throughout the production. This exemplary behavior is expected during chapel, plays, concerts, meetings, etc., which take place in the ELCA gymnasium or church auditorium. Any student whose behavior at such events is not acceptable and does not represent our school favorably will be referred to the principal for disciplinary action.

DRESS CODE POLICY[]

Since the Bible teaches that God cares about our appearance, it is our belief that we should strive to ensure that our appearance is pleasing to Him. The intent of our dress code is to promote and encourage modesty as well as a clean, neat appearance, expressing the Christian values we represent. Shorts and skorts cannot be more than 2 inches above the knee (this would be 4 inches above the knee in a kneeling position). Parents are responsible for making sure their children’s uniforms meet dress code, allowing for growth spurts.
Appearance can affect not only learning and the quality of school work but also the strength of our Christian witness, all of which represent our purpose as a Christian school. Therefore, we strongly encourage appropriate dress and good grooming and ask that parents and students understand our intent. The following dress code guidelines apply to all students while at school and at school-sponsored functions whether on our campus or at other locations.
All students must follow the Uniform Daily Dress Code, located on School Store Website – Uniform Information & Guidelines.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS TO DRESS CODE[]

  1. Playground Play – If your daughter climbs on the playground equipment, she must wear slacks or shorts under her dresses and skirts.
  2. P.E. Days – Athletic shoes or shoes appropriate for running must be worn during PE. Appropriate clothing within dress code boundaries is necessary.
  3. Field Trips – Students leaving campus will be required to dress according to regular school dress code. Exceptions to this rule may be made by school administrators only. All students must ride on the school’s bus unless they ride with their own parents. Students may not ride with another student’s parents.
  4. Hair – Boy’s hair should not touch the collar of a regular sports shirt in the back nor should it be long enough to “curl up” in the back. Long hair tucked behind ears is not acceptable. The hair in front should not touch the eyebrows when in a normal wearing position. Hair should be conservative and attractively groomed. Cornrows or braiding are not permitted on males at any time for any ELCA activity or function. Boy’s or girl’s hair cannot be multi-colored. It should be somewhat natural/normal in appearance. Tasteful conservative highlights are acceptable. All students’ hair and grooming should have an attractive, conservative look.
  5. Hats or hoods may not be worn in the building.
  6. Unacceptable Attire for All Students – Earrings (boys) are not permitted, earrings (girls); there should not be any more than two earrings per ear, and they should be worn in the bottom portion of the ear lobe.
  7. Bracelets and necklaces (boys and girls) – Students should wear at most one bracelet and one necklace. They should be conservative in appearance, not gaudy, tacky, or distracting. Rubber bands and string are not considered bracelets.
  8. Requested Parent Dress – When attending school functions such as field trips, extracurricular activities, and class parties, please take into consideration ELCA’s dress policy, which emphasizes modesty in appearance.


Note: The administration is the final authority in dress and grooming matters. If a student is in doubt about an item of clothing meeting the dress and grooming standards, he/she should discuss it with the principal before wearing it to school.

DISCIPLINE SYSTEM[]

Students at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy should strive to implement discipline by the Matthew 18 principle, which states the following:

  1. If another believer offends you, go and tell him his offense privately. Don’t share it with others. (Matthew 18:15) (student to student)
  2. If he will not heed, take one or two persons with you to establish every work before witnesses. (Matthew 18:16) (teachers and students)
  3. If he refuses to make amends, explain the situation to the person who is in authority over you. (Matthew 18:17a) (administration, parents, and/or students)
  4. If his restitution is not forthcoming, the necessary disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the established policies. (Matthew 16:17b)



The following guidelines have been prepared to promote the student’s responsibility for his conduct. The administration and faculty are committed to the regulation of these guidelines.

DISCIPLINE POLICIES (4TH-5TH GRADES)[]

Demerits are to be given for the violations listed below. Although this is not a comprehensive listing, each student should be familiar with these basic infractions. All demerits are cumulative but are removed at the end of each quarter. Demerits will be removed at the rate of one for each two-week period not receiving any demerits.

Demerits start second semester for 4th grade students.

  • 1 DEMERIT
    • Dress code violation
    • Horseplay
    • Deadline items (i.e. lunch orders, weekly folders, pictures, etc.)
    • Eating/Drinking outside lunchroom or designated area
    • Chewing gum in school
    • Excessive talking (after warning)
  • 2 DEMERIT
    • Chapel Disturbance
    • Student disrespect – belittling or abusing another student
    • Materials of questionable value
    • Skipping Teacher’s detention
  • 4 DEMERIT
    • Cursing or abusive language or gestures
    • Cheating
    • Fighting
    • Lying
    • Teacher disrespect
    • Direct disobedience
    • Forging parent signature
  • 8 DEMERIT
    • Stealing
    • Vandalism to school property
    • Malicious actions to student or staff



Penalties for accumulation of demerits will be as follows:
Accumulation of 12 demerits = 1/2 day in-school suspension
Accumulation of 16 demerits = Full day in-school suspension
Accumulation of 20 demerits = Dismissal from school
After total accumulation of 16 demerits, a conference with the teacher, parents, and administration will be held. The student will be placed on conduct probation.

Part V: MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL[]

ATTENDANCE[]

Middle and high school students shall be punctual and regular in attendance. Every absence is entered on the student’s permanent record. Absences will be “excused” only for personal illness, illness or death in the immediate family, emergency medical or dental attention, and written requests approved in advance by the appropriate administrator. Absences for any other reasons will be “unexcused’ and will result in an automatic detention.
Students returning to school following an absence must present a written excuse to the office that will be filed in the student’s records. It must be signed by parents, regardless of prior oral communication. This written excuse must explain the reason for the absence and give the correct date(s) of the absence. Upon receipt of the written excuse, the student will be granted an admittance slip to class, which the student must present to his/her teacher. Students must present the admittance slip to each of their teachers throughout the day.

TARDIES TO SCHOOL AND/OR CLASS[]

Teachers will be in their classrooms and expect students to be in their seats before the tardy bell rings. Students tardy to school must receive an admittance slip from the office before entering the classroom. HS students with an unexcused tardy will receive automatic detention. Three (3) tardies equals one (1) absence.

PLANNED ABSENCES[]

A Planned Absence Report is used to obtain an excused absence for an educational trip. This form may be obtained from the school office and must be completed and returned to the office at least one day prior to the date of the planned absence. All school assignments, which will be missed during the absence, will be listed on the Planned Absence, will be listed on the Planned Absence Report by the student’s teacher(s) and should be completed prior to the student’s absence.

ABSENCES[]

A student must be in attendance for a minimum of four (4) clock hours in order to receive credit for a full day of school attendance. Even though the student is counted present for the day, he/she will not be counted present for the classes he/she does not attend. Students must be present for half a class period, or the student will be counted absent. (A student who checks in at 8:40 a.m. will be counted absent from 1st period.) If a middle school or high school student misses more than 10 days (excused or unexcused) in any given class during a semester he/she may not receive credit for that semester. Remember, three (3) tardies equals one (1) absence.
Students who participate in extracurricular activities will not be excused from school the day after an extracurricular event (sports, fine arts, etc.).

TRUANCY[]

Please be aware that based on Georgia law (20-2-690.1) and State Board of Education rule (JB), any child between the ages of 6 and 16 who during the school calendar year (180 days) has more than 5 days of unexcused absences from school will be considered truant. The legal penalties and consequences for truancy include referral of parents, guardians, or custodians to State Court and referral of juveniles to Juvenile Court for prosecution. Unexcused tardies and unexcused early checkouts are detrimental to the academic success of individual students and classmates. Therefore, excessive unexcused tardies and checkouts must also be referred to the Henry County Courts for consideration of prosecution.

SKIPPING SCHOOL[]

Students who skip school will be subject to dismissal from ELCA. Leaving campus without permission will result in a two-day, out-of-school suspension.

MAKE-UP WORK[]

Students with excused absences will be given one day for each day of absence for them to make up any work assignments missed without penalty. Should a student miss tests or major assignments at the end of a semester, the teacher may grant a maximum of one week to make up the work missed without penalty. The penalty for not turning in make- up work on time shall be determined by the teacher.
Students with unexcused absences will be allowed to make up work or tests missed as described above. However they will receive a reduction of twenty points on that work.

GRADING SCALE[]

  • Standard – Numerical – GPA
    • A+ – 99-100 – 4.50
    • A – 92-98 – 4.00
    • A – 90-91 – 4.00
    • B+ – 88-89 – 3.50
    • B – 82-87 – 3.00
    • B- – 80-81 – 3.00
    • C+ – 78-79 – 2.50
    • C – 76-77 – 2.00
    • C- – 74-75 – 2.00
    • D+ – 73 – 1.50
    • D – 71-72 – 1.00
    • D- – 70 – 1.00
    • F – 0-69 – 0.00
  • Honors GPA
    • A+ – 99-100 – 5.00
    • A – 92-98 – 4.50
    • A- – 90-91 – 4.50
    • B+ – 88-89 – 4.00
    • B – 82-87 – 3.50
    • B- – 80-81 – 3.50
    • C+ – 78-79 – 3.00
    • C – 76-77 – 2.50
    • C- – 74-75 – 2.50
    • D+ – 73 – 2.00
    • D – 71-72 – 1.50
    • D- – 70 – 1.50
    • F – 0-69 – 0.00
  • AP GPA
    • A+ – 99-100 – 5.50
    • A – 92-98 – 5.00
    • A- – 90-91 – 5.00
    • B+ – 88-89 – 4.50
    • B – 82-87 – 4.00
    • B- – 80-81 – 4.00
    • C+ – 78-79 – 3.50
    • C – 76-77 – 3.00
    • C- – 74-75 – 3.00
    • D+ – 73 – 2.50
    • D – 71-72 – 2.00
    • D- – 70 – 2.00
    • F – 0-69 – 0.00

HONOR ROLL, PRESIDENT’S LIST[]

At the end of each nine-week grading period, those students in grades 1-12 who earn all “A’s” and “B’s” shall be placed on the ELCA Honor Roll.
Those students obtaining all “A’s” shall be placed on the President’s List at the end of each nine weeks.

HONOR AWARDS PROGRAM[]

The Honors Program at ELCA is approached from three distinct but complimentary areas:

  1. The faculty concentrates on developing each student on a day-to-day basis in the classroom. Each student is encouraged to take class work seriously, and various motivational methods are employed.
  2. An Academic Awards Program is held to recognize all honorees in the presence of peers, friends, and family members.
  3. Special recognition will be given for some honors at school assemblies.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES[]

All ELCA faculty members appreciate and encourage parent conferences. Any time a parent feels a need to meet with a teacher, he/she must call the school office to make an appointment with the teacher. Faculty members will not be allowed to leave a classroom during their regular instruction hours to take telephone calls. Any parent wishing to speak with a teacher must leave a phone message or email them asking the teacher to return his/her call or email during a free period or after school.

SCHEDULE CHANGES[]

Secondary students may make a change in their assigned class schedule or drop a course during the first two weeks of the semester only if:

  1. The student can justify his need for such a change.
  2. The change is possible in terms of the student’s existing schedule.
  3. The change will not overload a class.
  4. The change results in a reasonable program of studies in terms of the established curriculum and the student’s educational objective.
  5. Parent(s), teacher(s), and Academic Dean approve the change, and a Schedule


Change Permission Slip has been signed by each.
NOTE: A course dropped after the first two weeks of the semester will be recorded as a withdrawal failure (W-F) on the student’s permanent record. A “W-F” is considered hours attempted and will negatively affect the cumulative grade point average.

REPEATING COURSES[]

Students are given the option of repeating courses in summer school or during the ELCA school year if their previous grade was low but passing or if they failed the course. Both grades will be reflected on the transcript and the average of the two grades will be used to compute the GPA.

FINAL EXAMS[]

The exam schedules will be published in the “Charger Chat Newsletter” available online and announced to the students in advance.

EXEMPTION OF FINAL EXAMS (9th – 12th Grades)[]

9th graders may exempt one (1) exam,
10th graders may exempt two (2) exams,
11th graders may exempt three (3) exams, and
12th graders may exempt four (4) exams under the following conditions.
The student:

  • Must have a 90 average or above
  • Must have not missed the class more than 5 days
  • Must have no more than 3 tardies to class (Absences and tardies are based on the sign in/out sheet at the high school office. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in and out.)

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS[]

Participating in Commencement exercises is a privilege. A student’s right to participate is contingent upon his/her behavior, attitude, and meeting the academic requirements. Only those seniors who will be able to complete requirements for graduation by August of their senior year will participate in the Commencement exercises. Parents of seniors who are in jeopardy of not graduating will be advised of their child’s status.
Seniors earning a cumulative grade average (9-12) of 90 or higher will be recognized as Honor Graduates at Commencement exercises. A gold honor cord worn around the neck of their gowns will distinguish these honor graduates. In order to participate in graduation, student accounts must be paid one week before graduation.
Three levels of honor will be noted at Commencement:

  • Those who have a minimum grade average of 90 or above will graduate with honors.
  • The Valedictorian will be the student with the highest average.
  • The Salutatorian will be the student with the second highest average.

The STAR Student will be the student with the highest SAT score. (To be eligible for the honor of Valedictorian, the student must have entered ELCA by the beginning of his/her Junior year. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian must be in agreement with the Academy’s Educational Objectives and Educational Philosophy as stated in this handbook)

Credits Required for Graduation:[]

  • 4 credits Bible Required for every year at ELCA
  • 4 credits English Literature (American, English, World)
    • integrated with Grammar and usage and advanced composition skills; fourth year may include AP English
  • 4 credits Mathematics
    • Algebra I and Algebra II, Geometry and a fourth year to include courses such as: Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Senior Math
  • 3 credits Science
    • Must include one lab course each from life sciences and the 4 credits Science beginning physical sciences

with class of 2012

  • 3 credits Social Science
    • Must include US History, World History, Political Science/ Economics
  • 2 credits Foreign Language
    • Same language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading and writing
  • 1 credit Health/ Personal Fitness
  • 1 computer elective
  • 1 credit Fine Arts/Elective

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS[]

Registration materials for college entrance tests are available in the Academic Dean’s office. The American College Testing Program (ACT) is required by some state colleges and universities while the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is required by the state colleges and universities of Georgia and many other states. A schedule of dates, times, and places for these college entrance examinations will be published in the “Charger Chat Newsletter” available online, and all juniors and seniors will be advised of the schedule by the Academic Dean.
All sophomores and juniors are required to take the PSAT examination.

COLLEGE VISITS[]

Seniors may be excused two days for college visits; juniors may be excused one day. The only exception to this rule will be absences due to scholarship consideration. Following a college visit, the student must present to the Academic Dean a letter from the college registrar or college admissions office stating that the student visited the campus. All college visits for other underclassmen are unexcused. Underclassmen are urged to use teacher in-service days and weekends for travel to colleges.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTIONS[]

Students selected for leadership positions must have a minimum average of 80 in Bible and all major subjects during their previous school year. Any student on probation cannot be eligible for honors or office at ELCA. Any student who is placed on probation while holding an office or position must forfeit the position for the remainder of the school year.

HOMECOMING QUEEN[]

Criteria:

  1. Must be a senior girl.
  2. Must have an academic average of 80, including Bible.
  3. Must have outstanding Christ-like character and integrity.
  4. Must not be on either academic or conduct probation.

HOMECOMING REPRESENTATIVES, ESCORTS, and CLASS OFFICERS[]

Criteria:

  1. Must have an academic average of 80, including Bible.
  2. Must have outstanding Christ-like character and integrity.
  3. Must not be on either academic or conduct probation.

MR. and MISS ELCA[]

Criteria:

  1. Must be a senior.
  2. Must have an academic average of 80, including Bible.
  3. Must possess the following outstanding Christ-like characteristics:
    1. moral character
    2. good citizenship
    3. servant’s heart
    4. responsibility
    5. integrity

BASIC CODE OF CONDUCT[]

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT[]

Students may not bring radios, CD players, tape players, beepers, Ipods, MP3 players, or video games of any kind to school. This also includes school trips and athletic activities. These items will be collected and returned only to the parent.

CELL PHONES[]

Students are not to have cell phones visible at any time between 8:00 – 3:00. Phone Penalties:

  1. First offense – One-hour detention
  2. Second offense – Two-hour detention
  3. Third offense – Saturday School

ROCK CONCERTS AND “R” RATED MOVIES[]

The atmosphere and behavior that accompany most rock concerts seriously undermine the basic philosophy of our school and the ideals of Christian young people. The morals depicted in “R” rated movies are generally detrimental to the Christian values, which ELCA strives to instill in our students. With this in mind, we strongly recommend and encourage parents to prohibit their children from attending rock concerts and from viewing “R” rated movies and/or immoral programs on television. We appeal to parents to carefully consider our concerns and assist their children in understanding the basis for this recommendation. A pattern of behavior that shows a student willingly attends such events could result in the student’s dismissal.

HALL PASSES[]

Students are not permitted to be in the halls during class hours unless a teacher accompanies them or they have a student planner signed by an authorized staff member.

LOCKERS[]

Lockers are property of the school and may be opened by a principal or resource officer without the permission of the individual student. Students to whom lockers are assigned are responsible for the content inside. Students must use the school issued locks on their locker.

BULLYING[]

Bullying is prohibited. Georgia law defines bullying “as any willful attempt to threaten to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so or any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.” Students found to have committed the offense of bullying will be assigned in-school suspension or short-term suspension. An offense of bullying could result in long-term suspension or expulsion; it is at the discretion of administration to determine the severity of the consequence. Components such as motive, intent, recidivism, repentance, etc. will be considered in making that decision.

LASER POINTER[]

The possession and/or use of laser pointers by students are prohibited. A laser pointer is an instrument that directs a compact beam of light, commonly referred to as a laser beam, toward a subject. Directing a laser pointer at an individual can be threatening and/or physically harmful and, as such, may result in a student being charged with an act of physical abuse.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR[]

It is the desire of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy to have an environment in every class that will be conducive to a positive teaching/learning experience for all. Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself properly in the classroom.
A student may be sent from class to the office for behavior that disrupts the class. Behavior, which will result in such action includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Fighting in class
  2. Direct or obvious teacher/student disrespect
  3. Any form of abusive language

ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS[]

It is the policy of the ELCA administration to maintain accurate records of each student’s academic and behavioral performance. We believe that it is our responsibility to keep the parents informed of their child’s performance at school.
Parents will be contacted by the teacher if the student develops a pattern of decline in academic progress or conduct.

BOY/GIRL RELATIONSHIPS[]

ELCA provides opportunities for boys and girls to cultivate friendships with the opposite sex that hold to Christian principles and reflect high moral standards. It is inevitable that in some instances these associations will deepen into more than passing friendships. We recognize that all students on our campus will not possess the maturity needed to handle intimacy in a responsible manner. (Thus, unquestionable, exemplary conduct ultimately becomes the duty of all ELCA students.)

Public display of affection (i.e. holding hands, hugging, sitting on laps, etc.) or personal contact (“PC”) of any kind shall be considered in poor taste on our campus and at all school-sponsored functions and is not permitted.

BEHAVIOR AT STUDENT ACTIVITIES[]

Any and all programs, projects, parties (socials), and trips in which ELCA students will be involved must be approved in writing by the administration. The appointed sponsor must strictly supervise such activities, and all students involved must cooperate fully with that sponsor. ELCA will not sponsor swimming activities, except swim meets as sanctioned by GHSA.
While in attendance at plays, concerts, talent shows, or any other type of auditorium event, ELCA students must demonstrate polite, respectful behavior by remaining quietly seated throughout the production. This exemplary behavior is expected during chapel, plays, concerts, meetings, etc., which take place in the ELCA gymnasium or church auditorium. Any student whose behavior at such events is not acceptable and does not represent our school favorably will be referred to the principal for disciplinary action.

DRESS CODE[]

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy’s dress code policy is based on several biblical principles that govern choice of dress:

  1. I Timothy 2: 9, 10 – Dress types should not bring undue attention to the outward appearance.
  2. I Corinthians 6: 19, 20 – Modesty should be compatible with the concept that as Christians our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
  3. Deuteronomy 22:5 – Dress should be distinctively masculine or feminine, showing our appreciation of God’s creative plan.


Since the Bible teaches that God cares about our appearance, it is our belief that we should strive to ensure that our appearance is pleasing to Him. The intent of our dress code is to promote and encourage modesty as well as a clean, neat appearance, expressing the Christian values we represent. Shorts and skorts cannot be more than 2 inches above the knee (this would be 4 inches above the knee in a kneeling position). Parents are responsible for making sure their children’s uniforms meet dress code, allowing for growth spurts.
Appearance can affect not only learning and the quality of school work but also the strength of our Christian witness, all of which represent our purpose as a Christian school. Therefore, we strongly encourage appropriate dress and good grooming and ask that parents and students understand our intent. The following dress code guidelines apply to all students while at school and at school-sponsored functions whether on our campus or at other locations.
All students must follow the Uniform Daily Dress Code, located on the School Store Website – Uniform Information & Guidelines.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS TO DRESS CODE[]

  1. P.E. Days – Athletic shoes or shoes appropriate for running must be worn during PE. Appropriate clothing within dress code boundaries is necessary.
  2. Field Trips – Students leaving campus will be required to dress according to regular school dress code. Students not appropriately dressed will remain on campus. Exceptions to this rule may be made by school administrators only. All students must ride on the school’s bus unless they ride with their own parents. Students may not ride

with another student’s parents.

  1. Class Trips – Philosophy: Class trips must have a direct spiritual or educational purpose. Students and parents are required to sign a trip covenant. Students are to wear the required school uniform to and from their destination while on school trips. Exceptions to this rule may be made by school administrators only.
  2. Hair – Boy’s hair should not touch the collar of a regular sports shirt in the back nor should it be long enough to “curl up” in the back. Long hair tucked behind ears is not acceptable. The hair in front should not touch the eyebrows when in a normal wearing position. Hair should be conservative and attractively groomed. Sideburns must be cut no lower than the bottom of the ear. Students are to be clean-shaven each day. Cornrows or braiding are not permitted on males at any time for any ELCA activity or function. Boy’s or girl’s hair cannot be multi colored. It should be somewhat natural/normal in appearance. Tasteful conservative highlights are

acceptable. All students’ hair and grooming should have an attractive, conservative look.

  1. Hats or hoods may not be worn in the building.


Unacceptable Attire for All Students:

  • Earrings (girls): there should not be any more than two earrings per ear, and they should be worn in the bottom portion of the ear lobe.
  • Absolutely NO earrings for boys
  • Chokers
  • Dangling, gaudy earrings
  • Body piercing
  • Excessive make-up (gothic, etc.)
  • Distracting/symbolic (anti-Christian) jewelry
  • Tattoos – Body tattoos are not permitted on ELCA students. Students who tattoo themselves while they are enrolled at ELCA will be required to have them removed or face dismissal from school.
  • Bracelets and necklaces (boys and girls) – Students should wear at most one bracelet and one necklace. They should be conservative in appearance, not gaudy, tacky, or distracting. Rubber bands and string are notconsidered bracelets.



Requested Parent Dress – When attending school functions such as field trips, extracurricular activities, and class parties, please take into consideration ELCA’s dress policy, which emphasizes modesty in appearance.

Note: The administration is the final authority in dress and grooming matters. If a student is in doubt about an item of clothing meeting the dress and grooming standards, he/she should discuss it with the principal before wearing it to school.

Penalties for Dress Code Violations[]

Students who violate the Uniform Dress Code will be subject to the following disciplinary action. These violations will accumulate for the quarter.

  • First violation – 1 hour after school detention at a charge of $5.00 billed to the student’s account
  • Second violation – 2 hours after school detention at a charge of $5.00 per hour billed to the student’s account
  • Third violation – 3 hours after school detention at a charge of $5.00 per hour billed to the student’s account. A conference will also be scheduled with the parents. Girls who are in violation of the skirt length policy three times will not be allowed to wear a skirt for the remainder of the quarter.
  • Fourth violation – Saturday School served from 8:00 am - 11:30 am at the cost of 35.00 per student.
  • Fifth violation – Student is subject to dismissal from Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy and is responsible for all fees. The uniform guidelines will periodically be reviewed and may be changed at our

discretion.

STUDENT DRIVERS[]

Since many ELCA secondary students drive their own vehicles to school, it is imperative that they understand and follow the guidelines below in order to retain their driving privileges. While a student vehicle is on school property, the administration or resource officer has the right to search the vehicle without obtaining permission of the student or the owner of the vehicle.

  1. Allow plenty of time to arrive at school early since traffic can be heavy in the mornings. It would be wise to be at school by 7:45am in order to avoid traffic jams.
  2. Speeding and/or reckless driving in any form will not be tolerated on the ELCA campus.
    1. 1st warning – given at 1st meeting with student drivers
    2. 1st offense – warning given personally to student driver at the time of the offense and parent contact made by administration
    3. 2nd offense – loss of driving privileges on campus for 1 week
    4. 3rd offense – 3 day home suspension
    5. 4th offense – possible dismissal from school
  3. Parking areas are clearly marked. Students parking in unmarked spaces (i.e. on grass, visitor’s parking, etc.) will result in the student’s loss of driving privileges.
  4. Once on campus, students are not allowed to sit in parked cars or congregate in the parking lot.
  5. No loud music from vehicles.
  6. All vehicles should be locked.
  7. Students are not allowed to return to their vehicles during the school day without being accompanied by an administrator or resource officer.
  8. Students are required to complete the Student Vehicle Registration Form on a yearly basis.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES[]

Students at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy should strive to implement discipline by the Matthew 18 principle, which states the following:

  1. If another believer offends you, go and tell him his offense privately. Don’t share it with others. (Matthew 18:15)
  2. If he will not heed, take one or two persons with you to establish every work before witnesses. (Matthew 18: 16)
  3. If he refuses to make amends, explain the situation to the person who is in authority over you. (Matthew 18: 17a)
  4. If his restitution is not forthcoming, the necessary disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the

established policies (Matthew 18: 17b)
The following guidelines have been prepared to promote the student’s responsibility for his/her conduct. The administration and faculty are committed to the regulation of these guidelines.
The discipline process at ELCA consists of demerit – detention actions, and is primarily administered by the classroom teacher, with the administration maintaining the final responsibility for disciplinary decisions. Listed below are guidelines for the administration of demerits. All classroom teachers will establish their procedures and policies with students at the beginning of the year. Any student who chooses not to comply with these procedures will be subject to disciplinary action. These guidelines are imposed to encourage the student to become self-disciplined and develop proper habits and procedures in the classroom, as well as to prepare them for the future. Because we believe that parents bear the primary responsibility for instructing their children in right behavior and proper attitudes, we ask that they work with the teachers and administration in the implementation of our discipline process. ELCA will make every effort to stay in close contact with parents in regards to disciplinary issues.

Recommendations for the issuance of demerits:

  1. PLAGIARISM DEFINED


Plagiarism is literary theft.
Plagiarism is:

  • Using someone else’s words or ideas
  • Failure to acknowledge use on an author’s words by quotation marks and by endnotes
  • Failure to thoroughly paraphrase an author’s words by using one’s own words and syntax
  • Failure to endnote or acknowledge a paraphrase in the text of the paper
  • Failure to acknowledge by endnote the use of an author’s ideas or organization of such ideas


Note on demerits – The teacher or administrator has the right to lower or raise the total number of demerits based on their evaluation of the particular incident.

  • 1 DEMERIT
    • Unexcused tardy to class
    • Talking in class after warning
    • Classroom disruption
    • Not returning signed papers on time



Once the demerits have been signed by the student and the teacher, the student has 48 hours to appeal to the administration. The penalties for the accumulation of demerits are as follows:

  • Accumulation of (4) demerits = 1 hour detention
  • Accumulation of (8) demerits = 2 hours of detention
  • Accumulation of (12) demerits = 1 day of Saturday School served from 8:00 am - 11:30 am at the cost of 35.00 per student.
  • Accumulation of (16) demerits = 1 day of out-of-school suspension - student placed on conduct probation* (see below)
  • Accumulation of (20) demerits – Parent conference with Administration

Required and possible withdrawal from school

CONDUCT PROBATION POLICY[]

When a student is placed on Conduct probation at the accumulation of (16) demerits, the following guidelines will be followed:

  1. Any student holding an office will not be allowed to act in that capacity while on probation
  2. The Administrative Discipline Committee will review the conduct of the student at the end of the quarter
  3. The student will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities for a 3-week period
  4. If a student is on probation twice during any school year, he/she may be dismissed, at minimum, for the remainder of the year

DETENTION POLICY[]

When a student is assigned detention, a form will be sent home to parents to be signed and returned to the high school office. The form will state the reason for detention, date and time of detention, and place to report for detention. It is the student’s responsibility to have the form signed and returned. The student will be advised of the time and place of detention.
A teacher may assign their own detention, based on their classroom policy, on any day, at any time. A student who misses an assigned detention will receive an additional detention. No exceptions or cancellations will be made except for medical emergency or a death in the family.

SATURDAY SCHOOL POLICY[]

Saturday school will be held on designated Saturdays each month. The hours will be 8:00am – 11:30am. The cost per student will be $35, and will be billed to the student’s account.

EXPULSION[]

Subject to the discretion of the Administrative Discipline Committee, the following behavior could result in immediate expulsion from ELCA:

  • Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs – on or off campus.
  • Possession of firearms or other weapons on campus or at school functions
  • Direct of indirect threat of physical abuse, written or verbal, toward a faculty/staff member or another student. Determination of the nature or intent of the direct or indirect threat will be left to the discretion of the proper school authorities
  • Violation of Biblically-based sexually morality on campus or off campus; such as described in the following verses (not limited to): Romans 1:26,27; I Corinthians 6:18; Exodus 10:14)
  • Skipping school
  • Vandalism to school property


A student may be immediately dismissed from school if he/she is found to be out of harmony with the school’s philosophy, guidelines, or standards. This is at the discretion if the Administration. This can occur before a student reaches (20) demerits
At the discretion of the Administrative Discipline Committee a case may be subject to an investigative process. The attitudes and cooperation of the subject(s) will be considered in the final disposition of the case. We understand that all who are involved in an individual case may or may not have the same level of fault. By being enrolled as a student, the parents and student agree to give full cooperation in any investigation.

DEMERIT REMOVAL[]

Demerits may be removed at the rate of one every two weeks. In order to receive a reprieve, a student must maintain good behavior with no disciplinary problems for a 2- week period.
All demerits are cumulative but removed at the end of the quarter

ORGANIZATIONS[]

STUDENT COUNCIL[]

The Student Council is an organization through which the students may express their opinions, assist in the administration of the school, and participate in the management of school enterprises. The Student Council promotes leadership, initiative, and self-control among its members.

Class officers represent their respective classes on the Student Council. It is the duty of the representatives to bring to the council’s attention any complaints and/or suggestions from their classmates and report the actions of the council to class meetings.
Criteria:

  1. Must be a rising 6th-12th grader.
  2. Must have a GPA of 80.
  3. Must have outstanding Christ-like character and integrity.

JR/SR BETA CLUB[]

The National Beta Club recognizes outstanding middle and high school students who have demonstrated excellence in the traits of scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
Membership Selection – Students in 6th-12th grades with an academic average of 92 or higher are considered to have met the scholarship standard. Seniors who have completed first semester with an academic average of 90 or above will be considered to have met the scholarship standard.
Membership Requirements – Continued membership in the Beta Club is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative academic average of 90 or higher and remaining in good standing with the school. A student whose cumulative academic average drops below 90 is given one warning. If the average is not brought up by the end of the next semester, the student is dropped from the Beta Club. A student can be re-admitted if a 92 or higher average is achieved the next semester.
Transfer of Membership– Students who transfer to ELCA as an active Beta Club member will become a member of the ELCA chapter upon verification of membership. Official school membership will be changed at the National Beta Club Headquarters in Spartanburg, SC.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE[]

The ELCA Student Leadership Institute’s mission is to honor God by assisting students to influence their generation for Jesus Christ. The three objectives of the ELCA Student Leadership Institute are:

  • To provide opportunities for students to learn biblical principles of leadership
  • To provide opportunities for students to develop the leadership skills they have learned
  • To provide opportunities for students to apply these skills and principles


The Institute is a voluntary, year-long program open to all students in grades 9—12. The students must apply for entrance to the program, and be recommended by their Pastor or Youth Pastor. Students can earn leadership credits for the leadership sessions they attend. To remain in the program, they must earn a minimum number of credits throughout the school year. These credits will be recorded on a leadership transcript. Students enrolled in the institute are required to attend the leadership teaching modules, and are encouraged to go beyond the minimum credit units by participating in their school and church, mission trips, leadership camps, conferences, workshops, and discipleship—mentoring programs.
The Leadership modules will be held during the school day, allowing students who participate in extra-curricular activities to be involved in the Institute. Obviously, some of the discipleship, mentoring, and service activities would be held at various times after school hours.

Part VI: ELCA Athletics[]

KINGDOM ATHLETICS[]

The purpose of this section is to establish rules, regulations, and policies for the Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy athletic program and to provide a framework within which students, parents, faculty, and staff can work together for the benefit of the athletic program.
The mission of ELCA is to glorify God by assisting parents in involving their children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through Kingdom Education, spiritually, academically, aesthetically, athletically, and socially. Our athletic program should support this commitment. Athletes must follow all rules that are stated in this section and the student handbook. Participation on an athletic team at ELCA is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be revoked if a student is not compliant with the guidelines established in this section.
The procedures in this section will be followed. The Athletic Director reserves the right to make final decisions regarding any policy and/or rule. If there are any suggestions for improving our athletic program, please present them to the athletic department. All coaches, student-athletes, and parents should know, understand, and abide by the information in the section.

PURPOSE FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT[]

To compliment and advance the schools mission.

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one

another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY[]

Kingdom Athletics is the integration of a Kingdom Education philosophy into the area of athletics. We are assisting parents by using athletics as part of the life-long, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of leading a child to Christ, building a child up in Christ, and equipping a child to serve Christ.

GOALS FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT[]

  1. To pursue with excellence an athletic program that seeks to glorify God.
  2. To develop highly competitive programs, first class facilities, and a championship mentality.
  3. To develop a training system with the Youth/MS/JV programs that will prepare our students for statewide varsity level competition.
  4. To develop a training system beginning in the Lower School that will instruct our Facility, Staff, Parents, and Students with our Kingdom Athletics philosophy.
  5. To use athletics to share Jesus Christ with those who do not know him and to inspire other schools to adopt Kingdom Athletics for themselves.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY[]

ELCA is a member of the Georgia High Schools Association. Each student has to meet the minimum requirements of this association in order to participate in extracurricular activities. An athlete must take four (4) or more units in grades 9-12 to be eligible. A student must complete eligibility within eight (8) semesters from the date of entrance into the ninth (9th) grade.
Students must meet the ELCA requirements in order to maintain eligibility. Students receiving two “F’s,” or below a “74” in Bible on any semester report card will not be eligible to participate in any athletic activities, for the following semester. (Students who are ineligible at the end of second semester may attend summer school to become eligible for fall sports.)
Students on academic probation are not allowed to dress out with the team. No student will be allowed to travel with the team if he/she will miss any classes. Students on academic probation are allowed to practice with the team.
If a student has an incomplete on a 4 1/ 2 week progress report or a 9 week report card, he/she cannot practice or play until his incomplete is made up.

YOUTH/JUNIOR HIGH/JV ATHLETICS[]

These programs are vitally important to the success of our athletic program. They concentrate on developing skills, sportsmanship, participation, and experience. The Youth/MS/JV programs prepare athletes for the varsity level. All athletes are expected to follow the same rules and policies as the varsity athletes. If an athlete plays on our school team and a recreational team/travel team/club team, the school team must take priority. Sixth through eighth grade students may try out for all junior high teams. Ninth and twelfth graders may play on the JV or Varsity teams (eighth graders may play up on the JV).

VARSITY ATHLETICS[]

The varsity teams have the commitment of winning and putting the best team on the field/court/track. Varsity players are the most visible and need to show positive leadership in all activities on and off campus. Coaches will make every effort to allow each athlete the opportunity of competing at the varsity level, but a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. All of our athletes are expected to participate in summer workouts. We will never have the desired athletic program if we do not work out in the off-season. All athletes are expected to go with their team to camp during the summer. These camp dates will be announced well in advance so families can plan around them.

PARTICIPATION POLICY[]

ELCA takes seriously the commitments of our student-athletes. We believe honoring commitments is essential throughout life, in marriage, family, church, career, and other areas. We believe athletics helps foster a spirit of genuine commitment. Quitting a team for reasons other than medical or family matters contradicts all we teach about what a Kingdom Athlete should be. A student should never quit a sport in the middle of the season regardless of how justified he/she may feel their reasons to be. We encourage all students and parents to “stick it out”. It is our desire to work with parents in teaching student’s perseverance, commitment, loyalty and fortitude. You never know what God has in store for your family. Any student who quits a sport after the try-out period (5 days) will still be billed the athletic fee, be ineligible to begin the next sport, join another in-season team, or participate in off-season training with another sport until the season of the sport he/she quit is over.

PARTICIPATION IN TWO SPORTS IN ONE SEASON[]

An athlete may not participate or practice two sports in the same season without the permission of the head coach of both sports.

ACADEMIC WORK[]

Athletes are responsible for all of their academic work. Athletic teams will sometimes have to leave school early. It is the athlete’s responsibility to turn in any academic work and get assignments for that day before departing the school for a game. Athletic events can never be used as an excuse for unfinished academic work.

ABSENCES AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES[]

No student will be allowed to participate in any after-school, extracurricular activity on a day that he/she has been absent from school. Students must be present a half-day (3 1 / 2 hours) in order to participate in a game that day.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS & CONSENT FORMS[]

A physical examination is required by the GHSA. The physical examination form & consent form must be on file before a student participates in any athletic contest. All forms are to be filed with the athletic trainer. Physical Forms and Consent Forms may be downloaded from our website.

TRAVEL[]

All athletes are required to ride the bus to away games. Any exception must be authorized by the athletic director. The athlete must have the permission of the head coach to ride home with his/her parents or another parent after the away games. (A note from the parents will be required.) No athletes will be able to ride home with other students or non-adults. We are very thankful for the vehicles that God has provided for us, and we must do our best to take care of them. Maps and directions to games will be made available on the website under “Scores, Schedules, and Directions”. Absolutely No Headphones, IPods, MP3's, or Laptops On Buses Or At Away Athletic Events. Cell phones are allowed.

DRESS[]

Our athletes must wear their school uniform or their game uniform to all away games. (Example: the football team may wear their jerseys). This will be determined by the head coach. For all practices, at least 7 inch inseam shorts are to be worn.

PROFANITY[]

Profanity will not be tolerated in any form by our athletes. There is no excuse. If an athlete uses profanity, the disciplinary policy that is listed in the student handbook will be followed. (Four demerits)

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT[]

Unsportsmanlike conduct by our athletes will not be tolerated. Discipline for unsportsmanlike conduct violations (such as unsportsmanlike penalties, technical fouls, etc.) will be instituted at the discretion of the head coach. If an athlete is ejected from a game the GHSA rules and regulations will apply.

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS[]

The GHSA, ELCA, and member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned or ELCA events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds from removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. We strongly encourage our fans to cheer for our teams. If a fan is ejected, the ejected person will be suspended from at least one game. The ejected person must not be seen or heard during the period of suspension. Codes of Conduct Contracts are an agreement by the parents and students to conduct themselves in a manner that is reflective of the overall philosophy and mission of ELCA.

EAGLES’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT[]

Our Speech:

  1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. Anything that can be misconstrued as negative or insulting must be avoided.
  2. Be positive and encouraging. Uplift your student and others. Let them know the importance and accomplishment of being a part of the team. Let them know they are important.
  3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the “boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. If you are “bad mouthing” your children’s coaches or officials you cannot expect him or her to play for or respect these people. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.
  4. Insist that your students address the coach and the officials with respect. They should call their coaches Coach or Mr., Miss, or Mrs. They should address the officials with “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” You should use these titles as well in the presence of your students or when referring to the coach or officials.
  5. Never be involved in negative cheering. Booing the officials or opponents or getting into negative chants against the opposing crowd sets a bad example for your children and is counter to everything we say we believe.
  6. Never speak negatively around the students or other parents about:
    1. the school: A negative atmosphere can be contagious. Instead, create an atmosphere of gratitude.
    2. the Church: Without Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church there is no Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Such speech demonstrates ignorant arrogance and an ungrateful heart.
    3. other students or parents. Speak to parents only about your and their students. Speak to other students only in an encouraging manner. The only time another student or parent’s name should be mentioned is in a genuine complimentary fashion.
  7. Never criticize your children’s teammates.. This does not teach your student team attitude and will allow them to make excuses for their own performance. Never offer excuses for your children if they are not playing. Encourage them to do their best and to keep striving for their worthwhile goals.
  8. Always confront your coaches out of sight and earshot of students and other parents. Speak with the coach privately. Call to set an appointment. Pray about what you will say and what is motivating your discussion.
  9. Smile, meet and greet. Often you may be the first impression someone has of ELCA and of our Lord and Savior. Ask yourself this question

    “Is my speech setting up an opportunity to share Jesus Christ or a need to apologize?” Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt…


Our Relationships:

  1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with your students and their teammates. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. Use this opportunity to minister and be an encouragement to others. You never know who is hurting and needs your show of God’s love in their life. If sports becomes all about you and your student, you need to not participate.
  2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with other parents. You will need their prayers and support as much as they will need yours.
  3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with parents from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. Promote your school and your students. Needless to say, the relationship you develop is a reflection on our entire ministry.
  4. Develop relationships with the coaches: Get to know the coaches. Pray for them. Communicate with them with an open heart and mind. Be open, honest with gentle words. Set appointments to meet with the coach rather than ambush them before or after a game. John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Our Unity:

  1. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us have different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role. Your example of being a unified school body is a valuable lesson for your students to learn.
  2. Develop unity with our Church. ELCA is a ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church working together for a common purpose. Be supportive in action and in spirit. Without Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church there would be no Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.
  3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met… to further the Kingdom of God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for ELCA.

    I Corinthians 12:12,13 "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body…"


Our Motives:

  1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.
  2. Strive for victory as a tool to teach your students. Teach them that athletics is just a means to an end and not an end unto itself.
  3. Teach your students to abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.
  4. Lead your students in athletics in light of your family mission, philosophy and goals. What you are teaching your student through athletics should match with what you are teaching them at home.
  5. Use your child’s experience as a chance to be involved in the life of your child. Your relationship with your child as an adult is a longer time of your life than when they are in your home. If you want a relationship with them as adults you need to begin building that relationship NOW. Athletics affords you that

opportunity. I Corinthians 10:31 …do all to the Glory of God.
Our Behavior:

  1. Maintain class and character. You are setting the example for your students. Realize that your every action reflects upon you, your family, ELCA, ELFBC and ultimately our Lord. People will remember your actions long after they have forgotten your words.
  2. Always insist that your children follow instructions. Coaches must depend on a player’s ability to follow orders immediately and without question. Questions should be raised the appropriate time, such as at practice or after a game, when there is time for explanation. This builds respect for authority and a bond of trust

between your children and their coaches.

  1. Always dress appropriately. Modest attire that does not attract attention to you and away from your child should be worn. Even in warm weather events a Christ-like appearance must be maintained.
  2. Be an example and a guard. Set the standard high for behavior and appearance and do not be afraid to speak to those who are indifferent to our ultimate purpose.
  3. Working with the officials …not working the officials. Badgering an official to persuade a call our way comes with too high a price – our testimony and our ability to influence those others for Jesus Christ. There is never a time at any contest where a parent is afforded an opportunity to say anything to an official other than “Thank You”. Without these men and women and their willingness to officiate, no one is playing ball.
  4. Remain in the stands. Never attempt to approach the field, court, bench area, press box, score table or the officials before, during or after a ballgame. Socially visiting with the coach briefly after a game is encouraged. Game officials are off-limits.
  5. Be Modest in victory and gracious in defeat. Coaches, students, parents and spectators will need to be strong in this area. Shake hands with our visitors before and after a game.
  6. Recognize the success of your opponent. Compliment the good play of students from the other school. Congratulate their coaches on a well coached game.
  7. Teach your children that they have a special purpose from God. It is their responsibility to accept God’s purpose for them. Do not compare or contrast them to others. This limits their ability to fulfill their own unique potential and purpose.
  8. Have fun, touch lives and be yourself. You have the opportunity to be a positive influence, like no one else may be able to, in the lives your children and their peers. Enjoy this time in their lives and help them to enjoy it as well. Games, plays and officials will be forgotten, but your behavior and attitude will stay with your child forever.

    I John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

EAGLE’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT[]

Our Speech:

  1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. The athlete will never engage in any profanity or questionable slang.
  2. The athlete will address the coach and the officials with respect. The athlete will address the coach as “Coach” or “Mr., Miss or Mrs.” and will take concerns or complaints directly to the coach. Insubordination and divisive speech or behavior will not be tolerated. The athlete should address the officials with “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am.
  3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the “boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.


Our Relationships:

  1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with teammates and coaches. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to develop life-long friendships. If sports becomes all about you, you need to not participate.
  2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with classmates. Do not attempt to set yourself upon a pedestal. Your classmates will not respect you or support you.
  3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with students from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others.


Our Unity:

  1. Develop unity within your team.

    “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.” John Wooden

  2. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us has different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role.
  3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met… to further the Kingdom of God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for ELCA.


Our Motives:

  1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.
  2. Strive for victory in order to Glorify God. Athletics is just a means to an end and not an end unto itself.
  3. Demonstrating Christ by following the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.
  4. Committed to excellence. In all areas – Faith, Practice, Academics and Game Preparation. Play and Act like a CHAMPION!


Our Behavior:
The athlete will maintain a good reputation. The athlete’s character will be in good standing with the administration, faculty, staff and church.
The athlete will meet all eligibility requirements.
The athlete will know and understand all requirements. The athlete will know all of the expectations of their team and will follow them both in action and in spirit.
The athlete will show respect for all coaches, trainers and all staff personnel. This includes the game plans, methods and philosophies.
The athlete will show respect for their teammates. The athlete will respect the seriousness of their commitment by attending all practices, meetings and games as prescribed at the beginning of the season and by working together to accomplish a common goal. Help to hold your teammates accountable for their actions.

  1. The athlete will maintain a high standard of appearance. Both in and out of the arena adhering to the strictest interpretations of the school dress code and the team dress and uniform code.
  2. The athlete will demonstrate Christ-like character. Both in and out of the arena showing respect in speech and actions for game officials, opponents and all those associated with our opponents.
  3. The athlete will never engage in fighting. The athlete will maintain self control at all times. Un-sportsmanship like conduct penalties will not be tolerated and will be penalized. Penalties include, but are not limited to, suspensions or dismissal from the team.
  4. The athlete will know and understand our philosophy. The athlete will respect the seriousness of the eternal affects of their responsibilities as they represent themselves, their families, their school, their church and ultimately their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By signing this Student Handbook, you are stating that you have read and understand the Codes of Conduct and agree to abide by its principles and guidelines at all ELCA sporting events. Failure to honor the Code of Conduct will result in suspension of privileges.

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION[]

Parenting and coaching are both difficult vocations. Understanding each others’ role will enable parents and coaches to work together to provide a meaningful experience for the student-athlete at ELCA.
Communication that parents can expect from a coach.

  1. Locations and times of practice and games
  2. Expectations the coach has of the players and the team
  3. Team requirements
  4. Team rules and disciplinary actions for violations of team rules
  5. Various ways that parents may help the team


Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with the coach

  1. Ways to help your child improve
  2. Concerns about your child’s behavior
  3. Academic support, college opportunities


Recognizing that coaches are the ones who work with the team on a daily basis in practice and in competition, it is important to understand that the coach will make decisions that he or she believes to be best for the team and for all athletes who are involved.
A parent should never confront a coach before or after a game or practice. These are emotional times for a parent and coach and are not wise times to make an attempt toward the resolution of a problem.

GENERAL RULES[]

  1. No student may participate in ELCA’s athletic program without proof of medical insurance coverage.
  2. No fund-raising or team-purchasing may be done without approval from the Athletic Director.
  3. There will be no team meetings, games, or practices on Sundays.
  4. There will be no games, meets, or matches on Wednesdays.
  5. All athletes are to take good care of the school’s equipment.
  6. Athletes should never be in the gym, weight room, coach’s office, or on the field without a coach there to supervise.
  7. Each athlete is required to turn in his or her uniform within two weeks of the last game.
  8. Team awards are left to the discretion of the coach.
  9. ALL LETTER JACKETS WILL BE ORDERED THROUGH THE ATHLETIC OFFICE. (once in the winter)

ATHLETIC FEE[]

THERE WILL BE A $100 ATHLETIC FEE FOR EACH SPORT. THIS ATHLETIC FEE WILL BE BILLED BY THE BUSINESS OFFICE.

BOOSTER CLUB[]

The Booster Club is a group of parents, coaches, and ELCA supporters that meets once a month. All of our parents are VIP’s (Very Important Parents), payment of an annual membership fee automatically makes you a member of the Booster Club. The purpose and objective are:

  • To boost the athletic programs and activities at ELCA.
  • To promote good Christian sportsmanship.
  • To show appreciation for the efforts of the boys and girls who take part in representing this school in athletic competition.
  • To encourage the athletic teams in their endeavors.
  • To raise funds to be expended solely in providing and maintaining needed facilities, equipment, services and those things required and connected with the school athletic program.
  • To stimulate and promote greater community interest, participation, and enthusiasm in all school athletic programs.
  • To unite ourselves for good fellowship between athletic participants and our members.
  • To provide a cooperative bond between the members of this club, coaches, and school administration through active, working participation that will improve, enhance, and elevate the athletic program of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.

Part VII: ELCA Fine Arts[]

MISSION[]

It is the mission of the Eagle Landing Christian Academy Fine Arts Department to provide each student with a well-rounded, excellent education in the arts that will enrich, train and encourage the future use of their gifts in the local church as well as ministries worldwide.

PHILOSOPHY[]

The ELCA Fine Arts Department recognizes Jesus Christ as the supreme creator of all things. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Col. 1:16). Therefore the following are true:

  • Each student is a unique and special creation of God.
  • Each student is created by God with unique and special talents.
  • These talents are to be used in a manner that honors and glorifies the Lord.
  • These talents are developmental in nature and require appropriate training by experienced faculty.
  • God has intended the arts to provide aesthetic and emotional benefits.
  • God has intended the arts to communicate about culture, society, history, and scriptural truth.
  • The arts are a primary form of praise and worship through the work of the Holy Spirit.
  • The arts have numerous developmental benefits for the student.


ELCA views fine arts as an important part of the complete curriculum.

OBJECTIVES[]

  • Cultivate an aesthetic awareness and develop a Christian viewpoint of the arts.
  • To offer a variety of experiences in each artistic discipline that will include traditional and ministry opportunities.
  • To develop appreciation of the arts throughout all grade levels.
  • To assist students in the discovery and development of their unique God-given talents.
  • To develop self-discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in each student.

FINE ARTS FEE[]

There will be a $40.00 fee for each Fine Arts class. (Band, Chorus, Art, and Drama)
This Fine Arts fee will be billed by the business office.

FINE ARTS PATRONS CLUB[]

Fine Arts programs are an essential element of the curriculum at ELCA. Programs are available at all grade levels. Elementary students participate in art and music classes weekly. Fifth grade students select either band or chorus. Middle school and high school students can choose art, band, chorus, and drama as elective courses. Individual lessons in piano and guitar are also available to students in all grades.
In September 2003, the Fine Arts Patrons Club was founded to create a relationship between parents, teachers, and staff so that we could collectively support the students, faculty, and staff to ensure the greatest advantages in Fine Arts education.
All of our parents are VIP’s (Very Important Parents), payment of an annual membership fee automatically makes you a member of the Fine Arts Patron Club.

The mission of the Fine Arts Patrons is three-fold:

  1. Create a pool of resources that can be called upon to benefit the advancement of the students in the fine arts.
  2. Assist parents, fine arts faculty, and staff members in developing the skills they need to support and protect the students.
  3. Encourage involvement in school fine arts activities and projects

STATEMENT OF COOPERATION[]

I have read completely the Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 2008/2009
Student Handbook that is available online. I understand and will abide by
the policies stated therein including the Basic Code of Conduct statement
and Dress Code Policy.
Date _________________________________________________________
Student’s Name (Print) __________________________________________

Student’s Signature _________________________________ (6th-12thgrade)
Grade ________________________________________________________
We have read completely the Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 2008-
2009 Student Handbook and agree to fully cooperate with the standards and
guidelines therein.
Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________________________
Church Membership ____________________________________________
By enrolling in Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Inc. (“ELCA”), the enrollment agreement,
and agreeing to abide by the terms of the ELCA Student Handbook, each student and his/her
parents/guardians agree and acknowledge that the Bible teaches that every person should make
every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with others in private or within the Christian
church (see Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Therefore, the student, and his/ her
parents/guardians, for themselves and on behalf of their student(s), agree that any claim or
dispute arising from or related to their enrollment at ELCA, or their participation in ELCA
activities, shall be settled by biblically-based mediation and, if necessary, legally binding
arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute
for Christian Conciliation, a division of Peacemaker® Ministries (complete text of the Rules is
available at www.Peacemaker.net). Judgment upon an arbitration decision may be entered in any
court otherwise having jurisdiction. The student and his/her parents/guardians understand that
these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of or related to
their enrollment at ELCA, or their participation in ELCA activities, and expressly waive their
right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another for such disputes, except to enforce an
arbitration decision.
“It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.”
Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NIV)

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