Griffin Christian High School
Student Handbook
2007-2008
Griffin Christian High School provides this handbook as a means of providing the reader with general information about the school as well as defining some specific policies and rules. It is to be understood that the administration of Griffin Christian High School reserves the right to change any policy when it is deemed necessary. Notice of such changes will be given by one or more of the following: the school newsletter, special letter or orally to the students. It should be understood that this handbook is not to be considered as all-inclusive, and the administration will make decisions and establish guidelines concerning any issues not covered.
Griffin Christian High School admits students without regard to race, color, or national origin.
It is the mission of Griffin Christian High School to equip and prepare students to fulfill the plan God has for their lives by communicating Christian values and providing a quality program of academic excellence in a Christian educational setting.
THEOLOGICALLY
Although Griffin Christian High School is owned and operated by Griffin First Assembly of God, it is not the purpose of the school to indoctrinate its students in the doctrines of the Assemblies of God. We hold the Scriptures to be all-sufficient rules for faith and practice. We therefore teach the Bible in its entirety. It is the purpose of GCHS to train its students in the principles and practices of our Lord Jesus Christ. It should be noted that the faculty of GCHS represents a number of denominations and fellowships and no individual is permitted to teach his or her particular personal doctrine of his or her church doctrine. All members of the faculty are born again Christians who live a consistent example of their profession of faith.
SPIRITUALLY
It is the purpose of GCHS to develop in the lives of its students a spiritual life that is in harmony with the infallible Word, in order that they may grow in grace, as well as in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ACADEMICALLY
It is the purpose of GCHS to provide its students with the best education in order that they may be thoroughly equipped for life. It is the purpose of GCHS to offer its students an opportunity to receive their education in a Christian environment.
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (II Timothy 3:15, II Peter 1:21)
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)
We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33); His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:25); His miracles (John 2:11); His vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9); His resurrection (John 11:25, I Corinthians 15:44); His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).
We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone we are saved. (John 3:16-19, John 5:24, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5)
We believe in resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29)
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, I Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (Romans 8:13-14, I Corinthians 3:16, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18)
Griffin Christian High School, as a private institution, reserves the privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards for student conduct, dress code and scholarship. Admission to GCHS is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, the school maintains the right to admit only those families who are in harmony with the standards of the school.
Admission is based upon the achievement, personal interview, recommendations and openings in the particular grade level. Behavior is also carefully considered. Generally, no student will be admitted who shows low academic performance, has emotional or disciplinary problems or who has been expelled from another school.
GCHS is not a reform school. Neither is it equipped to accept children with severe academic, physical or emotional problems. Students must express a desire to attend GCHS. The school maintains the right to refuse admittance to anyone if it so chooses and to suspend or expel any student who violates the set standard.
The following procedure will be helpful to new students when applying for admissions to GCHS:
· Obtain an application packet from the school office.
· Complete the application form and return it to the school with the appropriate fees as stated on the application.
· For new students, an entrance exam may be given to determine specific course placement. A copy of the applicant’s transcript (grades and achievement test scores) must be given to the office before an application is approved.
· An appointment for an interview with the principal or admissions committee may be requested. The potential student and at least one parent must attend this interview.
· You will receive a letter concerning the status of the application following admissions process. Should GCHS not accept the applicant for enrollment, the registration fee will be refunded. However, the fee is not refundable under any other circumstances.
GCHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, or origin.
Enrollment for Returning Students
It is to be understood that enrollment in GCHS one year does not guarantee placement the following year. It is to be understood that enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. However, prior to registration being opened to the public, students presently enrolled in GCHS may enroll during a limited enrollment period. The first come, first served policy will be in effect during this limited enrollment period as well.
It is to be understood that the number of classes within a grade may vary from one year to the next due to enrollment trends. Early enrollment is advised since GCHS cannot ensure placement after available spaces have been filled.
The interview and placement testing process is not required for returning students. However, it is necessary for the proper application forms to be completed and submitted with fees each year.
Right to Terminate a Student’s Enrollment
Griffin Christian High School reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment when the administration determines that the student and/or the parent(s) of the student does not conform to the standards, philosophy, or purpose of the school. It should be remembered that it is a privilege and not a right to attend Griffin Christian High School.
It is the goal of the administration of GCHS to maintain low tuition rates. The school does not receive governmental assistance and is in no way subsidized by any outside organizations. Therefore, prompt payment of tuition is essential for the ongoing operation of GCHS.
Tuition may be paid annually or in ten monthly installments. Those wishing to pay annually will receive a discount of 5% off tuition when payment in full is made by the August 1 due date. If paying monthly, payments are due on the 1st of every month with the first payment being due August 1 and the last payment due May 1.
A returned check fee of $25.00 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 procedures will apply to all student and parents/families:
§ After five (5) days of delinquency, a 5% late fee will be applied 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 students will be asked to withdraw from GCHS 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 activities including but not limited to class trips, athletics, etc. until the account is current. If a student is withdrawn from GCHS 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, receive certificates of attendance or any other forms, or graduate
until ALL accounts with the school are up to date.
School Hours
GCHS’s school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. for 7th and 8th grades and 3:15 p.m. for 9th thru 12th grades. Office hours are 7:45AM to 3:30PM.
After School Supervision
Students in grades 7-8 are to report to Mr. Peek’s room for after school supervision.
Students in grades 9-12 are to remain in the high school building until 3:45. Students on campus after 3:45 PM, not participating in a school related activity, are directed to report to Dr. Parnell in room 512. Students who are found unsupervised on campus after 3:45 PM will be escorted to Dr. Parnell and charged the daily fee. Repeated failure to follow the above rules will result in demerits.
Punctuality and regular attendance is necessary for student success. 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. Although a student may be counted present for the day, he/she will not be counted present for classes he/she does not attend. Students must be present for half of the class period or the student will be counted absent. The following absences shall be considered “excused” absences:
§ Personal illness
§ Medical appointments (which cannot be made after school)
§ Serious illness or death in the family
§ School sponsored activities
§ Required court appearance
§ Absences with prior approval of the administration (A Pre-Absence Form must be filled out in the office at least 3 days before the absence. Administration will review the form and upon approval present it to the teachers who will list assignments. Assignments will need to be completed before the absence unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.)
Students returning to school following an absence must present a written excuse from a parent to the homeroom teacher. The excuse must include date of absence(s), explanation of reason for absence, and a parent signature. Upon presentation of the excuse, students will be given an admittance slip to class. Students must present the admittance slip to each of their teachers throughout the day.
No work (including tests and/or quizzes) can be made up when missed due to an unexcused absence, and a zero will be given for the grade.
Students with excused absences must assume the responsibility of talking with their teachers concerning make-up work. This must be done no later than the second day back to school following the absence, if not zeroes will be given.
No student will be allowed to participate in any after-school extracurricular activity on a day that he/she has been absent from school.
The attendance policy was formulated to deal fairly and consistently with those who are absent excessively, yet allow consideration to those who must be absent for legitimate reasons.
Students in grades 9 thru 12 having more than ten(10) absences, INCLUDING EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED, per semester will not receive credit from Griffin Christian High School, except in cases of extenuating circumstances. The student bears the burden of requesting special consideration and providing required documentation when asking for special consideration in appealing absences.
The maximum number of absences allowed per year for 7th and 8th grade students is twenty (20). Any student with more than 20 absences will become ineligible to receive credit for the year’s work.
Students are expected to be in their classrooms and seated when the tardy bell rings. Students who are tardy to school must receive an admittance slip from the office before entering the classroom. Tardies will be marked either excused or unexcused. If a student accumulates five unexcused tardies in a quarter, a letter will be sent explaining that a $5.00 fee will be charged for each tardy until the conclusion of the quarter.
GCHS operates a closed campus policy. No student is permitted to leave school during the day without proper authorization from the school office. Students are not permitted to leave campus during breaks or lunch period.
In order for a student to leave campus early written permission from a parent/guardian must be presented to the office or someone from the office must speak to a legal guardian of the student. Early dismissals for personal matters (errands, job interviews, returning home for books, money, etc.) will be considered unexcused. Verifications of appointments may be requested by the administration.
For safety reasons, teachers cannot release students from their classrooms without authorization from the school office. Anyone checking out a student must sign the student out in the office before the student will be permitted to leave the classroom.
Chapel
One of the main purposes of GCHS is to help students grow spiritually. Chapel services, which are held on a regularly scheduled basis, are an integral part of this growth process. Students are expected to bring their Bible to each chapel service as well as exhibit correct posture and respect for the program and speaker.
Retention/Promotion
No student in 7th and 8th grades will be promoted to the next grade if two or more major subjects are failed. Major subjects include math, English, history, and science.
The chart below gives a listing of the number of units needed for promotion and/or graduation for grades 9-12:
Grade Units
9 5
10 10
11 15
12 22
Grading Scale
The following grading scale is used by GCHS for all students in grades 7-12:
A – (90-100)
B – (80-89)
C – (75-79)
D – (70-74)
F – (69 and below)
All students in grades 7 – 12 must take all final exams first semester. However, second semester students may be exempted from final exams in classes where they have maintained a 90% average throughout the semester and have no more than 5 absences from that class. This includes absences due to unexcused tardies.
Final exams will be comprehensive and cover all material taught during the semester grading period.
Students exempt from finals will not be required to attend that class on the day of the final.
Students who do not meet exemption eligibility are encouraged to make every attempt to be in attendance during final exams. Students who are absent on the day that they are to take a final exam must present a doctor’s excuse to the office. Unexcused absences will result in the student receiving a zero on any missed exams.
In addition, students must be on time for their exams. Students will not be admitted to enter a classroom once the exam has begun. This is considered unexcused and the student will not be allowed to make up the exam.
Dress code for exams is the same as Friday Dress Down Days. This means no holes or rips in clothing, no bare midriff, no flip flops, etc. Students will not be allowed to take final exam unless they meet dress code requirements.
In addition, students are not allowed to take final exams until all debts are cleared in the office and all sports uniforms are returned. Students will be notified that they have debts the week before exams. Any missed exams due to debts will be considered unexcused and a zero will be given.
The school year is divided into two semesters. Final reports are issued at the end of each semester to give the student and the parents an indication of the student’s overall academic progress in each subject area.
In addition to semester reports, a progress report will be issued at the end of each nine-week period. These reports represent the student’s cumulative progress to that point and are not a part of the student’s permanent record.
Mid-quarter deficiency reports are issued for students whose work level indicates poor or failing performances. This report serves to give the student and the parents a warning that if work is not improved the student will receive a poor or failing grade.
Extracurricular Eligibility
In order to participate in extracurricular activities, students must have passed five classes the previous semester. In order to continue participation, students must be passing five classes each nine week period. Students not meeting these requirements at each six week period are placed on three weeks probation. They may practice and play with the team at the discretion of the parents and the coach.
If after the three week period, the student has failed to achieve the necessary academic standards, he is not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities for the remainder of the semester. If a student has an Incomplete on his/her record, he is not to practice or play until the work is completed and cleared through the Academic Office.
If after the three week period the student has improved academically so that they meet requirements, they will be allowed to participate in all games. However, grades will be checked again at the next period in which it is expected that they still be meet requirements. If not, they again go on probation for another three week period.
Students who display attitude and/or behavioral problems may be disqualified from participating in sports, even though they may be academically eligible. The administrator reserves the right to suspend or remove from a team any student considered to be out of compliance with the philosophy or guidelines of the school.
Withdrawals/Transcripts
Transcripts and other information from a student’s permanent record will be released by GCHS to educational institutions in compliance with their admission requirements once a student is considered to be officially withdrawn. In order to be considered officially withdrawn, parents must complete and sign a withdrawal form. Additionally, all school-owned books and monies owed (tuition, books, lunches, library fines, etc.) must be paid before a student is officially withdrawn.
Refund of Tuition and Fees
Should a student withdraw or be dismissed, there will be no refund of tuition of any month which the student has attended one or more days. Likewise, there will be no refund of any portion of the registration fee or book fees.
GCHS does not release any unused tests should a student withdraw or be dismissed, nor is there reimbursement for the same. Also, students who use school-owned textbooks will not be allowed to use them following withdrawal or dismissal; nor is any portion of the user fee reimbursed.
Insurance
Each child is covered during school hours and school sponsored activities. The policy is a “full excess” policy – benefits are payable for covered expenses that are not recoverable from another plan providing medical expense benefits (as described in the Master Policy) to the applicable maximum. Please be advised that if you wish to purchase twenty-four hour coverage, you should consult your personal insurance representative. Any claims must be filed within ninety days of the accident. In case of accident, notify the school office immediately.
Lunches
Students are permitted to bring a sack lunch or they may purchase meals provided in the cafeteria. Food Services is a separate operation from the school but cooperates with the school to provide nutritious lunches to our students at a reasonable price. It should be noted that Food Services does not receive government subsidies, nor was it established to create profits. Lunch costs and options available are announced prior to the beginning of each school year.
Lockers
If demand exceeds availability, students may be asked to share lockers. The student(s) assigned the locker are responsible for damage done to it. Students are urged to secure their lockers with a lock. Lock numbers and combinations are to be registered in the school office. GCHS is not responsible for any items missing from lockers. No student should enter another student’s locker without permission.
Lockers are to be closed and locked during classes. Only items/pictures in harmony with the standards of GCHS are permitted on and inside lockers. Food and drink items are not to be left in the lockers overnight. The administration will inspect lockers periodically. Anything contrary to the standards of GCHS will be removed by the administration.
Miscellaneous Fees
There will be miscellaneous expenses for class parties, school activities, supplies, and events such as field trips. Individual teachers will notify parents of their students about these fees in advance.
Use of School Telephones
School telephones are business telephones and are not to be used for personal conversations. Students must use the telephone in the school office when it is necessary to make a call. No student is permitted to use any of the other telephones on campus. No student will be called to the telephone unless it is an emergency.
Cell Phones
It is against school policy for students to use cell phones during the school day. If students own cell phones, they are encouraged to keep them either in their vehicle or in their locker during school hours. Students may use the phone in the office when needing to make a call. In addition, parents needing to talk to or leave a message for their student may call the school office where the office staff will be happy to assist them.
Inclement Weather Policy
When severe cold weather, icing conditions, or snow creates unsafe conditions, GCHS will be closed.
Announcements of such closing will be made on the following:
Radio – WKEU (Griffin) FM – 97.9, AM – 1450
Television – (Atlanta) WSB, Channel 2
Usually when the Griffin-Spalding county school system closes for inclement weather, GCHS does also. However, some of their closings are related to the effect of the weather on their mass transportation system and will not affect us. Please verify our closing by listening to the media.
Visitors
The campus of GCHS is a closed campus for the safety and protection of our students, faculty, and staff. ALL visitors must report to the school office for a Visitor’s Pass. No one should go directly to a classroom or to any other area of the campus without a pass.
All visitors and parents are expected to abide by the rules of GCHS when on campus. This includes appropriate clothing and also the rule prohibiting the use of tobacco on campus and on field trips.
Due to limited space, students are not allowed to bring visitors or guests with them to school.
Parent Conferences
All GCHS faculty members appreciate and encourage parent conferences. Any time a parent feels a need to meet with a teacher, he/she should contact the teacher via e-mail or 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 message for the teacher to return his/her call during the teacher’s free period or after school.
Parents who desire a conference with the principal in regard to a conflict or issue involving a teacher should first schedule a conference with the teacher. Following this conference, should the conflict remain unresolved, the parent should contact the principal for a conference.
Fire and Severe Weather Drills
In accordance with state laws, GCHS conducts fire and severe weather drills to prepare students, faculty, and staff for emergency situations. All students will be expected to regard these drills seriously and follow instructions given concerning them.
Lost and Found
Students are responsible for their personal property; the school does not accept any responsibility for students’ property. Students are cautioned not to bring valuables or large amounts of money to school. Students are encouraged to label all personal items with their name. Students who find lost articles are instructed to take them to the school office to the placed in the “Lost and Found”. Lost articles, which are not claimed within a reasonable time, will be given away.
A note of explanation from the sponsoring faculty member will precede all field trips sponsored by GCHS. The following policies apply to field trips:
1) Students and parents who attend are required to adhere to school policies with respect to conduct and appearance.
2) A fee may be assessed to cover transportation, expenses, and/or admission costs.
Students must be in dress code to attend class.
Students are expected to be in dress code when they enter the building in the morning and should remain in dress code the entire time on campus, including lunch, but excluding physical education. The dress code is applicable at all times when students are on campus and off campus for school sponsored or school-related activities. Students in violation of the dress code on Monday through Thursday will lose the privilege of dressing down on Friday of that week.
Boys
Pants/Shorts - any type of trousers or slacks in good condition and without holes, rips, and tears are acceptable. Shorts are permissible as long as they are dress shorts (no athletic, cargo, etc.) and the hem length is no more than two inches above the top of the knee. Trousers and shorts will be worn at the normal waistline as defined by the administration. Athletic pants and sweatpants are considered inappropriate.
Shirts – button down, golf/polo style, and/or turtlenecks are acceptable. Shirts must be tucked into pants. Sweaters and nice sweatshirts may be worn during cold winter months. T-shirts are not acceptable. Outside selvages, seams, frays, etc. are not permissible.
Shoes – casual sport shoes, loafers, deck shoes, dress boots, dress shoes, or tennis shoes. No thong sandals, flip-flops or soccer sandals will be allowed at any time.
Girls
Dress/Skirts/Pants/Shorts – conservative dresses, skirts, skorts, pants and shorts in good condition without holes, rips, tears or frays are acceptable. Hem length is to be no more than two inches above the top of the knee. Slits in skirts may be no more than two inches above the top of the knee. Skirts and pants that are tight are not permissible. Shorts are permissible as long as they are dress shorts (no athletic, cargo, etc.) and the hem length is no more than two inches above the top of the knee. Athletic and sweatpants are considered inappropriate.
Shirts/Blouses – modest shirts and blouses with collars are to be worn. Additionally, no shirts should contain any writing or pictures. T-shirts worn over collared shirts are not acceptable. Sweaters or nice sweatshirts may be worn during the cold winter months. All shirts should cover the upper portion of the arm. Bare midriffs will not be allowed. The length of shirts and blouses should be long enough that when hands are raised above the head the mid-drift does not show. All shirts and blouses should be modest. Low cut necklines will not be considered appropriate. Outside selvages, seams, frays, etc. are not permissible.
Shoes – casual sports shoes, flats, sandals, dress boots, dress shoes, or tennis shoes may be worn. No thong sandals or flip-flops will be allowed.
The following items pertain to both male and female students:
1. No hats, caps, bandanas, headbands, or other headgear shall be worn inside the buildings.
2. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the buildings.
3. Hairstyles for both male and female students must be of a conservative nature. Hairstyles that reflect worldly fads such as rat-tail or designs cut in the hair, dyed hair that is not a natural color, etc. is not acceptable.
A. (Male Students) Hair shall be no longer on the sides than the bottom of the ear and will not be below the collar of the shirt. Hair should also not come below the eyebrows.
B. Nonconformity to the above could result in suspension until the hair cut conforms to GCHS standards.
4. Body piercing, other than traditional earrings for girls, will not be acceptable.
5. All visible clothing must meet GCHS standards.
6. Male students are to remain clean shaven. Sideburns may not come below the bottom of the ear.
7. Tattoos (permanent or temporary) are not allowed.
8. Blankets are not acceptable.
The administration realizes that the previous information is not all-inclusive but is given for specific situations. While the Scriptures do not give explicit instructions for one’s apparel or hairstyle, we are instructed in the Scriptures that we should seek to honor Christ in our lives. Our appearance is a very integral part of our lives. The dress code is not created just for the purpose of having more rules but is designed to provide guidelines for acceptable dress. It should also be remembered that a part of our growth is submission to authority. While not everyone will agree with all of the dress code, it is necessary that everyone abide by it.
Dress Down Fridays
On Fridays students will be allowed dress down days. On these days only, students will be allowed to wear jeans or athletic pants; however, they must not be faded of frayed or have patches or holes. T-shirts may have a sports team or logo. Christian shirts are also permissible (no shirts advertising Christian bands.) Shirts w/ cliché type sayings are not allowed. Sleeves should cover the upper portion of the arm. No camouflage trousers, shirts, or other garments of this type shall be worn in the classroom.
Items Not Allowed
Griffin Christian High School believes in having high standards for student learning. It is also believed that the following items distract from the learning process. Therefore, students are asked not to have the following items on campus. If students choose to bring them on campus, the first time they will be taken from the student and given to them at the end of the day. Each subsequent time, students will receive detention.
Items not allowed are as follows:
1) Any type of playing cards/dice/etc.
2) MP3 Players
3) Electronic games
4) Laptops
5) Cell phones (in use)
6) CD players and headphones
7) Portable DVD players
8) Other items deemed to be distracting
Discipline Philosophy & Procedures
In order to provide an environment that fosters spiritual and academic growth for each student, the GCHS administrative body has adopted a standard of behavior. Our goal is to clearly define the school’s standard 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.
Definitions
The discipline policy relates to all school activities.
Points – Points are issued based on the structure explained below to deal with violations of the guidelines of GCHS. It is also a way of identifying recurring problems, as well as, keeping parents, students, and teachers informed regarding a student’s disciplinary status. The goal of the point system is preventative.
Detention- A detention is a period of time when the student is required to remain after school due to a disciplinary matter. There will be a charge of $5.00 per detention. Notification of a detention will be sent home in written form. The form must be signed by a parent and returned the following day. The parents are responsible for transportation of the student after the detention is served. Note: assigning an immediate detention rather than points may be used to address a more serious problem.
Saturday Detention – Saturday detention will be served from 7:30AM – 10:30 AM at the cost of $35.00 to pay for the supervisor. During this time, students may be required clean up around the building and/or campus, and/or given a writing assignment concerning their behavior,
In-School Suspension – During an in-school suspension, a student comes to school but remains apart from his/her regular classes for the day. He/she is required to complete the assigned work for the day. There will be a $50.00 charge to cover the need for a substitute to monitor the student.
Out-of-School Suspension – Out-of-School Suspension means a student is not allowed to attend class or participate in any GCHS activity. Students are not allowed to make up assignments for out-of-school suspensions and zeros will be given for any work missed.
Expulsion – Students may be expelled from GCHS or refused permission to return the following year for continual disobedience, or for offenses which threaten the safety, order, or moral and spiritual well-being of GCHS. Expulsions may be issued for the remainder of a school year or may be permanent.
Forty-eight Hour Appeal Policy – Once a student receives points, the student has forty-eight hours to appeal. Appeal must be in writing. The response to the appeal will be returned in writing as well.
|
Points |
Consequences |
|
5 |
One day detention |
|
10 |
Two days detention |
|
20 |
Saturday Detention |
|
25 |
One day In-School Suspension |
|
30 |
Two days In-School Suspension |
|
40 |
One day Out-of-School Suspension |
|
50 |
Two days Out-of School Suspension |
|
55 |
Three days Out-of-School Suspension |
|
60 |
Expulsion |
Intermediate Offenses:
Accidental Destruction/Defacing of School Property 10 points + cost
Cheating 10 points
+ zero on assignment
Chapel disturbance 5 points
Disrespect to another student 5 points
Disrespect to staff member 10 points
Disruption of class (repeated) 5 points
Dress Code Violation (excessive) 5 points
Failure to complete teacher assigned punishment 5 points
Forgery 10 points
Excessive Tardies to class 5 points
Inappropriate Communication (spoken, written, or read) 10 points
Kissing 10 points
Skipping Classes 10 points
Unnecessary show of affection/personal contact 5 points
Unnecessary show of affection (after warning) 10 points
Repeated failure to comply with school rules 5 points
*Additional offenses for same behaviors will result in additional points. For instance, the first time a student is disciplined for excessive dress code violations, they will receive 5 points, the second time 10 points, the third time 20 points, etc.
Serious Offenses:
Deliberate Defacing/Destruction of School Property 20 points + cost
Class or School Disruption (fireworks, stinkbombs, 20 points
Pulling fire alarm, etc.)
Fighting 30 points
Leaving School Grounds without Permission 20 points
Having/Viewing Lewd/Pornographic Material 40 points
Stealing 40 points
Expulsion Offenses: The following offenses will result in immediate, indefinite expulsion from school. Students expelled from Griffin Christian High School will not be permitted admission into any GCHS activities for the remainder of the school year in which they were dismissed. This includes all sporting events, Junior/Senior Banquet, concerts, etc.
Smoking/Drugs/Alcohol
A student shall not possess, sell, use, distribute or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, or marijuana of any kind or any substance set out or controlled under and by virtue of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
A student shall not use, possess, or distribute any over-the-counter drug (in any manner other than directed on the original container of the over-the-counter drug for the purpose of becoming intoxicated or for mood altering purpose) or any substance under the pretense that it is a controlled substance. Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered pharmacist or licensed medical doctor shall not be considered a violation of this rule, provided it is used by the person named in the prescription in the manner directed in the prescription.
A student shall not use, possess, or distribute any tobacco products, lighters, or matches.
Having a weapon on school property:
A student shall not possess, handle, or distribute a knife, machete, razor, ice pick, explosive, loaded cane, sword cane, or firearms, including pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, BB gun, or other object that reasonably can be considered a weapon including but not limited to objects that appear to be weapons and may be possessed, handled, distributed, or transmitted in a manner indicating that they are in fact weapons.
Physical harm to another person:
A student shall not commit an assault or a battery upon any teacher, other school official, school employee, or student.
A student shall not cause, or threaten or attempt to cause physical injury, or behave in such a manner as could reasonably be apprehended to cause an assault, battery or physical injury to a teacher, other school official, school employee, or student.
Sexual immorality
Improper sexual conduct/sexual harassment of another student:
Students shall not harass other students or any school employee through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include but is not limited to the following:
1) Verbal harassment or abuse
2) Pressure for sexual activity
3) Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications
4) Unwelcome touching
Note: Any student arrested by a law enforcement agency and convicted of a crime (other than minor traffic violations) will be dismissed from GCHS. An arrest for a major crime will result in immediate expulsion.
The following rules and guidelines are to be followed by students who drive their own vehicles to school. Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in denial of driving privileges.
1) Allow plenty of time to arrive at school early since traffic can be heavy in the mornings. Any student who accumulates five tardies in a nine-week period will lose his/her driving privileges for two weeks.
2) Park in assigned parking places on the east side of the school building.
3) Once on campus, students are not allowed to sit in parked cars or congregate in the parking lot.
4) No loud music from the vehicle will be tolerated.
5) All vehicles should be locked.
6) Students are not allowed to return to their cars or to drive their cars during the school day without permission from the school office.
7) Students must not allow another student to ride in their car without written permission from both sets of parents.
8) Speeding and/or reckless driving in any form will not be tolerated on the GCHS campus.
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 administration a letter from the college registrar or college admissions office stating that the student has visited the campus.
All college visits for other underclassmen are unexcused. Underclassmen are urged to use teacher in-service days and weekends for any travel to colleges.
Graduation Requirements
The Georgia Department of Education requires that students receive 22 units in order to be eligible for graduation. Each unit is equivalent to one year of study. Students receive ½ unit for each passing semester grade. Required are 4 units of English, 4 units of math, 3 units of science, 3 units of social studies, plus ½ unit each of health and physical education, 1 unit of fine arts, and 2 units of foreign language. The remainder of units are earned through elective classes.
Repeating Courses
Students must pass both semesters in any given subject to receive 1 unit of credit. If a student passes a given subject first semester, but fails that same subject second semester, the failing semester must be made up before credit can be awarded for that class. Information concerning options for credit recovery is sent home with semester report cards. Students who choose to make up failed courses at GCHS at another time will be scheduled for those classes based on availability, only after all other students are scheduled.
Graduation
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. Parents of seniors who are in jeopardy of not graduating will be advised of their child’s status.
College Entrance Examinations
Registration materials for college entrance tests are available in the administrator’s office. The American College Testing Program (ACT) is required by some state colleges and universities while the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is required by the state colleges and universities of Georgia and many other states. It is strongly recommended that students take the SAT or ACT at the end of their 10th grade year. Information concerning dates, times, and places for these college entrance examinations are available in the office.
Dual Enrollment
Junior and Senior students at GCHS are allowed to take courses for college credit on nearby college campuses. The following criteria must be met in order for students to participate in dual enrollment:
1. Only juniors and seniors may apply for dual enrollment.
2. Applicants for dual enrollment must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
3. Students who apply for dual enrollment must have positive teacher recommendations.
4. Any schedule of courses to be attempted off campus must be approved by the administration of GCHS.
5. Students must submit grades from the college to the office as soon as they are received by the student. Students can not make less than a “C” in any class in order to be permitted to continue dual enrollment.
Request to Send Transcripts
Students must complete a request to send transcripts to have transcripts sent to a post-secondary institution. This includes final transcripts. Once the request has been received, the office will mail the official transcript within two business days.
I have read the Griffin Christian High School Handbook in its entirety. I have additionally been fully briefed on and understand the policies. I realize that in signing this document I agree to abide by the policies stated therein.
Date_________________
Student’s Name (Print)__________________________________________
Student’s Signature_____________________________________________
Grade____________
I have read the Griffin Christian High School Handbook in its entirety. I understand that as a parent of a GCHS student I share the responsibility of ensuring that my child abides by the rules set forth in the handbook. By signing, I agree to fully cooperate with the standards and guidelines therein.
Date_________________
Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________