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 Student Handbook Jacksonville Adventist Academy
2009-2010 Student Handbook MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Jacksonville Adventist Academy is to provide a Christian Seventh-day Adventist environment in which youth may mature and develop spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially. In harmony with this purpose, students are provided with the opportunity to pursue college preparatory and general study programs which prepare them for lifelong learning, expanded career opportunities and enriched and productive lives in the service of God, the church and their fellow man.
PHILOSOPHY
Jacksonville Adventist Academy has been established to provide Christian education for students from Pre-K – 8th grade with grades 9 through 12 offered by distance learning. Policies are written by the JAA School Board in harmony with the principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the standards of the Florida Conference Office of Education. Jacksonville Adventist Academy realizes its responsibility to guide each student in developing a meaningful relationship with God, country, community, family and self. One’s social behavior with each of these entities determines, in part, his or her success in life. We believe that God is the Creator and sustainer of the universe and the source of knowledge and wisdom.
The objective of education, which begins on earth and continues in Heaven, is to restore God’s image in man and to help bring him back to his original perfection in body, mind and character. So important is this work to rehabilitate man that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to become the teacher of mankind. Jacksonville Adventist Academy hopes to have a part in this restoration of man, by directing students to Christ, our onlyRedeemer, and by nurturing in them a desire to serve Christ on earth by serving their fellow man. Through this restoration, man willthus be fitted for life in the New Earth, where again he will be united with God.
Believing that God is the source of all true knowledge and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Jacksonville Adventist Academy emphasizes the need to see the hand of God in all areas of study – in humanities, because history is really His story, and in the sciences, because all true science speaks of Him who set in operation the laws governing our world.
Claiming His promises to make His children the head and not the tail, we believe in preparing our students in the most extensive way, through a rigorous academic curriculum. We believe students should be challenged to the limit of their God-given abilities. Thus, they receive the training that will qualify them to become leaders in their communities and in their churches.
Realizing that the joy of living is found to a great degree in the dignity of labor, Jacksonville Adventist Academy teaches health and physical culture to complete its program of physical education. Education has a broader base than a particular course of study; it also involves the character development and personal adjustment of the individual as a responsible, participating person in his/her community and nation. It is the harmonious development of the physical, mental, social and spiritual powers. Education prepares the student for the joys of service in the world to come.
SPIRITUAL OBJECTIVES
- Help the student develop a Christian philosophy based on sound spiritual principles.
- Provide an environment conducive to the development of Christian character.
- Develop an appreciation for understanding the Bible as the written Word of God, an infallible rule of faith and practice for the Christian.
- Give practical and theoretical knowledge of God’s plan for our world.
- Help students realize that cooperation with God’s plan for their lives brings the greatest satisfaction.
- Acquaint the student with the specific doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and their unique contribution to Christianity.
ACADEMIC OBJECTIVES
- Develop a strong scholastic foundation for those continuing formal education.
- Develop basic skills; the ability to speak clearly, to read efficiently, to write effectively with accuracy, self-discipline and the responsibility necessary to be a useful citizen.
- Develop in the student recognition that God is the center of the universe of all knowledge and that all true knowledge comes from Him.
- Encourage the student to continue intellectual development as a means to further his understanding of God and God’s plan for him/her in this world.
- Provide an educational program which challenges each student to educational excellence within the parameters of their interest, needs and abilities.
SOCIAL OBJECTIVES
- Develop Christian social graces regarding dress, language and decorum.
- Develop acceptable social behavior in society.
- Develop citizens who have an interest in their community and country.
- Help students develop a personal concern for their fellow man, recognizing the intrinsic value of every
individual.
- Help the student develop, recognize and accept his/her civic responsibilities.
-Help the student develop the characteristics essential for the acceptance of Christian home responsibilities.
- Develop an aesthetic and intellectual appreciation for proper cultural values.
- Enable students to develop appreciation of the many ethnic cultures.
VOCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
- Provide opportunities for students to develop appreciation for the value and dignity of labor by incorporating useful work as an intrinsic part of the total learning experiences.
- Develop the ability to accept responsibility and demonstrate efficiency in carrying out assigned tasks and following instructions.
- Teach the importance of faithfulness in work responsibilities.
ACADEMICS
Grade Reports: Grade reports are issued to parents or guardians and to students at the close of each nine week grading period. All semester grades are recorded by the school on the student’s permanent record. For any grade below a “C” a midterm report will be sent to parents at the midpoint in the nine-week grading period to alert them of the potential problem.
Grading System: Letter grades are used for classes having the following numerical values in computing grade point averages:
Primary: E: Excellent (Independent) N: Non-Satisfactory (Needs for major improvement)
S: Satisfactory (At grade level) I: Incomplete
Intermediate: A: 90-100 B: 80-89
C: 70-79 D: 60-69
F: 59 or below I: Incomplete
G.P.A.: A 4.0 C 2.0
A- 3.7 C- 1.7
B+ 3.3 D+ 1.3
B 3.0 D 1.0
B- 2.7 D- 0.7
C+ 2.3 F 0.0
Academic Probation: The teacher, with permission from the principal, has the discretion to put students who are performing below satisfactory level on academic probation.
If a student is consistently receiving D’s and/or F’s on school work, he/she will be placed under academic probation. The student will have one nine week grading period to improve his/her grades. At the end of this time period, the student’s grades will be re-evaluated. If his/her grades have not improved, a conference will be setup with the principal and the student’s parents to discuss further options.
Incomplete: A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is given when, for legitimate reasons, the student is unable to do sufficient work in any given class to receive a satisfactory grade. Class incompletes must be removed within two weeks after the semester has ended, except by action of the principal. If work is not made up at the end of the specified class, the principal will request a grade from the teacher on the work completed.
Sports or Extra-Curricular Eligibility: Any student belonging to any touring organization or participating in extracurricular programs (e.g. yearbook, drama) must maintain passing grades. To be eligible at each 4 ½ week period a student must have:
A. No F’s.
B. No more than (1) D in any subject.
C. If a student receives an F or a D, he/she must work within teacher designated guidelines to bring the grade up to a C or better. Once the grade is improved the student may again participate.
Textbooks & Supplies:
A. Textbooks are the responsibility of the student and will be handed out on the first day of each new school year. They are to be turned in at the end of the school year in good condition, or the student will be charged replacement cost.
B. Students must have their own supplies (books, paper, writing utensils, etc.) at all times unless provided by the teacher.
C. Students who continually attend class unprepared by not having all required supplies are subject to deductions in grades and/or other consequences decided upon by his/her teacher.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
Who may attend: Jacksonville Adventist Academy welcomes applications from young people of all backgrounds whose principles and interests are in harmony with the ideals and standards of the Academy as expressed in this book. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not required, but it is understood that everyone who presents themselves for admission thereby pledges to observe the regulations of the school. JAA is not equipped to handle young people who have major behavioral or scholastic problems.
Each year the admissions committee will make a formal recommendation to the school board regarding the acceptance of new and existing students. Recommendations are based on academic, behavioral, and any other requirements set forth by the student’s previous year teacher(s).
Students are considered for admittance into school membership after filling out the application in detail and sending it and the required recommendations to the school. When the recommendations have all been received, the application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applications are not complete until all the following items have been received by the Academy:
A. A signed application form filled out honestly and completely.
B. The application fee required to reserve your child’s spot in his/her class.
C. A copy of their final report card stating successful completion of previous grade level and a complete transcript of past credits earned, if they have previously attended another secondary school. Transcripts must be on file within three weeks of admission. The student may attend classes on a probationary basis during this time. If the transcripts are not received within three weeks, the student will be suspended from classes until it arrives.
D. A grade placement test for new applicants.
E. New applicants must have a recommendation form, to be completed by a current teacher, counselor or principal.
F. The Financial Contract must be signed by the parent or guardian. We have retained the services of the FACTS Tuition Management Company. All accounts will have their tuition deducted electronically from their bank accounts every month unless the total tuition is paid in advance at the beginning of the school year or semester. If the financial agreement is not kept, a letter on the 10th and 20th of the month in question will be sent regarding outstanding balance. Afterwards, if there is still no compliance, the parents/guardians will be informed by the principal that their child or children cannot return to school until the bill is paid.
G. In compliance with state law, no student will be admitted to any classes unless an original current immunization record and physical examination record are on file in the Academy office. Please be aware that the processing of your application will be delayed until we receive the student’s medical records.
H. Each student shall provide:
1. A copy of the birth certificate and Social Security card on record in the student’s file.
2. A student medical treatment form with the school office signed by the parent or guardian on or before the day of enrollment.
I. All new students, parents and/or guardians, must have an interview with the principal before the admissions process is considered complete.
J. Students entering the 7th grade will need to meet the following requirements:
1. completed Hepatitis B Vaccine
2. a second measles vaccine (preferably MMR)
3. a Tetanus-Diphtheria booster
Changes in Student Information: It is the parents’ and student’s responsibility to keep the office informed of all changes concerning the student’s address, phone number, transportation, financial status, emergency information, name and any other pertinent information.
Pre-School & Elementary Admission: The entrance age for Pre-Kindergarten is four years by August 15 of the current school year. The age for admission into the Kindergarten is five years by August 15 of the current school year. The age for admission into the first grade is six years by August 15 of the current school year. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Florida Conference Office of Education which will base its consideration on the following:
A. A doctor’s written statement of the physical and emotional readiness of the child.
B. A high score on the Readiness Test.
C. A letter from the parents requesting that the August 15 date be waived.
A student having completed Kindergarten satisfactorily may be admitted to first grade. Any child who has been admitted to school before the age of six may need to spend more than one year to complete the first grade curriculum.
Registration: All students will begin their work with the regular classes at the opening of the school year.
Statement of Nondiscrimination: It is the policy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all its church-operated schools, including Jacksonville Adventist Academy, to admit students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and to make no discrimination on the basis of race in the administration of educational policies, applications for admission, scholarships or loan programs and athletic or extracurricular programs.
Orientation: Prior to the first day of school, an orientation will be held in order to communicate both school and classroom policies and procedures. All families are required to attend orientation. Attendance at orientation is mandatory for both students and parents/guardians.
ASSEMBLY
The chapel service is a valuable experience in learning reverence for God and His services. These assemblies are important in developing a proper school spirit as well as a spiritual atmosphere. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend Friday chapels.
ATTENDANCE
A. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Friday, school starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m.
B. Prompt and regular attendance at all classes, worships and assembly appointments is expected.
Absence Policy: In the event a student is absent from school, he/she, upon return, must present, in written form by the parent/guardian, an explanation for the absence. If an excuse has not been presented after two days, the absence will be recorded as un-excused with possible loss of academic credit for those days. Any work missed due to an un-excused absence may only be made up at the discretion of the teacher.
Excused and Un-excused Absences: One of the most important considerations of the attendance program is the relationship between attendance and scholastic achievement. This is reflected heavily in both current educational philosophies and present state law.
A. The only absences recognized as excusable are:
1. Sickness
2. Medical/Dental appointment
3. Death in the immediate family
4. Natural Disaster (storm, etc.)
5. A parental trip for which it is absolutely necessary for the student to miss the educational experience. This is considered a “planned absence.” For planned absences to be considered excused, parents and students must work within the guidelines prescribed by the classroom teacher regarding proper advance notice and make-up work completion.
All of the above must have a signed excuse by the parent or legal guardian within two days of returning to school. Otherwise, it will be treated as an unexcused absence.
B. Students will have one day to make up work for each day missed. Example, if a student misses two days, they have two days after they return to make up the work. If a student is absent on the day a test is given and had knowledge of the test prior to the absence, the student must take the test the day he/she returns. It is the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to obtain any missed work and complete it on time.
C. Students may not have more than 10 absences per semester. Those who exceed 10 absences may be subject to retention and review by the admissions committee.
Tardies: Tardies are disruptive to the classroom and also have an adverse effect on your child’s educational progress.
A. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their classroom by 8:00 a.m.
B. Students who have a consistent problem with tardiness to school or class will be handled with disciplinary consequences.
CLOSED CAMPUS
At no time may any student leave the campus without the permission and knowledge of the principal, administrative secretary, or teacher except at the regular prescribed times. Parents picking up their children early from school must sign their child out with the front office.
Junior High School Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Applying information and technology skills is an integral part of teaching and learing at Jacksonville Adventist Academy. The purpose of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy is to maintainthe safety and security of the school and all of its students, faculty, staff, and administration. The following provides guidelines for the expected use of all Jacksonville Adventist Academy technologies. These technologies include, but are not limited to:
- All audio, visual, and networked equipment or devices owned or maintained by Jacksonville Adventist Academy. -Any electronic equipment or device that makes use of or accesses any Jacksonville Adventist Academy. - Any personal electronic device accessible and used on the Jacksonville Adventist Academy campus to capture, send or recieve information. Internet Policy: Jacksonville Adventist Academy offers Internet access for student use. This document contains the Acceptable Use Policy for student use of the Internet. Also, the computer lab is equipped with a firewall to eliminate unwanted material from entering.
Educational Purpose: Use of the Internet has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term “educational purpose” includes classroom activities, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities. The Internet access has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Jacksonville Adventist Academy has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the rules set forth in this Acceptable Use Policy. You may not use the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet connection for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet connection.
Student Internet Access: All students will have access to Internet World Wide Web information resources through their classroom account. However, the Internet may only be accessed with direct knowledge of the teacher and when an adult is present in the room.
The student and his/her parent must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement to be granted permission to use the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet Connection. The parent or teacher can withdraw approval at any time.
Personal Safety:
A. You will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone, school address, work address, etc.
B. You will not agree to meet with someone you have met online without your parent’s approval. Your parent should accompany you to this meeting.
C. You will promptly disclose to your teacher or other school employee any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Illegal Activities:
A. You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet account or to any other computer system through your authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing”.
B. You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
System Security:
A. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person.
B. You will immediately notify a teacher or other school employee if you have identified a possible security problem.
Inappropriate Language:
A. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages and material posted on web pages. You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
B. You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
C. You will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, you must stop.
D. You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
Respect for Privacy:
A. You will not re-post a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message.
B. You will not post private information about another person.
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:
A. You will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
B. You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of the work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use a work, you should request permission from the copyright owner.
C. Copyright laws can be very confusing. If you have questions, ask a teacher.
Inappropriate Access to Material:
A. You will not use the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet connection to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature).
B. If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher or another school employee. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this Policy.
C. Your parents should instruct you if there is additional material that they think it would be inappropriate for you to access. The school fully expects that you will follow your parent’s instructions in this matter.
D. JAA has installed a filter system providing a customized, Christian security for all computers.
Privacy: You should expect only limited privacy in the contents of your personal files on the school’s computers. Routine maintenance and monitoring of school’s computers may lead to discovery that you have violated this Policy.
An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated this Policy or the law. Your teacher or parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of your e-mail files or other computer files.
Personal Responsibility: When you are using the Jacksonville Adventist Academy Internet connection, it may feel like you can more easily break a rule and not get caught. This is not really true because whenever you do something on a network you leave little “electronic footprints,” so the odds of getting caught are really about the same as they are in the real world. But the fact that you can do something or think you can do something without being caught does not make it right to do so. Even if you don’t get caught, there is always at least one person who will know whether you have done wrong – and that person is YOU. Your use of the Internet can be a mirror that will show you what kind of a person you are.
DISCIPLINE
Classroom discipline and behavior management will be managed by each teacher according to published Conference policies and procedures. For egregious offenses and/or when classroom procedures have been exhausted, a child will be referred to the principal. The principal and teachers may also involve the parents to aid in enforcing the provisions of the student handbook. A meeting of the disciplinary committee will be called by the principal in appropriate and necessary situations. Possible disciplinary actions may include but may not be limited to: time out, detention, after-school detention, in-school suspension, at-home suspension, expulsion, monetary fines, restitution, etc.
Students are responsible for their own behavior and are expected to exercise self-discipline. We believe that no student has the right, because of his or her undesirable behavior, to interfere with the teaching and learning of other students.
While this handbook is designed to provide clarity and consistency in the application of discipline, the Administration reserves the right to discipline every case based on unique circumstances that may arise. JAA also reserves the right at any time to dismiss a student whose behavior is out of harmony with the school’s goals and mission.
Once a student has broken a rule that requires disciplinary action, it is important for the student to learn the responsibility of consequences. JAA asks each parent to help in this learning process by supporting the decisions of the administration in the area of discipline.
Suspension:If a suspension is necessary, it will be at the discretion of the principal and/or the local School Board. Depending on circumstances, students may receive an at-home or in-school suspension.
Expulsion or Request to Withdraw: Expulsion, or a request by the Administration for a student’s withdrawal from JAA, is a consequence resulting from behavior clearly contrary to the school culture, this handbook, and continued discipline problems, which are not corrected after other disciplinary action has been applied. All expulsions are final.
A student who is expelled or asked to withdraw for disciplinary reasons may not be on-campus before, during, or after school nor attend any school events on JAA campus such as sporting events, programs, etc. without prior permission from the Administration.
The student may be permitted to apply for re-admission to JAA. The student must show a change in behavior and must fulfill all requirements of a new student. Re-admissions will be considered on an individual basis.
Student Conduct General Principles:Students of Jacksonville Adventist Academy should conduct themselves according to the following practices:
Be clean in body and mind.
Be conscientious in all you do.
Be friendly and considerate.
Be prompt to appointments.
Respect the rights of others.
Respect and obey those in authority.
Take care of your own property and respect property of others.
Uphold the standards of the SDA church.
Use good judgment in all you do. When in doubt, ask someone who knows.
DRESS CODE POLICY
Jacksonville Adventist Academy is committed to adopting a dress code that demonstrates modesty and is consistent and in harmony with the standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When representing JAA on or off campus, students shall not wear clothing or articles that will in any way differ from or reflect other than these Christian standards. Inappropriate T-shirt tops, Bermuda shorts, slacks, jeans, cut-offs and sweat suits are not permitted. Swimming attire must be a one-piece suit, modest and in good taste. No bikini swim suits are allowed. Bicycle pants are prohibited.
Uniforms: Uniforms have been adopted as the only appropriate dress for school. These must be purchased through the school approved vendor only.
A. BOYS: Shirts are to be worn tucked in.
B. GIRLS: Girls’ skirts, jumpers, shifts, skorts and shorts must at least come to the knees in front when standing tall.All grades are allowed to wear uniform shorts no higher than two inches above knees. Shirts/blouses are to be worn tucked in.
C. SHOES: Students must wear sneakers or closed toe shoes. Sandals are never permitted. “Tennis” shoes must be worn when dressed out for physical education class.
D. GYM CLOTHES: Grades 3-8 will be required to wear the official school P.E. uniform.
E. SHIRTS: Shirts worn under the required pull-over shirt must be solid white without any print showing through the outer shirt.
F. BELT: A belt is required for pants or shorts (grades 3-12 only).
G. OUTDOOR WEAR: There is no restriction on jackets, coats or sweaters for outdoor wear. The coat must be removed in the classroom and worn outside only. The following outerwear may be worn inside the school building: plain navy blue or JAA-logoed navy blue cardigans, sweaters, jackets or sweatshirts.
H. JEWLERY AND NAIL POLISH: For the purposes of uniformity and safety, jewelry of any kind, including friendship bracelets are not allowed. Girls who chose to wear nail polish must wear neutral colors only.
I. HAIR POLICY: Boys’ hair must not touch the collar, may not go past ¼” of the ear, or touch eyebrows. No unnatural, dyed or bleached hair.
Dress Code Violation: Students who violate the Dress Code must call their parents to bring a change of clothing or they will remain in the office serving an in-school detention for the day. Repeated infractions may result in detention, suspensions and/or probation.
EARLY DISMISSALS Students who need to be dismissed for ANY reason must bring a note signed by a parent. All students must be signed out through the school office by a parent.
EDUCATOR MISCONDUCT
It is the policy of
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Fire, severe weather and disaster drills are conducted regularly. Students should walk quietly and quickly to their class-assigned area when the alarm rings. Silence should be maintained until all students return to the classroom.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Christian T-shirt Day: On designated Christian T-shirt days, students may wear T-Shirts with a Christian message or picture.
Lost and Found: Please check with the office for lost items on a weekly basis. After 30 days, clothes not claimed will be donated. Please label all articles of clothing and other items sent to school with your child.
Music: Music which contains the following material is not within the spiritual and moral guidelines set forth by JAA and should not be found at school:
1. Sexually explicit and/or graphic lyrics
2. Satanic, occult and/or sacrilegious material.
3. Profane and/or vulgar language.
4. Violent and/or hateful lyrics.
5. Material degrading to any race, religion and/or sex.
Non-School Items:Students must obtain permission from the teacher before bringing to school such things as pets, special projects and items designed primarily for play. At no time will a student be permitted to bring to school such things as CD players, hand-held games, game boys, televisions, knives, firecrackers, matches or other things of this nature. Infraction of this rule may result in permanent loss of the article and dismissal from school.
Cell Phones: Students may not use cell phones unless given permission by a faculty or staff member.
Drugs and Weapons:Jacksonville Adventist Academy has zero-tolerance for any and all drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons of any kind.
Off-campus Requests: No student will be allowed off campus during school time or while in extended care unless with direct supervision by a faculty.
Sickness Policy: Students who are sick with a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea are not allowed in school. If a child becomes ill after school begins, the parents will be contacted and are responsible for having the child picked up as soon as possible. Students must be clear of the above-listed conditions for 24 hours before they are allowed to return to school.
Head Lice Policy:Students who develop head lice are not allowed in school. Students must be nit free and cleared through the front office before returning to the classroom.
Skateboards and Roller Blades:Students are not allowed to bring skateboards or roller blades to school nor ride them or skate near or on the grounds. “Heeley” shoes are not permitted.
Student Accident Insurance: Jacksonville Adventist Academy carries an accident insurance policy with Christian Educators Insurance Trust. Covered medical expenses include medical or surgical treatment, hospital confinement and services of a trained nurse for treatment commencing within 90 days of the date of accident and incurred within one year of the date of the first treatment. For more specific information, please request an insurance brochure from the secretary’s office.
Telephone: Teachers and students will not be called during school hours except in cases of emergency. Office phones are for school business only. The school will give its full cooperation in delivering necessary messages as promptly as possible. Please take care of all matters (e.g. transportation, lunches) prior to school.
Communication:Jacksonville Adventist Academy believes that communication between home and school is crucial. Each week, communication folders will be sent home with the student. These folders will contain vital information from the office and the classroom. Please take the time to read JAA’s weekly publication the “Eagle Eye” as well as any newsletter or other communication sent from your child’s teacher. Weekly communication folders contain a space for signature and should be sent back to school immediately after receipt and review.
Visitors: All visitors must check in with the office before entering the campus. Students wishing to bring guests on campus must secure permission at least a day in advance; otherwise, they will be asked to leave.
A. Parents, visitors and volunteers are asked to obtain a visitor’s badge through the front office as this is a safety measure for both the students and their teachers.
B. All school rules will apply to any visiting student.
Yearbook: Jacksonville Adventist Academy sponsors a yearbook. The yearbook sponsor will appoint the yearbook staff. Each student enrolled at JAA will receive a copy of the yearbook.
HOMEWORK
JAA believes that students cannot master their academic subjects without more experience than time in the classroom permits. In order to make academic progress, students are expected to complete ALL of the homework assignments and return them on time.
FIELD TRIPS
Authorized school trips such as field trips, promotional trips, planned by the Academy staff and sanctioned by the Administration, are considered class times. It is the responsibility of the staff members in charge of the group to make certain that all students in the organization have proper clearance with the school administration and to take the ‘Consent for Medical Treatment Forms’ on the trip for emergency purposes. All students must have signed permission slips in order to attend. No phone permissions are allowed.
A student may be excluded from a school trip for any of the following reasons:
1. Failure to meet deadline for funds.
2. Repeated behavioral problems in school.
3. Behavioral problems on a previous field trip.
Small fees may be charged to cover expenses of the trip. Fees for major field trips are non-refundable. Because activities and transportation for field trips are planned and purchased in advance, fees for field trips are non-refundable even if the student is unable to attend.
LIBRARY
The library contains valuable books and periodicals for both academic and personal enrichment purposes. It contains only those books which are in harmony with the distinctive academic and spiritual goals of the Academy.
1. Books may be checked out for two weeks.
2. There will be a fine for overdue books.
3. Reference books may not be checked out.
4. Students will be held responsible for books and charged for any loss or damage to the book.
LUNCHES
Students may bring or buy their own lunches. A vegetarian hot lunch program is available five days a week. A menu will be sent home on a monthly basis. Lunch and/or snack tickets may be purchased through the office from 7:45-8:00 a.m. daily. Drinks are included.
Only one snack ticket per day, per student is allowed to be redeemed.
PARENT-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP
No school is successful in teaching basic principles of life without the support and cooperation of the home and the church. The school’s success depends in a large measure upon the good faith and whole-hearted cooperation between parents and JAA staff, especially in regard to regulations essential to large group control but not to normal home management. Therefore, JAA believes that there should be a working relationship between the parent, pastor and school for the welfare and the continued growth of the student. Letters or phone calls from the school will not necessarily mean serious problems have arisen, but may indicate a desire to counsel together before a student faces serious difficulty.
Parents sometimes have questions concerning the school program of their child. Inquiries and parental visits to the campus are always encouraged by appointment. It is essential to maintain a positive relationship between the school and parents, guardians or others responsible for the student; therefore, every attempt will be made to achieve harmonious solutions to differences or misunderstandings. Failure to reach accord and receive positive support may result in a request that the student be withdrawn from the school program.
SCHOOL CLOSING
If the Duval County School System closes because of inclement weather, JAA will also close. School closings will be announced over the following television stations: Channel 12 (WTLV) and Channel 25 (WJXX). 88.1 (The Promise) will also be used to announce a school closing.
SEXUAL HARASSEMENT POLICY
It is important that JAA maintain a Christ-centered school environment characterized by human dignity, Christian courtesy, and individual respect. Sexual harassment should never be a part of that environment.
It should also be noted that sexual harassment constitutes illegal educational discrimination under Federal and State statutes, the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Title IX of the Education Reform Act Amendment of 1972.
Definition: Sexual harassment constitutes unwelcome sexual advances, sexual comments of any kind, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Examples:
1. Making threats of a sexual nature.
2. Touching in a sexual manner.
3. Sexual advances, gestures, contact, comments or jokes.
4. Displaying sexual pictures, photographs, cartoons or graffiti.
5. Making suggestive comments about a person’s anatomy.
Reporting: Persons who believe they are being sexually harassed should:
1. Tell the harasser to stop in clear language.
2. Report the incident(s) to the teacher or principal.
3. Report additional incidents, if they occur.
Discipline: Sexual harassment constitutes an infraction of JAA policies and becomes grounds for disciplinary action including:
1. Suspension. One to two days depending on the seriousness of the situation as determined by the JAA Administrative Council.
2. Dismissal.
Note: Successive violations are grounds for progressively severe disciplinary actions. Gross violations may result in immediate suspension or dismissal.
SPORTS
Interscholastic sports are offered on the middle school level. A sports participation fee will be assessed. Students may be asked to purchase other items in addition to the participation fee.
Jacksonville Adventist Academy, as a private institution, reserves the privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards for student conduct, dress, cleanliness and scholarship. JAA maintains the right to suspend or expel any student who violates the standards set down in this handbook, or other rules of conduct as defined by the Administration.
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4298 Livingston Rd
• Jacksonville, FL,
32257 • 904-268-2433
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