Student Information
School property
Students will carefully use and maintain school property. They are expected to pay for damages they cause to school equipment, supplies, and property. Students will be charged for lost supplies or equipment.
ECA students in grades 7 to 10 will be assigned lockers with combination locks. Lockers remain the property of the school and are subject to searches authorized by the school administration. Locker displays should be in harmony with the behavioral guidelines. Students are urged to keep their lockers clean at all times and to avoid sharing their locker combinations with others. All changes in lockers must be made with the permission of a staff member.
Students may not ride bicycles, skateboards, skates, rollerblades, or motorbikes on campus sidewalks, in corridors, or in playground areas.
The school does not assume responsibility for students who are playing on campus unless their activity is under the direct supervision of an authorized adult.
Students may not gain unauthorized or illegal entry into the school building or grounds, or into any room through the use of pass-keys, lock-picking, or entry through a window. Trespassers will be disciplined.
Telephone
The telephone by the front entrance is available for student use. The office telephone is for business use. Students will not be called to answer the phone except in the event of an emergency. Arrangements for personal or after-school activities should be made before coming to school.
Personal Property
Personally-owned cell phones, radios, CD, or tape players; televisions; electronic games; walkie-talkies; etc., are not permitted during school hours or on school-sponsored activities unless specifically approved for the event by a staff member. Unauthorized use of these items by a student may result in them being taken from the student and retained until retrieved by the student’s parent.
The school does not assume responsibility for damage or loss of personal property left on school premises.
The school discourages students from bringing large amounts of cash to school.
Any outside computer software is not permitted to be used on school computers.
Firearms and Weapons
Students are prohibited from bringing any firearm or weapon to school or to a school-sponsored activity. A student who possesses a weapon or who carries, exhibits, displays or draws any weapon or any object which can be mistaken as a weapon, or any item apparently capable of producing bodily harm in a manner which, under the circumstances, manifests an intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for the safety of others shall be subject to immediate discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion. Parents and the appropriate law enforcement agencies shall be notified. Appropriate counseling is required before the student returns to school.
Students should not bring distracting or dangerous items or weapons to school. This includes but is not limited to fireworks, firearms (real or imitation), pocket knives, sling shots, cigarette lighters, and matches.
Search and Seizure
Emerald Christian Academy reserves the right to search student lockers, desks, or personal belongings for objects or materials deemed noncompliant with school rules or which threaten the safety of the school or the students. Confiscated property will be returned at the discretion of the school administration.
Medications
Any student who is required to take medication during the school day that is physician-prescribed may be assisted by designated school personnel if the school receives:
* a written statement from the physician detailing the time schedules, amount, and method by which the medication is to be taken, and
* a written statement from the parent or guardian of the student indicating their desire that the school assist the student in matters set forth by the physician’s statement.
The prescribed medication must be delivered to the school in the original container bearing the pharmacy label. This label must contain the name and place of business of the seller, the serial number and the date of the prescription, the name of the person for whom the drug is prescribed, the name of the member of the medical profession who prescribed the drug, and must bear directions for use as prescribed by the member of the medical profession.
The school will not administer non-prescription drugs, including aspirin or Tylenol, without authorization from parent.
Sick Policy
Students with communicable/infectious diseases as defined by the State Health Division will be excluded from school attendance until they are no longer contagious/infectious. Common minor conditions such as a mild runny nose, ringworm, or cold sores are not a reason for school exclusion. A child with a fever must stay out of school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours. Exception: fevers due to non contagious conditions such as ear infections. A child with vomiting or diarrhea must stay out of school until vomiting and diarrhea have been gone for at least 24 hours. Children on antibiotics for a contagious condition such as pneumonia, strep throat, or pink-eye may return to school once they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. The school may require a physician’s statement before allowing a student with a contagious disease to return to school. Administrative policies for dealing with communicable/infectious diseases will be formulated, periodically reviewed, and communicated to students and their families as necessary.
Field Trips
Throughout the school year, teachers from all grade levels plan field trips that meet instructional goals. These trips are well planned and have specific itineraries. Buses are used to transport students. Usually field trips are announced well in advance of the activity date. Most field trips occur in the area of Lane County.
At times the Pleasant Hill SDA Church is used as an extension of the school campus and students walk to the church by crossing Zephyr Way.
Secure Campus
ECA implements a secure campus policy. Visitors, including parents, need to check in at the office before entering the school campus during school hours. Students may not leave the school grounds at any time during the school day unless signed out in the office by a parent or guardian. Examples include medical, business, or legal appointments and illness. It is the school’s goal to ensure student safety by knowing who is on the campus and by monitoring the whereabouts of students.
Classroom Video/DVD Viewing for Education/Entertainment
Students will be required to have a permission slip signed by parents in order to view any program with a rating of PG or more.
Student Guests
Students bringing guests must obtain administrative approval at least two days prior to the visit. Visitors shall abide by all school regulations. Loitering on or about the school property is forbidden by Oregon state law.
Attendance
The educational program at ECA involves continuity of instruction, class participation, practical learning experiences, and study. Regular class attendance is required of all students.
Regular and prompt attendance at all school appointments is expected of every student. The only valid excuses for absence from public or private school according to the State Manual are sickness or death in the family. Written excuses from the parent explaining the reason for the absence are to be sent to the teacher or office when the student returns to school.
Dental work and medical treatment should be attended to outside of school hours or planned to coincide with vacation.
Turning in written excuses for absences is the responsibility of the student. A pupil who is absent more than 20% of the total school days for a given period, for whatever cause, may have his grade negatively affected or may not receive credit for the class.
A minimum of a half day of attendance is required for participation in after school activities/sports.
Tardy Policy for Grades 7 to 10
A student is tardy if he/she is not present for class when the bell rings. Turning in written excuses for tardies is the responsibility of the student.
Student Vehicles
The safety of students, staff members, and campus visitors is of paramount importance. Therefore, students operating motor vehicles are expected to drive carefully at all times, observing all laws and speed limits while driving on school property and in the community.
Any vehicle parked on campus shall be parked in marked spaces in the school parking lot. The school does not assume responsibility for any damage or loss to vehicles.
Student vehicles may be used during school hours only by permission of the school administration. Students may not borrow another student’s vehicle. Students may ride to or from school with a student driver if written permission is obtained from both the driver’s and the passenger’s parents.
Student Behavioral Guidelines
Philosophy
Acceptable behavior is essential to the development of responsible and self-disciplined students and to the implementation of an effective school program. Positive behavior is based on respect for self and for others. Development of such behavior is a cooperative function of the home, the church, and the school.
ECA’s mission is that students love God, value learning, and serve others. The purpose of the behavioral policy is to help students fulfill the three aspects of the mission statement and to provide opportunity for the student to develop in the areas of self-discipline and decision making. The intent of this policy is to foster appropriate student behavior, not the punishment of students.
Students Expectations and Responsibilities
ECA students are expected to conduct themselves as courteous Christian young people. They pledge to willingly observe all school regulations and to uphold the Christian principles for which the school stands. Behavior expectations apply for all school activities, including but not limited to bus rides, field trips, and off-campus activities.
Students shall:
* behave in ways that promote a positive learning environment and refrain from disorderly behavior
* show respect for the responsibility of staff members to carry out the mission, policies, and procedures of the school
* be considerate of and promote the safety of others
* be considerate of and carefully maintain the property of students, teachers, and the school
* not use tobacco or liquor in any form or any habit-forming or illegal drugs
* not use profane language and literature or unbecoming behavior
Promoting Self-discipline
Students are to take responsibility for meeting school expectations through their behavior and decisions. A student may be given consequences to encourage a change in behavior or to resolve a situation. Consequences of minor misconduct include but are not limited to detention; loss of privileges; and restriction from after-school sports, social events, intramurals, and field trips. A major behavior incident or repeated minor incidences may result in suspension, withdrawal, or expulsion. The opportunity for a suspended student to complete missed class assignments and activities is at the discretion of the teacher(s).
Withdrawal and Re-admission
Students may be requested to withdraw from school for any of the following reasons:
* the student’s connection with the school is no longer profitable to the student
* the student’s influence is detrimental to other students
* previous attempts to help the student have not brought about the necessary changes or results as identified through the behavioral change process
Students who have been asked to withdraw may reapply the following school year. The Student Review Committee will determine if the student will be re-admitted and under what conditions. Students who do not voluntarily withdraw when requested to do so will be subject to expulsion by the school board.
Dress Guidelines
Dress and grooming often reflect both a person’s philosophy of life and emotional maturity. A person’s outward appearance can affect their conduct, influence on others, and success in life.
Students at ECA are expected to dress in ways that are consistent with the dress code. Dress guidelines apply for all on- or off-campus school activities during or after school hours unless otherwise specified by a staff member. Student visitors are also expected to conform to these dress guidelines.
* Clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair.
* Clothing should be made of durable material. Undershirt type T-shirts, tank tops, midriff baring shirts or pants, or shirts with offensive slogans are considered inappropriate school wear. Picture shirts in good taste are acceptable.
* Shirts, skirts, shorts, and pants are to be of modest length and fit. Spandex type material or tight fitting clothing is not appropriate.
* Appropriate Clothing for PE includes tennis/running shoes; athletic shorts/pants; T-shirt/sweatshirt of appropriate length as stated above. PE clothing should only be worn during PE class or recreation time.
* For safety and insurance reasons, appropriate footwear is required for all occasions. Flip-flops/thongs are not appropriate footwear.
* Hair should be neat, clean, and well-groomed, avoiding extreme styles.
* Hats are to be worn forward. Hats are not acceptable classroom attire.
* Jewelry, conspicuous cosmetics, and faddish or gang-related clothing may not to be worn to school or school-sponsored functions.
* Band & Choir members will wear designated uniforms at the discretion of the Band/Choir Directors.
* A School logo shirt will be required to be worn on days assigned by the administration or faculty (such as chapel days and field trips).
The staff members reserve the right to interpret the dress code. A student may be asked to change his clothes if a staff member deems the clothing to be inappropriate for school or school-sponsored activities.
Social Standards
Holding hands, cuddling, arm locks, etc. along with other public displays of affection are not appropriate at ECA.
Gum Chewing
Because of the damage gum does to school equipment and the facility, gum chewing is not permitted on the school grounds or school buses.
Home School Policy
Emerald Christian Academy honors and values home school education. We wish to provide opportunities to enrich the home schooler’s education through participation in various activities listed below:
* Fall Achievement Testing
* Field Trips as appropriate $
* Weekly newsletter/calendar of events
* Band (grades 4-10) $
* Choir
* Winter skiing $
* Week of Prayer (Fall & Spring)
* Science Fair
* School Library
* School Pictures $
* After school sports (grades 7-10) $
Home school students may be on campus only for those specific activities listed above. Each home school student is required to sign in and out of the office for each activity. There will be a yearly fee of $100.00 per child to participate in these activities. This fee covers insurance, testing materials, postage, and other miscellaneous expenses. *There will be additional charges for the activities marked ($). Parents will be notified of all upcoming events through the weekly newsletter.
Gilbert Media Center
The instructional media center is a central part of the school. The center serves not only as a source for learning materials, but also as a research center for individual study and personal projects. In addition, it is set aside as a place where students, teachers, and friends may read for pleasure. Books, periodicals, and audiovisuals are available. There are also computers for locating materials.
Media Center Guidelines
* In consideration of all using the center, students should enter quietly, refrain from talking aloud, and keep whispering to a minimum.
* Books are checked out for two weeks.
* Returned books should only be placed in the book drop (not on the circulation desk) on or before the date due.
* Most books may be renewed one time only. Popular, new, or reserved books may not be renewed.
* Reference materials (encyclopedias, atlases, etc.) shelved behind the circulation desk are to be used only in the library except by special arrangement with the Librarian. Students should ask for assistance from the library staff when needing this material.
* The person who checks out a book is responsible for it. Replacing damaged or lost books is costly. The replacement fee is the cost of the book plus $3.00 for processing.
* Fines are not charged for overdue books, however, the student is not allowed to take out other books until the overdue book is returned or paid for.
School Bus Service
Bus routes include the Creswell, Cottage Grove, Eugene, Fall Creek, Lowell, Santa Clara, Springfield, and Veneta areas.
School buses are carefully regulated by the State Department of Education to insure safe transportation. Pupils transported in a school bus are under the authority and responsibility of the school bus driver.
Bus drivers are in charge of students while transporting them and shall have full authority to assign seats, enforce bus regulations, and deny transportation privileges when deemed necessary.
Regulations for School Bus Riders
Students are to:
* Remain seated at all times
* Not engage in loud talk
* Keep all articles and parts of the body inside the bus
* Not wear athletic footwear equipped with cleats or spikes on the bus
* Not throw articles of any kind in or from the bus
* Help keep the bus clean
No student will be allowed to exit the bus at a location other than his regular stop, except by written permission from his parent or guardian.
Students are to obey any additional rules the bus driver determines are necessary to maintain a safe and comfortable riding environment.
The driver’s responsibilities are to pick up and let off the student at the bus stop and maintain a safe riding environment. Parents and students should be aware of the bus stop times and be prompt. If parents cannot meet the bus, arrangements must be made with the office. The bus driver’s responsibility BEGINS and ENDS at the bus stop. The student will remain on the bus and brought back to the school where parents may pick them up.
Bus service is a privilege. Any student who disregards bus guidelines may be denied this service.
Conflict Resolution Policy
Authority
The principal, along with his/her administrative team and those faculty and staff hired by the administration and the Board, has been charged with the responsibility for the successful operation of the school.
Students are expected to give proper respect to and show courteous behavior toward those in authority. Parents are encouraged to cooperate with and support the position of the administration, faculty and staff.
A student is always expected to follow direction of a staff member unless the student is being asked to do something illegal or immoral. If a student feels he/she is being treated unfairly, he/she should do what is asked and then come to the principal or to his/her teacher/sponsor to explain his concern.
We encourage open dialogue in a kind and tactful manner as we jointly tend to the task of training and educating our youth.
Conflicts between teachers and students may arise from time to time. The positive resolution of conflict promotes growth for all parties involved. These conflicts should be resolved with the principles of Christian behavior and courtesy in mind.
It is hoped that issues which cause conflict between students, teachers, and parents will be resolved at the earliest time and at the lowest level. Parents, students, and teachers are encouraged to discuss and attempt to resolve differences as soon as they are identified and before they grow larger and become an obstacle to interpersonal relationships.
Procedure
The procedure to be followed in resolving conflict is based on Christian courtesy, and focuses on resolution and coming to an agreement. These are the four levels to follow:
* The first level is a discussion of the issues between the student and the teacher. The parent or teacher should encourage discussion at this level.
* The second level is a discussion of the issue between the teacher and the parent. This level of discussion may be initiated by the parent or the teacher. The student may or may not be present, depending on the situation. The focus is on resolving the problem.
* If the issue is not resolved at Level 2, or if there is a good reason to bypass Level 2, a conference may be arranged with a parent, teacher, and principal present. The student may or may not be present. A parent, teacher, principal, or student may initiate a conference at this level.
* If the issue is not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties at Level 3, an individual may request a meeting with the Conflict Resolution Committee through the school principal. This will be requested by writing a brief statement of the problem and the resolution sought (or wished for). A time will be set not more than seven days following the request. The principal will arrange for a person to assist with the written request if needed.
Intent
This policy is designed to assist parents, teachers, and students in discussing problems and concerns at an early time in order to avoid the negative consequences of poor communication. Ultimately the child will benefit most from his education if the guidelines described above are followed.
The school board and staff members reserve the right to make changes in school regulations. Any regulation adopted during the year and announced to students has the same effect as those published in this bulletin. An effort will be made to notify parents of these changes.
Student Organizations and Activities
ECA sponsors a number of student organizations and activities which are designed to promote student leadership, as well as physical, mental, social, and spiritual talents and skills.
Faculty sponsors are assigned to all student organizations. Such organizations are to function within school regulations. Sponsors of clubs and after-school organizations may develop attendance and grade criteria for participation.
Qualifications for Student Officers
To run for an Associated Student Body (ASB) office the student must have been at ECA during the semester prior to the election and have a GPA of at least 2.00. Holding any student office requires maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.00 “C” average.
The faculty may remove any student from office at any time if he becomes involved in any major disciplinary action or repeatedly fails to meet academic standards.
Associated Student Body
ASB activities are designed to give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills while planning and organizing activities throughout the school year. Students in grades 7th – 10th are automatically members and are encouraged to participate in the ASB activities.
Centurion
Centurion, ECA’s yearbook, is produced and published by students. It is released during the spring of each school year. The yearbook sponsors can provide information regarding attendance and grade requirements for participation in this activity.
Musical Organizations
ECA musical groups include the beginning band for 4th – 6th graders, advanced band for students in grades 7th – 10th, as well as choir for students in grades K to 10. These groups present musical selections for local churches and community organizations.
Intramurals
The intramural sports program creates an opportunity for students in grades 7th – 10th to combine their mental, social, physical, and spiritual skills.
After-school Sports
Participation in sports can be a tremendous learning experience, developing qualities such as cooperation, discipline, sportsmanship, loyalty, and self-worth. ECA students in grades 6th – 10th have the opportunity to participate with students from other schools in volleyball, basketball, and track. The coaches can provide information regarding the attendance and grade requirements for participation in this program.