Student Handbook

A Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade Program

Founded 1980

Official Policy Handbook

2010-2011

Accredited by:

Preschool—National Association for Christian Education

Florida Council of Private Schools

Member of FACCS

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Welcome to

Greenacres Christian Academy

“Home of the Panthers”

     We are thankful that you have chosen to attend Greenacres Christian Academy.  Our goal is to serve families through education.

Greenacres Christian Academy (GCA) was founded in 1980 by Drs. Chadwick and Mariam Donnally as an outreach of the Evangelical Bible Chapel.  The Pastor of the Bible Chapel, Dr. David Donnally, is ultimately responsible for the school.

The Principal, Teachers, and other staff members of the school are, in reality, employees of the church.  The Principal holds the primary decision making authority.  Mr. Billy Fritsch III, our principal is a graduate of GCA and Southeastern University.  The staff of both the church and school are Christian people with hearts for the lost.

Teachers are certified by the State of Florida, or Florida Council of Private Schools, and most hold degrees in Christian Education.  It is the desire of all our staff to see the community reached for Christ.

We are proud that many of our graduates have continued their education in both secular and Christian colleges.  A few of the colleges included, but not limited to, are: 

Southeastern University

Palm Beach Community College

Florida Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Florida State University

Miami Dade University

University of Miami

University of Florida

Tallahassee Community College

University of Central Florida

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GCA Statement of Faith:

We believe in:

 1. The Bible (The Word of God) equally in all parts and without error in its origin, inspired by God;

2.  The one God, eternally existent Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who created man by a direct immediate act;

3.  The pre-existence, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension to heaven, and the  second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ;

4.  The fall of man, the need of regeneration by the operation of the Holy Spirit on the basis of grace alone, and the resurrection of all life or damnation;

5. The spiritual relationship of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, living a life of righteous works, separated from the world, and witnessing of His saving grace through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

6.  The sanctity of life (all life, living, and unborn);

7. The sanctity of marriage (man and woman);

8. Family as taught in the scriptures.

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GCA Objective: 

The objective of GCA is to teach children how to live and to equip them for

success.  The Bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 admonishes adults to train up a child in THE WAY he SHOULD go.

GCA is an extension of the home in training young people.  The school staff works closely with parents/guardians to train the whole child.  Attendance at GCA is a privilege and not a right.  The goal of this school is to train youth of every ability in the highest principles of moral character, self-discipline,

individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship.  GCA stands, without apology, for high standards of morality and wisdom.

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GCA Biblical Principles: 

One of the basic reasons why parents/guardians enroll their children in a private school is to obtain an education grounded in moral values.  This school uses the Biblically-based curriculum, which includes Scripture memory passages and references to God and Jesus Christ-all designated to help students develop moral character, a sense of accountability, and wisdom in their lives.  Standards of personal conduct, school policies, and curriculum continue to build the student’s sense of responsibility and integrity.

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GCA Standard of Conduct: 

Students of GCA are expected to refrain from talking about or engaging in cheating, swearing, stealing, smoking, gambling, drinking alcoholic beverages, and using narcotics.  Students are also expected to refrain from using profanity, which includes slang.  Use only words that glorify the Lord.  No student shall intentionally engage in physical contact of any kind with any student unless directed by a School Official for the purpose of a school recreational activity such as physical education.  Vandalism of school property, or other people’s property is strictly forbidden.

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GCA Worldly Pursuits: 

GCA stands in opposition to drinking alcohol, use of any tobacco product, and illegal drugs; pornography, homosexuality, and fornication.  We also stand in opposition to any other activity considered in Scripture to be worldly.  This also includes social internet activities

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GCA Classroom Behavior

 A student is not permitted to communicate or be out of his/her office without permission.  He/she should not turn sideways or around in office or tip back in his/her chair.  Activities not related to prescribed material are not to be conducted in an office unless privileges have been earned.  A Christian flag should be raised for Supervisor guidance in academic difficulties.  The American flag is to be raised for Monitor assistance in non-academic activities (check out reference book, use restroom, sharpen pencil, etc.)  Personal questions should be asked on break time.

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GCA Cellular Phone Policy

 Cell phones are permitted on school grounds, however, they are NOT allowed to be used or on between the hours of 8:15 am and 3:00 pm.  If a student is caught or assumed to be using their phone, the phone will be confiscated.  In order to retrieve the phone, a $50 fee may be implemented.  No foreign languages to be spoken on the phone or among classmates.

GCA Griping

 Griping is not tolerated (punishment for violations). 

GCA Property

 Marked on, defaced, or broken property is to be replaced at offending student’s expense.  Guns, matches, lighters, knives, radios, student’s tapes, beepers, gum, game boys, cards, video games, cd’s, and cd players, ipods are NOT permitted on campus (not limited to listed items, any object that the Teacher feels distracts from the learning process or classroom atmosphere will not be permitted.) 

GCA “Six-Inch” Rule

 All students should keep hands, feet or any other part of their body, at least six (6) inches away from other students at all times.

GCA P.E. Equipment

 When a student checks out physical education equipment, he/she is responsible for returning it.  Otherwise he/she will pay for it.

GCA Lunch Procedure

 *Eat only in assigned area

*Put trash in wastebaskets

*Clean off table

GCA Off Limits

 *Other students’ offices

*Classroom teacher’s desk and files

*Computer and related equipment and materials

*Classroom when staff is not in attendance

*P.E. area except under supervised activity

*Autos and parking area

We maintain a closed campus policy.  Students may not leave the school grounds once dropped off in a.m. or before dismissed in the p.m., without permission.  Parents/guardians must check out a student through the office if they are to be picked up early.

GCA Transportation

 Cars and bikes should be locked.  All students must stay out of and off vehicles from arrival time until departure.  Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive automobiles to and from school.  The school is not responsible for damage to vehicles, bikes, scooters, etc.  We reserve the right to refuse a student’s driving privileges to school.

GCA Telephone Use

 The school phone is reserved for official school business and emergencies.  Students desiring to place emergency calls must have their Teacher’s permission.  The office administration must also give their permission.

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Students who participate in and/or discuss any of the forbidden behaviors mentioned above are subject to detention or suspension.  Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining Biblical standards of social courtesy, moral behavior, acceptable language, and honesty.  Students must agree to strive towards unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and attitude on or off campus.

Any student observing questionable activities or overhearing conversations which are contrary to the policies of this academy should immediately discuss the matter with a Teacher.  This is not tattling.  It has been said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” “...to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  James 4:17. Students who are parents, unwed mothers or married students are not permitted to attend day school.  Students not living with legal parent/guardian may not be permitted to attend.

GCA Clothing and Personal Appearance

Each student’s appearance must be discreet and modest.  It is vital that each student whole-heartedly supports the dress standards.  Uniforms are to be worn neatly and properly.  Shirts are to be tucked in.

 BOYS

Hair must be of natural color, off the ears, above the collar, and out of the eyes.  No fad cuts, no shorter than a #2 razor cut.  Must be clean-shaven, no fad hairstyles, stripes, lines, shapes carved into the hair.  Neatly trimmed mustaches are permitted for 9th-12th grades at the discretion of the administration.  Sideburns no longer than the middle of the ear.  Modest jewelry only, no earrings, nose rings, eyebrow, etc.  No visible body piercing or tattoos.Standard school uniform required.  MUST wear a belt and MUST have shirt tucked in.  No “house shoes,” no slippers.  Pants must be worn on the hips.  Pants are NOT permitted to be worn baggy.

 GIRLS

Only natural hair colors.  No faddish hairstyles, modest makeup, and jewelry.  No more than two earrings in each ear.  No other visible body piercing or tattoos.  Dresses, skirts or culottes must be to the middle of the knee.  Shoes must be closed toe/heel.  No tight-fitting pants.  MUST have shirt tucked in.

Standard uniform required.  No “house shoes,” no slippers

ALL STUDENTS

For cooler weather, only the official school jacket or sweatshirt is to be worn.  No long sleeve shirts to be worn under the school shirt. In cases of the weather being below 60 degrees, the following exceptions may be made:  Long sleeve shirt under school shirt but HAS to be the SAME color as the school shirt, any non-uniform jacket worn to school MUST be taken off when in the building.  Students who attend official activities after school hours (either on or off campus) must wear clothing consistent with the Classroom standards set by the Principal. 

GCA Search Right

 The school reserves the right to search a student’s personal belongings in the event that the school suspects the student possesses an unapproved item.  The search may be conducted without the student’s or the parent’s/guardian’s permission.  Registration constitutes parent/guardian consent to such searches.  Search areas include, but are not limited to, automobiles, backpacks, purses, pockets, lockers & desks.

GCA Drug Testing Policy

 The school reserves the right to search a student’s personal belongings in the event that the school suspects the student possesses an unapproved item.  The search may be conducted without the student’s or the parent’s/guardian’s permission.  Registration constitutes parent/guardian consent to such searches.  Search areas include, but are not limited to, automobiles, backpacks, purses, pockets, lockers & desks.

 Students suspected of drug use will be asked to submit to a drug test.  Parents/guardians are responsible for paying for the test and results must be sent directly to the school from the testing facility.  A student who has been asked to submit to a drug test will not be permitted back in class until the results are returned.  A positive result could be grounds for dismissal.  Students not submitting to a drug test request will be dismissed.

GCA Admissions Policy

 The church and school have a racially non-discriminatory policy and, therefore, shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.  Kindergarten students that do not reach their 5th birthday by October 1st of the current school year will be tested.  Based on the results of the test, they will be placed in with the Pre-School or Kindergarten Program.  We will accept special needs students, on an individual basis.  McKay and Florida Child Scholarships are currently the only government subsidies we accept. 

Married, divorced, or pregnant students, as well as students who are parents and students who are over the age of 19, will not be admitted.  Night school classes are available. 

This school reserves the right to dismiss or refuse to enroll or re-enroll students because of past behavior or financial obligations.

GCA Admissions Procedure

1. Parents/guardian visit the school.

2. Parents/guardians and student(s) read this handbook thoroughly.

3. Parents/guardians request that student’s pastor send Letter of

recommendation.

4.  Application is submitted, accompanied by previous report card or

withdrawal slip and registration fee, medical history, immunization and

physical records.

5. Office will then call for an interview with Principal.  Both parents/guardians and student(s) must attend.

6. Orientation is attended by both parents/guardians.

All Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade students or any student that transfers from out of state or country must have a complete physical examination. 

ALL STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED ON A 9-WEEK TRIAL BASIS

GCA Re-Enrollment

 Students wishing to re-enroll for subsequent years to do so early in the spring to guarantee acceptance.  Attendance at GCA is a privilege, not a right.  No student has the right to re-enroll.  Applications for re-enrollment will be at the sole discretion of the school.

GCA Referrals