Mission Statement

Barrington Christian Academy, a regional, non-denominational, K-10 Christian day school, 

                        • trains and nurtures students in a loving
                    and caring environment committed to high  standards,

                        • encourages them in the development of
                   their God‑given gifts and abilities—spiritually,
                   academically, socially, and physically,

                        • prepares students to successfully pursue challenging 
                    secondary education programs;

                        • equips them to live fulfilling lives of service
                    to God and their neighbor,

STATEMENT OF FAITH

 We believe:

 *  That there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons:  the Father, Son, and Holy  Spirit;

*  That the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God which is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness that the man of God may be equipped for every good work"  (II Timothy 3:16‑17);

 *  That God called the worlds into being, created man in His image, and sets before him the ways of life and death.  He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin;

*  In the deity of Jesus Christ, God incarnate, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life and became our atonement through His shed blood.  He came to conquer sin and death and to reconcile the world to Himself.  He was crucified and rose from the dead.  He ascended to the Father, is Lord over all life, and will come again in power and glory;

 *  That salvation comes to us by the "washing of regeneration and the renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5);

*  That it is by grace that we are saved, through faith, and this not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9);

 *  That God calls us into His body to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be His servants, to resist the powers of evil, and to proclaim the gospel to all the world;

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

             Education that is Christ-centered is founded on the belief that God is the source of all truth and that His inerrant Word is the only true source of faith and doctrine (II Timothy 3:16-17).  The Scriptures form the filter of truth through which we view the world and all human events—past, present and future.  At BCA we seek to help each child develop a personal faith in God as Father, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Helper (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

            Our Christ-centered education nurtures the spirit, mind and body and builds a foundation for life.  This nurturing environment is enhanced by dynamic and creative Christian educators. Teachers and advisors develop meaningful relationships with their students and provide them with extra academic help, accountability, encouragement, discipline and prayer support.

            BCA is committed to providing well-rounded curricular programs that encourage each child in the development of his/her gift and abilities.  Through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that sets high standards for all students, our students acquire skills, gain confidence, and develop the desire to become lifelong learners.  Through participation in extra-curricular activities, including music groups and interscholastic sports teams that include all ability levels, students are encouraged to explore a variety of interests and possibilities.

BCA is also committed to developing an effective partnership with parents to assist them in their God-given responsibility to educate their children.  Input from parents is welcomed, involvement is encouraged, and partnership is embraced. Parents of all denominations and even those who are unchurched but who agree without compromise to having their children taught according to BCA's Statement of Faith are welcome to enroll their children.

 Our goals with respect to spiritual development:

* To teach the Bible as the Word of God, our source of doctrine and guide for daily living;

*  To teach the basic tenets of the Christian faith and to foster the articulation of our hope in Christ (I Peter 3:15).

 * To encourage each student to come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, honoring Him as Lord and Savior and seeking to know and do the will of God (Romans 12:2);

 *  To stimulate a pattern of life based on the standards set forth in the Bible;  and

 * To aid each student in the formation of a personal Christian worldview which will permeate and integrate every area of life and be exemplified by a lifetime of service to God and the world.

 Our academic goals:

 * To teach the skills necessary for effective comprehension, reasoning, communication, computation and creative thought;

 *  To provide a sound, developmentally-appropriate curriculum that will thoroughly prepare each student to take responsibility for his or her own learning and to  actively search for, discover, learn and apply knowledge and understanding;

 *  To stimulate creative thinking and appreciation for beauty in the fine arts;

 *  To develop each student's ability to do research, think critically and solve problems as an individual and as a member of a group;

*  To help students to recognize in every area of study, the revelation of God in creation and in the Holy Scriptures.

 Our goals with respect to social development:

 *  To encourage in each individual self-worth, self-confidence and self respect since he/she is a  special creation of God and a recipient of His love;

* To emphasize the importance of valuing and relating effectively with different kinds of people and to foster wholesome, strong and enduring friendships;

 * To encourage responsible membership in the school community as well as at home and a growing awareness of local, national and global citizenship;

 *  To help prepare students for Christian leadership.

 Our goals for physical development:

 *  To help each student achieve individualized physical fitness goals;

 *  To encourage each student develop a respect for the body as a gift from God and the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16-17), to be treated respectfully for a lifetime of physical, spiritual and emotional health.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

In accordance with the standards of the Association of Christian School International, BCA has adopted a set of student outcomes that describe what we hope to see in the lives of the students that we teach.

Barrington Christian Academy is committed to producing graduates with a Christian worldview, who:

* Are well prepared for success in secondary school in all academic disciplines and are skilled in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking.

* Are competent in mathematics skills and problem solving,

* Are skilled in scientific investigation and methodology, including the use of scientific tools and technology appropriate for the grade level.

* Have a knowledge and understanding of people, events, and key movements in history (including church history), world geography and the cultures of other peoples and places.

* Understand the relevance of learning to speak another language, appreciate languages and cultures of other peoples, dispelling prejudice, promoting global harmony, and demonstrating compassion for others.

* Appreciate and develop an aesthetic sense of literature and fine arts and understand how these express and influence their beliefs and values.

* Personally respond to carrying out the Great Commission locally and around the world in a culturally sensitive manner.

* Know how to utilize resources including technology to find, analyze, and evaluate information.

*Are committed to life-long learning.

* Have both the skills and the desire to question, solve problems, and make wise decisions.

* Understand the worth of every human being as created in the image of God.

* Can articulate and defend their Christian worldview while having a basic understanding of opposing worldviews.

* Understand and commit to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

* Know, understand, and apply God’s Word in daily life.

* Are empowered by the Holy Spirit and pursue a life of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

* Treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

* Are actively involved in a church community, serving God and others.

* Understand, value, and engage in appropriate community service activities.

* Embrace and practice justice, mercy, and peacemaking in family, school and society.

* Value intellectual inquiry and are engaged in the open, honest exchange of ideas.

* Respect and relate appropriately with integrity to the people with whom they work, play, and live.

* Have an appreciation for the natural environment and practice responsible stewardship of God’s creation.

* Are committed to the wise use of the gifts God has given to us individually and collectively, including our time, finances, gifts and talents.

*Value and enjoy the educational experience of BCA.

THE SCHOOL BOARD

             The Barrington Christian Academy Board, an inter-denominational body that governs the school, is comprised of Christian educators, professionals and parents who have a commitment to the mission of Barrington Christian Academy.

             The BCA Board meets in the school library at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month (exceptions will be noted in the Weekly Communicator.)  The ongoing needs, challenges, and opportunities before us warrant our diligence in prayer. Parents and other members of the BCA family are invited to join the Board for a time of prayer from 7:00-7:30 each month. 

Current Board Members:

Mr. Dean Carley, chairperson,   Mr. David Robson, secretary, Mrs. Mindy Blount,  Mrs. Althea Telford, Mrs. Lori LaFrance,  Mrs. Karen Holmes.

THE FACULTY

 Members of the BCA faculty have been selected on the basis of academic credentials, success in previous teaching experiences, Christian testimony, and their dedication to the goals of Christian education.  Each teacher has expressed a desire to serve God through teaching in a Christian school.

HOME‑SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

             One of the many benefits offered by a Christian school is the close cooperation between the school and the home. We are committed to working with parents in our mutual goal of providing quality Christian education and training for life.

             We aim to fulfill our responsibility to communicate closely with parents through:

            1)  weekly communication from the school office
                 informing parents of what's happening at school.

            2)  quarterly newsletters highlighting student  achievement,
                 special programs and activities, as well as conveying
                 principles of Christian education.

            3)  "Back to School" Night early in September so that
                  parents can meet teachers and receive important
                  information to help form an effective partnership.

            4)  Open House in November, providing an opportunity for
                 parents and guests to visit classrooms, see student work,
                 and ask questions.

            5)  opportunities for parents to join us in the
                 classrooms and on field trips.

            6)  report cards sent home four times a year (twice for K),
                 which report not only a student's grades,
                 but personal comments about each student's
                 achievements, effort, and conduct.  Course
                 summaries are included quarterly for the
                 middle school. 

            7) interim reports provided between grading
                 periods for any child whose academic work
                 or conduct indicates there may be a problem.

            8)  Parent‑Teacher Conferences, formally scheduled
                 mid‑year to discuss in person each child's progress.
                 Additional conferences may be requested by parents,
                 a teacher, principal or head of school. At the kindergarten level,
                 first‑quarter conferences replace the first report card.

            9) Parent‑Teacher Fellowship meetings and special
                events providing mutual support for parents and the Academy
                in the task of educating our children at home and at school.
                These events also provide opportunities for fellowship
                within our school family. 

          10)  availability of the principals to respond to parent concerns.

             In return, we ask parents to fulfill their responsibility to the school by:

            1) keeping informed, reading material sent
                 home from school.  Please ask your child for your
                Weekly Communicator each Monday!

            2) attending PTF meetings, scheduled conferences,
                 and special events.

            3) supporting the school through service hours.
                We ask for 20 hours from each family registered
                 as part of the Parent Service Corps.

            4) following school procedure for communication with
                 teachers*:

                        a)  Write a note asking the teacher to
                             give you a call (mention a convenient time)

                        b)  Leave a message on the teacher's voice mail

           5) bringing unresolved concerns or problems to
                the attention of the principals first, then the head of school,
                rather than spreading discontent through unnecessary gossip.

            6) always checking in at the office when you come into
                the school building.

            7) supporting the school board, the teachers and the administration
                 through encouragement and  prayer.

ADMISSIONS

             Barrington Christian Academy admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

             Our admissions procedure officially begins with a re‑enrollment period in January, during which time currently enrolled students and their siblings have priority in registration for the following year.  There is a discount for families who re‑enroll by February 15th.  Families re-enrolling must be current in their tuition payments.  Applications may be filed at any time during the year and must be accompanied by a $50.00 fee. A parent interview will be conducted by Mrs. Zins, coordinator of admissions.  After February 15th, the Admissions Committee will review new applications for enrollment.

             To be eligible for kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1st of the year they enter school.  Kindergarten screening will begin in January.

             Entrance testing, transcripts and references are required for all students.  Grade 1-5 testing will generally be done during a scheduled student visitation day.  Middle school testing will be scheduled on two Saturdays in the fall and winter.  Prospective students in grades 1-7 will be scheduled to visit during a regular school day. Visitation appointments should be made with the admissions coordinator several days in advance.

            The Admissions Committee reviews all applications for admission prior to official acceptance being made.

TUITION AND FEES FOR 2006-2007

 MONTHLY TUITION (based on ten monthly payments):

                                                K         $408.00 (half day)
                                                            $233.00 additional for extended day 
                                               1-5              $580.00
                                               6-8              $625.00
                                                 9                 $880.00

After the first child, a $30.00 per month discount is given for each additional child enrolled at BCA. A billing fee of $30.00 will be added to any tuition payment that is overdue and needs to be billed.

ANNUAL BOOK/MATERIALS/COMPUTER  FEES:    
K                          $  110.00                
Grades  1‑8         $  200.00
Grade 9                 $ 300.00

Book fees cover a "user" fee for all school-owned books, and cover the cost of all consumable books.  Full replacement cost of any textbook will be charged if a student loses or destroys a school‑owned book.

 OTHER FEES:     Middle School Retreat                    $140.00

                               Extended Day on a daily basis          $14.25 per day

                               Before-school supervision (7:15-8:00)  $12.00 per week

                               After-school care 3:00-5:00 p.m.  $12.00 per day

                               Sports team travel fee        $50.00 per athletic season

                               Annual class field trips        approx. $30.00-$50.00

           Tuition may be paid on a ten‑month schedule, semi‑annually, or annually by July 1 for a 2% discount.  Those who choose to pay monthly will be enrolled in the Tuition Management Systems payment plan. Monthly payments will be due the 1st day of each month, July through April.

            BCA's policy is that no report cards will be issued or transcripts released for students whose accounts are overdue.  Students of families whose accounts are more than sixty days in arrears will be not be permitted to return to school following the next vacation period.

            Additional expenses, including hot lunches, yearbook, participation fees for special activities and festivals, school pictures and contributing to various mission projects are optional.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

LOWER SCHOOL: (K‑5)  Curriculum includes reading, math, spelling, English, phonics, social studies, science, Bible, music, physical education, health and art. All grades also have opportunities to use computers.  These grades are taught as single-grade self‑contained classrooms.

MIDDLE‑SCHOOL:  Students in the middle school follow a rotating schedule and are taught by a team of five full-time teachers plus several part-time specialists.  Their curriculum includes:

    6:  English (spelling, vocabulary, grammar, literature, study skills,
        composition, public speaking and word-processing on the computer,)
        general science, math, world geography, Bible,
        physical education, health, art, and music.    

   7:  English (grammar, vocabulary, literature, study skills, public speaking,
        spelling, composition, and word-processing on the computer,)
        life science, math, world history, Bible, physical education,
        Spanish, health, art, and music.

    8:  English (literature, spelling, grammar, public speaking, study skills,
        vocabulary, composition and word processing on the computer,)
        earth science, pre-algebra or algebra, American history, Bible, physical
        education, health, Spanish, art, and music.

   9:  English (literature, spelling, grammar, public speaking, study skills,
        vocabulary, composition and word processing on the computer,)
        Active Physics, Algebra 1 or 2, History of the Modern World, Bible, physical
        education, health, Spanish 1 and 2, arts, including visual arts, music and drama..

LIBRARY: 

Students in grades K-6 have a library period each week.  Our librarian helps students develop library skills and select reading material that is appropriate to their level and interests. A reading incentive program for grades 5-8 and many excellent books at all reading levels help us foster a love for reading. While no overdue fines are levied for books returned late, students are expected to develop responsibility for borrowed books.  We require that lost or damaged books be replaced.

RESOURCE and DISCOVERY PROGRAMS:  BCA provides special assistance to students in our school who need resource help or educational therapy. Parents whose children are serviced will be charged additional fees. Before a child is enrolled in the resource program or is given educational therapy, a conference will be held with parents, the classroom teacher, the resource teacher and the principal.  Eligibility is determined through educational testing.

REPORT CARDS AND GRADING:  Formal report cards are sent home approximately one week after the end of each quarter.  Each reporting period is approximately nine weeks.  Please sign and return report cards to the school office along with the white envelopes.

INTERIM REPORTS:  If a child's academic performance, conduct, or effort is unsatisfactory or indicates a significant decline in achievement, the parents will be notified by the teacher at the mid-point in the quarter or as the need arises prior to the official reporting period.  

TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS:  In the 6^th and 7^th grades, no more than two major tests (quizzes are not included) will be given in one day.  Students in grades 6-8 will have cumulative final exams in June. 

HOMEWORK:  Homework is given to reinforce work done in the classroom and is begun in the early grades to help children develop good work habits.  Guidelines are as follows:

             K‑1:  5‑15 minutes of homework 3 times per week

            2-3:  20‑30 minutes per night 3 times per week

            4-5:  30‑60 minutes per night

            6‑8:  Approximately 90 minutes per night (30-40 minutes of     

            which will be for English)  Major projects may require more.

            9th: Up to three hours per night  

The amount of homework will vary according to a student's ability to use in‑school class and study time efficiently.  However, if a child is consistently requiring more time than the expected amount for the grade level, the homeroom teacher should be informed.

 MAKE‑UP WORK:  Students will be expected to complete assignments missed during an absence or illness.  A list of make‑up work, including due dates, will be prepared by teachers of students in grades K‑5.  Students in grades 6‑8 will be responsible for obtaining information about assignments missed. Teachers will not re-teach information missed due to family vacations planned while school is in session.  Please plan vacations accordingly.

HONOR ROLL: The honor roll recognizes students in grades 5‑8 who have maintained a high level of achievement as well as satisfactory effort and conduct.  An average of 85 (B), with no grade below 80 earns honors. A weighted average (core courses count more than specials) of 90 (A-) with no grade below 85 earns high honors. A weighted average of 94 (A) with no grade below 90 earns highest honors. Unsatisfactory effort or conduct in any class will disqualify a student from earning honors.

 STANDARDIZED TESTING:  Standardized tests are administered each spring in grades 2-8 to help us measure academic progress and evaluate curriculum strengths and weaknesses.  Parents will receive copies of the results with the final report card.

PROMOTION:  Students are promoted to the following grade level on the basis of academic achievement.  If, by the fourth quarter, there has not been adequate progress, a conference will be held with the teacher, parents and the principal to consider the best possible placement for the student.

EXTRA HELP:  Full‑time faculty members are available after school by appointment to help students who need occasional extra academic assistance.  The extra help period meets Monday - Thursday, 3:00 to 3:40. We also have a list of teachers who are able to provide private tutoring for students who need consistent academic support. 

ACADEMIC PROBATION:  A student in grades 6 through 8 will be put on academic probation if he/she indicates a need for close supervision of his/her academic work, as evidenced by the following grades on a quarterly progress report:

            a.  a GRADE BELOW 70 in two subjects
            b.  a FAILING GRADE in any class
            c.  unsatisfactory EFFORT in two subjects (including
                 repeated failure to complete homework)

During the probationary period, the student may be required to take advantage of after-school help sessions and may be restricted from participation in interscholastic sports and other extracurricular activities until acceptable progress has been achieved.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

 BCA hours are as follows:

                        Kindergarten   8:28 A.M. ‑ 12:00 noon.
                           Extended day for K, until 3:00 P.M.
                        Grades 1‑8      8:28 A.M. ‑ 3:00 P.M.
                      After-school care is available  3:00-5:00 PM

 MORNING ARRIVAL: Students who arrive prior to 8:00 a.m. will enter through the front door and report to the multipurpose for early morning supervision. General supervision begins outdoors at 8:00 a.m. During morning supervision, students meet on the assigned blacktop areas. On rainy or extremely cold days, gr. 6-8 students will be asked to report to assigned alcoves in Cedar Hall, and K-5 students will wait in the multipurpose room. Students are not permitted to go to their classrooms prior to 8:28.  The school office opens at 7:30 a.m.

 KINDERGARTEN DISMISSAL:  Kindergarten pupils are dismissed at the main entrance directly to their buses or to an authorized adult.  If an adult other than a parent is to be authorized to pick up a child, the parent must communicate this to the school office.

 3:00 DISMISSAL:  Unless staying for supervised after‑school activities or extra help, students are expected to be picked up by 3:10 p.m. Students dismissed as “walkers” will be dismissed out the middle school entrance/exit. Grade 1-5 students will be required to wait for pick-up in a supervised area.  They may not use the playground unsupervised. After 3:00 they will wait inside in the multipurpose room with remaining bus students. (PLEASE NOTE: NO BCA STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING OR IN CEDAR HALL BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL WITHOUT BCA APPROVED ADULT SUPERVISION.)

TRANSPORTATION

BUSES:  As BCA was established as a regional school, free transportation is provided by the local school systems within our region:  Providence, North Providence, Lincoln, Pawtucket, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Johnston, Smithfield, Central Falls and Cranston.  It is the responsibility of parents to contact the bus company with any bus‑related concerns. Students may ride buses only from their own towns, unless the bus company has given a parent special permission.  BCA cannot authorize such permission. Please note:  only a few of the buses provide transportation for grades 1-8 on days when we have dismissal at 11:30. Check your Weekly Communicator for an update on busing for those three ½ days.

BIKES:  Students who ride bikes to school must secure their bikes in the bike rack.  According to state law, students must wear helmets when riding their bikes.  We request that they walk their bikes across the parking lot.   Riding is not permitted on our sidewalks.

 CARS:

     exit                                             entrance

 ALWAYS carefully observe the ONE WAY signs when entering and exiting.  Our bus-only entry helps make parent drop-off and pick-up safer, but parking is limited and we ask everyone to use extreme caution when driving in the parking lot.  Please park only in designated parking spaces. Drivers of large vehicles, please park further back.

 MORNING and AFTERNOON: Parents of small children are asked to park and then escort children across the parking lot if traffic prohibits a curbside drop‑off.  DO NOT ENTER THE BUS LOOP AT THE POSTED TIMES, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m., nor during kindergarten dismissal, 11:45-12:15 a.m.

FIRE DEPARTMENT RULES PROHIBIT PARKING IN THE EMERGENCY LANE (the bus loop) AT ANY TIME.

ABSENCES • TARDINESS • EARLY DISMISSAL 

ABSENCES:  Parents are asked to phone the school by 8:30 a.m. each day that a child will be absent from school.  (It is fine to leave a message on Mrs. Sutton’s voice mailbox.)  Attendance is taken first thing in the morning.  For safety purposes, any unreported absence will be followed up with a phone call to the parents’ home or workplace.

The following are considered acceptable reasons for absence:

            a)  illness
           b)  death in the family
            c)  emergency (please specify)
            d)  medical appointments that cannot be
                 rescheduled at any other time
            e)  secondary school visitation by 8th
                 graders (please send a note ahead of time)

Parents often call to request assignments for their children to do at home during an illness.  Requests for K-5 work must be called into the office before 11:00 a.m. and picked up at the end of the school day.  Unless absent for an extended period, middle school students are encouraged to call a classmate for missed assignments, check SchoolNotes.com, and check in with teachers upon return to school.

TARDINESS:  Any student arriving after 8:32 must use the front entrance and report to the office for a late slip before entering the classroom.  All tardiness (excused or unexcused) must be recorded for state records.  Middle school students who accumulate seven unexcused tardies will receive a detention.  Lower school students who accumulate seven unexcused tardies will lose ten minutes of recess.  Getting to school on time is an important cooperative effort for the whole family.

EARLY DISMISSAL:  If a student must leave school before the end of the day, he/she must be signed out in the school office, and a parent must communicate the reason for the early dismissal.  If someone other than a parent is authorized to pick up a child for early dismissal, a parent must communicate this in writing as well.  ID’s will be checked.

3:00 DISMISSAL: Unless staying for supervised after‑school activities or extra help, students are expected to be picked up by 3:10 p.m. Students dismissed as “walkers” will be dismissed out the middle school entrance/exit. Grade 1-5 students will be required to wait for pick-up in a supervised area.  They may not use the playground unsupervised. After 3:10 they will wait inside in the multipurpose room with remaining bus students.  AFTER SCHOOL: BCA students are not permitted in Cedar Hall or in the school building without BCA-approved adult supervision. When you pick up your child at school, please carefully observe traffic patterns and DO NOT BRING DOGS onto the school property.  This is for the safety and comfort of all children.

DISMISSAL CHANGES:  Any changes in regular dismissal plans for students in grades K-5 must be communicated by parents in writing (please date your note) or by calling the school office. We appreciate your cooperation in avoiding last-minute changes, especially for students who ride buses.  Unless we receive parental notice of a change for students in grades K-5, the official dismissal notice in the BCA office will be followed.  K-5 students’ verbal messages are not sufficient notification of changes.

SNOW DAYS:  If school is canceled due to weather conditions, announcements will be carried over the following TV and radio stations:

             TT

If inclement weather occurs during the school day, please listen periodically to the radio announcements.  We will also send an e-mail message to all parents who have given the school an e-mail address.

 On potential snow days, parents of students who ride on public school buses should listen to announcements regarding closings or delays in their own towns.  The public school bus will generally follow the public school closings and delays, not BCA's. 

Morning Supervision will begin at 7:15 a.m. even on days when school is delayed due to weather.

ILLNESS

 The following are indications that a child should NOT be in school:

            Fever above 100^° F                Strep Throat or

            Vomiting or Diarrhea             pending throat culture

            Conjunctivitis                         Contagious diseases

            Pediculosis (head lice)            (Chicken pox, etc.)

Parent cooperation is important in maintaining a healthy environment.  Please do not send students to school when they are ill. Students receiving antibiotics for strep throat or other contagious infections must have been on their medication a full 24 hours before returning to school.  Students who have had fever or vomiting must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.  Also, please report any case of head lice immediately.  Routine head-checks are conducted by the nurse to help prevent the spread of head lice. 

A child who becomes ill during the school day will wait in the nurse’s office until parents can make arrangements for the child to be taken home.  Mrs. Flores, BCA’s nurse, is on site daily, and a Barrington public school nurse visits weekly.  These nurses serve BCA students in emergencies, dispense medication, conduct medical screenings, oversee health records and to help us implement state health policies.
 

MEDICATIONS

 MEDICATION:  If prescription or over-the-counter medication is to be administered to a child during school hours, it must be brought to the school nurse’s office and must be in its original container with directions clearly marked.  A written note must be filed in the school office prior to our nurse giving a child any kind of medication.   The medication authorization form must be signed by both the parent and the prescribing physician.  Medication authorization forms can be obtained in the school office.  However, we prefer whenever possible that medication be administered to children while at home.

CONDUCT

Every member of the BCA student body is expected to use good judgment in evaluating appropriate behavior as a member of a Christian school community.  Therefore the attitudes, speech and actions displayed by students should reflect love and respect for God and others.

The school board, administration and faculty determine the policies, standards of conduct and specific rules for BCA and may revise these during the school year. The following principles guide our expectations for proper conduct required of all BCA students.   Students must follow applicable conduct rules at school, on bus rides to and from school, on field trips and at all school-sponsored activities or events.  It is also expected that BCA students will follow these principles in their off-campus behavior, including internet communication.

Principle One: Honor God in attitudes, speech and actions.

            1.  Do not mock God or the Bible.

            2.  Do not use the Lord's name in vain.

3.  Abstain from the use of any profanity and vulgar or abusive speech or actions.

Principle Two:  Respect others.  "As much as it is up to you, live in peace with one another." 

1.  Practice courtesy, consideration, compassion and honesty in communication with others.

2.  Respect the authority of all teachers and adults serving in the school setting, whether staff or volunteers. 

3.  Avoid back-talk or communication (written, verbal or non-verbal) that is disrespectful or intimidating.

4.  Respect the person and property of fellow classmates and members of the student body.  Every person has the right to remain free from personal intimidation or physical, verbal or psychological harassment from fellow students.  Intimidation includes such actions as name-calling, teasing, isolating or bullying another.  Engaging in these kinds of behavior will result in disciplinary action or mediation and a plan for reconciliation.

Principle Three:  Follow laws and rules regarding safety and health.

            1.  Abstain from the use or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and illegal drugs, and from any other undesirable practices that would be generally recognized as harmful to one's health and Christian character. 

            2.  There is to be absolutely no carrying of any weapon or any object that can be used as a weapon while on campus or at any BCA function. (Even toy weapons such as squirt guns will not be permitted.)

Principle Four:  Follow the highest standards for academic conduct. 

            1.  Do your own work.  Do not copy material from another student.

            2.  Use appropriate citations for work taken from sources, including the internet.  Do not plagiarize.

            3.  Be honest in quiz and test taking situations.

Policies

1.  Any misuse of school property by destruction or vandalism is considered a serious offense.  Students may be required to clean, fix or pay for the damage caused.

2.  Classrooms and lockers are to be kept orderly.  Each middle school student is assigned a locker in the school and in the gym.  Padlocks are issued for each of these lockers, and only school-issued locks are allowed

a.  If a padlock is lost or broken, the replacement cost is five dollars. 
 
b.  Students are not allowed to open each other's lockers.

c.  Lockers are to be kept free of stickers.  Homeroom teachers will offer guidelines for appropriate decoration of lockers using magnets, only.

d.  Lockers are to be kept clean and orderly.

e.    Middle school students may go to their lockers between classes in order to be prepared with text, notebook, binder, or pen/pencil for each subject.

f. Students are expected to help daily in the clean-up routine at the end of the period or the day.  Put litter in trash containers; use lockers to store books and personal items.  Hang up coats/jackets on classroom hooks. 

3.  Do not enter classrooms if the teacher is not present.  Classrooms are locked after school or at 3:40.

4.  A pay phone and juice machine are available for parent and student use.  Students may use these during lunch, after school or with teacher permission.

5.  Personal CD or tape players and other electronic toys are not to be used by students on campus before, during or after school hours, except as permitted in fulfillment of specific assignments.  (Bus students who are permitted to use these during travel must keep them in their backpacks until on the bus.)

6.  In respecting the privacy of the teachers' room, any student who would like to speak with a faculty member should knock on the door and wait for assistance. 

7.  Once on campus for the school day, a student may not leave campus until regular dismissal time, unless there is specific parent permission granted through the school office.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

CLEAR COMMUNICATION:  Communication of expectations will be the first measure in maintaining the proper learning environment.  Teachers will present to students the consequences of their failure to comply with classroom, playground and general school rules.  Parents will be informed of all major infractions or repeated minor infractions that incur assignments of indoor recess or loss of privileges.

DETENTION:  Students in grades 6‑8 may be required to serve a detention for violation of a school regulation. Detentions will be held after school from 3:00‑3:40 each Thursday, with communication first being sent to parents to insure that transportation has been arranged. Detention slips must be signed by a parent and returned within two days. Failure to return slips will result in further detentions.