School Policy
Mission and Purpose
The mission of Grace Christian School is to provide the highest quality education based upon Biblical principles. It is our belief that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, and that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, who as God in the flesh, came to die, to be buried, and rise again for our sins. (John 3:16) It is our desire to provide the best Christian education and training for ALL children, for God is not a respecter of persons.
The purpose of Grace Christian School is to assist parents in training their children to be Christ-like. This teaching and nurturing process begins in the home and extends to the church and school. The Christian school, in addition to the home and church, offers a course of study where the process of Christian education can take place.
The foundation of Christian education is the Word of God. The philosophy of Christian education is developed from the Bible and stands against the godless philosophies of humanism, materialism, secularism, and New Age.
The goals of Christian education at Grace Christian School are as follows:
1. To help every student to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:17)
2. To encourage all students to “love the Lord their God with all their heart and with all their soul and with all their mind, and to love their neighbor as themselves.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
3. To give Christ the pre-eminence in all things. (Colossians 1:18)
Christian education is first and foremost the responsibility of Christian parents (Deuteronomy 6:7). Grace Christian School has been established to assist parents to obey God’s command to train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Students are only admitted when the administration believes that the student and parents are in full support of the policies and purpose of the school. Expressions of dissention or lack of support for the school’s mission, policies, or leadership are grounds for dismissal of any students of a family in which such action occurs.
Grace Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its academic, admission, scholarship, or athletic policies. Grace Community Church Inc. is non-discriminatory in every area as to race, color, or national or ethnic origin (Romans 2:11, John 3:16).
ALL STUDENTS are expected to abide by the rules set forth by the administration. Attendance at Grace Christian School is considered a privilege and not a right. Students forfeit this privilege if they do not conform to the standards and ideals set forth by the administration. The school may insist on the withdrawal of any student that, in the opinion of the administration, does not conform to the spirit of the ministry. Students are expected to fulfill a code of conduct whether they are on or off campus. Students can be disciplined for infractions that happen off the campus of the school (not limited to examples such as smoking, drinking, using illicit drugs etc…).
Download the GCS School Policy
Absences and Tardies
Absences & Tardies:
Students who have unexcused absences will not be able to make-up missed assignments and quizzes.
Absences are excused for the following reasons: student illness, death in the family, medical or dental appointments, or any other reason excused by the principal BEFORE the absence occurs.
Students will not be allowed to make up an assignment unless an absence is excused.
A note is required for admission to school after any absence. You can also email: absent@gracechristianschool.com to submit a note to be excused or request permission before an absence. All notes must contain a reason for the absence.
Pre-arranged absences must be pre-approved by the Administration unless it is school business.
Make-up work- It is the student’s responsibility to collect these assignments, and students need to schedule a time (outside of class) with the teacher to make-up tests, quizzes, etc. Students will not be allowed to make up work during class time.
Teachers are instructed to issue zeros for all unexcused absences.
School Business Absences- If a student misses class due to school business (i.e.-athletic event, fine arts event, etc.), he must turn his work into the appropriate teacher on the day of the absence before he/she leaves school.
It is also the student’s responsibility to get the next day’s assignment from the teacher and have it completed the following day he is back in class.
Exceptions can be made for tests and quizzes per administration.
Extended Absences- Students who miss three consecutive days must bring in a doctor’s note for an excused absence.
Excessive Absences- A student who is absent more than 25 days during the school year may be required to repeat the entire school year at the same grade level.
Students absent 20-24 days during the school year may be required to attend summer school or perform additional hours of in school attendance in order acquire the necessary hours for grade promotion or for awarding of academic credit on the high school transcript. (The Administration may waive this requirement only if the student has received approval or suffered from a medical issue that required hospitalization.)
Students who miss more than 14 days of the school year, will be required to take final exams, regardless of GPA.
Tardy: A student will serve a two-hour detention (at a cost of $10) for every three tardies that they receive. A student who fails to appear when assigned detention will be automatically suspended from school for one day.
Any middle/high student that has an unexcused tardy and is more than 3 minutes late will receive automatic detention for skipping.
Excused Tardy: Parents may only excuse their student for four tardies per quarter to homeroom. Each subsequent tardy will be considered unexcused, even if the parent walks the child into the office. A doctor’s note is needed to be considered an excused tardy after 4 in the quarter.
Elementary Tardy: An elementary student may only have four un-excused tardies per quarter. After four tardies, un-excused tardies will accrue a $10 fine for each additional tardy in that quarter.
Tardy to Class : A student in 7-12 grade who is tardy to class will be denied entrance and the student will go to the office. The student will return to class with either an excused tardy pass or a demerit slip (3 demerits) indicating it was not excused.
Address or phone number changes
Address or phone number changes: The office must be advised of any changes in address or in phone, cell phone, and email address. Emergency phone numbers must be updated in the school office. It is imperative that, at least, one parent regularly checks emails. The school sends several per day.
After-care
After-care: Students who are enrolled in after-care must be picked up by 6 PM daily. Any student not picked up by 6 PM will incur a charge of $1 per minute for each additional minute after 6 PM. These charges will be invoiced and must be paid immediately. Failure to pay any extended care invoice may result in services being restricted. It is imperative that students are picked up on time as after-care workers have places to be and families to tend to.
Arrival Policies
Arrival Policies: 6-12 grade students who arrive at school before 7:45AM will report to morning care before being released to their classrooms. Students in K4-5th grade who arrive before 8AM will be sent to morning care. Students will be charged a fee for
morning care drop in, unless they are a younger student with older siblings reporting for the first bell.
Athletics
Athletics: Students who participate in GCS sports teams cannot play a game until the sports fees (which includes uniform rental fee) for that sport have been paid. Sports fees are non-refundable. Students who quit a team at GCS may not be eligible to play on future teams at GCS for, at least a calendar year. All students must turn in uniforms in a timely manner at the end of the season. Lost or damaged uniforms will be replaced by the parent at the replacement cost of the uniform. No student may try out or participate without a current physical and signed statement of cooperation.
Athletic Eligibility: For a student to be eligible to play sports at GCS, the following conditions must be met: a) A student must have a 2.0 GPA on the 9-week report card. b) A student may not fail ANY class. c) A student must take a minimum of four major courses. (English, Math, History, Foreign Language, Science) d) Previous School Year: A student who failed to pass (4) unit (academic) subjects the previous school year or did not earn a 2.0 GPA shall be ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition during the first quarter of the school year.
Athletic Suspension: A student who is suspended from school will miss the next interscholastic athletic competition on the schedule. If the student is suspended for a lengthy period, they will miss all athletic contests during their suspension.
Bible & Chapel
Bible & Chapel: All students are expected to bring a King James Version (KJV) Bible to school each day. Bibles must be brought to all chapel services. Chapel services are held for elementary students on Wednesday mornings and for students in grades 6-12 three times each week during second period. There is not a special uniform for chapel.
Chapel is an important part of the spiritual life of Grace Christian School and students should not be dismissed from chapel to go to appointments except in emergencies or with prior administrative approval.
Car Line
Car Line: In the morning, there are two drop-off options. Option one is to the right of the driveway. If you choose to stay right, you will be in the quick drop off lane. This lane should be used if the student is ready to get out of the car quickly and the car will be pulling away immediately. Please pull as far forward as possible before dropping the student off. Furthermore, do not let students out of the car if you are not in the unloading zone.
Option two is to stay left and find a parking space. This option should be used if the parent is entering the building or if the student is not ready to get out of the car.
Note: Parents may not pick up students between 2-3PM (excluding K4 and K5 who get out at 2:20PM). If you will need a student early for an appointment, please pick them up before 2PM.
Parents who refuse to follow car line protocol may be asked to remove their students from the school. The protocol is designed for the safety of the students.
Students Who Drive
Cars…Students who drive: Students must have a valid driver’s license, have a safe driving record, and provide proof of insurance to drive to school. Students must obtain a permit in the school office (each school year). The permit to drive to school is $40 per year.
Any student who drives recklessly will forfeit their right to drive to school. Students will park at the rear of the school.
Cars…Students who drive (cont.): Students are to exit their cars immediately upon arrival at school. Students cannot sit in their cars listening to music etc…. Also, students may not return to their cars during the day until the bell rings or permission has been granted for them to leave.
Cell Phones
Cellular Phones/Devices: Students may bring cell phones to school; however, phones are expected to be in their locker, a book bag, or somewhere that is not on their person.
A student found with a cell phone on their person during school hours will be issued 10 demerits for the first offense and will be suspended each time thereafter.
Any student seen with/using their cell phone/device during school hours or any student whose phone/device goes off in class will be suspended for one day from school. Students will be suspended even if they are using the phone/device to text or call parents.
Apple watches and other such devices are classified as cellular devices and held to the same standard as cell phones. Students who have their phones/devices confiscated will require their parents to pick the phone up from the school office.
Students who contact their parents via cell phone during school hours will be punished in the same manner as above. Cell phones may not be used during school hours to contact anyone. If a student has an emergency, they must use the office phone to call home.
Students who have been cleared by the school to use computers on campus may ONLY use the computer for academic purposes related to their subject. Students found on social media, browsing the internet for fun or playing games will be suspended.
Cheating
Cheating: Any student caught cheating on an assignment, test, or exam will be suspended for a period of at least one day.
Cheating is defined as using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance or advantage in academic work that is submitted as one’s own individual efforts or the giving of such assistance to others and includes the following:
a. Copying homework from another student without specific approval from the teacher.
b. Working with others on any assignment that was given as an independent assignment.
c. Using workbooks and notebooks from any previous year with answers already completed.
d. Having notes or textbooks visible during a test.
e. Giving or receiving information about a test, quiz, or other assignment prior to receiving the assignment or using any technology to send or receive testing information.
f. Glancing at someone else’s test or quiz or allowing someone to look at your paper during a test or quiz.
g. Reading a condensed or Cliff’s note/Spark notes, etc. version of a book and representing that you read the entire book.
h. Not accurately giving correct information to a teacher about grades and completed work.
i. All forms of cheating will result in disciplinary action from the administration, and academic credit will not be given for the work. Repeated offenses could result in expulsion.
Plagiarism is defined as literary theft, misrepresentation, and falsification and includes the following:
a. To copy directly, paraphrase, or summarize without clearly marking the source of the information, thoughts, or ideas (including electronic based documents, i.e. PowerPoint presentations).
b. Plagiarism is prevented when the proper form of documentation is followed. Items that must be documented are facts, quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. Writing that expresses one’s own thoughts, experiences, or interpretation and is stated in one’s own words does not require documentation. Also, when information is common knowledge or is from a specific text, it does not need citation. As a standard for proper documentation, GCS will use the MLA format.
c. Inadvertent documentation that allows another’s words and ideas to be mistaken as one’s own is plagiarism.
d. Students should ask for assistance from the teacher when a question of documentation arises.
e. Plagiarism will result in receiving a zero or failing grade on the assignment depending on the extent of the plagiarism and a Saturday school. Repeated violations could result in expulsion.
Demerit System
Demerit System: Grades 6-12 use a demerit system of discipline. The following guidelines exist for demerit accumulation.
*15 demerits in one quarter will equal a two-hour detention after school. (see Detentions)
*25 demerits in one quarter will result in a one-day suspension from school.
*50 demerits for the year will result in two days suspension and warrant a parent conference.
*75 demerits in total at any point in the year will result in expulsion from school.
Detention: Classroom detention will cost $10 in cash to be paid on arrival. If a student does not show up for detention, they will automatically serve an in-school work suspension the following day.
Demerit Infractions:
.png)
*The school administration reserves the right to change, alter, or add to demerits, as it deems necessary.
Any student found to be using drugs, smoking, drinking, or possessing profane materials will be evaluated by the administration for expulsion.
A student at GCS may not be married or be an expectant mother or father.
Any parent who seeks to cause problems for the teaching staff or the administration will result in the student being dismissed from school.
Disrespect
Disrespect: Disrespect will not be tolerated by students. We believe that respecting elders is a fundamental principle that must be taught to our young people.
Student Dress Code
STUDENT DRESS CODE:
Students are expected to wear modest clothing to school and all activities and events that involve Grace Christian School. School uniforms must be worn in their entirety. All school uniforms must come from Risse Brothers in Tampa, Florida.
Parents and family members are also expected to dress modestly when attending school events.
Parents should assist their students in avoiding fads. The school may amend this policy at any time and often needs to deal with changing styles, fads, and social pressures.
When school begins, we generally give a 10 day grace period. After the grace period, students out of uniform will have to be picked up or they will have to buy whatever is needed to be in compliance.
Extra -Curricular Events: Modest dress is required for all athletic events and other school events. Short shorts, tight pants, revealing tops are not allowed at GCS events. Students who arrive dressed inappropriately will be asked to change or leave the event. Offensive or inappropriate writing on shirts is also unacceptable.
Outerwear: Only official Grace Christian School-approved outerwear may be worn on uniform days. Approved outerwear is available through the Hey Sister store (via link or the Plant City location) or the BSN Sports GCS Outerwear store. Spirit week outerwear, athletic apparel, or other non-approved outerwear may not be worn during the school day.
PE uniforms: PE uniforms may only be worn on PE days (elementary = one day per week, some classes twice). Middle/high school students (7-12) will dress out for PE and are expected to be in uniform each day they have PE.
GIRLS DRESS:
Girls are to wear the school uniform as prescribed below:
K4-2nd
Girls must wear uniforms purchased through Risse Brothers in Tampa. Approved uniform bottoms include, uniform shorts, jumpers, dresses or pants.
Uniform school shirts must be worn every day, including under approved outerwear.
Dresses and skirts may be no more than 3 inches from the top of the knee. Plain blue, black, or white socks are permitted.
Shoes must be plain black or navy Mary Jane style shoes or plain white tennis shoes.
On days of 60° or below, elementary girls may wear GCS sweatpants or leggings under their uniform. Leggings may not be worn alone.
3rd-12th
Girls must wear uniforms purchased through Risse Brothers in Tampa. Approved uniform bottoms include uniform skirts, shorts or pants.
Uniform school shirts must be worn every day, including under approved outerwear.
Skirts must be no more than three inches above the top of the knee when arms are raised.
Plain blue, black, or white socks are permitted.
Shoes must be brown/tan Sperry-style boat shoes or plain white tennis shoes.
On days of 60° or below, girls in grades 3-5 may wear GCS sweatpants or navy blue, black, or white tights or leggings under approved uniform bottoms only.
Students in grades 6-12 may wear navy blue, black, or white tights or leggings under approved uniform bottoms only.
Leggings and tights may not be worn alone.
Mandatory Uniforms for girls
K4-2nd Grade Girls:
Plaid jumper
White Peter Pan shirt
Navy or black Mary Jane styles shoes
White socks
3rd-12th Grade Girls:
Khaki skirt
Blue dry-fit short sleeved shirt
Brown/Tan Sperry-style boat shoes
White socks
Make-Up: Make-up is allowed on girls in 6th grade and up. Make-up should be natural looking. No GOTH make-up is allowed. Nail polish must be neutral and matching. No black lipstick or nail polish will be allowed.
Hair: Girl’s hair may not be faddish or extreme. Hair should be kept neat and clean. Girls may not shave their heads or have haircuts that resemble a man’s style. Girls’ hair should be one natural color. If highlights are used, they should be natural colors and tastefully done.
Hair Accessories: Girls may wear hair accessories in school colors ONLY. (Red/White/Navy/Black Bows, headbands, clips etc.)
Jewelry: Girls may wear a class ring and ONE other small ring. Traditional color watches may be worn. Girls may not wear necklaces or bracelets. Girls may wear no more than three earrings in each ear. Earrings must be modest sized (small stud, small hoop, etc..). Gauges or industrial bars may not be worn. Only ears may be pierced (no lip, nose, eyebrow rings etc.).
BOYS' DRESS:
Boys must wear uniforms purchased through Risse Brothers in Tampa.
K4-12th Grade boys wear uniform pants or shorts with their school shirt.
Shirts must always be tucked in.
Boys may wear solid black tennis shoes or brown/tan Sperry boat shoes.
Boys’ pants and shorts must be worn at the waist.
Shorts may be no more than 3 inches above the top of the knee.
Socks may be solid black, white, or navy.
Boys must wear a black or brown belt in all pants and shorts that have belt loops.
K4-12th Grade Boys Mandatory Uniform:Khaki uniform pants
Blue dry-fit short sleeved shirt
Brown or black belt
Black, blue or white socks
Solid black tennis shoes
Jewelry: Boys may wear a class ring and a traditional watch. No other jewelry is acceptable on boys. Boys may not have their ears pierced.
Hair: Boys’ hair must be neat and clean (combed). Hair should be worn no longer than the bottom of their uniform collar and out of the eyes/eyebrows. Boys may not wear faddish hairstyles (mullets, mohawks etc…), color their hair in un-natural colors, or shave lines or designs into their heads. Boys must be clean shaven every day (students can be asked to shave at school or be sent home). Boys’ hair may not have stark contrasts where the hair goes from very short to long without being blended.
Dress Down Days: On designated dress down days, students may pay $1 and wear pants (jeans, slacks etc.) and a GCS shirt.
Parents may also choose to prepay a non-refundable annual fee of $40 per student, which covers all regular Friday dress down days for the school year.
Acceptable shirts include a regular uniform shirt, class spirit week shirt, PE shirt, shirts purchased off BSN or approved sites etc.
All dress down attire must comply with the school's dress code and modesty standards.
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and Alcohol: There is no tolerance for any GCS students being involved in drugs or alcohol on or off campus. GCS may perform drug testing on any student at any time at the expense of the parents. A student found to be using drugs will appear before an administrative panel and be up fpr expulsion.
Extended Care
Extended Care Services: Students who attend after-care on a regular basis must complete the Extended Care Enrollment form and will need to enroll at the monthly extended care rates. All monthly extended care invoice payments are due on the first of each month with a net 5-day payment term and considered late on the 6th of each month.
Drop in for morning-care will be charged at a rate of $0.25 per minute ($15.00/hr) per child.
Drop in for after-care is for parents who run late occasionally and for unexpected / emergency purposes only. At 3:30 PM each school day, any student who has not been picked up will be signed into after-care and a charge of $10.00 will be invoiced. In such instances, and in the event a student must remain for an extended period beyond the first 40 minutes, charges will revert to $0.25 per minute ($15.00/hr) per child. No students will be permitted to roam the school premises, and no students will be permitted to “watch” athletic/drama practices (or other such activities) to avoid being in extended care services.
Families who fail to pay their recurring invoice or incur regular charges on a drop-in basis must be prepared to make payments promptly on those invoices or risk late fee penalties as well as being placed upon restricted status resulting in student/s not being permitted to utilize these services further.
Late after-care pick up fees will be charged beginning at 6:00 PM and will be charged per child at a rate of $1.00 per minute for each minute after 6:00 PM. Please make sure to pick up your student/s on time each day to avoid being invoiced for late pick-up fees.
All drop-in extended care invoices will be sent within a week of the service date and have a net five-day payment term. Late fees (PER WEEK) will accrue based upon the fee scale below.
$10.00 invoices below $50.00
$15.00 invoices $50.00 - $100.00
$25.00 invoice over $100.00
Field Trips
Field Trips: All money for field trips must be paid before a student can go on the trip. Any parents wishing to attend, may. However, parents who wish to chaperone a field trip (have charge over children) must have our Live Scan fingerprinting.
Finance
Tuition payments are due on the first of each month. The first tuition payment is due August 1st with the final payment due on May 1st of each school year. Tuition payments are considered late on the 5th of the month and a late fee of $25 will be assessed. Students attending school are responsible for the entire year’s tuition (whether the student attends one day or the entire school year). If a family is 2 months late on school payments a recurring credit card authorization form will need to be completed and submitted.
ALL MONEY PAID IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
All GCS invoices will have a Net 5 days or less payment term. Each family’s designated “financial responsibility” has the duty and obligation to ensure that your email address is current and accurate and that invoice emails are attended to swiftly. Please be sure to examine your junk/spam folder and make any adjustments your settings so that you are receiving emails to your inbox from finance@gracechristianschool.com.
GCS fundraising invoices (Patriot Challenge – formerly Sports A Thon) will incur late fees on a weekly basis until the fundraising balance is paid in full. Please note that invoices for Patriot Challenge fundraising fees are sent to families whose fees have not been fully raised and are past the fundraising deadline date.
All other invoices will incur late fees based on the terms of payment (i.e.: net 5 days, upon receipt, etc.) and will be assessed in the following amounts.
$10.00 on invoices below $50
$15.00 on invoices $50 - $100
$25.00 on invoices over $100
$50.00 on invoices over $200
If this is unpaid after 30 days, the student's registration for the following year will be forfeited
We will impose an NSF fee for all returned checks/payments. In Florida, the lawful rate for NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees is as follows:
• $25 for checks with a face value of up to $50
• $30 for checks valued between $50 and $300
• $40 for checks exceeding $300
• 5% of the face value of the payment instrument, whichever is greater
These fees are applicable when a payment is returned due to insufficient funds and are governed by Florida Statutes Section 68.065.
After two returned checks/payments have incurred, the family account will be placed on payment restriction and will not be permitted to pay via invoice payment links. All payments will be required to be made in the office by cash/money order, or by credit card POS over the phone. Report cards, transcripts, and other academic records will be unavailable to families until all bills have been paid in full.
**Scholarship payments within Step Up For Students must be approved within 3 days of being available for approval. A late fee of $25 will be added for families that fail to approve the payment within the three days.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting: Parents who desire to volunteer in a manner where they will have direct contact with children will need to undergo the Live Scan fingerprinting and background check.
Forms can be downloaded below or obtained from the front office.
Flag Pledges
Flag Pledges: GCS students will begin their school day with pledges to the American flag, Christian flag, and Bible. Students are expected to demonstrate proper respect for the flags and Bible and will participate in pledges to each by standing and reciting the pledges.
Forms
Forms: All students must have a registration form, current health forms and immunizations, a school statement of cooperation, school policy statement, emergency contact cards, social security card, birth certificate, on file before they may attend school.
Formal Occasions
Formal Occasions: All outside dates (students who do not attend GCS) must be approved by the administration. Girls’ dresses must be approved for all formal events. The dress must be tried on. Event tickets will not be given until the dress has been approved. One month prior to the event, dress guidelines will be given. Students who arrive out of dress code, will be denied entry to the event.
NHS DRESS for NHS EVENTS: Girls will wear a skirt or dress to the top of the knee and dress shoes.
Boys will wear a collared shirt and tie with dress slacks and dress shoes.
Formals at other schools: The principal will not sign the required documentation for a student to attend another school’s formal if that student did not attend a similar formal event sponsored by GCS.
Graduation
Graduation: Graduation from Grace Christian School is a privilege and not a right. Along with completing the curriculum, students must maintain a standard of ethical and moral behavior. Students can be denied graduation if they violate this standard. Diplomas will be handed out on the Wednesday after graduation or upon completion of all financial and other requirements.
All graduating seniors must attend Baccalaureate Service and the graduation ceremony.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian are determined by cumulative GPA, Christian conduct and administrative approval. To qualify for either of these honors, a student must have attended GCS for a minimum of three years. Student speeches are subject to administration approval.
For a complete list of graduation requirements, please see the Graduation Requirements document below.
Human Sexuality
Human Sexuality:
(1) We believe God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged outside of marriage between a man and a woman (Hebrews 13:4 and I Corinthians 7:1-4).
(2) We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, transgender identity/lifestyle, self-identification, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful in the sight of God and the church (Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1; I Corinthians 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:2-7). Students who are found participating in these lifestyles will be asked to leave the school immediately.
(3) We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal dignity. Therefore, one’s biological sex must be affirmed, and no attempts should be made to physically change, alter, or disagree with one’s biological gender – including, but not limited to, elective sex reassignment, transvestite, transgender, or non-binary gender fluid acts of conduct (Genesis 1:26-28).
Internet
Internet: Students will be held accountable for all content including messages, comments, pictures, and any other material that appears on any form of social networking websites or messaging feature before, after, or during school (both on and off campus). Unacceptable postings on social media include:
• profane and inappropriate language
• posting of inappropriate song lyrics
• posting inappropriate images, pictures, graphics, etc.
• inciting school disharmony
• Liking, re-posting, or sending any inappropriate activity.
• Videoing or taking pictures of a student/staff/faculty without their expressed consent.
Students should not access social media during the school day. Content posted should be in keeping with a Christian testimony. Pictures and videos should not be taken or posted during school hours. Students who are guilty of posting inappropriate or sexual pictures will be suspended and/or expelled from school.
Students may not post pictures or videos taken at school to social networking sites without permission.
Make-up Work
Make-up work: When a student has an excused absence the student will have two days to complete all make-up work (that is work that is assigned when they are absent. Work that was due on the day they are absent should be turned in on the day that they return). It is the student’s responsibility to collect these assignments, and students need to schedule a time (outside of class) with the teacher to make-up tests, quizzes, etc.
Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting: All faculty and staff are required to follow established guidelines for suspected child abuse. This is in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida and established policies and procedures.
Medicine
Medicine: No medicine will be administered unless we have an Authorization to Dispense Medication Form on file in the school office. All medicine should be in the school office. Students may not take ANY type of medicine on their own on school grounds or while on a school trip. If cough drops are needed, they will be administered via the classroom teacher.
Download the form below
Patriotism
Patriotism: Grace Christian School has chosen the Patriot as its mascot. The school teaches the importance of love of country and appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve to defend our precious freedoms. ALL students MUST recite pledges each and every morning (American Flag, Christian Flag, Bible, 23rd Psalm, The Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed).
Photos
Photos: Grace Christian reserves the right to use any student’s photo in publications, advertising etc. Students and families at GCS may not publish photos of other students without permission from their families.
Pick-up Policy
Pick-up policy: Students cannot be picked up from school between 2 PM and 3PM. If a student has an appointment, parents must sign them out prior to 2PM or wait until 3:00 dismissal (this does not include Kindergarteners who are brought out to car line at 2:20PM). Please note that tardies at the end of the day are as significant as tardies at the start of the day.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: No student may attend Grace Christian School if they are married, pregnant, or an expectant father.
Problem Solving
Problem Solving: Matthew 18 Principle
a. GCS is truly a place for us, as believers, to practice Christian principles. As a chosen people, we must act initially to be responsive to God’s plan, and secondly to serve as a model for the students. As problems arise, we must handle them in a Godly way. God's Word declares the way to problem solving. We can find the formula for relationship problem solving in the 18th chapter of Matthew.
b. This principle can be exercised in the Christian school and can help maintain strong, serious-minded relationships. The Bible says: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell about his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but, if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."
c. As children of God, we need not be easily offended or overly sensitive. When serious problems arise, however, we should be adequately prepared to follow the Matthew 18 principle.
d. Prayerfully and confidentially, the parties involved need to meet and earnestly seek the mind of the Lord. After an open and honest discussion, both must be willing to change as the Lord leads. Most problems are reconciled at this first level. God Himself gives this step first, and with it, he issues the expectation of resolution.
e. Only if this first step fails should a school problem be furthered to the school administration.
f. Following this distinctive practice establishes the Christian school as an ongoing spiritual exercise. Please pray for the willful exercise of this principle in this school, knowing that it works, for the spiritual is always practical.
Note the following regarding school related Facebook pages:
(1) Only one page may exist per class/team sport.
(2) The teacher of the class or the coach of the team must be added to the page. If the teacher is not on Facebook, a GCS staff member must agree to be on the page
(3) Only families of CURRENT students or CURRENT team members may be active participants on the page.
(4) The page should be private.
Any family who threatens a lawsuit will be forced to withdraw their child immediately.
Search and Seizure
Search and Seizure: Grace Christian School and its agents reserve the right to search and seize anything or anybody on the premises. If necessary, outside authorities can be called in.
Security
Security: The GCS campus is under 24-hour security camera surveillance (in all public areas). The administration reserves the right to inspect or conduct searches of lockers, backpacks, purses, student automobiles, iPads, and cell phones. School camera footage cannot be accessed by students or parents without a court order.
Sickness Policy
Sickness Policy: Students who go home sick from school or stay home from school with a sickness must be free from fever, vomiting, and diarrhea for 24 hours (without medicine) before they can return to school.
Study Hall
Study Hall: Students opting for Study Hall in lieu of an academic class will receive neither credit nor a grade. A Study Hall is exclusively for a period of silent study. By design, this time is to be used to complete homework assignments, to complete research and writing projects, and to prepare for quizzes and exams. Study Hall must not be viewed as a break from classes or as a social period. It is designed to help students become academically mature and be able to master the art of time management. Attendance will be taken for study hall, and if a student fails to attend study hall, he/she will be removed to take an academic elective.
Supervision
Supervision: Students should be under adult supervision at all times. Students can be disciplined simply for putting themselves in places without adult supervision.
Students can only leave campus with individuals that they have been permitted to leave with via the yellow card.
Tattoos
Tattoos: GCS students may not have tattoos that are visible. If a student has a tattoo, they must be covered at all times when on campus or at any GCS event.
Touching (Inappropriate)
Touching: Students should not be touching one another for any reason. This touching includes rough housing amongst students as well as any romantic type of touching.
Transportation
Transportation: Students may not ride bikes or motorcycles to school. Students who wish to walk, need permission from the administration and must fill out a waiver.
Vacations
Vacations: Parents are asked to plan vacations during prescribed school vacation days. A family may have FIVE days per year that will be excused for special family events.
Vandalism
Vandalism: Students who are caught defacing or damaging school property will appear before a panel that will help the student understand the seriousness of this and the panel will decide on the punishment for the student. Families will be responsible for immediate payment for the cleaning and/or repairing of defaced or damaged school property.
Visitors
Visitors: All non-staff individuals coming to campus must report to the office for a visitor pass. Parents cannot go to their child’s classroom without an appointment or authorization to proceed. Please dress appropriately when attending school or auditorium functions. Parents must wait in the office, seated, while waiting for their student to come downstairs for an early sign-out. Parents cannot use the school restrooms unless a staff member has cleared that restroom of any students.