Lakeland Christian Academy
Handbook

Celebrating God's greatest creation ... a child.

Mission
The mission of Lakeland Christian Academy is to provide a Christ-centered education to children through the pursuit of academic excellence.

"Train up a child in the way that he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6

Philosophy
Lakeland Christian Academy exists to complement the home and the church in promoting a child's spiritual growth, academic training, physical growth and social development; teaching God's truth in each subject area studied and that Jesus Christ is the center of all learning and living.

Core Values
Obedient - We please God when we obey.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."  Ephesians 6:1
Respectful - We please God when we respect, or think highly of, people who are in charge of us.
"Honour thy father and thy mother."  Exodus 20:12
Diligent - We please God when we work hard and do our best.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."  Colossians 3:23
 

Children's Day Out/Preschool

Birthdays
After making arrangements with the teacher, parents are welcome to provide a special snack on their child's birthday.  Snacks with high sugar content will be given as the last activity of the day.  No red or purple juice is permitted in the classrooms.  Speak with the teacher first, as many children have food allergies.

Correction
Praise for appropriate activity is always our focus.  Spanking is not allowed.  Snack will never be withheld for correction purposes.  Each teacher is allowed to convey in their own format the correction process to the children.  (Example:  Green light, yellow light, red light or happy face, straight face, sad face).  All classes follow the same basic guide:

-    Reminder/Warning -- with an explanation and reminder to the child.  Redirecting the child is
        also used.
-    Short Time Out
-    Longer Time Out
-    Note to Parent
-    Office Referral -- Speak with Director in the school office

A Third Office Referral will result in the student being expelled from the LCA program for the remainder of the school year.

Curriculum
LCA uses ABeka as the core curriculum for CDO/Preschool.  It is an academically accelerated Christian based curriculum.  The ABeka curriculum can take children far beyond their years academically while letting them enjoy the social and emotional connections with other children of their own age.  Special Emphasis programs for PS3 and PK4 classes are:  Computer Lab, Library, and Chapel.

Drop Off/Pick Up
LCA does not provide before and after school care.  Students may enter their classrooms ten (10) minutes before class begins.  Class starts promptly as scheduled.  Please sign in CDO/Preschool children every day.  No siblings should be left unattended in automobiles.

Pick-up time is promptly at the end of class.  Beginning five (5) minutes after class ends, children will be taken to the school office.  Parent will be charged a late pick-up fee of $1 for every minute late, per child.

Lunch
Please send a nutritious lunch, with easy open lids.  NO soda pop.  Cool packs that keep lunches fresh are a good idea, as there is no refrigeration and heating available.

Medication
LCA does not have medical personnel on staff.  With the exception of topical antibiotic ointment, no other over-the-counter or doctor prescribed medications will be administered by LCA or stored on property.  Students are not allowed to administer their own medication, including vitamin pills.

Nondiscriminatory Policy for Students
The school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education and admission policies and other school administered programs.

Parents & Volunteers
1)    All parents & volunteers must sign in at the school office and wear a LCA Identification Tag.
2)    For the protection of all LCA children parent volunteers will be subject to a criminal
        background check if there will be any interaction with children.
3)    Outside arrangements must be made for siblings.
4)    Parents are encouraged to be involved as much as possible.  Teachers will post or send home
        information on needs that may arise in your child's classroom.

Playground
For the protection of all children, the playground is a secured area.  Only enrolled students accompanied by LCA staff are allowed on the playground during designated school recess hours.  The playground is not available for use by LCA student and their families between 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Playground Safety Rules
1)    Use equipment as intended.
2)    Slide DOWN the slide, feet first, on bottoms -- not stomachs.
3)    Toddler swings are for toddlers with adult supervision.
4)    No climbing on fences.
5)    No children are allowed in the playground without LCA staff.

Preschool Attire
All children should wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  The children will be doing physical activities as well as craft projects during the course of a day.  Clothing that is easily slipped on and off is advantageous to preschoolers who use the restroom alone.  Preschool 3's and older students must be completely toilet trained.  In winter months, all children need coats for playground time.

4 year old students must purchase a LCA Tee shirt and Sweatshirt for off campus activities.

Rules for Students
-    Do as the teacher asks
-    Keep hands and fee to yourself

Security
LCA takes the security of your child very seriously.  The building is locked down after drop-off with a security call button on the outside office door.  Security cameras are also located throughout the building, playground and 1st floor classrooms.  Fire, severe weather and other security drills are practiced routinely.

Sickness/Illness Policy
LCA loves all of the children!  We want all of the children to remain healthy and happy.

For the protection of your child and other children, any child who appears ill cannot be accepted in any classroom.

If at any time during the day a child exhibits any of the following symptoms and/or illnesses, they will be returned to the parent for the remainder of the day.

Children with the following symptoms and/or illnesses must remain home:
    -    Any fever at the present time
    -    Fever of 100 degrees within previous 24 hours
    -    Vomitting and/or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours
    -    Any symptom of usual childhood diseases
    -    Common cold symptoms (including running nose, cough, sore throat)
    -    Unexplained rash
    -    Any skin infection
    -    Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
    -    For the wellbeing of ALL children, any child who bites another will be returned to his/her
            parent for the remainder of the day.

Snack/Special Snack Days/Cooking Days
Routinely preschool snack is provided by LCA.  If a special snack is planned to tie in with the learning theme, parents will be given the opportunity to help provide a special snack.  For special snacks and for cooking items, teachers post a sign-up sheet listing requested items.  Sign-up sheets will be posted for each special snack day.  A parent may sign -up as often as desired.

Tuition
Tuition is due on the first day of each month, June through March.  There are two options of payment:  Option one is to pay by your charge card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express); Option two is to pay through automatic bank withdrawal from checking or savings.  All pre-paid tuition and registration fees are non-refundable.

Visiting During School Hours
For the protection and security of all our children, all visitors to LCA must check in and out at the school office and receive a visitor's ID tag to wear during school hours.

What Not to Bring to Class
With the exception of the items mentioned below, please leave all toys and personal items at home.  Children will be provided with many things to do during their day at LCA, it is not worth the risk of damaging or losing a favorite toy.

What to Bring to Class
Nursery children and two-year olds need a complete diaper bag, including diapers, wipes and a change of clothing.  With written instruction from a parent, teachers may administer teething gel and diaper cream.  A personal comfort item may accompany the child to class.  As soon as the child looses interest, the item will be stored in the child backpack.  Every effort will be made to care for this "special" item.  At the same time, please know to send it at your own risk.  Older children (PS3 & PK4) may bring Show and Tell items, as directed by the teacher.

Elementary/Secondary

Revision Policy
Lakeland Christian Academy reserves the right to change policy or procedure in the handbook at any time when, in the discretion of the administration, it deems the change to be in the best interest of the school.

Instructional Philosophy Statement
Lakeland Christian Academy exists to complement the home and the church in promoting a child’s spiritual growth, academic training, physical growth and social development; teaching God’s truth in each subject area studied and that Jesus Christ is the center of all learning and living.

Statement of Objectives
Lakeland Christian Academy seeks:

 1.  To complement the home and the church in promoting a child’s spiritual growth.

2.  To offer a Biblically based, Christ-centered education to children through the pursuit of academic excellence.

3.  To provide learning experiences which develop the child’s physical growth and social development.

4. To instill in students a respect for God and our fellow man.

5. To instill confidence in every child.

6. To foster responsibility and sound decision making based on Biblical standards.

7. To involve families in their child’s education.

History of Lakeland Christian Academy
Lakeland Christian Academy is a non-profit corporation operating under the provisions of Article1396-.03 of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, with the Charter Number 01239543.  LCA was incorporated on August 03, 1992 and is organized exclusively for educational purposes, including the making of distributions that qualify as exempt organizations under 509 (a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Service.

During the past 14 years, LCA has grown in number and reputation as a private educational organization for preschool and elementary education.  The school is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.

LCA is located in Lewisville, TX in southern Denton County, approximately 15 miles north of Dallas.  Denton County is a rapidly growing community with a rich diversity of cultures as well as employers.  Quality education options for families have attracted many people to the area with young children.  The demand for quality education continues to be a major concern for area families.

Organizationally, LCA is divided into two divisions; preschool education and elementary education.  The preschool education program is a half-day option, with students beginning at 18 months of age and continuing to four years old.  The elementary education is a Kindergarten through 8^th grade program.

The core curriculum includes reading, language, writing, spelling, math, science, social studies and Bible.  The enrichment classes include Spanish (as a second language), music, art, computer lab, physical education, life science lab, library, chapel, motor development and education field trips.

LCA believes in community relations and involvement, and has had local representatives from the following areas in our classrooms:

• Fire Department
• Health/Medical Field
• Civic Leaders
• Military Personnel
• Church/Clergy Leaders
• Pilots/Flight Attendants
• Cultural Diversity Activities & Events
• Local Radio and Television Personalities

Absences
The office would appreciate a phone call about absences and the cause to help in notifying other parents in cases where their child may have been exposed to a contagious illness.

A child may return to school when they have gone:

• 24 hours with no fever

• 24 hours with no throwing up

• 24 hours with no diarrhea

Accidents
All accidents that occur during the school day will be reported to the office.  Supervising teachers will complete an accident report to be sent home.  Emergency medial professionals will be notified by the office for a student with a serious injury.  The parents will be notified by school office personnel.  It is the parent’s responsibility to see that the office has up to date emergency telephone numbers on file where a parent, relative, or friend can be reached in the case of an emergency.  A medical release and copy of insurance must be provided by a parent/guardian and kept on file in the office for each student.

Achievement Testing
The Stanford Achievement Test is administered at each grade level every other year.

Animals
Pets should not be brought to school by parents during drop-off or pick-up.  Pets visiting during the instructional day to correspond with a unit of study require notification in the school office.

Assignments/Homework Policy
Homework must be turned in on the original due date to receive full credit.  Students can be given an opportunity to complete homework during recess on the day that it is due.  Assignments returned one day late will be marked down 11 points.  Assignments will not be accepted after one day and receive a 0.  Nightly homework is not given on Wednesdays so as not to interfere with mid-week church services.

Class work is due the day it is assigned.  Students can be given an opportunity to complete class work during recess on the day that it is assigned.

 Homework and class work missed due to absences are to be returned to the teacher in the same amount of school days that were missed.  Tests must be taken in the same time frame.  Assignments that receive a failing grade are corrected at the teacher’s discretion and will not receive a grade higher than 70 percent.

Bible
LCA provides a Biblically based, Christ-centered education in all disciplines.  Bible is taught as a non-denominational core class.  Students will memorize Bible passages that are appropriate to their age level.

Book bag
Students should use their book bag to carry class planners and/or folders home daily.  Parents should review book bags and folders each night.  Elementary students may bring a pop top water bottle to school.  Show and Tell items are at the discretion of the classroom teacher.  Please leave all toys and personal items at home.  Children will be provided with many things to do during the day at LCA, it is not worth the risk of damaging or losing a favorite toy.

Carpools
Parents are responsible for forming carpools.  Each family will fill out a portion of a carpool form to be filed in the office.  All members of the carpool will receive a security tag for afternoon pick up.

Class Placement
Parents are invited to write a letter to the LCA office describing their child’s personality and the parents’ educational goals.  Letters must be received before summer break the previous school year.  Because teachers often change grade levels from year to year, parental requests for specific teachers or classmates are not considered in determining class assignments.

Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled school wide after the first six weeks grading period.  Subsequent conferences are scheduled at the discretion of parents and teachers.  Outside of these times, we urge you to communicate with your child’s teachers in the following manners:

• Schoolnotes

• Send a note in your child’s folder or planner

• Call the school office to have a note put in the teacher’s box requesting she return your call when she is off duty

Curriculum Development
LCA uses Abeka, BJU, Glencoe, Prentice Hall and ACSI curriculum to provide a well rounded education.  Additional curriculum is used to supplement at several grade levels.  Special Emphasis programs for Elementary and Secondary are:  Technology Lab, Spanish Class, Music Class, Art Class, Physical Education, and Chapel.

Curriculum development is done by grade level teachers with in the scope and sequence of the school.  Curriculum training is provided to teachers in house as well as through ACSI approved seminars such as those offered at the ACSI Educators Conventions.

Discipline/Dishonesty in Schoolwork
 Praise for appropriate activity is always our focus.  Spanking is not allowed.  Snack will never be withheld for correction purposes.  Each teacher is allowed to convey in their own format the correction process to the children.  (Example:  Green light, yellow light, red light or happy face, straight face, sad face).  LCA has three school wide guidelines:

• Follow instruction

• Respect people and property

• Be prepared to do your best each day

All classes follow the same procedures:

1. Reminder/warning – Student is redirected or asked to redo work.

2. Short time out

3. Longer time out – Child may finish work at a different desk.

4. Note to parents

5. Office referral – Speak to the principal of the school

A third referral may result in the student being expelled from the LCA program for the remainder of the year.

Drop off / Pick up
LCA does not provide extended care.  Students may enter their classrooms 10 minutes before class begins.  Elementary/Secondary students are “tardy” if they arrive 10 minutes after the scheduled start of class.

There are two morning drop off options: 

1. The only drive up drop off is located on the south side of the building between gym and lunchroom.  These doors are locked until a teacher is attending the entrance at 8:35am.

2. Students may be walked upstairs by a parent through the doors by the office.  Students are not permitted to use the elevators without parent supervision. 

If a classroom teacher has morning drop off duty, we ask that the parents use the drive by drop off or wait at the classroom until the teacher returns.  No children should be left unattended in the hall or parking lot.

Students picked up during the school day must be signed out in the office.  Please send a note to the teacher for a planned early pick up.

End of the school day drive by pick up is located next to the playground.  ALL vehicles must display a security tag for their student to be brought to the car.  Cars without security tags will be asked to pull forward until ID can be verified.

Parents who walk up are asked to park in the lot behind the education building as not to cross the carpool lane.  Parents are asked to wait in the designated area with their security tags until their student can be brought to them.

Parents are to keep in the office a list of adults allowed to pick up their student in case of an emergency.  Students going home with a classmate’s family that is not on their pick up list are asked to bring a note to their teacher.

Students are taken to the school office 10 minutes after school ends.  A fee of $1 for every minute late will be charged per child.

Electronics
We ask that students not bring electronics devises without prior approval of the classroom teacher.  Cell phones brought to school must have the ring on silent and be kept in the backpack until after carpool.  Cell phones used during the school day will be taken up until the parent can come to the office to pick it up.

Emergency Drills
LCA practices emergency drills through out the year.  We ask that any parent in the building during a drill, please, participate.  When the signal is given:

• Students should stop their work or activity, remain quiet, and listen for directions from the teacher.

• Students should exit quickly and in an orderly, single file line to their designated safe area.

• Teachers should bring the Crisis Manual, turn off the lights and shut the classroom door when the room is cleared.

• When the safe area has been reached, teachers should account for all students and give the all present sign to administration.

• Teachers and students should wait quietly until the administration gives the all clear sign to return to the classroom.

Field Trips
LCA provides many field trip opportunities during the school year.  Students wishing to participate must have a Field Trip Consent Form and copy of insurance on file in the LCA office.    If parents choose for their child not to participate, they should keep their child home.  Parents or grandparents are welcome to accompany their student on trips as space allows.  Adult spaces are assigned on a first pay basis.  Adults must have a Field Trip Policies for Adult Volunteers form, Criminal Records Check, and Parent Emergency Medical form on file in the LCA office.  Teachers will bring Crisis Manuals and a cell phone on all trips.

Health Guidelines
For the protection of your child and other children, any child who appears ill cannot be accepted in any classroom.  If at any time during the day a child exhibits any of the following symptoms and /or illness, they will be returned to the parent for the remainder of the day.  Children with the following symptoms and/or illnesses must remain home:

·        Any fever at the present time

·        Fever of 100’ within previous 24 hours

·        Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours

·        Any symptom of usual childhood diseases

·        Common cold symptoms (including running nose, cough, sore throat)

·        Unexplained rash

·        Any skin infection

·        Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

·        For the wellbeing of ALL children, any child who bites another will be returned to his/her parent for the remainder of the day

Lunch
LCA offers a five day hot lunch program through a catering service.  Lunch accounts may be set up directly through the catering company.  Students may opt to bring a nutritious lunch from home with easy open lids.  Cool packs are a good idea, as there is no refrigeration or heating available to students.  We ask that no sodas be packed in lunch boxes.  Family members are invited to have lunch at the designed family lunch table with their own children.  Please sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge before proceeding to the lunchroom.  Due to limited space, students may not invite classmates to the family lunch tables.  Siblings, under a parents’ supervision, are welcome in the family area.  Parents may wish to sign out their own student for lunch.  Please sign your student back in the office upon your return to school.  Students without family members present must eat with their class.

Lunchroom Rules:

1. Stay seated while eating lunch. 

2. Students will have bathroom breaks before entering the lunchroom.  The next break will be after lunch or recess.

3. Respect the students sitting at the lunch tables.  Each student will eat their own lunch only.

4. Students may talk to others using an inside voice while the lights are on.  Some lights will be turned out the last 10 minutes of lunch.  This indicates a time for students are to finish lunch without talking before they clean up.

Medication
LCA does not have medical personnel on staff.  With the exception of topical antibiotic ointment, no other over-the-counter or doctor prescribed medications will be administered by LCA staff at school.  If your child has been ill and requires a prescription medicine during the day, please keep him/her at home or arrange to come to school at lunch time to give the medicine yourself.  Students are not permitted to carry their own medication, including vitamins.

Music Programs
All elementary and secondary students have music as part of their curricula.  All students are required to have a red crested school uniform shirt and blue uniform long pants or skirt as the choir uniform.  Secondary students have the choice of participating in a choral or instrumental program.  Secondary students will have one additional band or choir uniform chosen at the discretion of the director.

Orientation
School wide and classroom orientation are provided during the first six weeks of school.  Parents are asked to attend, but will be provided with an information sheet if unable to attend.

Parties
There are three classroom parties during the school year.  LCA presents the Christian view of each holiday.

• Christmas – Happy Birthday, Jesus

• Valentine’s Day – Jesus Loves Me

• End of the Year

Students may bring a class treat on their birthday.  Please coordinate the time with the classroom teacher.  We ask that birthday invitations to after school parties not be delivered at school.  Please mail the invitations instead.

Photographs
Individual school photos are taken in first semester and class pictures will be taken second semester.  Student photos may be used in class projects/programs, yearbook or on the school web page without name or identifying information.   

Playground
For the protection of all students, the playground is a secured area.  Only enrolled students accompanied by the LCA staff are allowed on the playground during designated school recess hours.  The playground is not available for use by LCA students and their families between 8:00 am -
4:00 pm.

Playground Safety Rules:

1. Use equipment as intended.

2. Slide DOWN the slide, feet first, on bottoms – not stomachs.

3. Toddler swings are for toddlers with adult supervision.

4. No climbing on fences, roofs or top of monkey bars.

5. No children are allowed in the playground without LCA staff supervision.

PTF
The Parent/Teacher Fellowship is a volunteer organization that promotes social and support opportunities for LCA.  We encourage all families to become involved!

Retention
At the end of each semester, an accumulative grade will be given for each subject.  Students with a midterm failing average of core subjects will be asked to conference with the classroom teacher to develop a plan for improvement.  Students with a year end failing average of core subjects will be considered for retention.    

School Supplies
Supplies are to be purchased prior to the beginning of school.  Lists of supplies can be found on the school’s website at www.lakelandchristianacademy.org.

Technology
Technology resources are supplied in each classroom.  They include a television, VCR or DVD player, CD player, tape player and computer.  VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes and computer software can be checked out of the library or teacher resource rooms.  Classroom computers have internet access with a firewall and are closely monitored.  The computer lab is unplugged from internet connection and is reconnected only with the computer teacher’s consent and supervision.  The Children’s Theater and House of Prayer have multi-media capabilities.  All student records are kept on the school server which is backed up off site.

Textbook Review and Selection
Textbooks are reviewed by subject area.  Review is done on a rotating basis.  One subject area is selected.  The administrator selects sample textbooks from various publishers.  Textbooks are distributed to grade levels for review.  Teachers report strengths and weaknesses to the administration.  The final decision is made by the administration based on teacher reports.

Uniforms
Uniforms are mandatory for all elementary and secondary students.  School uniforms must be purchased from Parker School Uniforms or Lands’ End.   The flyer and catalog may be picked up in the LCA office. The only uniform clothing that can be purchased for boys and girls from Land's End is the Chino pants.

Students are required to wear the Official LCA School Uniform daily.  Monday through Thursday, light blue shirts or red pique knit shirts are worn with the uniform.  A red pique crested knit shirt and solid blue uniform bottom are required for all choir/band performances and competitions.  On cold days, a solid red, blue or white shirt may be worn under the uniform shirt.  Navy blue uniform leggings may be worn under skirts.

Friday is designated Spirit Day.  A LCA t-shirt and long or capri jeans may be worn.  Jean shorts are not permitted.  Upward athletes may wear their Upward cheerleading uniform or their Upward basketball t-shirt and jersey with long jeans.  Athletes on a LCA team may wear their team shirt with long jeans.  PK-4, elementary and secondary students are required to wear the LCA crested t-shirt or sweatshirt for all field trips.

Shoes must fully enclose the students’ feet including the heel.  Sandals are not permitted.  Athletic shoes with reinforced toes are preferred and required to be worn on P.E. days.  Secondary students must wear navy blue uniform gym shorts and t-shirts during P.E.

Student’s hair should be kept neat.  It must not be distracting to the school’s educational mission.

Parents will be notified in writing if their student is out of uniform. On the third notification, parents will be contacted to pick up their child from school and asked to return with appropriate uniform attire.

Volunteers
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to volunteer in their child’s classroom.  All volunteers must have a background check through the LCA office.  Volunteer opportunities will be on sign up sheets at classroom orientation.

Weather
LCA is blessed with a beautiful gymnasium for inclement weather.  Recess will move to the gymnasium in case of rain or temperatures below 30 or above 100 degrees.

The following is the LCA policy regarding weather procedures:

The decision to close schools based on inclement weather will be made by 6:30 a.m.  LCA follows LISD (Lewisville Independent School District) on their decision to close schools.  Therefore, if LISD is closed LCA will be closed.  School closing decisions are reported to television channels 4 (KDFW), 5 (KXAS), 8 (WFAA) and 11 (KTVT) along with radio stations WBAP (820 AM), KWRD (100.7 FM), KHKS (106.1 FM), KLIF (570 AM), KPLX (99.5FM), KRLD (1080 AM) and KVIL (103.7 FM).

If LISD announces late start times, LCA will be closed.  LCA does not have late start times.

PLEASE NOTE:  Media outlets only inform viewers and listeners of those school districts that are either starting late or canceling school.  If no information is given, LCA will be starting at the regular time, on a regular schedule.

Tours by appointment.  Please call
(972) 219-3939
to schedule.