American Academy

Parent/Student Handbook

Educating American Leaders!
 

 Parent/Student Handbook

    American Academy educates K-12th grade students and promotes the foundational values of our Western Heritage. 

     We teach children to be American leaders:  men and women prepared to establish healthy families and businesses; men and women of polished character ready to serve God, country and community; men and women who preserve and promote traditional American virtues at civilization's frontier.

Explication:
           American Academy develops within its students the intellectual and personal habits and skills upon which responsible, independent, and productive lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the basis of a free and just society.  The Academy strives to offer enrichment and to develop character through both curricular and co-curricular offerings, to nurture the child’s humanity-- spirit, mind and body-- with a constant view to the potential adult.  The time-honored liberal arts curriculum and pedagogy direct student achievement toward mastery of the basics, exploration of the arts and sciences, and understanding of the foundational tenets of our Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman heritage.  The curriculum by purpose and design surveys the best spiritual, intellectual, and cultural traditions of the West as they have been developed and refined over countless generations.  The staff also promotes these values in the community.

          We believe that America's global ascendancy stems not just from abundant resources, advantageous geography and good fortune but from superior values inherited from men and women of valor who pledged allegiance to liberty within the richness of our Western civilization and the probity of our forefathers.  Children who will rise up and lead our great country need a solid foundation in those values: a sound education supporting faith in God, respect for the individual, and courage to fight to preserve and promote the same.  It is up to adults to teach children these rudiments and help them learn to love rigor, integrity and truth.

Explication:
            The Academy represents a partnership among the students, parents, faculty, administration and staff.  These partners are united in their commitment to the common objectives outlined in the Mission Statement. 

            Students and parents respect Academy teachers, as role models and instructors, for their commitment to the truth and their genuine concern for the children.  Intelligence, creativity, responsibility, and loyalty are characteristics of the faculty. 

            Parents expect and appreciate direct and regular communication from faculty regarding their children.  Reciprocally, parents are responsive to suggestions from teachers and administrators for helping students.

             The Headmaster oversees the implementation of the Mission Statement in the school and maintains the Academy culture through regular staff education meetings.  In his capacity as policy-maker and community leader he advances the Academy’s role as an institution dedicated to providing the best education for children.

             The Academy recognizes each child as an individual who, by virtue of his humanity, is in community with all the other children in the Academy, regardless of age.  By providing moral and ethical standards, the Academy prepares its students to accept the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society that honors and respects their Maker.  Every child is capable of achieving his potential to the fullest extent when afforded respect, fairness, kindness, discipline, and appropriate instruction.

             American Academy strives to inculcate the principle: "Do it right the first time."  We must learn from mistakes to avoid them in the future.  Prevention is the educational and school culture.  Excellence and defect-free work are always the goal and the expectation.

             Our influence multiplies as young citizen leaders rise to positions of leadership in academia, business, government, churches and community organizations.  Our educators and staff actively improve their communities through letters to editors, seminars, speeches  to civic organizations, business development and leadership in community organizations.  Academies open in cities around the world and the values that have made the American experiment of self-government under law the vibrant success it is will spread American prosperity and morality around the globe.

             All parents of the Academy are members of the Parents’ Association, which exists to promote friendly relationships among parents, to acquaint them with the spirit of American Academy, to obtain their cooperation with its objectives for the development of their children, and to initiate the parents’ involvement in, and support for projects and functions which aid the Academy academically, socially and financially.

             American Academy’s Judeo-Christian tradition broadly guides the course of study at the Academy.  The Academy offers instruction based upon traditional, nondenominational biblical beliefs, values and virtues that seeks to develop those qualities of life characteristic of man’s understanding of his relationship to his Creator and his place in the world and encourages students to follow the faith of their fathers.

            A weekly service conducted by the Headmaster addresses the spiritual needs of the Academy’s students through Scripture, prayer and song.  Parents are encouraged to participate in these services.

          Almighty God, creator of the universe, nature proclaims your perfect power, love, justice, grace, and beauty.  Thank You for all the good gifts you have provided us especially our parents and families, our school, our Headmaster, our teachers and our fellow students.  Thank you also for our great nation, our good earth and our health.  Bless all who lead, all who teach, all who work and all who learn.  Grant that in humility of heart they ever look to You, the fountain of all wisdom, so that knowledge may increase, excellence flourish, right tradition endure, and progress march on; that we may secure and enjoy happiness and success, the fruit of our labors in this home of a free, brave and civil society.  Amen.

          Enrollment rolls on a first come first served basis until the enrollment cap of 10 students per class is reached with preference given to siblings of current students.  For important dates see the School Calendar.  For the annual tuition and fees see the Tuition and Fee Schedule for the current or upcoming year.  All students, regardless of enrollment date are subject to the same contractual terms and obligations as all of the other students in that academic class and year.  Prorating of fees is at the discretion of the Headmaster and will be noted on the enrollment contract.  New students are not accepted beyond the 9^th grade and non-NAAS-accredited grades will not be accepted.

    The school uniform achieves a handsome, businesslike appearance for American Academy students and frees them from fashion trends and peer pressure.  The only authorized emblem is the American Academy insignia.   Full dress uniforms are required every Wednesday and on special occasions.  Incomplete uniforms require that a parent bring approved clothing to the Academy office before a student may rejoin his class.  Sports caps are unacceptable. 

             Jewelry is limited to plain watches without alarms, simple neck chains of religious significance, and, for girls only, a single ear stud per ear.  Jewelry is to be removed for PE and sports.  Upper school girls may wear discreet facial makeup and clear nail polish only. 

             Hair is to be neat and clean.  Boys’ hair should be off the collar and of uniform length.  Girls’ hair should be tied back or otherwise held off the face.  All questions of dress and grooming are subject to the decision of the Headmaster.

             For details on exact uniform composition see the Approved Student Uniform Sheet, in the student form packet given at time of enrollment and available in the office.

             The Academy recognizes that good conduct of students in school promotes their  education on campus and good behavior off campus.  Accordingly, all teachers disseminate and explain classroom and school rules.  Each teacher’s rules address class attendance, preparedness, quality of work, respectful behavior and good citizenship.

            Disciplinary action usually proceeds as follows:

1.  Reprimand
2.  Demerit
3.  Detention (after school)
4.  Suspension
5.  Expulsion.

             To ensure uninterrupted learning, American Academy maintains a policy of demerits and detentions with parental notification.  The Academy’s goal is to work closely with parents to uphold standards of courtesy, respect, and helpful behavior.

             Demerits are issued for the following:

1.    Leaving an assigned seat without permission.
2.    Speaking without permission
3.    Being disrespectful to anyone
4.    Teasing, roughhousing, or fighting
5.    Lying or creating a false impression.
6.    Displaying conduct deemed by a teacher, staff member or the Headmaster to be unbecoming of an American Academy student.

            A student serves a detention when a second demerit is issued.  The Academy notifies parents when a detention is required, and a day during the next one-week period is selected for the student’s serving it.  Detentions are designed on an individual basis and may involve campus- community service, reorientation to the principles of the Academy, or some type of negative behavior prevention exercise tailored to the needs of the transgressor and making reparations if possible to any transgressed parties.  Students are relieved of all demerits at the end of each marking period.

             Any student who is subject to a fourth detention during one marking period serves, instead, a one-day suspension from school.  Suspended students are required to submit all missed academic work at the beginning of the next school day.  The Headmaster may suspend any student when, in his judgment, circumstances necessitate.

             Any student who demonstrates a general unwillingness or inability to abide by classroom or American Academy rules is subject to expulsion.  After meeting with parents, the student, and involved faculty and staff, the Headmaster will decide if expulsion is warranted.

             The school sponsors etiquette seminars and coaching.  Each week a student is awarded a perfect gentleman and perfect lady awards for consistently outstanding behavior.  There is a medal awarded to the lady and gentleman of the year at the annual awards banquet. Medals and other symbols of honor are required to be worn on full dress days and special occasions. The Headmaster may establish any similar methodology which he and the staff feel is effective.

            Each student subscribes to a strict honor code, a written copy of which they sign when entering any middle school or higher level class, to respect honor and authority, to do their own work to the best of their ability, to follow the golden rule and to maintain the principles for which the Academy stands.  The Academy seeks to nurture absolute respect for property:  public, private, school, personal or intellectual.  Stealing, vandalism, cheating, or plagiarizing will be treated with the utmost gravity and considered grounds for suspension or expulsion.

             Any introduction of a weapon, an illegal drug, alcohol or tobacco will be treated as grounds for immediate expulsion.  Any improper activity outside school relating these items will be treated equally severely.

             Parents receive both interim and end of term reports regarding their children’s academic standing and citizenship.  Teachers give most assignments and all tests numerical designations, which then guide the teachers in assigning interim and end term grades.

            Teachers in the middle and upper schools, grades 5-8 and 9-12 respectively, assign letter grades according to the following scale: 

            Points  Grade Grade Points

            100        A+                 5.0

            96-99     A                   4.0

            92-95     A-                  3.75

            88-91     B+                 3.5

            84-87     B                   3.25

            80-83     B-                  3.0

            76-79     C+                 2.75

            70-75     C                   2.5

            65-69     C-                  2.0

            60-64     D                   1.0
            00-59     F                    0.0 

            Every class will offer additional work for honors.  Completed additional work will allow an "H" to be appended to the letter grade.  The single highest grade in each class, in which no ties will be allowed, will be said to have “booked” the class and will receive some appropriate leather bound volume relating to that class or other appropriate and equivalent award-- like a leather sports ball for PE.  The student who books the class is not required to do any honors work and will have an H appended to his letter grade as well.  It is possible to receive an “A+HH”, although “AHH” or “BHH” are also possible as well as “CH”, meaning a “C” with honors work.

             The idea of camaraderie and stewardship will be promoted in each class.  Any struggling student will be helped by the teacher and the top students in the class.  No student will be allowed to fail any class if at all possible.  The goal is for each class member to receive “A+H” grades.  In this case the “A+HH” student will receive a medal of honor of special distinction and particularly high honors.

             Students receiving an “F” must repeat that course which may require them withdrawing from other activities or less central courses.  All grades are posted without names so all students can see exactly where they stand in their class.  A student is placed on "Academic Warning" for receiving one "F" or two grades of "D+" or lower in a quarter.  A student is placed on "Academic Probation" for:
1.    receiving two "F's" or three or more "D+" or lower grades in a quarter, or
2.    being placed on Academic Warning for two consecutive quarters.
Students on Academic Probation may not participate in co-curricular activities.  Any student who is placed on Academic Probation for an entire year must repeat the year.

            Parent and teacher conferences are held once a year to discuss the student’s academic achievement and citizenship.  Both parents are required to attend.  Of course, parents and teachers are welcome to request conferences throughout the year.

            Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.33 or higher in a given marking period are placed on the Honor Roll.  Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.67 or better are placed on the Headmaster’s List.  Those with honors are designated, those booking classes are starred.  The lists are posted, mailed to parents and the local news papers.

             Students with driving licenses, and written permission from parents on file in the Academy office, may drive to campus.  Student vehicles must be parked in the designated student parking area and it is a violation of the honor code to visit or drive the cars during the school day or drive in an unruly fashion on or off campus.  Any report of such will result in loss of driving privilege or expulsion.

             Upon arrival, students proceed directly to the front of the Academy for opening ceremony.  When weather does not permit opening ceremony will be held in the Upper School assembly area.

                                    Period 1    Opening Ceremony         8:00-8:25
                                    Period 2                                               8:30-9:20
                                    Period 3                                               9:25-10:15
                                    Period 4                                               10:20-11:10
                                    Period 5                                               11:15-12:05
                                    Period 6    Lunch                                12:10-12:35
                                    Period 7                                               12:40-1:30
                                    Period 8    PE                                      1:35-2:25
                                    Period 9    Mini mod                          2:30-2:55
                                    Period 10  Mini mod                          3:00-3:25
                                    Period 11  Co-curricular                    3:30-4:55
                                    Period 12  Special Purpose Time       5:00-----
 

    Students riding home with other than the customary driver must turn in to the office a signed parental permission slip designating driver’s information and vehicle type in advance. 

    Students who walk or ride a bicycle to school are encouraged to go directly home after dismissal.

    Regular school attendance is required.  Absence except for serious illness, disaster or death in the family are grounds for expulsion.  We are a team and what we are trying to accomplish is simply too important for flippancy, which will never be tolerated.

    A parent or emergency legal guardian must report all unplanned absences by telephone immediately.  A student may never report his own absence.  Assignments can be obtained via website, fax, coming by the front office, or, if necessary, by mail.

            Teachers will assign homework assignments for each school night according to the following guidelines:

1.         Upper School students receive 30-45 minutes of homework per course, per day.  Students in reading intensive courses can expect to spend more time meeting requirements.  Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 will receive 1-2 total hours each night, those in grades 5 and 6 will receive 45 -90 total minutes, grades 3 and 4: 40-60 minutes, grades 1 and 2: 30-45 minutes and kindergarteners 15-30 minutes.
2.         Friday to Monday is considered one school night for homework purposes; however, the weekend is considered three school nights for ongoing reading and major assignments.

3.         Homework may be assigned before long weekends but will not be assigned before vacations.

            If a student spends more time on homework than designated above, the teacher who assigned the homework should be promptly informed so that corrective measures can be taken.  Occasionally the homework will take more time to complete.  The student will receive immediate help from the teacher, may be enrolled in supplemental classes to improve organization, fundamental skills or reading speed.  He may be assigned a buddy to strengthen him in his weak areas.  The goal is for everyone to stay on pace with the required material.  Perhaps some honors study may need to be discontinued or maybe the student requires more sleep or counseling.  Whatever help that can be brought to bear will be.

            It is critically important that the parent be aware of his student’s progress so that assistance can be provided as soon as possible.  The pace of the school is quite rigorous and simply is not for everyone; however, every effort will be made to help every willing student stay on pace.  Our goal is a 100% enrollee graduation rate.  If a student is accepted for enrollment it is because the Academy believes he can do the work.

            Homework is required completed on time.  Students in Kindergarten and Grades One and Two are encouraged to learn to meet deadlines, and teachers should work closely with their parents to ensure they do.  Late homework will be docked a letter grade beginning in grade 3.  Homework two days late will be completed in 11th period detention and receive a maximum grade of 69.

            Students in Grades One through Eight are required to document assignments in their assignment books each day.  Teachers are to initial the assignment books each day to ensure that the students have accurately copied the assignment from the whiteboard.

            For lower school and middle school students, if a student is spending excessive time on homework with little likelihood of satisfactory completion the parent should help the student find a reasonable stopping point and then attach a note to the homework detailing the time spent on the incomplete assignment.  The teacher will accept the homework and will then contact the parent to review the circumstances.  The Headmaster should next be consulted if these steps do not remedy the situation.

    Upper School students who know in advance that they will miss school (for, perhaps, a sister’s wedding in a foreign country, a disaster at home, the funeral of a close relative, or an appearance in the Olympic games, etc.) are required to obtain a “Request for Prearranged Absence” form from the Headmaster’s office.  The form is initially filled out by the student and signed by the student’s parents or emergency legal guardian.  The form is then submitted to the Headmaster for approval.  Unapproved absences are grounds for expulsion.  If the Headmaster approves the absence, he will sign the form and  the student will present the form to each teacher whose class will be missed to receive written assignments of what is to be completed during the absence.

    For an approved absence, all work can be made up by the student for full credit, within the formula of having one day for each partial day missed and two days for each full day missed.

    Students who become ill or injured at school will either remain where they are for rescue by the EMS system or, if possible, proceed to the Headmaster’s office where they can either wait for an ambulance to transport them to the nearest emergency room or be immediately picked up by a parent.  Under no circumstances will American Academy authorize an ill or injured student to drive or otherwise transport himself off school grounds.

    Students who are deemed by a teacher or administrator to potentially have a serious contagious illness, such as resistant tuberculosis, will be isolated from other students and will be taken home by parents or transported to an emergency room.  No such student will be permitted to return to school until a MD or DO approval has been submitted to the Headmaster’s office authorizing the students' safe return.  Homework will be sent home and allowed for completion similarly to the approved absence.

    The Academy can provide only routine first aid for students who become ill or injured at school.  Tylenol, aspirin, cold medicines, and prescription drugs can only be administered with a completed medical authorization card on file which can be filled out during the students' required pre-term physical.

    All students are required to have a pre-term physical clearing them for participation in our rigorous physical education program.

    Emergency messages only will be delivered to students during the school day.  Students will be delivered all other messages after the school day.

    Students are not to disrupt the school day by ordering and arranging for the delivery of items from outside vendors, such as food, flowers, balloons and the like.  However, if the student arranges with the Headmaster’s office cake, food, balloons and the like can be shared with classmates at lunch.  Parents are asked, in general, to have such items sent to students' homes.  Otherwise such items will be held in the Headmaster’s office until the end of the school day.

    Aside from the luncheon period, students are allowed to partake of food only at specified times.  When permission has been granted in a prior announcement, students may bring food for consumption during school events and activities which occur after school.  Students should note that chewing gum is never permitted on campus.

    Lost items should be reported to the Headmaster’s office, and found items should be turned in there, returned to their owner or left where they are.

    Personal communication devices should be turned completely off during the school day, including computer notification devices, to avoid distraction in class and relationship time between classmates between periods.  If a teacher has granted permission calls may be made in the communication/group study room, but communications may never interfere with class time.  Any type of illicit communication is grounds for immediate expulsion.  Games and entertainment, electronic or otherwise are not appropriate for the school day.  Clubs for game-playing approved by the Headmaster may be organized during the after school co-curricular period.  Permission may be granted for use of non-reception Academy phones, but such calls should be of urgent nature and kept brief.

    When the fire alarm sounds, all students should go quickly and quietly by class to the approved exit displayed in the classroom, following the teacher in good order.  The last person out of the classroom must turn out the lights and close the door.  Students will follow the teacher to the preplanned assembly area, usually the farthest point of the property nearest their exit point from the building, and stand silently while the teacher takes attendance.  When the return signal sounds, everyone should return to class quietly.  In case of actual fire students will remain in assembly areas until they receive further directions and parent notification has taken place.

    A copy of the fire emergency procedure with evacuation plan is posted in each classroom.

    When an announcement is made all students will quickly crawl under heavy tables or against interior load bearing walls and assume positions on their knees, facing wall or floor, with hands over their heads to protect from falling objects.  Students will be told when to return to their normal activity.  In case of actual earthquake, students will remain in position until shaking ceases and then at the instruction of their teacher will carefully evacuate the building, staying close to the interior walls to the assembly area where they will remain silent while the teacher takes attendance.  Only approved rescue personnel may reenter building after evacuation until cleared by the Headmaster.

    A copy of the earthquake emergency procedure is posted in each classroom.

    Delayed openings and school day cancellations are announced between 6:30 and 7:30 on local radio stations KTTH (770 AM) or KVI (570 AM).  Parents are asked not to call the Academy office or Academy personnel for this information.

    All visitors, including parents, must report to the Headmaster’s office prior to entering classrooms.

(Much of the material in this handbook is drawn, intentionally, directly from the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide; responsibility for all material herein is solely that of American Academy and Complete Education, Inc., 2005.)