SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Piedmont Christian School offers high academic and spiritual standards of Christian training, serving the families of Louisa County and surrounding area. The school was founded in 1970 to provide the best quality education from a Biblical Christian perspective. Our objective is to teach the whole child, helping him or her to develop in every area of life- mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. The school desires to partner closely with the parents in the development of the student in these areas by helping the parents understand and participate in the school’s philosophy, purpose and programs.
Piedmont Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the 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 educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
MISSION STATEMENT
PCS trains students to grow spiritually and excel academically by offering a biblically integrated curriculum that equips them to positively impact the world for the Kingdom of God.
VISION STATEMENT
PCS will disciple students to become lifelong learners who discern and apply God’s truth as they serve and lead in response to God’s calling.
GROWTH OBJECTIVES
MENTALLY the school endeavors to:
Promote high academic standards to ensure success in the fundamental process of communicating with others.
Teach and encourage the formation of good study habits.
Teach the student how to do research that is scientifically proper.
Develop creative and critical thinking within guidelines of proper Biblical interpretation and application.
Promote good citizenship through developing an understanding and appreciation of our Christian and American heritage of freedom and human dignity.
Impart knowledge of the world and current affairs in all fields, relating them to God’s plan for man.
PHYSICALLY and SOCIALLY the school endeavors to:
Develop in students a balanced character based on a proper understanding and acceptance of the student as a creation of God.
Make the student aware of his/her personal capabilities in Christ.
Foster wholesome personal relationships through development of social skills based on the Christian concept of love.
Prepare for the wholesome and Christian use of leisure time.
Model a realistic and Biblical view of life and work, and teach skills needed for future endeavors in education and vocation.
Develop the proper attitudes, understanding, and skills needed to establish God-honoring homes.
Promote fitness, maintenance, and skillful use of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Impart a Biblical respect toward and usage of material things.
EMOTIONALLY and SPIRITUALLY the school endeavors to:
Lead the students into a personal, saving relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior.
Teach the Bible and foster right attitudes toward it as God’s inspired Word.
Develop in the student a desire to know and do the will of God.
Teach the students daily Christian living and service, and equip and encourage them to witness for Christ.
Develop a Biblical sense of right and wrong and teach the students how to overcome sin.
Foster self-discipline in the student, based on respect and reverence for God and all God-appointed authority.
Develop a God-consciousness and Christian philosophy of life by integrating all subject areas with the Bible.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
JESUS is the Son of God. His birth was divine. His life reveals God’s will for us and is our example. He died for our sins, and rose again to become our living Savior. He ascended to Heaven from which we confidently expect His Personal Return at any time, as He promised. John 14:1-3
THE CHURCH is His Body. It was divinely established. It is commissioned of Christ to go and tell “the Good News” to the whole creation. Christ is the Head of the Church. Division of His Body is sinful, and hinders evangelism.
MEMBERS are added to the Church (His Body, Family, Kingdom) by Christ only if they meet His terms of admission, which is God’s way to become a Christian:
By Hearing the Good News and Believing it by Faith- Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:17
By Repenting (turning and forsaking sin)- Acts 2:38, 17:30; Luke 13:3
By Confession- Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32
By Baptism (burial in water)- Acts 2:38, 41; 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:12
BAPTISM is for believers only. It is an immersion in water for the remission of sins and indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. We rise from the water in newness of life as a born-again believer. John 3:5
COMMUNION is an act of worship. It is a meeting of believers to keep the blood covenant until Christ’s return. It is a memorial of Christ’s death for our sins, and is observed every Lord’s Day. Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:23-32
THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD and is our absolute Authority. The New Testament is especially important for us, as it contains Christ’s teachings, the beginning of His Church, the divine instruction manual for a happy Christian life. It assures us of the ultimate victory of Christ and His Church. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
CHRISTIANS are meant to grow in character and in strength. This is accomplished by:
A life of faith and service every day (also seen in church involvement).
Faithfulness to the Church.
Daily prayer and Bible reading that develops Christ-like spirit that helps others to believe in and accept the Lord. A Daily Quiet Time is a must.
Separation from the world.
This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. It is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of PCS’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Church Board and Lead Minister of Bethany Christian Church are the final interpretive authorities on the Bible’s meaning and application.
ACADEMICS
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are scheduled for all grade levels to support the curriculum or as a part of the school’s community service emphasis. Parents will be notified in advance about the details of each field trip including place, departure and return times, costs, and the activities involved. Permission slips and admission fees may be required of each student. The church bus or van or faculty vehicles may be used to transport students. Volunteer chaperones may attend at their own expense and may be used to supply additional transportation. Only students from the scheduled grades may attend a field trip. Students must be in attendance the day of a field trip. Students not attending the field trip will be counted absent for the class or the day and may have a makeup project to complete.
Students must respect all policies and procedures at any venue. Students must be on time for all scheduled activities and meals. Each student will fully participate in the day’s programming. Students will not deviate from the schedule, program or directions of the supervisor or chaperone unless given permission and supervision.
In the event of an illness or accident, the supervisor or chaperone will determine the course of action to follow and shall be authorized to act in place of the parent. Supervisors or chaperones shall not assume liability, expressed or implied, for an action taken in the best interest of the student. Parents agree to assume any medical expenses incurred not covered by personal or school insurance. Medications to be taken during a field trip should be in properly labeled containers and be given to the supervisor or chaperone with written permission for dispensing.
GRADE PROGRESSION
Elementary students in grades Kindergarten 5 through Sixth must pass English and Math in order to progress to the next grade level. Failing either of these subjects will result in mandatory summer school. The student must pass the summer school course or be remanded to repeat the grade level. Summer school courses have an extra tuition fee.
Students in grades Seven and Eight must pass English, Math, Science and History before progressing to the next grade level.
Students in grades Nine through Twelve are working on a credit diploma. Failed courses must be repeated in order to graduate. Courses may be repeated during summer school or during an open block or period of a subsequent year. Summer school courses have an extra tuition fee.
GRADING
Grading standards for all of Preschool, and Elementary Electives:
E Excellent- Progress is beyond expectations
S Satisfactory- Progress meets expectations
I Improving- Showing progress
N Needs Improvement- Progress is below expectations
U Unsatisfactory- No progress being made
Grading standards for grades Kindergarten 5 – 12:
Superior Above Average Average Passing Failing
A+ = 98-100 B+ = 90-92 C+ = 82-84 D+ = 74-76 F = 69-0
A = 95-97 B = 87-89 C = 79-81 D = 72-73
A- = 93-94 B- = 85-86 C- = 77-78 D- = 70-71
HOMEWORK
Because homework is an integral part of a disciplined learning process, each teacher is at liberty to assign homework to aid students in their studies. Homework may be given for drill and practice, creative activity, for individual interests and needs, or to study for major tests, quizzes, or extra projects. Major projects and tests are assigned well in advance to allow for budgeting the extra time required to accomplish these successfully.
All assigned homework will be completed. If an assignment is turned in later than the due date, the teacher may penalize the grade earned. Regardless of the declining value because of the increasing lateness of an assignment, the student must still complete the work. Failure to complete an assignment will be considered rebellion and disciplined accordingly.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Most grades will have PE classes. The designated days, time and grades will be assigned at the beginning of the school year. Students in seventh grade and above will be expected to dress in athletic shorts and t-shirts for each PE class. PCS uniforms may be available to purchase. Athletic shoes with non-marking soles are required. Students should change back to regular clothes before resuming their class schedule. A portion of a PE student’s grade is based on being dressed out.
A student will be excused from participation or dressing out if ill or injured when a doctor or parent note is provided.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards include day or period attendance, subject grades and final exam grades and will be issued following the end of each nine-week grading period for grades Kindergarten through Twelfth. Preschool will receive a report card after the second and fourth quarters. Report cards, grade transcripts and other student records are proprietary documents and will be furnished when all contractual financial obligations have been met.
SECONDARY DIPLOMAS
22 Credit Standard Diploma 26 Credit Advanced Diploma
Subject Credits Subject Credits
English 4 English 4
Math 3 Math 4
Science 3 Science 4
History 3 History 4
Health/P.E. 2 Health/P.E. 2
Electives 4 Electives 4
Personal Finance 1 Personal Finance 1
Foreign Language/ Foreign Language/
Fine Arts/Tech elective 2 Fine Arts/Tech elective 3
Career Credential required
Students must take a virtual course and have first aid and CPR training. PCS students must take Bible for each year of enrollment. Bible is used as the required two-year sequential elective. There must be at least one year in each of a Fine Arts and a Practical/Technical elective.
Students attending all four years of high school at PCS are scheduled to complete the Advanced diploma.
STUDENT TESTS
Student tests are part of the assessment process. Tests will be kept on file by the teacher until the end of the school year unless returned to the student. To review any test, parents may schedule a conference with the teacher.
Semester tests will be given to students in grades 7-12 at the end of each semester. Students maintaining an “A” in a class for both quarters of the second semester will be exempt from that semester test if they have not been absent more than 5 days (excused or unexcused) in that class. Exemptions from semester test or study hall days are not considered absences.
ATTENDANCE
ABSENT AND TARDY
Piedmont Christian School emphasizes the importance of promptness and regularity in class attendance at school and follows state guidelines for reporting absences.
Students who need to leave early must have a note from a parent and will need to be signed out at the office. Students will be retrieved and brought to the parent in the office. Secondary drivers must present a note and sign themselves out at the office before leaving. Pre-scheduled tests, quizzes or projects should be completed before leaving.
Excused Absences
Elementary students not in attendance will be marked absent for the day. Students not in attendance at the second bell but who arrive later will be marked tardy for the day. Students who arrive after 11:30 will be marked absent for half a day.
Secondary students not in attendance for the first period will be marked absent for the day. This will be changed to tardy if the student arrives any time prior to 11:30. Students who arrive after 11:30 will be marked absent for half a day. Secondary students not in attendance at any block period start time will be marked absent or tardy for that block.
Parents must notify the school about a student’s absence. A phone call, email, written note or doctor’s note is acceptable. All absences with parent notification are considered excused.
Athletes are not allowed to participate in scheduled games when absent from school that same day. Athletes must be in attendance for at least half of scheduled classes to be eligible for game day rosters. Exceptions may be made by administration for reasons deemed valid.
Unexcused Absences
An unexcused absence occurs when the student fails to attend school and no notification has been received that the parent is aware of and supports the student’s absence. Attempts will be made to contact the family concerning the student’s unexcused absence. After 15 days of absences, and with failure to make contact or to hear from the family, the administration will report the student to law enforcement as truant.
Students absent more than 8 days in a quarter may fail the quarter. Students absent more than 15 days in a semester may fail the semester. Administration will determine the application of this policy.
Excused Tardies
If any student arrives late, the parent should sign the student in at the office. The student will then be escorted to the classroom. Secondary students may be signed in or bring a note to the teacher when they enter that period or block class. These notes will be forwarded to the office.
Unexcused Tardies
An unexcused tardy occurs when the student fails to arrive at school on time and no notification has been received that the parent is aware of and supports the student’s tardiness. When any student has reached 5 unexcused tardies in one 9 week grading period for a period or block class, the student will be given a lunch detention for every subsequent tardy during that quarter.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Inclement weather may force administration to close or delay the opening of school. Mass phone calls and/or texts will be made using the One Call system for these announcements. Local media such as radio, Facebook pages, the school’s website, and television may also be used.
If school should have to close early, the announcement will be made using the One Call system. Children will be supervised for up to 30 minutes past the announced closing time. Please be prepared for these emergency pickups by arranging for assistance in advance.
MAKE-UP WORK
A parent can request to pick up an absent student’s classwork at the office at the end of the day. Other arrangements can be made such as having a classmate or sibling collect work and bring it home to the missing student. Please contact the office before noon to make these arrangements.
Upon returning from an absence, a student has the same number of days missed to make up the classwork. i.e. If absent one day, one day will be given to complete the missing classwork. Work not turned in according to these accommodations will be graded late.
Students with planned absences are expected to gather missed classwork prior to the absence. Completed classwork should be turned in when the student resumes attendance. If the student returns on the day of a pre-scheduled test, quiz or project due date, the student will be expected to take the test, quiz, or turn in the project.
COMMUNICATION
Emails to the school office will be answered promptly or forwarded to the addressee. Most faculty will share email addresses with parents but there is no school-wide internet available. Messages to students will be delivered in a timely manner without interrupting class. The school uses mass emails for general and event information.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE
Conferences will be scheduled after a quarter grading period for any student failing a subject. Faculty or parents may schedule other conferences as needed throughout the year. Faculty will communicate regularly regarding individual assignments, tests, or subject progress.
TELEPHONE
The school office is open 8:00-4:00 daily. Faculty are not available during the school day to take phone calls through the office. Messages will be delivered and a prompt reply can be expected. Messages to students will be delivered in a timely manner without interrupting class. The school tries to limit outgoing phone communication to essential, timely or emergency messages.
PCS uses an internet-based system for group communications called One Call Now. Families are asked to enroll any phone numbers that will allow quick and complete communication from the school to the family. One Call messages may be emergency related or may be informational. Voice messages and/or texting can be used if the family enrolls correctly.
DRESS CODE
Piedmont’s dress code is designed with (1) modesty, (2) safety and (3) Christian testimony in mind. Modest clothing would not be so tight, short, sheer, or be so poorly designed as to provoke unclean thoughts, I Timothy 2:9. Safety implies clothing that fits and is worn properly, is not overly baggy, is appropriate for the season, and is agreeable to the school’s activities and its environment. Clothing that supports a positive, Christian testimony displays a respect for self, doesn’t attract undue attention or create a distraction, and avoids promoting worldly ideas or lifestyles, I Samuel 16:7. It would take too large an amount of space to consider every fad, trend or style of clothing, so students and parents should consider these three categories when purchasing clothing to wear at school.
Monday through Thursday, all Piedmont students must wear slacks in a khaki or navy blue color. Pants such as chinos are suitable but stretch fabrics are not. A collared shirt in dress or polo-style is also required. Preschool students are allowed to wear pants with an elastic waistband. Girls are allowed to wear a skirt or dress in khaki or navy blue but should wear shorts or tights underneath. Jeans are acceptable on Fridays with a collared shirt or a t-shirt with a PCS design. At the coach’s discretion, players may wear team jerseys on game days. Tank-style jerseys must have a sleeved shirt underneath. Administration will notify students when holiday or event participation may allow costumes or clothing outside these boundaries.
Sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and jackets may be worn when necessary or in season but are worn over, not in place of, a collared shirt. Shoes may vary with the season but high heels are not recommended due to the large amount of gravel on the property. Ball caps are not allowed to be worn on campus during school hours. Winter hats must be removed in the buildings.
Hair should be kept trimmed, clean and be neatly groomed. Hair should not be cut or styled in a way that would be a distraction to the classroom. It cannot be dyed an unnatural color. Administration will notify students when holiday or event participation may allow hair styles outside these boundaries.
Jewelry is limited to simple necklaces or rings. Earrings should be worn by girls only.
Current Virginia laws prohibit children under age 18 from getting tattoos or body piercing without parental consent and presence. New students with tattoos or body piercings will be considered on a case-by-case basis. No enrolled student may get a new tattoo, update a current tattoo, or get a body piercing. This would include the summer or holiday breaks when re-enrolled for the next school term.
Students found to be in violation of the dress code may be loaned clothing from the school store or PE inventory, or parents may be called to bring a change of clothing. Preschool and lower elementary students should have a change of clothing to keep at school in case of an accident.
ENROLLMENT
HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS
School-age children not enrolled in a public or private school full time or part time are considered homeschool students. Homeschool students may be involved with or enrolled in an online or cooperative educational program. These students may enroll at Piedmont in seventh through twelfth grades for a maximum of three classes or subjects. Students in grades nine through twelve will earn one high school credit for each passed, full-year class and transcripts will be provided upon completion. Enrolled homeschool students are expected to abide by all PCS policies and are eligible for all curricular and extra-curricular activities and athletics. Homeschool students not enrolled at Piedmont may participate in athletic extra-curricular activities only.
NEW STUDENTS
Preschool children will be accepted who are three or four years old by September 30th and are toilet-trained. Students will be accepted for Kindergarten who are five years old by September 30th. All new students take a diagnostic test to determine readiness for grade level work, especially in the areas of language and mathematics. A student may be placed in a grade on a trial basis if testing results warrant. Grade placement becomes final after the successful completion of the first nine-week grading period or may be changed if such movement would be in the best interest of the child’s overall education.
SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
A special need student may have a medical condition (cerebral palsy, asthma etc.), behavioral problem (ADHD for example), developmental issue (Asperger’s etc.), or a mental health issue (depression, disabled etc.). Special needs can also include learning disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorders, or speech. The examples above are not meant to be a limited list.
Enrollment in Piedmont of a student with an identified special need will be considered on a case by case basis. Considerations to be made include but are not limited to: a current professional diagnosis and treatment plan, observations, recommendations and resources from the previous school, availability and level of Louisa County support resources, the training and education level of affected Piedmont staff, the size and current student population of the intended classroom, and the physical campus environment. The student will be enrolled if it is determined by the parents, school administration and health professionals that Piedmont can meet the child’s physical, mental, social and spiritual education needs.
If a currently enrolled student is tested for and found to have a special needs issue that affects his education at Piedmont, a meeting will be held with the parents and teachers to determine the best course of action for accommodating the student. Included in the discussion will be the recommendations of the testing agencies and any professionals involved in the diagnosis. While it would be the desire of the school to retain the student, an honest assessment may include the possibility that Piedmont does not have the resources to meet that child’s newly-identified need.
STUDENT RECORDS
Students entering a private or public school for the first time must furnish a birth certificate. All enrolling students must furnish a copy of immunization records. A completed Piedmont student application signed by the biological parents or guardians is required. Court orders regarding guardianship, custody, and/or restrictions for visitation or taking possession of a Piedmont student must be furnished during enrollment or when granted.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act provides for parental access to a student’s educational records within 45 days of such a request. However, all grades, status reports, progress reports, report cards and transcripts and other school-created documents are proprietary and will only be furnished when contractual and financial obligations are in a current state. FERPA laws allow parents to inspect and review but copies do not have to be furnished or transferred. Parents will be given a FERPA brochure within the first 30 days of every school year enrolled at Piedmont.
Piedmont will not disclose your child’s educational records without your consent unless requested by a local or state school official conducting school business including but not limited to transfer requests or surveys, or an official enforcing federal laws relating to educational programs. Piedmont may generally release ‘directory information’ including but not limited to mail or phone addresses, program participation, or awards. Parents may opt out of this release within thirty days of submitting an initial enrollment or re-enrollment form.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
All students transferring from other schools must have successfully progressed from the previous grade and will take a diagnostic test in both language and mathematics. Diagnostic testing determines grade-level readiness and allows for academic plans to be put in place that would help the child find success at Piedmont. Parents must give full disclosure regarding medical and discipline history and previous placement of student in any special programs.
FINANCIAL
BANK FEES
There will be a $35 service charge for each check returned by the bank as insufficient funds.
BOOKS and FEES
The book and activity fees must be paid in full by August 15th or at the time of enrollment if after that date, or fees may be added to monthly payments. These fees cover book usage, classroom fees, limited field trip admissions, and a copy of the yearbook. Some paperback and consumable textbooks will become the property of the student at the end of the year. Hardback books, some paperbacks, and elementary reading books will be returned to the school for reissue. If textbooks are lost, student accounts will be charged the cost of the individual textbook and shipping to replace the lost book. Homeschool student fees are based on the individual classes being taken.
Preschool/Kindergarten $212.00
1st-3rd grades $366.00
4th-6th grades $312.00
7th-8th grades $436.00
9th-12th grades $531.00
DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
There will be a $15 late charge if the monthly payment is not received by the fifth weekday of each month. Any account two months past due will have 30 more days to become current. Any account three months past due will result in the student being restricted from attending school. If satisfactory payment arrangements cannot be made, the student may be withdrawn. Piedmont Christian School will submit delinquent accounts to a collection agency or pursue litigation for balances due plus fees or legal expenses incurred.
DISCOUNTS
After the first child paying full tuition, a 10% discount will be given to each of any subsequent siblings enrolled. These discounts do not apply to homeschool tuition rates. All discounts are applied to the lowest tuition amounts. A 5% discount will be applied to tuition paid in full by June 1 of the current year.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Tuition may be paid in full by August 1st or at the time of enrollment if after that date. The ten monthly installments are due the first weekday of each month, August through May.
REGISTRATION
A registration fee will be charged for each new student enrolling. It is due when the application is turned in. A registration fee will be charged for each returning student. It is due by published deadlines.
All enrollments begin March 1. The fee through March 31 = $125.00 per student, maximum $375 per family. April 1 through May 31 the fee is $150.00, maximum $450 per family. Beginning June 1, the fee is $250.00 with a maximum $750 per family. This fee is nonrefundable unless the school denies the application.
RETURNING STUDENTS
All previous accounts must be paid in full before re-enrollment will be confirmed.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications for tuition assistance must be made annually. The total funds available changes each year based on donations received to the scholarship fund and the number of awards given. Preschool tuition is not eligible for tuition assistance.
In order for a scholarship to be considered, a Tuition Assistance Application must be completed and submitted with supporting documents, an Enrollment Contract and the registration fee. Documentation includes the front page of a current year tax form or three current paystubs from all responsible parties. The School Board is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding any amount of tuition assistance.
The maximum assistance amount that can be applied to a student’s account is one-half of the regular tuition. Tuition assistance is applied to tuition only. Book Fees and other fees are not discounted. Tuition assistance cannot be added on top of multiple student or other discounts. The tuition assistance will be applied monthly and may be delayed or revoked based on an outstanding balance. Tuition assistance also depends on the student remaining in good academic standing.
SPORTS
A sports fee of $75.00 per player is due by the first practice of the sport being played. The fee for non-enrolled homeschool players is $100.00. This fee is per year not per sport.
TUITION
Tuition will be charged for each student enrolled at Piedmont. This covers classroom instruction and participation for all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities scheduled at the enrolled grade level.
Preschool: $4,520.00 for full week, full day ($118.95/week for 38 weeks)
$2,544.00 for full week, half day, 8:30-11:30 ($66.95/week for 38 weeks)
$2,935.00 for M/Tu/W full day ($77.24/week for 38 weeks)
Kindergarten – 6th grades: $4,164.00/year ($416.40/month, August through May)
7th – 12th grades: $4,465.00/year ($446.50/month, August through May)
Homeschool: $660 per credit hour
WITHDRAWAL
In the event a student withdraws before the completion of the school year, tuition will be prorated for each month of attendance or portion thereof, August through May, regardless of school days scheduled in a particular month. A statement of account will be sent within 10 days of withdrawal detailing all final charges and fees owed. Any refund due will be sent within 30 days of withdrawal pending satisfaction of all accrued charges and fees. All records created at Piedmont are proprietary and will be transferred or forwarded upon completion of all financial and contractual obligations.
PROGRAMS
ATHLETICS
The school mascot is the Crusaders. The school colors are royal blue and red.
Through team sports and athletic events, students have opportunities to develop socially along with physically by applying God’s truths to competitive situations, and they develop strength of character through experiences of adversity and triumph. By joining a PCS athletic team, the enrolled or homeschool athlete is choosing to represent two entities in a public event. The attitude, actions and words of the athlete should contribute positively to the reputations of Piedmont Christian School and its host, Bethany Christian Church.
Piedmont Christian School offers basketball, soccer and volleyball in regular seasons when there are enough players to complete a full roster. Players will be loaned a team uniform and will be responsible for its care and upkeep. Athletes are expected to attend practices, games and awards ceremonies as scheduled. They are also expected to travel on an arranged team bus or van and may not drive themselves to away games. Homeschool athletes may meet a team at an away game location if permission has been given by the coach. The driver should be a parent, older family member, or designated adult chaperone.
Students participating in a sport will be expected to have an overall 2.0 average grade of all classes. Academic eligibility will be initiated with each Status Report (four-week progress) and each quarterly Report Card. Students receiving a grade of “F” for any one subject or a GPA lower than 2.0 will be suspended from games and practices for one week. The suspension will continue weekly until the grade is raised above failing. Homeschool parents should keep the coach updated on grades and overall grade point averages throughout the season.
Athletes are not allowed to participate in scheduled games when absent from school that same day. Athletes must be in attendance for at least half of scheduled classes to be eligible for game day rosters. Exceptions may be made by administration for reasons deemed valid. Other eligibility requirements (such as a minimum number of practices attended) may be created by the head coach and team suspensions or restrictions for infractions are the coach’s responsibility.
CLASSROOM CAPACITY
When necessary, two elementary grade levels will be combined to create one larger class. Core subjects will be taught at the appropriate grade level. Other subjects may be taught in a combined group. Secondary grade levels may be combined as well. Subjects will be taught at one grade level the first year and then the other grade level the next year. Spanish and mathematics will be taught at specific grade levels. As enrollment increases, grades may be separated.
DRAMAS
A major program is presented each year at Christmas in chapel and on some evenings. Two special chapel presentations are performed at Thanksgiving and Easter. All students are given areas of participation for these programs which are open to the public.
DRILLS
A fire drill will be conducted once a week for the first four weeks of school. A fire drill will be conducted once a month through May. These drills follow state requirements. Piedmont will also train and hold drills for other emergencies such as tornados, intruders on campus, lockdowns, and campus evacuations.
FOOD and LUNCH
Piedmont does not offer a hot lunch program. Students should pack a lunch for the day including drinks. Due to limited space, it may take some time to get a student’s lunch microwaved. Snack foods, drinks and ice cream are available for purchase. Students in grades four through high school may use the vending machine. No lunches will be served when school is closed at noon.
Food and drinks are not to be consumed in the classrooms unless approved by the teachers. Candies, candy bars, sodas or sweets should be avoided. Due to the brief time allotted, preschool snacks should be immediately ready to eat. A zip-lock bag of cheese crackers, a nutritious cookie/bar, or prepared fruit or vegetable are preferred.
HOLIDAYS
All calendar holidays will be celebrated from a Christian perspective. The teacher will notify you of any class celebrations and may ask for volunteers to assist in the planning, directing, sending of food and favors, and helping with games and other activities.
LOST AND FOUND
Items left behind may be found in the classroom, the lunchroom or the school office. Please contact the office if you are looking for something specific.
MEDICATIONS
Piedmont Christian School must follow state law for dispensing medications during the school day. In order for a staff member to dispense any over the counter or prescription medication, they need to be certified in CPR and AED and have been trained and certified in Medication Administration Training through a course approved by the Board of Nursing and the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Piedmont will only dispense prescription medicines for a period of 10 school days or less when a parent has:
· Provided the medications in a labeled prescription package. Prescription medications cannot be in any other containers. A parent must bring the medication to school.
· Filled out the medication consent form. Any changes to the medication dosage etc. require a new form be filled out.
· Already provided at least the first dose and has had time to witness possible side effects.
Unused medications will be returned at the end of the 10 day period. In order to provide prescription medicines for more than 10 days or for the full school year (i.e. inhalers for asthma), the medication consent form must be signed by the prescribing physician.
Piedmont will only dispense over the counter medicines after a parent has been contacted and gives approval. In order to provide OTC medicines throughout the year without consent for each individual instance, a parent must provide a medication consent form with a physician’s signature with each medication desired listed. If a particular OTC medicine is not present at the school, the parent must provide it for their child’s use.
Piedmont will not dispense any medication listed as a narcotic, even with a physician’s approval. We will not administer insulin injections or rectal medications unless specialized certification has been awarded to a staff member through MAT training. Piedmont will not allow marijuana or its derivatives to be used as medicine on campus.
Student health information, medical and psychiatric records, and medical consent forms will be kept separate from other student records. Access to these records will be limited and protected. This information may only be shared with necessary school personnel with the written permission of the parent. Piedmont will collect new information from the parent upon enrollment, or past information from the previous school when transferring. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep these records up to date when changes occur.
Training or retraining on policies and procedures will be done during the opening week of teacher attendance for each new school year. Training may be provided throughout the year for new personnel or for changes to policies or procedures.
All instances of occasional medication disbursement will be recorded in the current student record management program. Regular daily, weekly or monthly disbursement will have been recorded on the consent forms.
SCHOOL VISITS
Adult visitors are welcome at the school at any time and must sign in and out in the office with exceptions for those attending chapel services or school holiday presentations. Parents and others desiring to visit the classroom should make arrangements in advance with the teacher. School-age visitors are welcome for chapel and school holiday presentations but classroom visits are limited to being escorted by a parent or when investigating the school for possible enrollment. These classroom visits should be arranged in advance with the school office.
SCHOOL HOURS
MORNINGS
Students may arrive on campus as early as 8:00 am. Early students should go to the gym for free supervised care. At 8:25 am the first bell rings and students are allowed to enter the classrooms. The second bell rings at 8:30 am signaling the start of the school day.
AFTERNOONS
At 3:15 p.m. the third bell rings signaling the end of the school day and students are released to the parents. Parents must go to the classroom or be visible in the courtyard before a student will be released.
EXTENDED CARE
Supervised care is available each morning beginning at 7:00 am. Students dropped off between 7:00 and 8:00 are charged $1.25 per quarter hour ($5.00 per hour). Supervised care is available each afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Students being picked up late after school will be charged $1.25 per quarter hour ($5.00 per hour). After 5:30 pm, the late fee is $5.00 for every five-minute segment late. Extended Care is not available on days when school is scheduled to dismiss early or in the morning when on a two-hour delay. If a weather or other emergency closes school early, parents have 30 minutes after the announced closing time to pick up students as Extended Care will not be available.
