Attitude

All students are to maintain a Christ-like attitude at all times. Constant or repeated complaining, repeated violation of rules and regulations, criticizing, griping, or sullenness will not be tolerated. Making light of Bible classes, chapel programs, or guest speakers is not acceptable. No student will be permitted to ridicule or mock other students, school rules, or personnel. If in the opinion of the administration, improper attitudes persist after parents have been contacted, probation, suspension, or expulsion may result. A proper Christ-like attitude prevails only as we give ourselves to consistent daily devotions and prayer.

A student or parent of a student who does not cooperate or agree with the purpose and program of the school may not be admitted or allowed to remain in school.

Behavioral Expectations

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support) is a framework to promote and maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence. It is a school-wide strategy for helping all students achieve important social and learning goals. We know that when good behavior and good teaching come together, our students will excel in their learning. CCA is proud to be a part of this exciting initiative. As part of the PBIS framework, we have established clear rules for the behaviors we expect in all areas of our school. These expectations are explained in our Cornerstone R.O.C.Ks Behavior Matrix, which you will find attached. We will teach these expectations to the students during our Morning Meetings and during our review activities. The expectations for all student behaviors will be clear throughout our classrooms (online and in person), playground, lunchroom, gym, bathrooms, field trips, athletics and hallways. Our expectations of reliability, obedience, cooperation, and knowledge will provide a school environment where more time is spent instructing and less time spent disciplining. If your child does have a discipline concern, procedures outlines below will be followed with some discretionary changes from administration when and if necessary. A Discipline Referral Form will be completed if your child has a “minor” or “major” offense. A copy will be sent home with your child and to the principal. If your child receives a Discipline Referral Form, we ask that you please discuss the behavior concern with your child, sign, and return the form to school. We will have consistent consequences and positive reinforcement for all students. By teaching the expected behaviors in a positive way, we are providing a common language for everyone in our building, including students, teachers, and staff. We believe that by helping students practice good behavior, we will build a school community where all students can learn. Each student will be evaluated each day concerning their conduct in the classroom. Communication will be sent home each day in the student’s homework journals about their behavior.

Failure to follow the standards of conduct mentioned above will result in consequences of some form. As each student progresses from grade to grade, the expectation is that each student will become more responsible for their actions and behavior as they grow older and become more mature. For that reason, the discipline system in the elementary grades is designed to meet the maturity level of the student at that time, while endeavoring to help the student progress to the next level of maturity. The options for the form of discipline will be determined by the severity of the offense as well as the grade of the student.

Classroom Conduct

1. Students are to be completely prepared with all books and materials when class begins.
2. Students are to be respectful at all times in and out of class, addressing teachers appropriately.
3. Griping will not be tolerated.

Student Relationships

Students should not be in non-supervised areas of campus without permission. There should be no physical contact between students unless it is necessary as a supervised activity.

Appropriate Conduct

Cornerstone Christian students are reminded that they represent the Lord and the school when they are on campus or away from campus. They are to be a good testimony to everyone who sees them. Cornerstone students represent the school every day of the year and will be disciplined for indulging in smoking, drinking, drugs, immorality (any degree of sexual conduct or inappropriate physical conduct), pornography, or inappropriate internet usage even when the practice occurs away from the school (for example, the use of improper speech or images on social media), or anything else that would damage the testimony of the school and our Lord Jesus Christ. Upon notification and investigation, appropriate consequences will be determined by the Administration. All students will be required to disclose ALL social media accounts currently active to the administration prior to their first day of school with parent knowledge. Any account created after the first day of school must be disclosed to administration. All social media accounts offensive in any way, depicting images and speak contradictory to our school philosophy will be subject to review by Administration and suspension or expulsion will likely result. 

Cornerstone Christian Academy is a uniquely religious, educational institution that seeks to provide a quality education in a distinct Christian environment. CCA seeks to inspire students to love God, His Word, and others; equips students to reach their potential and exhibit godly character in their homes and community.

Cornerstone Christian Academy believes that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and sets forth absolute truth by which Christians are to live. Cornerstone Christian Academy expects and requires that both students and parents will support the school in its distinct mission and in its Biblical beliefs. In relying on the teachings of Scripture, Cornerstone Christian Academy believes that the Bible prohibits sexual immorality of any type, including but not limited to pornography, homosexuality, or any other sexual activity outside the marriage of one man and one woman. On those occasions in which a particular home or student is acting counter to or in opposition to the Biblical beliefs and lifestyle that the school teaches, the school reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse admission to an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a current student. This includes, but is not limited to, living in, condoning, or supporting any form of sexual immorality; practicing or promoting a homosexual lifestyle or alternative gender identity; or otherwise having the inability to support the moral principles of the school as stated throughout this handbook.

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Romans 1:26-27  ^“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

I Corinthian 6:9-11 “ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of children.  When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. Our discipline consists of positive reinforcement, redirection, intervention, verbal reminders, and removal of privileges. The use of physical punishment is never permitted. To help our children learn self-discipline and self-reliance we use discipline techniques that teach the child what to do, rather than what not to do. Praise for good behavior and success is encouraged as a method of guiding children’s behavior. We understand that children experience a wide range of emotions, and we guide them toward appropriate and acceptable ways of expressing these emotions. Children are encouraged to use words to settle disputes rather than hitting, biting, kicking, etc. All staff members place emphasis on recognizing and encouraging positive behaviors rather than dwelling on the negative. Although every family handles guidance differently we ask that parents/guardians follow these methods while at Cornerstone Christian Academy.

Parents and/or guardians are essential active participants in this process. We will keep you informed of discipline procedures we have used with your child and work together to change undesirable behaviors

If your child is experiencing a change in the home environment that may result in behavioral changes, it is important for you to notify the teacher and/or director. They will keep you informed of any behavioral problems concerning your child. Every effort will be made to resolve any problem that may occur. However, if the staff of Cornerstone Christian Academy determines that policy is not followed or available resources have been exhausted, the right is reserved to request alternative arrangements for the care of your child.

Our focus will be on the positive rather than negative to ensure that all the children develop a positive self-concept, as well as, learn to problem solve and use their word to express their feelings and emotions.

Cornerstone Christian Academy follows the North Carolina Child Care Discipline and Behavior Management Policy. This policy will be explained to each parent/guardian and a signed statement will be kept on file stating that you understand and agree with the discipline and behavior management policies and procedures. Parents will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur in the Discipline and Behavior Policy. These changes will be explained to each parent/guardian and an updated statement will be signed and placed on file.

WE DO

• Praise, reward and encourage all of the children.
• Reason with and set limits for the children.
• Model appropriate behavior for the children.
• Modify the program environment to attempt to prevent problems before they occur.
• Listen to the children.
• Provide alternatives for inappropriate behavior.
• Explain to the children the natural and logical consequences of their behavior.
• Treat the children as individuals and respect their needs, desires, and feelings.
• Explain things to the children on their levels.
• Stay consistent in our behavior management program.

WE DO NOT

• Spank, shake, bite, pinch, push, pull, slap or otherwise physically punish the children.
• Make fun of, yell at, threaten, make sarcastic remarks about, use profanity, or otherwise verbally abuse the children.
• Shame or punish the children when bathroom accidents occur.
• Deny food or rest as punishment.
• Relate discipline to eating, resting or sleeping.
• Leave the children alone, unattended, or without supervision.
• Place the children in locked rooms, closets, or boxes as punishment.
• Allow discipline of children by children.
• Criticize, make fun of, or otherwise belittle children’s parents, families, or ethnic groups.

K-5 Classroom Procedures

Each teacher will use a visual system that includes  discipline evaluative words. (e.g. Exceeds Expectations (Purple), , Meets Expectations  (Green), Does Not Meet Expectations (Orange), Referred to the Office (Red). Students will start on the third rung from the top. Students who show behavior that is expected as outlined in the Cornerstone R.O.C.Ks Matric will be able to move up rungs. Students who commit minor offenses will be moved down the visual system for each significant minor offense. If they reach the bottom rung, then the teacher will invoke the consequences system and will be required to communicate by phone with the parents.

Misbehavior Correction Plan

Student misbehavior will be divided into minor and major offenses. The definitions are as follows.

MINOR – OFFENSES TO BE HANDLED BY TEACHERS

• Not following directions
• Running in hallways
• Excessive talking
• Inappropriate laughing/sneering
• Derogatory notes/pictures
• Teasing/put downs
• Eye rolling
• Interrupting
• Name calling

MAJOR – OFFENSES TO BE HANDLED INITIALLY BY TEACHERS AND REPORTED TO ADMINISTRATION

• Disrespect
• Refusal to obey
• Aggressive behavior
• Improper language
• Constantly Interrupting

SEVERE MAJOR OFFENSES – OFFENSES TO BE HANDLED BY ADMINISTRATOR

• Intense acting out
• Aggressive Behavior that causes harm to others
• Running from an adult

CONSEQUENCES SYSTEM

MINOR OFFENSES

For each minor offense beyond the visual system, the student will move up a step. Any defiance of the system that is intense or lasts for more than 30 seconds will move the student to the next step.

Step 1: Verbal Warning that includes clearly defined expectations and the communication of the next steps. Expected behavior will be retaught and modeled.

Step 2: If behavior persists, the student may be asked to take a break from the task for a short time either within the classroom or outside of the classroom in another supervised location before returning back to the task.

Step 3: If behavior persists or new behaviors arise causing distractions, disobedience, or disrespect towards staff or peers, student will have a “color change” and a consequence of walking laps at recess or silent lunch will be invoked. This will be noted in student’s journal and communication with parent will be made.

MAJOR OFFENSES

For each major offense or for the accumulation of minor offenses during a single day, students will move up these steps.

Step 4:  The teacher will notify the office that “a student has reached Step 4” and send a school discipline referral form to the office within 30 minutes.

Step 5: The teacher may will call the office and request a student escort. An office staff member will come to the room and escort the child to the office. The teacher will send the referral form with another student within 30 minutes of the incident. If student is sent to the office for major offenses, administration will contact parents to discuss the event.

SEVERE MAJOR OFFENSES

For each severe major offense or for the accumulation of major offenses during a single day:

Step 6: The teacher will call the office and request an Administrative Assist. The school administrator will come an assist the teacher. Parents will be contacted to further discuss the situation.

Our student conduct system is intended to provide guidelines for administration, teachers and students concerning student misconduct. It is divided into multiple levels. Each level has a specific consequence. All student misconduct situations may require an evaluation by the administration about the severity of the misconduct. All misconduct or violations of our rules will begin with a verbal warning and a re-teaching of the policy and expectations.

Level 1: Lunch Detention

• Dress Code Violation – may also include removing the prohibited item.
• Horseplay
• Unprepared for class such as incomplete homework assignment and not having the correct books for class
• Disrupting class
• Failure to follow classroom rules
• Chewing gum
• Being in an area that is restricted
• Unexcused Tardy
• Wearing Earbuds while not actively engaged in learning.

Level 2: Morning Detention

This level includes more serious misbehaviors that reflect a disregard for the rules, an uncooperative attitude, or failure to respond to corrective action taken by the teacher. Morning detentions will start at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:45 a.m.  Students assigned morning detentions will be charged a $30.00 fee per session to cover the cost of supervision. Parents will be notified at least one day in advance when students are assigned a morning detention so that they may make transportation arrangements. Students will be expected to be on time and will not be allowed to attend detention late.

• Assigned automatically for any level 2 infraction or after the accumulation of 3 lunch detentions
• Refusal or failure to disclose all current and future social media accounts to administration
• Inappropriate language
• Showing disrespect for fellow students, faculty or staff
• Defacing school property or the property of others
• Public displays of affection
• Using cell phone without permission
• Inappropriate print or internet material on campus
• Multiple days of dress code violations during week.

Level 3: Saturday Detention

This level includes serious misbehaviors that reflect malice, blatant disregard for school rules, defiance of authority, or an attitude of disrespect. Students assigned Saturday work detentions will be charged a $60.00 fee per session to cover the cost of supervision. Student will work quietly in a classroom. Detentions will be from 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Assigned for any level 3 offense  and after 2 morning detentions, the third is automatically a Saturday Detention.

• Skipping class
• Bullying
• Using profanity
• Walking out of class without permission.
• Destroying school property or the property of others (penalty plus restitution of all damages). This includes defacing, placing stickers upon or damaging a locker – $100 fine.
• Academic dishonesty (includes homework)

Level 4: Suspension or Expulsion

Assigned for any level 4 offense or for the second Saturday Detention in a school year. Students who receive a suspension will not be allowed to participate in athletic events for 1 week from the date of the incident.

• Threats to cause harm to peers or staff
• Vulgar and inappropriate posts made by the student or anyone else on student’s social media account
• Disrespectful or Defiant Arguing with a teacher
• Fighting
• Stealing
• Vandalism (penalty plus restitution of all damages)
• Truancy (skipping or leaving school without permission)
• Pornography
• Verbal or physical abuse toward another student (including cyber bullying)
• Any dishonesty or deliberate deception (including cheating or plagiarism)
• Setting off any fire alarms in a non-emergency
• Possession/use of tobacco, vaping supplies, or alcohol on school premises or at school functions

This level includes extreme misbehaviors that endanger others, create distrust, severely weaken the student/school relationship, severely damage the reputation of the school in the community or are illegal. Students who are suspended from school will receive a zero for any daily work due on the day of suspension and a maximum score of 70% for any major grade. All major grades must be made up on the next school day.

Level 5: Expulsion

These are “no tolerance” misbehaviors that are illegal, result in injury to others, create distrust, severely damage the integrity of the student, or severely damage the reputation of the school community.

• Possession of a deadly weapon
• Possession or use of illegal drugs
• Sexting – This includes both requests for inappropriate pictures or video and sharing inappropriate pictures or video. Inappropriate pictures or video include but are not limited to nude or partially-nude (pictures in underwear or lingerie) pictures or videos.

Conduct System Appeal

Only major offense or levels 2 and above decisions may be appealed. Students who choose to appeal conduct system decisions must do so in writing through the school office by the end of the next business day.

Annual Review of Students

Each year, at the April school board meeting, the School Board and Administration will review the conduct of all students who have received a Level 4 – Suspension during the year or have accumulated greater than 20 lunch or morning detentions. The School Board shall carefully review the discipline record of each student. If student is found to have consistently violated the student conduct system in such a way as to have jeopardized the instruction in the classrooms or they have shown a pattern of disrespect towards the school’s authority, then the school board will cancel their enrollment for the upcoming school year and will notify in writing their parents. All funds paid for the upcoming school year will be reimbursed within 10 business days.