Standards of Conduct and Discipline

Good conduct and discipline are necessary for the welfare of the student as well as the entire school.  It is impossible for learning to take place in a classroom unless control and good order are maintained.  Students are reminded that they must adhere to a good code of conduct not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.  Trinity Christian School expects full cooperation from both students and parents.  Parents who cannot support the discipline standards of Trinity Christian School should find a school whose standards more nearly reflect their own.

Because attendance at TCS is a privilege and not a right, the privilege may be forfeited by any student who does not conform to the spiritual, moral, and scholastic standards and regulations of the institution.  The administration may request withdrawal of any student at any time who, in the opinion of the     administration, does not fit into the spirit of the school ministry, regardless of whether or not the student conforms to the specific rules and regulations of the school.   While TCS is concerned for each family individually,  we must also be committed to the general welfare of the total school family and to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

General Conduct Requirements:

Always treat others with respect using words like please and thank you.  Address adults as Ma’am and Sir.

No running, loitering, or talking without permission in classrooms.

Early arrival students must report to the dining hall.  When permission is granted, they should go directly to respective classrooms and be seated in the appropriate desk or chair.

Soft drink and snack machines should only be operated before school, during lunch or snack, or after school.

Littering is not allowed in the buildings or on the grounds.  Please pick up and discard any trash you see.

School-office business should be conducted at the window.  Only office staff is allowed inside the office without special permission. 

Students sent to the office should check in at the window with the secretary before going into the administrator’s office.

Students are required to keep classrooms, lockers, hallways, and other areas neat and orderly at all times.

When entering a classroom other than your own, respectfully go in without knocking and quietly stand until recognized by the teacher.

In the dining hall, movement should be minimal, conversation should be in hushed tones, and mess should be minimal.  Each student is responsible for leaving his/her location clean.

Criticism of teachers, administration, or rules is not permitted.

No gum chewing on school or church property, period.  Candy, food, and drink are not permitted outside the dining hall and gym areas.

A parent wishing to visit a classroom or pick up a child must go directly to the school office and speak with the secretary.

Students may use the telephone only in cases of extreme emergency.  Forgotten items are not extreme emergencies.

Students must obey promptly the commands and directions of teachers without complaint, argument, or facial expressions of disagreement.  Disrespect, disobedience and insolence will not be tolerated.

Stealing another student’s books or personal belonging will not be tolerated.

Never touch anything on or in a teacher’s desk.

Students should not be physically touching each other in any manner unless instructed to do so by a teacher.  Keep hands, feet, arms, and lips to yourself at all times.  Horseplay is never permitted.

No student will be retained at TCS who is sexually active, involved in pornographic behavior, or at any time uses unlawful drugs, alcohol, or tobacco of any form.  Lockers  and vehicles can be searched.

Swearing and other indecent language is not allowed.

Cheating and lying are not tolerated.

Students are not allowed to remain unsupervised on school grounds after school.  Anyone not involved with a coach or teacher must leave. 

The gymnasium is off limits to students except when under the supervision of a teacher or coach.  At no time should anyone walk across the gym floor when traveling through to classrooms.  Walk on the orange or blue areas, only.  Street shoes should never be worn on the gym floor.

Lockers should always be neat both inside and out.

Book bags and personal belongings should never be left in the halls or classrooms.

No spray deodorant may be brought to school for any reason.

 

Do not sit on tables or desks, lean back in chairs, put your feet on the walls, write on chalkboards, open windows, or adjust thermostats.

Students who abuse or damage school equipment or property will be required to replace the item or pay for the damage-repair in addition to being disciplined.  Writing on desks or window sills is a serious offense.  Vandalism could result in expulsion.

Students are to use restrooms only during breaks and will not be excused from class unless it is an emergency.

No male student is allowed to have pierced ears.

Students are not allowed to acquire body art or body piercing.  Should a student already have a tattoo, it should remain covered at all times.

Playing cards are not allowed on the school campus or on school-sponsored trips.

Toys, MP3 player, portable CD and tape players, and video games are not allowed at school.

No knives, guns, or weapons of any kind; nor, replicas of such are allowed on the school campus.

All hardcover books must be covered the first full week of school.

Students must park in approved areas and not return to their vehicles during school hours.  The parking lot is considered off-campus during school hours.

Do not attend to personal grooming in class.

The athletic equipment rooms and concession stand area are off limits to students at all times.

In the sanctuary, remember, it is a place of reverence. Be respectful and use  any waiting time to quietly ponder your relationship with Jesus Christ and His will for your life.  Bring your own pencil, paper, and Bible.  Do not touch items in the back of the pews.

 

 

Property Respect and Care:

The facilities used by Trinity Christian School belong to Trinity Free Will Baptist Church.  Everyone is expected to participate in care and upkeep by helping to maintain cleanliness and orderliness.  Rooms should be picked-up daily, and dusted and vacuumed at the end of every week.  Window blinds should be handled with care.  Eating and drinking should be limited to the dining hall.  Furniture and equipment should be treated with care so as not to become scuffed, scratched and marred.  Should an accident occur which causes damage, do not hesitate to let a teacher know so that repairs can be made.

 

Skipping Class:

Every student is assigned to be with a specific teacher every hour of the day.  If for any reason a student is somewhere other than where he/she is supposed to be without the written permission of that teacher, it is considered to be skipping class.  A student will receive 30 demerits for skipping class.

Candy, Food, and Drink:

There is to be no consumption of candy, food, or drink outside the dining hall.  Should a student choose to break this rule, he/she will receive demerits.

Gum:

No gum chewing on school or church property, period.  Should a student choose to break this rule, he/she will receive demerits.

Forbidden Articles:

Cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, any narcotics, knives, guns, matches, explosives of any kind, skate boards, radios, magazines, records or tapes not related to class work, toys and other non-school related items are not permitted on school property.  No books or magazines are to be brought to school unless they are directly related to a specific course of study and permission to bring them has been granted ahead of time.  Lunch boxes, book covers, book bags, and other school items should always display good taste and bear designs appropriate for a Christian school.

 

Disruption in the Classroom:

A student whose behavior hinders the teacher’s ability to teach the class efficiently will be sent to the Coordinator or Administrator. For such:

the teacher will notify the Coordinator or office that the student is coming. 

the student will check in with the Coordinator or at the secretaries window to let her know that he/she has arrived.

the secretary will let the administrator know that the student has arrived.

Discipline for being dismissed from class ranges from 20 demerits to being

sent home depending on the magnitude or re-occurrence of the situation.

 

Elementary, Middle, and High School Disciplinary Measures:

On all levels, discipline is primarily handled in the classroom by the classroom teacher.  Should a problem arise which is not solved through classroom discipline, and contacting parents, then the teacher first will turn to his/her Team and Team Coordinator for help and advice.  There are four Teams:  Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School.  If the problem

 

cannot be resolved on the Team level, then the Elementary Principal and/or administrator will become involved.

 

Elementary School:  Discipline in the Elementary levels consists of     positive rewards, taking away of privileges, and contacting parents.  No demerits are given to elementary students.

 

 Middle School discipline consists of a program developed by the Middle School Team of teachers. Behavior is handled by the teacher in the classroom with a system of names and checks on the board.  Along with this is a program involving demerits and detention.

 

Middle School students are also positively motivated by rewards for positive behavior.  They go skating, eat pizza, have ice cream and do other positive things.

 

High School Discipline is handled primarily in the classroom by the classroom teacher.  Along with this is a program developed by the Team of High School teachers involving demerits and detention.  The Student Government Association also give council concerning discipline policy.   Rewards are also built in for positive behavior.

 

Merit Program:

The merit program allows a student to earn the removal of demerits simply by not accruing infractions or demerits in a specified length of time.   Removal of demerits does not remove any consequences students have earned previously for demerits, such as serving detentions or removal from extra-curricular activities.  Removal of demerits benefits the student’s record and may sometimes keep him/her from reaching further punishments due to demerit accumulation.

Demerits are removed at the end of each quarter, only.

Five demerits will be removed by going ten school days in a row with no infractions.  A warning counts as an infraction and will hinder the removal of demerits. 

Demerit Program:

The demerit system is guide for behavior record-keeping in Middle and High School.  Demerits, themselves are not punishment, but rather, are a means of keeping track of unfavorable behavior and of communicating to parents about such behavior.  Punishment comes when students reach designated amounts of demerits the first of which is a Tuesday Detention at 25 demerits.  Demerits of 20 or less are removed at the end of each quarter.

Demerit Lists

Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive.   Infractions not included here will be interpreted for demerits by the administrator in relation to items on these lists. 

Important Note:  Demerits will be increased by the addition of 5 upon the                         repetition of an infraction.

5 Demerits

Chewing gum

Eating or drinking outside the dining hall

Tardy to school or class

Dress Code violation

Unauthorized telephone use

Unexcused absence

Excessive talking

Sleeping in class

Failure to return a signed form the next school day

 

10 Demerits

Horseplay/disorderly conduct

Hanging around unsupervised during and after school

Talking back or questioning a teacher inappropriately

Any minor disrespect or disobedience

Going to vehicle without permission

Light property damage: also cost of repair

15 Demerits

Sent to the Coordinator

Three misbehavior checks on the board

20 Demerits

Arguing with a teacher

Any moderate disrespect or disobedience

Safety violation:  endangering others/fighting

Driving recklessly in the parking lot

Course or rough language; slang

Moderate property damage:  also cost of repair

30 Demerit

Swearing or profanity

Cheating:  also a zero on the work

Lying or deception

Stealing

Sent to the office for class disruption

Any major disrespect or disobedience

Leaving campus without properly checking out.

Major property damage:  also cost of repair

Cell phone or beeper

50-150 Demerits

Smoking, drinking, drugs

Immorality, pornography, indecent liberties

Threatening a teacher, staff member, student

Tattoos, skin piercing

Vandalism

Posting profanity, immorality, suggestive language or    disrespect toward others on the internet.

Extreme types of behavior not mentioned

 

Accumulation of Demerits:

25      Tuesday Detention

40      Tuesday Detention

50      Saturday Detention

65      Tuesday Detention

 

75      Saturday Detention:  At 75 demerits a student loses the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities.  In the case of athletics, at 75 a student may not continue to play in the current sport, but if the demerits fall below 75, the student may play in the next sport. Should 75 demerits be accumulated again, the student may no longer participate in any sport. 

90      1-day Suspension

100    Saturday Detention

115    3-day Suspension

125    Saturday Detention

140    Recommended Withdrawal or 5-day Suspension

150    Expulsion     

*  See page 45 for detention explanations.

 

Disciplinary Probation:

A student is placed on disciplinary probation when he reaches 75 demerits.  At that point he/she is removed from all extracurricular activities.  In athletics he/she is removed from the current sport.

 

Suspension:

When a student is absent due to a disciplinary suspension, all work must be made up and receive a grade of up to 70%.  This includes major tests.  The student may not come to school or to any school activity on the day(s) of suspension.  Suspension is assigned as above by demerits or at the discretion of the Administrator when warranted in other situations.

 

Expulsion:

A student is expelled who

Accumulates 150 demerits during a year.

Uses, possesses, or distributes alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal drugs.

Is involved in immorality.

Is involved in pornography.

Brings firearms or other weapons to school.

Is involved in criminal activity.

Threatens a teacher, staff member, or school board member.

Is involved in any of the above categories on the internet.

By his attitude, dress, and behavior gives evidence of not wanting to uphold the guidelines, policies, and testimony of the school before demerits are accumulated.

A student who is expelled must sit out one year before he can apply for readmission to Trinity Christian School.  The student and parents must meet with the principal before readmission will be considered.

A student who is expelled or asked to withdraw will not be allowed on the school grounds unless he has official business or has obtained permission from the administration.

 

Review of Students:

In January of each year, the faculty and administration will review students in grades 6-12 in relation to academic and disciplinary standing.  Meetings will be held with parents of those students who reach

disciplinary probation due to 75 or more demerits

academic probation due to failed subjects on the mid-term report card.

 

Detention Halls: 

There are actually two detention halls, and each takes precedence over athletics, appointments, pleasure trips, etc.  Failure to serve a detention incurs 30 demerits-plus depending on which type was missed.

 

 Tuesday Detention (T Detention): 

Tuesday Detention is a one hour detention held each week for High School and Middle School.  A student is assigned this detention due to demerits.  It starts at 25 demerits and is given in increments as shown on page 43.  Failure to serve a Disciplinary Detention will result in 30 demerits.  

Saturday Detention (S Detention): 

Saturday Detention is a 2-hour detention which is assigned at 50 demerits.  It is held on Saturday morning from 8:00 until 10:00 AM.  Stipulations are that students must be driven to Trinity by a parent (The student cannot drive himself/herself.), and there is a $20.00 fee which is paid directly to the teacher to cover her time here.  Check with teacher concerning attire.  Saturday Detention is assigned at 50, 75, 100, and 125 demerits.  Failure to serve a Saturday Detention will result in 30 demerits.

 

 

Dress Codes: 

Because of our commitment to the Bible and Christian education,

we believe that any style of clothing that our young ladies wear should be modest and should not be tight, form fitting, or revealing in any way. 

we believe that the clothing of our young men should be neat, masculine, and avoid worldly appearance. 

No list of rules can adequately cover every clothing style; therefore,   the administration reserves the right to make a judgment about any style of clothing which it deems as inappropriate.

 

Kindergarten-3rd  Grade:  Girls

Tops:  Girls may wear polo– or izod—type shirts, oxford-type shirts,         collarless shirts (not T-shirts), and non-form-fitting sweaters which are:

loose-fitting.

made of cotton, cotton blend, or dress-fabric material.  No silky or stretchy fabrics.

high modest neckline.

closed in the front leaving the top button unbuttoned if you desire.

short or long-sleeved.  No sleeveless.

Any repeated pattern, solid colors, plaids or stripes.

made with a long shirt tail that will stay tucked in all day or which covers the entire stomach if worn out.  Absolutely no midriff exposure.

Slacks, skirts and dresses:  Girls may wear modest, frull-length slacks, or skirts, dresses,  jumpers, culottes gauchos, and shorts with hemlines no higher than 2 inches above the bend-line at the back of the knee.

Girls may wear long-sleeve pullover sweaters and sweat-shirts over an    appropriate top.  They must be loose-fitting, long enough to cover the stomach, and without pictures except for a garment, school, or sports logo.

Shoes may be athletic-, dress-, or sandal-type.  No flip-flops.

5.    Hair should be out-of-the-face and well groomed.  No make-up permitted.

 

Kindergarten-3rd Grade:  Boys

Tops:  Polo– or izod– type shirts, oxford-type shirts which are

Loose-fitting.

Made of cotton or cotton blend, no stretchy materials.

Collared

Closed with buttons in the front leaving the top button unbuttoned if you desire.

Short or long-sleeved.

Any repeated patterns, solid colors, plaids, or stripes.

Made with a long shirt tail that will stay tucked in all day.

Slacks:  Boys may wear neat and proper fitted slacks or jeans.  Shorts may be worn with hemlines no higher than the bend-line at the back of the knee. 

Boys may wear long-sleeve pullover sweaters and sweat-shirts over an    appropriate top.  They must be loose-fitting and without pictures except for a garment, school, or sports logo.

Hair is to be cut so that it does not touch the top of the ear and shirt-collar.  Shaggy hair is not permitted.  Bangs should be at least 1 inch above the eyes.

Shoes and socks should be worn at all times.  No sandals.

 

Grades Four –Twelve:  Girls Dress Code

Tops:  Girls may wear polo– or izod—type shirts, oxford-type shirts,         collarless shirts (not T-shirts), and non-form-fitting sweaters which are:

loose-fitting.  Undergarment lines should not be visible.

made of cotton, cotton blend, or dress-fabric material.  No silky or stretchy fabrics.

high modest neckline.  No V-necks.

closed in the front leaving the top button unbuttoned if you desire.

short or long-sleeved.  No sleeveless.

any repeated pattern solid colors, plaids or stripes.

made with a long shirt tail that will stay tucked in all day or which covers the entire stomach if worn out.  Absolutely no midriff exposure.

Long-sleeved pullover sweaters and sweat-shirts which are

Worn over an appropriate top.

Loose-fitting and have proper length.

Any solid color

Without pictures except for garment, school, or sports logo.

Pants:  Girls may wear dress– or duckhead– type pants which

Are loosely fitted.

Come to the waist. 

Are made of the khaki-type cotton, cotton blend, or non-stretchy dress-slack fabrics.  Absolutely no tightly-fitted or stretchy-type materials can be worn.

Solid color.

No denim of any color.

Are of proper ankle or lower length.  No Capris.

Undergarment lines should not be visible at any time.

Skirts, gouchos or cullottes:  which

Are loose-fitting.

Come to the waist

Are made of the khaki-type cotton or cotton blend material, non-stretch denim, or non-stretchy dress-fabrics.  Absolutely no silky or stretchy-type materials can be worn.

Have hemlines that come at least to the bend-line at the back of the knee.  If the skirt has a slit, the top of the slit must come at least to the bend-line at the back of the knee.

Undergarment lines should not be visible at any time.

Dresses which are

Loose-fitting.

Made of the khaki-type cotton, cotton blend, non-stretch denim, or non-stretchy dressy fabrics.  No silky or stretchy-type materials can be worn.

Short or long-sleeved.

Have high, round necklines.  No V-necks.

Have hemlines that come at least to the bend-line at the back of the knee.  If the dress has a slit, the top of the slit must come at least to the bend-line at the back of the knee.

Undergarment lines should not be visible at any time.

Hair must be well-groomed and out of the face.  No make-up in the elementary level.  Thereafter, make up should be moderate when worn..

7.    Shoes may be athletic, dress, or sandals.  No flip flops.  Shoes should be                        seen and not heard.  No lounging shoes.

 

Grades Four-Twelve:  Boys

Tops:  Boys may wear polo– or izod– type shirts like those golfers wear and oxford dress shirts. 

Loose-fitting.  Made of cotton or cotton blend, no stretchy materials.

Collared.

Closed with buttons in the front leaving the top button unbuttoned if you desire.

Short or long-sleeved.

Any repeated pattern, solid colors, plaids, or stripes.

Made with a long shirt tail that will stay tucked in all day

 

Long-sleeved pullover sweaters and sweat-shirts which are

Worn over an appropriate top.

Loose-fitting and have proper length.

Any solid color

Without pictures except for garment, school, or sports logo.

Pants:  Boys may wear dress, duckhead– or dickies-type pants which

 

Are properly fitted.  (meaning not too loose and not too tight.)

Come to the waist.  Shirts must be tucked in.  A belt must be worn if the pants have loops.

Are make of the khaki-type cotton or cotton blend material.  No denim of any color.

Are of proper full length.

Are any solid color.

 

Shoes:  Boys may wear athletic, dress, or casual shoes with socks.  No sandals or lounging shoes permitted.

 

Hair:  Boys hair is to be neatly groomed at all times.  It must be cut above the ears, and above the shirt collar.  Bangs must be 1 inch above the eye brows.

Young men should be clean shaven.  No moustaches.  Sideburns should be no longer than the middle of the ear.

 

7.    No hats may be worn in the buildings.  This includes the hoods on coats    or sweat shirts.

 

Game Day Player and Student Dress:

On game days players, as representatives of Trinity Christian School Athletics, are required to dress to a higher standard.

Boys are to wear dress shirts tucked in, ties tied properly, and dress pants during school and up until time to change for their game.  After the game they should change back into their appropriate school dress code attire.  Ties do not have to be worn after they have played.  Players not in proper dress will not play. 

Girls are to wear dresses or skirts with blouses during school and up until time to change for their game.  After the game they should change back into  appropriate school dress code attire. 

One exception is the cheerleaders who may wear their administration-approved special outfits during school to promote school spirit. 

Concerning game uniforms, players must abide by the athletic dress code requirements found in the NCCSA Athletics Manual  and Trinity Christian School .

Non-player students may wear TCS T-shirts on home-game days.