Like Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior Are Children Born in One S Youth- Psalm 127:4

Parent/Student Handbook

2013-2014

I. Purpose

Arrows Academy was developed by 3 homeschool moms in 2010 who desired more educational opportunities for their children. They desired a school that would combine the best of both the traditional brick and mortar classroom and homeschooling. And as moms, they desired more time, support, and encouragement for themselves. They wanted teachers who shared their biblical values and would instruct their children’s hearts as well as their minds.

Why “Arrows”?

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth- Psalm 127:4

As parents we have been given the awesome privilege and responsibility of raising children whom God has blessed with unique gifts, talents, and personalities. God has a plan for their lives and like the arrows of a warrior our children will one day be let loose to fly at the target set before them by the Lord. Our job as parents and educators is to shape those arrows in such a way that they will one day fly with precision and accuracy.

Although Arrows meets the needs of many families in the homeschooling community, it is only one of many excellent educational opportunities available to families. The social, academic, and spiritual needs of children vary greatly even within one family. We are thankful and recognize that our Heavenly Father, the most loving and wise teacher of all, has provided so many different ways to meet those needs.

II. Contact Information

Mailing Address: 18 Southfern Court, Columbia, SC 29212

Class Location: Columbia Crossroads Church

2723 Ashland Rd. Columbia, SC 29212

Phone/text: 803-210-5902 (we will respond as quickly as our own

homeschooling responsibilities will allow)

Email:

Website: arrowsacademy.org

III. Leadership

Director: Jessica Jones

Assistant Director: Angela Herskind

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IV. Statement of Faith

Arrows Academy holds to the doctrinal position of our host church, Columbia Crossroads:

1. There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. Jesus Christ is the true God and the true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of Majesty on high as our great High Priest. He will come again to establish His kingdom, righteousness and peace.

3. The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to dwell, guide, teach, empower the believer, and convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.

4. The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.

5. Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God: he fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The portion of the unrepentant and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment; and that of the believer, in everlasting joy and bliss.

6. Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men; and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God.

7. It is the will of God that each believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified wholly, being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. This is both a crisis and a progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer subsequent to conversion.

8. Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil are taught in the Scriptures and are privileges for the Church in this present age.

9. The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations. The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the gospel, and observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

10. There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment. The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.

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V. Admission Procedures

1. Submit Registration form and fee

2. Receive Acceptance Letter & Enrollment Packet

3. Submit Enrollment Packet along with supply fee

4. Pay yearly tuition or First Monthly payment

5. Attend Parent orientation

6. Submit parent agreement and student expectation form

Arrows Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, nationality, or ethnic origin. However, because Arrows is a distinctly Christian organization, the administration reserves the right to discriminate in areas of religious beliefs and affiliations.

Acceptance for enrollment in Arrows is at the discretion of the Administration. It is based upon the satisfactory completion of all application requirements and a thorough review of all responses on the application forms.

In order to maintain a wholesome Christian atmosphere and to prevent any negative reflection on the school itself, Arrows Academy reserves the right to review any pertinent information, records, or circumstance of any applicant or enrolled individual. Arrows Academy reserves the right to ask for letters of referral or may contact former schools, etc. to request references regarding any individual or family. Any information gathered will be kept confidential. Arrows Academy reserves the right to take whatever steps it deems necessary toward any individual or family in order to ensure that Arrow’s reputation and purpose are not hindered. Such action includes, but is not limited to, the denial of enrollment or removal of any student or family. .

VI. Drop off & Pick Up

8:15-8:25 Morning car line

* Please drive straight into the parking lot, turning at the woods and pulling up to the double doors at the back of the church to unload.

* Parents of nursery students must park and walk their children to class.

* Assembly starts at 8:30, so drop off should be complete by 8:25.

12:00-12:10 Half-day dismissal (nursery, 3k & 4k)

* Parents must come inside and pick up their child from class.

* There will be a $1.00 per minute charge after 12:10 for any late pick ups.

3:00-3:15 Afternoon car line

*Please drive straight into the parking lot, turning at the woods and pulling up to the double doors at the back of the church to pick-up.

*If you prefer to park and pick up your child, you will need to walk across the carline and wait at the door for your child to be called. You will then need to walk child(ren) across carline.

* There will be a $1.00 per minute charge after 3:15 for any late pick ups.

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VII. Communication

In order for your child to benefit the most out of Arrows Academy, parent-teacher communication is essential! Your child will bring home a communication folder each day that will contain all their assignments for the week, any checked work, and a space for teacher comments. Please check and sign this each week. Teachers may be contacted via email or a conference may be scheduled upon request. Car line and at the end of class are generally not good times to discuss concerns.

VIII. Dress Code

Everyone on campus should dress modestly. It is not the staff's intent to be legalistic regarding dress. We would ask that all be edifying to God in their appearance.

-No low cut necklines on shirts, tanks with spaghetti straps, shirts that reveal midriffs or have inappropriate pictures/slogans.

-Shorts and skirts should be finger-tip length, and shorts or leggings should be worn under skirts.

-No ripped jeans or baggy pants that show any part of a guy’s undergarment.

-No tight clothing such as leggings or skinny jeans without a finger-tip length shirt.

-Hats may not be worn in the building.

-Shoes should be worn at all times. Flip flops and sandals are acceptable for both boys and girls.

IX. Phones and Electronics

Phones and electronics are not allowed on campus. If a student brings a phone, ipod, mp3 player, etc., it will be confiscated and returned only to that student’s parent. Students taking keyboarding may bring their laptop to school for use in that class.

X. Care and Use of Facility

We are privileged to be able to use the facilities at Columbia Crossroads Church and Woodland Hills Community Church. We are entrusted to be good stewards of this resource.

• All parents and children should enter through the double doors furthest away from Ashland Road. Do not use the door to the sanctuary or the door under the portico which leads to the church offices.
• Students and parents should remain in the lower hallway at all times and not go up the ramp towards the church offices or the sanctuary.
• Students should not be on the playground during Arrows Academy hours unless under parent or teacher supervision.
• All trash, both inside and out, should be thrown away in proper receptacles.
• Students should not be in the building after hours unattended.
• Siblings of Arrows Academy students must be supervised at all times when on campus

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XI. Class Schedule

XII. Discipline Policy

The Bible clearly indicates that parents are responsible for the discipline (that is, training for instruction) of their children. Arrows Academy exists to assist parents in their God-given responsibilities. Arrows Academy does not seek to assume a task that God has given to parents, but only to serve, in a limited way, as the parents’ appointed and authorized representatives in the child’s training process. During school hours and at other school related and school supervised functions, students are to respond to school faculty and supervisory staff members with obedience in action and respectfulness in attitude. Failure to maintain an appropriate attitude of respect and obedience toward school authority, which manifests itself in improper behavior or violated standards, will result in appropriate disciplinary action. The school expects that parents will support the administration of such disciplinary action by encouraging obedience and respectfulness to the authorities in the school as well as the staff of Columbia Crossroads Church who also minister in the facility.

XII. Disciplinary Process

Classroom rules: Each teacher will develop a set of rules to govern their classroom. These

rules will be the basis for conduct for those students throughout the year. Classroom guidelines for behavior and work may vary slightly among teachers. Students are expected to adjust and accommodate these differences. Students are expected to be a good example and testimony 24 hours a day, both on and off campus.

Correction:

1. Verbal correction/counsel- the teacher may confront a student concerning misconduct, poor attitude, lack of responsibility, etc. At this point the teacher is free to explain the concerns and potential difficulty. If the student is responsive and has a teachable heart no further discipline will be needed.

2. Parent notification- – Parents will be notified about the student’s behavior or attitude and asked to fulfill their God-given role of correction.

3. Meeting with the director: if the misconduct continues, the student will be sent to the Director’s office. The Director will discuss the student’s actions with them, pray with them and decide further consequences.

4. Disciplinary Probation. Probation gives the student the opportunity to correct a serious problem. Reasons for probation are as follows:

a. Continued, deliberate disobedience.

b. An unchanged rebellious spirit that continues after counseling and prayer.

c. A continued negative attitude and bad influence upon other students.

d. A serious breach of conduct inside or outside of the school that negatively affects the testimony of the school.

5. If disciplinary probation is unsuccessful, a parent will be required accompany their child to all Arrows Academy classes

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XIV. Parent Volunteer Positions

As part of the enrollment packet, families are asked to choose an event to help with during the year. This may involve sending in food, supplies, set-up, and/or clean-up. Please consider donating your talent or expertise as well. While families are only asked to assist with one event, involvement above and beyond that amount would be a welcome blessing.

XV. Grades and Progress Reports

Letter grades will be given for grades 3-9 using the following grading scale:

In lieu of grades, K3-2nd grade will receive Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, or Needs Improvement. Rubrics will be used to grade writing assignments and special projects. Syllabi and Semester reports will be given to families to help them keep records of the subjects taught at Arrows Academy. Teachers will notify parents mid-semester if grades are below a B.

XVI. School Closings

In the event of inclement weather, Arrows Academy will follow the closing policy of Richland/Lexington District 5.

XVII. Illness

In the interest of every child’s well being, parents MUST keep their child home when he/she is sick. If a child has symptoms such as elevated temperature, rash, vomiting, excessive nasal discharge or diarrhea, please keep your child home. If your child develops symptoms at school, the student will be isolated, and the parents will be notified to pick up the child as soon as possible. If we cannot reach anyone listed on the student’s application, we will, as necessary, obtain medical attention from a doctor of our choice.

Elementary students who have a fever of 100.4 degrees or more or are vomiting will be sent home. These students may return when the fever is below 100.4 for 24 hours (without medication) and/or the vomiting has stopped. If an ambulance is required, the parents agree to pay any fees incurred.

Medication: Students are not permitted to carry medication (either over-the-counter or prescription) on their persons. School personnel are NOT able to administer any medications. All drugs must be in the original Pharmacy or Manufacturer’s labeled container. A signed/notarized consent form is to be on file for those students who may need to use self-administered medications. These will need to be kept in the director’s office.

First Aid: Designated faculty with proper training shall render first aid treatment. Emergency medical treatment will be sought for students whose medical needs warrant such action.

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XVIII. Parties

A child's birthday is a special occasion. We encourage your child to celebrate by sending treats to class the day of their birthday if you wish. Since class time is limited, birthdays need to be limited to a 15-minute time period and limited to just treats and not full-blown affairs. Invitations to birthday parties off-campus may be passed out at school if all students in the class are invited. If all students are not invited, the invitations need to be passed out somewhere besides the school grounds. Afternoon car line is not appropriate for birthday party pick-up.

XIX. Special Needs

Arrows Academy does not want to discriminate against children with learning differences or disabilities. Out of consideration to our teachers and other students, parents must inform their teachers in advance of any learning difficulties your child may have. In certain cases, Arrows Academy may meet with the parents and teachers to determine what would be in the best interest of the academy and the student in question. Arrows Academy reserves the right to deny enrollment upon such consideration.

XX. Lost and Found

The lost and found collection is kept in the Director's office. Unclaimed items are given to Goodwill in December and May. Please help us by labeling lunch boxes, jackets, water bottles, pencil boxes, and backpacks.