ATHENS BIBLE SCHOOL

507 Hoffman Street

Athens, AL  35611

256-232-3525

www.athensbibleschool.org

HANDBOOK

FOR

STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Purpose

This handbook has been carefully prepared to help ensure a pleasant working relationship among the students, faculty, administrators and parents associated with Athens Bible School.  To accomplish this purpose, the goals, policies and regulations of the school are stated in this booklet.

Approved and adopted by the Board of Directors

August 2007

               INDEX

DOCUMENT REVISIONS. 4

MISSION STATEMENT. 5

OUR AIM... 5

NONDISCRIMNATION POLICY.. 5

STUDENT ATTITUDE. 5

ADMISSION.. 6

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION.. 6

ADMISSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE. 6

FINANCIAL AID.. 7

GRADING AND RECORDS. 7

BIBLE GRADES. 7

GRADING.. 7

REPORT CARDS. 8

OPTIONAL THREE-WEEK LETTERS. 8

TEST EXEMPTION.. 8

PERMANENT RECORDS. 8

ATTENDANCE. 8

CHAPEL. 8

EARLY ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL. 8

LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL. 8

TARDY POLICY.. 9

HOMEWORK POLICY.. 9

CHECKOUT. 9

ABSENCES. 9

MAKE-UP WORK.. 10

PERSONAL GROOMING AND DRESS. 11

HAIR STYLE. 11

GENERAL ATTIRE GUIDELINES. 11

ATTIRE FOR BOYS. 11

ATTIRE FOR GIRLS. 11

ATTIRE FOR FORMAL OCCASIONS. 12

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.) ATTIRE. 12

TEMPORARY AND SPECIAL GUIDELINES. 12

ENFORCEMENT OF GROOMING AND DRESS GUIDELINES. 12

PARENTS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS. 12

STUDENT BEHAVIOR.. 12

MANNERS AND PUNCTUALITY.. 12

RESPECT. 12

HANDS OFF POLICY.. 12

LANGUAGE. 12

CARE OF ABS PROPERTY.. 13

LUNCHROOM... 13

SOFT DRINKS. 13

MEDICATION.. 13

FIRST AID.. 13

MEDICAL PROBLEMS. 13

EMERGENCY DRILLS. 13

DRUGS, NARCOTICS AND MEDICINES. 13

TOBACCO.. 13

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. 13

ELECTRONIC DEVICES.. 13

INAPPROPRIATE MEDIA.. 14

INTERNET AGREEMENT. 14

AUTOMOBILES. 14

DANGEROUS. 14

USE OF PHONE. 14

SCHOOL STORE. 14

TEACHERS’ LOUNGE. 15

TRIPS. 15

FUNDRAISING.. 15

SCHOOL MONIES. 15

VISITORS. 15

PRIVATE PROPERTY.. 15

MARRIED STUDENTS. 15

DISCIPLINE. 16

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. 16

LOCKER AND VEHICLE INSPECTION.. 16

DISCIPLINE LADDER.. 16

DEMERIT SYSTEM... 16

MAJOR OFFENSES. 17

GOOD BEHAVIOR PROGRAM... 18

DISMISSAL. 18

SPORTS PROGRAM... 19

ABS SPORTS PRINCIPLES. 19

SPORTS IMPLEMENTATION PLANS. 20

ALABAMA RULES FOR SPORTS PARTICIPATION.. 21

BY-LAWS OF ATHENS BIBLE SCHOOL. 22

ARTICLE I - NAME. 22

ARTICLE II - BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 22

ARTICLE III - ADMINISTRATION.. 23

ARTICLE IV - ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS. 23

ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS. 23

DOCUMENT REVISIONS

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Athens Bible School is to provide each student with a quality education in a Christian atmosphere by working with the home and family to foster the complete and harmonious development of the whole person:  spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially.

OUR AIM

It is the aim of Athens Bible School (hereafter ABS) to create an environment and maintain standards of conduct that are consistent with Christian ideals.  There are restrictions at ABS which may not be necessary in other places and under different conditions, but which are essential to the maintenance of the ideals of this school.  It is understood that every student who enters Athens Bible School thereby pledges to abide by the spirit and letter of all rules and regulations of the school.

Cooperation on the part of parents is essential to the proper management of Athens Bible School.  When parents enter sons or daughters in Athens Bible School, they agree to accept the regulations of the school and to encourage their children to be subject to these regulations.  This express agreement should be clearly understood by students, parents, faculty and administration.

A school cannot make character, but it can give a student the best opportunity to develop character.  In this age when popular attitudes and ideas constantly change, Athens Bible School believes that the most worthwhile education is based on the unchanging principles of the Christian religion.

It is the aim of the administration and faculty to cultivate and develop the spiritual nature of the student and to create and maintain a religious sentiment that is in harmony with the will of God.  The Bible is a textbook of every student in Athens Bible School.  It is a constant aim to surround the student with an atmosphere that is based on Biblical teachings.

Athens Bible School is operated by a Board of Directors and Administration who are members of the church of Christ.  It is supported by tuition, fees, fundraising activities, and private donations.  Contributions from congregations are neither solicited nor accepted. 

NONDISCRIMNATION POLICY

Athens Bible School does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap.

STUDENT ATTITUDE

Students, this is your school.  You, as an individual will have a great influence on the kind of school it is.  If you are disinterested, doing only what you must, you will find school a disinteresting place.  If you are active and interested, always trying to improve yourself and your school, you will find Athens Bible School alive and challenging.  The administration and faculty can only provide opportunities for you to improve yourself; only you can do the job.

Athens Bible School should give you many opportunities to learn the skills you need; to develop the habits you want; to form and express opinions, judgments and conclusions; and to accept responsibilities for yourself and your school.  So that all of us at Athens Bible School can concentrate on these opportunities and experiences, we have a number of procedure, policies, and regulations.

ADMISSION

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION.  Athens Bible School seeks students with good behavior and the desire to become a better person and who express a desire to learn both academics and the Bible.  Students seeking admission to ABS will provide a record of good behavior.  Although we do not provide a special education program, we do admit children with a wide range of abilities.  A history of poor conduct is normally the reason for rejection.  A student serving any disciplinary action at another school cannot be admitted to Athens Bible School until that action has been completed.  A student may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the Principal.  Athens Bible School reserves the right to reject any student applying for admittance when, in the judgment of the administration, such admittance would not be in the best interests of the school. 

ADMISSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE.  The admission process begins with a family conference on campus with the Principal or Assistant Principal.  This conference may be set up by calling the ABS office (256-232-3525).

This conference will acquaint the family with ABS and its facilities.  A short walking tour may be conducted at this time.  Please bring a copy of the student’s current report card and a copy of the student’s latest standardized test scores.

After the conference the parents should pick up the forms listed below.  Complete the forms and return them to the office as soon as possible.  There is a non-refundable registration fee of $100 that must be paid when the application is submitted.  This fee is subject to change by the Board of Directors.

1. Application for Admission Form (Form 1) – This form requests general information about the family and previous schools.  On back of this form the student in grades six through twelve must write a letter explaining why the student wants to attend ABS.  For students in elementary grades one through five, parents must write the letter.

The family will be given a student handbook.  Before a student is admitted to ABS all parents and students must read this handbook and sign the application form (Form 1) stating that they have read the handbook and agree to abide by it. 

Also, for grades four through twelve, the family must provide three letters of recommendation from persons who are not family members.  One of these letters should come from a teacher who has taught the student within the last year. 

2.  Transcript Release Form (Form 2) – This form authorizes the previous school to release information to ABS. 

3.  Ledger Sheet (Form 3) – This form gives current address, phone number, whom to notify in case of emergency, etc.

4. Tuition Agreement/Payment Plan (Form 4) – This form gives tuition and fee information and provides payment plan options.  A parent or guardian must sign this form and return it with the other admission papers.  Prior to admission to a new school year, all fees for the previous year must be paid, or a plan for payment must be approved by the Board of Directors. 

As of September 18, 2005, the ABS Board of Directors approved the following policy regarding tuition:  Athens Bible School requires one full month of tuition for the month a student is enrolled.  This means if a student enrolls or withdraws at any portion of a month, tuition is required for the full month.  This is to protect the school with percentage discounts that we give.

5.  Free and Reduced Lunch Application (Form 5) – This form is available to all families who wish to apply.

6. Immunization Record – Each student’s “Blue Slip” must be on file before the student can attend classes.

7.  Notification Card for Emergency or Illness (Form 6) – This form must be on file with the school nurse before treatment can be given in the first aid room.

FINANCIAL AID

We believe enrollment in our school should not be limited to only those who can pay full tuition.  Our financial aid program enables us to assist many deserving students who could not otherwise afford to attend.

Athens Bible School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap or national origin.  All families who need financial aid are encouraged to apply for this aid.

Students applying for aid should present a strong record of good conduct..  All families receiving financial aid are expected to pay part of the cost of tuition, unless authorized by the Board of Directors. 

Applications must be resubmitted annually and are evaluated by the Financial Aid Committee in June and July.  This committee consists of the Principal and two or three members of the Board of Directors.  The committee will ensure confidentiality is maintained.  The following checklist will help you ensure your application is completed on time.

1.  In April obtain financial aid application materials from the Main Office.  Read these materials carefully.  If you have any questions, contact the principal (256-232-5478).

2. By May 1 complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) form, and mail this form with the required fee to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS).  This service in Princeton, New Jersey, performs evaluations for over 1300 private schools and provides a fair and equitable method for determining financial need.  Keep two copies of the PFS form and a record of the date you mailed it.  SSS will forward the results of their evaluation directly to Athens Bible School within about one month. 

3. By June 1 provide to the Main Office a copy of the PFS form and a copy of your complete Federal Income Tax return (including all forms and W-2’s) for the preceding year.  Include the tax return of both natural parents.  We will consider the assets of both natural parents before making any awards and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses.  If the custodial parent has remarried, we will also consider the assets of the stepparent, bearing in mind the obligation of stepparents to their own natural children.

By July 15 the Financial Aid Committee will determine awards, and you will be notified of the results by mail shortly thereafter.

GRADING AND RECORDS

BIBLE GRADES.  Students enrolled at Athens Bible School are expected to pass every Bible class they take.  However, it is understood that some students, especially new students or new Christians, may have difficulty competing with Bible students who have had many years of Bible training.  Teachers will take this into consideration as well as the general attitude and conscientious effort of the student to learn and apply Bible teaching in daily life when determining the student’s Bible grade.  An “F” in Bible could indicate serious problems on the part of the student such as deliberate failure to try to learn, disrespect or deliberate misconduct which shows a lack of appreciation for the Bible and Bible classes.  If a student has a failing grade in Bible class during any nine-week period a consultation between parent and school administration will be required.

GRADING STANDARDS.  The following interpretations are to be used in reporting and recording grades:

Evaluation of Work                                      Numerical Range                 Equivalent Letter Grade

Excellent, far above average                              90-100                                                              A

Good, above average                                          80-89                                                                B

Fair, average                                                         70-79                                                                C

Poor, danger of failing                                         65-69                                                                D

Unsatisfactory, failure                                         Below 65                                                         F

A student must have a 65 average for the year in order to pass.  If a student’s yearly average in grades 9-12 is modified, this will be stated on the grade report and the student must pass an

exit exam in order to graduate from ABS.  Exit exams will be given in the 11^th and 12^th grades, and will follow the basic format of the State of Alabama Department of Education’s exit

exam.  If a student does not pass the exit exam, a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma will be awarded at graduation.  Upon graduation, a student will have earned an advanced diploma, a regular diploma or a certificate of attendance.

The average for the year is the average of the two semester grades.  A semester average is the average of  two nine-weeks grades. 

The following interpretations are to be used in reporting and recording conduct grades:

                                                                                S                Satisfactory

                                                                                N                Needs improvement

                                                                                U                Unsatisfactory

REPORT CARDS.  Numerical subject grades and letter conduct grades will be given in each subject.  Grades in either area must be satisfactory in order to remain enrolled at ABS.  Report cards are sent home with the children every third and six weeks of each grading period.  Parents are responsible for seeing the report.

OPTIONAL THREE-WEEK LETTERS.  Three weeks into each grading period, the teachers will evaluate the progress of each student.  If the progress is unsatisfactory, it is at the teacher’s discretion, that a letter describing the specific problem be mailed or emailed to the student’s home.  Teachers may require that these letters be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher within a specific time.  This is to insure that we know that the parent has received the letter and has been informed of the situation.  The Board and Administration highly recommend that this form of communication be used.  You may contact any teacher or staff member by going to our website (www.athensbibleschool.org) or by typing in the first initial and last name of the person @athensbibleschool.org.

TEST EXEMPTION.  The second and fourth nine-weeks test of each semester may be exempted if a student has an average grade of 90 for each six weeks of the semester, a 92 average for the entire semester, or an 88 average with no absences in or tardies to any class in that semester.  A “U” in conduct will require the student to take the nine-week exam.    (See also the section on “Unexcused Tardies”.)  For the last semester only, seniors may exempt if they have at least an 80 average for each of the last 2 nine-weeks, and if their conduct is acceptable.

PERMANENT RECORDS.  Permanent records will be kept on each student.  These records will contain information regarding the student’s grades and behavior.  These records are treated with confidentiality.  After graduation, one transcript will be mailed to the college of the student’s choice.  A small fee will be charged for subsequent transcripts that are mailed at the student’s request.  ABS reserves the right not to release transcripts to any school or college until all accounts are cleared.

ATTENDANCE

CHAPEL.  Every student is required to attend chapel each school day.  Proper reverence should characterize this period.  Failure to show proper reverence in the chapel service may be just cause for disciplinary action or parental conference.

EARLY ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL.  All elementary students arriving early must remain in a designated area until 7:45 a.m.

LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL.  If a high school student arrives at school after the first tardy bell rings and has a legitimate excuse, the student should come by the office, sign in and receive an excused tardy slip.  If the tardy is unexcused, the student should sign in and go directly to class.  Tardies to non-first period classes are unexcused unless the student received an excused tardy slip from the office or previous teacher.

TARDY POLICY. 

• Students will be allowed three (3) tardies each semester
  • The student is responsible for bringing a note from parents explaining the nature of the tardy if the student wishes the tardy to be excused.
    • Even with a note, some tardies may not be excused
  • If detained after class, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain a note from the teacher to present to the teacher of the next class.

• Upon earning the fourth (4^th) tardy, the student will be required to attend before or after school detention.  The penalty for tardies five (5) and six (6) will result in the same penalty.

• Upon earning the seventh (7^th) tardy, the student has demonstrated a lack of respect for his/her teachers and school policy by failing to report to classes at the proper time.  As a result, the student will be given a ½ day in-school work detail.  Parents will be required to have a conference with an administrator.  Any tests/homework missed can be made up.

• For tardies eight (8) through ten (10), the student will be required to attend an afternoon detention for each tardy.

• If a student earns eleven (11) tardies, a full day in-school work detail will be required.  Tests and homework can be made up.  Parents will be required to have a conference with an administrator.

• For tardies twelve (12) through fourteen (14), the student will be required to attend an afternoon detention for each tardy.

• Upon earning tardy fifteen (15), the student will be assigned a full day work detail (either on campus or community service).  The student will not be allowed to make up any work missed on this day.  The student will be placed on probation and parents will be required to have a conference with an administrator.

• Further tardies will result in discipline as chosen by the school administrator.

FAILURE TO REPORT TO AN ASSIGNED DETENTION WILL RESULT IN THREE (3) DEMERITS OR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL DETENTION.

Tardies will be cleared at the beginning of a new semester.

HOMEWORK POLICY.  Homework assignments will be given out on the Friday or Monday prior to the Thursday on which they are due.  No homework is to be assigned on Wednesday nights that is due on Thursday.  This policy went into effect at the beginning of the third six weeks of the fall semester, 2003.

CHECKOUT.  Once a student arrives on campus, the student may not leave without checking out and obtaining permission from the office.  This includes trips to nearby convenience stores before or during school hours.  If a student knows it will be necessary to leave the campus during school hours (which must be a matter of absolute necessity), the student must bring a written note from home signed by the parent or guardian and present it in the office.  The note must state the specific reason for the student checking out.  If possible, parents should try to schedule dental and medical checkups after school.  If a student becomes ill, the student should report to the school nurse or main office. If the student must leave, parents will be notified and a checkout notice (form 7) will be sent to the office with the student to check out.

ABSENCES.  A student will be expected to attend school unless it is entirely necessary to be absent.  State regulations recommend that a student be retained regardless of grades if the student has been absent more than 21 days per year or ten days per semester in grades seven through twelve.  Students who go to the sick room will be counted absent from the time they leave the classroom. Arrangements may be made for assignments to be picked up in the office during an absence, or you may contact the teachers by email (first initial last name @athensbibleschool.org. or by going to our website www.athensbibleschool.org and choosing your child’s teacher.

After an absence, the student must bring an Application for Excused Absence (form 8) signed by the parents to the office explaining the specific reason for the absence as soon as possible.  If the note has not been brought to the office within three days of the student’s return, the absence will be unexcused.  The note should include the dates of the student’s absence.  Students or parents may pick up these forms in the main office or print from school website to send with student when returning to school after an absence.  Unless an excuse is valid and sufficiently specific, the administration reserves the right to disallow the excuse and assign an unexcused absence or tardy if the case so warrants.  Students using fraudulently signed excuses are subject to disciplinary action.

An excused absence must meet at least one of the following criteria in the judgment of the administration:

A.                 Sickness of the student

B.                  Direct educational value to the student

C.                  A severe hardship on the family

D.                  Serious family sickness or death

E.                   Directly related to school-sponsored activity (either participation in an activity or as a reward for participation in school related programs)