Student Handbook
In this section, you will find information important to your family's journey at RISE. Please feel free to contact the administration with any questions or concerns.
School Closings
If the weather is determined by the administration to have conditions not safe to come to school, RISE will send out a text to parents to inform them. You may also check your local news stations for closings.
School Pictures/Identification Tags/Yearbooks
The school will have a professional company taking the students pictures after the start of the school year; these will be the same pictures that parents can purchase in packages for their family. The pictures will also be used for the student’s identification card.
Yearbooks will be offered near the end of the school year. As the time nears, parents will receive a notice with pricing information. Discounts will be given when purchasing more than one.
Medical Guidelines
Student Medical Information Cards
Each student must have a completed Medical Information Card and have a copy of a current insurance card on file before the first day of school. Copies are kept in the school office. A complete list of each medical diagnosis, a list of any allergies, as well as any current medications, will be kept on the student’s medical card. This information will be vital to keeping the staff aware, and each student as safe as possible.
Immunizations
Every student is required to have his/her immunization record on file in the school office. All standard immunizations must be current as specified by the Missouri Department of Health, or have proof of being in the process of completing them. Proof of immunization consists of a statement, certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility/personnel. The statement must include the type of vaccine given and the month, day and year of administration. This is due before the first day of school. If there is a family who does not want their child to have the age-required immunizations; a written notice to the administration prior to the start of school will be needed.
Medication
Please always administer the first dose of a new medication at home, in order to ensure the student’s safety. Parents may arrange to personally administer their child’s medication at school, if they desire. Prescription medication may be given at school through the office. All medications must be delivered to the school by a parent, guardian, or designated adult. At that time, a Medical Authorization Form must be completed and signed. All prescribed medication must be in a current prescription container. With a doctor’s note, inhalers and EpiPens will be allowed to be carried by students. Standing orders will exist for the following medications as long as the parent has given consent on the Parent/Student Agreement: Pepto-Bismol, cough drops, chewable antacid tablets, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone lotion, lotion and sunscreen. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen will only be given if written consent has been given and the office has received verbal confirmation. All medications not picked up by a parent/guardian within a week of notification, discontinuation of use, withdrawal from school or the last day of school will be discarded.
Illness
When your child is ill, please do not send them to school. A child must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medications before returning to school. A child should be kept home if any of these symptoms are present: fever, diarrhea, vomiting, undiagnosed rash or discharge from the eyes. If a student develops any of the above symptoms while at school, the office will contact a parent to pick the child up. Please notify the school office in case of chicken pox, hepatitis, meningitis, rubella, measles, lice, pink eye, or other communicable diseases. Students will not be allowed to attend classes while they are contagious.
Personal Hygiene
In order to help prevent the spread of germs, students are expected to wash their hands after they use the restroom. Students are not to share utensils and/or drinks in a bottle container, can or cup. Perfumes, body sprays, colognes and scented lotions are not allowed at the school. Please use them at home before coming to school. These can cause serious medical problems for others, and will be confiscated if found at the school.
Conduct and Discipline
At RISE we believe students should show respect for parents, staff and other students, as well as themselves. RISE wants to assist parents/guardians by encouraging and strengthening your child through Christ and His word so that they may show a positive attitude at school, home, and any place the student travels. Students are responsible for aiding in maintaining a productive and efficient learning environment.
When discipline is needed within the school, it will be handled with Christ’s love. One thing we will always do with a student before/after corrections is pray with and for them. We want students to feel supported and loved at RISE. Teachers will use a variety of methods to promote good behavior and a system of rewards/consequences will be consistent throughout the school.
RISE has a strict hands-off policy for all staff in regards to discipline, and we ask parents to refrain from any corporal discipline while on the school grounds.
The following discipline procedures are outlined for those students throughout the entire school (Pre-K-12th grade). Definitions of Disciplinary terms
The following terms will be used throughout the student handbook with regards to discipline. Lunch detention: a student will sit in the Administrator’s office during their lunch time. They will be able to eat their lunch and they will have an assignment to complete from the Administrator.
After school detention: a student must stay after school from the time 3:40-4:40. The student is responsible for bringing a writing utensil and paper. The student will be given Biblical worksheets to complete. If a student has to serve an after school detention; they will not be allowed to compete or attend any school sporting event or school function on that day. If a student has already served a detention for the same behavior within a two week period, the next step will be a day of In-school suspension.
Saturday detention: a student must come in on a Saturday from 10am-1pm, and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Student will be assigned a writing assignment from the Administrator that must be completed before the end of the detention period. There will be a $30 fee charged at the time of the detention. Depending on the offense, Saturday detentions might not be appropriate, and therefore not used before behaviors result in an In-school suspension.
In-school suspension: a student will sit in the Administrator’s office for the entire school day, 8:30-3:30. The amount of days spent in ISS will be set by the Administrator. If the student struggles in ISS, a day of OSS will be given. They will have all their classwork from each class brought to them, as well as an additional assignment given by the Administrator.
Out-of-school suspension: a student will serve a set amount of days outside of school. Work will be given to the student by the Administrator that must be completed upon the students return to school. Classroom assignments will be allowed to be made up upon the students return to class. Students serving OSS will not be permitted to compete in or attend any school functions until the OSS time is completed.
Expulsion: a student is withdrawn from the school.
Violations include the following, but are not limited to;
The following will list examples of possible offenses that a student could commit and the possible consequences for those offenses. This is not an exclusive list, and the administration reserves the right to add to the list at any time. The administration will administer a consequence they deem appropriate for each offense. Before any discipline is administered the staff will seek the Lord’s guidance in each situation.
Examples of offenses: • Taking the Lord’s name in vain • Repeatedly late to class • Failure to complete assignment’s • Causing a disruption in class • Unnecessary talking in class • Disrespect of other people’s property • Disobedience of specific rules (classroom, etc.) • Frequent critical or derogatory remarks • Disrespect shown toward those in authority • Leaving the school grounds without permission • Cheating • Plagiarism • Lying • Stealing • Swearing or the use of obscenities • Defiance • Abuse or willful destruction of school or personal property • Any form of harassment or intimidation/Bullying • Hazing • Fighting • Mistreatment of other students • Possession of drugs • Possession of alcohol • Possession of tobacco • Possession of a weapon
Discipline actions that may occur; • Verbal warning • Consequence assigned by teacher • Email sent to parents • Written warning, needing parents signature • Call parents • Student conference with the Administrator • Parent and student conference with the Administrator • Lunch detention • After school detention • Saturday detention • In-school suspension • Out-of-school suspension • Expulsion
Attendance
Good attendance is vital in the pursuit of each student’s academic journey. RISE has in place a policy to address excessive absences, each tardy and any truancies. RISE understands there are certain circumstances that may need more attention, and is willing to work with parents in order to help their student succeed. Parents should call the school office by 8:30am the day their child is absent. For unplanned absences, when the student returns to school, it is the student’s responsibility to gather the work from the days missed in order to complete it for credit in class; one day per absence is allotted for students to return the make-up work to their teachers. Parents may arrange to pick-up their students make-up work prior to their students return to school by calling the school office.
If a student misses more than 10 days, a conference with teachers, an administrator, and parents may be requested to determine if a promotion to the next grade level or credit requirements are being met. Please keep in contact with the administrator in the event of lengthy absences. If a student arrives more than 5 minutes late to school, they will need to sign in at the office and receive a pass to class. Parents will need to call the school office; however they do not need to come inside.
Consequences for each tardy; 1st -2nd Offense: Warning issued/note home to parents 3rd -4th Offense: Lunch detention 5th -6th Offense: After school detention 7th and above: Saturday detention, parent must accompany the student.
Truancy-Truancy is defined as not being in attendance for either part of or the whole school day, without parental consent and clearance through the office. 1st Offense: Meeting with parents 2nd Offense: Lunch detention 3rd Offense: After school detention 4th Offense: In-School Suspension 5th Offense & above: Will result in a day of Out-of-School Suspension each time
Late work: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten will complete daily assignments in class. Elementary grades of 1st-5th will have points deducted from any work turned in late. Middle school & High school will drop a letter grade for each day the assignment is turned in late, and could result in a zero. Recess or special classes may be missed in order to finish missing assignments. There is never a reason to leave any work undone, as we are training the students to strive for excellence and maintain a Colossians 3:23 attitude, which states; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord”.
Assignments to be redone: Teachers reserve the right to ask a student (in any grade level) to rework or completely redo a homework or class assignment.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Cell phones for students in Preschool-5th grade will not be allowed at school. Middle school and High school students will have phone pockets in each room; students are only allowed on their phones when work is complete. Parents must sign an agreement form acknowledging their student has a phone and can be on it during school hours. Students are not allowed on their phones during lunch. No student is allowed to bring any electronic gaming system, laptop, iPad, iPod or tablet of any kind to the school. The school reserves the right to confiscate the electronic device and hold it in the office until a parent/guardian can come to pick it up. Any recordings and/or pictures of the staff or other students taken without permission and posted onto social media sights without permission is a violation of policy and subject to disciplinary action. The school will not provide an internet access code for students to use on their personal devices. There will be certain days, times or reward situations that will allow students to bring special items from home. RISE is not responsible for any electronic device brought to school if it is damaged or lost.
Toys
RISE asks parents to please keep students personal toys at home. This includes trading cards, electronic devices, dolls, toy cars, etc. There will be certain days, times or reward situations that will allow students to bring special items from home. RISE is not responsible for any toy brought to school if it is damaged or lost.
Bullying
Bullying consists of negative, hurtful, and/or mean behavior that occurs repeatedly whether over the course of one day or several days. Bullying is a type of harassment and it will be handled by the administration as such. Examples of bullying include but are not limited to; • Ignoring/excluding another student from a group of friends; leaving them out on purpose. • Telling lies or spreading rumors about another student whether verbally, by written notes or electronically (this includes social media). • Calling names • Making fun of another student • Slapping, hitting, kicking, pushing or shoving another student • Locking another student inside a room/or outside a room
Harassment
Other examples of harassment include: • Physical sexual harassment: Touching another student in a sexually suggestive way, or touching a student where it invades their personal space/privacy. This is grounds for immediate suspension and possible expulsion. • Race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, age, and disability harassment: Unwelcome statements, name calling, or other verbal or physical conduct based upon a student’s race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, age, or disability is prohibited. • Verbal harassment: Vulgar and/or derogatory comments regarding a person’s gender or physical characteristics are prohibited. Sexually vulgar language, dirty jokes, and sexual innuendo; whether verbal, written or drawn, are also prohibited. • General harassment: Any form of signs, pictures, cartoons, written statements or electronically transmitted material that intimidates, bullies or discriminates against any student based on gender, race, color, nationality/ethnic origin, age or disability is prohibited. • Physical harassment: Harassment, pushing, shoving, hitting or other intentional acts perpetrated in whole or in part because of the student’s gender, race, color, nationality/ethnic origin, age or disability is prohibited.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual or gender specific nature that interferes with a person's ability to work, receive an education, or perform a ministry.
Sexual assault will be reported to the local police.
*The above mentioned forms of harassment include forms conducted on social media websites/forums and all forms of harassment can be disciplined by the administration.
Internet Postings & Online Harassment
Student postings on the internet (for example, on sites with social networking, blogs, image, video and audio postings) and email messages which are abusive, harassing, threatening, or obscene may be subject to school disciplinary action and may be referred to local law enforcement agencies.
Search and Seizure
RISE reserves the right to search students’ personal belongings which can include lockers, cars, backpacks, purses, and electronic devices. Searches will only take place if staff has reasonable suspicion of a violation of school policy. If a student is found to be in violation of the schools policy, administration will administer the appropriate discipline.
Vandalism & Property Damage
All property, personal or other, is to be treated with respect. Damaged/destroyed property belonging to others is to be replaced by the student/students responsible. No student shall cause damage/destruction to school property/private property, steal or attempt to steal school property/private property, either on the school grounds or during a school activity/function. Students are responsible for restitution of damaged or stolen property.
Drugs and Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not allowed at school, school functions, or on school trips (domestic or international). Students are not allowed to transport, drink, carry, or have in their possession any type of alcoholic beverage or illegal drug. Possession of these, on campus or at school functions, will be cause for immediate suspension leading to possible expulsion.
Prescription Medications & Over-the-Counter Medications
Office personnel must approve possession on school property of all prescription medication. Prescription medications must be in their original container. Prescribed medications not found in their original containers may be considered illegal and subject the student to the penalties of this policy. Students are not allowed to share, sell or dispense in any way their medication to other students. Students are not allowed to consume, possess, sell, or dispense diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants on school property. Office personnel must approve all over-the-counter medication being sent from home onto school property. Students are prohibited from selling or dispensing over-the-counter medication.
Violation of the above mentioned drug and alcohol policies can result in immediate suspension or expulsion. Should the student be allowed to attend RISE, the school reserves the right to require random drug testing and appropriate Biblically based counseling by a professional affiliated with or recommended by the school. The school may include legal action if necessary. The school reserves the right to question students about suspected drug/alcohol involvement. The administration retains the right to request a parent or guardian’s approval for an immediate urinalysis and/or breath test at the parent or guardian’s expense if a student is reasonably suspected of drug or alcohol abuse.
Tobacco
Tobacco in any form is not allowed at school, school functions or trips. While on school property, attending school functions/trips, or in route to/from a school function in school-provided transportation, a student shall not: Possess, consume, transmit, buy, sell or store tobacco in any form. Students will not falsely identify a substance to be tobacco. Violations of this policy can result in immediate suspension.
Weapons / Dangerous Items / Safety
No object that can kill or cause serious injury is allowed to be brought to school or school functions. Students may not threaten to use, sell, attempt to sell, conspire to sell, possess, handle, or transport a weapon, either concealed or open to view, on school property, at school functions, or in route to/from a school function in school-provided transportation. This includes personal belongings, cars, or other vehicles on school property. For RISE to maintain a safe learning environment weapons (guns, knives, etc.) or any other potentially dangerous items (lighters, combustible materials, lasers, shock-causing devices, etc.) shall not be allowed at school, any school event/trip, or even onto school property. Bringing a dangerous or even potentially dangerous item to school, to a school event, or acting in any way that causes potential danger to one’s self or others will be grounds for immediate suspension and/or expulsion.
Computer Usage Policy
RISE Christian Academy provides computer resources to enhance the educational experiences of its students. Student use of computers is a privilege and not a right. Failure to follow the outlined procedures will result in the student’s privileges being revoked. Any behaviors that arise and are not listed in the student’s handbook; but are not consistent with that of the school’s policies will be reviewed by the administration for disciplinary action.
Computer Use
Using the internet for any reason may only be done with a teacher’s permission. Students are to treat the computers and all components with respect and care. The Parent/Student Agreement must be signed as evidence that the student and parent/guardian have read, understand, and will honor this policy. With respect to any of its computers with internet access, the school will monitor the online activities of students and have in place technology protection measures during the use of any such computers. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain the security of their password and User-ID. Students are not allowed to share their User-ID’s with other students. User-ID’s are for student’s personal storage space. If a student does share their personal User-ID, then they have accepted the responsibility for someone else’s behavior while using their ID, and therefore accept the consequences of misuse. Students are not to change any settings or any program’s toolbars or settings. Students are to advise their teacher when a computer malfunctions or stops working. All student computer and network files are subject to review by the administration and subject to disciplinary action for any violations.
Software
Students may not download programs from the Internet nor may they copy a program from any storage media. Students may not install or delete programs on the school’s computers. A teacher may authorize the copying of student-created work to a storage media device. Copying of any software is against the law and is strictly prohibited.
Unacceptable Usage
Students will not engage in non-academic usage of the computer system. Accessing any form of social media, chat rooms, instant messaging, blogs, personal websites, e-mail sites or any site not specific to an assignment or project is strictly forbidden. Students will not use the school system or any school computer to post private or personal information (including information about another student or staff member). Students will not attempt to bypass or disable the school’s filtering system. Videos or photos taken by parents and/or students at school or any school related event may not be posted to a public website without direct permission from the administration and can be subject to disciplinary action. Students will be held accountable for information posted on the internet, from any location, about themselves or others. Consequences will be based on the content of the postings, and can include expulsion from the school. Law enforcement can be contacted based on the content of the post. Damage caused by a student to a computer will result in the family being billed for the repairs/replacement of the damaged equipment. Violations of the principles or practices described in this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension, expulsion or referral to the proper authorities.
Conclusion
If at any time a parent/guardian has any questions or concerns in regards to the disciplinary actions taken with their student, they may discuss it with the teacher or staff that was involved. If questions still arise, parents/guardians may contact the administrator. The administration and board support the teachers and staff, and will work with both sides on the discipline/consequences in order to maintain a mutual respect for one another moving forward.
All the discipline at RISE will be handled with discretion by the staff and the administration. Christ shows love, mercy and grace, and RISE commits to showing each student those as well. Parents will be informed of any office visit that their student has, and what the circumstances and consequences were that surrounded the visit.
We use the following scripture verses as everyday tools in order to help equip students in their walk with Christ;
John 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:16, Proverbs 9:9-12, Romans 12:2, Joshua 24:15, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:29 and Philippians 4:8.
There is no way to incorporate a complete list of possible behavioral offenses that students may be part to while at RISE. This is not a complete list of offenses that can receive discipline and RISE has the right to add to this list at any time, and in doing so will notify parents of any changes.