Our Handbook
See Purpose -Philosophy- Objectives -Admission Policy -Attendance and Punctuality Policy -Academic Standards
Classroom Rules -Conduct -Discipline - Dress Code - Financial Policies -General Policies

PURPOSE

“TEACHING CHILDREN IN THE LIGHT OF TRUTH”

The purpose of Yonkers Christian Academy is to offer quality education to the Christian community under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

All truth is God’s truth:  Jesus Christ and His teachings are central in all knowledge and truth.  As a Christian school, we endeavor to equip our children to serve God, their family, their church, and their nation.  We teach God’s truth as revealed to us in the Bible and as evidenced through the sciences, art, music, history, recreation and all creation.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that the Scriptures are the inspired, infallible Word of God and the final authority concerning human conduct, and as such are the foundation of true knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.  We believe in one true God, the Creator and sustainer of all life and source of all truth.

We believe that through His son, Jesus Christ, we have been provided the way of salvation through a personal faith in Him.

We recognize the necessity of spiritual growth of the believer through a sanctified life evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and we acknowledge the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is active in the church through the gifts of the Spirit.

We believe that God has given parents the responsibility of teaching His truths to their children and it is a ministry of the church to assist parents in this responsibility.

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OBJECTIVES

From our philosophy evolve the following four areas of educational objectives:

1) The student’s spiritual and moral growth

2) Their personal and social development

3) Their academic progress

4) The school’s responsibility to the student’s entire family

For the spiritual and moral growth of the students, the school seeks to:

• teach the fundamental truths of the Bible, in the inspired  Word of God;
• lead the students into a personal saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior;
• help the students discover the will of God for their  lives and to equip them to carry out that will;
• teach the students the role of the church in the world and assist them in becoming active and effective participants in the ministry of the Church;
• develop a Biblical concept of sin and a desire for holiness and to teach the students how to be victorious over sin;
• cultivate the fruit of the spirit in the lives of the students.

For the student’s personal and social development, the school seeks to:

• help the students develop their personalities and their own capabilities built on a proper understanding and acceptance of themselves as unique individuals created in the image of God;
• teach the students that others are also made in the image of God and therefore should be shown respect and love;
• teach the students that time is a God-given commodity and that as individuals they are responsible to use it effectively;
• promote good health habits, physical fitness and wise use of the body since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit;
• teach the Biblical view toward material things and encourage individual responsibility to use them for the glory of God.

Academically, the school aims to:

• promote high academic standards and equip the students with a thorough comprehension and command of the basic processes used in communicating and working with others;
• teach and promote good study habits;
• equip the students to do independent research;
• develop creative and evaluative thinking based on Biblical criteria;
• promote good citizenship through development of an appreciation of our Christian and American heritages and through study of current events, relating them to God’s plan for man;
• produce understanding and appreciation of God’s Word.

Working with the parents/guardians, the school endeavors to:

• cooperate with the parents/guardians in all facets of the student’s development, especially as it relates to the school program;
• encourage families to grow spiritually and develop Christ-centered homes;
• encourage regular attendance and involvement in a local Christian church.

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ADMISSION POLICY

Christian Education is more meaningful and can only be successful if the Christian School is supported by a Christian home and a Christian Church.  The biblical admonition to “Train up a child in the way he should go…” is the key stone of Yonkers Christian Academy.  It is helpful that the three institutions, the home, the school, and the church be in agreement to accomplish the mission of Christian education.

The following admission policies have been adopted to assure consistent standards of admission in agreement with the statement of philosophy:

The admissions committee will determine the eligibility of a student based on:  application data, student/parent interview, priority, space availability, and student interest.

The Registrar may upon recommendation of the admissions office refuse to admit students with severe behavioral, psychological, educational, medical handicaps, or poor financial history.

All requirements of physical health, (section 803 Education Law) and immunizations required under Section 2164 Public Health Law must be accomplished prior to admission and evidence on file with the registrar.

A copy of the child’s birth certificate and last school report card must be returned with the application.  The non-refundable registration fee must be paid at the time the application is submitted.  There will be no exceptions.

It is strongly recommended that all families be in active fellowship with a Bible believing church.

Applicants will be notified in writing regarding their acceptance or rejection by the office of the registrar.

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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY POLICY

In order to gain the most from Yonkers Christian Academy, it is important that each student attend school regularly. We recognize that certain absences are unavoidable, and that parents may take their children out of school when they consider it necessary. Such absences, however, do place an extra burden upon both the student and the teacher to complete missed work and may jeopardize the student’s opportunity to receive credit for a given subject.     

Promptness is an important aspect of character and a measure of school citizenship. Students who are tardy must have a written explanation from a parent to the office explaining the nature of the tardy.

Your child’s attendance and punctuality is very important to his/her learning experience here at Yonkers Christian Academy.  Therefore, we feel it is necessary to clearly define our policy in regard to this area.  The following consists of that policy:

Lateness

School begins at 8:25 am SHARP, any student arriving after 8:30 am or later is considered late. A student must have a note from home stating the reason for tardiness.  A note does not constitute an excused absence or tardy, but rather informs the school of the absence or lateness. This note is to be turned into the office where the child must be signed in before being allowed into class.  Students will not be permitted into class late unless they have a late pass from the office.

Consideration for excused tardies will be given to students who arrive late due to inclement weather, unavoidable transportation difficulties, and medical appointments. Students who travel through dense traffic areas should plan extra travel time in order to arrive at school on time.

Consistent tardiness is never acceptable and will be not tolerated for grades K-8. 

The following are the consequences for unexcused tardies:

(5) Unexcused tardies in one quarter

- student will receive 1 unexcused absence

- $10.00 fine for every unexcused absence resulting from the tardies will also be charged to the child’s school bill.

- A conference with the child’s parents/guardians will be scheduled after five (5) unexcused tardies in one quarter.

Ten (10) or more unexcused tardies in two quarters may result in the Academy not allowing the re-admittance of the student for the following quarter.

Absences

When a child has been absent he/she must return with a note from his/her parent/guardian.  If a note is not received one week after the absence, it will be assumed that the absence is unexcused.  In the note, make sure that there is an explanation of why the child was absent; with the dates of the absences(s) and the day you write the note clearly marked.

Three unexcused absences in any quarter will result in a Home-School conference to discuss the problem.

Absences totaling 7 or more per quarter will result in a parent/teacher conference.  Absences of any kind totaling 28 or more in a school year where the child’s work is not made up will result in a mandatory conference with the Administrator as to placement in the next year. 

Ten or more unexcused absences in a total school year will result in mandatory conference with the administration before the child is re-enrolled.

Excused Absences or Tardiness:

1. Sickness:  It will be up to the parent to discern “legitimate” illness that would require a student from missing school.
2. Death or emergency in the family.
3. General emergency, car break downs, and other unavoidable occurrences that happen from time to time.
4. Pre-planned conflict of schedule:  these must be planned ahead with the administration in order to be excused so that no student gets too far behind in their work, and the teacher is aware ahead of time when a child may be absent Excused absences in this regard include:

Unexcused Absences and Tardiness:

Students will not receive credit for work missed in an unexcused absence or tardy.  The Administration reserves the right to decide upon the legitimacy of absent notes and excuses where there is not an obvious answer.  Transportation problems are not excusable:  late taxi, sleeping late, etc.  All parents must take the responsibility to get their children here on time consistently, and a child’s absence or tardy at the fault of a parent is still an unexcused absence or tardy.

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ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Yonkers Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. Academic standards are made in keeping with the school’s stated objectives of helping each student achieve his/her highest individual standard of educational performance.  Each student is expected to, in the judgment of the faculty and administration:

Parents will be notified of their child’s failure to achieve these standards.

Homework

Students receive homework assignments in their classes on a regular basis.  If a student comes to class with incomplete assignments, arrangements to complete the work must be made.  Grades on late assignments will be reduced.

Parents can help in the area of homework by setting a regular homework time each day, free from TV, music and other distraction, and seeing that the child is working to their full potential.  If your child continually comes home and says they have no homework check with the teacher as this may not be the case.

Although each teacher will have individual homework policies, parents are required to ensure that all homework is completed daily. Usually in the lower grades (Pre K through 2nd grade) a homework sheet is sent that requires parent signature. For the older grades, teach your child to keep their assignments in a small note pad.  This will aid you in knowing their homework also. Your child’s teacher will inform you of their homework policy.

All projects must be completed to receive a grade in any subject. If a project is not completed, the student will receive an “Incomplete” for that subject on their report card.

When a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to get the missed assignments and complete them.  Assignments from unexcused absences must be made up, although credit will not be given.  If a child knows he/she will be absent, he/she must see his/her teachers in advance to make arrangements to make up the work he/she will miss.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are sent home approximately four weeks after the beginning of each quarter for grades K – 8th.  

PROMOTION OR RETENTION

Any student in grades one through eight who earns three or more failing grades for the year will be retained. If a student fails two classes, summer work is required and student will be retested in both subjects and must pass in order to be promoted to the next grade. No student will be permitted to repeat a grade twice. If a student fails a grade twice, he will not be allowed to re-enroll.

REPORT CARDS

Quarterly Report Cards are sent to all parents to give an accurate indication of the progress, or lack of progress, being made. Each student is evaluated academically and may also be scored in the area of social and learning skills. The academic grade is based upon the average for daily work, quizzes, and tests. Exams are calculated into the semester averages. Additional marks on secondary reports are used to reflect effort and conduct.

In the elementary, social and learning development marks are aimed at the development of Christian character. We emphasize the following qualities in the lives of the students:

… Attentiveness – Pays attention to instructions and listens closely

… Attitude – Portrays respectful sentiments toward others

… Industry – Has diligent habits of attention to business and study

… Initiative – Begins work on one’s own

… Conduct – Exhibits positive behavior

… Reliability – Accepts responsibilities and is dependable

… Good Steward – Learns to make use of all the things God gives

Teachers use E (excellent), S (satisfactory), N (needs improvement), and U (unsatisfactory) to evaluate the student in these character/social development qualities.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

We believe that any student who truly desires to succeed will do so if he is willing to work diligently. Any student who receives a grade of “F” in any subject on his report card will be placed on academic probation for the following quarter. Under academic probation a student will be required to receive tutoring on a weekly basis.

All new students in grades five through eight will be monitored in order to demonstrate his ability to handle the school’s curriculum and expectations. A newly enrolled student should maintain at least a C- average for the first quarter he is enrolled, or he may be asked to withdraw. We do not want students to repeatedly fail classes. We do not expect all of our students to be academically superior; however, we do expect them to be diligent in their work.

Report cards are to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher within one week after being issued.

Grading Scale

Honor Roll Requirements

Key

Major Subjects:     Math, Reading, Language Arts (Spelling, Penmanship, Phonics, Language) Science, History

Minor Subjects:     Computer, Bible, Music, Art, Library, Gym, Health

Three (3) or more of the assessment code Unsatisfactory (U) in the Social and

Learning Skills area will disqualify a student from Honor Roll status. 

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CLASSROOM RULES

Although each teacher will have specific classroom procedures that he expects to have followed in the room, as a school-wide standard, we expect adherence to these basic rules:

1. The student should not speak out in class without first securing permission from the teacher.

2. The student should not leave his seat without permission.

3. The student should always give the teacher his full attention while he is teaching.

4. The student should always address and reply to the teacher with respect. All students are to address adults as Mr., Mrs., or Miss; never by first name. Out of respect for the administration and faculty, we ask the parents to set the example in this regard when speaking with or about the school personnel.

5. Negative attitudes and responses will not be tolerated.

6. No “bullying” or mistreatment of fellow classmates.

Yonkers Christian Academy uses both positive and negative discipline to instill in students behavior patterns and attitudes that will produce self-disciplined lives. Discipline is administered in love as a preventive or corrective measure, and each student is dealt with according to his grade level. Please refer to the “Discipline” heading of the handbook for complete details.

CONDUCT

Behavior

Playtime

Electronic/Entertainment Devices, etc.

Tape players, radios, Discmans, MP3 players, IPODs, portable games, etc., are not allowed on school grounds.  If a student is carrying any of these items it will be confiscated.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be off at all times during the school day (including extended day) and kept inside the student’s back pack.  Cell phones should not be displayed at anytime during school hours.  If found, the phone will be confiscated and must be picked up by the parent.

Gum

Students are not permitted to chew gum at school.

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DISCIPLINE

Believing that discipline is necessary for the welfare of the student, as well as the entire school, each teacher is given the authority of making and enforcing classroom regulations in the manner which he/she feels is in accordance with Christian principles as set forth in the Bible.        

Yonkers Christian Academy expects full cooperation from both student and parents in the education of the student.  If at any time the school feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be requested to transfer out.  Also, if the student’s behavior indicates an uncooperative spirit, he may be asked to transfer even if his grades are acceptable.

Repeated and excessive abuse of school privileges will be brought to the attention of the principal who will deal directly with the student.

If after help from the teacher and principal, the student’s problem is not corrected in a reasonable length of time, the parents will be contacted to help determine what action will be necessary to produce the desired behavior.

Some conduct, however, can be severe enough to warrant immediate and drastic measures.  The following are grounds for suspension and /or expulsion:

The duration of the suspension is dependent upon the number of prior suspensions and the seriousness of the infraction.  Parents of the suspended student are required to confer with the principal before the student is returned to school and classes.

DRESS CODE

Students in our Pre- Kindergarten are not required to wear uniform but the following is strongly recommended:

Boys

Boys should wear neat pants and a shirt. Dress shorts to the knee are also acceptable. Shirts should not have any writing, pictures, or characters with violent themes on them.  No jewelry allowed.

Girls

Girls should wear pants or dresses/skirts that are no shorter than one inch above the knee. Girls are encouraged to wear shorts underneath their skirts for playground modesty. Shorts should be knee-length.  Tops should come below the waistline and should not have writing, pictures, or characters with violent themes on them. No jewelry allowed.

All students in our pre-kindergarten classes must be fully toilet-trained. “Pull-ups” or similar training pants are not allowed. Children must be completely independent in the bathroom, without the help or presence of a teacher. Therefore, belts and buckles that are difficult to open and close are not recommended. Also, all children are not allowed to wear flip flops or sandals.  This is a great hazard. 

Kindergarten – 8th Grade

Yonkers Christian Academy requires that all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade wear proper uniforms.

Girls

Boys

The New Uniform Polos are offered for purchase for grades 5-8 at Yonkers Christian Academy in the Main Office.  Polos will be available year round.  As weather suggests, the cardigan sweater will be the only other part of the uniform allowed to be worn with the polo.

Uniforms are to be purchased at Jackie’s Kids or Lu-Del’s.  In order to maintain decorum and presentability, parents are to provide at least 3 (but no fewer than 2) uniform sets. T-shirts with distracting pictures and/or sayings on them are not to be worn under uniforms. 

Any part of the uniform which is lost or damaged must be immediately replaced.  No child will be permitted to class without full dress uniform.

The school will not be held responsible for lost or misplaced clothing.

Gym Attire

First – Eighth grades will participate in gym class during the year.  On this day the children are allowed to come to school dressed for gym.  The gym uniform is grey sweatpants, YCA gym shirt, and sneakers.  No exceptions.

Jackets, sweaters, etc, that are not part of the uniform may only be worn when leaving the building. They may not be worn in school.

No Uniform Today (NUT Days) attire

Occasionally the administration will issue no uniform days (known as N.U.T days). These are considered a privilege and can be revoked at any time by the staff. During NUT days the following rules apply:

1. No shirts with distracting pictures and/or writing

2. No tank tops

3. Girls: Skirt length must cover the knees (reach to the bottom of the knee) when standing or sitting

5. Girls: Shirts cannot be low-cut, tight, revealing, immodest, or sloppy in appearance. Low-cut necklines and crop tops are not appropriate. All tops should be long enough to permit a lady to raise her arms above her head without exposing her abdomen.

6. No flip -flops

Overall Appearance: Issues regarding the following must be corrected immediately or by the next school day.

1. Hair:  Hair for both boys and girls is to be clean and well groomed, neatly trimmed, and out of the eyes. No unnatural hair colors are allowed. No logos, designs, mohawks etc; may be cut into a student’s hair.

2. Jewelry: Only watches, medical bracelets, religious necklaces, or a small, modest one-strand necklace is permitted. Girls may wear pierced earrings, but the
earrings may be no larger than the ear lobe. Dangling earrings pose a safety
hazard and are not encouraged, but if worn, they may be no longer than 1/8 inch.              No more than 2 earrings may be worn in each ear at a time. No earrings at all for boys.

3. Body/Face Piercing: no visible piercing of any kind is allowed.

4. Tattoos: permanent, washable or any other variety is never permitted. Stick-on
facial or body ornamentation is not allowed.

Violation of Uniform Policy/Dress Code

First Offense - a warning sent home to child and parents

Second/Additional Offenses - student will be removed from class; parents will be called to bring proper uniform items to school so that the student may return to class.

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FINANCIAL POLICY

Tuition and fees are reviewed and determined annually by the School Board.  A fee schedule is included in the yearly registration packets.

Discounts

Families having more than one child enrolled in the Academy are eligible for a discount.  The first child pays full tuition, the second child receives a 10% tuition discount, and the third child receives a 35% discount.  This discount is not available to families receiving scholarships or another form of discount.

Gifts

Our Academy cannot meet its budget on tuition alone.  Through the help of others we are able to defray some of these other costs.  Because we are a non-profit organization all gifts are tax deductible.

Sending Money to School

Money should always be sent in a sealed envelope in the child’s book bag with the following information on the outside:

1. Child’s name
2. Amount (and purpose)
3. Date
4. Teacher

Whenever possible, payments should be made by check or money order (made out to Yonkers Christian Academy).

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GENERAL POLICIES

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Doors are open at 8:00 a.m.  Students may enter in an orderly fashion and go directly to the cafeteria (Pre-K goes to their class) where they may participate in quiet activity in their designated area.  Children are not to be dropped off earlier or left unsupervised by the parent/guardian.  We cannot be responsible for students arriving before 8:00 a.m.

On days where snow or sleet make the hill extremely hazardous for travel, students may enter via the front door. 

Students must arrive by 8:25 a.m. at which time teachers will escort them to their classroom.  After 8:30 a.m. the students must go to the main office for a late pass. 

CAMPUS POLICY

Students must remain on school property once they have arrived in the morning and during the school day unless excused to leave through the school office.

CHAIN OF COMMAND

Yonkers Christian Academy has developed a very simple, but very important chain of command.  Any question or complaint should be handled at the level of occurrence.  If, for example, a parent has a complaint with the classroom teacher about their child, then go to the teacher to settle the issue.  It is important that all communication be handled courteously, politely, and promptly, (not leaving room for gossip and slander).

If the problem is not settled, then and only then go to the next highest authority.  A few procedural examples are listed.                         

If there is a problem regarding a decision of the Board or reaching the level of the Board, a letter should be sent addressed to the Board and it will be brought up at the next meeting, or if urgent, other arrangements may be made.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please notify administration immediately if any of your contact information changes (address and any phone numbers).  This includes information regarding your emergency contact

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES

The following procedures have been established for dropping off and picking up students. We ask for your complete cooperation with these procedures to avoid safety hazards for everyone.

DROP-OFF PROCEDURES

Congestion is a common occurrence at the opening and closing of the school day.  To help alleviate this problem please follow these guidelines:

All students in Kindergarten – 8th grade will exit the building via the side door (Lamartine Ave).  Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. sharp.  Students may not re-enter the building.  If a child is to take a taxi home the parents (not the child) must call the taxi.

All Pre-Kindergarten students must be picked up from the classroom by 3:30 pm. All persons authorized to pick up a child must be listed on school records with a current phone number and address.  Notify the Academy in writing if there is a change in who will be picking up your child.

If a child is left 15 minutes past dismissal time, the child will be sent to the Extended Day Program and a $6.00 charge will be added to the school bill.

EARLY DEPARTURE

If a parent needs to pick up a child from school early (i.e., dental or doctor appointment) a note must be sent in that morning with the child.  We cannot depend upon word of mouth.  When the child is picked up the parent must sign them out in the main office.  A child who must leave before 10 a.m. will be counted absent for the school day.  A child who must leave after 10 a.m. will be counted present one-half day.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS

Parents may call the school office and a message will be placed on the answering machine for school closing or delayed openings.

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM

Yonkers Christian Academy provides an extended day program for a fee of $6.00 per day.  This fee must be mailed or hand carried by the parent to the school office before the day the child attends the program.  The program will have homework help (FOR K – 8TH), activities, and snacks.

A child may be picked up at any time during the Extended Day Program which runs from 3:15 – 5:30 p.m.  If the child is picked up after 5:30 p.m., a $10.00 fine up to the first ten minutes will be added to their school bill.  After 5:40 p.m. it is $25.00 and must be paid upon pickup. 

FIRST AID

Students who require first aid are brought to the school office and treated.  We are not allowed to give any type of medication.

If the child has an injury of a serious nature; first aid will be given, the parents are notified, and an accident report filled out. If necessary an ambulance will be called.  Parents will receive a copy of the accident report.

Occasionally children become ill while at school.  If this should happen, the child is sent to the office with a note of explanation or brought by the teacher.  If the illness is of a serious nature (flu, chicken pox, high temperature) the parents will be immediately notified to pick the child up.

If the child is not seriously ill they may need to lie down for a while and either return to class or be sent home.  If a case of chicken pox, head lice, etc., is found, a note is sent to all parents specifying what to watch for.

In any case NO MEDICINE of any kind can be administered to a child.

FUNDRAISERS

Yonkers Christian Academy uses fundraisers for two primary purposes. School-wide fundraisers are used to supplement tuition income to provide services not included in the annual budget or in need of additional funding. Our PTF may also complete a fundraiser to raise money for the different activities conducted throughout the year. Your support of and involvement in these fundraisers is greatly appreciated. All fundraisers must be approved by the administration.

LIBRARY/COMPUTER LAB

Any student who wishes to use the library or computer lab must be supervised at all times. The library will be open for students. Books may be checked out for one week.  Overdue books must be returned before another book is checked out.  Payment is required for lost or damaged books.

LUNCH PROGRAM

We offer a hot lunch program at the Academy. All lunch must be prepaid or the student will not be able to eat school lunch that day.  Payments can be made on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The school office will monitor the student’s account and notify parents when the account is low.  Applications for free and reduced lunch are available in the office.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents are required to attend two personal conferences with their child’s teacher during the school year.  Additional conferences will be scheduled by request of parents or teachers.  Communication between parents and teachers is vital.

Please feel free to consult with the school office regarding any problems or questions that concern your child.  It is the desire of the administration and the faculty to be of service to both parent and student, and each teacher welcomes a visit from any parent.

We do urge, however, that such conferences be made by definite appointment with the teacher at a convenient after school hour.

If you need to talk with a member of the faculty, please call the school office between 8:00 a.m. and noon.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible after school.

PARENT/TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

The Parent/Teacher Fellowship meets approximately 3 times per year to hear speakers, discuss topics and fellowship with other parents.  Meetings are not usually held during the months that the school has other special events such as December when there is a Christmas program.  You are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. 

The basic function of the P.T.F. is to create a closer relationship between parents and teachers; this in turn will create a better understanding between parent and child and to get the parents involved in the school via committees, special functions, and special projects.  Together we will work for the good of the students.  Some programs will be geared to be informative.  We open with a short devotion and prayer.

VISITORS

All visitors must check in with our main office first. Parents coming to the school during the day for any reason (e.g., leave something for the student or picking up the student) must check in at the office.  They are not allowed to go directly to the classroom, as this interrupts the teaching.

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