Student Conduct & Discipline

Trinity Classical Academy has developed a Code of Student Citizenship based on a practical mixture of 1) the ethical and moral principles of Scripture, 2) institutional preferences which foster an environment conducive to achieving the school's goals, and 3) expectations for a climate of mutual respect, love and encouragement among students, faculty and staff.

All students are expected to abide by the Code of Student Citizenship. Each teacher will use a system of classroom management to encourage compliance with the school code. Students who do not follow the code will be subject to disciplinary action.

  • Since God is holy and since His name is to be revered, students are expected to treat worship, prayer and class discussion with proper reverence. Jokes, songs, conversation or behavior that treat the Lord's name or character with triviality are not permitted.

  • Since fidelity to the truth is commanded by God and is the core of all meaningful relationships, students will demonstrate honesty in all their dealings with one another and the staff. Students will respect the property and belongings of others.

  • Since working with others involves self-discipline and gratitude, students will be prompt in their arrival to class and school activities. Students will refrain from actions that distract others from their academic pursuits and refrain from rough physical contact with other students such as hitting, punching, tripping, wrestling, and the like.

  • Since the Academy cares about the health and well being of its students and staff, the possession and use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or weapons of any sort is strictly forbidden on school grounds.

  • Since appropriate response to authority is Biblically mandated and critical to the shaping of a child's life, students must obey instructions from the Academy's staff and its supporting adults, promptly, willingly, completely and cheerfully. Talking back, arguing and undue familiarity with Academy staff will not be tolerated. An atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy will be maintained between students and staff.

  • Since words have a power and integrity of their own and since God expects man to be stewards of thoughts and expressions, students will refrain from language and actions that are vulgar, inappropriate and demeaning to either God or mankind. Teasing, criticizing, put-downs, insults and name-calling are not permitted.

  • Since our physical facilities and school materials exist as God's provision and since some activities are inconsistent with responsible stewardship, students are expected to treat all school materials (e.g. textbooks) and facilities with respect and care. Students are expected to be aware of and avoid the off-limits areas of the building and grounds. Students are expected to keep the school's campus neat and clean. Chewing gum is prohibited on school grounds.

  • Since some forms of recreation can distract students from their educational pursuits, personal electronic musical devices, games, toys, roller skates and skateboards are not permitted on school grounds.

  • Since students are to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Biblical principles of purity and holiness, public displays of affection (e.g. holding hands, kissing, etc.) in the context of boy/girl relationships are not permitted on school grounds.

  • Since our students serve as ambassadors for Christ and representatives of the school, it is expected that students will conduct themselves accordingly whenever they are away from school to participate in field trips, athletic events, or any other school function.

All discipline will be based on Biblical principles. e.g. prayer, apologies (public and private), restitution, swift discipline, restoration of fellowship, no lingering ungodly attitudes, etc. The vast majority of real and potential discipline problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. The manner and amount of discipline (within these stated guidelines) will be determined by the teachers and headmaster. The specifics and nature of each discipline incident and the individual personality of the student involved will be considered in the administration of discipline.

 It is vital for parents and students to realize that maintaining an orderly atmosphere in the school and the classroom is critical to the learning process; therefore, these policies must be adhered to. As in all other areas of the education at Trinity Classical Academy, love and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of a child. It is because we love that we discipline.

MISCONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

There are five basic behaviors that will automatically necessitate discipline from the school Headmaster. Those behaviors are:

  1. Disrespect shown to any staff member. The staff member will be the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown.

  2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school; including lying, cheating, stealing.

  3. Rebellion e.g., outright disobedience in response to instructions.

  4. Fighting e.g., striking in anger with the intention to harm another student.

  5. Obscene language, including taking the name of the Lord in vain.

If for any of the above behaviors, or other reasons, a teacher deems it necessary for a student to receive discipline from the Headmaster, the following accounting will be observed. Within either semester of the school year:

  1. The first two times a student is sent to the Headmaster for discipline the student's parents will be contacted and given the details of the visit. The parents' assistance and support in averting further problems will be expected.

  2. A meeting will follow the third incident with the student, student's parents, Headmaster, and teacher if necessary.

  3. Should a fourth incident arise, a two-day suspension will be imposed on the student. The student will be required to make-up all classroom assignments and tests missed during the suspension period.

  4. If a fifth incident occurs, the student will be subject to expulsion from the school.

EXPULSION

The Trinity Classical Academy school board realizes that expelling a student from school is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Forgiveness and restitution are fundamental to our total discipline policy. However, should a student and his parents not be able to eliminate behavioral problems the student is having, the Headmaster is empowered to expel the student. The procedure will be as follows:

  1. Parents will be notified immediately after the decision for expulsion.

  2. The student will turn in all school texts/materials, clear out his/her desk and locker, and be picked up by his/her parents the same day.

  3. Transfer of school records will be arranged within a week following expulsion.

  4. Appeals may be made first to the Headmaster and then to the Trinity Classical Academy school board.

SERIOUS MISCONDUCT

Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the school deems it necessary, the office-visit process may be bypassed and suspension or expulsion imposed immediately. Examples of such serious misconduct could include: acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, gross violence/vandalism to the school facilities, violations of civil law, or any flagrant act in clear contradiction of scriptural commands. Students may be subject to school discipline for serious misconduct that occurs after school hours or when school is not in session.

RE-ADMITTANCE

Should the expelled student desire to be readmitted to Trinity Classical Academy at a later date, the school board will make a decision based on the student's attitude and circumstances at the time of reapplication.