Covenant High School (CHS) counts it a privilege to be entrusted with the education of your children. This Parent/Student Handbook (Handbook) is intended to inform students and parents of the general policies and objectives of CHS. We invite you to ask any questions about its contents or comment on any issue not addressed in the Handbook. The Handbook must not be construed as an implied contract or promise of specific treatment. CHS reserves the right to modify in any way this Handbook at its sole discretion without notice.
A scriptural
view of God and man provides the underlying structure for all of the
courses and the direction for the entire school program.
The various subjects are integrated with each other so that their
natural relationships are brought out and exploited.
The enjoyment of learning and the joy of the Lord are the paramount
goals for all activities.
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Covenant High
School embraces the Bible as the inerrant, infallible Word of God: "All
Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16). The school
regards the Westminster Confession of Faith as an accurate summary of
the principal truths of Scripture.
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God promised
Abraham, "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant
between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to
come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you" (Gen.
17:7). The divinely appointed instrument of this covenant's fulfillment
is the faithful teaching of our children (Gen. 18:19). We gratefully and
joyfully claim that covenant promise for ourselves and undertake the
education of our children in the confidence that we serve a
covenant-keeping God who is faithful in all His ways.
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The principles of Christian education are represented in the school's crest. It reflects the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of life.
Navy Blue
and White
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"To glorify and enjoy God forever"
The Scriptures proclaim that we are to do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) and that He is to be the chief desire of our hearts (Ps. 73:25). The Westminster Shorter Catechism reflects this truth in its first question: "What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."
Covenant High
School, founded in 1992, is a ministry of Faith Presbyterian Church
(Presbyterian Church in America). Faith Presbyterian's Session (body of
elders) appoints the school board and maintains oversight of its
actions. Covenant seeks to serve the entire Christian community. Its
students attend a wide variety of Christian churches in the area.
Parents and students are invited to submit their written suggestions and
concerns to the Board by providing them to the Principal or Board
Chairman.
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Covenant High School provides instruction (grades 9‑12) in Bible,
English, mathematics, science, foreign language, history, Latin, civics,
economics, physical education, health, the fine arts and the practical
arts (computer, keyboarding and home economics). All students completing
the minimum required course of study will meet all state course
requirements for high school graduation; those pursuing the college
preparatory course will meet the course requirements for admission to
private and public colleges and universities. A copy of the Course of
Study may be obtained from the CHS office.
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Covenant High
School is a fully accredited institution through the Association of
Christian Schools International and is an approved school of the Office
of Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Washington.
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Physical
education classes are held at the excellent athletic facilities of the
Family Branch of the YMCA. The YMCA is located at 1002 S. Pearl, just
four blocks from CHS. Racquetball, volleyball, basketball, weight
training and many other activities are included in the P.E. program.
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Students
eligible to apply for admission to Covenant High School must:
1. Profess faith in Christ and maintain regular attendance in a
Christian church and
2. Have at least one parent who professes faith in Christ and is a
member or adherent of and in regular attendance in a Christian church.
Believing young people whose parents do not profess faith in Christ may
be considered for admission if endorsed by a Christian church or
ministry.
Covenant seeks to serve the whole Christian community and maintains a
student body from many different Christian churches in the area.
Approval for admissions is granted without regard to race, sex or
national origin.
International
students should see the International Student application materials for
information regarding eligibility for admissions for foreign students.
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After receipt of an
application packet the following steps must be taken:
1. Submit the completed questionnaires with the required application
fee.
2. Send the personal reference form to your pastor.
3. Send the school reference form to your child's school.
4. Once the pastoral and school reference forms have been returned to
the CHS office, an admission interview will be arranged.
5. All applicants will be tested. Testing usually takes place in
January/February and as needed.
6. An admission decision will normally be made within two weeks after
all steps in the process have been completed.
Students approved for admission will be offered a space only after the
registration fee has been paid.
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Current CHS students must re-register each
year. A space will be offered only if the student registers before the
assigned deadline (normally in March), pays the registration fee and is
otherwise qualified. There is no application fee for returning CHS
students. In the sole discretion of CHS, students may not be allowed to
re-register who have 1) demonstrated a pattern of poor effort, 2) been
disruptive or otherwise violated the student commitment regarding
behavior or 3) a negative attitude.
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Tuition has been divided into ten equal
payments. A current copy of the tuition and fees schedule is
available upon request from the CHS office. Tuition payments are
processed through FACTS, a tuition management company. Each family signs a contract with FACTS authorizing automatic withdrawals
from the family’s bank account. The contract is a ten month plan, August
through May. The monthly payment plan is not correlated to the school
calendar. Monthly tuition payments are considered delinquent upon funds
rejection from the bank. If the tuition bank draft is returned for funds
rejection, a fee of $25 will be assessed. Families may choose not to
participate in the automatic withdrawal program by paying the full
year’s tuition and the activity fee by August 10th. Families who pay the
full year’s tuition upfront will receive a $50 discount per student on
the total.
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If a monthly tuition payments is not received by the 5th of the month, the account is
considered delinquent and may be assessed a $20 late fee by CHS in
addition to the $25 funds rejection fee assessed by FACTS. Each month a
tuition installment payment remains unpaid an additional $20 late fee
may be added per unpaid monthly payment. A tuition account must be
current to within 60 days in order for a student to continue at CHS.
Report cards and transcripts will be withheld until all tuition, fines
and fees have been fully paid.
No student will be re-registered for the next school year until all
tuition, fines and fees are paid. Additionally, if all tuition, fines
and fees of the previous school year are not paid by August 5, the
reserved space for the start of school in September will be forfeited.
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Financial aid may be available to those
who are unable to afford the full tuition expense. Families who require
such assistance are to request a financial aid form from the school
office and submit it with the application.
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There is no book fee for textbooks and
books which remain the property of CHS. Students are expected to
maintain books in good repair and return them at the end of the
semester. Fines will be assessed for lost or damaged books. There will
be a book fee for consumable books which become the property of the
student.
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Families who
register for Covenant High School are making a commitment for the full
school year. The financial health of the school is predicated upon all
students completing the school year.
Families who withdraw a student before the end of the school year must
be current on the monthly payments due since August. All families
withdrawing a student before the end of the year will be assessed a $400
early withdrawal fee.
All school property must be returned and all tuition, fines and fees due
must be paid before the school will release grades and transcripts.
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All students attending CHS must be current
on immunizations and free from infectious diseases. Certificates of
immunization and a completed health record sheet must be on file in the
school office by the first day of school.
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CHS strives to provide a safe school
environment and attempts to protect the health and safety of our
students and staff. We conduct earthquake and fire safety drills. Any
student who feels ill or becomes injured should notify a staff member
immediately. First aid materials and assistance will be rendered as
needed and every effort will be made to contact parents. In the case of
medical emergencies, CHS staff members may transport students to the
hospital or call for 911 assistance.
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CHS Not Responsible for Property
CHS is unable to track and care for the variety of items of property brought to the school by students and parents. CHS is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property of students and parents, including their motor vehicles.Prescription and Nonprescription Medications
Covenant High School staff members,
students and volunteers are not permitted to distribute aspirin or any
other medication to students. Students should not ask CHS personnel for
any medication. The only exception to this policy will be for students
who provide a doctor's and parent's request (including a waiver of
liability) for a CHS staff member to dispense prescription medication to
the student.
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Students will bring lunch from home.
Microwaves are available for warming food. Students may eat only in the
Fellowship Hall, or on courtyard or the exterior grounds to the south of
the main sanctuary. Students found eating or drinking in areas off
limits for food consumption may be required to do clean up duty or pay a
monetary fine. All students are expected to clean up after themselves.
In addition, a weekly schedule of student clean up teams will be posted.
Students will not be permitted to go off campus during lunch unless
accompanied by their parents and approved in advance by the CHS office.
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Chapel services
are held every Wednesday and are led by the pastors of Faith
Presbyterian Church. The purpose of the chapel service is to worship the
Lord and to attend to His Word. All students and teachers are required
to attend chapel. Sunday attire is encouraged on chapel days.
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If weather
conditions or other emergencies (earthquake, etc.) appear to call for a
possible delay or closure of school call the school office, 759-9570
after 6:15 a.m. Closures and delays will be announced on the school
voice mail message. Schedule changes will also be announced on KOMO
Television, channel 4, under the title, Covenant High School of Tacoma.
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In September, a back-to-school night is
held. It affords the parents and teachers an opportunity to become
familiar with one another. Parents are given a brief overview of the
goals and activities of each class and are encouraged to sign up for a
parent-teacher conference. In early October an afternoon and evening is
set aside for parent-teacher conferences. All parents are encouraged to
attend. Parents are always welcome to schedule teacher conferences
anytime during the school year.
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The Bible instructs parents to teach their
children God's truth (Deut. 6:6 7). Parental responsibility goes beyond
teaching children the Bible. It extends to showing how God relates to
all of life: our work, the literature we read and the entertainment we
watch, science, the arts, participation in community activities, our
homes, our personal relationships our lives. When parents entrust the
academic education of their children to others, they do not relinquish
their own, primary responsibility to participate in their children's
education. They still need to understand, monitor and assist their
children's progress in cooperation with the school. Covenant High School
is a partner with parents.
Parents are strongly encouraged to exercise their God given authority to
see that their children do assigned homework. In some cases, parents may
be asked to review material with their children. Parents will be asked
to work with the school in exercising discipline when necessary. Parents
are urged to attend scheduled informational meetings and meet with CHS
staff when a parent teacher conference is requested.
Covenant High School parents are welcome to visit their children's
classes (after first calling the office to arrange a convenient time).
Covenant High School also encourages parents to make suggestions for
more effective education and to express any concerns they have by
contacting the CHS principal or school board chairman.
Volunteer (non paid) parental assistance will be requested from time to
time to help with transportation, chaperoning and other practical
activities. Covenant High School recognizes that work and child care
responsibilities vary from family to family and that some parents may be
unable to help in certain ways.
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Progress
reports are issued in early October, mid-December, early March and early
May. Parents may request weekly updates by contacting the CHS office.
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The grading guidelines for each
course should be clearly spelled out in the course outline distributed
by the teacher at the start of the semester. It is the policy of CHS
that grading will be objective, fair and consistent with the course
outline guidelines. All courses include a class participation component
which takes into account involvement in class discussion, group
projects, tardies and absences in the grading process.
Report cards are issued within two weeks of the end of each grading
period. The four grading periods end at these approximate times:
Mid-term - early November
First semester - late January
Mid-term - late March
Second semester - mid-June
The semester report cards make up the official transcript. The mid-term
report cards serve as a progress report for the mid-point of the
semester.
The report cards follow the Washington State Transcript Guidelines which
stipulate credit values and grade values:
A =4.0
A- =3.7
B+ =3.3
B =3.0
B- =2.7
C+ =2.3
C =2.0
C- =1.7
D+ =1.3
D- =1.0
F =0
(A+ and D are not options)
The report card lists: course grades, comments, attendance, semester
G.P.A., semester credits, cumulative G.P.A. and cumulative credits.
All report cards are issued to the student except the final report card
in June which will be mailed. If you would like a more frequent update
on your child's progress contact the CHS office.
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Biblical Studies 1.6 credits
P.E./Health 2.0 credits
Social Studies 4.0 credits
Spanish 1.6 credits
Science (must include Physical Science, Biology and Chemistry) 3.0
credits
Technical Ed. .3 credits
English/Speech 4.0 credits
Fine Arts 1.6 credits
Mathematics (must include Algebra II) 3.0 credits
Electives 2.0 credits
Total – 23.4 credits
Freshmen and sophomores are required to take the full academic load.
Juniors may drop one elective subject and select one additional study
hall/TA. Senior year minimum load is 3.0 credits and must include
English/Speech, Civics/Economics, Bible 12, chapel and one elective.
A student is not considered fully promoted to the next grade level and
will not be eligible for graduation until all core curriculum courses of
the previous grade level have been successfully completed.
Students who fail courses will not receive credit for those courses and
must retake them in a summer school course approved by the CHS principal
or retake them at CHS if possible, if needed for graduation. Summer
school graded credits will be added to the student's transcript, courses
repeated at Covenant High School will replace the first grade in the
course in the student's record.
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Cum laude (with praise) - 3.5 G.P.A.
Magna cum laude (with great praise) - 3.75 G.P.A.
Summa cum laude (with highest praise) - 3.9 G.P.A.
Salutatorian (second highest ranking graduate)
Valedictorian (highest ranking graduate)
In order to be considered valedictorian/salutatorian, candidates must
take a full year of advanced math, calculus, chemistry, physics, Spanish
3 and Spanish 4.
In determining class valedictorian/salutatorian, the following courses
will be weighted by a factor of 1.35: advanced math, calculus,
chemistry, physics, Latin 3 and 4, Spanish 3 and 4. Grades
for teacher assistant will not be included.
The valedictorian and salutatorian must be students who have completed
at least 3 years at C.H.S. including the junior and senior year.
Home school courses approved for high
school credit by the CHS administration will receive non-graded credit.
Courses completed through accredited institutions will receive graded
credit.
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Students can earn a full year of college credit while at Covenant High School! Several CHS courses are approved by Northwest Nazarene University to earn college credit through NNU's Concurrent Credit Program. The Concurrent Credit Program is a partnership between NNU and approved high schools. It offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to begin earning college credit while still enrolled in high school. Unlike AP or CLEP credits which typically allow a student to skip prerequisite courses but usually do not earn college credits, NNU credits are college credits granted by an accredited four-year university. Students who earn credit through the concurrent credit program at CHS will receive the same transcript record from NNU as full-time four-year college students attending NNU. Unlike students who go through the Running Start Program at a community college, concurrent credit students can continue to enjoy the benefits of a Christian high school education while earning college credit. Learn more about concurrent credit by clicking on "Earn College Credit" on the CHS homepage.
CHS
also offers Advanced Placement Calculus.
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Field trips are a part of the school's
program. Parental help in transporting and chaperoning for field trips
may be requested. Cooperation is critical for the success of field
trips, especially overnight events. Students who misbehave or break
rules of conduct during the trip may be subject to monetary fines or
other disciplinary measures, including imposition of restrictions on
future field trips, such as the Great Britain Historical Tour.
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The climax of the Covenant High School
field trip opportunities is the Great Britain Historical Tour. Every two
years, the juniors and seniors explore England, Scotland and Normandy,
France on a 15-day historical tour. The tour is designed to inspire a
deeper love for Christ and His Church and the men and women of faith who
gave their all for Him. Students enjoy warm fellowship with believers
from the United Kingdom who open their homes for part of the tour. Sites
of literary, historical and cultural value are explored that reinforce
previous instruction. Since our first tour in 1996, students, teachers
and parent chaperones have been wonderfully blessed through this
extraordinary experience.
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Interscholastic athletic competition is
not currently being offered at CHS, but students interested in higher
levels of competition are encouraged to participate on church and
community teams. Also, private school students are eligible to try out
for public school athletic teams; CHS makes every reasonable effort to
accommodate the schedules of students who become members of such teams.
A number of CHS students participate on public school teams in the area
every year.
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Students who maintain a 3.25 or above
cumulative grade point average are eligible for membership in the CHS
Chapter of the National Honor Society. The society exists to encourage
academic excellence, develop leadership and provide community service.
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The CHS drama club
exists to provide a forum for students interested in the dramatic arts.
The drama club puts on one major production each year.
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Sophomore, junior and
senior students are encouraged to become tutors in our KidReach program.
One afternoon per week CHS students befriend, tutor and mentor children
from a local public elementary school. KidReach provides a great avenue
for service in sharing Christ's love with needy children.
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Christmas and spring banquets are held
each year at CHS. Other social events are also offered during the school
year. The purpose is to allow a special time of fun and fellowship for
the students outside of the normal school days. It is not the intention
of Covenant High School to encourage dating. All students are encouraged
to attend banquets or social events individually or with others. Sunday
dress is most appropriate for banquets. Students are discouraged from
purchasing or renting formal attire for banquets. See dress guidelines
for school policy regarding banquet attire. Students attending banquets
and social events are required to stay for the entire event.
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To aid the principal, faculty, and school board, a student council is elected each year. Class representatives and ASB officers are elected by the student body to bring student ideas and concerns to the faculty, help organize events and accomplish assigned tasks. All council decisions and activities are subject to the authority of the principal.
Students
must attend a minimum of 75% of the student council sponsored activities
during the school year in order to be nominated and run for office for
the next year's council. All
nominees for council positions must be approved by the principal. In addition, students must have served on
student council as an elected class representative at least one year in
order to be eligible to run for student body president or vice
president. Elections are held at the end of the school year.
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The policy of Covenant High School is to
limit the number of fund-raising events involving students. Activities
will be partially funded out of the monies raised from the primary
events. All fund raising by student organizations must be approved by
and are under the oversight of the principal.
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"Whatever you
do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for
men" (Col. 2:23). Covenant High School expects all students to use their
full potential in academics, singing, athletics and every other school
activity. Students differ in their abilities, and all are not expected
to attain to the same level of success; but all are urged to put out an
effort that will please the Lord. If CHS has reason to believe a student
doing less than C- work is capable of better performance but is simply
not exerting adequate effort, the student may be put on probation for
six weeks or other period set by the principal. If the student does not
demonstrate marked improvement within the probationary period , at the
discretion of CHS, the student may be required to leave CHS.
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In order to encourage
the sanctification of the Lord's Day, major assignments will not be due,
and tests and quizzes will not be given, on Mondays (with the exception
of memorization for Bible class, Latin assignments and reading assignments for English). No
homework will be assigned over the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas
and Easter.
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Covenant High School requires all students in grades 9 and 10 to take
the Stanford Achievement Tests each spring. These tests measure student
achievement in the following areas: vocabulary, reading comprehension,
mathematics, English, spelling, study skills, science, Bible, and social
studies. In late May, each student receives a score analysis which
compares the student's achievement with other students in the same grade
from across the nation. All juniors are encouraged to take the
PSAT-NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test - National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test). The PSAT which is administered at Covenant
High School in the fall, will help students prepare for the SAT and ACT,
which is typically taken during the junior or senior year and is
instrumental in college entry acceptance. The PSAT-NMSQT is also used as
the basis for awarding National Merit Scholarships. Juniors are urged to
register for the May or June SAT. CHS will try to notify juniors and
seniors and their parents of registration dates, fees and test locations
for these college entrance exams. However, it is the exclusive
responsibility of students and parents to timely obtain test information
and register for the SAT and ACT. The study skill course for the 10th
grade, and the college and career courses for the 11th and 12th grades,
are designed, in part, to increase student familiarity with and success
in the PSAT and the SAT and ACT.
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Attendance – Every day at CHS is an important academic time for the students. Parents should make every effort to schedule doctor and dental appointments, family vacations and other absences around the academic calendar. Students are required to attend assigned classes and to be in class before the bell.
Excusing an Absence
1. All students absent from school all day or even one period must have a parent call by 8:00 AM. Please call prior to 8:00 AM. The office staff will call the student's home if a parent does not call. Students are to bring a note from a parent explaining the reason for the absence to the office upon the student’s return. Partial absences on any school day should be excused in the office on the same day as the absence. Failure to notify the office of an absence may result in an unexcused absence.
2. Necessary absence due to illness or injury, doctor /dental appointments or death in the family will be excused. A parent note explaining the reason for the absence is required. Teachers will supply reasonable assistance in helping students to make up work. Homework assignments will be available on the assignment page of the CHS website. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up exams with the teacher.
Planned Absence
1. Students bring a signed note from a parent to the office explaining the planned absence and pick up a planned absence form.
2. Students need to have teachers sign the form and the teacher will list any concerns regarding grades or attendance. Once the form is complete, students then return it to the office. The office will keep the original form and make a copy for the student to take home.
3. Upon returning from the planned absence, students are to check in with the office with a signed note from a parent.
4. If a student fails to complete the planned absences process in advance of being absent – the absences will be considered unexcused.
Absenteeism
When a student misses six classes, excused or unexcused, a letter will be emailed home outlining the process for reviewing the student’s attendance and academic status. At ten missed classes, a letter will be emailed home stating the student may be dropped from the class(es) with a failing grade at twelve missed classes. Chronic illnesses will be reviewed individually and every attempt will be made to assist the student academically.
Unexcused Absence - any absence that is not approved or authorized by the office. This includes, but not limited to, oversleeping, truancy, leaving campus without permission, failure to complete the planned absence process, and/or failure to contact the office when a student is absent (parental contact required). The office staff will make every effort to contact parents/guardians by 9:00 AM on the day a student is absent and unexcused. The following steps will be taken for unexcused absences:
1.Unauthorized absences such as oversleeping, leaving campus without permission, skipping class, more than 15 minutes late for class, and/or failure to complete the planned absence process will result in a warning letter being emailed home for the 1st offense – students who skip class or leave campus without permission will also be fined; two hours of school service for the 2nd offense; principal/parent/student meeting for the 3rd offense; and one day suspension for the 4th offense.
2. Failure to notify the office - students will have three days to verify the reason for the absence. If not cleared within three days, the absence will remain unexcused and may be treated as truancy. Any work missed as a result of an unexcused absence will not be accepted for full credit.
Absences will also affect the student's grade in a course as part of the class participation/absences/ tardies component of the grading system.1. After each of the first four tardies in a semester - an email notification is sent home.
2. Fifth tardy leads to a principal/parent/student meeting and one hour after school community service to the school.
3. Sixth tardy – one day suspension
4. Subsequent tardies will lead
to further discipline and may include removal from school.
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Failing to come to class or missing a substantial part of a class, or leaving class without proper permission for any part of the school day, or choosing not to attend any class or classes while remaining on campus or going off campus without proper permission of the school office is forbidden.
For the first skip, the student will be required to pay a $25 fine and meet with the administrator. Parents will be notified verbally or in written communication.
For a second skip, the student will be required to pay a $25 fine and meet with the administrator. The student will be suspended from school and the student and parent will meet with the administrator.
For a third skip, the student may be expelled from school.
Student Commitment regarding Behavior
Covenant High School is a school for young
people who have a personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. As a
Christian school, Covenant High School is committed to the teachings of
the Bible and is persuaded that there should be a direct relationship
between what a Christian student believes and how he behaves. CHS
acknowledges that it is impossible to create a school community with
behavioral standards that are acceptable to every student. CHS does,
however, believe that it is essential to specify certain basic
principles that govern all students equally.
CHS will assume that every student wants to please Christ in his or her
speech and deeds. The behavior expected of CHS students, then, is simply
that which Christ’s children understand their Savior requires of them.
CHS also recognizes that an environment in which Christians love others
as themselves, and submit to the authority of those placed over them, is
the optimal environment for learning.
CHS urges its students' to show love and concern for one another,
cheerfulness, patience, toleration of each other's weaknesses, kindness,
persistence in academics and all other school activities, teamwork,
compassion, modesty and self discipline. In addition, CHS urges and will
encourage its students to avoid and resist temptations to gossip,
faultfinding, laziness, a negative spirit, rebelliousness,
exhibitionism, selfishness, cynicism and apathy.
Illegal acts including, but not limited to, threatening or violent
behavior, assault, possession of a weapon, gambling, theft, and the use
of tobacco and the illegal use of alcohol or drugs are not tolerated.
Profanity, lying, cheating, and sexually suggestive behavior are
unacceptable. Overt signs of affection, such as hand holding, hugging,
kissing and the like are not permitted at school, on field trips or at
any other CHS activity. Sexually immoral conduct is prohibited.
This is a commitment of lifestyle while a student is registered at CHS
and should be evident in the student’s behavior until the student
graduates or withdraws from CHS. Every student agrees to abide by the
school's policies which govern the lifestyle of students as a condition
of admission. Any of the above-described improper behavior may result in
disciplinary action.
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Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action may include but is not limited to requiring:
written apologies, parent-student-principal conferences, work projects
during lunch or after school, monetary fines, loss of extracurricular
privileges, suspension and expulsion.
If the circumstances are such that routine classroom discipline or
discipline by the principal are insufficient, CHS will, in its
discretion, take more serious action, including suspension and
expulsion, with or without prior warning depending on the circumstances.
In all cases, CHS will try to discipline equitably and in love and avoid
any actions that may humiliate a student.
Suspension, defined as a temporary absence from the school, will be used
to investigate improper behavior, when other disciplinary methods are
unsuccessful or when CHS deems other disciplinary methods would likely
be ineffectual. Parents will be contacted by the principal or his
assistant by phone or in writing to explain the reason for the
suspension. Suspension may be immediate (and expulsion may follow) for
offenses. Students suspended from school are responsible to make up all
work missed. Disciplinary action other than expulsion may not be
appealed to the school board.
Expulsion is defined as dismissal for the remainder of the school year,
or permanently from attending CHS, and may be immediate. Parents will be
contacted by the principal or his assistant to explain the reason for
the expulsion. In all cases notification will be made also in writing.
The principal will also notify the school board in writing. The parents
of the expelled student will have the same financial obligations as
those who withdraw early. Parents may appeal to the school board within
seven days of the date of expulsion. The procedure for presenting an
appeal to the board shall be made available to the parents prior to the
hearing. The school board is the court of last resort.
Parents
and students acknowledge and agree that as an additional consideration
for CHS admitting the student they may not seek judicial relief for any
disciplinary action taken by CHS.
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It is the philosophy of Covenant High School that parents should
be the primary teachers of sex education to their children. However,
reproductive systems topics are covered in the biology and health
classes. Parents are invited to preview this material. Parents should
contact the CHS office to preview the material at the beginning of the
semester. If parents so choose, their children will be excused from
those elements of the science and health curriculum.
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Student transcripts include credits
earned, grades, attendance and achievement test scores. Upon written
request, transcripts may be mailed to colleges, scholarship foundations,
or prospective employers. Official copies of a transcript are always
mailed directly to the college or organization requested. The first
three copies of the transcript requested are free. There is a $2.00
service charge for each request thereafter. Requests for transcripts are
made at the CHS office. Payment of tuition, fees and fines must be
current before the school will send transcripts, except CHS will
transmit information to the public school about the student's academic
performance, special placement, immunization records, and records of
disciplinary action.
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Covenant High School operates a closed campus; that is, students
are not free to leave campus during the school day, including the lunch
period, without permission from the school administration. Students who
do so will be assessed a $25 fine and other disciplinary action may be
taken. If there is a second offense, the
student will be fined and may be suspended or expelled. Visitors are not permitted on
campus at anytime without permission of the CHS administration.
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