The ultimate objective of Christian education is the development of character. Cascade Christian Academy wishes to play an active role in this development. Combined with an active Christian home-life, we strive to maintain an atmosphere of acceptance, cooperation, and unity that will help develop Christian men and women. We recognize that not all regulations reflect moral issues. Some rules reflect CCA's Christian principles; some rules respect Seventh-day Adventist church standards and traditions; still other rules are guidelines determined to help us to “get along” and make our campus a safer and more peaceful place where students feel comfortable and learning is optimized.
Discipline, when needed, will be designed to direct students toward self-discipline and toward demonstrating a greater sense of respect for God, other people, themselves, and their school. With this as a major goal, we have adopted the following guidelines:
STUDENT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
School begins at 8:00 a.m. each morning for all students.
Monday –Thursday dismissal: Kindergarten
11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Grades 1-3
2:30 p.m.
Grades 4-6
3:03 p.m.
Grades 7-12
3:03 p.m.*
Friday dismissal: Grades 1-12
2:05 p.m.
*PAC, Newspaper and Yearbook classes as arranged.
Students should arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. The door to the lunchroom is opened for student arrival at 7:30 a.m. as a convenience to parents who need to meet early work appointments. Students will be supervised there until staff worship is over at 7:45 a.m. Parents should arrange to have students picked up within 15 minutes of school dismissal. This policy will apply to all students unless they have been approved to remain for a school-sponsored activity. It is the parents’ responsibility to make arrangements for their students to arrive and leave within this time frame. In emergency situations parents should telephone the school office to make alternate supervision arrangements.
Cascade Christian Academy operates as a “closed campus.” Students are not to leave campus during school hours. “Campus” is defined from the back of the church and Community Service center on the east, Academy Street on the north, and the lower playground area to the west. “Off campus” includes stores and restaurants across the street. This also means that students are not to leave campus during a study hall.
Juniors/seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a Noon Dismissal Form with parent signature on file in the office may leave campus during the noon break – this does not include a study hall before or after lunch. Students must sign out when leaving and sign in when returning. Students who leave campus without permission at a time other than the noon break, or who do not sign in and out as directed above, will
First offense---lose Junior/Senior privilege for one week.
Second offense---lose Junior/Senior privilege for 9 weeks.
Academy students who don’t have a first period class may arrive before their first class if they have a Late Arrival Form with parent signature on file in the office. Students may with a parent-signed Early Leave Form on file in the office leave after their last class of the day.
A Student Driving Agreement Form must be signed and filed at the office along with a copy of the student’s driver’s license and vehicle insurance. The office will assign a parking space and the student is expected to park in that space when at school. To maintain the privilege of using a car at school the following regulations must be observed.
Vehicles must be registered as per above.
Students must observe a 10 mph speed limit.
Vehicles are not to be used during school hours except by permission from the principal.
Students are not to borrow another student’s car.
Students may not take other student passengers without written consent from parents of both the driver and passenger.
Students are not to sit in cars during school hours.
Students are not to park by the upper building.
Students who violate CCA driving policies may be fined or lose the privilege of driving to school and parents will be notified to make other arrangements.
Regulations and principles of conduct remain in force throughout the year at school and school-sponsored events. Because many aspects of a student’s off-campus behavior effect the atmosphere at CCA, students are expected to uphold Christian standards of conduct in their personal lives as well. The staff reserves the right to consider dismissal for a student involved in drug, alcohol, tobacco use, or in any otherillegal activity, even if the behavior takes place off campus or during non-school hours. EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR:
Spreading ideas or displaying attitudes that undermine the philosophy, ideals and objectives of the school.
Swearing or using crude language.
Putdowns.
Indulging in sexual conduct or suggestion, or having or displaying obscene literature or pictures.
Possessing satanic materials.
Disrespect, disobedience or non-cooperation with those in authority.
Leaving campus without permission.
Willful destruction of any school property, or vandalism.
Participation in hazing and initiations, or committing any act that injures, degrades or disgraces the school, a fellow student or faculty member.
Written or verbal threats against the school, or any threat to do bodily harm to a student, or faculty member.
Major disruption – (such as pulling fire alarm, etc.).
Possession of weapons/fireworks/other dangerous devices (see also weapons policy)
Using narcotics, tobacco or alcoholic beverages in any form or having them in one’s possession.
Dishonesty, including theft, willful deception regarding violation of school regulations, cheating on examinations, class work or in any phase of school business.
Violation of dress code policy as outlined in the handbook.
Violation of social standards as outlined in the handbook.
Fighting.
All regulations adopted by the faculty/board and announced to the students have the same force as those published in this handbook.
CCA subscribes to a progressive discipline system of correcting behavior. Behavior that needs correcting will be communicated to parents and filed for each discipline issue. If a student shows a bent toward a specific area of unacceptable behavior, progressive discipline procedures will attempt to correct that behavior. If a student shows an unwillingness to change their behavior, they will be asked to withdraw from CCA.
If a student’s progress or conduct is unsatisfactory, his or her spirit is manifestly out of harmony with the standards of the school, or the student’s influence is found to be detrimental - he or she may be asked to withdraw at any time, even though there may have been no specific violation of any particular regulation.
Because weapons possession on school premises is a crime, Washington State law requires all public and private schools to notify law enforcement and the student’s parent or guardian regarding any allegation or indication of possession of a “dangerous weapon” on the school premises. Washington State law defines a “dangerous weapon” as:
Firearms
Knives with blades that are spring loaded or released by gravity, thrust or opened by other mechanical means
Daggers, dirks, slingshots, sand clubs, metal knuckles, pocket knives or lighters
“Nun-chu-ka sticks” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or other substance connected with wire, rope or other means
Throwing stars
Air guns, pistols or rifles designed to propel a BB or pellet
Notification of law enforcement (Federal and State required) and guardians is in addition to any consequences or discipline (including expulsion) deemed appropriate by school authorities or state/federal law.
It is Cascade Christian Academy ’s desire to project a positive Christian image on campus and in the community. The principles that guide our dress code are standards of excellence that encourage modesty and simplicity.
We require our students to adhere to the dress code guidelines while on campus, at school functions and on school sponsored trips unless specific instructions are given to indicate an exception. Students will be excluded from class or school functions until their attire meets expectations.
Reasons for Policy:
A uniform dress code can help students to perceive each other as equals. Less occasion for rivalry can focus attention on the main reason for our school - a sound, quality Christian education..
Uniform dress can be a constant reminder of the special nature of a private school and can help foster an important group consciousness important in a society emphasizing only personal individuality.
A uniform dress code can help students learn to distinguish themselves by performance, achievement and other important ways rather than by non-merit reasons such as wardrobe.
An atmosphere of professionalism and dignity can be encouraged with a uniform dress code and students can learn to appreciate the identification and the privilege that wearing a uniform representing CCA means.
Tops:
The only acceptable outer tops will be provided for purchase by the school office. This shirt cannot be altered or covered in any way. Students must wear a size that is not tight or sloppy. The midsection must be covered when the arms are raised. The top must cover lower back when sitting. Students may wear a t-shirt/turtleneck underneath for layering purposes that only shows at the neckline.
Bottoms:
Must fit snugly around waist with or without belt. No holes or frays.
No sloppy or saggy pants (no undergarments showing).
Casual dress shorts—hemline no higher than mid-thigh when standing.
Skorts that appear as shorts from the back - hemline no higher than mid-thigh when standing.
Skorts that appear as a skirt from the back - hemline no higher than top of knee when standing.
Skirts—hemline no higher than top of knee when standing.
No leggings, sweat pants, flannel pants, pajama pants, camouflage, fleece pants or blue jeans.
Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Coats:
Appropriate coats, jackets and sweatshirts may be worn to school and during recess but will not be worn during the day inside the school building. Only CCA logo approved outerwear can be worn in the classroom and can be purchased through the office.
Other:
No hats or hoods worn in buildings, No jewelry
Natural hair color
No extreme or outlandish hairstyles & hair needs to be out of and away from eyes.
The goal of our dress code is to have our students be neat and tidy in appearance. If every detail of this policy is followed and a student is still appearing untidy the student will be considered out of dress code and will be asked to adjust their appearance.
A wholesome school and class spirit is shown by thoughtful consideration for others and by courtesy and good will in all personal and interclass relationships. School spirit will never find expression in the destruction of property; in boisterous, unrefined conduct; or in the hazing or humiliation of any student, group of students or faculty.
Students should take pride in themselves, their personal belongings, and their school. Respect for others’ safety and property is consistent with a Christian’s moral code. It is the student’s responsibility to replace or pay for damage done by the student to the school or someone else’s property, whether accidental or intentional.
At the time of registration each student (grades 7-12) is assigned a locker. Students are encouraged to use locks to secure their property. Students must use school combination padlocks for lockers, as they will be master-keyed through the PE office. These combination locks will be available through the PE office for $5. This fee will be refunded at the end of the year when the lock is returned in good working order. The school assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of personal property left on the school premises. The school reserves the right to inspect student lockers at any time. Locker displays (pictures, slogans, etc.) are to reflect school values.
Because of potential damage to floors and carpet, no gum is allowed at school. Food and drink is allowed only in the lunchroom or the mini park. Please do not eat or drink in the hallways or gymnasium. Students are responsible for bussing their own tables and returning all eating utensils to the dish room window.
The school takes very seriously the responsibility for appropriate use of the Internet. Filtering software is installed, but no filter is 100% effective, so teachers will guide students toward resources acceptable within the framework of the general school standards. Students are responsible for their behavior and choices when using the Internet just as they are anywhere on school campus. If a student should use the Internet inappropriately or to access inappropriate material, the student will forfeit Internet use privileges. USER AGREEMENT & PARENT PERMISSION FORMS are to be signed before a student is to have use of the Internet.
Medicine Authorization Forms for students who need to take prescription medicines while at school are available at the office and must be filled out by the parent and doctor to have the office administer the medication or for self-administration. State law requires that medications be accompanied by a doctor’s written instructions, and must be dispensed from the original container. No student may administer any kind of medication to a student at CCA.
Students are not to use or possess illegal substances or abuse legal medications or drugs. If there is reasonable suspicion that a student is involved with illegal substances the school reserves the right to search for evidence and may require drug testing and evaluation at parents’ expense. In order to continue as a student at CCA the student must make a commitment to remain drug free and follow all recommendations of the evaluation. If it becomes obvious that a student refuses to cooperate with the recommendations of the evaluation and/or continues to use drugs, he or she will be asked to withdraw from CCA. The following consequences may be applied:
Parents are encouraged to visit the school, however, please arrange your visits with the teacher(s) beforehand. Students interested in bringing a guest must fill out a Visitor Request Form, which is available at the office. This form must be completed, including the teachers’ signatures, at least one day in advance to the expected visit. It is the student’s responsibility to inform guests that they will be expected to abide by school regulations and policies.
Personal listening devices and electronic games are not to be brought to school. Cell phones are not allowed in the classrooms. Use of electronic devices on field trips and trip week is at the discretion of the trip week sponsor(s). Parental Advisory materials will be confiscated.
When harsh weather conditions prevail, our first concern is the welfare and safety of the students. Weather related school closures or delays will be announced in the following ways:
Radio announcements on KPLW at 89.9 FM or KPQ at 560 AM.
If parents feel conditions are too hazardous, students may be kept home and an excused absence will be granted.
In the event of a major disaster, students will remain at the school under the supervision of their teacher and available parent volunteers. Students will only be released to the adults authorized on the student’s current emergency information sheet.
A friendly, wholesome association between young men and young women is expected. Students will maintain Christian standards of morality in their relationships. In consideration for the comfort of others students will refrain from publicly demonstrating affection at school and school-sponsored activities by kissing, hand holding, caressing, lap-sitting, and other intimate displays determined by the staff to be inappropriate or suggestive. Couples will also avoid the appearance of inappropriateness by not seeking out unsupervised or isolated areas for association and conversation. Couples who ignore counsel from staff members may be placed on social time out. CCA has a no touch policy between the opposite sexes.
Because of religious principles that ask us to dignify humanity, respect all mankind, and treat people appropriately, CCA is concerned about preventing any type of harassment of individuals. Not only are we following Christian principles but also guidelines set forth by federal and state laws that prohibit racial, ethnic, religious, age, or sexual harassment of any employee or student. Furthermore, such conduct is offensive, unprofessional, and sets a poor example for students and the community.
Cascade Christian Academy staff and school board will not tolerate harassment and will make every effort to keep the school free from harassment. Racial, ethnic, religious, age, and sexual harassment include such conduct as slurs, jokes, intimidation, or any other verbal or physical attack directed at an individual’s race, religion, national origin, age, or gender.
In order for the local board to effectively enforce this policy and to take prompt corrective measures, it is essential that any and all incidents of harassment be reported to the principal. Verbal complaints will be transferred to writing to assist in an investigation. To the greatest extent possible such complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary in order to complete a thorough investigation. Please refer to the CCA Harassment Complaint Procedure for a more detailed discussion.
If, after appropriate investigation, it is determined that policy has been violated, prompt corrective action will be taken in accordance with the applicable policy and/or state law.
It is the policy of Cascade Christian Academy not to discriminate against any student on the basis of gender. In keeping with that policy Cascade Christian Academy will not tolerate sexual harassment of any student or staff member. Sexual harassment is considered to be a major offense, which can result in disciplinary action against the offender including, but not limited to such sanctions as a warning, a suspension, or expulsion. Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome conduct, either sexual or non-sexual, that is directed toward an individual because of that person’s gender. No student, male or female, should be subject to sexual overtures or inappropriate conduct, either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. (Sexual harassment is defined in greater detail in the complete CCA Sexual Harassment Policy document).