Our Handbook 
- Statement of Faith
- Philosophy
- General Information
- Standards of Conduct
- Transportation
- Building Care
- Financial Information
- School Hours
- General Policies
Growing Lights Christian Academy
Est. 1979
Student Handbook
STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe that there is but one true and living God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them, the Alpha and Omega, who ever was and is and shall be, time without end; in the unity of the Godhead there are three, equal in every divine perfection, executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. We believe that having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as personal
Savior and King, and having thus been born into the family and church of the Lord, it is the sacred duty of the believer to identify himself with, and labor most earnestly for the building of God’s kingdom with the visible church of Christ upon the earth, proclaiming His Word, laboring for the salvation of souls, giving of his temporal means to carry on His work, edifying, encouraging, establishing one another in the most holy faith, and working harmoniously together as dear children
who are many members but one body of which Christ is the head.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe according to God’s Word, that it is of utmost importance that young people develop into complete, dedicated, and useful members of the body of Christ. We believe that in order for us to provide an atmosphere conducive to the development of the whole person, we work with you to accept your God-given responsibility as set forth in Deut6:6-7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (NKJ)
GENERAL INFORMATION
It is our conviction that a Christian school is privileged to incorporate the Bible in academic studies. It is our goal that excellence be demonstrated in every area of our school.
Academic Information Growing Lights Christian Academy (G.L.C.A.) offers 13 years of education
from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The general spiritual objective within the pages of each of the basic academic subjects - Bible, English, Foreign Language, Health, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Spelling is to train the child to see life from God’s point of view; to shape attitudes and to mold character to the image of Christ. Electives offered provide the students with a great opportunity to enrich himself and widen his horizons beyond the core curriculum. Subjects may include art, music, physical education, keyboarding, and computer.
Enrollment
G.L.C.A. is a very unique school with the intent to help the average or above average child. We are not a correction, remedial, or alternative school equipped to handle problem children, slow learners, or disabled. We are aware of the great needs for such children, however, we presently are neither
equipped with staff nor facilities to handle these special areas. Correct placement of children is very important. Therefore, we reserve the right to place each child in the academic level for which we feel he is best suited. All applicants will be checked for proper grade placement. The students’ acceptance into the school will be based upon a committee’s evaluation, entrance examinations, and information from the previous school. A committee will interview each new student along with at least on of the parents before admission is approved. All students are accepted on a nine-week basis.
Standards of Conduct
1. Code of Behavior:
One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it is foundational to the educational structure. It is this training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is a key to good conduct and proper respect for all
people. We are to display a standard of behavior showing Christ in our lives; therefore, students will be expected to be helpful, friendly, quiet, polite, respectful, obedient, sportsmanlike, and diligent. It is also expected that all students, staff, and school board members attend church services weekly.
The following will not be tolerated: disrespect, destructiveness, fighting, profanity, displays of affection, complaining, laziness, or filthy jesting. The discipline system involves demerits, detention, and dismissal. We use a three-demerit system which then leads to a detention. Repeated detentions
will require a parent to sit with students. This will be followed by a parent-principal and school board conference. This could result in suspension or dismissal. It is a privilege to attend G.L.C.A. and that privilege could be denied.
Drug abuse cases will result in immediate dismissal. In compliance with state authorities, students having in their possession any type of tobacco, controlled drug, or weapon will immediately be suspended. This will be followed by a parent-principal an school board conference and a probationary period or dismissal as determined by the school board. Believing that discipline is necessary for the welfare of the students and classroom order, each teacher is given the liberty of making and enforcing classroom rules in the manner which the teacher feels is in accordance with Christian principles as set forth in Scripture.
Please feel free to consult with the teacher regarding any problems or questions of concern. Such visits should be made by appointment with the teacher at a convenient after-school hour.
Because we believe that all human life is sacred and violence is not a joke, any verbal or written threat on life; bodily harm; and/or violent jesting could result in a detention and/or suspension
3. Dress Code
All students will be required to dress with cleanliness and modesty, as becomes a Christian. No extremes will be allowed. Clothing, jewelry, or other articles which by their nature distrac or disrupt the classroom procedure, will not be permitted. Some cultural fads may not be acceptable. Shoes must be worn at all times during the school day. No one may wear shorts even in hot weather. Any t-shirts, hats, or other clothing with sayings that are inappropriate or inconsistent with Biblical principles will not be allowed.
Girls may wear knee-length or longer dresses or skirts, blouses, dress slacks, or jeans which display decency and modesty. Blouses or dresses with bare midriffs, low necklines, thin stripped, see-through, sleeveless, or off-the-shoulder styles are not allowed.
Boys will likewise dress in cleanliness and modesty. There will be no sleeveless, midriffs, tank tops, or muscle shirts allowed. Hair will be neatly trimmed.
At the first infraction of the rule, the parents will be called and a change of clothes must be provided.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Bus
Bus transportation is available to students living within the Barron Area School District. Wisconsin State Law requires that a student who rides a school bus must be deposited at the same point he gets on the bus. This is for the safety of the student to prevent him from walking along the highway in a dangerous location, getting lost, or being picked up by someone who is unauthorized to haul school children. Since the law does exist, bus drivers are instructed to comply with it at all times. If you wish you have your child disembark from the bus other than at his normal stop, inform the driver by sending him a signed note. Christ-like conduct should be displayed at all times. Bus transportation is a privilege, and bus drivers have the right to discipline. Misbehavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Students who misbehave scan be denied the privilege of riding the bus. It is the responsibility of the parents to contact the Barron Bus Garage to make arrangements for your child.
2. Safety Patrols
The Barron Area School Safety Patrol is in force for fifteen (15) minutes before and after school. Students who walk to school are expected not to come to school before this time. The G.L.C.A. students are expected to respect and obey safety patrols.
3. Traffic Pattern
G.L.C.A. has an established traffic pattern for the safety of our students. It is expected that parents and students driving to school will honor and respect this pattern during school hours. A copy of the
traffic pattern is available at orientation or from your child’s teacher.
4. Student Driving Privilege
Students driving vehicles to and from school must secure parental approval and permission to do so from the Administration. Rules for those driving:
1. The driver is responsible for reporting to the Administration who and how many passengers they are transporting on a regular basis. Only those passengers that have been approved may ride.
2. Above all, the driver should behave in a responsible and safe manner.
3. No displays of vehicular power will be allowed.
If these rules cannot be followed by the driver, his privilege may be revoked.
BUILDING CARE
Students should take pride in their school facility. It is the students’ responsibility to respect the school environment. It is required that each student has a pair of shoes to be left at school for inside use only. No gum will be allowed in school or on the premises. Parents will have to pay for any malicious or intentional damage done to the property.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition Schedule
Registration is not completed until the registration fee is paid. All tuition payments are due on the first through the fifth day of the month. Because of our financial responsibility and salary commitments, it will not be possible to carry accounts beyond the due dates. Students may not
return if past due bill is not paid at the end of the quarter. No student will be allowed back in school in the fall if there is unpaid tuition. If a special problem arises which will cause a payment to be late, please contact the school administration immediately in order that special arrangements can be made. Please make checks payable to Growing Lights Christian Academy.
SCHOOL HOURS
8:25 a.m. - 3:15p.m.
Kindergarten 8:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Absences
Compulsory School Attendance (118.15 Wisconsin Statutes) states: Unless the child has a legal excuse or has graduated from high school, any person having under control a child who is between the ages of 6 and 18 years shall cause such a child to attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the public or private school in which such child should be enrolled is in session until the following semester of which the child becomes of age. Regular attendance is necessary to insure the continuity of the educational process. Good attendance is conducive to scholarship, citizenship, and student progress. Following 10 days of unexcused absences, the parents will have to meet with the school board. If absences continue, student may need to be turned over to the Truant Officer. Whenever a student is absent, the parents must phone or send a written excuse from home signed by one of his parents explaining his absence, and
in the case of a long-term illness, a doctor’s statement will be required. Excused absences are for personal reasons, meritable illness, and/or death in the family.
Tardiness
An important part of your child’s education at G.L.C.A. is learning discipline and the ability to take responsibility. You, as a parent, have a most important part in helping your child develop good habits for a well-disciplined life. Continually being tardy is not good training for nay child. The student
must be seated in opening at 8:25 a.m. Age-appropriate action will be taken for tardiness which may include: demerit, loss of break, and/or detention.
Early Dismissal
Requests for early dismissal should be made only when absolutely necessary. If a student is to be granted an early dismissal for a medical or dental appointment, the parents must send a note to the teacher.
GENERAL POLICIES
School Telephone
Students will be allowed to use the school telephone only for emergencies. Permission must be granted by the teacher to use at anytime. Students are not allowed to receive phone calls except in emergencies. A message will be relayed to them.
School Pictures
Pictures are taken annually at no expense or profit to the school. Students are asked to be well-dressed for their pictures. Announcements of the day pictures are to be taken is made well ahead of time to all parents. The ordering of pictures by the parents is strictly on a voluntary basis.
School Closing
In the event of possible school closing due to the weather, parents are requested to listen to radio stations WJMC (1240 am/96.1 fm) or WWIB (103.7fm) or tv stations WEAU (13) or KSTP (5) for the announcement. These announcements will be made the morning of the closing. G.L.C.A. school closings are in conjunction with the Barron Area School District. There may be an occasional school closing due to a funeral.
Recess and Playground
To promote good health, friendship, and encourage cooperative playing, all students are to play outside at noon and recess unless it is raining or a below zero wind chill. A student may sit in because of illness/injury with a written request from the parent. Students are to remain on school property within the playground boundaries from arrival until departure. Students are to remain outside until the bell rings at 8:15 for opening.
Appropriate winter clothing is: boots, hats, mittens/gloves, coat and snow pants (for younger grades).
School Visitation
Parents are encouraged to visit the school. A call prior to the visit would ensure coming at a time convenient for both the parent and the class. Visiting by other students is discouraged.
Medication
Due to state regulations, students requiring medication at school shall be identified by parents to the teacher. The teacher, in turn, shall assume authority in administration of the medication. A signed parental permission form must also be on file for all medication that is to be given at school. All medication, no matter how mild, must be left with the teacher. This requirement also applies for Tylenol and other non-prescription drug items. A record of medications given will be kept by the teacher.
Limiting Distractions
No radios, TV sets, tape recorders, c.d. players, or video games will be allowed to be brought to school by students. Certain items may not be allowed due to Biblical, educational, or behavioral
reasons. These decisions are left to the school board, staff, and teachers.
Lunches
Students will need to bring their lunch from home. Students within walking distance of school may walk home for lunch providing they furnish a parental permission form. These students are not allowed to take anyone else with them. Parents may pick up their child for lunch. Other than these exceptions, we observe a strict, closed campus. Milk and hot lunch tickets will be available for purchase on Monday mornings.
Supplies
A list of school supplies will be provided for each student by the teacher. Each student is to bring a family size box of facial tissues for classroom use.
Insurance
G.L.C.A. does not carry insurance covering children injured, whether inside the building, on the grounds, or en route to school. In other words, the school is not liable for such injuries which could have just as easily occurred in play or work in any other location. The school will exercise at all times a reasonable care in the protection, safety, and welfare of the child. In case of accidental injury, the school has the responsibility to give immediate attention to the student, to notify the parent, and to get the individual to the hospital if needed. For that reason, all parents need to be sure that the emergency card is completed on both sides.
