Turlock Christian Schools

To educate students to excel in learning from a biblical perspective, experience Jesus Christ personally, and serve others wholeheartedly. “so that in all things Christ might have preeminence.” Colossians 1:18b

TO EDUCATE: Comprehending God’s Truth in All Creation“…you must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
TO EXCEL IN LEARNING: Challenging Students to Engage in Vigorous Learning “...do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed.” II Timothy 2:15
TO EXPERIENCE CHRIST PERSONALLY: Commending Students to Accept and Love Christ as their Personal Savior and to Share Him with Others “…whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life…Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” John 3:16b, Mark 16:15
TO SERVE OTHERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY: Caring for the Needs of the Total Person “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-13

B. Admission Policy

Turlock Christian Schools admits students of any sex, color, racial, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school. Turlock Christian Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, color, racial or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, tuition assistance, or athletic and other school-administered programs. Secondary students must agree to their parents’ wishes to come to school and agree to abide by the rules willingly to be accepted at TCS. To be enrolled at Turlock Christian, a student must be living in the home of a parent or legal guardian who is at least 25 years old.

1. Students shall have scored at least 30 percentile on a standardized test in reading comprehension and math computation to be accepted without restrictions.

2. Students shall have an accumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater to be accepted without restriction.

3. The superintendent, with concurrence of the secondary principal, may accept a student on academic probation or in the “basic” program if the student does not meet the academic standards listed above.

1. Students with no serious discipline situations within the last two years may be accepted without restriction.

2. Students who are repentant for misbehavior in a previous school which led to suspension or expulsion within the last two years may be accepted on behavioral probation at the discretion of the superintendent and concurrence of the secondary principal.

1. Students who are active, growing Christians who fully agree with the school’s Statement of Faith will be actively recruited and given preference in admission to the school.

2. Students who have at least one parent who is an active, growing Christian and fully agrees with the school’s Statement of Faith will be actively recruited and given preference in admission above others, except those students described in the paragraph above.

3. Students who themselves are involved or whose parents are involved in a cult that claims to be Christian but allows, presents, or encourages belief in revealed truth other than in the Bible will be denied admission.

4. Secondary students who themselves desire and/or whose parents desire for them to have a Christian education and who appear to be open to hearing the Word of God found in the Bible may be accepted to TCS on a space-available basis even if they do not claim to be Christian or are not faithful in attendance at an evangelical, Bible-believing church. However, a student accepted on this spiritual basis may not be accepted on academic or behavior probation.

II. ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

In order to graduate from Turlock Christian Junior High School, an eighth grader must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Take one Bible class for each quarter enrolled at Turlock Junior High School.

3. Pass each 8^th grade subject with a 60% average for the year (an average of the four-quarter grades).

Any student failing to satisfy the above three criteria will neither participate in the eighth grade graduation ceremony nor receive a diploma. In order to receive a diploma, the student must make up the failed class(es) at an approved summer school.

A Turlock Christian High School student enrolled for four years must earn a minimum of 240 credits for graduation, including the following course requirements:

    One semester of Government; One semester of Economics
English                                                40                     4 years
Mathematics                                        20                     2 years
Science (Biology Lab Required)              20                     2 years
Health                                                 5                      1 semester
Physical Education                              20                     2 years
Bible/Community Service**                40                     4 years
Visual & Performing Art                      10                     1 year
Electives                                              50
Total                                                    240

** Students are required to take Bible and do community service each semester in attendance. Transfer students must earn minimum of 220 credits to graduate.

C. University of California/California State University Admission A-G Requirements (recommended)

NOTE: For UC, 7 of these 15 courses (a-g) must be earned during the last 2 years of high school.

Also, an applicant must have earned a grade of “C” or better in all the above courses.

*** Electives must be chosen from approved academic courses in History, English, Advanced Mathematics, Lab Science, Foreign Language, Social Science, or Fine Arts.

D. Recommended Programs

TCHS offers three basic courses of instruction. Since each course of instruction has different goals, the student should choose elective courses which would best prepare him/her for his/her goal. To insure that the student is able to take best advantage of his/her time at TCHS, it is desirable for him/her to choose his/her goal wisely and early and begin as soon as possible to tailor his/her high school program to fit this goal. Following are the suggested programs for these courses of instruction.

	Advanced College Prep	UC/CSU College Prep	Graduation
Freshman		Freshman	Freshman
1	Bible 9	Bible 9	Bible 9
2	English 9	English 9	English 9
3	Health/Computer	Health/Computer	Health/Computer
4	Biology	Biology/Earth Science	Earth Science
5	Geometry	Algebra I	Pre-Algebra
6	Physical Education	Physical Education	Physical Education
7	Spanish I	Spanish I	Elective
Sophomore		Sophomore	Sophomore
1	Bible 10	Bible 10	Bible 10
2	English 10	English 10	English 10
3	World History	World History	World History
4	Lab Science	Biology	Biology
5	Advanced Algebra	Geometry	Algebra I
6	Physical Education	Physical Education	Physical Education
7	Spanish II	Spanish II	*Elective*
Junior		Junior	Junior
1	Bible 11	Bible 11	Bible 11
2	English 11 AP	English 11 AP/English 11	English 11
3	U.S. History	U.S. History	U.S. History
4	Science AP	Lab Science	*Elective*
5	Pre-Calculus	Advanced Algebra	*Elective*
6	*VPA Elective*	*VPA Elective*	*VPA Elective*
7	*Elective*	*Elective*	*Elective*
Senior		Senior	Senior
1	Bible 12	Bible 12	Bible 12
2	English 12 AP	English 12 AP	English 12
3	Govt./Economics	Govt./Economics	Govt./Economics
4	Science AP	Science AP	*Elective*
5	Calculus AP	Pre-Calculus/Statistics AP	*Elective*
6	*Elective*	*Elective*	*Elective*
7	*Elective*	*Elective*	*Elective*
	In preparation for college it is critical to be aware of what higher education institutions are looking for in freshman applicants. They place significant importance on one's broad experience on their high school campus, therefore making it imperative to enroll in a wide range of elective courses. Visual Performing Arts – one year required; UC accepted – Band, Choir, Drama TC accepted – Band, Choir, Drama, Art, Photography, Praise/Worship

The school’s goal is to design our programs to meet the educational needs of each student. To accomplish this goal the school looks at the ability of each student, using classroom achievement and various standardized tests. Through the process some students are recognized as needing special consideration; therefore, courses offered may be designated as a NCP class. Specific accommodations are determined by a Student Study Team along with parental input. The student and/or parent requesting the NCP class should recognize the fact that this course does not satisfy the California University System or other public/private four year colleges. The student will be required to take the appropraite college preparatory course or attend a two year college before transferring to a four year school.

The high school academic year is divided into two eighteen week semesters with grades being given in each subject at the end of every nine weeks. The grading scale is as follows:

A – Excellent work; B – Above average work; C – Average work; D – Passing work; F – Failing work;

INC. – Incomplete work (Only granted for extenuating circumstances, Administration Discretion)

P/NP – Pass/No Pass. TBD by administration & faculty based upon written request of parents only to be used under extenuating circumstances. Must be granted prior to enrollment.

Quarter grades are an evaluation of the student’s progress for an entire nine week period. These grades are recorded on the student’s report card at the end of each quarter. Although these grades are not part of the permanent academic record, they do reflect progress for a significant part of the permanent semester grade.

Semester grades which include semester or final exams, are an evaluation of the student’s work for an entire eighteen-week period. These grades are recorded on the transcript and become part of the permanent record. It is on the basis of semester grades that a student earns credits and grade points. Each semester course completed with a passing grade will receive 5 units of credit.

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) is a system used to compute a grade average for a quarter, a semester or for the student’s total coursework for four years. G.P.A. is used to compute honor roll, probation, class rank, eligibility, etc.

Five credits are earned for each semester (18 weeks) class per semester. Eighteen-week classes that receive more than five credits from other places (e.g. Turlock Adult School) will receive only five credits (not 10 credits) as earned. A student enrolled for four years must earn a minimum of 240 credits to graduate; transfer students must earn a minimum of 220 credits. A student’s G.P.A. is calculated by dividing the total point value by the total number of earned semester credits. The G.P.A. includes the grades of all classes including the lower grade retaken for a higher grade.

The points are determined by following scale: A = 4; B = 3; C= 2; D = 1; F = 0. Here’s a sample:

The following is to be followed in regard to a student’s withdrawing from a class:

1. During the first two weeks of a quarter, a student who withdraws (with necessary approval) from a class will not receive a grade on his/her record to reflect the work of those first two weeks.

2. After the second week, a student who withdraws (with necessary approval) from a class will receive a grade on his/her permanent record. This grade will be recorded as either WP (Withdrawn Passing) but no credit, or WF (Withdrawn Failing). WF will be included when calculating G.P.A.

3. A new course may not be added after two weeks into the semester unless the student is a new enrollee to the school.

Exams are a regular part of academic measurement. Besides those exams which are given as part of daily instruction, most classes will require students (except for CSF life members) to take a comprehensive semester exam in each course at the end of each semester. The amount of credit percentage of semester grade given the semester exam is left to the judgment of the instructor, provided it is not counted for more than 20% of the total semester grade.

Honor Roll: 3.25 G.P.A. and no “D’s” or “F’s” in any subject.
G.P.A. will be based on grades earned in all subjects. One’s class rank is computed from each quarter’s G.P.A.
Dean’s List: 3.75 G.P.A. and no “D’s” or “F’s” in any subject.
2. Academic Awards: Special recognition is given to outstanding students in each subject at the end of the school year. Certificates are presented on the basis of superior academic work. Plaques are awarded to three students in each class for the following honors: Teachers’ Award, Highest Academic, and Most Outstanding.
3. Principal’s Award: Recognition is offered by the principal for the student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the areas of personal character, extra-curricular involvement, and academic excellence.
4. Attendance Awards: This award honors those students who have maintained a perfect attendance record throughout the school year. One half day’s absence is equivalent to perfect attendance. Students with 1-2 consecutive years of perfect attendance receive a certificate, 3-4 years receive a 5”x 7” plaque, 5 years receive a 6”x 8” plaque, 6-9 years receive a 7”x 9” plaque, and 10+ years receive an 8”x 10” plaque.
5. Athletic Awards: The coaches under the direction of the athletic director determine all athletes’ awards. The presentation of these awards occurs at an assembly at the end of each of the three seasons.
6. Student of the Month: This honor program is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Turlock. Each month the faculty selects one student from a different class to feature in the Turlock Journal. A certificate of participation is given at the end-of-year awards assembly.

K. California Scholarship Federation (CSF) (HS Only)
CSF is an organization that exists “to foster high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship on the part of students of the senior high schools of California.” (CSF State Constitution) Membership in the Turlock Christian chapter of CSF is determined each semester by an evaluation of the grades received in the preceding semester. The State Constitution and State by-laws prescribe that membership in the federation is “neither automatic nor compulsory.” Furthermore, retroactive membership may not be granted to any student who has failed to take advantage of the opportunity to become a member. Full membership may be granted to anyone qualifying who has completed one semester of his/her sophomore year. Associate membership may be granted to anyone qualifying after completion of one semester of his/her freshman year of high school. Life membership is based on grades earned in the 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grades; at least one of these semesters must be based on grades earned as a senior. Life members receive a special seal of distinction on both their transcript and diploma. At graduation special recognition is offered in their honor.

1. Students are expected to do all assigned homework. Homework gives both the teacher and the student time to cover more curriculum for the student’s educational growth. Permitting daily assignments to go uncompleted would show a lack of love, concern, and integrity on the part of the teachers.

2. The academic program is presently set up to accommodate the achievement level of each pupil. Therefore, daily work requirements and other assignments are expected to be at the student’s ability level. Teachers are more than willing to help a student begin an assignment, and students are requested to indicate any difficulty before leaving for home each afternoon.

3. The broad topic of homework includes regular daily assignments, studying for tests and quizzes, as well as the weekly or long-term projects. Students are encouraged to budget their time and properly space their work. As much as possible, they should avoid procrastinating until the night before long-term assignments fall due. Teachers assign this type of project realizing that several sittings are necessary to properly complete the work. This includes adequate time for reading assignments as well as necessary review of daily class notes. Students should consult with teachers individually to properly determine the approximate time needed to complete assignments. Students should expect homework each night.

4. When helping a student with homework, parents need to use discretion in the quantity of help given. Parents are not to do the work for their students.

5. When students have an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed. To make up the work he/she missed, the student will be given a reasonable amount of time which should not exceed twice the number of block periods missed up to a maximum of five school days. For example, if he/she were absent one class, the work must be made up within two class periods. Work turned in by the time limit set by the teacher will be graded at full credit. Work assigned previous to the absence will be taken upon return. Students absent on the day of a test are responsible to take the test on the day they return (i.e., pre-approved absences). An exception is made if the parent writes a note stating that the student was unable to do any studying at all during his/her illness; the work or test could be delayed by one day at the discretion of the teacher.

6. Any test or quiz missed due to a school-sponsored activity must be made up at a time determined by the teacher.

7. All late assignments required in order to pass a course must be made up by the end of the grading period. If assignments are not submitted by the end of the grading period because of illness or some emergency circumstance, the student may receive an “Incomplete” on his/her report card. In such cases, the student must make up the work and remove the “Incomplete” within two weeks of the last day of the grading period. Work not received within the extension period will receive a zero. The final grade will be re-computed and marked on the student’s report card. The office will calculate an “Incomplete” as an “F” when figuring the quarter’s G.P.A. list and it may affect a student’s eligibility for extra-curricular activities during this two week time frame.

8. All 12th and 8th grade students must complete all late work for all subjects during the 2nd semester by the Thursday prior to the beginning of finals. Failure to do so may result in the loss of senior trip, spring fling, and/or graduation privileges.

All study halls are to be active learning times and may be used to complete daily or long-range assignments or for enrichment reading. Students must come prepared to study and bring with them all necessary materials like books, notebooks, pencils, paper, and assignments. Students should bring more work than they think they can finish. Study hall is not a place to waste time or distract others who are working. Eating and drinking are not allowed. Failure to follow Study Hall expectations may result in a student's removal.

Counseling is available for the purpose of helping students mature in the decision-making process and learn to accept the responsibilities that accompany the decisions that are made.

Advanced Placement English Language, English Literature, Statistics, Calculus, Physiucs, Chemistry

All textbooks are to be covered at all times and should include the student’s name on the cover and in the book on the space provided. Any textbook uncovered will have CSF recover it for a $2 charge. Books are to be handled with care and kept in good condition, free from marks. Only paper covers, not adhesives, may cover textbooks. Lost books must be reported to the office. Replacement cost will be billed to parents. The student, prior to the issuance of report cards, must pay any damage and/or replacement costs. A refund will not be given for any lost or damaged books. A student transferring from one class to another or withdrawing from the school must return his/her textbooks to the library. Books are to be returned to the library during the final exam period.

The office will send a transcript of your grades to the college(s) of your choice once you have submitted your request(s) in writing. Three transcripts will be sent at no charge. After three, there will be a $5 charge per transcript.

III. SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Although self-discipline is stressed at TCS, a just system of rules and regulations is necessary if a group of individuals live and work together in unity. Our code of conduct attempts to reflect a spirit of consideration for one another, a respect for tradition, and conformity to Scriptural teachings and principles. Although the presentation of behavioral policies often appears negative, TCS hopes to build a life-style that is positive in focus. The administration, faculty, and staff at TCS are dedicated to the development of a code of conduct (life-style) which reflects Christ’s teachings, and thus benefits the student, school, home, church, and community. Spiritual growth is never the result of superimposed rules; our code of conduct is not designed merely to produce a pattern of outward conformity.

By virtue of their enrollment, students agree to live within the schools standard of conduct, even though they may not personally endorse all of the school’s standards. Those who find it difficult to follow TCS’s code of behavior are advised to seek admission at other schools where patterns of conduct may be more compatible with their own. The school desires that students demonstrate by their conduct an inward acceptance of Christ and a spirit of submission to His Lordship. The goal is that you follow the Holy Spirit and live above the letter of rules and standards.

B. Lifestyle Code

Our expectations for student conduct tend to fall within two major categories—biblical absolutes and community expectations. (The word “community” refers here to the “TCS community,” i.e., all on-campus personnel, including students, faculty, staff, and administration.)

The Bible speaks clearly with regard to standards for human behavior, attitudes, and interactions. Because TCS is a Christian institution which values the Scriptures as final authority on such matters, practices and attitudes unacceptable in Scripture are viewed likewise at TCS. Examples of this would include all forms of dishonesty, including lying, stealing, and cheating; vulgarity; profanity; gossip; drunkenness; lawlessness; occult; and sexual immorality (including pornography). God’s Word also condemns destructive attitudes such as greed, pride, envy, bitterness, social and racial discrimination, and an unforgiving spirit. Therefore, these types of attitudes are also unacceptable for members of the TCS community. Those who choose to engage in the above behavioral practices and/or destructive attitudes are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

These expectations are based on both biblical principles and TCS tradition. They are intended specifically for members of the TCS community and are not set up as standards for all Christians. Some of the more visible social practices seen as harmful to the common good at TCS include such matters as the improper display of affection for the other sex including handholding and the exercise of discretion in choice of entertainment and recreation.

C. Specific Guidelines

In order to maintain a Christian reputation and lifestyle, the following are not permitted on or off the TC campus.

In an effort to maintain a campus that remains orderly, safe, and wholesome, the following things are not permitted on campus:

4. cell phones/CD players/MP3 players/IPODS/DVD players or similar devises may not be kept on your person. They must be turned off and kept in a locker, backpack, or vehicle during school hours. If seen, the devise will be taken to be picked up by a parent and a detention will be issued.. A second offence will result in a two-hour Saturday School, with device being picked up by a parent. A third offence will result in a conference with administration and a four-hour Saturday School.

D. Disciplinary Process

TCS attempts to be a redemptive community of love in which discipline is meant to be helpful to the individual and wholesome for the school. This reflects the heart of Scriptural teaching regarding discipline. (Heb. 12:5-13; Prov. 13:24 & 29:15,17) When properly administered and couched in wise counsel, a positive change in attitude and behavior often result. It must be understood that any behavior that violates our school’s code of conduct, including off-campus offenses (such as drugs/alcohol) will result in school discipline. If a student’s choices indicate he/she has little desire to live a life honoring to God or whose conduct gives evidence of disregard for the spirit of the school standards, it would be sufficient reason to ask him/her to withdraw.

A number of disciplinary steps or options are utilized at TCS. These include but are not limited to warnings, counseling, required restitution, detention, at-home suspension, probation, and dismissal. Since TCS views itself as an extension of the home, parents are informed of serious violations and the resulting discipline.

E. Appeal Procedures

Teachers in the classroom administer the majority of the discipline. Repeating offenders and those involved in serious violations will be referred to the principal’s office. Parents who feel that their student has received inappropriate discipline by a teacher may express their concern with the principal after they have discussed the matter with the teacher. Likewise, disciplinary decisions made by the principal may be discussed with the superintendent after the parents have expressed their concerns to the principal. The final level of this procedure is the school board.

F. Detention Policy

Detention is a means of discipline. Being assigned to detention is usually the result of serious or repeated behavior problems. Detention means students have been assigned to come before school for a period of 60 minutes. The following rules govern detention:

1. A student assigned will be notified at least one day in advance in writing. A properly completed detention notice stating date and time of detention, along with the reason(s) for such detention will constitute the official notice to parents. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver the notice to his/her parents. The parents should sign the notice and have it returned to the issuing teacher. Whether or not the student returns the notice, the parents will be considered as having been officially notified and the detention will be executed.

2. Students arriving late will not be admitted. Failure to serve a detention will result in another detention being added which will be served in a four-hour Saturday School. Missing two consecutive detentions will result in further disciplinary action.

3. Detention must be served on the day indicated. Dates of detention will not be changed for the personal convenience of students. Students who are absent from school on the day of detention will make up the detention without penalty.

4. Students will be assigned work to do; they will not be allowed to do any homework. Any student choosing not to work may be detained that particular day and/or receive an additional detention for the following week.

5. Any student who has accumulated 2 hours in detention will be moved into the Saturday School program to serve the hours.

Saturday School is an organized, supervised period of time on Saturday morning when students perform various custodial tasks or other work to be determined by the principal. Guidelines:

1. Students are responsible for informing their parents of accumulating detentions and any approaching Saturday school assignment.

2. Students must pay a $10/hour fee to TCS to cover the costs of Saturday school at the time of their arrival.

3. Students who fail to attend an assigned Saturday detention will receive additional hours and be assigned to the next-scheduled Saturday school. (These additional hours accumulate towards the next fault in the system.)

H. Fault System

The fault system provides a process to be followed if a student’s behavior becomes a problem. Parental involvement is very evident throughout the system. The fault system has certain automatic steps to follow for faults. This system should give added support to the teacher, fairness to the student, and direction to the administration.

A student will receive a fault from one of the following situations: (generally 4 detentions equal 1 fault)

a. A fault is issued based on detentions due to misbehavior (tardy detentions are not included until they become chronic).

b. A teacher can refer a student to the principal for the issuance of a fault when a certain offense requires discipline that is more serious than a detention.

Fault #1: A student will receive their first fault if they are issued four detentions in a semester or four detentions in a year. A letter will be sent home notifying parents of the fault and the accompanying consequences. This is basically a warning.

Fault #2: A student will receive their second fault after eight detentions in a year. A parent conference will be held. The student will receive the accompanying consequences:

2. Suspension from the next extra-curricular activity or one week athletic competition

Fault #3: A student will receive the third fault after ten detentions at any given time. A letter will be sent home notifying the parents of the fault and the accompanying consequences:

2. Four week removal from extra-curricular activities and athletic competition (including practices)

3. A second parent conference with the administrator and superintendent prior to completion of suspension.

Fault #4: After twelve detentions a student will be issued a fourth fault. This results in immediate suspension from classes pending a decision by administrative committee on the length of suspension or expulsion to be shared at a parent/student conference with the committee.

Fault Carry-Over Clause

Any student with three or more faults at the end of the school year will carry over one fault into the next school year.

Probation is invoked when serious problems in academics, attitude, behavior, or attendance develop. In most instances students are placed on such probation only after other means of help/discipline have proven unsuccessful in producing positive results. Probation will underscore to the student, parent(s), faculty, and administration that the student must satisfactorily resolve the area(s) of concern if he/she is to remain at TCS. There may be instances involving serious violations or other extenuating circumstances in which the principal recommends to the board that a student be dismissed without that student first being placed on probation.

Attitude: A rebellious spirit which is unchanged after much effort by the teachers and/or administration. A continued negative attitude and influence upon other students.

Behavioral: Continued deliberate disobedience, committing a serious breach of conduct inside or outside of school which has an adverse effect upon the school’s testimony.

a. The principal will communicate with the student and parent(s) to give notification and explanation of the probation.

b. A written letter explaining disciplinary measures during the probation period will be sent to the parent(s).

b. Regular conferences are required with the principal or the principal’s designee during the probation period.

a. A student is removed from probation at the end of the semester providing that satisfactory improvement (1.75 G.P.A. and no F’s) has been accomplished.

b. The student who fails to improve satisfactorily may not be permitted to re-enroll for the following semester. If a violation occurs during the probationary period, the principal and superintendent may determine that a student leave immediately.

c. Parents have opportunity to share relevant information affecting the decision at any point of the procedure. At the end of the probationary period, the administration will evaluate the student’s success or lack of success in satisfying the conditions of probation to determine what additional action, if any, is necessary.

Upon approval of the school board and the principal, a student who has been dismissed will be considered for readmission after a minimum of one year from the date of departure. Under special circumstances, the principal may choose to evaluate the student after one semester.

Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, is absolutely prohibited. If you threaten, torment, harass, humiliate, ridicule or otherwise target or bully another individual who you know through school, the school can discipline you up to and including suspension and expulsion for such conduct. Any incident of harassment of a student by another student should be brought immediately to the attention of the school principal. Any incident of sexual harassment of a student by an adult must be reported to a school staff member immediately. Those receiving the report will thoroughly investigate the matter in confidence. After reviewing all the facts, TCS will make a determination concerning whether reasonable grounds exist to believe that harassment has occurred for any incident reported to us. Disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, will be taken against any employee or student who is found to have engaged in harassment. In cases of suspected sexual harassment of a student by an adult, a report must be made to local government authorities.

c. Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.

d. Visual conduct; leering, making sexual gestures, displaying of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters.

e. Verbal conduct; making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, and jokes.

g. Verbal abuse of sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual.

Such conduct includes but is not limited to inappropriate use of the internet, MySpace, Facebook, You Tube, email, mobile devices and/or computers related in any way to school, other students, or school personnel. The District interprets the offense to include messages/images sent from on or off campus computers or other devices that talk about another student or TC personnel which reflects negatively on Turlock Christian Schools.

2. The information and instruction given in a class are of such importance that the student would be at a loss if he/she is not in class. Further, being on time (not tardy) shows respect for all participants in the learning process.

1. Schedule doctor and dentist appointments and family vacations so that attendance at school is affected as little as possible.

2. Send a note with the student when he/she returns to school. The note must contain the dates of absence and the specific reason (including doctor and dentist appointments). A phone call does not eliminate the need for the written note.

1. All students who have been absent from one or more classes must report to the office the first day back with written verification (a note).

2. Students who leave for an off-campus appointment must submit a note to the office and obtain a pass. A student must sign out and upon returning sign back in. Without a note, the absence will be unexcused.

A student who is more than 10 minutes late to any class will not be eligible for practice/game for that day.

g. an emergency situation will be determined as excused or unexcused at the discretion of the administration.

2. Although students have the right to stay home from school for reasons other than stated above, the school also has the right not to accept requests that fall out of these categories.

5. 5^th Unexcused Absence – Suspended pending administrative and parental meeting

For unexcused absences (which includes suspensions), daily assignments, quizzes, major assignments, projects due, or tests taken will receive a 10% reduction.

Truancy is defined as absence from school all day or from individual class periods without authorization from parents or school; this includes leaving school early without going through proper check-out procedures.

No credit will be given for homework and/or a test that are missed due to truancy.

a. Assigned two hours of Saturday School for each class period missed (including lunch and chapel).

b. A day of truancy will result in a fault and four hours of Saturday School.

c. Each subsequent day of truancy will result in one fault per day and suspension.

a. If less than 10 minutes late, the student must report directly to the classroom unless it can be excused by one of the criteria listed in letter "C".

b. If more than 10 minutes late, the student is considered absent and must report to the office for attendance purposes.

c. Sports Requirement (Athletes/Cheerleaders): An athlete who is more than 10 minutes late to any class will not be eligible for practice/game for that day.

d. Tardies due to the following unavoidable circumstances will be considered excused: car trouble/accident, inclement weather, or a one-time emergency situation beyond control of the student at the discretion of the administration.

All tardies between classes will be unexcused unless a note or pass from a teacher, an administrator, or the administrator’s secretary is presented. A tardy without a pass becomes an unexcused absence after ten minutes have passed.

d. 4^th tardy- assigned two detention hours (served at Saturday School) and parental contact

e. 5^th tardy- referral to principal: (parent conference and 4 hour Saturday School)

Note: Chronic tardiness will result in a student’s being placed into the fault system of discipline.

Certain personal reasons which have prior approval of the administration may be excused. Acceptable personal reasons would include family vacations, church activities, outside-of-school competitions and/or performances.

1. A note is presented to the office from the parents or guardian anytime the day before the absence. The student will not need to submit another note.

2. The student will get a "Pre-Arranged Advance Notice of Absence" form from the office. They are responsible for contacting their teachers (one day’s notice for each day to be absent) to request assignments that will be missed. All homework (including tests) will be due the day of his/her return unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. Each assignment and/or test will be reduced 10% for each day it is late up to maximum of five school days. No credit will be given after five days.

3. A maximum of five pre-arranged absences are permitted except for seniors who may have an extra five days for college visitation. Additional pre-arranged days will be considered unexcused unless exempted by the administration.

No student may walk out of class to leave campus without written authorization from the office even if a parent comes to the classroom in person. The parent needs to report to the office first to receive written authorization before a teacher may dismiss a student from class.

1. Class periods missed will be individually counted so that attendance may be more accurate.

2. TCS operates under the “closed campus” policy. If a student needs to leave school sometime during the day, he/she must bring a written request from home. The request is to be submitted to the office which will issue an “early dismissal” slip to the student. The student will then give the slip to the appropriate teacher during the period he/she is to leave. All students who leave during a school day for any reason must sign “out” and “in” at the office.

3. Students who become ill during the school day must report to the office. The studnet will contact their parents from the school phone. Students who go home without office permission will be considered unexcused.

1. Students must attend at least 85% of total class periods to receive credit (not missing more than 8 periods of any class).

2. All absences, excused and unexcused, will be counted toward the total number of classes missed.

3. If it appears that a student may be absent for an extended length of time, the parents should contact the principal immediately to set up an alternative plan of action so that an entire semester or year is not lost.

1. The purpose of a dress code is to minimize influences which distract from the goals of the School. It is also designed to limit competition for attention (based on appearance) among the students. The dress of students should reflect the worth and respect for each person in the light of Christian principles. I Timothy 2:9 “…adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation…”; Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.”

2. The establishment of a dress code is necessary due to the variety of lifestyles and standards represented within the enrollment at Turlock Christian. It is generally easy to determine grossly inappropriate apparel or overly conservative clothing but there is a considerable amount of gray area between the extremes. At TC, our goal for clothing is to be neat, clean, modest, and not distracting; appropriate for school activity. Styles which are perfectly acceptable for off campus activity may not be appropriate for school wear. We will always opt towards the conservative standards. All families are urged to be understanding and show wholehearted cooperation in the implementation of our policy while the students are involved in the education program and activities associated with the school. I Corinthians 10:23-24 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each on the other’s well being.”

3. Turlock Christian depends on the parents to work with the administration in maintaining the dress code guidelines. Please remember that the dress code lasts for an entire year when purchasing school clothing. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision in regard to any questionable dress or appearance of students.

1. Clothing must be modest at all times while on campus and at school events held off campus.

2. Pants will be neat and clean. Jeans with rips, holes, or fraying will not be allowed.

3. Hats are not to be worn inside buildings. Hats will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.

4. Shorts may be worn throughout the school year. All shorts must be hemmed. Shorts must cover a minimum of 50% of the thigh in a kneeling position.

5. There will be no underwear of any type showing in any posture. (Students will be dress coded if not in compliance with the code while in a sitting position, with their hands raised, or when reaching to pick something from the floor, etc…)

6. All garments will be free of inappropriate slogans, logos, or representations.

7. Shoes are to be worn at all times. (Girls may not wear tall spike heels on campus due to safety concerns.)

8. Negative counter-cultural fads of dress or hairstyles with extreme cuts or unnatural colors must be avoided.

9. Wallet chains of no more than 12 inches may be worn; all other chains are unacceptable.

10. Regular school attire should be worn on field trips unless permission is granted for some modification because of the nature of the activity.

12. No body piercing rings except for girl’s earrings are allowed to be worn on campus or at school events. All inappropriate body piercing rings will be confiscated and returned only to the parents. The covering of inappropriate rings will NOT be tolerated.

1. All skirts and dresses must be appropriate in length for school activity. They must be no shorter than three inches from the floor in a kneeling position (slits in dresses/skirt included in measurement).

2. Dresses and girls' tops should be appropriate for school activity with undergarments not visible. Modest, sleeveless tops are acceptable, but spaghetti straps are not to be worn. Tops that are too short to completely cover the midriff in all postures are also unacceptable.

3. Bare midriffs, low cut front (cleavage) or back, or other revealing styles are unacceptable at school and school functions.

4. Swimsuits must be one piece, must provide full coverage, and not be low cut on top or high cut at the legs.

1. Shirts with collars, pullover shirts and finished sleeveless shirts designed for external wear are acceptable styles.

4. Sleeveless undershirts, muscle shirts, tank tops, or similar apparel are not permitted.

5. Hairstyles must be no longer than the eyebrows in the front and the base of the neck in the back (off the collar of a crew neck t-shirt). Tails are not acceptable.

1^st Offense: parents notified; change of clothes; absence/tardy from one class is excused.

2^nd Offense: parents notified; change of clothes absence/tardy from class unexcused; detention.

REMINDER: If at any time a student is out of compliance, they can be cited. Fixing the problem on the way to the office will not negate the penalty.

a. Required P.E. shorts and shirts must be purchased from Bilson’s Sport Shop. They will not be available at the school office.

All students are automatically members of the Turlock Christian School Junior High/High School Student Association. This organization has been established to encourage and promote Christian ideals, high standards of conduct among students, and closer cooperation between students and faculty. The governing body of this student organization is the student council. New student leaders are elected each spring; all qualified students are encouraged to become involved. The student council functions under the guidelines set out by the Constitution of the Associated Student Body of Turlock Christian High School. Consult this constitution for a comprehensive statement of officers, qualifications for office, election procedures, etc.

A school yearbook and newspaper are published each year to capture school and student life. The advisor is a member of the school staff.

A student store is open every school day for students to purchase a variety of lunch foods. Seniors operate the student store under the direction of the senior class advisor and senior store advisor. The proceeds will go into the senior trip account. The student store will not be open during finals weeks.

Various student groups may conduct fundraising events throughout the year to help finance their activities. All such fundraising events are conducted in conjunction and cooperation with other TCS groups sponsoring such events and with the total TCS program. Student fundraising efforts must be cleared with the Director of Development.

A daily bulletin is published to distribute general information and school news. The bulletin is read each day at the beginning of the first/fourth period class. It is posted in the school’s PowerSchool web site.

TCHS offers a variety of extra curricular activities for every student: several major sports for boys and girls, cheerleading, and student government. For the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities, students must maintain good grades and good conduct for each quarter. Student council members must earn and maintain a 3.00 G.P.A. and athletes (including cheerleaders) must have a 2.00 G.P.A. and have no more than one F.

The handbook applies to all extra-curricular activities unless otherwise communicated. For athletic event specifics, please consult the Coach’s Athletic Handbook.

1. Students are to respect the campus of the opposing schools. Students guilty of vandalism are responsible for full payment and will receive school discipline.

2. There will be no derogatory comments directed at individual players, teams, or officials. Stay positive and vocal in support of our teams! Students are to respect the name, color, symbols, and insignia of the opposing school.

3. Be considerate of the injured on both sides; express appreciation for exhibition of fine play or good sportsmanship by players of either teams.

Chapel is a time set aside for praise, worship, and instruction in the Bible. Students should enter and leave chapel in a manner conducive to worship, paying full attention and giving respect to the presenter is expected. When chapel is completed, students are to go directly to their next class.

Turlock Christian Junior High/High School is a Closed Campus. Our campus is closed to visitors (including former students) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

1. Students who leave during the day for an off-campus appointment should refer to the handbook section on partial day absences.

2. Students who need to leave campus during lunch hour must provide a note from home and be accompanied by a non-student adult (21 years old) unless he/she is a family member.

a. The non-TC student and parent are seriously considering enrolling in TC and shadowing is part of their decision-making process.

b. A relative is visiting from outside the area and the administrator is comfortable allowing the relative to shadow the TC student.

a. All visitors must report directly to the office, seek approval from administration, and receive a visitor pass.

1. When class is not in session, students are to acknowledge the following campus boundaries:

c. To the south: sidewalk connecting North ED Building & Warner Johnson Building

2. Lunch area includes the picnic tables, in front of the Library/Science building, and remaining visible area in athletic fields. There will be no eating inside vehicles or in the parking lot.

3. No loitering on stairwells, in hallways, or classrooms (unless supervised by teacher)

All materials distributed by students, parents, or outside organizations to TCS students must have the prior approval of the TCS administration.

1. Classes will leave the buildings in a quiet, orderly manner according to instructions.

2. Classes will exit by the nearest convenient locations as directed by the staff.

3. Students should carry personal belongings with them. All school supplies and books should remain in the room.

4. The teacher shall be the last person to leave the room with the class roll book.

6. Class groups are to remain together in designated areas. Teachers will take roll quickly and report absences as compared to start of the period.

2. Remain in a sheltered position at least 60 seconds until the teacher concludes the drill.

Any student outside of class must have a signed hall pass. The purpose of a hall pass is to provide a student with proof of teacher permission for leaving a class at any time.

Students may check out books from the library for four weeks with an option to renew up to 2 times, unless the book has been requested by another student. No more than 5 Accelerated Reader books may be checked out at a time. Overdue notices will go out once a week, and overdue letters (with a final warning of return books or be charged a $10 cover fee) will go out once a month. Books may not be renewed if they are already overdue, and no more books may be checked out if there are overdue books out. Reference books and magazines do not circulate and may not be checked out.

Lockers are available on a “1^st come, 1^st serve” basis when requested by the student. Lockers are the property of the school. Each student is responsible for his locker and the contents in it at all times. To maximize security your locker should be locked at all times. Locks not issued by the school may not be placed on any of the school’s lockers. To ensure a safe and wholesome educational environment, unannounced periodic locker checks may be conducted throughout the year.

All lost items are placed in the various “lost and found” barrels. The unclaimed contents that accumulate will be given to charity at the end of each quarter.

TCS does not have a regular hot lunch program (cafeteria), but there is the student store where various lunch foods, drinks, and snacks may be purchased.

A student may be excused from participation in P.E. activity for up to one week with a parent’s note; after that, a doctor’s note is needed.

Freshmen and sophomores who are involved in Turlock Christian’s extra-curricular sports (including cheerleaders) may petition for enrollment in study hall during their regularly scheduled P.E. class for the duration of one semester per sport. Students must use study hall wisely or will be returned to the P.E. class for the rest of the school year. (Written warning and a notice to parents will be given before a student is removed from study hall.)

To be considered for exemption status, a student must submit a Petition to Request Exemption from P.E. Class for each sport of participation before the announced deadline. (There must be an approved roster by your coach.)

Sophomores may order class rings in the fall. Jostens will be on campus to take orders.

TCS colors are blue, white, and red. As early as 1782, our forefathers chose these colors to represent courage, purity, and justice.

The mascot of Turlock Christian Schools is the eagle, depicted in scripture as strong, brave, and courageous.

“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

Each student is covered by accident insurance on a full excess basis for all school sponsored activities. (Parents’ health insurance is the primary insurance.) A student is covered to and from athletic events if traveling in a school vehicle. In case of an accident the following procedures must be followed:

1. All accidents, regardless of how slight the injury or damage, must be reported immediately to the teacher in charge of the class or activity.

3. The student and his physician must cooperate with our office personnel in completing all necessary insurance forms.

All prescription medications are to be dispensed though the office, unless the student has received written permission from the office to take prescribed medication on his/her own. For non-prescribed medication (e.g. pain relievers, decongestants, inhalers) students may self-medicate if parents have recorded written permission in the office. At NO TIME may students give any of their medicine to another student. If a student does give or sell medication to another student, all privileges to take any medication at the school on his/her own will be forfeited and further disciplinary action may be taken.

1. Outside doors to H.S. building will remain locked until 7:45 A.M. The school is not responsible for students arriving on campus before 15 minutes prior to the start of school.

2. Outside supervision of students will be provided during the following time periods:

A phone is available in the office for students to use when needing to contact parents. Please limit calls to those of utmost necessity. Students making phone calls between classes will not receive an excused tardy to the next class. All calls made from start of the school day to its end must be made from the school phone.

TCS does not provide transportation for students to and from school. We encourage families to form car pools. The school office will provide information on others who live in your area.

1. TCS students have an obligation to their host church, neighbors, and themselves to drive carefully, courteously, and safely at all times.

2. Spinning of wheels, squealing tires, speeding, or any form of reckless driving will not be permitted on or around the campus.

3. Car radios and CD players must be kept at a low volume so as not to be disruptive.

4. Students are to be seated in the vehicle while in motion. At no time are students allowed to ride outside the car or in the bed of a truck.

5. Vehicles dropping off students will enter and exit from the Berkeley driveways designated on this Traffic Drving Map.

6. Students are asked to leave their cars in the designated spaces once they are parked; in other words, loitering around the cars or visiting/eating inside them is not permitted.

7. A parking rack is provided for all bicycles; they may not be parked anywhere else (i.e., under the stairwells). All bicycles should be locked to the rack.

8. Students parking on campus need to register for a “permit” at the high school office. Each student is expected to park in their designated space. (There is a $5.00 deposit fee.)

1. Field trips are mandatory school events. They are not optional. Absences are handled in the same manner as a regular school day.

2. Bus or private automobiles may be used for field trips and interscholastic sports events. If private cars are used, the following steps must be taken:

a. Each car driver must fill out a short form certifying that they have had no more than one traffic citation in the last three years, that they have a valid California Driver’s license, and that they have met minimum insurance requirements and understand the risks involved in driving students in their car. (TCS insurance covers students and drivers. However, the driver’s insurance is primary.)

b. Approval from the principal, athletic director, or superintendent must be granted if transportation other than the bus is used.

c. Emergency cards for each student carried in a car or bus must accompany the vehicle by which the student is transported.

d. All students and adults traveling in private automobiles for TCS field trips must wear seat belts – one per person. No more than seven (7) passengers may travel in a vehicle unless the vehicle and driver are school bus rated.

b. Students are to obey the driver and/or sponsor’s instruction without hesitation.

c. The driver and a supervising adult are responsible for the behavior of the students on the bus.

d. Students must remain seated at all times and have no part of the body extended outside the bus.

e. Each group of students is responsible to assist with cleaning up the bus after their outing.

f. Damage to buses or any other vehicles will be paid for by the one doing the damage.

All tuition, fees and fines should be paid promptly. Parents or students may inquire at any time about the existence or amount of such bills. The following guidelines have been established for past-due accounts:

1. Any student whose registration has not been paid is not officially enrolled in our school; consequently, his/her schedule will not be mailed, he/she may not participate in any summer activities (e.g. cheerleading camp/practices, athletic practices, etc.)

2. All accounts must be current by the last day of school or report cards/diplomas will be held.

3. A graduating student will be permitted to participate in the ceremony and receive a diploma cover, but the diploma will be withheld.

Students under eighteen who are employed are required by state law to have a work permit. The student is to obtain a Form B1-1, Work Permit and Statement of Intent to Employ Minor, from the office. The student is to fill out the form and obtain parent and employer signatures. (Please note that the student must have a social security number to obtain a work permit.) The Student is to return the completed form to the school office. The office will then issue Form B1-4, Permit to Employ and Work. This form is to be signed by the student and returned to the employer.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Mission Statement

B. Admission Policy

II. ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

D. Recommended Programs

Advanced College Prep

UC/CSU College Prep

Graduation

III. SCHOOL DISCIPLINE