Behavior

Guidelines for a Christian Lifestyle

Scriptural teaching is the source of guidelines for conduct at FRCS. The Bible’s instruction for conduct is held to be authoritative both to the individual and the community. Interpretation and application of Biblical teaching to behavioral issues is reflective to the beliefs and practices of evangelical Christianity.

Standards of Conduct

As an academic institution, FRCS is not designed to be a correctional institution—children should not be enrolled with the hope that FRCS will “reform” them. FRCS has, however, established school guidelines and expectations for each student to follow as a demonstration of love and respect for the Lord, each other, and this school.

Phone and Smart Device Policy

Smart devices and mobile phones should remain turned off and inside student backpacks, unless related to a family emergency or for medical purposes (this policy applies to all smart electronic devices, including smart watches; phones; personal tablets, including iPads not issued by the school; etc.).

Dress Code Specifics for Elementary Students

To help students and parents in understanding the intent and spirit of the dress code, we require, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Student clothing and shoes should remain comfortable, practical, and appropriate for the weather, activity, and age group. However, students should abstain from a disheveled, disorderly, and unkempt appearance.
2. Parents should encourage moderation in clothing style and cost to avoid any appearance of promoting “elitism,” consumerism, or creating a distraction or competitiveness in fashion.
3. Students should refrain from wearing clothing and shoes that draw attention to themselves and detract from basic Christian values and the philosophy of FRCS.
4. The following types of clothing are not allowed:
   • Muscle shirts; boys may not wear tank tops
   • Boys wearing girls clothes and vice versa
   • Trench coats/dusters
   • Strapless or see-through garments
   • Spaghetti straps: the width of any sleeveless top on girls must be at least 3 fingers wide at the shoulder. Bra straps should not be visible.
   • Halter tops, low cut tops, backless garments, racer-back tank tops, or shirts allowing midriff area to show
   • Skin tight garments. Leggings may be worn under dress code appropriate skirts, shorts, and dresses, and leggings or yoga pants may be worn under a long shirt or tunic that meets the length standard for shorts.
   • Baggy-style pants that drag the floor or hang loosely from the hips, showing boxers, shorts, etc.
   • Any pants with words written on the back (rear end area).
   • Pajama pants or slippers (except as allowed by teachers for special classroom events or spirit events)
   • Hats and head coverings
     • Generally, students are discouraged from wearing hats of any kind, including bandanas as head wraps.
     • Students may wear hats at recess, especially when weather appropriate
5. Shorts should be as long as or longer than the tip of the middle finger with arms held normally at the side. Work out shorts should only be worn during practice or competition — never in the classroom.
6. Skirts, skorts and dresses should be no shorter than one hand’s width above the knee when standing straight, whether wearing tights/leggings or not. Girls should be able to comfortably and easily sit, lean over, or climb stairs while maintaining modesty.
7. Hair should be neatly groomed and reflect moderate style and color. Unnatural colors and striping are not allowed unless it is a predetermined spirit day. The school reserves the right to require changes in hairstyle as deemed necessary.
8. Jewelry, if worn, should be simple and safe. Jewelry should not be worn for any type of gym class. The school is not responsible for lost jewelry.
9. With the exception of girls’ earrings, students are not allowed to display or wear body piercings (including clear studs) or tattoos of any kind (including temporary); writing or marking on oneself is not allowed.

Discipline Categories and Consequences

We believe the purpose of discipline at FRCS is three-fold:

• To teach students that their behavior has consequences, both good and bad, and that they will be held accountable for their actions
• Part of the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and God has given each student a will, which means they have the ability to make wise or foolish choices
• To provide an orderly and safe learning environment, free of distractions and conducive to academic success

We believe a student should learn the God-given responsibility to walk honorably in every way (Hebrews 13:18, Ephesians 5:15, Psalm 119:1). FRCS, therefore, provides just, firm, and consistent discipline, tempered with love. We maintain standards of behavior with kindness, love, and a genuine regard for the student.

However, when disciplinary action becomes necessary, FRCS reserves the right to have full discretion in the discipline (excluding corporal punishment), in conjunction with parental notification. The Administration also reserves the right to modify the Behavioral Policies to clarify violations, should it prove too vague.

Misconduct has been classified and divided into three categories, depending on the severity of the violation.

Category I

Category I problems usually involve classroom management and require only direct resolution by the teacher, but may involve parents, the Principal, or other teachers. Activities that violate Category I rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Use of a cell phone during class, including having it turned on
• Dress code violations (see Dress Code for more information)
• Hallway, bathroom, and playground violations or disturbances (also see Recess Guidelines)
• Habitual tardiness (3-5 per grading period; see Tardiness Policy)
• Habitual absences (see Attendance Policy)
• Improper use of property (such as technology)
• Disrupting the learning environment
• Inappropriate displays of affection
• Chronic incomplete class work or homework
• Any other minor disturbances that prevent order in and out of the classroom

Category I Consequences

Offenses may result in a Family Portal notification listing consequences assigned by the Principal and/or teacher. Other consequences may include loss of privileges, separation from other students, additional work assigned, loss of playtime, etc. Recurring Category I offenses will result in Category II consequences.

Category II

Violations of Category II include activities and attitudes that show a lack of respect for authority. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lying
• Cheating
• Stealing
• Disrespect to staff or students or deliberate disrespect for property
• Rebellion
• Direct disobedience
• Inappropriate hitting, tackling, or pushing
• Threats of any kind
• Physical aggression/horseplay or destructive horseplay
• Obscenity, profanity, or vulgarity
• Truancy: 60+ days absent from school (see Attendance Policy)
• Excessive tardiness or absences (see Attendance Policy)
• Inappropriate touch or suggestive behavior
• Frequent and repeated violations of Category I rules

Category II Consequences

Offenses result in a Family Portal notification or Pink Slip listing the disciplinary action that is forthcoming. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, conference with student, teacher, and/or Principal; conference with parents; detention; temporary removal from the class; replacement of property; loss of privileges; probation; or in or out of school suspension. Recurring Category II offenses will result in Category III consequences.

Category III

Category III infractions include the violation of U.S., State, or City laws; activities that seriously threaten the safety of the student or others; acting in a way that shows gross disrespect for authority or property; and activities that violate biblical and moral codes of conduct. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Defacing school property with any object
• Leaving campus without permission
• Fighting and other excessive physical abuse
• Viewing or possessing pornography
• Participating in immoral or illegal activities
• Possessing or using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or any related paraphernalia
• Possessing any weapon or explosive
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual misconduct
• Frequent and repeated violation of Category II rules
• Bullying (see Bullying under All School Policies)

Category III Consequences

Category III offenses may result in immediate suspension or expulsion, notification of parents and proper authorities, loss of privileges, loss of leadership roles, or other disciplinary action as determined by the Principal or an impartial discipline committee.

Explanation of Consequences

Pink Slip

This is a written report of misconduct from the attending teacher or staff person and signed by an administrator. The student will receive one copy and the office will hold the duplicate copy. The student must obtain a parent signature and return his/her copy to the classroom teacher the following school day. If a Pink Slip is not returned within 2 days, an additional one will be issued and recorded on the student’s records. Note: Parent notification and documentation may also be accomplished via RenWeb, in lieu of a paper Pink Slip.

After School Detention

The student must appear on the day assigned (if in school that day) and report to the designated detention room where he/she will sit quietly for 30 minutes. Students are not permitted to do homework or any other activity (except for assigned facilities chores) during this time. Failure to serve an assigned detention will result in an additional Pink Slip and detention. Sometimes detentions may interfere with an already planned activity or appointment. Unless the appointment is medical in nature, the student will be expected to attend the assigned detention and reschedule other obligations.

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary probation may be invoked when a student has not brought a noted problem under control, or after a student has been suspended from school. Probation may also be invoked when a student has accumulated 4 Pink Slips during a grading period for disciplinary or academic reasons. Probation is intended to allow for a mutual effort on the part of both the school and home to correct the deficiency in question. It is expected that the deficiency will be improved to a satisfactory level. If not, a probation committee will decide if the student will be able to continue at FRCS. The Principal of FRCS must approve recommendation for dismissal. Student activities will be limited. No refunds are given for trips or extracurricular activities that are missed due to disciplinary probation. All positions of trust and responsibility must be relinquished during a probationary period. This will last for a minimum of nine academic weeks and may carry over to a new school year. If, during the course of the probationary period, the student shows lack of progress, he or she may be recommended for immediate expulsion from the school.

Administrative action placing a student on probation for the second time in two consecutive semesters constitutes a recommendation by the committee to the Principal that the student be expelled or withdrawn from the school.

Suspensions

• In-School Suspension: This is the removal of a student from the classroom for a pre-determined period of time. A fee is assessed to the family the day of the suspension to pay for the suspension teacher.
• Out-of-School Suspension: This is the removal of the student from school for a specified number of days.

The Principal has the authority to suspend a student immediately under emergency circumstances without committee recommendation. “Emergency circumstances” are left to the discretion of the Principal, but likely involve Category II or Category III violations. Otherwise, out of school suspensions shall be invoked through committee recommendation and after due process. All work missed during any suspension must still be completed and turned in. The length of suspension is determined by the Principal and excludes the day the suspension is given. Very specific changes in attitudes and actions are expected prior to re-admission. A readmission conference with parent, Principal, and student is necessary for the suspended student to return to school. When a student is re-admitted to school, he/she will be placed on probation. Absences due to a suspension count as unexcused absences.

Expulsion

All expulsions are invoked through committee recommendation after due process, except in emergency circumstances. This committee shall consist of no less than three staff members—one being the Principal. Under certain circumstances, the Principal may invoke suspensions immediately, prior to committee decisions on expulsion. See Suspensions for more details.

Expulsion may be recommended by the committee if the student’s behavior is preventing classroom instruction, for violation of Category II or III rules, unresolved disciplinary or academic probation, or failure to correct the deficiencies specified in probationary admissions. When expulsion is recommended, a date of withdrawal from school will be set; the expulsion date may be immediate. Recommendations for expulsion require the approval of the Head of School.

Tuition & Fees

There shall be no abatement or refund of tuition and fees for any period of time a student is subject to probation, suspension, or expulsion. Each family is responsible for tuition and fees for the entire semester should they choose to withdraw, or if expulsion occurs before the conclusion of that semester.