MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Crenshaw Christian Academy is to provide a rigorous college
preparatory academic program centered around the truth of God’s Word and strong
Christian values in a safe and nurturing environment.
I. STATEMENT OF POLICY
This handbook is neither a contract nor an offer to contract. Crenshaw Christian
Academy (CCA) reserves the right to make changes in objective policies, regulations,
fees, and course offerings as circumstances may require.
II. PURPOSE
The primary purpose of Crenshaw Christian Academy is to prepare the average and
above average students for the next level of education in a God-honoring fashion. 1
Corinthians 14:40 says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
CCA will stress academic training heavily and support the spiritual, social and physical
training required of the home so that 1 Corinthians 14:40 may be a reality in each
student’s life.
The purpose of this Handbook is to help the student achieve self-discipline, that is, this
Handbook explains the punishment for incorrect behavior so that the student will fully
understand what is expected of him/her if he/she fails to understand a “pattern of
conduct consistent with the ideals of the school representing Christian principles.”
III. ADMISSIONS POLICY
Students enrolling at CCA and their parent(s) agree to abide by the policies and
educational philosophy practiced by CCA. When applying, the prospective student and
parent(s) will be required to accomplish the following before his first day of class:
1. Be interviewed by the Administrator.
2. Submit properly completed application forms.
3. Read and sign Parent-Student Handbook
4. Sign or provide the following forms:
a.
Records released from previous school(s) for evaluation by the screening
committee
b. Birth and vaccination certificates
c.
Copy of latest report card; or if transferring during the school year, a grade
withdrawal form
d. Social Security number
e. Admission application and contract
5.
Meet the age requirements, based on 6 years by September 1 to enter first
grade, and the ability to carry the academic classes, based on entrance
evaluations.
6. Must be a candidate for graduations from transferring school, (having an
acceptable score on all standardized tests) and meet the CCA requirements for
graduation whether entering as a junior or senior.
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7. Must not be in attendance or recommended to attend alternative school.
8. Must not be pregnant or mother/father of a child
9. Must not be convicted of a felony.
10. Upon acceptance, pay the Foundation and Registration fees.
11.
All new and transfer students are admitted on probationary status for the first
semester.
NOTE: A STUDENT CONVICTED OF A FELONY WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO CCA.
A STUDENT MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING IN ACADEMICS AND CITIZENSHIP
FROM PREVIOUS SCHOOL(S) AND BE OF GOOD MORALS AND HIGH ETHICAL
STANDARDS.
IV. PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
Crenshaw Christian Academy was founded to fill a void in the spiritual and academic
education of students in Crenshaw County, Alabama. It was believed that the school
should be an extension of the Christian home and church and help to preserve those
things in our society that further the cause of Jesus Christ. CCA should serve as a
fortress for good in a changing world which is beset with a multitude of disruptions and
negative influences.
CCA is designed to train its students to meet successfully the challenges of life.
Through spiritual and academic training and extra-curricular activities, students will
develop to their full potential. It is the desire of all associated with CCA that each
student fulfills all the duties and responsibilities of Christian citizens.
V. ACADEMIC INFORMATION
CCA stands for quality education, and we will never be satisfied with less than the best.
A. FACULTY
The Administrator of CCA selects all teachers for their spiritual, moral, and
academic qualifications. Each teacher is dedicated to Christian education and has a
genuine love and concern for boys and girls. We consider our faculty one of the
greatest assets to our total educational program.
B. CURRICULUM
ABEKA curriculum is used in elementary school with supplements in reading and
science. In high school, the advanced curriculum is designed to meet the
requirements of major colleges. We offer two paths for students in high school, the
standard diploma and the advanced diploma; both are geared toward preparing all
students to be ready for entrance into college.
C. HOMEWORK
Homework is given to students to develop mental discipline, to provide practice in
new skills, and to reinforce previously learned material. Homework assignments are
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the responsibility of the student. If your student seems to spend excessive time
doing homework, a conference with the teacher is in order.
D. FIELD TRIPS
Field trips will occasionally be scheduled as an extension of classroom learning. A
permission form may be sent in addition to the release form. Each child is expected to
participate. If he does not, the rules governing absences and unexcused work will
apply. All rules in the handbook apply since the field trips are an extension of the
class; behavior and dress must be representative of CCA.
E. REPORT CARD AND GRADING SCALE
It is the purpose of the report card to inform the parents or guardian of the progress
a student is making in his school work. At the end of each nine week period, the
students are given scholastic grades. These reports must be taken home for the
parents’ inspection and signature. Parents are urged to consider these reports
carefully and to read the explanations and notes found on the cards. The scholastic
advancement of the student is indicated by the following :
A-Excellent
90-100
B-Good
80-89
C-Fair
70-79
D-Poor
65-69
F-Failure
below 65
Semester averages begin with grade 9, while other averages are on a whole year
basis. In grades 7 and 8, the average must be at least 65 to constitute a passing
grade in a subject. In grades 9-12, the average grade each semester must be at
least 65 to pass. Examinations are given at the end of the semester to grades 7-12.
The examination grade for grades 9-12 is weighted 20 percent of the semester
average in a course. For 7th-8th grades, the exam is scored and weighted as a
regular test. Absence from an examination is excused only in the case of serious
illness or family emergency. Other exams which necessitate rescheduling must have
the approval of the Administrator. **No exemptions are allowed for first semester
exams. Students in grades 7-12 may exempt second semester exams for
which they have an A average for third and fourth nine weeks. Additionally,
students may exempt ONE class in which they have an 85 average and perfect
attendance in that class. Seniors may exempt second semester exams with an
average of 75 or higher.
Grading Policy
Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6 Grades 7-12
Tests/Quizzes 60% Tests 45% Tests 75%
Daily/Homework 40% Quizzes 35% Quizzes 15%
Daily/Homework 20% Homework 10%
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Grades 1-6:
3 major tests, 3 quizzes, and a weekly
daily grade per nine weeks.
Grades 7-12:
4 major tests, 3 quizzes, and a weekly daily
grade per nine weeks.
** Any adjustments to this grading scale must be approved by the administrator.**
F. HONOR ROLL
The honor roll is made up of students who have made all A’s and all A’s and B’s for
the nine weeks and semester final grades.
G. PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS
At the end of the fourth week of each reporting period, progress reports will be sent to the
parents. Additionally, progress reports may be viewed on FACTS for one week past progress
report time.
H. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
Each student who graduates from an AISA accredited school will at least meet Alabama
State Department of Education course requirements for an officially sanctioned state
diploma, which can be found at www.alsde.edu. AISA diplomas are awarded upon
completion of the requirements for one of the State Academic Diplomas or upon the
completion of the AISA Minimum Diploma Requirements or the requirements for the
AISA Advanced Honors Diploma. ALSDE occupational and/or technical diploma options
are not allowable under AISA Graduation Guidelines. The AISA Advanced Honors
Diploma is strongly recommended for college preparatory students in AISA accredited
schools. To be an honor graduate, the student must be in advanced classes grades 9 –
12 and maintain an average of 90 in the core classes (English, History, Math, Science,
and Foreign Language).
Diploma Options
AISA Standard Diploma Requirements Total 24 Units
AISA Advanced Honors Diploma Total 25 Units
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AISA Standard Diploma Requirements (24 Units)
UNITS REQUIRED
English/Lang Arts (9-12(
4
Math (must include Geometry
and Algebra II
4
Science (must include a life
science and a physical
science in addition to Biology
and Anatomy/Physiology)
4
History
4
Physical Education
1
Speech
.5
Health
.5
Fine Arts
.5
Computer Applications
.5
Community Service (75 hrs)
.5
Career Prep-effective 2023
(Exemption for students
enrolled in DE technical
program)
1
Foreign Language
1
Electives
2.5
Total
24
5
AISA Advanced Honor Diploma (25 Units)
Advanced English 9-12 with heavy
emphasis on research and writing
4
Math (advanced levels, including
Alg II with Trig and Alg III or
Pre-Calculus
4
Science (must include advanced
levels of Biology, Chemistry,
Physics, and Anatomy/Physiology)
4
History
4
Physical Education
1
Speech
.5
Health
.5
Fine Arts
.5
Computer Applications
.5
Career Prep-effective 2023
(Exemption for students enrolled in
DE technical program)
1
Foreign Language (sequence is
preferred; exceptions may be made
for transfer students)
2
Electives
3
Total
25
Notes:
1. Subjects taken before ninth grade cannot be counted as units for graduation
in any of the two diploma options. (Exception: Alg I and Computer
Applications may be counted for transfer students).
2. For credits to be given in laboratory science courses, students must engage
in traditional hands-on laboratory activities on a regularly scheduled basis.
Science courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science,
Environmental Science, and Anatomy/Physiology must include the prescribed
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curriculum and learning activities supported by a traditional textbook and a
correlated laboratory manual.
3. Two units of the same foreign language should be taken in the Advanced and
Honors curricula; however, when not possible, the local school administrator
may allow one unit of one language and one of another.
4. The Fine Arts requirement may be in any of the following areas: Choral
Music, Instrumental Music (Band, etc.), Visual Arts, or Drama.
5. All AISA graduates must complete a four-unit English Language Arts
Curriculum that includes heavy concentration in grammar and composition in
each course. American Literature must be studied for one year and English
Literature must be studied for one year. (Exceptions may be made for Dual
Enrollment students with administrator and counselor approval).
6. The ½ unit Service requirement may be earned by serving the school, other
agencies or institutions, and/or the community. A minimum of 75 hours of
satisfactory service, documented by the homeroom teacher, counselor, or
administration, will be necessary for the ½ unit to be earned.
7. A student cannot be a valid candidate for graduation unless he/she is
continuously “on-roll” according to State and AISA attendance regulations
during the school year preceding graduation. Exceptions must be in writing to
the AISA office.
8. Member schools are not authorized to issue diplomas based on completion of
the GED or other types of examinations or on the completion of any given
number of years of schooling.
9. Subjects taught by tutors will not be counted toward AISA graduation
requirements.
10. Credits earned toward graduation in a summer school program must be from
a program that is approved by the State Department of Education , AdvancED,
NCPSA and/or sanctioned in writing by the AISAby the AISA office.
11. All financial accounts must be paid in full before a diploma will be issued to a
senior; the diploma will be held until the bill is paid in full.
12. A student in grades 11-12 may participate in dual enrollment (10
th
grade may
qualify for some classes with special permission from the Administrator and
the GPA necessary) as long as they meet the guidelines for GPA set forth by
the institution they are desiring to dual enroll with. Tenth Grade students with
a 3.5 GPA and permission of the Administrator may participate. CCA students
can dual enroll through LBW, Troy, Enterprise, Auburn, or AUM. Students
may take English in the place of their grade level English. The AISA and
Alabama Department of Education will allow Dual Enrollment English courses
to meet the requirements for high school English and literature. If a dual
enrollment course is not taking the place of a CCA class. it may have to be
taken on the student’s own time. There will be one period a day allocated for
dual enrollment with a teacher monitoring students' work if schedules allow.
Dropping a dual enrollment course or making a grade below C also drops the
student from dual enrollment for the following semester, excluding summer
classes.
13. In accordance with the Alabama State Department of Education
requirements, all senior students are required to pass the Civics Exam, also
known as the Citizenship Exam.
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14. To qualify for Hoby, Boys State, or Girls State, the following criteria must be
met: Attended CCA for at least 2 years, GPA of 3.0, and teacher
recommendation.
I. GRADUATION RANKING
1. Valedictorian and Salutatorian ranking will be determined by using the numerical
averages of the required core subjects (English, math, science, history, and foreign
language) for grades 9–12. Recepients of Valedictorian and Salutatuorian honors must
be enrolled in the advanced diploma curriculum.
2. Sixth grade graduation will select Valedictorian and Salutatorian by the highest average
from the four core (English, History, Science, and Math) from 4
th
– 6
th
grades and must
have been a CCA student for two full years prior to sixth grade.
3. Honor recognition will be given to those students who have maintained a 90 or better
average without rounding. In high school, honor students must be enrolled in the
Advanced Diploma curriculum.
4. Students must have been a student at CCA for two full years prior to their senior year in
order to be selected as VAL or SAL. Only Advanced diploma/Honor students will be
eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
VI. DISCIPLINE
CCA students are expected to exhibit a pattern of conduct consistent with ideals of the
school representing Christian principals. The goals of the disciplinary system are
twofold. First, is the correction of behavioral problems and prevention of recurrence, and
second is to encourage the development of self-discipline and personal responsibility.
The trait of self-discipline is very important to the school and its founding fathers. A
significant aspect of self-discipline is that it is demonstrated by correct action on the part
of the student at all times, even when someone in authority is not present. The purpose
of this Handbook is to help the student achieve self-discipline; that is, this Handbook
explains the punishment for incorrect behavior so that the student will fully understand
what is expected of him if he fails to understand a “pattern of conduct consistent with
the ideals of the school representing Christian principals.” At the same time, this section
is a standard for punishment that will be fair and consistent. Judgments made by the
faculty and administration will seek to do what is appropriate under a particular
circumstance at hand. Consequently, it is of primary importance that students and
parents accept these judgments and work toward correction.
The following levels of disciplinary action represent the general scope of measures
available under normal circumstances according to particular offenses:
1. Work detail
2. Detention
3. Work detail after school
4. Corporal punishment
5. Saturday school
6. At-home suspension or In-school suspension
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7. Behavioral probation
8. Dismissal from school (Expulsion)
DETENTION/WORK DETAIL
1. Assignment to Detention Hall may be made by the teacher for the following:
a.
Continued violation of school rules and policies specified elsewhere; chewing gum,
eating candy in class, bringing food and drink into the classroom without
permission.
b. Continued disturbance of classes, study hall, chapel programs, etc.
c.
Deliberate tardiness to any class period. Other behavior exhibiting disobedience or
disrespect.
2. At least one day’s notice will be given when Detention is required.
3.
Detention will be scheduled before or after school once a week by the teacher where
the offense occurred.
4. Students are to read, study, or to do other work if directed, but not to talk.
5.
If a student is tardy to detention without an excuse approved by the administration
in advance, he will be assigned additional time.
6.
Detention has priority over any other school functions and sports practice at the
discretion of the teacher and/or administrator.
7.
Detention will be excused only for illness, injury, accidents, or medical or dental
appointments. Excuses must be written or telephoned by parents prior to detention
time.
8. Work detail after school will be scheduled for repeated violations by the teacher.
9. Saturday School will be assigned throughout the year. Each student will pay a $25 fee,
report to Saturday School at 8:00 A.M., and work until 12:00 noon.They will have jobs
assigned (weeding flower beds, painting, cleaning, etc) Students who are late will be
assigned another Saturday as well. An additional $25 fee is due each time they go to
Saturday school.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
1. Corporal Punishment may be employed by the administration or its representative in the
office in the presence of an adult witness when the administration judges that any
student failed to respond to other corrective measures or in case of continued
disrespect or disobedience, rebellious attitude, fighting, improper language, bizarre,
improper actions, deliberate damage to property, etc.
2. If the parents have asked in advance that corporal punishment not be employed on
their child, then another form of discipline commensurate with the offense will be
employed – Suspension or Saturday Work Detail. Please complete the appropriate
blanks on the RELEASE FORM if there is a medical reason that your child should not
be paddled.
SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL
Crenshaw Christian Academy has a commitment to its school families to maintain a
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Christian atmosphere that is conducive to learning. It is school policy that if a student
displays behavior and attitudes which are detrimental to the progress of the school,
disrupts the process of education, and/or infringes upon the rights of others, it will not be
tolerated . A suspension or expulsion may be required to remove the student from the
school environment, either for a short time or permanently, for deliberate and flagrant
violations of the basic character of the relationship between the student and the school
established by the school policy, in the absence of extraordinary mitigating
circumstances.
Suspension is defined as corrective action taken by the Administrator because of the
student’s behavior which was in violation of the school’s standards. Suspensions may
vary in duration from one to seven days, usually depending on the time needed to
communicate with parents and to achieve their cooperation in finding solutions to the
problem. The Administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the suspension at the
time the action is taken and will schedule a conference for the parties involved.
The authority to suspend a student is vested in the Administrator. It is understood that
dismissal will be reserved as a last resort after careful consideration of the Administrator
and members of the Board. Any student who is dismissed will not be readmitted to
school for the balance of the current semester plus the following semester. Those
returning to school after dismissal will return on a probationary status for one semester.
Readmitted students who violate their probation will be dismissed permanently
from CCA.
A student may be suspended or dismissed from school for the following:
a. Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, juling, vaping in any form at
school, at any school function or on school property.
b. Deliberate destruction of school property
c. Stealing
d. Cheating
e. Use of improper language, fighting, or violence toward a school employee or
student
f. Persistent refusal to submit to and cooperate with the authority of the school
g. Violation of terms of behavioral probation
h. Continued evaluations by the faculty that the student exerts detrimental influence
on fellow students
i. Possession of a gun, knife, or anything considered a weapon
j. Possession of a cell phone, turned on without teacher permission, pager, radio,
cd player, mp3 player, apple watch or other electronic devices
k. Bullying or threatening faculty or students
l. Other offenses deemed necessary by the Administrator
1. In some cases, there are circumstances that may indicate measures other than
dismissal at the discretion of the Academic committee, which may be specified in
school.
2. The Board of Directors will be notified on all cases of dismissal.
3. If a student is arrested the circumstances will be reviewed by the Administration and
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appropriate action will be taken to protect the student, that was charged, and the
student body pending a final resolution of the criminal case
4. Ear pods are not allowed.
**A STUDENT CONVICTED OF A FELONY WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO CCA. ANY
STUDENT CONVICTED OF A FELONY WHILE AT CCA WILL BE DISMISSED.**
BEHAVORIAL PROBATION
Any student placed on behavioral probation will be dismissed from school in the event
that he is guilty of a significant violation of school policy or rules in the judgment of the
Administrator.
VII. COMPLAINTS
It is inevitable that during the course of your child’s school life at CCA, there will be a
complaint regarding some situation that occurs at school. It is important to you and to us
that these situations be handled correctly. Please take any questions to the teacher
involved. You should set up an appointment or conference through the office and handle
the complaint with a face to face dialogue. Attempting to settle a complaint over the
telephone with the emotions of the moment almost never achieves lasting results. Any
situation involving your child is important and should the problem not be resolved, the
Administrator will request a conference with the Board of Directors if the parent so
desires.
It is requested that parents and students not call teachers or board members at their homes,
but call the school office for an appointment.
VIII. DRESS CODE
Even though the enforcement of this policy is focused primarily on grade seven through
twelve, elementary grades should use it as a guide for their own dress and appearance.
While this dress code is for grades 7-12 all students are required to dress neatly,
conservatively, and modestly in accordance with the Christian character of CCA. If a parent
cannot bring clothes for the student to change in they will be given an oversized shirt to
wear over their clothes and will have break detention. Students who wear hoodies MUST
NOT have the hoodie on their head in any class . P.E.dress code will be determined by
the physical education teachers; students must wear tennis shoes.
Female Students
1. No short shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, jeans with holes , and tight-fitting clothes.
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2. Shorts and skirts should be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee.
3. Sundresses or tops with 2-inch straps may be worn.
4.
All tops must be modest. Plunging necklines, midriffs, lower back, and cleavage should
not be showing. No strapless, tanks, or spaghetti strap tops are allowed
5.
All tops should either be tucked in or sufficiently cover bottoms (raise your arms to
see if the top covers your bottoms and you cannot see skin).
6. Undergarments and skin should not show while seated or while reaching up.
7. Darker undergarments should not show through lighter-colored clothing.
8.
T-shirts should not bear logos of bars, grills, suggestive or lewd sayings or profanity, or
advertise alcohol, tobacco, or drugs in any way.
9.
Only CCA T-shirts, Collegiate T-shirts (without improper sayings), and T-shirts
with brand names such as American Eagle, Hollister, Polo, Old Navy, etc. may
be worn.
10.
No hats or other head covering, body piercing (except for earrings), tattoos, pants with
elastic waist, or sun glasses may be worn.
11.
Leggings, without mesh, holes or cutouts may be worn if the shirt, skirt or dress is no
more than 4 inches above the knee over the leggings. Leggings and tights may not be
worn as pants.
12. No extreme haircuts or hair colors.
Male Students
1. Absolutely no facial hair. (razors and shaving cream may be purchased in the office)
2. Hair should not touch the shirt collar and should not be in the eyes or below the ears.
3. No extreme hair color or hairstyles, No body piercings, and No tattoos
4. Shirttails should be tucked in at all times.
5. Shirts should be buttoned at all times.
6. Only CCA T-shirts, Collegiate T-shirts (without improper sayings), and T-shirts
with brand names such as American Eagle, Hollister, Polo, Old Navy, etc. may
be worn.
7. No baggy pants or sagging allowed.
8. No jeans with holes may be worn.
9. Belts are to be worn at all times.
10.
Longer shorts are acceptable at school. Shorts must be no more than 4 inches above
the knee.
11. No tank tops, pants with elastic in the waist, hats, or sunglasses may be worn.
Note: It is impossible to name everything; therefore, anything unacceptable will be
left to the discretion of the Administrator.
Punishment for dress code violation:
1
st
Offense: Warning and appropriate measures to correct (example: tshirt turned inside out if
not acceptable)
2nd Offense Parents are allowed to bring clothes, or the student can wear clothes owned by
the school (or appropriate measures taken).
3rd Offense: Detention before/after school
4th Offense: Suspension
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IX.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The main source of operating income is tuition and fees; therefore, tuition must be paid
on time if CCA is to meet school obligations on time. Tuition and fees are billed the first
of every month and are delinquent if not paid after 30 days. All families pay yearly or on
a 12-month plan except for parents of a senior student only. . The senior’s yearly
tuition and fees may be divided over nine months instead of 12 to be paid before
the senior graduates.
Report cards and/or transcripts will not be issued when an overdue account exists. If an
account is 60 days past due, the financial committee will review the account. If the
account becomes 90 days delinquent during the current semester and no
satisfactory arrangements have been made, the child will not be able to enroll the
next semester . The maximum fee allowed by banks will be charged for all returned
checks. There is also a $30 late fee that will be added on the 11
th
of each month in
which an account is not paid in full. Failure to meet financial obligations may result in
dismissal of the student(s). CCA tries to work with those who have unfortunate or
unusual circumstances that prevent them from paying tuition on time. If this should
happen, please contact the business office. However, in order for CCA to keep tuition as
low as possible and to continue quality education, we must maintain sound business
practices in the finances of our school. The Board of Directors and the Administrators
appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this area.
All financial accounts must be paid in full before any senior will be issued a cap and
gown and diplomas will be held until the bill is paid in full.
A participation fee for each sport must be paid before any uniforms are assigned. The
coach of each sport will let parents and students know what the participation fee for that
sport is before practice begins.
X. CELL PHONE
Cell Phone Policy
Students may keep cell phones in their possession during the day. Phones are to be off and
turned into the classroom storage at the beginning of class. They may not be connected to the
WIFI unless the teacher asks that students use phones in class. If the phone rings, beeps,
makes a sound, disturbs class, or is visible to a teacher or administration, it will be taken up,
parents contacted, and a fine of $25 assessed. Cell phones may be used only during break
and lunch. No in between class calling or texting is allowed. Please refrain from using cell
phones while walking to and from the luchroom in order to avoid accidents.
XI, GENERAL
A. SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS Grades K5 - 12 – 7:30 – 3:30
School classrooms will be open at 7:30. Children should not arrive on the school
grounds before 7:30 A.M. unless they are enrolled in extended day care. Please respect
the dismissal time by picking up your child promptly. Lower school will dismiss by 2:56
each afternoon. If you cannot pick up your child by 3:15, he will be sent to after school
care and your account will be charged. You may enroll your child in afternoon school
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care through the school office. After school care is $50 a month or $10 a day for drop
ins.
The school office is open daily, Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 3:30 during the
school year. The school phone is to be used by the office personnel to conduct school
business and communicate to the parents. No student is to use the school phone to
make any personal calls. If the student is sick, the office staff will call the parents.
B. ATTENDANCE / ABSENTEES / MAKE-UP TESTS
Believing that regular attendance is absolutely essential to the student’s progress, the
school expects students to be present every day school is in session. A student must
check-in by 11:30 to be counted present for the day and to participate in sports. Ten
days absent (Excused or Unexcused) each semester is the maximum allowed during
one school year to receive credit for the course, except in the case of extreme illness or
injury requiring otherwise. At that time, a decision regarding promotion will be made by
the Administrator and teacher based on the student’s illness, ability to do work, and the
readiness for the next year.
When a student is absent, it is his responsibility to bring his excuse for the absence, see
the secretary for an excused/unexcused slip, see each teacher missed, and ask to
make up all missed work. Athletes must see the teachers of class periods they will miss
before leaving for games and turn in work, take tests, get assignments, or make
arrangements. Work that is not made up will be recorded as a “zero,”
The only excuses received for absences will be sickness, doctor’s appointment, and
funerals. This only applies to classes missed upon check-in. Any other excuses should
be authorized in advance by the Administrator in writing at least one week prior to
absence. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for every class missed. More than
ten absences (not due to extenuating circumstances, excused or unexcused) per
semester will result in failure because hours required by the State of Alabama have not
been met. Each child is given two parental absences per year; these can be used at the
discretion of the parent and are included in the twenty allowed per year (ten per
semester). A note must come back with the student on his/her return stating that this is
a parental absence. (Only two are allowed) These two absences will be excused.
Following an excused absence, a student has one day for each day absent to take a
test or complete a missed assignment. (This means if you knew you had a test but
didn’t come to school; you will be required to take it when you return.) The student must
arrange a time to take the test with his teacher. The student should see the teacher
about what he/she missed if no test was given. **Sibling attendance to ballgames will
be made based on driving eligibility and absentee records.**
C . EXAM PROCEDURE
First semester exams will be taken in every class by grades 7-12. In 7
th
and 8
th
grades,
the tests will count as a nine weeks exam. There are no exemptions. The semester
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exam will count 20% of the semester grade for grades 9-12.
Second semester exams will be taken by 7–12 in all classes in which they do not have
an “A” average for the semester. Students may also exempt one test with perfect
attendance and an 85 average. Seniors are exempt from all second semester exams in
which they have a 75 average. The exam will count 20% of the semester grade for
grades 9-12. In grades 7-8, the test will count as a nine weeks exam.
Seniors are required to complete the U.S. Citizenship Exam prior to graduation.
**Seniors who are required to take second semester exams must take those
exams prior to end-of-year senior activities (baccalaureate, honors day, class
day). **
D. WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE
Withdrawal from CCA must be made through the school office. Books are to be returned
to each teacher and the library. No transcript of official records will be sent or given until
all financial matters are in order.
If a student voluntarily withdraws from CCA and later wishes to be readmitted, that
student will not be allowed to re-enroll during the course of that semester without Board
approval for extremely rare circumstances.
E. PREGNANCY: No pregnant student will be allowed to continue school. The student
will be required to drop out of classroom activity and will complete home study courses
until the end of the semester. Fathering a child will also result in removal from school.
** NO MARRIED STUDENTS, PREGNANT STUDENTS, OR PARENTS WILL BE
ALLOWED TO ENTER OR REMAIN IN SCHOOL.**
F. TARDINESS
School begins at 7:52 A.M. Any pupil not in homeroom when the bell rings is counted
tardy. A pupil who is tardy will report to the office and secure a pass to enter class. All
tardiness will be considered unexcused unless an excuse signed by a doctor or court is
presented upon the check-in by the student and is approved by the school
administration. The definition of tardy is not inside the classroom when the tardy bell
rings.
Ample time is allowed between periods for changing classes, and students are required
to be in their classes on time. If for some unusual reason a teacher holds a student, a
written pass must be given for that student to enter class. Unexcused tardiness will
result in disciplinary action ranging from detention before or after school, Saturday
school, or suspension.
There will be no excuse for tardiness. After three tardies, the student will have break
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detention; after four tardies, the parents will be called by the homeroom teacher; on the
5
th
tardy and thereafter the student become eligible for Saturday school. He must pay a
$25 fee and be present from 8 A.M. until 12 noon on the assigned day. The sixth tardy
will result in another day of Saturday school, and so on.
G. EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
Extra-curricular activities are a privilege, not a right. In order to participate, students
must follow school rules. Appearance and conduct of participants must be above
reproach and not bring shame on parents or Crenshaw Christian Academy. Athletes
and cheerleaders, especially, are idolized and admired by younger students and,
therefore, must set proper examples in everything they say and do. All athletes will be
evaluated every marking period by the faculty.
All students will adhere to AISA and CCA policies regarding eligibility, practice, and
participation. If a student is absent from school, he will not practice or participate in
extracurricular activities. Before a student will be allowed to miss class for an
extracurricular activity (sports or otherwise) he/she must be current in all academic
work. Anyone with an overdue assignment, such as a paper or make-up test, will not be
allowed to participate until the teacher gives clearance. All students participating in any
extra-curricular activities are expected to maintain passing grades. All athletes,
including cheerleaders, will be required to have a “C” overall average, excluding
Physical Education grades.
At school-sponsored evening activities, students are not permitted to linger in the
parking lot or wander on or off campus. Anyone leaving a dance will not be permitted to
return that evening. Students may not go into the parking lot at a social function unless
chaperoned. Students are allowed to bring a guest, and they are responsible for
behavior of the guest at school events. School rules apply to all, including guests,
regardless of the site of the social function.
H. HONOR SOCIETY REGULATIONS
Jr. Beta Club is available to 6th-8th grade students who have maintained an 85
average in the core curriculum. Grades are taken at face value and are not weighted.
Eligible students will receive an invitation from the school. Dues are $35 upon induction
and $10 per year for each subsequent year. Inducted students must maintain the
average once inducted. At any time the student’s core average falls below 85, he will be
placed on probation for one semester. Failure to bring the core average back up to an
85 will result in the student being removed from the roster. Inductions will be held after
the first semester of the year.
Beta Club is available to 9
th
-12th grade students in the advanced track who have
maintained an 85 average in the core curriculum. Grades are taken at face value and
are not weighted. Eligible students will receive an invitation from the school. Dues are
$35 upon induction and $10 per year for each subsequent year. Inducted students must
maintain the average once inducted. At any time the student’s core average falls below
85, he will be placed on probation for one semester. Failure to bring the core average
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back up to an 85 will result in the student being removed from the roster. Inductions will
be held after the first semester of the year.
National Honor Society is available to 10
th
–12
th
grade advanced students who have a
weighted core average of 90 or above. Eligible students will receive an invitation from
the school. Dues are $35 upon induction and $10 per year for each subsequent year.
Inducted students must maintain the core average each semester. If the core average
falls below 90, the student will be placed on probation for one semester. Failure to bring
the average back up to 90 will result in removal of the student’s name from the roster.
Inductions will be held after the first semester of the year.
Mu Alpha Theta is available to advanced math students who are in their third year of
advanced math, and who have maintained a math average of 80 or above. Eligible
students will receive an invitation from the school. Dues are $20 upon induction and $10
per year for each subsequent year. Students who do not maintain the required average
will be placed on probation for one semester. Failure to bring the average back up will
result in removal from the roster.
Transfer students:
Students who have been inducted into the Beta Club or National Honor Society at
another school may be transferred into Crenshaw Christian Academy’s corresponding
honor society upon meeting CCA’s requirements (see above). Once installed into the
CCA honor society, the student must maintain the grade averages approved by
Crenshaw Christian Academy.
**Any student who drops from advanced to standard diploma will no longer be
a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, or Mu Alpha Theta.**
I. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES
Absences from class are discouraged. To check out before the school day is over, the
student must follow these procedures:
1. Prior approval must be obtained. If a student has a medical appointment, he
must present a note to the office before 8:00 A.M. All other check outs must be
approved by the office in order for the student to make up any work; otherwise,
all unexcused check outs will result in the student receiving a zero for work
missed from each class. The student must pick up his CHECK OUT SLIP from
the office to take to each teacher between classes, break, or lunch – he must not
interrupt class! After each teacher has signed the slip, he will submit it to the
office before departure.
2.
The office will keep a record of the daily check outs. All notes, excuses from the
doctors, dentists, etc. must be on file in the office.
3. Each parent must check through the office before picking up a child during school.
J. SICKNESS
If a student becomes ill or injured at school, one or both of the parents will be notified.
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The parent will be expected to come to the school within a reasonable amount of time to
sign out the student. Any student running a fever must go home; this is in the student’s
best interest, as well as others’. Students must be free from fever for 24 hours (without
fever-reducing medication) before they may return to school. Please do not send a
student to school with a fever. Unless there is a doctor’s excuse on file, all children are
expected to participate in outside activities during the school day and extended day
care.
CCA will promote a healthy, disease-free school environment and comply with AISA
policy, local, state, and federal law. Moreover, CCA will protect the rights, privileges, and
welfare of the school population in any case of communicable disease.
K. MEDICATION
No medication is to be distributed by school personnel other than prescription drugs
brought from home and properly labeled with directions. No aspirin or ibuprofen will be
given to high school students without a consent form signed by parent and medication
with the student’s name on it placed in the office. .
L. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
Any announcement concerning emergency school closing for bad weather, etc., will
usually be made on radio/TV stations early in the morning of the day involved. The
following is a list of radio/TV stations to monitor:
WLWI-92 – MONTGOMERY
WKMX-FM 106.7 – ENTERPRISE
WSFA-TV 12 – MONTGOMERY
WAKA-TV 8 – MONTGOMERY
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Email
**Teachers may also send Remind or Google Classroom messages to students**
M. INSURANCE
School time accident insurance is provided in every student’s facility fee. This policy is
secondary to the family insurance. Insurance for sports is an additional charge to the
families of those participating and is mandatory in order to participate.
N. LUNCH
All students and teachers are expected to eat lunch in the cafeteria. On special
occasions, lunch may be eaten elsewhere on the grounds. Lunches must be ordered
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durin homeroom each morning or brought from home. If lunch is brought during the day,
it must be taken to the lunchroom and labeled with the student’s name. Lunches from
home must be in a lunch bag or brown bag (i.e. A pizza box is not acceptable). While in
the cafeteria, students must strive to create a pleasant atmosphere. Elementary
teachers will sit with their students to help monitor lunch. High school teachers will go to
lunch with the class they are assigned at lunch time. Lunches will be $5.00 (plate lunch
or chicken basket and tea), and $6.00 for salad (offered two days a week). Of course,
should food prices increase substantially, we will be forced to increase our lunch prices.
O. VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome at CCA. However, upon entering the school grounds during
the school day, visitors must first check in the school office. It is recommended that
those wishing to visit classrooms call ahead for an appointment. Class schedules
sometimes make unannounced visits inappropriate.
P. LOST AND FOUND
Books, clothes, athletic gear, and other items found during non-school hours will be
taken to the office. Responsible owners may claim these items. This policy is designed
to teach the student to be responsible for personal possessions. Items not claimed by
the end of each semester will be donated to Goodwill.
Q. LOCKERS
Lockers are available for students in grades 7-12. Students must not open another
student’s locker without permission. If a student puts a lock on his locker, a key or
combination must be turned in to the office. Lockers are subject to be searched at any
time.
R. CARS AND PARKING
Students who drive a car to school must be 16 or older and possess a valid Alabama
driver’s license. A copy of the license and insurance must be on file in the office.
Student parking is located in the upper parking lot. Seniors may have the first row. Cars
are “off limits” during regular school hours. Students should enter the building upon
arriving at the school. Disciplinary action will be taken if a student is in the parking lot
without permission from the Administrator.
Any student driving too fast or showing recklessness on the school campus will have his
campus driving privilege suspended. Excessive tardiness may also result in the
suspension of driving privileges. Cars are subject to be searched at any time on
campus.
S. Facility FEES
In the 2023-2024 school year, the facility fee assessed will include all books needed for
classes and school day insurance. Football requires an added insurance which will be
paid by the parents. The school yearbook will not be included in the book fee; yearbook
sales and order information will be sent home by email,Facebook, Instagram, and
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Twitter.
XII. CHRISTIAN CONCERNS
The welfare and progress, academically and spiritually, of your children are the primary
concern to CCA. Every policy, rule, and regulation is designed to help the teachers and
administrators to operate the school within the stated purpose and to provide students
with the greatest opportunity for success.
We trust we can count on each parent and student to pray for and with us at CCA. Your
cooperation is needed to make your school one which God will bless.
The greatest assistance parents can give a school is support of the teaching staff.
Children never perform to their full potential when parents talk down teachers or publicly
confront teachers.
The other side of the coin is that teachers cannot afford to make errors that cause
students and parents to think the teacher does not have the best interests of the
students as a top priority.
The faculty and the parents must be committed to the pursuit of excellence in all areas
of the student’s life.
XIII. PURPOSE OF DRUG TESTING PROGRAM
Crenshaw Christian Academy is dedicated to academic excellence and the personal
growth and well-being of its students. This mission requires a school environment that is
safe and drug free in order to maximize the learning potential of its students. Crenshaw
Christian Academy wants to demonstrate its leadership and commitment by instituting
an innovative drug testing program for students and employees. The drug-testing
program is designed to help prevent drug use by students. It is based on principles and
a structure that assists youth, rather than punishing students on the first offense. It is
intended to empower parents with valuable information for active participation in this
assistance.
The Crenshaw Christian Academy Board of Directors approved this drug-testing
program March 16, 2005, and the program has been implemented since that time.
SCOPE OF THE DRUG TESTING PROGRAM
Student Drug Testing
All students will be tested in grades 9-12 soon after the school year begins. The testing
schedule will be as follows:
1. INITIAL TESTING: Every student in grades 9-12 will be tested at the beginning
of the school year. The testing will take place over the course of three weeks.
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The initial test cost will be added to the account on the September bill.
2.
RANDOM: Students will then be randomly tested throughout the school year to
achieve a goal of 25% of the student body. Random test costs will be covered by
the school.
3. FOLLOW-UP TESTING: Any student testing positive on the initial test will
automatically retest. Also, a student who is suspected by the Administrator of
drug use will be tested. The second testing of a student testing positive will be at
the expense of the parent/guardian.
EMPLOYEE DRUG TESTING
The program will include drug testing for all employees and board members. The drug
testing of employees is part of the overall commitment to create and maintain a drug
free school. All employees and board members will be tested at the beginning of the
school year and randomly selected throughout the school year to achieve a goal of
25%.
TESTING METHOD
Hair analysis has been selected as the method of testing. A licensed clinical laboratory
will perform the analysis of all hair samples. Labs uses a patented sensitive technology
(radio immunoassay) to screen hair specimens. All samples that are positively identified
through the screening analysis are then confirmed through gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry. Each hair sample will be analyzed for five drugs: cocaine, opiates,
marijuana, methamphetamine, and PCP.
The major advantage of hair testing over urine testing is that it greatly expands the
detection period following the use of an illicit drug. Every ½ inch of hair represents
approximately 30 days of drug use history. A standard hair analysis will provide
detection of the 90 days prior to the hair collection. Hair specimens are also more
difficult to adulterate than urine specimens. Collection of hair is less intrusive and
embarrassing than urine.
HAIR COLLECTION PROCEDURES
1. The student, employee, and/or board member will be assigned a unique
identification number. Trained staff and/or personnel will perform the hair
collections using full chain of custody procedures. A designated Crenshaw
Christian Academy employee member and Administrator will be the only people
privy to these identification numbers. This number will be entered on the hair
collection kit and will protect the identity of the individual being tested.
2. A sample of hair (approximately 60 strands) is cosmetically cut at the scalp from
the crown of the person’s head. Persons with insufficient head hair will have
body hair collected, such as arm, leg or underarm hair. The sample will be
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sealed by the Crenshaw Christian Academy employee collector and initialed by
the tested person under chain of custody procedures to ensure correct
identification of the hair sample and the results. The sample will be mailed to a
Lab. Results will be returned to the school in a secure and confidential manner
within 2-3 days. Appropriate action will be taken if the student deliberately tries
to avoid this collection process.
CONTESTING A POSITIVE RESULT
All positive results are confirmed using a highly reliable confirmation technology called Gas
Chromatography /Mass Spectrometry. This prevents false positives resulting from other
drugs or substances that are ingested. If, however, a person testing positive wishes to
contest the result, they may do so within ten days. While this option is available with any
hair test, the retest will be at the person’s own expense. Crenshaw Christian Academy shall
have no liability for any claim arising out of the false positive or an alleged false positive.
CONFIDENTIALLY AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS
1. All hair collections and results are identified by the unique individually-coded
number. No names are recorded on the collection bag or on the test results.
2. Test results of students will be confidentially provided by the lab to the
Administrator. The Administrator will contact the parent/guardian within fifteen
days of a positive test. All test results of students will remain strictly confidential
between the student, parent/guardian, Crenshaw Christian Academy
Administrator and the confidential counseling program.
3. All test results of employees will remain strictly confidential between the tested
person, the Administrator, and the confidential counseling program.
4. No test results of students will be intentionally disclosed to any person or agency
beyond the persons identified above (#2) without signed written consent by the
parents. Release of test results of students will be requested by the Administrator
for purposes of referral for professional evaluation and possible treatment
recommendations.
5. No test results of employees will be disclosed to any person or agency beyond
the persons identified above (#3) without signed written consent of the employee
for purposes of seeking professional evaluation and possible treatment.
6. While every effort will be made to protect confidentiality, Crenshaw Christian
Academy shall not be liable for accidental or negligent disclosure of test results
or for discrimination of false information regarding a particular student’s test
results.
CONSEQUENCES OF POSITIVE RESULTS
1. School personnel will not initiate criminal charges or other legal action based
solely on a positive drug test against the student or employee.
2. A first-time positive test result will not result in the student’s suspension or
dismissal from school, but only mandatory drug counseling.
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3. A designated Crenshaw Christian Academy employee will refer the student who
tests positive and the parent/guardian for a substance abuse evaluation through
a counselor or community agency. This counselor or community agency will
provide recommendations to the family on the type of additional services that are
required. If a student or parent/guardian refuses professional assistance, the
student will be dismissed from school at that time. A student who has tested
positive and is in a substance abuse program approved by Crenshaw Christian
Academy will continue all normal school activities unless directed otherwise by
the parent/guardian and/or counselor.
4. The Crenshaw Christian Academy Administrator will refer employees who test
positive to a professional substance abuse counselor for evaluation and
assistance. All costs for this will be the responsibility of the employee. If an
employee refuses professional assistance, the employee will be terminated as an
employee of Crenshaw Christian Academy at that time.
5. Students who test positive more than one time during their enrollment at
Crenshaw Christian Academy will be dismissed from school. Employees who test
positive more than one time will be terminated as an employee of Crenshaw
Christian Academy.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
A community agency may provide assessments and referrals for further assistance and
treatment to any student who tests positive. Referrals will be made with consideration
for the economic resources of the family. Parents/guardians may choose to seek
independent resources to provide an assessment of their child’s history and current
involvement in alcohol or other drug use. Counselor’s progress reports must be
submitted to the school on a regular basis in order to determine that the student is in
an assistance program.
Please click the link below and fill out the form for EACH child who is a CCA student:
https://tinyurl.com/CCAStudentForm
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