Student/Parent Handbook
Middle & High School 2025–2026
Heritage Christian Academy Upper School 16000 Black Bob Road Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-3262 upperschool@hcakc.org www.hcakc.org
(REVISED in SUMMER 2025:Changes in Turquoise)
Mission
The mission of Heritage Christian Academy is to glorify God by serving Christian parents and their children while providing a high quality, Christ-centered educational program marked by academic excellence and the development of a biblical worldview and strong Christian character.
Vision The Vision for Heritage Christian Academy is a school where Jesus Christ is preeminent, and God is acknowledged as the One who created all things, sustains all things, and works all things for His glory and our good. We honor the name of Christ by achieving excellence at all levels and developing the skills of our students to their fullest potential. These skills are developed deeply and broadly through biblically rooted instruction in academics, fine arts, and athletics. In partnership with the Christian families and churches throughout our community, HCA instills in our students an attitude of servant leadership so that they are equipped to engage and transform the culture for Christ wherever God calls them.
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Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
4 5
II. ACADEMICS III. ATTENDANCE
16 22 26 27 35 39
IV. HEALTH AND SAFETY
V. COMMUNICATION
VI. STUDENT CONDUCT
VII. UNIFORM DRESS CODE DRESS CODE FOR DANCES
VIII.GENERAL INFORMATION 40 IX. DIGITAL DEVICES / RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY / AI 44 X. HCA SCHOOL BULLYING POLICY 49 APPENDICES: ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 51 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 61 OUTSIDE DATE POLICY 65 GUEST PERMISSION FORM 66 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AFFIRMATION FOR GUESTS 67
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I. Introduction
The following information is designed to assist our students and parents in the successful completion of the school year. Often problems arise not because of misunderstanding, but through misinformation. Heritage Christian Academy firmly believes that a major ingredient for a successful year is a mutual understanding of how the school operates. The school is a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that has its own School Board who are responsible for setting all policies, the business as a whole and appointing, managing, overseeing and evaluating the Head of School. The Head of School is responsible for all operations of the school and is the only individual who reports to the Board. All school employees report up to the Head of School. If you have any questions, please call the office. As the year progresses, the Administration may announce additional guidelines to the student body. Students are responsible for all policies set forth in this handbook. The HCA School Board reserves the right to change any policy or procedure at any time in its sole discretion after reasonable notice to constituents. (If there is no Head of School in place, please contact the Board Chair if the need arises.)
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II. Academics Philosophy
The primary academic objective of the school is to enable each student to achieve the most excellent scholarship of which he/she is capable. Scholarship requires, for most students, diligent and consistent application of ability and time. In that the various academic disciplines are God’s revelation of Himself to man, it is the responsibility of the teacher and student alike to approach these studies with diligence (Rom. 12:11), enthusiasm (Col. 3:23), and faithfulness (I Cor. 4:2). As in every endeavor of the Christian life, the motivation to excel is based on the desire to be “approved of God” (II Tim. 2:15) and “well-pleasing” to Him (II Cor. 5:9). Class Load Requirements – High School The high school program is a four-year program which must include full-time attendance. All students are required to enroll in at least six courses each semester. Enrollment in college classes, in-person or online, may be considered towards the six courses, with prior approval by the school administration. Night classes or online high school classes may not be counted toward the six-class requirement. Grading 1. Quarter grades are those grades which appear on report cards and assess a student’s nine week progress. For accuracy and consistency, all grades are based upon percentage. Each class will utilize a categorical system for classifying grades (e.g., homework, quizzes, tests, projects). Details for how a class grade is calculated will be provided by each individual teacher via the class syllabus. 2. Semester Grades are a combination of the two quarter grades and the semester final exam, if applicable. Only the semester grades appear on transcripts. For classes with no semester exam, the equation is as follows: Quarter (50%) + Quarter (50%) = Semester Grade . 3. For classes with a semester final exam, the equation is as follows: Quarter (40%) + Quarter (40%) + Exam (20%) = Semester Grade . 4. Incompletes : “I” or incompletes are given for quarter grades that are incomplete due to excused absences or extreme circumstances at the time when report cards are issued. The responsibility of making arrangements for make-up work belongs to the parents and student. Incomplete grades must be made up within a reasonable period of time agreed to by the Administration. This is usually within a one-week period. If work is not made up during the agreed upon time, a zero will be assigned for the missing work, and the grade calculated accordingly.
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5. Make-up Work : Students, who are absent for any reason, are required to make up work missed in each subject. Class assignment information is available on Blackbaud. Normally, one day will be allowed for each day missed, except in cases of prolonged absences where the teacher involved may make other provisions. It is the student’s and the parents’ responsibility to obtain all make-up work from his/her teacher immediately upon return to school. Failure to obtain make-up work is no excuse for not doing work missed. Tests can be made up during study halls, before or after school, during that class (with teacher permission - in the testing room). Students are responsible to make necessary arrangements. 6. Late Work : Students are expected to complete all work by the assigned due date. The following penalties will be enforced on all unexcused late work: For assignments worth 49 points or fewer: 1 day late, 20% penalty; 2 days late, 40% penalty; 3 days late, no credit given. Unless related to an excused absence, no work for the quarter may be turned in after the close of the marking period. For assignments worth 50 points or more: 1 day late, 10% penalty; 2 days late, 20% penalty; 3 days late, 40% penalty; 4 days late 60% penalty; 5 days late, no credit given. Unless related to an excused absence, no work for the quarter may be turned in after the close of the marking period. In all instances, the late penalty will be taken off points earned as opposed to total points. Honors-Level Classes HCA offers several honors-level classes for students. This includes classes designated as ‘Honors’ or ‘Dual Credit’. These classes are designed for students who are motivated and equipped to excel at a faster pace and to study topics at a more in-depth level. In order to maintain a sufficient level of rigor, a student must be approved for an honors class by a designated teacher or administrator. Honor Roll Heritage Christian Academy honors those students with outstanding academic achievement at the end of each nine-week grading period. This recognition is given to students in grades 6 –12 who meet the following criteria: ● Honor Roll – A GPA of 3.85
● High Honor Roll – A GPA of 3.95+ ● Principal’s Honor Roll - A GPA of 4.0
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National Honor Society The National Honor Society is our nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students, and membership is both an honor and a responsibility. The purpose of National Honor Society is “to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character” in our students. Selection for membership is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Selection to the National Honor Society is a privilege awarded to selected students based on criteria established and published by the local chapter in compliance with national guidelines. Students do not apply for membership in the National Honor Society; instead, they provide information to be used by the Faculty Council (five members appointed each year) to support their candidacy for membership. This is not an election, nor is membership automatically conveyed simply because a student has achieved a specified level of academic performance. ● The HCA Faculty Council will evaluate each candidate’s qualifications for membership in the following manner: ● Eligible students (any high school sophomore, junior, or senior student with a 3.7 cumulative weighted GPA) are provided application materials by the chapter advisor. ● The advisor is available to assist in answering any questions as the student completes the application. ● All completed applications must be turned in to the chapter advisor by the application deadline established each year and published at the start of the school year. ● HCA Faculty members provide feedback based on their professional interactions in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character (based on the HCA Student Outcomes – Christian Character.) ● The Faculty Council meets to consider each candidate for membership based on the candidate’s strengths in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character (based on the HCA Student Outcomes – Christian Character.) ● Each candidate who receives a majority vote by the five-member Faculty Council is offered membership into the NHS. Faculty Council decisions are final. ● All candidates are notified of the results of the selection process in writing including the reasons, if any, that they have not been admitted to the NHS. ● Members are officially inducted during a formal ceremony held after the selection process. Middle School Mentoring Program The Middle School Mentoring Program is a leadership and discipleship opportunity available to high school students who desire to invest in the spiritual, emotional, and relational growth of younger students. In weekly small groups during the school day, typically on Wednesdays, mentors guide discussions on topics such as friendship, identity, peer pressure, stress management, biblical character, and the HCA Honor Code. Groups are composed of 10–12 middle school students and are led by 1–3 trained high school mentors.
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The goal of the program is to cultivate Christian community, provide younger students with positive role models, and equip older students to lead through service and example. Mentorship is both a privilege and a responsibility. Students who serve as mentors are expected to model Christlike character and maturity both inside and outside the classroom and to participate fully in training and weekly sessions. Mentors must be committed, trustworthy, and growing in their walk with Christ. Eligibility & Application Process: All rising 11th and 10th grade students are eligible to apply each spring for the following school year. In some years, a limited number of rising 9th grade students may be selected if additional mentors are needed. The application includes a written response section, two teacher references (unless already on file through Student Council or NHS), and beginning in 2025–2026, a signed parent reference form affirming the student’s readiness and character. Applicants should be willing to miss a portion of 5th period once a week and make up any missed academic work. All applications are reviewed by a Faculty Council composed of five faculty members and overseen by the program’s faculty sponsors—Associate Principal Stephen Sprague and School Counselor Jeni Foster. Final selection is based on the student’s Christian character, leadership potential, maturity, and willingness to serve. High School Student Council The Student Council of Heritage Christian Academy (STUCO) exists to represent the voice of the student body, promote school spirit, and organize student-led events and service initiatives that reflect the values of our school community. Through servant leadership, Student Council members grow in responsibility, collaboration, and discipleship as they seek to bless the school. Structure and Membership STUCO consists of sixteen high school representatives, four from each grade (9th through 12th). In the case of a tie for the final position, five representatives may be chosen from a grade for that year. Four student leaders from within STUCO are elected annually to serve as the Leadership Council: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Representative Elections Class representatives are elected each spring by the student body. Students must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (83%) or higher and no individual class grade below 2.0 (73%). They must also exhibit Christian character and obtain two faculty recommendations. If a tie for the final representative position occurs, a runoff election may be held. If a runoff is inconclusive or deemed unnecessary by the faculty sponsor, both candidates may serve, resulting in five representatives for that grade.
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Officer Elections Officer elections are held after class representatives are selected. The presidential election occurs first, followed by elections for Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary at least one week later. Candidates for these roles must be current STUCO members, have at least one year of prior service on STUCO, and meet higher academic expectations (minimum 3.7 GPA or 90% average, no class below a 2.7 GPA or 80%). Campaign materials and speeches must be approved by administration. Students not elected president may run for other offices. Meetings and Responsibilities STUCO meets weekly to plan events, discuss school issues, and collaborate with faculty. Members are expected to attend all meetings, assist with school functions, and represent the student body with maturity and respect. Officers have specific duties, including presiding over meetings, communicating with administration, managing finances, and recording minutes. Behavioral Expectations STUCO members and officers must model exemplary Christian conduct in accordance with the HCA Code of Conduct. Failure to meet behavioral or academic standards may result in removal from office at the discretion of the faculty sponsor in consultation with school administration. Middle School Student Council Middle School Student Council (MS STUCO) exists to encourage leadership, service, and school engagement among middle school students. MS STUCO does not include officers; instead, house captains are elected to serve their peers. ● Two 7th and 8th grade house captains from each of HCA’s four houses are elected in the spring from the 6th and 7th grade classes for the following year. Students must meet the same academic (3.0 or 83% average, no class below 2.0 or 73%) and character expectations as high school STUCO members and provide teacher references and a parent agreement form. MS STUCO members help plan events, decorate lockers, clean hallways, and attend weekly lunch meetings. Homework Homework is given for the following purposes: 1. Homework recognizes the role of parents as co-partners in the educational process. 2. Homework teaches children responsibility and the importance of work in relation to success. 3. Homework emphasizes learning as an ongoing, lifelong educational process. 4. Homework communicates to parents the kind of material the children are learning. 5. Homework is a learning tool and an essential part of the learning process.
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The Role of Homework and Guidelines for Homework 1. Homework should be used to reinforce skills already taught in the classroom. Homework should never be used to develop new skills. In math, for instance, a few problems are usually sufficient to review skills previously taught. Homework may also be assigned to familiarize a student with concepts that will be presented and discussed in an upcoming class. 2. The amount of homework should be reasonable and will vary with both the age and the type of material. Middle school students should expect an average of one to one and a half hours of homework per night. High school students should expect an average of two hours of homework per night, not including studying for specific tests. The amount of time spent by each student may vary greatly based upon each student’s aptitude, learning style, and level of focus during completion. The availability of use of social media can greatly affect a student's ability to focus and complete assignments. Its availability should be closely monitored and managed by parents when students would benefit from higher levels of concentration. 3. Teachers will make every effort possible to refrain from scheduling more than two major tests on any given day. Usually project dates will be staggered so that more than one is not due in any given week. Homework will take a new form as students become more involved in research activities and are required to complete more reading and writing assignments. Long-term assignments and projects, such as term papers, will also be required, and will necessitate disciplined, advance planning. All students are expected to submit homework assignments in a complete and timely manner. Failure to do so will result in an academic penalty, and the work will still be required to be submitted. Make–up Work 1. When five days or fewer are missed, the student will have one day for each day missed to make up the work. For example, if three days were missed, the student would have three school days to complete all make-up work. The number of days given for completing the make-up work does not include the weekends. This work is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher. The make-up work will receive full credit unless it is turned in past the deadline stated above. 2. When more than five days are missed, the teacher, student, and parent(s) will work on a schedule that will give the necessary time needed to make up the work. 3. If a student missed only the day a test is given or project or assignment is due, he is responsible to make up the work the first day he returns, provided he was informed of the due date in advance of his absence. If a student returns to school on the day of a pre-announced test or quiz after a short absence, the teacher has the discretion to determine the makeup date for the test within a reasonable amount of time.
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Graduation Requirements The high school offers four diplomas: Scholars Diploma, College Preparatory Diploma, and a Diploma with STEM endorsement. A student must earn a minimum of 26 credits to graduate from high school with a College Preparatory Diploma. The Scholars Diploma requires 28 credits and requires honors and Dual Enrollment classes and a minimum cumulative average of 94. All credits must be earned in the following subject areas:
Class of 2026 & 27 College Prep Diploma
Class of 2028 & Beyond College Prep Diploma
Scholars Diploma d
S.T.E.M. Endorsement e
Bible
4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 4.5
4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 3.0
4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0
4.0 4.0
English
Math a
4.0^ 4.0 #
Science b
Social Studies c
3.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0
Foreign Language Communications
PE/Health Fine Art S.T.E.M.
0.0/1.0 0.0/0.5 4.5/3.0
2.5 +
Financial Literacy
0.0/0.5
Electives
0.0
Total
26.0
26.0
28.0
26.0/26.5
a Must include Geometry and Algebra 2. b Must include Biology and Chemistry. c Must include Western Civilization, U.S. History, and American Government d Must include at least 4 Honors credits and 2 Dual Enrollment credits; requires a 94 cumulative average. e S.T.E.M. Endorsement - Additional Requirements: ● Participation in extracurricular learning opportunities such as FIRST Robotics and Scholars Bowl. ● ^ The extra 1.0 Math credit must be a course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. ● # The extra 1.0 Science credit must be Physics. + Must take introduction to S.T.E.M. Topics, Principles of Engineering, and Computer Science Principles.
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Grading Scale
Grade
Percentage
GPA
Honors
A
93-100% 90-92% 87-89% 83-86% 80-82% 77-79% 73-76% 70-72% 67-69% 63-66% 60-62%
4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.0
5.0 4.7 4.3 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 0.0
A- B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F
59% and below
For high school students, a weighted GPA is generated by awarding an additional 5 points to the semester grade for an Honors course and Honors/Dual Credit course. Application of Outside Credits (while enrolled at HCA) No outside course (either through online, summer school, homeschool, or some other method) that is already offered at HCA may be taken for satisfaction of HCA’s requirements without extenuating circumstances and administrative approval. The acceptability of outside courses for HCA credit will be evaluated for accreditation and on its course syllabus, objectives, and expectations. When an outside course is completed, an official record (transcript) must be provided to the Director of College Guidance before it is applied to the appropriate graduation requirement and the student’s official HCA transcript. As a matter of integrity, it is our philosophy that an HCA diploma must reflect an HCA-approved education, and it will be rare that an outside course can replace an offered course. High School (Grades 9-12) Recovery Credits No more than four semester credits may be received through online credit recovery courses. High School students who fail more than four semesters of class work will complete recovery for any beyond four by retaking the course in-person at HCA. Recovery credits are not included in calculating grade point averages. Please note: recovery credits are NOT considered a passed class by KSHSAA.
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Academic Probation High School (Grade 9-12) students failing two or more academic courses in one semester will be put on academic probation for the following academic semester. Students on academic probation must pass all academic courses or be considered for expulsion from HCA. Middle School Promotion A Middle School student who fails one or two academic subjects may proceed to the next grade on probation if the academic deficiencies are made up through summer school or private tutoring (20 hours minimum). Parents are responsible for making these arrangements and showing proof of proficiency to the Administration before the student will be promoted. A student who fails three or more subjects must repeat the entire grade. Physical Education There are occasions when students have legitimate reasons for an extended or temporary excuse from the regularly scheduled physical education program. Following are the policies approved by the administration of the school for such excuses. A. Medical Excuses 1. Permanent Excuses : These must include a description of physical limitation which would prevent participation of any kind; they will be kept in the student’s permanent folder. 2. Extended Time Excuses : These are for non-participation during an extended time period because of temporary physical limitation (e.g. broken bones, surgery, severe illness). B. Parental Excuses Parental requests covering a particular minor ailment (flu, colds, headaches, minor injuries) will be accepted for up to five consecutive days. Thereafter, medical excuses may be required. If the faculty sees a pattern developing whereby a student is habitually misusing this privilege, no excuses other than those validated by a physician will be accepted. Student Activities and Field Trips Teachers arrange varied activities for student participation at each grade level. These activities include field trips, assembly programs, field day, and musical programs. Several field trips are scheduled each school year for each class. No student may attend such a trip without a signed permission slip. Transportation will be provided by bus or parent volunteers and/or teachers who provide proof of liability insurance. Ordinarily, food and drinks are paid by the student. A minimum of one adult chaperone, in addition to the teacher, is required for every 10 students. Parents who wish to drive and/or accompany their child on field trips should make this request to the teacher. Heritage understands the desire of parents to share in this activity with their child and encourages their participation; however, the number of parents per field trip is limited, since additional people impact the activity in various ways. Although the students are off-campus during the activity, it is still considered a school function and the students are participating as a class under the teacher’s direction. Parents are expected to assist the teacher as requested and function as part of the group at all times.
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Academic Responsibility During School-Sponsored Events Students who participate in school-sponsored events (such as field trips, athletic competitions, performances, etc.) are still responsible for submitting all assignments on time, according to the original due dates. This includes work that is due on the day of the event as well as any new assignments given during their absence. Standardized Testing On the individual student level, these tests allow measurement of the student’s progress in relationship to ability. They also help identify areas of strength and areas of weakness. Finally they can measure how well the student is progressing in relation to the rest of the class and in relation to the expected normal progress at his/her grade level. On the school level, standardized tests help track the progress of a class from year to year. They can help identify strengths and weaknesses of the instructional program. Finally, these tests can measure the achievement of our students in relationship to other schools in the area and in the nation. HCA uses both IOWA Assessments and the PSAT for standardized testing. Student Records The school maintains a complete file, including a cumulative academic and medical record, for each student. All material in their file is treated as strictly confidential and is available only according to the following policy: ● No report cards or student records will be released to parents or to another school if the family is delinquent in tuition payments or other outstanding fees unless the family has worked out a repayment agreement with HCA’s Business Administrator. ● Custodial parents or guardians have the right to inspect and review all official records, files and data directly related to their child’s academic progress, including all material that is incorporated into their student’s cumulative record folder. ● Parental requests to inspect and review official records relating to a child shall be made in writing to the Principal. Such requests will be honored within ten school days following receipt of the request. All records will be reviewed or inspected in the presence of the Principal so that proper explanation can be given. ● Parents shall have an opportunity for a hearing with the appropriate teacher(s) and the Principal to challenge the content of their student’s current year school records to insure that the records are not inaccurate or misleading, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate or misleading information. There will be no release of a student’s personal records, files or any data in those records without the written consent of a custodial parent or legal guardian to any individual, agency, or organization other than the following: ● Staff members of the school who have legitimate educational interest ● Court or law enforcement officials, if the school is given a subpoena or court order ● Certain federal, state, or local authorities performing functions allowed by law ● Officials of other schools in which the student intends to enroll. No records shall be transferred to another school without the initiation of such by the custodial parents or legal guardians through a signed parent release form supplied by either the sending school or receiving school.
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In general, non-custodial parents have equal access to report cards, teacher conferences, etc., unless the final judgment and/or settlement agreement stipulates otherwise. In such cases, the custodial parent must submit a copy of that judgment or agreement to the Principal if the school is to comply. Such documents shall be placed in the student’s regular file. Whenever a request by a non-custodial parent is made for information, appearance at a teacher’s conference, etc., the custodial parent shall be promptly notified by the school of the non-custodial parent’s request. Textbooks Textbooks are selected by the faculty and Principal on the basis of their suitability to our established curricula, objectives and appropriateness to a Christian school’s mission for promoting and teaching truth. Whenever possible, textbooks written from a Christian perspective are selected if they are also educationally sound.
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III. Attendance Philosophy
Regular attendance is extremely important. To miss a class is to miss an opportunity to share and learn. The academic work for the year is scheduled in sequence. Absences create a genuine hardship primarily upon the student but on the faculty as well. Therefore, students should avoid being absent except in the case of emergencies, unavoidable conflicts, and illnesses. It is good stewardship to attempt to secure the best returns from the investment by parents represented in tuition, time, and other expenses. At Heritage Christian Academy, we respect the right of the parents as the final authority regarding their child’s attendance at school. However, in order to fulfill a consistent educational commitment in the life of a student, we believe that he/she must attend school as faithfully as possible. For this reason we reserve the right to determine whether a student’s absence is excused or unexcused.
BEHAVIOR
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
EXCUSED ABSENCES The HCA administrative team has the responsibility of determining excusable reasons for absence. The following are excusable reasons for absences but school officials alone will determine what an excusable absence is: ● Student illness (a physician’s note could be required for chronic absenteeism/development of absence patterns) ● Illness or death in the family ● Medical or dental appointments which can be verified ● Emergencies that can be verified ● Obligatory religious observance ● Family vacation or family business arranged in advance with the administration ● S chool approved student activities ● College/University visits with prior notification
None.
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UNEXCUSED ABSENCES A student who is absent from class or school without an excusable reason can be considered unexcused. A student with an unexcused absence for one or more classes will receive disciplinary consequences and credit may not be given. Some examples of unexcused reasons may include: ● Missing more than 10 minutes of class without parental permission. ● Oversleeping ● Missing ride to school/car not starting ● Shopping/errands ● Paying fines ● Studying ● Skip Days TARDY Students are to be in the appropriate learning areas at assigned times.
● Parent notification ● Detention issued for each Unexcused Absence. More than 3 unexcused absences in a single day are to be referred to administration. In cases of excessive absenteeism administration, parents, and the student may agree upon an individualized attendance contract. (After clear communication with an administrator, ONE unexcused absence may be excused each academic year.)
See below.
Excused Absences (EA) Excused absences include school days missed due to illness or death in the family. Certain family trips, medical appointments and other reasons may be excused if approved by the school prior to the absence. If a student is absent, his/her parents must notify the school office by 8:00 a.m. with the reason for the absence. In the case of severe and/or prolonged illness (for example, when hospitalization is required), exceptions to the maximum absences policy may be made at the discretion of the school administration. A doctor’s note is required within one week of any extended absence. Classroom work will be made up at the discretion of the appropriate teacher or administrator. Excused absences are only considered as such excused by the office staff or administration. Parents may request the administration to excuse an absence, but it will only be granted for a valid reason.
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Excessive Absence Policy HCA believes that classroom instruction plays a vital role in a student’s education and that one can never compensate for absence from school. Therefore, students must meet certain attendance standards to receive credit for a class. Excessive absences bring into question the credibility of a student’s academic experience. For this reason, excessive absences will threaten a student’s promotion and/or credit for classes. Therefore, the following will apply in the case of excessive student absences: ● Any student who exceeds 14 absences of any kind per semester – excused or unexcused – will not receive credit for the class. ● A long-term illness exemption may be approved via a written appeal form the parents that includes a doctor’s signed notice indicating that the student is unable to be in school. ● School-sponsored events (e.g., field trips or athletic competitions) will not be treated as absences. Sick Policy A student should not go to school if they have: A fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C) – Your child can return to school after they've been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine. Students who have been absent from school due to an illness must be present for a half day in order to participate in class parties, field trips, athletic events or other school events that take place on that day or that evening. Unexcused Absences (UA): ● When a parent fails to contact the school office to excuse his/her students’ absence, it is considered an unexcused absence. ● Students that fail to show up to class during the day are skipping class, and it is considered an unexcused absence. ● Consequence: for each class in which a student receives an unexcused absence they will be required to serve a morning detention, and the student will get a zero for all daily work for that day. Example: if a student received an unexcused absence for all four of their morning class periods, they would receive four detentions.
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Pre-planned Absences A student may be excused for family vacations, college visits, etc. if this procedure is followed: ● A written request from parents to the office is submitted via email to the school office and administration detailing the dates to be missed. This should be submitted at least one week prior to the trip. ● The administration will add comments to the request based on feedback from all of the student’s teachers. ● The request will be returned to the parents, via the student, by the end of the next day. Students with low achievement, students not current in their assignments, or students seeking to be absent during inopportune times during the school year (testing period, etc. ) will be advised not to be absent. Students will be required to hand in all missed assignments and take all missed tests/quizzes within the number of days equal to the number of days absent. CLOSED CAMPUS: The HCA Upper School has a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave campus and come back to school without pre-approved permission. Parents may not give their children permission to go off campus to get something to eat or to run errands. Once students arrive at campus they are expected to stay. Seniors may leave at the conclusion of their academic schedule and return for practice/games. Leaving Campus ● If a student becomes ill, he/she must report to the school office to telephone his/her parents for permission to leave campus. Students should not use personal cell phones for this purpose. Parents must give permission to the school office before a student leaves campus. ● If a student must leave campus during the school day, a parent must email (upperschool@hcakc.org), call 913-782-3262 or send a note to the school office at the beginning of the school day. ● Prior to leaving campus, the student must sign out at the Upper School office ● Students who leave school without permission or do not sign out at the Upper School office before leaving will receive an unexcused absence for all class time missed. Early Dismissal From School Early dismissal will be granted for the same reasons allowable for excused absences. Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments with their doctor or dentist after school hours. However, if they must take place during school hours, appointments should be made as early or as late in the day as possible. Should an early dismissal be necessary, the parent should notify the office in advance. The parent is responsible for checking their student out in the school office. If the student returns the same day, the student must check in with the office before returning to class.
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Late Drop-Off to/Pick-Up from School Promptness is expected in student attendance at all times. The practice of being on time teaches our children good habits and also respects the time and efforts of others. All times will be calculated by the school’s clock. Travel distances or parental working conditions are not acceptable excuses for consistent lateness to school. Students should arrive no earlier than 7:35 a.m. and be in their classroom by 8:00 a.m., ready to begin class. Any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. without prior approval will be counted as tardy. Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m.; all students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m. (except for students involved in an extracurricular activity under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach). At 3:30 p.m. the doors will be locked and remaining students placed in aftercare. Tardiness In order to best develop and utilize their God-given talents, students must be wise stewards of their class time each day. Punctual arrival to class and school each day is crucial to the effective operation of our school and the enhancement of self-discipline. It is therefore important to fully understand and support the following tardy policies and expectations: ● Tardiness is defined as not being in the classroom or at the appropriate location when the bell rings. ● Students who arrive after 8:00am must report to the Upper School office for a pass. ● For ALL classes, teachers are instructed to close their door when the bell rings. Students not in the room or appropriate location must go to the office to receive a tardy slip before they will be admitted to class. ● Tardies are only excused by the office staff, administration or a teacher who detained a student for a valid reason. Parents may request the administration to excuse a first period tardy, but it will only be granted for a valid reason. ● Tardies will be counted cumulatively across all classes each quarter. ● Consequences for tardies (a new count begins each quarter):
○ 1st: No consequence ○ 2nd: No consequence ○ 3rd: No consequence ○ 4th: No consequence (Parent/student will receive a warning notice)
○ 5th: Wednesday morning detention (7:15 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.) ○ 6th: Wednesday morning detention (7:15 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.) ○ 7th: Wednesday morning detention (7:15 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.) ○ 8th-10th: After School Detention (3:15 p..m. – 4:00 p.m. T & TH) and meeting with parents and student ● Students late for morning detention or after school detention will not be permitted to serve that day and will be subject to one additional detention. ● Tardies in excess of 10 minutes from the start of class time are considered an unexcused absence and subject to the consequences outlined below.
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Release of a Student to Other than Custodial Parent/Guardian Heritage Christian Academy will take all reasonable steps to ensure and safeguard the safety of children while at school. No student will be released by a teacher during the day unless directed by a custodial parent or guardian by phone or in writing and verified with a return call. Should a written or personal request be made by a non-custodial parent for the early release of a child into his/her care, such a request will be honored only with the consent of the custodial parent through a school-initiated telephone conversation, or by receipt of instructions from a court. In the event that parents are going out of town without their child(ren), the custodial parents must notify the school in writing of adult caretakers who will be responsible for their child(ren). The names, phone numbers and any alternate procedures to be followed should be included in the notification.
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IV. Health and Safety Care and Use of School Facilities Many people have worked and prayed long hours to make our school a reality. God has blessed us in many ways. Legacy Christian Church is the owner of this building and it is our responsibility as a good tenant and partner to be good stewards of this facility. Your help is needed to keep our school clean and attractive. Keeping the School Clean All school facilities belong to the Lord and have been purchased with His money. Students are to treat them with that in mind. Any damage to buildings, furnishings, or grounds, which is caused by negligence or willful destruction, will be repaired and/or replaced at the expense of those causing the damage. Students are also subject to disciplinary action for damage caused either by negligence or willful destruction. Food and Beverages Students may not have food or beverages in the classroom except water in a spill-proof water bottle, Stanley style insulated mugs, or similar. No disposable cups (with or without lids) from Starbucks or fast food restaurants are permitted except in the Black Box during lunch. Students and parents may not order food (GrubHub, Uber Eats, etc) to be brought to the school. Use of Exterior Doors/Student Parking School safety is a top priority. To assist in making the building as secure as possible, all exterior doors are to remain locked during the school day (8:00 a.m.–3:10 p.m.). Exit and entry of the school, during the school day, should only be made via the main doors on the south side of the building. At 8:00 a.m., all exterior doors will be locked, and students arriving to school late must enter through the main doors and stop in the office for a tardy slip or to sign in. Any student opening an exterior door to go outside, propping open an exterior door, or waiting by an exterior door to let another person in the building without permission from a faculty or staff member will be issued a detention. Any students leaving the building before the end of the school day must exit the building through the south doors. If a student forgets something in his/her car, he/she must get permission from the office to go to the vehicle, walk out the main doors of the school, and re-enter through the main doors. Students should PLAN to bring everything into school at the beginning of the day that they will need to get through the day, this includes lunch, PE clothing, et c.
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Drop-Off and Pick-Up In order for traffic to flow smoothly, it is imperative that all parents and students obey school procedures when arriving and departing from campus. These guidelines will be strictly enforced. Please cooperate so that we can transport our students as safely and promptly as possible. If safety and efficiency are hampered, the Principal will institute new guidelines for arrival and departure. All student drop-off and pick-up should be made at the doors on the south of the building. After drop-off, drivers should loop around and exit back out the east or north of the campus WITHOUT driving through the west parking lot. Student drivers should all park in the west parking lot and enter the doors on the west side of the building. Entering and exiting the west lot must be made via the north side of the building whether coming off 159th or Lackman. Please pull away promptly after drop-off or pick-up; if you wish to visit or your student(s) are slow in exiting the building at the end of the day, you are requested to pull into a parking space to allow for traffic to flow smoothly. Students should enter the school building through the doors on the south side of the building. Students will exit through the same doors at the end of school in order to be picked up. Students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m. or they will be sent to In order to maintain a safe environment and to be good stewards of the school building and campus, students must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. each day. Students who are still on campus at 3:30 p.m. will be placed in aftercare and supervised by a teacher or administrator. Students will be permitted to work on homework and have access to their personal cell phones. Aftercare hours last from 3:30-5:30 PM on full school days only. The cost for aftercare is $10/day for pre-enrolled student for 3-5 days/week, $15/day for pre-enrolled student 1-2 days/partial week, and $25/day for not pre-enrolled student. For more information contact upperschool@hcakc.org. Student Drivers Students who drive to school are required to park only in the areas designated for student parking immediately upon arrival on campus. Once cars have been parked, they may not be removed during the school day without permission. Students should not sit in the cars while on school property. No loitering in the parking lot is permitted. The school reserves the right to search any vehicle parked on school property for prohibited items outlined in the Student Conduct section of this handbook. The driver of the vehicle will be considered the responsible party if a prohibited item is found in the absence of evidence indicating a different individual is responsible. If a student driver has knowledge of a prohibited item in his/her car, they will be held responsible in addition to the actual student possessing such item(s). aftercare. Aftercare
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Extreme caution is to be exercised at all times when driving in the parking lot. Drive slowly and carefully and always give pedestrians the right-of-way. Students who are in violation of these guidelines will be disciplined and could lose their driving privilege. Student Transportation Transportation of students to school-related events occurring during the school day or immediately after school will be provided by school bus and/or parent-driven vehicles. A transportation permission form will need to be on file for each student prior to school related events. EXCEPTION: With administrative approval and written permission, a student may drive him- or herself and any immediate family members to school-related events. Fire, Tornado and Active Shooter Drills Fire, tornado and active shooter drills are held on a regular basis as required by law to develop safety practices to enable students to move quickly and with order in case of an emergency. Evacuation routes are posted in each room. Drug Policy Heritage Christian Academy holds to a “zero tolerance” drug policy. As such, HCA prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal substance or any drug-related paraphernalia at any time on or off of school property, or at any school related event, including travel to and from a school event and school events at other locations. For the purposes of this policy alcohol, tobacco and drugs shall mean all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Kansas statute for minors or for which a prescription is necessary; all chemicals, including inhalants, which release vapors; all alcoholic beverages, including malt alcoholic beverages; any prescription or patent drug, except those for which medical permission to use in school has been granted according to “Medication Policy”; all drug “look-alikes”; anabolic steroids; tobacco products; or any over-the-counter drugs taken for the purpose of getting high. When illegal drugs are involved, the matter will also be reported to the local law enforcement officials as required by state law. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to immediate suspension until an investigation thoroughly examines the case at which point the student may be subject to expulsion. Health Records Medical records of all students are part of their permanent school file. A record of all immunizations must be on record for each student. In accordance with Kansas law, all students entering school for the first time must show evidence of a physical examination by a licensed doctor. Heritage Christian Academy requires all state-required immunizations for all students. Immunizations Kansas law requires that all children attending school must show proof that they have been immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps, measles, and rubella (German measles). Verification must be received by the school office prior to the beginning of school. Heritage Christian Academy requires all state-required immunizations for all students.
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Injuries All serious accidents or injuries will be recorded by the teacher who was supervising when the injury occurred. In instances where a student needs medical attention, the school will attempt to contact a parent immediately, and if a parent is not available, their requested emergency contact person will be called. In the event the contact cannot be reached, the school will contact medical personnel if needed and will follow the instructions of such medical personnel. Medications The following guidelines apply to all medications, including aspirin and non-prescription medicine: 1. Students will only be allowed to take medications if we have written permission from the parent or guardian. This can be completed via the Student Health Forms in Blackbaud. 2. Any prescription medication the student requires must be turned in to the office. Written permission from the parent/guardian should accompany all medication. The parent permission form should identify the student, date permission given, and parent’s signature. 3. The container of medicine must be clearly marked with: a. Student’s name b. Contents (i.e., name of drug) c. Dosage d. Directions for dispensing 4. Students are not allowed to dispense any medication to one another. 5. The responsibility for seeing that medications are taken at the appropriate times rests with the parents and student, not school personnel. School Closings In inclement weather, classes will be canceled if the Blue Valley School District cancels classes. Tune to local television or radio stations for notification. In addition, the school closing will be posted on Blackbaud. Visitors Visitation requests for parents of prospective students should be made to the school office at least one day in advance of the visit. Upon arriving on campus, all visitors are required to check-in at the office. If advance notice is not provided, the request may be denied. Additionally, all visitors who intend to visit HCA’s campus to eat with a student/students must get permission from upper school administration, 24 hours notice is preferred. Additionally, they must check in with the front office and get a visitors pass for the allotted time of their visit. If the visitor would like to visit at a different time, or for longer than the allotted MS/HS lunch break, the visitor must seek permission for that as well. This applies to all non-HCA students, faculty and staff - including HCA Alumni and former students. Note: All Visitors are expected to dress modestly, in line with the school dress code.
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