Cathedral Christian Academy Handbook

 Mission statement

To promote excellence in the lives of our students through academics, character development, and spiritual growth.  To provide a safe, nurturing learning environment for students regardless of their financial situation.  To bring racial reconciliation to a city that longs for it.

Vision

To raise leaders who not only excel in life because of their academic background, but also excel because of their character and morals that are based on biblical Christian values.

Values

• We believe in creating a learning environment where each child is respected and nurtured.
• We believe an education is most fruitful when it is grounded in the principles of Christianity.
• We believe in creating an environment that fosters racial reconciliation. We believe this to be the will of God.
• We believe in educating every child; those who can and cannot afford private education.
• We believe that Christ centered schools should be a place where children are loved.
• We believe that God’s grace and love should characterize the culture of our school.
• We believe that education should impact the heart as well as the mind.
• We believe that discipleship is the true essence of teaching and education. Therefore, our teachers must be born-again Christians; they must live a life that reflects their professed faith.

Philosophy

 The goal of Cathedral Academy is to educate students for lifelong success grounded in Christian morals and values.  The bible informs us the “the fear of the Lord” is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).  Therefore, any meaningful education that is truly valid must have a “reverence of God” as its starting point.

We want to meet the academic, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of each student in a Christ-centered environment.  We believe that our school has been called to meet the needs of students in an environment that puts its values on biblical principals.  We are called to minister to and to meet the needs of the Cathedral Academy learner.  We believe that this can only be accomplished by working with the home and the church. A true and valid education can only come about through the cooperation of the home, church, and school.

We believe that part of loving God with all of our heart, mind, body, and soul entails delivering purposeful teaching that provides order, discipline, and structure (Luke 10:27). Students are taught to develop and utilize critical thinking skills and are challenged daily by inspiring and dynamic curriculum.  We want to prepare students for the work God has for them.

Policies and Procedures

Accreditation

Our school is an independent church school and is not currently accredited by any organization.  Colleges and Universities willingly accept students who graduate from non-accredited church schools.  We also try to prepare each student to score aggressively on such standardized tests as the ACT and SAT.  A student must score at least a 17 on the ACT to enter a college such as Wallace.  Many other universities require higher ACT scores for admission.  Our school is registered with the Alabama State Department of Education.

Admissions

To be accepted to Cathedral Christian Academy the following must take place:

• Completed application turned in
• 2 letters of recommendation for students in 5 -12
• copy of the last report card
• placement testing may be required
• students in grades 5-12 will be interviewed by the Principal or Headmaster
• The birthday of the Applicant’s child must fall on or before September 1 of the academic year to be accepted into kindergarten or first grade

Tuition

Our tuition is $225.00 per month for 12 months with a $350.00 curriculum fee for books and teaching materials. There is also a $50.00 testing fee for aptitude testing which occurs in the spring for K5 – 8^thgrade students.  Parents will be billed monthly.  Please see your tuition agreement form for policies regarding collecting tuition.

Testing

Aptitude test will be given for grades K5  – 8^th.  Student’s in the 9^th– 12^thgrade are required to take the ACT test at least once a year.  Students may not be able to return to school the next year if they haven’t participated in testing.

Courses of Study & Grading System

The following general guidelines apply to the courses of study for students participating in the academic offerings of Cathedral Christian Academy.

• The elementary curriculum is standard for each child in every grade. Enrichment is given if necessary according to ability.
• Each student in grades 9-12 must schedule sufficient academic courses to earn the required credits for graduation.
• All students in grades 7-12 must take Physical Education or a substitute class approved by the Headmaster or Board of Directors.
• Cathedral Christian Academy’s instructional programs are not set up to accommodate students with special needs. However, if a student is diagnosed to have a learning disability, they may hire a tutor at their own cost to help the child stay up with the rest of the class.

Grading System

A 90 – 100

B 80 -89

C 70 -79

D 60 – 69

F Below 60

Students will be placed on academic probation for receiving an F or multiple D’s.  Academic probation will last for 1 semester. Parents may be required to place their students in additional tutoring at the cost of the parent.  At the end of the semester, the Board will meet to decide if the student has made academic progress and can continue education at Cathedral Christian Academy or the student will be dismissed from school.

 

Diploma Graduation Requirements

4 English

4 History

4 Science

4 Math

4 PE

2 Foreign Language

1 Speech

5 Electives

Examinations

Examinations are given at the end of the first semester and at the end of the year.  These exams are given in each subject and cover material taught during the semester. In determining semester averages, each 9 weeks’ average counts 2/5 with the exam counting 1/5 of the semester average. There will be no retaking of semester and/ or final examinations.

Exemption for Examinations

Students may exempt second semester exams only.  To be eligible, students must have a cumulative average of the third and fourth nine weeks of a 90 or higher and shall not have been absent or tardy from each class more than five times – including check-ins and check-outs.  Seniors will be able to exempt first and second semester exams if they meet the exam exemption policies.  Exceptions will only be granted by the Headmaster or Principal.

Exam Schedule

The time schedule for each exam will be sent home at least one week before exams are given.  If an exam is missed, students will not be allowed to make up an exam unless permission is granted from the Headmaster.

Make Up Test

Make up test are the students responsibility.  Make up test will only be given to students who have an excused absence.  Students with an unexcused absence will be given a zero.  All make up test will be given before school.  Students who fail to make up test will be given a zero.

Honor System

Each student is a member of the Honor System.  This system exhorts the student to be fair with himself, with his fellow students, and with his teachers.  No form of lying, cheating, or stealing will be tolerated. Each student is expected to report himself/ herself or any other student who has violated these standards.  We ask that our students tell the truth at all times, conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen, and respect the law and order in every phase of life.  Parents are not allowed to do a child’s homework or project.  A student turning in a project or homework that he/she has not done himself is cheating.  The penalties concerning cheating will apply.  Cheating of any kind (homework, class assignment, or test) is an automatic one-day suspension and a zero on the assignment.

Parent – Teacher Conferences

Conferences are to be scheduled between the parent and the respective teacher through the office.  Such conferences will be scheduled by the teacher at the teacher’s discretion.  The same procedure will be followed for conferences with the Principal or Headmaster.  Parents are advised not to call the teachers at their residences unless the matter in question cannot wait until the next day.  If a parent has a complaint about a teacher, they should first contact the teacher to address the concern.  If that fails, then contact the Principal.

Counseling Service

Counseling service is available to students with parental permission.

Attendance

Students who have 20 or more absences for the year will be retained.  When a student misses school they must return to school with an excuse from a parent or doctor.  Written excuses giving the reason for the absence signed by the parent or guardian are due in the office by 3:00 on the day following the return to school or the student will be considered unexcused and will not be allowed to make up any missed assignments.  Only students with an excused absence will be allowed to make up work that they missed. Those students will have the amount of days they missed to make up their missed work.   Students with unexcused absences will receive a zero on all work missed.  Students will be excused from school for the following reasons:  illness, or death or illness of an immediate family member. Students who need to miss school for any other reason must have the Headmasters approval prior to missing school for the absence to be excused. After 7 absences in any one semester, a mandatory parental conference with the Principal will be held.  Students arriving after Chapel and before 11:30 are considered absent for one half day rather than tardy.  Students arriving after 11:30 a.m. are counted as absent for a full day of school.  Perfect attendance will only be awarded to students who do not have any absences, tardies, check in, or check out’s throughout the year.

Tardies

4 tardies in a 9 weeks is considered excessive and the student will receive detention. A student will be marked tardy to class if he/she is not in the room and seated at 8:00 a.m.  Any student entering the school building after 8 a.m. will be marked tardy to school and a parent or guardian must sign them in.

Checking In or Out

A parent or guardian must sign a student in or out and must do so at the front desk.  Students in 7-12 will not be allowed to check out once they have left to go to Selma High for PE.  K3 and K4 students will not be allowed to check out during nap-time (12:30 – 2:30).  This will insure a peaceful nap for all students.  Students who check in or out must abide by the same rules for being excused or unexcused.  Students will not be allowed to check out for lunch.

Student Drivers

All student drivers must park in the designated area.  Also, all students drivers must keep a current copy of their insurance card and drivers license on file and have a signed student drivers form on file.

Student Lunches

Students are required to bring their own sack lunch, microwaveable meal, or buy a lunch form the school store.  If students have a m microwaveable meal, the student must be able to cook the meal in 60 seconds or less.  Students may also purchase items through the school store.  Students will not be allowed to charge in the school store unless they have money on their account.  Parents may only bring their child lunch on special occastions when approved before.

Cathedral Christian Academy

Uniform Requirements

Clothes must have a modest fit

Girls

Skirts/ Skorts/ Jumpers/ Pants	Khaki/ Navy/ Plaid skirt/ skort/ jumper/ Pants and Capri’s, Bermuda shorts (knee length)  (plaid #41 or blue/red plaid) Skirts and jumpers must be no more than 2” above the knee   Skorts must be no more than 2” above the knee
Knit polo shirts Blouses	Light Blue/ Navy Blue/ Red short or long sleeve knit shirt with school appliqué Blue Peter Pan Blouse short or long sleeve
Jackets/ sweaters	Neutral color or matching uniform jacket or sweater.  Full zip or half zip.  Plain style with logo the size of a half dollar or smaller.
Sweatshirts/ hooded sweatshirts	Navy, blue, red, or black with school appliqué on the front or plain
Socks/ tights/ leggings	White, navy, black, or red  (no fishnet)
PE shirt Shorts/ sweatpants	Gray shirt with PE logo purchased at Taylor Sports Navy or Black shorts with or without the logo (length must be mid thigh)  Black/ navy sweatpants for cold weather

Miscellaneous Girls

• Polo shirts must have the school logo on it and can be purchased from Taylor Sports in Selma or online at www.frenchtoast.com
• Uniform skirts, skorts, and jumpers can be purchased from Taylor Sports in Selma, Buckhead in Montgomery, or online at frenchtoast.com
• Blue jean Friday or any out of uniform day: Students may wear regular blue jeans or black jeans, not leggings or colored jeans.
• No more than one earing per ear can be worn. No gauges.
• No hats are to be worn unless permission is granted by the PE teacher.
• Shoes: No flip flops, slides, or heels or 2” may be worn. Open toe shoes, boots, and plain colored croc-style shoes are permitted.
• Shoes are to be worn at all times.
• No facial hair
• Girls must adhere to the dress code for girls; girls may not dress like boys
• All clothes must have a modest fit. Girls may be sent home if the headmaster or principal do not deem their clothes as modest

Boys

Slacks Shorts	Khaki, black, gray or navy pleated or flat front slacks Knee length khaki, navy, or gray pleated or flat front shorts
Knit polo shirts Oxford shirt	Light Blue/ Navy Blue/ Red short or long sleeve knit shirtwith school appliqué Blue short or long sleeve oxford cloth button up shirt
Jackets/ sweaters	Neutral color jacket or sweater.  Full zip or half zip.  Plain style with logo the size of a half dollar or smaller.
Sweatshirts/ hooded sweatshirts	Navy, blue, red, or black with school appliqué on the front or plain
Belt	Black, brown, braided or solid leather belt.  (No belt buckles)
PE shirt Shorts/ sweatpants	Gray shirt with PE logo purchased at Taylor Sports Navy or black shorts Black or navy sweat paints during cold weather

Miscellaneous Boys

• Polo shirts must have the school logo on it and can be purchased from Taylor Sports in Selma or online at frenchtoast.com
• All boys in K-12 must wear a belt and tuck in their shirts. Pants must be worn around the waist.
• Blue jean Friday or any out of uniform day: Students may wear regular blue jeans or black jeans, not leggings or colored jeans.
• Shoes are to be worn at all times.
• No hats are to be worn unless permission is granted by the PE teacher.
• For boys in K3 – 12: No flip flops or slides.  Boots may be worn.
• For boys in grades K3 – 2: No flip flops.  All shoes must be closed toe and closed heel shoes.  This is for the safety of your child.
• Boys must not wear earrings
• All boys must be clean-shaven
• Boys hair must be no longer than shoulder length. Afros can not block the view of other students.
• No makeup or fingernail/ toenail polish
• Boys must adhere to the boys dress code and will not be permitted to wear girl style clothing
• All clothes must have a modest fit. Boys may be sent home if their clothes are not a modest fit as deemed by the Headmaster or Principal

Miscellaneous for all Students:

• Students may not have any visible tattoos or other body art. (Exceptions must be approved by the Headmaster)
• Students may not have any body piercing other than girls may have 1 earing per ear pierced.

Discipline

Discipline is necessary for the welfare of the student as well as the entire school. It is impossible for learning to take place in a classroom unless control and good order is maintained. Therefore, each teacher is given the liberty of making and enforcing classroom regulations in the manner that he or she feels is in accordance with Christian principles and discipline as set forth in the Scriptures.

Teachers will use their classroom consequences to handle the following issues.  If a student repeatedly is breaking one of these rules, then they will send that student to  the Headmaster or Principal and the student may receive detention.

• Sleeping in class

• Failure to follow directions
• Tardy to class
• Littering
• Being unprepared for class or not having the necessary supplies
• Not paying attention
• Talking without permission
• Not completing homework assignments
• Any other violation which the faculty/ staff deem necessary

If a student breaks one of the following rules he or she will be given detention. Students may be required to clean during morning detention.  If a student is late to detention, then they will have to make up that detention plus on more.  If the student is late to detention again that year then they will be suspended. Once a student has served 3 detentions in a nine weeks then that student will be suspended.  Detention offenses will start over each 9 weeks.  After 2 suspensions in a semester then that student will come before the School Board for possible expulsion. 

• Chewing gum
• Tardy to school (after 4 tardies in one 9 weeks grading period)
• Dress code violation (this includes the regular school day uniform and PE uniform) Students must be in proper uniform from the time they enter the school grounds until they leave the school grounds.
• Electronic devices (cell phones, ipads, ipods, mp3 players, game boys, etc.)  The device will be taken up and only returned to a parent
• Name calling, poking fun, picking on someone, mildly abusive language, and gossip
• Disrespect for authority. This includes office personnel, teachers, administrators, and parents.
• Loud or inappropriate behavior in the classroom, lunchroom, restroom, chapel, or playground
• Misbehavior on field trips (also must miss next field trip)
• Eating or drinking in class (this includes gum, mints, and all types of candy) If a student is sick and needs a cough drop, then the parent must send a note to the school asking that their student be allowed to use cough drops.
• Being in an unauthorized area
• Leaving books, backpacks, and bags not in locker or top of lockers.
• Minor destruction or defacing of school property (parents must repair or replace damage)
• Tampering with another person’s property
• Passing or writing notes during instructional time
• Throwing objects inside or outside
• Leaving the classroom without permission
• Buying food out of vending machines without permission
• Any other violation which administration deem necessary may fall into this category

Students will be suspended for the following.  The suspension could last from 1 to 3 days.  The Headmaster or Principal will decide the length of the suspension.

• Fighting
• Bullying another student
• Using Profanity
• Cheating on any test or assignment
• Gambling
• Stealing
• Lying
• Skipping class or leaving school without permission
• Repeated detentions
• Inappropriate display of affection/ and or inappropriate physical contact
• Defiance of authority
• Any violation, which the administration may deem, falls into this category.

Students may be expelled from Cathedral Academy when one of the following infractions takes place:

• Possession of a pocketknife, gun or any other weapon deemed dangerous.
• Bullying
• Flagrant disrespect for authority
• Serious or willful destruction of school property (parent must also pay for damages)
• Smoking or possession of tobacco or tobacco like products
• Student or parent’s failure to cooperate with school discipline code
• Possession or use of illegal or un-prescribed drugs, alcohol, or pornography
• Sale of any drugs, tobacco, alcohol or pornography
• Striking or cursing a teacher or authority figure
• Continued bad attitude
• Repeated violation of school rules
• Sexual harassment (inappropriate gestures, touching, solicitation, notes, blogs, pictures, favors, or actions deemed sexual harassment by administration)
• Students suspected of immoral, unchaste, or questionable behavior in and outside of school.This includes slander and inappropriate photographs or language via twitter, Instagram, snapcaht, Facebook, and any other form of the Internet or Social Media.
• Any other violations which administration may reasonably deem fall into this category

Suspensions 

Students who are suspended from school will receive zeros for the time they are suspended and will not be allowed to make up their work. They also will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities or exempt any of their exams.

Virtuous Behavior

Virtuous behavior is expected at all times for Cathedral Academy students.  Those students suspected of immoral, unchaste, or questionable behavior in and outside of school will have their parents notified and will need to submit to necessary counseling.  Students must realize that they represent Cathedral Academy, the Cathedral of Christ the King, and ultimately Jesus Christ at all times.  Our concern and care for the students’ moral well being is always tempered with mercy and grace.

Purity and Chastity

Upper school/college preparatory students are expected to live chaste, moral lives.  The students will be required from time to time to participate in classes that teach abstinence, purity, and chaste behavior.  It is our mission to equip each student to remain pure until united to another individual in Holy Matrimony.

Pregnancy

Any student who becomes pregnant or is involved in a pregnancy may still attend Cathedral Academy, but must go on homebound.  The student will pick up his/ her assignment for 2 weeks at a time, return those assignments, and make up any test.  The student must also attend communion at least once a week in street clothing.  He/She must also commit to attending Parenting classes at Sav-A-Life in Selma.  Current students who are involved in a pregnancy and chose to have an abortion while attending Cathedral Academy will be dismissed.

Boy-Girl Relationships

We realize there exists a natural attraction between males and females, however, we do not permit public displays of affection such as hugging, kissing, holding hands, touching, sitting on laps, etc.  Sexual advances both verbal and written are forbidden.  This includes physical inappropriate contact.

Reconciliation

Cathedral Academy is committed to reconciliation for all races in the city of Selma and our student body make up reflects our mission.  Students are taught the importance of the equality of man in sermons, bible teachings, and in everyday practical situations.  Racial prejudice is not tolerated among our students.

Other

Registration

All students enrolled in Cathedral Academy are registered with the Selma City Schools.  Copies of social security cards, birth certificates, and immunization records are necessary for enrollment

Privacy

Students may have no expectation of privacy of his or her possessions or person while at Cathedral Academy.  In order to ensure the safety and well being of all students, cars, backpacks, desks, persons, etc. may be searched at anytime at the discretion of the headmaster.

Contraband

Any items not allowed at Cathedral Academy may be confiscated at anytime with no intent of return to the student.  This includes cell phones, electronic devices, hats worn by boys, alcohol, tobacco or tobacco like products, or any other disruptive material.  It is the Headmaster’s discretion to return the item to the student.

Telephone and Mobile Phones

Students use of the telephones in the Office is for emergency instances only.  Prior to using the telephone for such emergency purposes, students must request and receive permission from either their teacher, secretary, or Principal.  Parents may call can leave a message for their child, but students will not be pulled out of class to speak to their child over the phone.

Students must turn their cell phones and smart watches off during school and place them in the appropriate designated place for the entire school day.  Any student who is caught with power to their cell phone or smart watch is considered in violation of the cell phone policy and will have their phone/ smart watch confiscated.  Or if the student is in possession of their phone without permission from their teacher.

1^stoffenst: $20 fine and detention

2^ndoffense: $30 fine and detention

3^rdoffense and all thereafter: $50 fine and a 1 day suspension

Social Media Abuse

It would be virtually impossible to cover all aspects of social media abuse in view of the technologies available in our society today.  However, the use of any form of social media contact at any time in a manner that reflect negatively on Cathedral Christian Academy is prohibited, including but not limited to ethnic, racial, religious, or sexual slurs; electronic transmissions that reflect negatively on the school, its teachers and staff, other students, or the community; or any other acts that do not meet the standards of Cathedral Christian Academy.  Cyber bullying will not be tolerated.  If a student neglects these policies and proof is brought to the administration then discipline action will be taken.

Fundraising

The purpose of fundraisers is to help offset tuition costs, buy sports equipment, or fund special trips or projects.  All parents must participate in the fall and spring fundraisers.  If you do not participate you will have to pay a $200 perstudent fee by the 15^thof the following month.

Classroom Visiting

Parents must first check in at the front desk before visiting a classroom.  Our receptionist will notify the teacher that a parent wishes to visit the classroom.  Parent visits should be scheduled ahead of time.  Parents will not be allowed to pull students from their classrooms to talk to them.  Parents can come and eat lunch with their student at school at any time.

School Upkeep

Students are expected to help and assist in the upkeep of the school.  This includes helping clean, taking out trash, mopping, grounds keeping, and lunchroom clean up when necessary.  Public service is a value and virtue we wish to instill in our students.

Field Trips

Field trips will be conducted from time to time during normal school hours and at times on Saturday.  Parents are encouraged to help provide transportation and help chaperon field trips.  Cathedral Academy is always open to parental input regarding places to visit and educational trips.  The following rules apply to all field trips.

• All students will receive a note prior to the field trip. The note will give the details of the trip
• Drivers will be secured for the trip. The number of children allowed in each car will be determined by the number of seat belts in the car.  Each student must wear a seatbelt.  It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure the students are buckled in.
• Teachers will assign students to cars. If parents volunteer to drive, then they must be willing to have students placed in their cars.
• Parents driving vehicles for class field trips and arriving prior to 8:00 am are to park in the back of the parking lot.
• Cars will travel in a convoy with each car having its lights on. Cars must stay together at all times.  The lead car will pull over at the first opportunity should cars become separated by traffic.
• A map will be given to each driver indicating the exact route to be taken.
• All drivers must be 25 years of age or older and have certified insurance.

Transcripts

Cathedral Academy needs to be given a 30-day notice for the release of records and transcripts.  Also, an official transcript request must be obtained.  Transcripts will not be released until all fees are current.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are of importance in training students to conduct themselves in an emergency that might affect the entire student body.  Fire drills will be held regularly at announced and unannounced times.  All teachers will be familiar with the fire drill bulletin concerning their particular rooms.

Tornado Drills

During a tornado drill, all students will take cover in the downstairs hallway.

Inclement Weather

One Call Now is a service that we use to call/ text all numbers on file in case school has to close early or cancel.  Please make sure your contact information is up to date.  Students will not be allowed to leave school if we are under a tornado warning.

Carpool Guidelines

All school rules apply in the carpool line as well

• Upon arriving at school in the mornings, either park in the back of the parking lot to come inside or follow the carpool line to drop your student off
• In the afternoon, follow the two carpool lines that are set up. Pull up as close as possible to the car in front of you.  If no one is in front of you, please follow the teacher’s directions and pull forward until they tell you to stop.
• Students will be allowed to load when the flags are up. No one is to load when the flags are down.
• If you need to come inside in the afternoon, please park in the grass lot next door.
• High School students need to park in the grass lot next door.
• Students who are not picked up by 3:15 will automatically be placed in after school care.

After school care

After school care is from 3:15 – 5:15 and is $10 per day per child.  After school care must be paid at the end of the week, or the student will not be allowed to stay in after school care until the balance is paid.

Medical

Medications and Medical Issues

The school must be notified of all medications taken by the student.  A list of medicines and known medical conditions will be kept on file.  The school has faculty members that are certified in CPR.  The school maintains a first aid kit for minor cuts and abrasions.

Medical Release Form

Every parent must sign a medical release form to allow physicians to perform emergency medical treatment when necessary.  Hospitals normally require a release form for all those under the age of eighteen.

Doctor/Dental Appointments

Appointments such as these should be made, whenever possible, outside of school hours.

Physical Education

A valid doctor’s excuse for medical reasons must be submitted if a child is to abstain from physical education class.  Failure to participate in PE will result in a lower or possibly failing grade for that course.  Good health and exercise are part of a solid education program.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Update emergency contact numbers should be kept on file and updated by the parent when necessary.  Cell phone and landline numbers should be kept current in the students file.

Child Abuse Reporting

As to comply with the Alabama Child Abuse Reporting Law, Cathedral Academy must report any suspected cases of child abuse to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.