Handbook

HISTORY

The Master's Academy began with a God-given vision for a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 Christian School on the South Shore. The Master's Academy was established in June of 2002. Our prayers were answered when God opened the door for The Master's Academy to be housed in New Hope Chapel of Rockland. Board members, faculty and staff were in agreement to follow the Lord's leading as it opened its doors in September of 2002.

MISSION

The Master's Academy is a private, faith-based, Pre-kindergarten through High School, passionately equipping students in academic, moral, physical and social excellence to impact their world for the glory of God.

VISION
"Educating for Eternity" The Master's Academy exists to educate children with eternal values, to positively affect the world leaving a legacy to their family, society and the world at large.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The Master's Academy believes in private education committed to Christian principles and high academic standards. Every aspect of the school is Biblically-based and Christ-centered through a distinct Christian world-view. The quality and strength of the school is modeled through the beliefs, values, and educational professionalism of the administration, teachers and staff, who deeply love the students and demonstrate a passion and proficiency in their curriculum and teaching methods.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

Students are accepted at The Master's Academy after all the following TMA requirements have been met:

1. Attending The Master's Academy is a privilege not a right. When a student is accepted to attend TMA, he or she agrees to abide by the standards and policies set forth by the school.
   
   
2. A student is enrolled at The Master's Academy by his parents or legal guardians. The school regards the parents as having authority over their child with the school providing the academic and spiritual support for the child's development.
   
   
3. All new students are placed on probation for the first quarter they attend TMA. As long as a student is enrolled in the Academy, he represents this school both on and off campus. If the testimony of the student is detrimental at any time to TMA, he may forfeit the privilege of attending TMA.
   
   
4. Students entering the Preschool Program must be 4 years old by September 1st. Students entering the Kindergarten program must be 5 years of age by September 1st. Students entering the First grade must be 6 years of age by September 1st. New students must supply a copy of their birth certificate and an up-to-date immunization schedule.

Re- Enrollment: Re-enrollment opens in January for current students. In order for a student to be re-enrolled, the office must receive a completed re-enrollment application and the registration fee by January 31st. A place cannot be reserved, unless the above procedure is followed. Once a class is filled, the student will then be placed on a waiting list.

Open Enrollment: Open enrollment begins at Open House, which is held in February.

Non-discrimination Policy: The Master's Academy school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

AFFILIATION

The Master's Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International, an internationally recognized organization with over 4000 member schools.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEE POLICY

Students are expected to attend school each day unless they are ill. Vacations scheduled during school days are not encouraged. Most students cannot afford to miss days of instruction. All work is to be made up in a timely manner: one day absence, one day to make up work; two day absence, two days to make up work, etc. as determined by the teacher.

Parents of students who have accumulated 10 days of absence during the school year without a signed medical excuse will be sent a letter informing them of excessive absenteeism. When a student has been absent 15 days, in addition to the letter, a conference will be scheduled with the principal and the parent. Parents of students who miss more than 20 days of school without a signed medical excuse from a medical doctor will be informed that their child may not receive credit for the current year's scholastic work. A conference will be scheduled with the Principal and the parent.

Notification of Absence: A parent must call The Master's Academy by 9:00 a.m. and clearly specify the reason for the student's absence. All absences will be recorded on the student's record.

Classroom Attendance:

1. Students are given 4 minutes to pass between classes. Students who are not in the classroom when the bell rings, are considered tardy to class.
   
2. Students are expected to be prepared for class with all necessary books and materials needed for the class subject.
   
3. If a teacher or staff member detains a student, a tardy pass will be issued for the next class and the tardy will be excused.
   
4. If the student is tardy to class without a pass, the tardy is unexcused and reported to
   the office.
   
5. If a student skips a class or is dismissed from class, disciplinary action will be taken.

BACKPACKS

The backpacks should have no offensive signs or language. Students are not allowed to carry backpacks from class to class. Backpacks are to be stored in their assigned locker at the beginning of the day.

BELL SCHEDULE

The school bell is based on a class bell and a dismissal bell for grades 7-12. There are 3-4 minutes between dismissal bell and class bell for students to go to their locker and get books for the next class.

CELL PHONE USAGE

There is no cell phone usage by students during school hours. If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must be turned off. If a student is caught using one it will be confiscated for the remainder of the day and further disciplinary action will be taken.

CHAPEL

Chapel is held once per week in the Sanctuary. All students are required to attend. Every student is expected to bring a Bible to chapel and to participate in all aspects of the chapel service. All students are to be attentive and respectful during chapel services. A chapel service is an extremely important part of our program. It is a time when we can worship Jesus Christ as a unified body. Occasionally, a guest speaker will be invited to speak at a chapel service. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend whenever possible.

COMPUTER/INTERNET ACCCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct, and/or any violation that The Masters Academy deems to be inappropriate. Such conduct as attempting to override the filtering system, the firewall or accessing unauthorized sites will result in the permanent loss of privilege of use of the computers and participation in computer class. Also, the intentional degrading, disrupting or destruction of the computers, programs or other systems will result in a loss of privilege to use the computers. Payment of any repairs must be made by the student or parent.

The student will not maintain any website, e-mail, and/or "IM" with objectionable or inappropriate content. Such inappropriate content includes, but is not limited to, obscene language, lewd or suggestive pictures, disparaging comments about individuals or groups, or information about students or staff of The Master's Academy that is discussed without permission of the person involved. These actions may result in suspension from TMA.

CURRICULUM

The Master's Academy utilizes a combination of Christian and secular textbooks. Our goal is to have a curriculum comprised of the finest academic materials that enable the teaching of Christian principles and a full support of the Christian philosophy of education. We have not chosen one particular publisher to supply our curriculum materials. Instead we have chosen by subject what we believe are the strongest materials from various publishers. With these materials, we continue to build a curriculum of academic excellence built on Christian principles.

DATING POLICY

The Master's Academy believes that the decision on whether to allow a Jr./Sr. High student to date is one that ought to be left up to each family to decide. However, while attending TMA or any TMA sponsored activity, students are not allowed to hold hands or exhibit any other public displays of affection or have any physical contact. The topic of dating will be discussed in Bible class or Health class. Our goal is to present to our students a consistent Biblical view of the subjects of dating, relationships, personal responsibility, etc.

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY

The purpose of discipline at The Master's Academy is to teach each student to achieve obedience, respect and responsibility and to create an atmosphere where students will be able to achieve academic excellence without distraction and grow spiritually without hindrance.

As a school staff, we are responsible to do our best to develop fair standards and enforce them in a just and equitable manner. We believe students should be held responsible for their behavior. We strive to be a redemptive community. The term "discipline" is the base word for "discipleship". Without discipline, The Master's Academy would cease to be a Christian school. It would not be a place that our students would want to attend; furthermore, we observe that students are most happy and secure when they know what is expected of them and realize that they are in a school where rules are made to be followed.

Well-adjusted self-discipline can only be achieved as the Academy and the family work together in harmony. We seek to cooperate with parents in obeying God's directive, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" The term "train" specifically speaks of direction and moral character.

The following guidelines are the basis for discipline at The Master's Academy:

"Have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, His children? He said, my child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children" Hebrews 12:5-6 (NTL)

"God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening- it is painful! But afterwards there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way"
Hebrews 12:10b-11 (NLT)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

•Have respect for God and yourself
•Have respect for those in authority
•Have respect for others
•Have respect for school and personal property

Our desire as leadership is that students demonstrate behavior that is praiseworthy. We emphasize student accomplishments and encourage positive interaction with others. The staff strive to set an example which students will want to follow.

Disciplinary Procedures: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves" Romans 13:1-2

Classroom Behavior: The teacher in the classroom is given the primary responsibility of discipline in any classroom at The Master's Academy. The classroom teacher will determine what measures will be given in regards to discipline in the class. Any student who is disruptive, disrespectful or detrimental to the learning atmosphere in the classroom, to another student or the teacher, will not be allowed to remain in the class. Being sent to the Principal's office from class will result in an automatic detention.

Detention: Detentions assigned by the administrator will be served on either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon and last from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This will be a writing detention. The following examples of behavior that may result in detention and/or further disciplinary action if so deemed necessary by the principal include:

1. Being out of class or observed activity without pass
2. Five unexcused tardies to school and/or class in a quarter grading period
3. Classroom Disruption
4. Defying, disobeying or disrespectful of any adult
5. Dress Code violations
6. Harassing Others (Bullying)
7. Deliberate and repeated pushing and shoving of others
8. Public displays of affection (hugging, holding hands, kissing, etc.)
9. Disruptive behavior in the lunchroom
10. Plagiarizing
11. Use of music, electronic devices (cell phones, video games)

Suspension: Suspensions are earned for very serious offenses. On matters of this nature, the students will be notified of the offense and given opportunity to explain his or her actions. When a suspension becomes necessary, the parent will be contacted by phone or in person followed by notice in writing. The suspension will be served the following day. A parent conference with the principal is required before the student may return to classes. All work missed during the suspension must be made up. However, all tests and quizzes that are missed during the suspension will be assessed a 10% penalty. In addition to suspension, the student could forfeit his right to hold or run for a position of student leadership and participate in school activities.

The following examples of behavior that will result in suspension and/or further disciplinary action if so deemed necessary by the principal include:

1. Cheating
2. Damaging Property
3. Endangering self or others
4. Fighting
5. Threatening Language
6. Swearing or immoral speech
8. Using computer resources inappropriately
9. Forgery of parents' signature on any document
10. Stealing or borrowing (without permission) that which does not belong to them
11. Leaving school without permission

The following offenses will result in a minimum automatic one-week suspension and may result in immediate expulsion:

1. Possession of alcohol
2. Illegal drugs
3. Tobacco
4. Pornographic material
5. Sexual harassment
6. Possessing a weapon or potential weapon
7. Any physical altercation with any staff or parent

The administration reserves the right to add to or delete from the above lists.

Explanation of Disciplinary Terms:

Detention is a 30-minute period of time directly after school directed by the Principal (the number of days determined by the Principal depending on the seriousness and/or repetition of the offense). The student will be given a writing assignment that will contribute to the necessary behavioral changes required.

Probation is a period of time designated by the Principal, whereas the student is closely observed and may be asked to withdraw from the school if behavior and/or academic performance do not improve.

Out-of School Suspension- is used in the case where a student persists in excessive negative behavior. Suspension is dismissal from school for a given period of time. The student will be responsible for all make up work and homework. Upon return to school, the student will be placed on probation.

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES

See back of handbook for guidelines.

EARLY DISMISSAL

If a student must leave during the school day, an early dismissal note must be brought from home. The following information must be included on the note:

1. Time of dismissal
2. Date
3. Time of return to school
4. Destination
5. Means of transportation
6. Parent signature

Planned absences, which are approved by the principal prior to the absence, will be counted toward the student's total accumulated absences. A student should bring his specific request in writing to the office for approval.

Parents are requested to come to the office and sign the student out. If a student has permission to leave the school, they must sign out in the school office before leaving and sign in upon their return.

ELECTRONICS

Any handheld electronic games, cd players, walkmans, Ipods, cell phones, cameras, etc. are not allowed in school. A violation of this policy will result in the equipment being confiscated and held until the principal holds a parent conference.

EXAMS

Mid-Term and final exams will be given to grades 9-12. The schedule, date and time of the mid-term and final exams will be printed in The Master's Academy calendar and weekly newsletter.

High school sophomores are encouraged to take The Master's Academy administered PSAT given in the fall.

High school juniors are strongly encouraged to make provisions for taking the SAT college entrance exam. The Master's Academy administration will work closely with the junior class to help facilitate SAT preparation classes.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A student must pass all core subjects with a grade of 70 or above in the previous quarter to participate in extracurricular activities. If a student is absent from school on the day of a scheduled activity, they are not eligible to participate.

FIELD TRIPS

School trips to various locations are taken from time to time. These trips are taken in a chaperone's car and are chaperoned by faculty members and parents. Permission forms for specific trips are required. In some cases, minimal transportation and/or admission fee may be required. Chaperones cannot bring other siblings on field trips.

FIRE DRILLS

Throughout the year there will be unannounced fire drills. When the fire alarm sounds, all persons in the school building will file out in a quiet, orderly fashion. All doors must be shut, lights turned off, and absolutely no talking. Students are to remain with their classmates at all times. All classes will have an assigned exit and escape route.

FUNDRAISING

In order to keep the tuition at a level that our families can afford, the school holds two or more fundraisers during the school year. The money raised will either go to a designated project or the general operating budget.

GRADING POLICY

"A" Student:
1. An "A+" indicates work that averages 97-100%.
2. An "A" indicates work that averages 93-96%.
3. An "A-" indicates work that averages 90- 92%.

"B" Student:
1. A "B+" indicates work that averages 87 -89%.
2. A "B" indicates work, which averages 83-86%.
3. A "B-" indicates work that averages 80-82%.

"C" Student:
1. A "C+" indicated work that averages 77-79%.
2. A "C" indicates work that averages 73-76%.
3. A "C-" indicates work that averages 70-72%.

"D" Student:
1. A "D+" indicates work that averages 67-69%.
2. A "D" indicates work that averages 63-66%.
3. A "D-" indicates work that averages 60-62%.

F=Fail P=Pass I=Incomplete

The following guidelines are the qualifications for earning the indicated grade: (grades 9-12 only)

Numeric Letter Regular

97-100 A+ 4.00
93-96 A 3.80
90-92 A- 3.67
87-89 B+ 3.33
83-86 B 3.00
80-82 B- 2.67
77-79 C+ 2.33
73-76 C 2.00
70-72 C- 1.67
67-69 D+ 1.33
63-66 D 1.00
60-62 D- 0.67
0-59 F 0.00

P - Pass
I - Incomplete
F - Fail

Incomplete Grades:
If a student receives an "I" as a letter grade on a report card, it indicates that the requirements for the course have not been met. The student is given two weeks from the issuance of the "Incomplete" to make up the work that has been missed. If after the two weeks, the work is not made up; the "I" will be changed to an "F". The student has the responsibility of arranging with their teacher(s) to complete the work. When the letter grade has been determined, the parents will be notified.

HEALTH

Upon acceptance to The Master's Academy, a medical form must be filled out and signed by the physician and returned to school. State regulations require that each child entering school must have a complete record of immunization on file and a complete physical examination within one year prior to admission. Failure to have these tests and documentation on file (except for those who are exempt based on religious belief) will exclude your child from school.

It is important that throughout the school year the office be information of additional shots or boosters your child receives to maintain current records. If your child has any chronic health problem, notify the office so that in the event of any emergency, we will be aware of any existing problem or treatment need. Health and medical records for all students are maintained in the office in a locked file.

Student Health Requirements: All students attending The Master's Academy must have on record with the school office, either a current immunization record or an exemption statement according to the Massachusetts Code, before entering school in the fall. Standard immunization record forms may be obtained from the family doctor and a copy given to the school office.

Children ages 2 through 6 must be screened for lead poisoning. If they have not been screened, they must do so within 30 days of admission

Health History: Describes the basic health history of each student.

Emergency Form: Lists the emergency contact names and phone numbers of people who need notification in a medical emergency. Includes signed waiver in order to transport a child for medical treatment.

Current Student Information Form: Lists all medications the child is currently taking, other than short-term antibiotics, e.g. Ritalin, asthma, allergy or depression medications, etc. This form must be updated whenever changes occur.

Sickness Policy: Students are to be kept home if they are not feeling well. The following is a guideline for keeping your child home:

1. Temperature is 99 degrees or higher orally
2. Vomiting within 24 hours
3. Sore or discharge from eyes or ears or profuse nasal discharge
4. An undiagnosed rash
5. At least 24 hours after a fever, stomach upset or commencement of taking an antibiotic
6. A child diagnosed with strep can return 48 hours after medication is taking
If a student becomes ill during the day, the parent (or adult on the emergency form) will be called to take the child home. The school is staffed and equipped to handle well children only. If a parent does not or cannot pick up their child the school will make necessary arrangements for your child to be sent to the nearest hospital.

No student with a fever or a contagious disease will be allowed to remain at school.

Report to the office any contagious diseases suffered by your child so that the school can take the necessary steps to stop the condition from spreading (lice, chicken pox, strep, etc.) A communicable disease may require exclusion from school during the active stage of the disease. Communicable diseases include but are not limited to chicken pox, measles, and mumps. Students with scabies, impetigo, conjunctivitis, ringworm, and strep throat will be readmitted to school based on the recommendations of your physician, usually 24-48 hours after initial treatment is administered. A student who has developed a fever, diarrhea or vomiting will be readmitted to school after being free for at least 24 hours.

In case of an accident, the parent will be notified immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, the next step will be decided according to the circumstances or the seriousness of the situation, which may include any or all of the following:

1. Contact the parent to come and get the child immediately.
2. If the parent is unable to be reached, call the person(s) listed on the emergency form
3. If necessary, the child will be transported to the hospital by ambulance.
4. If a child is transported to the hospital, information from the child's medical form will be brought to the hospital if no parent is available.

An authorization for EMERGENY MEDICAL SERVICES form signed by the parent must be kept on file at the school. It is the PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to keep the school informed of all names, addresses and telephone numbers that are changed. Please be sure that the school office is kept up to date. We particularly need to be aware of allergies and medications being taken by your child.

First Aid supplies are kept at school for simple cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Staff members are trained in First Aid and some have additional training in CPR.

HOLIDAYS

As a Christian school, we have the responsibility to present Christ in all holidays. We need to emphasize the spiritual truths that are the true reason for the existence of these celebration times. We do this through our Bible lessons, bulletin boards, program themes, etc.

VETERAN'S DAY - All teachers are encouraged to explain the meaning of Veteran's Day and to have a special prayer emphasis for our country and for the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

HALLOWEEN - As a Christian School we do not commemorate Halloween. It is our policy that no witches, goblins, black cats, etc. be made or displayed by faculty or students. Costume parties are not permitted.

THANKSGIVING - The Master's Academy commemorates and celebrates Thanksgiving. There is no school Wednesday - Friday of that week.

CHRISTMAS - It is the policy of The Master's Academy that the way we celebrate Christmas as distinctively Christian, therefore Santa Claus will be left out of all school celebrations.

VALENTINE'S DAY- Valentines may be exchanged and teachers may plan parties. Students bringing in valentines must have one for every member of their class.

EASTER - It is the policy of The Master's Academy that we celebrate Easter as distinctively Christian, therefore the Easter Bunny will be left out of all school celebrations.

COLUMBUS DAY, MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, PRESIDENT'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY - These are school holidays and should be celebrated by praying for our country's leaders, thanking our Lord for the men and women who founded our country, who fought for our freedoms. Children should be taught the significance of each holiday.

HOMEWORK

The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills; supplement classroom learning; develop and extend self-discipline, initiative and responsibility; to complete unfinished classroom work; and to involve parents in the learning process. All homework should have an educational value.

All homework assignments must be completed and turned in when due. Students will be penalized for incomplete assignments and homework, points deducted for incomplete or no homework will be established by the teacher.

Any assignment that a student receives which allows the student more than 24 hours to complete, must be passed in on the due date. A student who is absent on the due date of such assignment is still responsible for making sure it is turned into the teacher on time.

If the assignment is not turned in on the due date, the student will receive a zero and will not receive any credit for the entire assignment. .

HOMEWORK GRADES 1-6
All children need time for recreation, relaxation and enjoyable interaction with their families. Suggested homework times:

Grade 1-2 - 15 minutes
Grade 3-4 - 30 minutes
Grade 5-6 - 45 minutes

Grades 1-6 may have homework on any given weekend when deemed necessary.

The above chart is only a guideline; therefore there might be days in which the suggested homework times will vary. Recognizing that what takes one child 10 minutes may take another 30; therefore it is critical that there is communication with parents so adjustments can be made to the model when needed. All homework assignments must be completed and turned in when due. Students will be penalized for incomplete assignments and homework, points deducted for incomplete or no homework will be established by the teacher.

LUNCH PROGRAM

All students are required to bring lunch from home. For safety reasons, beverages in glass bottles are not permitted in school. Students in grades 7-12 will have access to a microwave. Students in grades from may order hot lunch through our hot lunch program.

Lunches are to be eaten in the designated or assigned area only. Food is not to be eaten in the halls or classrooms. Students are expected to keep the lunch area clean and to pick up any trash when they are done. Students are not to leave the designated or assigned lunch area without permission of the lunchroom aide/teacher.

MEDICATIONS

Student may not carry prescription or non-prescription medication with them in school. Before the school will issue any medication to a student, there must be a written parental permission form on file. In order to facilitate the general dispensing of non-prescription medicine (e.g. Tylenol, Tums,) The Master's Academy will provide a form to parents, which grants a year's permission to the school to issue non-prescription medication. Parents are responsible to supply the school with medication in original, sealed container with expiration date.

The Master's Academy will not distribute prescription medication other than asthma medication. Please schedule your child's dosage amounts for non-school hours.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

The Master's Academy policy is to send all student information regarding achievements, progress reports, report cards, activities, behavior, etc. to the student's home address. Any additional mailing requests must be made in writing and sent to the school office at The Master's Academy.

PHONE USAGE

Parents are requested not to call the school except in cases of any emergency. Students will not be called out of class for a phone call unless there is a family emergency. Message concerning changes in schedules or pick-ups can be taken through the office during the day. Parents are requested to be judicious about calling with messages. The office phone is not available for student use from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Students must turn off cellular phones upon entering the school building.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarize: to steal and pass off (the ideas or works of another) as one's own: use without crediting the source; to commit literary theft; present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Type 1 Plagiarism: Not Using Quotation Marks

- When you use someone else's words, ALWAYS put them in quotation marks and cite the source!
- If you include a quotation, you must use EXACT words of the author or it is a misquote.
- Use quotations only when it is absolutely essential for the reader to know EXACTLY what that particular person said word for word.

Type 2 Plagiarism: Not Citing the Source of Information

- All information/ideas that are not part of general knowledge that you obtained from someone else must be cited even if you used your own words.

Type 3 Plagiarism: Paraphrasing is Too Similar to Source

- Read your sources of information, synthesize the material in your head, and then write
what you know in your own unique way.
- Using someone else's sequence of sentences and just changing a few words or their position in each sentence is plagiarism.
- If you find yourself with the source of information in one hand while you are writing your report in the other hand, then there is a good chance you are plagiarizing.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are sent home mid-way through a grading period. These reports may be initiated when the student has problems occurring in either an academic (C or below). These progress reports do not become part of the student's permanent record. The schedule for distribution of mid-quarter progress reports can be found in the school calendar. Progress reports will be mailed home the Friday after grades close.

PROMOTION POLICY

In grades 9-12, students repeat each course they fail rather than repeating the entire grade. Required courses that are failed must be passed in summer school if available or in the regular classroom the following year. Students must pass all required courses to be eligible for graduation from The Master's Academy.

Requirements for Grades 1-8:
Promotion may be denied if a student receives a final grade of "F" in one or more of their major subjects.

Academic Monitoring

A student will be placed on Academic Monitoring after having received a grade lower than 70 in any subject.

Academic Monitoring is designed to bring out the best in a student's academic ability. A student placed on Academic Monitoring will be required to maintain a daily assignment notebook and to have a regularly scheduled time after school in which they will receive extra help in those subjects they are having difficulties in.

A student will be taken off Academic Monitoring when the grade is brought up to a 70 or above.

A student who fails to cooperate in Academic Monitoring will be disciplined with detention and/or suspension.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on Academic Probation if they receive a grade of 60 or below.

Academic Probation requires a student to maintain a daily assignment notebook signed or initialed by both the teacher and parent. A student must have a regularly scheduled time after school in which they will receive extra help in those subjects they are having difficulties in.

Also, a meeting with the parents and principal must be scheduled to discuss further academic strategies. In some cases a tutor may have to be required.

A student on Academic Probation may also lose the privilege of participation in extra-curricular activities such as field trips, outings, banquets, etc.

A student who fails to improve their grades while on Academic Probation will be in danger of Academic Expulsion from The Master's Academy.

REPORT CARDS

Four times during the school year students receive report cards. The report card contains information about achievement, effort and conduct. The schedule for distribution of report cards can be found in the school calendar. A grade is given for each subject. Report cards will be mailed the Friday after grades close and must be returned signed to the school office by the following Friday.

SCHOOL RECORDS

School records are available in the school office. They contain past test scores and other useful information that may be helpful to students, parents and teachers. The information in the records is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside the school without permission from parents or guardians. Records will not be released if there are any outstanding balances.

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS

For school cancellation watch Boston TV stations of WCVB Channel 5, WBZ Channel 4 and WHDH Channel 7. The Master's Academy will be listed under "T" for The Master's Academy.

SCHOOL PICTURES

Pictures are taken both individually and as a class in the fall. This is a parent's choice; the cost and description of the packages are sent home in advance of the picture-taking day. Checks must be made out to the photographer and brought to school the day the pictures are taken.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Arrival: The doors open at 8:20 AM. Cars are to line up under carport. (Please be very cautious when moving forward to insure students' safety.) School doors close at 8:30 AM. If you arrive after that time, your child/ren is considered Tardy. You must park in the upper parking lot and walk down back to the rear entrance. The back lot is closed to traffic for safety reason. You must escort your child/ren to the school office and sign them in at the school office to receive a tardy slip.

Dismissal:
Dismissal time for Pre-school is 11:30 pm - M - W - F
Dismissal time for K-Grade 6 is 2:35 pm
Dismissal time for Jr./Sr. High is 2:40 pm .

Dismissal pick-up is as follows: When pulling in, you will proceed around the perimeter of the parking lot and pull up under the carport facing in the direction of the street. There are two lanes under the carport. The lane closest to the door is for vehicles picking up younger students. The outer lane is for vehicles picking up Jr./Sr. High students.

Parents are expected to be on time. Students who are not picked up on time will report to the designated area and will be charged the appropriate fee.

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Master's Academy presently does not have a Special Needs Program and is unable to meet the needs of children known to have learning disabilities. Conferences will be arranged for parents of children enrolled in the Academy who are having difficulty in the classroom. If necessary, and with the permission of the parent, testing will be arranged through the public school system in the town where the family resides. Decisions on how to best educate the student will be made by the Academy staff and parent after the recommendations/diagnosis of the public school team conference.

SPORTS

We offer soccer for grades 1-12 in the fall and basketball for grades 3-12 in the winter. A student must pass all core subjects with a grade of 70 or above in the previous quarter to participate in sports activities. If a student is absent from school on the day of a scheduled activity

STUDENT LOCKERS

Students are assigned lockers each year. A student may not trade lockers without permission from the office. Lockers are to be kept as neat and organized as possible. Lockers are to be free of prohibited items. School-printed schedules (such as sports, school calendars, and bell schedules) may be placed on the inside of locker door. Students are encouraged to purchase locks and lock their lockers nightly as TMA campus is used by various groups of people in the evening and on weekends. TMA is not responsible for theft of items out of lockers. Materials attached to the outside of lockers are prohibited unless permission is given by the administration.

The administration has the right to have access to lockers or book-bags for inspection as needed. Lockers belong to the school and may be searched at any time.

Students are not permitted to enter another student’s locker or to attach a lock on any locker not belonging to the student. Books, notebooks, and class notes are personal possessions, which may not be “borrowed.” Entering and taking something from a locker without specific permission from the owner will be considered stealing.

STUDENT MISSIONS
It is the desire of The Master’s Academy administration to give our students the opportunity to experience a cross-cultural/overseas, short-term missions trip during their junior year of high school.

These trips will most usually occur during an extended school vacation (February, April). All trips will be conducted by staff of The Master’s Academy and parental volunteers. Information concerning the trip will be given well in advance. All students in their junior year are strongly encouraged to participate in the short-term missions trip.

STUDENT PARKING

Students that will be driving their own vehicle to school need to park their vehicle in the far left of the front parking lot. Student parking is a privilege and can be revoked if proper driving safety is not followed.

Students are not allowed to go to their vehicles during the school day unless permissions is given from the office.

Loud music that can be heard on campus or inside the building is not permitted.

The school reserves the right to search any student-driven vehicle parked on school property or at any school function, sporting event, etc.

The speed limit should never exceed 5 MPH.

STUDENT PROPERTY

Each year, we have large boxes of unclaimed, unlabeled clothing. Parents are invited to come in and look through the lost and found articles at any time. Unclaimed articles will be donated to charity.

STUDENT RETREAT

Each year, secondary students in grades 9 – 12 participate in an orientation retreat at a youth camp for several days, generally within the first four weeks of a new school year. The purposes for their retreat are for the promotion of student-student, student teacher, and teacher-teacher fellowship, for spiritual growth, and for school spirit. An information sheet with all other pertinent details will be sent home. Attendance at the retreat is mandatory, and absences will be unexcused unless specifically and verifiable excused in advance by school officials.

TARDINESS

Students are expected to be to school on time. If a student is late for reasons outside of their control, the parent must sign in at the office and obtain a tardy pass. If a student is late five times during a quarter, students in grades 7-12 will receive a detention.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are issued to students. However, all textbooks are owned by The Master's Academy and are loaned to students. Care must be taken of this property. Textbooks are to be covered at all times. In the case of abuse, misuse or lost book, a fee will be charged to the student.

TRANSPORTATION

Primarily due to the cost and liability factors, The Master's Academy does not provide transportation. If you are interested in establishing a car pool, please call the office. Any other cooperative effort of parents to facilitate transportation of students will be welcomed.

VACATION POLICY AND SUMMER CODES

All students are expected to live above reproach and to maintain a strong Christina testimony while out of school for vacations or summer breaks. Any behavior occurring during these times that normally is considered a major infraction of The Master’s Academy policy, as outlined in the Student Handbook, will jeopardize his or her status as a student.

Extended Vacation: The Academy believes strongly in the importance of regular attendance by all students. Except in cases of illness or extenuating family circumstances, students are expected to be present when school is in session. Parents are strongly urged not to schedule family vacations during school days and not to extend scheduled vacation periods. Should a parent choose to keep the student out of school for reasons other than illness or extenuating family circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility for identifying and making up missed work. The individual teacher (s) will not assume responsibility for providing individual tutoring or extensive individual help for the student when they return.

VOLUNTEERS

Each year, parents, grandparents and friends are encouraged to become volunteers at the school. Assistance is needed in a variety of tasks, such as assisting in the groups of children under the supervision of a teacher. Anyone may volunteer. Please call the school office so we can meet with you. A Cori form will be required for all adults working with children.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

All visitors are requested to register at the school office. Prior permission from the school office is required of all parents, relatives and friends of students who desire to visit the classes.