Rose of Sharon

 

1. PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION AND HISTORY

1.1 Purpose

The purpose in building a private Christian school is to obey the scriptural imperatives of Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "...love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children..." and of Proverbs 22:6..."to train up a child in THE way he SHOULD go." Teaching is training. Training for life must include training for eternity.

A Christian school is an extension of the Christian home in training young people in a Christian environment for time and eternity. The school staff works closely with parents to train the whole child.

Attendance at the Academy is a privilege and not a right. The goal is not to reform, but to train Christian youth of every ability in the highest principles of Christian leadership, self-discipline, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship. This school stands without apology for the old-time Gospel and the highest standards of morality and Christian behaviour.

1.2 Founding Principles

1. The Ultimate goal of education is not to produce a degree, but many Godly generations. (Isaiah 58:12, Psalms 78:6, Psalms 112:1-2)

2. God charges parents and grandparents with the ultimate responsibility of training their sons and daughters. (Gal 4:1-2, Deut 6:7, Prov. 17:6)

3. God established the home as the primary learning centre and the school and church are recognised as extensions of it. (Deut. 6:7, I Tim 3:5)

4. God wants the priorities of every family to be built around the daily study of Scripture, rather than on the accumulation of man's knowledge. (James 1:21, Josh 1:8)

5. Children pick up the value system of those they spend the most interactive, communicative time with. (Prov. 13:20, Prov. 1:10-19)

6. Boys and girls have differing aptitudes, and sensitivity to each child's uniqueness must be shown.

7. When children are grouped according to ages, older role models are cut off and rebels usually rise to leadership. (I Peter 5:5)

8. When Scriptural moral values are separated from courses, the contents come under the control of human reasoning. (II Tim. 16:17, Is. 55:8-9)

9. True socialising does not take place in arbitrary groupings of children in age-segregated classes, but in the real world of children to adult relationships. (II Cor. 10:12)

1.3 Objectives

1. To insure that each child comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, achieves a higher level of Christian maturity, attains a deeper commitment, and becomes a more effective witness for the Lord.

2. To emphasize the individuality of the person and to assist each child in properly responding to himself and others: to develop self-confidence, individual God-given talents and abilities in creativity, goal setting, analysis, communications, academics, and the principles of success.

3. To promote self-discipline by training students to be relevant, consistent, appreciative, responsible and thorough in attitude, character and actions.

4. To teach each child God’s Biblical principles so that they may discover the higher purpose for life's service.

5. To compensate for inadequate educational backgrounds.

6. To eliminate grade level failure and repetition.

7. To help each child learn how to honor the Lord by fulfilling the daily responsibilities God has entrusted to them.

8. To provide training for Biblical parenting so that parents may enjoy a successful family.

1.4 Biblical Emphasis

The Bible is an integral part of all grade levels at the Academy. Scripture memorization is an important part of the curriculum. The best in Bible-based curriculum is utilized, and where required for reasons of Canadian content in Social Studies and Math, a biblical perspective is presented through Ministry of Education curriculum.

The King James Version (KJV) is used as the primary translation in all class devotions, Bible classes, chapels, memorization assignments, and other Scripture related activities of the Academy.

While ACA realizes that other reliable versions of the Bible exist for amplification or personal study, the KJV is used in the instruction on the Bob Jones DVD’s. ACA prefers each student to have a KJV of the Scriptures available for school use.

1.5 Church Affiliation

Students and parents are strongly encouraged to regularly attend a Bible-believing church.

1.6 Doctrinal Statement

The doctrinal position of Rose of Sharon Ministries and the Academy is provided below. It is the foundation in all Academy Bible classes. While ACA accepts students who may not be in total agreement with the Academy's doctrinal position, ACA does expect students and parents to co-operate fully with the teachings of the Academy.

1.7 Statement of Faith

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, inerrant, authoritative Word of God

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He has revealed Himself in creation, history and in Jesus Christ.

We believe in God’s creation of the world and humankind and in humanity’s rebellion and subsequent depravity.

We believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His deity, His virgin Birth, His sinless life, His true humanity, His miracles, His substitutionary death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father, and in His coming personal return in power and in glory.

We believe that eternal salvation of depraved humanity is wholly of grace through personal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life and to grow in the knowledge of God and Christian obedience.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – the saved unto the resurrection of life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and in the importance of the church for worship, service and missions.

We believe in the separation of the church and state with each having distinct spheres of responsibility before God.

We believe in the sanctity of life.

We believe the marriage of a man and a woman is instituted by God, and although the Bible states that divorce is permissible in two unusual circumstances (adultery as described in Matthew 5:31, and abandonment of a Christian by a non-Christian as described in I Corinthians 7:15), we will do all we can to preserve marriage.

We believe that children are a gift from God and that God has established the home as the primary learning centre for them with the church and the school as parent selected extensions of it.

1.8 History

Aldergrove Christian Academy began in 1992 when a group of parents within the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church expressed concerns over the educational options available for their families. It was that grass roots movement that motivated the parents to research the viability of starting a school with a Biblical emphasis. Many volunteer hours were put into making the Aldergrove Christian Academy a reality in the fall of September 1992. The Rose of Sharon Ministries, which was formed in 1978, took the Aldergrove Christian Academy under its umbrella of ministries which additionally include: Sharon Manor (seniors housing complex), and the New Life Christian Counselling. The Academy operated in Richmond for 3 years as a Group 3 School, utilized the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, and used the facilities of the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church. In 1995, the membership of the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church voted 70% in favour of relocating to Langley due to many factors; one being the prohibitive cost of housing in Richmond for young families, which represented the future church. As ACA was utilizing church facilities, the Academy also relocated to Langley for the 1995/96 school year. In conjunction with the move to Langley , it was decided to pursue Group 1 School status, which involved changing curriculum to meet the Learning Outcomes of the provincial government through a variety of Bible-based curriculum, and hire certified teachers. In 1995, Grades K –7 were certified as Group 1. In 2000, Grades K-10 were certified as Group 1 and Grades 11-12 added in 2001. A constant theme since the school’s inception is that God would be first in all matters. Should government requirements ever demand that this theme be compromised, government certification would be sacrificed.

In January 2007 the decision was made to become a Group 3 school, as in its beginnings, and offer the Bob Jones DVD program, a Christ-centered and biblically based academic program of the highest caliber.

2. THE ORGANIZATION OF ALDERGROVE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

2.1 Rose of Sharon Ministries

The Rose of Sharon Ministries (formerly known as Rose of Sharon Society of British Columbia) was formed in 1978, is a sister organization of the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, and is the legal authority for the academy. Members of the Rose of Sharon Ministries must also be active members of the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church. The board of directors of the Rose of Sharon Ministries is comprised of the elders of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church who oversee the various ministries, which include Sharon Manor (a seniors’ housing complex), Aldergrove Christian Academy , and New Life Christian Counselling Clinic. A ROSM Board member is a part of the Academy Advisory Council as liaison between the Academy Advisory Council and the board.

2.2 Aldergrove Christian Special Parent Committees

Special committees will be formed to manage specific functions such as Closing Awards banquet, Hot Lunches, Fund Raising, Curriculum Review, etc., and they themselves will determine their own chairman within that committee. In addition 2 Parent nights will be held throughout the year to allow parental input to the Staff of Aldergrove Christian Academy and to allow the Special Committee report on their Special area of interest. A meeting for all parents will be held in September where volunteers can step forward for Special Committee positions. A subsequent meeting in February will take place, where a Q & A time will be held and allow for the Special Committees to give their reports. The Principal will MC these Parent Night meetings and the Board will be present at the February meeting.

2.5 Parent Volunteers

ACA encourages parents to be involved in the academy through a variety of different capacities. Parents contribute much to the life of the school, both in improving classroom facilities and in instructional effectiveness. Special needs will be announced from time to time. Please prayerfully consider participating with ACA in this manner. Parents are encouraged to provide assistance with transportation and supervision for all off-site activities.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in the classrooms for activities suggested by the teacher. We encourage parents to assist in classes in which they do not have children. There are often office projects requiring various secretarial skills that would be of great assistance to the office staff. A sign up sheet may be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

2.6 Academic Credentials

ACA is a certified, independent Group 3 (Non-Funded) school, registered under the Independent School Act, offering bible based training for Grades K-12 and also the registration of home-schooled students.

2.7 Government Relations

ACA operates as a ministry of Rose of Sharon Ministries which is a Registered Charity and the Governing Authority of the school.

2.8 Other Affiliations

ACA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. This educational association gives professional assistance in developing the distinctively Christian dimensions of school operation and curriculum development. (A.C.S.I. currently has over 5300 member schools in all the provinces of Canada and all the states in the USA as well as 100 nations overseas. These schools have more than 500,000 students enrolled)

ACA is also a member of the Federation of Independent Schools Association (FISA). This federation is an umbrella organization for independent school groups and individual schools. It acts as a voice and as a liaison for the members between schools, the government, and other educational institutions. FISA is dedicated to assisting independent schools in maintaining their independence while seeking fair treatment for them in legislative and financial terms.

3. ADMISSIONS POLICY

ACA admits students of any race, colour, and national and ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to the students at the Academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour and national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and other school-administered programs.

3.1 Admissions Procedure

1. Both* parents are requested to visit the school.

2. Parents and students read the ACA Family Handbook thoroughly.

3. Parents* arrange an interview with the principal.

4. Parents* and prospective student attend interview with the principal.

5. An application is submitted accompanied by registration fee and previous report card.

6. The parents will be notified of acceptance.

7. All students are admitted on probation for the first six weeks. Expulsion would be based on inappropriate student conduct (see Section 8).

*The custodial parent in single parent families.

4. FINANCIAL POLICY

4.1 Registration Fees

4.1.1 First Time Registration

The required (non-refundable) application fee for first-time registration is nil per family for the 2007-08 school term. Registration Fees shall apply in following years. Late enrolment fees will apply for enrolment after June 30.

4.1.2 Re-Registration

In order to plan for the following school year, re-registration for returning students is necessary. Parents desiring to re-register their students for the fall term shall submit a re-registration form for each child by April 30th.

Parents must be aware that if a child's conduct is in conflict with the direction of the Academy, and it is felt that further attendance would be detrimental to the Academy, the student may not be re-admitted. This is not a course of action taken lightly. It would follow much prayer and discussion involving staff, student, and parents.

Parents who withdraw their children and then choose to re-enrol them will again be subject to the first-time registration fees.

4.2 Tuition Payments

Plan A: A discount rate is offered to families who make payment in full before August 31st. The rate will be calculated at ((Prime rate (as of April 1) minus 2) divided by 2).

Plan B: All families enrolled in ACA are asked to provide a full year's supply of post-dated tuition cheques the first week of school. These cheques should be dated the first of the month, unless prior arrangement has been made with the Principal. Alternatively, tuition may be paid by Direct Payment with a debit card at the office, on the first school day of each month.

4.3 Parent Orientation Program Tuition Credit

Parents are encouraged to attend the Parent Orientation Program when offered. This program is offered through the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, and families will be notified in advance of the program schedule. This course will provide parents with biblical principles and proven techniques to enhance their parenting skills. It will also inform parents of the philosophy upon which the Academy will operate.

8. STUDENT CONDUCT

8.1 Standards of Conduct

Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining Christian standards of courtesy, cheerfulness, kindness, language, morality, modesty, and honesty. Students must agree to strive toward unquestionable character in dress, conduct and attitude. Students of ACA are expected to refrain from all activities that would violate these principles. Students who participate in such activities are subject to discipline, possibly leading to expulsion. Any student observing questionable activities or overhearing conversations, which are contrary to the policies of this academy, should immediately discuss the matter with the offending student(s). If the problem continues, the matter should be brought to the attention of a teacher. This is in accordance with Matt. 18:15-17.

In accordance with Biblical instruction and Rose of Sharon Doctrine, students shall refrain from "acts of the sinful nature" (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJ). Sexual immorality shall be interpreted to mean pre-marital sexual relationships (I Cor 6:15-18; 7:1-2; I Thess. 4:3-8, Heb. 13:4), and all forms of homosexual and lesbian activity, along with other practices deemed inexcusable for Christian conduct, and which place a person under God's judgement (Romans 1:26 - 2:11).

8.2 Courtesy

Courtesy to others is a fundamental requirement for a school environment.

ACA expects students to show courtesy to teachers and staff, other students, visitors and parents at the academy.

Courtesy means respecting and obeying any request or directive given by teacher or staff, and doing so with a co-operative, respectful attitude.

Courtesy also means treating other students with respect by refraining from conduct that is inconsiderate of, or could jeopardize the safety of others (such as hitting, throwing items, etc.).

Classroom disruptions, backtalk, belittling, poor manners and sometimes even facial expressions convey an attitude of disrespect and will not be tolerated at the Academy.

Serious or repeated problems with courtesy will be dealt with as a disciplinary issue, possibly leading to expulsion.

8.4 Discipline Procedures

This is not a corrective institution; consequently, it is imperative that a child not be enrolled with the idea that ACA will reform him. ACA is here to work with the home, but not to take the place of parents who have experienced difficulty in their role. In the event that severe discipline is needed, parents will be contacted and expected to come to the academy as soon as possible to meet with the principal and follow through with appropriate action. Students may not be allowed to return to the academy until parents fulfil disciplinary action.

The students must at all times conduct themselves in a manner becoming of a Christian. Griping is not tolerated! If your child does come home complaining about a policy or discipline, please follow this procedure:

1. First, please give the staff the benefit of the doubt.
2. Realize that your child's reporting is emotionally biased and may not include all the information.
3. Realize that the academy has reasons for all rules and that they are enforced without partiality.
4. Support the administration and call the academy for all the facts.

When a child's attitude is not in accord with academy policies or principles, the child will be placed on probation and parent(s) will be called for a conference. If the administration feels the situation has not changed within two weeks, parent(s) will be asked to withdraw the child.

The academy is dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity and living that is Christ-centred. We believe that "all things should be done decently and in order" and that the students should be taught to accept the responsibility to "walk honourable before all men."

Discipline is maintained which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love. The staff maintains standards of behaviour in the academy through kindness, love and a genuine regard for the student.

Students are reminded that the Lord Jesus Christ expects us to be disciplined in all of life:

"Children obey you parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves...” Heb. 13:17

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs on instruction are the way of life." Prov. 6:23

"He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth." Prov. 10:17

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Prov. 22:15

9. STUDENT EVALUATION

9.1 Report Cards

The year is divided into three reporting periods. The report evaluates work habits and attitudes as well as indication of achievement levels where appropriate. Report cards are sent home at the end of each of the grading periods. Immediately after the end of the first grading period, days are designated for parent conferences. Matters of classroom performance, assignment instructions, and home support can be co-ordinated for the student's benefit.

9.2 Grading Scales

The grading scales at ACA are set comparative to those used in the public education system. The academic goal is to train students to master the material studied. Wherever letter grades are used their percentage equivalents will follow. Percentage equivalents are as follows:

• A 86%-100% Excellent Understanding
• B 73% - 85% Very Good Understanding
• C+ 67% - 72% Exceeds Basic Understanding
• C 60% - 66% Meets Basic Understanding
• C- 50% - 59% Weak Understanding
• R 0 - 49% Repeat

9.3 Honor Roll

Students who have excelled academically with an A or B average in their studies will be placed on the honour roll.

9.4 Standardized Achievement Tests

From time to time Canadian, Christian School Edition, Achievement Tests are administered in order to get an outside, more objective, measure of the academic achievement of our students. These grades will never be used to lower the grade of a student, but may, if they are very good, influence the final grade favourably.

9.5 Student Recognition

The faculty of ACA is encouraged to be generous in expressions of praise and encouragement to individuals and groups. ACA will endeavour to communicate positively regarding the total development of students as well as to keep the parents informed of specific areas needing academic and character improvement.

9.6 Annual Awards Ceremony

The Annual Awards Ceremony provides an added motivation for students to excel in specific areas. The annual year-end program provides a formal platform for rewarding such achievement. Awards consist of certificates, medallions, and trophies.

Below is a current list of suggested awards:

Awards:

Citizenship, Service, Attendance, Sportsmanship, Scripture, Passport to Education, Academic, Effort, Character

Special Awards (Trophies):

David - displaying a love for GOD’s Word, through memorization and study

Jonathan - genuine friendship and a concern for classmates

Caleb - perseverance and diligence to assigned tasks

Daniel - godly development and testimony of body, mind, spirit as well as standing alone, regardless of who else is

Joshua - exemplary Christian leadership characterized by participation 'heartily, as unto the Lord'

Asaph - outstanding music student based on leadership, scholarship, and character qualities

Jeremiah - drama student that has displayed consistency, creativity, strength of conviction, perseverance, enthusiasm, co-operation in proclaiming the Word of GOD through drama

Ruth/Job - female/male student who has endured special hardships with a positive GOD honouring testimony

Paul - Academic - min. 3.00 GPA, P.E. - avid participant; Spiritual - fruit of Spirit evident, involved in church and outreach; Citizenship - good attitude, accountable, responsible, considerate, adaptable

Bezaleel - filled with the Spirit of GOD in all manner or workmanship to design artistic works

Rose of Sharon - Most Improved Student

10. STUDENT UNIFORMS

10.1 Purpose of Uniforms

1. A uniform prevents Christian youth from being a stumbling block to others, through immodesty or slovenly dress.

2. Uniforms and high standards help prevent giving offence.

3. Uniforms result in higher levels of discipline and academics.

4. Uniforms help improve a student's self-image.

5. Uniforms provide classroom decor.

6. Uniforms give identification for building esprit-de-corps.

7. Uniforms reduce yearly clothing costs.

8. Uniforms eliminate the daily decision of what to wear.

9. Uniforms eliminate competition in dress between potential social climbers.

10. Uniforms standardize and neutralize externals while enhancing individualization in internal values.

11. HOME SCHOOLING POLICY

11.1 ACA Educational Association of Christian Homes

1. The ACA home-school co-ordinator is available to assist with any general inquiries or curriculum issues.

2. Parents need to have available upon request a curriculum summary of the learning plan for the year but no reporting or curriculum requirements are placed upon registered families.

3. Home school registered families that are members of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church may participate in ACA activities as approved by the Principal and when parent supervision/transportation is provided when required.

4. Any parent training seminars are available to both academy and home school registered families.