Revised February 5, 2010
Table of Contents
Statement of Faith
Mission Statement
Philosophy
Philosophy Statement
Philosophy of Admissions
Executive Board
Attendance
Tardiness
Early Dismissal
Parental Involvement
Search Policy
Lockers
Storm Cancellations
Safety Drills
Student Valuables
Unwanted Articles
Student Vehicles
Medication Policy
Tuition Policy
Disciplinary Policy
Detention
Suspension/Expulsion
Off-Campus Activity
Vandalism
Violence
Tobacco Free School
Academic Integrity
Grading Diagram
Honor Roll
Assignments
Exams
Academic Progress
Report Cards
Academic Probation
Promotion & Graduation
Grievance/Dispute Procedure
Continuing Attendance
STATEMENT OF FAITH 
We believe:
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In the complete verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of Scriptures as originally given. The Scriptures are infallible, inerrant, and the sole and final authority for all matters of faith and conduct.
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In the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as One God existing in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit distinguishable but indivisible.
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In the Creation, test and fall of man as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain Divine righteousness.
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In the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man.
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In the salvation of sinners by grace, through faith in the perfect and sufficient work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins and the gift of eternal life.
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In the importance of water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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In the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation, and personal, literal and bodily coming again the second time for His Church.
MISSION STATEMENT
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To nurture the hearts and minds of each individual student to achieve his or her fullest potential academically, socially, physically and spiritually.
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To provide a safe and secure environment for their growth, allowing them to expand their horizon while maintaining Godly oversight.
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To establish the importance of their Christianity by providing real and practical ministry outreaches as well as teaching the lifestyle of Christianity in a modern world.
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To create an environment that reinforces honor and respect as core values to the student body.
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To train a generation to uphold their Godly heritage, and to use their unique talents, creativity and passion to impact their world for Christ.
We will challenge their potential, stir their creativity, encourage their expression and honor their effort.
PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
In contrast to the man-centered philosophy of modern education, Masters Regional Academy believes that all truth must be seen from a God-centered perspective. Since “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), we believe in the existence of God, the creation of both the world and man by God, and consequently, man’s responsibility to acknowledge God’s supreme authority in all moral matters. God himself is the source of all truth and has revealed it to man both through Scriptures and through His Son, Jesus Christ.
It is our conviction that the academic truths of life need to be learned within the context of spiritual and moral truths, and it is within the structure of such a balanced education that real purposeful living is attained. Such living is viewed as being for both now and for eternity.
Knowing that no one is good and that all have fallen short of God’s righteous standard through sin, we see the role of education as one which includes confronting the fallen nature of man and directing one back to God for restoration and to God’s Word for instruction. We believe that the process of successfully comprehending, communicating and applying truth is dependent upon the regeneration of man through faith in Jesus Christ.
PHILOSOPHY OF ADMISSIONS
In order to maintain a strong educational and spiritual environment, an admissions process has been established to determine the student’s ability and his or her seriousness about God.
The Principal relies on five sources of information to determine whether a student qualifies for admittance:
1) Entrance test results that provide a nationally normed percentile ranking
2) Current performance in school as evidenced by school transcripts
3) Teacher and pastoral recommendations
4) A belief in solely traditional Judeo-Christian values and a commitment to pursue such beliefs as follows:
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A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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An active church member and Christian youth group member.
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At least one parent who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, attends faithfully and financially supports a local church.
5) A meeting with the applicant and his or her family.
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After reviewing all of the above information, the student will be considered for admission into the program.
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When students are accepted at Masters Regional Academy, both students and parent(s) contract with the school and thereby agree to abide by the guidelines, rules and regulations of the school. There will be a mandatory continual probationary period for all students who are accepted. If at any time, the administration of MRA does not feel the student as a whole has met the standards of attendance in the judgment of the Principal and/or the Executive Board, the student may be required to withdraw. This decision could be made at any time and can be made each year the student is in attendance. The Principal, and/or the Executive Board will make this decision.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board provides oversight and spiritual covering to the Academic Board and Principal. They contribute to the implementation of a successful academic and Christian education. They approve the annual budget and are responsible for the property and finances of the school as well as the final approval and hiring of all staff.
ACADEMIC BOARD
The Academic Board is comprised of the Principal, Academic Dean and appointed members who are responsible for advising school administration regarding school issues affecting students and faculty. The Academic Board consists of Christians from various churches in the region who are dedicated to Christian education and Masters Regional Academy. New members of the Academic Board are nominated by the existing Academic Board and approved by the Executive Board.
GENERAL POLICY
ATTENDANCE
Students report for homeroom by 7:45 a.m. and remain on campus until approximately 2:45 p.m. It is expected that all students will be picked up promptly after school and after all extra curricular activities. No students will be allowed to remain in the building unsupervised. After 3:31 p.m. parent(s) will be charged a supervisory fee of $5.00 per student for each fifteen minute interval. This is not an after school program.
When a student is absent, the parent must notify the school by telephone between 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. The absence will be recorded as unexcused if a parent fails to contact the school during that time. Regular attendance is necessary for academic success. Make-up assignments and make-up time do not adequately replace the value of class attendance.
We highly encourage you to try not to have your child miss school, but we will work with you if that is a necessity. Please help us partner with you by encouraging time to be set aside to work on all academic responsibilities while on vacation and/or before leaving or after returning from vacation.
Attendance is considered vital for the proper development of the student and class. Unexcused absences will not be acceptable and will require immediate rectification. Masters requires adherence to this policy.
Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include the following:
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A doctor’s appointment with a doctor’s note.
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Personal illness.
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Senior college visitations.
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Death or serious illness in the immediate family.
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Other serious reasons are accepted at the discretion of the Principal.
The absences listed above will be recorded as excused. All other absences will be listed as unexcused on the report card.
In the interest of keeping absences to a minimum, parent(s) will be informed of excessive absences from the Academy. If a student has been absent for seven days during a half-year course or fourteen days in a full year course, or has missed 7 classes or 14 classes respectively, the student may face loss or reduction of academic credit for courses, or even dismissal, at the discretion of the school administration. Parent(s) will be contacted regarding any such pending decisions. Before the student will be promoted or allowed to graduate, he/she must attend summer school or fulfill requirements acceptable to the Principal to make up loss of credit. All absences (excused and unexcused) are counted as part of the total absences for the year and each course will be considered individually with respect to potential loss of credit.
TARDINESS
Tardiness to school is a serious issue, as it disrupts the start of the day for teachers, other students, and the administration office. Students should be seated in their homeroom class by 7:50 a.m. in order to facilitate a smooth start to the day. A student arriving after 7:50 a.m. is considered late to school and must report to the office before being admitted to class. A student not following this procedure is subject to suspension. Tardiness to school will be recorded on the report card. On the sixth instance of being tardy to school in a quarter, the student will be required to submit a written assignment regarding the situation. If a student is tardy to school eight times in a quarter the ninth instance will result in one day of in-school suspension. Subsequent instances will result in further disciplinary action or dismissal at the discretion of the Principal. A student who arrives to school prior to 7:50 but is not in homeroom by 7:50 will be considered late for class and will be subject to the procedure below.
In addition, there will be a monetary fee for each tardy to school after the first in each quarter. The second tardy to school will result in a $3 fee and each subsequent tardy will result in a $5 fee. Money collected as a result of the late fee will be used as part of the Hollinghurst Scholarship fund, assisting families that qualify for tuition aid.
Tardiness for Class: three infractions in a quarter will result in detention and notification of parents regarding the issue. Subsequent tardiness will result in additional discipline at the discretion of the Principal but may include further detentions, suspension, or dismissal.
EARLY DISMISSAL
A student who wishes to be dismissed early from school must present a note from the parent indicating the time and reason for dismissal and a phone number where the parent can be reached. This note should be presented to the Main Office by 7:50 a.m. Parent(s) must sign their student out before leaving the building.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
When parent(s) and students are led by the Lord to attend Masters Regional Academy, it is expected that both will become part of the MRA family. As such, it is encouraged that both parent(s) and students faithfully support and attend the endeavors of the school. This means that when a child is accepted to MRA it is the administration’s expectation that the student and his/her family will be an active member of the Masters community. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to invest their time and resources into their school and should be involved in fundraising, PTO activities, academic events, spiritual activities, school promotions, and entertainment activities. The school will be calling on parent(s) and students to be involved. We believe that Masters will only be what it truly should be when parent(s) and students are fully committed and involved in what God is doing at MRA.
It is also expected that parent(s) will fully support the administration in decisions involving discipline and school guidance and direction. Parental failure to support the ideals, decisions and direction of Masters Regional Academy may be grounds for dismissal of a student at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board.
SEARCH POLICY
1. Masters Regional Academy supports all staff in the maintenance of law, order, discipline and decorum in its school and during authorized school functions that take place off school property.
2. Masters Regional Academy, therefore, prohibits the possession of substances or objects that may threaten good order, discipline, decorum and public safety on school property or at authorized school functions. Such materials or objects may include, but are not restricted to:
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Alcoholic beverages
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Illicit drugs
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Stolen property
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Weapons, either restricted or prohibited by law
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Any object which may be used as a weapon and which may cause
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Hate literature, racist material, pornography, etc.
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Any object or item prohibited or considered an unwanted article
serious injury
3. Masters Regional Academy authorizes the Principal or his designees, on the basis of reasonable grounds, to believe that a student or visitor is in possession of a prohibited substance or object, and in accordance with our safty precautions, to conduct searches of the person and property of students and visitors and, where necessary, to seize prohibited substances or objects.
LOCKERS
Students are entirely responsible for the safekeeping of their books and clothing. The school will provide a combination lock upon request. MRA recommends that all students keep their locker combinations confidential and keep their lockers secure at all times when not using them. Lockers are the sole property of the school, and students are permitted to their use. Lockers are subject to inspection at any time for cleanliness and contraband.
STORM CANCELLATIONS
When winter weather brings dangerous driving conditions, the school may close for the day, have a delayed opening, or have an early dismissal. The cancellation and delay information will be broadcast on LITE 105.1 FM, CBS-12, Fox 64, 630 WPRO, 92 Pro-FM, NBC-10, and ABC-6. On days when weather is questionable, parent(s) must be aware of transportation issues regarding out of town bus transportation and should plan accordingly.
SAFTY DRILLS
The State of Rhode Island requires the following safty drills:
1. FIRE DRILLS
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Every student must vacate the building during a fire drill. Upon signal, students are to leave all materials in place and proceed quickly and quietly out of the building and proceed to the designated exit and standing area. Students must remain outside until the signal is given to re-enter the building.
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Students with handicaps will be escorted to the designated exit and standing area.
2. EVACUATION DRILLS
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Every student must vacate the building during a fire drill. Upon signal, students are to leave all materials in place and proceed quickly and quietly out of the building and proceed to the designated exit and standing area. Students must remain outside until the signal is given to re-enter the building.
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Students with handicaps will be escorted to the designated exit and standing area.
3. LOCKDOWN DRILLS
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Upon signal, students must clear the halls immediately and report to the nearest available classroom. Students must remain in the classroom until they are instructed to resume school activity.
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Students with handicaps will be escorted to the nearest classroom.
STUDENT VALUABLES
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, collectibles, or expensive jewelry to school. Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property.
UNWANTED ARTICLES
The following items are not allowed on school property, including lockers, backpacks, etc.
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Gum
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Water bottles (other than lunch)
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Toys/games/cards
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Weapons of any kind
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Cameras/Video cameras (unless authorized by a faculty member for
a specific MRA project)
The following items are allowed on school property but must be turned off and unused while at school during the school day.
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Cell phones
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MP3 Players/Personal Music Players
STUDENT VEHICLES
Students are required to register their automobile with the Main Office and purchase a $5.00 parking permit. All students are required to park in the designated student area. Improper parking or reckless use of a student vehicle on school property or in the vicinity of the school may cause a student to forfeit the privilege of parking on school property. Students are not allowed in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the Principal or the school office.
MEDICATION POLICY
Any medication (including prescription or over-the-counter) that needs to be administered during the school day must be brought to school in its original container by the parent or guardian with written permission and instructions for administering. The student will be responsible to come to the office at the appropriate time to self-administer the medication.
TUITION POLICY
Timely tuition payments are required in order to allow Masters Regional Academy to function the way God would expect it to function. Any tuition payment(s) received prior to the first day of school will not be refunded due to withdrawel. Tuition payments are due on the 20th of each month. An insufficient/late fee of $35 will be charged if a payment is not received by the 20th of each month. For every additional attempt to process a payment due to insufficient/late funds, a fee of $50.00 will be withdrawn. If a parent is 30 days behind in tuition, a letter will be sent home notifying the family of the situation. If a parent is 50 days behind in tuition, a letter will be sent indicating a required withdrawal if payment is not received within ten days of the date of the letter. Full payment will be due for the withdrawal quarter. If tuition has been paid in full, the remaining balance will be refunded. All financial responsibilities must be fulfilled prior to the release of student records, including transcripts and graduation diplomas.
DRESS CODE POLICY
It is our desire to help foster a sense of respect and honor in the students who attend Masters. We believe that our students should present a neat, clean, and crisp appearance at school. Masters Regional Academy establishes rules for school attire to make the school environment and climate as conducive as possible to Christian education and values. Students are given two dress code warnings per quarter. Once issued, the warning must be signed by a parent and returned to the office no later than 9 a.m. the following morning. Failure to do so will result in detention. If there are further incidents in a quarter, the student will not be allowed admission to class until the dress code issue has been rectified. The homeroom teacher will conduct the dress code check in homeroom each day, and each subsequent class will begin with a dress code check. Please do not send your child to school out of dress code.
Clothing:
At the beginning of each year students will be provided with a list of acceptable clothing from a local uniform company. Students may purchase and wear anything on that list, but may not wear clothing to school that is not found on the list. This requirement includes dress for physical education classes. If a student is not in full MRA P.E. uniform, credit will be reducedfrom the P.E. grade.
On days when chapel is scheduled, boys will be required to wear ties with a dress shirt (not polo shirts). Ties must be neatly tied and shirts need to be completely buttoned to the top. Girls will be required to wear skirts (must be knee length or longer). It is permissible for students to wear MRA athletic uniforms to chapel due to a scheduled game. If the appropriate attire is not worn on chapel day, it will be considered a dress code violation.
Outerwear such as jackets and sweatshirts are not permitted during the school day with the exception of MRA monogrammed jackets and sweatshirts. Boys are required to wear a solid colored belt (blue, black, brown & khaki) as part of the dress code. Boys' shirts are to be tucked in at all times. Undershirts must be solid white or the same color as the shirt (long sleeve shirts may not be worn under short sleeve shirts). Students may leave shirts unbuttoned one button from the top and all other buttons must remain buttoned (including sleeves and collars). Girls are required to wear tights or socks with skirts. Footless leggings are not allowed.
We realize this is a cooperative effort between the parents and students and ask that parents would assist the school in maintaining the dress code guidelines for our students. Please be aware of your child’s appearance prior to leaving the house each day and help us make sure it is in line with the dress code policy.
Footwear:
Students must wear casual or dress shoes. No sneakers, boots, clogs, or sandals will be permitted. All students are required to wear socks or tights at all times, no bare feet in shoes or sneakers.
Grooming:
Hair should be neat and well groomed. Any form of insignia shaved within the hair is not allowed. Hair should not be colored other than natural coloring or the length is such that it covers the eye(s). Additional, boys’ hair length may not exceed the back of the shirt collar. Jewelry must be worn in good taste, and studded bracelets or any studded clothing item of any kind cannot be worn. Boys must not wear any type of earrings, and all students are not allowed to have any other body piercing. Hats are not allowed at any time.
*If there is an area concerning dress and appearance that a parent or student has questions about, the questions should be addressed to the school administration prior to coming to school for the day. Since no list of dress code norms is exhaustive, there may be instances where a discretionary decision regarding dress will be made by the Principal or a staff member. Students are expected to immediately comply with that decision and consider the decision binding for the remainder of the year. Students should remain in full dress code at all times while in the school building, including before and after school.
RELATIONSHIP POLICY
Masters Regional Academy believes that the high school years are a special time in the lives of children. As young Christians, it is a time for our students to focus their time, energy, and resources into their relationship with the Lord and their schoolwork. Very often, dating relationships in high school steal away a child’s time, energy and focus, and it inhibits God from accomplishing what He wants to do in a child’s life. God has a perfect plan and perfect timing for everything. At Masters Regional Academy the high school years are a time to grow spiritually and academically, and as such, we require that dating relationships be reserved for a future time when God begins to reveal the one true person He has for each student. Friendships between members of the opposite sex are wonderful, but dating relationships in high school can dilute the concentrated effort of pursuing a godly education. The administration of Masters Regional Academy will expect students and parents to support and adhere to this philosophy while they are part of MRA.
DISCIPLINARY POLICY
All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. They are entitled to the protection of their property and an atmosphere conducive to personal growth and development. Disrespect of any kind, especially harassment and other forms of demeaning behavior, will not be tolerated. The dignity of all members is a priority. Since no list of norms can cover every situation, the administration presumes that common sense, mature judgment, and a godly attitude are the guidelines by which all students will measure their actions. The administration reserves the right to address incorrect behavior that is contrary to common sense, mature judgment and godly attitudes. This may at times be at the discretion of the Principal and /or Executive Board in conjunction with the overall philosophy of the Academy and can result in detention, suspension or dismissal at any time for violation of the Honor Code Pledge, handbook policies, or behavior contrary to Christian principles.
DETENTION
Detention should be considered a serious matter and we will try whenever possible to use other means of correction and discipline. Students can be detained after school for violation of school policy as outlined in this handbook. Detentions may be assigned by school personnel for violations of school policy, classroom rules, or for violation of the Honor Code Pledge. When detention is assigned, it is the parent and student’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements for the detention to be served on the assigned day. Detention is not to be rescheduled because it is inconvenient for parents or the student.
Failure to return a signed detention form by 9 a.m. the next morning will result in an additional detention. Failure to be present for a scheduled detention may result in suspension.
Any student that is issued five detentions in one school year will be issued a minimum one day suspension from school in lieu of what would have been a sixth detention. Unacceptable behavior patterns will not be tolerated and may lead to dismissal at any time at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive board.
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
It is possible that violations of school policies or the Honor Code Pledge will result in detention, suspension, or expulsion. The severity of the consequence will be dependent on the severity of the infraction in conjunction with other factors such as previous incidents, level of acceptance of responsibility and willingness to repent and change, and willingness of the parent to assist in changing the student behavior. Discipline consequences are at the discretion of the Principal within the context of the overall philosophy of the Academy. The minimum length of suspension is one day. The student is to return to school with his/her parents for a conference with the Principal. Upon return, all academic responsibilities must be completed within an appropriate timeframe as determined by the student’s teachers. Any projects and assignments given prior to the suspension but due during the period of suspension are excluded from this policy and must be turned in upon return to school.
Breaches of discipline such as immoral language or behavior, disruptive behavior, fighting, assault, violence, theft, insubordination, vandalism, or unauthorized possession of drugs or alcohol on school property or at school-sponsored functions are to be dealt with by the Principal and/or Executive Board. A student may be issued detention, suspended or expelled for a first time offense of this category.
A student may be issued detention, suspension or expulsion for conduct detrimental to the reputation of the school, or for immorality in speech or action. A student may also be asked to withdraw at any time if in the judgment of the Principal and/or the Executive Board such action is necessary to safeguard Masters Regional Academy’s ideals of scholarship or the spiritual and moral atmosphere of it as a Christian high school. We expect full cooperation from parents in supporting the policies and procedures at Masters. Therefore, a student may also be asked to withdraw based on a parental attitude of lack of support for the Academy’s ideals or decisions.
OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITY
Some courses entail off-campus activity, which is under the direction of the teacher concerned and requires the approval of the Principal. During off-campus activities, students are expected to maintain appropriate conduct in accordance with school policy. Misconduct during off-campus activity is subject to disciplinary action by the Principal including, but not limited to, detention, suspension, or dismissal. Parents may be required to remove a student during a designated activity regardless of the location. Students can also be suspended from future off-campus activities. Any conduct that threatens student or faculty welfare or safety will result in immediate discipline at the discretion of the Principal.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR
Students have a right to come to school in an environment free from sexual harassment. The school will not tolerate or permit sexual harassment or offensive behavior in any form, be it verbal, physical, or visual. Such conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board.
VANDALISM
School Property
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Students are to respect school property and the property of others. Defacing walls, desks, lockers, as well as any other form of vandalism is unacceptable and subject to immediate discipline at the discretion of the Principal. All costs to repair damaged properties will be billed to the student’s parents. Parents will also be required to pay for damage that may occur from their child’s personal negligence resulting from horseplay, etc.
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If MRA must hire a professional cleaner to remove any substance that changes the appearance to the interior or exterior of the building (beverage, gum, makeup, ink or other), that cost will be expensed to the parent/guardian. A student will be issued a detention or other consequence for a first-time violation to this policy.
- Water bottles are permitted during school hours with a doctor's note.
VIOLENCE
As per recommendation of the State of Rhode Island, the Academy follows the “Zero Tolerance Policy” with regard to possession of weapons of any kind capable of effecting bodily harm. Discipline for violation of the “Zero Tolerance Policy” will result in action at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board up to and including expulsion. Any and all incidents of aggravated assaults causing bodily injury on other persons or school staff will be reported to the local police. The Principal will determine whether an assault is aggravated. In addition to any legal action, school disciplinary policies will be enforced and may include expulsion at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board.
TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL
Tobacco or smoking products of any kind are not allowed in school or on the premises and will be confiscated and destroyed. Failure to abide by these tobacco free guidelines will result in detention, suspension, or expulsion at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board. Students are required to abstain from the use of any tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcohol on and off campus. Any infraction of this strict policy will require a meeting with parents and the Principal and will result in a forthcoming decision by the Principal and/or Executive Board as to the measures of discipline up to and including dismissal.
GRADING AND PROMOTION
Grades of “A”, “B”, or “C” indicate that a student has demonstrated a level of proficiency of the subject in accordance with the class criteria distributed by the teacher at the beginning of the course.
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A “D” grade indicates that the student demonstrated minimum proficiency and is near failure.
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The “F” grade indicates the student has not met the minimal requirements of the course according to the teacher’s criteria and has failed. Students who receive an “F” grade as a mark may be required to repeat the entire course or make up the course in summer school. The Principal makes this judgment but may be advised by the teacher and/or Executive Board.
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A student may receive an “I” or incomplete in the rare occurrence that class requirements are not met by the date set for the submission of grades. There is a two-week deadline for teachers to submit corrected grades, but it is the student’s responsibility to complete the work within the two week time period. Teachers are not responsible to track down students for the make up work. If the student does not meet the requirements prior to the two-week deadline, the “I” will become an “F” regardless of the student’s average in the class. A grade no higher than 59 will be entered on the report card regardless of the previous average in the class.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is fundamental in any school. The Academy expects that all students will display honesty in every part of their academic lives. Plagiarism or claiming ownership of work from a printed or other source including the work of another student, or attempting in any way to undermine the concepts of the academic integrity and trust, are all forms of cheating. A student who willingly cooperates or assists in an act of cheating will be considered culpable. Any incident in violation of this concept will be immediately resolved by the teacher, a grade of ZERO will be given for the assignment and the student(s) will forfeit the right to make up the assignment. The student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for the incident and may be issued detention, suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board.
GRADING DIAGRAM
Letter Grade Numerical Range
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 68-69
F (failure) Below 68
HONOR ROLL
Students will be honored for their academic effort according to the following scale:
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Highest Honors - Every academic grade for the quarter must be 90 or above
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High Honors - Every academic grade for the quarter must 85 or above
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Honors - Overall quarterly average of 85 or above
To be eligible for Honor Roll no grade for the quarter may be less than 75, and all quarterly report card conduct codes must be G (Good) or E (Excellent).
ASSIGNMENTS
Homework consists of tasks that are assigned to students by teachers and are to be completed outside of classroom hours. These assignments are intended to help students develop organizational and study skills, encourage students to become independent learners and critical thinkers, develop students’ initiative, self-direction, and a sense of responsibility. A student who misses homework assignments for an excused absence will be given one day to make arrangements to make the appropriate work up with his or her teachers. This stipulation includes school-sponsored field trips. If arrangements are not made with the teachers, the student is subject to a grade of zero on the missing assignments.
While homework expectations may change as a student progresses throughout the grades, a homework effort of 20 to 30 minutes per course per day is the norm. Some of this work may be written, but much of the student’s effort will involve reading, preparing for long-term assignments such as term papers and exams, and simply studying.
EXAMS
All students are required to take exams throughout the year. There will also be a final exam or other type of assessment scheduled for each class. Arrangements for make-up exams are conducted between the content teacher and student. The student has one school day to make arrangements for a make-up exam or is subject to a grade of zero on the exam.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Parents and students can view the academic progress through the Edline Communication System at any time and as frequently as needed. Additionally, Edline provides parents and students the ability to view homework assignments, as well as current grades for tests, quizzes, papers and projects. It is a vital tool for all parents to utilize. Reports may also be sent when a teacher feels there is need to inform parents of a potential problem.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are sent home with students at the end of each quarter. The final report card for the year may be mailed. Parents and students are invited to discuss grades and schedule conferences to obtain details or express concerns. Progress can be continually viewed through the Edline Communications System.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
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Any student who receives a grade of “F” for the quarter in any class or whose average for the quarter is below 75 is placed on academic probation. Parents and students will be notified in writing of probation within one week after the report card is distributed.
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A student who is placed on academic probation is not eligible to participate in any of the school’s athletics or co-curricular activities until such time as all teachers approve of his/her return.
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Students who are on probation more than one marking period during the school year will have his or her status reviewed by the Principal and/or Executive Board. After this review, parents may be notified that the student may not be promoted or graduated, and they may be asked to withdraw. Refusal to withdraw will result in expulsion.
PROMOTION / GRADUATION
General requirements for graduation at Masters Regional Academy are as follows*:
English 4 Credits
Mathematics 4 Credits
Civics 1 Credit
World History I 1 Credit
World History II 1 Credit
US History 1 Credit
Science 4 Credits
Physical Education/Health 2 Credits
Christian Life/Ministry I, II, III, IV 4 Credits
Foreign Language 3 Credits
Computer Literacy .5 Credits
Senior Seminar .25 Credits
Junior Seminar .25 Credits
Electives 3.5 Credits
Students must earn 29.5 credits to be eligible to graduate from Masters Regional Academy.
*Note: These requirements may be modified at the discretion of the Principal to accommodate special circumstances.
Additionally, all MRA students will participate in a sustained silent reading program where every student will read for 15 minutes every day. Forty hours of reading instruction will be gained through this program.
A student who fails one course for the year may make that course up in an approved summer school program. If two courses are failed for the year the Prinicpal of Masters Regional Academy will decide if the student should be retained or move on to the next grade. Any student who fails three or more courses for the year will be retained to repeat his or her current grade level.
GRIEVANCE/DISPUTE PROCEDURE
SECTION 1 - SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION
Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all who become part of Masters Regional Academy agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law.
SECTION 2 - NOTICE OF ARBITRATION
In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to this school handbook or other school matters, the parents and school administration shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreement as befits Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as carried out by the Executive Board of Masters Regional Academy. Procedures for arbitration shall be set by the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis and shall be final and binding on all parties.
CONTINUING ATTENDANCE
At the end of each school year, students will be evaluated by the Principal or his designee and a determination will be made regarding the students continued attendance at the school. The Principal and/or Executive Board will ultimately determine if a child will be granted permission to return for the next year at the school. This determination will be made within two weeks of the end of the previous school year and students who are not eligible to return will be notified in writing. A student may not be asked to return based on disciplinary issues, spiritual issues, academic issues or a combination of those issues. Students may also be asked not to return based on a parental lack of support for the Academy’s ideals or decisions. Students and parents should note that it is considered a privilege and not a right to attend Masters Regional Academy and it is at the discretion of the Principal and/or Executive Board to decide if a student will be allowed to continue at the school at any time.
Masters Regional Academy does have audio and video monitoring of public areas to help ensure the best academic and spiritual atmosphere possible.
Masters Regional Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic background in administration of educational policies, athletic programs and other school programs.