Introduction (continued)
VISITING THE SCHOOL
Parents are welcome to visit the school. When visiting a class for any reason, you must come by the principal's office first and obtain a visitor's pass. Do not go directly to the classroom. Homework, lunches, or other items must be left in the office to be delivered at an appropriate time.
Please do not smoke when visiting the school or when waiting to pick up riders. When parents visit the school for any reason, they should be adequately and properly dressed.
PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
Hobe Sound Christian Academy has a parent-teacher organization which meets on the second Monday evening of each month, with the exception of December, February, March (1st Monday), June, July, and August. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. The organization provides a means of fellowship and communication among teachers, administrators, and parents. You may get a copy of the PTF Constitution and Bylaws from the Academy office.
SCHOOL PHONES
School phones are business phones and may be used by the students only when necessary at the cost of 25 cents per call.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED IN SCHOOL
Students are not permitted to bring to school any of the following: cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, any narcotics, dice, playing cards, pocket knives, guns, explosives of any kind, inappropriate pictures, magazines or books, water guns, play guns, any electronic listening device, or other related items. Students are not permitted to bring pets except when permission has been granted from the teacher.
PUBLICATIONS
The Sandpiper (the school paper for elementary) and HSCA Today (for high school) are distributed once a year. There is no charge for these newsletters.
The yearbook, Soundings, is a fine way for students to store memories. Usually each student would like a copy. Each student in your family will be billed for a yearbook. If you want fewer copies, please let the office know by October 17.
LOST-AND-FOUND
Lost-and-found articles are taken to the principal's office or the post office. Check both places. Periodically throughout the school year, all lost-and-found articles will be disposed of. The student's name should be placed on all personal items so that these items can be easily identified.
RELEASE FROM CLASSES
When it is necessary for a parent to take their child out of class for doctor or dental appointments or other reasons during the day, a note, phone call, or a visit to the office must precede release. Please endeavor in make these appointments as late as possible in the day. An early dismissal slip will then be sent to the classroom. No student will be released to anyone, except through the office.
WITHDRAWALS
Withdrawals from school must be made through the principal's office and the business office, and all tuitions continue until the withdrawal is completed.
Report cards will not be issued to any student whose account is not current. Records will not be sent to another school if any part of the school bill is unpaid.
BOOKS
Books may not be defaced, written in or destroyed. Lost books will be paid for at the total price of replacement. Damaged books will be assessed accordingly.
REPORTS OF PROGRESS
The purpose of our reporting system is to give parents and students an indication of the progress being made. A report card is issued at the end of each nine weeks' grading period. Between report cards, interim progress reports are issued each three weeks for grades below C. Ability, achievement, and attitude are reflected in the grades.
The grading system is explained on the report card.
If at any time you are concerned about the progress your child is making, please call the principal so that a conference can be scheduled in order that you may express your concern.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents should always feel free to consult with the teacher about any problem or question that concerns the welfare of their child. However, teachers are not permitted to carry on parent-teacher conferences during class hours. This interferes with the educational process of the entire class. Scheduled parent-teacher conferences are held at the end of the first and third nine weeks.
If you have any questions regarding grades, school functions, classroom practices, or disciplinary action, please contact your child's teacher or the principal at once. Often a note can clear up the difficulty. If the problem remains, a three-way conference will be arranged with the parent, the teacher, and the principal.
Teachers will remain at the school for 30 minutes following the dismissal of class each day. You may make an appointment to see them during this time.
ACHIEVEMENT TESTS AND COLLEGE BOARDS
Each year grades K-ll will take the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT). Parents will receive a copy of the test results for their son/daughter. These tests occur during the month of April. Personal/Family Days are not to be taken during achievement testing week. If an unavoidable situation arises that will require absences during this time, arrangements should be made at least a month in advance and should involve only one day. A makeup testing time will then be arranged and an additional $25 fee will be charged.
Juniors and seniors should take the ACT or SAT college entrance exams early in the school year to help prepare them for college selections. Each student is responsible for the scheduling of this test and its cost.
HEALTH SERVICES
A qualified person is on duty at the school during each school day. An isolation room is provided for students who become ill at school. Local parents will be called to pick up the student at school.
Students who are unable to participate in physical education class must have a note from home or from a doctor.
WALKWAYS
Walking on the grass is not permitted. Always walk instead of running.
MUSIC
Hobe Sound Christian Academy offers many opportunities in music — the Academy Ensemble, K-6 music classes, choir, band, orchestra, and private lessons in voice and instrument.
Private lessons are available in piano, woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments. See the tuition-and-fees page for cost.
CHOIRS AND ENSEMBLE
The Academy Ensemble and Choir have been an integral part of the school's success in the past years. They have competed in state and national competitions. Attendance is extremely important to all classes and performances. Students missing performances will automatically have their grades lowered one letter grade in the nine-week grading period. If students fail to participate in the competitions, they will not receive credit for the course. Choir uniforms are a requirement. Students are responsible to purchase these.
Elementary students may also participate in choir. Participation in the Caroliers Choir (grades 4-6) and Junior High Choir (grades 7-8) is by audition.
SCIENCE FAIR
Our Science Fair program is designed to allow students to:
- Develop critical, balanced thinking.
- Learn self-discipline through meeting deadlines.
- Explore natural curiosity in nature around them.
- Learn library research and logical investigation.
Participation
The Science Fair is for the entire academy, K-12, with four divisions:
- Lower Elementary Division (K-4)
- Middle Elementary Division (5, 6)
- Junior Division (7, 8)
- Senior Division (9-12)
Exhibits from each class will participate in the HSCA Science Fair. The first-, second-, and third-place winners from grade 8 and grades 9-12 at the HSCA Science Fair will go on to participate in the Martin County Regional Fair at South Fork High School.
Grades K-7 do class projects and will have class exhibits on display in the Science Fair. Class projects do not compete for awards.
Dates
December 5, 6, 2005 / December 4, 5, 2006:
Hobe Sound Christian Academy Science Fair (in cafeteria)
Schedule of Activities (HSCA Fair)
| Mon. | Dec. 5 / Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. | Set up exhibits |
| Tues. | Dec. 6 / Dec. 5 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Public viewing |
| Tues. | Dec. 6 / Dec. 5 | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Remove exhibits |
Awards
- All exhibitors will receive a certificate of participation.
- Ribbons will be awarded to first, second, third, and honorable-mention winners in each division.
- Prizes will be given for first-, second-, and third-place winners.
REFUND POLICY
The first month's payment is due with the registration forms. If paid monthly, the subsequent payments are due on the 10th of each month. In event of withdrawal or dismissal, no fees are refunded. Tuition refunded is based on number of remaining months in the school year.
No records will be transferred to another school or final report cards issued unless bill is paid completely.
The parent is responsible to pay tuition on a prorated basis if withdrawal occurs (except August).