Handbook

This school handbook is designed to help you understand the basic philosophy behind Guangzhou Grace Academy's individualized learning system, as well as outline our polices and procedures. Please read it carefully and note any questions or concerns you may have which can be discussed with the administration.

Philosophy of Education

“Education is life! It is the communication of life from the living to the living, moving from one generation to the next.” So states Dr. Donald Howard, well-known American educator and founder of an international Christian education ministry.

What is life? Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” As Christians we believe that by following His example we can truly possess this abundant life and impart the same to our children, the next generation.

The Bible is the book of life. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.”

Parents have a God-given responsibility to train their children to live as Jesus lived, in obedience to God. Other than our personal accountability to God and commitment to our spouse, we, as parents, have no greater responsibility on earth.

The Christian school is an extension of the Christian home. It exists to work with parents and aid them in the awesome responsibility of providing the best Christian environment possible for their children. The school staff works closely with parents to train the children to be followers of Christ.

Every child is a unique creation of God, created by God for a specific purpose. We therefore individualize the total program in order to meet each child’s special needs, seeking to enrich him physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Individualized, self-instructional techniques are used throughout the academic program to encourage each child to take responsibility for his learning and to teach him how to learn.

The entrance of the industrial revolution in the 1800’s brought dramatic changes in the way people live throughout the world. Some of these changes were good, some not so good. The social impact has often been negative: colossal, over-crowded cities, big assembly line factories, large impersonal corporations, immense governmental bureaucracies, and HUGE schools.

In the race to become the biggest and most powerful, something precious has been lost: TLC. Tender loving care is God’s prescription for the heartache and loneliness of this world. It is essential that children receive this kind of personal touch in order to develop godly character. “...but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” I Thessalonians 2:7-8

GGA uses the Accelerated Christian Education learning system (also known as ‘School of Tomorrow’) which provides personalized and individual attention in a non-graded English language system. Each student works at his own ability level according to the results of the diagnostic tests taken before enrollment which, indicate the child’s achievement level. In this system, the responsibility for learning is placed on the child, and is supported jointly by the parents and the school. This makes it important for each of those parties to know and follow the policies and rules indicated herein.

Vision Statement

“Preparing Young People for Time and Eternity” Guangzhou Grace Academy was established to assist Christian families in the exciting and awesome task of preparing children for life – both this life and the life to come. Long ago Jesus Christ proclaimed, “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” With Christ’s ideal of selfless love as our guide, we seek to tenderly inspire each child to strive toward his/her unique and God-given calling.

GGA is looking for Christian families to join together ‑ to work & pray together - to provide an excellent educational experience for their children. Does this sound exciting to you? If it does, read on. The future is as bright as the promises of God!

He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-8

Students and parents are expected to fully participate in and attend regularly a Bible-believing church. “… Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

We are a Christian school. By that we mean we are all followers of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. We believe the Bible to be the God-inspired, authoritative revelation for all areas of faith and practice in life. Throughout the Gospels Jesus exhorted people to be His followers and believe in the good news of the Kingdom of God. We see Christian schools as integral parts of the Body of Christ partnering with Christian families and ordained by God to bring glory to Himself and to do His will on earth, as revealed in the Scriptures, in Creation and led by the Holy Spirit.

Students of this school should refrain from engaging in cheating, smoking, swearing, gambling, listening to offensive music, drinking alcoholic beverages, and using narcotics. Students who participate in such activities are subject to suspension. Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining high standards of courtesy, cheerfulness, kindness, language, morality and honesty. Students must agree to strive toward unquestionable character and to sign the Standard of Conduct Form. These standards are not just for school days and school-sponsored activities, but for every day, all day long.

Any student observing questionable activities or overhearing conversations that are contrary to the policies of this school should immediately discuss the matter with a supervisor. THIS IS NOT TATTLING. It has been said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17

Grace Academy admits students into its Kindergarten program who are 4 years old or above by September 1. Children who pass the Reading Readiness Test and are 5 years old or older by September 1 may enroll in first grade. Children who are 6 years old and above are diagnosed individually and prescribed course work according to their true performance level rather than age/grade level.

GGA will only admit new students between the ages of 4 and 11(*). Children 9 years old and up whose mother tongue is not English must be able to pass an English proficiency test before being allowed to enroll. If they diagnose more than 2 years behind their chronological grade level they will not be admitted, unless a special non graduation (ESL) program is desired. Parents will be required to sign an enrollment acceptance letter in this case. At least one parent must be a permanent resident in Guangzhou.

(*) Exceptions to this policy may be made if students are transferring from another Christian school with similar values and curriculum, or who demonstrate outstanding Christian character and mastery of English.

GGA admits students who hold foreign passports or foreign residence permits. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, athletics and other school-administered programs. In accordance with Chinese law, we are not allowed to enroll citizens of the P.R. China.

GGA is a Christian school. This means that we endeavor to be faithful followers of our LORD, Jesus Christ. All our staff has professed faith in Christ and it is our desire to see our students make similar commitments. Non-Christian families are welcome to attend provided they understand and accept the school philosophy and system. If you have concerns about this issue please talk with the principal.

Grace Academy is a Christian school seeking Christian families who hold a common value system, who support the individualized learning system, and who are prepared to be team players in the education for their children and provide a godly home environment congruent with the school. Parents are encouraged to have a daily family devotions time and to be active in the supervision of their child's work.

Attendance at this school is a privilege and not a right. The school’s goal is not to REFORM wayward children, but to instill in the students the highest principles of leadership, integrity, self discipline, responsibility and good citizenship. The school upholds high moral values and works together with parents to train the child and young person in all areas of life.

3) Application is submitted accompanied by previous report card and RMB 500.00* registration fee.

* This fee covers student evaluation and enrollment. If a student withdraws from the school and then re-enrolls more than 6 months later, the registration fee will be charged if additional testing or evaluation is deemed necessary by the staff.

School fees are due on or before the first full day of attendance of a newly registered student. They are paid in advance of each period.

Tuition may be paid by semester, by quarter or by month. Fees are payable for the entire time a student is enrolled, whether or not the child attends school (for example, family trips during school term). Grace Academy assumes children will be attending school from the day they formally enroll until the day they are formally withdrawn. Families planning a prolonged absence from Guangzhou may want to formally withdraw their child and then re-enroll him/her upon return, although we cannot reserve a vacancy in this case.

Children who have special needs may be required to pay an additional monthly fee. Students requiring ESL support will also have to pay an additional fee each semester.

A student may not be permitted to attend school when parents have not met their financial obligations on time. If parents fall behind in payments, they should call the school to explain the reasons, otherwise a late fee of $25 will be charged.

Parents may apply for financial aid each year, and their application (if successful) will be reviewed on quarterly basis. The application will consider family income and characteristics, as well as the academic and behavioral characteristics of the child. The general requirements to qualify for financial aid are as follows:

v All students must have the following immunizations: diphtheria, polio, measles, rubella (German measles) and hepatitis B.

v No staff member will be allowed to administer any medicines without parent authorization in writing. All medicines must be kept and administered at the school office.

v If a student experiences a minor injury at school the supervisor or the secretary will endeavor to contact a parent to inform them of the injury and decide if post first aid treatment is needed. An accident report form will be filled out and sent home.

v In instances where a student needs emergency medical attention, the principal will call a parent first. If unable to reach a parent, he will then seek medical assistance for the child according to the instructions given on the Emergency Contact Form. If no hospital is specified on this form we will take the child to Zhongshan Medical University First Affiliated Hospital located on Zhongshan Road, 2.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Ø Parent orientation, meetings, and conferences promote a good understanding between parents or guardians and the school. EVERY PARENT IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE in these informative and helpful programs. Grace Academy also has an active PTA.

Ø Parents should also spend time after school listening to their children read as well as reading to their children every day. Parents can help the knowledge each child is gaining in school to come alive through questions, simple projects, stories and family outings. Remember, “Education is life!”

Ø Please ensure that your children are eating healthy foods and getting sufficient rest. If they come to school tired and hungry they will not be able to put much effort into their learning.

Ø Please pray for the school ministry that it would bring glory to our LORD by faithfully teaching children to live for Him.

Ø Parents can also support the merit store by donating quality items like: Motivational posters, Pencil sharpeners, Challenging games, Matchbox cars, Plush toys, Colored pencil or marker sets, Colorful binders, Pens and pencils, Key chains, Calendars, Origami paper, Books and bookmarks, Hair clips, Music CD's (Christian artists), Books (Positive role models and themes), Knickknack gift items, Puzzles and Lego. (No Digimons, Pokemons, super heroes, guns or other weapons, secular music or reading material.)

Ø PTA All parents of enrolled children and all full-time Grace Academy staff are automatically members of the school’s PTA (Parent Teacher Association). The PTA will meet whenever necessary, and the school administration will provide a monthly clinic on the third Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the school for parents to attend and discuss school matters. The main purpose of the PTA is to promote better quality education through parent involvement in the school by assisting, uniting, communicating between members and the principal and by providing a place for parents to express their views on issues that concern the school.”

Children are expected to attend school every day, and to be on time. School activities begin punctually at 8:30 a.m. and the day ends at 3:00pm. Students should be dropped off and picked up on time.

A written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the supervisor when a student returns to school after an absence. If the absence is foreseeable, a note should be sent in advance.

Excessive absences will inhibit the student’s progress. Absence for reasons other than sickness and emergency will be excused only if arrangements are made in advance with the supervisor and the student is sufficiently advanced in his work. If, in the opinion of the administration, the absences are unnecessary, the student will be considered truant, and appropriate action will be taken.

A student is considered tardy if he is not in the Learning Center at 8:30 a.m. Demerits will be given if a student is late for school or class. Bus riders must arrive on time at the bus stop or they will be left behind.

If a decision is made to close the school during normal school hours, parents will be notified by phone and/or a note sent home with the children. If the decision is made after school hours (5:00 PM) we will leave a message on the answering machine. You can call the school and receive recorded information about whether or not school will be in session the next day. This procedure will be followed in the event there is severe weather, disease outbreak, or political/social unrest.

FIRE DRILLS At least twice each year fire drills are conducted and children are trained in basic fire safety procedures.

Each school day will begin with the recitation of pledges of allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Bible, followed by review of the memorized monthly scripture, singing, a brief devotion and prayer. Students are also recognized for academic accomplishments and other awards at this time.

The school may offer a lunch ordering service. This is for parents’ convenience only and we can accept no responsibility for the quality of the food. A selection of menus from local restaurants may be offered, but parents are advised to take all necessary measures to ensure that the child’s lunch is of an acceptable standard according to their individual needs and preferences. The school cannot take responsibility for placing individual orders each day. If the child does not order lunch in advance, they should bring a suitable packed lunch.

The bulk of each day is taken up with the individualized PACE time. Students work in 6 core subjects: Math, English, Literature and Creative Writing, Social Studies, Science and Word Building (spelling). Enrichment and elective courses are also available. Each level of curriculum contains 12 PACEs in each subject. Therefore, level one consists of PACEs 1-12; level two consists of PACEs 13-24, and so on. Because of the individualized nature of this curriculum, students may be working in different levels in the various subjects.

AFTERNOON CLASSES Grace Academy also offers a variety of teacher-led classes each afternoon. The following subjects are offered regularly:

Grace Academy may offer beginning Chinese classes in ABC's and LLC (5 to 9-year-old children). These rudimentary classes are designed for non-Chinese speakers. If ESL students have attained 4^th level in all subjects and have demonstrated consistent fluency in English, parents can meet with GGA staff and discuss development of an individualized Chinese language program for their child. We are currently using the Singapore Chinese curriculum for this purpose.

Privileges are incentives designed to promote learning achievement. A student may earn more privileges as he assumes more responsibilities. Students who believe they have fulfilled the responsibilities for a level of privilege status and desire privilege status should assume responsibility for submitting an Application for Privileges form on the Friday preceding their desired week of privileges. On Monday, the privilege status emblem will be presented for the student to display during the week.

INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Level “A” Responsibilities:

1) Complete (1^stand 2^nd Grade 11/2, PACEs) (3^rd through 12^thGrade 2 PACEs) per week during current quarter.

2) Maintain academic balance.

3) Accumulate no more than 45 minutes detention the preceding week.

4) Memorize previous month’s Bible selection.

Level “A” Privileges:

1) Fifteen-minute morning break

2) May read approved literature or listen to inspirational tapes in office after goals are completed.

3) May engage in approved extracurricular activities in office (i.e. crafts, puzzles, games, and computer).

4) May put 2 items on dividers to decorate student office (picture of family, praise note, encouraging Scripture, etc.).

Level “C” Responsibilities

1) Complete 2 PACE’s per week during current quarter.

2) Maintain academic balance.

3) Accumulate no more than 30 minutes detention the preceding week.

4) Memorize previous month’s Bible selection.

5) Present a special 5-minute monthly oral report on an interest area or project.

Level “C” Privileges:

1) Twenty-minute morning breaks.

2) Same as A privilege

3) Same as A privilege

4) May be out of seat without permission for Learning Center functions.

5) May freely decorate their office dividers (within reasonable limits).

Level “E” Responsibilities (For High School students only)

1) Complete 2 PACE’s per week during current quarter.

2) Maintain academic balance.

3) Accumulate no detentions the preceding week.

4) Memorize previous month’s Bible selection.

5) Read and complete a written book report on a literature book or a supervisor-approved book.

6) Be available for participation in school activities: (i.e., Prime Time, student teacher, translation, guest tours, etc.)

7) Must be engaged on a regular basis in some form of approved church/community service: (i.e., music, drama, visiting shut-ins, orphanage, outreach program, youth group leader, etc.)

Level “E” Privileges: (For High School students only)

1-5) Same as “C” privilege, plus 6 through 9 below.

6) May leave student office and Learning Center at will for approved activity or projects when not committed to other responsibilities or functions.

7) May read approved literature, listen to inspirational tapes, etc. in office at any time during the day except at required classes.

8) May attend approved off-campus functions of a spiritual or educational nature with supervision.

9) May use “E” privilege break room (school reception room)

The responsibility for scholastic achievement is placed on students. K-A, K-B and LLC students should not need to habitually take academic work home. The goals set by the student and reviewed by the supervisor are no more than the student is capable of completing during the school day. (ESL students are an exception to this standard.) ULC students will usually have some homework, with High School level students having the most. Should the student not meet his goals for that day, he will be required, at the discretion of the supervisor, to complete the work at home or after school in the Learning Center. Should the student have homework, a green homework slip giving the pages to be issued. The slip is to be signed by the parent and returned the following day. Signing the slip does not mean that the work was completed or done correctly but that the parent is aware of the child’s homework responsibilities. The back of the homework slip may be used to communicate with the supervisor.

The following table shows the normal expected progress and levels of a native speaker of English through the system. ESL students may be up to 2 levels behind when they enter the school, but they must complete all of the materials before graduation, even if they require extra years in school to complete this. Initially, however, they may not do all core subjects, and may follow a fast-track system of only English, Word Building, and Literature. Math may be assigned as needed. Parents should use this chart to check their child’s progress.

PACE Numbers	Equivalent Grade Level	PACE Numbers	Equivalent Grade Level	PACE Numbers	Equivalent Grade Level
1001-1012	1	1049-1060	5	1097-1108	9
1013-1024	2	1061-1072	6	1109-1121	10
1025-1036	3	1073-1084	7	1122-1133	11
1037-1048	4	1085-1096	8	1133-1144	12

Students who want an additional challenge are encouraged to strive for the A.C.E. Literature Certificate. During the school year, students must read and report on at least 20 character-building books at or above their English curriculum level. Books must be approved by the supervisor prior to reading. No more than ten books may be associated with English and Literature and Creative Writing PACE’s.

LLC & ABC's students are also challenged to read daily and are given a reading chart to note down how many minutes they read each day.

The grading system of our school is designed to give parents a true indication of the student’s progress. Progress Reports are given to students to present to their parents at the end of each nine-week period. The report is to be signed by the parents and returned to the school promptly. At the end of the year you will receive a computer printout of your child’s grades for all 4 quarters, which you may keep for your records.

Every time a student receives a star for passing the final PACE test with a score of 88% or higher, he is given a Congratulations Slip which he takes to his parents to inform them of his achievement. Parents have an excellent opportunity to encourage and compliment the student at this time. (At GGA all students are required to pass every PACE test with a score of 88% or higher.)

Students who earn 10 100’s, 20 100’s, 30 100’s, etc., receive a special Thousand Club certificate to recognize this significant accomplishment.

The elements of the Progress Report are as follows: Summary of PACE grades and numbers, grades for afternoon classes, attendance records, and a character development evaluation. This is produced to allow the parents to see specific strengths and weaknesses in their child and to reinforce these areas accordingly.

Progress Standards: The minimum number of PACE’s a child should normally do per quarter is 18. ESL students will normally need to do more. Each child has an individual requirement, a copy of which may be requested by parents.

Character areas and afternoon classes use the scale of evaluation as follows: E = excellent (an area of outstanding progress or strength); G = good (an area of general strength); S = satisfactory (average performance); N = needs improvement (weakness that must be improved during the following quarter).

Requests for official documents should be made in writing by the parents or guardian of a student with at least one week of anticipation. A fee will be charged for this service. Students who are transferring to another school should request records BEFORE the end of the school year, as the office will be closed over the summer. Documents will not be issued until all outstanding accounts are settled.

This is not a corrective institution; consequently, we ask that a child not be enrolled with the idea that we will reform him. GGA is dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity, and living that is Christ-centered. Here, a discipline is maintained which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love. Our staff maintains standards of behavior in the Learning Center through kindness, love, and a genuine regard for the student. Students are reminded that the Lord Jesus Christ expects us to be submissive to authority in all areas of life (Colossians 3:20, Rom. 13:1, Heb. 13:17). All new students are admitted on probation for the first quarter.

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

¨ Realize that your child’s reporting is emotionally biased and may not include all the information.

¨ Realize that the school has reasons for all rules and that they are enforced without partiality.

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

Text Box: SUGGESTED MERIT LIST
Perfect checkups                                                     10
Perfect self-tests                                                     25
Perfect PACE tests                                                 100
90-99% on PACE tests                                          50
0 scoring violations in completed PACE                200
Neatness throughout PACE                                   25
100% on current WB, RM, MB, TM                    25
Advance 100 wpm on RM                                     100
Obeying quickly                                                     10
Christian character qualities                                 10 +
Communication envelope returned on time, signed 50
Reciting all of Monthly Scripture Memory:
1st Day            300
1st Week         100                  3rd Week       35
2nd Week          75                  4th Week      25

The discipline system has 2 elements – demerits and merits. Merits are earned for responsible behavior, and demerits are earned when behavior does not meet the required standard of conduct. Students are also able to earn merits by demonstrating exemplary behavior, memorizing scripture`, exceeding their goals, etc. Accumulated merits can be used to “buy” school supplies and other small gifts at the monthly merit store. Merits are to be kept at school at all times. Borrowing and lending of merits is prohibited.

The basic rule is “do right.” Demerits are given for disturbances or broken rules. When a student receives a detention (3 or more demerits), a Corrective Action Notice is sent home with the student and is to be signed by parents and returned the next day. LLC & ULC children will be issued an assignment to be completed at home. Detention time is served as follows:

Demerits are an indication that a student may need direction in the development of character in his life. Conferences with the supervisor, principal, and parents are sometimes necessary to assure this growth. The demerit system aims to encourage students to be careful, thorough and consistent. Character development is the goal, not guilt or shame.

A note will be sent home when a child has earned 3 detentions, and a parent conference will be scheduled after the 5th & 7th detention. A 7th detention will lead to suspension.

Philosophy of Education	Lunch	Relationships
Education System	Curriculum Activities (PACE’s & other)	Field Trips
Church Affiliation	Application for Privileges	Summer PACE work
Guiding Principles	Incentive Program	Lost and Found
Standards of Conduct	Homework	Telephone
Enrollment Policy	Academic Levels	Learning Center Guidelines
Admissions Policy	Literature	General Matters for Parents and Students
Admissions Procedure	Progress Reports	Graduation
Tuition payments	Congratulations Slips	Uniform
Financial Aid	Progress Reports & Transcripts	Definitions of Special Terms
Medical Guidelines	Discipline	Bus Rules
Parental Involvement	Merits	Target Student Profile
Attendance	Detention	Kindergarten
Emergency Procedure	Demerits	Withdrawal of Students
Opening Exercises	Scoring Violations	Agreement Form

OFFENSES WORTH 1 DEMERIT
1. Goals not set 2. Six inch rule () 3. Any disturbance 4. Unsuitable personal property 5. Goal Card not posted 6. Failure to return water bottle 7. Incomplete uniform 8. Failure to return parent envelope 9. Chair left out 10.* . Griping	1. Turning around in office 2. Gum chewing (Gum is not allowed on school property) 3. Running in learning center 4. Homework slip not returned or signed 5. Any damage to property 6. Writing or passing notes during working time 7. Messy office 8. Minor scoring violations, unauthorized goal change 9. PACE’s left at home	1. Late back after break/lunch 2. Off limits (supervisor’s station, other students’ offices) 3. Out of seat without permission 4. Talking to other students during work time 5. Eating in off-limits areas 6. Teasing other students or calling names 7. Score key left on the score station 8. Lack of participation in assembly 9. Incomplete office supplies
OTHER OFFENSES		Consequence
Incomplete homework		2 demerits
Talking at testing table		2 demerits
Asking another staff member permission after refusal already given