Student Handbook

SCHOOL INFORMATION

School Colors - Maroon & White
Nickname - Eagles
School Newspaper - Eagles' Cry
Annual - Memoirs
Conference - Little Hawkeye

ALMA MATER

Hail Pella Christian, Our Alma Mater
Our loyalty we offer now to thee,
Grant us Thy mem'ries, may we always be
ever in Thy service, loyal to thee.

Hail Pella Christian, Our Alma Mater
God's name we honor and we shall uphold
Grant us Thy blessings, when ere we part.
May our colors bind us, Maroon and White.

Pella Christian High is owned and operated by the Pella Christian High School Society. It is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the Society at its Annual Meeting. The parents believe that their children stand in a covenant relationship with God and must have a God-centered education. In comparison to public and church schools, our school is a private, parental owned and operated school.

In September 1940, Pella Christian High opened in a large home on North Main Street, with 41 students. In 1948, a new building was completed on Jefferson Street and additions were added in 1958 and 1962. In 1964, most of the building was destroyed by fire and a new building was erected. Additions were added to our present building in 1968, 1974, 1980, 1985 and 1989.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Pella Christian High School is to provide students with a Christ-centered education and to prepare them for life-long Christian service.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of Pella Christian High School is to nurture a Christian community in which parents and staff cooperatively provide quality education based on God's Word.

MISSION RELATED GOALS

1. To educate students in spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional dimensions.
2. To prepare students for responsible citizenship in God's kingdom.
3. To provide a quality, Bible-based education from a Reformed world view which acknowledges Christ's Lordship over all of life.
4. To emphasize each person's worth and communal responsibility.
5. To maintain a staff of committed, competent Christian educators.
6. To involve parents as partners in various aspects of school life.
7. To develop community awareness of the mission and purpose of PCHS.
8. To promote covenantal Christian education for all Christian families.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pella Christian High School admits students of
any race, color, national and ethnic origin to
all of the rights, privileges, programs, and
activities generally accorded all
students at the school. It does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national and
ethnic origin in administration of its educational
policies, admissions and athletic or other
school administered policies.

PURPOSE OF HANDBOOK

We want a good school, one of which we can be proud and one that reflects Christ. As Christians, we are accountable for our actions. Thus we must adhere to norms or standards that guide us in walking the Christian life. At school, too, we must observe standards so that every member of the Christian High community can enjoy his/her stay here. A knowledge of your responsibilities at Pella Christian High can help make your stay here more enjoyable and rewarding.

This handbook has been prepared for you and your parents. Read it carefully. You will be expected not only to know what it contains, but to act in accordance with it both at and away from school.

STUDENT/EMPLOYEE RESPECT AND DIGNITY POLICY
(Anti-Bullying / Harassment Policy Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 280.28)

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Luke 10:27

Believing that Pella Christian High School is a Christian community and desiring to continue to build and maintain such a community the school board has adopted the following policy regarding how we are to treat and respect each other as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

1. Statement of Policy.
   
   1. School employees, volunteers, and students in school, on school property, or at any school function or school-sponsored activity shall not engage in harassing and bullying behavior.
   2. School employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or an individual who has reliable information about such an act of harassment or bullying.
   3. School employees, volunteers, parents or guardians, and students are expected to act in a timely and responsible manner to prevent, report, and facilitate investigation of suspected harassment and bullying.
      
      
2. Definitions.
   
   1. Harassment and Bullying are defined as any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is:
      (1) Based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student, and
      (2) Creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
      
      1. Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property.
      2. Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health.
      3. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
   2. The following activities, absent substantial aggravating factors, occurring inside or outside the classroom, do not constitute Harassment or Bullying:
      (1) Instruction and participation in lessons and worship services.
      (2) Discussions and debate concerning issues important to Christian faith.
      (3) Electronic, written, verbal, and physical interpretation of Biblical scripture, and religious texts, music, and opinion.
      (4) Witnessing and faith-sharing.
      
      
3. Reporting.
   Suspected incidents of harassment and bullying should be reported to a teacher or to the Principal within 24 hours. The Principal is responsible for receiving reports and ensuring the Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy is implemented.
   
   
4. Investigation.
   Suspected incidents of bullying and harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the Principal or his/her designee. Investigators will consider the totality of the circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes harassment or bullying under this policy.
   
   
5. Consequences for Violators. Individuals responsible for conduct in violation of this policy will be subject to consequences and remedial action. The sanctioning guidelines of the Good Conduct Policy apply to violations of this policy.
   
   
6. Publication. This policy shall be published in the parent/student handbook and the faculty/employee handbook.

Approved by Education Committee August 2007
Approved by School Board September 2007

USE OF BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT

BUILDING AND GROUNDS: Pella Christian High belongs to you and your parents. Please show the same care towards school property as you show to your own personal possessions. Please note the following regulations:

1. Any damage to school property is to be reported to the office at once by the person responsible.
2. Any student who accidentally damages or destroys school property as the result of carelessness or rowdy conduct will be expected to make payment in the amount of loss to the school for any repair or replacement.
3. Any student who willfully vandalizes school property or the property of any faculty member will be suspended from school and held responsible for any damages incurred. A student may be re-admitted by appearing before the Board or Educational Committee of the Board with his/her parent(s).
4. If the student perpetrator of vandalism to the school is not found, funding for repair will be paid from appropriate class funds.
5. The roof of the school building is off-limits to all students. A student who is discovered to have been on the roof of the school will be assessed a fine of $150.

TEXTBOOKS: Excessive wear on textbooks will be paid for at the end of the semester. Please check the condition of your textbooks with the teacher's list at the beginning of the year.

SEATS AND CHAIRS: When in order should be left undisturbed. Any change in the location of chairs or seating arrangements will be the concern of the teachers only. Students are not to write on chairs or desks.

GYMNASIUM: All gym equipment will be issued only by the coach or the instructor in charge.

BULLETIN BOARDS: You should not tamper with the bulletin boards or disfigure anything on them. Nothing is to be posted on the hall bulletin boards or walls without permission from the office.

COMPUTER LAB OR MUSIC ROOM USE: Written permission to be in the computer labs or music room for practice is to be secured from the computer or music teacher and the study hall teacher. The computer labs may be used at noon only with the permission of the appropriate teacher.

LOCKERS: Lockers are assigned on the opening day of school. No one should enter any locker other than his/her own. Lockers must be kept clean and neat. Inappropriate pictures are not allowed in lockers. Anyone jamming or stacking a locker must pay for any damages to the locker or its contents. The faculty and administration reserve the right to inspect a locker at any time. Periodic locker inspections may be conducted throughout the school year. No gummed stickers or writing allowed on or inside of the locker.

LIMITED ACCESS: Indoor "off limits" at all times are the home economics room, computer labs, furnace room, faculty room, and stage. Special permission must be obtained from a teacher to be in these rooms before school, at break, at noon, or after school. The area from the outside door by the teacher's lounge and south around the front of school is off limits except when arriving at or leaving school. Students are not to be on the softball field or in the bleacher areas unless an intramural game is being played.

LIBRARY

1. The primary purpose of the library is to provide information for the student when assignments are given and when a critical need arises. Some sources can be checked out, while other print and non-print sources are to be used in the library. To go to the library for this purpose, students need to present their study hall teacher with the appropriate pass from the teacher whose assigned project requires library access. Priority of access to materials will be given to classes that are scheduled into the library.
   
   
2. A secondary use of the library is to provide materials that may be checked out.
   
   1. All books except reference books may be borrowed for a period of two weeks and may be renewed upon proper stamping of the book for another two week period.
   2. Certain reference books and books in high demand because of class assignments may be borrowed overnight only. They must be returned by 8:25 on the following school day.
   3. Current magazines may not be taken from the library until the next issue appears. Older magazines may be checked out for one week.
   4. Anyone taking books or magazines out without proper checkout will be assessed a fine of $2.00 or the cost of the magazine.
   5. Books lost or damaged must be paid for by the student checking them out.
      
      
3. The library is NOT to function as:
   
   1. A study hall unless the administration declares it as such. Students who are studying textbook material should remain in the study hall. Ideally, fewer than twenty-eight students should be using the library during one period.
   2. A place where students take tests. Tests should be taken in the study hall or under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
   3. An overflow for students not working in the Resource Room.
   4. A social center where food and drink are consumed. There is to be no food and drink in the library.

FIRE DRILL EXIT

Rooms 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - center east doors
Rooms 1,2, Cafeteria - north and northeast doors
Kitchen - northwest doors
Gym - west gym door
Music - music room exit
Rooms 9, 10, 12, 13 - front door
Library, Room 14, back part of study hall - southeast door
Front part of study hall, Rooms 15 & 16 - southwest door
Rooms 18 & 19 - basement exits

TORNADO DRILL

In the event of a a tornado drill or an actual tornado warning, all students, teachers, and staff members must immediately go to the Locker Room areas or to the Weight Room area as directed by the teachers, moving to the back of these areas as quickly as possible. Classrooms in freshman hall should be directed through the cafeteria down the stairs to the Weight Room area.

ATTENDANCE CONCERNS

ABSENCE POLICY

1. An absence may be excused if the absence is due to illness, medical appointments, school-sponsored activities, or death in the family, and for certain emergency situations approved by the office.
   
   
2. An absence for other reasons, particularly those that pertain to family-related needs, college visits not planned through the counselor, church-related activities, etc. (those that can be planned in advance) may be excused if the following procedures are followed:
   
   
   1. The assistant principal receives the request for such an absence at least a day in advance of the day(s) of the planned absence. The reason for the absence must be clearly stated.
   2. The student contacts each of his/her teachers prior to the absence to obtain any schoolwork that might be missed. (The student obtains a form from the assistant principal that each teacher signs to show that this was accomplished and then returns it to the assistant principal.)
      
      
3. If a student is absent for any reason other than those stated above, or if the procedures listed above are not followed, the absence will be considered unexcused . The student will make up the equivalent amount of time he/she is absent after school on the Monday of the following week, and subsequent Mondays if needed, with one hour being the minimum amount of time served.
   
   
4. Excuses for absence that do not fall under #2 above should be turned in to the assistant principal before the first period on the day you return from the absence. The excuse must include the time of the absence, the reason for the absence, and the signature of the parent. If an excuse is not brought in (or called in by the parent) within three school days, the absence will be considered unexcused. No reminders or warnings will be issued. Parents can also leave excuses on the assistant principal's voice mail (#17).
   
   
5. Teachers are encouraged to include in their evaluation of student performance a certain percentage for participation, which provides a way to reward good attendance. Students who are absent from class due to school-related activities will not be penalized for their absence unless of course their absence results in poor performance.
   
   
6. Always get written permission from the instructor in charge of your proper room in case you wish to be absent for a period whatever the reason. This should be done regardless of who else authorizes or requests you to be absent.
   
   
7. Student attendance will be monitored by the assistant principal. Problems regarding high absenteeism will be communicated to the parents by the assistant principal.
   
   
8. Seniors are given two days for college visits when they are arranged through the counselor's office. The senior class trip in late April is a two-day planned school activity. There are no senior "skip days."

MAKING UP WORK

1. It is the responsibility of the student to contact each teacher about make-up work following an absence. For the "planned absence," the make-up work may already be known in advance. The time allowed to make up school work for an excused absence shall normally be equal to the time absent, up to a maximum of one week. A student who does not make up school work within the time allowed by this policy may receive no credit for the school work (0%).
   
   
2. Students who miss a test will take the test under the supervision of the classroom teacher before school, after school, at noon hour or during his/her free period, or under the supervision of a study hall teacher. Teachers may have a student make up a test during the morning study halls but, due to the large afternoon study halls, are discouraged from having tests made up in afternoon study halls. Students who leave a study hall to make up a test should first report to the study hall for attendance. Absence from study hall may be considered unexcused if this procedure is not followed.
   
   
3. A student whose absence from class is clearly known to be unexcused will not receive credit for tests, quizzes, or assignments that may have been given during the time of that absence

LEAVING SCHOOL

PCHS follows a closed campus policy. No student may leave campus during the school day unless the following steps are followed:

1. Permission must be obtained from the assistant principal before school or at noon. Permission to leave school will be given only if the student has a note from home or the doctor's appointment slip. Students who need to leave school because of illness or other situations for which they do not have a note should still see the assistant principal before leaving campus. No students are permitted to go home for lunch.
   
   
2. Before leaving, the student must come to the office to sign a "check-out sheet" and upon returning must sign a "check-in sheet." Signing out does NOT give the student permission to leave school. They must always check with the Asst Principal before leaving.
   
   
3. If a student leaves school without following the procedure indicated above, it will be treated as an unexcused absence and the student will make up the equivalent amount of time he/she is absent after school on Monday of the following week, with one hour being the minimum amount of time served.
   
   
4. Any student who is sick during the school day and wishes to use the sick room must also follow this procedure. Students may not report to the sick room without a pass from the teacher whose class or study hall they are missing. This pass will inform the secretary that the student's teacher is aware of the absence. If a student needs to be in the sick room for more than one class period, arrangements should be made (if possible) for the student to go home.
   
   
5. Exceptions to the above procedures include times when students need to leave campus for work release, school-to-work, for scheduled peer-helper responsibilities, or when a teacher authorizes leaving campus for classroom purposes.

TARDY POLICY

1. Tardy is defined as not being in one's assigned room by the time the bell stops ringing. A student is not to run in the halls or classroom to avoid being late. Unexcused tardiness will result in a noon detention. A student who is late to homeroom or chapel will also receive a detention.
   
   
2. Students who have a valid reason for being tardy to class must obtain a signed slip from the instructor causing the tardiness. Other reasons for tardiness must be given to the assistant principal within 24 hours or it will not be excused.
   
   
3. A student is allowed three tardy detentions within a school year that result in a noon detention. The fourth tardy and any subsequent tardy will result in after-school detentions. Excessive tardiness may result in other forms of discipline beyond detentions.

REGULATIONS REGARDING DETENTIONS

1. Noon detentions are normally served at 11:58 - 12:18 on Mon, Wed, & Fri in Room 16.
2. Students are required to study. No food or drink is allowed in detention.
3. Detention is to have precedence over everything else.
4. Tardiness in arriving at detention:
   1. If less than five minutes late, the student will be required to serve that detention plus an additional one. If more than five minutes late, the student is considered absent and will serve the next two noon detentions.
   2. If a detention is missed altogether, the student will serve two detentions.
5. After-school detentions are served on Mondays for one or two hours in a room that will be designated during the announcements.
6. The assistant principal shall inform the parents by letter or phone call whenever a student receives an after-school detention for an unexcused absence or for leaving campus without prior permission. A student will be allowed up to six hours of after-school detentions. The next and subsequent occasions will result in a one-day in-school suspension, to take place the day after it is determined that a violation has occurred.
7. A teacher may issue behavioral detentions when a student does not respond to other forms of correction in class. Teachers are not to use a behavioral detention as the initial corrective response. Behavioral detentions may be served during the scheduled after-school detention period on Monday or at the discretion of the teacher issuing the detention. The teacher issuing the detention will monitor detentions not served during the scheduled Monday detentions.

CAR AND PARKING REGULATIONS

1. Driving and parking on campus is a privilege. Students who abuse the privilege by driving recklessly will lose the privilege. All students who drive to school must register their vehicles(s) with the assistant principal's office. Parking violations and failure to register will result in a $5 fine. If no parking spaces are available in the lot, students must park on nearby streets where parking is allowed, or in the gravel area when open. Carpooling is encouraged!
2. Student cars will not be permitted to leave the school grounds at noon except by permission from the assistant principal prior to leaving. (See "Leaving School")
3. Because we have a closed campus, no student visitors are permitted in the parking lot or in front of school during school hours.
4. Students are restricted to the school grounds from the time they arrive in the morning until they leave after school. Students are not to sit in or upon vehicles during the school day. For the protection of all vehicles, the parking lot is off limits during the school day.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WHEN ABSENT

Students are required to be in attendance no fewer than four periods on the day of an extra-curricular activity in order to practice or participate in that activity, unless prior official permission to be absent, due to special circumstances, has been granted by the principal or assistant principal. This permission must be granted prior to the activity, not after the fact.

STUDY HALLS AND CLASS CONDUCT

1. Students must take sufficient work to study hall.
2. Students who are disruptive and are asked to leave a class must report directly to the office.
3. Students throwing any objects may be suspended from school.
4. Students are limited to 10 study halls a week which includes music lessons, industrial arts helpers, and hall monitors. Seniors may be an exception to this rule if they are not on work release or in the school-to-work program.
5. Playing computer games during study hall time is not permitted.

CHAPEL

Chapel is an important part of school life. It is a time for communal worship. Each student is expected to enter sincerely into devotion. Approach chapel in a reverent spirit and leave it in the same manner. Each student is to sit with his/her homeroom in the seat assigned by the homeroom teacher. Please move to the gym immediately at the first bell. No food or drink is allowed in chapel.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM AND CREDIT

1. Pella Christian High School offers a Christian Service Program whereby students may receive academic credit for service to others. Credit is placed on the student transcript.
2. In order to earn 1/2 credit a student shall perform 25 clock hours of Christian service. This credit shall be earned within any portion of the four years the student attends PCHS. The 25 clock hours is the equivalent of 3 days of service per year.
3. The program shall be administered by a faculty Christian Service Committee in coordination with the home room teachers. Please ask your home room teacher about this program for more details.

POLICY ON PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (Academic Eligibility)

1. The following activities will be considered extra-curricular: forensics, band, choir, school plays, drill team, cheer leading, student managers, and athletics.
2. A student must pass all subjects to be eligible for extra-curricular activities.
3. If a student receives a failure grade in any course for a quarterly marking period, a two-week ineligibility period will take place starting from the time report cards are distributed. This ineligibility period will continue for two weeks or until the grade becomes a passing mark (whichever comes last).
4. A student failing a course for a semester will be ineligible for two weeks or until he/she is passing all courses (whichever comes last).
5. A student failing a course for the second semester or 4^th quarter who participates in summer extra-curricular will be ineligible for two weeks.
6. Any incomplete that becomes a failing grade will result in two weeks ineligibility beginning from the time the grade is issued.
7. During the ineligibility period the student may practice but may not perform in any activities
8. Students who do not have an incomplete for quarterly grades made up within two weeks after the end of the quarter shall be ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities.
9. The faculty has discretion to restrict a student's participation in any extra-curricular activities for valid reasons.

GUIDANCE AND OFFICE RECORDS

Each student will be assigned a homeroom teacher who will remain as your adviser during your four years here. You may desire to discuss such problems as courses, scheduling, class problems, and personal problems. If you need special help in a certain subject, please see that teacher. The office files contain an individual permanent record on each student. It includes the final grades of each subject taken from grades 9-12. The student's rank in class and academic average is stated on the permanent folders. It also includes the scores on various tests which are taken and the total absences for each semester. All matters of discipline of major consequence are included. All information for prospective employers and information requested by colleges are taken from these records.

COUNSELOR

We have a counselor who is available at most times to everyone. He can be of real help in assisting you to solve your personal problems, to supply you with social and personal pamphlets, to help you plan for further schooling, and to discuss your future career. He can also give you information about colleges and college requirements. Scholarship programs, armed services test programs, and test results are also available. It is recommended that you become acquainted with him in order to acquaint him with your interests, abilities and future plans. Be sure to make use of this personal service. Any student may see the counselor during any of your study halls. If the door is closed, counseling is in session. However, you are invited to make an appointment for a later period.

WORK RELEASE

At the request of parents and subject to the Assistant-Principal's approval, seniors may be allowed to leave school during 8th or 7th/8th period study halls to work. The student must complete a form signed by parents, employer, and student before such permission to work is granted. This permission to work will be withdrawn if the student does not maintain passing grades in all of his subjects. Work release is not permitted when the student is involved in an extracurricular activity that involves practice after school, or when it cannot work with the student's academic schedule.

SCHOOL-TO-WORK PROGRAM

During the senior year, students may be involved in the School-To-Work Program. The program is offered both semester. It will involve students in a paid work experience only at those local businesses that are part of the program. Students will receive a semester course credit, and they must still be in four other classes. The purpose of the program is to provide students with work experiences in areas of their career interests.

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

VISITORS

A student who plans to have a visitor come to school with them for a day should obtain a visitor pass from the assistant principal prior to the day of the visit.

TELEPHONE

Students will not be called to the phone during class periods except for emergencies. Please inform your parents and acquaintances of this rule and discourage calls during school time. The student phone is located in the hall across from the main office. The office phone is not for students' use, except for urgent long distance calls. If you make a long distance call home, you must call collect, or pre-pay $.30 for each call. Students are encouraged to have prepaid phone cards that they can use for long distance calls on the student phone.

PHOTOCOPIES & CHANGE

The office will only photocopy notes for students if they have missed school due to sickness for an extended period of time. The cost is $.10 per side. Other photocopy needs should be done elsewhere after school hours. Change for cookies, pop, or candy will not be made in the office. Bring your own change to school for these purchases.

SNACK TIME

A nine minute period is set aside immediately following second period for a snack. Students are expected to put all refuse in the waste baskets.

CAFETERIA/LUNCH TIME

Students should eat their noon meals in the cafeteria, even if they take a bag lunch from home. Students are not allowed to have food delivered to the school from local restaurants, nor are they allowed to leave campus for lunch unless it is with a teacher-sponsored class or activity outing. Parents should not excuse students to leave campus for lunch unless it is for a rare and special occasion.

LOST AND FOUND

Those finding articles on the school premises should take them to the office. Those losing items should apply to the office for help in recovering them.

SNOW DAYS

During bad weather in the winter, school closings will be announced on the following radio and TV stations. Radio: WHO, KBOE, KCOB, KLRS, KNIA, KCWN. TV: KCCI - TV (channel 8) We would appreciate having parents call school during the school day if they feel their children should return home due to adverse weather conditions.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS

Students may be required to take medication during the school day. Medication shall be administered only by the school office. No medication will be administered without written authorization from the parent and the student's physician. The school office is not permitted to distribute aspirin or aspirin-like medication without authorization.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

The school shall not be liable for personal injuries caused by malicious acts of any student.

PARTIES

School Parties: All parties & class or school events should be planned with the class sponsors or Student Council. Dates of parties should be cleared with the office. All student parties or other events are to be chaperoned by a member of the faculty. Parties end at 10:00 p.m. on school nights and 10:30 on Friday nights. The use of the building during the evening requires a faculty sponsor.

Parent Sponsored Parties: Social Activities are an important part of the life of young people. In addition to school social activities parents may also sponsor social activities. Pella Christian High School respects the right of parents to sponsor social activities, but requests careful attention to the following guidelines:

1. Adequate parent chaperones be available.
2. All school regulations on drinking, smoking and drugs be enforced.
3. Parent sponsored activities should be scheduled so as to avoid conflict with PCHS sponsored activities.
4. Careful screening of music and lyrics should be exercised.
5. Subject to administration approval, parent sponsored activities may be advertised on a specifically designated bulletin board when the activity includes all students of the school or all students of a particular grade level. Advertisements must identify the sponsoring parents.

CELL PHONES

Students may carry cell phones but must have them turned off and put away during all scheduled class periods.

Students may use their cell phones at any time between classes or during morning break and noon hour but ONLY in the hallways or in designated outside areas. Students may never use phones in classrooms, the gymnasium, the cafeteria/commons, or the auditorium. Cell phones must be turned off and put away in these areas at all times.

Violations of the above policy (including accidental phone ringing during class) will result in the following consequences.

Violations 1-2 = Cell phone taken and returned after 24 hours.*^
Violations 3-4 = Cell phone taken and returned after 3 days.*^
Violations 5-6 = Cell phones taken and returned (to parents) after 1 calendar week.*
Violation 7+ = Loss of all cell phone use privileges.

* = If using phone after tardy bell will also include a tardy.
^ = If includes a Friday, cell phone will be kept over weekend.

NUISANCE ITEMS

Students are not permitted to have radios, MP3 and/or CD players, Gameboys, and other similar nuisance items at school. Violators will have the item(s) confiscated and may receive an after-school detention.

DISCIPLINE CONCERNS

GOOD CONDUCT POLICY

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Hebrews 12:11

Hebrews 12 makes it very clear to us that God disciplines his children in love and because of love. Although our motivation for discipline here at Pella Christian High School (PCHS) is the same, our imperfection hinders us from carrying out discipline in the same perfect manner as our heavenly father. Nonetheless we will attempt to discipline in the context of Christian love and for the betterment of the individual student(s) as well as the rest of the PCHS community.

The following policy is for all of our students because we are equally concerned for all students and want to hold them all to a very high moral, ethical, and behavioral standard. However, students who participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities serve as ambassadors of PCHS throughout the calendar year. Participating in such activities is a privilege, conditioned not only by meeting board approved academic criteria, but also by demonstrating lawful and appropriate conduct. Therefore additional disciplinary action (i.e. eligibility & participation restrictions) for violations of this policy by participating students should be expected. This policy shall be in effect for the entire calendar year (365 days) both during the regular school year as well as all vacation periods.

It is a violation of the PCHS Good Conduct Rule to:

1. Possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages.
2. Possess and/or use controlled substances.
3. Possess and/or use tobacco (in any form).
4. Engage in promiscuous sexual activity (see separate pregnancy policy)
5. Commit any act that constitutes the commission of a crime under any governmental law or ordinance (excluding minor traffic violations).
6. Be found guilty of severe academic dishonesty
7. Harassment (any type = includes bullying)
8. Behavior of a kind considered to be a violation of Good Conduct by the administration and/or the Education Committee.

A student will be found to be in violation of PCHS' Good Conduct Policy:

*if the violation is observed by a staff member or law enforcement official
*the student self-reports or admits the violation
*the violation is supported by a preponderance of the evidence.

The disciplinary steps which will guide the Administration, Education Committee, and Board are:

First High School Offense

All students:

• Six week probation-suspended from "all-school" sponsored events that fall within said suspension period (i.e. banquets, parties, trips, etc.)
• If alcohol or drug violation, student will undergo an assessment by an agency approved by PCHS.
• Any community service hours assigned shall be completed here at PCHS (if possible).

Extra-curricular participants:

• Suspended from competition for 50% of current or next activity season (athletics = including cheerleaders, drill team, managers, statisticians)
  • Student must have participated in previous year's sport in order to "count" next sport as a legitimate activity in which to be declared ineligible.
• Suspended from next (2) Fine Arts Events

A student who self-reports or admits his/her Good Conduct violation in a good faith and honest manner prior to being confronted or prior to the school administration being made aware of facts specific to the incident, may receive a reduction in the suspension from six weeks to three weeks and reduction in competition suspension from 50% to 33%. Fine Arts participants will miss next (1) event.

Cost for assessment and/or counseling will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s).

Second High School Offense

All students:

• Nine week probation-suspended from "all-school" sponsored events that fall within said suspension period (i.e. banquets, parties, trips, etc.)
  
• If 2^nd alcohol or drug violation, student will undergo an assessment by an agency approved by PCHS. Physical test may also be required.
• Any community service hours assigned shall be completed here at PCHS (if possible).

Extra-curricular participants:

• Suspended from competition for 100% of current or next activity season (athletics = including cheerleaders, drill team, managers, statisticians)
  • Student must have participated in previous year's sport in order to "count" next sport as a legitimate activity in which to be declared ineligible.
• Suspended from next (4) Fine Arts Events

A student who self-reports or admits his/her Good Conduct violation in a good faith and honest manner prior to being confronted or prior to the school administration being made aware of facts specific to the incident, may receive a reduction in the suspension from nine weeks to six weeks and reduction in competition suspension from 100% to 50%. Fine Arts participants will be required to miss next (2) events.

Cost for assessment, physical tests, and/or counseling will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s).

Third High School Offense

All students:

• Three day in school suspension with re-admittance only after a meeting with student, parent(s) and Education Committee.
• Twelve week probation-suspended from "all-school" sponsored events that fall within said suspension period (i.e. banquets, parties, trips, etc.)
• If 3^rd alcohol or drug violation, student will enter and successfully complete a substance abuse program by an agency approved by PCHS. Initial and subsequent physical tests may be required.
• Any community service hours assigned shall be completed here at PCHS (if possible).

Extra-curricular participants:

• Suspended from competition for one calendar year (athletics = including cheerleaders, drill team, managers, statisticians)
• Suspended from next Fine Arts Event performances for one calendar year.

A student who self-reports or admits his/her Good Conduct violation in a good faith and honest manner prior to being confronted or prior to the school administration being made aware of facts specific to the incident, may receive a reduction in the suspension from twelve weeks to nine weeks and reduction in competition suspension or Fine Arts performance from one calendar year to remainder of current school year (including summer sports / activities).

Cost for assessment, physical tests, treatment program(s), and/or counseling will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s).

Fourth High School Offense

All students:

• Expulsion from school with readmission possible only after appeal made by parents (see appeal process at end of policy)
• Remainder of year probation (if readmitted = suspended from "all-school" sponsored events for remainder of year (i.e. banquets, parties, trips, etc.) )
• If 4^th alcohol or drug violation, student will enter and successfully complete a substance abuse program by an agency approved by PCHS. Initial and subsequent physical tests may be required.
• Any community service hours assigned shall be completed here at PCHS (if possible).

Extra-curricular participants:

• Suspended from competition for remainder of high school (athletics = including cheerleaders, drill team, managers, statisticians)
• Suspended from Fine Arts Event performances for remainder of high school.

A student who self-reports or admits his/her Good Conduct violation in a good faith and honest manner prior to being confronted or prior to the school administration being made aware of facts specific to the incident, may prevent expulsion. Participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities will still be suspended.

Cost for assessment, physical tests, treatment program(s), and/or counseling will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s).

Information concerning this policy

Approved Counseling Agencies: State-certified addiction counselors should be used for assessments. Approval of said agency should be obtained from the Administrator prior to any sessions.

Substance Abuse Assessment: Assessments consist of one or more interviews with the student and the administration of standardized psychiatric and personality tests. Typically, some communication concerning the reasons for requiring an assessment, etc. will take place between the school and the agency. The purpose of the assessment is to use third parties to assist parents and the school in determining what further actions or treatment may be needed to keep the student from continuing the use of alcohol or drugs.

Confidentiality: Reports concerning assessments, physical testing, and treatment programs will be kept confidential. Members of the Education Committee and/or the Executive Committee may become aware of some of the information while dealing with students under this policy. However, such information will be treated as confidential.

Possession: Possession is considered to exist if a student: a) is aware of the presence of alcohol or controlled substance, and b) is in the proximity or has access to the alcohol or controlled substance, and c) fails to remove himself/herself from the premises immediately.

Self-Reporting: Students are encouraged to report any violation of the Good Conduct Policy. State law requires that the school be informed by local enforcement agencies of any cases where juveniles are apprehended. However, reports by enforcement agencies do not always occur immediately after such incidents. Therefore, it is in the student's best interest to self-report a violation promptly.

Athletic practice during ineligibility periods: Students who are ineligible for competition and performances are expected to practice with the team (pending approval from the coach/sponsor), athletes will be expected to sit on bench (not in uniform) for all contests during period of ineligibility (students shall not be allowed to leave school early to travel with team).

Procedure for Determination and Appeals of Suspension or Expulsion

The Principal, upon receipt of knowledge (including self-reporting) of a violation of the Good Conduct Policy, shall meet with the student to determine the appropriate discipline steps that will be followed. The discipline procedure will also be communicated to the parent(s) via both a phone/personal conversation and a written letter.

Appeals for suspensions (from school or participation) and/or expulsion shall follow the following procedures:

1. If a student and his/her parent(s) wish to appeal the decision, the request for such appeal must be received by the Principal, in writing (stating rationale for appeal), within seven days of the date on which the student was expelled or suspended.
2. The Principal will assemble the Education Committee with 10 days following the date that the appeal was received.
3. The Education Committee will consider the circumstances and evidence of the case as well as the rationale for the appeal and make a decision. The student and/or parent(s)will be given the opportunity to appear before the committee.
4. In the event that the original decision was made by the Education Committee or that the Education Committee does not change the appealed decision, the student and parent(s) may appeal to the Executive Committee of the school board.
5. Appeals to the Executive Committee must be made, in writing, within seven days of the decision and will be reviewed and a decision made with seven days following the receipt of the written appeal. The student and/or parent(s)will be given the opportunity to appear before the committee.
6. The decision of the Executive Committee is final and will be communicated to the parent(s) via a personal/phone conversation and a written letter from a board representative.
7. During the appeal process the student will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular or co-curricular activities.

Approved by Education Committee - May 3, 2004
Approved by School Board - May 10, 2004

DRESS CODE (Board approved April 14, 2003)

The purpose of this Biblically-based policy is to provide the guidelines within which parents and students will be able to shop and dress appropriately, for school and all that it is meant to be. PCHS is an institution of Christian learning where, in all that we do, we want to enhance the teaching-learning process, promote the welfare of fellow students, faculty and staff, visitors and parents, and above all to be God-glorifying in our appearance, our speech, and our actions.

One of the primary goals of PCHS is to provide a positive atmosphere where students are able to develop their God-given talents to their highest potential, without interference from what is worldly, distracting, and otherwise inappropriate for them. When living in Christian community, we as its members are obligated to find ways to honor one another, to be respectful of self and others, and to serve God and our fellow students in such a way that each person will grow physically, socially, and spiritually in the love of Jesus Christ and then to serve Him with heart, soul and mind. In an attempt to fulfill this duty, it is expected that:

1. School clothing will

• Be neat, clean, modest, and in good repair
• Be properly buttoned and able to be tucked in
• Be worn with a belt if necessary
• Include shoes and/or sandals
• Include skirts and/or shorts that are no shorter than mid-thigh
• Be permitted that promotes PCHS school spirit, favorite sports, teams and/or sportswear, favorite colleges or universities, Christian camps and activities

2. Inappropriate clothing is identified as

• Indecent, provocative, too short, too low, too tight, revealed undergarments, "hot"
• Skin showing while standing or seated - either bare back or bare midriff
• Spaghetti straps or tank tops
• Calling attention to one's self (i.e., piercing, hair color/style, anything in excess, etc.)
• Cut-off shorts or sweats, spandex, and/or hats and caps
• Clothing with logos or wording that promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, secular rock groups, or is suggestive of a non-Christian attitude or behavior

3. The faculty and administration are the final authority.

4. The first violation will result in a verbal warning, and subsequent violations will result in after-school detentions.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY (Board approved in 2007)

Pella Christian High School's goal of preparing students for responsible citizenship in God's kingdom naturally requires high standards in ethical behavior and academic work. God calls us to honesty and any form of cheating is displeasing to God. In addition, plagiarism and cheating diminish the quality of the educational experience for all and reduce the value of honestly earned grades. As we seek to honor Him in all that we do, we adhere to the guidelines of this policy.

Definition:
Both cheating and plagiarism are forms of dishonesty as they are using someone else's work without permission and claiming it as one's own. This policy includes, but is not limited to the following actions:

• misrepresenting someone else's work as your own
• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• presenting a direct quote as a paraphrase or not giving credit to a direct quote or paraphrase
• giving incorrect information about the source or quotation
• changing words but copying the basic structure of a source without giving credit
• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not
• copying of another's answers on a test, the use of crib notes during an exam, the copying of someone's homework assignment, or the sharing of information to obtain or give an unfair advantage on an exam.

Responsibility:

Students:

• Complete their own work: tests, quizzes, projects, reports, homework assignments, essays, papers, and in-class assignments.
• Acknowledge contributions of others when they collaborate, or use other sources of information.
• Do not participate in other students' academic dishonesty.

Teachers:

• Review this policy with students in each class at the beginning of each course, providing examples of appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
• Design assignments, tests, and classroom layout creatively in order to discourage dishonesty.
• Provide correct citation methods for outside sources and stress the importance of individual thought and productivity.
• Process all cases of academic dishonesty with the individual students, and report incidents to the principal.

Consequences:

• Dishonesty on a daily assignment, test or exam will result in a zero for that assignment, test or exam. Parent and administration will be notified by teacher.
• Dishonesty on a semester project will result in a zero for the project and will be a first offense in the good conduct policy as severe academic dishonesty.
• A second offense on a daily assignment, test or exam will again be a zero but also a first offense in the good conduct policy as severe academic dishonesty. Parents (phone call by teacher and letter from principal) will be notified.
• A third offense on a daily assignment, test or exam or the second offense on a semester project will result in a second offense in the good conduct policy. Parents (phone call by teacher and letter from principal) will be notified.
• A fourth offense on a daily assignment, test or exam or third offense on a semester project will result in a third offense in the good conduct policy. Parents (phone call by teacher and letter from principal) will be notified.
• A fifth offense on a daily assignment, test or exam or fourth offense on a semester project will result in a fourth offense in the good conduct policy. Parents (phone call and letter from principal) will be notified.

Note: Academic Dishonesty Offenses are cumulative for each individual year and may be a combination of more than one class in a given year. Good Conduct Policy offenses are cumulative throughout each individual student's high school career.

WEAPONS POLICY (and Other Dangerous Items)

The Board believes weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes in school facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school premises. School facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons or dangerous objects and look-alikes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes shall be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school property or from students who are within the control of the school.

Parents of students found to possess weapons or dangerous objects or look-alikes on school property shall be notified of the incident. Confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school shall be expelled for not less than one year. Students bringing to school or possessing dangerous weapons, including firearms, will be referred to law enforcement authorities. The principal shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.

Also, any student in possession of or discharging firecrackers, smoke bombs, or lighting fires, etc. may be expelled from school.

INTIMACY/PREGNANCY POLICY

Principles

1. Public Displays of Affection
   Feelings of affection for someone of the opposite sex are a natural part of the courtship/dating process. Physical contact at school however is not appropriate and will be discouraged. This policy is NOT limited to just those students who are in a dating relationship.
   
   
2. Acts of Intimacy
   Sexual intimacy, according to the teachings of the Bible, is one of God's gifts and is to be kept within the bounds of marriage. Outside of marriage, such intimacy is a lapse of Christian conduct, and will be addressed with the same disciplinary approaches presented above which address other lapses in Christian behavior.
   
   
3. Conception & Parenthood
   Life, both before and after birth, is a gift from God that must be treasured and nourished. Parenthood is one of God's greatest gifts in life; after conception, a new life has come into the world, and our lives can never be the same. Parenthood is also life's greatest challenge; it calls for every effort to prepare for fatherhood and motherhood, and for continued self-sacrificial attention in response to its calling. This policy applies to both father and mother enrolled at PCHS.
   
   
   1. Because such life must be treasured, school personnel will provide an atmosphere of support, love, and concern. Because so many factors enter into a discernment about God's leading, the administration will pursue disciplinary discussions, as appropriate, with parents/students, grandparents, clergy, counselors, and agencies such as Bethany Christian Services.
      
      
   2. Because such life must be nourished, the parents/students will be expected to devote extra time to prepare for and respond to the demands of Christian parenthood. Such efforts and responsibilities will be taken into account as adjustments of school duties and activities will be made.
      
      
4. The parents/students will be encouraged to complete their education at PCHS, provided that the parents/students exhibit a commitment to a Christian lifestyle consistent with this privilege.

Guidelines for a Disciplinary Response

1. Health and Safety Issues
   The safety of the mother and (unborn) child will be acknowledged in all the decisions of the school regarding curricular and extra-curricular activities. Children are not to be taken to school during school hours or to activity meetings or practice sessions.
2. Living Arrangements
   The students must live with parent(s) or guardians(s), or in a home approved by parent(s) or guardians(s). The school may deny continued enrollment to a parent/student whose living arrangements are, in the judgment of the Education Committee, inconsistent with a Christian lifestyle.
3. Curricular Responsibilities
   The course load may be adjusted to acknowledge the additional responsibilities on the part of the parents/students. Final approval of this adjustment will be made by the Education Committee. Absence from school after delivery may continue up to 6 weeks; exceptions require a letter from the attending physician.
4. Extracurricular Activities The extracurricular activities of the parents/students shall be restricted to practices and other activities of school groups without participation in interscholastic performances. This restriction shall be in place for the duration of the pregnancy.

PUBLIC CONDUCT AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

School sponsored or approved activities are an important part of the school program and offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities not offered during the regular school day. School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for the involvement they afford the students.

Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the school and, accordingly, as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the school's rules and policies. Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators, or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school sponsored or approved activity. Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship. The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, school, and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

1. Abusive verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials, or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
2. Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials, or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
3. The use of vulgar, obscene, or demeaning expression directed at students, officials, or sponsors participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

If a spectator at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene, or demeaning expression, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event, and the principal may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities. (The Little Hawkeye Athletic Conference has approved this policy for conference-wide implementation.)

Upon recommendation of the principal, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved. The notice shall advise the spectator of the school's right to exclude the individual from school activities and events and the duration of the exclusion. If the spectator disobeys the school official or school's order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator. If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.

HOME SCHOOL POLICY

Pella Christian High School encourages home-schooled students to participate in the programs and classes available to all of our students. We stand ready to offer Biblically based educational help to home school families.

Basic Guidelines:

1. Home-schooled students may attend Pella Christian High School as part time students if the class is not already filled to capacity.
2. Home-schooled students will be assessed tuition based on the number of credits taken. A student is considered full-time when enrolled in six credits each semester. The percentage of the tuition that will be assessed per credit taken can be obtained from the principal. Course fees and class dues will be assessed according to the rate that full-time students are assessed.
3. Home-schooled students enrolled in at least three classes may participate in extra-curricular activities. Fees associated with extra-curricular activities for all students will be assessed home school students.
4. A list of home school courses previously taken must be presented to the school office before the home-schooled student will be considered for admission. The guidance counselor will use this information for proper course and class placement. Class placement will be the decision of the administration of Pella Christian High School after reviewing the records and recommendation of the parents.
5. In order to receive a diploma from Pella Christian High School, the home-schooled student must take ten credits during their senior year and must meet general graduation requirements expected of other transfer students.
6. Home-schooled students must adhere to all rules and regulations as set forth in the Pella Christian High School Parent Student Handbook.
   
   
   

EVALUATION, COURSES, GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, AWARDS

MARKING SYSTEM

The A, B, C, D, E, F system of marking is used at our school. Grades which are given at the end of each marking period are important in determining scholarships and for getting a job.
A = 95-100 Superior
B = 86-94 Above Average
C = 77-85 Average
D = 68-76 Below average but still passing
E = 67 Not passing - nine weeks grade
F = Failure in course - used as a semester grade
Inc. = Incomplete
The Physical Education, Band, and Choir grades are included in the GPA.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE SYSTEM
This system is used to determine a student's rank within the class:

HONOR ROLL

A "B+" average is necessary to be on the honor roll.

DROPPING OR ADDING COURSES

In those cases when students are taking six subjects, one course may be dropped any time within the first two weeks after the beginning of the semester. Courses dropped thereafter are automatically considered failures. A student who wishes to drop a subject must first obtain permission and signature from parents, the teacher, then the homeroom teacher, and finally the principal. The form to drop or change a course may be obtained in the office. In order to drop a full year elective course at the end of the first semester, a student must use the drop slip method.

STUDENT AWARDS

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:

1. Scholarship pins are given to the top five scholastic students in each class.
2. Academic letters will be given to students who have two consecutive semesters of 3.30 or higher Grade Point Average. A letter, certificate, emblem and a bar will be offered. An academic bar and certificate will be presented for each additional consecutive semester of 3.30 or higher. Any student who is suspended or on probation will not be eligible for a letter for that semester.

ATHLETIC AWARDS:

1. Varsity letters are awarded in the following sports: baseball, softball, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, track, tennis, and golf.
   
2. Cheerleading, drill teams, and manager letters are also given.

MUSIC AWARDS:

1. John Philip Sousa Band Award
2. Arion Choir Award
3. Pins and medals are awarded to those who are winners in the state music contests.
4. Music letters are also awarded in choir and band on the basis of points accumulated through choir or band membership as well as through participation in All State and Solo and Ensemble Contests.

SPANISH AWARDS: Pins will be earned by the top male and female Spanish students.

JOURNALISM AWARDS: Pins are awarded to editors of the yearbook and school newspaper.

SENIOR AWARDS:

1. Bausch and Lomb Science Award
2. Sara Braun Memorial Scholarship
3. Citizenship Award
4. Layton DeVries Memorial Scholarship
5. Kurt Vernooy Memorial Scholarship
6. Laura Gritters Hessing Scholarship
7. Bernie Saggau Award
8. State of Iowa Scholarships
9. John E. VanHaaften Memorial Scholarship
10. Gene VanWyk Memorial Scholarship
11. Allen VanZee Intramural Scholarship
12. Gary Vermeer Scholarship
13. Dollars for Scholars Scholarships
14. Various college and local scholarships

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

The course credit system for graduation changed during the 2003-2004 school year. We will now count each semester in a course as one full credit (rather than 1/2 credit as in the past). Beginning with the Class of 2007, the number of credits required for graduation is 46.

Beginning with the Fall of 07, PE classes will receive full credit. Persons participating in extra-curricular athletics or those physically restricted from participating in PE will be considered as having met the credit requirement for PE.

All students must take six subjects a semester. Exceptions: seniors who are in School-to-Work or Welding (four subjects) or on Work Release (five subjects).

During the freshman and sophomore years, students who are working at least one period per day in the Resource Room, will receive a grade and 1/2 credit per semester (max of two credits).

Any junior or senior transfer student lacking a Bible background is required to take Bible II during their first semester. This would serve as a prerequisite for other Bible courses.

The general requirements for all students are as follows:

1. Bible I, Bible II, Bible IV and at least one of the following: Church History, Comparitive Religions, Christian Ethics, Ref. & Worship (4 credits)
2. Four credits of mathematics (2 years)
3. Four credits of science (2 years)
4. Six credits of social studies, including two credits of World History, two credits of US History, one credit of Geography, and one credit of Government
5. Six credits of English (3 years)
6. Computer Applications
7. Two credits of PE
8. One credit of Fine Arts (Band, Choir, or Art)

REQUIREMENTS FOR EARLY GRADUATION

A student of Pella Christian High School may be graduated at the end of the first semester of the senior year (seven semesters) provided:

1. All course requirements as stated in the handbook have been met except the student needs to complete only seven semesters of physical education.
2. A formal application is completed and presented to the high school principal by the end of the first semester of the junior year (5th semester).
3. The application is signed by the student, a parent, the guidance counselor, and the high school principal.
4. No student having been given the option of early graduation shall be permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activities (including JSB and the senior class trip) following the completion of the graduation requirements, but upon request may attend formal graduation exercises at the end of the eighth semester.
5. Any student not wishing to attend formal graduation exercises may upon request receive his diploma from the high school principal at the end of the eighth semester.
6. All seniors, whether they complete requirements for graduation at the end of seven semesters or at the end of the regular school year will be ranked together in determining class rank.
7. Proof of graduation will be submitted in writing upon request by the high school principal to any institution of higher learning or prospective employer.
8. Students will be required to pay the full cost of education for their senior year. The class fee will be reduced by 50%. Parents and students are urged to analyze and discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of early graduation. The ultimate responsibility for this educational decision must be assumed by the parents.

COURSE CREDIT TESTING

1. Purpose: The goal of the course credit testing program is to allow students with special experiences and superior knowledge in a content area to receive credit for a course by taking a comprehensive examination.
2. Limitations
   1. Testing for course exemptions will be limited to courses which are sequential in nature such as mathematics and foreign language. Departments may discuss with the Curriculum Committee the inclusion of any other courses in this program.
   2. Testing for course exemptions may be allowed in unique situations where it is clearly advantageous to the student. The conditions "unique" and "advantageous" shall be determined by the principal, Curriculum Committee, and faculty members of the department affected by the possible exemption.
3. Procedure
   1. Parents of a student desiring a course exemption shall make a written request to the Curriculum Committee of the faculty. This requirement will be waived for a foreign exchange student.
   2. The Curriculum Committee shall notify the appropriate department and ask teachers to design a comprehensive test covering one semester of the course in question.
   3. Department faculty shall design a test and schedule a supervised test period with the student.
4. Criteria
   1. The student shall receive a percentage grade of 90 in order to have passed the comprehensive test. Exemption from a course will be given by the Curriculum Committee upon a review of the test results in consultation with department faculty members. Exemption approval is dependent on both the test results and the Curriculum Committee review. The Committee may recommend the student for the Independent Study program if an exemption is denied.
   2. If a student receives an exemption from a course, his/her transcript will show a credit for the course but will not show a letter grade which affects the student's GPA.