OKEECHOBEE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021 - Okeechobee Christian ...
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Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
OKEECHOBEE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Board of Directors
Moderator
Mr. Nick Reynolds
Members
Mrs. Sabina Guthrie
Ms. Bobi O’Neill
Mrs. Sarah Reno
Mrs. Heather Rucks
Mr. Dale Smith
Mr. Brandon Tucker
Advisory Member
Mr. Hugh Murrow
Administration
Mrs. Melissa King, Principal
Ms. Linda Rickards, Office Administrator
Purpose and Mission Statement
Okeechobee Christian Academy exists to support parents and the church in the common goal of “raising
up a child in the way he/she should go.” Our mission is to equip the minds and nurture the hearts of these
young people, preparing them to be Christian leaders who love Christ with their whole heart, soul, mind
and strength and who seek to be a transforming influence in their world.
Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy
Okeechobee Christian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic
origin in determining eligibility for student admission, in the Administration of its educational policies, or
in any of its programs.
Administrative Prerogative
The intent of this handbook is to give general overall guidelines to be adhered to by students and parents.
Both OCA Administration and the board reserve the right to exercise its administrative prerogative in
responding to any situation. Responses may include, but are not limited to: parent conference, suspension
and/or expulsion, drug testing, and required counseling.
Okeechobee Christian Academy
701 S. Parrott Avenue • Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone: (863) 763-3072 • Fax: (863) 357-6849
OkeechobeeChristianAcademy.org
Office@OkeechobeeChristianAcademy.orgParent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACADEMY COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Non-Discrimination Policy Objectives Academy Office Info and Hours
Academy History Components for Student Success Quality Control
Statement of Faith School Governance
Educational Philosophy Accreditation and Affiliations
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Admissions Conditional Acceptance Appearance and Dress
Registration Conditional Promotion PE Uniform
Enrollment Requirements Special Needs Special Occasions
Application Process Annual Registration
DAILY PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Morning Arrival Student Sign In & Sign Out Restrooms
Student Drop Off Student Dismissal and Pick Up Recreation
Parking and Traffic Lunch
Parent Sign in & Sign Out Snacks
ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Absences Tardiness Illness
Excused Absence and Early Checkout Early Checkout Doctor Notes
Unexcused Absence Accumulated Unexcused Early Check Outs Emergency Information Updates
Attendance Policy Make Up Work
Truancy Homebound Policy
BECOMING ILL AT SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Dispensing Medication to Students Communicable Disease Policy
Pediculosis Personal Hygiene
PARENT/SCHOOL RELATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 18
Parent/Teacher Communications Personal Property Fads
Marital/Parental/Guardianship Status Lost and Found Holidays
Changes Telephone Use by Students
Cumulative File Review Rights Parties
ACADEMIC PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................................. 21
K5 Program Physical Education Textbooks and Supplies
1st-6th Grade Program Enrichment Computers and Accessories
7th-12th Grade Program Chapel Remedial Help and After School Tutoring
Secondary Program Disclaimer Pledges Homework
Academic Accountability & Progress Reporting Progress to Parents and Grading Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic Promotion Scale Field Trips
Conditional Acceptance/Conditional Promotion/Graduation Requirements Student Eligibility for Field Trips and
Promotion Honor Roll Activities
Summer Book Praxi School Volunteers
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
FINANCIAL MATTERS .................................................................................................................................................. 29
Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses Payment Policies Fundraising
Graduation Fee Extended Care Withdrawal
Tuition Payment Federal Income Tax ID Number
Tuition Rates Voluntary Contributions
STUDENT CONDUCT AND CAMPUS RULES .............................................................................................................. 31
Character Expectations Leaving Campus School Visitors
General Campus Expectations Campus Atmosphere
Classroom Conduct Expectations Parent Visits to Class
DISCIPLINE .................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Discipline Referral to Office Disciplinary Probation
Time to Teach After School Detention Expulsion
Elementary Discipline Behavior Contract Zero Tolerance
Secondary Discipline Suspension
STANDARDS AND POLICIES FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT ......................................................................................... 33
Child Abuse Information
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY AND REPORTING .................................................................................................................................37
CONFLICT RESOLUTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
CHRISTIAN CONCILIATION & ARBITRATION AGREEMENT .................................................................................................... 46Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Academy History
Okeechobee Christian Academy (OCA) is an inter-denominational school that exists to serve all in the Okeechobee
area by providing an education that is Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Academically-distinguished.
Okeechobee Christian Academy began as Grace Christian Schools, a ministry of the Grace Brethren Church of
Okeechobee in August of 1976 with a student body of eighteen. The school has come a long way from its humble
beginning in 1976, with three grades and two teachers. We now have programs from K5 to 12th grade and students
participating in dual enrollment at Indian River State College.
Statement of Faith
The Holy Scriptures. We believe the Bible, or Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to be the
inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21).
The Godhead. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit – each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same
attributes and perfections. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).
Jesus Christ. We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33); His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23,
Luke 1:35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26); His miracles (John 2:11); His vicarious and
atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9); His resurrection (John 11:25, I Corinthians
15:4); His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); and His personal return in power and
glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).
The Holy Spirit. We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation
because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature, that men are justified on the single ground of faith in
the shed blood of Christ, and that only by God's grace and through faith alone we are saved (John 3:16-19,
John 5:24, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).
We also believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to
live a godly life. (Romans 8:13-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians
5:18).
The Eternal State. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. They that are saved unto
the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).
The Body of Christ. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, I
Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28).
Sanctity of Marriage. We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one natural
born man and one natural born woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis
2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are
married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God’s command is that
there be no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from marriage between a man and a woman.
Gender. We believe that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either male
or female in conformity with his or her naturally born biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary
genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
Our Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith or beliefs. The Bible, as the inspired and infallible
Word of God, speaks with absolute authority regarding the proper conduct of mankind and is the unchanging
foundation for all belief and behavior. We do believe that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents
the teaching of the Bible and therefore is binding upon all employees. The OCA Board of Directors holds final
interpretative authority on Biblical meaning and application with regard to faith, doctrine, policy, practice, and
discipline.
1Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Educational Philosophy
At the very heart of our educational philosophy, is the conviction that God is the author of all truth. We believe and
teach that He has chosen to reveal this truth through the Lord Jesus Christ and through His Word, the Judeo-
Christian Scriptures.
The Ministry of Christian Education is About Obeying the Commandment of God.
A Christian education is one that is based on Biblical values and principles, where the Word of God is held
up as the standard of Truth and the shaper of our worldview. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
We are to Love the Lord our God with our entire Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength. (Matthew 22:36-38)
God has ordained Parents as the Educators of their Children. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Parents, who choose to
delegate this task to a school, do so as an act of partnership. At no time does the school take the place of the
parents in terms of their responsibility for the education of their children. Rather the school comes along
side of the parents, working in unison with them to fulfill God’s command.
The Ministry of Christian Education is about Nurturing.
The cultivation of those qualities, which are desirable in a student, arise first and foremost out of an
environment which acknowledges the beautiful uniqueness of each student. (Proverbs 22:6) A Christian
education must be Holistic; it must engage every facet of the student: the physical, the emotional, the
intellectual, the spiritual, and the social. (Luke 2:5-22)
Physically every person is an Image-Bearer of the Divine King, formed by His hands to be unique
and beautiful in their own way. (Jeremiah 1:5) Students should be encouraged to see themselves as
God does, precious and valuable. They should be taught to see their strengths and weaknesses as
either God-given, or God-allowed. Good health and the development of a healthy body, of a
healthy lifestyle, and of a healthy self-image are all a part of a Holistic Christian Education.
Emotionally each student possesses a unique personality. That personality must be recognized,
affirmed, and loved while stressing the positive elements and redirecting the negative ones (i.e.
guiding stubbornness towards perseverance). Educators must endeavor to cultivate a safe, secure,
and inviting environment that is conducive to learning.
Intellectually each student has his or her own unique learning style and abilities. As much as it is
possible, those learning styles and abilities should be taken into account when planning lessons and
teaching. Similarly, teaching techniques and equipment should be age-appropriate for the students
involved.
Spiritually each student was created for connection to God, and the lack of that connection is the
source of all pain and fear. One can only understand life within the context of the Spiritual realities
of God’s Holy Scripture. Therefore each student should be introduced to God’s self-revealed Word
and His desire for His creation. The development of this facet of the student lays the foundation for
the wisdom that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ and a Biblical worldview.
Socially each student has a unique environmental background that must be taken into account.
Teachers must recognize and be sensitive to these backgrounds while encouraging students to
become all that God intended them to be. Along these lines students must be taught how to conduct
themselves appropriately in society and how to relate to others according to God’s will and design.
The Ministry of Christian Education is about Preparation.
A Christian Education must be a truly quality education, classical in content and existential in context.
(Philippians 4:9)
It is Classical in that it prepares students for a lifetime of learning by giving them the tools they
need to obtain, evaluate, and synthesize information. This cultivation of the God-given Faculty of
reason allows students to observe all of the information regarding a given subject and having done
so ascertain what is in fact true and what is false. A quality education includes a well-rounded
instruction in English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, and the Arts.
2Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
It is Existential in that it seeks to integrate the apprehending of knowledge with the exercise of that
knowledge in such a way so as to create a dynamic and transformational environment.
A Christian education facilitates an environment of learning, spiritual awareness, and an opportunity for
maturity.
While distinct from Discipleship, a Christian Education lays the foundation for discipleship by an
active exchange between the teacher and the student wherein the teacher lives before the student
and the student learns how to live within the context of the educational environment.
Furthermore, a godly teacher models the character of Christ to his/her students and thereby
provides a framework for understanding God and how He wishes to relate to them.
A Christian Education seeks to do more than prepare a student for a job. It also includes helping
them to discover God’s call on their lives and giving them what they need to walk in that call: a
foundational understanding of God’s Word and the Christian Faith, as well as a Biblical worldview
which reflects God’s value system.
A Christian Education should bring about a hunger for God and a commitment to Christian growth
that will be seen in the formation of the student’s character.
Objectives
We set out to accomplish the following objectives with any student who attends OCA.
A. For the student’s spiritual and moral growth. This is one of the distinguished differences about our school.
We care primarily about a student’s salvation and coming into a right relationship with Christ. We desire
that they move into this relationship and recognize Christ as Lord by following His authority through
obedience. We also desire that they develop a deep, passionate love for Him and His Word and recognize
the Bible as God’s revealed and inspired Word. We want to create opportunities for a student to recognize
their unique gifts and utilize them in service (service projects, chapel services, in the church) to benefit the
Christian community.
B. For the student’s personal and social development. The school aims to lead students to love God with all
their heart, mind, soul, and strength and to lead them in knowing God’s specific will for their lives. This
could include character, vocational choices, marriage, stewardship, financial perspectives, and commitment
to a task. Also, that they learn the principle of loving his neighbor as himself in all relationships, included
but not limited to friendships, family, working relationships, and the love of self (keeping their body clean
and pure).
C. For the student’s academic development. The items in this category are listed below:
1. To have high standards of teaching which lead to mastery of necessary skills.
2. To encourage the student to think logically, clearly, and independently.
3. To develop a strong work ethic.
4. To develop patriotism for the country and community.
5. To develop good stewardship of the environment.
6. To gain skills in setting and accomplishing goals.
7. To train students to think outside the box and expect great things for their lives.
8. To ascertain a Biblical Worldview.
9. To develop an understanding and appreciation of our Christian and American heritage of responsible
freedom, human dignity, and acceptance of authority.
10. To take ownership and become responsible, mature adults assuming their place in the Kingdom.
Components for Student Success
We believe that student success, both spiritual and academic, is based on a team
effort with God in the center. Parents, teachers, and students must work together
to encourage spiritual development and increase student achievement. The role
of the student is to submit to their authority and complete all assignments that
will prepare them to be Christ-like examples to the world. The role of the parent
3Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
is to provide necessary support and hold students accountable at home for fulfilling their God-given role as student
through discipline and/or other positive means of motivation. The role of the teacher is to provide age appropriate
instruction in a safe and nurturing environment while challenging students to achieve academic and spiritual goals
for themselves.
School Governance
Okeechobee Christian Academy is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of faithful members
of a local church body, who have a burden to prepare the next generation to advance the kingdom of God. Each
member is interviewed and voted upon before being offered a position to serve.
Accreditation and Affiliations
Okeechobee Christian Academy is an Inter-Denominational Christian ministry and a member of the Association of
Christian Schools International (ACSI) since 1979. OCA is an accredited member of the Florida Coalition of
Christian Private Schools Association (FCCPSA) and Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
Academy Offices
For your convenience, Okeechobee Christian Academy employs a full time Office Administrator and an
Administrative Assistant. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am until 2:55pm while school is in session. To
contact the office, please use our main office number, 763-3072 or e-mail us at
offices@okeechobeechristianacademy.org.
Please Note: The office is closed on all Academy holidays; however you may leave a message at 763-3072 or e-
mail us at offices@okeechobeechristianacademy.org.
When in the office, please be considerate of the Staff’s duties as they are dealing with many children and their
families and may not be able to give you immediate attention. If the intercom is being used, you may be asked to
wait outside the office as any surrounding voices are picked up and transmitted by the sensitive microphone.
Additionally, as a matter of being polite, please do not enter the office while on a personal phone call. Please do not
bring any pets into the office, or other areas of campus for health and safety reasons.
Academy Hours
Elementary Program
K5 to 6th grade 8:00am – 2:55pm
Secondary Program
7th to 12th grade 8:00am – 3:00pm
Classroom doors and entrance doors to all buildings will be locked at 7:55am. This allows all students to be safely
in their classrooms and sitting in their assigned seats by 8:00am, or they will be considered tardy. Students in K5-5th
grade arriving after the doors have been locked, must be signed in at the office by the adult dropping them off.
Quality Control
Any incoming or outgoing telephone communications may be monitored or recorded. The campus does have
security cameras that are recording. Requests to view footage must be made to the Board in writing stating the
reason, date, time, and location requested. The Board can refuse for any reason.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Admissions
Okeechobee Christian Academy was established to provide a quality Christian education for students. Students who
are enrolled and those applying for admission to OCA are evaluated on the basis of their:
Desire to attend OCA.
Attitude toward Christian standards and principles.
Desire to excel academically and the capacity to become self-disciplined.
Previous school records (academic and behavioral).
4Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Results of pre-admissions and placement testing.
Reputation for moral character and respect for authority.
Initial registration and interview.
Five-year-old Kindergarten and First Grade applicants must be five and six years of age respectively before
September 1st of the school year for which they are applying. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the
Principal and upon the parents’ signed agreement of the Premature Age Enrollment Disclaimer. Parents making this
choice must be aware this decision may hinder their child’s acceptance of some scholarships.
All students must be fully toilet-trained. Your child must be toilet trained for a classroom environment. Due to
supervisory and health concerns, the OCA Staff will not be responsible for changing soiled clothing. If a child has
an accident (i.e. urinating, defecating, etc.), the parent will be called and expected to immediately send someone to
change their child’s clothing and clean up. If accidents occur in excess of three times, then the child may be
withdrawn from the school.
The biblical and philosophical goal of Okeechobee Christian Academy is to develop students into mature, Christ-
like individuals who will be able to exhibit a Christ-like life. Of necessity, this involves the school’s understanding
and belief of what qualities or characteristics exemplify a Christ-like life. Even though parents may personally
believe differently, while enrolled at Okeechobee Christian Academy, all students are expected to exhibit the
qualities of a Christ-like life espoused and taught by the school and to refrain from certain activities or behavior.
Thus, Okeechobee Christian Academy retains the right to refuse enrollment to or to expel any student who engages
in sexual immorality, including any student who professes to be homosexual/bisexual or is a practicing
homosexual/bisexual, as well as any student who condones, supports, or otherwise promotes such practices
(Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:27). Okeechobee Christian Academy also retains the right to refuse enrollment to or to
expel any student who lays claim to a false sexual identity which is outside the scope of their naturally born
physicality.
Registration
Registration can be completed online by going to our website. Submitting online registration and/or making any
payment does not guarantee enrollment; it merely notifies OCA of the parent’s desire for their child’s candidacy.
For those presently attending and re-registering their child, all accounts must be current in order to re-enroll.
Enrollment Requirements
In order for a child to be considered as a candidate to attend OCA, online registration must be completed and all
required documents (including the notarized Statement of Facts for the corresponding school year) must be
submitted to the office. A registration fee is due upon acceptance and is non-refundable.
Along with completing online registration and paying the registration fee, OCA must have the following forms to
consider a student officially enrolled:
Copy of birth certificate.
Receipt of current student health examination.
Original Florida Certificate of Immunization DH680– or Religious Exemption Certificate.
Online registration form completed by parents and/or custodial guardians.
Notarized medical release form known as Statement of Facts.
Final grades and transcripts for prior school years.
Copy of the student’s IEP, SP, or medical evaluation or therapy notes if applicable.
Completed Student Questionnaire is required for all new students in grades 6-12.
Any other documents of a special nature that are required by the Principal that have been previously
discussed with the parents (i.e. Custody/Legal Documents).
5Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Students are not officially enrolled at OCA if they are missing any of these documents from their file. Parents are
urged to make certain all required documents are submitted and updated. OCA reserves the right to make the
final decision as to which students are admitted to the school.
Application Process
Admission to Okeechobee Christian Academy is open to academically qualified students seeking a challenging
curriculum, in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Applying students will have demonstrated the ability to
practice and maintain the following:
GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Respectful behavioral history.
Standardized testing and grade level proficiency:
o Public school students applying to OCA should have scored a Level 3 or above on the state test or
out of state equivalent.
o Students transferring from private schools and home school students should have performed in the
upper 50th percentile of Standardized Testing.
Students meeting the above requirements may then follow the steps below to be considered for enrollment.
1. Online application provided at www.OkeechobeeChristianAcademy.org and clicking on the Admissions
tab.
a. Once the online applications are completed, submit all necessary documents to the office (See
above).
2. The Admissions Committee will review the submitted application/documents and determine if the student
will be asked to proceed with Admissions Testing.
3. If approved by the Admissions Committee, the Office will call the parent to schedule a time for Admissions
Testing. At the time of the admissions testing, the testing fee will be required.
a. Admissions Testing
i. Applicant will be asked to demonstrate academic ability in reading and math to determine
readiness for upcoming grade level.
ii. Testing results will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and if found acceptable.
Students scoring in the top 50th percentile will have their application reviewed by the OCA
Admissions Review Committee. Students scoring below the 50th percentile are ineligible
for admission to OCA.
iii. The Office will call to schedule a Family Interview with Administration for those who
have satisfactory scores OR a letter explaining why a student is not eligible for enrollment
is sent to the address on file.
4. Family Interview
a. The Parents will meet with the school Administration and answer a series of questions based on the
family interview topic/question form. As the Family Interview is often scheduled during school
hours, we understand if the potential student is not able to attend, however, they are always
encouraged to attend.
b. Applicant will receive notice of acceptance in person at the interview or by phone call/email.
Letters of declination will be sent within 7-10 days after the interview. The registration fee must be
submitted upon acceptance.
** Please Note: Students who have been expelled, suspended, or released due to academic performance or
behavioral issues must show a year of academic and/or behavioral success prior to making application at OCA.
Conditional Acceptance/Conditional Promotion
Every student enrolled at OCA is admitted on a probationary basis for, at minimum, the first academic
quarter. This probationary period may be extended if deemed necessary by the academy Administration. Removal
from probationary status hinges on a satisfactory academic and behavioral record, as well as financial
6Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
responsibility. Students must maintain a passing average of 70% in grades K5-8 and GPA of 2.0 in grades 9-12.
Students on Academic Probation who earn a disciplinary referral may be asked to withdraw.
Special Needs
Due to the advanced nature of our curriculum, OCA requires testing for students with special needs (emotionally,
mentally, behaviorally or physically impaired, etc.). Test results will only be considered if administered through the
Okeechobee County School Board. All tests, OCA or otherwise, must have been administered within 6 months of
registration at OCA. Please notify our office of any special needs your student has so that we can take the proper
steps necessary to consider your child for enrollment. Note: If any testing or professional recommendations indicate
a need beyond the scope of OCA, the child will not be allowed to enroll and will be encouraged to consider a
school that is more beneficial to the child’s learning and development.
Annual Registration
Enrollment for prospective students will begin on a date to be determined each calendar year. We encourage
present students to register as soon as enrollment opens for the upcoming school year to secure their spot for the
following year. Please note, previous enrollment does not automatically guarantee re-enrollment.
Appearance and Dress
To promote an orderly appearance throughout our student body, OCA maintains a uniform policy for K5 through
12th grade. All uniform parts must be the required color, shade, and style as outlined below. To prevent any
violation of policy, please retain any receipts to return inappropriate merchandise. All grades must adhere to the
uniform policy below.
Monday-Thursday:
Boys – Khaki, navy, or black pants or shorts and an OCA polo (navy, red, steel gray [Grades 7-12 only],
black).
Girls – Khaki, navy, or black pants, Bermuda shorts, knee-length skorts, knee-length skirts, or capris and an
OCA polo (navy, red, steel gray [Grades 7-12 only], black).
OCA polos must be purchased from our designated vender, Teez 2 Pleez. Uniform bottoms must be standard
uniform material and loose fitting. Khaki, navy, and black jeans are not permitted. Students must always wear
closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes.
Fridays:
All students may wear nice, loose fitting solid blue or solid black jeans with an OCA polo that is a color of
their choice. Jeans must not have any holes, rips, frays, or patches.
Uniform Policy:
ALL uniform parts, including PE uniforms, should be labeled with student’s last name and first initial.
OCA and its personnel are not liable for lost or stolen uniform parts.
OCA polo shirts must have at least the bottom button fastened to maintain modesty.
Students must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes at all times to prevent injury and protect their feet.
Socks or hosiery should be worn with shoes to prevent sweat or odor problems.
It is recommended that younger children (K5) wear elastic waist items, making bathroom trips easier.
All skirts must be no more than 1” above the knee. To test proper length, kneel on both knees—the skirt
should be touching the floor. Girls wearing skirts must maintain modesty when seated. It is recommended
that they wear bicycle shorts under their skirts, especially in the younger grades.
No student is to wear tight-fitting, revealing clothing that draws attention to private body parts. All
underwear parts must be completely hidden at all times.
Shorts and Skorts must be loose-fitting and no more than 1” above the knee length.
Hair must be clean, well maintained, trimmed, and fixed neatly so as not to fall across the student’s eyes,
fall below the bottom of the ear, or bottom of the collar. Extremes in hair styles, such as mohawks) and dye
7Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
colors that do not occur naturally in humans (blue, green, pink, etc.) are prohibited. Hair combed out and
styled cannot stick out more than 2” from the head. Male students must be clean-shaven or facial hair must
be neatly trimmed and appropriately shaped. No barrettes, hair bands, hair accessories, are permissible to
be worn by any male students. Administration reserves the right to deem certain hairstyles inappropriate.
Pierced jewelry may only be worn in the ears. No more than three pierced earrings may be worn in ear
year. For safety reasons the administration reserves the right to determine the appropriate length of
earrings. Gauges are not allowed; items to keep the holes open for male students are not allowed either. For
security and modesty, excessive jewelry (expensive or costume) is not permitted.
All uniform parts must be in good condition (no holes, stains, etc.) and the proper size so as to bring glory
to our Lord and pride for our school. Please replace or repair uniform parts immediately when its condition
warrants. This includes jeans worn on Fridays or Dress Down days.
If a t-shirt or camisole is worn underneath the polo it must be white, without print. This includes long
sleeve shirts on cold days.
Hats are not to be worn on campus, including outside on the playground. Sunglasses are not
permitted to be worn inside any buildings. On days where temperature is below 60° F beanies may be
worn outside.
6th through 12th grade girls are to wear bras at all times. Some upper elementary girls may need to begin
wearing them also; please be sensitive to your own child’s needs in this area.
Students are not permitted to wear tattoos: temporary or permanent. If a student already has a tattoo from a
time prior to enrollment at OCA, it must remain covered at all times, and a parent letter documenting the
time of tattooing must be on file in the office. Under no circumstances is a student permitted to get a tattoo
while enrolled at OCA.
Students are also not able to wear henna tattoos or mark on their bodies with pens, markers, etc. This may
result in a disciplinary consequence or the student may need to be picked up from school.
Whenever a bathing suit is necessary (i.e. field trip or approved fun day):
o Girls – one-piece suits only, no French-cut bottoms or low tops (modesty is the key!). Two-piece
tankinis are only allowed if the entire midriff is covered when arms are raised above the head. No two-
piece swimsuits that show the midriff are allowed.
o Boys – loose fitting swim trunk-style shorts (no speedos!). No bathing suits are permitted that draw
attention to private body parts (get approval beforehand, if in doubt).
During PE, students must wear the official OCA PE uniform, athletic shoes, and socks. As temperatures get
cooler, students are permitted to wear solid black loose fitting athletic pants in place of their OCA PE
uniform shorts; other options include sweatpants or tights under the designated PE shorts.
Jackets or sweaters worn must meet the following criteria (exceptions are on Dollar Dress Down Days
where the student has paid):
o Must open completely in front (i.e., zipper or buttons) no pullover jackets/sweaters/sweatshirts are
allowed. The uniform shirt must be visible at all times in the building.
o If hood is attached, the hood may not be worn on campus. The only exception would be on days where
the temperature is below 60° F. At this point, students will be allowed to wear hoods outside only.
o Jackets not meeting the criteria must be kept in the student’s locker.
Eye contacts worn must be of a natural color and not a distraction.
The Uniform Policy shall be strictly enforced. In the event of any dress code violation, the student or student’s
name may be sent to the office, and the parent will be contacted and asked to bring a proper uniform for his/her
child within thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, the office will contact a person on the student’s emergency contact
list to pick up the child. When a student is sent home for a uniform violation, the absence is considered unexcused.
Additionally, the student may be a given a disciplinary consequence. If violations become habitual, a meeting with
the Board may be required to determine the ongoing status of enrollment for the student.
8Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
PE Uniform
During PE, students must wear the official OCA PE uniform, athletic shoes, and socks. As temperatures get cooler,
students are permitted to wear solid black loose fitting athletic pants in place of their OCA PE uniform shorts; other
options include sweatpants or tights under the designated PE shorts.
PE uniforms can be purchase from the Academy Office during school hours.
Secondary students in PE class must change back into their regular school uniform after their class is finished,
unless they have PE class during 7th or 8th hour, or it is deemed necessary due to hygiene issues. On days when a
dress down pass is used, it is still required for students to change into their PE uniform for class or acceptable
athletic clothing.
Out of respect for all students, the following consequences will be used:
Lunch detention for not dressing out in the correct PE uniform, this includes shirt, shorts, and proper shoes.
Disciplinary Step for not changing back into regular uniform after PE class.
Disciplinary Step for not being in correct daily uniform, and in some cases the parents will be called to
bring a change of clothes.
Special Occasions
On certain occasions such as picture day or field trips, a specific color polo may be mandated. Periodically, students
may participate in school wide Dollar Dress Down Days (please see the calendar for exact dates). Each student who
chooses to dress down must bring in $1.00, which will be due upon arrival. This money is used as a mini-fundraiser
and will be applied to a school-based need. During a Dollar Dress Down Day (or other non-uniform days), students
may not wear the following:
Tank, halter or tube top shirts, or shirts that show any of the stomach area when hands are raised.
Shirts or other articles which are inappropriate or have an inappropriate message in a Christian environment
(please check beforehand with your teacher, if in doubt).
Shoes that are not closed heel or closed toe.
Clothing that is tattered, ripped, has holes or is in need of repair.
Inappropriate accessories (i.e. temporary tattoos, excessive jewelry or jewelry with a poor message, etc.).
Shorts that are ultra-baggy or hang down below the crotch.
Unnaturally dyed hair colors or styles.
Any clothing that is tight fitting or reveals private body parts, including low cut tops that reveal the chest or
cleavage.
DAILY PROCEDURES
Morning Arrival
7:30am – Students may begin arriving and go to their classrooms; no students are allowed to be outside without
adult supervision. **Note: Students are not allowed on campus prior to 7:30am.
7:55am – Drop off ends. All outside doors will be locked.
After 8:00am – Students are considered tardy. Parents must escort their child/ren to the front office and must sign
students in to obtain a tardy slip. (Students in 7th through 12th grades may sign themselves in only.)
For safety due to the close proximity of the highway, an adult must accompany all elementary students entering
through the front doors of Building A. It is the parent’s responsibility to escort their child to the school office,
check their child in, and obtain a tardy slip (if applicable) for admission into the classroom. No student arriving
after 8:00am will be admitted to class without a tardy slip. OCA is not liable for children who are dropped off
without the official supervision of the Staff. Please do not drop your elementary child/ren off and expect them to
obtain a tardy slip by themselves.
9Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
When tardy, students who drive themselves to school will be responsible for signing in at the main office before
reporting to class.
Student Drop Off
To insure the safety of our students, all traffic arriving before 7:55am must use the following route:
Back parking lot loop near bleachers.
Please pull forward to the first available numbered sign (#1-#3). The students need to exit the driver’s side of the
vehicle to avoid being potentially struck by other traffic. We ask that each child is ready to exit the vehicle as soon
as possible after coming to a complete stop. The child must then walk along the fence to enter their classroom
building.
Note: Due to legal restrictions, our Staff cannot undo a child’s seatbelt or lift them out of a vehicle. Parents of
young children will need to park and walk their child in or take care of unbuckling their child prior to pulling up to
the door.
On rainy days, drop off will take place under the awning between Buildings A and B.
Please plan ahead and never be in a rushed situation where your child’s safety is at stake. When walking your child
from the parking lot to their classroom, they must walk, remaining at your side at all times.
A vehicle may strike your child if you do not follow this traffic policy. Also, please make sure never to walk
through traffic, and stay alert for moving vehicles.
The Front Lot is reserved for parents who are parking and walking their child/ren into one of the buildings.
Child/ren must be walked in when using the Front Lot.
As a courtesy, we will do our best to have Staff help your child during drop off or pick up. However, at times we
may be shorthanded. When this occurs, parents are to take the responsibility of getting their child in and out of their
own vehicle in a timely manner.
Parking & Traffic
In the parking lots, vehicles may only be parked within the lined spaces. The fire and safety code maintains that any
vehicles that are blocking ingress, egress, or another vehicle’s right of way must be towed to provide safe passage
for emergency and police vehicles or sudden evacuation.
Parents may park in the following areas:
Front Lot within lined spaces (area between the Christ Fellowship Sanctuary and the OCA Main Office).
Note: The Reserved parking spaces are for the use of that family only. All others may be towed at the
owner’s expense.
Along Parrott Avenue (area next to the road; please do not block the Front Lot entrance)
Back Lot within lined spaces.
Athletic Field across from NE 2nd Avenue.
Please drive SLOWLY and CAREFULLY on or around our campus, as children may not be watching for vehicles.
Parent Sign In & Sign Out
Any parent wanting to remove a child from the premises for any reason (doctor appointments, personal reasons,
etc.) must first come into the office to sign the child out. Please see the section titled “Early Checkout” for more
details. If a child is returning to school, the parent must first come to the office and sign the child in before bringing
the child back to their class.
To prevent students from missing necessary class instruction, students will not be brought to the office to
wait for the parent in advance.
10Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
In the event that your child needs to be picked up, the parent should send only those people who are listed as
authorized to pick up your child. Please be careful whom you indicate on the pick-up authorization. Due to legal
constraints, OCA will not get involved in personal matters and only releases children to those who have been listed
as authorized. Office Staff is not authorized to make permanent changes to the pick-up list based on a phone
call or a written notice from the parent.
On the rare occasion that you need someone not listed on your pick-up list to get your child—during regular school
hours—official notification to the school office is necessary.
A hand written note may be approved by Administration. It must be in the office no later than 1 hour prior
to the child being picked up. This gives the office enough time to compare signatures and notify all Staff
involved with dismissing your child.
An email to the Office must be sent no later than 1 hour prior to the child being picked up. This gives the
office enough time to check email and verify it was sent from an email address on file and notify all Staff
involved with dismissing your child.
A portal notification sent through your Praxi Parent Portal by 1:30pm. This gives the office enough time to
check the message and notify all Staff involved with dismissing your child. A portal submission is the only
method to be used if a permanent change is needing to be made to your student’s authorized pick up list.
Regardless of the method listed above, the note must contain the following items:
Name of the adult picking them up (no nicknames).
Permission for them to pick up.
Date and approximate time of pick up.
Parent/guardian signature (on hand written note only).
For the safety of your child, signatures will be compared to the notarized Statement of Facts on file in the office.
Please notify the person picking up your child that they must come into the office and present their driver’s license.
Student Sign In & Sign Out
All students who have obtained permission to leave campus for lunch, dual enrollment courses, etc. are to sign out
and in with the main office.
Student Dismissal & Pickup
All students in K5 through 6th grades will be dismissed at 2:55pm. Secondary students (7th through 12th grades)
will be dismissed at 3:00pm. Dismissal takes place in the back lot. The Dismissal Line makes a U-shape in the
neighborhood to the East of the school. It goes East on SE 6th Street, turns South on SE 4th Avenue, and then turns
West on SE 7th Street. Once you have entered the Back Lot, drive around to pick up your student, stopping at the
next available numbered sign (#1-#3). Our Staff will assist you in student pickup. We ask that you help dismissal
run smoothly by having your student load from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Please be patient and respectful
with our traffic Staff as they work to keep a safe environment during this time.
On inclement weather days, students will remain inside Buildings A and B and secondary students will come over
to Building B; parents will stop under the awning between Buildings A and B and students will be loaded into the
closest side. Please be patient on these occasions, as this process is quite a bit slower than using the back lot.
If you are picking up a child other than your own, please review the above “Parent Sign In & Sign Out” policy.
We ask that all parents and those authorized to pick up students limit conversations with the Staff or parents as
others are waiting in line to pick up their own child. In addition, we ask that parents of young children pull ahead or
out of the line to secure their children in car seats, etc. We thank everyone in advance for being respectful of one
another’s time.
To keep all parents and students safe, and aid with staff supervision, students cannot be picked up from the
bleachers during outside dismissal or from the buildings during rainy day dismissal. All students must be picked up
through the back pick up line.
11Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Lunch
Students may order from the cafeteria online through the Praxi Parent Portal or pack a lunch for school. The menu
will be posted at least two weeks in advance. Payment, $4.00 per lunch, is there must be a sufficient credit in the
Lunch Account to place your order. Otherwise, the lunch order will remain pending and may be cancelled
automatically by the system. It is the responsibility of the student to go to the counter to pick up their lunch on the
days they have ordered. Lunches not picked up by the student are not able to be refunded.
All student lunches dropped off in the office must arrive by 9:30am. This helps the school ensure that every student
will have food before it is their lunch time. If the student's lunch is not here by 9:30am, the student's name will be
added to the cafeteria's list to be fed and the charge placed on their account. Restaurant deliveries, regardless of the
time, will not be accepted for students.
Homeroom teachers will be checking to make sure that every child has a lunch. Our policy dictates that no students
go without a lunch. If a child does not have a lunch by the time the class starts lunch, we will provide them
one at the regular menu price.
Friday lunch is a la cart pizza from a local restaurant. Pizza is $1.00 per slice. A drink and popsicle may be
purchased for $.50 each. Pizza orders must be placed through the Praxi Parent Portal.
Drinks brought from home with caffeine are discouraged. Sodas without caffeine are permitted. Parents are urged
to avoid sending in drinks that are heavily sugared or have red food coloring as this has been shown to cause
hyperactivity in children.
While in the lunchroom, OCA provides Staff/volunteers to assist students with their lunches as needed and to
enforce the following expectations for student conduct:
1. Students must remain seated until given permission to use the restroom or throw away trash.
2. Students must clean up after themselves.
3. Students are to keep their hands, feet, food, and other objects to themselves.
4. Students will use an inside voice while in the cafeteria.
5. Students are to eat their own food only.
In addition, we encourage parents to come eat lunch with their child when able. If you are planning to join your
child for lunch, please sign in/out at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass.
Students in grades 9-12 may leave campus for lunch, before the first progress reports go home as long as the
following criteria are met:
Parents must have signed and notarized a student walk/bike/drive release form.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and not have earned any referrals for the quarter. (Grades are checked
quarterly.)
If walking, students must walk in groups of two or more and with at least one person of the same gender.
Students are only allowed to walk to Chen Chinese Restaurant or Arby’s.
Students must sign-in and out in the main office and are responsible to return on time.
Additional guidelines for going off campus are listed on the notarized form. Additionally, students must
sign a form stating they understand the expectations, rules, and policies.
Students in grades 9-12 may leave campus for lunch, after the first progress reports go home as long as the
following criteria are met:
Parents must have signed and notarized a student walk/bike/drive release form.
Students must maintain a certain GPA, 3.0 for 9th grade & 2.5 for 10th-12th grade, and not have earned any
referrals for the quarter. (Grades are checked quarterly).
If walking, students must walk in groups of three or more and with at least one person of the same gender.
Students are only allowed to walk to Chen Chinese or Arby’s.
Students must sign-in and out in the main office and are responsible to return on time.
12Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Additional guidelines for going off campus are listed on the notarized form. Additionally, students must
sign a form stating they understand the expectations, rules, and policies.
Snacks
In the elementary program, each class provides its own guidelines for a morning snack break: what type of food
items might be brought for student consumption and where and when these items might be consumed. Each student
is expected to abide by the guidelines established by their classroom Teacher.
The Snack Shack will not be operational this year until further notice.
Restrooms
In an effort to protect the safety of our students, all school restrooms will be designated for current students and
adults (Staff and volunteers) who have passed the school’s security and background checks. Any other visitor
wishing to use a school restroom may be asked to wait, while the bathroom is cleared of students, before being
allowed to enter the facilities. In addition, a Staff member may wait outside in the hallway to ensure that no
students enter the bathrooms until the visitor is finished.
Recreation
Each elementary program class has a scheduled recess period during the day. This privilege may be withheld, in
part or whole, depending on the student’s behavior in the classroom or on campus.
For the safety of our students, OCA Staff will closely monitor students at play and enforce the following
playground procedures:
1. Generally, K5 through 1st grade play on the east playground and 2nd through 5th play on the north
playground.
2. All students must swing to the front and back in the swings, alone, with their bottoms in the seat.
3. All students will go down the slide one at a time and never up.
4. All students will be considerate and respectful of others.
5. All students will play fair.
ATTENDANCE
Absences
It is the position of Okeechobee Christian Academy that students must attend school on a regular and timely basis
to maximize educational opportunities. Recognizing this can be achieved successfully through combined efforts of
parents and the school, this policy outlines strategies and interventions to maximize student attendance thereby
creating more opportunities for student success. This policy is applicable for all K-12 students.
Priority in enrollment, re-enrollment will be given to students that have a good attendance record. Students who
have excessive absences put their eligibility for future enrollment at risk.
Terms and Definitions
Absence: Absence is the non-attendance of a student on days school is in session. Any student must be counted
absent who is not physically present at school or attending an approved school activity under the compulsory
attendance law.
Attendance: Attendance is the presence of a student on days school is in session. The student must be actually at
the school or present at an educational activity (prior principal approval) which constitutes of the approved school
program for that student.
School Attendance
Florida Law (Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes) states that all children who are either six years of age, who will be
six years old by February 1 of any school year, or who are older than six years of age but who have not attained the
age of 16 years, must attend school regularly during the entire school term. A student who attains the age of 16
years during the school year is not subject to compulsory attendance beyond the date of which the student attains
that age if he/she files a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the school district.
13Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021
Although occasional absences occur, frequent absences, except for reasons of prolonged illness or recurring health
difficulties, must be avoided for the sake of the individual child, the class, and Teacher. It is important to note that
failure to attend school in a regular and timely fashion hinders the educational process. In addition, truancy and
poor performance have a direct relationship to juvenile delinquency and destructive behavior.
Excused Absences/Early Check Outs
Absences and/or Early Check outs due to the following reasons will be excused:
Student illness or injury. (If a student has missed three (3) consecutive days due to illness, a doctor's note
will be required upon return in order to be considered an excused absence.)
Professional appointments of the particular student: medical, dental, legal, etc. (A note from the appropriate
office to the school’s main office is required upon return within one calendar week.)
Death in the immediate family.
Extreme hardships at the discretion of Administration.
School sponsored activities.
Pre-Approved college visit (2 per year for students in Grades 10-12; Campus Visit paperwork must be
completed and submitted to the Office.).
Team members of Okeechobee County School Board Sports Teams as outline on the schedule provided to
the office. Athletes must be checked out before 2pm.
When a student is absent for any reason, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian to provide a written
statement or oral notification (oral notifications are to be documented) indicating the reason for the absences within
a calendar week of the student’s return to school. This note will help us determine whether or not the absence is to
be marked as excused. The note in and of itself does not constitute an excused absence but is kept in our files for
attendance purposes. Each note will be kept in our student wellness log to track patterns of non-attendance.
The written statement must include the following information for each absence:
Date the excuse is written.
Date(s) of the absence(s).
Full name of the student.
Reason for the absence.
Daytime telephone number of parent or guardian.
Signature of parent or guardian.
Any planned absences over three consecutive days, other than medical appointments, must be submitted in advance
to the principal. Parents must submit a letter to the office explaining the reason for the absence. Final determination
on whether an absence is excused or unexcused is the responsibility of the principal.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences include absences for all reasons other than those listed for excused absence. Unexcused
absences will not be able to make up any work unless satisfactory arrangements were made with the teacher before
the absence occurred.
Attendance Policy
1. If a student accumulates 5 unexcused absences in a semester, a letter will be sent home to the parent or
guardian notifying them that the student is in danger of non-promotion, loss of credit and or loss of
scholarship funding for that semester if the number of absences exceeds 9.
2. If a student accumulates 8 unexcused absences in a semester, a conference with the parents or guardian will
be required, to inform them in writing that the 10th unexcused absence will result in grades of
Incomplete/Failing being issued for the semester and notification being sent to the scholarship funding
organization, if any, that the student has failed to meet the minimum attendance requirements. If the
scholarship is lost due to non-attendance, the parent/guardian is responsible for the balance of the tuition
not paid for the student by the funding organization.
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