New Creation Center

Student Handbook

Introduction

Mission Statement

The mission of New Creation Center For Independent Study (NCC) is to assist parents in their commitment to their children’s education by offering academic classes and other programs to enhance the student’s educational pursuits. We seek to provide a program of academic excellence and to encourage students to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Statement of Faith

We believe:
1. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and that He was born of a virgin.
2. The inerrant Word of God as the final authority for life.
3. That Jesus Christ is and was perfect in every way and that He was crucified, buried, and bodily rose from the dead on the third day and sits at the right hand of God the Father until He returns to rule and reign on this earth.

Non-Discrimination Policy

NCC admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at NCC. NCC does not discriminate on the basis of race in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, local programs, athletic and other NCC-administered programs.

Privacy Policy

NCC abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA). Additional information regarding FERPA and the disclosure of student’s personal information may be obtained in the school office.

Class Minimum

All NCC courses have a seven (7) student minimum. NCC is not responsible for classes that do not “make” due to under enrollment.

Organization

School Board

Mr. Roger Skepple, Chairman

Mr. Al Harmon

Mr. Brian Cathers

Mrs. Merry McMillan

Mrs. Kendall Elliott

Mr. Tom Perkins

Mr. Jeff Price

Administration

Mrs. Judy Foster, Administrator

Academics

General Information

Educational Objectives

The educational process in a Christian School is dependent upon a biblical philosophy, which provides the right worldview and essential truths for life so that children may be prepared to assume their proper place in the home, the church, and the community. Accordingly, the educational philosophy of New Creation Center is as follows:

1. Concerning spiritual and moral development, graduates of New Creation Center:
a. Understand that the Holy Scripture, including its basic doctrines and precepts, is God’s revelation of Himself and is his intended standard for faith and living;
b. Understand and personally accept salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ:
c. Understand that they are uniquely created in the image and likeness of God and possess the potential to develop their personhood and affect their family, church, and world for Christ; and
d. Embrace biblical excellence in the pursuit of education as a means of being a good steward of the gifts that God has given them.
2. Concerning academic/intellectual development, graduates of NCC:
a. Commit to developing their God-given intellectual potential through all areas of study:
b. Develop into a disciplined young person both within the home and at NCC classes,
c. Demonstrate critical-thinking skills in research, logic, and problem solving;
d. Demonstrate the ability to perceive and cope with ambiguity and opposing viewpoints both at home and in the classroom;
e. Integrate an appreciation of God’s creation with a sense of ethical and moral stewardship of both the environment and human culture;
f. Understand that biblically-based education includes development of the physical and aesthetic part of man as well as the academic part; and
g. Pursue godly wisdom and discernment in applying knowledge to life situations.

Academic Achievement and Course Work Policy

Each class taken at NCC will have an estimated 3 hours per week of additional course work added besides the actual class time. It is essential to the development of the student that most of the work be done and completed by that student for the full educational effect to be accomplished.
Parents can be of help to their children by providing an atmosphere that is conducive to study in the home school setup that you have at your homes. Each student needs to cultivate a sense of “calling” concerning the learning process, doing all his/her work as unto the Lord. Self-motivation, self-discipline, and responsibility are essential ingredients in the learning process. Mutual respect between teachers and students will create an atmosphere in which learning will flourish.

Advisor-Advisee System

NCC families that are accredited will meet at scheduled times with Judy Foster to determine your child’s needs for college. Appointments are necessary for advising students who are new or existing NCC families with accreditation.

Make-Up Work

Students are expected to turn all work in at the assigned time. If an assignment or test is missed, students will be expected to make up the work by the date set forth by the teacher and no later than the last day of class during any given grading period. Teachers have the authority to penalize late assignments with lower grades. Teachers will not “hold” grades for missing assignments. Grades will be issued with the missing assignment(s) given a grade of zero.

Dropping/Adding a class

In order to drop or add a class parents must notify the NCC office in writing of their intent. After 3 weeks a financial penalty will be incurred. If for any reason a student must be withdrawn from one or more of the classes, they will be responsible for full payment of the course(s) for which they registered.

Testing

Testing is an important tool in determining that adequate academic proficiency and skill have been achieved.
Student tests will be either:
1. Given in class during the normal classroom period by the course instructor; or
2. Administered by a NCC appointed proctor at a designated time, other than the regular classroom period.
*PLEASE NOTE: The majority of student class exams will be scheduled and taken at the NCC facility using a NCC Proctoring Designee. Course instructors will notify students when a proctored tests is to be taken. Students will then be responsible to take the test at NCC within the time frame provided.

Making up a test due to an approved absence or illness will be the responsibility of the student. Proper arrangements for make up will be made between the student and instructor and or proctor within the prescribed allowable time.

Standardized Testing

ITBS standardized testing will be offered each year for students in 9th through 12th grades for a fee of $45.00. Accredited students must be tested each year.

AP Exams

Any students enrolled in an AP class will have the opportunity to take the AP exam for college credit. Exam fees may vary by subject and will be due to the office on the announced date during the second semester.

Accreditation

NCC is offering accreditation to home schooled students. This accreditation is offered for your individual student. Participation in NCC does not insure automatic accreditation. Accreditation is not mandatory or automatic. The Georgia Accrediting Commission, a nonprofit, non-government agency, accredits NCC.

New Creation Center responsibility as a center is as follows:

1. To maintain transcripts and test results of students academic credits.
2. To certify the composition of at least 22 units of required academics for high school graduation (a minimum of 150 clock hours per unit of class activity equivalent).
3. To certify that a school day consists of a least 4.5 clock hours of instructional activity.
4. To certify that the school year consists of 180 days.
5. To establish a common understanding of “passing” performance.
6. To provide space and opportunity for patrons to examine and /or review curriculum materials and books that may be utilized for independent study.
7. To assist mentors in ascertaining progress in the learning tasks of students.
8. To keep copies of attendance records on file.
9. To monitor and grade exams of completed subjects.
10. To issue completed transcripts to secondary schools and /or military upon written request.
11. To provide standardized testing as required by the Georgia Accrediting Commission.
12. To assist families in developing adequate home school environments by providing yearly conferences and seminars.

Parents Responsibilities to the Accreditation Center are as follows:

1. Students must be a part of the accredited center for a complete school year before the center can verify independent study completed prior to entry into the program.
2. So that courses may be validated from home study, students are required to take a mid term test and a final exam in every subject taught at home. Parents must submit a comprehensive final exam with the answer key to the center during the finals week.
3. Grades for all subjects taught at home must be submitted at the end of your first and second semesters. The grades are to be submitted on NCC issued grade sheets.
4. Copies of attendance records must be on file by the 10th of every month.
5. A transcript of high school level courses completed prior to entering the center must be submitted.
6. A course of study (list of subjects and curriculum) for the year must be submitted by August 30 annually.
7. All mentors not possessing college degrees must complete 8 hours of instruction in mentoring. This can be achieved in workshops at the GHEA convention.
8. Parents must sign a waiver stating that each subject taught at home consists of 150 clock hours for 1 full credit course or 75 hours for a semester course.
9. Provide a copy of student’s social security card to assure proper course credit.
10. Provide the test results of the standardized test given yearly.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in non-accreditation of your student’s records.

Transcripts

To Request Transcripts follow these procedures:

1. To request a transcript from NCC a request form must be filled out and submitted to the office at least 14 days prior to the date you wish to have it mailed out. This form is available at the NCC office.
2. Financial accounts must be current.
3. The first 5 transcript requests are free. Additional transcripts are $5.00 each.

College Days

Students who are enrolled in the accreditation center will be invited to College Days. They will meet with various college representatives and be able to ask many of their questions about entrance. Students in grades 11 and 12 are encouraged to visit prospective colleges to gain firsthand information about college life. Students who miss classes because of college days are required to get all work from the teacher prior to their visits.

Counseling

The accreditation center provides:

1. Academic counseling, including any problems related to scheduling
2. College preparatory counseling (NCC SAT High School Code – 112042)

College preparatory counseling involves the organization of the student’s program of studies, the prerequisites for most colleges, the providing of information about the college entrance testing program (PSAT, SAT, ACT), and the facilitating of the college application process. Any questions regarding a student’s program of academic studies should be directed to the Administrator of Accreditation & Student Services, Judy Foster.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued at the end of each grading period.

Grading Scale

4.0 or A = 90-100

3.0 or B = 80-89

2.0 or C = 75-79

1.0 or D = 70-74

0.0 or F = 69 or below

Graduation

NCC conducts graduation ceremonies each year. Only those students that are a part of NCC classes, athletics or accreditation may participate in the graduation ceremonies. NCC accredited students will receive an accredited diploma with a college prep seal. Nonaccredited students receive a general diploma. Students should notify the center office in August of each year to declare their status as a senior. Students with outstanding balances due NCC will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies until all finances have been cleared.
Accredited students will receive a discount for their graduation fees.

Graduation College Bound Requirements

Total graduation credits required are 22, which must include the following:
4 credits in English
3 credits in History
4 credits in Mathematics
3 credits in Science
1 credit in Health
5 elective credits 2 credits in Foreign Language (in same language)
Graduation Technical School Requirements
Total graduation credits required are 22, which must include the following:
4 credits in English 1 credit in Health
3 credits in Mathematics 4 career/technology credits
3 credits in History 4 elective credits
3 credits in Science

Athletics

NCC offers a wide variety of high school athletics. We are a member of the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama (ICSGA) Athletic Association and the Georgia Football League (GFL). A copy of the student’s birth certificate, a health form, a Physical Form signed by a doctor and a copy of the student’s health insurance card must be on file.
NCC has a commitment to our league to offer academic accountability for all of our athletes. Our student athletes must submit grades and sample course work each quarter for all classes to ensure that they are eligible to play.

To be eligible to participate, a student must:

1. Maintain a 2.0 grade point average in their core subjects (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, and Foreign Language)
2. Maintain a passing grade (70+) in all courses.
3. Students who lose eligibility have the opportunity to regain their eligibility 3 weeks after their ineligibility starts at the teacher’s submission of grades to the office.
4. Students who lose eligibility at the end of the 4th quarter must adhere to the following guidelines. Students failing Math or English must make arrangements for summer school or NCC approved private tutoring to make up the course. A passing grade must be achieved. For core subjects that will be retaken during the following school year the following will apply –a passing grade must be maintained weekly to be eligible for fall sports. ie. A student fails Spanish I-he retakes the course-passing weekly grades must be reported for this student to be eligible to play.
5. Attend all practices and sit with the team during any scheduled game during ineligibility.
6. Eligibility not regained after the 3 week time period cannot be regained again until the next grading period.
7. Students should notify their coaches if they are in academic trouble prior to the grade reports being issued.

Parents are responsible for the following:

1. Turn in to the office a quarterly grade report sheet attached to sample course work for each course of study. Any course taken at NCC does not require sample course work but you must list the course and grade earned each quarter on the grade report sheet.
2. Each quarterly grade report with sample course work attached is due in the office not later than fourteen days after the quarter ending date.

A student’s academic eligibility will be reviewed when your student registers for a sport. If grades and sample course work have not been submitted as required, your student will not be eligible to participate.

All registered athletes must have a completed file as described for all four quarters in order to participate in sports for the following school year. The ending dates for the quarters are included on the school calendar.

Please note that ICSGA Conference rules state that you may not participate in academics or athletics with another ICSGA member school to be eligible to participate in NCC Sports.

Sports fees are determined by the individual sport’s budget. Since NCC is a non-profit organization and does not receive outside funding, our parents assume the financial responsibility for the student’s sports participation. Fund-raising opportunities are made available.

NCC strives to offer a competitive high-school athletic program, therefore try-outs are required. Students are not guaranteed a position on the teams.

For some of our sports, summer camps are mandatory and all are highly recommended for students who wish to tryout for a team. It is important that students check the website often for updated information for the sport in which they want to participate (www.newcreationcenter.org).

Dress Code

The goal of the NCC dress code is that students present themselves clean, neat, and in a manner in keeping with the NCC Mission Statement. While NCC recognizes the uniqueness of each student and seeks to develop individuality, it is also imperative that each student understand the concept of appropriate dress for particular situations. NCC seeks to develop an atmosphere conducive to learning with minimal distractions.

The dress code applies and will be enforced while any student is on campus for classes or testing. It is also requested that parents and students be mindful of these guidelines while at any NCC-sponsored event.

1. An administration-approved, unmodified NCC shirt is required. Students are not allowed on campus for classes or testing not wearing an NCC approved shirt. Students not arriving with appropriate attire will be provided a shirt by the office with their account being charged accordingly.
2. Students may wear NCC T-shirts that are issued during the school year only. Please note—that last year’s Tees may not be worn. Tees must be in good shape and not altered.
3. Any black or khaki slacks (does not include athletic attire), jeans, knee-length skirts or knee-length shorts are permissible so long as they fit appropriately (not excessively baggy or tight), are neat (not excessively frayed), are modest (not low-riding or sagging), and are not distracting to the instructors or to other students (no excessive accessories).
4. No underwear may show.
5. Shoes/sandals must be worn at all times. In the interest of safety, closed toe shoes are required for all science and art classes.
6. All jewelry must be small and not distracting to the instructors or to other students. Excessive jewelry is not permitted.
7. Boys may not wear earrings.
8. Body-piercing, tattoos, excessive make-up (i.e. gothic, etc) or anti-Christian articles/jewelry are not permitted.
9. Hair should be clean, neat, not to exceed the bottom of the ear and must be off the collar. Students must also have their hair pulled back out of the face and eyes.
10. Facial hair must be neatly groomed.
11. No hats may be worn inside the building.
12. Black long sleeved tees are the only allowable long sleeved shirt that can be worn under the student’s NCC shirt.
13. Jackets free of writing and pictures may be worn in the school. Students will not be allowed to wear trench coats in the school building.
14. NCC shirts will not be required at all NC functions: ie Athletic events, NCC parties and dances. However, students must wear shirts that do not show stomachs or chest, T-shirts must not contain anti-Christian, vulgar or offensive messages. Skirts and shorts must be knee-length. Pants may not be low-riding or sagging.

Students in violation of the dress code which cannot be rectified immediately will be dismissed for the day.

Student Conduct

Basic Standards

General Behavior Standards

Attendance at New Creation Center is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, you are expected to conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful manner at all times. With that in mind, please do not bring books, music, magazines, binders, folders, lunch boxes, or any other materials that depict or glorify anti-Christian characters or philosophies on campus. Do not place any of these inappropriate items in your backpacks, binders, or notebooks.

Students must be in their classrooms and seated at the beginning of scheduled classes. Tardiness will be dealt with by the classroom teacher and will affect overall grade.

You are encouraged and expected to talk in a normal tone of voice (No yelling) and to avoid excessive noise.

You are encouraged and expected to keep your hands to yourself. (No physical contact between students).

You are encouraged to treat others with respect and honor at all times, including your fellow classmates. Mischief and pranks must be avoided at all times.

Campus Usage Standards

Due to the nature of our school day, size of our campus, and supervisory load, students are expected to vacate the campus of Southern Crescent at the completion of the their last class of the day. There is to be no hanging out at campus after your classes.

When you have a break between your classes, you will be expected to remain in approved areas on the campus until your next class begins. All behavioral requirements will be applicable in such cases and you will be asked to vacate the property immediately, if your behavior becomes disruptive.

Students are to be picked up promptly after class. In the case of picking up students after their classes are finished, the pickup will be considered a late pickup at ten (10) minutes after the close of class, unless student is attending an approved NCC special study group. At fifteen (15) minutes after the close of class fifteen ($15) dollars will be charged to your student account and another twenty ($20) dollars will be charged after a thirty (30) minute delay in pickup. Every fifteen (15) minutes after that point an additional thirty ($30) dollars will be charged to your account. Emergencies will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Friends of students who are not enrolled in NCC are not allowed to remain on campus for other than drop off or pick up purposes, are not to come or be brought on campus unless previously approved by administration. Parents will be held accountable for all such violations in these matters.

Special Events Standards

With each NCC-approved special event, a member of the Administration will appoint a Head Chaperone. The Head Chaperone will, in turn, appoint a team of no less than three people to assist in chaperoning the event. The Head Chaperone will have the responsibility of approving the music to be played at the event, if applicable, and establishing a dress code for the event which is in keeping with the Mission Statement of NCC. The Head Chaperone will also have the responsibility of monitoring the behavior (i.e. dancing and/or activity) at the event, and will also assume responsibility in case of emergency. At the discretion of the Head Chaperone, any student deemed to be dancing, behaving or dressed in a manner not in keeping with the values of NCC will be asked to leave the event.

Classroom Standards

You are encouraged and expected to attend all assigned classes. You are expected to arrive on time, to bring all the necessary books and materials, to be attentive, to fully participate, and to apply yourself diligently in order to learn.

You are encouraged and expected to offer complete obedience and respect to all your teachers and administrators at all times.

You may not chew gum anywhere on campus anytime during regular school hours or during official after-school activities on campus. Also, there is not eating or drinking in classrooms at anytime.

Southern Crescent has graciously allowed us to use their building for our educational purposes. Please respect the boundary demarcations supplied in the hallways and do not cross them without approval from administration.

Electronic Equipment

Cell phones must be turned off in the building at all times. If a student needs to use their cell phone they must go outside. Students may not leave a class to use their phones. Parents should call the office if they need to talk to their student. Cell phones on in the building will be confiscated. The first occurrence the student may retrieve the phone from the office. The second occurrence the parents will be expected to come in and pick it up. Third offense student will be dismissed from the classroom and receive zeros for the day and parents will again be called to come pick up the phone.

Cheating

Cheating will not be tolerated. It will be handled as a serious offense (see disciplinary system). Instructors may penalize cheating with a zero grade. Additional disciplinary action for cheating may include dismissal from the NCC academic program and sports activities. Cheating may include and is not limited to class work, homework, and test.

Students are not allowed to:

1. Give aid or receive aid from any individuals during or after a test or quiz. (Students who have not completed a test or quiz are not allowed to receive coaching from classmates while awaiting the same test or quiz).
2. Remove or copy a test from the testing area.
3. Possess or use any materials that have not been approved by the instructor or proctor.
4. Students may not plagiarize or use another person’s school work, past or present, as their own.
5. Leave the testing area, without permission, during a testing period.
6. Manipulate or alter their student grades.

Automobiles

Students must adhere to the following:

1. Student drivers are to park their cars in the designated parking lots. Off-campus parking and parking on the street is not permitted.
2. The speed limit for the school parking lot is 5 miles per hour. New Creation Center reserves the right to suspend the privilege of driving to and from school if a student violates the speed limit, drives in a careless or reckless manner, or consistently parks in improper places on school property. This will be done even if the student being disciplined is a carpool driver.
3. First time violation will result in a disciplinary note in their file. The second violation will result in a suspension of on campus driving privileges for the entire school year.
4. New Creation Center is not responsible for damage done to cars in the parking lot.
5. Students are permitted to go to their cars; however, they are expected to return immediately to their class. There is to be no loitering and hanging out at, around, or in parked vehicles.
6. Loud music is not allowed on campus in the parking lot or drive way.

Parent-Teacher Communications

We encourage you to contact your child’s teacher(s) any time you have a question regarding your child’s behavior or academic progress. However, please refrain from discussing your child’s progress or challenges either before the teacher’s class, while the teacher’s class is taking place, or during school functions. Phone numbers of teachers have been supplied to each family to facilitate off-hours communication. Please arrange any meetings with their teacher(s) after their teaching responsibilities are concluded or after school hours before hand.

Disciplinary System

As students of New Creation Center, your behavior and attitude directly or indirectly affects not only God’s witness in the community, but also the public Christian testimony of this ministry. As such, the following minor and major offenses must be avoided. Minor offenses include, but are not limited to:

Minor Offenses

1. Tardy to class
2. Public display of affection
3. Disrespect to others
4. Eating and drinking in the building without permission
5. Chewing gum on campus
6. Excessive roughhousing
7. Littering
8. Listening to music without permission during school hours

The following behaviors, serious offenses, are strictly forbidden at all times, on and off campus. Your participation in these or similar behaviors will result in severe discipline, up to and including suspension or dismissal from New Creation Center.

Serious Offenses

1. Disrupting class, assemblies, or school sponsored events.
2. Disrespectful behavior towards school authorities or faculty.
3. Physical fighting.
4. Leaving campus without permission when you are not scheduled to leave.
5. Forgery or alteration of a school document
6. Possession and or use of dangerous weapons on school property; use of weapons in any dispute.
7. Stealing or attempting to steal.
8. Deliberate destruction of church, school, or personal property, or acting as accomplice to such action.
9. *Possession, use, disbursement, or sale of narcotics, alcohol, or any illegal substance; possession, use, or disbursement of any controlled substance without a doctor’s prescription.
10. *Disbursement or sale of tobacco.
11. Smoking or chewing on campus or at NCC sponsored functions.
12. Lying or cheating in any form.
13. Profane or obscene language.
14. Moral behavior that defiles the testimony of New Creation Center.
15. *Possession, use, or disbursement of pornography, or any vile, obscene, or profane literature.
16. *Possession, uses, or disbursement of material devices, or products that endorse, encourage, or promote immoral behavior.
17. Endorsement and or promotion of anti-Christian philosophies or behaviors.
18. *Sexual harassment of any kind, including making unwelcome sexual advances, engaging in improper physical contact, making improper sexual comments, or otherwise creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
19. Incendiary devises, such as lighters, are disallowed on the campus of New Creation Center.
20. Reckless driving on campus.
21. Homosexual activities.

*These offenses carry an automatic suspension of at least one full semester.
(For any action that includes a violation of criminal law, the proper law enforcement authorities will be called and asked to take appropriate legal action.)

NCC reserves the right to conduct searches of back-packs, purses, notebooks, cars, etc. in the event The Administrative Team determines the necessity of such a search.

Student Pregnancy and Paternity

In the event that an NCC student becomes pregnant, the prospective mother, and father, if he is an NCC student, is required to immediately notify the NCC Administration and Board. Upon prompt notification to the Administration and Board, she and the father will not be allowed to continue classes or represent NCC or in any NCC sponsored activities. However, in an effort to help them continue their education, the students will be allowed to receive, at the discretion of the Administration and Board, accreditation services. If the Administration and Board are not promptly notified as specified above or it becomes known that the student received an abortion, the student will be immediately dismissed from NCC.

The Disciplinary Process

It is the desire of NCC to provide an environment in every class that will be conducive to a positive teaching-learning experience for all. A student is expected to conduct himself/herself properly in the classroom. A student who disrupts the learning environment will be corrected in the following way.

1. The teacher/coach will privately talk with the student and explain the students unacceptable behavior.
2. If further occurrences take place, the teacher/coach may separate the student from the class/team, send them to the office, and contact the parents.
3. If the conduct of the student does not improve, the student will be dismissed from the appropriate level of program participation to be determined by administration. Parents will be expected to pay the balance of the program fee.

Dismissals

The New Creation Center may ask for the withdrawal of any student whose conduct is detrimental to its reputation and good name, or more important, to the reputation of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the administrative staff of New Creation Center determines that a student should be separated from New Creation Center, the Administration will meet and determine whether to remove the disruptive student. The Administration will consider the evidence and any other evidence and testimony bearing on the issue, paying special attention to the guidelines specified in the Student Handbook. The entire case will be duly documented, including such pertinent information to communicate the basis and reason for the dismissal. The case will then be forwarded to the board for their information. Final determination in the matter of separation lies with the Administration.

Appeal Process

If a parent would like to appeal a decision, the appeal must be made in writing to the school board of New Creation Center within five (5) business days of the dismissal detailing the infraction and the basis of the appeal. The case will then be reviewed by the School Board and their decision will be final.

Dismissal for Other Than Disciplinary Reasons

Dismissal from NCC classes can occur for the following reasons:

1. Consistent failure to turn in work
2. Consistent absentees or tardies.
3. Failure to pay bills within a 45 day period.
4. Giving false statement or misrepresentation of the student’s academic and/or conduct records on the students application.