Students

 Standards of Conduct

There are five (5) basic convictions that the school attempts to instill in students.  These convictions are the basis for all discipline performed at our school.  A student who is disciplined for misbehavior is disciplined for having failed to demonstrate an acceptance of one of these five convictions.  These convictions are respect for God, respect for authority, respect for others, respect for property, and respect for school rules.

Respect for God. We are a Christian School.  We believe in a Supreme God who holds men accountable for their actions, their words, and the thoughts of their hearts.  He is a God who is to be loved (because He first loved us), worshiped (because He only is worthy), honored (for all that He is and has done), and entreated (because of His many promises).  Consequently, behavior that demonstrates disrespect for God's name, or God's work, will be disciplined.  Also, a student whose behavior in chapel or class is disruptive or scornful of worship, singing, prayer, or preaching will be disciplined. A student who maintains a scornful attitude toward God, or worship of God, may be administratively withdrawn from our school.

Respect for Authority. 

The development of humility and submission to authority are essential qualities necessary for receiving God's grace for growth and service (I Peter 5:5). Everyone, whether a young person or adult, needs to grow in humility and submission. Teachers are under the authority of the administration, and the administrators are also under the authority of others.  Students, consequently, must learn to demonstrate a willingness to submit to those who have been placed in authority in their lives.  This means parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, pastors and governmental authorities. Actions, words or expressions that demonstrate a flippancy to authority, or outright disrespect will not be tolerated. Students who openly demonstrate defiance to authority may be suspended and/or expelled. God places all of us under authority for our own good. The person who has a rebellious heart is likened in Scripture to one who practices witchcraft and therefore has rejected God (I Samuel 15:23). Such a person will therefore not be accepted by us.

Respect for Others. Jesus teaches us that the two greatest commandments are “to love the Lord your God”, and to love others as yourself.” This means in practice that we need to become sensitive to those around us and to act in a manner that edifies, encourages, strengthens and assists our neighbor.  Students whose actions degrade, hurt, and hinder others will be disciplined.

Students need to realize that Jesus made our love for each other the chief characteristic that the unbelieving world can recognize as distinctive of His followers.

Honesty and trustworthiness are two virtues that demonstrate respect for others.  The individual who lies or cheats manifests a lack of concern for others.  When others cannot trust our words or actions, our own witness toward God becomes suspect. Consequently, honesty and faithfulness will be encouraged at our school by every reasonable means that is available.

Respect for Property. A large portion of any country's laws have to do with property.  Even the atheist recognizes the importance of respect for property and has designed laws to punish those who steal, destroy, or abuse other people's property.  Students who steal, cheat, plagiarize, vandalize or put graffiti on walls are expressing a disregard for other people's property.  Such behavior will be promptly disciplined.

Respect for School Rules. In any institution there must be certain rules unique to that institution that exist for the purpose of accomplishing its goals and purposes.  These are not necessarily universal moral rules, but they are necessary at a given time or place.  They are like traffic laws or other man-made laws that may apply only in Texas.  At Sanctuary Christian Academy Agnus Dei there will be some rules designed to promote our goals and purposes which do not apply to other areas of life.  Such rules will include our dress code, classroom procedures, tardiness, etc.  Students need to learn to respect man-made rules that are designed to accomplish beneficial goals.  To say that these rules can be ignored because they are not God given or are not universally applicable would at times cause chaos and prevent a teacher from accomplishing the tasks of educating students.  Therefore, some degree of discipline is necessary to prevent the violating of school rules.  The discipline is usually mild since the behavior is not considered as severe as breaking a moral law.  A student, however, who consistently disrupts a class, who is often out of class, or is in some other manner showing disrespect for the school, may be suspended or even asked to withdraw from the Academy. 

Classroom Rules

A disciplined classroom is a prerequisite to an environment that will allow maximum learning to occur.  An effective discipline policy begins with clearly stated rules which are standard throughout the school.  Students will be expected to adhere to the following behavior and responsibility rules:

• Complete all class-work and keep busy until class is over.
• Follow directions the first time they are given.
• Work quietly.
• Walk quietly. 
• Raise your hand for permission to speak.
• Complete all homework. 
• Be respectful of other people and of their property.
• No chewing of gum during school hours
• Rise when a teacher or visitor enters the room and remain standing until told to sit.

Infractions of the above school rules will result in the student being subject to disciplinary measures which may include: verbal or written warnings, withdrawal of privileges, isolation from classroom activities, detention, referral to the principal, suspension or expulsion.  The more severe of these measures will be implemented with those students who demonstrate continued deliberate disobedience. Parents will be notified when students are sent to the office or when stringent disciplinary action is deemed necessary.

Attendance at Sanctuary Christian Academy Agnus Dei is a privilege.  Any student whose conduct or attitude shows him or her to be in opposition to the basic principles and purposes of the school, or who maliciously destroys school property, will be dismissed or asked to withdraw from the school.