Golden Hills Campus - High School
Main Office
2401 Shady
(925)634-0493
This handbook will provide you
with a better understanding of who we are at
AFFILIATION
STATEMENT OF FAITH
PHILOSOPHY, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
Our philosophy recognizes a covenantal relationship, which God
has established with believers and their children. In view of this
relationship,
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
The school is organized and operated as a non-profit organization. It a parent run school in that the parents of Gateway vote for members of the School Board who represent the entire membership.
Gateway membership elects the School Board
Gateway Administrator oversees the operation of the school to include:
Vice-Principal, Faculty, Staff, and PTF
Parent-Teacher fellowship supports the operation of the school
A Brief History of
The first year of the high school was a success although the enrollment numbers
were low. There were eight teenagers who completed the ninth grade and it was
assumed that attendance would increase the next year.
In October 2002, Mr. Siems passed on to the Lord at a time when the High School
enrollment was at only six teenagers making up the 9th and 10th grades. It
appeared the High School was to be closed due to lack of support, activities,
and funding. The parents of Gateway rallied and let the School Board know they
wanted their high school to have a second chance. It was decided to let the
high school move forward for at least one more year; however it needed an
enrollment of at least 12 students to continue.
August 2004 saw the student population in
2005 sees the first high school graduation at Gateway. We are in accreditation
candidacy with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and WASC
(Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Gateway is presently seeking
property for the growth of the Lords school in
THE GATEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOARD
The Gateway Christian School Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each
month. All School Board meetings are open to attendance by all parents of
Gateway Students. The School Board does meet for brief periods in closed
session. Please check the current edition of "The Gate" for dates,
times, and location of the next School Board meeting.
The most important function of the School Board is the formulation of policies,
which govern the operation of the school.
The School Board operates solely as a group and no policy or issue is
decided by a solo Board member. In
addition to making and/or updating school policy, a School Board member and the
School Administrator interview prospective families for admission.
The Board consists of six members elected for a two-year term. Each Board Member may be re-elected by the membership for a second two year term. The terms of service on the Board are to be staggered in such a manner that no more than one-half of the full Board will complete their term of service in any given year. All Board members must be in good standing in the school and regularly attending a local church in line with the doctrinal position of the school.
PARENT / TEACHER FELLOWSHIP (PTF)
The PTF is an important part of
The PTF will provide prayer support for the school, teachers, students, and families. The PTF will carry out projects and functions to enrich the ministry of Gateway. These will include fund-raising projects, social events, and school activities.
PTF mission statement
The Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) was organized to promote the building of positive parent, faculty, and staff relationships that support our school and ultimately glorify God.
To promote unity in our school family through coordination of parent programs, communication, fellowship, and encouragement of one another, our administration and teachers.
To continually improve and enhance the quality of our school.
To have a positive public relations agency to our community.
To develop between educators and parents united efforts that will secure for our children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual growth.
Fellowship and Fund Raising Activities include but
are not limited to:
Canned
Hot Lunch program
Bake Sale program
Scholastic Book Fair
Scrip program
Celebration Dinner
Missions Week Potluck
Teacher Appreciation Week
School Assemblies
Thanksgiving Dinner
At least one parent must be a professing Christian who is actively involved and is in regular attendance at a Bible-believing church.
Student(s) must have a record of satisfactory academic performance and appropriate school behavior in the school previously attended.
Family must be able and willing to meet financial obligations to the school.
Consistent efforts in the home to establish Christ as Lord of the family.
Family must be able and willing to contribute time and energy to the running life of the school.
NEW STUDENT APPLICATION INFORMATION
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please call the
school office, 634-0493.
MEDICAL GUIDELINES
All students who are ill must be kept at home. If a student becomes ill at school, the parent/designated person will be notified. Please do not send your student to school unless he/she is completely well. A student should be free of fever and or vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.
Please let the school office know if your student has a contagious disease, such as chicken pox, measles etc. If your student is awaiting the results of a Strep test, please keep him/her home until the results are received.
Prescription Medicines
The following must be turned in to the school office in order for the school personnel to administer medications.
1. A written signed statement from a physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules in which such medication is to be taken.
2. A written statement signed by the parent or guardian of student indicating the desire that school personnel assist the student in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement. Medication forms can be picked up in the school office.
Any medication that needs to be administered to a student must be given to the school office. EACH TIME YOUR STUDENT REQUIRES MEDICATION; THE MEDICATION MUST BE IN its ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION CONTAINER WITH SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS.
Prescriptions needing to be refrigerated must be picked up on Fridays or before any school holidays.
Students requiring the use of inhalers must have one at school to be available when needed.
Non-prescription or over the counter medications
A written statement signed by the parent or guardian of the student, giving permission to school personnel to administer over the counter medication and the amount and time medications are to be given. Medications are to be in their original containers and must be provided by the student’s parent.
A student may be restricted from activity, recess, or PE for up to three days with a written note from a parent due to illness or injury. After three days, a doctor’s note is required.
SCHOOL
HOURS
9th - 12th Grades
Arrival - 7:45-8:00 a.m. Departure - 3:00 p.m.
All classes begin at
There is no supervision provided before
Safety of all persons
at Gateway is of utmost importance. Students who attend
Students who drive
onto either campus of
Regular and punctual attendance is essential for success. Student absences and tardies interrupt the smooth and complete process of learning. We urge students to be absent only when absolutely necessary. All students are required to be punctual and in regular attendance. Parents must call the school office by 9:00am to report their student’s absence.
Absences
Any High School student who has more than 12 absences in a school year from a class may not receive full credit for that class. In cases of prolonged illness, the family may wish to appeal to the school board for an exception by sending a letter of explanation and a health evaluation from the doctor.
Excused Absence
Absences due to illness, medical services or funerals will be considered an excused absence. A signed note stating the reason for your student’s absence must be brought when the student returns to school.
Pre-arranged Excused Absence
If circumstances require a student to be absent, parents need to notify the teacher/teachers in writing one-week prior to the dates a student will be absent from class. Arrangements need to be made with the teacher prior to the student’s absence for any missed assignment and when they are due.
Unexcused Absence
Many reasons may seem legitimate to the parents but are nevertheless classified as unexcused. Failure to turn in a written note for an excused absence will result in an unexcused absence. All assignments missed on an unexcused day will receive a zero and cannot be made up.
Students Leaving Campus
Parents need to sign their student out and obtain a pass with the school office and then proceed to their student’s classroom. Please wait to be acknowledged by your student’s teacher. The teacher will then dismiss your student so as not to disturb class time.
TARDIES
Being on time to school every morning sets the tone for the entire day. It is also disruptive to the class and teacher when a student walks into the classroom late. This causes the teacher extra work in order to catch the student up with the rest of the class. All late students must pick up a tardy slip from the office before going to their class. To excuse their student, a parent must notify the school by phone or in writing. After 5 ‘tardies’ per marking period, a conference will be held with the parent(s).
If a student is returning to school
or arriving late to school from a doctor’s appointment etc., they must be
signed in at the school office.
If a student is continually tardy, a parent conference will be held to
discuss the situation. If persistent
tardiness continues even after a parent conference, a student may be placed in
a probationary status and/or recommended for removal from the school.
MAKE-UP
WORK PROCEDURE
Excused Absence
When a student has an excused absence, they will have one day for every day absent to make-up the work. If a student is only absent one day on a day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day the student returns to school. Likewise, if they are absent one day only and miss a test, the student will be required to take the test on the first day the student returns to school.
A student and not the teacher is responsible to find out, complete, and hand in any work missed due to absences. Students, of course, are expected to keep up with new work given as well as make up missed work.
Unexcused absence
A student who has an unexcused absence will receive a zero on any assignment or test missed and cannot make up the work.
Personal appearance should be important to
all of us because how we dress often reflects what we think of ourselves.
Studies indicate that how we dress affects how we act and how people respond to
us. However, recognizing that there are various tastes in dress, we wish to
place less emphasis on matters of personal preference and greater emphasis on
matters that have to do with modesty, propriety (1Tim. 2:9), neatness,
cleanliness, and attire that does not call undue attention to ourself.
General Guidelines
1.
Regular
school dress is to be worn at all times whether a student is on campus or when
attending school sponsored events. (unless an exception is made for a special
reason.)
2.
Dress
should be modest at all times.
3.
Dress
and over-all appearance should be neat, clean, and attractive.
4.
Dress
should be appropriate for the occasion –what is appropriate for the beach for
example, is not appropriate for the classroom.
5.
A
student’s appearance should not attract undue attention or be a distraction to
others (i.e., radical dress hair styling or unnatural coloring, excessive
jewelry, make-up, body piercing, tattoos, etc.)
6.
The
style should not be one that is obviously copied from some group whose
lifestyle and philosophy are un-Christian or are expressing displeasure with
what is generally accepted as normal.
7.
Shirts
and caps that communicate messages inconsistent with Gateway standards of
conduct or Christian values are unacceptable.
Specific Guidelines
1.
Modesty and Propriety: Christians must be careful to not dress in
sexually suggestive ways that
can cause un-Christ like thoughts or behavior displeasing to God. There
are also a few types
of clothing that are simply not appropriate
for school attire. With this we present the following guidelines.
Boys
Shirts: A wide variety of shirts
may be worn. Exceptions are tank tops, sleeveless shirts, plain T-shirts that
are commonly worn as undershirts, and shirts with graphics, slogans and
advertisements that conflict with Christian values.
Pants: Oversized pants (more than one size too
large) are unacceptable. For example if your waist size is 32”, a size 36 would
be too large. The waistband must be worn at the waist, or the top of the hips,
not the top of the joints. No sagging or dragging.
Shorts: Modest shorts no shorter than typical
walking shorts may be worn.
Caps
and Hats: According to the Bible,
hats should not be worn during prayer and worship (1 Corinthian 11), and
according to etiquette, hats should not be worn inside.
Girls
Tops: Sleeveless tops must be at
least 2” wide over the shoulders. Blouses and tops with revealing necklines,
tank tops, tube tops, and tops that do not completely cover the midriff in any
posture, or are tight fitting, plain T-shirts that are commonly worn as undershirts,
or T-shirts with graphics, slogans, and advertisements that conflict with
Christian values are unacceptable.
Dresses/skirts/shorts: Low or backless dresses, halter tops, and
bra-less attire are inappropriate. Hemlines, slits in straight skirts, and shorts
may be no shorter than fingertip length in any posture and must not be tight
and /or form fitting.
Pants: Pants or jeans that are form-fitting and
tight are not acceptable. The waistband must be worn at the waist, or the top
of the hips, not the top of the joints. No sagging or dragging.
2.
Neatness: Neatness does not necessarily mean the newest and the best.
Pants: (Boys and Girls)—Pants must not be so long that they drag on the floor.
They must
be clean, without tears, holes, or ragged hems. Jogging or windbreaker
type pants are acceptable; cotton flannel type sweatpants, which soon lose
their neat appearance, are not acceptable.
Hair:
(Boys): Hair must be neatly trimmed, and cannot give a shaggy, unkempt
appearance.
It should look masculine, and not extend below the bottom of the shirt
collar or ears.
Sideburns may not extend below the ear. Neatly trimmed mustaches are
permissible.
3.
Radical Dress, Hair, Jewelry, Make-up: Radical or “group-labeling” attire is
distracting and
attracts undue attention.
The following are unacceptable:
Dress: Radical dress that
identifies with any gangs or groups whose lifestyles, values and
philosophy is
un-Christian or express displeasure with what is generally accepted as
normal.
Hair: Unnatural hair coloring or
radical hair styling. For boys, this includes shaved heads,
pony tails and
beards.
Miscellaneous:
No tattoos. No ear jewelry for boys.
Note: students coming to school in
unacceptable attire may be sent home.
Dress for Special Activities:
1.
School Sponsored Events: The above dress code applies to all school
sponsored athletic events, parties, drama/music productions and field trips.
Exceptions are made for trips like retreats and waterslide type events.
Swimwear must display modesty. Girls must wear one piece swimsuits with no
French cuts or side openings, and boys must not wear bikini or Speedo style
swimsuits.
2.
Formal Events: awards, receptions, and banquets: Dress-up day attire, or as prescribed
by the occasion. No jeans for banquets. Girls must wear dresses (no tight, form
fitting, plunging necklines, backless or skirts with revealing slits). Boys are
expected to wear suits or sport coats, dress shirts and ties.
3. Physical Education Uniforms: Required PE uniform will be a Gateway T-shirt or sweatshirt and plain black athletic shorts or sweatpants as well as athletic shoes and socks. Skater style shoes will not be allowed.
|
If you have questions as to how these dress criteria apply, the
teachers or administrator will try to answer your question. Be sure to ask
before you wear an item of clothing you are unsure of. We are aware that
there is no guideline that will please everyone. |
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL
The High School student government body shall be called the Gateway Christian High School Student Council. The purpose of the High School Student Council shall be to provide a means for student expression in school affairs, give opportunity for student experience in various skills of leadership, make and interpret policies concerning school clubs and social activities, and school welfare.
The High School Student Council shall have jurisdiction over all high school clubs and their functions, extracurricular activities, spirit week, school rally’s, and designated chapels in conjunction with the oversight of the school administrator.
V Student Body President.
V Student Body Vice-President
V Student Body Secretary
V Student Body Treasurer
V Senior Class President
V Junior Class President
V Sophomore Class President
V Freshman Class President
All officers of the High School Student Council shall be elected prior to the last day of the school year preceding the year of service. Freshman class officers will be chosen prior to the start of the school year. Each class will vote for one representative to the Student Council from among the students in that class. The ballot will consist of a closed written ballot and each student will be given one vote.
Nominees for Student Body President must be a 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student only. Freshman students may not run for Student Body President. The ballot will consist of a closed written ballot of all High School students and each student will have one vote.
Prior to the election, all candidates for class president will have the opportunity for a five minute speech in front of their class. Additionally, the candidates for a Student Body Office will have an additional five minutes for a speech in front of the entire High School.
Once elected, the term of all Student Council officers shall commence on the first day of the following school year and end on the last day of school for the year of service. In the event that a Student Council member is unable to continue in their position, he/she will be replaced by an election as described above.
Worship Team
The High School Worship Team was created as a means of musical and prayerful worship to the Lord. The worship team leads services many times throughout the year at Gateway. Interested students who wish to try-out for the Worship Team should contact the school office for a try-out schedule at the beginning of the school year.
STUDENT
RELATIONSHIPS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
(Employee-Employee, Employee-Student, and Student-Student)
Policy
This school is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation and harassment, including sexual harassment. This school is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or expulsion.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
"Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:
Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s academic status or progress.
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual.
The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through this school.
What to do if you experience or observe sexual harassment
Employees/Students who feel that they have been subjected to conduct of a harassing nature are encouraged to promptly report the matter to one of these school officials: Administrator, Vice-Principal, or the President of the School Board.
Employees/Students who observe conduct of a sexually harassing nature are also encouraged to report the matter to one of the school officials listed above.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual conduct of this type can include a wide range of verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Among the types of conduct, which would violate this policy, are the following:
Unwanted sexual advances or propositions;
Offering academic benefits in exchange for sexual favors;
Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances;
Visual conduct such as leering, making sexual gestures, displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons or posters;
Verbal conduct such as making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs and jokes;
Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, suggestive or obscene letters, notes or invitations; and
Physical conduct such as touching, assaulting, impeding or blocking movements.
Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of the parties involved in
any complaint. However, the school reserves the rights to fully investigate
every complaint, and to notify a student’s parents, guardian and appropriate
government officials as the circumstances warrant.
Protection against Retaliation
It is against the school’s policy to discriminate or retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint concerning sexual harassment or has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in any investigation proceeding or hearing concerning sexual harassment.
Procedure of investigation of the complaint and for taking corrective
action
When any school official receives a complaint, he or she shall immediately inform the administrator. The administrator will direct an investigation. If the investigation confirms the allegations, prompt corrective actions shall be taken. The individual who suffered the harassing conduct shall be informed of the corrective action taken. In addition, any employee or student found to be responsible for sexual harassment in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. The level of disciplinary action will be based upon the severity of the infraction.
DISCIPLINE
POLICY
Misconduct at
CATEGORY 1
DEFINITION: Activities that prevent classroom order and teacher instruction.
EXAMPLES: Class disruption, disrespect of others or property, horseplay, inappropriate lunchroom behavior and dress code violation.
CONSEQUENCES: Offenses may result in loss of playtime, loss of privileges, detention, note home, Student-Administrator conference, Parent-Teacher disciplinary conference, or Category 2 consequences for recurring offenses.
CATEGORY 2
DEFINITION: Activities and attitudes that show lack of respect for authority.
EXAMPLES: continual offense of category 1, fighting, foul language, harassment, and intentional disobedience and inappropriate student relationships.
CONSEQUENCES: Offenses will result in Student-Administrator conference, Parent-Administrator conference, suspension, or Category 3 consequences for recurring offenses.
CATEGORY 3
DEFINITION: Violation
of the
EXAMPLES: possession of weapon, causing bodily harm to a student, teacher, administrator or school.
CONSEQUENCES: Offenses will result in suspension or expulsion/student withdrawal per school board recommendation.
DETENTIONS
Any teacher, Administrator, or staff member may give a detention slip to any student for either academic or behavioral problems. They are intended to communicate to the parent the student’s offense and any consequences for the student. Notices must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to school the next day. If the notice is not returned, the parent(s) will receive a phone call from the office regarding this notice and the student may receive additional detention. If a student does not show up for detention as ordered on the day and time specified on the detention slip, additional detention and/or a suspension may be given. It is not acceptable for parents or students to simply not have their child serve detention because it is inconvenient. It is expected that both students and parents change their schedules to accommodate the assigned detention time. If all efforts to comply with the assigned detention time have been exhausted, parents must call the administrator or detention supervisor BEFORE the assigned detention time to try to reschedule. Student or Parental disregard for serving detention time as assigned will be reported to the school board for discussion as to whether the student will be allowed to remain at Gateway.
OFFICE REFERRAL
An office referral results when a teacher or staff member refers a student to the administrator. Referrals come into effect after every effort has been made on the part of the teacher or staff member to deal with the problem, and other disciplinary methods have been exhausted.
Office referrals may be for major offenses as listed such as use of foul language, intentional disrespect/disobedience, fighting, etc. or for numerous discipline notices.
Office referrals may also be for the administrator to simply talk - encourage - correct - counsel - and pray with a student or students on matters such as academic, relational, or spiritual issues.
When a student is suspended, very specific changes in attitudes and actions will be expected prior to readmission. A readmission parent/administrator conference will be necessary for the student to return to school. As a result of the suspension, students will receive an “F” grade for all class work, homework and tests during his/her suspension. Any work missed will not be allowed to be made up.
The administrator has at all times the authority to suspend a student. The length of suspension will be 1 – 5 days as determined by the Administrator.
The reasons for suspension include, but are not limited to:
· Continued deliberate disobedience/disrespect displayed.
· Continuous disrespect and/or disregard for rules which remains unchanged after much effort by staff.
· A serious breach of conduct on school grounds which has an adverse effect upon the image of the school or Christian values.
· A continued negative attitude and bad influence upon other students.
· Failure of the student to comply with the disciplinary actions of the school.
· Failure of the parent to get recommended professional help for exceptional children.
Expulsion will be recommended if it becomes apparent the school will not be able to meet the needs of a student, or that student’s behavior is preventing classroom instruction. Expulsion will also be recommended for violations of the Category 3 rules and guidelines. When expulsion is recommended, a date of withdrawal from the school will be set and the withdrawal procedure followed. The School Board must approve recommendations for expulsion.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed four times a year, once each, approximately nine weeks, indicating a student’s progress academically. The following systems are applied:
Grades 9 – 12
A - Exceptional 100-90% 4.00 GPA
B - Progressing Well 89-80% 3.00 GPA
C - Average 79-70% 2.00 GPA
D - Needs Improvement 69-60% 1.00 GPA
F - Failure 59% & below 0.00 GPA
Progress reports are sent home for the high school mid-way through each quarter. The progress report is to inform the parent of the student’s progress in that marking period. Emphasizing areas of weakness in which the student needs to improve and giving encouragement in the areas a student is excelling. After the first quarter, students will receive a progress report only if their grades have dropped dramatically or are a C or below.
Communication between parents and teachers is vital in the education of our young people. Parents should feel free to meet with their student’s teacher any time after school with an appointment. Please call the school office to set up a time for the conference. Also please avoid meeting with teachers before school as this is considered class preparation time.
Time is set aside at least once each year for parent/teacher conferences. This provides an opportunity to discuss progress in each area of study as well as offering insights on the part of the parent and teachers. It is a valuable time of communication. Please make every effort to attend these conferences. Additional conferences with the teacher and or administrator will be arranged if needed.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is considered an extension of the regular classroom instruction. Students can expect to spend some time each school evening on homework.
Generally, homework will not exceed 1 ½ to 2 hours daily.
Homework will generally not be given on holidays or during
ATHLETICS
Athletic Programs
The young ladies participate in softball, basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. The young men participate in baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis.
If there is not enough participation for a sport, a team may not be fielded.
Athletic Fees
To offset athletic expenses there will be an athletic fee per sport per
individual. This fee is due before the first game of each sport is played. Not
paying fees may result in the student’s report card being withheld. Refer to
schedule for required athletic fees.
After School Sports Eligibility
All students who want to participate in the sports program must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (C average). Grades will be checked when the report cards are issued. If a student does not have a 2.0 grade point average, he or she will not be able to participate until the next progress report or report card is issued. Students who are on athletic probation are not allowed to participate in any practices or games.
GATEWAY CHRISTIAN
HIGH SCHOOL EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS PROGRAM
Academic excellence at Gateway is an important aspect for
teen-agers.
Honor
Roll:
Gateway Honor Society:
A High School student will become a member of the Gateway Christian High School Honor Society for maintaining at least a 3.25 grade point average in every semester marking period during the school year. Each member of the Honor Society will receive an award at the end of the school year. Additionally, 12th grade Honor Society members will be recognized during their graduation commencement ceremony.
Valedictorian:
The Gateway Christian School Valedictorian will be chosen from the graduating class as the student with the highest grade point average during the four-year high school period. Students who have transferred to Gateway during high school may use the grades from their previous school; however a student must have had at least two full years attendance at Gateway to be considered as the Valedictorian.
Salutatorian:
The Gateway Christian School Salutatorian will be chosen from the graduating class as the student with the second highest grade point average during the four-year high school period. Students who have transferred to Gateway during high school may use the grades from their previous school; however a student must have had at least two full years attendance at Gateway to be considered as the Salutatorian.
Excessive tardiness or poor conduct may preclude a student from being in the GCHS Honor Society, and receiving the title of Valedictorian or Salutatorian.
Letter “G” Society
1.
All students enrolled in
2. The criteria for each letter is as follows:
a. Individual Sports letter – All high school athletes are eligible for a sports letter by competing in two years of an individual sport. An athlete may purchase their letter and jacket at the beginning of the second year of athletics only after submitting a signed letter of commitment for their sport. (i.e.; athlete competes in soccer their junior year and commits in writing to playing their senior year.)
b. Cheerleading – All high school cheerleaders are eligible for the letter by being an active cheerleader for two years. Cheerleaders may purchase their letters at the beginning of their second year of cheerleading only if they have a signed letter of commitment for a second year of cheering on file.
c. Academics – Any high school student who remains on the honor roll (3.00 GPA or higher) for a full school year (four quarters) is eligible for this award. Additional academic ribbons may be awarded for consecutive years.
d. Fine Arts – Students involved in Band, Music, Drama, Worship Team, or any other fine art specialty may be eligible for this award. The teacher or advisor for each specialty shall choose two students from that specialty as letter designees at the end of each semester. The student may purchase their letter jackets at the beginning of the following school year.
e. Leadership – Students who have completed at least one full school year in a student council position shall be eligible for a letter in Leadership. The eligible student may purchase their letter at the beginning of the following school year.
f. Journalism – Students who complete a school year on the yearbook staff will be eligible for a letter in journalism. The student may purchase their letter at the beginning of the following school year.
g. Christian Character – The Christian Character letter is the most prestigious of all letter awards and is given to a student who displays high morals and an open love for God. At the end of each semester, all high school teachers (9-12) will nominate in writing, one high school student who demonstrates a high degree of Christian Character. At the next staff meeting, the nominees will be presented by the nominating teacher with a short speech as to why that person should receive a letter in Christian Character. All staff members will then vote and choose one student to receive the Christian Character letter. The two students (1st and 2nd semester) will then have the opportunity to purchase their letter at the beginning of the next school year.
3.
All letter jackets will be purchased only through the
vendor designated by
Display of Letter Awards on Jackets:
1. Letter shall be worn on the left chest.
2. Class numbers shall be worn on the right pocket area or on the upper right sleeve.
3.
Championship patches may be worn on the right chest or
on the upper left sleeve.
4.
Stripes denoting each year a letter has been awarded
may be worn on the right sleeve. The number of stripes may not exceed four (4).
5.
Embroidered designs such as students name and
achievements, school name and mascot, or sport emblem and design may be placed
on the front or back of the jacket.
6.
All names, emblems, mascot, or designs displayed on the
jacket must represent Gateway in a positive manner and may be subject to
approval by the school principal.
7.
Improper display of awards in any manner shall result
in:
a. One (1) warning to remedy the situation.
b. Repossession of the award by the student body.
TESTING
Each year students in grades K–12 will be given the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT). Testing takes place for one week in April. It is imperative that parents make every effort to insure their student is present for the entire battery of tests.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Students are not allowed to bring the following personal items to school
unless it is a designated day for such items. They can be a source of
distraction and conflict between students. Cell
Phones must be turned off and kept out of sight during school hours. A
violation of this will result in the cell phone being confiscated.
Prohibited items include: matches, lighters, stink bombs, or other flammable objects, students radios, tape players (walkman), CD players, MP3 players, skateboards, roller blades, electronic games, pagers, and devices, knives, chains, guns, sling shots, fire crackers, and any other article which could be considered a weapon. Also prohibited are magazines and comic books and any other item as deemed by the administrators, faculty, or staff.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles of clothing found unclaimed at school will be placed in a lost and
found box. Clothes unclaimed by the monthly PTF meeting will be donated to the
Goodwill or a group in need.
LUNCH
CLASS
VISITATION AND VOLUNTEERS
Parents, parents of prospective students, and prospective students are welcome to set up an appointment to observe a classroom with permission from the administrator.
For the safety of our students, any person other than students, staff, faculty, and administrat