STATEMENT OF FAITH Concerning the Scriptures We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally written were God-breathed, both verbally and in every part. We believe God communicated through Spirit-controlled men so that the Scriptures are without error, authoritative, and complete. We believe the Bible is the supreme revelation of God’s will for mankind and constitutes the only infallible guide for faith and life. Psalm 119:128; Matthew 5:18; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18, 19; John 10:34, 35; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12 Concerning the True God We believe in the one eternal God, the Creator of all things; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, identical in essence and equal in power and glory. Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 46:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Exodus 20:2, 3; Matthew 3:16, 17; Deuteronomy 4:35, 6:4; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8 Concerning God the Father We believe that God the Father is holy and loving. Unlimited in time, space, knowledge, and power, the Father has planned for His glory all that comes to pass and purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself. In His sovereignty, He is neither author nor approver of sin, nor does He negate the accountability of moral, intelligent creatures. Although distinct from His creation, He is imminently at work in it, intervening as He chooses. Psalm 103:19; Ephesians 1:4; James 1:13; Habakkuk 1:12, 13; John 8:38, 47; 1 Peter 1:17; Psalm 139: 1-16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 5:17 Concerning the Lord Jesus Christ We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He became “God manifest in the flesh.” As fully God and fully man He lived an absolutely sinless life. He voluntarily died to make a full and vicarious atonement for our sins. He arose from the dead on the third day and ascended bodily into heaven. Isaiah 7:14; 1 Peter 2:22; 3:18; Matthew 1:18-25; 28:6; John 1:1 Concerning the Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter sent by the Father and the Son, possessing full personality and deity. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the agent of the new birth, at which time He baptizes believers into the body of Christ, and His work among believers is that He seals, indwells, fills, guides, and teaches. The sign gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles and healing, were powerful indicators in New Testament times whereby the authenticity of the gospel was established on earth but these gifts are not for today.John 7:39; 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8-13, 28-31; 13:8-12; Hebrews 2:1-4, 9:14; Acts 1:4,5; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:7-11 Concerning Mankind We believe the Scriptures teach that men and women are created in God’s image. Adam was created by a direct act of God as described in Genesis 1 and not from any previously existing form of life. By voluntary transgression he fell from his state of innocence, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners by nature and by choice, and therefore under just condemnation to everlasting, conscious punishment, separated from God. Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23, 5:12-19; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 Concerning Salvation We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is initiated by a loving God, wholly of grace, and accomplished only through the mediating work of the Son of God. It is upon the sole condition of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The sinner must be born again, being regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit thereby receiving a new nature. The believer who has exercised personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and in possession of a salvation which is eternally secure. An evidence of salvation is a life of obedience to God producing good works. John 3:3-6, 16; 10:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:8; Acts 13:39, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Peter 1:18-23, Romans 5:1,9; Romans 2:4 I Timothy 2:5, 6; 2 Peter 1:4 Concerning the Church We believe the Scriptures teach that the Church of Jesus Christ, distinct from Israel in the Old Testament, was inaugurated at Pentecost and must be considered in two aspects: the local church and “the church which is His body.” This “body” is the entire company of believers in Christ. A local church is an organized assembly of baptized believers, associated by a commitment to the faith, fellowship, and proclamation of the gospel, and observing the ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. The Scripture identifies two offices in local churches. The terms overseer, elder, and pastor or shepherd all refer to the same office. The other is the office of deacon. The New Testament specifically assigns headship and authority in the local church to men. Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Titus 1:5-9; Philippians 1:1; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 10:44, 45; 11:15, 16; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 3:1-13 Concerning Baptism and the Lord’s Supper We believe the Scriptures teach that baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, representing the believer’s death to sin and his resurrection to a new life. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of Christ’s death to be observed by believers until His return and should be preceded by honest self-examination. Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41-47; 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 Concerning Angels We believe that God created sinless, spirit beings called angels to worship and serve Him. Satan and some of the angels became proud and rebelled and were judged by God. Satan now rules these fallen angels, also called demons. They seek continually to frustrate the purposes of God and to ensnare the sons of men. These were conquered by Christ on the cross and condemned to an everlasting punishment yet to be executed. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2 Revelation 12:9; Hebrews 1:14; 2:14; 12:22; Ezekiel 28:11-19; 2 Kings 6:16,17; Isaiah 14:12- 17; Colossians 2:15 Concerning Future Events We believe in the coming of Christ in the air to take His saints to be with Him. This imminent event will be followed by the seven-year tribulation which will conclude with His second coming to the earth to establish His millennial reign. Satan, after leading a final rebellion, will be cast into the lake of fire, along with death, hell, and the unrighteous dead. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 20:1-15; 21:1 Concerning the Eternal State We believe the Scriptures teach the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust. The just, those who have been redeemed, will spend eternity in full enjoyment of God’s presence. The unjust, those who through impenitence and unbelief refuse to accept God’s offer of mercy, will spend eternity in everlasting, conscious punishment. Psalm 16:11, Daniel 12:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:14, 15; Matthew 25:46
AFFILIATION: The Greater Lisbon Christian Academy is operated by the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, Inc. (ABWE) and the Associação dos Baptistas para Evangelismo Mundial (ABEM). The Greater Lisbon Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.
SCHOOL BOARD: Members of the school board are chosen annually from the ABWE field team during their April meeting. They are responsible for strategic planning and policy making.
ATTENDANCE : Absences When a student misses school, he misses part of the teaching process, which is built upon daily. For this reason, we discourage unnecessary absences. Absences in excess of 25 days during the year may jeopardize a student’s promotion. If the student is gone from school two to four hours in a given day, it will be considered one-half day of absence. If a student is gone more than four hours in a given day, it will be considered a full day of absence. Both excused and unexcused absences will be recorded on a student’s permanent record. Excused absences involve illness, injury, family emergency, and death in the immediate family. Also, documentation, furlough adjustments, medical or dental services are seen as excused, though whenever possible, it is much preferred that these be scheduled at times other than school days or during school hours. Visitors GLCA students who would like friends or family to come to classes may do so if the respective principal has given permission at least one day before the intended visit. Any visitor must comply with the school’s appearance and conduct standards. Coming and Leaving Our desire is to have students punctual and ready to study at the appropriate time. Students should be in their classrooms by 9:00. We ask that you not leave your car parked and unattended in an area that would block traffic. Vehicles should enter at the upper end of the front parking lot, and exit by the lower end. Students are to stay on the porch area until their ride has arrived. We ask that students be picked up no later than 4:00. GLCA is a closed campus. This means that no one may leave the school premises during the school day without permission. Students leaving GLCA with a teacher on school-approved trips are responsible to that teacher and are expected to follow school regulations and the teacher’s directions for the duration of the trip. No student will be allowed to go on school trips away from GLCA without a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.
CODE OF CONDUCT: All members of the GLCA community (board, administration, teachers, staff, students and parents) are expected to treat each other with dignity, worth and respect and are encouraged to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their abilities.
Standards of Conduct The following standards of conduct are an attempt to create an atmosphere of Christ- likeness at GLCA. Members of the GLCA community are expected to respect the authority of those who have supervisory responsibility over them. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to be respectful of others’ rights and property, both school and individual. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to represent our school in an outstanding manner. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to display honesty and integrity in their dealings, avoiding all forms of dishonesty and partiality. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to avoid demeaning or belittling attitudes and to treat others with dignity, worth, and respect. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to work to maintain positive relationships with other members of the GLCA community. --Members of the GLCA community are expected to work to the best of their abilities so that all might receive the maximum benefit from the teaching- learning experience.
Appearance Code As a Christian school, we have a responsibility to create an atmosphere that promotes the goals and purposes of the school. Student appearance should be modest and in good taste so as not to be offensive or draw undue attention to oneself at school or at any school activity. The neat appearance of our students helps create a positive moral, spiritual, and academic climate at GLCA.
The appearance code standard presented here is intended to provide a general framework within which parents, students and staff will be able to operate. When attempting to establish a standard of dress, it is impossible to satisfy the personal preferences of every individual involved with the school. Furthermore, style changes make it difficult and inadvisable to establish an exhaustive list of what is acceptable and what is not. This code is an attempt to set reasonable standards that are necessary within any organization. It is not our opinion that our appearance code is the only right one, but we do feel that it best suits our purpose.
The alert help of parents is important in keeping the appearance code from becoming a major issue. Students are expected to abide by the code and parents are expected to monitor compliance before their children leave the house. It is best for enforcement to begin and end at home. It is inappropriate that other students, teachers or staff be distracted from the educational process because someone failed to fulfill his or her commitment to follow the code. Final resolution of any disagreements regarding what is or is not appropriate according to the code rests with the administration. Thank you for your cooperation and involvement in the important matter of school life.
Dress Code for All Students --All clothing should be neat, modest, clean, properly fitting, in good repair and not interfere with the educational process. --Clothing should not be transparent or extremely tight fitting or oversized. --Undershirts and tank tops are not acceptable as outerwear. --No shirt may be worn that is imprinted with questionable messages or pictures. Acceptable examples of pictures and wording on tops include animals and scenery, sports teams, college or school logos and names of cities, states or countries. --Modesty should be the key with no extremes in the areas of hairstyles, hair coloring, jewelry (body piercing) or makeup. --For high school students, sweat pants and athletic shorts are to be worn only during PE classes or as directed during after school sports activities and socials. --Shorts should be at least finger-tip length which means that when arms are fully extended at your sides, the length of the shorts is at least as long as your fingers can reach.
Dress Code for Girls --The hem of skirts or dresses should be no more than two inches above the top of the knee. --If shorts are worn they must be at least finger-tip length (see description above). --Girls may wear modest sleeveless or cap sleeve tops and dresses. Those having low necklines, low backs, revealing midriffs or showing undergarments may not be worn. This would include spaghetti straps, halter tops, and bare backs. --Tank tops may be modestly worn under shirts, blouses, sweaters and dresses as part of a layered look. Jewelry should be kept simple. Only ears should be pierced. --Tights may be worn under dresses but are not appropriate for P.E. attire. --Jewelry should be kept simple. Only ears should be pierced.
Dress Code For Boys --Hair needs to be clean and neatly trimmed. --Facial hair is permitted but must be neatly trimmed. --Earrings are considered inappropriate and may not be worn. --Hats are not to be worn inside.
Any infraction will be discreetly brought to the student's attention, asking the student not to wear that garment again. If a second violation occurs or if the first violation is extreme, the parents will be called and asked to bring appropriate clothing.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT: It is our desire in dealing with music and entertainment issues, to glorify God and maintain a biblical perspective. Characteristics stated in Phil. 4:8: “whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and good” will be used as a means for evaluation. Our desire is to exemplify the indwelling of God’s Word as we teach and admonish through the following types of songs mentioned in Colossians 4:16: --Psalms - personal reflections of a heart that belongs to God, --Hymns - praise directed towards God, and --Spiritual songs - spiritual themes of a Christian’s life are all used for that purpose.
Videos must be free of swearing, extreme violence, double meanings and immorality. Students are not permitted to use personal music playing devices during class unless permission is given by the teacher.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: GLCA takes responsibility for authorized activities as listed on the school calendar. Any other extra-curricular activity (e.g., Jr/Sr. trip) is the responsibility of parents and/or the organizer of the activity.
ACADEMICS Graduation Requirements The following requirements have been established as the 18 minimum credits required for graduation from high school at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy: Bible (4) English (4) Social Sciences (3) Math (3) Science (3) Physical Education (2) Health (1/2) Speech (1/2) Intro to Computer (1)
In addition to the required credits, several other courses will be offered for those students desiring credits over and beyond the minimum requirements. Parents and students should consult college catalogs to determine if these minimum credits meet the admission requirements for the college(s) of their choice and to assist in the selection of courses to be taken at GLCA. If the chosen college requires more than is offered at GLCA, special courses may be arranged through independent studies or correspondence courses. The following courses are available at GLCA to meet the graduation requirements and as additional options:
BIBLE MATH Algebra I Algebra II Geometry Applied Math SCIENCE Physical Science Biology Chemistry Physics ENGLISH Grammar, Literature, etc. SOCIAL SCIENCES American History II World History US Government Family Living OTHER. Health. Phys-Ed. Speech. Keyboard/Computer GLCA is committed to teaching all academic disciplines from a strictly biblical perspective. On the elementary level, grades K through 6, that will include a daily Bible time following an approved curriculum, a weekly one-hour chapel time of spiritual emphasis, and integration of the Word of God into subject areas. In grades 7 through 12, this will include Bible class, a one-hour chapel program, and integration of the Bible into the academic subjects. Our policy is to maintain a strong biblical emphasis in our school while, at the same time respecting the rights and responsibilities of individual parents to teach the Word of God to their own children and teens in the home as they see fit.
Grading Standard A 93-100 A- 90-92 B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82 C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72. D+ 67-69 D 63-66 D- 60-62 F 0-59 Numerical percentages will be recorded on the student’s transcripts. A ́s are given a value of 4, B ́s are given a value of 3, C ́s are given a value of 2, and D ́s are given a value of 1.
Drop/Add Students may add a course within the first two weeks of the school year. Students may drop a course up to the fourth week of the school year without any effect on their permanent records. Beyond four weeks the permanent record may indicate WP (withdraw passing) or WF (withdraw failing). All changes in student schedules must be authorized by the administration.
Homework Homework is an important aspect of a good education. Concepts taught in school need to be developed at home. This development may come in the form of preparation homework, practice homework, extension homework, and creative homework. The following will serve as guidelines as to what to expect in the way of homework. These are only guidelines, and will vary from child to child. These times do not reflect daily study times necessary to prepare for quizzes and tests or time spent on long-term projects. An average high school homework assignment consists of about 30 minutes per class per night. Some classes, by their nature, may require more time. Students are encouraged to use their study halls wisely. Also, students should plan ahead for long- range projects. We greatly encourage parents to review and monitor each student’s work at home. Tests and Quizzes Tests are given generally once every two weeks in most subject areas. A notice of at least two to five days is given for all tests. Quizzes are given periodically throughout the weeks to cover subject content. Teachers may or may not give prior notice of upcoming quizzes. Semester Exams At the end of each semester, students in grades 9-12 may have a semester exam in each full credit class. Each semester exam counts 10% of the final grade in that course. Report Cards and Mid-quarter Reports Report cards are sent out quarterly. Progress reports are sent out midway into each new quarter so that students and parents have an idea how the student is progressing.
DISCIPLINE POLICY AND PROCEDURES: Discipline Policy The purpose of our discipline procedures is to create consistency and reflect a sense of fairness. When a student deviates in obedience, it is the responsibility of the home and school to help by correcting and guiding the student. Discipline of children is primarily the parent’s responsibility, but parents and staff must cooperate to assist children towards self-discipline. Discipline may be required when the following are not adhered to: --Students are to walk in the classrooms, halls and stairways. --Students are not to use abusive, crude, vulgar or profane language – written, spoken or gestures. --Students are not to leave the classroom or the school property without permission. --Students are not permitted to chew gum on school premises. --Students are expected to refrain from any physical contact that includes physical abuse or inappropriate display of affection. --The classroom teacher generally handles discipline. Loss of privileges, times out, etc. are ways that may be used to correct students. When necessary, parents are contacted and may be asked to meet with the teacher and/or principal to help in understanding a situation and in formulating a suitable solution. Response to Discipline When a student is not in agreement with a teacher, he should never discuss the situation with the teacher in front of other students. He should obey the teacher without protest but go to the teacher after class and ask for a time to discuss the matter privately. If the matter is unresolved, he should talk with his parents about the situation and, together, decide if the appeal procedures should be used. Appeal Guidelines We operate on guidelines based on the application of Matthew 18:15-19. If these guidelines are followed, the majority of problems will be resolved with a minimum amount of conflict, superseded by trust and confidence. --Questions and complaints should be addressed initially and directly to the appropriate person. -- If the situation remains unresolved, an appeal may be made to the next person in authority. A meeting will then be conducted among the three parties. -- If the situation continues unresolved, the appeal process may continue through the appropriate chain of authority up to and including the school board. If the process reaches the school board, the appeal will be placed on the agenda and the situation will be presented with all parties involved being present. A written explanation of the situation should be submitted one week prior to the meeting. The decision rendered by the school board is final. --The chain of authority is teacher, head teacher (elementary or high school), administrator and school board. For repeated or serious offenses, after school detention may be assigned. The teacher will work with the parents in establishing a suitable time for detention. Suspension and Expulsion When a student is found to be repeatedly insubordinate or is out of harmony with the ideals of the ministry and cause of Christ, the student may be recommended for suspension and/or expulsion. If a student is suspended, the following consequences will occur. Unless by special administrative permission, the student will not be permitted on school premises nor be present at any extra-curricular events on the day/days suspended. All missed work will be made up. For each day of suspension, two percentage points from the current nine week grade will be deducted in every subject.
Additionally, neither the teachers, staff, governing board of GLCA, nor the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism shall be liable for loss of any personal property owned by any student, parent, or guardian as a result of the student’s attending the school. Parents or guardians are encouraged to purchase and maintain sufficient insurance to guard against loss of personal property.
PARENT AND STUDENT AGREEMENT:The student handbook is designed to create awareness, develop understanding and promote accountability on the part of our students. Cooperation in reviewing this handbook is a vital part of the process of communicating an understanding of our purpose and expectations at GLCA. We encourage parental involvement with the ministry at GLCA. In your participation with the school, we ask that you respect our published statement of faith.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: Neither the teachers, staff, governing board of GLCA, nor the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism will be liable or responsible for personal injury that occurs as the result of any student’s attending the school. Parents or guardians are responsible for obtaining proper insurance to adequately cover personal loss or injury to a student.
TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE: These policies apply to every student at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy. Any activity deemed inappropriate by the school is prohibited, even though not expressly stated herein. Responsibilities In accordance with the school conduct policy, students should act responsibly in the use of the computers, Ipads and other tablets as well as when accessing the school’s internet account on personally owned equipment. The use agreement applies to use of school tablets both on and off of school grounds. Unauthorized Access To Files and Directories Students must not engage in any activity that is intended to circumvent computer security controls. This means they must not attempt to crack passwords, to discover unprotected files, or to decode encrypted files. This also includes creating, modifying, or executing programs that are designed to hack computer systems. Unauthorized Use of Software --Students are prohibited from loading, downloading, or copying any software on any computer system without approval from the Network Administrator. --Students are prohibited from downloading, possessing, or using access to the computer system, or disrupt the computing processes in any way. Using viruses or any other invasive software is expressly forbidden. Use For-Profit Activities The school's computer systems are for the sole use of the school. Students are prohibited from using the school's computer systems for personal financial gain. Electronic Mail (Email) Internet The GLCA faculty/staff reserve the right to intercept, detain and read both incoming and outgoing e-mail and Internet traffic. There is no guarantee of privacy with e-mail/Internet, as all e-mail/Internet traffic is subject to public disclosure and scrutiny. --Students are prohibited from transmitting or forwarding fraudulent, harassing, or obscene messages and files. Accessing sites, weaponry/bomb making, sites of sexual content, gambling, or any other site(s) deemed inappropriate by GLCA staff is prohibited. --Students are prohibited from transmitting or forwarding chain letters, mass mailings, or SPAMMING. Use of ANY email program or Internet accessibility program without permission by GLCA staff by a student is prohibited. Network Communications Playing musical CDs, computer games, recreational computing (MUDing, BBSing, etc.) and chatting are not considered educational and take up bandwidth on our network and therefore are not allowed. Deliberately running programs that "hog" bandwidth is not permissible. Web Pages The school's computer system may be used to create, revise and house home pages for the school, departments and school organizations/clubs. No other home page can be housed on the schools computers. Waste and Abuse --Eating and/or drinking is not allowed at any computer workstations or in any computer lab at any time. --Network printers should be used responsibly to prevent waste and abuse. Hardware/Software All hardware and software are the properties of GLCA and should not be moved or altered without consent from the Network Administrator. Penalties/Consequences --Minimum (1st Offense) - suspension from use of technology. --Minimum (2nd Offense and succeeding offenses) - suspension from use of technology for increasingly longer periods, up to the remainder of the semester or the school year (with the possibility of loss of credit). Permanent suspension may result in appropriate circumstances. --Maximum - expulsion. *A student is, in addition, subject to consequences for violation of ANY school policy through the use of the computer.
DISCLAIMER: The school specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the use of the computer.Any violation will be reported to the computer lab supervisor, the Network Administrator, and/or other authorities as deemed necessary. Upon reasonable notice, the provisions herein are subject to change for the protection of students, faculty and staff.