STUDENT HANDBOOK

OUR PHILOSOPHY:
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."   
Bosque Farms Christian Academy (BFCA) is a school for Christian students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.  We believe in keeping Jesus Christ and his teachings as the central focus of every aspect of our school curriculum, whether it is science, math, history, literature or the arts.  A comprehensive study of God's Word will develop a student's understanding of his purpose in life.  It will also develop obedience as the basis of Christian character and ultimately train the student in Godly wisdom.  BFCA is not meant to take the place of the Christian home but to be an extension of the Christian home in training young people for time and eternity in a Christian environment. The academy staff desires to work closely with parents to develop the whole child: spiritually, physically, and mentally.

OUR GOAL AND PURPOSE:
Excellence in education and meeting each student at their individual level is our goal.  Our curriculum, with its 30 year track record of success is used in thousands of schools in the United States and over 100 countries.  This program adapts to the learning speed of your child, recognizing that all children are created uniquely.  Students are never held back nor compelled to keep up with a lock-step group, encouraging maximum success.  We care for every child's spiritual walk with God because we believe that children are a gift from God. Our purpose, therefore, is to inspire our students to live for Jesus Christ.  Students attending BFCA  will be encouraged and challenged in their commitment to Christ.  We will emphasize the development of Christian character. As students mature, we will cultivate Christian conduct.  This will equip students to find and take their place in God's plan.

OUR MISSION:
The mission of BFCA  is to provide a training center to teach students how to live according to God's principles, to be passionate followers of Christ, and to find and fulfill the destiny and purpose God has for their lives. 

OUR VISION:
The vision of BFCA is to affect our local community and ultimately the world by training young people in the ways of God, providing a strong academic foundation, and guiding them to find and fulfill their purpose in the Kingdom of God.

OUR CHALLENGE:
2Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

OUR MOTTO:
God reigns!

HISTORY:
BFCA was started in 1979 as a ministry of First Assembly of God in Bosque Farms, New Mexico.  Since 1979, the Bible has always been the main textbook of this academy. Each student is required to memorize Scripture as part of their daily goals. This is important because Jesus taught that man does not live by bread alone but by the Word of God. This means that a Christian's life is not sustained merely by temporal things but by the eternal Word of God.  We are not ashamed of the Gospel.  We are not ashamed to lift up the name of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the World.  It has always been the goal of this Academy to train Christian youth of every ability in the highest principles of Christian leadership, self discipline, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship in light of these things. 

SCHOOL COLORS:
The school colors are blue and white.  Blue stands for loyalty, and white stands for purity.

CHURCH AFFILIATION:
Bosque Farms Christian Academy is a ministry of First Assembly of God, Bosque Farms, New Mexico. All students are expected to regularly and faithfully attend and belong to a Bible believing church. If you do not have a church home, we invite you to consider First Assembly of God.

STATEMENT OF FAITH:
We Believe:
1.     the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God.
2.     there is one God, eternally existent in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
3.     in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the Father, in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule a thousand years.
4.     in the Blessed Hope, the rapture of the Church at Christ's coming.
5.     the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES:
l.     Read this handbook thoroughly.
2.     Submit completed application to principal.
3.     Set up an appointment for interview of both parents and pupil with the principal and/or the pastor.
4.     Parents will be notified of acceptance.
5.     Pay registration fees (non-refundable/non-transferable.)

MEDICAL GUIDELINES:
A medical report must be filled out by your physician and submitted to the office. All students must have up to date immunization records. In instances where a student needs medical attention, the principal will call the parent and family doctor, (in that order). No staff member will be allowed to administer medicines of any kind for any reason without written permission from the parent. Any medication, including aspirin and Tylenol, will be confiscated from the student unless the student has written permission from the parent to use the medication. Any time a student gives medication to another student, the medication will be taken from both students.

PROCEDURE FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE:
A written excuse signed by parent or guardian must be presented to the teacher when a student returns after an absence. If the absence is foreseeable, a note should be sent in advance. If you are planning to take your child out of school for a considerable period of time, submit a letter to the principal stating dates of the absence, reasons for the same and requesting make-up work.

DEFINITION OF AN EXCUSABLE ABSENCE:
Excusable absences are those caused by illness, doctor appointments, or family emergencies. Hair appointments, shopping trips, etc., are not considered "excused." Unexcused absences will be grounds for suspension or expulsion. Any unexcused absence will automatically result in the student losing privileges, breaks, etc. No ditching is tolerated.  Upon returning to classes following an excused absence, the student is responsible for making up work missed.

TARDINESS:
Tardiness is considered to be unexcused until justified by the parents. In most cases, tardiness will not be excused. A written or verbal explanation is just common courtesy. Otherwise, the student will be penalized for unexplained tardiness.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:
The New Mexico Compulsory Attendance Law requires that all children of school age attend school until they reach the age of 18 or until they have completed the tenth grade or it's equivalent and have been legally withdrawn from the school district in which they were enrolled. In keeping with the spirit of this law, it is our desire to cooperate with the families of our students by keeping attendance problems to a minimum. Students should not be absent more than 10 days per semester. A student missing more than 10 days will be subject to having breaks or other free time taken away in order to make up the work.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT:
BFCA EXPECTS STUDENTS TO: 
1. recognize that BFCA is a Christ-centered school 
2. model their lives after Christ.
3. display respect for God's Word and all those in authority.
4. strive to do their work to the best of their ability.
Students are expected to refrain from talking about or engaging in such things as premarital sexual activities, using controlled substances, acts of violence, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, cheating, and swearing. (This list is not all-inclusive, and final decision on the interpretation of the terms on this list resides with the school administration.) Students who participate in such activities are subject to suspension or expulsion. Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining Christian standards of courtesy, kindness, morality, and honesty. Students must agree to strive toward unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and attitude. Students must sign the Code of Honor stating their willingness to abide by the standards that the academy sets. 

DISCIPLINE:
This is not a correctional institution. Consequently, we will not enroll your child with the idea that we will reform him/her. We are here to work with the home, not to take it's place. A Christian school is not meant to replace parental example.  We have neither the responsibility or the right to raise the children of those who have experienced difficulty fulfilling their roles.  All new students are admitted on probation for the first nine weeks. At the end of that time, a conference will be called with the parents to evaluate the student's progress and his/her continuing at the academy.  Students must at all times conduct themselves in a manner becoming of a Christian. 

HANDLING COMPLAINTS:
If your child comes home complaining about the academy, please follow this procedure: 
1.      Give the staff the benefit of the doubt.
2.      Realize that your student's reporting is emotionally biased without all the necessary information.
3.      Realize that we have reasons for all rules, and rules are enforced without favor.
4.      Support the administration and call us for all the facts. 

Anecdotal humor: If you promise not to believe everything you hear about us, then we promise not to believe everything we hear about you.

ATTITUDE:
When a child's attitude is not in accord with our policies or principles, the child will be placed on probation; both parents will be called for a conference. If the administration feels the situation has not changed within two weeks, the parents will be asked to withdraw the child.  We believe that a Christian School should not only create an environment where children are able to learn the basic subjects to prepare them for future occupations, but endeavor to encourage a disciplined attitude in order for them to deal with everyday life.    In an effort to provide these things, we abide by the following guidelines:
1.      Students are responsible for their own attitudes.
2.      Talking back or being disrespectful is inexcusable.
3.      Complaining or mocking will not be allowed.
4.      Correct conduct in the classrooms and hallways is expected at all times.
5.      Physical displays of violence (fighting, pushing, throwing things, unnecessary roughness) will be handled appropriately.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE:
1^st OFFENSE - Rules will be explained to the student. Proper discipline will be taken in line with the offense. Parents may or may not be notified based on the offense.
2^nd  OFFENSE - Rules will again be explained to the student. Proper discipline will be taken in line with the offense. Parents will be notified, and an interview will be set up.
3^rd  OFFENSE - Rules will again be explained to the student. Proper discipline will be taken in line with the offense. Student may be suspended until a conference can be set up with the parents and student to evaluate the situation.
ADDITIONAL OFFENSES - If a student does not respond to any discipline, and as a last resort, the student will be expelled from BFCA. It is not our intent to expel anyone. Attempts at restoration will be made before anyone is expelled.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
Marked on or defaced property is to be replaced at offending student's expense. Any other damages incurred by a student will be billed to the parents' account.
Lost books are to be replaced at student's expense. Damaged, lost, or failed paces will cost $3.00 each and the fee will be collected before the new pace is issued.
Guns, matches, lighters, knives, radios, cassette players, CD players, cigarettes, narcotics, etc., are prohibited. 
Language should always glorify the Lord.
When a student checks out PE equipment, he/she is responsible to return it or pay for it.
Books, magazines, and office decorations must be approved by the principal or teacher upon arrival.
The telephone is reserved for official school business and emergencies only. Students desiring to place emergency calls will give the name and number to school personnel who in turn will place the call. Arrangements for rides home should be made before school.

DRESS CODE:
Self-discipline results in self-respect, which is characterized by modesty and good taste in personal grooming. The training of students in Godly character will begin with the dress code. Students' dress will affect the entire atmosphere of the school. Academic achievement, student attitude, and student and staff behavior are also affected by the dress code.  Therefore it is the philosophy of BFCA that students should acquire not only an understanding of subject matter, but also a realization that becoming educated for adult life means developing acceptable standards of deportment, dress, and grooming. Clothing appropriate for school wear should be clean, modest in style and neat in appearance. Modesty is the key!! 
All students who came to school without proper attention having been given to personal cleanliness or neatness and modesty of dress, will be sent home to be properly prepared for school.
FINAL DECISIONS ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DRESS STANDARD RESIDE WITH THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.

UNIFORMS

Boys/Men  
Pants - Navy or Khaki
Dickies' plain or pleated front (no cargo pants)
Men's sizes - Dickies' Easy Care Cotton Pants, p.9  
Shirts - White or navy polo shirts

Girls/Women  
Skirts - French Toast style must come below the knee
Belts must be worn when loops are on clothing.  
Shirts - White or navy polo shirt
SOLID colored sweaters (cardigan or pull-over) during cold weather.
NO SWEATSHIRTS except for PE.

KINDERGARTEN:
Kindergarteners will follow the prescribed uniform. 
Shorts are not to be worn under any circumstances.

GRADES 1-12:
GIRLS' BLOUSES AND TOPS:
Each young lady is to be discreet and modest in appearance. 
All girls must wear the prescribed uniform items. 
Parents should check their girls' appearance before sending them to school to avoid problems.  
Dress shoes must be worn.  Flipflops are prohibited.

BOYS' SHIRTS:
Shirts with collars must be worn. 
All shirts must be tucked inside the pants. 
All boys must wear the prescribed uniform items.

BOYS' PANTS:
All boys must wear the prescribed uniform items.
Belts must be worn at all times. 

BOYS' HAIR:
Hair must be neat and trimmed at all times. Hair is not to overlap shirt collars or eyebrows. It should not come below the middle of the ear. Any boy who shaves should be clean shaven everyday. "Spiked" hair is not permissible. Boys cannot use artificial coloring. Any other "fad" must be approved beforehand by the principal. Hats will not be worn in the building.

BOYS' JEWELRY:
Earrings are not permitted. Any jewelry which portrays or symbolizes immoral standards or a rebellious life-style is not permitted.

PE CLOTHES:
PE clothes will be required for all students in Grades 1-12. These will be worn during PE classes and other sports or outdoor activities. Tennis shoes are required for PE. The uniform includes a loose fitting jogging suit, (sweat pants and T-shirt or sweatshirt). T-shirts must be Christian or a solid color, and must be loose fitting and modest. No other slogan shirts will be allowed. T-shirts with holes, see-through shirts, half shirts, or shirts that are torn for style are prohibited. Tank tops are not acceptable. No shorts are allowed. Shirts are not to be worn inside-out.
FINAL DECISIONS ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DRESS STANDARDS RESIDE WITH THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
In most cases students will not succeed without parental support and involvement. All attempts should be made to communicate to the teachers and principal any problems as soon as they happen.  Parent/teacher/student conferences promote a good understanding between parents and school staff. Every parent is encouraged to participate in these informative meetings.  The first such meeting is held at the end of the first quarter of school. Parent conferences can be scheduled at any time during the year.

Parents who allow their students to engage in activities which are contradictory to the accepted standard of conduct must realize their student's conduct is a direct reflection on BFCA. If they are not in agreement with the standards and principles which we at BFCA are endeavoring to teach, then parents should consider withdrawing their students from BFCA immediately.

SCHOOL HOURS:
School hours are from 8:30AM to 2:45PM Monday through Thursday. On Friday school hours are from 8:30AM to 1:00PM. Students should not arrive on campus prior to 8:00AM. Students must be picked up no later than 3:15 PM Monday through Thursday, and 1:30 PM on Friday. If the student has not been picked up by the designated time he/she will be signed into the Day Care, and the parents will be expected to pay the current rate charged.

We will still have school on days when it snows or when we have bad weather. The staff will be here. Parents should use their own judgment as to whether they should bring their students to school.

STUDENT VEHICLES:
Students driving to school will park their cars or motorcycles at the north end of the parking lot. No student will be allowed in the parking lot during school hours without permission. All students driving to school must have a copy of a valid drivers license in their file. Bicycles will be parked in the bike rack and will be off limits to all students during school hours.

CLOSED CAMPUS:
Bosque, Farms Christian Academy maintains a closed campus policy. Once a student arrives on campus, he/she is not permitted to leave without permission from his/her parents and the authorization of the school principal. No one will be allowed to pick up students except parents and others designated in writing by the parents.  Parents must check in at the school office before taking students out of school.  Parents are encouraged to come in at any time to observe. Please abide by the school dress code when doing so.