If you get in trouble

Because of sin in our lives, there are times when the law of love and mutual respect is broken, school rules violated, and disputes arise among students, teachers, staff, and parents. We all have sinful inclinations, but what must be different about those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ is the way we deal with sin and its effects. The Bible is our guide for dealing with sin. The biblical process for dealing with sin includes: Admonition in love ("Did you have permission to take that from John’s locker?") Confession of wrong (“I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to do that.") Restitution (“I'll put it back right now.") Reconciliation (“I forgive you; let's be friends.")

When we follow this pattern, we can grow toward Christian maturity through our mistakes.

Consequences for doing wrong: Whenever you've done something wrong, there are consequences. We follow these guidelines when a student makes a wrong choice:

Because we're looking for growth and change, the consequences of doing wrong should correct or repair the harm that has been done. Reconciliation requires personal confession, apology and forgiveness. Abuse of property may require restitution. (For example, if you make a mess, you may have to spend extra time at school cleaning; if you've wasted time in class or been frequently tardy, you may have to serve a detention or come to Saturday School; if you abuse a privilege, you may lose that privilege for a while.)

If doing wrong seems to be a habit or a pattern, or if the deed seems especially willful or serious, we will contact parents by telephone. We may request a conference with parents to discuss the problem and possible solutions. We encourage proactive communication between parents and teachers.

A teacher may detain a student for up to 30 minutes after school for disciplinary purposes.

Students will be in serious trouble if they: Disobey or show disrespect to an adult Possess, sell, give away, or use any illegal or harmful substance such as drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) Cheat or lie Destroy, deface, or steal someone else's property Harass or abuse another person, verbally, physically, sexually, or emotionally Engage in sexually immoral behavior Disrupt the learning of others Frequently are tardy to school or class Consistently refuse to do homework Cut class or leave school without permission

A student can be suspended in or from school only by the principal in consultation with the head of school. In-school or out-of-school suspension is a serious disciplinary consequence for serious problems or repeated lack of cooperation. A student can be suspended until the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors (which meets bi-monthly).

A student consistently displaying irresponsible behavior or with a poor academic record may be placed on probation. Failing a course automatically results in probation. Probation allows a student to continue in school under the terms of a specific set of rules and expectations designed specifically to meet the needs of that student. Students on probation always receive a written statement of the terms of the probation, which in most cases will include not participating in cocurricular activities while on probation.

Students who do not live up to the terms of their probation may be asked to withdraw from school. Students may withdraw from school without any penalty and without the stigma of having been expelled on their school records. Withdrawal is a peaceful way of saying "It's not working here at CAJ, and it's time to try another arrangement that may better meet my needs." Withdrawing from school leaves the door open to returning to CAJ at some future time.

Expulsion can only be done by the Board of Directors acting on a recommendation from the head of school. This is the most serious consequence of wrongdoing and is used only if all other efforts to motivate a student to responsible action have failed or if a student is a threat to the safety and well-being of others. Expulsion becomes a part of the student's permanent record and means that a student may not be readmitted to CAJ. Parents are notified in writing of a recommendation for expulsion and are invited to appear at a hearing conducted by the board.