STUDENT & PARENT
HANDBOOK
2019-2020
Table of Contents
General Information .................................................................................................................. 4-14
Access Control System and Video Surveillance Cameras ..........................................................................................4
Accreditation .............................................................................................................................................................4
Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................5
Admissions/Enrollment/Re-enrollment.....................................................................................................................5
Behavior Marks and Consequences...........................................................................................................................6
Books ........................................................................................................................................................................6
Buses..........................................................................................................................................................................7
Campus Safety and Security ......................................................................................................................................7
Cafeteria/Coffee House ......................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Chapel/The Gathering ...............................................................................................................................................8
Child Abuse and Cooperation with Governmental Authorities .................................................................................8
Child Custody .............................................................................................................................................................8
Closed Campus ..........................................................................................................................................................8
Communication ..................................................................................................................................................... 8-9
Drivers: Students and Parents Safe Arrival and Dismissal Procedures ............................................................... 9-10
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedure at Lower Elem & HS Buildings and Pick Up for Upper Elem Students .......................10
Drop Off Procedure at Upper Elem/MS Buildings and Pick Up Procedure for MS Students Only..................... 10-11
Extended Care (Pre-Kindergarten-6th Grade) ..........................................................................................................11
Fundraising Activities...............................................................................................................................................11
Guests on Campus ...................................................................................................................................................11
Health and Safety ....................................................................................................................................................12
Late Homework Policy (7th-12th grade) ....................................................................................................................13
Lockers .....................................................................................................................................................................13
Parent Organization.................................................................................................................................................13
Printed Materials / Press Releases / Use of FCS Logo .............................................................................................13
School Hours...................................................................................................................................................... 13-14
Tuition Assistance....................................................................................................................................................14
Withdrawal Policy....................................................................................................................................................14
Code of Conduct ...................................................................................................................... 15-28
A Unified Dress Code and Personal Appearance Standards .............................................................................. 15-17
Alcohol .....................................................................................................................................................................18
Bullying/Harassment ...............................................................................................................................................18
Cell Phones ..............................................................................................................................................................18
Cheating............................................................................................................................................................. 18-19
Conduct in Halls .......................................................................................................................................................19
Criminal and/or Legal Civil Issues ............................................................................................................................19
Cyber Bullying ..........................................................................................................................................................19
Disciplinary Action ............................................................................................................................................. 19-21
Disciplinary Appeal Process .....................................................................................................................................21
Display of Affection..................................................................................................................................................21
Driving Privilege ................................................................................................................................................. 20-21
Drug Policy and Drug Testing...................................................................................................................................22
Earbuds and Headphones........................................................................................................................................22
Electronic Devices....................................................................................................................................................22
Gang Activities .........................................................................................................................................................22
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Hazing ................................................................................................................................................................ 22-23
Honesty Policy .........................................................................................................................................................23
iPad Acceptable Use (7th-12th Grade) ................................................................................................................ 23-24
iPad Acceptable Use (Kindergarten-6th Grade) ................................................................................................. 24-25
Marriage ..................................................................................................................................................................25
Maternity/Paternity.................................................................................................................................................26
Pornography ............................................................................................................................................................26
Profanity ..................................................................................................................................................................26
Respect for Authority ..............................................................................................................................................26
Sexting .....................................................................................................................................................................26
Sexual Harassment ..................................................................................................................................................26
Sexual Misconduct...................................................................................................................................................26
Skateboarding..........................................................................................................................................................27
Social Media Acceptable Use Policy ........................................................................................................................27
Student Email...........................................................................................................................................................27
Theft or Destruction of Personal Property ..............................................................................................................28
Threats to Others.....................................................................................................................................................28
Threat of Personal Injury to Self ..............................................................................................................................28
Tobacco....................................................................................................................................................................28
Vandalism ................................................................................................................................................................28
Weapons..................................................................................................................................................................28
Academic Policy ....................................................................................................................... 29-33
Graduation Requirements .......................................................................................................................................29
Honors Diploma .......................................................................................................................................................29
Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit Eligibility........................................................................................................ 29-30
Grade Point Average, Course Weighting, Transfers, and Class Rank................................................................. 30-31
General Academic Regulations ................................................................................................................................31
General Academic Regulations for Middle School and High School Only ......................................................... 31-32
Ethos Virtual School (High School)...........................................................................................................................32
Email Communication and Conferences with Faculty ....................................................................................... 32-33
Extracurricular Activities.......................................................................................................... 33-35
Guidelines for Student Activities Participation........................................................................................................33
Guidelines for School Field Trips .............................................................................................................................33
National Honor Society............................................................................................................................................34
Science Olympiad ....................................................................................................................................................34
Youth Leadership Wilson .........................................................................................................................................35
Athletics ........................................................................................................................................ 36
Middle and High School...........................................................................................................................................36
Fifth and Sixth Grades..............................................................................................................................................36
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Intramurals ....................................................................................................................36
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The information in this handbook is accurate as of July 1, 2019. All requirements, rules, and provisions stated in this
handbook and other publications of Friendship Christian School are subject to change or modification at any time
without prior notice. Changes and modifications will be posted on RenWeb. Online updates will be considered the
authoritative version of the handbook. This handbook is intended for grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
However, some sections pertain only to specific grades and will be so noted.
ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
Friendship Christian School has access controlled door locks and surveillance cameras located inside and outside
most buildings to support the efforts to maintain a safe and secure school environment. Any person who tampers
with the system, disables, or damages, the FCS access control system or video surveillance camera or any part of the
video surveillance system, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from school, as well as
held financially responsible for any and all damages. The act of attempting to open a locked door by force to gain
access into a building may be deemed violating the law by breaking and entering, and to the extent, the door and/or
access control mechanisms are damaged, considered vandalism. The person responsible will be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from school, held financially responsible for any and all damages,
and may face criminal charges under the law. Video surveillance may be used in proceedings related to law
enforcement.
Access to campus buildings is to be granted only by designated FCS employees; students should never release a door
lock and allow another person (student, parent, or otherwise) access to any campus building. Students observed by
video surveillance in acts that break school policy, procedures, or disciplinary guidelines will be subject to the
consequences of violating those policies, procedures, or guidelines. Surveillance footage is the property of FCS.
ACCREDITATION
Friendship Christian School is fully accredited by AdvancED, the entity for Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (SACS). Accreditation is maintained through meeting rigorous standards, showing progress on a school
improvement plan, submitting annual reports, conducting a self-study, and hosting an on-site peer review
committee visit every five years.
ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT/RE-ENROLLMENT
All new student applicants are required to complete the admissions application process and submit an enrollment
contract. All returning students are required to submit a re-enrollment contract for each school year.
Parents/guardians who withhold or misrepresent information on an admissions application or enrollment/re-
enrollment contract may jeopardize the student’s acceptance for admission or may result in the immediate
termination of the student’s enrollment at FCS.
FCS reserves the right to deny acceptance or deny re-enrollment of a student if the administration, in its sole
discretion, deems the student not to be mission appropriate for the school.
All newly accepted students are enrolled on a nine (9) week probationary period to observe:
Academic level, degree of student effort, and potential academic success at FCS
Behavioral, developmental, and social skills to enable a positive learning environment for all students
Family’s financial commitment to a lasting relationship with FCS
The administration reserves the right to release or expel any student, at any time, if such action is deemed to be in
the best interest of the student and/or the school.
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ATTENDANCE
Friendship Christian School’s responsibility to each student can only be fulfilled if the student attends school.
Attendance is mandatory for each day of the school schedule as regulated by AdvancED Tennessee. Attendance
records for each student are available for parent review on RenWeb.
It is requested that parents notify the school by 8:00 AM if a student is going to be absent. If the school does not
hear from the parent, the office may contact the parent to confirm the absence.
An absent or tardy student must present a parental note of explanation to the principal’s office upon return to
obtain an admission slip to class. A parental note does NOT constitute an excused absence or tardy.
1. Four or more consecutive days absence for sickness require a physician’s note.
2. Eight absences in a semester will result in a parent(s) notification by the principal and may require a
physician’s statement.
3. Nine absences in a semester block class in high school require a physician’s note and may result in forfeiture
of credit for the course(s) missed by the student. *
4. Twelve absences during a semester block class, regardless of reason or circumstance, will result in forfeiture
of credit. The student will be required to repeat the course. *
*The administration may examine each case individually to consider extenuating circumstances.
Excused Absence: The following absences will be considered excused: a physician’s note, a verifiable court
appearance, the death of a family member, administrative approved school-related activities, and college/university
visits pre-approved by the administration. An excused absence carries no penalty, provided all missed work is made
up according to the following guidelines:
K-5th Grade: You have the same number of days that you were absent to make up the work.
6th-12th Grades for block classes:
a. Miss 1-2 days, work assigned while absent is due the second time the class meets (one extra class
day is granted), e.g., miss Monday, work assigned Monday is due Friday. Miss Monday and
Tuesday, work assigned Monday and Tuesday are due on Friday and Monday, respectively.
b. Previously assigned work due on the missed day(s) is due immediately upon return to school.
c. Students will not receive extensions on due dates for long term projects. If they are due while
absent, they must be turned in the first day they return to school.
d. If a student misses a class but comes to school later in the day, the student must turn in any
homework for the classes missed by 2:45 pm the same day to avoid a late penalty.
It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about missed work in all situations. Students absent more than two
consecutive days need to make arrangements with their teachers, and if applicable, the Academic Dean, for a
schedule to make up missed work. Homework assignments are available on RenWeb, and in some cases, the teacher-
established class websites. Parents are requested to check those resources before calling the office or the teacher.
Requests for work to be sent to the office for parents to pick up must be received before 10:00 AM
Family Trips: All family trips should be scheduled during the established, two-week breaks, or during the summer.
Tardiness (7th-12th Grades Only): Students who are tardy to a class should be sent to the office for a tardy slip,
regardless of which block. The school office will keep track of tardiness. Students with six (6) tardies in a semester
will serve two after-school detentions. An additional three (3) detentions or alternative discipline determined by
the principal will be administered each time four additional tardies are reached. Additionally, students will lose all
exam exemptions in a semester where fourteen (14) tardies have been reached. Seniors required to take exams due
to tardiness must do so by the Friday before graduation.
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Truancy: Skipping classes or school will not be tolerated. Students who are not present in their assigned class
without the permission of the principal or the Academic Dean are considered to be skipping that class and are subject
to disciplinary action. Students who skip school will be subject to out-of-school suspension (OSS) and will receive
zeros for all work missed.
BEHAVIOR MARKS AND CONSEQUENCES (6TH-12TH GRADE ONLY)
Teachers will record behavior violations on Renweb. Behavior violations include but are not limited to:
DB – Disruptive Behavior - Student was disruptive during class.
DC – Dress Code Violation.
DR – Disrespectful behavior to a student or teacher. *
IM – iPad Misuse.
NH – No Homework - Student did not have homework at the beginning of class.
NP – Not Prepared - Student did not have appropriate materials.
*Disrespect for a teacher will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic referral to the principal.
At Four Marks – When a student receives four recorded marks in their behavior tab on Renweb, they will be
required to serve two consecutive afterschool detentions (from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM). Parents will be emailed by
school personnel to be notified. Afterschool detentions will not be rescheduled except in cases of illness or death
in the family. Extra-curricular events and non-school activities are not a sufficient reason to postpone afterschool
detention.
At Six Marks – Students with six behavior marks will be required to serve three consecutive afterschool detentions
(from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM). Parents will be emailed by school personnel to be notified. Afterschool detentions will
not be rescheduled except in cases of illness or death in the family. Extra-curricular events and non-school
activities are not a sufficient reason to postpone afterschool detention.
Beyond Six Marks – Every two marks beyond six will result in a referral to Mrs. Bender and may result in one of
the following: additional afterschool detentions, Saturday school, corporal punishment, out of school suspension,
or being placed on a behavior contract. Parents will be contacted by school personnel to be notified of the
assigned punishment and the type of misbehavior that led to the discipline. Student and parents may be required
to meet with the principal.
iPad Misuse – Students with two marks for iPad misuse will have all entertainment materials removed from the
iPad for a period of at least two weeks. Parents will have to return a signed permission slip for the restrictions to
be removed at the end of that time. Students with a third iPad misuse mark will have the entertainment materials
removed for a minimum of nine weeks.
For high school students, consequences are on a semester basis. Behavior marks will reset to zero in January.
For 8th grade, consequences are on a nine-week basis the first semester and a semester basis during the second
semester. Behavior marks will reset to zero at Fall and Christmas Break.
For 6th and 7th grades, consequences are on a nine-week basis. Behavior marks will reset every nine-weeks grading
period.
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade will follow a modified version of the above behavior marks and consequences.
This version will be provided to the students and their parents by the grade level teachers.
BOOKS
Textbooks are distributed at the beginning of the school year and are the property of Friendship Christian School.
Students are encouraged to write their names in all textbooks immediately. Each student is expected to pay for lost
or damaged textbooks. Final grades will not be released until payment is received. Textbooks should be returned in
good condition at the end of the school year.
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BUSES
FCS provides limited transportation by bus, for an additional fee, to and from school. Buses are used for field trips
and co-curricular activities. All students should be aware of the following bus rules:
1. Be seated at all times with both feet on the floor.
2. Be kind to each other and use good manners. Boys and girls will demonstrate proper conduct toward each
other.
3. Do not put hands, arms, or head out of the bus window.
4. Do not be loud on the bus or yell at passersby from the bus.
5. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus.
6. Do not litter.
7. Do not damage the bus.
8. Students who ride the bus home from school must load on the bus as soon as school is dismissed.
9. Get permission from the principal to have a guest rider on the bus.
10. The bus driver may assign seats at any time at his/her discretion and will report any problems to the
administration.
11. If a bus rider is not at the bus stop in the morning, the bus will continue to the next stop. The bus will not
wait for a rider.
12. Buses will run snow routes during inclement weather, traveling only main roads and highways.
CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY
FCS is recognized by the State of Tennessee as a proprietary security organization (PSO). As such, FCS employs a
licensed armed security and safety director on duty during school hours. Additionally, designated staff/faculty
members are licensed, trained, and legally armed security guards for the protection of our students, faculty, and
staff.
CAFETERIA/COFFEE HOUSE DEBIT ACCOUNT AND GUIDELINES
Each FCS student has one debit account that can be used for lunch and other purchases in the cafeteria; the same
debit account is used for making purchases in the coffee house. All cafeteria/coffee house accounts must maintain
a credit balance during the current school year. Cafeteria/coffee house accounts with habitual balances owed, or
with a balance owed at any time of greater than $50 ($100 family maximum) are expected to be paid immediately.
Any student with a balance owed on his or her cafeteria/coffee house account at the end of any nine-week grading
period will not have access to grades until the cafeteria/coffee house account balance is paid.
The cafeteria/coffee house account is a debit account, and as such, the account must maintain a credit balance
during the current school year. If a cafeteria/coffee house account balance is owed for more than five business days,
a $5.00 surcharge will be charged to the account. The surcharge is cumulative. Thus, the surcharge will increase by
$5.00 for each subsequent week a family has an outstanding cafeteria/coffee house balance.
The table below illustrates the cumulative surcharge for outstanding cafeteria/coffee house balances:
Number of Days w/Balance Surcharge Assessed Total Surcharge
5 $5.00 $5.00
6-10 days $10.00 $15.00
11-15 days $15.00 $30.00
16-20 days $20.00 $50.00
The surcharge will continue to increase by $5 each week until the balance is paid. FCS reserves the right to refuse
service to a student if a balance has been unpaid for more than 20 days.
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Parents can check cafeteria/ coffee house account balances and make immediate deposits into the cafeteria/ coffee
house account on RenWeb at any time. At no time will any student be allowed to charge in the coffee house if there
is a balance owed on that student’s account.
The FCS cafeteria staff provides hot lunch, salad, and sandwich options each day. Students may also bring their
lunches. Students may not order food from outside vendors to be delivered for lunch and may not leave campus for
lunch, with the exception being school-organized field trips.
All students are expected to go the cafeteria for lunch and to remain there until dismissed. Students are expected
to leave the cafeteria area neat and clean, picking up after themselves and discarding items. Students will leave the
cafeteria quietly so as not to disrupt other classes.
CHAPEL/THE GATHERING
We embrace the vision of Friendship Christian School as a distinctively Christian educational institution. We believe
that Christianity must permeate every aspect of what we do both inside and outside the classroom. Chapel/The
Gathering is not an add-on to an otherwise secular approach to education, but an extension of a holistic approach
to Kingdom living and Kingdom community here at FCS. We believe that chapel has a dual purpose: to serve as a
catalyst for spiritual growth for the FCS family and to celebrate the community that is an integral part of membership
in that family. The dimensions of spiritual growth and community time complement each other and result in a
diverse variety of programming. Our prayer is that chapel/The Gathering will serve to strengthen, challenge, and
refine our individual and collective discipleship in Jesus Christ.
CHILD ABUSE AND COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES
We take our responsibilities to report suspected child abuse, neglect, and abandonment seriously and will cooperate
with governmental authorities in connection with their investigations. If you have any questions regarding the
school’s mandatory report obligations, please consult with the school principal or president.
CHILD CUSTODY
In cases where parents are divorced, an affidavit of the court MUST be supplied to the school office to document
the custody arrangements regarding children enrolled at FCS. Upon request, the school will provide school records
to both parents UNLESS supplied with official documentation prohibiting such. It is the parents’ responsibility to
provide the school with updates. ONLY the custodial parent or his/her designee(s) will be allowed to check out a
child from school unless the school has been notified in writing by the custodial parent.
CLOSED CAMPUS
FCS is a closed campus. Students are not authorized to take cars off-campus during the school day. Parents who
request students to leave the campus must be aware that the students are not under the school’s supervision during
those times. Students who leave campus for any reason, regardless of age, must sign out at a school office. Students
are not allowed to sign out without a parent’s approval. Students who leave campus without the permission of the
administration are considered to be skipping school and are subject to disciplinary action. Students who skip school
will be subject to out-of-school suspension (OSS) and will receive zeros for all work missed.
COMMUNICATION
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians and students to stay informed of changes in FCS policies and procedures.
To assist with this, FCS offers several communication resources for the use of FCS families.
RenWeb
RenWeb is a web-based, password-secured system which offers access to grades, homework, class
schedules, calendars, the school directory, newsletters, forms, and accounting information and functions.
We strongly urge parents and students to check it regularly.
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FCS App
The FCS App is free on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. It is a customizable resource that contains
the school calendars and links to a variety of communication tools and documents.
School Calendars
School calendars are located on the school website www.FriendshipChristian.org under the current
students and parents section. The all-school calendar and all the athletic team and field trip calendars are
regularly updated. You may choose to add any or all of the calendars to your Google account. As calendars
are updated, you can choose to be notified.
Greenflash
Greenflash is a subscription e-newsletter which serves as the formal means of communication for all up-to-
date information about Friendship Christian School. Parents and guardians are expected to subscribe to
and read Greenflash to ensure that they have the very latest FCS information. There is a link to sign up for
Greenflash on the school website: www.FriendshipChristian.org/greenflash-signup.html
Website-www.FriendshipChristian.org
FCS maintains a website that provides information about the school as well as links to various resources.
Social Media
FCS maintains a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fcscommanders/
FCS is on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fcscommanders
FCS is on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fcscommanders/
Social media accounts other than those listed are not official school accounts.
DRIVERS: STUDENTS & PARENTS SAFE ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
With safety as our foremost concern, we have developed the following system for dropping off and picking up
students. We require all students and parents to follow these procedures. When followed, it will allow for timely
and safe arrival and departure from school.
NO CELL PHONE USE talking, texting, using the internet, etc., is permitted while operating a vehicle on campus.
However, a driver under age 18 is prohibited by State Law from talking on their phones, even hands-free, while
driving through an active school zone.
Breaking the law stated above is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $50.00.
The posted FCS Campus speed limit is 14 MPH.
Students, regardless of age, should never run to or from their cars. Always be aware of the possibility that students
may be crossing driveways and parking lots.
Only students directly under a teacher’s or a coach’s supervision are permitted to stay after 2:45 PM. Otherwise,
students are required to be picked up or depart the campus by 2:45 PM on school days.
ALL BUS RIDERS
Bus Riders are dismissed at 2:25 PM to the designated bus loading area. For students’ safety, only bus riders depart
from the designated loading area behind the high school buildings.
ALL CAR RIDERS
Parents should not instruct their student to meet anywhere outside the designated loading area in an attempt to
avoid the car line. No car riders are to be picked up behind the buildings (unless they are dismissing from after school
practices or activities) or in the middle or lower parking levels.
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Teachers on car line duty will not be able to leave to search for your child if they are not in the designated area.
If your child is not in the designated waiting area, you will need to exit and reenter the dismissal line (e.g., if your
child attempts a quick visit to the coffee house).
Parents must not leave their cars in the loading zone to come and get their children. Please obtain the attention
of a teacher if your child has not loaded your car after the whistle has blown. When a teacher comes to your car
window, please tell the name and the grade of your child.
Absolutely NO loading while traffic is in motion. Cars should remain in PARK while students are loading into cars.
STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURE AT LOWER ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL
BUILDINGS AND PICK UP PROCEDURE FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Dropping students off in the morning
1. Parents of all lower elementary and high school students needing to drop off children should do so on the
top level of the front-drive. Enter the campus from the second entrance on Holt Road, which will take you
in front of the Sportsplex. NEVER drop off students in the middle or lower-level parking areas!
2. The lane closest to the building is the drop-off lane. Please drop off your child and move to the middle
lane to exit.
3. The outside lane should be used for travel to handicap or visitor parking. Do not allow your child to get out
of the car while you are in this lane. Stop at both crosswalks and check for pedestrians.
4. If you must get out of the car with your child, you will need to go to the second or third level and park, exit
the vehicle and walk with your child to the covered sidewalk. Remember, the parking spaces between the
two steps on the second level are reserved for our academic seniors.
Afternoon Pick-up
1. Students are to be picked up in the upper-level loading area only. Students are NOT permitted to be picked
up in the middle or lower levels of the parking lot or behind any of the school buildings at regular dismissal.
2. All cars picking up students must pull into the second entrance on Holt Road and proceed toward the front
of the Sportsplex. Establish two lines as you approach the Sportsplex and then form three lines when you
reach the first crosswalk.
A. Once in the car line, please place your car in park until dismissed.
B. Teachers will begin loading cars as the car riders are dismissed.
C. All students need to be outside by 2:35 PM
D. No cars will move until all are loaded, and a teacher blows the whistle to motion traffic lanes to
exit one lane at a time.
E. The loading zone (covered sidewalk) on the upper level is between the two crosswalks.
3. Once the first group of cars leaves, the next group will enter the loading zone, and the same process as
outlined above will take place.
4. Elementary students riding with high school drivers must wait to meet their driver and must walk with the
driver to the parked car. Elementary students are not to be in any of the parking areas unattended.
STUDENT DROP OFF PROCEDURE FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY(3RD-5TH) AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
(6TH-8TH) AND PICK UP PROCEDURE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY
Dropping students off in the morning
1. Middle school (6th-8th) and upper elementary students (3rd-5th) are to be dropped off in front of the middle
school building.
2. Morning drop off is one lane only. Please pull as far forward as possible to minimize the potential of
backing up into Coles Ferry traffic. You may pull forward to exit when your child has safely cleared the front
of your vehicle, and the cars in front of you have safely exited.
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3. Parents who wish to assist a student with supplies, or escort a student into the building, MUST park in the
parking lot. Parents may not exit their vehicle in a student loading/unloading lane.
Afternoon Pick-up
1. Use both lanes. All vehicles must wait for the signal to exit.
2. Middle school students will be picked up in front of the middle school. Upper elementary students will be
escorted by their teachers to the lower elementary car line for pick up unless they’re waiting to ride with a
middle school student.
3. Middle school students may go to the elementary car line if they have younger siblings being picked up
there.
4. As needed for pickup, tell the teacher on duty, the name and grade of your student. Please ask your child
to be watching for your vehicle to expedite dismissal.
EXTENDED CARE (PRE-KINDERGARTEN-6TH GRADE)
For a fee, before school care is available from 6:30 AM until 7:30 AM for students up to the 6th grade. Likewise,
afterschool care is available from 2:45 PM until 5:30 PM. These services are available each day school is in
session. Activities and snacks are provided. Please see admissions director, business office, or the elementary
principal for fees related to both before-school and afterschool care.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
All class, clubs, team, and organizations fundraising activities must be approved by the administrative team. A formal
request should be written and emailed to an administrator for submission to the administrative team for approval
at their weekly scheduled meeting.
GUESTS ON CAMPUS
All guests must first sign in at a school office, where they will be issued a visitor's badge, before proceeding to
any other part of the campus. Upon entering a school office, ALL visitors (parents, guardians, grandparents,
contractors, vendors, volunteers, etc.) will be asked to present a US government-issued photo ID such as a Driver’s
License, which can be scanned into the Raptor system. If a visitor for any reason does not have a US government-
issued ID, the school staff member can use another form of photo identification and manually enter the person’s
name into the Raptor system.
The Raptor system will check to ensure that registered sexual offenders are not entering our school campus
without our knowledge. The Raptor system checks the visitor's name and date of birth for comparison with a
national database of registered sex offenders. The registered sex offender database is the only official database
checked by the Raptor system. No other data from the ID is gathered or recorded, and the information is not
shared with any outside agency. Once entry is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor, the
date, and the purpose of his/her visit.
A visitor’s badge will not be necessary for those who visit our school simply to drop off an item in the office or pick
up paperwork.
We understand that many parents are involved in on-campus volunteer activities and may often be on campus; for
the safety and security of our students, we still ask that you sign in upon arrival and follow procedures in place.
For the safety and security of our students, students from other schools are NOT permitted to visit the campus
during school hours (including lunchtime).
Only prospective FCS students who have prior administrative approval may visit the campus during the school day.
Any and all arranged visits or shadow days must be scheduled through the Director of Admissions.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
School officials will exercise reasonable care and judgment in matters concerning the welfare and safety of students.
Communicable, Contagious and/or Infectious Diseases
We ask that a student who has the following symptoms be kept at home until they are symptom-free:
1. A temperature of 100 degrees or more. Students must be fever-free for a complete 24 hours before
returning to school.
2. Students being treated with antibiotics must remain out of school for the first 24 hours of treatment.
3. Unusual nasal or eye drainage
4. Diarrhea or vomiting
5. Skin rashes or eruptions such as scabies, impetigo, chickenpox, etc. Students with chickenpox may return
to school when the eruptions are scabbed over.
6. An earache, severe stomachache, sore throat, swollen glands near the jaw, ears, or neck, or a severe
headache
7. Students with head lice must receive treatment and provide verification from a physician that the student
is free of lice. For the wellness of all students, the faculty and staff of FCS reserve the right to perform lice
checks on all students as deemed necessary by the administration.
Students shall be excluded from school temporarily if they have, or have been exposed to, certain communicable
diseases. Periods of exclusion shall be those prescribed by a physician or the Wilson County Health Department.
Parents or guardians of infected students are required to inform the administration of the infection so that
proper precautions for the protection of the other students, employees, and the infected student may be taken.
No student with a communicable disease which may endanger the health of the student or other individuals
will enter or remain in the school setting.
If a teacher or administrator has reason to believe a student has a long-term communicable disease, the
administration will require confirmation of the student’s condition from a physician or the health department.
The administration may request that other examinations be conducted by a physician or the health department
and may request periodic re-examinations after the student has been re-admitted to school.
Parents or guardians of students included under this policy may request that the student be re-admitted to the
school. The administration will consider the available medical information, the best interest of the educational
institution, and the best interests of all parties concerned before making a decision.
Immunizations
All students making an application to FCS must provide proof of immunization. A permanent Tennessee
Certificate of Immunization is required for any student transferring from an out-of-state or another non-public
school. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide updated immunization records for students. Immunization
information is available at http://health.state.tn.us/CEDS/required.htm.
Prescription Drugs and Medication Administration
Parents must communicate to the school nurse if a student is on medication or has a continuing medical
problem. Students are not allowed to possess or dispense medications. Exceptions are inhalers, EpiPens, insulin,
and glucometers. Parents of students who require an exception must contact the first aid station and provide
proper documentation.
Prescription medications must be submitted by a parent or guardian to the first aid station. Medication will not
be accepted from a student. The medication must be in a bottle properly labeled by the pharmacy with
information, including the student’s name, the name of the medication, and dosage instructions. Pharmacists
will prepare two labeled containers so that the parents may have one at home and one at school. Parents must
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also provide a completed and signed Authorization for Medication Disbursement Form, which is available at the
first aid station or on RenWeb.
Over-the-counter medication will be dispensed when deemed necessary by school personnel if the parent or
guardian has submitted a signed consent form. No medication will be dispensed without a parental consent
form.
Safety Drills
The school will regularly conduct safety drills. All students are expected to comply immediately and fully with
directions given by a teacher, staff member, or administrator during a drill.
Asbestos Safety Plan
The school’s Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the school’s Business Office and is available for public
viewing during regular business hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) Monday through Friday. Questions about the
Management Plan should be directed to Randall Dunn at 615.449.1573, ext. 216.
LATE HOMEWORK POLICY (7TH-12TH GRADE)
Assignments are due on the date announced by the teacher at the beginning of class. If an assignment is late, the
behavior will be noted in the student’s behavior report and a 10% deduction per school day will be assessed.
Example: work turned in on Wednesday that was due Monday is two school days late and has a maximum grade
of 80%. Work turned in late the same day it was due would have a maximum grade of 90%.
LOCKERS
Lockers are assigned to upper-elementary, middle, and high school students at the beginning of the school year.
Students may not trade lockers without permission from the principal. Students are responsible for keeping his/her
assigned locker clean both inside and outside. Lockers are school property and may be searched by an administrator
if he/she believes there is a reasonable suspicion to do so.
In keeping with the school stand on theft, locks are not allowed on student lockers. Students who are caught stealing
are likely to be expelled immediately.
PARENT ORGANIZATION
Topsider Parent Teacher Organization – Every parent of an FCS student is a member of the Topsiders. This group
provides support to the academic program at FCS. www.fcstopsiders.com
PRINTED MATERIALS / PRESS RELEASES / USE OF FCS LOGOS
All materials produced by FCS clubs and organizations, as well as any use of the FCS, FC (trademarked) or any school
logos, must be approved by the director of marketing and communications.
All press releases are to be in the best interest of the mission of FCS. For this reason, all information concerning the
school, its activities, teams, and groups must be approved by the director of marketing and communications before
being released to the press or public.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school day begins at 7:45 AM and concludes at 2:30 PM. Teachers are on duty in their classrooms at 7:30 AM.
Middle school and high school students who arrive before 7:30 AM must report to the coffee house; elementary
students who arrive before 7:30 AM will be sent to Before School Care and parents billed for care for the day.
Students who are not enrolled in the afterschool care program are expected to leave campus by 2:45 PM, unless
they are involved in a school-sponsored activity or sport. Any student on campus after 2:45 PM must be under the
supervision of a teacher or coach. School buildings are locked by 2:45 PM each day, except for the main building
which is locked at 3:30 PM.
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Late Arrival
Students who arrive after 7:45 AM, or are not in their assigned classroom by 7:45 AM, must sign in at the
office and are required to provide a parental note stating the reason for the late arrival. Notes will be
evaluated based on the excused/unexcused policy. The student will be counted absent from classes missed.
Early Dismissal
Should a student need to be dismissed prior to the end of the school day, the parent or guardian must
request such dismissal in writing to the principal’s office at the beginning of the school day. The student
must receive approval from the principal to leave campus and must sign out in the main office. Information
required on notes for early dismissal: date, time of requested dismissal, the reason for dismissal. Parents
must report to the main office for the student. Students are not allowed to wait outside the building or by
the door. Students who miss more than half of a class due to early dismissal will be counted absent for that
class.
Regardless of age, students may not sign themselves out of school without school personnel receiving
direct communication from their parent or guardian.
Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule dental or medical appointments after school or during the
two-week fall, Christmas, or spring breaks.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
A limited amount of need-based tuition assistance is available to K-12 students after their family has considered
their own resources. FCS receives no federal funding for the operation of the school; therefore, all approved
tuition assistance grants are funded by the school. FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment determines the financial need
of each family through an application process that must be completed each school year. All returning students
must be re-enrolled, and new students must have completed the admissions application process and be accepted
to FCS before the Tuition Assistance Committee will grant a tuition assistance award. Those wishing to apply for
tuition assistance may do so at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3D2Z3.
WEATHER
During a weather-related emergency or inclement weather, FCS will provide information to Nashville television
stations WTVF Channel 5, WSMV Channel 4, WKRN Channel 2 and WZTV Channel 17. A Parent Alert and Greenflash
will also be sent. Please watch for announcements from these sources and refrain from calling the school or its
administration. Friendship Christian does not always follow the city or county school system on school closings.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Parents who wish to withdraw their student from school must contact the principal and complete a Withdrawal
Form. When a student has withdrawn, records will be forwarded to the new school, on their request, five business
days after the withdrawal date, provided all accounts are current, and all FCS property has been returned to the
principal. If any financial account is not current or if any FCS property has not been returned, records will not be
forwarded until the account is current and/or the FCS property is returned to the principal.
Withdrawal Policy Regarding Tuition:
If a student withdraws for the 2019-2020 school year prior to June 1, 2019, other than the application fee
or re-enrollment fee, there is no additional financial obligation.
If a new or re-enrolling student withdraws during the month of June, 25% of the annual tuition is owed.
If a new or re-enrolling student withdraws between July 1 and the first day of school, 50% of the annual
tuition is owed.
If a student withdraws on or after the first day of school, 100% of the annual tuition is owed.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
Friendship Christian School was founded with a commitment to biblical faith and principles. As an institution, the
school seeks to equip, educate, and develop graduates holistically as people who glorify God, integrating Christian
faith and practice with every aspect of their lives. While recognizing that no institution is perfect, that there will be
human failings and inconsistencies at times, the ideal is still a worthy one, and one for which Friendship Christian
School strives. The school’s faculty and staff do not simply take on the task of academic training or running the daily
affairs of the school. As Christian educators, they hope to equip each student with personal integrity, and a
moral/ethical framework for life, which is founded on the standards of Scripture and lived out in the Spirit of Christ.
With this goal in mind, Friendship Christian has established guidelines for student behavior, both on and off-campus,
that are designed to reinforce high personal standards of conduct and to instill respect for others. As a member of
the school community, each student has the responsibility to become acquainted with the policies as set forth in
this handbook, and to adopt a code of personal conduct which exhibits respect and concern for the values and
mission of the school.
Each member of the school community carries the responsibility to hold one another accountable to these
standards. By doing this, we believe we will provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity, one which is
conducive to academic pursuits, as well as to personal development in all areas of life.
A UNIFIED DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS
The unified dress code and personal appearance standards are written to provide information about approved
clothing items. Parents are requested to play an active role in the enforcement of the code and standards.
All questions and concerns relating to the appropriateness of dress and personal grooming at the school shall be
determined by the FCS administration at its sole discretion. Students out of dress code will be subject to immediate
disciplinary action including, but not limited to, isolation until a parent can bring proper clothing, choosing proper
uniform items in the store and billing the student’s account, in-school suspension, and/or behavior contract.
To allow parents and teachers to monitor violations of the dress code, we will utilize the behavior tab of ParentsWeb.
Each dress code violation will be logged for quick identification. Our desire is for dress code violations to be a non-
issue in order to dedicate more time to the education of the students.
Modifications to the unified dress code and personal appearance standards will be posted on ParentsWeb and the
school website in the student handbook.
STUDENTS in GRADES 6TH–12TH
Shirts, Sweaters, Cardigans and In-School Outerwear
Polo shirts (pique and Dri-Fit) in approved school colors with our exclusive logo must be purchased from
the Campus Store.
All sweaters and cardigans to be worn as outerwear must be purchased from The Campus Store.
Additionally, students may purchase a solid white oxford or solid black pin-point or button-down collar
dress shirt from a vendor of their choice, but to wear it to school they must first have it monogrammed
with our school clothing logo through The Campus Store.
Approved outerwear (items with the school logo) purchased from The Campus Store, may be worn daily.
In addition to the outerwear offered by The Campus Store, students may wear FCS approved outerwear
options (with school clothing logo) that were previously purchased from the Commanders' Club and
Topsiders parent organizations.
Official FCS letter jackets/sweaters will also be permitted as approved outerwear.
Approved FCS team/club issued outerwear will be permitted on Fridays only.
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All other outerwear and accessories (hats, caps, scarfs, etc.) must remain in the student’s locker during
school hours.
Pants and shorts
Unisex shorts in the Columbia plaid pattern purchased from The Campus Store may be worn daily.
Pants and shorts (black, khaki, or dark navy) may be purchased from any uniform vendor, such as J.C.
Penney, Target, Walmart, Land's End, French Toast, etc. Please note all shorts must be similar in style,
fabric, length, and color to those represented by The Campus Store.
Pants and shorts must be flat-front or pleated. Cargo pants or shorts are not permitted.
Skirts
The popular Columbia plaid pattern skirts and kilts will be available from The Campus Store and will be the
only approved skirt or kilt for girls in grades 6-12.
Primarily in our older grades, tight clothing can be a major issue. Tight-fitting clothing is not acceptable and will not
be permitted. This will be strictly enforced. Parental support in this area is essential as a concession to purchasing
pants from other vendors.
STUDENTS in PRE-KINDERGARTEN—5th GRADE
Shirts, Sweaters, Cardigans and In-School Outerwear
Solid colored black, hunter green, navy blue, white, and yellow polos, as well as sweaters, and cardigans
may be purchased from the vendor of your choice, but they must be similar in style, fabric, and color to
those sold in The Campus Store. These items are approved to wear at school without the school logo.
A hunter green polo embroidered with the school clothing logo is required for field trips and must be
purchased from The Campus Store.
All school logo embroidered clothing must be purchased from The Campus Store.
White button-down oxford style dress shirts
In addition to the outerwear offered by The Campus Store, students may wear FCS approved outerwear
options (with school clothing logo) that were previously purchased from the Commanders' Club and
Topsiders parent organizations
Pants, shorts/skorts, skirts, jumpers
Khaki, black, or dark navy shorts/skorts and pants may be purchased from any uniform vendor, such as J.C.
Penney, Target, Walmart, Land's End, French Toast, etc.
Note: all pants, shorts/skorts, and jumpers must be similar in style, fabric, length, and color to those
represented by The Campus Store.
Jumpers or skirts may be khaki or our Columbia plaid and purchased from uniform vendors as described
above.
Students in grades PreK-5th are welcome to purchase and wear any items from The Campus Store.
Each Friday will be reserved for PreK through 12th-grade students to wear FCS spirit wear purchased from The
Campus Store, Commander Cabin, or approved sportswear distributed by FCS sports teams. Spirit wear produced or
obtained from an organization other than FCS, will not be permitted – even if it has the school name or logo on it
(i.e., event shirts, tournament shirts, bootlegged merchandised, etc.). Students will also be permitted to wear jeans
on Fridays. Jeans may NOT be threadbare, frayed, ragged, patched, and must not have holes or slits.
If an item is not on the list of clothing students may wear, it is not approved. While some clothing options may be
purchased from other vendors, items must be similar in style, fabric, length, and color to those represented by The
Campus Store.
The Friendship Christian School logo and “FC” logo are the property of Friendship Christian School, and any
unauthorized use or duplication of such is strictly prohibited. Any and all reproduction or use of Friendship
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Christian School logos must be approved by our VP of Marketing and Communication, Aaron Sain. Any
unauthorized use to embroider, print, etc., may result in disciplinary and/or legal action.
Personal Appearance Standards
1. Belts must be worn with pants and shorts that have belt loops. Loops may not be removed to avoid
compliance. Belt buckles may be reviewed for inappropriate symbols or ideology.
2. Athletic shoes are required for PE and recess. Shoes with wheels are not permitted at any time.
3. Solid color, opaque leggings or tights in black or navy blue may be worn by girls.
4. Hats and caps are not permitted during the school day and must remain in the student’s locker during
school hours.
5. No inappropriate brands, logos, or writing on any clothing
6. Earrings are the only acceptable pierced body accessory that girls may wear to school or school-related
functions. Pierced body accessories are not allowed for boys.
7. No tattoos should be visible at school or school-related functions.
8. Students may not wear chains on pants. Gothic style accessories are not permitted.
9. Hair must be neat and clean. Extreme hair fashion or colors deemed inappropriate by the administration
will not be allowed. Girls’ hair must not fall into the eyes. Boys’ hair must not be long enough to fall into
the eyes and may not be longer than mid-ear on the sides or below the collar in the back.
10. Male students may have a fully grown-in, well-maintained beard, goatee, or mustache. Facial hair must be
neatly trimmed and may not present an unkempt appearance. Extreme styles deemed inappropriate by the
administration will not be permitted.
11. All facial hair (beards, goatees, and mustaches) must create an overall neat, clean, and well-maintained
appearance (no neckbeards).
12. Mustaches (without lower facial hair) must not extend onto or over the upper lip and must extend to the
corners of the mouth, but not beyond or below the corners.
13. Male students without a beard, goatee, or mustache are expected to be clean-shaven every day.
14. Clothing worn to FCS sporting events and all school activities must be modest in length and appearance.
Friendship Christian School will not allow items of clothing that promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, indecent
music, or any message inconsistent with the school’s mission.
15. All clothing must be of appropriate size, clean, worn modestly, and in good repair.
16. Gender appropriate clothing is required at all times.
17. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Friendship Christian School is not permitted to make political
statements endorsing or opposing one party or candidate over another. As an extension of that,
students (and chaperones on off-campus trips) also may not wear, display, or promote any
candidates, political affiliations, political stances, or political slogans during the school day, on field trips,
on overnight trips, or at any school-related activities, including, but not limited to, articles of clothing,
hats, flags, banners, magnets, etc. Symbols representing the USA, or the state of Tennessee, are
acceptable and with the principal’s approval may be worn at school-related activities when appropriate.
Approved School Clothing Logo
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ALCOHOL
Alcohol is not to be used in any form by Friendship Christian students, regardless of age. All students will refrain
from the purchase, possession, transportation, or consumption of alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverage
containers (e.g., kegs, beer bottles/cans, liquor bottles, etc.) in any circumstance. This includes on and off-campus
activities. Any student in violation of this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action and possible expulsion.
BULLYING/HARASSMENT
Friendship Christian School is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes kindness. Therefore, the school
will not tolerate any type of harassment or bullying. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, and
other verbal, graphic, or offensive conduct relating to race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin. Bullying includes,
but is not limited to, physical or verbal aggression (hitting, kicking, taunting, teasing, threatening, ridiculing, etc.),
relational aggression (harming or threatening to harm relationships or acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion),
and emotional aggression (teasing, threatening, intimidating others). All students share responsibility for keeping
the school environment free from harassment and bullying. Students must report incidents of harassment and
bullying to a teacher or an administrator. When the school administration becomes aware that harassment or
bullying may be occurring, they will promptly investigate the situation. Any student found to have violated this
policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from school. No adverse action will be
taken against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged harassment or bullying.
CELL PHONES
Cell phone usage (including texting) is only permitted outside of class time unless directed to do so by a teacher or
administrator. Cell phones must remain either off or in silent mode (not vibrate mode), put away, and not visible
during class. Students who violate this regulation will have their phone confiscated by a member of the faculty or
administration and will be referred to their principal for a disciplinary meeting. The student’s punishment and length
of confiscation are solely at the discretion of the principal.
Since students are required to have their phones either off or in silent mode (not vibrate mode), put away, and not
visible during class, parents who need to communicate an urgent message to their child during the school day are
asked to do so through the school office.
CHEATING
Honor in classwork and in examinations is characteristic of the Christian student and is more important than any
grade that may be received. A student is not to cheat, create the appearance of cheating, to have unreported
knowledge of cheating, and is not to contribute to the cheating of others. The cheating policy applies to homework
assignments, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, etc. A student caught cheating will receive a zero on the test or
assignment. The parents will be notified, and the behavior recorded in RenWeb. A second cheating offense will
result in a zero on the test or assignment, parental notification, and the student will serve isolation or suspension,
as well as being placed on academic contract for one year from the date of the infraction. A third cheating offense
may result in expulsion from school.
Plagiarism is submitting material that in part or whole is not entirely one’s own work without attributing those same
portions to its correct source(s) and is a serious offense. Three different acts are considered plagiarism:
1. Failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas,
2. Failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks,
3. Failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words.
Dishonesty is inherent in gaining an unfair academic advantage. Such actions include: stealing, reproducing,
circulating, or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the instructor;
unauthorized collaboration on an academic assignment; retaining, possessing, using, or circulating previously given
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examination materials without permission; otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining
an unfair academic advantage over another student’s academic work. Such actions are subject to disciplinary action.
Aiding and Abetting Academic Dishonesty: When a student provides material, text or picture messages, information,
or other assistance with the knowledge that such aid could be used in any of the violations of academic honesty,
that student is guilty of academic dishonesty. Further, providing false information in connection with any inquiry
regarding academic integrity or failing to provide information in such an inquiry is also considered aiding and abetting
academic dishonesty and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Unauthorized Access to Computerized Academic or Administrative Records or Systems: Viewing or altering
computer records, modifying computer programs or systems, releasing or dispensing information gained via
unauthorized access, or interfering with the use of available computer systems or information is a violation of the
school’s academic honesty policy. Such actions are subject to disciplinary action.
CONDUCT IN HALLS
Students will refrain from loud talking, running, boisterousness, or other actions that impede the flow of traffic
through the hallways, or which interrupt classroom activities.
CRIMINAL AND/OR LEGAL CIVIL ISSUES
Violating local, state, or federal law is strictly prohibited by the administration and may subject students to criminal
and/or civil penalties in addition to disciplinary action under this Code of Conduct. School policies or procedures will
not be suspended or terminated pending the outcome of any criminal or civil action. All policies under this Code of
Conduct are separate and independent from any applicable laws.
CYBERBULLYING
Neither the FCS network nor the broader internet (whether accessed on-campus or off-campus, either during or
after school hours) may be used for the purpose of harassment. All forms of harassment in cyberspace are
unacceptable.
Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating,
threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful email messages, instant
messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including all social media, blogs, Facebook,
Snapchat, Twitter, etc.) The offense may also include making statements or posting messages using someone else’s
identity.
Community members who feel they have been the victims of cyberbullying should not erase the offending material
from the system. They should print a copy of the material and immediately report the incident to the principal or
guidance counselor. All reports of cyberbullying will be investigated fully. Sanctions may include but are not limited
to, the loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension, separation, or expulsion from school.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
When it appears that a violation of the Code of Conduct or another school policy has occurred (or is occurring), an
investigation will be initiated by school personnel, which may include any school employee, but will most often
involve a teacher and/or administrator. If the situation is not resolved immediately after confrontation, the alleged
violation or incident may be reported to the principal and the student(s) involved will be asked to meet with one of
the principals. Students are expected to respond promptly and to cooperate respectfully and honestly when an
inquiry is made by any school personnel. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. After an initial conference
with the student(s) under review, disciplinary action may be immediately taken. The administrators may confer, or
additional investigation may take place. Principals will strive to deal with all cases expeditiously; however, a principal
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reserves the right to continue investigations and disciplinary procedures for as long as necessary in order to ensure
a thorough and fair an investigation/decision as possible.
The standard of judgment for guilt in disciplinary cases will be: It is reasonable to conclude that a student has, more
likely than not, violated the principles of the school as expressed in the Code of Conduct or other school policies.
While attempting to be consistent in its disciplinary decisions, the school also attempts to be sensitive to the facts
and circumstances surrounding individual cases. The two values may, at times, conflict, but both are carefully
measured to achieve as fair a disciplinary process/decision as possible.
The administration reserves the right in any disciplinary case or area of concern present by the school guidance
counselor to request a psychological evaluation of a student. As a part of any prescribed disciplinary action, the
administration may also require professional counseling for the student.
The administration reserves the right to release or expel any student, at any time, if such action is deemed to be in
the best interest of the student and/or the school.
Any student placed on contract, probation, suspension, or any other disciplinary status may not be eligible for
honors, awards, or student body office positions.
Examples of disciplinary actions, which may be applied in cases of misconduct, include but are not limited to:
1. Afterschool Detention: the discipline for minor and moderate offenses consists of working after school
from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM to complete classroom assignments or perform assigned tasks. Parents will
receive email notification by school personnel. Afterschool detentions will not be rescheduled except in
cases of illness or death in the family. Extra-curricular events and non-school activities are not a sufficient
reason to postpone afterschool detention.
2. Saturday School: an alternative discipline for minor and moderate offenses consists of a partial or full
workday on designated Saturdays with assigned and supervised work. Each session of Saturday school
will be monitored by school personnel. Saturday School is only used in middle and high school. Parents
will receive advance notice regarding the date the Saturday School will be served.
3. Corporal Punishment: The principal will contact the parent prior to administering corporal punishment.
Only principals will administer corporal punishment. If a parent does not grant permission for his/her child
to be paddled, the principal may require the parent(s) tocome immediately to school and pick up the child.
4. Isolation or In-School Suspension (ISS): Isolation or ISS may be administered for offenses deemed more
serious than minor infractions, or when minor infractions have accumulated. This consists of total
restriction from the school’s regular activities. The offender will be assigned a day’s schoolwork and be
placed in a confined area with supervision. The student will be counted present and will receive credit for
work completed in isolation/ISS. Isolation is typically only a one or two-hour isolation from their classmates,
whereas ISS is a half or full-day of isolation with extra work assigned. On the day of isolation/ISS, the student
may not be allowed to attend or participate in extracurricular activities, including sporting events during
school hours. Parents will receive notification of the date of isolation or ISS.
5. Probational Contract: There are three types of probational contracts: academic, athletic, and behavioral.
Academic probation results when a student does not make satisfactory grades in any subject. Athletic
probation may result when the student-athlete is making failing grades, being habitually tardy to school or
class, or engaging in improper conduct. Behavioral probation results from improper conduct and attitudes,
both acute and/or chronic. If probation is administered, parents will be notified of the details regarding the
probation. Offenders and their parents will be asked to sign a contract that states both the reason for the
probation and the consequences of violating the probation. Probation is a serious matter that will be
handled consistently and fairly.
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6. Suspension: The nature of a violation of school regulations may make it necessary for the school to suspend
a student for one or more days. No credit will be given for work completed in class, or due to be turned in,
on the day of the suspension. A student serving an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to
participate in any extracurricular activities, including athletics, on the day(s) they are serving their
suspension.
7. Expulsion: A serious infraction of the school’s policies may result in expulsion from the school. The parents
or guardian of an expelled student may be held responsible for the remainder of the tuition for the
semester. The administration reserves the right to release or expel any student, at any time, if such action
is deemed to be in the best interest of the student and/or the school.
DISCIPLINARY APPEAL PROCESS
In disciplinary cases that result in expulsion, the parent/guardian may appeal the recommendation of the principal
based on one or more of the following criteria:
1. The disciplinary action is grossly disproportionate to the misconduct.
2. The decision of the principal was not supported by the evidence.
3. New evidence has become available since the initial investigation, which would have significantly altered
the disciplinary result.
The family has three school days from the date of the expulsion to submit a written request for a hearing to the
president. The written appeal must set forth all the specific grounds for the appeal. If granted, the hearing will then
be held within five school days of receipt of the request. The president reserves the right to appoint a disciplinary
appeal committee to review the specifics of the appeal, as well as the original disciplinary action. The student will
be suspended from school until the appeal process is completed. The decision of the president and/or the designated
committee will be final.
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Inappropriate public displays of affection are considered in poor taste and not permitted on campus or at school
functions.
DRIVING PRIVILEGE FOR LICENSED DRIVERS
1. There is to be NO CELL PHONE USAGE (talking, texting, accessing the internet, etc.) while operating a vehicle
on campus.
2. Students must have a valid driver’s license to operate any vehicle on campus.
3. Students must register their vehicles with the main office and receive (for a nominal fee) a parking tag to
hang from the rearview mirror of the vehicle.
4. The speed limit on campus is 14 miles per hour.
5. Students must park in assigned student parking areas. Drives, walkways, and bus lanes must not be blocked.
Improperly parked vehicles may be moved at the owner’s expense.
6. Students who drive and those who accompany them must enter the building immediately upon arrival.
They may not remain in their cars or in the parking lot.
7. Students may not return to their cars during the school day. Vehicles are not to be used as lockers. The
student needs to bring in everything necessary for the day upon arrival.
8. Students may not leave campus during the school day without permission.
9. Students who violate driving privilege requirements may forfeit the privilege of driving and parking on
campus.
10. The school and its administration are not responsible for damage to cars on campus at any time.
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DRUG POLICY AND DRUG TESTING
Illegal drugs are not to be used in any form by Friendship Christian students. Students must not purchase, possess,
transport, use, or sell illegal drugs, controlled substances, over-the-counter or prescription medications, or other
substances that can be used for mind-altering experiences unless such medication is registered with the school as a
treatment for the student from a physician. Students must not possess materials that may be considered drug
paraphernalia, including any electronic delivery devices. If discovered, such materials may be considered as evidence
of drug use. The drug policy applies both on and off-campus. Any student in violation will be subject to disciplinary
action and possible dismissal.
Friendship Christian School may conduct random drug testing of students throughout the school year. Refusal of or
attempts to evade testing will be interpreted as evidence of drug use and will result in disciplinary action. If a student
is absent on a day he/she is to be tested for drugs, FCS, at its sole discretion, will either test the student on the first
day he/she returns to school or will test the student at the next testing time.
Student-athletes may be subject to drug testing prior to or during their sport’s regular season, as well as other times
throughout the year. Athletes may also be subject to testing for the use of steroids and/or other performance-
enhancing types of drugs.
Friendship Christian School reserves the right to test any student for drug use at any time, at the parent’s expense,
if Friendship Christian believes that the student may be using drugs. Reasons for testing include, but are not limited
to, a student’s statements regarding drug use, student behavior consistent with drug use, and possession of drug
paraphernalia. Any attempt by a student to tamper with or falsify a drug test will result in the student being treated
as having tested positive. This includes, but is not limited to, attempting to present a false specimen, altering a
specimen, or consuming any type of ‘masking’ agent prior to the test with the intent to invalidate the test results.
Friendship Christian reserves the right at all times, while the student is on the premises and property and
circumstances warrant, to have authorized school staff conduct searches and inspections of students, their personal
property and effects, including, but not limited to: lockers, baggage, offices, desks, book bags, clothing and vehicles
for the purpose of determining if the student is using, possessing, transporting, selling, distributing, or concealing
any of the prohibited items and substances contained in this policy. A search and inspection, as defined herein, may
also include requiring the student to submit to a urine drug screen test, blood test, hair test, or such other
appropriate drug detection procedure.
EARBUDS AND HEADPHONES
Headphones may not be worn while on campus during school hours, unless a teacher or staff member grants
permission during instructional time.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are prohibited from bringing laser pointers, electronic games, and other electronic items to school without
permission from a teacher or administrator. Those items will be confiscated if found. The school accepts no
responsibility for devices brought to school.
GANG ACTIVITIES
Student involvement with any type of gang activity, whether it be membership, dress, insignias, colors, graffiti, or
gang recruitment is strictly prohibited. Students participating in this activity will be subject to disciplinary action, up
to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
HAZING
Hazing is an act of initiation when a student is degraded, physically harmed, and/or humiliated against his or her
will. Any occurrence of hazing among any team, club, class, or group of students, on or off-campus, must be
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immediately reported to the administration. An individual found guilty of hazing will be (at a minimum) suspended
for one calendar year from participation in the club or sport in which the infraction occurred. Additionally, the
offending student will be put on behavioral probation for at least the remainder of the school year.
HONESTY POLICY
Students are expected to practice the highest standards of personal integrity. Dishonesty such as falsification,
academic dishonesty, or lying to faculty or staff in the process of performing their duties will result in immediate
disciplinary action.
IPAD ACCEPTABLE USE (7TH-12TH GRADE)
FCS equips each 7th through 12th-grade student with an Apple iPad as part of our 1:1 technology initiative. The
following policy provides the guidelines governing the use of the iPad and the FCS network and extensive
technological resources. Each student at FCS is expected to adhere to ethical and moral standards in their daily lives
and decision making; these same standards are expected to be followed when making choices regarding technology
resources both on and off-campus. The guidelines are not all-inclusive, and all decisions regarding the consequences
of violating this policy are subject to final review by the school administration.
Passwords, iCloud, and Find My iPad
It is recommended, but not required, to password protect your iPad. If an iPad is misplaced, anyone can gain access
to one that is not password protected. If an iPad password is forgotten, the Technology Department can clear it and
obtain access to the device.
Each student is required to obtain their own unique Apple ID (sharing an Apple ID with a sibling or parent will prevent
a student from being able to back up their iPad). This is needed both to purchase (paid and non-paid) apps and to
have access to iCloud. Parents may set up an Apple ID for which they, and not their student, possess the password.
In this case, apps will need to be installed by the parent with the password.
To create an Apple ID, visit https://appleid.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MyAppleId.woa/.
Each student must also set up an iCloud account, and must backup the iPad to iCloud. This protects any data created
by the student and allows a new iPad to be set up easily if the need arises.
For more information about setting up iCloud, visit http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/ios.html.
Every iPad must have Location Services enabled at all times, as well as Find My iPad. This is necessary to help locate
a lost or stolen device. Find My iPad only works when a device is turned on and connected to the internet. Therefore,
privacy concerns may be alleviated by turning the device off, or by turning off Wi-Fi.
Email
Every student will be issued an email account by the school. Students may have another email account on the iPad,
but the school email account must be the default email account on the device. Teachers will use this account to
communicate with students on a regular basis, so it is important that every student access this account daily. Student
email accounts are to be used for school activity only; these accounts are constantly monitored by software that
looks for abusive and offensive language, as well as cyberbullying phrases and acronyms.
Care, Maintenance, Insurance
Each iPad must be in a Griffin Survivor Case (GSC) provided by FCS. Any iPad not in a GSC will be collected and held
until the iPad is returned to the GSC. The iPad may NOT be removed from its case at any time. Any student who
has removed the device from the case or removes or alters the top clear plastic screen protector will face disciplinary
action and will be held fully responsible for any damages to the iPad or the case.
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Students should exercise reasonable care while using the iPad, and should not expose it to situations where it could
be dropped, crushed, immersed in water, or lost. It is not recommended to leave an iPad in a backpack that is left
on a floor where something may be inadvertently dropped on it.
Any damage to an iPad must be reported immediately to the school’s Technology Department, and students should
be prepared to present an honest and accurate accounting of how the damage occurred.
Each student (and by extension, his/her family) is responsible for protection against loss or damage of the iPad of
any kind. FCS provides insurance for a charge of $50 that protects in the event of accidental physical damage or
water immersion. There is a $50 deductible for the first incident, a $250 deductible for the second incident, and
$500 for the third incident within that year. If the iPad is lost or stolen, the family is responsible for the cost of
replacement. If the iPad is broken while it is not in the approved case, full responsibility for the cost of repair will be
assessed even if the student has insurance. If Apple deems, a damaged iPad is “beyond economical repair,” the
family will be responsible for the cost of replacement. A missing iPad charger will also incur a charge equal to the
purchase price of a new one.
General Use and Misuse
Students are required to bring their iPads to school every day fully charged. iPads are provided for educational usage;
messaging and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Kik, Vine, SnapChat, etc.) are not permitted during school
hours. A student who repeatedly chooses to break these rules will have his/her iPad modified to prevent any
personal apps from being installed, along with a restrictive internet browser, and may lose the privilege of taking
the iPad home every night.
School apps and electronic textbooks are the first priority for the storage capacity of the iPad. A student may have
personal media and apps on the iPad, provided there is enough space remaining.
At NO time may a student use the camera (video or still photography) on the iPad on school grounds without the
express permission of a teacher or administrator. Violation of this will result in the camera being disabled for the
school year.
Each student is responsible for all content on his/her iPad. Any offensive apps, pictures, documents, videos, or other
media will be removed, and disciplinary action may result. The student’s family will not be compensated for any
inappropriate apps, pictures, documents, videos, or other media that FCS removes from an FCS device. As each iPad
is the property of the school, a student may have his/her iPad randomly inspected at any time by a faculty member,
and any questionable material will be reported to school administration.
As with all technology resources at FCS, any attempt to circumvent the security of our network will be dealt with
very seriously. Attempts to gain access to unauthorized folders on the network, or websites that are deemed
pornographic, racist, hate-mongering, or otherwise offensive, may result in a loss of technology privileges as well as
other disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
IPAD ACCEPTABLE USE (K-6TH GRADE)
FCS equips each kindergarten through 6th-grade student with an Apple iPad as part of our 1:1 technology
initiative. The following policy provides the guidelines governing the use of the iPad and the FCS network and
extensive technological resources. Each student at FCS is expected to adhere to ethical and moral standards in their
daily lives and decision making; these same standards are expected to be followed when making choices regarding
technology resources both on and off-campus. The guidelines are not all-inclusive, and all decisions regarding the
consequences of violating this policy are subject to final review by the school administration.
Email
Specified grade level students will be issued an email account by the school. These email accounts are only able to
send and receive emails to and from their teachers and fellow students. Teachers will use this account to
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communicate with students on a regular basis, so it is important that every student access this account daily. Student
email accounts are to be used for school activity only; these accounts are continuously monitored by software that
looks for abusive and offensive language, as well as cyberbullying phrases and acronyms.
Care, Maintenance
Each iPad must be in a Griffin Survivor Case (GSC) provided by FCS. The iPad may NOT be removed from its case at
any time. Any student who has removed the device from the case, removes or alters the top clear plastic screen
protector, or damages or defaces the case in any way, will face disciplinary action and will be held completely
responsible for any damages to the iPad or the case.
Students should exercise reasonable care while using the iPad, and should not expose it to situations where it could
be dropped, crushed, immersed in water, or lost. iPads are not to be removed from the classroom without the
express consent and instruction of a teacher. It is not recommended to leave an iPad in a backpack that is left on a
floor where something may be inadvertently dropped on it.
Any damage to an iPad must be reported immediately to a teacher, and students should be prepared to present an
honest and accurate accounting of how the damage occurred.
Each student is responsible for the care of his/her assigned iPad. Damage caused by intentional misuse will be
treated as damage to any other school resource and may result in a student being held responsible for repair or
replacement of the device.
General Use and Misuse
iPads are provided for educational usage; messaging and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Kik, Vine,
SnapChat, etc.) are not permitted during school hours. A student who repeatedly chooses to break these rules will
have his/her iPad modified to prevent any personal apps from being installed, along with a restrictive Internet
browser.
At NO time may a student use the camera (video or still photography) on the iPad on school grounds without the
express permission of a teacher or administrator. Violation of this will result in the camera being disabled for the
school year.
Each student is responsible for all content on his/her iPad. Any offensive apps, pictures, documents, videos, or other
media will be removed, and disciplinary action may result. As each iPad is the property of the school, a student may
have his/her iPad randomly inspected at any time by a faculty member, and any questionable material will be
reported to school administration.
As with all technology resources at FCS, any attempts to circumvent the security of our network will be subject to
disciplinary action. Attempts to gain access to unauthorized folders on the network, or websites that are deemed
pornographic, racist, hate-mongering, or otherwise offensive, may result in a loss of technology privileges as well as
other disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
MARRIAGE
Friendship Christian School is a coeducational institution that expects students to maintain high standards of moral
purity and remain accountable to their parents or guardians. Married students are classified by law as adults and
are no longer subject to the will of their parents. Additionally, the educational environment of FCS is not designed
to respond to the needs of young married persons. Therefore, married students will not be enrolled and will be
terminated from enrollment in the school should a student get married, unless permission for continued enrollment
is obtained from the school president prior to the marriage. Cohabitation is an unacceptable lifestyle. A student
living under such conditions will neither be accepted for enrollment nor permitted to continue attending FCS.
Policies relating to sexual promiscuity, pregnancy, and marriage govern both male and female students.
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MATERNITY/PATERNITY
Should pregnancy occur, we want what is best for the mother and her child. Our rule listed under sexual misconduct,
however, states that sexual immorality is contrary to the basic philosophy of FCS. Therefore, those students who
are the parents are subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal. Should a pregnant student explain the
situation to us and ask for help, we will work with the families. A plan will be worked out for the boy and girl (if they
are both in school) to finish the year at home with the guidance of our faculty and administration. We strongly
discourage abortion. By offering the student(s) homebound instruction, we hope to send a message to the student
body and the community that while there are consequences for our actions, we cherish the sanctity of life.
Policies relating to sexual promiscuity, pregnancy, and marriage govern both male and female students.
PORNOGRAPHY
Students are prohibited from creating, producing, disseminating, or viewing pornography. School devices used for
such activity will be immediately confiscated. Students involved in such activity will be subject to disciplinary action,
up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
PROFANITY
Profanity in any form—verbal, written, graphic, posted on websites, blogs, or any other social media outlet—is
prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY
Students are expected to be respectful at all time in their interactions, verbal and nonverbal, spoken and written,
with teachers, administrators, staff, and all adults with whom they come in contact on campus, or any time they
represent Friendship Christian School off-campus. Failure to do so will result in immediate disciplinary action.
SEXTING
Sexting is the transmission or possession of nude or nearly nude photographs, sexually suggestive video, or sexually
suggestive text messages via cell phones or other mobile devices and is prohibited at all times. Violation will result
in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Sec. 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment
when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Friendship Christian School will not tolerate
sexual harassment in any form. Violation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
FCS upholds a biblical view of sexual morality. Students shall abstain from sexually immoral or promiscuous behavior
on or off-campus. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of expulsion.
Students who disrupt the school environment by promoting immoral or promiscuous practices or beliefs or by
professing to be homosexually or bisexually oriented are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion
of the student. The administration reserves the right to use its own discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis,
what constitutes a disruption of the school environment. The administration also reserves the right to make
inquiries of students and parents regarding these issues and to expect truthful responses.
Policies relating to sexual promiscuity, pregnancy, and marriage govern both male and female students.
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SKATEBOARDING
Skateboarding on campus is prohibited at all times.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
We welcome anyone who is interested in the life of our school to follow us and connect with us on the various social
media sites that we use. At the moment, this includes Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. These sites allow us to
communicate quick snapshots about day-to-day life in school.
Use of Sites
It is important for everybody’s safety that we are clear about how we use these sites, and what is acceptable behavior
from the people who choose to follow us. We use our social media sites to publish information that is of general
interest. We do not believe it is an appropriate place to discuss personal matters that are specific to individual
members of our community, whether that be children, parents, administrators, teachers, staff, or coaches.
Privacy
Do not publish, post, or release information that is considered confidential or not public. If it seems
confidential, it probably is. Online "conversations" are never private. Do not use your birth date,
address, and cell phone number on any public website (i.e., don’t post a picture of yourself showing
your driver’s license. Your driver’s license contains most of your private information).
NEVER give out or transmit personal information about students, teachers, or parents.
To ensure your safety, be careful about the type and amount of personal information you provide.
Avoid talking about personal schedules or situations.
Don't take the information you may receive through Social Media (such as e-mail addresses,
customer names, or telephone numbers) and assume it’s the most up-to-date or correct. Always
verify before sharing.
Always respect the privacy of the school community members.
Respect
We will not tolerate any form of bullying on our social media accounts (see Cyberbullying under Code of
Conduct, page 20).
We will not allow posts or comments that refer to specific, individual matters between the school and
members of its community.
We will not tolerate any comments or posts that are defamatory, rude, or abusive towards any member of
our school community, whether that be children, parents, administrator, teacher, staff, or coaches.
Where allowed by the site, we welcome comments on the information we post. However, we reserve the
right to delete comments and ban further comments, at the sole discretion of the administration, anyone
who breaks the terms of our policy.
Any student or parent found in violation of this policy will subject themselves or their student to disciplinary action,
up to and including dismissal of the student from school.
STUDENT EMAIL (7TH-12TH GRADE)
All middle and high school students will be issued a school email address. All electronic communication with
students will be sent only to their FCS student email addresses. Parents can learn a student’s email address by logging
into RenWeb / Family Information / Family Profile / click on a student’s name.
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THEFT OR DESTRUCTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Few acts contribute to the disintegration of a community more than stealing. A student found to have stolen school
property, or the personal property of others (no matter the value of the property), will be subject to fines, providing
financial compensation for the items stolen, and disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
The taking of community/school property for personal use without proper authorization (even if not removed from
campus) is considered to be an act of theft. Failure to report such actions, or the presence of individuals on campus
who have engaged in them, is a safety risk and may be subject to disciplinary action.
THREATS TO OTHERS
Intimidation of another will not be tolerated. Threats of any type: written, digitally transmitted, verbal, or physical,
are a serious infraction of the mission of the school and the environment it strives to create for each student. Verbal
or physical harassment of another student, faculty or staff member, or administrator, as to cause that person to be
in reasonable fear of assault or bodily or emotional injury, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including
expulsion.
THREAT OF PERSONAL INJURY TO SELF
Behavior which indicates that a student could be a threat to self, such as, but not limited to, mutilation, eating
disorders, infatuation with death or suicide, is subject to review and intervention by the administration. The primary
desire of the school is to obtain immediate help for the student. The administration reserves the right to release any
student, at any time, if such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the student and/or the school.
TOBACCO
Tobacco, in any form, including any electronic delivery devices, is not to be possessed or used at any time by
students. Violation will result in disciplinary action.
VANDALISM
Any student destroying, removing, or in any way defacing property or trespassing on another person’s property, will
be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The financially responsible party for the student may
be charged for repair or replacement of damaged property. Students are encouraged to report accidental damage
to school property. Such cases will be treated with fairness and understanding.
WEAPONS
The use or possession of firearms and/or other lethal weapons and devices is prohibited. It is a FELONY for any
person to possess or carry any weapons or firearms, whether openly or concealed, on school property. STATE LAW
PRESCRIBES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SIX (6) YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $3,000 FOR
CARRYING WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. Any student found in violation of this law will be subject to immediate
dismissal from school.
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ACADEMIC POLICY
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
English 4 credits
Mathematics (minimum of 1 per year) 4 credits
Science (must include Biology & Chemistry or Physics) 3 credits
Bible *4 credits
U.S. History and Geography 1 credit
Foreign Language (same language) 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Lifetime Wellness 1 credit
World History and Geography 1 credit
Personal Finance 1/2 credit
U.S. Government & Civics 1/2 credit
Economics 1/2 credit
PE/Athletics 1/2 credit
Total Core Credits 23 Credits
Electives 5 credits
Total 28 credits
*Students enrolling in FCS after their freshman year will only need the number of Bible credits that correspond to
the number of years they are enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
HONORS DIPLOMA
Friendship Christian School offers an honors diploma program. In order to participate in the honors program, a
student must receive a 93 average in a regular course or an 88 average in a previous honors course, along with a
teacher recommendation.
All students in an honors course will be awarded an extra three points to their grades. To receive an honors diploma,
students must complete 12 credits of honors, dual enrollment(DE), or advanced placement(AP) courses. Seniors may
not drop honors, AP or DE classes at the end of the first semester of senior year, without permission of the academic
dean, principal, and parents.
DUAL ENROLLMENT/DUAL CREDIT ELIGIBILITY
FCS partners in dual enrollment (DE) and dual credit (DC) courses with Lipscomb University and Colorado Christian
University. Students are expected to perform at a high level to be considered for enrollment in the DE and DC
programs. Requirements and prerequisites vary per course and are described below.
Lipscomb University requires all DE students to achieve an ACT composite score of 21 or higher by September 1,
and to have achieved the minimum subject score for each course as outlined below:
College Algebra (3 hours/semester) – Math ACT subject score of 21 or higher
Statistics (3 hours/semester) – Prerequisite College Algebra or Math ACT subject score of 23 or higher
US History (3 hours/semester) – ACT Composite of 21 or higher
Colorado Christian University courses will have the following requirements:
Calculus (4 hours/year) – Prerequisite of Honors Pre-Calculus and FCS administration approval
Literature and English courses (3 hours/semester) – Composite score 21 and English ACT subject score of
20 or higher
Psychology (3 hours/semester) – approval required by FCS administration
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Sociology (3 hours/semester) – approval required by FCS administration
US Government (3 hours/semester) – approval required by FCS administration
*There are additional fees for dual enrollment and dual credit courses.
Additional courses are available through Ethos Virtual School for dual credit. These courses include foreign
languages, Bible, and other electives (DC courses do not earn quality points towards the student’s weighted GPA).
Participants in the DE and/or DC programs who are expelled or are provided homebound instruction will be dropped
from the class and will not receive college credit for the course(s) in keeping with FCS policy.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE, COURSE WEIGHTING, TRANSFERS, AND CLASS RANK
In calculating the weighted grade point average(GPA), FCS will use the most common weighting system. Advanced
placement and dual enrollment classes will have an added GPA weight of 1.0, and honors classes will have an added
GPA weight of 0.5. The chart below shows the GPA weight of each class type:
Letter Grade AP/DE Honors Regular/DC
A 5.0 4.5 4.0
B 4.0 3.5 3.0
C 3.0 2.5 2.0
D 2.0 1.5 1.0
F 0.0 0.0 0.0
The weighted GPA scale offers an incentive for students to take upper-level classes, as well as protect graduates
from unequal comparisons of an unweighted GPA to the weighted GPA of other schools.
In order to be named valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be an honors diploma graduate and must have
attended FCS all eight semesters of high school. Valedictorian and salutatorian honors will be determined by
weighted GPA, excluding athletics/physical education credits, Bible credits, fine arts credits, and semester electives,
with cumulative grade average in selected courses determining the honor if a tie should occur.
In order to receive a Friendship Christian School diploma, students are expected to be enrolled at FCS a minimum of
four semesters of their high school career. The primary exception to this would be a student who is moving into the
local area from out of state or a distant region of Tennessee. Students from local high schools will not be considered
for transfer if they will not meet this requirement.
Each student will have seven required academic credits per year. In order to encourage well-roundedness, students
are limited to five advanced-level credits (AP, DE, DC, HONORS) per year. This enables each student to take at least
one elective and one Bible class each semester.
Students enrolled in advanced placement courses are expected to take the end-of-year AP test and give their best
effort on the exam. Any student failing to do so will forfeit the +3 grade points for each semester and the +1 quality
point in the weighted GPA system, as well as the AP designation on his/her transcript.
FCS transcripts will follow the collegiate model for transfer courses. Transfer courses will continue to be considered
for approval to meet FCS graduation requirements, but they will not be calculated into the FCS GPA. Only FCS and
Ethos Virtual School (EVS) courses will be calculated. Online elective courses, beyond the seven required courses
(afterschool, summer, etc.), will be considered as transfer courses. The only known exceptions will be online credit
recovery courses and EVS courses required for the valedictorian/salutatorian calculation. In these instances, these
courses will be calculated in the GPA.
Class rank, beyond valedictorian and salutatorian, will use the quintile ranking system. The quintile ranking will also
be used to determine class rank recognition at the annual Academic Banquet. The senior class rank will be cumulative
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through the first semester of the senior year. Grades 7-11 will be recognized at Academic Banquet based on the first
three grading periods and the semester exams of the current year only.
GENERAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
Grading scale and grading system:
A = 93-100 D = 70-74
B = 85-92 F = Below 70
C = 75-84
1. There are two nine-week grading periods during each semester. Nine-week grades are determined by daily
grades, homework, tests, etc. Progress reports are emailed to parent(s) midway through each nine-week
grading period. Parents have internet access to grades via RenWeb and are expected to monitor their
student’s academic progress.
2. Report cards are available on RenWeb within the week following each nine-week period.
3. Students with no grade below 85 for the nine-week grading period will be placed on the Honor Roll.
Students with grades of 93 or above in all classes are placed on the President’s List.
4. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and will regularly be assigned to reinforce skills learned
in the classroom. Parents are the key to a positive homework experience by:
a. Establishing homework as a priority and scheduling it in the student’s after school routine
b. Providing an appropriate location for the student to work
c. Providing needed supplies
d. Providing positive support
5. Promotion and Retention: A student must achieve at or above grade level academically in order to be
promoted to the next grade level without probation. A final decision regarding promotion or retention is
made by the administration in consultation with the teachers and parents.
GENERAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ONLY
1. Students are responsible for monitoring RenWeb and teacher-established class websites for homework
assignments. Making up work missed due to an excused absence may be done as follows:
a. Miss 1-2 days: Work assigned while absent is due the second time the class meets (one extra
class day is granted).
i. Example: Miss Monday, work assigned Monday is due Friday.
ii. Example: Miss Monday and Tuesday, work assigned Monday and Tuesday are due
Friday and Monday.
b. Students absent more than two consecutive days must make arrangements with their teachers,
and Academic Dean if necessary, for a schedule to make up missed work.
c. Students will not receive extensions on due dates for long term projects. If they are due while
absent, they must be turned in the first day they return to school.
d. If a student misses a class but comes to school later in the day, the student must turn in any
homework for the classes missed by 2:45 pm the same day to avoid a late penalty.
2. High school students are encouraged to work closely with the college and career counselor and the
academic dean to ensure they are taking the most appropriate course of study for graduation and college.
3. After the tenth full day of the semester, courses may be added or dropped only with the written permission
of the academic dean, teacher, and parents.
4. Each grading period counts as 40% of the semester grade. Semester examinations are 20% of the semester
grade. Five-tenths or more shall be considered a full point.
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5. Final Exam Exemptions (grades 7-12): full-year and semester course exam exemptions are as follows:
Final Exams in May: students may be exempt from a final if they have an A average in the course. In
calculating, each nine weeks grade counts twice, the semester exam counts once. An A average earns
an exemption (Ex. Sum: 832.5/9 = 92.5).
Semester Exams in December: in all full year courses, there are no semester exam exemptions in
December. In a one-semester course, however, you can earn an exemption by averaging the two
grading period grades and having an A average.
6. Seniors may earn the privilege of being exempt from all spring exams their senior year by continuing to
perform at their own personal best in the spring of their senior year. However, students performing below
a “B” average in core courses for their senior spring semester may be required to take their final
exams. Additionally, students who have issues with attendance, punctuality, turning in homework, and/or
behavior during their senior spring semester, may have their exemptions revoked. Seniors required to take
exams will do so the Thursday and/or Friday before graduation.
7. All exams must be taken at assigned times. In rare cases, a make-up examination may be justified. Decisions
in such cases will be made by the teacher and the administration.
8. To receive credit for a full-year high school course, a student must pass both semesters. The student will
repeat any semester’s work where the grade for that semester is not passing. If a student fails a course and
repeats it in the summer, both grades will remain on the transcript.
9. Students enrolled in advanced placement courses are expected to take the end-of-year AP test and give
their best effort on the exam. Any student failing to do so will forfeit the +3 grade points for each semester
and the +1 quality point in the weighted GPA system, as well as the AP designation on his/her transcript.
ETHOS VIRTUAL SCHOOL (9TH-12TH GRADES)
FCS is partnering with Greater Atlanta Christian School and several Christian high schools nationwide to offer
additional courses in an online format through Ethos Virtual School (EVS). These courses are designed to help
prepare students for college by adding more Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, foreign language offerings, plus
several elective offerings for students with specific, but possibly less-common, interests. Additionally, some of the
non-AP courses will have dual credit potential through Colorado Christian University.
Ethos Virtual School course offerings for the current school year are available on the FCS and EVS websites, or by
contacting the office of the FCS Academic Dean or College Counselor.
EVS offers two or more years of each foreign language, thus making it possible for these courses to meet a Friendship
student’s two-year foreign language requirement for graduation.
Note: there is a fee for taking an EVS course. Prerequisite qualifications apply to some of the EVS courses. For more
information, including current pricing, please contact the academic dean or the college/career counselor, or you
may also visit www.ethosschool.org for additional information.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION AND CONFERENCES WITH FACULTY
Emailing Staff
As part of routine email correspondence, we ask our faculty and staff to acknowledge parent emails within one
school day and to act upon them within three school days. Please be patient with our staff and give them time to
process all of the of incoming communications they receive. Understand that they need time to investigate your
requests before being expected to act. However, if after three school days, you feel your issue is not being effectively
pursued, please let the principal know. We encourage parents to get involved and communicate with us regularly.
We simply ask parents to recognize basic business etiquette in scheduling meetings and handling correspondence.
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Please respect a teacher’s personal time and do not call at home unless prior arrangements have been made to do
so. We also encourage parents to keep conferences within the school setting, rather than in a community setting.
Scheduling Meetings with Faculty/Staff
Walk-in appointments disrupt the planned workday, interrupt other staff-family meetings, and do not allow for
appropriate preparation of the information that can add to the success of the conference. We ask that parents not
attempt to engage our faculty in student-specific dialog in the mornings before school. During this time, our teachers
are preparing for classes and tending to administrative assignments such as hall duty, parking lot observation, etc.
Instead, if you need to meet with a faculty member, please schedule a time to see him/her during his/her planning
period or after school. If you need to meet with a staff member, such as the principal or guidance counselors, please
contact the support staff to schedule an appointment. Following common business etiquette practices and calling
to schedule meetings will allow us to give your issues our full attention.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A well-rounded education is more than a classroom activity. Participation in extracurricular programs provides the
student with the opportunity to develop skills and explore interests which will enrich the classroom experience, and
which the student may well enjoy throughout his or her life.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION
1. Students are governed by handbook policies during participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular
activities both on and off-campus.
2. A student with a failing grade (below 70) in a subject at the midpoint or end of the nine-week grading period
may be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored groups.
3. A student who receives isolation may be ineligible to participate in school extracurricular activities both
during and after school for that day.
4. A documented, persistent discipline problem also renders a student ineligible to hold office in a school-
sponsored organization or to participate in related activities.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
1. Students are governed by handbook policies during participation in co-curricular and extracurricular
activities, both on and off-campus. Violations may result in disciplinary action upon the return to school,
suspension from future field trips, or the parent being called to collect the student from the field trip.
2. A student with a failing grade (below 70) in a subject at the midpoint or end of the nine-week grading may
be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored groups.
3. A student with two isolations within a nine-week period may be ineligible for field trips for that nine-week
period.
4. A student who has an out-of-school suspension (OSS) may be ineligible for field trips for a nine-week period.
5. A documented, persistent discipline problem may also render a student ineligible for field trips.
6. A student who has incurred eight absences of any type during the semester in which a field trip occurs may
be ineligible.
7. Any money pre-paid for a field trip is forfeited if the student is rendered ineligible between the time of the
payment and the date of the field trip.
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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (8TH-12TH GRADE)
The Sam B. McFarland Chapter of the National Honor Society is chartered by the National Honor Society of Secondary
Schools and is under the sponsorship and supervision of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
This organization was created to recognize exemplary secondary school students who not only conduct their lives
by the highest standards of character, but also demonstrate an enthusiasm for scholarship, a desire to render service,
and a propensity toward leadership.
Membership is open to qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Membership is an honor bestowed upon the
student by the Faculty Council. Students may not apply for membership. The selection process begins with a survey
of academic records to determine qualified scholastic candidates. Students who meet the academic requirements
are notified and given instructions for further consideration. They must complete the Student Activity Information
Form. This activity form, along with any other verifiable information about each candidate, is then reviewed by the
Faculty Council. The actual selection of the candidates is made by the majority vote of the five-member Faculty
Council, but all faculty members are invited to review the forms and submit any information they feel pertinent to
the selection process.
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for membership:
1. The student must have a cumulative scholastic average of 93.
2. The student must have been a student at FCS for at least one semester.
3. The student must have shown a willingness to assume leadership roles in school, community, or church
activities.
4. The student must have been an active participant in service projects at school, in the community, or at
church.
5. The student must submit a letter of recommendation from a minister, pastor, youth director, scout leader,
employer, supervisor, etc. This letter should be from someone other than a teacher.
Once selected, members will be monitored by the chapter advisor to see that they remain in compliance with the
standards of the NHS. Members who fall below standards will be warned and allowed a reasonable time to correct
the deficiency. Flagrant violations of school rules or civil laws require no warning before dismissal procedures are
implemented. Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for membership.
Transfer students who have been members of the NHS will be accepted into membership provided they bring a
letter of recommendation from their former principal or chapter advisor. Transfer members must meet chapter
standards within one semester to retain membership.
The middle school has the Pat Hackney Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society for the eighth grade.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (6TH-12TH GRADE)
Science Olympiad is an extracurricular program available to middle and high school students. The goals of the
program are to create a passion for learning, foster curiosity, instill an interest in science, and provide recognition
for outstanding achievement in science education. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities,
research, training workshops, and tournaments at the district, regional, and national levels. The tournaments are
rigorous academic interscholastic competitions consisting of a series of individual and team events for which
students prepare throughout the entire school year. The events are well-balanced between the various science
disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers, and technology. There is also a balance between
events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts, process skills, and science applications.
The lead coaches for the team are faculty science and math teachers. However, the commitment of parent coaches
has been instrumental in our success, and we invite parents to be involved.
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP WILSON (11TH GRADE)
FCS partners with Leadership Wilson to offer Youth Leadership Wilson to high school juniors, providing training and
growth opportunities to a cross-section of high school students in Wilson County through a program that values
diversity and recognizes differing leadership styles. Program objections are: building leadership knowledge and
improving interpersonal skills, providing models that explain a broad range of leadership styles, encouraging
initiative and creativity, identifying and training potential leaders, broadening horizons by presenting to the
participants a broad range of information concerning Wilson County and its citizens, providing opportunities for
innovative problem-solving, creating leadership networks and continuing learning processes, and learning to work
effectively using a group process. Students must complete an application and be approved by the school to be
selected. More information is available from Leadership Wilson Executive Director Dorie Mitchell at 615-415-3337.
35
ATHLETICS
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
At FCS, we are committed to educating the whole person: mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially. Our athletic
program is designed with that goal in mind. We understand the educational value of the challenge of athletics and
how it can assist in molding the character of our students, teaching teamwork, dedication, sacrifice, and
sportsmanship. Accordingly, we strive to provide our students with the best athletic experience possible.
The school is a member of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), the governing body for
interscholastic sports in Tennessee. The school adheres to TSSAA guidelines with regard to eligibility requirements,
scheduling, officials, etc.
Above and beyond the TSSAA requirements, FCS has established the following requirements during each semester
to help student-athletes meet their academic responsibilities. The coaches, principal, and guidance counselor will
work together to help student-athletes.
To participate in FCS athletics student-athletes are required:
1. To be passing all classes. Grades will be reviewed at the midpoint of each nine-week period. Athletes who
have not met the academic criteria may be removed from play until such time as grades are within the
guidelines for participation.
2. To meet grade requirements at the end of the nine-week grading period or risk removal from play until the
midpoint of the following grading period.
3. To attend tutoring sessions if required by the administration. The student will continue in tutoring until the
academic deficiency is corrected.
Extenuating external factors will be considered by the administration on a case-by-case basis.
FCS athletes compete inter-scholastically in:
Boys: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track, wrestling, and club-level
swimming.
Girls: basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and club-
level swimming.
FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE
FCS offers athletic opportunities to fifth and sixth-grade students in football. This team is operated by the school,
using school facilities and equipment, and coaches are secured by FCS. A fee is required to participate. This team is
also available to students who are not enrolled at FCS.
There are also boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for fifth and sixth graders who are organized and operated by
parents. These teams can play and practice in FCS facilities when they are available; at times, it is necessary for the
organizers to secure other facilities for practice and games. These teams are granted permission to use the name
“Friendship,” “Friendship Christian,” “Commanders,” or “FCS” provided the use of these names is not detrimental
to FCS in any way.
KINDERGARTEN-FIFTH GRADE INTRAMURALS
Intramural sports are offered throughout the year to students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Afterschool
programs, such as kickball, basketball, bowling, and soccer, are designed to teach fundamental skills and encourage
team building.
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