Student Handbook - Grammar Stage
Grammar Student Handbook
Grades K-6
Welcome to School of the Ozarks
A Laboratory School of College of the Ozarks
The School of the Ozarks was founded in 1906 with the purpose of providing a Christian education for the children of the Ozarks region. That small school has now transformed into College of the Ozarks, the unique and award-winning college of which the laboratory school is an important part. School of the Ozarks reflects the vision of the College of the Ozarks and emphasizes the importance of Christ-like character and a Biblical worldview in understanding Truth. School of the Ozarks has been re-established as a department under The Keeter Center for Character Education, a dynamic part of College of the Ozarks. The School welcomes anyone who desires a quality Christian education and is willing to work to his/her potential. The book of Daniel, chapter 1, details the commitment of four Hebrew youth who chose to live God’s way. Not only were they physically stronger than their peers, but, “To these four … God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.”
This handbook outlines the policies and procedures of School of the Ozarks. The rules and regulations established by the School are intended to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all and to instruct the student in establishing self-discipline.
Rules and regulations in this handbook are in effect at the time of publication, August 1, 2017. Changes in these policies may be made by the administration of the School of the Ozarks at any time. The most updated copy may be found online through the School’s RenWeb ParentsWeb site.
Mission
School of the Ozarks will operate within the same mission of College of the Ozarks, to provide advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.
Vision
School of the Ozarks reflects the vision of College of the Ozarks:
The vision of School of the Ozarks (like that of College of the Ozarks) is to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.
Goals
In carrying out this vision, School of the Ozarks has adopted five goals that mirror those of the College, but are adapted for the environment of the preparatory school. These goals are rooted in the goals of the original School of the Ozarks, founded in 1906.
Academic Goal
To provide students with the opportunity to develop their God-given knowledge and wisdom to their fullest potential so that they might become producers and influencers.
Daniel 1:17: “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning…”
Vocational Goal
To promote a strong work ethic and to demonstrate a servant’s heart in the workplace, whether as an employer or employee.
Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus…”
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.”
Christian Goal
To foster a deeper knowledge of Christ, a desire to be conformed to His image, and the desire to live a life that reflects a Christian worldview.
Philippians 3:7-14: “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:29: “For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”
Patriotic Goal
To encourage an understanding of American heritage, the value and responsibility of living in a country that has a constitution, a love of country, and a willingness to defend it.
Psalm 33:10-12: “The LORD frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh…”
Cultural Goal
To cultivate Christian leaders who influence the culture at large because of their pursuit of excellence, their determination to stand for truth, and their willingness to live out their faith.
Daniel 3:28, 30: “Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God’…Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.”
Matthew 7:24: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.”
Laboratory School
School of the Ozarks is an important part of College of the Ozarks. It is used to encourage excellence and creativity with a distinctly Christian worldview. As a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the International Association of Laboratory Schools, the School seeks to be a leader and an example of what is best for American education. Traditionally, a laboratory school’s commitment has been to assist in preparing teachers, while delivering quality instructional programs for children in the classroom. These schools are affiliated with a college or university for specific purposes that go beyond the scope of traditional public and private institutions. Over the years, laboratory schools have evolved to reflect the diverse needs of the teaching professional and have often led the way in improving the science and art of teaching. Operating under The Keeter Center for Character Education provides an opportunity for faculty and students from various departments to interface with the School on a regular basis.
Honor Code
Each student is expected to uphold to the standard of the Honor Code.
I agree to be an honest, trustworthy, caring and responsible citizen. I will uphold these values in others and myself.
School Colors and Mascot
School of the Ozarks colors are cardinal red and navy blue.
School of the Ozarks mascot is the Patriot, reflecting the patriotic goal of the School and an appreciation of the values on which this nation was founded.
Christ-like Behavior
School of the Ozarks aims to honor Christ in all that we do, and we expect nothing less of our students. Each student is expected to be respectful and above reproach in all areas of his or her life.
Lifestyle/Sexuality Policy
As a department of College of the Ozarks, School of the Ozarks is guided* by a long-standing traditional, Biblical worldview which reflects the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God and that the purpose of this gift includes the procreation of human life and the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love. These purposes are to be achieved through heterosexual relationships in marriage. Misuses of God’s gift will be understood to include, but not be limited to sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, heterosexual misconduct, homosexual conduct, or possession of pornographic materials. In addition, the College considers indiscreet public display of affection as inappropriate behavior.
Employees and students at School of the Ozarks are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the highest standards of Christian morality. It is particularly important to the College that high standards of sexual morality be observed among its employees and students.
Toward this end, School of the Ozarks may subject to disciplinary action any employee or student who engages in or encourages:
1. Sexual relations with a person other than his/her spouse;
2. Sexual relations with a person of the same sex;
3. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature with a person of the same sex;
4. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature with a person of the opposite sex that is inappropriate to the time and place in which it occurs.
Disciplinary action may include disciplinary dismissal.
*Genesis 1:27-28; Proverbs 5:18-19; Song of Solomon; I Corinthians 7:2-5; Genesis
2:24; Matthew 19:5; Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 5:1-11; Proverbs 6:23-33; Proverbs 7:5-
27; Romans 1:26-28; I Thessalonians 4:3; I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Corinthians 6:13-20;
Galatians 5:19.
Character
The vision statement of the School of the Ozarks mirrors that of the College and focuses on the development of Christ-like character in our students. Students and staff are expected to live a life yielded to the will of God and guided by His Spirit to be transformed into the image of His Son. We realize that this is an on-going process, but one that must be intentional both by trainers and trainees. The School places a high value on character and developing character within our students.
Character Education
School of the Ozarks has been established under the department of Character Education of College of the Ozarks. Therefore our programs will be rooted in the goals of The Keeter Center for Character Education. Character education at School of the Ozarks will:
- Reflect the College's five-fold mission emphasizing academic, Christian, vocational, cultural, and patriotic growth, and provide society with productive, responsible citizens.
- Promote basic Christian values such as honesty, respect for and service to others, good citizenship, generosity, honor, courage, sound use of time and talents, and the work ethic.
Character Point Average (CPA)
At the end of each semester, our faculty members reflect upon each student’s character qualities. In grades K-6th, classroom teachers evaluate how each student’s life reflects the fruits of the Spirit, the five goals of the College and School, and the twelve FirstPLACE! character traits selected by our community. Only the student and his/her family see the final report with the scores of the child’s teacher. This evaluation helps the student and his or her parent(s) reflect on areas where he or she is most like Christ, as well as to identify areas in which he or she might need to be more sensitive to His Spirit.
First PLACE!
These twelve character traits were chosen by the citizens of Stone and Taney counties as major indicators of good character. They represent the baseline for daily character expectations.
Respect – treating others with courtesy and honor
Responsibility – taking ownership of what you say and do
Citizenship – being loyal to your country
Compassion/Kindness – caring for others
Commitment – being true to your word
Honesty – being truthful in what you say and do
Cooperation – working together toward a common goal
Perseverance – demonstrating persistent determination
Self-discipline – training and control of yourself
Patience – waiting calmly
Patriotism – showing love for one’s country
Courage – facing difficulty with bravery
Work Point Average (WPA)
In keeping with the vocational goal of College of the Ozarks, School of the Ozarks strives to continue the excellence set forth by the College work education program. Due to the fact that all School of the Ozarks students are commuters, “work assignments” must fit into scheduled breaks or take place before or after the school day. Student tasks are age-appropriate and at the younger grades are very similar to chores done at home. Small changes have been made each year in order to develop a system best fitted for School of the Ozarks’ students and to allow space for them to grow.
K-6 students are responsible for a general upkeep of their own classroom throughout the day. Students are placed on a rotating schedule and spend one recess per week to keep up with the duties.
Christian Worldview Curriculum
A biblical worldview will be emphasized throughout each and every course that the students take. School of the Ozarks is dedicated to teaching God’s Word and incorporating it into every aspect of the student’s experience.
Grade Scale (1-6)
|
Letter Grade
|
Numeric Grade
|
GPA
|
|
A
|
95-100
|
4.0
|
|
A-
|
90-94
|
3.7
|
|
B+
|
87-89
|
3.3
|
|
B
|
83-86
|
3.0
|
|
B-
|
80-82
|
2.7
|
|
C+
|
77-79
|
2.3
|
|
C
|
73-76
|
2.0
|
|
C-
|
70-72
|
1.7
|
|
D+
|
67-69
|
1.3
|
|
D
|
63-66
|
1.0
|
|
D-
|
60-62
|
0.7
|
|
F
|
59 and below
|
0.0
|
Honor Roll
Students in grades 3-6 who achieve a grade-point average of 4.0 in a given marking period are placed on the Patriots Honor Roll. In addition, students who achieve a grade-point average of 3.6-3.99 will be placed on the Lower School Dean’s List.
Academic Warning and Probation
A student is placed on academic warning for receiving one F or two grades of D+ or lower in a marking period. A student is placed on academic probation for receiving two Fs or three or more grades of D+ or lower in a marking period, or being placed on academic warning for two consecutive marking periods. Any student who is placed on academic probation for an entire year must repeat that grade.
Arrival and Departure Procedures
Students in grades K-6 are to arrive at school no later than 8:30 a.m. Parents should continue down Opportunity Avenue after entering the gate and turn right at the stop sign onto Vocational Way. Drive past the Youngman Agricultural Building and turn right behind it. The driveway will bring you around to the student drop-off zone. Please do not bring your child any earlier than 7:30 a.m., so that they can be met at the door by a teacher and escorted into the building. All grammar school students will be escorted by their teacher to and from opening ceremonies or chapel services.
Kindergarten dismisses at 12:30 p.m. each day. (Parents are to drive around to the south side of the building to pick up children in the same area used for drop off in the morning. The kindergarten teacher will escort students to the pick-up area and supervise during this process.) First-Sixth grades dismiss at 3:45 p.m. each day. We request that students get picked up as promptly as possible after dismissal. If your child will not be picked up at 3:45 p.m., you must communicate with his/her teacher in advance so plans can be made for enrichment activities. All students must be picked up by 5:00 p.m.
When a child is to ride home with someone other than the customary driver, the parent must notify the lower school office by an email or phone call notification in advance. The notification must specify both the driver’s name and a description of the vehicle. The driver must have the family pick-up note displayed in the window of the vehicle.
Chapel & Founder’s Friday
As mentioned in the arrival/departure procedures section, students will attend a chapel service in Williams Memorial Chapel at 9:00 a.m. every Friday. These services will include the opportunity to hear speakers give a brief message on faithfully pursuing the Lord. During this service, students will be expected to be dressed in their Friday uniform, no exceptions. Parents are welcome to attend chapel services. In addition, Fridays will be dedicated to learning about a founder of our nation.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is important to a student’s academic success and also promotes good work habits and self-discipline. Parents are to report all absences to the office by 10:00 a.m. to be considered excused. Students are not allowed to report their own absences. Any absence that goes unreported will be unexcused and may result in disciplinary action. Students who are dismissed or checked out from school early for any reason must be signed out at the office. Further, any student coming in late for any reason must sign in at the office. Parents may request for homework to be sent to the office and may pick it up after school has dismissed for the day.
Prearranged Absences
We request that parents call the office to inform us of a prearranged absence. Due to the rigor of the curriculum and the fact that classroom discussions and experiences cannot be replicated, it is recommended that students avoid absences. When a family accepts the appointment of their student to School of the Ozarks, the family is making a commitment for the child to be in school as much as possible. Students who wish to continue at School of the Ozarks should not accept employment or other offers that would require them to miss school during the regularly scheduled school day.
Tardies
School of the Ozarks will have morning activities and opening ceremony each morning. It is an important moment of the school day, and attendance is required. Students should be present for these events, arriving no later than 8:30 a.m. Arrival after 8:30 a.m. will be considered a tardy. Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. should report immediately to the office and should sit in the cafeteria area until memory time/cantabile is finished. Parents will be notified by email each time their child is tardy. Students are allowed three (3) tardies per semester. Tardies beyond this number will result in disciplinary action. Emergencies and inclement weather will be taken into account. The consequences of classroom tardies are at the discretion of each teacher.
Orientation
An orientation day will be scheduled before opening day each year. This will be a very important event, and student attendance is mandatory. This orientation day will lay the foundation for the year.
Conduct/Discipline
The role of discipline at School of the Ozarks is to create an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students are expected to show due respect to teachers, peers, property, and administration. In addition, discipline at the School ought always to uphold the essential virtues established by the School’s mission statement and professed in its curriculum. The School recognizes that good conduct by students promotes good behavior off campus and prepares the students for good citizenship in adulthood. Accordingly, students will be expected to adhere to the general rules of the School, as well as those rules established by each teacher within his or her classroom.
Any conduct that is deemed inappropriate will result in disciplinary action as seen fit by the administration and/or teacher in charge. Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the motto: “Obey right away, all the way, with a good attitude every day.”
There are five basic behaviors that will automatically necessitate an office visit with an administrator. Those behaviors are:
1. Disrespect shown to a staff member. The staff member is the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown.
2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, and stealing.
3. Rebellion, i.e. outright disobedience in response to instructions.
4. Fighting, i.e. striking in anger with the intention to harm the other student
5. Obscene, vulgar, or profane language, as well as taking the name of the Lord in vain.
Parents will be notified of minor offenses via Pink Slip. A pattern of minor offenses will result in an office visit.
Any student who demonstrates a general unwillingness or inability to abide by classroom or School of the Ozarks rules is subject to suspension or expulsion. After meeting with parents, the student, and the involved faculty, the Dean of the Lab School will decide if expulsion is warranted. Students may be dismissed from the School at any time at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School, with the approval of the Vice President of Cultural Affairs and Dean of Character Education.
Prohibited Items
Any introduction of a weapon, an illegal drug, tobacco, alcohol, or sexually explicit material will be treated as grounds for immediate expulsion. Any use of the latter three, either at school or outside of school, will similarly be treated with utmost gravity and may be grounds for immediate expulsion.
Food
Aside from the luncheon period, personal consumption of food and beverages, including candy and chewing gum, is not permitted in the building, with the exception of designated, school provided nutrition breaks in grades K-4 and special celebration times, also designated by the School. Bottled water is allowed as long as the top can be completely sealed. Under no circumstances may students keep food or beverages in their lockers overnight. Our policy is to avoid parents bringing in food due to allergies. Bobcat Catering provides cupcakes to the students on their birthdays.
Celebrations
Parties will not be held at school unless the teacher has prior approval from administration. S of O parties are for School of the Ozarks students and sponsors only. No other guests are permitted without prior approval from administration.
Dress Code
Our school uniform seeks to achieve a clean and well-groomed appearance for our students and to free them from fashion trends and peer pressure. Uniforms are to be purchased through Parker School Uniforms.
Monday through Thursday uniforms can include any of the following items:
Khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skorts (for girls)
Plaid skorts/skirts (for girls)
Oxford shirt with S of O Logo
Polo shirt with S of O Logo
? Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
? Belts must be worn with slacks or shorts at all times and must be brown or black in color.
Sweater or cardigan with S of O Logo
School logo fleece
S of O letter jacket
School issued athletic jacket
Shoes – Sperry Intrepid, Bluefish, or Billfish (Tan or Natural in color)
? Girls will be allowed to wear navy trouser socks, white crew socks, or navy tights any time a skort/skirt is worn Monday through Thursday.
? Socks worn with shorts are to be white mid-calf crew socks (no logos or additional colors).
? Socks worn with pants need to be a single color (white, navy, black, or brown).
Students will need to order shorts and t-shirts from Parker Uniforms to be worn during Lifetime Fitness.
Students must remain in school uniform until departing the school building for the day.
Friday uniforms include:
For boys - blazer, oxford shirt, plaid tie, khaki pants, navy socks, and dark, solid leather or leather like shoes
For girls -blazer, oxford shirt, plaid tie, khaki skort, navy trouser socks or navy tights, and dark, solid leather or leather like shoes
On Fridays, a one-tone, dark leather (brown, black or navy), and practical school shoe with non-skid soles, enclosed toe, and full back must be worn. Belts are to be of a solid dark color (brown, black, or navy) as well. Shirts must be tucked into the slacks or skorts at all times. Boots, sandals, clogs, mules, and halfbacks are not permitted. Non-skid soles and laces, if applicable, must be dark in color. Girls are not to wear heels higher than one inch.
Jewelry, Makeup, and Hairstyle:
Neck chains and watches should be removed for P.E. and sports. Hair is to be neat and clean. Boys’ hair should be above the eyebrows, off the collar, above the ears, and of uniform length. Facial hair is to be clean, neat, and professional. Girls’ hair should be neatly styled with natural hair color. Natural-looking highlights are permitted. School uniform plaid, red, white, or navy solid color hair bows and headbands are permitted for girls. Makeup is to be professional looking and not meant to draw attention to the individual. Jewelry should be appropriate and non-offensive. All questions of jewelry, makeup and hairstyle are at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.
Students who wear nail polish should meet the following criteria: One matching color on all ten nails. Nail color should be neutral (not black) or a school color of cardinal or navy. (No distracting colors – i.e. turquoise, neon, purple, black, etc.) All questions of appropriate nail color are at the discretion of the dean or assistant to the dean.
Coats and jackets that are not from the approved Parker Uniforms clothing list may be worn outside the building only and kept in the student’s locker. No hats will be allowed in the building.
Computer Use Policy (before, during, or after school)
Computers may be used for research and for teacher-assigned projects only. These are the only two acceptable uses of School of the Ozarks computers. No use of computer games, online chat rooms, social media, etc. is permitted. Limited use of e-mail is allowed for seniors in the process of college or university application. Any student using school computers for anything other than teacher-assigned projects will receive disciplinary action.
Telephones
No cell phones (including Apple watch) will be allowed at school, no exceptions. Students must obtain permission at the office or from a teacher to use the phone in the office or in a classroom. Outgoing calls should be of an urgent nature and should be kept brief.
Electronic Equipment
Students are not to bring electronic equipment of any kind to campus except for class use, as authorized by the teacher.
Social Media
Neither parents nor students are allowed to initiate social media accounts (such as Facebook) that include the name “School of the Ozarks” without permission from the Dean of the Lab School. All current passwords for administration of such pages must be on file with the School of the Ozarks office, and School of the Ozarks employees may at any time edit the page for content or take it down. In general, students using social media should be aware that statements, photos, preferences, etc. are a reflection on their Savior, their family, School of the Ozarks, and themselves.
Ephesians 4:29
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Cheating/Plagiarism
School of the Ozarks seeks to nurture absolute respect for intellectual property. Any willful misrepresentation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own (cheating or plagiarism) will be treated with the utmost gravity. Looking at another student’s paper during a test is cheating and will result in the student receiving a score of zero on that test.
Lockers
Each student in grades 5th & 6th will be assigned a locker. Students will be allowed to go to their locker before school, at lunch, and after school. Students will only be allowed to go to lockers throughout the day or in between classes with permission from a teacher or administrator. Students are never to keep food in their locker overnight. Students in grades K-4 will have a storage space provided for personal items, including backpacks and coats, inside their individual classrooms.
Student Relationships
At School of the Ozarks we view relationships as a healthy and necessary part of the learning process. In the upper grades, we view dating as a very serious behavior that needs to be approved and monitored by a parent. Therefore, no public display of affection will be allowed on campus. At no time should a relationship affect the student’s behavior, attitude, or work at school.
Calendar / Planner and Friday Folder
The School will keep an up-to-date calendar in the office and on RenWeb ParentsWeb at all times and will make it available to students and parents. Each student in grades 5th and 6th will be given a planner with a folder to utilize and keep track of assignments and activities. Use of this planner is highly encouraged in order to promote good organizational skills and self-discipline. Students in grades K-4 will be given a parent communication folder to serve the same purpose. Folders will go home each day with reading logs and other homework. Each Friday, teachers will place time-sensitive documents in Friday Folders. Parents are expected to check for documents that may require signatures and sign their child’s reading log before the following Monday, so that communication may be accomplished in a timely manner.
Homework
Meaningful homework assignments are an important part of the School’s curriculum. Teachers assign quality homework for each school night within the following guidelines. Students can expect to have an average of 10 minutes of homework per grade per night.
If a student spends more time on homework than designated above, the teacher should be informed promptly so that corrective measures can be taken. While homework assignments may on occasion require more than the designated time, if a student is spending excessive time on homework with little likelihood of satisfactory completion, the parent should help the student find a reasonable stopping point and then attach a note detailing the time spent on the incomplete assignment. The teacher will accept the homework and will then contact the parent to review the circumstances. The Dean of the Lab School should be consulted next if these steps do not remedy the situation.
All homework assignments are to be completed before the beginning of the class for which the work was assigned. Failure to complete homework will be dealt with according to the individual teacher’s discretion. Teachers are required to contact parents if three or more homework assignments are not turned in on time during any marking period.
Textbooks
School of the Ozarks will provide the necessary textbooks that the students will need for each class. The rental cost of these books is included in the fee schedule. Students will leave the books in the classrooms and will be able to get any books they need to take home at the end of the school day, with the expectation that they will be brought back with them the next school day. Books are property of School of the Ozarks and should be returned in a satisfactory condition. Students returning a book with an unreasonable amount of wear or marking, or who have misplaced their book, will be charged the replacement fee.
Financial Aid
School of the Ozarks will provide financial aid for families who need assistance. At the time of interview, parents should indicate if they wish to be considered for financial assistance. In order to be considered, the parents must completely fill out the financial worksheet. These items will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office of College of the Ozarks, and results will be reported to the Dean of the Lab School. Families’ personal financial information is only seen by the Financial Aid Office.
Please mail all financial documents directly to the following address:
College of the Ozarks
Financial Aid
Re: School of the Ozarks
P.O. Box 17
Point Lookout, MO 65726
Refund Policy
Student Account Refund Policy: Withdrawal occurs when a student officially discontinues enrollment in classes and activities of the School. Students who officially withdraw before classes begin will receive a 100% refund of all fees except the $270 deposit. Students who officially withdraw after classes begin will receive a pro-rated refund based on the date of withdrawal, up to 60% of each semester.
Account Balances
Students with an account balance at the end of the school year will be required to have the balance paid before allowed to progress to the next school year.
Conferences
Parent and teacher conferences are held twice a year. These times are designated for discussing the student’s academic achievement and citizenship. Both parents are encouraged to attend, if possible. Of course, parents and teachers are welcome to request conferences throughout the year.
Recess
Children need and want a time during the day to engage in self-directed activity. Recess is provided for exercise, games, and conversation. When playing games, children are encouraged to include everyone who wants to participate. Children are not permitted to leave the designated area during recess. An adult always oversees recess. Accordingly, children are not permitted to use playground equipment while waiting for school to begin or while waiting for rides following dismissal.
Hot Lunches
Hot lunches will be provided on a daily basis for each student. These lunches are covered in the fee schedule. The students are expected to behave in a mature manner and clean up their own area after eating. A limited number of older students may be asked to assist, on a rotating basis, with lunch set up and clean up each day.
Eating with Students
Family members who wish to eat lunch with their student are allowed to do so. The cost will be $5 per person (cash only). We ask that these visits be limited to once per week at most. Parents who are College employees will pay the employee rate.
Illness
Students who become ill in class are required to proceed to the front office, with assistance, for parental notification. He or she may be taken to the College of the Ozarks McDonald Health Clinic to be examined by a registered nurse. If it is determined that the student needs to go home, he or she is to remain on campus until a parent can pick up or release the student.
Students who are deemed by a teacher or administrator to have, or to have potentially, a contagious illness will be isolated from other students until they are picked up or released. Students are not allowed to return to school until their contagious symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours without medication or with a doctor’s note releasing them after experiencing any of the following:
Fever Communicable Disease Excessive Coughing
Vomiting Questionable Rash Non-clear discharge
Diarrhea Discharge from eyes Common Cold
Skin Infections
Should your child have allergies and symptoms that appear as a cold but not contagious, please inform your child’s teacher and the front office.
School of the Ozarks is able to provide only routine first aid for students who become ill or injured at school. At the beginning of the school year, parents may complete and turn in a permission form authorizing the front office to administer Tylenol or Ibuprofen to their child if circumstances warrant. Prescription medicine is kept and administered in the front office only when the school has on file a completed Medical Authorization Form signed by the student’s parent. This form is available at the front office.
Head Lice
Head lice can affect anyone regardless of personal hygiene or cleanliness at home or school. The Center for Disease Control states, “Head lice move by crawling; they do not hop or fly. Anyone who comes into head-to-head contact with someone who already has lice is at the greatest risk.” The spread of lice can be controlled with prompt diagnosis and effective preventative treatment. When treating for lice, when live lice is found in the hair, retreat within 7-9 days. Otherwise, the parents must continue to use the fine tooth comb daily and comb every strand of hair to remove the nits.
Students must be 24 hours lice-free before returning to school. This is necessary to help prevent the spread of head lice. Please check your child’s hair for evidence of head lice. If you suspect your child has head lice, please notify the school office promptly.
More information along with photos may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html.
Immunizations
Medical information and immunizations are required. The College (School) does not accept exemptions for immunizations. The College (School) will consider an immune titer (lab work that shows immunity to the diseases for which immunizations are required), or a physician’s statement/recommendation if the patient has history/family history of adverse reaction to immunizations. A waiver for the meningitis immunization is permitted because it is not yet a state-required immunization.
The following immunizations are required: Hepatitis B series; diphtheria; tetanus diphtheria booster within the last ten years from date of enrollment in School of the Ozarks; polio series; measles, mumps, rubella series. A tuberculosis skin test is required within the last year from the date of enrollment. A meningitis immunization is recommended, but not yet required (a waiver is accepted for this immunization).
Visitors
All visitors, including parents, must report to the office when entering the building. Former students and guests must have prior approval from the Dean of the Lab School in order to visit during the school day.
Messages to Students from Parents
Messages of an emergency nature only are delivered to students during the school day. All other messages are delivered after the school day ends. Parents should contact the main office to leave a message for their child.
Delivery of Items by Outside Vendors and Parents
Parents, students, friends and family members should not disrupt the school day by ordering and arranging for the delivery of items from outside vendors, such as food, flowers, balloons and the like. Parents are asked to have such orders delivered to the student’s home; otherwise, items delivered to the School will be kept at the office until the end of the school day.
If a parent needs to bring something that a student might have forgotten at home, they are asked to bring it to the office, and we will let the student know to pick it up in between classes. We will not disrupt class time to deliver forgotten items.
Library
All students receive library orientation during the first month of school. At that time, students are advised of library rules regarding resources, checking materials in and out, and appropriate behavior. Once students have completed orientation, they will be allowed to check out two books at a time for a period of one week. School of the Ozarks will continually add new books to the library and welcomes family suggestions for new purchases. An overdue/lost book fee of $2 per book is in affect for all students who check out books. This has been implemented due to the increasing amount of books that were not returned in previous years. The $2 charge will not be added to the students account until after the school year has commenced.
Lost and Found
School of the Ozarks is not responsible for lost or stolen items; however, we will do our best to assist and return found items to the rightful owner. Lost items should be reported to the office, and found items should be turned in to the office. We highly recommend using a permanent marker to identify all school uniform items. The school will not hold items over the summer.
Inclement Weather Policy
We take student safety seriously at S of O. Please keep these guidelines in mind as we prepare for the possibility of inclement weather.
? When school is cancelled, parents will receive a text-cast through RenWeb as soon as the decision is made. School cancellation may be broadcast on KRZK, KOMC, KHOZ, and KLFC, as well as the "Weather Phone" (417-336-5000). Parents who live in outlying areas should use their discretion in deciding if their student will be at school if the weather is questionable, and we have school. We understand that the weather can be much different 15 or 20 miles in any direction from the School. Please call the office if your student will not be at school. Work can be made up according to the policy in the Student Handbook.
? The decision to cancel or continue with an athletic activity for that night will be made in cooperation with the opponent and finalized near mid-day. The decision will be broadcast in the same manner as school cancellation.
Emergency Procedures
A copy of the tornado and fire emergency plan will be placed in each classroom. A fire and tornado drill will take place at the beginning of each school year.
We would like to give a special thanks to Hillsdale Academy (Hillsdale, MI), New Hope Academy (Franklin, TN), Valor Christian High School (Highlands Ranch, CO), and Logos School (Moscow, ID) for their help in creating this handbook.
All scripture references from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN. All rights reserved.