Student Handbook

Student Handbook Agreement

I agree and promise to fulfill my responsibility as a parent or student of School of the Ozarks. I understand that a student may be expelled at any time for immoral, illegal, dishonest, disruptive, or unsafe behavior, or undesirable attitude as solely determined by the School of the Ozarks.

Fees will not be refunded.

*Please read the Student Handbook in its entirety before signing below.*

I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Student Handbook and will follow the expectations laid out for me.

_____________________________________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_____________________________________________________________________________________Student Signature Date

School of the Ozarks Honor Code

Student Handbook

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, 2019. 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

College of the Ozarks and School of the Ozarks are guided by a long-standing traditional, biblical worldview which reflects the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God, and that:

Sex assigned at birth is a person’s God-given, objective gender, whether or not it differs from their internal sense of gender identity (Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 18:22; Matthew 19:4; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10);

Sexual relations are for the purpose of the procreation of human life and the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love, purposes that are to be achieved solely through heterosexual relationships in marriage (Genesis 1:28; 2:24; Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 5:15-23; Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 7:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Misuses of God’s gift of human sexuality will be understood to include, but not be limited to gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth (transgender), gender transition, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, heterosexual misconduct, homosexual conduct, or possession of pornographic materials. In addition, the College and the School consider indiscreet public display of affection as inappropriate behavior.

Employees and students at College of the Ozarks and 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 and School that high standards of sexual morality be observed among its employees and

students.

Toward this end, the College and School may subject to disciplinary action any employee or student who engages in or encourages:

Gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth;
Gender transition;
Sexual relations with a person other than his/her spouse;
Sexual relations with a person of the same sex;
Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature with a person of the same sex;
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.

Title IX

Unwelcome forms of sexual conduct (such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual violence) are prohibited by The College’s Title IX Policy, which also applies to Lab School students and can be viewed in full here: http://images.cofo.edu/cofo/TitleIXPolicyProcedures0619.pdf. Students who experience unwelcome sexual conduct (or their parents) should report the matter to the Dean of the Lab School, who has been delegated authority from the College’s Title IX Coordinator to administer the Title IX Policy and Procedures for students of the Lab School. In investigating and resolving a report of unwelcome sexual conduct against a Lab School student, the Lab School’s process will be modeled after that specified in the Title IX Policy and Procedures, but will, in the sole discretion of the Dean of the Lab School, be adjusted as-appropriate to account for the ages of the students involved.

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.

School Trip Participation

Students will not be allowed to participate in school trips if they are not in good standing in regard to grades, attendance, or behavior. This will be determined at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.

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 work ethic.

Character Point Average (CPA)

At the end of each semester, our faculty members reflect upon each student’s character qualities. Teachers evaluate how each student’s life reflects the fruits of the Spirit and the five goals of the College and School. Only the student and his/her family see the final report with the scores. 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.

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.

7-8 students are asked to clean 45 minutes one day a week and are in charge of the overall cleanliness of the K-8 building. Students vacuum the entire building, take out all of the trash, clean the restrooms, and ensure the building looks presentable each day. Students are supervised by a teacher and are given a work grade at the end of each semester. Teachers have a conversation with each student to discuss the grade they received.

9-12 students are tasked with various workstations as they mature in the school. Much like the 7^th and 8^th graders, each student is assigned a workstation and a supervisor to oversee their work. At the end of each semester, they also receive a grade and meet with their supervisor. Upperclassmen can request a new workstation for the following year. Students who perform poorly may be reassigned to a job with less responsibility. In most cases, the reassignment would be custodial.

Christian Worldview

A biblical worldview will be emphasized throughout each 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

Letter Grade	Numeric Grade	GPA
A	90 and above	4.0
A-	87-89.9	3.7
B+	84-86.9	3.3
B	80-83.9	3.0
B-	77-79.9	2.7
C+	74-76.9	2.3
C	70-73.9	2.0
C-	67-69.9	1.7
D+	64-66.9	1.3
D	60-63.9	1.0
D-	57-59.9	0.7
F	56.9 and below	0.0

College Credit

Juniors and seniors at School of the Ozarks may have the opportunity to take a college credit course through College of the Ozarks with approval from the Dean of the Lab School provided they have earned no grades lower than a “C” during the previous semester. These courses will be of no additional charge to the student. These students have a special application, provided by the School’s Dean. This application is submitted to the Admissions Office of the College. Should they wish to apply as a regular degree seeking student after high school graduation, these students must apply through regular admissions procedures through the Admissions Office.

Honor Roll

Students in grades 3-12 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 Dean’s List. 7-12 students who achieve Honor Roll status may qualify to be inducted in the School’s chapter of National Beta Club.

Graduation

A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the school year for all graduating seniors. Students will be loaned a cap and gown and will be given the opportunity to purchase a class ring and graduation announcements.

Requirements for receiving a diploma are as follows:

Attendance at School of the Ozarks for at least one full academic year. Transfer credit is determined upon admission.

A minimum overall grade-point average of 1.7.

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 is placed on academic warning for two consecutive marking periods. Any student who is placed on academic probation for an entire year may be required to repeat that grade. A student who has been on academic warning or probation for any semester during the school year may be required to take an online summer course at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Students in grades K-6 are to arrive at school no later than 8:30 a.m. Please do not bring your child any earlier than 7:30 a.m. 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. First-Sixth grades dismiss at 3:45 p.m. each day. We request that students get picked up as promptly as possible after dismissal. All students must be picked up by 5:00 p.m.

When a K-6 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 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.

Students in grades 8-12 are to report to the flagpole for opening ceremonies (Monday-Thursday) no later than 9:00 a.m. Seventh grade students should report to the lower school commons area no later than 9:00 a.m. *Friday morning chapel will start at 9:00 a.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel. All grades will attend.

School dismisses at 3:30 p.m. for grades 7-12, unless a student’s work assignment requires him or her to stay later. Students are encouraged to stay for the teacher office hour from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Supervision is provided until 4:30 p.m.

Enrichment Time

Enrichment time is an after-school care program for 1^st – 6^th-grade students as an option for parents who may work past pick up time. Enrichment time is provided through the supervision of student workers and parent volunteers. Students need to be picked up before 5:00 p.m. If after 5:00 p.m., there will be a $1.00 per minute late charge which will need to be paid the next day. Beginning at 3:45-5:00, please call 417-690-2740 regarding enrichment time as this number will be a direct line to the enrichment time supervisors. The Lower School office closes at 4:30 p.m.

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. When a student and his/her family accept an appointment to S of O, they are making a commitment to be in school as much as possible. 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 by a parent or must be dismissed by a parent phone call (if the student drives). Further, any student coming in late for any reason must sign in at the office. Parents may email teachers and request homework 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

Late arrival will be considered a tardy. Lower school students arriving after 8:30 a.m. should report immediately to the office. Upper school students arriving after 9:00 a.m. for the flag ceremony at Patriot’s Plaza should wait until the conclusion of the flag ceremony and then report directly to the Upper School office to sign in. Excessive tardies will be communicated via email and might be followed up with a phone call from a building administrator. Emergencies and inclement weather will be considered. 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.

Athletics (Grades 7-12 Only)

Purpose: The purpose of athletics at School of the Ozarks is to build character through competition and to give students a competitive outlet for their energy. The time-honored qualities of hard work, commitment, cooperation, fair play, and sportsmanship are just some of the benefits of an athletic program. At School of the Ozarks, we believe that the athletic arena is one more area in which our students can learn and exhibit Christ-like character qualities. Therefore, School of the Ozarks is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Mark Twain Conference.

School of the Ozarks will provide opportunities for participation in a variety of athletic activities. If a student chooses to participate in a sport, he or she will be allowed to use that participation as their physical education credit for those days that they are practicing for that sport. Students who are participating in athletics are expected to represent the School appropriately and participate in all practices and events as scheduled. A student must have a completed physical form on file before being allowed to participate in any school-sponsored sport. Any student participating in a sport will be expected to maintain his or her grades to his or her highest ability. The Dean, faculty, or coach may require a student to take a mandatory break from athletics if they feel grades are suffering. Each athlete will be loaned a uniform and equipment for the season, and he or she will be expected to take proper care and return those items at the end of the season. If an item is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay to replace the item. Athletic practices will be held before school each day, and students will need to be prepared for proper hygiene before reporting for classes on that day. It is the policy of School of the Ozarks that all S of O students are to remain in the stands while games are in progress.

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. School of the Ozarks students must stand respectfully and recognize the American flag during the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

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:

Disrespect shown to a staff member. The staff member is the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown.

Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, and stealing.

Rebellion, i.e. outright disobedience in response to instructions.

Fighting, i.e. striking in anger with the intention to harm the other student

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.

Suspension or Expulsion

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.

Hebrews 12:11 states, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” The goal, therefore, of any disciplinary action is for the individual to repent and be restored to a right relationship with God through Christ. Leaving School of the Ozarks certainly does not equate with leaving God’s family. In certain cases, after a student has been dismissed from School of the Ozarks there may be an opportunity to apply for readmission. The application will not be considered before the end of the semester of dismissal, and perhaps not until the end of school year of dismissal. Consideration for readmission is at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab school, with the approval of the Vice President of Cultural Affairs.

If a student has demonstrated repentance and evidence of pursuing a vibrant relationship with Christ, the student may reapply and appear before the Reenrollment Review Committee.

The Reenrollment Review Committee shall consist of the Vice president of Cultural Affairs, the Dean of the Lab School and the Assistant to the Dean of the Lab School. The Committee will review and consider the student’s reenrollment at School of the Ozarks. A student may be required to meet with the committee prior to a decision being made.

Students who are eligible to reapply are not guaranteed readmission to School of the Ozarks.

Prohibited Items

Any introduction of a weapon, an illegal drug, tobacco, alcohol, alternative nicotine delivery products, vaping products, or sexually explicit material will be treated as grounds for immediate expulsion. Any use of the latter five, 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 Lower School building. At the lower school, nutrition breaks are provided in grades K-4, and special celebration times are designated. Bottled water is allowed if the top can be completely sealed. At the Upper School, students may have snacks or beverages in a covered container at the discretion of each teacher. Under no circumstances may students keep food or beverages in their lockers overnight. Due to food allergies, school policy does not allow homemade snacks to be brought to school. 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 Lands’ End School Uniforms.

Monday through Thursday uniforms can include any of the following items:

Khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skorts/skirts (for girls)

Plaid skorts/skirts (for girls)

Skorts, skirts, and shorts must be fingertip length.

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

Collared shirt must be worn under sweaters, cardigans, or school fleece.

S of O letter jacket

School issued athletic jacket

Shoes – Sperry brand Intrepid, Bluefish, Billfish, Bass Pro Rugged Shark Meridan or similar style (Tan or Natural in color)

PE/Hook shoes (required for 1^st-6^th) Please label with name.

Recess shoes – recommended but optional

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 must remain in school uniform until departing the school building for the day.

Friday uniforms include:

For boys- blazer, white oxford shirt, plaid tie, khaki pants, navy, black, or brown (single color) socks, and dark, solid leather or leather like shoes

For girls-blazer, white 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 always be tucked into the slacks or skorts. 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 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. Do not wait until a faculty or staff members asks you to get a haircut. If we must ask you to get a haircut, you will be asked not to return to school until your hair meets the guidelines. 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 Lands’ End 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)

School computers and school provided software 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.

Microsoft Teams is to be used for school assignments and school-related communication only.

Any student using school computers for anything other than teacher-assigned projects will receive disciplinary action.

Telephones

No cell phones (including Apple or smart watch) will be allowed at school (including restrooms), no exceptions. Students must obtain permission at the office or from a teacher to use the school 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 5-12 will be assigned a locker. Students can go to their lockers throughout the day at the discretion of the supervising teacher. 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 Interactions

No upper school student should ever be in the lower school unless eating lunch, performing duties assigned for the work program, attending class, or in special circumstances under the direct supervision of a teacher.

Student Relationships

At School of the Ozarks, we view relationships as a healthy and necessary part of the learning process. 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 5-12 will be given a planner 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. Lower School students can expect to have an average of 10 minutes of homework per grade per night. Upper

School students typically receive from 30-45 minutes of homework per course, per day. Students at times can expect additional minutes needed to properly complete some required homework assignments.

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.

Make-up work is the sole responsibility of the student. It is the student’s obligation to contact the teacher about work missed during an absence and to complete all make-up work according to school policy or at the discretion of the teacher.

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. 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.

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 $275 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. Accounts of graduating seniors must show a zero balance before they can participate in graduation.

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

K-6 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.

Continental breakfast will be provided for $2 a day to students who are participating in sports. Families who require assistance with this cost are asked to talk to school administration.

Eating with Students

Family members who wish to eat lunch with their student are allowed to do so. The cost will be $6 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 Impetigo MRSA

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, Tums, and cough drops to their child if circumstances warrant. Prescription medicine and other over the counter medicine is kept and administered in the front office only when the school has a completed Medical Authorization Form signed by the student’s parent on file. 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 live lice are found in the hair, retreat within 7-9 days of initial treatment. 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.

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; Meningococcal Conjugate; and varicella series.

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 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 to Lower School students and posted on the message board for Upper School students. Parents should contact the main office to leave a message for their child. Students are only allowed to use the office phone to call home if the need is urgent.

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.

Lower School Library

K-6 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. Parents will be notified if a student does not return a library book and will be asked to order and replace the book if it is lost.

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.

Student Automobiles

Having a car on campus is an earned privilege. All student drivers must have their car registered with campus security. Forms are available in the Upper School office and a parking tag will be issued. Students must park in the Hook Center parking lot. Failure to have a car registered or parking in a non-designated area will result in disciplinary action and removal of parking privileges. Students attending sports practices or athletic events may park in the Kelce Lot or the East Fieldhouse Lot.

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 cancelation may be broadcast on KRZK, KOMC, KHOZ, and KLFC, as well as the "Weather Phone" (417-336-5000). If we have school, parents who live in outlying areas should use their discretion in deciding if their student will be at school if the weather is questionable. 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.

Grievance Policy

Any College of the Ozarks or School of the Ozarks student who has a grievance must file that grievance in a timely manner with the appropriate school official.

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.