Student
Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information about the policies and operations of Excel Adventist Academy. We hope that this handbook will serve as a guide, thus establishing a close relationship among students, parents, school staff, and the School Board. We are anticipating this year to be an outstanding year for Christian education. We pray for your continued support and prayers for the success of the school’s program. It is the intention of the staff at Excel Academy to prepare students to function successfully in this world and the world to come.

Download Here

Student Handbook

Graduates of Excel Adventist Academy will be able to demonstrate (or will have experienced) the following:

Spiritual:
• Base belief system in the word of God
• Become familiar with the Scriptures
• Establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
• Encourage and affirm those around them

Technology:
• Demonstrate proficiency in accessing information from a variety of sources
• Demonstrate competence with various technological devices
• Use technology responsibly as an educational tool

Academic:
• Achieve success by enabling students to reach their highest potential
• Understand learning as a life-long process
• Demonstrate competency in reading, writing and mathematics
• Appreciate the value of fine arts, science and physical education

Physical:
• Demonstrate physical, mental and emotional well being
• Understand how healthy habits in hygiene, exercise, and nutrition will develop a more
productive individual
• Understand the consequences of destructive lifestyle decisions

Social:
• Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with others
• Develop respect for the needs, ideas, and opinions and property of others
• Manage conflicts in positive ways
• Interact positively with others of diverse needs, beliefs, values and cultures
The purpose of this handbook is to provide information about the policies and operations of Excel Adventist Academy. We hope that this handbook will serve as a guide, thus establishing a close relationship among students, parents, school staff, and the School Board. We are anticipating this year to be an outstanding year for Christian education. We pray for your continued support and prayers for the success of the school’s program. It is the intention of the staff at Excel Academy to prepare students to function successfully in this world and the world to come.

Accreditation

Excel Adventist Academy is accredited by the Board of Regents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is recognized and accredited by the Texas Education Agency by recommendation of the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC). Excel Adventist Academy is certified to teach grades K-8 by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

School Philosophy

Excel Adventist Academy is dedicated to developing young minds in a caring Christian environment where development and academic excellence are strongly emphasized. It is our goal to help and challenge students to reach their fullest potential spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and morally through faith in Jesus Christ,

Mission Statement

Collaborating for learning excellence through FAITH and SERVICE.
Excel Adventist Academy is a Christian school operated by the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. The academy operates under a code of ethics of open policy to serve all races, creeds, and colors.

Seventh-day Adventist schools choose their students based upon the high ideals and objectives maintained by our institutions. Therefore, if a student who fails to meet qualifications as outlined in this handbook will be dismissed from this campus.

Excel Adventist Academy is open to all students who come for the purpose of doing earnest, faithful work, and desire to develop Christian character. Membership in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church is not required; however, upon acceptance, students are expected to observe the regulations of the school, respect the Seventh Day Adventist 28-Beliefs and health practices in accordance with Leviticus 11 as well as participation in religious events and services aligned with the Adventist Worldview and the North American Division of Seventh Day Adventist curriculum and standards.

Students who present themselves for admission, thereby pledge to willingly observe all of the regulations and to the best of their ability perform to the level of academic excellence.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES:

Currently, Excel Adventist Academy can only offer minimal services according to a student's IEP as we do not have a certified Special Education Specialist. All student applications will be reviewed prior to acceptance.
Connection to God and Others: Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and continue to grow in faith through balanced living (i.e., spritirual, physical, intellectual, and social-emotional) and services to others.

Citizenship: Participate in civic life through collaborative involvement in community issues, accepting resonsibility for local, national, and global environments.

Collaboration: Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams to accomplish a common goal.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Use experience, knowledge, reason, and belief to form carefully considered judgements and solve problems.

Creativity and Innovation: Use knowledge and imagination to create new ways of thinking to find solutions to problems and create products and services.

Communication: Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts.

Character: Demonstrate Christian values and dispositions in responding to a changing environment.
In general, all students are entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizenship recognized by law for persons of their age and maturity. Excel Adventist Academy will foster a climate of mutual respect for the rights of others. Each student is expected to respect the rights and privileges of every student, all teachers, and staff.

All staff members of Excel Adventist Academy share in the responsibility for the supervision of student behavior.

Parents/guardians must assume the responsibility for the conduct of their child. Only those who choose to live in harmony with the following standards of Excel Adventist Academy should apply for admission:

1) Each student is expected to conform to all the regulations of the school, rendering prompt and respectful responses to the directions of the teacher, office staff, and other staff members.

2) All school regulations apply to students attending any school-sponsored activity.

3) Electronic devices that not approved by the teaching staff are prohibited. For safety purposes, the school permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated, and the parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the principal’s office for a fee of $15.

As per all digital devices, Excel Adventist Academy is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.

4) All eating must be confined to the designated area at the appropriate times. NO EATING WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE LOBBY AREA, OR HALLWAYS

5) No unauthorized selling of items by students is allowed.

6) The relationship between same and opposite sexes should be conducted in a dignified and wholesome manner. The hands-off policy will be enforced.

7) Students are expected to maintain high standards of conduct. Conduct or habits unbecoming to the standards of the school, even while off campus, may be subject to review by the school administration. A student may be suspended or dismissed for the following violations:

Harassment (bullying or intimidation) in any form is strictly prohibited. Excel Adventist Academy is committed to providing a school environment free from online sexual, verbal, and physical harassment. Incidents of harassment should be reported in writing to school authorities so appropriate action can be taken. Students and employees who violate the policy are subject to corrective action in accordance with the applicable school policy.

The inappropriate use of God’s name, use of profane or indecent language, indulging in lewd conduct or suggestive or possession of obscene literature or pictures.

The theft of personal or school property will not be tolerated. Theft is considered as picking or breaking locks, doors, or windows to enter locked places, or taking the property of someone else.

The possession or use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol.

The vandalism of school or personal property is not allowed. Any person willfully marring, misusing, carelessly damaging or destroying school property must also pay for restoration or replacement of said property. This includes writing in textbooks. Parents will be required to purchase or pay for textbooks as they are school property.

The possession of guns (toy or otherwise), fireworks, cigarette lighters, vapes, matches, knives, and other weapons on school property.

The possession and/or use of gambling devices, dice, or playing cards.

The undermining of the fundamental principles are intolerable. Examples include: antagonism toward staff and the spiritual methods of the school, continuous criticism, and fault finding, fighting, or antagonizing others to fight.

The practice of dishonesty including, but not limited to cheating on tests, class work, or homework assignments will result in serious consequences.

8) Students are not to leave school grounds without permission while under school supervision.

9) Engaging in any other conduct that disrupts the school environment or educational process.

Non Published Regulations

Any other regulation(s) determined by the principal, or voted by the faculty or School
Board will have the same enforcement policy as those appearing in this handbook.
E.G. White, (1903-1952), stated that "One of the first lessons a child to learn is the lesson of obedience. Before he (she) is old enough to reason, he (she) may be taught to obey. By gentle, persistent effort, the habit should be established. This to a great degree may
prevent those later conflicts between will and authority that do so much to create alienation and bitterness toward parents and teachers, and too often resistance of all authority, human and divine. The object of discipline is the training of the child for self-government. He (She) should be taught self-reliance and self-control."

Directing this development is the continued effort of Excel Adventist Academy. Students are expected to control themselves in an exemplary manner both on and off school grounds.

When imposing discipline, the staff at Excel Adventist Academy will adhere to the following guidelines:

1) Discipline will be administered, when necessary, to protect students and school and to maintain essential order, safety, and compliance.

2) Students will be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline will be based on careful assessment of the circumstances of each case according to but not limited to:

a. Seriousness of the offense
b. Frequency of misconduct
c. Student's attitude
d. Potential effect of misconduct on the school environment.

In cases where the student engages in an objectionable offence, like being excessively rude or disrespectful to principal or faculty in the presence of the entire student body or in a public forum, such an offence, if deemed objectionable, can lead to a suspension by
the principal.

There is No Corporal Punishment

There is zero tolerance for fighting, theft, any item used to cause bodily harm. Such actions may result in a suspension or dismissal from Excel Adventist Academy.
Admissions

Excel Adventist Academy accepts students in accordance with the general policies of the Southwest Region Conference requirements for admission and as space allows. We admit students of any gender or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities (for students) of the school.

Age Requirements

For EXCEL's Pre-K program, we accept students that are 3 and 4 years of age. Student must be potty trained before entering the program.

Age requirement for eligible students entering Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1st. Students entering the First Grade must be six years of age on or before September 1st. If the student is being enrolled in Kindergarten or first grade, a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate is required. In keeping with the standards of the Texas Education Agency, children must meet the requirement. There are no exceptions.

Admission Requirements for New Students

A completed application form along with the following signed forms:

Consent To Treatment

Financial Agreement and Policy Statement

Photography/Video Release Form

Acknowledgement Form/Parental Agreement

Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy

General After School Program Registration & Waiver Form

2) Immunization verification for all students as required by Texas Law. Students MUST have all vaccinations required for the appropriate age level.

3) Last report card (original) and Cumulative records and the student checkout sheet from the previous school attended.

4) Birth Certificate, Hospital statement, Notarized statement, Passport or Visa.

5) Vision/Hearing Screenings required by Texas state law for all first-time students ages 4 years old (by September 1) through 8th grade.

Admission Requirements for Returning Students

1) A completed application form along with the following signed forms:

Consent To Treatment

Financial Agreement and Policy Statement

Photography/Video Release Form

Acknowledgement Form/Parental Agreement

Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy

General After School Program Registration & Waiver Form

2) Updated Immunization verification for all students as required by Texas Law. Students MUST have all vaccinations required for the appropriate age level.

3) Vision/Hearing Screenings required by Texas state law for students who will be 4 years old by September 1, and those entering Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 7th grades. Screenings may be done by primary doctor or Pinewood Screening Services on campus visit.
A registration non-refundable fee in the amount of $300.00 is payable in full at the time of registration. The registration fee covers charges of all textbooks and the consumable books that your child will use for the specific school year. A portion of the registration fee covers your child accidental insurance, computer usage, Chromebook and yearbook.
Students enrolling in 1st, 4th, and 7th grades and new students are required to have a physical examination. All new students are required to bring a copy of their immunization records at the time of registration. You have two weeks from the date of registration in which to submit the physical examination and immunization records.
Withdrawal from School

Parents should notify the office several days in advance when a child is withdrawing. Records will be sent to the new school when release of records documentation has been received. Records will not be released if a child has an outstanding tuition balance, lost textbooks, or other charges, etc.

Withholding of Grades

No transcripts, diplomas, final examinations, or report cards will be given until the student's account is paid in full. This policy is in harmony with the Southwest Region and General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Education Department.
School Fees / Tuition

Excel charges a non refundable registration fee (i.e., books/ assessement fees) at the beginning of each school year, and a flat fee tuition which may be paid in one payment at the beginning of the school year with a 10% discount; two payments at the beginning of each semester, in August and January; or 10 equal payments from August – May. For monthly payments, the tuition payments are due on the 1st business day of each month (except August which is due the first week of school), but not later than the 5th business day. A $25.00 late charge will apply for payments received after the 15th day of each month. During the months of December and May, you will be required to make all payments before mid-term and/or final examination begins. Tuition not paid by the end of the school year will be sent to a collection agency.

Tuition - $400.00 per month

School Fees are subject to change at the end of each school year.

Tuition is NOT prorated for short months, i.e. when school is in session for only two or three weeks because of either closing or opening of school, holidays, illness, or the child starts in the middle of the month.

Additional Fees may include field trips and special projects.
Students’ Schedule

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Teachers’ Schedule

Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Students are expected to arrive before the start of school at 8:00 a.m. and no earlier than 7:45 a.m.(for security purposes) Students will be marked tardy after 8:10 a.m. All students must leave the school premises by 3:45 p.m. Students remaining on the campus after 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and after 2:45 p.m. on Friday will be placed in an After School Care program. Parents will be billed $15 for the 1st hour then $10 per hour there after. You are encouraged to pick up your child promptly to avoid these charges.

Early Pick-up Procedure

If your child needs to be removed from the school during school hours, you must first go to the office to sign them out. Do not go directly to the classroom.

Parent/Guardian Visitation

The staff at Excel Academy welcome parents/guardians visits at any time. However, you must report to the school’s office for a visitor’s pass.
Perfect Attendance
In order for a student to receive Perfect Attendance, he/she must be present every school day within each grading period.

Tardiness
Any student arriving after 8:10 a.m. will be marked tardy.

Excused Temporary Absence
A student may be excused for temporary absence resulting from any cause. A student whose absence is excused shall be permitted two (5) days within which to make up incomplete assignments after which a zero will be assigned.

Extended Absence
When a student’s absence for personal illness exceeds 2 consecutive days, the student will be required to present a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or other condition requiring the student’s extended absence from school. Students will not be allowed to attend classes without first presenting a return to school certification to his/her teacher or the office.

Returning to School
When returning to school after any absence, a student MUST bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence.

Vacations
Vacations are not recognized as excused absences and appeals for these purposes will be denied.

Making Up Work Missed Due to Absence
A student who is absent for any reason is encouraged to make up specific assignments missed and/or to complete additional in-depth study assigned by the teacher to meet subject requirements. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted (5 days) will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.

Emergencies
Emergency telephone numbers of parents/guardians, family members, and the family doctor are obtained during registration. In case of an emergency, if the parents/guardians cannot be reached and the situation deemed serious, the school will call 911 and child will be transported to the nearest emergency facility. Excel will continue to reach out to parents.
If the situation is less serious, the child will be transported to the hospital designated by the parent on the “Consent to Treatment” form located in the student’s school records.

Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, the school will generally be closed at the same time as the Fort Bend Independent School District. Opening of school, however, may not necessarily be on the same date. Other closings due to inclement weather during the school day will be made in the best interest of the students and school by the principal in cooperation with the chairperson of the School Board. Parents will be notified by text and/or email. Please maintain current contact information in the office to ensure proper notifications.
Academic Achievement

Academic excellence is expected in all classes. A daily effort in each subject will ensure each student good scholarship and academic success. Parents/Guardians are requested to encourage their children to excel.

Students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher will be designated on the Principal's list. Students who achieve a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 will be placed on the Honor Roll. Students with all “A”s during a grading period and a Citizenship grade of a “B” or above will receive special recognition. Students who earn below a “C” in Citizenship will not be considered eligible for the Principal’s List or Honor Roll. All students are therefore encouraged to always display appropriate and wholesome behavior. Any student with a “D” average or below in Citizenship will not be considered for the Principal’s List or Honor Roll.

MAP Assessment

The MAP Assessment is given to grades 1 – 8 to evaluate their progress. The results are shared with parents/guardians. MAP is scheduled for August 23 - September 3, January 18 – 28, and April 18 – May 6.

Homework

Will be assigned as projects, make-up work or as deemed needed by the teacher.

At least one class/school project will be assigned each grading period (9 weeks). It is required that all students participate in projects. Grades are assigned for all projects.

Graduation Requirements

All 8th graders are required to complete 20 hours of community service to meet the requirement for graduation. Volunteer agencies will complete and sign a form to indicate hours of completion. Parents are not allowed to sign, unless he/she is a supervisor or manager of the organization.
Academic Grading System for Pre-K – 2nd Grades:
I – 90-100 – Child works independently
P – 80-89 – Child is making Progress
NT – 70-79 – Child needs improvement

Conduct Grades for Pre-K – 2nd Grades:
I – Child works independently
P – Child is making progress
NT – Child needs improvement

Academic Grading System for 3rd – 8th Grades:
A – 100-90 – Excellent
B – 80-89 – Good Progress
C – 70-79 – Average Progress
D – 60-69 – Poor Progress
F – Below 60 - Failure

Citizenship grades for 3rd – 8th Grades:
A – Excellent
B – Satisfactory
C – Needs Improvement
D – Unsatisfactory

Grade Make-Up
Students who have a grade lower than a ‘C’ average will be given an opportunity to redo the assignment to obtain a grade not higher than a ‘C’ average. The corrected assignment must be submitted within 2 days; otherwise, the original grade will remain.

Progress Reports
Your child's teacher completes progress reports at the end of the fifth week. If the student is progressing unsatisfactorily or below average in any area, parents will be contacted for a conference. Otherwise, reports are available through our current online grading system JupiterEd. This fosters links of communication between parents and teachers. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the office of any changes in electronic communication. This is the official method of communication with the parents.

Report Cards
Report cards reflecting the student's grades and conduct will be issued at each tenth week period. End of the grading periods for the 2021 -2022 school year are October 20, January 12, March 23, and June 2.

Scheduled Parent-Teacher Conference
Parents/guardians are encouraged to have frequent visits with their child's teacher, when necessary, even visit the classroom. Parent/Teacher conferences will be scheduled as need at the end of each quarter. The parent or teacher may request additional conferences at any time.
Chapel
Wednesdays, 8:15-9:00
Fall and Spring Week of Prayer:
Twice during the school year, a week is set aside for Week of Prayer. The format is like the weekly chapel services. It is open to parents and guardians.

Programs

Parents’ Fun Night

PTO Meetings

School Festivals

Christmas Program

Project Presentations

Thanksgiving Feast (during school day)

Black History Program

Education Day/School Promotion

Awards Ceremony

Graduation Ceremony

PTO – Parent Teacher Organization:
Promotes Christian Education and excellence in education. Parents, church memebers and the community are invited to attend. Notices are sent monthly via Jupiter.
Parent(s) are responsible to provide a healthy lunch an, healthy snacks and water including eating utensils for their student(s) daily. Prepared or re-heated items may be sent so it is ready to open, reheat and eat.
School pictures (individual and group) will be taken in the fall of each year. Specific procedures for ordering and paying for pictures will be distributed as the information is received.
Off campus educational activities are coordinated with the academic program. A notice regarding each field trip is sent home informing parents/guardians of these planned activities.

Written permission will be required for each trip the student takes. If written permission
is not returned, the student will have to remain at school. In most instances, a fee may be necessary to defray field trip expenses.

Note: Any parent, who wishes to accompany their child’s class on a field trip, is welcomed to do so. A current background check certificate must be on file for parents to attend as chaperones. This is a requirement from the North American Division of Adventists.

Outdoor School

Each year, the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists sponsors Outdoor School at Lone Star Camp in Athens, Texas for students in Grades 5 – 8.

Students interact with teachers and students from sister schools in the conference in a camp setting. The lodgings are cabins and meals are provided. The camp is scheduled in October. Students, teachers and chaperone(s) depart from the school on a Sunday and return on Wednesday afternoon. There is a cost to attend. Students not attending Outdoor School will assigned to a lower grade teacher until grades 5-8 return.

Additional information is provided during the school year.
Student Insurance
All students at the Academy are covered by accident insurance while enrolled in school. This insurance is in effect only during school hours. It is the responsibility of the student and his/her teacher to report all accidents promptly to the school office and to file an accident form. The insurance is supplementary to your regular family insurance. Once the school has completed the claim form, any transaction beyond this point is between the parents/guardian's insurance company, doctor, and hospital.

Safety Drills
Fire drill, lock down, shelter in place, lockout, and active shooter procedures are practiced regularly.

Disaster Drills
Tornado/Hurricane/Severe Weather
A series of short rings, continuous for thirty seconds, will signal a disaster drill. Outside doors and windows should be closed, shades drawn. Move quickly to a sheltered area, get on the floor and protect your head and face.
In cases of a power failure, remain where you are until you receive further instructions.

Medication

There are no provisions for giving medications as Excel does not have a school nurse.

Telephone Protocols

Parents, please make school related calls to the office in case of an emergency. Students are not allowed to use the office phone unless it is an emergency regarding transportation and lunch.

Mobile Phones / Electronic Devices
For safety purposes, the school permits students to possess personal mobile telephones, however they are collected during school hours and returned at the end of the school day. Students are provied with Ipads and headphones to use in class and are assigned a login/password.

As per all digital devices (personal/assigned) the school is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
Please mark all items of clothing, lunch boxes, and supplies with your child’s first and last name. This enables us to return lost items to a child. Student property that is not labeled will be placed in the school “Lost and Found.” Students and parents are encouraged to periodically look through the “Lost and Found” for missing items. Unclaimed items at the end of each semester will be donated to a local charity organization.
A Christian school is no exception to the general rule of handling problems because of its Biblical beliefs. We strive always to foster good cooperation and lasting relationships between students, parents/guardians, and teachers. However problems will arise from time to time. There is a way to handle problems in a workable, successful, Biblical way. School problems can best be resolved at the lowest level when problems begin.

The following guidelines will ensure an orderly process for solving problems at Excel Adventist Academy:

1. Any party with legitimate concern(s) should follow the proper procedure for handling the complaint. A suitable time and place should be chosen for the parent and teacher to discuss the misunderstanding or concern.

2. If, after the matter has been discussed between the parent and the teacher, and he/she feel the need to involve another individual, he/she should go to the Principal. If the Principal cannot make a satisfactory settlement, then the parent is to contact the School Board Chairperson.

3. Only in those rare cases when the Principal or School Board Chairperson cannot make satisfactory adjustments, written communication of concerns will be referred to the School Board. The School Board will accommodate personal matters upon appointments.
Prepare a good breakfast and serve well-balanced meals.

Your child has plenty of rest and does not stay up too late.

Your child is clean and well groomed.

See that appropriate clothing is worn for weather conditions.

Your child arrives/leaves schoold on time.

Your child has adequate school supplies throughout the school year.

Teach good manners, kindness and respect for others and their property.

Take an active interest in what your child is doing at school.

Help your child develop a healthy self-concept. Give praise often.

Don't compare your child with other students. Praised them often for even small accomplishments!