Student HandBook (2025 – 2026)
Essential Statements
Motto
“Equipping Minds, Enriching Souls”
Bible Verse
“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in Love, and attaining to the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (NKJV Col 2:2:3)
Mission Statement
St. Clement Academy is committed to providing an exceptional Christian education that fosters academic excellence alongside spiritual growth. We aim to cultivate a community rooted in faith, integrity, and virtue, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their studies and live out their Christian values.
Vision
At St. Clement Academy, we envision a dynamic educational environment where rigorous academics and Christian principles converge. We strive to inspire students to achieve their highest potential, develop virtuous character, and become compassionate leaders who embody Christ-like conduct in their lives and communities.
Foundation
The intrinsic values that guide our mission:
- Christ-Centered Education
- Holistic Development: Church, home, and school partnership.
- Academic Excellence for God’s Glory
- Safe, secure environment.
Statement of Faith
Our faith serves as the foundation of our mission, guiding the spiritual, academic, and personal development of every student.
1. The Holy Trinity
We believe in One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit united in one essence and purpose.
2. The Incarnation of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of virgin Mary, and became man. Being fully God and fully man, He accomplished the salvation of humanity, through His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
3. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God, serving as a guide for faith, morality, and daily living leading to eternal life with Christ.
4. The Mysteries
We uphold the seven Mysteries of the Church: Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Repentance and Confession, Matrimony, Priesthood, and Unction of the Sick, as channels of grace and communion with God. The mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, and Repentance and Confession are essential for salvation. We believe marriage is ordained by God and is a spiritual and physical union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one. (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (Romans 1:26- 29, 1 Cor. 5:1, 6:9, Heb. 13:4, Matt. 19:4).
5. Creation
We believe God created each person as distinctively male or female in conformity with their biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27).
6. The Church as the Body of Christ
We believe that the church is the Body of Christ, and we are members of this body. Each member is given unique gifts by God for the growth and edification of the whole in love (1 Corinthians 14:4-12, Romans 12:4-8). Living the sacramental life of the church is necessary for the life and growth of each member.
7. The Virgin Mary and the Saints
We honor the Virgin Mary, the mother of God (Theotokos), as the greatest intercessor and example of humility and faith. We venerate the saints and seek their prayers and guidance in our spiritual journey.
8. The Resurrection and Eternal Life
We believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life promised to those who believe in Christ and walk circumspectly to do His will where the righteous will dwell in communion with God in His everlasting kingdom.
9. Living the Faith
We strive to instill in our students a love for God, a commitment to prayer and worship, and a desire to serve others. We encourage them to grow in virtue and to live as faithful witnesses of Christ in the world.
Accreditation
Being in the first year of our journey, St. Clement Academy is not yet accredited; however, we are actively pursuing accreditation to ensure the highest standards of education and institutional excellence.
Spiritual Life
Bible Version Use
Faculty members will use the Orthodox Study Bible in their daily Bible instruction, which uses a more accurate translation of the Septuagint for the Old Testament and the New King James Version for the New Testament. Parents are encouraged to have a copy of this version as a reference at home.
Ecclesiastical Programs
Students will attend the divine liturgy once a week (every Tuesday from 8am-9:30 am) at St. Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Maitland. Only students who are members of the Oriental Orthodox Church will have the opportunity to partake of the Eucharist. Parents are always welcome to attend.
Student Academic Policies
Admission and Retentions
Admission is granted to those who manifest a desire to live and work as Bible-believing, consecrated Christians. The school reserves the right to dismiss any student and family who does not support or cooperate with the goals of the learning community.
Non-discriminatory Policy
SCA admits male and female students of any race/color or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of its educational policies, or any other school-administered programs. Partaking of the Eucharist will only be for students who are baptized members of the Oriental Orthodox Church.
Academic Honesty
SCA works hard to develop integrity. Teachers will take the time to review what academic honesty is, but students will be held responsible in the following areas:
- Cheating on homework, projects, tests or quizzes by sharing answers (giving or receiving)
- Obtaining answers for a test or quiz
- Submitting a paper or project that is not the student’s work
- Falsifying information for forms or assignments
- Submitting work your parents, other students, or another company completed for you.
- Plagiarism by failing to properly cite another’s published work.
- Integrity regarding the use of electronic devices.
Cheating is a serious violation of Christian character and conduct and will be dealt with accordingly. The first occurrence will result in a “zero” grade and parental contact/conference. Further occurrences will result in points leading to potential suspension or dismissal from school.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued electronically every quarter.
Grading System
The grading scale reads as follows:
Grades KG-2nd
E = Excellent
S+ = Exceeds Standard
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
U = Unsatisfactory
3rd Grade & Up
Percent Achievement Grade Points Progress Level
A = 90-100 4.0 Outstanding
B = 80-89 3.0 Above Average
C = 70-79 2.0 Average
D = 60-69 1.0 Lowest Acceptable
F = 0-59 0.0 Fail
Classroom Tests
Classroom teachers will administer subject matter tests at the end of each unit or area of study. Teachers may also administer quizzes over the subject matter covered in class or in assignments.
Late Work Policy
Children should always be strongly urged to turn all work in on time as required by the classroom teacher. Points deducted or “0’s” may be assigned for any work turned in late. The number of points deducted is the sole discretion of the teacher and may vary from teacher to teacher or even from assignment to assignment. Sometimes, mitigating circumstances may have prohibited your child from completing an assignment. Teachers and administration will use their professional judgment and discretion.
Make-up Work
When students are absent, three school days of make-up time for every day a student is absent may be given. Work assigned prior to the absence and tests assigned prior to the absence are due on the day the student returns. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teachers directly for missing work.
Grade Promotion
A final grade of 60 or higher in any subject is considered “passing” for students in 3rd grade and above.
A student who receives a “F” in three or more subjects, must repeat the entire grade.
A student who receives Ds, or a combination of D’s and Fs, in three or more subjects, along with below average assessment scores in English, Language Arts and/or mathematics must also repeat the entire grade.
Care of Textbooks and Workbooks
All hardback textbooks that are issued to students remain the property of St. Clement Academy. Textbooks must be handled with care and kept in good condition, free from marks and writing. Any damage must be paid for by the end of the school year. The student’s name is to be printed, in ink, in the space provided on the inside cover. Workbooks and certain paperback books become the property of the student. The student’s name should be printed in ink on the inside cover of any workbooks or paperback books.
Standardized Testing
Students will be given a growth assessment test three times per year to measure progress. Parents should make every effort to have their child in school during testing days and to make sure that their children are well rested and fed each day. Parents should not plan a pre-planned absence at this time.
Field Trips
Field trips are an extension of the classroom, specifically planned to acquaint the students with learning experiences that cannot be scheduled or duplicated within the classroom. All school rules and regulations continue during field trips.
• The teacher is solely in charge while on a field trip and will carry a cell phone.
• Permission slips, signed by the parent or guardian, must be turned in before a student is permitted to leave on a field trip. Permission by phone will not be accepted.
• No electronic devices or toys are allowed on field trips unless approved by administration.
• No candy, gum, snacks, or other items not planned for the trip shall be allowed.
• All students must ride in school-provided transportation to the destination.
• The teacher assigns chaperones. The teacher will give chaperones verbal instructions for student safety prior to the field trip. All chaperones must comply with the Volunteer Guidelines.
• Siblings are not permitted to be pulled from another class to attend field trips; younger siblings may not attend field trips if a parent is planning to be a chaperone.
• Students will wear uniforms on all field trips unless an alternative dress code has been approved by the administration. This is for the safety of our children. The ability to spot a SCA student in the mix of other children is especially important.
• Transportation rules for field trips – Our main concern during transportation is the safety of each rider. If the driver is being distracted by a discipline problem, the safety of all students may be jeopardized. For this reason, we have established the following rules:
o Observe the same conduct as in the classroom.
o No eating or drinking in the vehicle unless permission is given.
o Keep the vehicle clean.
o Cooperate with and respect the driver.
o Stay in your seat.
o Keep head, hands, and feet inside the vehicle.
o Toys and electronic items are not permitted unless approved.
o Cell phones may not be used.
Student Conduct Policies
Standards of Conduct
The goal of any disciplinary action is for the student to learn self-discipling and self-control while striving to glorify God and love others. We believe that leaning from mistakes is essential to the growth process.
The principal, in conjunction with the classroom teacher, reserve the right to assign the appropriate consequences for behavior infractions. As always, we will partner with families to discuss discipline in an effort to promote growth and development for each student. When students are in conflict, they are required to participate in conflict resolution.
Not all unkind behaviors can be considered bullying. Bullying is an act of intentional repeated aggressive behavior (including ridicule) that targets another person physically, socially, or emotionally.
The principal has the right to assign detentions, suspensions, and dismissals if deemed necessary. Students with three behavior write ups within the same semester are required to have a parent-teacher conference regarding further disciplinary action.
Discipline Policies and Practices
As Christians, our conduct should reflect Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
• The classroom teacher is the classroom authority to govern an orderly, productive, and Christ-honoring learning environment.
• The goal of discipline is self-control that enables the child to choose to do what is right in the sight of God.
• In KG through 3rd grade, the school’s aim is to teach, train, enforce, remind, reward, and discipline based on Biblical principles administered in love.
• The school’s expectations are grounded in the authority of Scripture and our mission.
• Students are expected to respond respectfully to all school authority and be respectful of all other students.
• Parents are expected to support the school in the discipline of their children. When there is disagreement, parents are invited to request a conference with the teacher first, and then/or with the principal if necessary and to work cooperatively together in helping the child grow toward godly self- discipline.
• Clear communication to students and parents is important.
• Teachers will keep parents informed of their child’s progress and character development.
Conduct notes will be sent home during the week, as needed, identifying behavior that
needs to be adjusted. At the teacher’s discretion, a telephone or in-person conference may be necessary, especially for persistent or recurrent behaviors.
Please refer to the disciplinary action chart below for a detailed overview of behavior expectations and corresponding consequences. This chart is designed to provide clarity and consistency in addressing disciplinary matters.
| Level | Behavior | Consequence(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Parents will be notified of behavior and consequence taken) | • Classroom disruption or inattentiveness • Unkind words or actions • Disrespect toward a student or adult • Refusing to participate • Not following instructions • Horseplay (includes pushing, tripping, tackling, etc.), not resulting in injury • Cheating (first time)* • Eating or drinking in a restricted area • Being in an off-limit area • Dishonesty • Destruction or misuse of another students or school property • Overly aggressive/competitive interactions • Inappropriate language • Public displays of affection • Throwing an object that does not result in injury • Dress code violation • Marketing or selling unapproved items | • Verbal redirection • Apology; restitution • Time-outs • Loss of privileges • Seat reassignment • Reflection paper |
| 2 (Parents will be notified of behavior and consequence taken) | • Continued misconduct • Theft • Horseplay (includes pushing, tripping, tackling, etc.), that results in injury • Cheating (second time)** • Inappropriate use of technology • Defiance to authority • Class disruption leading to removal from the classroom • Inappropriate language (including profanity) or behavior • Throwing an object resulting in injury • Fighting* • Destruction or misuse of another students or school property • Any behavior or threat that endangers others’ safety | • Loss of privileges • Regular meetings with the principal • Conference • Sent home • Required counseling or behavioral therapy • Suspensions; in school and out of school • Behavior contract |
*Any student involved in fighting, whether initiating or responding, will be given a consequence.
Students should seek help from an adult instead of physically responding with fighting.
**1st offense: Must redo the assignment for 50% credit.
**2nd offense: Receives “zero” for the assignment.
Suspensions
Out–of–school suspensions: Out of school suspensions usually are for 1 day, but school administration reserves the right to extend that for up to three (3) days total. The severity, (number of days to serve) will be determined by administration based on the offense(s), the response of the student, and the cooperation of the home. All schoolwork will be completed as assigned by teaching staff and students will receive “0’s” on all regular class work for that day. Research papers and other major projects (as determined by the teacher and administration) will be exempt from receiving “0’s”.
School Activities Restricted During Suspension: The student is not permitted to be on campus for the duration of the suspension. On the day(s) of a suspension, students are not permitted to attend, or participate in, any school activities on or off campus.
Behavioral Probation
Students will be placed on probation by the sole discretion of the administration. The principal will meet with the parent(s) and explain the rationale and parameters of the probation including the length of duration. This will be a formal written document signed by the administration, parents, and students. Student activities may be limited during the probationary period at the administration’s discretion. Upon successful completion of probation, all restraints of the probation will be lifted. If, in the administration’s sole opinion, progress has not been sufficient, the probationary agreement will be continued for such time as determined by administration. Based on unsatisfactory progress during the probationary period, the administration may recommend dismissal.
Dismissal/Expulsion
Dismissal from school is reserved for more serious acts of misbehavior or violations of school standards. While dismissal is only considered because of continual non-compliance with school standards and expectations, it may also be invoked as the result of a single act. The following offenses are inconsistent with the standards of St. Clement Academy and will be subject to dismissing a student (It is the reserved right of the administration to determine judgment in each situation). Use of tobacco, vaping materials, alcohol, illegal or non-prescription drugs, either at school or outside of school, is not permitted by any students enrolled at St. Clement Academy. Any student who brings weapons, pornography, occult material, issue serious threats, engages in immorality, criminal or civil disobedience, have an unsuccessful disciplinary probation, or express spiritual disharmony with the school’s interpretation of a biblical lifestyle will be subject to dismissal.
Re-enrollment to St. Clement Academy: After a minimum of one (1) calendar year, the student and their parents may apply for re-enrollment. Parents will be responsible for the full tuition and fees if their child is dismissed/expelled at any time during the school year.
Bullying Policy
St. Clement Academy is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and Christ- centered environment. To sustain this environment, the community agrees to follow God’s commandment to “Love the Lord our God” and “Love our neighbor as ourselves,” thereby respecting others in our words and actions.
Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school- aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.” Please refer to www.stopbullying.gov for further information on bullying. SCA’s method of handling issues of this nature is to make sure any issues are addressed immediately. To properly police any perceived act of bullying, we ask for immediate communication from students, parents, staff, and teachers to be directed to administration. This allows administration to properly inform teachers and staff of current incidences of bullying. Administration will then communicate with the parents of those being bullied as well as those parents of the accused. Once all parties have been informed, the administration will address any incident appropriately based on the level of offense. Each situation is unique and will be handled accordingly.
All offenses, simple or egregious show the attempt to shift the balance of power and need attention. Whether by an individual or by a group, bullying and harassment interfere with a student, faculty or staff member’s performance and security by creating an uncomfortable, intimidating or hostile environment. Therefore, this behavior will not be tolerated on campus, at school-related functions, or through the use of technology. Administration will also listen to any information which has the potential to affect the school’s atmosphere. By human, sinful nature, these instances may occur from time to time, but giving the administration time to walk through this process will help both the student who is being targeted as well as the offenders. We thank you for your partnership in creating a safe, Christ-centered environment.
Attendance Policies
Absences
Florida state law states, “Each parent of a child within the compulsory attendance age shall be responsible for such child’s attendance as required by law.”
Absence Procedure
Every effort should be made to be in attendance every day.
• Whenever a child is absent, or tardy, due to an appointment parents must call the office to notify the school of the absence by 8:45am.
• A written note of explanation, an email, or a phone call, from a parent or guardian, is required of each student for any absence from school and should be given to the school office.
• Students who must leave school early for a doctor’s appointment or some other emergencies are to present a note or email from their parent or guardian to their classroom teacher and the school office.
• Students leaving early – The students will be called to the office for parents to pick them up and sign out. Students should never be picked up in the classroom. Students may not be signed out after 2:30pm in preparation for carline dismissal.
Absences Due to Illness
Students are not expected to be in attendance when they are ill.
• Students should not attend school if they are known to have a contagious disease.
• Any child that complains of not feeling well, displays symptoms of not feeling well, or has a fever (100.4 F or greater) will be sent home. Please be certain you notify the office of any phone number changes. Parents will always be contacted first. If unavailable, then the person you designate will be contacted.
• Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school. For any contagious disease the school may require a doctor’s note for verification.
Excessive Absences
More than twenty (20) absences are considered excessive and may jeopardize a child’s learning or academic standing. If a student accumulates more than twenty (20) absences during the school year, he or she may not be promoted to the next grade or lose enrollment for the next year (subject to administrative review).
Pre-planned Absence
Related to parental requests regarding church or religious activities, family vacations, etc.
• A pre-planned absence for personal reasons and other circumstances must be approved by the principal depending upon the student’s attendance record, academic performance, and length of proposed absence.
• These absences should be kept to a minimum for the benefit of the student’s academics and the excess planning put on the teacher.
• Parents are to email the school office and the teacher at least ten (10) days before the absence so that work may be prepared for the student to complete during the absence. Failure to give a ten (10) day notification forfeits missed student work being prepared in advance by the teacher and may result in zeros for assignments.
Tardiness and Passes
It is important to teach our students to be prompt and respectful of time. When a student is tardy, the entire flow of the classroom is interrupted which affects not only the tardy student, but all the students in the classroom.
• Students who arrive after 8:15am will need to report to the School Office for a tardy slip before entering class. The student will be required to be escorted by a school employee.
• Tardies will be noted in the student cumulative file.
• Students who are tardy with a doctor/dentist note will be excused., All other tardies are considered unexcused at the discretion of the administration.
• Beginning on the 7th unexcused tardy and each tardy following, a $25.00 fine per family will be assessed to the student account. In addition, a required parent meeting with the principal will be scheduled.
All students must wear the following colors: Green uniform top and khaki bottom
**Male students must wear pants on Tuesdays for the Divine Liturgy.
General Standards for All Students
• Clothing must fit properly, be modest, neat, and clean. (Other than plain T-shirts, underclothing should not be visible.)
• SCA’s logo is to appear on all uniform shirts and sweatshirts.
• Extreme or distracting jewelry and accessories should be avoided. (Girls are allowed only one earring of reasonable length per ear. Other body piercings are not acceptable. Boys are not permitted to have any piercings. Tattoos are also prohibited.)
• Jackets, coats, hats, gloves, etc., must be taken off at one’s earliest convenience upon entering a school building.
• Students should only wear athletic or casual dress shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes of any sort or style. Socks should be always worn.
• When attending after-school events (on or off campus) when school uniform dress is not required, students need to wear modest attire appropriate for the event.
• Special dress-up and dress-down days will be scheduled and announced in advance.
• Students are to dress in conformance with one’s biological sex.
• Girls’ hair is to be neatly groomed. Hair should not have unnatural colored styles.
• Boys’ hair is to be cut so that the hair is out of the eyes and should not cover the entire collar or ear. Hair should be neatly groomed. Hair should not have unnatural colored styles. Lines, letters, numbers, or designs are not to be cut into the hair. Excessively spiked or unkempt styles are unacceptable.
• Plain belts (and buckles) if needed can be worn.
Dress Down Day Guidelines
Dress-down days are called at the discretion of the administration. Students are expected to be in regular school uniform unless a notice is sent home by the administration or teacher. All students participating in any SCA dress down day will be expected to adhere to the guidelines. Parents will be called if a student does not adhere to the guidelines and proper attire must be delivered to the school. Please help your child pick an outfit that is appropriate whenever “dress down” days are granted.
• Boys/Girls: should jeans be announced as bottoms for the day, the jeans must be in good repair (no rips, frays, holes, fading, etc.)
• Students must wear socks and appropriate shoes.
• If a student decides not to participate in the dress down day, he/she would wear regular uniform dress.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
If a student is not dressed according to the above guidelines, the student will be verbally corrected and may not be permitted to attend class until he/she complies with the code. The student’s parents will be notified.
Student Health
Physical Examinations
All students must present evidence of a physical examination, complete with the proper immunizations, on the examination form as required in Orange County.
A statement concerning the students’ physical fitness for school, a record of immunization, and a statement regarding any currently known or suspected potentially infectious diseases must be filed with the school. Parents must be prepared to update their child’s medical records to reflect any health status changes in light of the above requirements.
Immunizations
Parents are required to keep their children’s immunizations up to date, per the State’s requirements below, and have the current records sent to the school.
https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/children-and-adolescents/school-immunization-requirements/index.html
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is granted the authority to exclude unvaccinated students under Section 1003.22, F.S., which states: The presence of any of the communicable diseases for which immunization is required by the Department of Health in a Florida public or private school shall permit the county health department director or administrator or the State Health Officer to declare a communicable disease emergency. The declaration of such emergency shall mandate that all students in attendance in the school who are not in compliance with the provisions of this section be identified by the district school board or by the governing authority of the private school; and the school health and immunization records of such children shall be made available to the county health department director or administrator. Those children identified as not being immunized against the disease for which the emergency has been declared shall be temporarily excluded from school by the district school board, or the governing authority of the private school, until such time as is specified by the county health department director or administrator.
Health Condition Referrals
Any student suspected of having a communicable disease or infestation (e.g., lice) shall be referred immediately to his/her parent or guardian for care by their physician or local Health Department. The student is not to return to school until he/she is non-infectious and/or non-infested. If a student returns to school with symptoms or signs of infection or infestation, the administration may insist on the student being referred to the local Health Department for evaluation.
Medications
- ALL medication must be in the ORIGINAL, LABELED CONTAINER
- The label must contain the following:
- The child’s name
- The name of the drug
- The dosage and frequency
- The prescribing physician’s name
- The date the prescription was filled (Antibiotics and prescribed cough syrup cannot be over 14 days old.)
- Any over the counter medication such as aspirin must also be in the original container with the manufacturer’s directions printed on it.
- All medication (prescribed and over the counter) must be accompanied by a medication card giving the following information: date, medication, dosage, start and end dates, reason for dispensing, physician’s name and phone number, and the parent’s signature.
- If a medication card has not been filled out and signed by the parent, the medication will not be given.
24 Hour Rule
Students must be symptom-free before returning to school from any contagious disease (the school may require a doctor note for verification). Students must be free 24 hours from fever, diarrhea, and vomiting before returning to school.
Student Services
Student Services
Photographs
Each fall, the school arranges for individual photographs to be taken of all students. Parents will be given the opportunity to purchase picture packets. Class pictures will also be taken.
Lost and Found
Any items found on the campus or in the hallways will be placed in the Lost and Found. Any unclaimed items at the end of each semester will be donated.
Extended Care
The Extended Care program is designed for parents who need additional care for their children. This is a service intended to be used by parents whose work schedule requires childcare or when an emergency occurs. It should not be used as a babysitting service or extra playtime for children. Behavior expectations are consistent with other school activity guidelines.
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
A parentally placed private school student with a disability does not have an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services that the student would receive if enrolled in a public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Student Success
At St. Clement Orthodox Christian Academy, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of education. We ensure that all of our classroom teachers meet at least one of the following qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in any subject (copy of diploma or completed transcript)
- Three or more years of K – 12th grade teaching experience (written proof of contacting
the previous employer) - Special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in K – 12th grade subjects (provide documentation such as certifications, professional development, curriculum training, etc.). Pre-K experience and certifications would not meet this requirement.
Technology Policy
Cell phones and Electronics
General Policy
- Electronic devices such as Laptops, iPads, iPods, Nooks, Kindles, MP3 players, digital cameras, video recorders, gaming devices, etc. are not allowed on school property. Any electronic devices on school property will be confiscated for the remainder of the day.
- Cell phones are not to be used or seen during school hours.
- Cell phones are not to be used in bathrooms.
- If a student chooses to bring a cell phone to school, it must be secured in the student’s book bag and must be turned off (not silent or vibrate).
- If a student brings a cell phone to class and the phone rings or receives messages even while in a student’s book bag, the phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the day.
- Confiscated phones or electronic devices may be picked up by a parent after school with administrative approval. Students whose phones or electronic devices are confiscated more than once may lose the privilege of having a phone or electronic device on school property.
- No photographs or video recordings may be taken of staff, teachers, administration, or other students. Students who violate this rule will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the administration.
- Parents who need to contact their child during the school day should use the school’s normal contact process. School staff will assist parents in communicating with their child at the appropriate time. Parents should not consider their child’s cell phone as a means of communication with their child during the school day.
Inappropriate Language Policy
- Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages and material posted on any internet pages, including social media sites.
- Students will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful language.
- Students will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
- Students will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
- Students will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a student is told by a person to stop sending those messages, the student must stop.
- Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
Students will not plagiarize works that they find on the internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas orwritings of others and presenting them as if they were their own.
Students, faculty, and staff must be aware that material on the internet is covered by copyright laws. This includes pictures, text and other graphics. All materials used off the internet must be properly cited using the MLA format. This should include materials taken from ‘free’ sites.
Students will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when a person inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, students should follow the expressed requirements. If they are unsure if they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If they have questions, they should ask a teacher.
Campus Life
Care of Facilities
It is of utmost importance that we all work together to keep SCA facilities in good condition and looking clean and neat.
Arrival Procedure
Morning traffic – A student drop-off area is provided along the curb in front of the building. Students should plan to arrive between 8:00-8:15am to report to morning prayer and assembly by 8:15am. Students will go to the classroom at 8:30am. A teacher will be on duty to supervise drop-off. Students who arrive after 8:15am will need to report to the administration Office, with the parent for a tardy slip before entering class.
Departure Procedure
All adults or student siblings must be on the pick-up list. Anyone picking up must have a pickup tag. Pick up is at 3:15pm. Students will be dismissed from their classroom to the carline. Students will be dismissed from their classroom to the carline.
All Elementary students remaining after 3:30pm will go directly to Aftercare and be charged the Aftercare fee beginning at 3:30pm.
SCA does not allow students to leave campus in third party car services (i.e., Uber, Lyft, etc.).
Traffic Safety
All drivers must adhere to the 10 mile per hour speed limit while driving on premises. The safety of our students is a priority.
Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended at any time.
Refrain from using your cell phone while driving on campus.
Lunch Procedures
Students must bring their own lunch, drinks and snacks.
For safety reasons, students are not permitted to use the lunchroom microwave.
Parents are welcome to join their kids on their birthdays and bring a special treat for all to share.
Security
To provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff, SCA functions as a closed campus during normal hours of operation. Therefore, all parents, invited guests, and other visitors to the school must sign in at the administration office and wear an identifying badge while on campus. Visitors must also sign out before leaving campus.
In addition, all visitors, including parents, are requested to stop by the office if they need to leave something for a student or sign a student out. No visitor or parent will be allowed into the school area during school hours without proper authorization from the school office.
Emergency Closing Procedures
Every effort will be made to keep school in session on normal school days. In the event of an emergency closing, the school will inform parents that children must be picked up early. School closing information will be communicated through email and text messaging. If weather conditions cause the Orange County schools to close, we will close as well.
Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted outside of vehicles on SCA campus. If you bring your pet(s), please keep them secured inside the vehicle while on campus.
Drills
Evacuation drills will be held monthly. A sounding alarm initiates the drill. When the alarm sounds, all class activities must cease, and everyone is to walk out of the building as quickly and quietly as possible. Teachers will give instructions to their students for the drill.
Shelter drills are regularly conducted for the sake of a possible hazard or weather threat. Administration initiates the shelter drill. Teachers will give instructions to their students for the drill.
Lockdown drills are regularly conducted for the sake of a possible threat inside the campus. Administration initiates the lockdown drill. Teachers will give instructions to their students for the drill.
It is against the law to give a false alarm. Any student giving a false alarm will be answerable to civil authority in addition to school discipline.
Parent Involvement
Parent Participation
By sending your child to SCA you are delegating a significant part of your child’s education to us; therefore, it is necessary that you send your children to school attentive, respectful, and prepared. Communication between the teachers and home becomes essential for your child’s welfare.
Parent /Teacher Communication
Paper notes, phone calls, e-mails, and scheduled conferences are acceptable means of communication with teachers.
We ask that parents be respectful of the teacher’s time just before school starts and refrain from attempting to have an impromptu conference at that time. Parents are not permitted to be in the hallways or classrooms before or during school.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Face-to-face communication regarding the needs of the child is essential. During calendar conference days, parents are to confer with the child’s teachers. Parents should feel free to e-mail, write, or call teachers to solicit information that will help them support the curriculum, instruction, and student learning at St. Clement Academy.
Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
The Parent Teacher Fellowship plans and assists with the creation and implementation of fellowship and educational support activities for the school community. These events are designed to promote the short and long-term educational benefits of St. Clement Academy to Christian parents and their children. Parents are encouraged to serve in a volunteer capacity throughout the school year. The school needs parent volunteers to chaperone field trips, facilitate communication with other parents, serve on various committees, help with campus beautification projects, and fulfill a multitude of other tasks. Volunteer parents help keep the cost of attending St. Clement Academy as low as possible. Volunteer needs are communicated through teacher requests, PTF, and the office. Volunteers are required to submit to background screening.
Website
St. Clement Academy can be found online at www.stclementorlando.org
School Office
School office is open 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. when school is in session.
Tuition and Fees Policy
Tuition Responsibility
All families are expected to meet all financial responsibilities to SCA promptly. Records will not be released until all debts are paid. St. Clement Academy reserves the right to withdraw your child(ren) for any delinquent accounts.
Continuous Enrollment
SCA subscribes to a continuous enrollment process whereby our students are continuously enrolled until they graduate or until they opt out. In early January of each school year, communications will be sent to all parents which will include a link to tuition prices, fees, payment information, and a school calendar for the next school year. An annual enrollment fee per child will be posted to your tuition account in January with payment due for your February billing. This will officially hold your child’s spot for the coming school year.
If you decide to opt out and your child will not be returning to SCA, the communications you receive in January will direct you at that time to contact the school Office and to complete a Withdrawal Form. Please contact the school Office if you have any questions about Continuous Enrollment.
Activity Fees
Activity fees will be announced per activity/trip as they are planned.
Tuition Payments
Tuition payments may be made by one of the following plans by automatic bank withdrawal or check:
- One payment lump sum
- Two equal payments – August and January
- Ten equal payments – August through May
Payment Expectations
Tuition payments are due on the first of each month. A late fee will be added to accounts after the due date.
Withdrawals
Families who find it necessary to withdraw a child from the school during the school year for reasons other than an unpaid balance, should contact the administration office for information on the withdrawal procedure. Once enrolled, parents are responsible for the full tuition, even if the student does not attend any part of the school year. Report cards and transcripts are released only when the student’s account is paid in full.
Scholarships
For KG-3rd grade families, we will be accepting either the Step Up or AAA scholarship program.
Fundraising
Families are asked to support the ministry of the school beyond tuition and fees as they are financially able. This can be accomplished through voluntary tax-deductible gifts or participation in the fund- raising programs of the school.