ACADEMICS

CURRICULUM

Parents are responsible for the purchase of their child’s Curriculum. Details of the books that will be required to keep up with the scope and sequence for each child will be sent to all registered students no later than 6 weeks before the start of the program.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Every grade level will follow a yearly progression of assigned work which can be found in the scope and sequence. The scope and sequence will be the standard for how the curriculum will be administered by the parents and tutors of OMCA. The scope and sequence divides all required work into weekly assigned work.

ACCOMMODATIONS/MODIFICATIONS

Accommodations are a change of the curriculum for a specific student. Modifications are an adjustment of academic goals involving classroom setting, weekly work, and weekend work for the purpose of helping a student become successful. Accommodations/modifications are academic changes made for a specific student. Under rare conditions will accommodations or modifications to the scope and sequence be made for any student. OMCA is not designed nor equipped for students with severe learning disabilities and all disabilities, whether learning, developmental, or behavioral, must be disclosed to the administration prior to admission.

No accommodations or modifications will be made without administrative approval. All requests for accommodation or modification of curriculum must be submitted in writing for board review.

GRADING POLICY

A 100 – 90

B 89 – 80

C 79 – 70

D 69 - 60

F 59 - 0

WEEKLY WORK

Weekly assigned work begins the Tuesday of every week in which the Homeschool Learning Center of OMCA is in session. All weekly assigned work must be completed in a timely fashion (by the beginning of the following Tuesday OMCA is in session). It is the PARENTS ultimate responsibility to ensure that all assigned work from the scope and sequence is completed on time.

TAKE-HOME WORK

Any work that is not completed from the scope and sequence for any week’s assigned work (Tues-Thurs) will become TAKE-HOME WORK and will need to be completed Friday through Monday.

TAKE-HOME WORK may be assigned from the scope and sequence for the purpose of review and the reinforcement of concepts.

A student who fails to complete weekly work to a sufficient quality, even after a second attempt, will be assigned supplemental work which needs to be done with a parent, to ensure the child comprehends their lesson.

Tutors will email or text parents a complete list of all work needed to be completed as TAKE-HOME WORK by the end of the day Thursday for any week that our Homeschool Learning Center will be in session.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Any student with incomplete work by the end of each trimester will receive a zero for that assignment. If any student’s lack of progress through the scope and sequence becomes a consistent issue. A child’s continued participation in the OMCA Homeschool Learning Center will be reviewed which may result in the child’s participation in the program to be suspended or revoked.

There will be no refunds given for a child who has been dismissed from the program due to a violation of academic standards.

PROGRESS REPORTS

The program year is divided into trimesters. Reports of students’ progress will be given every 10 to 13 weeks, depending on the yearly calendar.

TUTORING

All employees hired by OMCA are considered to be tutors. OMCA may accept some volunteers in these capacities. Additional tutoring may be offered (for an additional fee paid directly to the tutor), for students needing more individualized assistance.

ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT/PAYMENT of FEES

ADMISSION POLICY

Entering Preschool students must turn 4 by Sept 10 and be potty trained…no exceptions.

Students will be enrolled based on age. If a parent believes their child’s aptitude warrants a higher placement, then a placement test can be requested. A student will be placed in a higher grade based on proficiency in all subjects. If the parent believes their child will benefit from a lower grade placement than is typical for their age, then a student will be placed in that grade for all subjects. Please contact the administration if you believe an exception should be made, and you will be given a modification/accommodation request form.

PROGRAM and ENROLLMENT FEES

Oak Meadows Christian Academy is committed to keeping all Program Fees as reasonable as possible without sacrificing the quality of education. The Mission of this ministry is to be affordable to families seeking a partner in Homeschooling their children towards a Christian education. The operating budget of OMCA is funded by program fees, enrollment fees and donations. Students participating in the full-time Homeschool Learning Center program are eligible for payment plans. A Student will only be considered enrolled after the administration has received both enrollment form and enrollment fee.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Students are accepted in good faith that parents will be faithful to the financial commitments they have made to the ministry of OMCA. The Administration of OMCA reserves the right to dismiss a child from the program on account of non-payment.

REFUND POLICY

A parent’s obligation to pay the fees for the full academic year is unconditional and that upon receipt of signed contract. No portion of fees paid (i.e. enrollment or program) or outstanding fees owed will be refunded or cancelled in the event of absence, withdrawal, or dismissal from Oak Meadows Christian Academy.

Program and Enrollment fees are non-refundable. If parents believe they have a special consideration to receive refund due to extenuating circumstances a written request for consideration may be requested, however, OMCA reserves the right to deny any request for refund.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In the event that a student is expelled, dismissed from the program, or separated; for either the violation of academic probation or through the processes detailed in the OMCA Discipline Code, or for any reason other than the two exceptions noted above: all program fees, deposits, and enrollment fees already paid will be forfeited. Any outstanding payments will still be owed and possible legal action will be taken against those who for any reason break their contract with OMCA.

TRIAL PERIOD

Any new student being enrolled and admitted will be subject to a 3-week trial period wherein OMCA may choose to permanently dismiss any student from the program. This dismissal will circumvent any other written procedures for removal or disciplinary processes. If a student is dismissed in this way, a refund of program fees will be given. Enrollment fees will not be refunded.

PAYMENT DELINQUENCY

All payments must be made on a timely basis as established by the payment plan agreed to at registration.

On the 25th of each month, the financial manager will check all accounts. Failure to make payments may result in the suspension of a student from OMCA.

RETURNED CHECK POLICY

If a check is returned unpaid for any reason there will be a $30 fee charged and no further checks will be accepted for the remainder of the year. All further payments must be made in cash, certified funds, or money order.

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

If you have any extenuating circumstances that may impact your financial obligations to OMCA, please contact the Administration immediately. Early and frequent communication is the key to resolving difficult issues.

FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS

Financial aid may be available to families in need through donations received for the purpose of scholarships. Please request an application if your family would like to be considered for financial aid. Students MUST be applying for Full Time Support Program to be qualified for Financial/Scholarship Aid. Students who have violated academic probation will not be eligible for aid the following year.

Students whose parents have not paid their full bill from previous years will not be eligible for aid.

DISCIPLINE CODE

Each tutor may have their own set of rules and expectations for a child’s behavior while under their supervision. If a child’s behavior cannot be corrected through ordinary means by the supervising tutor, a violation of good behavior will be considered to have occurred. A violation of good behavior will be considered an infraction of the Discipline Code. An infraction of the discipline code will be reported to parents through weekly emails or texts by the supervising tutor.

Violations of good behavior include, but are not limited to:

MINOR VIOLATIONS

⦁ Classroom disturbances

⦁ Gum chewing

⦁ Disrespect to a tutor, staff member, or any adult in charge (i.e. lunchroom helpers/Hall Monitors)

⦁ Food or drink in the Sanctuary (only sealed water bottles are exceptions)

⦁ Eating snacks outside of designated breaks or lunch.

⦁ In the hallway without permission

⦁ Unruly or disorderly conduct

⦁ Unauthorized use or possession of cell phone or another electronic device

⦁ Trading cards, playing with toys, or other games during times not designated for such activities.

⦁ Throwing of possible dangerous objects

MAJOR VIOLATIONS

⦁ Bullying or Intimidation

⦁ Cheating (Giving or receiving any information on an assignment, quiz or examination.)

⦁ The use of AI to complete any assignment.

⦁ Plagiarism

⦁ Fighting or malicious infliction of harm

⦁ Forgery

⦁ Harassment

⦁ Insubordination (refusal to comply to a reasonable request from personnel)

⦁ Persistent minor violations of good behavior on any given day (3 or more of the same infraction or 4 or more of any infractions)

⦁ Insolence (attitude of contempt)

⦁ Lying

⦁ Mockery (malicious insults, malicious teasing, etc.)

⦁ Possession of obscene and/or offensive materials

⦁ Possession, use, sale or distribution of tobacco products.

⦁ Theft

⦁ Threats of violence or reprisal

⦁ Willful destruction or defacement of church property or private property. Parent or guardian of child will pay for repairs.

MAJOR VIOLATION DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

When a major violation of our Discipline Code occurs, a child will be immediately removed from class and sent to the office. Parents will be notified by the Administration via text that a major behavioral issue has occurred for their child. As a part of this process, the offending child will potentially experience separation from fellow students for a set amount of time and stern discussion from the Educational Support Coordinator or another member of the Administration. For certain infractions, the parent will be required to immediately provide for pick-up of their child. NO PHYISICAL DISCIPLINE WILL EVER BE APPLIED BY ANY STAFF OR VOLUNTEER. However, in extreme cases, if a child’s safety, or the safety of other students or staff is deemed at risk, physical restraint appropriate to the situation may be applied, consistent with the standards of State Law.

A Student who has committed 3 major violations in any given trimester, or a culminative 5 major violations in any program year will be suspended and possibly removed from the program.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Oak Meadows Christian Academy has a ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY for certain major violations which will lead to non-negotiable expulsion from our programs without refund.

⦁ Any gang affiliations will result in immediate expulsion.

⦁ Possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol or drugs on or off the grounds will result in immediate expulsion.

⦁ Possession or use of explosives, firearms, or any other dangerous weapon will result in immediate expulsion.

GENERAL POLICIES and PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

OMCA is Homeschool Learning Center, therefore your child may remain at home at any time, for any reason. If a child misses any regular sessions of our program for any reason, whether vacation, sickness, personal days, etc. it is expected that the parent or guardian of the child administer any weekly work according to the provided scope and sequence for their grade level.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

ARRIVAL (8:15 AM – 8:30 AM)

Please arrive within the drop off window!

DISMISSAL (3:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

For simple and safe pick-up procedures: Stay in your car and use the pickup line.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

Oak Meadows Christian Academy will remain open unless hazardous road or other emergency conditions (including utility problems, electricity or natural gas outages) necessitate a closing. A decision to close will normally be made by 6:30 AM and will be based upon weather reports, police reports and personal inspections of major highways.

CHAPEL

Chapel time is an integral part of our tutoring curriculum and programming and is required for all participating in any of our programs.

Our chapel times are designed to provide a positive, meaningful experience for all students at OMCA. Disrespect, mockery, or inappropriate behavior (such as completing assignments, causing distractions for others etc.) will not be tolerated.

DRESS CODE

It is our goal to promote an atmosphere of modesty. These guidelines apply to any activity, on or off premises, to all enrolled students (Learning Center and Enrichment) unless otherwise stated.

⦁ No visible undergarments are allowed

⦁ Clothing must not be excessively form-fitting or see-through

⦁ No midriff showing

⦁ Shorts or leggings must be worn under dresses or skirts

Water Bottle Policy

All Students will be required to bring a water bottle to OMCA for the week.

When a student either comes to OMCA with no water bottle or misplaces their water bottle through the day the parent will be notified by the ESC that a plastic water bottle was given to their child.

A plastic water bottle given to students will be invoiced to parents per water bottle given at the end of each month.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Oak Meadows Christian Academy is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect, and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation and harassment, including sexual harassment. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or expulsion. Our policy prohibits Employee-Student Harassment, Student-Student Harassment, and Student-Employee Harassment.

CHILD ABUSE POLICY

All adult tutors and asst. tutors are screened through background checks and receive training for working with minors.

The State of Illinois requires OMCA to report allegations of suspected child abuse to the proper governmental authority when there is reasonable suspicion or reasonable basis for believing that physical or emotional abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation, inadequate supervision, or other forms of abuse have occurred. OMCA will be expected to communicate with Parents/Guardians regarding the well-being of their children, the Administration is placed between the Parent/Guardian and the state, acting on behalf of the Parent/Guardian and in accordance with state law. It is OMCA policy not to contact Parents/Guardians in advance of making a report to legal authorities. Administration will make such reports in the best interests of the affected child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review. OMCA may also undertake an inquiry prior to making a report to determine whether or not there are sufficient grounds to require reporting.

TOYS, ELECTRONICS, GAMES and CARDS

Recreational devices, toys, cards, games, etc. may be brought from home and kept in a backpack until recess or break time. Handheld video games or other electronic handheld games may be brought from home and played only before and after program hours. All games are to be age appropriate; inappropriate materials will be confiscated. Any toy, electronic device, game or card brought by the child is to be the child’s responsibility, and therefore, anything brought is done so at your own risk - OMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Any student playing with a toy, game, electronic device or card at any time other than recess of break time, may have the item taken away, and the parents must pick it up in the office.

GUM, CANDY AND FOOD

Children are to leave chewing gum at home since they should not be chewing it at any time before or during program hours in any part of the building or outside the building. Food or candy or any snack may only be eaten during lunch or break.

HALLWAY PROCEDURES

For safety, all outside doors are kept locked.

Students may NEVER open any outside door or leave the building without direct adult supervision.

INSPECTIONS

The Administration reserves the right to search student book bags, desks, coats and / or jackets at any time. If materials are found and determined to be offensive or inappropriate, they will be confiscated. If a student is found in possession of any material that constitutes a major violation of the discipline code or of our zero-tolerance policy, the administration will immediately contact the parent and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.

LOST AND FOUND

OMCA will maintain a lost and found. Found items should be brought to the office. OMCA assumes no responsibility for lost items. Lost and Found items will be donated locally if not picked up before winter break or the end of the year. Please make sure all personal items are properly labeled.

LUNCHES

Student should bring their lunch from home. Refrigerator and microwave are available for student use, but space may be limited.

PATRIOTISM

We expect students to respect our country, veterans, and the government. Students will be asked to pledge to the American Flag.

VISITORS

Any person other than students, parents of students, staff, administration, or board members are considered visitors and will be required to be accompanied by a staff member for the entire duration of their presence on location while our program is in session.

EXTRACURRICULAR OUTINGS

Oak Meadows Christian Academy does not hold official off-premise outings or field trips.

However, parents may organize unofficial events throughout the year. These events shall be the responsibility of the parents attending and all expenses of these outings will belong to participating families.

ACCIDENTS & INJURIES

All accidents, which occur during the regular hours of the program day will be reported to the office and logged immediately. Minor injuries will be treated in the office. An Injury Report will be filled out and sent home to the parent(s). Students with serious injuries will be taken immediately to the hospital and parents will be notified by phone. A Medical Release Form and Emergency Card must be signed by a parent/guardian and kept on file in the office for each student. This form provides OMCA emergency phone numbers and authorization of emergency medical treatment.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Parents are considered primarily responsible for their child’s education in our program. Should a serious problem arise with a child, we will do our best to clearly communicate our concerns to the parents. We will work with the parents to resolve the situation. Should the overall attitude of the parents be one of continual blame-shifting, denial, defensiveness, or a general lack of responsibility towards ensuring that their child’s academics and behavior are up to standards of our program, it may be determined by the administration that it will no longer be possible to work together.

PARENTAL COOPERATION

If parental cooperation is deemed insufficient their child(ren) will be dismissed from the program. At OMCA, it is our conviction that in order to achieve success in the lives of our students, the administration, staff, parents, and students must all work together towards the objectives and purpose of OMCA. No refunds will be given if a child is dismissed for the reason of lack of parental cooperation or through a violation of the terms of our parental agreement.

The following statement is printed on each Parental Agreement. Parents will be asked to affirm the statement with their signature on the application form.

We understand that enrollment in Oak Meadows Christian Academy is not a right, but a privilege, and do affirm that there are standards that must be maintained for the welfare of each child, as well as for OMCA. Therefore, we give permission for the tutors employed by OMCA and/or other assistant tutor or volunteer to make and enforce regulations in a manner consistent with Christian principles of discipline as set forth in Scripture and the Parent/Student Handbook. We will continue to uphold the authority of the staff of OMCA by recognizing their right to use appropriate disciplinary measures. I have read OMCA’s discipline procedures and expectations. I agree to encourage my child to comply with the rules and conduct expected at all times. Furthermore, I agree to provide a home environment which supports OMCA’s expectations. I understand and agree to OMCA’s right to provide consequences – including, dismissal from the program, i.e. expulsion, i.e. separation from OMCA to my child for violations of OMCA’s discipline procedures and expectations which occur at any time while my child is a registered participant at OMCA. I recognize, as a condition of participation, OMCA’s right to withhold refunds for any reason and to pursue full payment of owed program fees.

When enrolling a child at Oak Meadows Christian Academy, parents agree to work with all OMCA staff and become involved with their child’s overall development. Parents agree to:

1. Attend Parent Orientation.

2. Oversee the completion of any Work assigned over the weekend.

3. Respond to communications from OMCA when needed.

4. Disclose any developmental, learning, or behavioral disorders of any child before attending program.

CUSTODY

It is the policy of Oak Meadows Christian Academy to communicate educational and personal information about a student only with the custodial (enrolling) parent or guardian. It is the responsibility of the non-custodial parent to seek copies of this information from the custodial parent. A non-custodial parent may be placed on the mailing list to receive general information, such as newsletters or check the website for a calendar of events. In the event of joint custody, communication will be made with the enrolling parent. In the event that both joint custodial parents enroll the student, it is their responsibility to designate a primary contact.

ORIENTATION

Orientation is scheduled for parents of both new and returning students. Important policy and procedure changes will be discussed.

It will be considered mandatory for at least one parent to attend orientation, but it is strongly encouraged that both parents attend. All paperwork must be signed by the first day program sessions begin.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents may request conferences with any of their child’s tutors; all conferences are by appointment only.