High School (9th-12th)

The Junior High and High School years are very important to us at TSCS and we strive to meet the needs of the students transitioning into the upper level grades.

 

ACADEMIC

Grading Scale

7th-12th Grades:

            A+     100-98

            A         97-95

A-          94-92

B+      91-89

B        88-86

B-        85-83

C+      82-80

C        79-77

C-         76-74

D+      73-71

D        70-68

D-          67-65

            F        64-0

Homework

At Tri-State Christian School we believe homework is a part of a student's educational experience but do not intend for it to interfere with family and church time. Therefore, we encourage parents to take an active role in supporting their student’s learning by encouraging him to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

o    Homework is not assigned on Wednesday night. Wednesday is church night and we respect this family time.

o    For extended family absences, the student will not have graded homework assigned. Students should read the textbook on pages they missed to keep up in the class.

o    Late homework one day may result in a grade reduction.

o    Late homework more than one day may result in a failing grade.

Honor Recognition

Students are recognized based on their quarterly grades for honor roll.

A student will receive Principal’s Honor recognition if his/her quarterly GPA is above 4.0.

A student will receive Academic Honors recognition if his/her quarterly is at or above 3.6.

A student will receive Honors recognition if his/her quarterly is at or above 3.2.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent home approximately halfway through each quarter for those students receiving C- or below.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued for each quarter.  Semester grades are cumulative for the semester and are issued at the end of the second quarter and fourth quarter, and include the semester examination score.  Report cards are mailed following each quarter grading period.  Students are expected to be aware of their ongoing grades, and parents are strongly encouraged to monitor academic progress on a more frequent basis than at every nine-week report card by accessing Renweb.

Tutoring & Study Halls

All students in grades 7th-12th may be assigned to supervised study halls when they are not in class.  The study hall supervisor will maintain a quiet atmosphere and students are expected to read or study without disturbing others.

With a note from his or her classroom teacher, a student may be excused to work with a teacher.  When the student is finished, he or she must report back to the study hall class.

 

Arrivals And Departures

Junior High and High School students enter the school through the lower level and are allowed to wait in the connecting link between the gym and main building.

 

ATTENDANCE

Incompletes

If, at the end of a grading period, a student has any incomplete assignments as a result of a regular absence in the last two weeks of the grading period, an "I" will be recorded as his/her temporary grade.  The student will be allowed up to ten (10) school days to make up the incomplete work. At the end of that time, if the work has not been completed, the grade for that assignment will be recorded as a zero.

Incomplete assignments resulting from any reason other than a regular absence may not be made up after the end of the quarter.  A grade of 0 will be averaged into the grade for the quarter for each such incomplete assignment.  Seniors must have all work completed that is required for class credit and passing in order to graduate.

 

Make-Up Work for Regular Absences

Make-up work (including tests, quizzes, homework, etc.) is the responsibility of the student. Students with anticipated absences, including field trips, must check with their teachers before the absence.  Upon the day of his/her return to school the student will verify all work he missed.  The number of days to turn in work missed equals the number of days the student was gone.  (If one day, the work will be due the second day a student is in school, etc.)  Extended holidays or family need, the students are expected to keep up by reading their textbooks and not with the daily work.

If the first day of a student's return is the day of a test or quiz, the student will make up the test at a time arranged by the teacher.  If a student was absent only the day before a test, he is still responsible to take the test the day of his/her return.  The teacher will determine whether the test will be taken during the regular class time or at an alternate time.

 

Tardiness

While problems such as inclement weather or traffic tie-ups may occur in getting to school on time, every effort should be made to be in first period before the 8:30 bell rings. Because determining the validity of being tardy to school is difficult and open for interpretation, Tri-State Christian School generally does not distinguish between excused and unexcused tardies to homeroom. Instead, students are allowed three tardies to homeroom each nine-week period, without penalty, to allow for unforeseen problems (late car pools, weather problems, running out of gas, train delays, unintentional oversleeping, and traffic accidents). Only in rare circumstances (i.e. personal emergency) will a tardy not be counted in a student's total number of tardies. Parents' understanding and reinforcement of this principle is greatly appreciated and is a helpful factor in the maturation of the student.  Any time a student arrives late to school, he must check in with the school office receptionist and receive a pass before proceeding to class.

It should be understood that any student purposely missing class time for invalid reasons would be disciplined appropriately to avoid any recurring situations.

 

Communication

Newsletters and Memos

High School and Junior High families that do not have a younger sibling will receive newsletters and memos through the mail.

Phone Calls and Emails

If a Junior High or High School student needs to be reached during the day for general messages, please call the school receptionist and a memo will be written to the student and taped to their locker. All messages must be received before 3:00 for the above to take place.

 

DISCIPLINE

A Dean of Students will be overseeing the discipline and dress code of the Junior High and High School department in cooperation with the Principal.

TSCS students are expected to conduct themselves at all times, both on campus and off, in accordance to school policy. However, it is recognized from time to time students may use poor judgment with regard to their behavior.  On those occasions, the school exercises what it considers to be prudent disciplinary action, consistent with offenses, in order neither to condone the misbehavior nor to impugn the integrity of the institution.  With this in mind, the school follows an orderly set of guidelines. It should be noted that disciplinary action takes precedence over the personal schedules of students.

 

DRAMA

Drama is an art form and is not meant to necessarily be a reflection of our statement of faith. Occasionally it is necessary to portray lifestyles different from our own during our dramatic productions. Although we do not condone activities, such as drinking, it is to be remembered that we are portraying people in a different time and culture. The Christian principles of the school will be applied with sensitivity.

Any student who wants to participate in the school drama or musical production(s) must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 with no failing grades, from the previous semester. If any student has below a 2.0 GPA or a failing grade he will be ineligible for the following semester, and would not be able to participate in the drama or musical for that semester, which includes practices or productions.

Eligibility will run from semester to semester. The semester preceding will determine eligibility for the following semester. First semester will determine second semester, and second semester for the first semester of the following year.

 

Extra-curricular activities

Athletics

Any student who wants to participate in athletics must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 with no failing grades from the previous quarter. If any student has below a 2.0 GPA or a failing grade he will be ineligible for the following quarter.

Eligibility will run from quarter to quarter. The quarter preceding will determine eligibility for the following quarter.  First quarter will determine second quarter, second for third, third for fourth and fourth for the first quarter of the following year.

Eligibility standards and procedures for activities

Definition

Activities are defined as something that does not provide academic credit.

Purpose

Our purpose is to create a system of cooperation among teachers, coaches, sponsors, students, and parents to insure satisfactory classroom performance and an all around effort by students to live according to standards and conduct outlined in the handbook.  We also intend to assure the TSCS family, prospective parents and students, that the school maintains distinctive standards of academic excellence and mature Christian behavior.

To Be Eligible

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and opportunity to represent Jesus Christ, Tri-State Christian School, the student's family, and himself/herself in the best possible way. Failure to appropriately represent our standards will result in a loss of the privilege. Eligibility will be based not only on academic standards but also upon whether or not a student is abiding by the Standards of Conduct.   Issues of dishonesty, disrespect, disobedience, reoccurring tardiness, or classroom disruption may result in loss of eligibility.  In addition, attitudes displayed within extracurricular activities should exhibit mature Christian behavior.

An ineligible student is not allowed to represent the school in any athletic competition or school production (see pages 54 &55). Eligibility does not apply to activities held as part of a school class. Students that are ineligible are not allowed to miss any part of a school day for a school event.

Although the student is not allowed to physically participate in a game, attendance at each game is required, unless the team leaves during the school day.  Ineligible students continue to attend and participate in team practices, unless specific arrangements have been made.

A student must be in attendance all day to be involved in any school activities that take place that day with the exception of doctor appointments. If an absence occurs on a Wednesday he would not be involved in Thursday activities.  A student not in attendance on the last day of the week may not participate in weekend events, unless the absence was cleared through an Absence Notification Form or was part of a school related activity.

The Athletic Manual is mandatory for students to read to participate in sports.

Interscholastic Athletics

TSCS students may participate in interscholastic athletics beginning in the 6th grade.  TSCS is a member of the Northern Illinois Christian Conference (NICC) for High School athletic teams in girl’s volleyball, boy’s soccer, boys & girl’s basketball, & co-ed golf.  See the athletic handbook.

All students who participate in interscholastic athletics must have a current physical on file at TSCS, be in good academic standing in accordance with the guidelines set forth by TSCS and read and agree with the Athletic handbook.

 

LOCKERS

Lockers at TSCS are loaned to students to store essential educational materials and supplies during the school day. Because lockers are the property of the school, TSCS reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time with or without notice.  Because TSCS cannot be responsible for personal belongings, students are encouraged to only bring essential items to school and take precautions to protect their belongings. Students are expected to keep their lockers clean. If students wish to lock their lockers, keys are available. A deposit of $10 fee is required and is refunded at the end of the year when the key is returned to the office.  Posters, decorations, etc. on the inside should meet appropriate TSCS and Christian standards.  The outside of the locker should have nothing attached to it unless it relates to school spirit or special occasions. The hallway is not an appropriate place to store personal belongings.  Items should not be placed on the top of the lockers.  No open food or beverages are to be left in locker. Items of food found inside the locker or items on top of lockers will be tossed out.

  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students must wear athletic shorts (with an elastic waistband and no belt loops) and a school-issued shirt with non-marking tennis shoes. A student who fails to dress properly for PE will have his/her grade reduced and additional physical exercise to complete. PE shirts may be purchased at the beginning of the school year and cost $10.00. The PE shirt may not be altered in any way. Replacement shirts cost $10. 

When a student needs to be excused from PE for more than two (2) days, a written statement may be required from a physician stating the reason for the excuse and its duration must be presented to the PE teacher.

Students will be issued a lock for locker room lockers.

 

SOCIALS

School sponsored entertainment will seek to nurture healthy Christian activities.  All activities/events must be pre-approved by the supervising faculty sponsor and the Principal. A variety of activities (formal and informal) are encouraged. Students are required to wear dress clothes (not jeans, tennis shoes, etc.) to formal activities such as banquets and senior dinner.

Parents who host socials that are school related are expected to maintain the school standards. TSCS cannot be responsible for non-school sponsored/non-school chaperoned social gatherings, even if the majority of students are TSCS students.

 

SPIRITUAL

Chapel

Chapel will meet once a week after lunch in the gym.  The purpose of chapel is to have students meeting together for spiritual edification.  Special speakers will be asked to share along with students and faculty.

Christian Service

Every Christian is “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10.  There will be opportunities for students, both in groups and individually, to serve others both at school and away from school. The 6th grade through High School students will be involved in small Veritas groups serving the Tri-State area twice a month.  Veritas means “truth” in Latin and the Bible is the source of all truth. Veritas groups put into action God’s truth. Each student is also encouraged to serve Christ on their own, attending a local church or neighborhood ministry each week.

Student Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies

Students are encouraged to form and participate in prayer groups and Bible studies during the school year. Peer accountability groups are an important help to spiritual growth.

 

High School Only

Guidelines that relate to High School students.

 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance Policy

Any student attending less than 90% of the class sessions per semester will have their grade reduced by one letter grade.  For example, if a student misses a M-F class 15 times and has a 92% average, the student would receive a C+, rather than a B+.

Any student that attends a class less than 75% of the class meetings during any semester will receive a failing grade for the course.

Special exemptions may be given for students with a physician-verified long-term illness.  This illness is defined as one, which keeps a student out of school for more than six consecutive school days. Discretion will also be used in non-academic classes. 

 

COLLEGE

College counseling

It is our goal to find the right college or university for each TSCS graduate. The college counseling process begins in the 9th grade when students first create a list of accomplishments.  Standardized testing begins in the10th grade with the PLAN test.  During the junior year, each student is asked to generate a preliminary list of colleges based on a set of criteria, including geographic location, size, school atmosphere, and academic majors.  That list is reworked until the best choices emerge.  This personalized attention continues through the senior year.

College Days

Students are strongly encouraged to visit a variety of colleges with their parents. Two regular absence days are given to junior or senior students as college days to visit colleges or universities of their choice.  Additional days may be granted for visits out of the Tri-State area. An Absence Notification form must be received prior to the day the student is gone. Students are responsible for missed work.

Transcripts

Requests for “official senior transcripts” may be made in writing or by phone and request must include the mailing address of the institution(s) or recipient for which the transcript is requested. All official transcripts must be mailed directly to the college of your choice.  Only unofficial student copies may be sent to your home. The first two “official transcript” will be sent for you free. There will be a charge of $5 per transcript for subsequent transcripts.

Requests for “transferring student transcripts” must be made in writing and request must include the mailing address of the institution or recipient for which the transcript is requested. All official transcripts must be mailed. Only unofficial student copies may be hand carried.

Final report cards and transcripts will not be released until all financial obligations to the school have been satisfied.

 

Course Load

Students normally carry a course load of 25 credits per semester in addition to physical education and elective classes.  Although TSCS awards credit for classes where a D is earned, it must be noted that many colleges do not accept coursework at the D level to meet their entrance requirements.  However, a D in a sequential program could jeopardize the student’s progress to the next course in the sequence. 

Drop/Add

 A student may drop or add a course with the approval of his/her teacher, parent (guardian) and the Principal within the first two days of each semester.

Semester and Final Examinations

Final assessments are mandatory for every class, at the end of each semester.  Final assessments may take the form of an examination, a comprehensive report, a portfolio, or a project, but must assess the students’ understanding of the material covered during the semester or course.  Exams will be given over a two or three day period at the end of the semester for all academic classes.  All academic classes are required to have written exams. A final speech or project can be part of written exam but cannot replace written exam. Each class will take their written exam during scheduled written exam time. The only exception is for senior privileges when the second semester exam is waived and if the student grade average meets the requirement of 3.00 GPA and he is not absent more than 2 days per semester. This excludes pre-arranged college visits and extreme circumstances excused by the Principal.

Test Schedule

Tests may be scheduled during the week of a tournament, play, or other busy time of the school year in order to avoid an overload the week(s) following these activities.  Teachers will try to be sensitive to the academic load, but this sensitivity does not imply academic education ceases during these busy times. Students are encouraged to plan ahead to effectively handle their total responsibilities.  Parents should take these opportunities to help their students see and understand the correlation to adult life expectations and pressures. 

Since tests are an important opportunity for the student to demonstrate his/her understanding of the material covered in class, it is expected that students will spend adequate time in preparation.  Faculty will keep in mind the workload of the student when scheduling tests.

 

Driving Privileges

Please note that student driving on the TSCS campus is a privilege, not a right.  Because the operation of a motor vehicle has serious safety implication, both for the passengers as well as all others on campus, deviation from the following standards will not be accepted.  Each driver must observe the following rules.

·         Drive and park in a safe, courteous, and responsible manner.

·         All vehicles are to enter TSCS grounds from Route 20 only.  This also includes extra-curricular activities and sporting events (even practices).  All vehicles are to exit onto Chetlain Lane.

·         Speed must be kept under 10 M.P.H. at all times on school property.  (Spinning or squealing tires is not acceptable.)

·         When arriving at school each morning, the student should park in the assigned parking spot behind the gym.  Each vehicle that will be driving to TSCS must be registered with the office.  The $10 parking fee reserves one parking spot during the school day.  The approved parking ID should be placed in the rear window and be visible from the outside of the vehicle.  Fines will be issued as follows.

·         Sticker not visible                 $  5

·         Lost sticker                              $  5

·         Wrong Parking Spot           $10

·         Non-registered Vehicle       $20

·         Excessive vehicle violations will result in your vehicle being towed at your expense.

·         Students should never be in their cars or parking lot during school hours.  Cars are not lockers or lounges.  Students may not go back and forth to their cars during the school day.

 

Events

Co-Curricular Activities & Special Events

A number of co-curricular activities and events are offered for TSCS students.  These vary from year to year based on student interest.  A representative list is shown below:

Athletics

Chess Club

Geography Bee

Guitar Club

Latin/Greek Club

Math Bee

Music Programs

National Honor Society

Spelling Bee

Theatre Productions

 

foreign exchange enrollment

Each foreign exchange student must follow the school’s guideline for foreign exchange enrollment.  The school office will have a contact person for these students to call and help them through the process. 

 

GRADUATION

Commencement Activities

Seniors are required to attend all commencement activities (rehearsals and graduation).  Failure to attend rehearsals could result in restriction from participation in the graduation ceremony.

Diploma Requirements

TSCS requires at least 260 credits of High School coursework and eight semesters of High School.

1.      Eight semesters of English (40 credits)

2.      Eight semesters of Mathematics to include Algebra 1, Geometry & electives (40 credits)

3.      Eight semesters of Science to include Physical Science, Biology, & electives (40 credits)

4.      Eight semesters of History to include American Government, Geography, US History, & electives  (40 credits)

5.      Eight semesters of Bible to include Foundations of Faith, New Testament Survey/Christian Classics, Hermeneutics/Apologetics, Romans (40 credits)

6.      One semester of Speech (5 credits)

7.      One semester of Creative Writing I (5 credits)

8.      Two semesters of Foreign Language  (10 credits)

9.      Four semesters of Physical Education/ Health  (20 credits)

10.   Completion of ACT test

11.   260 course credits (which includes 240 required courses and 20 elective courses)

12.   A student's diploma will not be issued if his/her tuition is delinquent.