2010-2011
           Parent-Student
                Handbook

             Oak Hill Academy

          West Point, Mississippi

Oak Hill Academy is a fully accredited, non-sectarian school based on Christian
principles and dedicated to a quality educational program for students - pre-kindergarten
through grade twelve.

The Clay County Educational Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed,
religion, age, national origin, or disabilities in employment of student enrollment.  

Foreword

The Oak Hill Academy Elementary Handbook has been compiled to provide students and parents as much
information as possible about Oak Hill Academy and to answer as many of the questions which you may have
concerning the daily operation of the school. The handbook is not intended to be all inclusive but rather to provide
basic rules and regulations and other basic information which is helpful to you.

When questions arise concerning the elementary area of school life at Oak Hill, please feel free to contact the
Elementary office for assistance. Your calls and visits are always welcome.

Principal's Message

The Board of Directors, faculty, and administrative staff of Oak Hill Academy welcomes you to the 2010-2011
school year and extend to you our best wishes for a successful and rewarding year. We hope that it will be filled
with learning, good fellowship, fun, and excitement and that you will take advantage of all the academic and
social opportunities available.

As we enter the school year, remember that the faculty and staff of Oak Hill are here to assist you in preparing for
college, a job, and life in a dynamic and challenging society. We know that your success depends upon you and
how hard you are willing to work to achieve the goals which you and your family have set. If we work together as
faculty, students, and family, there are no problems which cannot be overcome and goals which cannot be attained.
We hope that when you have problems or need help, you will let us know so that we can help you. Remember that
everyone here wants you to succeed and that we are here for you.

We are excited about the 2010-2011 school year, and we look forward to seeing you August 6, 2010.

Letter to the Parents

Dear Parents:

The 2010-2011 school year promises to be exciting and fun, and we are looking forward to working with each of you
in every phase of the school year.

I am looking forward to seeing each of you and I thank you for allowing me to have your children at OHA. Oak Hill
Academy is a special place, and we are blessed to have such a wonderful school.

Oak Hill is a great school because of the support which you give it, and your willingness to volunteer to do things for
the school is greatly appreciated.  Please continue to be involved.

Sincerely,

Jane Rives, Principal

Philosophy and Objectives of Oak Hill Academy

Oak Hill Academy is a non-sectarian school based on Christian principles and dedicated to a quality educational
program for students, pre kindergarten through grade twelve. The school is committed to the total development of
each student who attends, and emphasis is placed on the academic, social, moral, personal, and physical
development of each student.

We at Oak Hill realize the investment that you have made in the education of your children, and we are committed
to seeing that the educational goals and objectives which you have set are achieved. To accomplish these goals, it
is imperative that we work together as a team and that we keep our lines of communication open. Please advise us
when special problems or needs arise with your children so that we can make proper adjustments at school.
The Oak Hill faculty and staff are dedicated to the education and well-being of your child, and we encourage you to
call or come by and visit with us often. Remember that your interest in and support of your child and the school are
key ingredients to success.

The curriculum and instructional programs at Oak Hill have been structured to meet the needs of students with a wide
range of achievement levels, however, emphasis is placed on preparing students for post-secondary work at major
colleges or universities. The school program is designed to challenge, academically, those students capable of
average to superior performance.

The following are some of the objectives of the school. 

1. to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.
2. to provide comfortable school facilities.
3. to motivate students to perform to the best of their abilities.
4. to provide opportunities which help students develop leadership characteristics and to encourage good
   citizenship.
5. to provide a curriculum which will prepare students for college entrance and success.
6. to teach basic ethical standards.
7. to provide an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between teachers and students.
8. to provide an environment for good moral and spiritual growth.
9. to teach students to respect people in authority.
10. to recognize those who give a good effort and not just those who win.
11. to teach students to assume responsibility.
12. to provide a well-rounded competitive sports program.
13. to develop physical skills by means of a physical education program.
14. to promote good sportsmanship.
15. to promote pride in students and their school.

16. to provide a continual effort to encourage students:
    1. to respect the rights and feelings of others.
    2. to accept differences in others.
    3. to communicate effectively with fellow students and adults.

The Board and administrative staff believe that these objectives can best be met when students are exposed daily to
a faculty and staff who teach by example.

                                         Clay County Educational Foundation, Inc.

                                                              Board of Directors

             John C. Jameson, III..................................................................................President

             Gene Childress...................................................................................Vice-President

             Joe Stevens.................................................................................................Secretary

             Greg Miller...................................................................................................Treasurer

                                      Ray Comer, Chris Davis, Joy Darnell, Jeff Doty,
                                          Julie Gray, Billy Milican, Becky Mitchener
                                          Shurley Sugg, Scott Wheeler, Sam White 

Oak Hill Academy is a fully accredited, non-sectarian school based on Christian principles and
dedicated to a quality educational program for students - pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.  

The Clay County Educational Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion, age, national origin, or disabilities in employment of student enrollment.

                                                               Oak Hill Academy
                                                          Instructional Calendar
                                                                     2009-2010

Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance on the part of all students is necessary in order to do satisfactory school work. 
Students should be in school each day unless there is an unavoidable case where the child must be out of school.  

Perfect Attendance
A perfect attendance certificate will be given to each child who is in school all day every day of the school year. If a
child is tardy or absent any part of the day, he will not be eligible for a perfect attendance certificate.

Tardies
Parents should make every effort to get students to school on time.  Rolls are checked, absentees are turned in to
the office, and lunch counts are made.  If a student is late, all of this has to be corrected.  Students who accumulate
three or more tardies in a semester may lose one recess period.

Absences from School
When it is necessary for students to be absent from school, bring a note from home or call the elementary office. If
your child is going to be absent for the day, call the office by 8:30 for the missed assignments.

Grading System
A grading or marking system is necessary to inform parents of students' progress, to maintain information for
guidance purposes, and to meet administrative needs in making decisions concerning promotion and other
administration procedures.

Normally report cards will be issued to students the Friday after the nine-week term ends. Parents are
asked to review these reports carefully and to contact the school if they have any questions concerning the reports.

Parents may also use Teacher Web and Think Wave to check a students' progress or assignments in all subjects.
Teachers typically update Teacher Web and Think Wave weekly. Parents should be given instructions as to how
to properly view their student's progress.

Exams will count 1/4 of the semester grade in grades 3-5.

All terms grades for report cards are based on the grading scales which follows

  A - 93-100
  B - 85-92
  C -77-84
  D -70-76
  F - 69 and below 

Permission to Leave School
If it is necessary for students to be picked up before school is out, parents must check them out through the
elementary office.

Promotion from One Grade to Another
In order for a student to be promoted to the next grade, he must pass math or reading and at least one other major
subject.

Homework
Homework is an essential part of academic experience.  One reason is to reinforce what was taught in class that
day.  Another is to help teach students to discipline themselves in accepting the responsibility of doing the work that
is assigned.  Parents should see that all homework is done.  Parents should help but not do homework for
the students.  

Policy Pertaining to Make-up Work
All outside work, homework, class work, and tests will be made up within five (5) days from the date due. After that,
the teacher will record "0" grades. Teachers will not accept make-up work of any kind after five (5) days from due
date. Any exceptions will be cleared through the elementary principal. It will be the responsibility of the student to
make arrangements with the teacher to get make-up work done.

Honor Roll
Students having all A's and B's on their report card in grades 3-5 will make the honor roll for that grading period. 
Handwriting will not count in determining honor roll.  A student may receive an "All A's" certificate at the end
of the year if his/her yearly average is an “A” in each subject.

Report Cards
Report cards will go out on the Friday following the end of the grading period. Please sign the report card and
return it to the home room teacher as soon as possible.  Report cards may be withheld if parent is delinquent on
tuition payments.

Accreditation
Oak Hill Academy is fully accredited at the highest level by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and
the Mississippi Private School Association.

Severe Weather
If dangerous or severe weather occurs, the Headmaster may deem it necessary to close the school during the day or
before school in the morning.  If a decision is made to close school, an announcement will be broadcast on local
television and radio station.

Gum Chewing
Chewing gum is not permitted at Oak Hill Academy.  Students are encouraged to cooperate with the school in keeping our building clean and sanitary.

Tobacco
Students may not bring tobacco products or packages, cigarette lighters, and matches on campus at any time.

Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment may be used as a sanction for misconduct at Oak Hill Academy.  It will be used in compliance
with rules and regulations set forth in board policy.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
You, as parents, are urged to contact the elementary office and make an appointment for a conference with your
child's teacher when you feel the need.  The principal will gladly schedule an appointment.

School Parties

There will be only three regularly scheduled parties during the school year.

       Christmas, December 18....................................................................10:30-11:25

       Valentine's, February 12 ...................................................................... ...2:15-2:50

       Easter, April 1 .......................................................................................    2:15-2:50

No birthday parties may be held at school during school hours for grades 2-5.  You may bring cupcakes to the office,
but no drinks allowed.

The homeroom mother will appoint a committee to be in charge of each party.

Cafeteria
All students are to eat their lunches in the cafeteria during the designated time.  While eating, good table manners
are to be used.  When the meal is finished, trash is to be placed in proper containers.  Food and drink are not to be
taken from the cafeteria at any time. 

Conduct at School Activities
Whether attending an extracurricular activity at Oak Hill or at some other location, students are to conform to all
conduct rules and regulations of the school.  Failure to do so will lead to appropriate disciplinary action by the Oak
Hill administrative staff.  When attending functions at Oak Hill, students are expected to be in the area of the activity
and not in other areas of the campus or buildings.  Students who do not conform to this regulation will be asked to
leave.  No ticket refund will be made to persons asked to leave events because of improper conduct.

School Trips
Each grade may take field trips during the year.  These trips will be considered class activities.  You will receive
information about these trips, and you will be expected to sign permission slips indicating your approval of your
child's participation.  These slips must be signed before your child will be allowed to make the trip.  We need
these forms on file in writing - please, no phone calls.

Office Telephone
The office is a very busy place, and more and more calls are being received asking that messages be given to
students.  Please call the office only in the case of emergencies with messages for your child.  Please make all
necessary arrangements with your child before he/she leaves home in the morning.  If your child is
absent from school, please call for assignments by 8:30.

Cell phones must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate) from 7:45 a.m. until 2:55 p.m.

Medical Information
If a student has a medical problem that the school needs to be aware of, parents should notify the teacher and the
office.  All students are required by law to have a State of Mississippi Certificate of Compliance (blue slip) on file in
the school office.  No medication will be given at school.

Visitor and Messages
Oak Hill Academy believes that uninterrupted teaching time is essential if students are to receive the greatest benefit
from instruction given; therefore, we guard this time carefully.  If a parent has a message or package for his/her child,
the parent is requested to leave the note or item with office personnel.  They will see that the message is delivered.

Parents are not to go directly to the classroom while classes are in session.  If a parent must speak to his/her child, the parent must check with the school office first and a visit will be arranged.

School Traffic
The school campus is congested with traffic when parents are dropping off students for school and picking them up
in the afternoon. Parents and students are requested to be very careful while driving on  campus to avoid accidents.
Parents should park only in lane 4 to allow a constant flow of traffic in lanes 1, 2 &3.

Assignment of Students to Classes
At the elementary level, assignments will be made randomly except in cases where the administrative staff shall determine that the assignment of a child to specific teacher is in the best interest of the child or Oak Hill Academy.  

The Board realizes that, from time-to-time, parents may have a classroom preference.  Parents may submit request
for the assignment of their child to a certain classroom, and their request will be honored when possible.  However, it
shall be the responsibility of the administrative staff to make final assignments.

Complaints Against School Personnel

I.                    Complaint Procedure

            A.     In order to remediate problems which involve school employees quickly and effectively, it
                  is essential that the problem be addressed and resolved as near the source of the problem
                  as possible.  Therefore, the person making complaint should address the complaint to the
                  person with whom the problem exists.  If there is a problem with a teacher, the parent
                  should talk to the teacher and attempt to resolve it at that level.  The same process should
                  be followed when there is a problem with the Headmaster or any other school employee. 
                  If the problem cannot be resolved at that level, the parent may appeal to the employee's
                  immediate supervisor.  The appeal procedure outlined in item II is available to every
                  parent.
           B.  Complaints will be considered by the administrative staff on an individual basis only, and
                 appeals to the Board will be limited to those complaints filed by the parent or legal
                 guardian of a student attending Oak Hill Academy
           C.     No complaint filed by a third party on behalf of an Oak Hill Academy parent or student
                  will be considered.
           D.     Initial complaints filed with a board member against a school employee will be referred to
                  the Headmaster.        

 II.         Appeal Procedure

A.      Request for appeal or a complaint against a staff member will be made to the Headmaster. 
 Staff members include non-teaching employees, such as office personnel, custodians, and
 cafeteria employees.

B.      Request for appeal of complaint against any elementary teacher will be made to the Elementary
 Principal and then to the Headmaster if the problem has not been solved by the Elementary
 Principal.

C.     Request for appeal of complaint against a secondary teacher (grades 7-12) will be made to the
 Headmaster.

D.      Requests for appeal of complaint against the Elementary Principal will be made to the
 Headmaster.

E.      Request for appeal of a complaint against the Headmaster will be made in writing to the
 President of the Board of Directors.  The President of the Board will assign the complaint to the
 appropriate standing Committee of the Board for consideration and resolution.  A standing
 committee has the authority to resolve the matter at the committee level or to recommend a
 resolution of the problem for action by the entire Board of Directors.

F.      When the results of an appeal of a complaint to the Headmaster are not satisfactory to the
 person making the complaint, the complainant may appeal the decision of the Headmaster to
 the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The appeal must be made in writing, and the same
 process outlined in item E will be followed.

G.     The decision of the standing committee of the board or the Board of Directors will be final.

H.     The Board of Directors of the Clay County Educational Foundation, Inc. may decline to hear
 an appeal if it desires to do so.  In such cases the decision of the Headmaster will be final.

 III.             General Provisions

           A.      At the time an appeal is made to the Headmaster and a decision has been rendered by the
                  Headmaster, the parent(s) will be notified of his right to appeal the decision of the
                  Headmaster.
          B.       Only parents or legal guardians may appeal decisions covered under this policy to the
                  Board.
          C.       In all cases, persons against whom a complaint has been made will be notified of the
                 complaint, the reason(s) for the complaint, and the name of person(s) making the
                 complaint.
          D.     Students making a complaint to the Elementary Principal or Headmaster may not appeal the
                 decision of the Administrator to the Board under this policy.
          E.      No anonymous complaints will be accepted or considered by the Board or Administrative staff.