American Christian Academy
The Demerit System
Students are cited with demerits for misbehavior and/or un-Christ-like attitudes. Continued misbehavior or unacceptable attitudes will result in accumulation of demerits. As demerits increase, the level of discipline increases. We will have a 1 hour detention class. This class will be conducted from 3:30 – 4:30 on a designated afternoon and in a designated class. Students required to attend detention class may miss athletic practices / games or other after school activities which may be scheduled at this time. This is part of the disciplinary process and students will not be excused. Students may be excused for medical, dental, or orthodontic appointments that are verified by the in writing by the health care professional. Please contact Mr. Hughes in advance to reschedule the detention. Students who fail to report to the detention class will receive 1 demerit for failure to report to class. Accumulation of demerits will result in the following disciplinary actions:
0 to 2 demerits - No penalty other than being responsible to have the demerit signed by parents and returned the following day
3 demerits - The student will invest 1 hour in afternoon detention class. The parents will be notified by e-mail
6 demerits - The student will invest in two additional 1 hour detention classes which are served consecutively. The 6 demerit level requires 3 separate detention classes. 1 class for 3 demerits + 2 more classes for the next 3 demerits. Parents will be notified by e-mail.
7 demerits - Student will lose the privilege of going on field trips for the remainder of the semester. Attendance on Class trips is at the discretion of the Headmaster.
9 demerits - Students who reach this level are exhibiting major disregard for the correct behavior required for a sound learning environment and hindering the educational process for themselves and others. Students reaching this level in the disciplinary process will be required to fulfill 2 hours of community service to be completed within a two-week time frame. The student may not receive any monetary compensation for the service provided. The number of hours worked will have to be verified in writing and turned into the guidance counselor at the end of the two weeks. Suggestions for service opportunities are listed under the 12 demerit section. In addition students will write a 500 word essay on what they learned from the community service experience.
10 demerits - Students will lose the privilege of participation athletics, the Home Coming Dance, and the Prom for the remainder of the semester in which these demerits are earned.
12 demerits - Students reaching this level in the disciplinary process will be required to fulfill 5 hours of community service (in addition to the 2 hours served at 9) to be completed within a three-week time frame. The student may not receive any monetary compensation for the service provided. The number of hours worked will have to be verified in writing and turned into the guidance counselor at the end of the three weeks. Students may find opportunities for service at places like the following:
- The Soup Bowl
- RISE
- Their Church
- ACA (Mr. Danny will verify)
- Nursing Homes
Students and Parents are asked to meet in conference with the administration and the student’s teachers. Parents should contact the guidance office for arrangements
15 demerits - Student will be suspended from school and required to appear before the Board which may choose from these options:
a. Strict disciplinary probation which will extend until notified by the administration. Any serious misconduct during this time will result in immediate expulsion.
b. Strict disciplinary probation which will extend until notified by the administration plus professional counseling (reports required). Any serious misconduct during this time will result in immediate expulsion.
c. Immediate expulsion
d. Other measures determined at the discretion of the Board.
Parents are urged to work with our faculty and administration in defining the student’s problems. Our desire is change of heart that will result in Christ-likeness on the inside resulting in permanent changes in behavior.