CONDUCT CODE

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34 NIV)

The education imparted at BLH is Christ-centered. All rules, policies, and procedures are grounded in God’s inerrant Word. Teachers assist and collaborate with parents to whom God says, "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4b NIV). Cooperation, attentiveness, and organization are important in effective Christian classrooms. Children are to mutually respect the rights of their teachers and of their fellow students. In such a Christ-centered climate, students feel valued and supported. They are empowered to take risks and make mistakes, which are necessary for learning, free from criticism by peers or teachers. As per Scripture’s instruction, children are to honor and respect their peers and those who are in authority. By doing so students demonstrate self respect and love for their compassionate and forgiving Savior.

As worthy, precious children of God, each member of the BLH Family is mutually loved and treasured as a sister or brother in Jesus. As such, each student is entitled to learn in a place where she/he:

• Is accepted,

• Is respected,

• Feels safe and comfortable,

• Is free from verbal, physical, or emotional harassment, intimidation, or discrimination whether it be in person or electronically,

• Receives help from loving, trustworthy, and supportive adult caregivers.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bloomington Living Hope, in partnership with families, strives to create and maintain a positive learning environment where students are treated with dignity and respect so that they can celebrate and grow in their faith, discover their academic potential, and become concerned, respectful, and responsible Christians. This philosophy is the foundation of our harassment and bullying policies. Our school will not tolerate harassment or bullying on school grounds, at school functions or activities, or on school transportation.

This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place constitutes harassment, bullying, or other prohibited conduct that interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school or the safety or welfare of the student or other students, or materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. This policy also applies to an act of cyberbullying regardless of whether such act is committed on or off school district property, with or without the use of school resources.

Harassment is defined as any verbal, written, or physical conduct that is intended to or has the effect of being threatening, intimidating, or coercive. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, implied or overt threats, and physical acts of aggression or violence. Harassment is determined by the school administration, not by the intentions of the actor.

Harassment includes sexual harassment, which consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, sexual gestures, comments, jokes, or symbols, inappropriate questioning or remarks, displaying sexual images, or other conduct or communication.

Bullying is a type of harassment, and is defined as unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct by an individual or group that is intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming. The following is a non-exhaustive list of actions that may be considered bullying:

• Physically harming a student (e.g., hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, or invading one's personal space in an aggressive manner).

• Damaging, extorting, or taking a student's personal property.

• Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm.

• Placing a student in emotional unrest by spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships or environment, engaging in social exclusion, extortion, intimidation, or ridicule.

• Cyber-bullying: forms of verbal and psychological bullying that occur on the Internet through e-mail, instant messaging, or personal profile websites such as Facebook or other social media. This may include the unauthorized use of photographs or images in the likeness of a person.

• Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student's educational opportunities.

• Creating verbal statements or written remarks that are taunting, malicious, threatening or sexual.

Any person who believes they have been the victim of harassment or bullying, or any person with knowledge of conduct that may constitute such, should report the alleged acts to a staff member or school leadership.

Any school employee or volunteer who receives such a report or has such information must forward the information to the principal as soon as possible.

Uon receipt of a report, the principal shall promptly begin an investigation or designate a third party to do so. The investigation will include an interview of the complainant, the respondent, and where appropriate witnesses, to determine whether the alleged conduct occurred.

If necessary for the safety of other students or to avoid disruption to the school social or academic environment, the accused student may be separated from the reporter, or may be placed on a temporary out of school suspension pending the investigation. Depending on the nature of the offense, law enforcement officials may be notified.

After completion of the investigation, the principal will make the determination whether harassment or bullying has occurred and, if so, what disciplinary action and/or remedial response is appropriate. Discipline may include but is not limited to detention, removal from class, suspension (in school or out of school), referral for counseling, remediation and restitution, or expulsion. Remedial responses are measures to stop and correct prohibited conduct and to protect, support, and intervene on behalf of the student who is the target of the prohibited conduct.

In the course of the investigation and upon conclusion, the principal will record the pertinent information regarding the investigation and any remedial or disciplinary responses.

The complainant and the alleged victim will be informed of the general outcome of the investigation.

While the school will make efforts to keep student information confidential, it cannot guarantee the anonymity of any individual reporting or participating in an investigation of harassment or bullying.

The school does not tolerate any retaliation against any person reporting or participating in an investigation of harassment or bullying.

The use, sale, or possession of substances legally controlled by age and accessibility (e.g. alcohol, tobacco products, vaping products, fireworks, prescribed drugs other than those reported to the school office / nurse) are prohibited on BLH School campuses and from school-governed events such as field trips or athletics. Violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action and, if necessary, contact with law enforcement.

The use, sale, or possession of illegal substances (e.g. illegal drugs) are banned from BLH school campuses. Should a student, teacher, or other visitor to BLH be found to have such substances, law enforcement will be notified and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the administrator and the BLH Board of Education.

Possession, sale, or use of items that can be construed as weapons or that might pose a danger to others (e.g. blades, firearms, explosives) are banned from BLH school campuses. Students, teachers, or other visitors who possess, threaten, or harm another with such items are subject to school discipline as well as to notification of law enforcement.

DRESS CODE

Not to us, Lord , not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 NIV

The students and faculty of BLH represent the Lord to their fellow students, to visitors, and to the community. The Christian student will always want to ask him or herself, "Is my personal appearance - my hair, my clothes, and the way I wear them - appropriate for school? How does what I am wearing bring glory to my Lord and build up the Kingdom of God? Does what I am wearing bring attention to my Savior? Does what I am wearing reflect Christian modesty?”

The dress code is intended to be a set of expectations held by the entire school community to promote a positive, Christian learning environment. As Christians, we believe that our bodies are a gift from God, and that we should clothe our bodies appropriately. Because of this, all students are expected to dress in a neat, clean, respectful, and modest manner, and follow the school dress code. Complying with the dress code is a requirement for attending school. The list below is not exhaustive, and school administration reserves the right to amend the dress code as needed.

1. Hats and hoods may be worn outside at recess times, not in the school or classrooms.

2. Students at both campuses are encouraged to wear shoes that tie at recess times.

3. Shirts with inappropriate pictures or slogans (e.g. musicians or bands, alcoholic beverages, suggestive or crude humor, violent video games, etc.);

4. Jeans and/or tops that are frayed, torn, or of a short length so as to be revealing;

5. Sagging pants, clothing that shows undergarments, or undergarments worn as outer garments (e.g. spandex, sleeveless shirts without a shirt underneath).

6. Wearing coats designed as “outerwear” during the school day without permission.

7. Students & visitors are not to use shoes with rollers nor roller skates on school grounds.

Students are allowed to wear shorts of reasonable length during weather-appropriate times of year.

Students are expected to have moderate hairstyles. Hair should be kept neat, well-groomed, and clean at all times.

If a student wants to wear some type of clothing but is not sure of its suitability, the student is encouraged to ask the principal before wearing the clothing to school. In short, if a student or parent thinks an article of clothing might be a dress code concern, it probably is, and thus it is wise to err on the side of caution and to avoid it.

Should a particular attire choice need to be addressed, the faculty and principal reserve the right to use their discretion as to what meets these guidelines.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Phones and Digital Devices

These items must be left in the students’ backpacks during the school day, unless, under the teacher's discretion, they are allowed to be used in class during a supervised project or activity. Students are encouraged to leave devices at home.

Students are NOT allowed to bring phones or Apple Watches (or other digital devices) into the classroom. Because Chromebooks and laptops are provided at school, students are encouraged to leave devices other than cell phones at home. BLH is not liable for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, including personal devices .

Should a child need to make a call or send a text, she/he must check with the classroom teacher and must make the call or send the text from the school office. Calls and texts are not to be made from the hallways or bathrooms while school is in session, including class time, lunch, recess, or breaks.

Other than true emergencies, parents / caregivers are encouraged to call the school office during recess and breaks rather than calling or texting a child’s cell phone or other device during school. Parents / caregivers are asked not to text children during the school day. Calling the office with essential messages is the best way for parents/caregivers to communicate with children during the school day.

Should a student be found using personal devices without proper permission, the following occurs:

1. The teacher / principal / staff member will confiscate the device and report it to the principal. Teachers and the principal will document the confiscation in writing, record it in the child’s file, and inform the student’s parents / caregivers.

2. Upon a first occurrence, the device will be kept in the principal’s office for the day. Once notification to parents/caregivers is made, the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day.

3. Upon a second occurrence, the device will be kept in the school office until such time as a parent /caregiver picks up the device from the principal.

4. Upon a third occurrence, the student must check the device in at the principal’s office at the beginning of each school day, and the device will remain in the office until the end of the day, at which time the student may pick it up. This will continue for a time period determined by the principal.

5. Upon a fourth occurrence, the principal will determine an appropriate consequence, which may include in and/or out-of-school suspension.

BLH has a separate written policy for proper use of digital devices (e.g. Chromebooks, laptops, etc.). Misuse of any device to bully, threaten, access inappropriate content, listen to music / watch videos, play games, access social media sites, or text / make calls without prior permission will result in school discipline appropriate to the concern. Such consequences may include confiscation of the device, removal of privileges, detention, in and/or out of school suspension, expulsion, or contacting law enforcement.

Gum and Other Items

In order to keep the carpeted hallways, classrooms, and desks free of gum, and because gum clogs the water fountains and bathroom facilities, children are NOT allowed to bring or chew gum in school. Items that might disrupt class or cause injury should not be brought to school (e.g. headphones, skates, skateboards, baseball bats, outdoor toys).

FILTERING AND SCREENING SOFTWARE

To monitor student safety and appropriate online activity, BLH subscribes to GoGuardian! (GG) filtering and screening software on its electronic learning devices and Google accounts (www.goguardian.com). GG settings are determined by the school and may change without notice. Settings include search descriptors, video content, particular websites, etc. Teachers and/or the principal can view each student’s activity and history at any time that they are signed in with their BLH Google account.

When on campus or using the school’s devices, students are to sign-in using ONLY their school-assigned Google account. Should students sign in with other accounts when at school, corrective action will result. Though teachers do their best to accommodate, students and parents/caregivers must recognize that misuse of devices and/or accounts may adversely affect learning, homework, and school projects.

Misuse of school owned or devices or of school Google accounts may result in one or a combination of the following for time periods determined by the teacher and/or principal:

• A verbal and/or written warning,

• Contact with the parents / caregivers,

• Suspension of the student’s BLH Google account,

• Removal of the student’s access to the device,

• Other corrective action as determined by the school. (7.9.19)

SEARCHING LOCKERS, DESKS, PERSONAL POSSESSIONS, AND PERSON

In order to provide and maintain a safe and healthful educational environment and to enforce school policies against harmful contraband, BLH administration, faculty, and staff have the right to carry out searches of school and personal property based on reasonable suspicion. The scope and intrusiveness of a search takes into account age, gender, and potential harm to others. The school holds exclusive control of lockers and desks provided for the convenience of students. Personal possessions (cell phones, backpacks, etc.) of the students may be searched when school authorities have reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law, safety, and/or school rules. The school will contact law enforcement should a search require or reveal concerns that call for police intervention.

RELIGIOUS BOOKS

Each child is required to have her/his own religious books (e.g. memory book, Bible, Catechism, and hymnal), purchased on Registration Day in August. The religion curriculum is purchased, maintained, and updated through a per-child allocation that is included within the annual registration fee.

TEXTBOOKS and SCHOOL MATERIALS

Students must care for textbooks loaned to them by the school. Should students lose, mar, or otherwise cause textbooks to be unsuitable for use, parents / caregivers will be billed for repair or replacement in proportion to the damage.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

BLH physical education classes are guided by the Scriptural truth that "Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God" (I Cor. 6:19-20 NIV). Through learning, practicing, and participating in various physical education activities, students are encouraged to use their minds and bodies to glorify their Lord and Savior. All students are required to participate in physical education unless they have a written excuse from their doctor or parents / caregivers stating the reason(s) for being excused. Every child must have a pair of non-marking gym shoes pre-approved by school personnel to be used only in the gym.

LIBRARY

The BLH library is cataloged with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books. Teachers work with library volunteers to determine periods for visiting the school libraries. A note concerning library rules is sent home with each new student at the beginning of the school year. Should students lose, mar, or otherwise cause library books to be unsuitable for use, parents / caregivers will be billed for repair or replacement in proportion to the damage.

LUNCHES AND MILK

BLH offers hot lunch delivered to our schools by CKC Good Food, a third-party catering service. Students receive the menus one month in advance and may order lunches on whatever days they choose. Be sure not to if a Field Trip is scheduled over the lunch period. Refunds will not be given. Students may choose to bring cold lunches. Due to participation in the National School Lunch Program, milk is only available with Hot Lunch . Should students forget to bring lunch, they may report to the school office to call home.

VISITING SCHOOL AND CLASSROOMS

Parents / caregivers and the extended family of BLH are always welcome to visit both BLH campuses and their classrooms. For good order, safety protocols, and as a matter of courtesy, BLH asks that parents / caregivers make arrangements with the teacher and/or principal prior to visiting classrooms.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteerism from parents, caregivers, alumni, and friends of BLH is essential to its work, and as such BLH welcomes and deeply appreciates its many volunteers. Volunteering requires approval from the classroom teacher, school office, and/or the principal. All volunteers must clear a criminal history check before working with children. Parents, caregivers, and/or other volunteers are NOT to serve as substitute teachers and/or classroom supervisors in lieu of the regular classroom teacher at any time.

Following are some of the opportunities for volunteerism at BLH:

• library staff - individual and small group tutoring

• monitoring recess and lunch - chaperoning field trip

• room parents and classroom parties - plays and musicals

• clean-up days, painting, and repair - monitoring and concessions at sporting events

• special projects.

PETS AND ANIMALS

Due to the fact that students may have allergies and/or fear of animals, and because food is served and consumed in various areas throughout the schools, pets and other animals must be left outside the buildings. Exceptions include service animals, permanent classroom pets (e.g. goldfish), and primary grade chicken hatching experiments. Teachers may request approval from the principal for other class projects or special events that involve pets or other animals being in the building. It is preferred that show-and-tell or other pre-arranged visits by pets and other animals occur outside the buildings.

FIELD TRIPS

Teachers may plan a reasonable number of field trips that are aligned to learning objectives. Parents / caregivers are provided written notification of the plans and learning objectives of field trips in advance and are required to provide signed permission before children will be allowed to leave campus. BLH welcomes parent / caregiver chaperones on field trips, though they are required to pass a criminal history check. Due to liability, children, chaperones, and teachers are transported to and from field trips on the school’s buses whenever possible.

Parents / caregivers pay for field trips as part of the annual registration fee, thus there are no fees collected for children for field trips during the school year. Chaperones, however, will be asked to pay their own fees if any apply. (Note: An exception to the prepaid fees is that grades 5-8 will be asked to pay an additional fee for the annual bowling and mini golf outing at the end of the year.)

BLH makes every effort to provide for the safety and security of children during field trips and to use every reasonable precaution for student safety during the trips. Parents/caregivers are asked to communicate and to collaborate with teachers regarding allergies, medications, and other special concerns prior to sending children on field trips.