Developing Christian Leaders through Correction & Accountability

At Arundel Christian School (ACS), discipline is not about control; it is about formation. We are a Leadership School training students to become Christlike men and women of integrity, responsibility, and courage. Correction is not shameful or bad; it is redirection. Every moment of discipline is an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and restoration.

As Scripture says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace…” (Hebrews 12:11). We aim to cultivate that harvest by guiding students toward maturity in both conduct and character.

Behavior Expectations & Disciplinary System

Students are expected to uphold the ACS Code of Conduct & Community Commitments at all times. Behavior that falls short of these expectations is addressed through a system of demerits, infractions, and restorative interventions (tracked in our LiveSchool platform). 

Leadership Points (+1 point)

Students may receive Leadership Points through LiveSchool for demonstrating:

• Exceptional Character – acts of kindness, respect, and integrity

• Spiritual Maturity – consistent demonstration of Christian values and leadership in faith

• Academic Responsibility – diligence, preparedness, and active participation in learning.

Leadership Marks (Behavioral Consequences)

Leadership Marks reflect actions that fall short of expectations. They are categorized as follows:

• Demerits (–0.5 to –1 point)

  • Issued for minor misbehaviors or failure to meet classroom expectations, such as talking out of turn, not completing homework, or minor dress code violations.

• Infractions (–3 points)

  • Issued for major or repeated behaviors that disrupt the learning environment or violate school policies. Examples include defiance, dishonesty, or repeated classroom disruptions.

• Referral (Disciplinary Review)

  • A referral is made when a student’s behavior requires administrative intervention, such as involvement in a serious incident, continued infractions, or violations of school policy requiring investigation and consequences beyond point deductions.

The total of Leadership Marks reset each quarter, giving students a fresh opportunity to grow and succeed. All behavior marks are recorded in LiveSchool, which sends weekly summaries to parents. These marks are not punitive but are tools to build accountability, develop reflection, and strengthen leadership through correction.

Our Zero-Tolerance Procedures are designed to maintain a school culture of safety, respect, and spiritual integrity. These procedures ensure that students are held accountable for harmful or dangerous behaviors while being given opportunities to grow in responsibility, character, and faith.

The following behaviors are governed by our Zero-Tolerance Procedures:

• Disruption to the Learning Environment

• Physical Violence & Horseplay

• Cell Phone & Earbud Violations

• Romantic Displays of Affection

• Bullying & Harassment

• Drugs, Alcohol, & Illegal Substances

Purpose of Zero-Tolerance

Zero-tolerance policies exist to:

• Protect the academic and spiritual focus of the school

• Provide clear, consistent boundaries for conduct

• Encourage self-awareness and personal accountability

• Uphold the dignity and safety of every student and staff member

These procedures apply to behaviors that are significantly harmful, disruptive, unsafe, or violate core values of our school.

Relational Accountability Framework

While consequences are enforced immediately, ACS is equally committed to fostering a redemptive process. Each zero-tolerance violation includes a relational accountability component to help the student reflect, take responsibility, and reconnect with the school community.

Every zero-tolerance response includes:

• A Student-Led Phone Call Home

  • Guided by an administrator

  • Student explains the violation and consequence

• An Infraction/Suspension Notice (signed by a parent or guardian)

• A Restorative Debrief (before returning to class or school)

• Additional consequences specific to the violation (e.g., suspension, detention, community service)

Steps in the Zero-Tolerance Process

1. Incident Occurs - Behavior is reported or observed by staff and documented as a Referral.

2. Immediate Removal - Student is sent to the front office or suspended, depending on the nature of the incident.

3. Administrative Review - 

   • Evidence is collected via:

     • Teacher reports

     • Student input

     • Witness accounts

     • Administrative discretion

4. Consequences Issued
   Aligned with the specific Zero-Tolerance Protocol (e.g., Detention, Suspension, Community Service, Expulsion)

5. Student-Led Phone Call Home
   Student explains the incident and its impact in their own words with adult guidance.
   
   

6. Parental Notification - Infraction Slip must be signed and returned the following school day.
   
   

7. Restorative Reentry Plan (if applicable) - Student meets with an administrator to reflect, repair, and commit to future responsibility.

Disruption to the Learning Environment

Definition: Ongoing defiance or disruptive behavior that continues after redirection and interrupts the learning atmosphere.

Consequences:

• Immediate removal to the front office

• Issued an Infraction Slip (must be signed by a parent)

• Assigned Lunch Detention

• Required student-led phone call home with adult supervision

This ensures that students do not hinder the academic or spiritual growth of their peers.

Physical Violence & Horseplay

Definition: Any act of physical aggression or reckless, unwanted physical contact (e.g., pushing, hitting, tripping, or rough play).

Consequences:

• Immediate removal from school for a Day of Reflection at home

• Lunch Detention served upon return

• Student-led phone call home to explain the incident

• Review by administration based on staff reports and student input

• Repeated or severe incidents may result in expulsion

We are called to protect others and restore peace in our community.

Cell Phone & Earbud Violations

Definition: Unauthorized use of phones or earbuds during the school day.

Consequences

• First Offense:

  • Device is confiscated and stored securely

  • Parent contacted by teacher via email of confiscation

  • Parent may retrieve device at 4:00 PM 

  • Lunch Detention assigned

  • Student-led phone call home

• Second Offense:

  • Phone call home made from the front office

  • Student is sent home for the remainder of the day

• Subsequent Offenses:

  • Result in suspension

  • May include restorative reentry conversation with administrator

We remove distractions so students can fully engage in learning and community.

Romantic Displays of Affection

Definition: Inappropriate physical affection (e.g., holding hands, hugging, kissing, or cuddling) while on ACS campus.

Consequences:

• Student is sent to the front office

• Referral Slip issued and signed by parent

• Lunch Detention assigned if necessary

• Student-led phone call home to explain behavior and reaffirm boundaries

• Repeated behavior may lead to suspension

We promote maturity, modesty, and emotional safety within our learning environment.

Bullying & Harassment

Definition: Any verbal, physical, social, or digital behavior that harms, intimidates, or targets another student.

This includes:

• Name-calling, threats, or teasing

• Exclusion, manipulation, or rumor-spreading

• Cyberbullying or social media abuse

• Any form of harassment, including sexual or repeated unwanted behavior

Consequences:

• Immediate removal from class and administrative investigation

• Referral Slip issued and signed

• Lunch Detention assigned

• Student-led phone call home

• Suspension or expulsion depending on severity and history

All students are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and safety.

Drugs, Alcohol, & Illegal Substances

Definition: Possession, use, distribution, or influence of drugs, alcohol, vaping products, marijuana, or any illegal or mind-altering substances on school property or at school functions.

Consequences:

• Immediate suspension from school

• Student-led phone call home facilitated by administration

• Assigned school-approved community service

• Administrative review to determine eligibility for reinstatement or expulsion

• If criminal behavior is involved, law enforcement may be contacted

Our school is a place of purity and safety. We offer accountability with a path to redemption when possible.

At ACS, we believe that discipline is discipleship. While we take harmful behaviors seriously, we never stop believing in each student’s potential to learn from their mistakes and walk in truth. These procedures are designed to preserve a safe school culture while supporting every student’s journey of growth and transformation.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time... but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.” – Hebrews 12:11

Students are expected to:

• Check their LiveSchool profile weekly

• Reflect on their behavior

• Set personal growth goals

1. Lunch Detention (3 Demerits)

• Assigned when a student earns 3 demerits within a quarter.

• Students receive a Lunch Detention Slip the day it is to be served, which must be signed by a parent.

• Detention is logged in LiveSchool and includes a behavioral reflection assignment.

• No homework or social time is permitted.

• Tardiness = additional detention; failure to attend = immediate suspension.

2. After School Detention (Assigned at 12, 15, or 18 Demerits)

• Runs from 3:30–5:00 PM

• Parents will receive a text alert when detention is assigned.

• Students are expected to complete a reflection assignment or participate in a school service activity.

• Attendance Policy:

  • • Late arrival or early pick-up will result in a rescheduled date or an extension of the detention.

    • Failure to attend without prior administrative approval results in automatic suspension.

    • Sports, work, or personal appointments are not valid excuses for missing detention.

    • Parents are responsible for arranging transportation. 

  • Ongoing Lunch Detentions

    • Students assigned After School Detention must continue to serve daily Lunch Detentions until the After School Detention is completed. These serve as interim accountability and will not be lifted until the full after-school consequence is fulfilled.

3. Behavioral Probation (21 Demerits)

• A signal that the student is not meeting ACS standards for leadership.

• The student is suspended until a Community Meeting is held.

• A Behavior Contract is presented and must be signed by parent(s), admin, and involved staff.

• Students may not return until the meeting is completed.

• Failure to attend = suspension or expulsion.
  
  

4. Behavioral Suspension (Referral OR 30 demerits)

• A suspension helps students pause, reflect, and reset when behavior has seriously violated school expectations. Suspension may occur due to repeated or serious misconduct that does not align with the Student Handbook.

• Parent or guardian will receive an email from the Department Director explaining the assigned suspension.

• While suspended, you’ll write a letter that:

  • Explains what happened and which school expectations were not met.

  • Shows that you understand why the behavior was inappropriate.

  • Shares why you believe you are ready to return and commit to ACS’s standards.

• On the students first day back:

  • A meeting will be held with your parents, school leaders, and any teachers involved.

  • You’ll read your letter aloud to the group.

  • The group will discuss your readiness to return and learn from the experience.

Leadership Mark Repeal Policy

Students who believe they were issued a demerit unfairly may respectfully ask the issuing teacher to review the decision.

• The request must be made during Advisory or after class, never during instructional time.

• The tone must be calm and respectful.

• Demerits cannot be appealed after a detention slip has been issued.

• Teachers may drop a demerit if the student shows humility, responsibility, or takes steps to repair the harm.

Teachers may drop a demerit if a student:

• Offers a sincere verbal or written apology.

• Writes a short reflection (what happened, what was learned, what will change).

• Completes a classroom act of service.

• Corrects the original mistake.

• Demonstrates consistent improved behavior over time.

Partnering with Families to Grow Christlike Leaders

As a parent/guardian of an ACS student, I understand that discipline is not about punishment, it is about formation rooted in the belief that students can grow through accountability, reflection, and restoration. At ACS, every correction is an opportunity to develop Christlike character. With that understanding, I pledge the following:

Commitment to the Discipline Philosophy

• I have read and understand the ACS Discipline Framework, including the use of Leadership Points, Leadership Marks, Zero-Tolerance Protocols, and the LiveSchool system.

• I acknowledge that discipline at ACS is grounded in Scripture, particularly Hebrews 12:11, and is designed to produce “a harvest of righteousness and peace.”

• I trust the professional judgment of the ACS faculty and administration to guide students with love, fairness, and integrity.

Partnership in Accountability

• I recognize that some students may struggle to adjust to a structured and Christ-centered environment. If my child experiences difficulty, I will partner with the school to guide them through the process of growth.

• I understand that ACS is not a correctional institution and may not be equipped to accommodate students with ongoing or severe behavioral challenges outside the scope of its leadership mission.

• I will support the use of LiveSchool to track behavior and encourage my child to reflect weekly on their progress.

• I agree to read and return all behavioral notices (e.g., Lunch Detention, Infraction Slips, Suspension Letters) promptly and with a spirit of cooperation.

Response to Student Complaints

• I understand that students may sometimes offer “slanted news” or exaggerated accounts of school events. When concerns arise, I will seek clarity directly from ACS staff, not from other parents or students.

• I commit to resolving any disagreements respectfully and privately, honoring the unity of the school community and the principles of Matthew 18.

Support of Restorative and Relational Discipline

• I understand that ACS uses relational accountability as part of its Zero-Tolerance Protocols. This includes:

  • Student-led phone calls home

  • Parent-signed Infraction Slips

  • Restorative debriefs before reentry

  • Community meetings for students on behavioral probation

• I pledge to attend scheduled meetings when my child is placed on Behavioral Probation, involved in a Zero-Tolerance Violation, or requires a Community Restoration Plan.

Spiritual & Practical Responsibilities

I will:

• Pray regularly for the school’s leadership, staff, and students.

• Lay a spiritual foundation through a Christlike example at home.

• Support the school’s character training and leadership development efforts.

• Ensure my child arrives at school on time and is prepared for class.

• Follow school policies regarding pick-up/drop-off, attendance, and communication.

• Participate in parent meetings, school functions, and fundraising as able.

• Promote ACS positively in all settings, including on social media.

• Refrain from posting or sharing critical content about ACS online or in public forums.
  
  

Acknowledgment of Shared Responsibility

• I understand that discipline is discipleship at ACS. It is my responsibility, alongside the school, to guide my child in becoming a respectful, courageous, and compassionate leader.

• I acknowledge that attending ACS is a privilege, not a right. Continued enrollment is contingent on my child’s cooperation with the school’s academic and behavioral expectations, as well as my partnership with the school community.

• I affirm that all communication with ACS staff will remain respectful and constructive. A breakdown in peaceful communication may lead to a reevaluation of my child’s enrollment.

Agreement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and agree to uphold the discipline standards outlined in the ACS Student Handbook, including the Parent’s Pledge Concerning Discipline. I understand this pledge is part of the Tuition Financial Agreement and reflects my full partnership with Arundel Christian School in the development of my child.