Health & Safety

Overview

Valorous Academy is committed to maintaining an environment that is safe and healthful for all students, faculty, and visitors.

It is imperative that parents are honest about their student’s current and past medical history. Parents should ensure that the teacher and administration is aware of any medical conditions that may be pertinent in the normal school day and emergency situations, as well as acute situations such as injuries.

Illness Policy

Should a student become ill at school with symptoms of a contagious illness, the school will contact the student’s parents to pick them up from school. The parent is then required to pick up their child, or secure another person to pick up their child, as soon as possible. If this person is not the parent or a person noted on the student’s list of authorized pick-up persons, the parent is responsible for informing the school.

By signing the agreement at the end of this handbook, parents agree to observe and check their child prior to dropping them off at school every day. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring they are free of signs or symptoms of contagious illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), strep throat, the common cold, pink eye, and lice. Parents agree to keep their child at home if they are displaying any of the following symptoms: fever, (100.4 degrees or higher) severe or worsening cough, severe runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, open sores, worsening rash, or diarrhea. Students should be free of symptoms without the aid of medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school, unless a doctor’s note is provided to the school releasing the student.

By signing the agreement at the end of the enrollment packet, parents also acknowledge their understanding of the contagious nature of the above illnesses and symptoms. They acknowledge that Valorous Academy has preventative measures in place to reduce the spread of contagious diseases, but that Valorous Academy cannot guarantee that their child, or those their child may come in contact with, will not contract a contagious disease.

Medications

Students are not permitted to carry medications of any kind without permission from both a parent and the school administration. Please see the Life-Saving or Emergency Medications section below for more information.

Parents whose child must take prescription medication or a medication from home during school hours or activities should see the Prescription Medication or Medication from Home section below for information.

Valorous Academy staff members are not medical professionals. Medications are given based on the package’s dosing for the child’s age, instructions from the child’s medical provider, or emergency personnel.

First Aid

Valorous Academy will provide first aid to all students as deemed necessary. Examples of aid or medications that may be administered include but are not limited to:

• Bandaids, gauze, or other materials to cover an injury

• Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (cuts, scrapes, or similar wounds)

• Aloe vera gel (minor burns, sunburns, chafed skin)

• Insect bite/sting relief (minor insect bites or stings)

• Saltwater rinse (minor sore throat, basic first aid)

• Baking soda paste (splinters, insect stings)

• Hand lotion (minor irritation, dry skin)

• Petroleum jelly (dry or irritated skin)

• Anti-itch lotion such as calamine lotion (bug bites, itchy skin)

• Epi-Pen/Epi-Pen Jr. (anaphylaxis: an emergency)

If parents have questions about how or why the above aid or medications would be administered to their child, they should contact the school office. Parents of students with allergies to common first aid items or any of the items listed above should inform the school office.

Parents of students who come to the office regularly for over-the-counter medication may be asked to provide the medication from home. Parents of students whose requests for over-the-counter medication seem excessive may be requested to complete a form detailing when the parent would like their children to receive the medication.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Preschool and Elementary Students

Students in 3K-5th grade will be given medications according to the Over-the-Counter Medication Administration permissions given in their enrollment packet. The school will contact the student’s parent prior to giving an over-the-counter medication to a 3K-5th grade student if the student does not have this information on file, or if the student’s file indicates the parent did not give the school permission to administer a particular medication. Generally, elementary students are given a children’s version of the medication, unless the student is too old or the parent has requested otherwise. All dosing and frequency of administration is based on the medication’s label. Medications may be the generic equivalent of the medication listed.

Over-the-Counter Medications include but are not limited to: Tylenol, Advil/Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Benadryl, Cough Drops, Tums/Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol, and artificial tears.

Permission can also be given to the school to administer medication via email, over the phone, in person, or in a Class Dojo message. A record of all medications given at school is kept in the school office. Parents may also come to the school to administer medication to their child. In this case, the student will be called to the school office to meet their parent.

Middle & High School Students and Over-the-Counter Medications

Students in 6th-12th grades will be given these medications at their request within reason as determined by the staff member administering the medication. Parents may request in writing that this privilege is not to be given to their student. If Over-the-Counter Medication Administration information is on file for the student, the school will only administer medications permitted on the form, unless permission is given by the parent. All dosing and frequency of administration is based on the medication’s label. Medications may be the generic equivalent of the medication listed.

Over-the-Counter Medications include but are not limited to: Tylenol, Advil/Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Benadryl, Cough Drops, Tums/Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol, and artificial tears.

Permission can also be given to the school to administer medication via email, over the phone, in person, or in a Class Dojo message. A record of all medications given at school is kept in the school office. Parents may also come to the school to administer medication to their child. In this case, the student will be called to the school office to meet the parent.

Prescription Medication or Medication from Home

Parents of a student who must take prescription medication while at school, or who regularly or temporarily take an over-the-counter medication, are required to:

• Complete and sign the Administration of Prescription Medication form

• Provide the student’s medication in its original container

• Restock the medication as necessary

• Keep the school up-to-date on any changes in dosing, time of administration, or other instructions regarding the administration of the medication

Examples of students who should have an Administration of Prescription Medication form on file include but are not limited to: students who take medicine every day at a specific time which falls during the school day, students who are temporarily taking prescription medication (such as pain medication following a medical procedure), students whose doctor or parent have them taking an over-the-counter medication every day at a specific time which falls during the school day, and students who have a medication they were prescribed to take on an as-needed basis.

Life-Saving or Emergency Medications

Students who have been prescribed life-saving or emergency medications (such as inhalers, insulin, or Epi-Pens) can, with both parent and school permission, carry the medication with them. The parent must request this allowance be granted to their student on the Administration of Prescription Medication form. For this request to be approved, the student must be capable of administering the medication and carrying it responsibly with them throughout the day. Any changes to the medication should be communicated to the school administration, as a new Administration of Prescription Medication form may be required. If the student does not demonstrate responsibility in carrying their medication, the parent or the school may require the medication to be kept in the school office instead.

Emergency Albuterol, Epi-Pen, and Narcan

As permitted by the SCDHEC, Valorous Academy keeps an emergency stock of certain lifesaving medications (albuterol, epi-pen, and narcan). Selected staff members receive training from SCDHEC regarding when and how to administer these medications. These medications will be administered to any student, staff member, or visitor of Valorous Academy for whom the medication is deemed necessary by these individuals or emergency personnel.

Health Information

Medication Administration Records

A record of all medication administered by the school is kept, regardless of student age or the nature of the medication (over-the-counter or prescription), in the student's FACTS file.

Health Records

Student health records are kept confidential. All health records are kept on file for the duration of the student’s enrollment in Valorous Academy. These records include, but are not limited to, immunization records, medication administration records, medical excuses and releases, sports physicals, and health examinations.

Confidentiality

Student medical information is kept in their official student record. These records are kept confidential and will only be shared with Valorous Academy and/or Valorous Church faculty and staff as necessary, medical personnel in situations in which the information is needed, or to a school the student is enrolling in which submits an official release of records request. 

Emergency Procedures

Life-Threatening Medical Emergencies

In life-threatening medical emergencies, the school will contact 911. If a student is involved in a life-threatening medical emergency, the school will contact the parent as soon as possible. If a parent cannot be reached, the school will notify the student’s designated emergency contacts. If the student’s emergency contacts cannot be reached, the school will designate a person to continue attempting to reach the parents and emergency contacts until someone is reached. A school administrator will remain with the student at all times until a parent or emergency contact arrives, including transportation to a hospital if applicable.

First Aid

The school keeps an up-to-date and regularly restocked first aid kit in the school office. Physical Education teachers keep a first aid kit with them during their classes. Every classroom has an emergency kit near its main entrance. The main school building is outfitted with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). All faculty and staff members have access to the AED and are trained in its appropriate usage.

Emergency Action Plan

All faculty and staff are trained on the school’s Emergency Action Plan which covers a wide variety of emergency situations. For security purposes, this plan may only be accessed by Valorous Academy faculty and staff members, Valorous Church staff members, and emergency personnel and first responders.

Fire Drills

The school holds fire drills at regular intervals. The school expects that during these drills, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors evacuate the buildings in an orderly manner, following the guidelines identified for their specific location. Teachers and administrators will give instructions as needed. Students are expected to move quickly and silently to the designated meeting area. Adult visitors are expected to move with the class they are with to the designated meeting area.

Tornado Drills

The school holds tornado drills at regular intervals. The school expects that during these drills, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors move to the meeting area in an orderly manner, following the guidelines identified for their specific location. Teachers and administrators will give instructions as needed. Students are expected to move quickly and silently to the designated meeting area. Visitors are expected to move with the class they are with to the designated meeting area.

Armed Intruder Events

Valorous Academy staff is trained yearly by the North Myrtle Beach Police Department regarding our response in the event of an armed intruder event. For security purposes, we do not disclose the details of our plan. So that families can talk to their students about these situations on an age-appropriate level, here is the basic outline of our plan:

Plan A: Run - remove yourself from the school as quickly as possible

Plan B: Hide - hide in a secure location if running is not an option

Plan C: Fight - as a last resort if running or hiding are not options, fight against an armed intruder

Based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the FBI, and clinical psychologists, Valorous Academy does not conduct armed intruder drills with students.

Concealed Carry Policy

The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is our utmost priority. In line with our commitment to creating a secure learning environment, select staff members have been authorized to carry concealed firearms on school property. This measure is part of a comprehensive safety plan designed to enhance our ability to respond to potential threats effectively.

1. Authorized Personnel: Only staff members who have been thoroughly vetted and possess a Concealed Weapons Permit are permitted to carry concealed firearms.

2. Confidentiality and Discretion: The identities of staff members who carry concealed firearms are kept confidential to maintain the security and integrity of the school. This information is not disclosed to the general public, students, or non-authorized staff members.

3. Emergency Response: The presence of authorized concealed carriers is intended to provide an immediate and effective response to any potential threat, ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. These measures are in place to complement our existing security protocols, which include secured entrances, surveillance systems, and collaboration with and training by local law enforcement.

4. Policy Review: Our concealed carry policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains in compliance with state and federal laws and reflects the latest in safety and security standards. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to the school community in a timely and transparent manner.

We understand that the presence of concealed firearms on campus may raise questions or concerns. Please be assured that this policy has been implemented with the utmost consideration for the well-being of our school community.

No person may conceal carry on school premises without written consent from the principal.

Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

The SRP, developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, is an addition to our comprehensive emergency plan. The SRP gives students, staff, and first responders a common set of words and actions to use during different types of situations. Rather than having a separate procedure for every possible emergency, everyone learns the same five responses:

🟣Hold – "Hold in your room or area."

A Hold means that a hallway needs to be kept clear, such as for a medical emergency. Inside classrooms, business as usual continues.

🔵Secure – " Secure. Get inside. Lock outside doors."

A Secure means the school moves everyone inside, because of a concern or possible concern outisde the school. Inside the buildings, business as usual continues.

🔴Lockdown – "Lockdown. Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"

A Lockdown would be called in the event of a threat or possbile threat inside the school. Teachers are trained in how to lock their classes down, as well as making decisions for their specific class during a Lockdown, such as whether to to evade or defend (please see the Armed Intruder Events section above for details).

🟢Evacuate – "Evacuate to [Location]"

An Evacuate is called to move everyone to another location. For example, a fire alarm is essentially an order to Evacuate.

🟠Shelter – "Shelter for [Hazard] using [Safety Strategy]"

A Shelter is called when specific protective actions are necessary based on a hazard, such as during severe weather.

Surveillance Systems

Valorous Academy has cameras both inside and outside the school grounds. Our cameras record both video and audio. It is important for all students, staff, and visitors to be aware that security cameras on campus record both audio and video footage. These cameras are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone on school grounds. All recorded footage is strictly for security purposes and will be handled in accordance with school policies and applicable laws.

Weather-Related School Closings, Delays, and Announcements

When weather or other conditions may affect the school schedule, Valorous Academy will communicate updates to families as soon as decisions are made. Class Dojo is the primary method of communication for school closing, delay, and reopening announcements. Families are responsible for checking Class Dojo when weather conditions or other circumstances may affect the school day.

When appropriate, Valorous Academy may also communicate updates by email, text message, social media, local media, or other available methods. Families are responsible for keeping contact information up to date with the school office and their child’s teacher.

Valorous Academy may consider local conditions, guidance from emergency management officials, road conditions, facility readiness, and decisions made by Horry County Schools or other local agencies when making school closing or reopening decisions. However, Valorous Academy may make a different decision when appropriate.

In the event of an extended closing, such as due a hurricane or other emergency, Valorous Academy will provide updates as information becomes available. Reopening dates, schedule changes, and make-up days, when applicable, will be communicated through official school channels.

Valorous Academy makes school closing, delay, and reopening decisions independently. Families should not assume that Valorous Academy is closed, delayed, or reopening based only on announcements from Horry County Schools or other local schools.

Student Participation in Activities

By signing the Parent Agreement at the end of the enrollment packet, the parent(s) or guardian(s) acknowledge that participation in the activities of a school day involves risk to the student (and to the student’s parents or guardians, if the student is a minor), and may result in various types of injury including, but not limited to, the following: sickness, exposure to infectious/communicable disease, bodily injury, death, emotional injury, personal injury, property damage, and financial damage.

In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the activities of a school day (the “activity”), the student (or parent/guardian if the student is a minor) acknowledges and accepts the risks of injury associated with participation in and transportation to and from the activity. The student (or parent/guardian) accepts personal financial responsibility for any injury or other loss sustained during the activity or during transportation to and from the activity, as well as for any medical treatment rendered to the student that is authorized by the school or its agents, employees, volunteers, or any other representatives (collectively referred to as the “activity sponsor”). Further, the student (or parent/guardian) releases and promises to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the activity sponsor for any injury arising directly or indirectly out of the described activity or transportation to and from the activity, whether such injury arises out of the negligence of the activity sponsor, the student, or otherwise. If a dispute over this agreement or any claim for damages arises, the student (or parent/guardian) agrees to resolve the matter through a mutually acceptable alternative dispute resolution process. If the student (or parent/guardian) and the activity sponsor cannot agree upon such a process, the dispute will be submitted to a three-member arbitration panel for resolution in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

School-Day, Off-Campus Activities

For off-campus activities that take place during the school day, such as field trips, a permission slip will be sent home. For students younger than 18, a parent or guardian must complete and sign the permission slip for the student to participate. Students who are 18 years old or older may sign their own permission slip.

Extracurricular Activities

Students who participate in extracurricular activities must have all required forms completed prior to participating in the activity. These include all SCISA forms applicable to the activity, all Valorous Academy forms applicable to the activity, and all applicable waivers or permission slips.

Mandatory Reporting Procedures for Child Abuse and Maltreatment

The State of South Carolina requires that certain professionals report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. These persons are called mandated reporters. Those employed in education are included in this list of mandated reporters.

All Valorous Academy faculty and staff receive training in understanding their role as mandated reporters, including how to recognize common signs and symptoms or child abuse or neglect and how to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Students have the right to feel safe and respected, and to work and learn in an environment free from abuse and neglect. Valorous Academy prohibits all forms of abuse from any persons, employed or not, who are on the school campus or at a school activity. This applies to all employees of Valorous Church and Valorous Academy, parents, volunteers, visitors, and other adults on the school grounds or at a school activity.

“Abuse” is defined as follows: 

• Acts that create a substantial risk of physical injury to a student

• Acts that inflict physical injury to a student

• Acts that qualify as child sexual abuse, including but not limited to sexual touching, sexual assault, sexual intercourse with a student, sending or showing a student inappropriate material, attempting to send or show a student inappropriate material

• Any sexual or romantic conduct between a student and an employee, volunteer, or employee of a contracted service provider, regardless of the student’s age, and even if consented to or welcomed by the student. This is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal of the adult involved.

“Neglect” is defined as follows:

• The negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment, or supervision

Gavin's Law

Gavin’s Law (H.3583) was signed into law by Governor McMaster in 2023. While at this time, this legislation only places requirements on public schools in South Carolina, Valorous Academy emphasizes the importance of this law in protecting all children and teenagers from sexual violence.

According to the SC Department of Education: “Gavin's Law (H.3583) is legislation that makes sexual extortion, the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos, a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime. In 2022, 17-year-old Gavin Guffey was a victim of sexual extortion, resulting in him taking his own life.”

In response to this legislation, Valorous Academy implements the following:

1. Parents will be provided with age-appropriate resources on the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion.

2. Students will receive age-appropriate instruction regarding online safety.

Tobacco, Drug, & Alcohol Policy

The possession, use, sale, and/or distribution of the following substances is strictly prohibited on the Valorous Academy campus: alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, vapes/vaporizers, pipes, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, marijuana, illegal drugs in any form, inhalants (such as glue or paint) not used for their intended purpose, look-a-like or imitation substances.

Prescription drugs must only be taken by the person they are prescribed to and at the dosage prescribed. All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must remain in the office; students may not carry medications on them without the proper documentation on file.

Announced or unannounced searches for these or other prohibited items may take place at any time, both inside and outside the school building (lockers, backpacks, cars, etc.), by authorized school personnel or security officials.

Weapons on Campus

In accordance with South Carolina law, firearms and weapons are strictly prohibited on school property, including buildings, grounds, parking areas, and school-sponsored events, regardless of open carry or concealed carry permissions elsewhere in the state. Only individuals who are expressly authorized by the school and who have completed and passed the school’s internal approval process may conceal carry on campus.