Student Handbook

The Rock Enrichment Academy LLC Handbook

General Information

Mission Statement

Our mission is to impart truth, cultivate character, and inspire servanthood among students, preparing them to impact the world with the love of Christ. We aim to foster the love of learning in a Christ centered environment, where spiritual and emotional growth is essential in our partnership with parents to attain greater academic achievement for their children.

Goals

The Rock Enrichment Academy LLC (TREA) was founded as a means to provide home-schooled children a set of classes that:

  • Are conveniently located and affordable
  • Cater to all the ages of the children in the family
  • Encourage the development of lasting friendships
  • Provide a group setting and social interaction
  • May require specially trained teachers
  • Provide enrichment to the child’s home education

TREA is not intended to replace home-schooling done at home, but rather to enhance each family’s home education program.

Faith Statement

TREA is a decidedly Christian institution and will strive to abide by the Word of God. By attending TREA, students and parents agree to and are upheld to the Biblical principles laid forth in the scriptures. 

  • God is the one true God (Jeremiah 10:10)
  • Jesus Christ is God’s only son and was sent to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16)
  • Jesus Christ is the only way to have eternal life in heaven (Romans 6:23)
  • God created human beings as male and female (Genesis: 1:27, 5:2, 6:19). 
  • God instituted marriage to be between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:3-12, Luke 16:18, 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 11:3).

Parents agree to:

  • Be responsible for the upbringing and education of their children (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)
  • Raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 22:6)
  • Apply the Matthew 18 principle when resolving disagreements 
  • Exhibit the values of Christ and the Bible both in word and in conduct (Titus 2:7)
  • Pray for TREA (James 5:16)

Students agree to:

  • Submit to the authorities that God has placed over him or her (Romans 13:1-2)
  • Apply themselves diligently to their academic endeavors (Colossians 3:23)
  • Respect all members of the school community as unique creations of God (Romans 12:10)
  • Pray for TREA (James 5:16)

Classes will be taught:

  • By passionate, creative teachers (Titus 2:7)
  • To promote group interaction, discussion, and teamwork (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
  • In a stimulating, hands-on environment, encouraging a love of learning (Proverbs 4:11)

Schedule, Format, and Classes

Most campuses will meet from 9:00a.m.-2:30p.m. throughout the school year. Drop-off begins at 8:45a.m. and classes begin at 9:00a.m. Pick-up begins at 2:30p.m. Pick-up after 2:45p.m. is considered late. TREA will charge a $25 late pick-up fee if you are later than 2:45p.m., unless otherwise approved by the director.

All students are picked-up/dropped-off in the car pool lane unless prior arrangements are made. All students should be on time for class and remain with the class at all times during school hours.

If you have a student with special needs, please notify the director and/or teachers before classes begin. Special needs include food allergies, asthma, or other academic and/or social differences. This information must also be included in initial enrollment paperwork.

Late drop off, early pick up, and absences

If your child will be absent or you will be dropping your child off later than 9:00a.m. or picking up before 2:30p.m., please notify the director, Mrs. Jay-Turner, by email ahead of time at dir@therockenrichmentacademy.org. To cause the least disruption for the students, please drop off or pick up during class change times or lunch/recess.

For emergencies, the fastest response, and for same day notices, please text the director, Angela Jay-Turner, at (512) 653-2323. 

Age Groups for the School Year

Lower school K- 6th grade students will be broken into four groups by grade: Kindergarten/Early First Grade, First Grade/Second Grade, Third/Fourth Grade, and Fifth/Sixth Grade. These grades are guidelines only. Since we operate with four classes and five grades, the grouping of grades can change based on enrollment numbers. If you have any concerns related to the placement of your child, please contact the director. For the Kindergarten group, your child should be five years old by September 1, but exceptions can be made based on the maturity and abilities of the child.

Upper school students may be grouped together or divided into middle and high school depending on enrollment numbers and/or specific classes.

Guest Speakers

We may have guest speakers visit during class time. Parents will be informed via email or Google Classrooms the week before the event.

School Calendar

Classes are set up for a whole school year (a total of 9 months). 

  • Classes will not be held Thanksgiving week. 
  • Classes will not be held during public school Christmas break.
  • Classes will not be held during public school Spring Break.

Inclement Weather

If the weather is bad enough for the local ISD to cancel or delay classes, we will also cancel or delay. Families will be notified when a decision has been made.

Lunch and Water

All students need to bring a water bottle marked with their name for the school day. We do not have cups or water bottles available. All students need to bring a lunch marked with their name. Sodas are not allowed.

  • Lunch may only be eaten in the permitted lunchroom at the permitted time.
  • No food is allowed in any other parts of the building.
  • No chewing gum is allowed while on campus.

Birthdays

If a parent would like to bring a birthday treat to share with their child’s class, we ask that you drop off the treat in the lunchroom and the lunch monitors will distribute the treats at lunchtime. Please email your child’s homeroom teacher through Google Classroom; then the homeroom teacher will announce in Google Classroom so that parents of students with allergies may bring an alternate treat. Birthday invitations may be passed out at school if everyone in the class will be receiving one.

Communication

TREA encourages open communication between teachers, parents, students, and the director. Following the Matthew 18 principle, parents are asked to voice any concerns or questions directly to the teacher involved or to the director. Teachers and the director are expected to voice any concerns or questions directly to parents. 

  • Communication channels include Google Classrooms, email, verbal, calls or texts.
  • Parents are asked to support and facilitate their child’s learning through the program by keeping apprised of information posted on Google Classrooms, emails, and other correspondence, as well as, helping their child with any homework assignments.
  • We do not provide report cards or progress reports. You are welcome to contact your child’s teacher(s) by email through Google Classrooms to discuss your child’s progress.

The director of TREA, Angela Jay-Turner, may be reached at (512) 653-2323 or dir@therockenrichmentacademy.org.


Parent-Teacher Meetings

Sometimes it is necessary for parents and students to meet with their child’s teacher(s). This can be requested by the director, parents, or teacher(s). These meetings will ideally be scheduled for before or after classes on a scheduled class day. On rare occasions, the meeting will be scheduled for another day of the week. At least two employees of TREA and at least one parent and the student will be present for these meetings.

Student Safety 

The safety and security of TREA students is our top priority. All students must be supervised by a parent or teacher when walking to and from the buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, before school, during breaks, and after school. Students should never be out of sight of a teacher or their parents. 

Children will only be released to the authorized individuals indicated on your enrollment forms. Please notify the director if you plan to have another person drive your child that day or if you will be driving a different vehicle.

Please make sure that your authorized individuals information and vehicle information is current. If you need to update this information, email the director, Angela Jay-Turner at dir@therockenrichmentacademy.org.

If your child carries an EpiPen for emergency allergic reactions, we must have a signed medical release on file. All allergies should also be clearly indicated. Medication and epi-pens must be stored in a backpack or in the on-campus medical kit so as to avoid other students from finding/taking it.

We are not a peanut-free environment.

Any accidents while at school should be reported immediately to the available teacher or to the director and an Incident Report will be completed.

Policies and Procedures 

Illness Policy

Do not bring children to TREA if they have had a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or other contagious conditions in the last 24 hours. Additionally, do not bring students who were exposed to or live with individuals who have tested positive to flu, COVID, or other viruses.

Tuition

Tuition details can be found on the Financial Agreement page.

  • Tuition will not be adjusted for missed classes. Each campus has their own unique set of holidays and their own schedule. Tuition is a monthly fee, not a per-class fee, therefore it will not be adjusted for campuses who meet more or less than others.
  • Tuition is due the first week of the month.
  • Family Discount: Each additional child in a family will receive a $5.00 discount on monthly tuition.
  • Late fees: A late fee of $25.00 will be collected for tuition paid after the 10th of each month.
  • Refunds: Supply fees, registration fee, and last-month tuition will not be refunded for any reason. Please see the Withdrawal policy below.
  • Drop/Add and Withdrawals: The period of enrollment shall be for the entire school year or, in the case of a student entering after the school year has begun, from the date of admission to the last day of school. Cancellation must be made 30 days prior to withdrawal. Written notice or acknowledged email is required. Verbal notification is not accepted. Tuition for the following month will still be charged when cancellation notice is less than 30 days. For example, if you provide notice on February 15th, we will not reimburse you for March tuition. However, a written notice 30 days prior to the planned departure date, will result in reimbursement for your pre-paid last month.

Dress Code

TREA aims to create an atmosphere free from distraction, de-emphasize outward appearance in favor of inner beauty and character, and enhance school spirit. Students are expected to adhere to the dress code while on campus and attending school sanctioned events. 

  • All students should wear a TREA t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, or sweatshirt for all class days and school-sponsored events. All lower school students are provided with a blue TREA shirt; upper school students are provided with a black TREA shirt. If a student does not wear their school shirt, one will be provided for them to wear that school day. Opportunities to purchase additional shirts of different designs will be available throughout the year.
  • Boys may wear pants or shorts. Girls may wear jumpers, pants, shorts, skorts, skirts (girls should wear leggings or shorts under skirts and jumpers).  
  • Shorts, jumpers, skorts, and skirts should be modest, appropriate, free of tears, and free of distracting designs. The administration reserves the right to judge each case individually.
  • No tight-fitting bottoms or bottoms with tears that reveal the upper thigh. 
  • Sports team apparel and other exceptions to the regular dress code are made during “themed” weeks designated during the school year.
  • Hair color and style, makeup, jewelry, piercings, and other personal articles that are distracting or offensive in nature are not acceptable. The administration reserves the right to judge each case individually.
  • All students should wear tennis shoes in order to safely participate in P.E. activities, recess, and breaks. No boots, sandals, hard black soles, or crocs, or jelly shoes unless pre arrangements are made and the student brings a pair of shoes for P.E. class.

TREA reserves the right to judge each case individually and make a final determination of what is appropriate. 

Technology

Lower School

  • If a lower school student should need to bring a cell phone to school, the parent/guardian is to notify the staff; and to ensure the decision is ‘parent approved’.
  • Cell phones should either be turned off or on vibrate and be stored out of sight in the student’s backpack. This includes during class time, lunch, and break times.
  • Calls and texts must wait until the end of the day unless contact with parent/guardian is necessary or there is an emergency. In such cases, the student must get approval from their teacher to use their phone.
  • No iPads, iPods, mp3 players, CD players, earbuds/headphones, or other personal entertainment devices may be used during school hours.

Upper School

  • Personal electronic devices, cell phones, earbuds/headphones, and other technology are to be used solely for academic purposes and only with the permission and supervision of a TREA teacher or employee. 
  • All student cell phones will be collected upon arrival at the start of the first class,  held in a designated area in the classroom; returned to the student upon conclusion of the last class. If expecting an emergency call, a student must let the teacher know before class. Calls and texts must wait until the end of the day unless contact with parent/guardian is necessary or there is an emergency.
  • When not in use for academic purposes and during class transitions, all personal electronic devices must be stored out of sight in the student’s backpack. This includes class time, lunch, and break times.
  • Guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices and other technology for academic purposes:
    • Be responsible and use discretion.
    • Do not reveal your name, personal information, or that of others.
    • Remember that communication is not private.
    • Students may not access any social media platform. 
    • Students may not use group apps, group texting, etc.  
    • Students are not allowed to download files without consent of the teacher.
    • Internet content accessed and technology usage must be deemed appropriate by a TREA teacher or employee and must be in keeping with biblical principles followed by TREA.  
  • Any user identified as a security risk or as having a history of problems with violating technology policies may be denied access. A breach of these policies is taken very seriously and will result in disciplinary action.

Code of Conduct

General Behavior 

As biblical teaching instructs all of us, students are encouraged and expected to exhibit Christ-like behavior while on a TREA campus (Colossians 3:12-17; Hebrews 13:16-17).

  • Students are expected to participate in class discussions, presentations, and abide by all teacher directions.
  • Students are expected to complete all homework assignments and come prepared with all folders, notebooks, and supplies (see supply list).
  • Students are expected to walk quietly in and between buildings during class, never leaving an area of instruction without specific permission.
  • All supplies, water bottles, backpacks, lunch boxes, coats, etc. are to be labeled with the student’s name.
  • Students are to keep their backpacks and all belongings with them or in a safe place at all times.
  • If a student brings a toy or other personal item specifically for “show and tell” or a class assignment, it may only be taken out of the backpack during the designated class time or during recess time (if permitted by the homeroom teacher). All other toys and personal items should be left at home.
  • Students are to leave all areas neater than they found them.

Inappropriate Behavior

In an effort to instill biblical values and create a loving, safe, Christ-centered environment, TREA has deemed the following behaviors as inappropriate for students. (Philippians 4:8)

  • Insubordination or defiance (Romans 13:1-2): this includes willful failure to comply with the rules and regulations of the school or willful failure to comply with the directives of school personnel.
  • Public display of affection (1 Cor. 6:18): this includes behaviors such as, but not limited to, holding hands, kissing, or hugging. 
  • Profanity, vulgarity, and abusive language (Ephesians 4:29, 31-32): includes written or verbal name calling, curse words, swear words, put downs, suggestive language, and gestures.
  • Fighting, physical harm, bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment (Ephesians 4:30-31): includes any act upon another person or property which intends to cause physical harm, is intentionally intimidating, frightening, exclusionary or hurtful. 
  • Drugs, alcohol, smoking, and illegal substances (1 Cor. 6:19):  no student shall possess, deliver, use, or be under the influence of any of the following substances on any occasion or in any location (on or off campus). This includes, but is not limited to, alcohol or any alcoholic beverage, “near beer,” or any look-alike alcoholic beverage substitute; any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by state and federal law, without regard to amount, such as marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate; any glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance intended for inhalation; any other intoxicant, mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs; any and all drug paraphernalia; cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping or substances containing nicotine at a controlled level. 
  • Weapons (Ephesians 4:30-31): includes, but not limited to, firearms, knives, defense spray, imitation weapons, fireworks, lighters, and matches.
  • Distracting items: any items which would detract from or distract from the spiritual and academic mission of the school including, but not limited to, radios, or other music devices, handheld gaming devices, inappropriate reading material, games, laser pointers, chewing gum and toys. 
  • Gender Issues (Genesis: 1:27, 5:2, 6:19): Transgenderism and gender identities other than male and female are not biblical and therefore not allowed.

Discipline Policy and Enforcement

As part of TREA’s mission to “impart truth and cultivate character” it may become necessary to hold students accountable for actions that violate school policy. Conflict management, discipline and further action will be done in a way that follows biblical principles. If an infraction occurs, the immediate safety of the student and others will be the first priority. (Matthew 18; Hebrews 13:16-17; Proverbs 27:17)

  • Forms of discipline may include warnings, corrections, fines, probation, suspension or dismissal.
  • A warning and correction will be given first in most instances. If an incident report is written for a student, their parents will receive the report via notification through an email, text, or phone call depending on the severity of the incident. Parents may contact the director if further discussion is needed.
  • Parents will be informed of the situation if a warning and correction do not correct the behavior.
  • If necessary, a student may be sent out of class and parents called to come to pick them up.
  • At the discretion of the Director and Advisory Board, some offenses can result in immediate dismissal from the program.
  • Fines will not exceed the cost to repair or replace property damaged by the student.
  • Probation may involve loss of privileges and exclusions from activities.
  • All situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  • The student and parent must accept any disciplinary measures or be dismissed from the program without a refund.

Revised September 8th, 2023

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