Welcome to Cornerstone Schools
The purpose of this handbook is to describe the policies and procedures of
Cornerstone Schools Inc., and to outline the rights and obligations of its
students and their families. As an independent school, Cornerstone Schools
needs and expects the cooperation and support of our families. Parents must
understand and embrace the school’s mission, share our core values and fully
support our curriculum, faculty and staff. It takes students, parents,
faculty and staff working together to successfully achieve the goals and
objectives of the school.
STUDENT, FACULTY AND PARENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
WORK HABITS AND TIME MANAGEMENT
Students, staff, parents and community will develop and use productive work
habits.
INDICATORS:
Complete work to the best of their ability.
Strive for excellence in all their work.
Honor time commitments.
Arrive at school prepared to work.
Work cooperatively with others and independently when appropriate.
Persevere even when tasks are difficult.
All work is done with the utmost in academic honesty (no plagiarizing or
copying others work).
SCHOOL CLIMATE
Students, staff, parents and community will behave in a manner which fosters
a positive school environment.
INDICATORS:
Participate actively in the learning process.
Encourage parent and community involvement.
State expectations clearly.
Show sensitivity toward others.
Use courteous and polite language and behavior.
Exercise self discipline.
Follow school rules.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY
Students, staff, parents and community will promote, create and maintain an
environment free from physical and emotional harm.
INDICATORS:
Control anger and resolve conflicts through non-violent means.
Ensure the school is free from weapons.
Ensure the school is free from harmful substances.
Ensure the school is free from intimidation, discrimination and harassment.
RESPECT FOR GROUNDS AND PROPERTY
Students, staff, parents and community will be thoughtful caretakers of the
school and district property and the property of others.
INDICATORS:
Use property and materials for their intended purpose.
Take responsibility for maintaining school and district property.
Show respect for the personal property of others.
INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Students, staff, parents and community will accept personal responsibility
and accountability for their actions or inactions.
INDICATORS:
Honor commitments.
Promote excellence by setting challenging and attainable goals.
Serve self and others through community involvement.
Take the initiative to help others.
Determine the right thing to do and do it.
DRESS
Students, staff, parents and community will dress appropriately for the
school environment
INDICATORS:
Students dress in proper uniform each day with the exception of days marked
as “civies” on the school calendar. School uniforms are also required for
all school sponsored events both on and off campus, unless otherwise stated.
Students have a neat and proper appearance in their uniforms. Shirts tucked
in and collars turned down. Skirts are not shortened from the original
length.
No outside “logo” clothing is worn in the buildings.
ELEMENTARY UNIFORM
Girls: Navy pants, shorts, skirt or navy plaid skirt. White crested polo
shirt or white blouse.
Boys: Navy pants or shorts. White crested polo shirt
Tennis shoes allowed
JR. HIGH UNIFORM
Girls: Khaki pants, shorts, skirt or blue/red plaid pleated skirt (skirt can
be seen in French Toast catalogue). White crested polo shirt or white
blouse. Dress shoes will be required (no tennis shoes).
Boys: Khaki pants/shorts and a white crested polo shirt.
A Cornerstone Schools’ sweatshirt is available to all students through the
office ($25)and may be worn as part of the uniform. Jackets and sweaters not
a part of the uniform are not to be worn in the classroom.
Non-uniform days are clearly marked on the enclosed calendar as “Civies”
days. A student coming to school out of uniform on any other day will not be
allowed into class. A parent/guardian will be called to bring in the
appropriate uniform attire.
CIVIES DAYS
Dress in a clean, neat and safe manner.
Dress in a manner that is non-demeaning to self or others.
Dress in a manner that promotes practices that are consistent with
Cornerstone policies.
Dress in a manner which is conducive to the activity in which engaged.
COMMUNICATION
Students, staff, parents and community will communicate effectively to build
a more positive school environment.
INDICATORS:
Communicate with positive intent.
Communicate in an open, trusting and truthful manner.
Express ideas clearly.
Listen actively and encourage feedback.
Communicate in a timely and on-going manner.
Clarify communication directly with the source.
DIVERSITY
Students, staff, parents and community will respect the unique attributes
and qualities of every individual.
INDICATORS:
Treat others with fairness and compassion.
View diversity as enhancing the school environment and community. Promote
and encourage increased knowledge and understanding of diversity in
curriculum and school-related activities.
WHEN EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT BEING MET THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WILL BE
IMPLEMENTED:
A The teacher will manage behavior expectations in his/her classroom.
When a student’s behavior is interfering with the learning environment for
the rest of the class that student will be removed and sent to the office.
Missed time and work will be made up in study hall at 3:00pm that same day.
B During his/her time at the office the student will discuss the
issues with the administration and come to an agreement as to what is
expected moving forward and then be sent back to class.
C Should the student’s choice of behavior continue to disrupt the
learning environment the student will be sent back to the office and his/her
parents will be notified of the issues at hand.
D If attempts to modify the student’s choice of behavior continue to
be unsuccessful, a face to face meeting with the student, teacher,
administration and parent will be requested. A plan of action will be
developed to put the student’s education back on track.
E If the above process is unsuccessful the student with be asked to
resign his/her placement at Cornerstone Schools.
Cornerstone encourages every student to take responsibility for his/her own
actions and words regardless of the situation. There is a choice of action,
as well as, reaction. Everyone must take responsibility for their part in a
situation. Our goal is to teach Cornerstone students to make the right
choice.