Student Handbook - Ozark Adventist Academy

63 Pages·2016·1.15 MB·English

by  Renee Patterson

Ozark Adventist
Academy
Educating students to lead a life of significance
by discovering a love for God,
developing respect for self and others,
and acquiring skills for active Christian living.
2022-2023
Student Handbook
2022-2023
Student Handbook
Accreditation through
Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist
Schools, Colleges, and Universities, Inc.
And
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
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Table of Contents
Welcome to Ozark Adventist Academy 4
Spiritual Development 7
Physical Development 7
Academic Development 8
Class Standing 12
Social Development 15
Student Conduct 15
Dress Code 18
Attendance 21
Work Program 23
Campus Life 24
Student Leadership 24
Accidents 25
Residence Halls 27
Campus Leave 28
Senior Leaves 29
Electronics Policy 31
Business Matters 32
2022–2023 Tuition & Fees 33
Additional Fees 33
Payment Plans 35
Financial Aid 35
Student Accident Insurance 36
Work Sponsorship Program 37
Medical Care 38
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Welcome to Ozark Adventist Academy
We are excited that you have chosen to become part of the Ozark Family! Ozark Adventist
Academy (OAA) has a rich history that grew out of a community church school first
established over 100 years ago. In time, it became Flint Creek Junior Academy and was
operated as a locally supported school. In 1941 it became an entity of the Adventist
Conference and was renamed Ozark Academy. In 1976 the name was changed to include
Adventist. Graduating students can be proud of the fine Christian education they have
received, anchored by core beliefs and set in place by a mission and vision uniquely
designed to maintain the spirit of its fine background.
Core Beliefs
● A biblically-based worldview.
● Active acceptance of the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:16-20.
● Every student can learn to lead a life of significance.
Mission
Educating students to lead a life of significance by discovering a love for God,
developing respect for self and others, and acquiring skills for active Christian living.
Vision
Preparing students to graduate who are daily developing spiritually, academically,
physically, and socially.
Spiritually Developing Students
● to have an active relationship with Jesus Christ.
● with a Seventh-day Adventist Worldview.
● who genuinely cares about others and their eternal destiny.
Physically Developing Students
● with a consistent and sustainable healthy lifestyle.
● who understand how physical health affects spiritual, intellectual, and emotional
well-being.
● having the ability to share the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Academically Developing Students
● who can think and reason individually.
● with a desire for lifelong learning.
● well prepared for their next level of education.
Socially Developing Students
● who are citizens of integrity with high moral values.
● ready to be productive members of churches, schools, communities, and work.
● with skills for healthy and appropriate relationships.
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Ozark Adventist Academy admits students who desire to learn in our Christian Seventh-day
Adventist educational environment, agreeing to support and follow our policies. Students do
not need to be Christian or Seventh-day Adventist to attend but must be willing to abide by
our standards.
For Ozark Adventist Academy to maintain our uniquely Christian Seventh-day Adventist
atmosphere, we are unable to admit or retain students who engage in conduct, lifestyles, or
advocate ideas not in accordance with our beliefs, including engaging in sexual misconduct,
non-marital sexual contact, homosexual conduct, or the encouragement or advocacy of any
form of sexual behavior or ideas that would undermine the Christian identity or faith mission
of Ozark Adventist Academy and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Any positive working relationship requires full commitment from all parties involved. This
handbook lays out the framework for a positive working relationship between the school,
parents, and students. Each party agrees to make the following commitments.
School Commitment
We, the faculty and staff of Ozark Adventist Academy, commit:
● To educate your student in a Seventh-day Adventist environment.
● To create a safe, nurturing environment.
● To retain caring, competent, qualified teachers.
● To be a partner in the education and formation of your student.
● To meet your student’s learning needs when reasonably possible.
● To communicate with parents in a timely manner.
● To participate in campus life.
Parental Commitment
Parents commit to willingly supporting the school and staff in their efforts to uphold the
Christian principles upon which the school is operated. Parents and guardians commit:
● To earnestly pray for Ozark Adventist Academy and all students.
● To support all school policies and actively assist in their student’s
compliance.
● To recommend OAA as a Christian value-based school.
● To seek to resolve any matters of dissatisfaction in a Biblical manner in
accordance with Matthew 18:15.
● To positively engage with the school and staff for the benefit of students.
● To meet all financial obligations in a timely manner.
● To respect and positively represent students, staff, and the school on social
media.
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Student Commitment
Students commit:
● To be willing to observe and uphold all school policies.
● To respect and positively represent yourself, others, and OAA on social media.
● To uphold the Christian principles of respect for God, respect for self, respect for others,
and respect for the school.
Respect for God
● Use God’s name with respect.
● Be reverent and respectful at religious programs.
● Be considerate of individuals sharing God’s love.
● Show respect for the nature He has given us to enjoy.
Respect for Self
● Strives to maintain healthful living practices in your physical, mental, social,
and spiritual lives.
● Maintain honesty in all aspects of your life.
● Strive to uphold a Christ-like attitude and Christian lifestyle.
● Be accountable for all your actions.
Respect for Others
● Treats others with respect and dignity.
● Maintain a Christian relationship with others.
● Look for ways to be of service to others.
● Be respectful of others' dignity, property, and feelings.
Respect for the School
● Develops a positive attitude that supports the philosophy, ideals, and
objectives of the school.
● Become a part and contribute to the safe, Christian environment on and
off-campus.
It is our desire for students and parents to have a positive experience at Ozark Adventist
Academy. A breakdown in the relationship will result in a negative experience for the student,
parents, or classmates and can be detrimental to the overall success of the program.
Bearing this in mind, either the parent or the school has the option to withdraw any student if
they feel the student-school relationship is not working. God has given us the power of
choice and religious education must be chosen and not forced.
Parents or students may appeal a policy or rule for individual consideration. Appeals must be
submitted to the administration. Any interpretation of the handbook will be determined by the
school administration. This handbook may change at any time. Any changes will be
communicated to the students and guardians.
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Spiritual Development
The most important gift that anyone can receive is the gift of eternal life through Jesus
Christ. We want our students to believe in Jesus and accept this gift. In order to believe, one
must know Jesus, and all of our programs are designed and created to help students know
and believe in Jesus Christ as this knowledge and acceptance are the most important.
At the end of each week is a special time where we observe the Sabbath, a period for rest
and restoration through our personal relationship with Christ. Each Friday evening Sabbath
is welcomed with a vespers program to turn our hearts and thoughts toward heaven.
Sabbath morning students attend Sabbath School and then church. A Sabbath afternoon
activity is planned that is designed to make Sabbath a joy and delight. Sabbath is closed
with Sunset Meditations (Sunset Med).
There are special religious programs throughout the year. Week of Prayer, Power Pac
Weekends, and Days of Prayer are all programs designed for students to further develop
their relationship with Jesus Christ. Other individual programs and activities take place as
well.
It is our desire above all else that students leave Ozark with a lifelong commitment to, love
for, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Physical Development
While the gift of eternal life is the most important gift, physical development and health could
easily be the second as it affects our spiritual perception, academic ability, and emotional
well-being. Ozark Academy strives to teach students how to live a healthy and well-balanced
life. We have many programs and opportunities for students to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Personal exercise opportunities exist from clubs, such as the running club, to weight lifting and
exercising in the dorms' fitness gyms. Students can play pickup basketball, tennis, or
volleyball on our outdoor courts. The Student Association (SA) organizes SA Olympics and the
SA Picnic for individual and team events. Our intramural sports program runs throughout the
year providing organized team sports and championships in things such as basketball,
volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Athletes are able to join our gymnastics team and try out
for our varsity soccer, volleyball, or basketball teams.
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Academic Development
Ozark Adventist Academy’s academic program is designed to give students the ability to follow
God’s calling, whether to a four-year university or to a vocational/tech institution. Students
learn many life skills, such as manners, time management, communication, creativity,
teamwork, leadership, etc., that will be a benefit in any career path they follow.
There are two diplomas to choose from, the High School Diploma and the College Preparatory
Diploma. The High School Diploma is designed to prepare students who are more inclined to
go to vocational, technical, or other types of training. While this diploma is accepted at
colleges and universities, students will not be as prepared; and remedial courses may be
required. The College Preparatory Diploma will best prepare students for entrance and
success in college. The courses and work help students score high on college entrance
exams, such as the ACT/SAT, in which students can earn scholarships for their scores.
High School Diploma
24 Credits
Courses Credits Requirements
Religion 4 ½ credit for each semester in an Adventist school
Language Arts 4.5 4 English, ½ Speech
Science 3 1 life science, 1 physical science
Mathematics 4 1 algebra, 1 geometry
Social Studies 3 1 World History, 1 US History, ½ Government, ½
Economics
Physical Education 1.5 ½ Health, Max of 2.5 to count toward a total of 24
Computer Education 1
Fine Arts ½ Maximum of 2.0 to count toward a total of 24
Electives 3.0 To total 24 credits
Fundamental courses are not accepted for the College Preparatory Diploma.
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College Preparatory Diploma
24.5 Credits
Minimum of 2.75 GPA
Courses Credits Requirements
Religion 4 ½ credit for each semester in an Adventist school
Language Arts 4.5 4 English, ½ Speech
Science 4
Mathematics 3.5 Algebra I or higher, which includes either dual credit
college class or 4 math credits
Social Studies 3 1 World History, 1 US History, ½ Government, ½
Economics
Foreign Language 2 OR 1 Foreign Language & 1 Computer Coding
Physical Education 1.5 ½ Health, Max of 2.5 to count toward a total of 24
Computer Education 1
Fine Arts ½ Maximum of 2.0 to count toward a total of 24
Electives To total 24.5 credits
While students may earn more than 24 credits toward either Diploma, these are the minimum
requirements to earn the diploma.
Honors Distinction
Honors distinction at graduation will be granted to students earning a High School Diploma or
a College Preparatory Diploma with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or
higher. Eligibility for honors will be determined at the end of the first semester of the senior
year.
High Honors Distinction
High Honors distinction at graduation will be granted to students earning a College
Preparatory Diploma with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and who have been enrolled in
an accredited secondary school during the final two years of high school. Eligibility for high
honors will be determined at the end of the first semester of the senior year.
Class Load
Students will normally take classes equalling six credits per year. The maximum load a
student can carry is seven full-credit courses per semester. Full-time students are required
to take a minimum load of five full-credit courses per semester.
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Program Changes
Student class schedule changes are made by consulting with the registrar.
Students may not enter a class after the second week or drop a class after the sixth week of
either semester. A grade of “WF” will be recorded for any class dropped after the sixth week.
A full-year commitment is expected for performance organizations.
Dual Credit Courses
OAA offers dual credit courses through Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU). Students
who pass these courses will obtain both high school and college credits. The high school
credit will be issued through OAA while the university credit will be issued from the institution
of higher education. Dual credit courses generally require an extra fee that will be paid
through the business office.
Transcripts
Each student is entitled to one transcript without charge. A charge of $5.00 will be made for
each additional copy requested. Transcripts will be issued only when the student’s account is
paid in full and official transcripts have been received from schools previously attended.
Private Music Lessons
Students wishing to take private music lessons from a person not affiliated with the academy
may submit a request through the registrar to the Academic Standards Committee for review.
One quarter (¼) of Fine Arts credit is given for meeting a minimum of 30 minutes, 18 times
per semester, for a total of 36 sessions during a school year.
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll is published at the end of each quarter grading period. Honor recognition will
be given to students who have a current GPA of 3.50 - 3.74. High Honors recognition will be
given to students who have a current GPA of 3.75 or greater with no Ds or Fs.
Learning Resource Center and Down Grades
Ozark strives for all students to be successful in their academic endeavors. Ultimately, a
student's success depends on their cooperation and willingness to take full advantage of the
resources available. Students who need extra resources may go to the Learning Resource
Center (LRC) in the evening for tutoring, extra help, or a quiet place to study.
Students who have two or more Ds or are failing a class at a 4 ½ week grading period will be
placed on Down Grades and will be required to attend LRC.
A student on Down Grades will:
● Meet with the LRC Director to outline a program for success.
● Attend the LRC for one-hour four nights per week.
● May have dorm restrictions and be in a dorm study hall.
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