CODE OF CONDUCT

The Standard:

Disciplining a child is the parents' responsibility (as stated in the Bible). However, in a classroom setting parents have given the teachers and their assistants the authority to correct their children, if needed. We have outlined an explanation along with any course of action needed in the following areas:

Behavior problems:

In the case of behavior problems both in the classroom and after as children wait for parents, we will use the following course of action: the child will be quietly reproved, and the parent will be notified. Repeat offenders will be subject to club dismissal.

Absences & Assignments:

• Absences: Student attendance must be faithful. In the case of an absence, we ask students to do two things: 1) inform their teacher about the absence before class, or as soon after the missed class as possible; 2) get the assignment and missed information from a classmate, or from the teacher.

Club members should strive for no more than 2 absences per school year. If too many classes are missed, the absent family might want to reconsider the value they are receiving from membership in the club.

Our goal is to keep these absences down to a minimum. Therefore, we do not want to fault anyone for missing a class, but merely to stay alert to any misunderstanding or bad patterns.

• Assignments: Students in both speech and debate are expected to do all assignments for each class. From experience, we know that failure of even a few students to complete their assignment for class can be very detrimental to the group dynamics necessary for a successful class. If students do not do their assignments, the teaching of the lesson for that day is greatly hindered. Therefore, along with attendance, the teachers will keep track of assignments completed. They will regularly remind students of the importance of completing their assignment. But since we depend on the parents to take the lead in making sure their children's homework assignments are understood and completed before they come to the next class, teachers will notify the parent when they observe a pattern of non- compliance in a student. If a bad pattern has developed, the student may be asked to drop down a level of instruction.

A final note: We know there are times when a child can not get an assignment done due to unforeseen circumstances at home. Therefore, just let your teacher know in advance of any problems that arise. This will still be noted on the teacher's record, but no further action will be taken.

Any questions or concerns over a child's assignment should be addressed to the teacher. If additional problems arise, Mrs. Hebda should be notified.

• Competition and Community Service: Preparing a speech for a public presentation (rather than just a one-time presentation for the classroom) provides greater motivation and a higher goal for the student. Therefore, most of the older students will be required to participate in at least one tournament OR give a speech for a community-type event.

Our club usually conducts a large speech & debate tournament in the spring. All families in the club will be expected to assist with this tournament in some way.

Showing RESPECT:

Students and leaders/teachers should always treat everyone in class with respect. All should use words of encouragement and edification with one another (Eph.4:29, Rom.14:19). This should be a safe environment in which all can express themselves. No unkind words, deeds, or offensive language is acceptable.

Students are to address the instructors/leaders and assistants inside and outside of class as Mr. or Mrs. as is appropriate in showing respect.

Young ladies and gentlemen should always interact with each other in a way that befits Godliness. We do not in any way encourage dating or coupling off at club meetings or socials. Such activity may be okay with your parents, but will not be sanctioned at any club functions.

The buildings and property that we use for both our club meetings and our tournaments are not our own. Therefore, we ask that you care and respect, and in no way break, mark or destroy anything you use. This includes any play on the playground and grounds outside the church. If you notice anything broken, or for some reason cause a break through an accident, notify an adult teacher, the club director, or the administrator immediately.

Everyone should respect the time of others. Classes will begin promptly. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to get settled and to greet friends before we get started. Even your teachers will arrive early...by God's Grace. Missing the announcements at the start of the day may cause your family great confusion.

Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Unless a student is working on an Interpretive Event, ALL work must be original, with sources cited appropriately

Dress code:

Everyone should dress conservatively. This includes no spaghetti straps, tank tops, mini-skirts, see-through fabric, tight or form-fitting outfits, bare midriffs, or low-cut necklines. Please dress in a way that reflects your submission to God's word in your hearts. Modest shorts and/or dresses, even neat jeans are acceptable for class. During competitions, business attire is required (see NCFCA dress code). Dresses and skirts for the ladies should be appropriate as befits a young lady in Christ (1 Peter 5). During class, be comfortable, but not sloppy. Please leave baseball caps and gum at home.

Handling Offenses: (Matthew 18:15-17 and Colossians 3: 12-17)

Because of our imperfect nature, actions may occur in club functions/classes that may offend someone. In the event that this happens, we should use the scriptures listed above to guide our responses. Please follow these steps: start privately, and then if necessary take one or two witnesses. Since gossip is also a sin, please refrain from discussing any rumors or negative opinions within the group. Remember that you are a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully and prayerfully you are a godly and holy witness. Let us seek to live for HIS GLORY.

REVISED 2-9-07