Standard of Conduct

The pledge

Realizing that my attitudes, conversation, and behavior reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ as well as the character of my home, church, and Westside Baptist Academy, I will strive to abide by the standards of conduct listed below. Furthermore, I accept the Bible as God's Holy Word and submit myself to its principles as final authority (2 Timothy 3:16).

Personal standards

The Academy desires that each student develop personal standards of conduct built on biblical principles: submission to God, obedience to authority, concern for others, and a close walk with God. The standards below exist to help students develop a Christian testimony and live lives above reproach.

Students should not participate in dancing; gambling; listening to rock, rap, rhythm and blues, country, or jazz music; possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or non-medical drugs; profanity or obscenity in any form. Questionable magazines or literature, pornography and lewd materials are not tolerated under any circumstances. Outside printed academic, leisure and entertainment materials not assigned by a teacher require the principal's approval before being brought to school.

Social media pages and posts must be above reproach and reflect the school's mission of training excellent ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

To remain above reproach and avoid the appearance of evil, inappropriate physical contact between members of the opposite sex, or any other student, is not tolerated. Male and female students are not to be alone in any room or building at any time, including after school and at school activities. Students are also asked not to fraternize exclusively with the same few people, but to show kindness to all.

School standards

Attendance at Westside Baptist Academy is a privilege and not a right. Each student is expected to maintain the school's standards and to encourage other students to maintain them. A student who does not appear to be maintaining our behavior standards, or the attitudes we seek to encourage, may be asked to withdraw or be denied further enrollment even if no specific infraction has occurred.

Disciplinary action has two purposes: to help students develop godly character, and to protect others from influences detrimental to their Christian growth.

Personal responsibility

Students must at all times conduct themselves in a manner becoming Christians. Griping is not tolerated; constructive criticism presented in an attitude of humility is welcomed.

Vandalism is not tolerated, and students are responsible for full restitution for damage to school property or the property of others.

Students who manifest a disrespectful, disobedient, critical, bitter or cynical spirit become a disruptive force within the student body, and it is school policy to deal firmly with them. Students are accountable for their attitudes as well as their actions.

Honesty

Dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated. A student who cheats places their enrollment in jeopardy.

Plagiarism — failing to give proper credit for the work of another, even if a few words are changed — results in a reduced grade and strong corrective action.

Artificial intelligence tools require teacher permission and must align with school values and safety standards. With approval, students may use them in a limited way for research, brainstorming, practice, and creative work in art or coding, within biblical and class guidelines. Students may not use AI tools to plagiarize, cheat, or complete homework assignments.

Discipline system

Minor problems are handled by the teacher. Continued or serious problems bring a conduct note home, then a parent conference — a child's behavior is a conversation between school and home, not a school matter alone.

Where behavior does not improve, suspension or withdrawal may follow, undertaken with prayerful consultation between administration and parents.

The full discipline procedure is set out in the Student Handbook.

If your child comes home unhappy about a policy

Give the staff the benefit of the doubt.
Realize that complaining is usually emotionally based, and without all the information.
Realize that the Academy has reasons for its rules, and that staff endeavor to enforce them without partiality.
Support the administration, and call the school office with any questions.

Zero tolerance

Illegal drugs, controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, obscene or pornographic materials, knives and any other weapons are not tolerated, and students possessing them are subject to expulsion. An unloaded weapon is still a dangerous weapon.

The handbook sets out how this is applied.

Electronics

Phones, smart watches and other personal electronics are turned in to the office on arrival and collected at the end of the day. Toys, games and cameras are not brought to school or to school activities. Educational equipment must be approved by the administration.

The school telephone may not be used by students during the school day unless there is an emergency, and then only with permission from the office.

The handbook lists the specifics.

Search policy

Lockers and desks remain school property and may be inspected. Where a search of a student becomes necessary, a parent or guardian is contacted first and is present before it takes place.

The full policy is set out in the Student Handbook.

Around campus

A hall pass is required whenever a student leaves the classroom unaccompanied.
Students not on campus by 7:45 AM are late. Cutting classes is not permitted.
No gum on campus or at school activities.
Bibles are taken to all Bible, devotional, chapel and special meetings, and to first period.
Only water in lockers. No eating during the day except at lunch, and only bottled water in the auditorium.
Fighting and horseplay are not tolerated.
Student drivers park in the school lot only and may not return to their vehicles without permission from the office.

Closed campus

The Academy operates a closed campus for the protection of its students. All visitors, including parents, sign in at the main office, have a copy of their license made, and wear a badge and lanyard while on campus. Entry is through the main front doors only.

No one is allowed on campus under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and smoking is not permitted on campus.

Special permission is required from the administration at least one day before a student brings a guest to school, and the guest must meet student dress code standards.

This page summarizes the student handbook. The handbook itself is the full and governing statement — download it from the forms page.