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BELLEVILLE MENNONITE SCHOOLStudent Handbook2025-2026Develop Minds. Build Faith. Be Disciples.

TABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT BMS Mission & Vision Statement of Faith and Biblical Authority Statement on Sexuality and Marriage Philosophy and Objectives GENERAL Admissions Policy Financial Information Attendance Policy Dress Code Behavior Code Discipline Policy Parent Participation Medical Issues

TABLE OF CONTENTSACADEMIC General Elementary Middle School/High SchoolSTUDENT ACTIVITIES General High SchoolSTUDENT SERVICES Guidance Transcripts Standardized Testing College Board Examinations Library Cell Phone, Computer, and Internet Policy Wellness Policy

WHO ARE WEMISSION Belleville Mennonite School provides a Christ-centerededucation and Biblical worldview that inspires students to developminds, build faith, and be disciples.VISION Empowering students to cultivate academic excellenceand a passion for Christ.CORE VALUES

STATEMENT OF FAITHWe believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.We believe that God is the Creator of all things, a God of providence, and the Author of our salvation throughChrist. We believe in Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, who for our salvation took upon Himself human nature. Hewas born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and revealed God to the human family, suffered a vicariousdeath, was resurrected and ascended to the Father, where he now appears as our intercessor. We believe in Hispersonal return to power and glory.We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, that He was sent by the Father and Christ, that He loves,searches, testifies, guides, empowers, and intercedes for the believers.We believe the Holy Scriptures are verbally inspired by God and are only infallible rule of faith and practice.We believe that man was created holy and that through disobedience fell and therefore is by nature andpractice, a sinner separated from God and can become God's child only by His grace through faith in JesusChrist, and that from all eternity God knew who the believers in Christ would be, and as such are electedaccording to the foreknowledge of God.We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and unsaved; those that are saved unto the resurrection oflife, those unsaved unto the resurrection of damnation.We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, a brotherhood of redeemed, a disciplined people obedient tothe Word of God, who live by the principle of love and who refrain from force and violence in human relationswith an inner urge to build and extend the Kingdom of God by the conversion of men to Christ.The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallibleWord of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, isthe sole and final source of all we believe. For purposes of doctrine, practice, policy and discipline, our Board ofTrustees is the school’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

STATEMENT OF SEXUALITY &MARRIAGEWe believe that God immutably creates each person to reflect His image as male or female.We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct,bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, issinful and offensive to God. We do not consider homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism as acceptablealternative lifestyles or sexual “preferences.” They are incompatible with the divine design for sexuality and themarriage covenant, as well as unhealthy and destructive to individual persons, families, and society.We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joinsone man and one woman in a single, exclusive and lifelong union, as delineated in Scripture.We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married toeach other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of amarriage between a man and a woman.We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the school, and to provide a Biblical role modelto the students and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Belleville Mennonite School inany capacity, or who serve as volunteers, must abide by and agree to this Statement on Sexuality and Marriageand conduct themselves accordingly.We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking Hismercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Compassion compels us to support the healing of those who wish tochange their destructive behavior.We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Accordingly,hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not inaccord with scripture nor the policies of the school. Sympathy must be extended to those who struggle withunwanted same-sex attractions, and every effort should be made to assist such persons to overcome thoseattractions, as many already have.

PHILOSOPHY &OBJECTIVESThe educational philosophy of Belleville Mennonite School is based on the belief that all truth emanatesfrom God; that it is revealed in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ, and that it may also bediscovered through the sciences, the humanities and the arts. The Bible is accepted as God's inspiredWord and is considered to be the final authority for faith and life.God created the universe and all of life to bring glory to Him. This was especially true of man who wascreated in God's image. Sin broke that relationship with God, which can only be restored throughpersonal acceptance of the redemption offered by Christ. The restored love relationship with Christ,lived through the power of the Holy Spirit, results in the healing of relationships with others.Education then is understood to be that entire process whereby persons are guided in developing acomprehensive life orientation which is centered on God and which is based on both revealed anddiscoverable truth. The primary responsibility for this task belongs to parents. At their request, theChristian school becomes a partner in providing this education. Thus, Belleville Mennonite Schoolpurposes to educate toward academic excellence for such a life orientation. The school has beenestablished to offer children and young people, regardless of denomination, race or national origin, ahigh quality Christian education.From this philosophy flows aims and objectives:For the spiritual and moral growth of our students, we seek:to teach the Bible as God's inspired Word and to develop attitudes of love and respect toward it.to lead the pupil to a personal relationship with Christ as Savior and as Lord of all life.to impart an understanding of each Christian's place in the church and its worldwide task of witness, evangelism and discipline.to communicate an understanding of, and develop an appreciation for, the Anabaptist-Mennoniteheritage and interpretation of faith.to encourage the development of self-discipline and responsibility in the student, based on respectfor God and God-given authority.to help the student develop his or her own integrated view of life which recognizes the Lordship ofChrist in all creation and history.

to teach that all human life is sacred, beginning at conception and ending only at God's command.to instruct moral standards of purity leading the student into a clear understanding that sexualinvolvement is reserved for marriage in which one man and one woman are committed to each otherfor life.to assist the student towards healthy concepts of Christian parenting and that parenting is a highcalling of God that requires, love, strength, courage, and commitment.For the personal and social growth of students, we aim:to help students develop a proper understanding, acceptance and respect for themselves and forothers as unique individuals created in the image of God.to encourage and equip the student to function as a responsible member of the larger ChristianCommunity, which includes the home, the school and the church.to encourage students to set high, but realistic goals for themselves and to provide the necessary skillsand personal support to help them achieve these goals.to stimulate students to see education as a lifelong process of inquiry and personal growth and tounderstand that such a view is not in conflict with acceptance of God’s truth as revealed in the Bible.to encourage students to make decisions, and to develop their personal lifestyle, from a stance offaith in Christ.to stimulate the development of a service orientation in lifestyle and vocational choice.to help students develop a respect for the rights and opinions of others at all levels of relationships.to foster an appreciation of our nation and government while engendering a view of mankind in whichthe brotherhood of the body of Christ transcends national, cultural, and racial barriers.For the intellectual development and academic preparation of students, we aim:to promote high academic standards that are consistent with each student's potential.to aid each student in acquiring high levels of proficiency in the fundamental communicationprocesses of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.to offer a curriculum which will adequately prepare students for further education (college,technical/trade school, training) and employment opportunities.to develop creative and critical thinking skills including the logical defense of our faith (apologetics).to motivate students to pursue independent study in areas of interest and to provide them with thenecessary traditional research skills and the use of the internet.to develop an awareness and an understanding of man's role in God's creation and of hisresponsibility to be a good steward of earth’s resources.to develop an understanding and an appreciation of the fine arts through exposure and participation.

GENERALAdmissions PolicyParents and students who share a Biblical Worldview and agree with our Statement of Faith and Statement of Sexuality andMarriage are invited to apply for admission. The Belleville Mennonite School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges,programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Belleville Mennonite School does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its admission policies, educationalpolicies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.Admissions ProceduresAn application must be completed and returned to the school office for distribution to the Superintendent and Principalof the student’s grade. 1.Prospective parents will be interviewed by the Superintendent and Principal. In the absence of the Principal, the GuidanceCounselor will conduct the interview with the Superintendent. Families who have been previously approved through theAdmissions Procedure will be exempt from a second interview. 2.The Board of Trustees, after hearing the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves/disapproves the enrollmentof the student(s).3.Enrollment is not final until all financial arrangements have been completed, transcripts for transfer students have beenreceived and required medical information has been submitted.4.Parent/Guardian Admission RequirementsIt is expected that at least one parent/guardian be a Christian and accept a Biblical Worldview. As part of the BMS community,parent involvement is vital to the success of BMS’ programs. There are a variety of ways for parents to serve that showcasetheir God-given gifts and talents. It is with involvement that parents/guardians support the school in fulfillment of its missionto provide a Christian education.Student Admission RequirementsStudents must demonstrate the capacity to do the course work as evidenced by test scores or other satisfactory evidence. Allprospective students in grades K through 12 may be given an entrance test to determine grade placement and to determine ifthe prospective student fits the educational capabilities of the school.BMS may refuse to admit a student with severe academic or behavioral needs due to the limitations of resources the schoolcan provide. Students must demonstrate a willingness to abide by school policies and behavior codes as outlined in the student handbookand the Commitment of Cooperation.Transfer students shall have no discipline action, either pending or final, barring them from returning to the school previouslyattended. Prospective kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1 of the school year.

FINANCIALTuition Payment OptionsThere are several options available to families for tuition payment. Any exceptions in the payment planoptions must be approved by the finance committee. Families who enroll in school later than the Augustbilling date will be asked to make their first payment to the school at the time of enrollment. PRE-PAID Tuition for the upcoming school year paid in full by July 1st will receive a 2% discount.ANNUAL Tuition paid in full by August 20th will receive a 1% tuition discount.12 MONTH Tuition may be paid in twelve equal payments beginning July 5th.Late Tuition Payment PolicyAll Tuition is considered due by the 20th of the month. A Finance Charge of 1.5% per month will be charged for alltuition that is over 30 days past due unless an exception is made through the Overdue Tuition Committee process. Atany past due term, the Director of Finance may request families to apply for financial assistance, if a current yearapplication has not already been completed. 30 DAYS PAST DUE Families will receive a letter reminding them of their overdue tuition and informing them of theinterest to be charged each month. 60 DAYS PAST DUE Families will receive a certified letter reminding them of their overdue tuition and informing themthey are required to meet with the overdue tuition committee to establish an acceptable payment plan to bring thefamily current on tuition.90 DAYS PAST DUE Families failing to meet with the overdue tuition committee or establish an acceptable paymentplan will receive a second certified letter informing them of a final date by which their account must be current or theirchild(ren) will no longer be permitted to attend BMS. No student(s) will be permitted to begin the school year if their family has an unpaid tuition balance from the previousschool year.No student(s) will be permitted to begin the second semester if their family has a tuition balance of greater than thirty(30) days past due.Any graduating senior whose family has a past due balance will be permitted to participate in his/her graduationceremony; however, he/she will receive an empty diploma cover.

Music Lesson Fees Families more than 30 days past due will receive a letter informing them their account must bebrought current by the due date of the subsequent month. Any student with music lesson files more than 60 days pastdue will be withdrawn from the instrumental music program. Overdue Tuition Committee ProcessFamilies can schedule a meeting with the Overdue Tuition Committee at any time to request an alternativeplan/expectation for tuition payment. Exceptions to the above policies must have the approval of the Overdue TuitionCommittee (made up of the Superintendent, the Director of Finance, one member of the Finance Committee and onemember of the Board of Directors). The Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors monthlymeeting and approved expectations resulting from that meeting will be communicated with the family via certifiedletter. The terms of the exception will be in writing and signed by the Business Manager and the individual(s)responsible for the account. Exceptions to these policies must have the approval of the Overdue Tuition Committee (made up of theSuperintendent, the Business Manager, and two members of the BMS Finance Committee).The terms of theexception will be in writing and signed by the Business Manager and the individual(s) responsible for theaccount.Re-enrollment All currently enrolled students will automatically be re-enrolled for the next school year by the Business Office.Families not wishing to re-enroll their child must notify the Business Manager by March 15 of the current school year.A $15 re-enrollment fee will be charged for each student. The registration fee is not applicable to tuition and is notrefundable. Enrollment is not considered complete until this fee has been paid. A registration fee of $30 will berequired for each new student who is not enrolled in the current school year.Transfer and WithdrawalParents should inform the school office if a student intends to withdraw or transfer to another school. Transcripts andacademic records can be forwarded to the receiving school only after all financial obligations to Belleville MennoniteSchool have been met.Financial AssistanceWe believe that a family should not be denied the privilege of sending their children to BMS due to a lack of funds.Various options will be explored with families in need of assistance, including a financial aid program. Personsinterested in receiving aid should contact the Finance Director for information.

Meal Charge PolicyThe school meal program at BMS aims to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children during the school day.Children may receive lunch at no charge if they are categorically eligible for free meals or if they qualify for freemeals based on Federal guidelines. Children who do not qualify for free meals may purchase meals at either thereduced price (if eligible) or paid rate. All students, K-12, also have the opportunity to purchase a la carte items eachday. In an effort to assure that all foods purchased by students are paid for in a timely manner, BMS will follow theseguidelines: Prepayment of lunches and additional funds for a la carte items will be encouraged through notification tofamilies of the payment options available. These options include online payment and check or cash paymentsent in the mail, with a student, or made in person at the school office. The point-of-sale system (FACTS) will be set up to automatically send a daily email notification to a parent orguardian when a student’s lunch account balance is below $5.00.A student will not be refused lunch, regardless of any balance due on their lunch account.Parents may place restrictions on their family account which limits a child’s spending on a la carte purchases.One new lunch card will be given to each student on the first day of school. A second photo lunch card will alsobe provided after school pictures are taken. If a student loses their lunch card, the cafeteria will replace it once,free of charge. After that, the student’s lunch account will be charged $3.00 for each additional card given.If a student has a negative balance for more than a week, he/she will not be permitted to purchase A la Carteitems until the balance is paid in full.Any communication with students regarding their account balance will be handled with utmost discretion inorder to maintain confidentiality. All efforts to communicate with parents or guardians will be doneconfidentially via email, personal phone calls or sealed letters.

ATTENDANCEAttendance rules are established by the State Department of Public Education. BMS must keep accurate records andmake attendance reports to the local school districts in which students reside. Enforcement is the responsibility of thepublic school districts.Excused AbsencesStudents may legally be absent because of personal illness, quarantine, impassable roads, death in the immediatefamily, or other compelling situations directly affecting the child. Advance written requests for excused absences inspecial cases, such as family trips, religious observances, interviews, college visits, etc., must be submitted to thesuperintendent at least one week in advance. To be excused, these absences must be approved by the administration.Parents who are planning to take their child on an educational trip during the time school is in session must completean educational trip form and have it approved by the administration. Educational trips will be limited to five schooldays per year. Family trips should include historical, geographical or cultural activities. Students are responsible forwork missed and should make arrangements with the teachers at least one week before leaving. Students going onexcused educational trips are required to do a daily journal and submit it to their homeroom teacher when theyreturn. Parents are urged to carefully weigh the consequences of lost instructional time. Any such absence extendingbeyond five days requires board approval and should be requested prior to the monthly board meeting preceding thetrip.After a child accrues 10 days absent due to illness, a doctor’s excuse will be required for each absence due to illnessthereafter. Exceptions may be made by the principal or the superintendent for lengthy or chronic illnesses.Unexcused AbsencesAbsences of students under the age of 17 resulting from reasons other than those listed above are consideredunlawful (illegal, unexcused) according to compulsory attendance regulations. Students under 17 with three days ofunexcused absences will be reported to the school authorities of the district in which the student resides. The localschool superintendent of that district will serve the parents with a “first notice.” This notice informs the parents of theunexcused absences and of their liability for prosecution should further offenses occur. Notices will also be sent homefrom the BMS office.Students should make prior arrangements for all work related to unexcused absences. Seniors quite regularly plan and participate in a “skip day”. This activity is not sanctioned by either the Board orAdministration, and we do not believe it is conducive to the overall atmosphere at BMS nor to the academic standardsto which we adhere.Parents’ ResponsibilityParents are responsible for exercising whatever reasonable supervision and control is necessary for their child tomaintain regular attendance.

Returning to School Following AbsenceWhen a student returns to school following an absence, he/she should bring to their homeroom teacher a note fromthe parents stating the reason for the absence. If a note for an absence is not received by the third day after theabsence, the absence is considered unexcused.Arriving LateState law requires that a tardiness record be kept of each student. The elementary school doors will be locked at 8:00 AM. Parents must accompany their child to the office to sign in. Middle school and high school students may signthemselves in at the office.A student who reports to the office after 8:00 AM is considered tardy. Six unexcused tardies equal a half dayunexcused absence. A student who reports after 10:00 AM is no longer considered tardy but will be charged for one-half day absence. A student who reports to school after 1:15 PM will be charged with a whole day absence.Student drivers must arrive on time and be present in homeroom by 8:00 AM. After the third unexcused late arrival,student drivers will have their driving privileges revoked for one month. Repeat offenders may have their drivingprivileges revoked for longer than one month at the discretion of the high school principal or superintendent.Early DismissalAny student who needs to leave school early should bring a note from the parents and give it to their homeroomteacher. Any student who leaves before 10:00 AM will be recorded as absent for the whole day. A half day absencewill be recorded for any student leaving between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM A record will be kept of students leavingschool after 2:00 PM, but no absence will be recorded. Middle School and High School students are required to sign-in at the School Office upon late arrival and sign out before leaving the campus during school hours.Emergency ClosingsEmergency school closings will be announced through our FACTS Parent Alert system.Arriving at SchoolStudents should not arrive at school before 7:45 AM unless special arrangements have been made.Riding with Other Persons Elementary and middle school students who plan to ride home with someone other than their usual means oftraveling to and from school must bring a note from their parents. Students are not permitted to ride home on a busto which they have not been assigned.Staying After SchoolElementary and middle students who plan to stay after school for a school activity must bring a signed note from aparent indicating parental permission for such plans. Staying after school is permitted only for activities that begin by4:00 PM. No supervision will be provided. BMS is not responsible for your child during this time.

Driving and Bus RegulationsBusing is provided for students in grades K-12 living in Mifflin County School District, Huntington Area School Districtor Mount Union Area School District. No afternoon bussing is provided for half-day kindergarten students.To ensure the safety of children loading or unloading from buses and moving around the parking lots, the followingtraffic and safety regulations must be followed:In the mornings all traffic will enter the grounds by way of the entrance by the soccer field and exit by way of themiddle driveway. Vehicles may be parked only in designated areas. Student parking is in the gravel area at the top of the parkinglot. Students should leave their cars immediately upon arriving at school and not return to them during the schoolday without permission. All cars must stop for buses or vans loading or unloading children.Automobiles must be operated at a reasonable speed and in a safe manner on or near the campus at all times.For safety reasons, student drivers are not permitted to transport other students during school-sponsored tripsat any time during school hours.Students traveling to and from school by bus may use electronic devices on the ride to and from school.Headphones should be used as to not disturb the bus driver of other bus riders. These items are used at theparent’s discretion and neither BMS nor the bus company is responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen devices.These items must be kept in the student’s backpack at school.

DRESS CODEWe believe that appropriately dressed and neatly groomed students increase student morale and positive attitudesthroughout the school. The basis for Belleville Mennonite School’s policy rests on the following Christian principles:Our bodies are temples of God (I Corinthians 6:18-20) and dress should be modest and consistent with a Christiancommitment (I Timothy 2:9,10). The following guidelines are a reflection of the standards of the Christian patronbody and considered appropriate campus attire.Appropriate Attire for All StudentsClean pants, jeans, or athletic pants without holes.Includes khakis, jeans, jogger pants, wind pants, and sweatpants that are neat/tapered at cuffs – not baggy.Slight frays in jeans are acceptable – no holes, rips, tears, or visible skin permitted.Shorts that are knee-length or falling slightly below mid-thigh during April 1st - October 31st. Shorts arepermitted year-round for gym classes and sports practices. Pay careful attention to the of length of shorts whilebending and moving throughout the school day. Skin-tight shorts made of spandex, or any similar material arenot permitted.Clean and appropriately sized shirts.Appropriate graphics, words, logos, and designs in-line with Christian values.Footwear is to be worn at all times.Tattoos must be covered at all times, even during sports and other extra-curricular activities.Additional Attire Notes for Girls:Modest dresses, skirts and split skirts that resemble a full skirt; gauchos and loose-fitting capris areacceptable.Dresses and skirts must be knee length, unless wearing leggings. If leggings are worn, skirts and dresses maybe just below mid-thigh length.Leggings may be worn under tops that are just below mid-thigh length or longer. This must cover the frontand back. Tops and blouses of sufficient length and neckline that are considered modest during normal movement andactivity in the classroom.Inappropriate Attire for All Students (Prohibited)Piercings, other than earrings and small stud nose piercings, for girls.Piercings for boys.Midriffs visible during normal movement and activity throughout the school day both in and out of the classroom.Sleeveless tops, tank, or crop tops, sheer, tight or revealing garments.Shirts with inappropriate graphics, words, logos, or designs. Including statements of profanity, crude orderogatory statements, jokes, or graphics, and non-Christian bands or TV shows/movies.

Policy for Dress Code ViolationsTeachers make note of any violations of the dress code and report it to the school Principal.The Principal or designated faculty member will call the parents and notify them of the violation.The school will supply the student with a change of attire, if possible. This will be worn until the parents can bringanother change of attire that fits the dress code.Detention will be issued for repeated violations of the dress code.Parental controls are to be exercised at home in accordance with these guidelines. The school reserves the right toconsider inappropriate any clothing, hair styles or apparel that causes significant distraction or disruption to thelearning environment and is not aligned with the Christian values or Biblical teaching at BMS.Parent Helper AttireParents participating in school activities (volunteer, classroom helper, field trip chaperone, etc.) are asked to dressaccording to the dress code.Attire Guidelines for Junior/Senior BanquetThe Principal and/or Guidance Counselor will meet with junior and senior students during the fall of each school yearto engage in conversation and review the guidelines.If you bring a guest from outside BMS, it is your responsibility to make him/her aware of the guidelines for the BMSJunior/Senior Banquet.LadiesDresses may have spaghetti straps or be strapless if they fit properly. They should cover all cleavage and be cutabove the bust line on the front and sides.Dresses may be backless if they are not cut below the naval.2-piece dresses must overlap at the waist – meaning that the top must overlap with the skirt waistband enoughthat normal movement is not going to reveal any skin.Dresses may have slits that do not exceed mid-thigh (fingertip length).Dresses should cover all undergarments, the entire midriff, and be made of material that is not see-through.GentlemenPlease wear formal attire such as a tasteful tuxedo, dress suit or dress shirt and pants.Dress shoes/boots are appropriate; athletic shoes are not permitted.

BEHAVIORAppropriate Conduct - GeneralEducation includes all areas of life, including the development of good manners and courtesy. At Belleville MennoniteSchool we strive to create an atmosphere that encourages the development of relationships with each other whichreflect concern and caring for the dignity of all persons. It is expected that we all:seek to develop qualities of Christian character.honor the Christian commitments, convictions, and standards of others.aid one another in spiritual development.every person mustconduct him/herself in accordance with the school’s Statement on Sexuality and Marriage.respect the authority of all faculty and staff members.address faculty by proper titles.aid in keeping the school building and grounds neat and clean.exercise the social graces of courtesy and consideration.respect the property of others.Core ValuesThe core values of Belleville Mennonite School are Integrity, Self-Discipline, Respect, Responsibility, Discipleship, andService. These values are emphasized across all grade levels and recognized through several special programs:Character Counts (K-5), Star Standout (6-8), and Student of the Month (9-12).The Character Counts program at Belleville Mennonite School recognizes elementary students for outstanding,consistent displays of character in the classroom and throughout the students' daily interactions with others. Eachmonth, one of the traits, which reflect the school’s core values – Trustworthiness, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility,Caring, and Citizenship – is highlighted and teachers nominate a student from their classroom to receiveacknowledgement. The recipients are honored and earn a special treat to reward their positive acts of Christ-likeservice.The Standout Star Student acknowledges middle school students who demonstrate excellence in various aspects oflife. This program also acknowledges students whom teachers see actively growing and improving in differing areas oftheir academic career. Teachers nominate students each month based upon specific criteria and select a recipient fromeach class to be honored for the ways in which they reflect Christ and the mission of BMS.Integrity: excellence of character - respect, honesty, responsibility, self-discipline, and initiativeAcademics: class participation, self-motivation, great effort, and persistenceCitizenship: school and community involvement, leadership, service, and positive influenceGrowth: improvement, desire to grow academically, spiritually, and in their relationships with peers and adults intheir lives

In high school, the Student of the Month program acknowledges students who consistently demonstrate excellencein various aspects of life. Teachers nominate students each month based upon specific criteria and select onerecipient from the high school to be honored for the ways in which they reflect Christ and the mission of BMS.Integrity: excellence of character - respect, honesty, responsibility, self-discipline, and initiativeAcademics: class participation, self-motivation, great effort, and persistenceCitizenship: school and community involvement, leadership, service, and positive influenceDiscipleship: desire to grow and encourage others to become more Christ-likeHarassment PolicyBelleville Mennonite School is committed to providing a safe and caring learning environment in which all individualsare treated with respect and dignity. The school seeks to follow the commands of Jesus Christ as stated in the Gospelof Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 37-39. Harassment is a form of discrimination and therefore is unacceptable. For thepurposes of this policy, harassment is synonymous with the terms intimidation, bullying, taunting, teasing, andbugging. Harassment includes behavior which may be verbal, physical, written, or electronic; deliberate, unsolicited orunwelcome; it may be one incident or a series of incidents. The school environment includes the school itself, theschool grounds, in school vehicles, or at designated bus stops. Harassment may include:verbal abuse or threats;negative remarks, jokes, and innuendoes including taunts about a person’s body, attire, age, gender, ethnic ornational origin, socio-economic status, religion; displaying of pornographic, racist or other offensive or derogatory pictures or slogans;practical jokes which cause awkwardness, embarrassment or result in negative consequences;sexual invitations, request or demands, whether indirect or explicit;inappropriate gestures;intimidation to participate in unlawful or unethical activity or to participate in activities which contradict schooland/or board policy;unwelcome physical contact; and/or coercing or influencing third parties to harass others.Harassment is a major offense and will be dealt with accordingly. Anyone with knowledge of such behavior shouldreport it to the school administration.Lunchroom GuidelinesTo maintain a pleasant environment the following rules should be followed while in the cafeteria:Elementary students will sit at their assigned table.Elementary students will wait for the lunchroom supervisor’s signal before leaving the cafeteria.Elementary students will get permission from the lunchroom supervisor before purchasing extras.All students will behave properly in line, use good manners, and clean up their own trash.Students will not throw or play with food, yell, move around the room unnecessarily.

Playground RulesGroup cooperation makes playground activities safe and fun. General guidelines are as follows:Swings: Do not play under, behind or in front of swings. Do not climb poles. One person at a time on a swing at atime. Swing only back and forth.Metal Slide: Slide down only in the forward position. Do not climb the poles. One person at a time on the slide;others should wait on the ground until the first child gets to the bottom.Only play areas designated by the playground supervisor may be used.Baseballs and softballs may not be used at school and should not be brought to school.Only inflatable balls may be used in the blacktop area near the building. Balls should not be kicked or thrownagainst the building.Because of problems with maintaining safety, skateboards, roller skates, or sleds may not be brought to school.If a ball goes outside the fence, the ball must remain there until the teacher has given permission to retrieve it. Policy of Academic TruthfulnessTruthfulness is an essential element of the educational philosophy at Belleville Mennonite School. It is expected thatboth staff and students model and articulate this quality in all areas of their lives. Truthfulness is expected in all areasincluding:Homework and Project Completion It is expected that all students will carefully complete his/her own work asthe teacher directs. Test Taking All students are expected to carefully complete all tests and assessments to the best of his/her ability.This expectation includes study and preparation, and each student concentrating attention on his/her own workduring the test. Students will not use any method of cheating including getting advance information about thetest, bringing unauthorized materials to the test period, or looking at other student’s materials.Research Techniques and Writing Practices It is expected that each student will carefully research, take notes,and present his or her findings in a way that respects the original authors and copyrights. Students must givecredit for all of the following: another person’s idea, opinion, or theory; any facts, statistics, graphs, pictures ordrawings that are not “common knowledge”; quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words; aparaphrase of another person’s spoken or written words.

Plagiarism Since the arrival of personal computers, the Internet, and the “cut and paste” feature, issues of plagiarism havebecome more common. According to Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, New York:The Modern Language Association of America, 1998: “Derived from the Latin word plagiarius (“kidnapper”), plagiarismrefers to a form of cheating that has been defined as ‘the false assumption of authorship: the wrongful act of takingthe product of another’s mind, and presenting it as one’s own’ (Alexander Lindey, Plagiarism and Originality, NewYork: Harper, 1952, 2). To use another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the sourceis to plagiarize. Plagiarism, then, constitutes intellectual theft and often carries severe penalties, ranging from failurein a course to expulsion from school.”Direct Plagiarism: This is the direct, intentional copying of material from a source without giving credit. Thisranges from copying short sections of text to copying whole papers. This also includes purchasing papers from“Paper Mills”, using another student’s paper, or having someone else write the required paper. This is the mostserious level of plagiarism.Sloppy Citation: This involves any paper with inaccurate or incomplete citations in the text or on the Works Citedpage. This includes the use of phrases or a few lines of text without giving proper credit.Patchwork Writing: Patchwork writing involves patching together someone else’s ideas into a paragraph. Thisincludes their organization, order of information, ideas, phrases, and/or sentences. Merely changing a few wordsaround is not considered adequate; it is still essential to give credit to the source. Patchwork writing also lacks thesynthesis of source materials, including one’s own ideas, into the paragraph.

DISCIPLINEPhilosophy of DisciplineDiscipline in the home and the school is essentially the process whereby adults help children to achieve self-disciplineand to develop Godly behavior. Our responsibility as a school is to assist parents in encouraging this internal growth totake place. Firm, fair and consistent discipline is an important part of this process.We believe that children need to be taught early and often of God's love as well as His justice. We also need to teachrespect for God and for God-given authority as well as for oneself and others. Since the Christian school is an extensionof the home, the school assumes the responsibility for such teaching and training during the school day.In all cases where discipline is required, action taken will be aimed at helping the student develop self-discipline and toassume responsibility for his or her behavior.Both minor and major offenses ( other than those specifically addressing classroom issues) apply to all students at anytime they are on the BMS school grounds. This includes but is not limited to school days, practices, sporting events, andother school activities.Discipline of Minor OffensesMinor offenses include but are not limited to interrupting class activities, unnecessary talking, inappropriate language,disturbing study halls, throwing objects indoors, disturbing others, running or yelling in hallways or classrooms,inappropriate conduct in bathrooms or locker rooms, inappropriate physical contact such as pushing, kicking or hitting,inappropriate use of school property including telephones, use of paging devices or cell phones during school hours,disrupting chapel, out of area without permission, inappropriate lunchroom behavior, violation of playground rules,disrespecting the property of others, and arriving late to class. The following actions may be taken in response to minoroffenses:Implementation of Classroom Disciplinary ProceduresThe teacher will make the student aware of the offense by simple eye contact, verbal reminder or asking the student toverbalize what he or she is doing. If there is no immediate response, the teacher will proceed with mild disciplinaryaction and/or arrange to talk with the student after class.Consultation with ParentsThe teacher informs parents by a written note or telephone call. This is to enlist the aid of parents in encouraging thestudent to develop more positive behavior. At this time a conference between teacher and parents may be called byeither party if they feel this would be helpful or appropriate and a written behavior management plan would be agreedupon.Issuing of a DemeritDemerits are issued by the classroom teachers or members of the administration and filed by the principal. Parents willbe emailed by the principal when demerits are given to their child.

Students will be assigned after-school detention for the third demerit. A detention may be assigned in response to anydemerit depending on the severity of the offense. Students who are assigned detentions will be given a form thatmust be signed by the parent and returned to the principal the next day. Detention will be served the school day afterthe notice is given, or whenever the student returns to school if they are absent on the assigned day. If the studentdoes not have the signed notification, the office will contact the parents and the detention will be served as assigned.Detention will be served from 3:05 until 4:00 PM. Students will be assigned work to do during the detention and giventhe tools and materials needed to complete it. Location and activities assigned to students during detention will be atthe discretion of the school principal. Sleeping and socializing will not be permitted. Failure to serve an assigneddetention will result in the assignment of an additional detention. Parents are responsible for transportation homeafter the detention is completed.Because detentions must be served in a timely fashion, the scheduling of detentions will take precedence overparticipation in extra-curricular activities.Discipline of Major OffensesMajor offenses include but are not limited to insolence or continued disrespect of teacher, harassment of others, anyphysical contact including fighting, disobedience, cheating, lying, stealing, vandalism, obscenities, lewd or immoralactions, behavior that is not in compliance with the school’s Statement on Sexuality and Marriage, use and/orpossession of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco in any form, nicotine products, electronic smoking devices, misuse ofprescription medications, violation of the school internet/computer use policy, violation of the weapons policy,continued disruptive or other inappropriate behavior, including chronic or accumulated minor offenses. The followingactions may be taken in response to major offenses:Demerits/DetentionThe school principal and the superintendent are empowered to assign multiple demerits and/or detentions for anymajor offense. Parents will be notified in writing when demerits/detentions are assigned.In-School SuspensionThe school principal and superintendent are empowered to assign in-school suspension for any major offense. Parentswill be notified immediately when an in-school suspension is assigned. In-school suspension requires the student towork on class assignments in isolation and not be allowed to participate in any extra–curricular activities for that dayincluding practice.Out-of-School SuspensionThe school principal and the superintendent are empowered to assign out-of-school suspension for any major offense.Parents will be notified immediately when an out-of-school suspension is assigned and will be required to meet withthe school principal at the beginning and ending of the suspension. The student is responsible to complete his/herwork at home during the suspension period. A student in OSS is not permitted on school property during thesuspension and is not permitted to attend or participate in any school activity on or off the school campus. Shouldproblems continue to go unresolved, the School Board and the Superintendent will be in consultation regardingfurther action. This may include long-term suspension, probation, expulsion, or some combination of these.

ExpulsionThe school reserves the right to expel a student for any one major offense or for a series of major offenses. Expulsionmust be the result of official action by the Board or its Executive Committee. The student may apply for re-admissionafter one full school year has passed. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Board. Behavioral and spiritualcounseling are highly recommended to aid the student in lifestyle changes necessary for re-admission.Special Consequences for Violations of Academic Truthfulness PolicyStudents who violate the school’s Academic Truthfulness policy will be subject to any of the discipline options listedabove. In addition, the following consequences may be applied:1. Reduction in credit, if the student is given the opportunity to redo the assignment2. A zero for the assignment3. A failing grade for the courseIf a student is involved in illegal activity, the school will assign discipline and notify the appropriate authorities andcooperate with them regarding the proper course of action.Weapons PolicyIt is our intent to provide a safe and secure school environment and to comply with provisions of Act 26 of 1995.Therefore weapons, as described in this policy, are forbidden on school property, in vehicles driven to school bystudents and parked on or off school property, at school-sponsored activities anywhere, when walking to and fromschool, at school bus/van stops, and in school busses and vans or other vehicles.Weapons and replicas of weapons shall include, but are not limited to, firearms; knives (regardless of blade size);metal knuckles; chains; razors; razor blades; explosives; cutting tools; pistols; shotguns; rifles; num-chuks; noxious,irritating, or poisonous gases; or any other tool or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury as determined byschool officials.A violation of the Weapons Ban Policy shall be considered a Major Offense. The superintendent and principal shallreview each alleged violation and will exercise discretion for discipline which may include detention, in-schoolsuspension, out-of-school suspension or expulsion.Should a student realize he/she is accidentally carrying a weapon (for example: a pocketknife in a pocket) he/she mayturn in the weapon to a classroom teacher, the principal, or the superintendent without consequence. The parentswill be notified and will be required to pick up the weapon at the office.All acts of violence and possession of weapons shall be reported to parents of the violator and possibly appropriatelaw enforcement agencies. A violation of the Weapons Ban Policy and subsequent disciplinary measures shall become part of the violator’spermanent student record file.

PARENT PARTICIPATIONCommunicationWe believe that education is a cooperative venture between the home and the school, and are committed toestablishing and maintaining free and clear channels of communication. Several avenues of communication are usedby the school including a weekly E-News sent electronically usually every Friday; electronic E-Flashes spent sporadicallyas special reminders; the Newsday, a monthly newsletter sent electronically and available on the school website;parent-teacher conferences; weekly progress reports and/or newsletters sent to parents of elementary students; aquarterly progress report issued to middle school and high school students, and many less formal contacts such asphone calls, notes and emails. Parents are urged to remain in close contact with their child's teachers and with theschool administration. When school problems arise, parents are asked to contact the school persons involved directly, rather than discussingit with others who are not concerned with the problem. Parents who would like to confer with a teacher shouldcontact the teacher in advance to set up a mutually convenient time. Parents are welcome to visit classes with priornotice to the teacher.Resolution of GrievancesThe purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for settling complaints or misunderstandings that involvemembers of the school community. The complaints may involve:only employeesemployees including the superintendentemployees and board membersemployees and patrons.It is urged that an honest attempt be made by the parties to settle the complaint before involving the administrationand/or the board. This is in accordance with Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievancesyou may have against one another.” (NIV). This policy also incorporates the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 in theresolution of grievances. Both Christian and professional ethics make imperative the handling of grievances in themethods prescribed, rather than openly and publicly airing them.

If an attempt to settle the complaint fails, complaints shall be handled as follows:The complaint, regardless of the parties involved, shall be referred to the superintendent for an initial decision. Thus,employees, board members and patrons are all expected to bring their complaints to the attention of thesuperintendent (even if the complaint involves the superintendent), before involving the board. The superintendentshall provide a timely decision. If the complaint involves the superintendent, the superintendent must defer to theboard for a decision. Any decision made by the superintendent may be appealed by any directly affected party to the board. Any party may also appeal to the board if the superintendent fails to make a decision within a reasonable period oftime. Written notice of the appeal shall be given to any officer of the board, but preferably the Chair. The noticeshall briefly explain the problem and what action, if any, that the party would like the board to take. The boardshall take such steps as may be appropriate to obtain the views of the involved parties and the superintendent,and shall promptly issue a final decision. Visiting the SchoolVisiting students and other guests must register at the office and receive a visitor’s pass before being permitted to visitclassrooms or be in the halls. All school visitors are expected to conform to general school policies.To avoid conflicts with testing, field trips, etc., any parents who wish to observe a classroom will contact the teacher oftheir child (at least forty-eight hours in advance) and arrange for a date and time of day for the visit. Parents andteachers should discuss the particular objectives of the observation, review the teacher’s guidelines for the parent andagree on the length of observation. (Observation is to be limited to one hour unless otherwise arranged.)VolunteeringThere are many ways in which parents participate in the operation of the school. Not only does this help control costsbut it is also a source of blessing for those who become involved in this way. It is each parent’s responsibility to involvethemselves in our volunteer program in some way. Please see the Volunteer Handbook for a description of the manyvolunteer opportunities available.Parent Fellowship MeetingsParent Fellowship Meetings are scheduled three times throughout the school year, as needed, to cultivaterelationships and communication between parents, teachers, and administration. The annual business meeting of theschool will take place during the October meeting. Reports are presented by the Board of Trustees, the varioussubcommittees of the board, and the school administration. The budget for the past year is reviewed and theproposed budget for the upcoming year is presented for approval. Parents also accept or reject proposed changes inthe constitution or by-laws. Participation of all parents in these meetings is strongly encouraged.

MEDICAL ISSUESHealth ServiceBMS receives nursing services from the school nurse provided by the Mifflin County School System. All students inkindergarten, sixth, and eleventh grades are required to have a physical examination by their family doctor. Dentalexams are required for all students entering kindergarten, third, and seventh grades. The required forms can beobtained at the school office. Other tests are administered at the direction of the school.Immunizations RegulationsIn August 2017 the Department of Health changed school immunizations regulations. The regulations are intended toensure that children attending school in the commonwealth are adequately protected against potential outbreak ofvaccine preventable diseases.All immunizations must be on file and up to date by the start of the school year or your child may not be permitted tostart school. If your child is behind schedule on immunizations, a medical certificate signed by the child’s physicianmust be provided setting out the schedule for the remaining doses.A child may still obtain a medical, religious, or philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction exemption formmeeting the immunization requirements.MedicationsAll prescription medications taken by students on a regular basis, including inhalers, etc. must have a signed formfrom the doctor. Medications must be in the original container showing the type of medication, doctor’s name anddosage. A written note signed by the parent must accompany the medication. Non-prescription medications broughtto school by the students must also be in the original container accompanied by a note signed by the parent withreason and dosage. Returning to School after IllnessParents are encouraged to keep a child home from school if he/she has a fever, has been vomiting, has diarrhea,complains of earache or sore throat, has a persistent cough, or has pink eye. Parents will be contacted to pick up theirchild for any of the following reasons: vomiting, diarrhea, temperature 100 degrees or greater, lice, potentialcommunicable diseases (chicken pox, measles, mumps, pink eye, or strep throat.) When students are absent fromschool because of illness they may not return to school until they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours.

Parents must notify the school of any kind of contagious disease/health issue such as chicken pox, measles, mumps,pink eye, or lice. This information is confidential. The school has an obligation to inform teachers/staff/school familiesof potential outbreaks of diseases that can be passed from person to person.After a child accrues 10 days absent due to illness, a doctor’s excuse will be required for each absence due to illnessthereafter. Exceptions may be made by the principal of the superintendent for lengthy or chronic illnesses.InsuranceAll participants in interscholastic sports are required to have insurance. Forms will be provided at the beginning of theschool year.BMS carries no medical or accident coverage as a school for injuries obtained during any athletic activities (organizedgames, gym classes, recesses, etc.) Participants involved in these activities do so at their own risk.

ACADEMICGeneral - Grading SystemThe following letter grades are used for most classes in grades 1-12: A - Excellent 93 - 100 B - Above Average 85 - 92 C - Average 77 - 84 D - Below Average 70 - 76 F - Not Passing Below 70 I - IncompleteReport CardsThe school year is divided into four quarters, each of which represents a grading period. Report cards are issuedshortly after the close of each quarter. These reports evaluate the student’s academic achievement; therefore, theyshould be examined by the parent or guardian and discussed with the student. They are to be signed and returned toschool as soon as possible.Honor RollStudents who receive a 3.25-3.79 during a quarter will be given Honor Roll recognition. Those who receive a 3.8 andabove are given Distinguished Honors recognition. These lists are posted on the bulletin board and are published inthe local papers.FACTSTeachers of core classes in grades 3-12 use an internet-based grade reporting system called FACTS. Parents andstudents may access grades throughout the year through this system. Teachers are required to update FACTS at theend of each school week. ElementaryGeneral CurriculumBible, English, reading, handwriting, math, spelling, social studies, health, science, music, physical education, and artare taught in the elementary grades. There is a strong emphasis on the mastery of skills.HomeworkHomework assignments will vary somewhat depending on each teacher's program. Homework is given to reinforcespecific concepts or to enrich the academic program. The average amount of time spent on homework assignmentsmay vary from perhaps 10 minutes in the lower grades to as much as an hour or more in the upper grades. Somestudy time is usually made available during the school day, thus the amount of homework a given child has may varydepending on how well he or she uses the time in school.

Make-up WorkIt is important that make-up work be completed as soon as possible after the student returns to school. Make-upwork may sometimes need to be done at recess time, after school, at home, or other times at the discretion of theteacher.Promotion PolicyStudents who receive a grade of less than 70% in reading or math may be retained. The teacher(s) and principal willdetermine grade placement for the next year.Middle School/High SchoolGraduation RequirementsCourse CreditsA minimum of 24 credits is required for graduation. The following graduation credit requirements are for studentsattending Belleville Mennonite School for four years of high school. All transfer students should check with theprincipal or guidance counselor for deviations from these requirements. English 4.0 Social Studies 4.0 Mathematics 3.0 Science 3.0 Foreign Language 1.0 Computer 0.8 Bible 1.6 Physical Education 1.6 Foundation Studies 0.6 Electives 4.4 Service HoursHigh school students are required to perform a minimum of ten hours of service each year, either at school or in thecommunity. Students enrolling at BMS during the school year will be required to complete a pro-rated number ofservice hours depending on their enrollment date.Service hours must be completed by the last day of school for students in grades 9-11. Students who fail to completetheir service hours during the year must attend school on the Teacher Work Day at the end of the year and completethe work hours at school under the supervision of his/her class advisor. If a student does not have at least 7.5 servicehours completed by the end of the third marking period, that student will miss privileged trips during the fourthmarking period until ten service hours are completed. If a student fails to complete his/her service hours on theTeacher Work Day, a notation will be made on the student’s transcript that service hours were not completed, andany outstanding service hours will carry over to the next year for non-seniors.All service hour documentation must be completed and turned into the homeroom teacher by the end of the markingperiod in which the service is done. Service hours done during the summer (VBS, church mission trips, etc.) must bedocumented and turned in by the end of the first marking period. Service hours done during the last month of school(grades 9 – 11) must be documented and turned into the homeroom teacher by the last day of school.

Seniors must complete their service hours by May 1 to participate in the Senior Trip.Students who complete a minimum of 25 service hours per year will be eligible for the Christian Servant RecognitionAward to be given at the end of the senior year. Activities for which a student will NOT receive approval include, but are not limited to the following: politicalcampaigning, services which are required activities for a class or school group (such as National Honor Society),services performed for a family member, fundraisers that benefit you (class, youth group, etc.), service performed formoney, and activities that are more social than service oriented.Promotion Policy – Middle SchoolMiddle school students must pass Bible and at least three major subjects each year to be promoted to the next grade.Promotion Policy – High SchoolIn order to be officially classified as a member of a class, students must meet the minimum requirements below: Grade 9 - Successful completion of grade 8. Grade 10 - Six credits including English 9 and Bible 9. Grade 11 - Twelve credits including English 10 and Bible 10. Grade 12 - Eighteen credits including English 11 and Bible 11.Exceptions to these guidelines must be approved by the administration. Any required courses which are failed must bemade up prior to promotion. See Guidance Counselor for more information.Make-up Work and Late WorkWhenever possible students who will be absent from school, including absences from class for sports events and otherschool functions shall make prior arrangements with the teachers concerning assignments and other make-up work.Assignments for classes missed due to choir, sports events, or field trips are due on time. Assignments due on the dayof the absence need to be turned in to the teacher before the student leaves.When it is impossible to make prior arrangements for an excused absence the student is responsible to makearrangements regarding make-up work upon returning to school. In such cases the student will have one day for eachday missed to get work made up, unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher(s) involved.If a student fails to make proper arrangements for make-up work, or if work is submitted late, the grade for thecompleted work will be reduced by at least ten percent. The actual amount of credit given for such work will be at thediscretion of the teacher. It is the responsibility of each teacher to clearly explain his or her policy for late work to thestudents at the beginning of the school year.Online CoursesOnline courses are available to junior and senior students. Freshmen and sophomore students may be grantedpermission to take an online course by the guidance counselor. Students who enroll in an online course will be chargedthe cost of the course.

Advanced Learning OptionsHonors courses taught at BMS include Honors English and Honors History. BMS also offers dual enrollment collegecourses through Juniata College, Liberty University Online Academy, Harrisburg Area Community College and othercolleges and universities.Athletic EligibilityTo be eligible for interscholastic athletic competition and extra-curricular activities, a student must meet all of thefollowing academic requirements:The student must pursue a curriculum defined and approved by the principal as a full-time curriculum.The student must be passing Bible class as well as each of the following core courses with a grade of at least 70%:one full credit Mathematics course, one full credit English course, one full credit Science course, and one full creditSocial Studies course. Students who have substituted another course for a core course with the approval of theguidance counselor must be passing the substituted course as well as the other core courses.The student must be passing a minimum of five aggregate credit hours of course work.Determining EligibilityThe following procedure will be followed for determining eligibility:For the purpose of determining eligibility for the following week, the guidance counselor will determine studentgrades on Thursday morning and post the names of all students who are failing a high school course to thedatabase of currently failing students.The principal will review the database of currently failing students and individual student schedules to determineeligibility. (During the first three weeks of a quarter, the principal will consider that grades may be skewed basedon a limited number of assignments given.) The principal will notify the athletic director of ineligible students bynoon on Friday. The athletic director will notify coaches of any ineligible players on their team.The administration will notify ineligible students by the end of school on Friday.Ineligibility GuidelinesStudents who are declared ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition will be ineligible for one week, fromSunday through Saturday inclusive. Students declared ineligible are not permitted to travel with the team to awaygames or participate in any games or team scrimmages.Students will be permitted to practice with the team during the first week of ineligibility. However, if a student’sgrades do not improve to the point which they become eligible at the end of the first week, they will no longer bepermitted to practice with their team.

Long-term IneligibilityStudents who have not met the eligibility requirements listed in section a at the end of a quarter will be declaredineligible. After fifteen school days in the quarter of ineligibility, a student may be declared eligible if they meet thefollowing criteria:The student meets all of the eligibility requirements listed in section of this policy.The student has raised their grade in any course in which they received a failing grade to a level that, whenaveraged with the failing grade of the previous quarter, would produce an average equal to a passing grade for thecourse.If a student fails to meet these requirements after fifteen school days, their status will be reviewed on a weeklybasis until they meet the eligibility requirements and are reinstated.Work Release ProgramThe purpose of the Work Release Program is to afford students the opportunity to gain additional experience andtraining in jobs that might lead to a future career. The following principles govern the Work Release Program:The program is open to those students who are at least 17 years of age.Application to the program will be made on a semester basis. Participation in the program during one semesterdoes not guarantee automatic permission to continue in subsequent semesters. Students may enter the programat the beginning of the semester only. Application forms are available in the school office.Students will be dismissed from periods 7 and/or 8 only. These periods must be scheduled as study halls.The student will not participate in the program on days when his/her presence is needed at a school activity, suchas a pep rally, class-related activity, etc. The student must maintain at least a C average, based on marking period grades. The student may not have anygrade lower that a C on any marking period report card. The student will be ineligible to participate in the WorkRelease Program if the grade requirements are not maintained.There will be no course credit given for participation in the Work Release Program.Transportation is the responsibility of the student and his/her family. A liability waiver will be required.The student must leave the school grounds without disrupting the rest of the students and classes. He/she mustsign out in the office every day.The student must meet with the principal or the guidance counselor on a monthly basis to discuss the skills he/sheis learning and how this experience is valuable to the student in making future career decisions.

Student Emergency Responder ProgramWe value the contribution of our community’s volunteer fire department and ambulance service.We also support our students in becoming members of these organizations. The following principles govern theanswering of emergency calls during school hours:Students wearing pagers and answering emergency calls must be certified responders for either the firedepartment or the ambulance service.Emergency pagers may not be turned on during core courses.Students may not respond to an emergency event during core courses.Students must sign out at the office before leaving school grounds.If students respond to an emergency call in the morning are late for school, they must bring in a signed excusefrom a parents on the following day for the absence to be excused.Students responding to calls during elective classes are responsible for obtaining any work they milled while on acall.Student responders must be passing all subjects and must maintain at least a C average overall, based on markingperiod grades. Students are not permitted to leave school to respond to emergency events if the graderequirements are not maintained.Students responders must have a signed parent permission form on file at the school before they will bepermitted to respond to emergency calls

STUDENT ACTIVITIESField TripsField trips may be taken several times during the school year. They will generally be off-campus experiences related tothe classroom curriculum. A permission slip explaining the objectives of the trip is sent to each parent. Each signedslip must be returned at least one day before the trip. Classroom teachers may invite parents with necessaryclearances to serve as chaperones. For safety reasons, student drivers may NOT transport other students during trips.Musical ProgramsElementary students, middle school choir students, and high school choir students perform in special music anddrama programs at Christmas and in the spring of each year. The annual Christmas program, the spring elementarymusical, and the spring choir concert are high points of the year and required attendance for elementary, middleschool and high school choir members unless a prior arrangement has been made with the directors. DramaEach year the middle school and the high school present a dramatic production. Additional opportunities for studentsto perform may be available through other smaller productions from time to time.AthleticsMiddle school and high school students have the opportunity to participate in soccer and basketball at BMS.ChapelElementary students participate in a music worship service once a week and attend a chapel once a month. Middleschool and high school students attend chapel three times per week. Chapel activities include special speakers,student led worship, and student led care groups. Chapel experiences are intended to be a time for worship, personalgrowth, spiritual sharing between students and faculty and to provide opportunity to gain experience in leading suchactivities. Chapel is required of all students.Private Music LessonsPrivate instruction in piano, guitar, voice and other instruments is available to students at parent expense. Musiclessons are offered during the regular school day, before school, and after school. Students must have teacherapproval to schedule a music lesson during a class and are responsible to make up any class work they may havemissed. Students taking private lessons will be expected to participate in an annual recital arranged by the instructor. Middle School Student CouncilA group of students will be selected by middle school teachers to act in leadership roles on middle school studentcouncil. These students should demonstrate leadership skills, good peer and teacher relations, and a willingness tocooperate well with others. This group is expected to participate in spiritual activities, help plan events, and act asliaison for their peers.

High SchoolClubsTo broaden and enrich student experiences at Belleville Mennonite, opportunities may be provided for participationin various club activities. Whether or not a given club is organized during a particular year will depend on studentinterest and the availability of a faculty or other administratively approved sponsor. New clubs may be formed if theymeet the following criteria; (a) There must be sufficient student interest. (b) The objectives and organization must besatisfactorily stated. (c) A faculty member or other approved adult must consent to serve as advisor. (d) It must beapproved by the administration.Student GovernmentEach class will be organized with a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer elected by the class. A classofficer who fails to fill his office responsibility shall be removed from office.The Student Senate consists of students in grades 9 – 12.students. The purpose of the Senate is to organize studentactivities, address itself to issues before the school community, promote enthusiastic school spirit, and to provideopportunities for the development of leadership abilities.Junior-Senior BanquetThe junior class is responsible for planning the Junior-Senior Banquet, which is held each spring, on a datedetermined by administration. The cost of the banquet should be in keeping with Good Christian stewardship. The allotted amount will bedetermined by the Finance Committee through the budget process and communicated to the junior class advisor atthe beginning of the school year. The banquet should be held at a place consistent with the policies and witness of Belleville Mennonite School.Decoration guidelines are as follows:Decorating should in no way disfigure or damage any surface. No water, soil or sand is to be used without writtenpermission from the location owner. The decorations should be removed by Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise stated by the location owner. Decorations may be prepped at the school. Location and time of preparation must be coordinated withadministration. Students attending the banquet will be excused from school before high school lunch period on the day of thebanquet. Participation in the banquet shall be limited to members of the junior and senior class and invited guests. Studentsbelow 10th grade are not eligible to attend as guests. All guests must be chosen in accordance with the school’sStatement of Sexuality and Marriage. Junior and senior class members and guests must follow the banquet dress guidelines in the most currentAppearance Code policy (#5240). All high school teachers, senior and junior class advisors and the Superintendentmust be invited to the banquet.

Senior Class TripThe senior class at Belleville Mennonite School does take a trip each year also known as the senior trip. Students areencouraged to plan a worthwhile, affordable trip that wisely uses God’s resources and abides by the followingguidelines:A maximum of five days total, with a three-day limit on the number of school days taken.A full day of the trip (not the first or last day) must be set aside for meaningful service in or near the communityin which the senior trip takes place. A full day is designated as a minimum of eight continuous hours.If the trip takes place over a Sunday, the group must attend a local in-person church service.The group must take part in a meaningful cultural or educational activity during the trip.The costs of the trip (transportation, lodging, meals, and activities) will be paid for with funds designated by theFinance committee through the budgeting process and communicated to the class advisor at the beginning ofthe school year. Students are responsible for activities that exceed the budgeted amount and personal spendingmoney.Two chaperones must be approved by Administration.Students, advisors, and chaperones must keep in mind that the trip is a school activity and all participants areexpected to use good judgment regarding appropriate behavior, dress, and activities.The destination of the trip should be chosen with the guidelines in mind, and the High School Principal must beconsulted throughout the planning process.Plans for the trip must be approved by the High School Principal and the Superintendent.

National Honor SocietyThe Belleville Mennonite School Chapter of the National Honor Society is one of 21,000 chapters belonging to thenational organization. Members are selected from junior and senior applicants by a panel of faculty based on the fourpillars of the national organization: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Members must also agree to thespecific expectations of the local chapter at BMS.Members must demonstrate scholarship by maintaining a 3.50 GPA while following a full academic curriculum:Algebra I and II, geometry, plus advanced math, accounting, business math, or calculus, earth science, biology,chemistry, and physics or an equivalent (AP or college level) 4 years of English and history, 2 years of foreign language,2 honors course each year in 11th and 12th gradeMembers demonstrate leadership as resourceful and dependable problem-solvers who contribute ideas anddemonstrate the ability to influence others in a positive way. Members must hold a responsible position each year. Forexample: Class officer, 4-H officer, Yearbook editor, Student Senate member, Team captain, Worship team leader,Youth group officer, Care group leader/assistantMembers must be involved in some major extra-curricular activity at school: Athletics, Drama, Worship team, Choir,Yearbook, SenateMembers demonstrate service by doing volunteer work in the school, church, or community with a positive, courteous,and enthusiastic spirit. Members are encouraged to have an on-going, weekly service situation. This could be tutoringanother student, helping in an elementary classroom, or some other situation outside of school such as regularlyvolunteering in a library, hospital, home for the aged, Thrift Shop, etc. Members must complete 25 individual hours ofservice each school year and participate in the selected service projects selected by the group. Applicants should havedemonstrated a commitment to service by striving to complete at least 25 hours of service during both the freshmanand sophomore years. If senior honor society members do not meet the service requirements, they will not wear thehonor society cords at graduation.Members demonstrate good character by having high principles of morality and ethics, such as honesty and reliability,courtesy, concern, and respect for others. Members must, in addition, demonstrate commitment to Christ, be activelyinvolved in their home churches, and demonstrate appreciation for BMS and respect for the rules and expectationsexpressed in the handbook without requiring reminders for clarifications.Interested students must complete an application (at the end of their sophomore or junior year) and obtain a letter ofreference from their (youth) pastor or youth group advisor. A faculty panel then evaluates the applications and thestudents are notified of the faculty decision by letter at the beginning of the new school year. All members are expected to maintain high levels of citizenship in each of the above areas. Members of the societywho, in the opinions of the faculty, do not live up to these standards will be subject to disciplinary measures. Dismissalfrom the society may be a result of disciplinary action.

STUDENT SERVICESGuidanceA guidance counselor is provided to help students with educational and vocational concerns. The guidance counselorassists students with course scheduling, registering for college board examinations, and fulfilling college admissionsrequirements. In addition, the guidance counselor schedules representatives from various colleges to visit BMS eachyear. In addition field trips are planned for sophomores and juniors to school such as South Hills School of Business andTechnology and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology. Juniors and seniors are encouraged toschedule meetings with the guidance counselor to discuss their post-high options and decisions.TranscriptsTranscripts will be sent to colleges or other institutions at no charge while a student is enrolled at BMS. Aftergraduation two (2) copies will be sent at no charge. Any additional copies will be sent at the cost of $5 each.Transcripts will not be released for any student until the tuition account has been cleared.Standardized TestingIOWA assessments are administered annually to students in grade K-10.The PSAT/NMSQT is administered to students in grades 10 and 11.College Board ExaminationsThe SAT and the ACT are administered at designated times at several locations in the general area. Information andassistance in registering for these tests may be obtained from the guidance office.LibraryWhen using the library each student is expected to maintain an atmosphere of quietness conducive to good study. The following guidelines apply to library use:Books may be borrowed for a period of four weeks and may be renewed at the end of that time unless they are indemand by other students.All borrowed materials and books are to be left at the desk when they are returned.Reference books and periodicals are to be used only in the library or checked out overnight.A fine of $.05 per school day will be charged for overdue books.The borrower is held responsible for the loss or damage of any material.Cell Phone, Computer and Internet PolicyCell phones and any electronic devices, apart from school-issued devices, must be kept in lockers and turned off orsilent. This is to decrease distractions, disruptions, and inappropriate use during school hours. Students may use cellphones for academic purposes if teacher directed (i.e.. photography). Messages to parents/guardians may be sentin/near the office with permission. A student phone is available in the office for use as needed.

Computer UseStudents have use of school owned desktops, Chromebooks, and iPads. Use of these devices are for school relatedpurposes.Students taking online classes may use personal devices on a case by case basis and with permission by GuidanceCounselor and Director of Technology.Students in grades 6-12 are given a USERNAME and PASSWORD for use with the school’s network. Students areencouraged to use their Google drive.Students are expected to treat their passwords as private information. Passwords are assigned at the beginning ofeach school year and in cases of lost passwords, passwords are able to be reset through contacting the Director ofTechnology.Students are expected to respectfully use the computers resulting in minimal usage and wear.Internet UseStudents have access to Internet resources with appropriate supervision of BMS staff. Students in grades 3-12 are given a Google account for school use. Students do not have access to Gmail. Use ofGoogle account is only for school use and when a student is no longer enrolled, their account is suspended.Students in grades 6-12 are given their own account to access grades as well as scheduling information throughFACTS SIS. These accounts are in addition to the parent accounts that are given at the beginning of each schoolyear. Parents are able to access billing related information through their account which is not available throughthe child’s account. All student use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with thepurposes/philosophy of Belleville Mennonite School. The Internet connection will not be used for illegal activity, profit purposes, non-school-related activities, lobbying,advertising, transmitting offensive materials or to obtaining obscene or pornographic material. Filtering software has been installed by the school to restrict access to inappropriate materials and activities. Inthe event a website “slip through”, it is the responsibility of the student to immediately inform the teacher andappropriate action will be taken to block the site.Because of the limited bandwidth, students are expected to only access educationally appropriate Internetresources.Students should never reveal personal addresses or phone numbers on the Internet through the schoolconnection. Student use of the school’s technology resources should follow copyright laws and guidelines. Plagiarism is not permitted.Issues not addressed in this policy will be considered on an individual basis.BMS staff will educate all students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individualsthrough social networking, online gaming, chat rooms, and awareness of and responses to cyber-bullying.Failure to follow this policy may result in the loss of the right to use computer resources and Internet access. BellevilleMennonite School reserves the right to log, monitor, and evaluate all network and Internet activity.

WELLNESS POLICYBelleville Mennonite School recognizes that providing healthy and nourishing foods and appropriate physical activityfor students promotes student attendance, education and achievement, and lifelong healthy habits. Therefore, BMSexpresses its commitment to maintaining school environments that promote and protect student health by providingappropriate nutrition education, physical education, a variety of healthy food and beverage choices and encouragingall BMS employees to model healthy behaviors.In support of the mission statement, BMS adopts the following goals.The school will establish a Wellness Committee comprised of, but not necessarily limited to at least one (1) of eachof the following: School Board member, administrator, food service representative, student, parent/guardian,school health professional, physical education teacher and member of the public.All students in grades K through 12 will have opportunities, support and encouragement to be physically active ona regular basis.Food service workers will provide students with access to a variety of affordable, nutritious and appealing foodsthat meet the health and nutrition needs of the student body.Foods and beverages sold or served at school will meet the nutrition recommendations of the U.S. DietaryGuidelines for Americans.To the maximum extent practicable, our school will participate in available federal school meal programs.BMS will provide nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physicalactivity.The Wellness Committee shall serve as an advisory committee regarding student health issues and shall be responsiblefor developing, implementing and periodically reviewing and updating a School Wellness policy that complies with lawto recommend to the Board for adoption.Belleville Mennonite School shall annually inform and update the public, including parents/guardians, students andothers in the community, about the contents, updates and implementation of this policy via the school website andnewsletters. This annual notification shall include information on how to access the School Wellness policy;information about the most recent triennial assessment; information on how to participate in the development,implementation, and periodic review and update of the School Wellness policy; and a means of contacting WellnessCommittee leadership.

Nutritional Quality of Food and Beverages Sold and Served On CampusSchool Meals Free and reduced meals will be offered to all families who qualify. Students will not be able in any way to identifywhat type of lunch another student receives.Meals served through the National School Lunch Program will: be appealing and attractive to childrenbe served in clean and friendly environment meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by local, state, and federal statutes and regulations offer a variety of fruits and vegetablesserve only low fat (1%) milkThere shall be no food brought into the school for lunch that is in competition with school-provided lunches, exceptfor a packed lunch brought to school by an individual for his/her own consumption. Students may not bring snackfood to share with others that does not comply with the wellness policy.The Cafeteria staff of BMS will involve students and parents in the lunch program by: using parent volunteers whenever possible in the preparation and serving of school meals making taste tests available to students of new nutritional foods providing surveys to students and parents about school foods at least one time during the school yearMeal times and Scheduling Students will have at least 20 minutes to eat after sitting down for lunch.Lunch will be scheduled between 11 AM and 1 PM for all students.Tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities will not be scheduled during mealtimes, unless studentsmay eat during such activities.Reasonable steps will be taken to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimes of students with special oral healthneeds (orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).WaterTo promote hydration, free, safe drinking water will be available to all students throughout the school day. The Caféwill make cups available during mealtimes. In addition, students will be allowed to bring water bottles to theclassroom.A la carte FoodsTo support healthy food choices and improve student health and well-being, all foods and beverages sold outside ofschool meal programs during the school day (12:00 am – 3:30 pm) will meet the USDA Smart Snacks in Schoolnutrition standards. These standards will apply in all locations and through all services where foods and beveragesare sold, which may include, but are not limited to, a la carte options in the Café, vending machines and snack or foodcarts.FundraisingBMS will only use foods, beverages and non-food items designed for delivery or consumption after school hours asfundraisers.

School-sponsored EventsSchool activities, athletic and academic functions, etc. that occur after the school day (3:30pm) are not covered by thispolicy. Food and beverages offered at these functions should include some healthy choices.A packed lunch can be provided by the cafeteria for all field trips. Teachers must always give the students the optionof a lunch from the Café.Celebrations and RewardsSnacks and birthday treats brought to the classroom should make a positive contribution to children’s health. Theschool will provide a list of healthy snack items to teachers and parents, including non-food celebration ideas.Teachers will ensure that food allergies of any participants are known before serving any food item.Soda may not be served during the school day.School staff should limit celebrations that involve food during the school day to no more than four times per classper year. These celebrations should include no more than one food or beverage that does not meet nutritionstandards for food and beverages served or sold on campus.Food and beverages will not be used as a reward, or withheld from students as a consequence for inappropriatebehavior or poor academic performance.Recommendations for Snack FoodsFruit smoothiesFresh fruit & vegetablesYogurt, yogurt parfaitsTrail mixString cheeseFig cookiesWhole grain crackers or pretzelsWhole grain soft pretzelsPlain popcornFruit snacks (with 100% juice or fruit as the first ingredient)PuddingGraham crackersBaked chipsPhysical Activity Opportunities and Physical EducationWeekly Physical EducationAll students in grades K-12, including students with disabilities, special healthcare needs and in alternative educationalsettings, will receive physical education twice a week, totaling 60 minutes a week for elementary students and 90minutes a week for middle and high school students, for the entire school year. All physical education will be taught bya teacher certified in education. Student involvement in other activities involving physical activity (e.g. interscholasticor intramural sports) will not be substituted for meeting the physical education requirement. Students will spend atleast 50% of physical education requirement. Students will spend at least 50% of physical education class timeparticipating in moderate to vigorous physical activity

Daily RecessAll students in Grades K-3 will have at least 45 minutes a day and students in grades 4-5 at least 30 minutes a day ofsupervised recess, preferably outdoors, during which staff will encourage moderate to vigorous physical activityverbally and through the provision of space and equipment. Partial school days are exempt from this criteria.Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After SchoolMiddle and high school students will be offered extra-curricular physical activities, such as interscholastic sportsprograms. These activities will be offered to all middle and high school students, including boys, girls, students withdisabilities and students with special health care needs.Physical Activity and PunishmentTeachers and other school and community personnel will not use extreme physical activity (e.g. running laps, pushups)as punishment. Physical Education classes will not be withheld from any student as punishment. Use of School Facilities Outside of School HoursSchool spaces and facilities will be available to students, staff, and community members before and after the schoolday, on weekends and during school vacations. These spaces and facilities will be available to community agencies andorganizations offering physical activity and nutrition programs. School policies concerning safety will always apply.Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion and Food MarketingCommunication with ParentsBelleville Mennonite School will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for theirchildren. BMS will send home nutrition information and post nutrition tips on the school website. BMS will encourageparents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet thenutrition standards mentioned. The school will provide parents with a list of foods that meet the snack standards andideas for healthy celebrations, parties, rewards and fundraising activities.BMS will provide information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities before,during and after the school day and support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to bephysically active outside of school. Such support will include sharing information about physical activity and physicaleducation through a newsletter, handbook, or other take home materials, or special events.Food Marketing in SchoolsSchool based marketing will be consistent with nutritional education and health promotion. As such, schools will limitfood and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards for meals orfor foods and beverages sold individually. School based marketing of brands promoting low-nutrition foods andbeverages are prohibited. (Advertising of low-nutrition foods and beverages is permitted in supplementary classroomand library materials, such as newspapers, magazines, the Internet and similar media when such materials are used ina class lesson or activity, or as a research tool). The promotion of healthy foods, including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and low-fat dairy products is encouraged.Staff WellnessBelleville Mennonite School highly values the health and well-being of every staff member and supports their personalefforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. School staff is encouraged to model healthy eating behaviors. Any food orbeverage that does not meet the above guidelines will not be consumed in front of the students. The teacher’s loungewill be exempt from this ruling.