Middle School

The Landmark Christian School Honor Code

Out of a desire to honor God,
I commit to a lifestyle
which reflects trust,
honesty, and respect for
my peers, authority,
and all property.
I acknowledge this lifestyle
does not condone lying,
cheating, stealing, and other dishonorable acts.
Committing to this code demonstrates my respect for
Landmark Christian School
as we strive to glorify
God and love others.

INTRODUCTION

The Honor Code is not only at the core of the discipline system at Landmark Christian School, it is also the foundation of our school community. The Honor Code begins with a commitment by each student to personal integrity, is expanded by a refusal to condone dishonorable behavior, and is strengthened by support of appropriate consequences for those who violate the Honor Code. The system will be as successful as the members of the community are willing to hold one another accountable.

MOTIVATION FOR THE HONOR CODE

At the heart of Landmark's mission statement is the sincere hope for a truly Christian community. For this mission to be realized, the members of the community must commit to follow the two greatest commandments as expressed by Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:37, 39. The first is "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." The second is "to love your neighbor as yourself." These two commands have called our school community to formulate the Honor Code as the inspiration and core of an honorable lifestyle. The desire of Landmark is that its members individually and corporately strive to walk worthy of the calling to faithfully follow Christ.

VISION OF AN HONORABLE COMMUNITY

An honorable community is one of mutual trust, honesty, and respect. It is a community where each individual is expected to live honorably and each individual is expected to encourage his/her peers to live honorably as well. It is a community where students do not feel compelled to keep their belongings locked up, where students do not feel the pressure from peers to lie and cheat, and where students are not ridiculed for their commitment to live honorably.

An honorable community is more than a commitment to follow a set of rules. It is a commitment to an honorable lifestyle . It is our hope that our student's commitment to an honorable lifestyle will far outlive their time at Landmark. We hope our students see the benefits of an honorable lifestyle and allow the principles of the Honor Code to govern all aspects of their lives.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

The Landmark Christian School Honor Code is primarily student driven and student written. Our students will play a significant role in its enforcement. Not only will our students be expected to live by the Honor Code, they will also be expected to hold each other accountable to follow the Honor Code. Further, our students will play a significant role in determining consequences for most violations of the Honor Code. A select group of our most honorable students will sit on an Honor Board and make recommendations to the Dean of Students concerning consequences for Honor Code violations.

The Honor Code is intended to work for the students, not against them. It is structured to encourage them to live with integrity. The effectiveness of the Honor Code is directly proportional to the level of student ownership. Ultimately, the strength of the Honor Code rests with our students' commitment to follow it and their commitment to hold each other accountable.

THE HONOR BOARD

The Honor Board has two basic purposes: first, to increase the students' understanding and awareness of the Honor Code; second, to preserve the integrity of the Honor Code by giving impartial and fair hearings to students suspected of committing an Honor Code violation.

The Honor Board will be made up of two faculty and three students. The faculty is appointed to the Honor Board by the Administrative Team and will serve on a rotating basis. The entire Honor Board, faculty and students, will determine guilt or innocence of the alleged violation. Once a decision has been made the faculty will take recommendations from the students and enter a closed session to determine consequences of inappropriate behavior.

HONOR CODE VIOLATIONS

The following is a list of the most common Honor Code violations, including specific examples of dishonorable behavior.

Lying

Definition: Any action, appearance, or statement, which an individual knows, or should know, to be untrue, given with intention to deceive.

Examples of lying include, but are not limited to:

Making a false statement in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage
Giving false excuses and explanations for being absent or tardy.
Bending the truth or pretending not to understand information that one is expected to know.
Lying by omission.

Leaving out pertinent information in order to gain an unfair advantage or to protect others.

Receiving permission from a teacher to go one place and going someplace else.
Forgery

Stealing

Definition: Taking or attempting to take property, whether physical or intellectual, without right or permission.

Examples of stealing include, but are not limited to:

Taking something without permission of the owner even if the intention is to return whatever is taken.
Borrowing something without permission even if the intention is to return whatever is borrowed.
Finding something and making little or no effort to locate the rightful owner.
Unauthorized removal of academic materials from a teacher.

Cheating

Definition: Using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance or advantage in academic work that is submitted as one's own individual efforts or the giving of such assistance to others.

Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

Turning in work that was not entirely done by the student and giving the impression that the work was done by the student.

Copying homework without the consent or approval of the teacher.
Using translation sites off the internet or software in foreign language classes.
Using workbooks from a previous year with answers already written in.
Working with others on any assignment which is intended to be an independent effort.
Dividing up work among group members that was intended to be done together.

Using a similar assignment from a past class (book report, essay, etc.)
Allowing one’s academic work to be used in place of another’s.
Having notes or textbooks visible during tests or quizzes.
Giving or receiving information about a test, quiz, or other assignment prior to starting the assignment.

This includes receiving from someone unauthorized specific test questions or information about topics included in the assignment.

Glancing at someone else’s test or quiz or allowing someone to glance at your test or quiz during the administration of the test or quiz.
Using a calculator when instructed not to use it.
Not telling your teacher that the score on your test is added wrong.
Not telling your teacher when a wrong answer was not marked wrong.
Instead of reading the original book or original literary work:

Reading a condensed version.
Seeing the film or video.
Using Cliff’s Notes
Reading an English version of a work assigned in a foreign language.

Plagiarism

Definition: literary theft, misrepresentation, and falsification.

Explanations of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:

To plagiarize is to steal someone’s ideas or thoughts or to borrow dishonestly from another.
To sign one’s name to a daily assignment or major work is to declare that work totally one’s own. By not clearly marking the source of the information, thoughts or ideas, a student commits plagiarism.
To copy directly, paraphrase, or summarize with premeditation and without documentation is to deliberately plagiarize.
Inadvertent documentation mistakes that allow another’s words, thoughts, or ideas to be credited as one’s own due to improper referencing is considered plagiarism.
"Plagiarism is a serious violation of another person’s rights, whether the material stolen is great or small; it is not a matter of degree or intent" ("Academic Writing at WFU: Statement on Plagiarism").
Plagiarism is prevented when the proper form of documentation is followed.

Standards for Proper Documentation

Items that must be documented are facts, quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. Writing that expresses one’s own thoughts, experiences, or interpretations and is stated in one’s own words does not require documentation. Also, when information is common knowledge or is from a specific text, it does not need citation. As a standard for the proper documentation, Landmark will use Writer’s Inc. and Write for College for the high school, and Write Source 2000 for the middle school. Students will receive specific written instructions and examples of appropriate and inappropriate referencing at the beginning of each school year.

OTHER DISHONORABLE ACTS

These acts include, but are not limited to, the use of alcohol, tobacco, tobacco products, illegal drugs, unauthorized use of legal drugs, sexual immorality, inappropriate and abusive language, student and teacher disrespect, skipping school, vandalism or any other inappropriate actions that bring dishonor to the name of Christ and Landmark Christian School.

Dealing With Suspected Honor Code Violations

If a student suspects a classmate has committed an Honor Code violation, he/she has several options:

Discuss the potential violation with the student and keep the conversation confidential.
Discuss the potential violation with the student and give the student an opportunity to turn himself/herself in to the Dean of Students.
Go to the Dean of Students or a teacher with the suspected violation.
Do nothing.

Based upon the principles established in Matthew 18: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you;" and in Galatians 6: " If another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path," we strongly encourage our students to follow the first or second options. This conversation is best handled with an attitude of care and concern for the suspected violator and not with an attitude of harshness or reprisal. In an honorable community, students have a responsibility to "help each other back on the right path." This policy does not leave room for students to discuss (gossip) about suspected violations among themselves. Gossip falls under the category of "other dishonorable behaviors" and is an Honor Code violation itself.

If a member of the faculty or staff suspects an Honor Code violation, after discussing the incident with the student, he/she is obligated to turn in the violation to the Dean of Students.

Once an Honor Code violation has been reported, the Dean of Students has several options:

Bring the violation to the attention of the Honor Board and schedule a hearing if warranted.
Bypass the Honor Board. Because of the sensitive nature of some violations or to protect the privacy of the student, some violations may bypass the Honor Board and go directly to the Faculty Senate.
Assign disciplinary consequences.

THE LANDMARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PROGRAM

Discipline is used by the teachers and administrators of Landmark Christian School as a method to correct and mold the student’s moral character. This philosophy follows the Biblical teaching found in Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) which states, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

The discipline methodology used at LCS will be a progressive discipline system which utilizes five components aimed at training students in the “way they should go”. The five components are as follows: warnings, lunch-time detention, after-school detention, in-school suspension, Saturday school, and finally out-of-school suspension.

The LCS discipline program will be most effective with the faithful support of the parents and the consistent enforcement of the established rules by the faculty with the full support of the administration.

1. Warnings – Warnings at Landmark Christian School will be the most often used form of discipline. Warnings are given by teachers and administrators for minor but inappropriate behaviors such as chewing gum, dress code violations, horseplay, improper parking, lunchroom disturbance, unexcused tardies to school or class, and improper use of an automobile. By no means is this a comprehensive list of minor violations, only the most common ones.

As a general rule, three (3) warnings for any offense will result in a lunch-time detention.

2. Lunch-time detention – If student does not respond accordingly to the warning(s) given from teachers and/or administrators, the next step in the discipline program is lunch-time detention. During a lunch-time detention, the students will eat a silent lunch in a designated area under the supervision of a teacher or administrator. The student also will assist in cleaning the cafeteria.

As a general rule, two (2) lunch-time detentions for any offense will result in an after- school detention.

A lunch-time detention may be assigned if the infraction committed is deemed by a teacher or administrator to be too severe for a warning.

Middle school parents will be contacted when a lunch-time detention is assigned. High school parents will be contacted after the second lunch-time detention has been assigned.

3. After-school detention – When warnings and lunch-time detentions have not corrected inappropriate behavior, after-school detention will be assigned. After-school detention will begin five minutes after school is dismissed and will last for 30 minutes.

The student will report (1) on time to the designated area (2) in proper uniform and (3) sit silently for thirty minutes. Because the purpose of after-school detention is discipline and not study hall, students will NOT be allowed to work on homework or any other activity while in detention. Failure to comply with these three parameters will result in another after-school detention being assigned. Skipping school will result in two after-school detentions.

As a general rule, two (2) after- school detentions for any offense will result in ISS.

If after-school detention results in the student being late to other LCS activities/responsibilities, the sponsor or coach of that activity may impose a penalty.

After-school detention may be assigned if the infraction committed is deemed by a teacher or administrator to be too severe for a warning or lunch-time detention.

4. In-school suspension (ISS) – The fourth step of the LCS discipline program is ISS. Students who serve in-school suspension will be removed from their normal daily classes and sit in isolation under the supervision of a teacher. The student will be expected to complete the assignments sent by his classroom teachers while in ISS. The parents of the student will be billed for the cost of the ISS teacher.

As a general rule, ISS will be served once for an offense. If the same offense occurs again, ISS work will involve various clean-up details as assigned by the administration. No extra-curricular activities will be allowed on the day a student serves an ISS.

ISS may be assigned if the infraction committed is deemed by an administrator to be too severe for a warning, lunch-time detention, or after-school detention.

At the high school level, parents will be contacted when ISS is assigned. Additionally, parents may be contacted at any time during the discipline process.

5. Saturday School – Saturday school is the final phase of the LCS discipline program. Students will be assigned a specific Saturday to report to Landmark and will work from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. to complete assigned duties. The student will be supervised by a teacher or administrator for the duration of that time. The parents of the students will be billed for the cost of that supervision.

Saturday school may be assigned if the infraction committed is deemed by an administrator to be too severe for a warning, lunch-time detention, after-school detention, or ISS. No extra-curricular activities will be allowed from the day that Saturday School is served until the following Saturday.

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) – Out-of-school suspension is another component of the discipline plan available to the administration. OSS can be assigned for behaviors such as fighting, or any behavior where the student needs to be removed from the student body for a period of time. OSS carries with it an academic penalty. When a student is suspended, daily work, quizzes, and tests can be made up for a maximum of 70% of full credit. OSS will be determined by the administrators who will conference with the student and parent.

Findings of the Honor Board

In dealing with suspected Honor Code violations, the Honor Board can render one of three findings to the Administrative Team. The Honor Board can find the student guilty of an Honor Code violation, not guilty of an Honor Code violation, or guilty of suspicious behavior. A finding of guilty of suspicious behavior is reserved for cases where the offense is not severe enough to find the student guilty of an Honor Code violation or where there is evidence to suspect something inappropriate happened but, because of the nature of the evidence, the Honor Board is willing to give the student the benefit of the doubt. A student who is found guilty of suspicious behavior may or may not receive consequences for their behavior.

Automatic Review of Honor Board Findings

The outcome of the Honor Board’s findings will automatically be reviewed by an Administrative Team which consists of the Headmaster and Middle and High School Principal or their designates. Once the findings of the Honor Board have been approved by the Administrative Team the decision is final. The review assures the Honor Board’s decision is in keeping with the mission of the school.

The Principal or the Dean of Students will then meet with the parents and the student to inform them of the decision made by the Honor Board.

Consequences of Honor Code Violations

The seriousness and nature of an Honor Code violation in large part determines the consequences. The most serious violations will be sent from the Honor Board to the Administrative Team with a recommendation of dismissal.

Consequences for Honor Code violations that do not warrant a recommendation of dismissal include, but are not limited to:

Disciplinary Probation

Students that commit an Honor Code violation may be placed on disciplinary probation—length of probation to be determined by Honor Board. A subsequent Honor Code violation or other serious discipline problem could put the student’s future at Landmark in jeopardy.

Any student on probation at the end of the school year will be evaluated by the Administrative Team to determine whether they will be allowed to return in the fall. A student's disciplinary record, teacher recommendations, and in some cases, an interview will be used to evaluate the student’s future.

Students whose behavior is consistently disruptive or chronic may also be placed on disciplinary probation.

Work Hours

Students are expected to complete a specific number of work hours on the Landmark campus. Work hours are usually performed before and after school under the supervision of the maintenance staff.In some cases, work hours can be performed off campus under the supervision of a church or community service organization.

Probation from the National Honor Society and Beta Club

Because membership in the National Honor Society and Beta Club is based in part on character and integrity, a student in the NHS or Beta Club that is found guilty of an Honor Code violation is placed on probation for a period of 18 weeks from the time of the offense. At the end of the 18 weeks, provided the student’s disciplinary record over the past 18 weeks has reflected honor and integrity; the student will be taken off probation and reinstated as a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Student Leadership

Students who hold a class office or serve as a Prefect will be removed from those positions of leadership.

Academic Consequences

If the Honor Code violation involves academic work, (homework, tests, quizzes, papers, projects, etc.) the student will receive a grade of zero for the assignment. In rare cases, instead of a zero, a student may receive a reduction in grade.

Suspension

If the presence of a student at school would jeopardize the safety of others in the Landmark community or cause a disruption in the normal operations of the school, the student may be suspended. There are also some serious violations such as fighting that may warrant the separation of the student from the community as well.

Recommendations of dismissal

Should the Honor Board recommend that a student be dismissed from Landmark Christian School, a hearing with the student, his/her parents, and the Administrative Team will be called. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Team will determine consequences, if any for the violation. Should the Administrative Team recommend dismissal, their recommendation will be passed on to the Headmaster. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Headmaster to make final decisions concerning the dismissal of a student from Landmark Christian School.

Honor Board Hearings

If a violation of the Honor Code warrants a hearing, the student and parents will be notified about the Honor Code violation. The student will receive notice of the time and place of the hearing. The Honor Board hearing will include the Honor Board, the Dean of Students, and the student.

Classroom Behavior

Many behaviors are consistent from classroom to classroom, such as respect for the teacher, respect for fellow students, and being on time. Other behaviors may be acceptable in one classroom and unacceptable in another, depending on such factors as teacher style and course content. For example, certain behaviors are acceptable in PE class but not in an English class. Each classroom teacher is responsible for communicating his/her distinct discipline policies and consequences to the students. These consequences may include warnings, lunch-time detentions, after-school detentions, in-school suspensions and Saturday schools.

Off Campus Behavior

Once a student decides to attend Landmark, certain responsibilities accompany that choice. Attending Landmark Christian School means that wherever a student goes, the name of Landmark goes with him/her. Each student’s actions will be judged as an extension of the reputation of Landmark. That responsibility must be taken seriously, especially since the name does include the name of Christ. It should be that members of the Landmark community would always desire to conduct themselves in a way that brings honor to the name of Christ. All individuals are responsible to conduct themselves in a way that does not dishonor what Landmark desires to represent. Bearing a name with honor is a grave responsibility and must be considered at all times. Hence, Landmark Christian School must care what all its community members do both on and off campus since an honorable reputation is to be highly valued. “A good name is to be more desired than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1a

Discrimination and Harassment

The Landmark Christian School community is expected to be one of respect and reconciliation. Therefore, student or teacher disrespect will not be tolerated. Students are to refrain from words or actions that demean, insult, bully, or threaten others. Even if a student considers his or her disrespectful comments or behavior to be a joke, such activity will be considered a violation of the Honor Code. Verbal attacks on one’s sex, race, religion, or ethnic origin is not acceptable. Explicit or subtle references of sexual nature, e-mails, notes, letters, comments, or jokes with sexual overtones, obscene language, unwanted physical advances or the invasion of one’s personal space have no place within the Landmark community. Any student engaging in such activity will be considered in violation of the Honor Code.

The Honor Code Always Applies

Always assume that the Honor Code is in effect. Whether openly stated or not, the principles and policies of the Honor Code are continually applicable, unless the authority figure specifies for an exception.

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