Deliberate disobedience, disrespect, lack of courtesy, incomplete homework, cheating or other behavioral problems will ordinarily be handled by the individual teacher. Recurrent or unusual situations will be referred to the administration. The first concern of discipline is to aid the student in correcting undesirable behavior. Severe or repeated offenses may result in suspension (temporary removal from school) by the administration, or expulsion (permanent removal from the school) by the school board. If any malicious damage is done to the school property by a student, the parents will be held financially responsible. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action.
We encourage use of the Matthew 18 principle in handling disagreements. If a student, parent, or teacher is offended by the words or actions of another, as a Christian brother they should go first to him through whom the offense came and share this with him, as stated in Matthew 18:15. If, after consulting together and praying for mutual understanding, there is no reconciliation, then they should agree to go together to counsel with the administrator. Similarly, if there is a disagreement with the administrator and the matter cannot be solved, then the two should make an appointment through the chairman of the school board to meet with the board for final disposition of the matter.
Standards of Conduct
Like other similar institutions, the Faith Academy of Findlay has rules and standards of behavior. These rules should not be construed as a statement of faith. We do not believe that Christianity is comprised of rules. We do, however, recognize the need for an objective standard of conduct within which students are free to develop better relationships with Jesus, with others and with themselves. These standards can be divided into three categories.
First, there are standards and expectations that echo the timeless demands of the Ten Commandments and the ethical teachings of God. They are a direct result of the fact that Faith Academy of Findlay is founded, staffed and supported by Christians who seek to create here a Christian atmosphere for education. Included in this category are our expectations of honesty, sexual morality, respect for authority and abstention from profanity and obscenity. We believe that anyone who desires a Christian education should be willing to submit to these imperatives.
A second group of rules originate in a particular time and cultural context. They reflect the practical applications of Biblical principles made by our founders and staff. They are not moral absolutes for all people in all times and places, but represent our firm convictions for our students and ourselves in this time and place. Thus, for example, we prohibit smoking, drinking and the use of illegal drugs, and we have a uniform code that we believe reflects contemporary standards of modesty and good taste. The Faith Academy of Findlay discourages dancing of the type that is sexually suggestive and/or stimulating, or that is done in nightclubs, bars or any environment that is contrary to the Christian witness. [This would not preclude dancing which is approved by church leadership, e.g., dancing some would refer to as "dancing as to the Lord" (Psalm 149:3 & 150:4); and dancing that is done for exercise, e.g., aerobics (I Corinthians 10:31-33, Ephesians 4:17-23, Ephesians 5:15-18, I Thessalonians 5:22)]. It is important to realize that actions done outside of school may result in disciplinary action during school (smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, theft). We expect conformity to these rules, not because it is the only Christian way, but out of respect for our convictions, those of the FAF community, our particular religious heritage and the scruples of our constituency. These regulations do come slowly and with much thought.
Thirdly, the greatest number of instructions of conduct exist primarily for the creation of an orderly system in which large numbers of people can live together conveniently. In this category are rules about chapel attendance, cafeteria procedures, hall procedures, etc. Because these standards must be uniform and must benefit the greatest number, an individual may sometimes find they inconvenience him personally. Rules in this group are more often changed, being revised to meet changing situations.
We expect that students will conform, thus demonstrating the respect for authority that is a basic Biblical standard. Violation of any rule is considered serious primarily because it demonstrates a basic unwillingness to submit to the standards of the school. Behavioral guidelines are given in the Student Handbooks, based on I Peter 3:3-4, I Timothy 2:9 and I Corinthians 10:31.
