Student Handbook
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Monterey Bay Academy! We are so glad that you have landed on this page, either because you’re exploring academic options for your teenager or you’ve chosen MBA as your “home on the shore.” We want you to know that our highest priority is helping students enjoy a positive experience in high school within an academic environment that is safe, supportive, and distinctly Christian.
This year, our school-wide theme “Pour…” comes from Isaiah 44:2-5. In the crucial part of this text, God assures us with these words: “I will pour out water on the thirsty land. I will make streams flow on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit on your children. I will pour out my blessing on their children after them.” These are words of promise, hope, and comfort to those who accept them as they are intended — a gift from God. During each quarter of the school year, we will highlight one aspect of our relationship with God and what He wants to pour into us—love, mercy, forgiveness, and friendship. These are the beautiful qualities of God’s character we can experience as we open ourselves to His Spirit.
We firmly believe that God’s plan for each of our students is that, as they are filled with His Spirit, they will be able to pour into their relationships, school work, spiritual journeys—virtually every aspect of their lives.
For His Kids,
Dan Nicola
Principal
Dean’s Message
Welcome to Monterey Bay Academy! We are thrilled that you have chosen to spend this school year with us. Your academy years will provide a major step in your growth toward becoming a mature and successful adult. It is our goal and prayer that you will find an environment that will help you grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. As your Deans, we ask Christ every day to walk these halls and to guide each of us in the choices and decisions we make. Our prayer for you is that you will walk with Him and enjoy a personal relationship with Him.
Living in a dormitory is a unique and enriching experience, yet one full of challenges and opportunities. In a sense we are a family—a large family! Thus, for the happiness of everyone involved, it is essential that we learn to cooperate with others along with showing consideration and respect for other’s needs, rights and personal property.
The guidelines that you find in this handbook are based on the principles that Christ taught in the book of Matthew. The first is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. Put Him first in everything you do. Second, love your neighbor… Treat others the way you would like to be treated (Matthew 22:37-39).
While your academy experience will contain many happy and enjoyable experiences, there will likely be some times of frustration and discouragement. Your Deans and dorm staff are here to serve you both in personal matters and in running a successful dormitory program. Please feel comfortable approaching us at any time. May God lead each of you to success as you further your education at Monterey Bay Academy.
In partnership with Jesus,
Aubrey Wallin
Dean of Girls
Renee Rasco
Associate Dean of Girls
Johnsy Posthumus
Dean of Boys
Greg Gryte
Associate Dean of Boys
Accreditation
Monterey Bay Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).
Owned and operated by:
The Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Central California Conference Department of Education
Ken Bullington, Vice President for Education
(559) 347-3000
PO Box 770
Clovis, CA 93613-0770
History
During World War II the property that is now MBA was Camp McQuaide, a US Military base. When the war ended, Camp McQuaide was decommissioned and considered surplus property.
Through a series of miraculous events and the vision of men like pastor Leal Grunke, the Seventh-day Adventist Church was able to purchase the 379 acres of beautiful beachfront property in 1948. Thus, began the difficult work of converting “Camp McQuaide” into Monterey Bay Academy.
There was much work to be done and many buildings to be constructed. The first school year was the 1949-50 year. The school name, Monterey Bay Academy, was chosen by pastor Grunke. His wife, Ruth, is credited with creating the school motto “Where land and sea unite to inspire.”
Since 1949, Monterey Bay Academy has served as a place of learning and spiritual growth for more than 8,000 students and has seen 95% of those students go on to college and a variety of successful careers. MBA is part of the world’s largest protestant school system (there are more than 5,000 Seventh-day Adventist schools around the globe).
The MBA campus includes about 3⁄4 mile of private beach. Plus, the school offers beautifully kept expansive lawns, flowers, Monterey Pine, and coastal Cypress trees. Everywhere you look, there are fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
It is our hope and prayer that Jesus will be lifted up every day at this special place. It is our desire for students to get an excellent education here as they develop their God-given talents and prepare for a life of service that will last throughout eternity.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Monterey Bay Academy, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all of its church schools, admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or sex in administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs.
SchoolWIDE Learner OUTCOMES (SLO’s)
Students at Monterey Bay Academy shall strive to be:
Growing Christians who:
Choose Christ as their personal Savior
Baptism
Personal testimonies
Continue a faith-based relationship with God:
Voluntary participation in small group Bible study
Community outreach
Use Biblical principles as the basis for living a Christian lifestyle.
Responsible decision-making
Use of pure and wholesome language
Inquiring scholars who:
Demonstrate a minimum competency in the core subject areas.
Grades-minimum of passing all classes to graduate
ITED test results minimum of ninth-grade competency
ACT and SAT
Exhibit critical thinking and study skills necessary to succeed in school.
Portfolios
Group learning projects
Meet college/university entrance requirements
Advanced Placement Classes
ACT and SAT
Advanced Diploma
Graduate
Use technology as a productive tool to enhance learning.
Projects
Powerpoint
Class projects
Videos
Internet research projects
Healthy Individuals who:
Live a healthy and balanced lifestyle
Few sick days
Mandatory health class attendance
Limited time out of dorm during evening
Exhibit self-discipline
Attendance in class
Citizenship grades
Develop a program of life long fitness
Mandatory three years of physical education.
Participation in intramural and extracurricular sports
Contributing citizens who:
Contribute in meaningful and productive ways to the community.
Completing the required hours of community service each year
Volunteering
Conduct themselves according to the principles of honesty and decency:
Dress modestly
Speaking appropriately
Treating others with respect and kindness
Doing their own work in and out of class
Respecting the property and personal rights of others
Exhibit self-discipline:
Attendance in class and required services
Completing assignments on time
Being in the appropriate place at the proper time
Using resources wisely
Time management skills
Organization
administrative TEAM
Administrative Team is composed of the Principal and vice-principals. The purpose of this committee is to deal with various policy decisions, calendar items, and review student and faculty requests. They meet weekly, usually on Monday’s in the Principal’s office.
administrative committee
Ad Committee is composed of departmental directors. The purpose of this committee is to deal with departmental needs and campus-wide scheduling. They meet weekly, usually on Monday’s in the Principal’s office.
discipline committee
This committee is composed of the Principal (or his designee), one boys’ dean, one girls’ dean, and one staff member. When students are invited into the Discipline Committee. The committee’s function is to decide disciplinary actions when necessary. The committee will strive to be fair and consistent. However, fairness always demands that the individual circumstances surrounding the actions of students be considered along with many other factors. Therefore, fairness may, at times, appear inconsistent. Students, parents, or faculty should not expect the committee to always mete out the same discipline in every case involving like behavior.
At no time will attorneys, their representatives, or a court reporter be allowed to be present during disciplinary proceedings or an appeal. Nor may a recording be made of the proceedings without permission. As a private school, Monterey Bay Academy has the right to make disciplinary decisions it deems appropriate without the involvement of these individuals.
General Information and Policies
Policies and guidelines apply to all students, both residential and village students, and on all school outings, tours, or trips.
Note: When day students are on campus, they must follow all rules that apply to dorm students.
announced rules
Announced and stated rules during the school year are as binding as written rules. The regulations in this handbook are not exhaustive and are subject to modification at any time during the school year. MBA will strive to communicate any new rule or modification in writing 30 days before it goes into effect.
attendance at activities by non-students
When the school has planned particular events for the students (ASB banquet, weekday activities, Saturday night functions, etc.), these activities are open only to current students of Monterey Bay Academy. Programs such as vespers, church, and music programs are open to guests. If you have any questions concerning this, please speak with an administrator.
Day students are dues-paying members of ASB and Boys’ and Girls’ Club. They should feel free to attend meetings of these organizations, are encouraged to run for office, and participate in all activities of these groups, including banquets.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Your attendance at Monterey Bay Academy is a very important aspect of your permanent school record. Every effort will be made to assure that your record is accurate. Future employers may contact MBA to check your attendance record before giving you a job.
You are responsible for being on time and attending all of your classes. Teachers enter your attendance daily, and the attendance office will contact you if you are marked absent from any classes to determine if there are any errors. If a teacher has not arrived to class, there is no rule allowing you to leave class, unless an administrator dismisses you.
You can check your attendance record at any time by going on to power school and viewing the last two weeks of your attendance. If you feel an error has been made, you can contact either the teacher of the class in question or the attendance office.
Several attendance categories are coded as follows:
Unexcused absence
E — Excused absence — Illness, medical appointments, death in the family are the only absences that are excused.
S — School excused absences — Field trips, music tours, sports tournaments.
P — Parent pre-arranged absences — These are unexcused absences that do not affect your attendance grade, except you, cannot have a “perfect” attendance grade.
NP — Absences that are not pre-arranged — The first day missed will be assessed two attendance points. Each additional day will be assessed one attendance point.
K — suspension from school — Each day of suspension is assigned two attendance points.
T10 — A tardy when you are late by more than 10 minutes.
T — A tardy.
TS — School excused tardy.
TE — Other excused tardy.
Dorm student absences due to illness may only be excused by the dormitory deans or the school nurse.
Day students’ absences due to illness may be excused by the parent/guardian or the school nurse.
Please notify the attendance office by 8:30 a.m.
(831) 728-1481 x1216
Oversleeping, the alarm-not-going-off are not acceptable excuses for being absent or tardy. Limited excuses will be granted for traffic or car-pool scheduling problems. If these become chronic, you will need to make other arrangements for getting to school on time.
Attendance points are assigned as follows:
A — 3 points.
T10 — 2 points.
T — 1 point.
K — 2 points for each day.
P — 1 point for each parent pre-arranged absence each quarter.
You may be tempted to leave early or return late from home leaves and vacations. We understand your desire to do so, but you must realize that these are unexcused absences. And, although they affect your attendance grade in a limited way, they can impact your academic standing in the classes you miss.
Grades for attendance are assigned on the following point scale:
0 — A+
1 & 2 — A
3 & 4 — A-
5 & 6 — B+
7 & 8 — B
9 & 10 — B-
11 & 12 — C+
13 & 14 — C
15 & 16 — C-
17 & 18 — D+
19 & 20 — D
21 & 22 — D-
23 and up — F
If you reach 17 points during the quarter, you will be put on attendance probation for four weeks which means:
You will NOT be eligible to participate in any school groups (music, drama, and sports) that require you to miss classes.
You will also have no off-campus privileges, which means you cannot go on town trips.
If you are a senior, you will lose your senior privilege.
You can gain these privileges back by having outstanding attendance for four weeks.
You will also lose your club, class, or SA office. These cannot be gained back by having outstanding attendance for the four weeks.
There is also a $25 administrative fee that will be charged for each quarter you reach 17 points.
If you reach 23 points, you will be asked to appear before the Discipline Committee to discuss your attendance issues.
There is also an additional $50 administrative fee that will be charged for each quarter you reach 23 points.
If you achieve outstanding attendance, which means you have no unexcused absences or tardies for the entire school year you will receive a monetary reward.
Some other things to note:
A student may be dropped from a class after 15% of the instructional time has been missed (or upon receiving the seventh absence). Daily sickness counts toward this total.
Exceptions to this policy include administratively (school) excused absences. These include, but are not limited to field trips, tours, mission trips, and class trips.
In the case of a student reaching seven absences in a class, they may appeal being dropped from that class if they had extended illness during the quarter. Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee (ASACC) will hear and decide all appeals.
If a parent wishes to take a student on a family vacation, this request must be made through and granted by Ad Committee. It is requested that these requests be submitted at least two weeks before the vacation or outing. Leaving early or coming back late from a home leave falls into this same category. The parent will be asked not to jeopardize the student’s enrollment in a class.
Automobile Responsibilities
As a general rule, students are not allowed to bring any motor vehicle to MBA. Seniors, day students, and students with transportation needs for home leaves may bring motor vehicles if they complete the paperwork provided by the Dean and receive permission from the Administration. Administration reserves the right to search student vehicles with probable cause or suspicion. In addition, dorm students must uphold the following guidelines. Students must:
Provide the Dean with written permission from their parent or legal guardian before taking any passengers. Written permission must also be given by their passengers’ parents or legal guardians.
Immediately return to the designated parking area, and return all sets of keys to the Dean on duty. Failure to do so may lead to the forfeit of having a vehicle on campus.
Not drive their vehicle around campus.
Not allow any other student to drive their vehicle.
Not keep their vehicle at the homes of friends or staff members within the MBA community.
Not be in any vehicle, whether parked or moving, without staff permission.
Not use their vehicle as a storage facility or locker.
Adhere to all California DMV laws and regulations.
At no time is a day student to take a dorm student from the campus unless a senior day student (with senior privilege) has received approval from the deans and the parents of all occupants of the car.
Day students may not transport students around campus.
From 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. the vehicle is to be parked in the lower Grunke Hall parking lot and is not to be moved until the student leaves campus.
During recreation, weekend, or evening services vehicle should be parked in front of the respective dormitory.
Mixed company is not allowed in vehicles unless authorized via senior privilege guidelines.
Misuse of a car or a violation of proper driving regulations may result in the student checking keys in with the Dean or forfeit a day student’s right to use a car.
When driving on the campus, all campus driving regulations must be observed. The campus speed limit of 25 mph must be obeyed. Quick starts that spin tires and reckless driving are not allowed. A student who violates any school rule or California law regarding the operation of their vehicle may have their privilege to drive their car on campus revoked. Students must have a valid driver’s license.
bANQUEts
Formal (no casual dress or jeans unless otherwise indicated) or themed attire is to be worn to banquets. Day student meals are included. Non-MBA students are not allowed to attend school banquets.
beach access
Before going to the beach, checking out from the Dean on Duty must be acquired. Wading up to the knees is permitted, but swimming or body surfing in the ocean is strictly forbidden. Those wishing to surf or boogie board should consult the “Surfing/Boogie Boarding” section listed in this handbook. Students should not go beyond the maintenance road unless going to work, or permission has been given. Mondays and Wednesdays are boys’ beach days, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are girls’ beach days. Fridays alternate between boys’ and girls’ beach. Sabbath afternoons are generally reserved for coed beach time with supervision. Sunday mornings and afternoons, alternate between boys’ and girls’ beach times. Beach schedules are posted on the dorm bulletin board each weekend. Unless permission has been given to jog or bike on the bluff, students should not go beyond the gymnasium area unless it is their beach day. The beach area is closed after supper or 30 minutes before sundown, whichever occurs first. No open ocean swimming is allowed.
bicycling off-campus
A written permission slip for biking off-campus, signed by a parent or guardian, must be on file in the Dean’s office.
There must be three people in a group unless permission from a parent or guardian is received and on file in the Dean’s office.
The bicyclists must have a written pass from the deans.
There is a two-hour time limit.
Helmets must be worn while bicycling.
General town and shopping activities are not permitted during Sabbath hours.
Students should declare their destinations and route to the dormitory deans when signing out.
Bikes must be stored in dormitories as outlined by the deans, or in storage units provided.
Under no condition may they be stored, repaired, or ridden in the dorm.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may lead to forfeiture of this privilege.
bicycling/rollerblade/roller skate/skateboarding policy
Bicycling/rollerblading/roller skating/skateboarding is allowed on campus as long as the following guidelines are followed:
Each person must wear all necessary protective gear such as a fastened helmet, knee and elbow pads, gloves (recommended), etc. when rollerblading, bicycling, skating, or skateboarding. Shirts must be worn at all times.
Students in possession of a skateboard, etc., must also have a helmet ready to use.
Rollerblading, skating, and skateboarding is only allowed in the MBA Church parking lot. It is not permitted on campus roads or sidewalks. Luge type skating is not permitted.
Jumping on or off steps is not permitted, nor is any other activity that may be hazardous to anyone’s safety or potentially destructive to property.
The rollerblader/skater must keep his/her speed and skating movements under control at all times so as not to jeopardize his/her safety and/or the safety of others.
No rollerblading or skating is allowed after dark unless the ball field lights are turned on.
Rails must be no higher than 12” off the ground and must not be elevated in any way. The use of any ramp is prohibited.
There is to be no blading/skating/skateboarding on the graduation stage, campus circle, gym steps, store steps, sidewalks, or any buildings.
Students who violate these guidelines may have their equip.m.ent confiscated and face a loss of privileges for a given time.
Body art – Piercing/Tattoos/BRANDING/DRAWING ON A PERSON
These practices are not encouraged nor in harmony with MBA principles and may be quite harmful to your health if not done professionally within a sanitary environment. Therefore, no one is to perform these practices on themselves or another person while at MBA. Those caught performing or receiving these acts on campus may face suspension and/or expulsion. Pre-existing tattoos are to be concealed at all times. Temporary use of hair dye or henna for tattooing purposes is prohibited. We ask that students not draw on themselves or others with pens, markers, henna, etc.
BOYS’ CLUB (Men of McQuaide)
The purpose of this club is to create a bond of friendship between young men of MBA. All male students are members. Members of this organization help plan events during the year.
BOYS’ DRESS CODE
General Rule: MBA emphasizes Biblical standards of modesty (1 Timothy 2:9, Romans 12:1-2). Attire should be conservative, modest, neat, clean, appropriate, and should not be distracting. All residents are to follow the dress code guidelines, as outlined in the school bulletin or handbook. When in the dorm, residents should remain dressed modestly when visiting the public areas (lobby, game room, TV room, monitor’s booth, Deans’ office, etc.). If you are prepared for bed when called to the lobby or office, please get dressed or put on your bathrobe before leaving your room.
Failure to comply with the following dress code rules will result in students being sent to the school office for compliance conversation, possibly affecting his classroom grades.
Cafeteria attire: Church attire is to be worn to Sabbath lunch. Due to health code restrictions, no bare feet are permitted in the cafeteria. No tank tops during the school day. No immodest shorts may be worn in the cafeteria. Tight, form-fitting, frayed or torn clothes and sleepwear may not be worn in the cafe. Hats and hoods are not to be worn in the cafeteria once you have found your seat.
Church attire: For vespers, boys may wear khaki pants and a polo shirt or better. For church, boys are to wear nice dress pants and belt, along with the following combination of a dress shirt and tie; dress shirt and suit coat; or a dress shirt and sweater. Dress shirts with tails are to be tucked into the dress pant and not to be hanging out. Dress shoes are to be worn. No athletic/tennis shoes or sandals are allowed to be worn for vespers or church held in the sanctuary. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, sweats, hoods, and hats are NOT appropriate attire for church. Suit coats, plain jackets, or MBA issued jackets may be worn. Occasionally, the Sabbath dress code may be modified due to location change or pre-planned activity.
School day attire: The following types of clothing are to be worn in the classrooms and the library: Slacks, jeans, corduroys, and modest shorts (all with no holes, slashes or cuts) along with sport shirts, pullover shirts, and sweaters. Shoes MUST be worn at all times (OSHA). The following categories of clothing may NOT be worn in the classrooms or library: Work attire; military attire; frayed/torn/holey clothing; pants or shorts with designer slash marks; athletic wear including undershirts, tank tops, jogging attire, soccer pants, headgear, sweats, track pants, PE/Gym shorts, board shorts, or immodest shorts; hats of all types. Hats and hoods are not permitted in classrooms, the library or Grunke Hall during the school day.
Formal attire/Banquet attire: Dress shirt and tie, or French collared shirt; socks, and dress shoes are recommended. Suit jacket and sweaters are optional.
haircut guidelines
Hair is to be well-groomed, clean and styled in a professional manner such that it will not attract undue attention. The following guidelines should prove helpful:
Ponytails of any kind are not to be worn during the school day or at other designated times unless approval has been given by the Administration. Man buns are not to be worn during the school day.
Since shaving the sides of one’s head is acceptable in some incidences and unacceptable in others, a student should not shave the sides of his head without dean consultation. If a student shaves the sides of his head unacceptably, he will be asked to trim the rest of his hair to present an even appearance. (Heads shaved on the sides and long hair on top is unacceptable).
Hair color is to be natural in appearance.
Hair should not hang over the student’s face.
If a student’s hair attracts undue attention, then the staff member will ask the student to speak with the Administration about the concern. If the student chooses not to follow the administrations’ recommendation, there may be other consequences.
Hair guidelines for MBA activities may be more specific as deemed appropriate by the individual department or activity.
jewelry
Nail polish, makeup, jewelry (rings, necklaces, studs, etc.) of any kind or visible tattoos are not allowed.
public meetings
Students are not allowed to wear head coverings such as hats, caps, and hoods during the school day or religious services.
swim attire
A modest swimsuit (board-short length) must be worn for swimming.
unacceptable attire
Any extreme clothing is not to be worn on campus. Baggy and/or gang-style clothing, frayed and/or torn clothing and clothing that endorse substances, devalues life or philosophies which oppose Monterey Bay Academy standards should not be brought to MBA and are subject to confiscation. T-shirts and other attire, which is not compatible with Christian norms and values are not acceptable at MBA. Advertisement of rock groups and video games, immodest dress or language, violence, promotion of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are examples of unacceptable attire.
work attire
Boys working in occupations where they meet the public should be dressed in classroom attire. Work clothing should conform to the safety requirements of the job. Closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times (OSHA).
Dress code is subject to change during the school year.
bullying
Monterey Bay Academy believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. MBA will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student.
“Bullying” refers to verbal, physical, or mental acts committed by a student to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another student. Bullying may include verbal threats, physical assault, intimidation, or other forms of inappropriate behavior, such as teasing or “cyber-bullying” (use of social media or other electronic communication to spread rumors or post degrading, harmful or explicit pictures/messages).
If a student feels they are being bullied, they should ask the bully to stop the behavior. If it continues, they should report it immediately to an MBA staff member or administrator. An investigation will take place, and proper disciplinary steps up to and including expulsion will be taken.
MBA will make reasonable efforts to keep a report of bullying and the results of the investigation confidential. MBA Staff members are required to intervene immediately when they see a bullying incident occur. People witnessing or experiencing bullying are encouraged to report the incident; such reporting will not reflect on the victim or witnesses in any way. Retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process will not be tolerated.
cAFETERIA MEALS
All meals served at MBA are vegetarian based.
Monday thru Sabbath three meals a day are provided, with two meals provided on Sundays.
Monday thru Friday lunch meal is provided for all students and staff.
Guests may purchase meal tickets through the MBA website for $7 per meal. Please bring the printout of your receipt to the cafeteria for the meals purchased.
During Family Weekend and Graduation Weekend, lunch is provided for immediate family members of current students.
campus
Unsupervised areas of campus are off-limits unless permission has been secured from a Dean, Administrator or a Supervisor on duty.
Campus Leaves
Dorm students are not permitted to leave campus or to visit campus homes unless satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Dean. In either situation, the Dean on duty will issue you a pass when permission has been granted.
Students are not permitted to leave campus with anyone under 25 years of age unless it is a member of their immediate family who has been approved by the parents and Administration. The only exceptions to this rule are in the cases of Senior Privilege and trips home. In the latter case, written permission from both the rider and driver’s parents must be received by Administration before the students’ departure.
Students are expected to return to campus by the time designated by the Dean on duty. If a return time is not selected, then the student is expected to return in time for evening worship services and/or study hall. In the event of the unexpected, and the student will not be returning on time, the Dean on duty must be notified. Failure to meet these expectations may result in a campus bound restriction and possible disciplinary action from the Deans’ Council.
All overnight, weekend, and home leaves require a Campus Leave Request (CLR) form to be filled out by the student and approved by the Dean prior to leaving campus. CLR forms are available from a Dean, RA, or deck monitor. CLR forms should be submitted to the Dean at least one day prior to departure. A destination other than your home requires written and oral permission from both the inviter’s and invitee’s parents.
He/she must sign out when leaving and sign in when returning, and check-in personally with the Dean on Duty. All overnight leaves require direct parental and Dean’s permission, and a leave card must be filled out.
No walking or jogging off-campus is permitted.
Guidelines for town trips and small group school activities with faculty/staff are:
Check out with the deans.
While faculty/staff does not have to remain with students, they are responsible for returning them to campus.
Town trips require a minimum of two students.
The weekend leaves end on Sundays at 7 p.m. Students should not plan to return later unless arrangements are made.
If a campus leave causes a student to miss classes, the request must be presented to the Academic Affairs Office and approved before the absence takes place.
If a student wishes to visit a staff home, he/she must obtain permission from the Dean, and the Dean will communicate with the faculty member.
School and dress standards are to be maintained on all off-campus school activities. Fundamental school standards are listed in the school bulletin.
MBA’s Discipline Committee considers leaving campus or being out of the dorm after evening worship time without permission as a serious offense, warranting severe discipline, and possible expulsion.
cheating
Cheating is taking dishonest advantage of teachers and/or other students. Cheating includes, but is not limited to the following behaviors: glancing during a test or quiz, non-sanctioned “team” work on an assignment, habitual absenteeism on test/assignment days, failure to cite sources adequately on assignments, copying a research paper or assignment, changing answers, possession or use of cheat notes, stealing a paper, test, or key, carrying a test out of a room, copying someone else’s paper or test, excessive “outside assistance” on an assignment, and plagiarism. The general policy for a student who cheats will be to receive a grade of 0 (zero) on the work, a conduct slip, and a prompt phone call or written message to the parent or guardian by the teacher. A student who continually cheats may lose credit for a class, and may also be suspended or expelled from school. A student who willingly allows a test or paper to be copied is just as guilty of cheating as the person who does the copying.
citizenship policy
Citizenship grades will be affected each quarter as follows:
All students start each quarter with an A grade in citizenship
Each conduct slip—lose 1/3 of a letter grade
Social conduct—lose 1/3 of a letter grade
Suspension—lose one letter grade for each day of disciplinary suspension
Other significant violations—lose one letter grade
Room cleanliness, program attendance, and dorm program impact Dorm Life citizenship grades.
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. The citizenship grade will be affected for each act of misconduct regardless of whether several happen at one time or during multiple incidents.
Any student who receives an F in citizenship will be expelled from school.
closed campus
All Central California Conference academies maintain a closed campus. This means that Monterey Bay Academy students do not leave school for any reason without specific permission from an administrative office or designee.
computer use
Computer technology is vital in helping students meet academic requirements as well as providing an efficient means for communications with friends and family. However, computer technology can also be used for purposes that are incompatible with the philosophy and standards of Monterey Bay Academy.
Students are allowed to have personal computers as long as the following guidelines are met. Misuse of your computer privilege may result in a fine and will result in immediate removal of the computer from the student for a minimum of two weeks on the first offense, four weeks on the second offense, and possibly permanent loss of the computer thereafter. The student may also be subject to further discipline from the Discipline Committee. Misuse includes:
Interference with classes, study hall, work responsibilities, or after lights out.
All software, games, etc. that are not in harmony with the school’s entertainment philosophy (i.e., No parental advisory music. No pictures, games, graphics, or material of any kind with violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, blood, gore, and drug use.)
Use of wireless or wired networks.
Use of wireless Internet/broadband access services outside what MBA provides.
Watching movies during strict study hall time from Sunday – Thursday.
Use of laptops/computers after lights out for movies or games.
concessions
The Administration must permit any organizations and/or students to sell items for fundraising purposes. This includes selling of all snacks, refreshments, or any other approved items for profit.
Contraband Items
Possession of any of these items may result in permanent confiscation, a fine, as well as another appropriate discipline. Fines will be levied regardless of whether or not the item in your possession belongs to you. These items should not be in your room, in your possession, or under your supervision while at MBA.
Tobacco, non-prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol or vaping paraphernalia.
Flammable Items (matches, lighters, firecrackers, candles, incense, etc.).
Suggestive and/or pornographic pictures, posters, magazines or toys.
Any item that is related to the occult.
Weapons of any type (guns, knives, etc.).
VCR, DVD players, TV, etc.
Media not in harmony with the school’s entertainment philosophy.
Electrical appliances (as listed in section “E”).
Wireless/broadband remote access device.
All gaming consoles /handheld games (i.e., Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP, etc.).
Projectiles (paintball guns, Airsoft guns, Slingshots, pellet or any look-alike or imitation guns, etc.) .
Knives, martial arts type weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks or any bomb-making materials or literature.
decorum
Proper etiquette is one of the principles we strive to teach at MBA and includes:
Arriving at meetings on time.
Being quiet and attentive from the time one enters the meeting place until the meeting ends.
Refraining from whispering, giggling, reading, note writing, sleeping, and exiting and re-entering the meeting. One should exit in extreme situations only. The exit and re-entry should be between numbers and not during a performance.
The dress should be appropriate for the activity and location.
Reverence should be maintained in religious services.
Songbooks should be returned quietly to the rack in church services.
Remember that there are no excuses, other than illness, from religious services.
DFI List
If you have earned two D’s, or one F, and/or an Incomplete in any subject, you will find yourself on the DFI list. As a result, the following privileges will be lost for some time:
Off-campus privileges (including senior privilege), unless accompanied by the Dean, your dorm designated town trip or your parent/guardian.
Cell phones and personal devices will be yielded to the dormitory dean on Sunday evening at study hall time and returned on Friday after school.
Study Hall guidelines as designated by dormitory dean.
discipline
MBA places a high priority on students assuming responsibility for their behavior. To teach and train, discipline will be administered when necessary. You are responsible for the choices you make, and part of the staff’s commitment is to hold the student accountable. Consequences for misbehavior depend on the seriousness of the offense, the conditions under which it occurred, and the record of past behavior. If an irresponsible choice is made, you may face one or more of the following consequences
Conduct Slip (each lowers the citizenship grade by 1/3 of a letter)
Invitation to Discipline Committee Students may be invited to the Discipline Committee or a parent conference.
Fine/Restitution Students may face a fine/restitution for specific actions or for the possession of contraband.
Home Chores This is something that may be assigned to the student for a minor discipline issue, or in addition to other actions taken. Home chores may be performed in the dormitory, cafeteria, grounds, or other campus areas as assigned by the Dean or Administration.
Loss of Privileges Students with citizenship grades lower than a C will be subject to loss of privileges, eligibility for extra-curricular activities, and student offices.
Campus Bound When you are placed on a campus bound restriction; you are not to leave campus without the Dean or Administrator giving special permission. Students who abuse the privilege of leaving campus will be campus bound, and will not be allowed to leave campus for a specific period.
Dorm Bound When you are placed on a dorm bound restriction, you are to leave the dorm for classes and work only. During recreation time, meal times, and all other free time, the student is to be in the dorm and must get permission from the Dean to leave the dorm for any reason. Meals will be brought to you.
Room Bound If you are placed on room bound restriction; you are allowed to attend work and classes only. During recreation time, mealtime and all other free time, you are to be in your room. You are not allowed to have visitors, use the phone, do laundry, or go to the exercise room. Your meals will be brought to you. The only time you may leave your room is with the Dean’s permission.
On Campus Suspension This is similar to being room bound with the exception that you do not have the freedom to go to class or work. You are entirely room bound.
Suspension The student is asked to leave campus with their parent/guardian for a designated period. Other stipulations may apply as outlined by Deans’ Council. Each day of suspension lowers the citizenship grade a letter.
Expulsion/Withdrawal Under major disciplinary circumstances (i.e., hazing, drug or alcohol use, theft, having a person of the opposite sex in your room, etc.) a student will be asked to withdraw or may be expelled for the remainder of the school year. Students may appeal their expulsion as outlined in the grievance policy of this student handbook.
Monterey Bay Academy is not equipped, nor are its teachers and deans generally trained, to deal with serious emotional or behavior problems. The Administration reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time or to deny admission or re-admission to a student when it feels it is in the best interest of the student, or when the behavior is disruptive of other students’ learning, dormitory living, or the MBA program.
Physical injury to another person can also result in immediate discipline from the school. Illegal or inappropriate activities that occur outside of the MBA program that leads to the embarrassment of MBA may be grounds for dismissal.
conduct that will necessitate a police report and disciplinary action
Use or possession of weapons, including firearms, explosives, knives, daggers or martial arts-type weapons.
Use or possession of firearms or explosives will result in immediate expulsion from school, and a report will be made to law enforcement authorities.
Sexual abuse.
Breaking and entering or grand theft.
Battery or assault.
Possession, possession for sale, or sale of controlled substances.
Hazing.
Each teacher has the discretion to establish classroom rules, to reinforce appropriate behavior and impose consequences for misconduct within the classroom setting. The dormitory deans will do the same for the dormitories. These announced guidelines are in addition to and as important as those outlined in this handbook.
dishonesty
Anyone abusing honesty by any form of lying, cheating, stealing, copying, mass-producing documents, etc. will receive a conduct slip, and may be suspended or expelled from school. This also includes the use of school phones, copy machines, and other related equipment.
dorm visitation
MBA has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to being inside the dormitory of the opposite sex. Girls are not to be in the boys’ dorm, and boys are not to be in the girls’ dorm. If a student has important business that necessitates his/her presence in the opposite dorm, the student must obtain a pass from his or her Dean. Any student who visits the opposite dorm or who allows a student of the opposite sex in his/her room or visits them inside another part of the dormitory will be asked to leave MBA for at least a semester. Likewise, students who help facilitate other students in this way may also be asked to withdraw or be expelled. Students may visit with the opposite gender on the benches in front of the dorms, but are not to be inside the building during the school day. Outside of the school day or on weekends you may request to be in the lobby/parlor only with the express permission of the Dean on duty.
dropping a class
To drop a class, a student must:
See the Vice-Principal for Academic Affairs for approval.
Parental permission must be received by the VP for Academic Affairs.
Get an add/drop voucher from Vice-Principal for Academic Affairs.
Get the teacher to sign an add/drop voucher.
Return the add‑drop voucher to the Vice Principal for Academic Affairs.
Continue attending classes until the above process is completed.
electronic devices
It is our desire to provide the most conducive learning environment possible on our campus. One of our objectives is also to help educate students in practicing proper etiquette and common courtesy when it comes to the use of electronic devices. Therefore; the use of electronic devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, iPods, and personal listening devices will be restricted in the school environment. Use of cell phones in classrooms is at a teacher’s discretion.
Other restrictions to electronics will be subject to time and place. Use in the work-place will be at the discretion of the immediate work supervisor. Cell phones are permitted in the cafeteria. We do ask you to be sensitive to those around you. In regards to earbuds, only one earbud is allowed at any given time (including walking about the campus). Use of earbuds during classes is at the discretion of the teacher. Please remember the time and place always — no ear covering headphones outside of your “home” environment.
A student in violation of this policy will have the item confiscated, labeled and turned in to the Principal’s office. Repeated violations will result in a student receiving a conduct slip and/or a fine—impacting their citizenship grade.
External speakers are not to be used except with the permission of the supervisor. Students are allowed to have radios, small stereos, computers, etc. in the dorm. They must be played in a manner that is not disturbing to others. Students found listening to their music at an excessive volume or listening to inappropriate music, risk having their audio device removed. Misuse or appropriateness is at the Dean’s discretion. Continuous violations will result in more consequences.
eligibility
Eligibility for ASB/Class office, varsity sports, music groups, extra trips, and other touring groups is based on grades, citizenship, attendance, and being current with finances. To run for office, the previous semester’s attendance and citizenship grade will be used. For athletics, the GPA will be taken from the last grading period or midterm report. Students must meet and maintain the following standards:
SA Officer — 3.0 GPA
Class officer — 2.5 GPA
Varsity and other co-curricular activities — 2.0 GPA
Grades of F or I are not allowed and no more than one D grade at quarter or semester time. All students must maintain at least a C- in attendance. For student offices—no citizenship grade below a B-, and for athletics, no lower than a C in citizenship. To regain eligibility for extra-curricular activities (not student offices), in citizenship, students must have four weeks of good citizenship (no conduct slips). In attendance, students must have no unexcused absences (or its equivalent) for four weeks. For athletics – weekly academic eligibility checks will take place on Mondays to assure compliance.
Faxes/Permission Slips
There is a “Fax Form” available from the Deans’ Office that you can use. When not using that form all faxes/permission slips must include the following info:
Dates of the event
Name of student gaining permission
Name of the responsible adult of the home being visited
Driver’s name(s)
Names of all students involved in the overnight stay
Purpose/necessary details to explain why the fax is being sent (please be specific.)
Contact phone number(s) where your parent/legal guardian can be reached.
Parental/legal guardian’s signature
Fighting
At no time is anyone allowed to threaten or harm you in any way. If you feel threatened in any way, or someone is attempting to harm you, remove yourself from that danger as soon as possible and inform a staff member. Fighting will subject those involved to serious discipline, which could include suspension and/or possible expulsion. Students must learn acceptable non-contact methods to settle conflicts. Faculty members should be asked to act as mediators if needed. Avoid a fight at all costs… Remember, “Love your neighbor.”
fines
At the discretion of the Administration and/or Discipline Committee, and in addition to any other discipline, fines may be levied for the following offenses, and are payable to the person or department against which the infraction occurred. Amounts are listed as maximums. The following list is not meant to be all-inclusive.
$500.00 fines
Use or possession of illegal weapons, firearms, or explosives. Use of or possession of firearms or explosives will result in expulsion from school.
Tampering with the electrical system of the dorm or with the fire alarms.
Vandalism (the willful destruction of property).
$200.00 fines
Entering or exiting any building by unauthorized means (locked doors, school buildings, fire doors, windows, pool, going onto roofs, etc.)
Pulling a fire alarm when there is no fire or joking around.
Illegal possession of keys. A fine of up to $200 may be levied per key. This offense may also result in expulsion from school, depending on the circumstances.
$50.00 fines
Possession of televisions, VCR’s, videotapes, DVD’s, or “parental advisory” labeled music or materials. These are not allowed at MBA and will be immediately confiscated. A fine of $50 for each such tape and/or CD will be imposed.
Misuse of radios, tape, CD or DVD players, or computer programs. Misuse is defined as playing music and or games too loudly, listening to secular music on Sabbath, any music or other programs labeled as “parental advisory,” and the possession of materials promoting Satanic ideas, aspersion against individuals, and degrading of race, sex or religion. Misuse will be defined at the discretion of the deans, faculty members, and adults in charge, Discipline Committee, the Administrative Committee or the Administration of the school. Violation of rules regarding TV, VCR’s, videos, DVD’s, radio, tape players, CD players, speakers or music will result in confiscation and fine.
Removal of window screens. Breaking of screen seals plus payment for replacing and repairing of screens.
Tampering with smoke alarms and/or their batteries.
Usage of fire materials, matches, and candles.
Additional fines
May be assessed by deans or Administration when necessary.
Fire and Safety Codes
For all fire drills (sustained ringing of the bells), every person must immediately evacuate the building they are in. Re-entry is only allowed after the all-clear signal (ending of the bells, followed by 2 short rings). Fire regulations require that the stairways and halls be free from obstructions (i.e., shower baskets, shoes, trash, etc.) at all times. In addition, fire law does not permit the burning of incense or candles. It is illegal to pull a fire alarm for anything other than a fire or an organized fire drill. Such inconsiderate behavior is absolutely intolerable because it jeopardizes lives. Violators will be subject to discipline from the Discipline Committee, which could include a fine, suspension, and/or expulsion.
forms
The following permission forms must be on file in the Dean’s office upon registration:
• Parent Medical Consent to Treat Form
• Special Activities Permission Form
• Parental Permission for Leaving Campus
All MBA students must also sign:
• A statement of agreement with the school rules as outlined in this handbook and the school bulletin (done with signature on the school application).
• An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), outlining computer usage at MBA.
Games
Games associated with the occult or gambling are not allowed. They will be confiscated, and further discipline may follow. Gambling of any kind is not allowed. (See also “Computers”)
Girls’ Club (Ladies of la selva)
The purpose of this club is to promote friendliness, culture, spiritual development, and social enrichment among the young women of Monterey Bay Academy. All female students are members. Officers of this organization help plan fun events for its members during the year, such as dorm outings, and dorm activities.
Girls’ Dress Code
General Rule: While the current secular culture objectifies and sensualizes the female body, we believe each young woman is God’s precious daughter, a unique creation who deserves respectful treatment from her-self and others (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:9). All residents are to follow the dress code guidelines, as outlined in the school bulletin or handbook. When in the dorm, residents should remain dressed modestly when visiting the public areas (lobby, monitor’s booth, Deans’ office, etc.). If you are prepared for bed when called to the lobby or office, please get dressed or put on your bathrobe before leaving your room.
Dressing modestly can be difficult when popular clothing trends seem purposefully engineered to expose as much of the female body as possible. We believe that the young women of MBA can rise to the challenge and creatively express their unique personalities within Biblical guidelines of modesty.
Attire should be modest, neat, clean, non-distracting, and appropriate for time and place. This dress code applies to MBA students while on the MBA campus and any MBA-sponsored trip.
If you have to be careful when you sit down or bend over, the garment is probably not modest.
Modest Defined Abstractly:
Free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.
Free from ostentation or showy extravagance
Showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
Limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.
Modest Defined Concretely:
Skin covered from knees to armpits
Thighs covered
Midriff covered
Cleavage and breasts covered
No slits and holes of any kind that give visual access to what is (or isn’t) underneath, including:
Overly-large armholes or neckline holes
Designer holes/slashes
Torn holes (i.e., pockets ripped out of sweats)
Skirt slits
Bras and all bra parts (including straps) should be covered and unobvious
Clothing should not be too tight or too baggy
Church Attire: Modest dressy top paired with dress slacks/skirt; or a dress. Dress shoes or dress sandals. (Occasionally, the Sabbath dress code will be modified to match a planned special location or activity.) All dresses and skirts should reach the student’s knee. NO halter, strapless, or spaghetti strap style dresses. Suit coats, plain jackets, or MBA issued jackets may be worn.
School Day Attire: Modest tops. All dresses and skirts should reach the student’s knee. Modest slacks, jeans, and Bermuda shorts (all with no holes, slashes or cuts). Individual classes may impose additional requirements. NO tights (leggings, jeggings, athletic pants, yoga pants, etc.) with short tops. Bare feet are not allowed in classrooms, the library or Grunke Hall (OSHA). Hats and hoods are not permitted in classrooms, library or Grunke Hall during the school day.
The following categories of clothing may NOT be worn in the classrooms or library: Work attire; military attire; frayed/torn/holey clothing; pants or shorts with designer slash marks; athletic wear including undershirts, tank tops, jogging attire, soccer pants, headgear, sweats, track pants, PE/Gym shorts, Board, or immodest shorts; hats of all types.
Cafeteria Attire: Weekdays – Modest mid-thigh or longer shorts and sweats may be worn. Sabbath – Church attire (See #1) is to be worn to Sabbath lunch. Bare feet (county health code) and hats are not permitted.
Gymnasium and Recreation Attire: Modest sportswear (sweatpants, sweatshirts, crew-neck t-shirts, shorts, etc.) with appropriate support garments. Athletic shoes only are to be worn at all times in the gym.
Lawn and Beach Attire: Lawn – Modest leisurewear. Any leggings must be covered down to the mid-thigh with a very long shirt or dress or shorts.
Swimwear: Modest one-piece with adequate lining and support.
Work Attire: Girls working in occupations where they meet the public wear classroom attire. OSHA requires that closed-toed shoes be worn during work hours in all work locations. Work clothing should conform to the safety requirements of the job.
Formal Attire: Dresses or formal gowns are in good taste for banquets. They should have modest front and back necklines and be of appropriate length. All banquet attire will be screened by MBA’s Banquet Dress Committee prior to each banquet. No sweetheart strapless, no sweetheart cuts or skin-tight dresses.
Limited Attire – In General
Straps – only outfits with straps that are three finger widths wide may be worn in public areas; outfits with skinnier straps need to be covered with a modest top or worn only in the privacy of your own dorm room
Sleepwear – dorm only (not in lobby)
Tight/Form-fitting – dorm only (not in lobby)
Short shorts – dorm only (not in lobby)
Crop tops – dorm only (not in lobby)
Frayed and/or torn – dorm only
Bare feet – dorm only
Head coverings (hats, caps, bandanas, and hoods) outdoors and dorm only
Unacceptable Attire
Two-piece/bikini bathing suits
Clothes that are ripped, torn, or contain holes
Extreme styles
Off-the-shoulder
Baggy and/or gang-style
Endorses substances, devalues life, promotes philosophies which oppose MBA standards
T-shirts and other attire, which is not compatible with Christian standards and values are not acceptable at MBA. Advertisement of rock groups, violence, lewd dress or language, promotion of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are examples of the unacceptable attire.
Failure to comply with the following dress code rules will result in students being sent to the school office for compliance conversation, possibly affecting her classroom grades. The MBA Clothing Committee reserves the right to modify this dress code during the school year.
HAIR GUIDELINES
Hair is to be well-groomed, clean and styled in such a manner that will not attract undue attention. Girls are not to shave the sides of their heads while keeping their hair otherwise long; nor are they to put dreadlocks of any size or type into their hair or assist others with putting dreadlocks into their hair. Hair color is to be natural. The deans will provide individual guidance regarding hairstyles and make final decisions.
If a student’s hair attracts undue attention, then the staff member will ask the student to speak with the Administration about the concern. If the student chooses not to follow the administrations’ recommendation, there may be other consequences.
Hair guidelines for MBA activities may be more specific as deemed appropriate by the individual department or activity.
MAKEUP
Maintain a natural look when using makeup and nail polish. If in doubt as to what “natural” means, the student should request the assistance of the Dean.
Graduation Weekend
Graduation at MBA is a formal occasion honoring the graduating seniors. Only seniors, juniors, plus freshman and sophomores with immediate family members participating in graduation will be allowed to stay for the weekend. All seniors and juniors are required to be here for graduation weekend and participate. All other students must check out following their final tests. Those remaining for graduation must check out of the dorm by 5 p.m. graduation Sunday. See “Room Checkout” procedures for details.
grievance policy
If an appeal is desired on any disciplinary decision, these are the steps and order in which they should be taken in order to reach a resolution
Talk with the staff member involved.
Speak with the Principal or another administrator.
Request in writing a hearing with the disciplinary committee. (a decision will be reached and communicated in writing with the student and parents within five days).
Request an appeal to the school board of trustees.
Finally, concerns may be directed to the superintendent of Education at the CCC Conference office in Clovis, California.
The student(s) involved in the appeal will be expected to abide by all rules, regulations, and requests of the Academy during the appeal process.
The student or parent should submit a written request for an appeal to the Principal. The request should specify what new evidence or circumstances they wish to have considered. The student may have his parents/guardians, pastor, or a faculty member present when a discussion of this new evidence takes place. However, the student’s parents/guardians or pastor will not be present when the final action regarding the matter is determined.
While any disciplinary decision is being appealed, the student involved in the appeal is expected to abide by all rules and regulations of the Academy. MBA reserves the right to ask the student involved in an appeal process to be suspended from the campus during the appeal if it is determined the program of the school will best be served by that action.
Guest ACCOMMODATIONS
Limited guest accommodations are available. The Bunkhouse (open room dormitory-style, two-sides gender-specific) may be available for a fee of $10 per person per night. Contact the Principal’s Office (x1219) for reservations. The Bunkhouse Kitchen is available for a $25 fee.
Guests
Guests may stay in student’s rooms only if the following qualifications are met:
It is an MBA hosted event and MBA students are hosting future students under the age of 18 in their rooms (i.e., Academy Days or scheduled visits)
gymnasium
No street shoes or cleats, only non-marking athletic shoes are allowed in the gym. Please clean your shoes before entering. No skates, roller blades, scooters or skateboards are allowed in the gym.
Students are not allowed in the gym without faculty supervision or the pool without faculty supervision and a lifeguard.
Monterey Bay Academy staff children are not allowed in the gym or pool without adult supervision.
No gum, food, or drink is to be brought into the gym or pool area.
All recreation equipment must be checked out and secured with collateral.
Climbing the swimming pool fence or unauthorized entry to the gym is not allowed and will result in a fine and possible further disciplinary action.
Failure to comply with gym regulations may result in loss of gym privileges.
No wet clothing from the beach or the pool is allowed in the gym.
hazing
Hazing is defined as involvement in or conspiring to engage in any act that injures, degrades, disgraces, threatens, intimidates, or intends to injure, degrade or disgrace a fellow student, group of students or campus guest. This includes any forcible action or initiation type of behavior. Hazing of others is against the law and strictly prohibited on our campus. Students involved will face serious discipline and possible expulsion. A report of hazing activity will be made to local law enforcement authorities. “Table-topping” is not allowed at MBA and will not be tolerated. This type of activity can result in serious injury.
home leaves AND TRANSPORTATION
The dormitories and cafeteria are closed during each Home Leave. Students may not stay in the dormitory.
Make reservations to ride the bus and schedule transportation needs go through the Principal’s Office.
Notify the Principal’s Office immediately of any planned transportation changes.
Transportation arrangements at times other than the regularly scheduled leaves are discouraged. All requests for special needs must be submitted to the Principal’s Office at least one week before the home leave. Requests to miss school do affect a student’s attendance grade. Transportation arrangements should not be scheduled for unusual hours. If a student receives permission for transportation arrangements for unusual hours, extra charges will be assessed (see below).
Sign out on leave cards with the deans.
Falsifying leaves will result in disciplinary action.
If a student wishes to go to any home other than his/her own, his/her parents must give written permission to the Dean prior to the leave. A written contract must also be made with the Dean by the host family prior to the leave. The same is true if a student uses any transportation other than commercial or school transportation.
Any time parental permission is granted, the parent must send written permission.
All flight/transportation arrangements must be made for no earlier than 3:00p on home leave day and students should return in the late afternoon or evening of the return date no later than 7:00p.
Transportation Fees to the Airport:
If a student signs up for home leave transportation by noon on the Friday before home leave and is leaving on the bus that is scheduled to go after classes finish on the home leave start day and return on the bus that is scheduled to pick up on the home leave return day then the fees are as follows:
San Jose: Round Trip — $45
San Jose: One Way — $25
San Francisco: Round Trip — $60
San Francisco: One Way — $40
Fees for leaving outside of the scheduled home leave departure and return times and needing transportation are as follows:
San Jose: Round Trip — $95
San Jose: One Way — $75
San Francisco or Oakland: Round Trip — $160
San Francisco or Oakland: One Way — $140
Airport Shuttles for transportation needs are available through Aiport Flyer which runs from Aptos to SJC or SFO and SJC or SFO to Aptos. Their contact number is (831) 423-5937 to schedule pick up times.
San Jose: Round Trip — $95
San Jose: One Way — $55
San Francisco: Round Trip — $125
San Francisco: One Way — $70
Home leave transportation fees will incur a $20 late fee for not signing up on time
School transportation makes plans to arrive at San Jose International Airport by 2 p.m. on leave days.
Transportation Coordinator contact: (831) 566-7224. Any questions, inquiries or changes to home leave/vacation transportation plans should be directed to the Transportation Coordinator (Principal’s Office)
If your transportation needs are before 3 p.m. (leaving) or after 7 p.m. (returning), then you should make plans for outside public transportation, see page 23.
Check Out — Leave campus before 5 p.m. on the day home leave begins. The cafeteria will not be open for dinner.
Check-In — Return between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the final day of home leave. The dorms will not be open before 3 p.m. If due to an emergency, you will be later than 10 p.m., you must contact the Dean. The cafeteria will not be open for dinner, and there is no supper provided on these days.
Town trips are generally planned every week during the school year. The cost to the student is $1.
Students needing to fly home on home leaves use the MBA bus transport to/from the San Jose airport/bus/train station. Your flight should not be scheduled any earlier than 3 p.m. on home leave day, and your return flight should be landing in San Jose no later than 7 p.m. Students are encouraged to purchase tickets which coordinate with the provided MBA transportation.
Ineligible List
This list is comprised of students who have failed to meet the minimum expectations when it comes to worship attendance, academic performance, and room cleanliness. These students forfeit their off-campus privileges for a period of time. This includes senior privilege. This list is updated weekly.
insubordination
Insubordination to those in authority will submit the student to disciplinary action, including suspension and up to expulsion. Insubordination is defined as a lack of respect for authority figures shown by a disregard for requests made of an individual. It may also include disrespect towards an authority figure as demonstrated by speech, gestures, negative body language, or actions.
Jewelry
MBA is a jewelry free campus, and you are asked to please leave your jewelry at home. The student handbook defines jewelry as “bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, promise & purity rings, chokers, and another conspicuous ornament.” Students will be asked to remove such items and not to wear them again. If the problem persists, other consequences will incur. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen jewelry. Continued violations may result in further discipline.
One social awareness/friendship bracelet may be worn at the discretion of the school administration in conjunction with guidelines.
Campus Work program
One of the main reasons Seventh-day Adventists establish schools is to teach a good work ethic. Each student should learn the importance of being prompt, productive, and dependable. All students with a social security card must work a minimum of five-semester-credits (100 work hours) before they graduate. Students will be paid for their work. A student may decide to have tithe deducted from his/her wages. Some taxes apply to student wages. Work attendance is just as important as class attendance. See attendance policy. Students who miss work will be subject to disciplinary action. At times work opportunities may be limited. Therefore, students who work must be prompt, report when scheduled, and be productive, or his/her job may be in jeopardy. In some cases, if a student loses his/her job, another assignment may not be available. We are grateful for the work our students do, as the program is dependent upon that work. Work opportunities are provided on-campus in a variety of locations.
A Director of Student Employment is on-campus and will make all work assignments. At no time shall job changes be made without the Director of Student Employment’s and/or VP of Finance’s prior approval. If a student refuses to work or is terminated, the student’s stay in school will be jeopardized. Students are expected to work until the end of the school year. Work assignments are graded, and work credit shown on the student’s transcript.
language and reading
Obscene and abusive language or gestures are not allowed at MBA. The Bible says in Colossians 3:8, “You must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” The use of such language and/or gestures will subject a student to disciplinary measures. Materials which are pornographic, obscene, or which relate to Satan or the occult are not allowed. Possession of such materials will subject a student to disciplinary measures, and such materials will be confiscated and not returned.
lockers
Lockers in Grunke Hall are provided for all MBA students. Day students will each receive one locker for their use during the year. Dorm students can share a locker with one other student. Lockers are not to be traded. Students are responsible for all items and the condition of their lockers. Combinations and locker assignments will be provided through the Principal’s Office and will be changed each year.
Mail and Email
Use the appropriate address below to receive your mail at MBA:
Your Name
Monterey Bay Academy – Hixson Hall (Girls’ Dorm) or Voth Hall (Boys’ Dorm)
783 San Andreas Road
La Selva Beach, CA 95076-1911
Mail is delivered to the dormitory by dorm staff only. You may pick up your mail from the deck worker. Students may mail letters in the mail slot next to the faculty mailboxes in the Administration Building. The Business Office has postage stamps for sale. All student mail comes to the school address. Student mail is distributed to the respective dorms and day students may pick up mail at the business office. Email access is available in the computer lab, dorms, and library at designated hours.
medical appointments
Medical appointments should be scheduled during home leaves
such as dental, orthodontist, follow-up medical visits without prior consent from the Principal’s Office
MBA is unable to provide support for routine medical visits
If a student is going to miss school due to a medical appointment:
The Vice Principal for Academic Affairs must be notified of the appointment.
The student must bring a note from the doctor’s office (with the date and time of the appointment) to the Academic Affairs Office upon return to excuse the absence. These absences still count towards the 15% of missed instruction time.
Medical appointment due to a school-related injury:
If the medical appointment is due to a school-related injury, the school will not charge for transportation for this medical attention. Transportation will be coordinated through the Principal’s Office.
Doctor’s notes are our best documentation of excused absences due to illness or any other medical appointment that requires a student to miss classes. Thus, it is necessary to have these notes to excuse these types of absences.
Medication
All prescription medications are to be turned into the school nurse or the Dean on duty. Students are not to share any prescribed medication. Failure to comply with this will result in disciplinary action from the Discipline Committee. In addition, parents are responsible for communicating to the School Nurse and Deans that their student is returning to the dormitory with said prescribed medication in original medication container from pharmacy and what it is to be used for along with any special instructions. If a parent needs to mail a prescription to their child, please address it to the Deans.
MOVIES
All movies must be in harmony with the school’s entertainment philosophy (nothing rated higher than PG-13). All other movies will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. A $25 charge conduct slip will be issued to violating students.
Nurse
Each school day morning, the school nurse visits the dorms. The nurse arrives at the girls’ Dorm at 6:30 a.m. and the boys’ Dorm at 7:00 a.m. If you are too ill to get out of bed to see the nurse, have your roommate or someone else inform the nurse. The nurse is also on call throughout the day for sports-related injuries or other medical needs. (See “Sick List”)
OVERNIGHT DORM STAYS by day students
Day students may stay overnight in the Dorm, but must first obtain permission from a Dean and written or verbal permission from their parent/guardian. They must pay a cash fee of $10 per night + meal charges will incur. Students found staying in the Dorm without obtaining a Dean’s permission may lose their privilege of being in the Dorm, and a fine may be levied. During some events, the $10 fee may be waived by Administration.
parental permission and support
When parental permission conflicts with a school rule, the school rule will prevail. Lack of parental support for school rules may be cause for disciplinary action.
Passes OR permissions
Anytime you are heading to an unsupervised area or campus home; permission must be obtained from the Dean on duty. In an emergency, the Dean or faculty member must be able to find you. Permissions are a tool in which the Dean and student can communicate their plan together.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONS
The staff, faculty, and board of MBA realize the necessity of spending time each day with God on a one-on-one basis. It is our highest priority. Therefore, we will encourage each student to schedule and spend time in personal daily devotions.
Just as it is impossible to grow physically without a balanced diet, so it is with spiritual growth. You cannot have someone else eat your food for you and expect to live. You can’t live very long without breathing. Reading from the Bible or a devotional book is a spiritual food for the soul and mind. Prayer is a breath to spiritual life.
Students may think the daily schedule at MBA is so full that it does not allow for personal devotional time. However; life in the adult world will be equally busy. The secret is to develop the habit of making time to spend with God. If the student is too busy for devotions, they may need to rethink their class schedule and activities.
recreation, gym, and ball field
Co-ed Recreation is held on Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.
Students are to be in the recreation area, respective dorms, or walking/jogging/biking during recreation time. Walking/jogging/biking is restricted to the athletic track or the center campus roads in front of the dorms, by the school store and alongside the church. Jogging/biking on the maintenance building road is permissible only if the ball field lights are on or if it is before sunset. If running in the morning before breakfast or after dark, a safety vest must be worn.
Students wishing to socialize during the recreation time are to be in the recreation area only. Those found elsewhere will lose their privilege to socialize on terms to be decided by the Discipline Committee. Students leaving the area early are not to linger and are to separate at the steps of Grunke Hall (the Administration Building).
Routes taken to the recreation area and returning should always be by the most direct way via the walkways around Grunke Hall (the Administration Building). When returning, boys and girls separate at the steps of Grunke Hall, taking their own walkways to the dorms.
residence
Only students, who reside in their parents’ or guardians’ home or the home of a sibling, grandparent, or uncle/aunt, will be considered for admission as a day student. If a student is granted permission to reside in a residence other than his parent’s or guardian’s, the adult of that home shall be at least 25 years of age. That adult is to assume full responsibility for the actions of the student and provide a positive atmosphere that supports the program at MBA. The student’s actions should be controlled to assure that the student would receive positive recommendations when he/she applies or reapplies for admission to MBA.
respect for others’ and property
Every person deserves to be treated with respect. The staff will make every effort to treat you with respect at all times, and we ask that you treat us with the same. If at any time you feel you are mistreated in any way, please inform an administrator. Please exercise patience. There is a time and a place to make your complaint. Use wisdom in deciding when and where. You will be heard, and it will be dealt with. Students should respect the rights of others at all times. The “golden rule” in Matthew 7:12 states to “do for others what you would have them do for you.” A student will:
Allow his/her roommate to have some privacy.
Knock before entering rooms and wait for a response.
Respect the right of roommates and friends to have proper time and atmosphere in which to study and sleep.
Not deface or destroy the property of the school or others.
Not use others’ belongings without permission.
Remember the fields are for crops. The fields are leased, and the produce in the fields are not MBA’s property. Do not walk in the fields or ride bicycles there.
Do not destroy trees, nor harm the bluff by climbing on it.
Respect the privacy of the faculty by not contacting them before 8 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
Sabbath
In Exodus 20:8-10, God asks us to “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” Therefore, we ask that during the Sabbath hours (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday), the music listened to, the conversation, the dress, as well as the activities, entered into, should all honor the Lord of the Sabbath. Please refrain from gaming, TV viewing, listening to secular music, etc., during the Sabbath in honor of the Lord our God. Laptops, iPads, etc. will not be permitted in the dorm parlors, lobbies, front steps or front lawn during Sabbath hours.
From sundown Friday to sundown Sabbath, one day is set aside devoted totally to God. In preparation for this, the students should get their Sabbath clothes ready, and rooms clean on Friday afternoon. Rooms will be checked a minimum of two days weekly. In preparation for Sabbath, all secular activities stop at least thirty minutes before sundown.
senior privilege
This is a privilege, which allows a qualifying senior to leave campus in his/her own vehicle or in the vehicle of another, within guidelines established by his/her parents, the dormitory deans, all applicable California laws and the school administration.
This privilege is granted to seniors only and is subject to Dean’s approval.
Students who are granted senior privilege must comply with all California licensing requirements and California laws.
The senior must have a “Senior Privilege Permission Form” signed by the student and a parent/legal guardian.
The Senior must submit the following to the Dean’s office:
A liability waiver, release and indemnity agreement, signed by the student and parent/legal guardian.
An MBA vehicle registration form signed by student and parent/legal guardian.
A copy of his/her driver’s license.
His/her cell phone number if they own a cell phone.
Each senior must obtain permission and a pass from the Dean on duty. It is the driver’s responsibility to see that all passengers have followed all campus leave procedures.
Leaving campus in mixed company requires at least three seniors, is subject to approval or denial at the Dean’s discretion and requires written permission from parents (included on the “Senior Privilege permission form”)
All occupants in the vehicle must have senior privileges.
Seniors will be allowed to utilize their senior privilege Sunday through Friday only. There will be no Senior Privilege during Sabbath hours. Senior privilege will be granted as follows:
First Semester - Seniors may be granted a total of 8 hours per week.
Second Semester - Seniors may be granted two additional hours per week, for a total of 10 hours per week.
They will be allowed to make a trip off campus after the school day (5 to 7 p.m.).
They will be allowed to leave for no more than two and a half hours at a time on weekdays.
Seniors can leave campus for up to four hours on Sunday provided they complete an “Extended Senior Privilege Request Form” in advance of their trip with detailed information about where they are going, what they will be doing and all who are participating.
Seniors can travel with a 15-mile radius of the school. This would include Watsonville, Aptos, Capitola, and Santa Cruz areas only. Students must complete an “Extended Senior Privilege Request Form,” and obtain a faxed permission from a parent/legal guardian in order to travel farther than 15 miles (including Highway 17). Seniors will not be allowed to travel more than the 15-mile radius in a two-hour trip.
Seniors must be back by 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
There will be no senior privileges on school-sponsored trips.
Senior privileges apply only to going off-campus. All students, including seniors, are not to drive on campus for any reason other than to take the most direct route from the dorms to San Andreas Road. NO driving privileges around campus.
Note: Seniors on DFI, with less than a C in attendance or citizenship, or with less than a C average in their classes will automatically lose their senior privileges until the next grading period.
Seniors must meet the minimum expectations when it comes to worship attendance and room cleanliness to retain their senior privilege. (see ineligible list)
Any senior who violates these guidelines will forfeit his/her off-campus privileges for a period of time to be determined by the Dean’s Council.
Senior privilege guidelines are subject to review by the Administration and/or faculty and may be modified or revoked at any time.
During “MBA Event” weekends senior privilege will not be available until Administration has released participants.
Senior privilege will commence in the Fall, in conjunction with the Administration and generally after the first mid-term report. Seniors privilege ends at 6 p.m. on Friday of graduation weekend.
Seniors may have the added privilege of leaving campus in mixed company if the following conditions are met:
Parents have given written and verbal permission
Subject to Dean’s approval (Privilege may be denied at Dean’s discretion).
There are three or more occupants in the vehicle
Occupants in the vehicle have senior privilege
sexual harassment and misconduct policy
Monterey Bay Academy is committed to providing a school environment free of sexual harassment for all students. Incidents of harassment should be reported under these procedures so school authorities might take appropriate action. Students who sexually harass others are subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. Employees who engage in sexual harassment are subject to discipline up to and including termination.
What is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances or requests and other conduct of a sexual nature which is offensive. It can be spoken, written, or physical contact. It includes offensive pictures, graffiti, jokes, and gestures. If submission to offensive sexual conduct is made a condition of academic status, progress, benefits, honors, or activities, it is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment also occurs when the offensive behavior or material creates a hostile school environment.
How Do I Report It? Students who have experienced sexual harassment shall report the incident to school authorities as soon as possible. If the harassment is between students, the student shall report the incident to any teacher, work supervisor, or Dean. The student may also report to the principal, vice-principal, or any counselor or advisor. If the harassment comes from an adult, the student should report to the principal or another responsible adult.
What Happens if I Make a Report? Any employee of the school, upon receiving a complaint or otherwise learning of alleged sexual harassment, shall notify the principal, or if the principal is allegedly involved in the harassment, the Central California Conference Superintendent of Schools— Ken Bullington (559) 347-3051. The school principal or superintendent or their designee will investigate the matter promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially. If the harassment is found to have taken place, such appropriate corrective action will be taken as reasonably necessary to end the harassment.
How Will I Know if Anything Has Been Done? After the investigation is concluded, the complainant will be advised of what action, if any, has been taken.
What if the Harasser Retaliates? The principal or principal-designee will make appropriate follow-up inquiries to ensure that harassment has not resumed and that the complainant has not suffered retaliation.
Who Should Know About This Policy? The school administration shall distribute a copy of this policy to all present and future employees of the school. A copy of this policy shall also be distributed to all present, and future students enrolled in the school and are available to their parents and/or guardians.
Sick List
Unfortunately, there are times when you are under the weather. If you feel the need to be on the sick list, you must see the nurse in the clinic in the morning. If you feel ill the night before, you should set your alarm to ensure you wake up to see the nurse. If you are too sick to get out of bed, then send your roommate or RA to inform the nurse. If you miss seeing the nurse, you must see the Dean in order to be excused from classes. If missing the nurse becomes a common occurrence for you, the Dean will likely refuse to excuse your classes. However, only the school nurse or the Dean on duty can approve a student for the sick list.
Once a student is on the sick list, he/she remains on the list until the following morning. The student must:
Stay in your room for the sick list, except to use the restroom.
Stay out of other dormitory rooms, even another sick person’s room.
Stay out of the dormitory halls.
Eat all meals in your room.
Stay in the Dorm and not leave the dormitory for any reason, including recreation.
Have no visitors in your room unless approved by the Dean.
If a student gets sick during class time and is sent back to the Dorm, they must adhere to the items mentioned above.
Routine doctor/dental appointments are to be scheduled during scheduled home leaves. If you have a chronic medical problem, there needs to be a note from a medical doctor excusing you from classes and work.
social conduct
There is to be no public display of affection during the school day (8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.). Dating couples (boy-girl) may hold hands only at appropriate times outside of the school day.
Rationale: We believe that our bodies are “God’s temple”—1 Cor. 6:19. Students are encouraged to develop social interactions appropriate for Christian young people, which will honor God. We believe He created us for relationships, which calls us to a higher standard than what society and culture may emulate. Developing exclusive relationships at a young age can be detrimental and diminishes broader social development. Because MBA is a co-educational boarding school, specific limits are placed on the physical interaction between students. Handholding is permitted at an appropriate time and places on the MBA campus. There is no public display of affection during the school day. THERE WILL BE A STRICT “HANDS OFF” POLICY DURING EACH SCHOOL DAY (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). The following guidelines are set forth to provide students and faculty with an understanding of what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate social behavior.
Inappropriate public displays of affection include, but are not limited to: Students walking or sitting with arm(s) around each other; kissing; wrestling; cuddling; embracing; heads in laps; laying heads on another person’s shoulder or chest; caressing or massaging another person; running fingers through another person’s hair; hands touching other parts of the body or being concealed; being in the wrong place at the wrong time together. This is campus-wide and on all school trips.
Consequences: Students who engage in inappropriate physical contact will be addressed by staff members, who are given the discretion to determine violations of the social policy. Students who violate this policy will be placed “on social,” a restriction of contact and any interaction for a period of one week (first offense). During this time, students are not to have contact or communicate with each other. This includes face-to-face contact or written, electronic or verbal communication. Student cell phones may be confiscated during this time. Being placed on “social” also warrants receiving a conduct slip (which lowers citizenship grade) and parental notification. Due to the nature of an offense, the Discipline Committee may impose other restrictions. Second offenses generally place a two-week restriction of contact and interaction.
Social MEDIA & networking websites
As social media & networking sites such as Snapchat, Facebook & Instagram have become widely popular; many schools—both public and private—have formulated policies and are addressing this issue. The line between what is public and private information has become blurred.
What about freedom of speech? While we support freedom of expression and speech, we want to encourage our students to be responsible in their use of these public venues. Everything that a student places become a public, permanent record. While comments might be made in jest, they are out there for the whole world to see—employers, parents, school staff members, fellow students, predators, etc. Freedom of speech has never been absolute, and people may be held accountable for the statements they make.
MBA, like many other schools across the country, feel that these sites pose some problems for our students and school family. Some of these problems include the risk of online predators viewing and using student information—including names, addresses, ages, photos, phone numbers, and other information; the use of time; inappropriate postings; libelous statements; anti-Christian values; and hurtful and demeaning comments that negatively impact our school.
MBA Policy In our role of in loco parentis for approximately 75% of our students, we will take the following approach:
Our computer access runs through a filter.
We will work to educate our students and parents about the potential dangers of these sites. We want our students to be very careful before they post things that might hurt themselves or others.
While we do not actively monitor these sites, when we are made aware of student postings, students may be held accountable for their actions. We would not allow flyers to be posted freely around our school which were hateful, threatening, depicted students in scantily clad or immoral activities, or showed students involved in illegal behavior. Likewise, we will compare the current electronic media postings to flyers or publicly posted notes.
Sprinkler Heads
Do not paint, hang, or fasten anything to any fire sprinkling head. Violators will be fined $100 and may face further discipline and charges if damage occurs.
Study Hall IN THE DORM
Study hall is a time to study and not to just do homework. There is a total of two hours of structured study hall in the evening Sunday–Thursday. During study hall, RA’s will monitor the students on their hall. This information will be passed on to the Dean and taken into consideration when compiling the Dorm Life grades. See the deans for the evening schedule.
7 p.m. — Students should be in their residence halls
7:10 p.m. — Worship begins in both dormitories in the chapel. Day students waiting or planning to be in the Dorm for study hall need to attend all required dorm activities until picked up.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Study Hall
10 p.m. — Final Check. Power goes out! Freshmen and Sophomores bedtime.
10:30 p.m. — Juniors and Seniors bedtime.
substance abuse
Due to the serious and destructive nature of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco on people, and the necessity to maintain a safe environment for all students, MBA is a drug-free zone and will actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. We want our students to make healthy lifestyle choices. As an educational institution, we do not accept applicants who may have substance abuse issues that require professional intervention or substance abuse treatment.
Applicants, who freely disclose that they have had some involvement with substance use, but state that they are no longer involved and pledge to live drug and substance-free, may be considered for enrollment. However, they might be required to submit a drug test and have an interview with the admissions committee to be considered. They may also be subject to random drug tests throughout the school year.
By choosing to place themselves here at MBA, all students are subject to random drug testing if there is reasonable suspicion by school officials. This is usually but not limited to a urine or breath test. MBA reserves the right to search student lockers, room, car, or person if there is a reasonable suspicion of substance use or possession.
Student use, possession, distribution or sale of controlled substances that are mind-altering such as but not limited to, vaping, alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, inhalants, controlled substances, pills, or illegal drugs will be asked to withdraw from MBA immediately. Tobacco is included in this category. Students will not be re-admitted during that current semester.
Students will be gone from MBA for a minimum period of 45 classroom contact days while school is in session.
In addition to involvement, those students who are found to be in possession of or involved in the distribution, sale or trafficking of drugs or controlled substances will be expelled from school for the remainder of the school year. A police report will be made to local law enforcement authorities.
There is a charge added to the account based on toxicology lab bills.
supervision
Staff are assigned to supervise students on a daily basis. The requests of these individuals should be respected and complied with. If a student wishes to question a request, he/she should comply with the request and make an appointment with Administration.
surfing/boogie boarding
Surfing will be permitted on the MBA beach according to the following guidelines:
A written permission slip (signed by the student’s parent or guardian) must be on file in the dormitory dean’s office. Day students must submit their permission slips to Administration/Deans.
Permission must be acquired from the Dean on duty.
Surfers and boogie boarders are to go in groups of at least three (never alone).
Complete wet suits must be used at all times. At no time should they be worn to class, work, cafeteria, etc.
Surfers and boogie boarders must be leashed to surfboards or boogie boards at all times.
All surfing and boogie boarding must be done during daylight hours and should cease no later than 30 minutes before sunset.
Surfers and boogie boarders should not be in any building, except their own Dorm, at any time while they are in their wet suits.
No surfing or boogie boarding is permitted during Sabbath hours.
All boards & wetsuits will be stored as directed by Deans and/or Surf Club Sponsor.
suspension policy
When the Discipline Committee has placed a student on suspension, the following procedures must be followed:
If the suspension is on-campus, the student may be room-bound, and/or assigned community service projects. Meals will be delivered to their rooms.
Suspended students who are part of traveling groups (music, drama, and varsity) will not be permitted to go on tours with those groups barring extraordinary circumstances. Under advisement from the sponsor, the administrative committee will make the final decision.
Students who are Dorm bound are to report to the deans for instruction.
Each teacher has the discretion to decide how academic work will be handled. A teacher’s workload should be minimally impacted by a student’s suspension. Generally, tests and projects can be made up, but a student’s grade will most likely suffer as a result of their actions.
THEFT
Theft is the taking of another person’s property without that person’s permission, consent, or knowledge. A student who steals is one that cannot be trusted, and it is not tolerated here. Anyone stealing will receive disciplinary action.
time and place
At MBA, as in life, it is vital to understand and apply the concept of appropriate time and place. This includes a physical location, behavior, attire, social conduct, and decorum. All students need to understand the importance of never leaving campus without proper permission (including the beach boundaries). Students are not to be in unsupervised areas of campus (industries, agricultural fields, staff homes, etc.) unless by invitation or for work. There are specific times during the day when the beach and lower campus (ball fields/gym) are open to students. Generally, on weekends, students may be out on the lawn between the dorms and Grunke hall. However, any students in mixed company must be inside the sidewalks between the dorms and Grunke hall. Students on the grass in mixed company must be sitting up and not laying down.
VARSITY SPORTS
Varsity sports are offered for both men and women in flag-football, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Try-outs will be conducted at the beginning of each sport season. Students must meet and maintain the following eligibility standards:
Current minimum GPA of 2.0 with no F or I. Also, not more than one D. (These will be taken from the last previous grading period or midterm report.)
minimum of a C- in attendance
minimum of a C in citizenship
financial clearance with the business office
no health or physical limitations
fees for participation must be paid before the first tournament, this fee is not included or to be put on the student bill without permission from the VP for Finance
Eligibility during the season is checked each Monday night and determines the eligibility for the student-athlete for the following Tuesday through Monday. If a student falls below the required eligibility requirements, they will be ineligible to participate, play, or travel for the following week until the next eligibility check takes place.
At the moment a student drops to a “D” in citizenship, the standard discipline will be a minimum of four weeks of ineligibility for groups. They must not receive any conduct slips during this time. They can still be a part of the group and practice, but may not participate in games or extra-curricular activities during these four weeks. During team games, they may not wear the school uniform and should not be an active part of the team during the game.
Visitors
A visitor is defined as anyone who comes onto campus to visit for the day. All visitors need to notify the school administration and/or the Dean on duty upon their arrival. Prior to visitation, visitors of our residents will need to be approved by the parent/guardian. Visitors may stay on campus only if permission is granted by Administration and/or the Dean. (See also “Guests” if staying overnight)
All non-MBA student visitors should:
Check-in with the deans of the Dorm they are visiting or with the school office.
Observe the social regulations the students are asked to observe.
Be in the cafeteria only when eating a meal for which they have paid.
Dress according to MBA campus guidelines.
Have no students in their vehicles.
Take no students off campus with them without appropriate permission.
Park in front of the Dorm and walk to their destination.
Limit time on campus to weekends, or during the week, to recreation time.
Worship
The worship of our God is at the very foundation of our purpose at MBA. Therefore, each week, we provide multiple opportunities to encounter Him.
Dorm Chapel
One of those opportunities is in having a chapel service in the dormitories. Attendance will be taken, and each resident is expected to be present and on time. Unexcused absences or tardiness will affect your citizenship grade, which will, in turn, affect your campus and off-campus privileges. You will not be penalized for excused absences (i.e., sick list, field trips, tours, approved alternative worships, etc.). Worship will begin promptly at 7:10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday.
Weekend Services
Each weekend MBA celebrates God’s Holy Sabbath beginning Friday evening at sunset and ending Saturday evening at sunset. Friday evening’s worship service is called “Vespers” (7:30 p.m.). The celebration continues on Saturday morning with “Sabbath School” (10 or 10:30 a.m.). As the name implies, it is a time to study God’s Word, the Bible. Usually, there are a variety of classes to choose from which you can attend. Following Sabbath School is the divine worship hour in the main sanctuary of the church (11:10 a.m.). All residents present in the dormitory over the weekend are required to attend these services. Cell phones are not permitted at religious services (Vespers, Sabbath School, Church). If you (parent/guardian) have an emergency during these services and need to contact your student, please contact the Dean on Duty or School Administration.