FCA Bastrop

Family Handbook

2025-2026

Administrative Staff

Amanda Barnett - Headmaster

Courtney Bayer - Assistant Headmaster

Jennifer Murray - Office Manager

Katrina Crees - Receptionist

SCHOOL MISSION 

Founders Classical Academy seeks to provide an excellent and distinctively classical education that pursues knowledge, promotes virtue, and prepares students for prosperous lives in a free society.

SCHOOL MOTTO 

The school motto, Scientia Virtus et Libertas, translated means Knowledge, Virtue, and Liberty. The school motto expresses the idea supported by the Founding Fathers of our nation: if we want to maintain our individual liberties and our societal freedoms, we must have a well-educated and virtuous citizenry.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Classical Education 

Founders Classical Academy is deeply convinced that the educational methodology we employ must be time-tested, developmentally appropriate, and effective in producing critical thinking skills. To accomplish these educational goals, Founders has adapted a version of the classical model. The classical model enables us to maintain a focused and in-depth approach to education and protects us from the whims of modern educational theory. The entire curriculum is based in the Classical Liberal Arts and Sciences with a strong emphasis on civic education. Our hope is that as we cultivate their intellectual appetites and imaginations, our students will seek that which is good, true, and beautiful for a lifetime.

Program Distinctives:

• Virtue, as well as principles in self-government and civility, is identified and clearly taught in a seamless manner through course content.
• Emphasis is placed on engaged learning and on fostering a spirit of inquiry in students; standardized tests, while important, do not drive curriculum and instruction.
• The curriculum is knowledge-rich and built around the principles of increasing cultural literacy, the centrality of the Western Tradition, and a common body of essential knowledge that promotes academic success and citizenship.
• Literacy is taught through explicit phonics and grammar; rational thought and expressions are acquired through logic and rhetoric.
• Greek and Latin constitute the foundational foreign language instruction for training in grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking and as a bridge to the study of seminal texts of the Western Tradition and to other languages.
• Classic works of history and literature, i.e. Great Books, the texts students read, examine, and discuss with depth and seriousness.
• Mathematical and scientific knowledge are pursued for their own sakes, not merely for their practical applications; both promote human excellence.
• Instruction in the fine and performing arts are essential to the curriculum and include instruction in theory, history, and performance.
• Students are trained in study skills, planning and organization, close reading of texts, and note taking.
• Importance is placed on bodily fitness and physical education in concert with fit minds.
• Co-curricular and extra-curricular academic and athletic activities are offered and encouraged in order to promote a well-ordered and well-rounded experience for students.
• The education of children is viewed as a collaborative and essential partnership between parents and professional educators.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM 

The K-8 curriculum generally follows the Core Knowledge sequence with some modifications to accommodate TEKS in addition to some classical education enhancements. Core Knowledge (CK) is a knowledge-rich curriculum sequence that effectively builds in students the grammar of each subject-- preparing them for more advanced studies in later grades. CK is a systematic course sequence built upon the following ideas:

1. learning is built upon previous learning,
2. reading comprehension and overall academic success are dependent upon solid academic background knowledge,
3. there is a common body of knowledge all citizens should learn, i.e. cultural literacy 4. students must be better prepared to become more informed and responsible citizens of our republic.

Our academic sequence can be viewed online by visiting our website, follow Academics > Our Program.

Modifications to accommodate TEKS and enhancements in grammar school include additional novels in some grades and the study of Latin and Greek root words in grades 3-5. Methods and resources from Access Literacy are used to teach explicit phonics (orthography), spelling, writing, and English grammar. Dimensions, from Singapore Math, is used in grades K-5 to teach math concepts.

Latin language instruction begins in seventh grade and continues into high school. Formal instruction in logic begins in seventh grade. While the Core Knowledge (CK) sequence ends with 8th grade, the knowledge-rich spirit of CK continues in the high school curriculum at Founders. One difference is instruction is more dialectical in both the middle and high school grades, and the process of learning rhetoric that begins in the early grades reaches advanced stages in high school. The high school grades feature a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Students learn content in more in-depth manners, and the focus is more oriented toward Western Civilization. In the humanities, priority is given to original sources and great books. Mathematics and science offer rigorous training in fundamentals and theories in these disciplines including both logical methods of inquiry and the scientific method. Fine arts are promoted from the start with CK and continue through high school with both in-school and extra-curricular opportunities in art, chorus, music, and drama.

    K-8 Course Sequence:

Note: In 7th and 8th grade, students earn high school credits in Latin I and II, Algebra I, and Logic I.

    9th - 12th Grade Course Sequence:

High School Course Notes:

• All core courses, and the majority of electives, not designated AP have Pre-AP or Honors designations.
• Students who pass the TSIA exam may enroll in dual credit courses after 10th grade.
• Students can sit for the AP U. S. History Exam after taking Western Civilization IV
• Students that complete Latin III may continue to Latin IV and AP Latin, take an additional language, or make selections from among the other elective courses.
• Students enrolled before 9th grade must take and complete three credits of Latin. A high school student who transfers to Founders without any foreign language credits will be required to complete two years of Latin. A high school student who transfers to Founders with an existing foreign language credit other than Latin may be permitted to continue with this language via an accredited outside program. 

Transfer Students Needing Additional Credits: 

In a case where a student enrolls at FCA after his / her freshman year and starts behind a level in a particular subject (e. g. mathematics) or misses an FCA-specific course needed for graduation, he / she may be in a position, due to scheduling conflicts, where he /she needs to take a course on line or earn credits via summer school. In this situation, an administrator will work with the student and parents on suitable options.

Class Rank, Top Ten Percent, Valedictorian, Salutatorian 

Class rank for the purposes of determining “Top Ten Percent” will be decided at the end of the third nine weeks of the Senior year. Students who are in the top 10% of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission to any public university in Texas under admissions policies (see the Responsive Ed Student/Parent Handbook for more details).

The following is the selection method to determine the FCA valedictorian and salutatorian:

1. The student who is selected as the highest-ranking graduate eligible to receive the Honor Graduation Certificate will serve as Valedictorian; the second highest ranking graduate will serve as Salutatorian.

2. Both Valedictorian and Salutatorian must have been enrolled in the school for no fewer than four calendar semesters; additionally

● By the date of graduation, both the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian must have met all Texas State Graduation Requirements applicable to him or her, including meeting all state assessment requirements; and

● The student with the highest ranking cumulative grade point average will be selected as the Valedictorian, with the second ranking student serving as Salutatorian. All calculations for these honors will be conducted at the end of the spring semester (before graduation) each year. In the event of a tie, calculations will be made to the tenths, hundredths, and thousandths places if necessary.

To account for the different levels of rigor at other schools, the following system is put in place so that more accurate head-to-head comparisons can be made:

● Students who attend FCA full time for four years will have their cumulative GPAs compared.

● Students who attend FCA full time for three years will have their cumulative GPAs compared to the three-year averages (sophomore to senior) of the above students.

● Students who attend FCA full time for two years will have their cumulative GPAs compared to the two-year averages (junior and senior) of the above students.

Founders Classical Academy Graduation Requirements: Includes Texas Foundation Plan, Distinguished Achievement, Endorsements, and Performance Acknowledgements:

History

________Western Civilization I (Ancient)

________Western Civilization II (Med-Ren)

________Western Civilization III (Early US)

________Western Civilization IV (Modern)

Government and Economics

_______American Government (.5 credit)

_______Economics (.5 credit)

Literature

_______English I (Ancient)

_______English II (Medieval-Romantic)

_______English III (American)

_______English IV (World/Modern)

Composition and Rhetoric

_______Composition I (.5 credit)

_______Rhetoric (.5 credit)

Mathematics (4 credits required)

_______Algebra I (taken in 8th grade)

_______Geometry

_______Algebra II

_______Pre-Calculus

_______Calculus

Science

______Biology

______Chemistry

______AP Biology or Anatomy/Physiology

______Physics or AP Physics

Foreign Language (at least 3)

______Latin I

______Latin II

______Latin III

______Latin IV

Philosophy

_______Logic I (.5 credit / 7th ) 2024/25

_______Logic II (.5 credit / 8th) 2024/25

_______Paideia (1 credit)

_______Moral Philosophy (.5 credit)

Fine Art (1 credit required)

_______Visual Arts (1 credit)

_______Band / Orchestra/ Music (1 credit)

Senior Thesis

_______Senior Thesis (.5 credit)

Physical Education (1 credit required)

_______PE

in school or external

Electives

_______ _______________________

_______ _______________________

_______ _______________________

Distinguished Level of Achievement* 

A student may earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement by successfully completing the Foundation Plan courses, including:

_______Four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra II

_______Four credits in science

_______Curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement

*A student must earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement to be eligible for top 10% automatic admission.

Endorsements 

A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing: curriculum requirements for the endorsement (see below), four credits in mathematics, four credits in science, and two elective credits beyond the Foundation Plan.

1. Arts and Humanities (one or more)

____A total of five social studies credits (includes history, government, economics, philosophy) ____Four levels of the same language in a language other than English

____Four credits of fine arts, in one or two categories, in sequence.

2. Multidisciplinary Studies (one or both)

____Four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include English IV and chemistry and / or physics

____Four credits in Advanced Placement courses selected from English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Economics, Foreign Language, or Fine Arts.

3. STEM (one or more)

____Five credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite.

 ____Five credits in science by successfully completing Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and two additional science courses.

____In addition to Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics, a coherent sequence of three additional credits from no more than two of the areas listed above.

*A student who has transferred to FCA from another high school may have sufficient credits making him or her eligible for one of the other two endorsements: Business and Industry or Public Service.

Performance Acknowledgements 

1. Biliteracy: a student can earn an acknowledgement in bilingualism and biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in accordance with local school district grading policy in two or more languages by completing all English Language Arts requirements and maintaining a minimum grade point (GPA) of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100, and satisfying one of the following:

● completion of a minimum of three credits in the same language in a language other than English

with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or 

● demonstrated proficiency in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Level IV or higher in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or 

● demonstrated proficiency in one or more languages other than English through one of the following methods:

➢ a score of 3 or higher on a College Board AP exam for a language other than English; or 

➢ performance on a national assessment of language proficiency in a language other than English of at least Intermediate High or its equivalent.

2. Advanced Placement: A student may earn a performance acknowledgement on the student’s diploma and transcript for outstanding performance on a College Board Advanced Placement examination by earning a score of 3 or higher on a College Board Advanced Placement examination.

3. Achievement and Aptitude Tests (College Entrance): A student may earn a performance acknowledgement on the student’s diploma and transcript for outstanding performance on the PSAT®, the ACT-PLAN®, the SAT®, or the ACT® by achieving at least one of the following:

➢ earning a score on Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) of the College Board or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

➢ achieving the college readiness benchmark score on at least two of the four subject tests on the ACT-PLAN® examination.

➢ earning a combined critical reading and mathematics score of at least 1250 on the SAT®; or 

➢ earning a composite score on the ACT® examination of 28 (excluding the writing subscore).

HOMEWORK 

A reasonable and developmentally appropriate amount of homework is essential to complete the coursework that enables Founders Classical Academy to provide students a quality education. The majority of class time should be spent in instruction and dialogue. Homework is mainly reserved for reading and meaningful independent activities that provide for practice of content learned in class, preparation for upcoming lessons and assessments, or work on long-term assignments such as essays, reports, presentations, etc. Students at Founders Classical Academy will be assigned targeted homework on a regular basis (as opposed to “busy work”). Parents should help communicate to students the importance of establishing silent and distraction-free environments for completing all homework.

Students are expected to complete the assigned homework, and parents are expected to monitor their children’s homework activity. If a student does not complete homework as assigned, he or she will lose credit for the assignment. Most importantly, the learning process will have been hindered. Repeated homework infractions may result in disciplinary consequences; parents may be required to meet with the teacher and an administrator if a student is consistently failing to complete assigned homework. See the note below about missed work due to an absence from school.

Homework Length: There is a general rule of thumb that is both connected to research and traditional practice. The rule is approximately 10 minutes of homework per grade level, plus some additional reading. In first grade, this equates to 10 minutes of homework plus some reading time (parents are the ones typically reading to children at this age, especially during the first part of the year). In 8th grade, this means approximately 1½ - 2 hours of homework. One consideration regarding homework duration, especially at the beginning of the year, pertains to the students themselves. Some students work faster than others. All students, however, will improve their study and time management habits. Once they learn teacher expectations and gain more experience in reading, writing, etc. they will complete homework more quickly.

Study Hall: It is important for students to take full advantage of Study Hall time provided during the school day. Not only can students complete homework during this time, but they can also gain needed assistance from teachers.

Make-Up Work or Late Work Due to Absence 

It is the responsibility of the student to make up for missed classwork and homework after any absence, planned or due to illness, in a timely manner. A student, or parent in the case of young children, may contact the teacher, check for assignments online, or contact a classmate. Do not 

contact the school office about makeup assignments. It is wise for students to coordinate with a friend, perhaps one who lives close by, early on in the year so handouts might also be collected for the absent student. If a student is unable to coordinate with another student, it is his responsibility to seek the guidance of teachers regarding missed work as soon as he returns so as to be ready for upcoming assessments.

Missed work due to an excused absence must be made up within the same number of days missed, not to exceed 5 days. For example, if a student is absent one day, then he or she has one school day in which to make up the work; a two-day absence would mean two school days in which to make up the work, etc.

An absence on the due date of a major assignment (essay, lab report, etc.) or exam may not extend the due date of that assignment. The student should expect to submit the work and/or make-up the exam on the day of his or her return. Absences during the preparation time of a major assignment does not extend the due date.

Assignments taken home before or during an absence are due the day the student returns to class. Grade penalties will affect assignments turned in late:

Grades K-12 

● late work or missing assignments will not be accepted more than three days after the due date 

● late grade penalties of 10 points per day will be assessed per day.

● an assignment that is turned in after the third day is considered overdue and entered in the gradebook as a “0”. 

Exceptions of prolonged illness or extenuating circumstances (assistant headmaster approval required) will be taken into consideration. 

Note: Make-up work policies refer to “excused” absences such as illness, verified with a parent or doctor’s note, a field trip, or other excused absences as described in the Founders handbook.

If your student returns to school after an absence without a note, his/her absence will be recorded as unexcused and all assignments will be due the day of return. If a quiz or test was missed, the student should be ready to take it upon return. Missed classwork and homework assignments may be made up due the following day or the late work policy will be applied.

REPORT CARDS AND GRADING PERIODS 

A student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit or promotion, a student must demonstrate mastery on grade level standards and meet school requirements for attendance. In addition, students at certain grade levels may be required to pass state‐mandated tests as further requirements for promotion.

One of the main purposes of grading is to determine levels of student academic mastery. Grades will be assigned in all classroom subjects. Incompletes will only be given under special circumstances as determined by a classroom teacher in coordination with the headmaster.

Progress reports are issued mid-quarter for students who have a grade of 72 or below in any subject. A report card is made available in Skyward under the student profile at the end of each quarter for all students. It is up to parents to access these records, the school will not send them out individually.

The scale below is used to evaluate academic progress in grades K-1:

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

E- Consistently meets grade level expectations

S- Satisfactory progress

N- Needs Improvement

U- Unsatisfactory

The scale below is used to evaluate academic progress in coursework for grades 2-8:

GRADE PERCENTILES MEANING

A+ 97-100 Excellent

A 94-96

A- 90-93

B+ 87-89 Satisfactory

B 84-86

B- 80-83

C+ 77-79 Needs Improvement

C 74-76

C- 70-73

F 0 - 69 Unsatisfactory

Grading Scale for grades 9-12 

Adjusted GPA for High School 

Due to the rigor of FCA’s curriculum, additional grade point weighting of 0.5 is given for courses such as English, History, Mathematics, and Science (the equivalent of Honors and Pre-AP courses in the local ISD) and an additional grade point weighting of 1.0 for Advanced Placement courses.

Daily Grades Reporting and Progress Reports 

Parents of students in K-4 can view student work and grades in student folders. Parents can also review grades, homework assignments, and messages online via Skyward for all students. For students experiencing academic difficulty, teachers will notify parents in a timely manner. Progress reports will be sent mid-quarter to those who have a grade of 72 or below in any subject, and report cards are sent to all parents at the end of each quarter. Parents are expected to regularly monitor student planners, notebooks, and grades. Generally speaking, progress report grades should not come as a surprise to parents.

Promotion 

Our expectation is that students pass every core subject to be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails one core academic class, the student is expected to take summer school at their local ISD or take an online class and then prove mastery. If a student fails more than one subject, then he or she is in danger of not being promoted to the next grade. If a student is absent for a total of 18 days (excused or unexcused) or more the student’s advancement will be evaluated/assessed by the Headmaster.

Parent/Teacher Conferences 

A parent/teacher conference may be scheduled at a time the parent or the teacher believes one is necessary. To schedule a conference with a teacher, please send a note with your child or make the request by email. There are no parent-teacher conferences during the weeks of midterm and final exams in grades 6-12.

Field Trips 

Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips during the school year. Volunteer parents will be needed to help chaperone. Childcare arrangements must be made for younger siblings of parents going on field trips; siblings are not permitted on field trips. All volunteers will need to have background checks and driving applications on file in the school office prior to chaperoning students (Note: background checks can take 2-3 weeks before completion).

Students must have signed permission slips to attend field trips. Portable audio devices, cell phones, head/earphones, handheld video games, etc., are not allowed to, from, or during a field trip.

Parents chaperoning students are also responsible for the behavior of the students in their care. No inappropriate conversation, words, or inappropriate behavior should be allowed. If a child’s behavior becomes an issue, it should be brought to the attention of a school employee immediately. Chaperones are expected to help teachers maintain respectful, appropriate student behavior for the duration of the field trip. Chaperones should always follow the rules set forth by the teachers and/or school. If the students are asked to bring a sack lunch, the chaperone should also bring a sack lunch. The chaperone should not make any extra stops for refreshments not scheduled by the teacher. Chaperones responsible for looking after students should never leave them unattended. If an emergency occurs, please find another adult who can take responsibility for your students while you handle the emergency. If the students have been instructed by the teacher to be at a certain place at a certain time, it is the responsibility of the chaperone to see that they are there. Chaperones must participate in all the activities of their group. For the safety of the students, if you are not willing or physically able to keep up with the students assigned to you, please do not volunteer. Students must wear FCA school uniforms on field trips.

Video Viewing Policy 

Videos may be used in class from time to time to support a lesson. Classroom videos must meet specific curricular objectives and will not have profane language or content.

Teachers must receive prior approval from the headmaster or designee in order to show a video. Teachers are responsible for previewing videos to ensure they are appropriate. In grades K-3, only G rated videos may be shown. In grades 4-8, G and PG videos may be shown; if a PG-13 video is approved for showing, a parent permission slip must be sent home with students. In grades 9-12, G, PG, and PG-13 videos can be shown. If a clip from an R-rated video is approved for showing (e.g. from the Civil War film “Glory”), a parent permission slip must be sent home with students.

Academic Textbooks and Supplies 

Founders Classical Academy desires the best in learning resources for its students. Books and other resources loaned or given to students are to be treated appropriately. Students are responsible for these materials. If resources given to a student are lost or damaged, the student must pay for any necessary replacements.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 

Founders Classical Academy is committed to promoting an environment that fosters learning and character development. This includes:

• A defined standard of appearance and a well-ordered campus.
• Positive student-parent-teacher relationships
• The faculty consists of a collaborative group of professionals focused on student achievement and character development.
• Success in our rigorous academic program is dependent upon consistent student effort and completion of assignments.
• Students must maintain high standards of behavior in order to remain in good standing at FCA.
• Extra-curricular activities are offered and encouraged.

Classroom Interruptions 

It is extremely important that parents do not interrupt the classes during the school day by going directly to the classroom and drawing the attention of the teacher away from his or her responsibilities for a “quick question.” An email or note should provide parents with a means of quick communication.

Picking Up Your Child Early 

In order to help the office staff to serve families in a timely manner, and to reduce classroom disruptions, make sure to follow the early pick-up guidelines:

1.  In order for a student to leave during normal school hours, a parent or an adult with written or verbal parental authorization must sign out the child in the school office.
2. When an early check out is planned in advance, send a parent permission note to school with your child or e-mail teachers directly to inform the teacher that you will be picking up your student early. Arrive early to allow time for your child to come to the office or for an office staff member to retrieve your student from class. No student, in any grade level, will be released to any adult at the classroom door; parents and guardians must wait in the school office or outside the school building.
3. In a case when early pick up is unavoidable and unplanned, and a student has to be picked up on the same day, call the office right away and give at least 30 minutes notice so your child can be retrieved before your arrival.

Note: There will be no early pick-up after 3:00 p.m. unless there is an emergency.

Except in the case of an emergency or serious unavoidable circumstance, refrain from picking up your child before release time. When it comes to education there is no substitute for time in the classroom. The more time in class, the more your child will learn. We strongly encourage families to schedule doctor and dentist appointments before or after school, on the afternoons of early release days, or on a scheduled day off.

Who Can Pick Up Your Child Before, During, or After School? 

Only persons whose names are on the official office copy of the Emergency Card may pick up a child. Special arrangements may be made to allow others to pick up a child (1) if a note has been given to a student’s teacher by a parent or guardian, or (2) when a parent or guardian calls the school office before 2:00 p.m.

CHARACTER EDUCATION: PROMOTING VIRTUE 

The environment and curriculum at Founders Classical Academy are designed to promote and build strength of character in students by promoting good habits, by teaching precepts, and by providing examples of virtue.

• Administrators and faculty encourage and model habits of honesty, respect, individual responsibility, and self-discipline to promote these traits.

• Virtues such as courage, justice, moderation, and prudence, as well as American principles in self-government and civility, are identified and clearly taught in a seamless manner through course content.

Moral Virtues: Humility, Charity, Gratitude

Intellectual Virtues: Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom

Philosophical Virtues: Courage, Justice, Moderation, and Prudence

Student Motto 

Honor: I will honor those things which are good, true, and beautiful.

Respect: I will show respect to others at all times.

Service: I will do good things for others without being asked.

Excellence: I will strive for excellence in all things.

Perseverance: I will fulfill commitments and not give up or act on discouragement.

Guidelines for Speech 

Before you speak, THINK:

T – Is it True?

H – Is it Helpful?

I – Is it Inspiring?

N – Is it Necessary?

K – Is it Kind?

CIVILITY AND DECORUM 

Standard Class Rules 

1. Listen when others are talking.

2. Speak to others in a civil and courteous manner.

3. Follow directions.

4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

5. Work quietly and do not disturb others.

6. Show respect for school and personal property.

7. Work and play in a safe manner.

Manners 

• Students say “yes ma’am/sir” and “no ma’am/sir” to all adults
• Students should treat all other students and adults with respect and kindness
• Students greet adults, look them in the eye, and shake hands (when appropriate)
• When an adult enters room, the class ambassador will walk up to the adult, greet her/him, shake hands, share briefly what the class is learning 
• Students do not interrupt, but stand aside and wait patiently to be recognized
• All hats and caps removed when entering building (with the exception of religious head coverings)
• In general students look for opportunities to be helpful (open doors, carry heavy things, let others go first, etc.)

Transition Times 

● All K-5 students will be walked to and from specials, lunch, recess, carpool, etc. in a quiet line

● All 6-12 students will transition quietly and respectfully while being monitored by teachers

Restroom Etiquette 

● Treat the restroom as you would a guest bathroom

● Keep counters dry and trash picked up

● Use quiet voices

● K-5 may have several times a day of “group bathroom” time that is overseen by a teacher. If students need to use the restroom while in class, students will raise their hands and wait to ask a teacher

● 6-12 students will be allowed to go as needed after acknowledgement from the classroom teacher. However, if this privilege is abused, a teacher may elect to only allow a student use the restroom when explicit permission is given

Lunch area 

● Walk, do not run, to the designated lunch area

● Use inside voice

● Students stay seated at their tables and use good manners

● Clean up after yourself (spills, microwaves, trash, etc.)

● Say “please” and “thank you” to any and all staff and volunteers

Carpool 

● All K-5 students are walked to carpool, while 6-12 may walk on their own, but are monitored

● Students sit quietly until their name or number is called

Before and After School 

● Students may not roam halls, but must be in designated areas

● All school rules apply

Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence 

As required by state law, each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag. One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. During the one-minute period, each student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not likely to interfere with or distract others. State law does not allow students to be excused from participation in the required minute of silence. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education—to benefit from lessons, to build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. In short, there is no substitute for time in the classroom. Absences from class may result in a serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional content; therefore, the student and parents should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Absences due to family vacations are not excused for official attendance purposes (see the Responsive Ed handbook).

Excused Notes: Notes to excuse absences must be submitted within three days of the student’s return. A parent handwritten note or email (attendancebastropfca@responsiveed.com) is required for a student’s absence to be cleared. Phone calls do not excuse students.

*Parent Notes: We will allow eight parent notes per year for illnesses (four parent notes per semester and unused notes in the first semester do not carry over to the second semester). After eight notes have been used (four per semester), absences will remain unexcused unless a doctor’s note, college tour, or court document is provided.

Compulsory Attendance: The state compulsory attendance law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school and school-required tutorial sessions unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. School staff must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent from school without permission from any class, from required special programs, or from required tutorials will be considered “truant” and subject to disciplinary action. Truancy may also result in assessment of penalties by a court of law against both the student and his or her parents. State law permits the school to file a complaint against the parent in the appropriate court if the student is absent, without excuse, on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period. State law requires the school to file a complaint against the parent in the appropriate court if the student is absent, without excuse, on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year. Please refer to Texas Education Code 25 for more details.

Attendance for Credit: To receive credit in a class, a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. These days include both excused and unexcused absences. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered may be referred to the Administration to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit. In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the Administration will use the guidelines found in the ResponsiveEd Parent/Student Handbook.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE 

The expectation at Founders Classical Academy is students will act according to specific standards:

1. that promote learning,

2. where good citizenship is integrated into and evident in the school culture, and

3. where behavior is aligned with honor, respect, service, excellence, and perseverance.

The following list, though not exhaustive, outlines some basic rules and standards for students at Founders Classical Academy:

1. Teachers have the authority to set their specific classroom rules and procedures within the parameters of the ResponsiveEd handbook and FCA campus handbook. Students will be expected to abide by these rules. Students must be engaged in the learning process at all times, and may not prohibit or interfere with the ability of teachers to teach and other students to learn. Students are expected to clean up their areas before leaving the classroom.

2. All indoor and outdoor areas are part of the school environment. Students may use these areas for PE and recreation; however, students remain responsible for their actions and must treat others with respect and consideration while enjoying time in these areas.

3. Lunchtime is an important part of the day to rejuvenate the body and mind. For grades K-6, the first five minutes of lunch students should eat calmly and quietly and respect others’ desire to eat and relax. The last five minutes of the lunch period will be set aside for students to clean their immediate area quietly and return to class.

4. Social interaction is a vital part of the learning culture. Students are expected to treat each other with civility at all times. Cruelty to others, including physical and verbal threats, as well as other forms of dishonorable behavior, will not be tolerated. Indeed, the expectation at Founders Classical Academy is that students will move beyond these actions and become active in behavior that exhibits a concern for others and pride in themselves as positive members of the school community.

Grades K-12 

When disciplining a student we will take into consideration age, frequency, the seriousness of the infraction, student’s attitude, and the effect the wrong choice has/had on others.

Teachers will provide logical consequences that will allow a student to experience the results of a poor choice, enabling him or her to make better choices for the future. In the event that the student is not improving, the teacher will contact the parents along with adhering to the Responsive Education Parent-Student Handbook Section IV Code of Conduct.

The aim of a behavior policy must be to allow students to develop character traits such as self-discipline, respect, and consideration for others. It should foster more collaboration between staff and students, which enables lessons to be not just orderly, but compelling. The purpose of our system includes the idea that we:

• Provide the expected Classical educational environment.
• Record discipline violations in a systematic way.
• Predetermine and communicate disposition for violations when possible.
• Never allow a student to keep others from learning or the teacher from teaching.

K-2: The Color System Students in grades K-2 use “The Color System” to visually represent each student’s behavior in class. Students will move a clip or magnet up or down the color chart based on their choices throughout the day. At the end of the day, the teacher will record the color each student ended on on a chart in their take-home folder. The colors represent the following:

Blue = virtuous

Green = good (this is the starting point for all students each day)

Yellow = warning

Orange = consequence, parent contact

Red = office referral, parent contact

3rd - 12th Grade: “The Book”

Most routine discipline issues will be dealt with using a multi-step system. Beginning in 3rd grade, we utilize a system that records most discipline concerns in a red binder commonly called, “The Book”, located in each classroom. Each student has their own sheet in The Book. The goal of each student is to keep the sheet clear of any signings. The student sheet records every instance of an infraction as a way of keeping clear documentation. Teachers may contact the parent at any time concerning observed student behavior. The four categories an infraction* may fall under are:

1. Be prompt
2. Be polite
3. Be prepared
4. Promote the learning environment

*Please review the Responsive Education Solutions Handbook for a comprehensive list of infractions and consequences. 

• The first time a student signs the book, the teacher will issue a verbal reprimand. 
• The second signing will result in the student losing a privilege or other appropriate actions. The parent will be contacted. 
• The third signing will result in parent contact and the assignment of lunch detention by the teacher.
• The fourth and subsequent signing of the book will result in a referral to the office to administer consequences. Referral forms can be initiated and given by any member of the faculty. 

Consequences for the continued signing of the book (4th and subsequent times) may result in any of the following outcomes: 

• Lunch or Before/After School Detention (on assigned day) 
• Assigned Out of School Suspension for part of the day or full day/s 
• Consideration for Expulsion from School 

More severe infractions can result in immediate Detention, Out of School Suspension, or Expulsion. 

Disciplinary Actions 

A student can be required to sign “The Book” for any of the general violations of the student code of conduct; dress code violations; tardiness to class; disorganization or unpreparedness for class, failure to comply with teacher instructions and for disrespecting faculty/peers or other violations as outlined in the Responsive Education Handbook. 

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and teachers will redirect students in an attempt to allow the student to make the choice to remain in the classroom and general learning setting with his or her peers. 

• Parents will be notified via email or phone if the Administration determines the student’s conduct warrants detention (before or after school) or suspension. 
• A student shall receive credit for work missed during the period of suspension if the student makes up work missed during the period of suspension within the same number of school days the student was absent on suspension. 

Disciplinary actions may be used individually or in combination for any offense. 

*Please review the Responsive Education Solutions Handbook for a complete list of infractions and consequences.

Academic Honesty 

Students are responsible for their academic behaviors and are expected to produce their own work at all times. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments, papers or tests, and disciplinary penalties (copying and plagiarism are Level II offenses in the ResponsiveEd Code of Conduct).

Academic dishonesty is identified as either cheating or plagiarism. Cheating occurs when one or more students act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage on class assignments, homework, or assessments of any sort. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying classwork, homework, or assessment information of another student or students, unauthorized communication between students prior to or during an examination, or the use of unauthorized aids during assignments or assessments. This includes use of AI such as chatGPT turned in as the student’s own work.

Plagiarism occurs when a student uses someone else’s words or ideas and presents them as one’s own. Students must give credit when using the words or ideas of another. Plagiarism can include copying an outline, one sentence, one page, or an entire paper without properly citing the source. Merely rephrasing someone else’s words is a form of plagiarism. Copying and using another  student’s pre-writing content is also a form of plagiarism. Caveat: a student may unknowingly plagiarize by not clarifying teacher instructions about what is permissible while working with other students, or by working in a lazy or disorganized manner that leads to negligence in ensuring proper citation.

The determination that a student has been academically dishonest shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher and school administrator, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students. For a first offense, a student will receive a zero on the assignment, assessment, or paper, and will be assigned to serve a detention.

A second offense would result in a suspension and a grade of zero. A third offense may lead to an expulsion process. All instances of copying, cheating, or plagiarism will be noted and placed in a student’s file.

STUDENT DRESS CODE 

Uniforms are practical and simplify each student’s morning routine. They are a requirement for all students and must be worn daily unless otherwise indicated. Parents and students are expected to comply fully and cheerfully with the uniform policy. Uniforms must be worn properly, neatly, be in good repair, and not torn, ill-fitting, or faded. Each item of clothing should be marked with the student’s name. The Administration reserves the right to determine if a student is dressed and groomed appropriately. If a student’s dress is objectionable, the student will be given the opportunity to make the appropriate corrections. If the student is unable or unwilling to meet the dress code standards, the administration shall notify the student’s parents and request the parent make the necessary adjustments. If both the student and parent refuse, the Headmaster shall take disciplinary action. We ask that all uniforms be purchased through Land’s End. Uniforms are available through Lands’ End ONLY

Land’s End FCA Bastrop School number # 900195173

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Girls

General Guidelines for Girls

• Skirt and shorts length should not be shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee
• Appropriate undergarments and modesty shorts are to be worn under skirts at all times (solid navy or black)
• Belts are optional until 3rd grade
• Pants must fit well (no wide or skinny leg styles)
• Hair accessories must match uniform (white/gold/navy/gray or combination thereof)
• Highlighting and coloring of hair are permitted as long as the highlights and color are a natural hair color;
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view
• only single ear piercings are allowed with simple stud earrings, no dangling earrings
• Nails may be painted solid colors, no acrylic nails, and no embellished nails
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times

Required uniform :

• Navy pants, jumper, shorts, or skirts 2 inches above the knee (no logo)
• Navy or black modesty shorts with skirts
• Polo (light blue or navy Lands’ End, long sleeve or short sleeve, with logo)
• Solid white or navy tights (no embellishments)
• Solid black or brown belt **OPTIONAL**
• Solid white or navy bobby, knee, or ankle socks (must be visible)
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes, Mary Jane, or loafers (can be combination of these colors; no other accent colors; no boots, sling back, or slides

Optional items that can be worn in the classroom:

• Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• PTO Bison crew neck sweatshirt
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

3rd-8th Grade Girls

General Guidelines for Girls

• Skirt length should not be shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee.
• Appropriate undergarments and modesty shorts are to be worn under skirts at all times (solid navy or black)
• Belts must be worn with pants and shorts at all times; pants must fit well (no wide or skinny leg styles)
• Hair accessories must match uniform (white/gold/navy/gray or combination thereof)
• Highlighting and coloring of hair are permitted as long as the highlights and color are a natural hair color;
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view
• only single ear piercings are allowed, tongue rings and other visible body piercings are not permitted
• Nails may be painted solid colors, no acrylic nails, and no embellished nails
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times

Required uniform :

• Navy pants, shorts, or skirts 2 inches above the knee (no logo)
• Navy or black modesty shorts with skirts
• Polo (light blue or navy Lands’ End, long sleeve or short sleeve, with logo)
• Solid white or navy tights (no embellishments)
• Solid black or brown belt (must be worn with pants or shorts)
• Solid white or navy bobby, knee, or ankle socks (must be visible)
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes, Mary Jane, or loafers (can be combination of these colors; no other accent colors; no boots, sling back, or slides

Optional items that can be worn in the classroom:

• Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• PTO Bison crew neck sweatshirt
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

9th-12th Grade Girls

General Guidelines for Girls

• Skirt length should not be shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee.
• Appropriate undergarments and modesty shorts are to be worn under skirts at all times (solid navy or black)
• Belts must be worn with pants and shorts at all times
• Pants must fit well (no wide or skinny leg styles)
• Hair accessories must match uniform (white/gold/navy/gray or combination thereof)
• Highlighting and coloring of hair are permitted as long as the highlights and color are a natural hair color;
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view
• Only single ear piercings are allowed, tongue/nose rings and other visible body piercings are not permitted
• Visible tattoos are not permitted
• Nails may be painted solid colors, no acrylic nails, and no embellished nails
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times

Girls Uniforms:

Dress uniform worn every Wednesday and for special occasions at school:

• Oxford shirt (short or long sleeved, white)
• Plaid Skirt (classic navy plaid, no logo)
• Cross tie (classic navy) or necktie stripe, to be tied (classic navy and gold stripe)
• Navy or black modesty shorts
• Solid white or navy bobby, knee, or ankle socks (must be visible), or solid navy or white tights (no embellishments)
• Dress shoes, comfortable loafers, or tennis shoes (see below requirements for tennis shoes)
• Navy or Classic Plaid Headband **Optional

Daily uniform:

• Navy Polo ( Lands’ End, with logo) *Not to be worn on dress uniform days*
• Solid navy girl’s pants or skirt
• Solid black or brown belt (must be worn with pants)
• Solid white or navy bobby, knee, or ankle socks (must be visible), or solid navy or white tights (no embellishments)
• Navy or Classic Plaid Headband **Optional
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes (can be combination of these
• colors; no other accent colors; no boots or slides)

Optional items that can be worn in the classroom:

• Navy Blue Blazer (optional, allowed on Wednesday with dress uniform)
• Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• PTO Bison PTO Bison crew neck sweatshirt (not allowed on Wednesday with dress uniform)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover (not allowed on Wednesdays with dress uniform)

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Boys

General Guidelines for Boys

• Only solid white t-shirts (no writing) may be worn under uniform shirts
• Belts are optional
• Boys hair must be clean, natural color, non-distracting and no facial hair is permitted.
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view
• No piercings are allowed

Required uniform :

• Plain front blend chino shorts or pants (navy, no logo)
• Solid black or brown belt (must be worn with pants and shorts)
• Polo (light blue or navy Lands’ End, long sleeve or short sleeve, with logo)
• Solid black or white ankle or crew length socks (must be visible)
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes (can be combination of these colors; no other accent colors; no boots or slides)

Optional items that can be worn in the classroom:

• Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• PTO Bison crew neck sweatshirt
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

3rd-8th Grade Boys

General Guidelines for Boys

• Only solid white t-shirts (no writing) may be worn under uniform shirts
• Belts must be worn with shorts and pants at all times
• Boys hair must be clean, natural color, non-distracting and no facial hair is permitted.
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view
• No piercings are allowed

Required uniform :

• Plain front blend chino shorts or pants (navy, no logo)
• Solid black or brown belt (must be worn with pants and shorts)
• Polo (light blue or navy Lands’ End, long sleeve or short sleeve, with logo)
• Solid black or white ankle or crew length socks (must be visible)
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes (can be combination of these colors; no other accent colors; no boots or slides)

Optional items that can be worn in the classroom:

• Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• PTO Bison crew neck sweatshirt
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

9th-12th Grade Boys

General Guidelines for Boys

• Only solid white t-shirts (no writing) may be worn under uniform shirts
• Belts must be worn with shorts and pants at all times
• Boys hair must be clean, natural color, non-distracting and no facial hair is permitted.
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times
• Jewelry must be minimal and non-distracting, and necklaces must be worn inside of shirt, hidden from view and no piercings are allowed

Boys Uniforms:

Dress uniform worn every Wednesday and for special occasions at school:

• Oxford shirt (short or long sleeved, white, with logo)
• School Uniform Boys dress pants (navy, no logo)
• Solid belt (black or brown to be worn at all times)
• Necktie stripe, to be tied (classic navy and gold stripe)
• Solid black or navy crew or ankle socks
• Dress shoes, comfortable loafer, or tennis shoes (see below requirements for tennis shoes)

Daily uniform:

• Navy Polo ( Lands’ End, with logo)
• School Uniform Boys navy chino pants
• Solid belt (black or brown to be worn at all times)
• Solid white or black crew or ankle socks (must be visible)
• White, gray, black, navy blue, or brown tennis shoes (can be combination of these colors; no other accent colors; no boots or slides)

Optional item to be worn in the classroom:

• Navy Blue Blazer (optional, allowed on Wednesday with dress uniform)
•  Plain navy blue cardigan (no embellishments or logos)
• Plain navy blue crew or v-neck sweater
• PTO Bison crewneck sweatshirt (not allowed on Wednesdays with dress uniform)
• Navy blue quarter zip pullover (not allowed on Wednesdays with dress uniform)

*No hoods on any outerwear in classrooms

Backpacks, Lunch Boxes, Water Bottles, and Bags Unless a student has a specifically diagnosed medical condition preventing them from carrying a backpack, rolling backpacks are not permitted on campus. All student backpacks must be school appropriate, free of distracting elements, vulgar language, and political statements.

Students are required to bring water bottles to school so that they can stay hydrated and cool during the day. Students may not bring anything other than water in their water bottles, including juice, soda, or milk. Refrain from any vulgar or distracting messages or pictures on water bottles.

TELECOMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

Possession and use of cell phones, computers, and other devices capable of electronic communications at school is a privilege, not a right. Possession and use of such devices at school or school‐related events or activities shall be subject to school approval and regulations. Any such devices may be confiscated, powered on, and searched by school officials if there is a reasonable cause to believe that the devices have been used in the transmission or reception of communications prohibited by law, policy, or regulation.

Students are prohibited from using telecommunications devices, including cell phones, smart watches (unless the telecommunications feature is disabled), or other electronic devices (unless otherwise allowed by the school for the purpose of instruction during class time), on school campus during school hours. Devices are to remain off and in backpacks or lockers during the school day. Devices that are in sight or heard during the school day will be confiscated. The school will not be responsible for damage, loss, or theft of these items. Once a device has been taken up, the following procedure will be used to return the device:

First Confiscation: The device can be picked up by the student or parent no earlier than the end of the school day. An administrative fee of $25 cash will be charged before the device can be returned.

Second Confiscation: The device can be picked up by the student or parent no earlier than the following school day. An administrative fee of $30 cash will be charged before the device can be returned.

Third Confiscation: The device can be picked up by the student or parent no earlier than the following Monday. An administrative fee of $50 cash will be charged before the device can be returned.

Confiscations beyond three will result in a suspension from school for each infraction. Any student refusing to give the device to school staff shall be subject to immediate suspension.

Student Internet and Computer Use Policy 

All students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school staff who obtain their internet access through the school are expected to use these services appropriately.

User Responsibilities:

1. The school provides internet resources for educational purposes only. Students, faculty and staff use of internet resources must be related to an expressed educational and/or administrative goal or objective.

2. Users must have a valid, authorized account to access the network and use only those computer resources that are authorized. Accounts may be used only in accordance with authorized purposes.

3. Individual accounts may be used only by the owner of the account except where specifically authorized by school administrators. All computer use must be under the supervision of the sponsoring teacher/supervisor.

4. The user is responsible for safeguarding the computer account. Users are expected to protect access to accounts by periodically changing the password and keeping it confidential. They must respect the privacy of others by not tampering with their files, passwords, or accounts.

Policy Terms and Conditions: 

Acceptable Use On Campus: Students and teachers are to properly use school network resources for educational and/or administrative purposes only. Respectful and responsible network etiquette and behavior should be in keeping with the school’s mission statement. Students and faculty and staff are expressly prohibited from accessing obscene, profane, vulgar, or pornographic sites or materials. The use of the internet is a privilege. Abusive conduct will lead to revocation of the privilege.

Acceptable Use Off Campus: Any/all activities related to a student’s RES accounts must be used for educational purposes ONLY and adhere to the guidelines listed above.

Weekly News 

Good, open communication is vital to a healthy relationship among parents, teachers, and administration. Each week important information including upcoming events and announcements is published in the “Bison Briefing” sent out via Parent Square. Teachers also use Parent Square to send out class newsletters, tutoring information, and other updates. Dates of upcoming events will be published, and notification of important happenings on campus will be announced. K-5 teachers may send paper copies of important information in students’ folders.

PARENT COMMUNICATION TO AND FROM ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY, AND STAFF 

All of our teachers welcome parent/teacher conferences as long as they are scheduled in advance and on their calendars. Parents may use any of the following means of communicating with administrators, faculty, and staff:

• email

• Skyward

• a note dropped off to the school office

• a phone message left with school office

• face-to-face meetings scheduled in advance using one of the methods above

FCA Bastrop uses the Skyward platform and Parent Square for all parent-teacher communication as well as student disciplinary and academic notifications. In order to avoid miscommunication, parents are encouraged to check their Skyward and Parent Square account on a regular basis.

Guidelines regarding return communication: 

• Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster – due to the large volume of day-to-day responsibilities facing them, they will have to prioritize requests; parents should expect to be contacted within 2 business days with every effort made to respond within 24 hours.
• Faculty – they will make every effort to respond within 24-48 hours.

• Office Staff – they will provide a response within 1 business day.

*Please keep in mind that email does not always make it to intended recipients. If you do not receive a response via email, please try one of the other means of communication.

Order of Communication and Parent Grievances 

Should a parent need to speak about a classroom matter, including a grievance, the matter should be resolved using the following protocols. Issues that arise in a particular classroom should always be addressed to the teacher first, since the teacher has more direct knowledge of the student and the situation than anyone else.

1. The Teacher: Parents should always schedule a meeting with the teacher outlining the nature of the meeting in advance. Depending on the seriousness of the issue, a school administrator may be present. Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a parent to confront a teacher about an issue with students present, including his or her own.
2. The Assistant Headmaster: If the grievance cannot be resolved with the teacher and the matter regards discipline, the parent should schedule a meeting with the assistant headmaster and the teacher.
3. The Headmaster: If the grievance cannot be resolved with the teacher and the assistant headmaster, the parent should schedule a meeting with the headmaster, assistant headmaster, and teacher.
4. The Regional Director: If the grievance cannot be resolved after meeting with the headmaster, then a parent should communicate with the ResponsiveEd Regional Director. Please consult the Responsive Ed Parent/Student Handbook for additional information on grievances.

Civility 

Civil communication is expected at all times. Rude communication or behavior toward faculty, staff, and school volunteers will not be tolerated in person, in writing, via email, or by phone (rudeness will result in suspension of communication). In the case of a grievance, face-to-face meetings may be preferable to email communication.

VOLUNTEERS 

Founders Classical Academy welcomes family volunteers. In fact, they are vital to making our school the best it can be, and every minute volunteers provide is appreciated. We do ask our volunteers to fill out an online volunteer application annually. To sign up go to https://responsiveed.schoolspring.com and type volunteer in the search field.

Volunteers must check in at the school office each day they are serving on campus. Siblings may not accompany their parents when parents are volunteering. Volunteers are asked not to interrupt a classroom for any reason other than an emergency. Classroom disruptions (no matter how quiet) detract from teaching and learning. Volunteers may occasionally overhear confidential school or student information. Failure to keep confidence may result in your inability to continue as a volunteer.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) exists to support the education of children at Founders Classical Academy by fostering positive relationships among school parents, faculty, and staff and by sponsoring assistance to FCA faculty in a variety of ways. Any parent or legal guardian for a student at the school and any administrator or teacher may become a volunteer-member. Please refer to FCA PTO bylaws for specific information about member obligations, officers, elections, and committees. PTO holds regular meetings, including an informational meeting at the beginning of the school year.

LOCKERS: SECURITY AND SEARCH (Not applicable for 2025/26 school year) Lockers are purchased, furnished, and maintained by the school and remain the property of the school. The decision to assign lockers rests with the headmaster or her designee. No charges are made for their use. Items of non‐school nature should not be placed or kept in lockers as they are subject to inspection at any time without prior notice to or permission from students. A student has full responsibility for the security of the locker and is responsible for making certain it is locked and that the combination is not available to others. Any student who shall place, keep, or maintain any article or material in a school‐owned locker that is of a non‐school nature and materially or substantially interferes with, or the headmaster has reasonable cause to believe would materially or substantially interfere with, school activities or school‐sponsored functions or with the rights of school faculty, staff or other students, shall be subject to discipline (discipline measures include losing locker privileges, and consequences outlined in the RES code of student conduct). The school assumes NO responsibility for loss or damage of any item in a locker, locked or unlocked.

Students are to keep lockers clean and in good condition. Abuse of lockers will result in loss of the privilege and possible monetary compensation for damage. Lockers are made available for student use to store school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school. Students shall not share lockers with any other students. Lockers may not be left unlocked. Students will be charged a $10 fee for lock and will be assessed an additional fee for lost or damaged locks.

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION 

Student Expression of Religious Viewpoints: The school shall treat a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the school treats a student’s voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

Religious Expression in Class Assignments: Students may express the beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the students’ submission. Homework and classroom work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school. Students may not be penalized or rewarded on account of religious content.

If a teacher’s assignment involves writing a poem, the work of a student who submits a poem in the form of a prayer (for example, a psalm) should be judged on the basis of academic standards, including literary quality, and not penalized or rewarded on account of its religious content.

Freedom to Organize Religious Groups and Activities: Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, “see you at the pole” gatherings, and other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other non-curricular student activities and groups. Religious groups must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other non-curricular groups, without discrimination based on the religious content of the group’s expression. School authorities may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. School authorities may disclaim sponsorship of non-curricular groups and events, provided they administer the disclaimer in a manner that does not favor or disfavor groups that meet to engage in prayer or other religious speech.

Prayer: Each student has an absolute right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt the instructional or other activities of the school. The school will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity.

Respect for All: The school has a diverse student population and strives to maintain an environment of respect. Students must not engage in harassing behaviors directed toward other students motivated by ethnicity, sex, race, religion, or national origin. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Students are expected to treat other students and school faculty and staff with courtesy and respect and to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

Participation in school‐sponsored activities is an excellent way for students to build virtue, develop talents, and build strong friendships with other students. These activities also help build an important esprit de corps on campus. All students are encouraged to participate and take active parts in student clubs, performance groups and/or team sports; however, participation in these activities is a privilege, not a right. Only students enrolled full time at the school may participate in school clubs, societies, and sports. Students must abide by the entrance requirements and by the guidelines established by each club, honor society, performance group, or team to remain in good standing.

Eligibility Rules for Competitive Extracurricular Activities: Students and parents must complete all necessary permission slips, physical and insurance documents to be eligible for athletic practices or games. Founders Classical Academy competes against teams in various leagues. FCA is responsible to follow the rules set forth for participation in the associations and leagues, and to abide by Responsive Education Solutions guidelines, and will therefore enforce the following eligibility requirements for ALL extracurricular activities.

The “No Pass, No Play” rule will be enforced. A student who receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period in any academic class will be ineligible for games for at least four weeks beginning on the first day of the new marking period.

A student may regain eligibility if passing all courses four weeks into the next grading period; the passing grade must be maintained for the remainder of the quarter to compete. An ineligible student may attend practice.

Founders Classical Academy will promote virtue, both in academic and athletic arenas, which is at the heart of what we stand for at the academy. Student athletes and parents/guardians must understand that it is a PRIVILEGE to participate in Founders Classical Academy’s athletic program. Therefore, all athletes are expected to adhere to the following:

• Athletes will be tough competitors in the athletic arena while always exhibiting good sportsmanship.
• Outside of the competitive area athletes are required to conduct themselves as gentlemen and ladies at all times, demonstrating respect and integrity for their administrators, teachers, fellow students, and themselves.
• Athletes are to model/display behaviors associated with positive leaders both in the school and in the community.
• Athletes are to exhibit good citizenship at all times.
• Athletes are to serve as positive representatives for their team, coaches, school, district, and community during competitions and interactions with rivals.
• Athletes are expected to strive for academic excellence and to adhere to the Board approved Student Code of Conduct as well as the Campus and Athletic Code of Conduct and Guidelines.

As athletes in Founders Classical Academy, students have a responsibility to exhibit positive leadership characteristics. Participation in the athletic program and/or University Interscholastic League contests is a PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. All students participating in athletics are expected to comply with all guidelines and with the Board approved Student Code of Conduct. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for tryouts, disciplinary consequences, and/or removal from the athletic program for one year. Therefore, if a student is suspended from school for any reason, the student will also be suspended from extracurricular participation during the day of the offense and the suspension period, and will be subject to the termination of rights of participation for a more substantial length of time depending upon the severity of the offense and the discretion of the headmaster.

Students are responsible for the specific expectations and rules set forth in extra-curricular club, society, and athletic team documents. Sponsors and coaches will provide these expectations and guidelines to students.

Athletic Fees: Parents with children playing sports will also be asked to pay a fee for participation that will help defray the cost of uniforms and coaches.

*Founders Bastrop maintains a no pay, no practice/play policy. 

Small ticket charges at the gate of home and away athletic contests are the norm. Therefore, spectators should be prepared to pay for admission into contests at the various venues.

Practices and contests will be scheduled by FCA in coordination with league authorities, and with non-league school personnel. Participants are expected to attend all practices and games unless excused by the head coach prior to the date. Transportation to and from practice will be the responsibility of the parents.

Parent and Spectator Conduct: Attendance and shows of support for FCA students is strongly encouraged. Student competitors and performers are expected to participate with the highest standards of civility as are parents and spectators who attend school events. This includes interaction with sponsors, coaches, referees and visitors from other schools. Parents must treat sponsors and coaches with respect at all times and not approach them before, during, or after competitions or performances with complaints or suggestions. To speak with sponsors or coaches, first set up a meeting with the sponsor or coach. If the matter is not resolved, schedule a meeting with the assistant headmaster (non-athletic meetings) or the athletic coordinator (for athletic meetings).

Parents should strive to be active in the PTO and volunteer efforts related to the needs for home events and various presentations. Parents may be asked to volunteer with ticket taking, concessions, clock operation, dress rehearsals, and other important activities associated with running a good extracurricular program. Your assistance with your time and resources will help FCA programs operate at high levels for your children and others in the coming years.

PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION ON FILE 

If for some reason any of your contact information changes during the school year, such as your home, cell, or work phone number, email, please contact the office immediately to update the information in your child’s records. It is extremely important that school officials have current contact information at all times in order to reach you during the school day. This is for the safety of your child. Faculty or staff must be able to contact you in the event of a medical emergency. If you receive a call from the school asking you to pick up your child and you are not available, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for someone else to pick up your child. Please inform your alternative pick-up person that he or she is required to show a state-issued picture ID before your child can be released.

STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP *View the carline map for drop-of and pick-up routes.

For the safety of our students, we ask that all carpool rules and procedures are followed:

1. Please drive slowly when on campus.
2. Please follow prescribed carpool routes and all directional signs.
3. Do not use cell phones (including hands-free devices) or other electronic devices while driving on campus. 
4. Please pull up all the way when dropping off and picking up your children.
5. Please do not get out of your car to assist your child during carpool. Teachers will be present to assist. If your child needs extra/special assistance, please park and walk your child into the building.
6. Please minimize car-to-car and car-to-curb communication during carpool.
7. Do not leave children unattended in the car in the carpool line.
8. During busy times on campus, please only cross the parking lot at the designated crosswalks.

The doors of the main office buildings are not open to students until 7:30 a.m. Faculty and staff are not on duty to supervise students before 7:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. An employee will be at the drop-off site to help get your child out of the car and into the building (for younger students). All students will go directly to classrooms when arriving at school. School doors are locked at 8:00 a.m. for security purposes. 

All students must be picked up within 20 minutes of the end of the school day; late fees will apply. School pick-up begins at 3:30 p.m. for everyone. Parents should not pick up their students during the last 30 minutes of school unless there is an emergency. Learning is still taking place and homework assignments are often being discussed and written down. In addition, office staff may not be able to fulfill late afternoon release requests in a timely manner. If a parent is late, the student will be taken to the office where the parents can sign out, pick up, and pay a late fee of $1, per minute. Failure to pay this fee will result in your child not receiving his or her report card. School records will not be released in the event of a transfer or withdrawal until the fee is paid.

START TIMES AND TARDIES 

Grades K-12 

• Students should be in their classes by 8:00 am. 
• Students arriving in class after 8:00 am are considered tardy. 
• Students are expected to be with their designated areas before pledges are recited and announcements are made. 
• All tardies are unexcused, except for instances when a student has a written doctor’s note.
• Tardy students need to go directly to the school office to sign in and receive a tardy slip before going to class. 
• If the weather is inclement (e.g. raining) when you wake up, please plan to leave 5 or 10 minutes early to avoid being late. 
• Five unexcused late arrivals (tardies) will result in one unexcused absence.
• Excessive tardies, which hinder learning and disrupt the classroom, will result in a parent conference and possible dismissal from Founders Classical Academy.

INCLEMENT WEATHER 

When snow, ice, or any inclement weather threatens a school closing, tune into local news to find out if Founders Classical Academy will be closed. We follow the Bastrop Independent School District when making our decision. If you see that the BISD is closed for the day, then so are we. If BISD has a delayed opening, then so will we. The headmaster also informs families via email or Parent Square when school is either delayed or closed. Please stay informed of weather conditions and do not bring your child to school unnecessarily. If the school is closed, there will be no faculty or staff members on campus.

SICK CHILDREN 

Prudence should be used in sending children to school when they are not feeling well. No child that has run a fever (100 degrees or higher) should return to school before the student has been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine. It is very important that you abide by this rule, especially during flu season. If a child comes to the school office with a temperature, a parent will be called to pick him or her up as soon as possible. If your child is vomiting, please do not send him or her to school. Children vomiting at school will be sent home and can’t return until they have been vomit free for 24 hours. An email notification is required to both your child’s teacher and the office if your student will be absent due to illness. If a child is absent for three or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note will be required upon return to school.

Please do not send any form of medication, prescription or over the counter, with your child to school for any reason. This is for the safety of your child and the others at school. If your child needs to take medication, you must bring it to the office in its original container with the instructions on the bottle, and a signed copy of the Responsive Ed form authorizing the school to administer medication. Please do not send vitamins or other medicine in a lunch box to school with your child. Those should be taken at home.

VISITORS ON CAMPUS 

Founders Classical Academy has a mandatory sign-in procedure for all visitors on campus, including parents. Visitors must first report to the school office and will be required to furnish a U.S. federal or state‐issued photo ID. The visitor’s information will be stored in an electronic database to document visitors to the school. Information stored in the electronic database may be used only for the purpose of school security and may not be sold or otherwise disseminated to a third party for any purpose. The school will verify whether the visitor is a sex offender registered with the computerized central database maintained by the Department of Public Safety or any other database accessible by the school. Visitors identified as sex offenders shall be escorted by school staff at all times during a school visit.

A visitor badge will be issued to the visitor and displayed conspicuously during the visit. Parent visitors should not go to their children’s classroom, the cafeteria, the gym, or any other place on campus without stopping in the office, signing in, and getting permission. Office staff or school administrators will be glad to assist parents. This procedure is in place to ensure each child receives the ultimate academic time available without distraction, as well as his or her safety, by knowing who is on campus at all times. The procedure also applies to student drop off and pick up outside of normal drop off and pick up times.

MEALS AT SCHOOL 

Breakfast

Breakfast will be available for students to purchase t during the 2024-2025 school year. (Every parent will have the opportunity to apply at the beginning of the school year for the free and reduced breakfast funded by the Child Nutrition Program. Once the application is completed, the approval or denial letter should come home in a few days. If a family qualifies for free breakfast, the child can eat breakfast every day at no cost)

Breakfast is served each day from 7:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m.

Lunches

There will be NO hot lunch service for the 2025-2026 school year. Every student must pack and bring his own lunch. Be sure to send a drink, and always pack an eating utensil in your child’s lunch box as utensils are not available at school. Due to time restraints, students may not bring lunch items that require heating up in a microwave.

Snacks - Students should bring small, healthy snacks that can be consumed in a couple of minutes. Examples include cheese crackers, animal crackers, nutri-grain bars, granola bars, pretzels, grapes, etc. No snack should require the use of a utensil.

*Food and drink (except bottled water with lids) are not permitted in the classrooms. There are multiple water fountains available on the campus. During seasons of very hot weather, students are encouraged to bring water bottles to school. They may refill them from any of the drinking fountains on campus. As a precaution against sickness, students should not share or drink from the same bottles.

Birthdays at School 

Parents may send or bring store-bought cupcakes or cookies for their children’s birthdays. Birthday treats will be shared during the child’s scheduled lunch period. They must notify their child’s teacher a week prior to the birthday celebration. For families with children that have summer birthdays, please check with teachers for a designated day to celebrate. No invitations to parties may be given out in a class unless all students are invited, or all girls or all boys are invited. Treats should be sent in single-sized portions that do not require the teacher to divide and serve; for example, a cake requires cutting and serving, not to mention a knife to cut, plates and forks to serve. Cupcakes and a napkin are easier to serve. If a parent wishes to serve a large birthday cookie, it must be cut before it is sent to class. Parents should make sure to provide napkins and any other utensils that may be required. No balloons or other party favors are permitted.

LOST ITEMS AT SCHOOL 

Please make sure your child’s first and last name are on items he or she wears or brings to school, including lunch boxes and containers inside the lunchboxes. This will help us identify the items when they are misplaced. Check with office staff before searching for missing items in our Lost and Found areas.

OTHER POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS 

This handbook is not comprehensive. This does not replace or overrule the ResponsiveEd Handbook, which should be consulted when relevant. It is expected that parents and students will operate in a spirit of cooperation and reasonableness. Refer to the ResponsiveEd Student-Parent Handbook, official campus documents, and classroom syllabi for detailed academic and student discipline policies and requirements not found in this document.

FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY

2025-26 CAMPUS HANDBOOK

Acknowledgement Form

The Founders Classical Academy Handbook outlines the policies and procedures put into place to promote an academic, safe, and orderly school environment. Parental and guardian support in cooperation with school faculty and staff will help provide the best possible learning environment for students.

It is important for all students to be aware of the expectations the school has for them and that each parent encourages his or her student to follow the academic and behavioral standards outlined in the campus handbook.

Your signature is requested to acknowledge receipt of the campus handbook and your commitment to abide by the provisions contained herein.

MY SIGNATURE INDICATES I HAVE RECEIVED AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES OUTLINED IN THE FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY HANDBOOK AND THE RESPONSIVE ED PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK.

_____________________________________________

Student Name

____________________________________ ___________________________________ Student Signature Parent Signature

____________________________________

Date

Please sign this page and return it to the school office.