GCA Parent Handbook

TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
PARENT
HANDBOOK
1

Dear Parents,
This handbook was created with you in mind. GCA life has its
own traditions and culture, much of which is not addressed in
the school handbook.
To assist you and your child to successfully navigate through
this chapter of your lives, we have developed this handbook
from questions that parents have submitted, and that faculty
have answered. It serves as a companion to the bulletin and
other GCA communications, and will be a resource that is
updated as GCA continues to grow.
Sincerely,
The Leadership Team of PSGCA

Advice from the
Guidance Counselor
What are the top three things
PARENTS SHOULD DO
to ensure the success of their student?
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
1
2
3
Help your child stay organized with their homework
assignments by keeping track of when to turn in the
assignment and what the teacher expects in that assignment.
Please monitor your child’s progress on GCA Connect on
a regular basis. That way if there are any questions they
can be addressed immediately.
Please check in with your child and find out how they are
spending their time. In other words, are they using their
time wisely? Help them evaluate how to best use their
time and allow them to plan out the best use of their time.
After all, we are teaching them responsibility. It is OK to
revisit the issue if things don’t work out the first time.
DERRICK
COLLINS, MAYYAM
Counselor, Guidance
& Testing
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4063
HOURS
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What are the top three things
PARENTS SHOULD NOT DO
to ensure the success of their student?
1
2
3
Do not yell at your child for their failures, or start
blaming teachers, faculty, etc. Instead, challenge them
to look for solutions to their problems and guide them
through this process.
Do not rescue them. Allow them to feel the weight of their
choices and support them through the process.
Do not forget that even academic success should be
connected to asking God’s blessing on your child’s success.
3

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
DORI BOGESS,
MSEd
Director of Learning
Resources
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4081
LEARNING LAB
LEARNING LAB HELPS STUDENTS WITH:
SQ3R (Reading method: survey, question, read, recite, review)
Study skills
Keeping and maintaining a master folder
Note-taking: Cornell Method
Time management
Organizational skills
Quick questions or tutorials
HOURS
More involved interventions
Making up quizzes and tests from a missed class period
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
TUESDAY, THURSDAY
9:55 AM – 1:15 PM
MONDAY – THURSDAY
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CLOSED DURING
CHAPEL
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE
LEARNING LAB FOR ANY OF THESE REASONS:
▪
▪
▪
They have multiple D’s or one F at a grading period.
A teacher or parent makes the request.
They enter GCA on academic probation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Student tutors available
in the dorms (primarily
math and science)
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
1
2
3
Tutorial services run throughout the day and in the
dorms during study hall.
Teachers have office hours and are more than
willing to assist students.
At times, a teacher will hold an additional study
session that focuses on test preparation
4

One 3-ring binder (1 - 1½ inch size)
(may be shared with other subjects)
One pack of notebook paper
(college rule or regular, your preference)
One tablet or pack of graph paper
(25 square/inch size)
CLASS SUPPLY LIST
ALL
MATH
OPTIONAL
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
Pens and pencils
TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator
(needed for Algebra II & calculus)
Straight edge
One ruler with metric measurements
One pair of scissors
One roll of transparent tape
One stapler with staples
Highlighter
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES
Scientific calculator
Needed in Physical Science, Chemistry,
Advanced Chemistry, & Physics. The TI-30, TI-83,
or TI-84 are the best calculators for science classes.
(The TI 83/84 are also required in the math classes
at GCA, so you may already have what you need.)
One pack of 10 or more coloring
pencils and a pencil sharpener
Needed in all classes, except Physics and
Advanced Chemistry.
These will be kept in your dorm room or at
home for homework assignments or projects.
*Students should always bring their textbook, school laptop, and charger to class.
5

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
JEANNE
HARTWELL, BA
Registrar & GCA Scholars
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4014
grade point average
Did you know that you can find your student’s GPA on the grade
report for each quarter? If you want a cumulative GPA, which
includes all high school classes taken, you may contact the registrar.
RESOLVING CLASS AND HOMEWORK ISSUES
Does your child have any homework or class issues that need
to be resolved? We recommend you insist that your student
contact the teacher. Give your child a time limit, i.e. one week.
Let them know that if they have not handled it within that
time frame then you will step in, then express your expectation
that your child work toward being more independent.
HOURS
MONDAY – THURSDAY
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
FRIDAY
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
CONTINUED ACADEMIC HELP
If your student continues to need academic help after accessing
the Learning Lab and their teachers, the guidance counselor
can test their executive functioning skills (organizing skills)
to assess their weaknesses. Counseling is also available to
specifically address organization and accountability.
Excused Absences
Requests for students to miss school should be submitted two
weeks in advance (when possible) to the registrar. Administrative
council meets on Monday mornings and they approve
prearranged absences. Once approved, students need to make
arrangements with individual teachers for homework and making
up missed work, quizzes and tests. Teachers will not reteach
material that is presented while a student is gone, however most
classes are recorded (recordings cannot be guaranteed).
Students should talk to their employers. Some jobs on campus
are easy to miss; other jobs are more vital and the student may
be required to find a substitute.
Dorm students or their parents should contact the dean. The
student will have paperwork to complete. They should also sign
out of the dorm at the front desk when they leave.
6

Be prepared for the whirlwind
that occurs for seniors in the
month of May. Here is an example
from a previous school year:
8
MAY 2019
Advanced
placement tests
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
10 Flower vespers
GRADUATION WEEKEND 2021
12
Year-end video
and yearbook
Seniors
14 -15 Final exams
SCHOLARSHIPS
The guidance counseling office sends out some information to
parents and students, but it recommends that you search the
Internet for most college scholarships.
15 -
22
Senior Class Trip
GRADUATION
▪
▪
▪
Graduation announcements are ordered during the
third quarter of the school year. You will begin receiving
ordering information in January. Some students use the
announcements selected by the school, but others design
their own, more personalized announcements.
Each graduate will receive eight tickets. Five of those
eight seats will have the graduate’s name on them in
the “front” section. The remaining three will be for open
seating in the back sections. Seat assignments are offered
to graduates giving first priority to 4-year seniors.
A professional photographer will record the moment your
senior receives his or her diploma and will also take the
group photo. You will receive your free copy in early June
and may order more at your expense.
23
24
25
4-year senior brunch
Junior-Senior banquet
Graduation practice
Consecration service
Baccalaureate
Parent Tribute
Commencement
*Specific dates will vary
each school year
7

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
SA SUPPER CLUB BANQUET
SOCIAL TERMINOLOGY
Talking
Sometimes boy-girl relationships
develop to the point
that they spend quite a bit
of time together: frequently
eat together, sit together
for vespers and church, etc.
They have not formalized
their friendship. Sometimes
they refer to this as the boy
and girl “having a thing.”
Dating
This can mean different
things. At GCA, it often
means being official boyfriend
and girlfriend, and
indicates that the relationship
is getting more serious.
Student Social Scene
THE SOCIAL SCENE
GCA has special social events throughout the year, and your child
may participate in any of them with or without dates. Often those
who go in groups have the most fun. If they do plan to attend with
a date, here is some information that may be helpful, so you know
what other students generally do. Banquet gowns or tuxedos are
never required, and GCA does not encourage spending exorbitant
amounts of money. However, many girls do wear gowns,
depending on the banquet. Gowns must be approved by the girls’
dean for dorm and village students. When it comes to dress code,
remember to consult the school handbook.
BANQUET TIPS
The banquet theme, cost and sign-up deadline are always
announced to students during weekly chapel meetings, at least a
couple of weeks in advance of the banquet. Parents may not get
this information unless they ask their child.
Costs vary, but rarely exceed $20 per person.
Payment arrangements are decided by individual couples. If they
8

YEARLY BANQUETS
SA SUPPER CLUB
Occurs in the fall
Guys ask girls
Both guys and girls
may dress according
to the banquet theme,
or in “church attire”
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
SA CHRISTMAS
BANQUET
Occurs in December,
and is off-campus
SA CHRISTMAS BANQUET
have dates, guys usually pay for girls, but some pairs choose to
split the cost. Girls might pay if they are the ones who ask.
Some students decide to exchange gifts with their dates, with
a typical cost of $10-$15. Wrapped gifts are often exchanged
during escorting. Common gifts are candy, clothing, and stuffed
animals.
Escorting is when dates meet for the banquet. Gentlemen may
be dismissed from the boys’ dorm in groups according to their
grade, seniors first. They walk to the girls’ dorm lobby to have
their date paged. The girls may go to the boys’ dorm to pick
up their dates when it is a “girls ask guys” banquet. For some
occasions, rather than meeting in dorm lobbies, they may meet
at the water fountain on Center Campus.
At GCA guys usually ask girls to a banquet with varying degrees
of creativity, which can make the invitation an event in itself.
Girls may do the same when they ask guys.
Village students participate in escorting in the same way as dorm
students – they go to a friend’s room and either leave with a group
to pick up their date or stay to be picked up by their date.
*Disclaimer: Many of these tips are offered to make parents aware of common
social practices at GCA, but they are not mandatory. Gifts, dates, etc. continue
to be at the discretion of each student and their parents.
Guys ask girls
Typically the most
formal, dress banquet
of the year
VALENTINE’S
BANQUET (GUYS/
GIRLS CLUBS)
Occurs in February
Girls ask guys
Dress depends on the
theme; often “church
attire” is worn
JUNIOR-SENIOR
BANQUET
Occurs on the Thursday
before graduation
Guys ask girls
Dress is typically
formal, but depends
on the theme
9

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
Q&A
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is “Handshake?”
A. Handshake is a Student
Association (S.A.) event that
usually occurs on the evening
of registration Sunday.
Teachers and students line
up in the gym according to
their grade level. As each person
moves down the line they
meet and greet every other
person there. Afterwards, a
few games are played.
It’s a fun way to meet new
people and see old friends!
Q. If registration is from
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, does
that mean we have to be
on campus the whole time?
A. You may arrive and leave
any time on registration
day. The hours are simply
the times we’re open for
registration.
Q. What is the “Mugbook?”
A. The Mugbook is an online
pictorial directory that students
can access shortly after
school begins. Students are
listed alphabetically along
with their picture. The
Mugbook is a helpful way to
become more familiar with
names and faces.
CAMPUS SUPERVISION
There is a dean on duty for each dorm 24/7. They might be in
their apartment, or their office, or somewhere else on campus,
but there is always one here on duty. If they are not in the dorm,
they usually let the desk person know where they are so they
can be contacted easily by radio.
An adult faculty or staff member is always present whenever
students are in co-ed social settings. On weekends staff are on
supervision teams and are on campus when the campus is open.
Students are told where they can be and when – violating these
regulations will bring serious consequences. We have installed
cameras throughout campus, both indoors and outdoors to
protect our students. Students are told – repeatedly – that our
policy is “hands off.” The only exception is a brief hug – and that
is only as a greeting or departure gesture.
CLASS COLORS
Tradition has established that the first Saturday night event of the
year is Almost Anything Goes Olympics. Classes dress in their
class colors. They compete in a series of creative and sometimes silly
events that earn points for their class. It’s a fun event to participate
in, as well as to watch. Parents are welcome to observe. At other
events throughout the year, classes will wear a t-shirt with their
class color. Some students really go all out to show their class spirit.
DRESS CODE
Clothing worn by GCA students should always be neat, clean, and
modest. We use Lands’ End for uniforms and have various options
to choose from. To purchase uniforms please refer to our Lands’
End uniform list on their website at https://www.landsend.com
and search for GCA under the school link using code: 900187535.
Alternatively, there is a link to Lands’ End on the GCA website.
▪
▪
GREEN
Freshmen
BLUE
Sophomores
RED
Juniors
YELLOW & BLACK
Seniors
The GCA logo must be applied to all items. When ordering, if
you don’t see the step to have the logo included then you are
not ordering through the GCA school list.
We urge families to order the uniforms earlier in the summer
so that they will receive the uniforms in time for the start
of the school year. It takes at least two weeks to receive the
items that are ordered.
10

▪
▪
▪
▪
Students are not allowed to wear no-uniform coats, jackets,
sweaters or sweatshirts in the classrooms.
We will stock a limited number of uniform items at GCA for
purchase and immediate wear if a student’s uniform does not
meet the guidelines for fit or appearance.
You can order from Lands’ End and if it doesn’t fit, return it
for exchange or refund.
Watch for announcements from Lands’ End regarding sales.
You might be restricted to only one item at sale price, but
over time you can save a significant amount of money.
All students are required to wear closed-toe shoes with the
uniform. Flip flops, slides, high heels, sandals, etc. are not
allowed. Socks and stocking are limited to solid colors. A small
logo can show but printed designs and patterns are not allowed.
Skirt length must be within 2 inches from the top of the knee.
Jewelry items are not to be worn at any time.
Shirts and sun dresses may be sleeveless but may not be cut
in a fashion that makes undergarments or straps visible.
Recommendation – the material over the shoulder should be
at least 3 inches wide. No spaghetti-strap or strapless dresses
for church. Shirts and tops must be long enough to cover the
midriff. Shorts should not be ragged or cut off, must be fingertip
length, and be appropriately sized.
CONFLICT
When conflict arises between students, or between students
and teachers, parents will have an immediate urge to step in. If
the conflict is serious and involves threats, bullying, or serious
inappropriate behavior, parents should immediately contact
the principal, the vice principal or a dean. When the conflict
involves differences of opinion,
One of the important
skills teenagers
must master is
conflict resolution.
misunderstandings, communications
problems or homework/quiz or test
issues, parents are urged to allow
students to make a first attempt at
resolution. When parents step in to
take control, the students only learn
to call their parents. As students
mature, depending on a parent to resolve all interpersonal issues
will be increasingly impractical and inappropriate. When it is
clear the students are not going to arrive at a resolution, parents
should contact the adult at GCA that is most directly involved.
If the issue is in the dorm, call or e-mail a dean. If the issue is in
a class, call or e-mail the teacher. If those conversations do not
bring answers, call the principal or vice principal.
SERGE GARIEPY,
MEd
Vice Principal
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4015
HOURS
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*May be in and out of the office
during these hours.
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
11

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
SUSAN JENKINS, BBA
Business Manager
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4013
THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT FACULTY
Teachers are required to check their e-mail every day. Parents
can call the school – every teacher has a private phone line and
messages can be left. The school publishes a phone list – many
teachers and staff have cell phones and can be called directly
when the number is published.
VILLAGE STUDENTS
GCA is a boarding school. Therefore, there are times that not
living in the dorms raises questions that are not addressed
during chapel or in the GCA updates. Here is a collection of
some of those issues:
▪
During the fall school picnic, lunch is provided for village
students.
SHERRIL HARRIS, BAS
Assistant Business Manager
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4020
BUSINESS OFFICE
HOURS
MONDAY-THURSDAY
8:00 AM – 1:15 PM
2:45 PM – 5:00 PM
FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Parents may drop students off after 7:30 AM in the school’s
front parking lot or in the church lot.
Village students are permitted to park only in the school’s
front parking lot.
The dress code is always the same for both dorm and
village students, even on Sabbaths. For school days on
Sundays, jeans that are not torn or frayed may be worn
with uniform tops.
When village students are not in class or at work they are
permitted to be in the library (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), student
center, gym lobby, or cafeteria when open, or on center
campus.
Lunch should be eaten in the cafeteria. You may bring a
sack lunch. A microwave is available. Meal tickets are $7 per
meal, or $63/10 meals and purchased at the business office.
When village students are sick, their parents should contact
the registrar to have classes excused and contact the
appropriate work supervisor.
Whenever an event is off-campus and students are
transported, village students should use GCA transportation.
They cannot drive their cars unless different arrangements
have been made in advance.
Changes in extra-curricular activities, such as music group
rehearsals, or sports team practices or games should be
communicated to parents using email or the Parent Alert
text message system. If you are not getting these text
messages, please contact someone in the main office.
12

Sports Program
GCA offers both intramural and varsity sports programs.
Participation in varsity sports involves being selected by the
coaches during tryouts. Tryout schedules vary depending on
the sport but are announced to the student body. All students
are welcome to try out. Players that the coaches feel best fit the
team are selected, regardless of if they are new students or if
they were on the team the previous year. Team members will
have to pay a fee to cover the costs of uniforms, tournaments,
transportation, and referees. Varsity sports include: girls’
volleyball, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball and boys JV
basketball, girls’ soccer, and boys soccer.
Intramural sports are available for those who do not try out
for or make a team and simply require signing up during
open sign-up times. All students who sign up will be included
on a team and play each scheduled game. Intramural sports
include: flag football, volleyball, floor hockey, basketball,
soccer, and softball.
ROBBIE PETERSON, BS
Physical Education Director
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4031
HOURS
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
GAME SCHEDULES
Scheduled games are posted on GCA Connect and are also
streamed online. Changes or additions to that schedule will be
communicated to students and parents via e-mail or text.
MONDAY – FRIDAY
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Student Bank
You may send your child spending money with what we call
“Student Bank.” Funds can be sent to, and disbursed from, the
Business Office. We recommend no more than $20 be kept at the
dorm. A parent may leave money at registration or send money
at any time during the school year. The easiest and quickest way
to send student bank money is from your Smart Tuition account.
The Business Office will receive immediate notification of the
funds transfer and your child can come withdraw the money
any time the Business Office is open. They can also hold student
bank money to be disbursed as needed. Each student that keeps
student bank money at the Business Office has a ledger card
and every deposit and withdrawal is recorded.
13

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
JANET NAUS
Women’s Head Dean
(706) 629-4591,
ext. 4028/4029
Dorm details
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Twin-size sheet set
Pillow
Blanket/comforter
Bath towels
and washcloths
Shower caddy
Bible (paper, not electric)
Flip-flops
School uniforms
Church clothes
Church shoes
Jeans
Shirts
Wall phone (required)
Refillable water bottle
Pants
Shorts
Laundry detergent
Socks
DOUG NESMITH, MEd
Men’s Head Dean
(706) 629-4591,
ext. 4035/4034
School supplies
Toiletries
(deodorant, comb/
brush, shampoo/
conditioner,
toothpaste,
toothbrush, cologne,
razor, nail clippers,
facewash, etc.)
OPTIONAL
Underwear
Work clothes
(can get dirty/torn)
Swimsuit
Sweaters/jackets
Athletic shoes that
don’t scuff
▪
▪
▪
Cell phone, books to read, games, toys, stuffed animals.
Students MAY bring their own mattresses, but most are
happy with the one supplied by the school. Some bring an
extra pad to put on the dorm mattress.
Irons are optional in the Boys’ Dorm but are not permitted in
the Girls’ Dorm. They are provided in the laundry rooms.
*Students may not bring their own microwaves and refrigerators.
**For more details on dress code please refer to the Student Handbook.
14

Q&A
with
THE DEANS
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
Q. How do parents know
their students are OK?
A. Parents are always allowed
and encouraged to call to get
information from the deans.
However, if you don’t receive
phone calls from the deans, it
usually means that everything
is OK. It doesn’t necessarily
mean everything is perfect –
GCA is trying to raise the students
to be self-responsible and
will likely not call the parents
for small disciplines. We keep
an eye out when we are on duty
as does the rest of the faculty.
There is good communication
between faculty about the wellbeing
and whereabouts of your
child. The RAs also check on
them nightly and notify deans
if there are concerns.
Q. How often can dorm students
come home?
A. Any time that parents want
to take their student home,
they can. It may interfere
with their schooling if they
miss too many classes, so parents
should exercise caution.
Weekend worship services are
an integral part of the GCA
experience, and we encourage
students to participate. Except
for Week of Prayer, we no longer
have closed weekends.
Q. Are individual students
permitted to sell food in the
dorm?
A. Technically, no. If a student
is out of food and wants to
buy something from someone
who has extra food, that is no
problem.
Q. What sort of food is best for
them to keep in their rooms?
A. Fresh fruits and vegetables,
yogurt, and snacks that
are kept in a sealed container
are the best to have in dorm
rooms. What they frequently
have are milk and cereal,
soda and chips, candy bars
and ramen noodles. We
encourage no caffeine (including
coffee and energy drinks)
or meat products. The school
does consider having food in
the dorm rooms a privilege.
If students aren’t responsible
with their food and it affects
the cleanliness of their room,
an individual student may
not be allowed to have food
in their room.
GCA is a Christian
school, so posters that
glorify music groups
or artists or models
that go against Christian
principles should
be left at home. In the
Boys’ Dorm, if you
want to hang anything
on your wall, you will
be charged at the end
of the year if you leave
nail holes, sticky tack,
tape, or chipped paint
on the walls. In the
Girls’ Dorm, nothing
may be hung on
the cinderblock walls
or ceiling.
No duct tape, please!
15

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
Q. What is the dorm policy
of overseeing texting/cell
phone usage at night for
the students?
A. Cell phones are helpful
when used to communicate
with your sons and daughters,
but they also have the potential
to be time wasters. We do
allow the students to keep their
phones in their rooms during
the night. However, they are
kept in Yonder bags from the
time of lights-out. The bags are
magnetically locked and can
only be unlocked in the morning
by the RAs or dean. The
student can still use their cell
phone alarm, as well as listen
to music through headphones.
Q. What is the schedule
once students are in the
dorms on weeknights and
on weekends? What time is
study time? When can they
be reached in their rooms?
A. In the Boys’ Dorm on a
weeknight, dorm chapel begins
at 8:05 PM, and usually lasts
between 10 and 30 minutes.
After dorm chapel, all guys
go to their rooms and stay
there until their RA or the
dean checks to see that they
are keeping their room tidy.
Whether they have a clean
room or not, study hall begins
right after dorm chapel. If their
rooms are clean, they have
the opportunity to go to the
dorm store, take a shower, or
study in other students’ rooms.
Freshmen and sophomores
must be in their beds with their
lights out at 10:00 PM. If their
RA knows that they have been
studying all evening, they may
give the student more time to
study if asked. Juniors and
seniors must be in bed with
their lights out by 10:30 PM,
but if the seniors have shown
that they are responsible as
a whole, they may earn extra
time so lights out is even later.
On Friday nights, there is no
study hall, and students have
free time between the end of
vespers and lights out.
In the Boys’ Dorm on Sabbath,
breakfast is later so they
can sleep until 8:30 AM. ‘They
are required to go to Sabbath
School at 10:00 AM, followed
by the worship service at 11:00
AM. There is a lot of free time
in the afternoon, until Sabbath
evening worship (Eventide),
which starts just before sundown.
There is usually some
planned entertainment on
Saturday nights, and after
the planned activity, the guys
usually go back to the gym or
watch a movie, so lights-out is
later on Saturday night.
In the Boys’ Dorm on Sunday,
breakfast is even later, and
they often sleep until brunch at
10:00 AM. Town trips happen
on Sunday mornings, but after
that there is mostly free time
until dorm chapel at 8:05 PM.
In the Girls’ Dorm, study
hall begins 10 minutes after
chapel. Strict study hall lasts
one hour. Non-strict study
hall lasts one hour. Lights
out is at 10:00 PM for underclassmen
and at 10:30 PM for
upperclassmen. If they need
extra lights, the RA contacts
the dean, and they are given
extra time as needed. The
best time to reach your child
in their room is approximately
between 8:40-9:40 PM because
that is strict study hall and is
when they are required to be
in their room.
Q. What is “Military?”
A. Dorm students are
required to keep their
rooms clean. Every day
they must keep their
room tidy. Every weekend
they must scrub
their counters and sinks
to make the whole room
actually clean. Every
home leave, the guys
must have completely
clean rooms, with all
their possessions in perfect
order.
There are several reasons for
this. One reason is to make
sure that they find all of the
things they thought were lost.
Another reason is to make
sure that the guys are actually
cleaning their rooms once
a month, and not just stuffing
more and more trash into their
cabinets every day. We also
need to make sure that the
exterminator can spray each of
the rooms for pests. Cleaning
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efore home leaves gives the
students practice having their
rooms clean enough for the
end-of-the-year check-out so
they can get their deposit back
after final exams in May.
The military check is very
strict. There cannot be any food
residue even in the empty trash
cans, no crumbs of food under
the microwave, because any
food crumbs can become a feast
for mice, roaches, and ants. The
consequence of failing a military
check is to move everything
that the student owns
out of the room, clean the room
perfectly, and then move back
in and put it in the right place.
Most freshmen fail at least one
military. Most students never
fail more than one.
often, but for most students
it’s quite seldom. Students
that break guidelines, such
as being in the wrong part of
the dorm without permission,
having a dirty room, or not
being in their beds at lightsout,
can end up receiving discipline.
Usually this discipline
comes in one of two forms –
cleaning or exercise – but it is
never humiliating or dangerous.
Hopefully, the discipline
is uncomfortable enough to
make the student choose not
to break the guideline again.
Most cleaning discipline
involves cleaning bathrooms
or vacuuming a hall to make
the dorm a better place, and
most exercise discipline is in
the form of push-ups.
SARA CHASE, MEd
Assistant Womens’ Dean
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4028
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
Q. How is discipline administered
in the dorms? How
common is free labor? For
what type of infractions is
discipline given, and what
type?
A. Girls’ Dorm – They will
receive a fine if they do not
sign in or out of the dorm or
have an unexcused absence to
dorm chapel. Your child might
receive free labor (i.e. writing
sentences, cleaning showers,
etc.) if they are not in their
rooms when study hall begins
or at lights out. Most situations
are handled by the head dean;
in more serious cases she confers
with administration.
Boys’ Dorm – For some students,
discipline happens
TOWN TRIPS:
Towns trips to Wal-Mart happen
almost every Sunday. Students
need to sign up early
Sunday morning. If a student
misses a bus, they may be able
to get a ride into town with a
faculty member on occasion.
THE FINAL WEEK OF
THE SCHOOL YEAR:
Freshmen and sophomore dorm
students move out on Wednesday.
Remaining dorm students
are not allowed to stay off-campus
on Friday night of graduation
weekend, even with their
parents. Juniors move out by
Saturday night following Commencement,
and Seniors move
out by Sunday.
ALBERT
HERNANDEZ, BA
Assistant Mens’ Dean,
Assistant PE
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4035
TODD HUNT, BS
Assistant Mens’ Dean
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4035
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GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
RANDY KELCH, MA
Director of Information
Technology
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4018
Computer Help Desk
TERMS OF USE AND BASIC INFORMATION
ISSUING OF LAPTOPS
All students enrolled at GCA will be issued a laptop during the time
of registration. Each student will be given a charger with the laptop.
If students lose their charger, they are to pay the full amount to the
business office before the CHD issues a new charger to the student.
The laptop will be assigned to the individual students, with serial
numbers recorded that will stay with the student for the remainder of
the school year in which it was issued, or until the student withdraws
from school. Students are responsible for bringing laptops to classes
each day, taking them home or back to their dorm room, and charging
them for use the next day. The laptops are not to be left unsupervised
at school or at home in unsecured locations that could lead to theft.
GCA insurance does not cover any water damage or theft.
CONTACT THE CHD
BY PHONE
(706) 625-7158
BY E-MAIL
help@gcasda.org
Did you know?
GCA uses a parent
alert cell phone texting
method for emergency
announcements.
We also attempt to use
e-mail if the system is
not working.
*If you are not receiving
parent alerts, please
contact CHD to be added.
PRINTING
Each student is given a fixed amount of print credits per
semester. If the student runs out, they are to pay the business
office to obtain more print credits.
ID CARDS
The students are issued ID cards that are used for dorm and
work access. They are also their library cards, CHD support
tickets, and their access to the photocopiers. Replacement charge
is paid to the business office. These cards also open exterior
doors during certain hours Monday-Friday.
GUEST ACCESS
We provide guest Wi-Fi access for parents but ask guests not to share
with students as it is basically unfiltered. Guest accounts will work for
one day and are deleted every night at midnight. You can get access by
coming to the CHD office or seeing a school administrator.
INTERNET FILTER
GCA’s filter works on and off campus and we encourage parents
to receive copies of their student’s Internet filter logs so they are
aware of where their student is going online. If you would like a
copy of your child’s Internet log, please contact the CHD.
E-MAIL
GCA provides the only access students have to e-mail, and parents
have the ability to log in to their student’s account upon request.
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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
Hardware or software maintenance and repairs
User account support including password reset for laptop
account and e-mail account
Operating system and software support
Warranty repairs (we DO NOT cover water damage and theft)
Managing laptop tracking services
Basic troubleshooting
Printing issues
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
HELP DESK PROCEDURES
The student identifies a problem to the worker on duty.
With teacher permission (if in class), the student MUST
bring the laptop to the CHD.
A CHD assistant will attempt to fix the problem while the
student waits.
If the problem requires time at the CHD, then the assistant
will fill out a “Help Desk Note” with as much diagnostic
information as necessary.
If a loaner is needed, a CHD assistant will assist the student.
When the laptop is fixed, the CHD will contact the student,
and they can come pick up their computer.
DOROTHY SELF,
WHNP-BC, MSN
Nurse
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4041
HOURS
MONDAY – THURSDAY
7:45 AM – 2:30 PM
FRIDAY
7:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Student Health
Sick students cannot put themselves on sick list. Dorm students
must be evaluated by the dean or nurse. Dorm and village
students are sent home if they have a fever over 101 degrees
accompanied by upper respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Students sent home for illness may not return until they are
fever free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms
are improving. Dorm students living too far away may be
temporarily quarantined in a separate room until transportation
arrangements can be made.
Students sent home for illness may not return until they are fever
free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving.
Dorm students living too far away may be quarantined in a
separate room until transportation arrangements can be made.
How do you handle
medical emergencies?
Medical emergencies are
handled on an individual
basis, and initially
evaluated by the nurse,
dean, or administrator
on duty. Parents will
be called. Students are
taken to the nearest
medical facility’s emergency
department for
non-life-threatening
emergencies. We call
911 for life-threatening
emergencies.
19

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
K.C. LARSEN, BS
Work Coordinator
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4021
Student Work
Program
THE FOLLOWING FACTORS HELP TO DETERMINE A
STUDENT’S JOB ASSIGNMENT:
▪
▪
▪
▪
Grade
Age
Students over 16 years old can work more jobs due to age
requirements.
Gender
Village or dorm students
If you do not live in the dorm you cannot work in the dorm.
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
ON AND OFF
CAMPUS JOBS
INCLUDE:
Computer Help
Desk
Custodian (church,
ad building, or dorms)
Front desk worker/
receptionist
Food services
Grounds
Maintenance
Resident Assistant
Yearbook staff
Teacher assistants
Nursing home
Tutoring
Library
Business Office
Nurse’s Office
Development Office
Marketing/
Enrollment Office
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Class schedule
Students with both morning and afternoon classes do not
have as many work options because of their complicated class
schedules.
Participation in sports programs
If they have a music/fine arts class there may be a conflict
with work.
Student’s work earnings listed on their financial plan
Some jobs cannot provide enough work hours to fulfill the
students work obligations.
GPA
This usually applies to students who tutor or work for
teachers. If a student has poor grades in math, for example,
they probably won’t work for a math teacher.
Staff requests
Student’s work preference
New student or returning student
All of these things are taken into consideration when placing a
student in a job. However, a student coming in as a freshman
may not have as many options available to them because some of
the more desirable jobs are already taken by returning students.
Students are frequently reminded to do a good job wherever they
are assigned, even though they may not care for the job. People
will notice their hard work. Those who work hard will have more
job opportunities later on.
20

CAMPUS MINISTRIES
WHEN ARE CHURCH SERVICES LIVE STREAMED?
All church services are live streamed on GCA’s YouTube channel.
Friday vespers during Parents’ Weekend and Academy Days,
and all of the Week of Prayer meetings are live streamed.
Additionally, there are some events that take place outside of
the church that are also broadcast, such as varsity sports games
and band concerts. Sports games can be viewed on the NFHS
Network with a subscription. Links to both the YouTube channel
and the NFHS Network can be found on the “Watch Live” page
on GCA’s website (https://gcasda.org/parents/watch-live/).
WHAT TIME IS VESPERS, CHURCH, AND SABBATH
SCHOOL AT GCA?
JOSHUA WOODS, MDiv
GCA Chaplain
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4046
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
Vespers is on Friday at 7:30 PM. Sabbath School is on Sabbath at
10:00 AM. The worship service is on Sabbath at 11:10 AM.
You can find out more about our church at www.gcachurch.org.
KALIE KELCH, BA
Assistant Chaplain
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4039
WEEKLY WORSHIPS
Mon
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sabbath
HOURS:
Prayer
Circles
Midweek
Chapel
Vespers
Sabbath
School
and SOS*
*Sabbath afternoon activities
**Community service opportunities and Weeks of Prayer occur multiple times a year.
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:30 AM – 11:15 AM
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
ANNUAL EVENTS
September October January
Leadership Conference
Week of Prayer
February
Student Week
of Prayer
Appalachian
Mission Trip
Spring Break
Overseas
mission trip
Prayer
Conference
April
Week
of Prayer
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
Chaplains are available
to give Bible studies,
baptismal studies,
general counseling and
encouragement, and
to share in spiritual
discussions.
*Interested students should sign up for these activities when sign-ups are announced.
21

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
Visiting Campus
Parents may visit GCA as often as they can. If you want to sit in on a class, you must
contact the teacher in advance. Students should not miss work assignments unless they
make arrangements beforehand. Sabbaths and Sundays are often the best times to come
to campus. Dorm students must always be signed out before leaving campus.
Students other than GCA students, other relatives, friends or alumni are not allowed to
drop in at GCA whenever they want, and during the normal school day they may not visit
classrooms or be in the academic buildings. We will monitor who is on campus and we
need to know who is visiting.
If you live at a distance and cannot visit often or, alternatively, you live nearby but don’t want
to “helicopter parent,” here are the most important, “do not miss” occasions to visit the campus:
PARENTS’
WEEKEND
Parents’ Weekend is a highlight. If you are available on that
weekend, it is an important time to come and visit your student
and engage with the school and other parents.
MUSIC
PROGRAMS
If your student is part of the music program, then there are at
least three weekends in the year, besides Parents’ Weekend, where
the musical groups are featured (the Christmas concert weekend,
Academy Days, and Spring Concert weekend). These weekends are
not to be missed and you will enjoy hearing your child participate in
the various music groups.
SPORTS
EVENTS
If your student is part of a sports team, there are special events where
the sports teams are featured. Depending on the sport, there may be
tournaments, routine games, travel games, or special recognition
games, such as end of the year games where seniors or MVPs are
recognized. The gymnastics team performs at Parents’ Weekend,
Academy Days, and at the end of the school year in the Home Show.
TALENT
SHOW
If your student is participating in the talent show, you may want
to know about that and attend that event. (As a general rule, you
may have to ask your student, as they may not think to volunteer
this information.)
As we all know, the time with our children is fleeting and as a parent you wouldn’t want
to miss a significant event in their lives. Take time to read the GCA newsletter and
communicate with your son or daughter about events that you see on the calendar.
Look for the GCA Update in your e-mail inbox every Wednesday for the latest information!
22

Important Contacts
GREG GERARD, EdD JANET NAUS
Principal Women’s Dean
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4011 (706) 629-4591, ext. 4028/4029
SERGE GARIEPY, MEd DOUG NESMITH, Med
Vice Principal Men’s Dean
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4015 (706) 629-4591, ext. 4035/4084
TO KNOW... TO LOVE... TO SERVE...
K.C. LARSEN, BS
Work Coordinator
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4021
JEANNE HARTWELL, BA
Registrar & GCA Scholars
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4014
NANCY GERARD, EdD
Director of Alumni and Development
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4017
JODI STEELE, MS
Marketing & Recruiting Assistant
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4016
JOHANNES CHITURA, BT
Director of Recruitment & Marketing Service
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4019
SUSAN JENKINS, BBA
Business Manager
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4013
ROBBIE PETERSON, BS
Physical Education Director
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4031
DORI BOGGESS, MSEd
Library, English, Learning Resources
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4081
RANDY KELCH, MA
Director of Information Technology
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4018
DERRICK COLLINS, MAYYAM
Guidance Counselor and Testing
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4063
JOSH WOODS, MDiv
GCA Chaplain
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4046
DOROTHY SELF, WHNP-BC MSN
Nurse
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4041
MATT ANDERSON
Food Service Director
(706) 629-4591, ext. 4033
23

GEORGIA CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
Make plans to attend Parents’ Weekend in September. Please
visit the Events page on the GCA website for more information.
See you then!
397 Academy Drive SW, Calhoun, GA 30701 | www.gcasda.org | (706) 629-4591
www.facebook.com/gcasda @georgia_cumberland_academy www.youtube.com/c/GCASDA
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