Component
Criteria No. Criteria #11 Presentation/ Spiritual Theme |
Emerging
1 Some school signs, publications, and bulletin boards are invitational, professional, and attractive. |
Progressing
2 Most school signs, publications, and bulletin boards are invitational, professional, and attractive. |
Ideal
3 All school signs, bulletin boards, and publications are invitational, professional, attractive, and they often contain spiritual graphics or themes. |
Score
3 |
Presentation/Spiritual Theme
All school signs, bulletin boards, and publications are invitational, professional, attractive, and they often contain spiritual graphics or themes.
All school signs, inside and outside are invitational and professional (see component #1). When you enter Upstate Christian Academy through the main hallway you will see a visual representation of what we offer. We have our “Fruit of the Spirit” hallway to remind our constituents that we are here to develop a Christ-like nature (see photo gallery below) . Our Mission Statement is beautifully displayed (see tag picture to the left) as you walk in on a large frame for everyone to see and enjoy. We try and promote this mentality in all of our publications and signage. The school's Newsletters, Memos and Handbook have a clear spritual theme in a very professional and attractive format (see samples below).
UCA's Bilingual Memo Sample
UCA's Newsletter Sample
UCA's Handbook Sample
All school signs, inside and outside are invitational and professional (see component #1). When you enter Upstate Christian Academy through the main hallway you will see a visual representation of what we offer. We have our “Fruit of the Spirit” hallway to remind our constituents that we are here to develop a Christ-like nature (see photo gallery below) . Our Mission Statement is beautifully displayed (see tag picture to the left) as you walk in on a large frame for everyone to see and enjoy. We try and promote this mentality in all of our publications and signage. The school's Newsletters, Memos and Handbook have a clear spritual theme in a very professional and attractive format (see samples below).
UCA's Bilingual Memo Sample
UCA's Newsletter Sample
UCA's Handbook Sample
Criteria #12 Building & Rooms |
Emerging 1 Building and rooms are physically attractive. |
Progressing 2 Building and rooms are physically and spiritually attractive most of the time. |
Ideal 3 Building and rooms are always physically and spiritually attractive. |
Score 3 |
Building & Rooms
Building and rooms are physically attractive and spiritually uplifting.
Our building and rooms are attractive and invitational. We recently upgraded all bathrooms in the building by installing new tile on the floors, new painting, bathroom stalls painted, frames around large mirrors, new toilets, new toilet paper dispensers, and new paper towel dispensers. We integrated the Greenville church's Pathfinder Club Community Service Hours by having them paint beautiful art work on the walls of each bathroom. All are inviting, very clean and attractive.
The outside building is nicely painted with beautiful greenery surrounding it. The Roger Strange Endowment led the effort which provided a beautiful prayer garden with water fountain and benches in the front of the school. The property surrounding the school has trees providing shade, colorful shrubbery, and flowers. The gymnasium entrance adjacent to the school is also beautifully landscaped with roses, shrubbery and greenery. Please see slideshow below for pictures of our school building.
Our building and rooms are attractive and invitational. We recently upgraded all bathrooms in the building by installing new tile on the floors, new painting, bathroom stalls painted, frames around large mirrors, new toilets, new toilet paper dispensers, and new paper towel dispensers. We integrated the Greenville church's Pathfinder Club Community Service Hours by having them paint beautiful art work on the walls of each bathroom. All are inviting, very clean and attractive.
The outside building is nicely painted with beautiful greenery surrounding it. The Roger Strange Endowment led the effort which provided a beautiful prayer garden with water fountain and benches in the front of the school. The property surrounding the school has trees providing shade, colorful shrubbery, and flowers. The gymnasium entrance adjacent to the school is also beautifully landscaped with roses, shrubbery and greenery. Please see slideshow below for pictures of our school building.
Criteria # 13 Meeting Visitors |
Emerging 1 There is a plan for meeting visitors who come to the school. |
Progressing 2 There is a plan for meeting each visitor in a friendly and inviting manner. |
Ideal 3 There is a plan for meeting each visitor in a friendly and inviting manner that is consistently implemented. |
Score 3 |
Plan for Meeting Visitors
There is a plan for meeting each visitor in a friendly and inviting manner that is consistently implemented.
When visitors arrive at the school, a sign directs them to ring the door bell. The school secretary or principal answers the door. This way all visitors have a personalized visit and are able to have their needs met. We also have a contact system integrated in our website where interested parties can email the school with questions or concerns. The phone is answered by the third ring and "with a smile." The phone is answered by stating the name of the school, the speaker's name and asking how we may be of service. This is part of the Visitors Plan within the School Safety Plan. With the newly installed security camera system a quick look can verify the safety and presence of people at the front door.
When visitors arrive at the school, a sign directs them to ring the door bell. The school secretary or principal answers the door. This way all visitors have a personalized visit and are able to have their needs met. We also have a contact system integrated in our website where interested parties can email the school with questions or concerns. The phone is answered by the third ring and "with a smile." The phone is answered by stating the name of the school, the speaker's name and asking how we may be of service. This is part of the Visitors Plan within the School Safety Plan. With the newly installed security camera system a quick look can verify the safety and presence of people at the front door.
Criteria #14
Safety Plan |
Emerging
1 There has been discussion regarding a process for creating a safe, nururing environment. |
Progressing
2 There is a written safety plan and a process for creating a safe, nurturing environment. |
Ideal
3 There is a written safety plan and intentional process for creating and maintaining a safe nurturing environment that is annually reviewed by the Safety Committee. |
Score
3 |
Safety Plan
There is a written safety plan and intentional process for creating and maintaining a safe nurturing environment that is annually reviewed by the safety committee.
The staff is certified in first-aid and heart saver techniques through the American Red Cross Association. The staff is equipped with a stocked first aid kit in each of the classrooms. Each classroom also has the SAFE guide that outlines different procedures for different situations. Staff faculty meetings and before school planning sessions are used to refresh and review safety procedures. During the 2011-2012 school year year we installed a security camera system to increase the safety of all students, staff and building. For a detailed view of the plan please click on the following: Safety Plan
The staff is certified in first-aid and heart saver techniques through the American Red Cross Association. The staff is equipped with a stocked first aid kit in each of the classrooms. Each classroom also has the SAFE guide that outlines different procedures for different situations. Staff faculty meetings and before school planning sessions are used to refresh and review safety procedures. During the 2011-2012 school year year we installed a security camera system to increase the safety of all students, staff and building. For a detailed view of the plan please click on the following: Safety Plan
Criteria # 15
Beliefs of Parents & Students about the School |
Emerging
1 Parents & students think this school is about average. |
Progressing
2 Almost all parents and students think and believe this is a good school. |
Ideal
3 Almost all the parents and students think and believe this is a GREAT school. |
Score
3 |
Beliefs of Parents & Students about the School
Almost all the parents and students think and believe this is a GREAT school.
According to the Parent and Student surveys that were conducted during our 2010
accreditation study we received very high marks measuring the happiness and satisfaction of both our parents and students. The visiting committee commended the school for providing a spiritual atmosphere that helps students draw closer to Jesus. We have an online survey through our website. This way the survey can be used as a continual tool of communication between parents, students, staff members and school board (www.upstatechristianacademy.org). We have also asked parents to answer an EDGE survey with all results going to Pam Forbes in the Education Department at the Carolina Conference.
According to the Parent and Student surveys that were conducted during our 2010
accreditation study we received very high marks measuring the happiness and satisfaction of both our parents and students. The visiting committee commended the school for providing a spiritual atmosphere that helps students draw closer to Jesus. We have an online survey through our website. This way the survey can be used as a continual tool of communication between parents, students, staff members and school board (www.upstatechristianacademy.org). We have also asked parents to answer an EDGE survey with all results going to Pam Forbes in the Education Department at the Carolina Conference.
Criteria #16
School Culture |
Emerging
1 The school culture sometimes exhibits respects for diversity and ocassionally teaches acceptance of each person. |
Progressing
2 The school culture usually exhibits respect for diversity and regularly teaches acceptance of each person. |
Ideal
3 The school culture is intentionally designed to respect diversity and consistently models acceptance of each person as God's creation. |
Score
3 |
School Culture
The school culture is intentionally designed to respect diversity and consistently models acceptance of each person as God’s creation.
Upstate Christian Academy is blessed to be very diverse for a small school. We have ethnicities from over eight different countries with a population of just thirty-two students. We teach our students that we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family.
Upstate Christian Academy is blessed to be very diverse for a small school. We have ethnicities from over eight different countries with a population of just thirty-two students. We teach our students that we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family.
Criteria #17
Feedback |
Emerging
1 The school, on ocassion, invites suggestions and welcomes feedback. |
Progressing
2 The school culture has a systematic process for obtaining suggestions and feedback. |
Ideal
3 The school's systematic process for obtaining suggestions and feedback is Christlike and includes follow-up. |
Score
3 |
Feedback
The school’s systematic process for obtaining suggestions and feedback is Christlike and includes follow-up.
UCA has developed a plan to make sure that others are giving feedback that is needed in order to make the school better. Documents, Surveys, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and Board Meetings are used to gain this insight in making the school a place of excellence. Students have been asked to evaluate the teachers, support staff and school facilities in a writing assignment. There are special forms (Appreciation/Concern Form) by each door of each classroom where Parents, Students, or friends of the school can either write a commendation or request a discussion regarding any issue that may come up.
During the first month of the 2012-2013 school year, the teachers contacted each of the parents of the children in their classrooms to discuss any questions or concerns and promote open communication.
UCA has developed a plan to make sure that others are giving feedback that is needed in order to make the school better. Documents, Surveys, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and Board Meetings are used to gain this insight in making the school a place of excellence. Students have been asked to evaluate the teachers, support staff and school facilities in a writing assignment. There are special forms (Appreciation/Concern Form) by each door of each classroom where Parents, Students, or friends of the school can either write a commendation or request a discussion regarding any issue that may come up.
During the first month of the 2012-2013 school year, the teachers contacted each of the parents of the children in their classrooms to discuss any questions or concerns and promote open communication.
Criteria #18
Customer Service |
Emerging
1 Customer service is sometimes invitational. |
Progressing
2 Customer service is usually invitational and intentional. |
Ideal
3 Customer service is always invitational, intentional, and Christ-like. |
Score
3 |
Customer Service
Customer service is always invitational, intentional, and Christ-like.
Upstate Christian family exists to serve others and teach them about Jesus. This would be impossible if it were not for the staff members who have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We daily ask for the mind of Christ to be able to witness to our constituents in a manner that is pleasing and honorable. We try our best to make sure that when we interact with someone, no matter how young or old, we do it as if we were doing it for God. This makes all the difference in satisfying your customers. We make sure that communication is always open (see feedback item above). By sending home monthly newsletters (see Presentation/Spiritual Theme item), keeping an organized website up to date (see School website item under Result Oriented section), and by just giving a heart warming smile keeps our constituents happy.
Upstate Christian family exists to serve others and teach them about Jesus. This would be impossible if it were not for the staff members who have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We daily ask for the mind of Christ to be able to witness to our constituents in a manner that is pleasing and honorable. We try our best to make sure that when we interact with someone, no matter how young or old, we do it as if we were doing it for God. This makes all the difference in satisfying your customers. We make sure that communication is always open (see feedback item above). By sending home monthly newsletters (see Presentation/Spiritual Theme item), keeping an organized website up to date (see School website item under Result Oriented section), and by just giving a heart warming smile keeps our constituents happy.
Criteria #19
Customer-centered Resolution Process |
Emerging
1 The school has a customer-centered resolution process. |
Progressing
2 The school has a published customer-centered resolution process. |
Ideal
3 The school has a published customered -centered resolution process based on Matthew 18. |
Score
3 |
Customer-centered Resolution Process
The school has a published customer-centered resolution process based on Matthew 18.
If you visit our website and look in our School’s handbook you will see our resolution process that is based on Matthew 18. We believe that we live in a world of sin so there will be problems and issues to deal with. The most important aspect is how you resolve these issues. The plan is laid out so that parents, students or staff members can follow the steps to reconciliation (Grievance Procedure page 9 in Handbook).
If you visit our website and look in our School’s handbook you will see our resolution process that is based on Matthew 18. We believe that we live in a world of sin so there will be problems and issues to deal with. The most important aspect is how you resolve these issues. The plan is laid out so that parents, students or staff members can follow the steps to reconciliation (Grievance Procedure page 9 in Handbook).
Criteria #20
Healthful Living Principles |
Emerging
1 Healthy living principles are evident in the school some of the time. |
Progressing
2 Healthy living principles are intentionally promoted and students in the school most of the time. |
Ideal
3 Healthy living principles that subscribe to God's natural laws of health are intentionally promoted and practiced by students and employees the vast majority of the time. |
Score
3 |
Healthful Living Principles
Healthy living principles that subscribe to God’s natural laws of health are intentionally promoted and practiced by students and employees the vast majority of the time.
Upstate Christian Academy offers a holistic approach in the education process; Mind, Body, and Spirit developing simultaneously for God’s honor and glory. We have implemented the President’s Physical Challenge in the past. The school cooperates with the area Pathfinder Clubs to meet the President's Physical Challenge. This way both worlds help teach such important principles as exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Students have progressed in six weeks to master areas that they thought were impossible. Running the mile was one of these areas. Students began walking the mile during the first couple of days. After motivation and perseverance these same students began to run and were able complete the mile in the recommended time for their age group. Healthful Living principles have been taught and modeled by the staff at UCA. Large health posters were placed in each classroom encouraging a healthier lifestyle, following the "NEW START" Program.
Staff at UCA have not only taught the subject of a Healthy Lifestyle but have modeled it. Each teacher has a Physical Education class included in their daily class routine. The lower grades teacher, for example, has a morning routine where all students must run laps around the school building. She encourages it as part of the PE class, but mainly utlilizes this tool to help children use their energy in a channeled and positive way, and at the same time expose them to sunshine and fresh air. The lower grades do a walk around the school property besides their daily PE class.
Our school celebrates culture in many ways. Teachers discuss it as part of the unit plans and also as a school we have celebrated it by having a Cultural Fair (see pictures below). Our teachers deliver unit studies where all learning styles are reached with appropriate activities for the unit like water ecology and with field trips (see slide show below).
Upstate Christian Academy offers a holistic approach in the education process; Mind, Body, and Spirit developing simultaneously for God’s honor and glory. We have implemented the President’s Physical Challenge in the past. The school cooperates with the area Pathfinder Clubs to meet the President's Physical Challenge. This way both worlds help teach such important principles as exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Students have progressed in six weeks to master areas that they thought were impossible. Running the mile was one of these areas. Students began walking the mile during the first couple of days. After motivation and perseverance these same students began to run and were able complete the mile in the recommended time for their age group. Healthful Living principles have been taught and modeled by the staff at UCA. Large health posters were placed in each classroom encouraging a healthier lifestyle, following the "NEW START" Program.
Staff at UCA have not only taught the subject of a Healthy Lifestyle but have modeled it. Each teacher has a Physical Education class included in their daily class routine. The lower grades teacher, for example, has a morning routine where all students must run laps around the school building. She encourages it as part of the PE class, but mainly utlilizes this tool to help children use their energy in a channeled and positive way, and at the same time expose them to sunshine and fresh air. The lower grades do a walk around the school property besides their daily PE class.
Our school celebrates culture in many ways. Teachers discuss it as part of the unit plans and also as a school we have celebrated it by having a Cultural Fair (see pictures below). Our teachers deliver unit studies where all learning styles are reached with appropriate activities for the unit like water ecology and with field trips (see slide show below).