Sta. Cruz Academy

I. INTRODUCTION


Brief History of Sta. Cruz Academy
Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga

The STA. CRUZ ACADEMY had a very humble beginning. With the displaced staff and high school students from the (defunct SCCI) Sta. Cruz, Central Institute, the enrollment in its first academic year was literally held under the trees.

The late Dr. Conrado P. Jimenez Jr., the incumbent Municipal Mayor and a successful alumnus of SCCI, took all the possible actions to settle amicably the dispute between the administrators and the employees and that to keep the school operational. Unfortunately his effort was in vain because the school owner informed the public that SCCI is totally closed from the school year 1989 and onwards due to bankruptcy.

In response to the insistent demands and request of parents and students, in May 1989, the late Dr. Conrado P. Jimenez Jr., deeply concern with the plight, immediately constructed temporary classrooms within his residential area to house the displaced SCCI population. Inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, there was a strong calling for the late Dr. Conrado P. Jimenez Jr., - A SERVICE TO EDUCATION for the youth of Sta. Cruz, Lubao and nearby barangays, thus the closure of SCCI is the opening of the Sta. Cruz Academy. The founder firmly believed that the best gift we can offer to our children is EDUCATION.

To ensure a healthy school, safe, orderly climate and wholesome environment and the location more conductive to learning the founder acquired a rice land 10, 300 square meters located in Bona St. Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga. Eventually this place became the permanent location of the Elementary and High School Department. Also, we purchased a nearby lot of 6,023 square meters for school expansion.

Many have witnessed how Sta. Cruz Academy struggled for its survival. But it managed to rise to its height despite the odds and is constantly growing and expanding. Indeed, the school is nurtured with genuine trust, service, commitment, dedication and her strong leadership.

MRS. ROSALIA DABU JIMENEZ now the president and the Chief Learning Officer , keep on devising ways to improve the school and facilities, Today SCA is at par with other schools be in academic, non-academic, co-curricular activities and its outreach program. SCA has been always the Center and Venue for pastoral activities and barangay festivities. Some of the Staff, teachers and students are active members of different church ministries and mandated religious activities. Likewise the school is also involved in barangay movement & different assemblies like sports tournament, club activities, free Medical and Dental Missions and of different general assemblies.

To make a name for SCA both in field of academic and sports and that to help poor intelligent & deserving students, the administration started administering scholarship examination in all elementary schools within the town of Lubao. Qualified examinees (all incoming freshmen) will enjoy scholarship grant: full scholar (free tuition fee) half scholar (free-half tuition fee) privilege students (free-3 month’s tuition fee) and varsity scholars (free tuition fee).

Elementary graduates with top honors are automatically scholars are grantees of the late Dr. Conrado P. Jimenez, Jr. Foundation. They will enjoy a four-year-free tuition fees. The foundation prime beneficiaries are the poor, deserving & intelligent student.

Remarkably, Sta. Cruz Academy has its share in educating & developing the youth both in academic, sports and her outreach program within the country & will continue to strive steadfastly working for its SERVICE COMMITMENT & ACHIEVEMENT.

II. VISION AND MISSION

A. Vision

The SCA aims to produce young men and women with Christian values formation based on the knowledge and practice of Christian faith.

B. Mission

The SCA recognizes the importance of Education in every individual’s life and commits to provide quality education and will always be at its best and beyond.

As a religious institution, the Sta. Cruz Academy seeks to develop the personality of the individual based on the school motto: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

The Sta. Cruz Academy dedicates herself to the task of developing young Filipinos ready to meet the challenging signs of the times.

1. PERSONALLY, by training the student to be aware of his/her potentials, capabilities and developing them to the service of God, country, and fellowmen;

2. INTELLECTUALLY, so he/she may wish to seek the necessary knowledge that will enable him/her to aspire for higher education for a better life;

3. SOCIALLY, so he/she may acquire the skills and attitudes which will enable him/her to fulfill his/her commitments as a member of a democratic society and also, he/she may shoulder his/her responsibilities as a mature individual toward other members of the society;

4. SPIRITUALLY, so he/she may develop a genuine love of God and neighbor;

5. ECONOMICALLY, so he/she may be able to impart a more vigorous awareness of economic responsibility by encouraging him/her to pursue an effective program of just distribution of material goods for the mutual benefit of all; and

6. POLITICALLY, so he/she may trained to become morally accountable stewards of God and fellowmen.

III. OBJECTIVES

To fulfill its role in the educational process, the Sta. Cruz Academy based its curriculum on the following objectives.

A. HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

A high school student of Sta. Cruz Academy must behave in a manner which reflects:

a. a high personal integrity and respect for dignity to enable him/her to lead an authentic life as an individual;

b. enrichment in life through an appreciation of love of beauty, culture, arts, and our national heritage, cultivation of womanly qualities such as refinement, concern for others, and social graces for effective relationships;

c. development of interests, abilities, aptitudes, and potentials to make vocational choices.

d. acquire knowledge, skills and habits necessary to succeed in college and meet the demand of progress around;

e. training which will help him/her become a worthy member of society; and

f. physical fitness, discipline, and endurance to meet the demands of development.

B. GRADE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

An elementary student should manifest the following:

a. ability to live and associate harmoniously with members of the family, the school, and the community as a child;

b. ability to communicate effectively with others I Filipino and English for further learning;

c. ability to solve number problems met in daily lives; and

d. knowledge in Science and skills in work education and their application in real life situations.

C. KINDERGARTEN

A pre-school child should manifest the following:

a. wholesome attitude toward school through parental encouragement and proper dealing with the teachers;

b. friendly relations with other children at work and play;

c. readiness to read, speak, count and write;

d. realizes his/her responsibilities to accomplish according to his/her capacity.

e. shows love of God, respect to parents, and love for other children.

IV. STUDENT GUIDELINES

Inspired and delighted with a deep sense of dedication and an earnest yearning for relevant, quality education and high scholastic standard and genuine intention in maintaining healthy and harmonious relationships among the administrators, teachers, personnel, and staff, especially the students, the Sta. Cruz Academy defines its principles through these rules on discipline within the school campus for the purpose through these rules on discipline within the school campus for the purpose of development and growth of a just, progressive, and humane atmosphere within the campus community. However, no cruel or physically harmful punishment shall be imposed or applied against any student.

Thus, a student of Sta. Cruz Academy should abide by the rules and regulations set by the school. It is the prerogative of the school to suspend or dismiss any student who fails to live up to these rules and regulations stated below:

I. CLASS ATTENDANCE

a. Regular and punctual attendance is a must for effective learning. Students must make every effort to come on time. A student must come on time ten minutes before the first period in the morning and participate in the traditional flag raising ceremony everyday.

b. In case of absences, late comers and tardiness and excused absences a written explanation from the student handbook must be presented to the adviser, subject teacher and to the office of Perfect of Discipline for interview and approval. Only then the students must be admitted to the class.

c. No student may leave the school campus between the time of arrival and dismissal. In emergency cases notify the adviser and the guidance counselor.

d. A student must not incur unexcused absences more than the maximum number of absences allowed by the school. If a student has incurred more than the maximum absences, either he/she shall be dropped from the subjects or fall in particular subjects.

e. A student should not accumulate absences more than 20% of the number of school days required for the school year. Absences are allowed only for valid reasons. Appointments with the doctor/dentist, seeing off or meeting relatives at the airport are not considered valid reasons. Should a student’s absences exceed 20% of the required school days for the academic year, he/she will lose credit for the year’s work and will have to repeat the same academic or curriculum year.

II. SCHOOL UNIFORM

a. A student must come to school in proper uniform prescribed by the school with the ID pinned on and always in white socks and black leather shoes.

b. ID should always be worn properly within the school campus as a document used as a proof of one’s identity.

c. Tampering with ID card is a serious offense. No stickers or any other mark must be found on the ID card.

III. CLASS DECORUM

Center and the most sacred place in the school after the chapel because it is here that you receive the knowledge which comes from God himself. It is therefore necessary to maintain good behavior at all times;

a. A student must refrain from doing boisterous conduct such as; running, whistling, shouting, singing/laughing, eating, chewing, playing card, coins musical instrument, cell phone gadgets, mp3, Ipod or any other activities which distract he ongoing class activities or class discussion.

b. Occupy the seat assigned by your teacher. If for any valid reason you need to change seat, ask permission from your teacher or class adviser.

c. The class using the room should maintain the cleanliness of the classroom. Student should refrain from messing the seats/desk walls, windows or even doors.

d. Avoid littering place all trash in the proper containers.

e. Gentlemen haircut is prescribed for boys. It is described as two fingers neat both side and at the backline with the lower lobe.

f. Proper grooming and wearing of decent attire should be strictly observed. Faculty members shall not admit student who are wearing accessories, tattoos, sporting attires and hairdos, colorful designs of fingernails which are contrary to the standard modesty of the academic community.

IV. SCHOOL DECORUM

a. Avoid tampering notices posted on bulletin board.

b. Return all lost and found items at the Guidance/Principal offices.

c. Absolute silence must be observed while in line and passing along the corridors, in the library, classrooms and stairways.

d. School property should be kept clean orderly. A student who happened to damage any school property shall replace or repair the said property.

e. Avoid displaying male-female intimacy, both inside the campus and in public places. Immoral acts are strictly prohibited.

f. Cell phones, cell phone gadgets, beepers, pagers, CD/VCD/DVD players, tapes walkman gadgets and other transceivers, Ipod, mp3, mp4, pornographic magazines are not allowed inside the school campus. This is punishable by supervision and confiscation of said items.

g. A student must not intimidate or threaten any fellow student with infliction of harm upon his or her person, honor, property, or extort anything from him/her.

h. A student must not bring any deadly weapon or pointed object like firearms or knives, within the school campus. If found guilty, said object will be confiscated by the school authorities and student shall be suspended or expelled from the school.

i. A student must refrain from any acts of lewdness of immorality (including vulgar and offensive speech) against anybody within the school campus. This is punishable by immediate suspension or expulsion.

j. A student must not use, bring or distribute any prohibited drugs, marijuana, shabu, or any other drugs paraphernalia and if found guilty of this offense he/she only be suspended or expelled but also be brought to the proper authorities for disposition.

k. A student must not come to school in a state of intoxication or bring any intoxicating drinks or liquor inside the school campus.

l. If a student inflicts injury on another person, he/she must shoulder the medical expenses whether it is his/her fault or not.

m. A student must not forge, falsify, or manipulate any records, documents and receipt, or any from belonging to teachers, cashier, fellow students, nor even any records belonging to the school.

n. If by force of circumstances, a student has to transfer another school, he/she must pay the school the entire accounts equivalent to the numbers of month he/she has stayed in the school. The school has the right to hold his/her records or grades until everything is settled.

o. A student must refrain from entering the faculty room, rest room from teachers, comfort rooms and other places exclusively for faculty use.

V. GENERAL CAMPUS NORMS

Students of Sta. Cruz Academy are expected to:

a. Act and behave always (in or out of the school) in a manner befitting a Christian and be always mindful of the good name of the school and fellow students.

b. Develop the value, which stresses on personal integrity, dignity, respect and harmony within the school premises.

c. A student must respect teachers, administrators and staff, as well as his/her fellow students by not harming, assaulting or abusing them physically.

d. A student must observe the accepted norm of politeness, etiquette and courtesy in dealing with all the visitors of the school, school authorities, teachers, and other personnel of the school.

e. A student shall respect the properties of the school, teachers and fellow students by not taking anything without their knowledge or consent.

VI. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

The SCA Discipline Committee Is Composed of Team Leaders:

The adviser, the subject teachers, the perfect of discipline and the Principal. They are charged of calling the parents of erring students regarding the misconduct of their sons and daughters.

After due process, the Discipline Committee may impose the following:

a. Verbal Reprimand – reminders are given to the student

b. Written Reprimand – a letter send to parents informing them of their child’s misconduct/misbehavior and inviting them for a conference. It is the parent’s/guardian/s responsibility to follow up the disciplinary measures given to their sons and daughters.

c. Suspension – a student under suspension he/she excluded from classes and other activities at the duration of his/her suspension. He/she is not entitled to any make-up work for the activities/examinations he/she may have missed during the period that he/she is suspended.

d. Dismissal – a student maybe dismissed for a major offense committed, for frequent violation of rules and regulations. Dismissed students cannot be re-admitted in any level.

e. Expulsion – extreme form of disciplinary measure which debars the student from being readmitted to any school whether private or public.

f. Probation – a student who has been suspended twice during the academic year is automatically placed on disciplinary probation.

The school reserves the right, after due investigation and process to drop, expel or suspend any student who is habitually troublesome by reason of misconduct or who persistently disobeys the rules and regulations and refuses to improve after admonitions.

Procedures:

a. All minor offenses committed inside or outside the classroom must be first handled judiciously by the class adviser such as Tardiness, littering and loitering, cutting classes, Hair cut and wearing improper uniform.

b. For more serious/major offenses the class adviser refers it to the Perfect of Discipline to investigate the case. Parents are informed about the case. Close communication between the school and home is necessary.

c. The Perfect of Discipline confers with the class adviser and other necessary people concerned that could give light on the case.

d. The committee shall evaluate the case and render their decisions, with objectivity, fairness and compassion.

VII. SECURITY GUARDS

Are agents of person in an authority. Any pupil student who refuses to follow – legal orders made through agents of person in authority is liable to appropriate disciplinary action.

VIII. SCHOOL REGULATIONS FOR PARENTS

a. Parents are responsible for their child. In their absence, they should appoint a guardian to assume their responsibilities. Their utmost cooperation is necessary for the proper training of the child and supports wholeheartedly the educational program of the school.

b. When the pupil/student is unable to attend classes due to sickness or serious reasons he/she must present an excuse letter (written) duly signed by the guardian/parent in the student’s handbook.

c. The school does not allow any parent/guardian/helper to stay within the classroom during class hours.

d. The school welcome parents to confer with the administrators, subject teachers and class advisers. Appointment should be made through the student’s handbook. Parents – Teachers conference maybe done only after class hours or during teacher’s vacant period. During the issuance of cards, parents are free to discuss with the teacher adviser, about their child performance.

e. Parent/Guardians who would like their child/children be excused or dismissed early from classes should write the request on the Conference Page. It should be represented to the adviser and noted by the Principal/Perfect of Discipline. The correspondence should be presented to the guard and the pupil student should sign in the log book at the Guard’s Station.

f. Tuition, miscellaneous and other school fees must be paid on designated dates:

Cash – upon enrollment
Semestral – 1st Sem upon enrollment
2nd Sem – October
Monthly – 1st payment upon enrollment (Registration, Miscellaneous and June)
July-March every first week of the month.