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Neighborhoods

Six Neighborhoods consisting of students in a specific grade level along with the teachers who primarily teach students in that grade level will comprise the Westminster Christian Academy community. If possible, teachers have been assigned classrooms in the Neighborhoods where they teach most of the time. A Neighborhood facilitator (teacher), grade level teachers, and student leaders will provide Neighborhood leadership. All Westminster teachers will serve as part of a Neighborhood Team.

Neighborhood Mission

Uphold and promote the mission of Westminster Christian Academy through the development and integration of biblical principles of community in the life of each grade level.

Neighborhoods will address the following issues as a community of teachers, students, and parents:

1. Spiritual Life

   The Neighborhood will be expected to support and promote Westminster Christian Academy's commitment to honor Jesus Christ and integrate biblical principles into every segment of school learning and life. Spiritual life in the Neighborhoods should include the following:

   • Consistent, scheduled prayer and devotional times for students and teachers.
   • Special prayer time when a person or situation in the Neighborhood warrants special prayer.
   • Neighborhood service projects that will reach out beyond the Neighborhood and school to help those in need.
   • Neighborhood leaders, both teachers and students, who seek to be aware of and deal with spiritual issues of particular relevance to that Neighborhood.
2. Acceptance and Inclusion

   A bigger school and large number of new students will be a challenge for new members of the Neighborhood, as well as for those who do not easily and quickly find their niche. Life in a Westminster Christian Academy Neighborhood should include the following:

   • Intentional, consistent plans and programs that will welcome new members of the community, providing them with real opportunities to be an integral part of the Neighborhood.
   • Special plans and programs that will reach out to members of the community who are struggling to find their way in the Neighborhood; those not fitting in and not involved in Neighborhood life.
   • Commitment to integrate biblical reconciliation into the life of the community.
   • Opportunities for all members to actively and meaningfully particpate in at least one area of life in the Neighborhood (e.g. leadership, service, spirit).
   • Celebration of individual student and teacher achievements (awards, birthdays, and other significant events).
   • Inclusive social events that are readily available and supported by all members of the Neighborhood.
3. Respect

   Respect for teachers, students, school staff, and school facilities are crucial aspects of community life at Westminster. Behavior and attitudes should be positively influenced by the following aspects of Neighborhood life:

   • Covenants and commitments that will help members of the Neighborhood conform to school rules and policies.
   • Clear expectation and accountability for the physical care and upkeep of the Neighborhood (e.g. hallway and classroom cleanliness, displays, bulletin boards, etc.)
   • Non-negotiable expectations regarding behavior, attitudes, and communication student to teacher and student to student.
   • Respecting and appreciating the other 5 Neighborhoods in the Westminster community.
4. Academics

   Signifcant curricular and schedule changes have taken place over the past several years in order to better fulfill the mission and philosophy of Westminster Christian Academy. These changes include the move to three diploma tracks, enhanced AP program, development of The Learning Center, new daily schedules, etc. The Neighborhoods should:

   • Establish non-negotiable academic standards for all students in light of the guidelines in the Faculty Handbook and Student/Parent Handbook.
   • Provide consistent, positive support and encouragement for a strong academic attitude among all teachers and students in the Neighborhood.
   • Promote and support integration of the Westminster mission and philosophy of curriculum, Discover, Embrace, Integrate (e.g. interdisciplinary instruction), into the life of the Neighborhood.
   • Provide consistent support, intervention, and accountability for students in the Academic Intervention Program.