STATEMENT of COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
Learning, we believe, requires a willingness to create an atmosphere of encouragement for all community members and is essential in order to affirm Romans 14:19, "Therefore, let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Just as even small acts of academic honesty or personal courtesy edify the conditions that promote learning, so every action that affirms consideration, integrity and inclusion also builds up the body of Christ and contributes to the kind of community we seek. Therefore, each member of The Bear Creek School community - students, parents, faculty and staff - is highly valued, and by the very nature of community, is expected to show consideration and respect for others and to enhance a supportive atmosphere of integrity and trust.
Our Statement of Faith, Guiding Principles and Honor Code as stated below serve to support and clarify the principles of consideration, integrity and inclusion and to ensure the personal health and safety of each individual. In addition, all members of the Bear Creek community are expected to support this Statement of Community Expectations as outlined below.
Statement of Faith
THE WORD OF GOD We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in faith and conduct.
THE TRINITY We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in the three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
GOD THE FATHER We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
JESUS CHRIST We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.
REGENERATION We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ alone as Savior.
Guiding Principles
DIGNITY: In keeping with a Christian worldview, we believe that every human life is sacred, created in the image of God, and therefore possesses dignity and intrinsic worth. We emphasize essential beliefs of the Christian faith, not those differences which divide Christians. Every individual has the right to be treated with respect and appreciated for his or her unique contributions to our school, community, and world.
DISCIPLINE: The code of conduct at The Bear Creek School exists to ensure an optimum learning environment and to help students become industrious, to maintain high moral standards, and to achieve life goals.
FAITH: Scripture teaches us that the source of wisdom is spiritual, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding," and the development of our minds is an act of worship. We believe that faith does not limit human reason and inquiry but rather supports and reconciles human understanding in Christ "in which are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
PATRIOTISM: Students at The Bear Creek School are encouraged to recognize the blessing of their country and its institutions, customs, history, and achievements. Students are given opportunity to develop loyalty, honor, and duty to country.
RESPECT: Respect for self and others is the guide for all interactions at The Bear Creek School. Respect for authority is nurtured, encouraged, and expected, just as those in authority are expected to treat students with respect.
RESPONSIBILITY: The integrity of the individual, who must learn to discern and apply right from wrong, is reinforced and affirmed through accountability and responsibility. Each student is held accountable for his or her actions.
SCHOLARSHIP: The Bear Creek School community is built on biblical values that reveal God's love for us and our need to love and care for our neighbor as ourselves. The Bear Creek School upholds superior standards of academic excellence, enabling students to become well grounded in content knowledge, to grow to intellectual maturity, to acquire critical thinking skills, and to succeed in higher education and in life.
SERVICE: The Bear Creek School desires to increase a sense of social responsibility through participation in community service projects and school programs to facilitate contributions to the school community.
Honor Code
The Bear Creek School Honor Code prohibits cheating, drug or substance abuse, lying, sexual misconduct or impurity, slander or gossip, stealing, vandalism, and all other offenses that are detrimental to the Bear Creek community. Bear Creek students will not engage in any activity that undermines their witness for Christ or is contrary to the standards, principles, and regulations of The Bear Creek School, or undermines the unity or reputation of the school. Students understand that this applies in all circumstances, whether on or off campus. Furthermore, students will hold those around them accountable to the Honor Code.
Fundraising
The Bear Creek School conducts two major fundraisers per year (The Fund for Bear Creek and The Annual Auction) which are essential to funding a Christian liberal arts education. (I/We) understand that families are expected to support The Fund through financial contributions and The Auction by donating or procuring items. The Bear Creek School also encourages families to support other fundraising efforts that are conducted by groups such as the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and the Athletic Department Booster Club.
Volunteer Hours
Service is foundational to The Bear Creek School culture and community. The Bear Creek School realizes that it is impossible for all families to serve in the classroom, and we recognize there are many different areas in which service may be contributed to the school community. Each family is encouraged to volunteer for at least 30 hours of service within The Bear Creek School community every year.
