ATTENDANCE POLICY

Class attendance at PMA is an integral part of its strong academic program. The absence policy is meant to

enhance school attendance laws in Palau. PMA will contact a parent(s)/guardian(s) whenever a student is

absent from school.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to call the school by 9:00 a.m. to report student absences. If parents do

not contact the school on the day of the absence, excuse notes for absences must be brought to school ON

THE DAY the student returns to class. Excuse notes brought after the day of return will not be valid.

Absences

Absences and tardies are excusable under the following circumstances:

• Illness

• Medical, dental, or court appointments

• Death in the immediate family

• Appointment with a PMA administrator

• School activity approved in advanced by faculty and administration

• Religious observance

• Prearranged family time

Absences and tardies are not excusable under the following circumstances:

• Family days that are not prearranged

• Alarm not going off

• Too tired after school activities (i.e. trips, athletic events)

• Appointments other than medical, dental, or court

• Work

• “Personal reasons”

* If a student is sick more than three days, he/she must have a written doctor’s note for absences to be

excused.

** If a student knows ahead of time that school will be missed for either a funeral, religious observance, or

prearranged family time, parents are strongly encouraged to write an excuse note ahead of time, so the

student can collect faculty signatures and get as much work as possible from their teachers.

NOTE: IF THE STUDENT MISSED 20% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOL DAYS IN
ANY SUBJECT, HE/SHE MAY FORFEIT HIS/HER GRADE FOR THAT SUBJECT.

Tardiness

Students who arrive late to school or who are not on time to their classes will be considered tardy. Students

must bring an excuse note with them on the day they are late to school. After that time, the absence or tardy

will remain unexcused with the resulting consequence.

Perfect attendance is achieved when a student meets all school generated classes, chapels, flag-raising and

other appointments. Excused absences are counted against perfect attendance.

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Attendance Disciplinary Policy

Level One

If a student has acquired two unexcused absences or six unexcused tardies in a quarter, a warning letter

will be sent to:

• Parent(s)/guardian(s)

• Student

Level Two

Once a student has acquired three unexcused absences or nine unexcused tardies in a quarter, a

notification letter will be sent to:

• Parent(s)/guardian(s)

• Student

This letter will state that the student owes 8 hours of campus work to the school after receiving the letter.

The student will be asked to come to school on Sunday to complete their hours to clear their tardies. If

there has been no response after one week, the student will be suspended from school until the hours are

completed.

Level Three

Once a student has acquired four unexcused absences or twelve unexcused tardies in a quarter, a

notification letter will be sent to:

• Parent(s)/guardian(s)

• Student
The notification letter will state to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that their student will serve 2 days of campus

work to the school. The student will be asked to come to school on Sunday to complete their hours to clear

their tardies. A parental case conference will be held with the parents/guardians, student, and administration

before the student is allowed back in school.

Level Four

Once a student has acquired five unexcused absences or fifteen unexcused tardies in a quarter, the

student will be asked to withdraw from school.

MAKE UP WORK/LATE WORK

Late work is NOT accepted except after a valid approved excused absence is presented. The valid excused

absence MUST be submitted before or on the day the student has returned to school. See page 24 under the

subheading Absences for what is deemed excused. Once students return to school, they will have the same

number of days that they missed to make up for any work they missed. During that time period, the

unsubmitted work will be considered Pending (PEN). If the work is not submitted before the allotted time,

the unsubmitted, pending grade will be changed to a zero. For pre-scheduled absences from school, students

are encouraged to get as much work as they can from their teachers ahead of time.

MALE/FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS

It is always in good taste to be discreet and display Christian propriety. Relationships at school or during

school-sponsored activities shall not include inappropriate physical displays of affection of any kind.

Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Students who are found to be dishonest on tests, quizzes, homework, classwork or any assignment, will be

given “zero credit” for the work and will be given a three-day suspension for their first offense. Any work

that the student misses can be made up, but will only be able to receive a maximum of 64.9% of their scores

for said work. This also includes the student who gives the aid (who acts as an accomplice). Plagiarism

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occurs when a student presents any information, idea, or phrasing of another’s as if the work were his/her

own and does not give appropriate credit to the original source. Students’ parents will be notified of the

incident. If a second offense of cheating or plagiarism occurs any time during the school year, students will
serve a four-day suspension. (Second offense means the second time involved in cheating or plagiarism,

and not necessarily in the same class). For a third offense, students will serve a five-day suspension.

Cheating is a major offense and students may be required to forfeit positions of leadership and/or offices

after the first offense of cheating. Continual cheating or plagiarism may lead to expulsion.

CHAPEL CONDUCT

Students are to come to the chapel in an orderly fashion. As chapel is part of the school day, any tardies or

absences will be counted. Students should go to their assigned seats immediately. All belongings should

be placed against the walls of the chapel and students should be attentive and ready to begin. Students must

be awake, alert, and sitting correctly in their chairs. As the chapel is considered a church setting/place of

worship, proper reverence should be displayed.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

Students are expected to abide by all school policies in every classroom on campus. This includes not eating

in class, drinking water only, and following all teacher instructions. In addition, insubordination, defiance

and/or disrespect of a teacher or any staff member will not be tolerated inside or outside of the classroom.

Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions.

DRESS CODE AND GROOMING STANDARDS

The following guidelines are meant to help students present themselves ready for school in the proper dress

attire. Students are to be within these guidelines when they get on the school bus in the morning and until

they get off the bus in the afternoon.

School dress should be clean, fit properly, and modest. The school uniform should be always worn properly

except when allowed by administration. Girls’skirts must be on or below the knee. For P.E. class, shorts

worn must be on or below the midthigh. Boys must wear long pants. Information on the school uniform

may be obtained from the office. Only plain white t-shirts/undershirts may be worn under the uniform

shirt. Undershirts and shorts under skirts should not be showing.

Hair

Hair must be clean and present a well-groomed appearance. For boys: hair must not touch the ear and the

shirt collar. It must be off the forehead and out of the eyes. Bizarre or trendy fads in hairstyles are not

allowed. Hair must be a natural color (black, blonde, brown, red/auburn). Students are not to have designs

or lines in their hair or eyebrows. Girls may not have “side shaves” or any similar hair designs during the
school year. It must be grown out during the school year.

A verbal warning will be given on the first offense. On the second offense, the student will be removed

from class until the parent is contacted. If the 2nd offense warrants a change of clothing, parents will be

asked to bring what is appropriate. On the third offense, the student will be suspended for one day. Parents

must meet with the principal before student can return to school. On the fourth offense, the students will

be asked to withdraw from school, until the matter can be resolved. Each offense will be followed by a

written notification that will need to be signed and returned to school.

Other Accessories

Nail polish, if worn, must be natural/neutral in color. Body piercing of any kind may not be displayed on

the body. All forms of piercing jewelry are not allowed to be worn while on school property, which includes

the bus, and at any school-related events. No other jewelry of any kind, which includes leather, rubber, or

cloth bracelets, may be worn. Sunglasses, hats, scarves, or any other type of head gear (including sweatshirt

hoods and towels) are not allowed to be worn in the classroom or chapel. Traditional Palau money necklaces

Revised July, 2025 23

are also prohibited while on school, in the school bus, or at any school-related events. Girls will be given 2

weeks to remove their necklaces by the designated family member.

Students with colored nail polish will be sent immediately to the office to have it removed. Parents will also

be informed. Jewelry of any kind will immediately be confiscated by any PMA teacher or staff if found and

be brought to the office for safekeeping. The first time any jewelry is taken, it will be returned at the end

of the day. On the second offense, any jewelry will be returned after a one-week period. If a third offense

occurs, the jewelry will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.

Palau Mission Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist institution dedicated to upholding Christian values. As

part of our commitment to biblical principles of honoring the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, students

are not permitted to have tattoos. Any student with existing tattoos must keep them fully covered at all

times while on campus and at all school-related events. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions.

DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND/OR SCHOOL TRIPS

As a general rule, students are not allowed to drive their vehicle to school or any school trips nor are they

allowed to carpool in another student’s vehicle. The school offers a bus service for student transportation.
Failure to follow this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Seniors, however, who wish to drive their vehicle to school must follow the following stipulations:

• To carpool ONLY with immediate family members: i.e. siblings and must be subject to written

permission agreement by parents.

• To have a valid driver’s license issued by the Republic of Palau.

• To submit driver’s license and car keys EVERY morning to the PMA office.

• To not partake in ANY negative behavior such as loud music or noise, erratic driving, etc.

• To be responsible enough to leave home early enough to arrive to school on time, avoiding

unnecessary tardies.

• To forfeit their privilege to drive to school for the entire school year after TWO late arrivals.

• To NOT access vehicles once the car is parked and keys have been submitted to the office until

students have finished their classes and are permitted to leave school.

• To honor the daily schedule and NOT to leave, except in case of an emergency, which must be

cleared FIRST by the administration.

• To use only the parking space at the front of the administrative building by the stairway.

• To allow PMA the right to search vehicles for any contraband/paraphernalia (or any items or

content that may violate the Student Handbook) at any time.

• To maintain a good academic standing and a GPA of at least 2.5 and no “F” grades in any classes

and to avoid any minor or major offences.

If any student is not eligible at the beginning of the school year, they must wait until the next mid-quarter

point or at the end of the quarter grades are released. At that point they can appeal for driving privileges.

The final opportunity to apply for driving eligibility will be at the 3rd Mid-Quarter.

Failure to comply with the stipulations stated above will result in forfeiting and relinquishing the

privilege to drive to the PMA Campus for the entire school year.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & CELL PHONES

Student use of audio equipment such as headphones, ear buds, air pods, etc. is NOT permitted on school

property during school hours and at any school-related activities. Student use of cell phones and other

similar forms of electronic equipment is NOT permitted on the campus during school hours and at any

school-related activities. Cell phones may be kept in lockers and backpacks on silent mode ONLY and must
Revised July, 2025 24

NOT be taken out during the school day. For school-related activities done outside the school, cell phones

may be on vibration mode in case of emergencies. Use of electronic equipment and cell phones during

school hours or on any school-related activities are subject for approval by the school administrator.

Cell phones and electronic equipment will be confiscated by any PMA teacher or staff if found and be

brought to the office for safekeeping. The first time a cell phone is taken, it will be returned at the end of

the day. On the second offense, the phone will be returned after a one-week period. If a third offense

occurs, the phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.

Smart watches are allowed on campus but must only be used for the purpose of telling time. Tablets or

laptop computers can only be used if they have been previously approved by administration. Upon

approval, students must submit the tablets or laptop computers to the office at the start of the day and may

be picked up to be used only for the approved, designated class(es). Once the device is done being used, it

must be returned to the office and picked up at the end of the school day.

DICPLINARY ACTIONS

Substance Abuse Policy

Prohibited Conduct

A. It is the policy of PMA to maintain a safe and healthful environment for its students and employees.

A drug-free/alcohol-free lifestyle is intrinsic to this policy. Therefore, it is PMA’s policy that the

manufacture, distribution, possession, and/or use of tobacco, all electronic smoking devices,

alcohol, illicit drugs, or dangerous drugs are strictly prohibited.

B. Illicit drugs include such substances as opium derivatives, hallucinogens (i.e., marijuana,

mescaline, peyote, LSD, psilocybin), cocaine, amphetamines, codeine, heroin, morphine, and other

drugs prohibited by law.

C. Dangerous drugs include drugs, which, although legal, are available by prescription only. However,

students using or possessing such drugs when prescribed to them under a physician’s care, and in

a manner that complies with the physician’s orders and school policies, will not be considered to

have violated the Substance Abuse Policy.

D. The use of betel nut is not permitted on the grounds of Palau Mission Academy or while riding on
the bus.

Any student found to be in violation of this policy for the first time will face the following consequences:

• 5-day suspension from school.

• 5 hours of mandatory community service, to be completed to an assigned agency/organization.

• Mandatory meeting with the school counselor, along with their parents or guardians, to address

the issue and discuss a plan for support.

• The student's parents or guardians will be required to sign a behavior contract confirming their

understanding and support of the policy.

Subsequent offenses will result in more severe disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the

school.

Unacceptable Conduct

A student who violates the basic principles of the school by engaging in certain disapproved practices may

receive serious discipline, a fine, or dismissal from school. Among the disapproved major offenses are the

following:

• Undermining the religious ideals of PMA

• Using profane language, possession of or displaying obscene literature, pictures, or indulging in

lewd conduct or suggestions of such

• Using tobacco or betel nut, the misuse or illegal possession of drugs or narcotics in any form

• Physical, verbal or any form of bullying or intimidation towards any students or staff member

• Any form of violation of school guidelines or policy committed online through any media platform

Revised July, 2025 25

• Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages

• Gambling, betting, possession of playing cards, or other gambling devices

• Participating in dishonesty including theft, cheating, plagiarism, lying, and willful deception

regarding violation of school regulations in any phase of schoolwork or business whether online or

inside of the classroom

• Meeting persons at any unauthorized time or place, or engaging in improper social or sexual

conduct
• Failure on the part of a student to conform to the stipulations of any discipline, which has been

administered

• The use, handling, or possession of air pistols, firearms (or toy facsimile), knives, lighters, matches,

firecrackers, or explosives

• Engaging in willful destruction or vandalism of school property or property of others on or off the

campus

• Tampering with the doors, fire alarms, security systems, or fire-fighting equipment

• Unlawful entry to any school facility

• Copying (Duplicating) or unauthorized use of school keys

• Willfully defying the valid authority of school officials

• Habitual attendance problems

• Acting in a clear and present danger to the life or safety of school personnel or students

• Misconduct while riding the school bus

• Theft or stealing including taking or picking up an object/item that does not belong to them (If

something does not belong to that person, it needs to be turned into the office as “lost and found”)

• Any conduct that may not be listed which the school deems inappropriate

• General unsatisfactory progress or conduct, displaying a detrimental influence or spirit out of

harmony with the standards of the school

Disciplinary Levels

Minor Offenses

Students will serve detention for the following reasons but are not limited to what is listed below:

• Disrupting class

• Sleeping in school, which includes chapel service and inside the classroom

• Dress code/uniform violation

• Skipping class

• Inappropriate contact between a male/female

• Insubordination

• Being outside of classrooms without a hall pass

• Shouting on campus for no apparent reason

• Vandalism

• Gum chewing with $5.00 fine

• Other inappropriate behavior

Students who receive a detention slip for minor offenses will serve their detention after school from 3:00

p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those who violate any of the school’s rules and regulations and are given a detention slip

to bring home must have the slip signed by their parents/guardians. The signed slip must be returned to the

PMA office staff the next day. Parents/guardians will be informed regarding this detention at least a day

before the student serves his/her detention period. Parents/guardians are to pick up their student from their

place of detention at 4:00 p.m.

Revised July, 2025 26

If the student has accumulated 5 detentions, the discipline procedure will be implemented:

1. Principal talks with the student.

2. A warning letter goes to the parents.

A 6th detention will become a major offense and the student will then be subject to the consequences of a

major offense.

Major Offenses

Unacceptable conduct and behavior will not be tolerated at Palau Mission Academy. The following is a list

of, but is not limited to, major offenses:

• Theft

• Bullying of any form

• Fighting

• Cheating/Plagiarism

• Possession of a weapon

Other unacceptable conduct/offenses are referenced on page 26 and 27 under the subheading Unacceptable

Conduct.

A student’s first major offense will result in a three-day suspension and one mandatory scheduled meeting

with the school counselor. A second major offense will result in a five-day suspension and two mandatory
scheduled meeting with the school counselor. Upon recommendation of the administration, suspensions

may be served in school. On the third major offense, a student will be recommended to the school board

for expulsion. Depending on the severity of the offense, the school has the right to take the student’s name

to the School Board immediately for recommendation of expulsion.

ROWDY BEHAVIOR

The school grounds, buildings, and buses are no place for rough play. Serious injury can occur when

students are playing in a rough manner. Rowdy behavior is either a minor or major offense, depending on

its severity, and come with disciplinary actions.

VANDALISM

Students, who damage school property, including, but not limited to, writing on desks or walls, are subject

to a minimum fine of $100.00 plus restitution. A fine of $100 plus the cost to repair the damage will be

charged to a student tampering with electrical/security equipment, fire or safety equipment, or locks on

school property plus the cost to repair the damage. The use of skateboards or in-line skates is unauthorized

on campus and considered vandalism. Students who violate the computer policy in place are also subject

to vandalism charges.

LEAVING CAMPUS AND SCHOOL SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES

Students may not leave campus or any school-sanctioned activities without permission from the office. If

students must leave, the parents should call to inform the office and give a valid reason before leaving.

Failure to follow this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

LIBRARY CONDUCT

The library is the place for study; therefore, a quiet atmosphere is to prevail at all times. Detailed library

rules and regulations will be furnished by the librarian. Food is not to be eaten in the library.

Revised July, 2025 27

ONLINE CITIZENSHIP POLICY

Online Misconduct

All students must follow all school guidelines and policies when using the Internet through any media

platform. These guidelines and policies are not only expected to be followed in the classroom but online as

well. Digital bullying, intimidation, or any form of misconduct toward any student or staff member is
unacceptable and will result in disciplinary actions.

Acceptable Internet Use Policy

Palau Mission Academy offers online Internet access for students using the computer class and approved

devices. See the ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & CELL PHONES section on page 23 for details. While

connected to ‘student access’, students are only allowed to use the Internet for the specific purposes

of the issued assignment. Students are never allowed to access any Internet connection besides the

student access, once given pre-approved access. Students are also not permitted to use their own

Internet access or data while on campus. Any violation to this policy will prevent the student from being

able to use the ‘student access’ and will result in disciplinary actions.

Online Academic Honesty

Students are expected to abide by the same academic guidelines and policies inside the classroom and while

online. Dishonesty is not accepted from students at PMA. The guidelines and policies detailed on page 21

under the CHEATING/PLAGIARISM section will also apply to all work done online.

OTHER REGULATIONS

Other policies may be developed and announced by the Principal as additions to or modifications of those

published in this bulletin. Such additions and/or modifications will be disseminated by written form to

parents/guardians.