Academic Honesty
At UMCA Rich Tree Academy, we believe that honesty and independent thinking are the foundation of real learning. Every student is expected to do their own work and show respect for the ideas and efforts of others.
Cheating or plagiarism takes away from your learning and can lead to serious consequences. Always do your best work and ask for help if you’re unsure about what’s allowed.
Cheating means trying to gain an unfair advantage, such as:
- Buying or selling essays, exams, or test questions
- Copying from another student or letting someone copy from you
- Using notes, devices, or other materials not approved by the teacher
- Submitting the same work in more than one course without permission
- Letting someone else submit your work or submitting theirs as your own
- Giving or receiving help during a test without permission
Plagiarism means using someone else’s work as your own, including:
- Using another person’s ideas, words, or opinions without giving credit
- Copying or paraphrasing material without proper citation
- Submitting group or co-authored work as if it were only yours
- Using music, images, drawings, or designs that you didn’t create
- Reproducing charts, graphs, or data without crediting the source
If you’re not sure how to cite or reference work properly — ask your teacher. Learning how to use sources correctly is part of your academic growth.
Assessment and Evaluation
At UMCA Rich Tree Academy, assessments help you learn, grow, and show what you know.
- Assessment is designed to help you learn.
- Teachers make sure that assessments are fair and clear.
- Communication about expectations and grading is open and ongoing.
- Teachers work together to keep assessment consistent and supportive.
- Assessment practices are reviewed regularly to ensure improvement.
Missed Assessments or Evaluations
- Teachers will give clear dates and instructions for all assessments.
- If you know you’ll miss a test or due date (for a trip, sports event, appointment, etc.), tell your teacher in advance so arrangements can be made.
- If you’re sick or absent unexpectedly, have a parent or guardian contact the school that same day.
- Bring a note or medical document if required, and speak with your teacher as soon as you return.
- Be ready to complete the missed task immediately after coming back.
- If your absence is not excused, you may receive a mark of zero (0).
If you plan to miss three or more days for reasons other than illness, meet with an administrator and complete the Extended Absence Form before leaving. If not completed, you may receive zeros for missed work.
Late or Missing Work
- All work is due on the date assigned.
- If you are having trouble meeting a deadline, speak with your teacher at least two days before it’s due.
- A new due date may be arranged. If work is still not submitted, a mark of zero (0) may be recorded.
- Late submissions will also affect your learning skills evaluation (organization, responsibility, etc.).
Attendance and Punctuality
Being on time and present every day helps you succeed and stay on track with learning.
Absences are only acceptable for legitimate reasons — illness, appointments, family emergencies, or school events.
When You’re Late or Absent:
- Arriving within 10 minutes after class starts = Late
- Arriving 10 minutes or more after class starts = Absent
- Three (3) lates = One (1) absence
- 15 absences = No credit for the course
Always communicate with your teachers and the attendance office before a known absence.
Expectation:
Come to class on time, prepared, and ready to participate. Consistent attendance = success
Staying Connected Online
- Check your daily schedule on the school calendar.
- Visit our website: umca.school for updates and resources.
- During virtual classes (Zoom), your camera must be on so the teacher can see you.
Examinations
Attendance during exams and culminating activities is mandatory.
Do not schedule vacations, work, or appointments during exam week.
If you miss an exam because of illness or an emergency:
- Notify the school immediately.
- Provide official documentation (e.g., a medical note or court notice) to the Vice-Principal within 24 hours.
- Without documentation, a zero (0) will be given.
Cheating on any exam or final task will result in a zero (0) and disciplinary action.
Course Changes
Choose your courses carefully each year.
Requests for changes will only be approved in special situations and must be discussed with administration.
You must:
- Keep attending classes until an official change is made
- Return any textbooks before dropping a course
- Note that no course can be dropped after one week of the semester without special approval.
Cell Phone and AI Use Policy
Cell Phones
To keep our classrooms focused and respectful:
· Phones may be used only at lunch and after school.
· During class, phones must be off or on silent and kept in your bag.
· Using your phone for social media, texting, or gaming during class will result in disciplinary action.
· Repeated misuse may lead to the phone being held by the school and a meeting with parents.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Tools
AI can be a great helper — but you must use it responsibly.
You may use AI to:
· Brainstorm ideas
· Explore topics
· Get feedback or examples
You may not use AI to:
· Copy full answers, essays, or assignments
· Replace your own thinking or writing
Always make sure your work reflects your own effort, creativity, and understanding.
Remember!
These policies are here to help you learn effectively, stay organized, and build habits that will prepare you for success in high school, university, and beyond.
