School Purpose

To continue the dream of Videt Polk and Bobby Burnett in establishing a school of Gospel Music to teach interested people, young and old alike, to read, play, sing and write songs of the Gospel preserving the art of the shape note method;

To promote godly living principles;

To send the Student back to their home Church encouraging them to participate and help carry on the worship service to the honor and glory of God.

Brief History of GSA

For many years Bro. Videt and Bro. Bobby were a vital part of the Stamps-Baxter School of Gospel Music in Dallas, Texas. This inspired their dream to have a School of their own located somewhere along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

At the close of a city-wide singing school in Bogalusa, Louisiana on Friday night, July 20, 1956, they began to raise money and to get the charter members of Gospel Singers of America, Inc. which was soon to become the largest Gospel Singing organization in America.

Property was bought in Pass Christian in the fall of 1956 and the first session of Gospel Singers of America School of Gospel Music was held in the summer of 1957 in the old stately home that stood on this location. In 1958 the two story girl’s dormitory was added followed by the snack bar and laundry in 1959; an auditorium in 1960; a cafeteria and 13 practice rooms in 1961 and in the fall of 1967, the two story brick building for the boy’s dorm was added. Some time later the present office, classroom and porch was added.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast causing unprecedented devastation for miles and miles. Pass Christian received a direct hit. We are so thankful that God chose to spare GSA, but there was extensive damage to the interior of the buildings.

Since that time literally thousands of volunteers from all over the United States and Canada have helped to rebuild, restore and improve the facilities. To God be the glory. We are continuing the dream and purpose of Gospel Singers of America.

Classes

It is our goal that every student learns to their capacity, therefore, there will be a placement evaluation.

Classes are 45 minutes with a 15 minute break.

·         Each student will have a 45 minute study class each day.

·         Supervised study time for Beginners and Pre-Primary will be held daily in the cafeteria at 2:00 p.m.

·         Each student is expected to attend all classes and group sessions.

·         Students will be assigned to 2 private lessons 2 times per week.

·         Absence must be cleared in advance with the teacher.

·         Each student will practice 30 minutes every day at an assigned time and in an assigned practice room. Only one student in each practice room, unless permission is granted prior to the practice. If the practice is missed due to any reason, it must be made up that week. Scheduling will be made in the office.

·         Food, drinks and gum are not permitted in the classroom.

·         Class assignments will be made appropriate to the class level.

·         Students will be given their schedule in the opening session.

·         Devotion will be at 8:20 a.m. every day with mandatory attendance from students and faculty. The King James Version of the Bible will be used in our devotionals. Please bring your Bible to GSA.

Discipline

To insure the success of our School, all students are expected to follow the rules that are stated in this handbook and those announced in assemblies. We want to take good care of our students and your children.

·         Profanity and disrespect to the staff or other students will not be tolerated.

·         Our send home policy:

o   A student will be sent home for leaving the dorm after lights out.

o   A student will be sent home for unauthorized leaving of campus.

o   Other considerations for sending a student home include:

§  Unexcused missing of classes or private lessons.

§  Repeatedly breaking other rules (at the discretion of the Principal).

·         Students who are sent home will not receive a refund nor will the tuition be transferred to another student.

Dress Code

The dress code has been established at GSA to promote Christianity, teach respect for authority and to represent the high moral standards of the school.

·         All skirts, dresses and shorts must be at knee length or below.

·         Knee length shorts can only be worn to the beach on the beach service night and must be knee length or below.

·         No sleeveless or low-cut shirts or tops at any time.

·         Shirts and tops must cover the midriff (when arms are extended over the head).

·         No inappropriate logos or slogans on any clothing or accessories.

·         No visible body piercing except females’ ears.

·         Sunday dress will be worn by all students and staff for Homecoming, Sunday services and Closing Service.

Teachers, Staff, extra Workers/Helpers are asked to follow the dress code.

The Principal will monitor the dress code making the appropriate decision.

Dormitory

·         Room assignments will be made when the student arrives.

·         Every effort will be made to put students with their friends or church members.

·         Changes will be made only with the permission from the dorm supervisor.

·         BOYS AND GIRLS WILL NOT GO INTO EACH OTHER’S DORMS.

·         No CD/cassette players, computers, ipod, radios, etc. are permitted in the dorm. If needed for a lesson, they can be stored in the office.

·         Dorms will be inspected daily; any infractions will be corrected by the evening session.

·         No food or drink allowed in the dorm. It may be stored in the office.

·         There will be dorm supervisors on each floor of the dorms.

Laundry

Laundry hours for students are 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Bring your own supplies.
Do not leave clothes in the machine for long periods of time, GSA is not responsible for your clothes.

What to Bring

·         Your Bible.

·         A good attitude and willingness to work hard to learn.

·         Personal toiletries: soap, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, hair care products, etc.

·         Towels, washcloths, sheets, blanket, pillow, and/or sleeping bag

·         Laundry bag and laundry supplies, if needed

·         Music books from your local music lessons. This will assist your teacher with the level of your studies.

·         Pens, pencils, notebook, staff paper and a small tote bag to keep up with your books and supplies

·         Your songbook will be included in your tuition.

·         Students will need money for:

o   School T-shirt ($12) XL-XXL ($15)

o   class picture ($1),

o   Staff Paper ($1)

o   extra snack money (GSA will provide one free morning snack per day to everyone.  Concession stand will be open during other times.)

·         If songbook is lost another will have to be purchased at a cost of $5.

Meals-Cafeteria-Ice Machine

All students are encouraged to eat in the cafeteria. Three meals a day are included in the tuition and food is prepared for the number of students enrolled.

·         Breakfast- 7:00 a.m. -- 7:45 a.m.

·         Lunch 11:30 a.m.--12:30 p.m.

·         Dinner 5:00 p.m.-- 6:00 p.m.

Do not use the ice machine. If ice is needed for illness or accident, the staff will assist the student.

Free Time – Games

·         Various games will be available during free time (volley ball, basketball, football, four-square ball, some board games, etc).

·         Because of Hurricane Katrina and unsafe water conditions at times, there will be no school sponsored swimming.

·         Skates, inline skates, skateboards, paint-ball, lasers or anything of this nature are not permitted on campus.

Mail Call

It is important that your child hear from you. This helps with homesick kids. Send all mail to student’s name c/o GSA, 951 East Scenic Drive, Pass Christian, MS 39571. If needed, stamps, postcards and envelopes will be available in the office.

Telephone/Cell Phone Use

The office telephone is for emergency calls only. The outside student phone is available until 9:00 p.m. It uses phone cards, available in the office. You can obtain this number at registration.

Cell Phone usage policy is still to be determined.

Bank

The Bank is provided for the student to protect any monies or valuables. We ask that all students use this protection as GSA will not be responsible for any lost or stolen money or valuables.

·         Bank Hours:
8:00 a.m.-8:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.-9:55 a.m.
3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

·         GSA will provide one free morning snack per day to everyone.  Concession stand will be open during other times.

·         Special banking needs will be handled on an individual basis.

·         Only the student whose name is on the account will be permitted to withdraw from that account.

School Property

If any student destroys or damages any school property or personal property of students/staff or visitors, the student and/or parent/guardian will be responsible for the repair or replacement.  Please respect all school property.

Sign Out/In Book

·         All students must sign out with the office when leaving and sign in upon returning.

·         All teachers and staff will notify the office when they leave campus and when they return.

·         Students cannot leave campus with anyone that is not on their release form.

·         Students will not ride with any student, staff or teacher that is under 18 or who does not have a valid driver’s license.

·         All vehicles must have adequate number of seat belts for the passengers.

·         Students will not be permitted to leave campus during any class or group session unless it is with a parent/guardian.

Weekends

·         ALL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GO HOME ON THE FIRST WEEKEND, IF POSSIBLE.

·         For those who cannot, supervision will be provided and any expenses will be the responsibility of the student.

·         Parents/Guardian, if your child needs to stay on campus, let us know at registration in order for arrangements to be made for adequate weekend staff.

·         REMEMBER! THE SECOND SATURDAY WILL BE HOMECOMING!!

Former Students and Guests

·         You are welcome to come for a visit.

·         All former students and guests must register with the office and notify the same when leaving.

·         Same rules of the campus and dormitory will apply to all former students and guests.

·         There will be a posted charge for meals.

·         No Guest will be allowed to stay on campus without prior approval of the board president.  A $25.00 dollar charge will be paid prior to stay.

Homecoming

All students, parents and faculty are encouraged to attend Homecoming services. This is the most important event of GSA. It is a time when former staff, students, parents and supporters visit our School. We are contacting as many Alumni as possible and all will be recognized during this special day.

This is a time of fund-raising for the continuation of our music school, which is the only self-contained gospel music school in the country. Homecoming is the second weekend of the school from 10:00 a.m. to around 3:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. We ask our parents and friends to bring food to help with the noon meal.

Closing Service

Closing Service is a special time for the students to be recognized and to entertain the parents with their class songs and other special songs.

A trophy will be given to the top student in each class.

Closing Service is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on July 3. If there is any change, you will be notified well in advance.

Medication – Illness – Injury

·         All medication will be kept in the office or Nurse’s Station.

·         All medications will be administered by our Nurse/staff and posted in a med record book.

·         Student must have a written statement by parent/guardian for the Nurse/staff to give any medication.

·         PARENTS/GUARDIANS PLEASE SIGN MEDICATION RELEASE FORMS IN THE CENTER OF THIS HANDBOOK.

·         In case of accident or serious illness, students will be taken to the local emergency room. A medical treatment/medical history form is located in the middle of this handbook and must be completed on every student regardless of age. It will be filed in the office.

·         Each student is responsible for his/her medical needs.

Automobiles on Campus

·         Register all vehicles in the office.

·         Do not lend or allow anyone to drive your vehicle.

·         Keep vehicle locked at all times.

·         GSA will not be responsible for any vehicle or contents.

·         Drivers under 18 will not be permitted to take an underage student off campus.

Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Firearms

·         Students, faculty or guests shall not possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, or be under the influence of any controlled substance or dangerous drugs including any alcoholic beverage on school premises or off school premises at a school related activity, function or event.

·         Students shall not possess or use cigarettes or tobacco products on school premises, including any off-campus school activity or event.

·         This is a smoke-free campus including all grounds and buildings.

Animals and Pets

Animals and pets are not permitted in any building on campus per Mississippi Health Code #2-403.11

Note to Students

Please inform your parents/guardian of your schedule so that they can plan their calls and visits when you are not in class or a lesson.

Note to Parents/Guardians

This handbook has been prepared for the care and protection of each student. Some things may seem somewhat rigid and strict, but we feel a great responsibility to provide the best wholesome, godly atmosphere possible. We appreciate you support and cooperation.

We look forward to accomplishing the mission that this school was established to do. We know that our homes and churches will be better because of it.