Academic Integrity

Grand Rapids Christian Middle School

Because we believe that honesty and integrity are hallmarks of Christian living and evidence of sound and legitimate academic work, we believe that plagiarism/cheating is a serious offense. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Copying daily homework assignments or offering one’s own assignment to be copied

2. Cheating on assessments

3. Using technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to cheat

4. Inserting either a portion or all of a paper or project into one’s own work without citing the source

The consequences of plagiarism/cheating are determined on a case-by-case basis. The teacher(s) and the Student Life Team consult on the particulars of each incident; ultimately, the principal decides on consequences.

Grand Rapids Christian High School

The Importance of Academic Integrity at GRCHS

At Grand Rapids Christian High School, honesty and integrity are foundational principles of our Christian faith. These values are also essential to maintaining high standards of academic excellence. Upholding academic integrity in our school work reflects our commitment to personal growth, responsibility, and respect for others' efforts and ideas.

Plagiarism and cheating are serious violations of this commitment. Cheating encompasses a range of behaviors, including—but not limited to—copying assignments, cheating on assessments, using technology to gain unfair advantages (such as unethical use of Artificial Intelligence), or submitting portions or entire works from another source without proper citation.

Any violation of academic integrity will be recorded in a student’s Synergy record and will remain part of their record throughout their high school years. We take these matters seriously because they affect not only the individual student but the entire learning community.  Students that do cheat will be placed on Academic Probation for the remainder of your high school career and must sign an Academic Integrity Contract. 

First Offense

• The teacher will contact parents to notify them of the offense
• The teacher will track the incident in Synergy
• The Assistant Principal will contact parents to notify students and parents of the consequences
  • A restorative meeting with the teacher and student
  • The student will redo the assignment/assessment to provide evidence of learning 
  • The student will complete a reflection in response to the first offense
  • The student will sign an Academic Integrity contract for the first offense

Second Offense

• The teacher will contact parents to notify them of the offense
• The teacher will track the incident in Synergy
• The Assistant Principal will contact parents to notify them of the consequences
  • A restorative meeting with the teacher and student
  • The student will redo the assignment/assessment to provide evidence of learning 
  • The student will complete a reflection in response to this offense
  • The student will be removed from Responsibility Period and/or Parent Excused and placed into Mastery Skills for at least the following academic year.
  • The student may receive a maximum of 59% on all or part of the assignment/assessment 
  • The student will no longer be eligible to apply for or serve in leadership roles at school, such as student congress, NHS, captain of an athletics team, etc.
  • The student will sign an Academic Integrity contract for the second offense

Third Offense and Beyond or *Major Violation”

• The teacher will contact parents to notify them of the offense
• The teacher will track the incident in Synergy
• The Assistant Principal will contact parents to notify them of the consequences
  • A restorative meeting with the teacher and student
  • The student will redo the assignment/assessment to provide evidence of learning 
  • The student will complete a reflection in response to this offense
  • The student will be removed from Responsibility Period and/or Parent Excused and placed into Mastery Skills for at least the following academic year.
  • The student may receive a maximum of 59% on all or part of the assignment/assessment 
  • The student might be removed from the course without credit
  • The student will no longer be eligible to apply for or serve in leadership roles at school, such as student congress, NHS, captain of an athletics team, etc.
  • There will be a meeting between the parents, student, teacher, and administrator with a discussion about academic integrity.

*Major violations of this policy include plagiarism of final papers and cheating on large summative assessments.