PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS IN CASES OF ILLNESS, ACCIDENTS, DISASTERS, OR OTHER EMERGENCIES
TESTING AND REPORTING OF PROGRESS
PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING SPECIAL STUDENT NEEDS
DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This handbook has been prepared to provide information about our school to parents of present and prospective students. Both are asked to read it carefully and discuss it with their children. Much of the information is the same as included in handbooks of previous years, but you are still asked to carefully review all handbook items. If you desire more information about our school or are considering enrollment for the first time, please contact teacher Bob Saeger at 402-765-7253 (school) or 765-3431 (home). Lisa Lenz teaches grades 1-4 each morning. Her home phone is 402-946-5068.
Immanuel Lutheran School is an integral part of the ministry of Immanuel Lutheran congregation. The purpose of Immanuel Lutheran School is to provide Christian education in partnership with parents so that:
1.Children may be provided with a comprehensive program of education, so that they may develop their talents and skills for responsible Christian living and purpose.
2.Children may be nurtured in the Word and the will of God.
3.Children may in faith learn to know and accept Jesus Christ and grow in their relationship with Him and in service to Him.
4.Children may by God's grace experience a full life on earth and be assured of eternal life.
5.Children may learn to recognize themselves as persons of worth made by God in His image.
6.Children may learn to understand and appreciate their talents as gifts from God.
These purposes shall shape and direct all policies and programs of Immanuel Lutheran School.
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
As Christian parents, we have been entrusted with the bringing up of children in the Christian faith so that they willingly serve God and their fellowmen. Thus, it is necessary to teach our children skills, knowledge, and proper attitudes. Our first concern is the spiritual growth of our children.
Originally, God created man in His own image, making man the highest creature in all the wonderful creation. Man was blessed physically, mentally, and spiritually. When man chose to listen to and follow the devil, sin entered the world. Through sin, all of us were condemned to pain, sorrow, and eternal death, but our loving heavenly Father promised and sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, that our sins could be forgiven and that we might once again join in the Kingdom. It is completely through the grace of God that we are saved.
The school can only assist in the spiritual development of our children; it is essential that spiritual growth be a part of each child's home life. In our fast-paced world, it is all too easy to forget to allow time for Christ to be the center of our family life. The school is willing to offer advice about family devotions, etc. Unless the school is an extension of the spiritual growth of the family, the school and home can create a conflict within the child rather than promote his or her growth in Christ. May we all be led to guide our children so that out of love for God who first loved us, our children learn to show God's love in every thought, word, and deed.
Immanuel Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and school administered programs.
A child must be five years old on or before October 15 in order to be enrolled in Kindergarten.
The doors of Immanuel Lutheran School are open to those who wish to avail themselves of the total educational program of the school. The financial support of the school is dependent primarily on the congregational offerings, which are contributed by all Immanuel members. Families not members of Immanuel Lutheran Church pay no tuition but do pay a $125.00 books and supplies fee per child. This fee may be paid in a lump sum or in monthly installments with the balance paid by the beginning of the third quarter. These families are also encouraged to donate of their treasures for the education of their children as they see fit.
All enrollment will be done by the teacher. The Board of Education will approve the enrollment of children whose parents are not members of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
As citizens of our community, we support the efforts of the public school toward quality education for all, and we appreciate the recognition and cooperation we have had from the local public school. The High Plains Community schools are staffed by highly qualified teachers and a caring, professional administration. It must be clearly understood that our school must never be thought of as simply a private school or a mere substitute for the public education available. Rather, we are a church-operated parochial school that promotes the Christian faith. In every instance, parental concern for Christian education must be a primary factor in seeking enrollment in our school. Since a Christian Day School such as ours can only be a part of total Christian training, each family, upon enrolling its children in our school, agrees to take an active interest in the church of its choice, attending church and Sunday School regularly.
We strive to let our faith shine forth in all our work and daily activities at school. Each day begins and ends with prayer. Religion classes are conducted by the pastor and the teacher. Each Monday morning a chapel service is conducted. Everyone is invited to attend these services. Offerings collected are supporting Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge, missionaries in Africa.
Good conduct reflects favorably on each individual, his family, and his school. We can use respect for others and Christian love as our guides. When misconduct does occur, as it most certainly will from time to time, it will be dealt with firmly but with love and forgiveness. Please refer to the Discipline Policies and Procedures at the back of this handbook. The teacher will further discuss acceptable classroom and general behavior with students. Integrity, personal responsibility, and respect and caring for others are as important to learn as math or reading. If we act toward others as we would like to have them act toward us, we will have few problems.
If a student's work is such that he is not able to function effectively at his present grade level, he may be retained in that grade for the coming school year. This will be done only by mutual agreement of the student's parents and teacher.
If the High Plains Community Schools do not have school due to weather, our school will also be closed. This includes later starts and early dismissals. The exception to this is early dismissals due to hot weather. With air-conditioning in our school, we will have full days of school even though High Plains may need to dismiss early. KZEN 100.3 FM and TV Channels 10 and 11 are usually reliable sources of school closing information. Parents will be notified if it is necessary to dismiss school for reasons other than weather.
Students are to have permission before using the telephone. The school's telephone number is 402-765-7253.
Each student must meet state health and immunization requirements in order to attend school. During the school year, a health screening will be conducted by a health nurse, and referrals will be made for any problems identified.
The school day is from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The lunch period is from 12:00 to 12:30. Every student is expected to attend school regularly and be promptly on time. Students may be excused from the regular school day and allowed to make up work in cases of illness, in order to keep doctor or dentist appointments, and for other pre-arranged absences that have been approved by the teacher. Whenever parents know ahead of time that a child will be absent, it greatly helps the teacher's planning to know of the upcoming absence.
Although it is helpful if you can avoid school hours as much as possible, students will not be counted absent if they are excused for a doctor or dentist appointment as long as they are present for a portion of the school day.
Generally, students should arrive at school after 8:00 a.m. and be picked up by 3:45 p.m. If it is necessary for someone to arrive earlier or stay later, please make arrangements with the teacher.
Students are expected to have assignments completed carefully and on time. If a student does not understand an assignment when working on it at home or is unable to complete an assignment for some other reason, a parent is asked to send a note of explanation to the teacher. The teacher will be happy to work through the assignment with the student if more instruction is needed. If an assignment is not completed when due and the student has no note of explanation, the student will forfeit recess periods until the assignment is completed. Parents will be consulted if repeated unexcused incomplete assignments occur.
It is extremely important that we develop and maintain a tradition of caring for church and school property. If there is any careless damage to school property, it will be repaired or replaced at the expense of those responsible. Any damage, whether careless or accidental, should be reported to the teacher right away.
Students bring sack lunches and may bring items to heat up in the microwave oven. When picking microwave items for lunches, it is helpful if they do not have long heating times.
From time to time, students will undoubtedly need to bring medications from home. These should always be in the original container or packaging. Prescription medications need to be labeled with the student’s name. If the student will need assistance taking the medication, written directions from the parents should be given to the teacher or sent with the student. We are able to give students Tylenol or Advil as needed if we have prior written permission from their parents. A permission form will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Everyone is expected to dress cleanly, neatly, and decently. Girls may wear skirts and blouses or dresses, as well as slacks, jeans, or shorts. Boys may wear appropriate shirts and slacks, jeans, or shorts. Generally, students are encouraged to dress comfortably but still not too casually. If there is some question as to whether a particular article of clothing is appropriate, students should ask their teacher prior to wearing it to school. Students are also to be sure their feet are clean and dry before entering the building.
At the beginning of the year, various safety precautions will be discussed with the children. Fire and storm procedures will also be practiced.
Unless special permission is given, no child is to leave the school grounds during the school day. Should a child become ill or be excused for other reasons, a parent or other adult should come to pick that child up.
NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS IN CASES OF ILLNESS, ACCIDENTS, DISASTERS, OR OTHER EMERGENCIES
If it is necessary for a child to be sent home due to illness, parents or other designated individuals will be notified. Children will not be excused due to illness unless picked up by their parents or other responsible adult.
In cases of accident or sudden illness requiring doctor or hospital treatment, an effort will be made to contact parents or other designated individuals before any action is taken by the school. If it is not possible to contact any of these persons, the school will seek appropriate medical assistance.
In cases of disasters caused by storms, fire, etc., parents will be contacted as soon as possible to report the situation and to inform them of the condition of their children.
Many times toys and other items from home prove to be a distraction for the students. Parents should be aware of toys or other items being brought to school. These items will remain in the student's book bag during class time and should only be played with during recess. If a student has something that may be useful to have at his seat during class time, he should get permission from the teacher before keeping it at his desk. Radios, music players, electronic games, etc. should not be brought from home.
Students are encouraged to use the library to read and use library and reference books. Students are not to take home or keep at their desks any books that have not been checked out. Each student is to help keep the library areas neat and orderly.
TESTING AND REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS
All involved are concerned with a student's progress, including the student himself, his parents, and his teacher. Individual progress reports (report cards) will be issued at the end of each quarter. Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled during the first quarter. WE WILL TRY TO HAVE AS MANY OF THESE CONFERENCES AS POSSIBLE ON THAT SPECIAL DATE. A less formal visit in the students' homes may be scheduled later in the school year. Please feel free to make arrangements at any time to visit with the teacher.
Each spring our students in grades 3-8 take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. This test measures a student's level of achievement, pointing out strengths and weaknesses. The test is also helpful in pointing out possible strengths and weaknesses in our instruction.
PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING SPECIAL STUDENT NEEDS
Informal identification of special student needs will be done by a student's teacher. With parental consent, the school will assist with making arrangements with the local public school district or other appropriate agency if formal testing of the student is required to assess a student's special needs and to plan procedures for meeting those special needs.
The school is primarily funded by the congregation's treasury, but the students and families do assist. Our families are very successful in selling Christmas cards and gift items in the fall. There may also be special projects from time to time for special equipment or supplies.
Our school has Apple IIGS, Macintosh, and Windows-based computers that have been purchased primarily with funds raised by Christmas card sales. It is our objective to give our students exposure to computers, word processing skills, and Internet skills and to make some areas of instruction more interesting through the use of the computers.
Organized physical education activities will be planned for some of the recess periods on during the week. Students will also be able to use the gym or play outdoors during the other recess periods.
Students may be excused from the regular school day to participate as members of junior high athletic teams of the High Plains Community school district in practices and games of those teams.
A student will be permitted to practice but not to participate in upcoming games if that student's grades fall below a 70% average in any subject or if there is a clear drop in academic performance. Parents may choose to set their own higher standards for participation. Full participation in interscholastic sports may resume when the student's academic performance has improved.
Students in grades K-6 are asked NOT to bring calculators to school. The reason for this is that students sometimes come to depend on a calculator rather than learn their math facts. Students in grades 7-8 should have a calcutator for use with specified math assignments.
An effort is made to keep up-to-date, quality textbooks in use in our school. If each student uses and handles his textbooks and materials carefully, this not only reflects well on the student, but saves unnecessary purchase and replacement of these materials. Each student will be responsible for the replacement cost of lost or excessively damaged textbooks.
Two or three #2 pencils
two or three ball point pens for grades 5-8 (blue or black ink)
a 12" ruler with metric measure on one side
a compass and protractor for grades 7-8
a calculator that will find square roots for grades 7-8 ONLY
a small box of crayons
a pair of scissors
a small bottle of glue or a glue stick
notebook and paper for grades 4-8
two SPIRAL notebooks for grades 3-6 (about 70 sheets each)
three SPIRAL notebooks for grades 7-8
All necessary paper for grades K-2 will be provided by the school. Students may choose to have some items not listed for their personal use. It is best if each student has all the supplies he or she needs or wants. Borrowing supplies, especially things like crayons and markers, is discouraged. Spiral notebooks should be used only for 7-8 science and 3-8 English and social studies notebooks. Other school work for grades 4-8 will be accepted only on regular notebook paper, not spiral notebook paper. Please also note that pens for school work should be blue or black ball point only, not other colors or pens with felt or "rolling ball" tips or "gel" pens.
A list of supplies for Mrs. Lenz’s room is found on the next page. ALL students should have pencils, their ruler, and scissors to keep at their desk in Mr. Saeger’s room. Students are also asked to provide tissues as needed to keep at their desks in Mr. Saeger’s room.
It will help if you check with your children regularly during the school year to make sure they still have all the necessary supplies.
SUPPLIES LIST FOR MRS. LENZ’S ROOM
Below is a list of supplies students in grades 1-4 will need for Mrs. Lenz’s room. These will be kept in your work baskets in her classroom. Please mark each item with your name or initials using a permanent marker. Please mark each of your markers so that if one gets lost, we can return it to you. Mrs. Lenz will supply pencils, paper, and scissors for her classroom. On the first day of school, please put all these items in a bag so they will not be confused with the things you will need for Mr. Saeger’s room.
___ one box of 8 Crayola classic color markers (not thin)
___ one box of 48 Crayola crayons one box of 48 Crayola crayons ONLY IF NECESSARY! (Most of you have crayons from last year. If they are broken or lost you may bring a new box.)
___ one large eraser
___ one pair of scissors (choose a pair that are comfortable for you and easy to use!)
___ one box of colored pencils OPTIONAL!! (We have colored pencils for everyone to use. If you would like some to have in you desk you may bring them.)
___ one bottle of Elmer’s Glue-All (NOT SCHOOL GLUE because this gets really sticky!)
___ two LARGE glue sticks (PLEASE bring LARGE glue sticks. They last longer and work better.)
___ three boxes of tissues
DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Immanuel Lutheran School will strive to provide a ministry of discipline which is in harmony with God's Word and in accord with insights and knowledge of child behavior so that students may grow in understanding and in skills of Christian discipleship.
DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY
The staff of Immanuel Lutheran School (teachers, pastor, volunteers, and principal) believes that:
1. God loves all students.
2. Each student is included in Romans 5:12, "All have sinned", but also included in I Timothy 1:15, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
3. The students will frequently act sinfully; therefore, while the staff, as adult fellow-sinners may dislike the action, the sin, the staff will always love the person, the sinner.
4. The students should practice respect for each other and for property of the church and school.
5. The students must work in unity and harmony so that the highest quality education can take place at school.
6. Each student is entitled to the respect of fellow students and his teachers.
7. Each teacher is entitled the respect of the students and of fellow staff persons as well as the parents.
8. The parents should support the actions of the teacher, or other authority, in a discipline situation.
9. Habitual misbehavior should be communicated to the parents.
10. The teacher should at all times be in control of the classroom and of him/herself.
11. Students can and must be taught to be responsible for their actions.
12. Whenever possible the students will be allowed to experience the just and natural consequences of their actions.
13. Students of different grades and maturity levels have differing needs and requirements regarding disciplinary action.
THE DISCIPLINE PROCESS
Just as Jesus Himself had to exercise discipline, teachers can expect to be confronted with situations that demand disciplinary action. Teachers will follow the guidance of God's Word as found in Matthew 18 in administering discipline, and they will follow the example of God's Son, as He showed love through His actions.
The teacher will tolerate actions acceptable for specific levels of growth and maturity, but will stop behavior that is contrary to God's will or that infringes on the right of others to receive the best education possible.
A student's spiritual maturity, self-respect, and respect for others will serve to control some inappropriate actions. Therefore, the first line of disciplinary action usually will lie between student and teacher.
Following the example set by the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, the staff of Immanuel, in exercising authority over a child, will not use any of the following:
Verbal abuse:
A. Demeaning or belittling comments
B. Ridicule or insults
Physical abuse:
A. Striking a student
B. Inflicting bodily injury
The following "Steps" will serve as a guide in the disciplinary process.
STEP ONE: TEACHER AND STUDENT
1. The teacher will communicate to the student that he is misbehaving, and, if necessary, the teacher will tell the student why the misbehavior is undesirable or unacceptable. The following action options may be used:
A. Verbal warning
B. Separation from the group
C. Removal of a privilege
D. Other natural consequences
E. Informing parents
2. In situations of repeated misbehavior or misbehavior of sufficient gravity, the teacher will document the problem, citing date, time, parties involved, and a brief summary of the incident.
STEP TWO: TEACHER AND PARENTS
The teacher will keep parents properly informed without having to report every infraction to them. However, when the teacher feels that the behavior warrants it, the parents will be informed and further action will be discussed. Any of the following options may be followed:
1. Any of the actions in Step One, with more stringent consequences.
2. Parent conferences
3. Corrective action as mutually agreed by the parents and teacher.
STEP THREE:
TEACHER, PARENTS, AND PRINCIPAL
1. The other staff members, including volunteers, will keep the principal apprised of both positive and negative behavior situations in the school.
2. The principal will be informed immediately in all instances of danger to any student, of any illegality, any injury, or any property damage.
3. When the situation between student, teacher, and parent has reached an impasse, or is of a nature to involve another judgment or counsel, the principal will become involved. The principal will review the case with all parties involved and take action that seems best for the student, his/her peers, the parents, and the teacher. Repentance, forgiveness, and positive change are the ultimate goals. The following action options may be used:
A. Any of the options in Step One and Step Two.
B. In-School Suspension: Removing the child from the classroom and placing him/her in a place of isolation where the regular classroom assignments will be completed. This action shall be considered in situations of a more serious nature such as, but not limited to, the descriptions below:
1. The child persistently maintains the unacceptable behavior.
2. The child has committed a crime affecting the people or property of the school: vandalism, robbery, assault, drug possession, etc., but has expressed sorrow and repentance.
3. The child indicates that associating with classmates will cause problems for the child, the classmates, the teacher, or any other staff person.
4. The duration of the suspension will depend partly on the student's reaction and willingness to make changes.
5. Documentation of the incident(s) leading up to the suspension will be filed in the child's cumulative folder.
6. Parents will receive a written notice of the suspension. Appeal processes will be included in this notification. See "APPEALS PROCESS"
7. Suspension is done to benefit the student, and should not be done in a vindictive manner.
8. The student is expected to maintain all class-work during the suspension.
C. Expulsion: When every effort to bring about positive results has met with failure, the student will be expelled from school and left in the care of the parents and or guardians. The expulsion process is the same as the suspension process listed above, with the exception of the time limitation. Expulsion is final and permanent.
APPEALS PROCESS
1. The parents will notify the principal in writing within three days that they desire to appeal the decision.
2. A hearing committee will be formed, including the members of the Board of Education, the pastor, the principal, and the involved teacher.
3. The parents will present their appeal, which will include their suggestions of alternative action, to the committee.
4. The committee will consider all aspects of the case.
5. The committee will make a decision:
A. Uphold the suspension or expulsion
B. Other corrective action
C. Innocence – No action taken
6. The determination of the committee shall be final.
7. A record of the process and information shall be filed in the student's cumulative file.
8. A copy of the committee's action will be mailed to the parents.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Immanuel Lutheran School is, by God's grace and blessings, a setting where sinners minister to sinners, and yet, where saints abound. God has given us, through His Son, the blessing of knowing that when Christians work in love and forgiveness, they are doing His will.
Christians make mistakes and, in a moment of weak faith, do and say things that later may be regretted. At that time the benefits of living in grace become evident. Christians forgive each other and move on toward a fuller life in Christ.
Immanuel's staff and leaders work to allow the Holy Spirit to use them as instruments to lead the Immanuel family closer to God's Son, Jesus Christ.
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