2008-2009

Student-Parent

Handbook

MISSION STATEMENT

St. John Lutheran School

“Laying Foundations for the Future”

PARENT HANDBOOK

This handbook is intended to acquaint parents and students with the policies, practices, and procedures of St. John Lutheran School.  Families should familiarize themselves with the handbook and refer to it as the need arises.

MISSION STATEMENT

United in faith, we serve the Kingdom of God by building lives that are rooted in the Word, centered on Christ, and motivated by Grace; to reflect Christ’s love and share His Gospel with all.

PHILOSOPHY OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

We believe that God reveals Himself in the Holy Scriptures.

We believe that all children deserve an education that fulfills their intellectual as well as spiritual needs and requirements.  We believe that our priority is spiritual, but we also seek to provide a quality academic education which will help children develop their God-given gifts and abilities.

• behavior that reflects a oneness with Christ both in their private lives as well as in their social lives;
• an eagerness to participate in worship and study opportunities within the church;
• a willingness to serve their church in capacities appropriate to their age levels;
• an awareness of their obligation to witness to those outside of their Christian community.

• guiding, directing, and instructing the children;
• working with parents to foster the spiritual, academic, and social growth of their children.

PURPOSE OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

The purpose of St. John Lutheran School is to provide a Christian education for the children of St. John Lutheran Church and the Champaign-Urbana community so that they may:

• develop as children in God's kingdom through God's Word and Spirit;
• know God and the forgiving love He offers them through Jesus Christ;
• respond to His grace by witnessing with lives of Christian faith, worship, service, love, and hope;
• relate to His creation by acquiring knowledge and understanding;
• develop talents and skills for responsible living and serving.

OBJECTIVES OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

To enable St. John Lutheran School to fulfill these purposes, objectives have been established to guide the development of the educational program.  St. John Lutheran School will:

• provide weekly group worship experiences through our chapel program;
• offer daily devotional worship in the classroom;
• provide instruction in God's Word through regular religion classes;
• integrate the Christian faith throughout the curriculum;
• develop interpersonal relationships within an atmosphere of Christian love and forgiveness;
• provide opportunities for children to witness their Christian faith through community service;
• provide for instruction in all the basic academic areas: language arts, mathematics, science, social sciences, physical education, and the arts;
• encourage the development of time-management skills, citizenship, and appropriate social skills.

ADMINISTRATION

Our school, which is a ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, is associated with over 2,000 other schools in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  The school is under the supervision of the Lutheran School Board, which in turn is responsible to the congregation.  The board meets the first Tuesday of every month and visitors are welcome.  Our teachers are fully qualified and certified according to state requirements.  Above all, our teachers are dedicated to their Lord and Savior, and they view each student as a child of God.  As such, the child is to be shown the love of Jesus by word and example both in and out of the classroom.

WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

All students are encouraged to attend worship services on a regular basis.  Parents also are encouraged to support the teachings of the school.  Church and Sunday School attendance are important; records of student participation are kept by classroom teachers. 

WORSHIP AT ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Worship is Sunday 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., plus Wednesday evenings at 7:15.   We have year round Sunday School that meets at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.  During the school year, Midweek Classes for kindergarten through eighth grade are offered on Wednesday evenings at 5:45.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH MEMBERS

We thank God for the willingness of school families who participate in the work of the congregation and the school and who demonstrate good stewardship and faithfully attend worship services.  However, in the event that families who are St. John members do not worship regularly, the Lutheran School Board recommends the following guidelines and procedures for handling non-regular church attendance:

1. Church attendance records for students in grades K-8 will be recorded in the church office from the attendance cards submitted during all regularly scheduled church services.  The church attendance records will be the sole source for monitoring church attendance and will be maintained all twelve months of the year.
   
   Attending regularly at another church in the Champaign-Urbana area will not be classified as regular attendance at St. John Lutheran Church.



2. If the St. John Lutheran School Board judges that a student’s attendance is not consistent with faithful and regular worship attendance, the parents will be contacted by a member(s) of the board and notified that they will be put on “community member” status in terms of tuition immediately.  In making their decision, the board will consider all extenuating circumstances.
   
   The St. John Lutheran School Board believes that to be faithful and regular in worship means attending worship whenever it is available; or at a minimum, 50% of the time.



3. The “community member” status will remain in effect until evidence is seen of faithful and regular worship attendance as defined in point two above.  During the period of “community member” status, the family will be required to make monthly tuition payments based on the same tuition requirements as all other community member families.  Failure to pay the tuition will result in the student being removed from school.
   
   Being placed on community member status does not indicate loss of membership at St. John Lutheran Church.

ADMISSION POLICY

St. John Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, or athletics and other school-administered programs.

SPRING REGISTRATION / RE-ENROLLMENT

Registration for the new school year begins in March.  A completed Application Form, FAITH Parent Volunteer Form, and Registration Fee should be submitted to the school office.  Kindergarten and new student applications must include the child’s certified birth certificate.  A copy will be made and the original returned to the parent.  All of the previous year’s tuition must be paid in full to register for the next year.

In the case of a returning class which has been at capacity during the current school term, registrations will not be accepted from new siblings until one of the following has occurred:

• A currently enrolled student/family has indicated that re-enrollment will not take place; or
• The re-enrollment period has come to an end and spaces are available.

ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES

1. Children of staff members (pastors, teachers) have first priority for any vacancy at any grade level.
2. Preschool through seventh grade children currently enrolled and returning
3. Siblings of currently enrolled returning St. John members
4. New St. John Lutheran Church member families
5. New children from other Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod churches
6. New children from other families in the community

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before September 1.  Certified birth certificates are required at the time of enrollment.  Copies will be made.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Physical examinations within one calendar year are required for all children entering kindergarten and sixth grade, or upon being admitted to the school from out of state.  Illinois law stipulates that children are not allowed to start school unless they have submitted their completed physical examination forms to the school office.  The physical exam must include immunization records listing dates on which the immunizations were administered, a diabetes screening, an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for students entering kindergarten, and a dental exam for students entering kindergarten, second, and sixth grades.  The form must be completed and signed by a physician.  (Forms for these examinations are available in the school office or from your doctor.) 

FEE AND PAYMENTS

Payments are due in accordance to the Payment Option Plan, which is given with the enrollment application form at the time of registration.  The deposit fee due at the time of registration is non-refundable.  All tuition must be paid in full by January 15th , unless special arrangements have been made with the principal.  If a child enters school during the school year, tuition will be pro-rated.

Tuition may be waived if families are tithing (10% of their adjusted gross income) to St. John Lutheran Church.  To apply for this waiver, parents need to bring their 2007 1040 tax return in a sealed envelope to the church office and put it in the Financial Secretary’s mailbox.  The Financial Secretary will review it and let the school office know if tuition should be waived.

F.A.I.T.H. (FAMILIES ACTIVELY INVOLVED TO HELP) FORM

The involvement of families at St. John School is vital.  In an effort to foster a Christ-centered atmosphere, families are asked to donate their time to support the efforts of the school staff and the various school programs. 

Families are expected to volunteer twenty hours of service during the school year (twelve hours for Little Lamb 4s and eight hours for Little Lamb 3s).  A form is distributed along with registration materials for families to complete, indicating how they plan to fulfill the requirement.  Families are responsible for recording their F.A.I.T.H. hours in the binder in the school office.  All service hours need to be completed by the last day of school.  In the event that a family cannot fulfill the required twenty hours, the family will be billed for the remaining hours at a rate of $20.00 per hour.    

SCHOOL HOURS

Office hours:      7:40 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.   Summer Office Hours:  9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Grades K - 8:      8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Little Lamb:      8:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.     12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Please note that the class day for the elementary grades begins at 8:15 a.m.  Please make certain that your child is at school in time to be settled in the room for the start of the day by 8:10.

Since the school's liability for student safety depends on direct supervision, students cannot arrive before 7:50 a.m.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES: K-8

In accordance with state laws, all students are held to regular and punctual attendance.  All absences must be excused in writing or by a phone call from the parent/guardian by 9:00 a.m. each day the child is absent.

Student absences from school for the following reasons will be considered excused absences:

• Illness of student
• Medical and dental appointments that cannot be arranged during out-of-school hours
• Death of relative or close friend
• Accident or emergency
• Religious holidays or other religious causes
• Vacation period with parents/legal guardians
• Absences for student competitions and performances shall be prearranged and permitted at the discretion of the principal.

TARDY POLICY: K-8

Students are expected to be in their classrooms and ready to begin class by 8:10 a.m.  Any student arriving in their classroom after 8:15 is considered tardy and must obtain an admit slip from the office.   Students arriving late because of a medical appointment should submit an excuse from the doctor upon arrival at school.  Five tardies in one quarter merit one before-school detention beginning at 7:30 a.m.

K – 8 ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Since the school's liability for student safety depends on direct supervision, students cannot arrive before 7:50 a.m.

• All students arriving between 7:50 and 8:00 are to be dropped off at either school entrance.
• Any student arriving after 8:15, leaving during the school day, or leaving the building and returning during the school day must be signed in and/or out by a parent, guardian, or parent-authorized adult.  Arriving or returning students must obtain an admit slip from office personnel in order to return to class.

K – 8 DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

As a courtesy to the teacher, please notify the teacher in advance if your child will be leaving school early.

If your child is to be picked up by someone other than the person who usually does this, please notify the teacher in writing or if last-minute changes are necessary, you may call the school office.  We will not knowingly release a student to an unauthorized person without parental contact. 

If there is to be any change of after school procedure by your child (e.g. walking instead of riding, going to someone else's house), we request that you inform the teacher in writing or call the office with a last-minute change.  Students are not allowed to use any church/school phone during the day or after school to make social plans.  Please work these out at home ahead of time.

Please arrange to pick-up your child when school is dismissed at 3:15.  Students who have not been picked up by 3:30 will wait in the school office.

All students in grades K-2 should exit the building after school through the main entrance near the school office unless arrangements are made with the teacher.  Drivers for these grades should form a line along the east side of the church and school when waiting to pick up children.  As the children are dismissed by the teachers into the cars, the line can then move forward.  If your child is not immediately available for pick up, pull around and park, rather than holding up the line.  You can then go into the building, find your child, and walk him/her to your parked car.  Children should never cross the driveway without an adult.  Young children would be safest holding an older person’s hand.  Follow the directions of the teachers on duty.

All students in grades 3-8 will be dismissed into the back parking lot.  Any children in grades 3-8 who ride in a carpool with students in grades K-2 may exit with these younger children through the main entrance near the school office.  Follow the directions of the teachers on duty.

Please tell your children to use the crosswalk to get to your parked car.  Do not double park.  If you need to locate a child, please park your car in the lot rather than holding up the line.

The traffic pattern in the west parking lot is as follows:

• The driving lane nearest the playground is ONE WAY heading south.
• The driving lane nearest the school building is ONE WAY heading north.

BICYCLES

All children who wish to ride a bicycle to school are welcomed to do so provided the following rules are followed:

• All bicycles will be parked in the bicycle rack on the northwest side of the parking lot.
• No bicycle riding will be allowed during school hours.
• A suitable lock is recommended.  The bicycle's frame, not just the front wheel, should be chained to the bike rack.
• Children should be taught and follow the rules of the road.
• Bicycle riders will be expected to leave school property immediately after dismissal.

LOCKERS

The lockers in the junior high hallway are for the use of the 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  These lockers are the property of St. John Lutheran School and are subject to inspection at the discretion of the school administration.  The privilege of having a locker may be removed at the discretion of the school administration at any time.  The following rules apply to the use of an assigned locker:

• Memorize lock combination and do not share this combination with anyone else.
• Lockers should remain free of scribbles, drawings, scratches, graffiti, or any other defaceable marks.
• Locker doors should be closed gently and without slamming.
• Lockers should never be hit or kicked.
• Lockers should not contain any materials that otherwise would not be allowed in the building.

WEATHER RELATED AND EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS

If poor weather conditions cause a closing of the school, information can be obtained by listening to radio and television stations.  Stations that would announce closings are:

    RADIO STATIONS                TV STATIONS
    WDWS 1400 AM                    WCIA Channel 3
    WLRW  94.5  FM                    WAND Channel 17
    WIXY   100.3 FM                    WICD Channel 15
    WBGL    91.7   FM               
    WILL    580   AM
    WKIO  92.5   FM

If at any time you feel your child is in harm’s way due to unforeseen circumstances, you may come to the office and sign your child out and take him/her with you.

TRANSPORTATION

For parents living more than 1 1/2 miles from St. John but not receiving bus service for which they are eligible, there is a state travel reimbursement program for which you can apply in the spring of the year.  Information concerning this year's reimbursement amount and application procedure will be available in the early spring.

ILLNESS POLICY

Children should not attend school if:

• They have had a temperature over 100 degrees within the previous 24 hours.
• They are vomiting or showing other symptoms of infectious illness within the previous 24 hours.

Children who become ill at school will stay in the sick room no longer than three class periods.  If they are unable to return to the classroom during that period of time, the parents must make arrangements to take them home. 

When a child is recovering from an illness and is well enough to return to school but has restricted activities, parents should send a note making that request known to the teacher(s).

Please notify the school by phone of all contagious diseases immediately.  Re-admission will be in accordance with the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

MEDICINES

If a student is required to take prescription medicine, every effort should be made to schedule the medication times outside the school day.  Antibiotics that need to be taken three times a day should be taken in the morning, after school, and at bedtime.  However, if this is impossible and the parent is unable to come to school to supervise the taking of the medicine, the following procedure will be followed:

• Students may not keep any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, with them.  All medication must be brought to the school office.
• A medication consent form, signed by the parent, is needed for all medication given at school.  In addition, a Permit to Administer Medication Form, signed by the physician, is necessary for all prescription medication that is taken during the school day.  These forms are available in the school office.
• All medication must be brought to school in its original pharmaceutical container, properly labeled with name of child, name of physician, name of medication, and time and dosage information. Medication in plastic bags or envelopes will not be accepted by the office.
• The school cannot store more than a 30 day supply of medication at school.
• The parent will be expected to pick up any remaining medication or authorize the principal to dispose of it.
• It is the duty of the parent to notify the school when a child's medication has been changed or discontinued.
• All medications are considered self-administered by the students under adult supervision in the school office.

INSURANCE

The present policy provides coverage for the students both on school/church grounds and off the premises on school-sponsored field trips, other activities and organized athletics.  The students are not covered while being transported to and from their homes.  The students are covered for liability and for medical payments.  The medical payments are provided on an excess basis, which means the injured child's parent's insurance provides primary coverage and the insurance company provides excess coverage in the amount of $5,000 per person, $25,000 each accident.  If the injured student has no medical coverage, the insurance company then becomes the primary insurer and will cover the injury.

SCHOOLWORK / HOMEWORK POLICY

Unless otherwise directed, all daily assignments are due at the start of each subject's class period the day after they are assigned.  Those assignments not turned in at the appropriate time may incur a penalty as determined by that subject’s teacher.  Parents are strongly encouraged to make regular contacts with their child’s teacher(s) regarding assignment completion.

For the completion of schoolwork missed because of an excused absence, the student will be allowed one school day per each day absent.  If a child was absent for 3 days, he will have 3 days to make up the missed assignments.  For example:  a student is absent due to illness on Wednesday; returning to class on Thursday.  The day allowed for makeup completion will be Thursday.  Therefore, the assignments from the missed day will be due by Friday morning.  Of course, Tuesday’s assignments (the student’s last attendance day prior to the absence) are due upon his/her return to class on Thursday.  All regular assignments issued on Thursday will be due Friday along with the make-up work for Wednesday.

Vacation trips resulting in lost classroom time are strongly discouraged because of the adverse effect on the quality of a student’s education.  If a trip must be taken, all teachers must be notified well in advance in writing.  Parents may request that work be provided ahead of time.  These assignments may be available to the student the last day of the student’s attendance before the absence and would be due the first day he/she returns to class following the absence.  Both parents and students must realize that these assignments will be the teacher’s “best guess” regarding what will be covered during the student’s absence.  Immediately upon the student’s return it is his/her responsibility to check on what was actually assigned and to complete any additional assignments. Additional time will be given for these assignments. Any long-term projects or homework assigned before the vacation and due after the student’s return will be due at the normal time.

GRADING AND REPORTING

Kindergarten - eighth grade report cards are issued at the end of each quarter.  Mid-term reports will be issued to students in grades 4-8.  The following grading standards are used:

Grade K                                                   
+    Satisfactory progress                                       
o    Not yet mastered

Grades K-8
E    Excellent
S    Satisfactory
N   Needs Improvement
U   Unsatisfactory

Grades 3-8   
A+ 100-98        B+ 89-87          C+ 79-77            D+ 69-67        F 59 and below
A     97-93        B   86-83          C   76-73            D   66-63
A-    92-90        B-  82-80         C-  72-70            D-  62-60

HONOR ROLL

Students in grades 5-8 are eligible to be named to the academic Honor Roll at the completion of each grading period.  There are three levels of recognition.  Highest Honors requires all A’s.  High Honors requires A’s and no more than 2 B’s.  Honors requires a B average.  To receive honors recognition, a student can receive no D’s, F’s or U’s in any subject—academic, non-academic, or elective.

Students who maintain High and Highest Honors status for all four quarters of the school year are awarded an academic school letter.

PERFECT  SCHOOL  ATTENDANCE

Perfect school attendance is achieved by having no absences and no tardies.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Regular parent conferences are scheduled in the fall and the spring for grades K-8.  Information is given in the “St. John Lutheran School Weekly Newsletter” that is sent electronically, and appointments are scheduled on the table outside the school office two weeks prior to conference times.

Conferences may be scheduled at any other time during the year by either parents or teachers.  To observe your child’s classroom, make an appointment with the teacher at least 24 hours in advance.

CHAPEL

Chapel services for students in kindergarten through eighth grade will usually be held Wednesday mornings at 8:25.  Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for church. Offerings taken during these services are directed toward various mission projects.  Families and friends are encouraged to join us for these worship services.

CHOIR

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are automatically in choir.  Practice is scheduled during the school day.  All students are expected to participate in Sunday morning worship when the choir is scheduled to sing.  Students who are unable to sing should turn in a written note to the music teacher prior to that Sunday.

Choir students in third through eighth grades will receive a grade each quarter based on:

• behavior and effort, during practice
• attendance, behavior, and participation when the choir sings.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students will be expected to help maintain the cleanliness and care of the school grounds, school building, and equipment and books.  Parents will be charged a fee for books that are damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

TELEPHONE USE

The school phone is a business phone.  Personal calls by students will be limited to emergency calls such as: change of dismissal time, cancellation of an after-school event, medical problem. 

Permission to use the phone will be granted by the teacher and office personnel only.  Cell phones should be turned off and not visible during the school day.

DELIVERY OF ITEMS TO SCHOOL  

Parents delivering items or notes to children at school are asked to leave those items in the school office. The office staff will see that the items are delivered at a time that will not disrupt the class.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS

A weekly newsletter will be sent electronically to families each Friday.  This will contain information of interest and importance to the family.

FIELD TRIPS

A licensed and insured bus company will provide transportation for all field trips.  All students are assessed a non-refundable fee for the cost of the bus and any admission ticket for the trips.  Notes are sent home prior to a field trip detailing all pertinent information.  Students must return the signed parent permission slip and fees.  Unless otherwise stated, siblings are not allowed to attend field trips with parents who are acting as chaperones. 

PARTIES

Classroom parties are held at school for some holiday observances. Room parents may contact parents for additional help or refreshments.  Students may also provide birthday treats.  When students plan to have parties away from school, invitations are to be mailed rather than distributed at school unless the entire class is invited. 

PARENT - TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

P.T.F. is an organization consisting of St. John Lutheran School parents and teachers and any member of St. John Lutheran Church.  The purpose of P.T.F. is to provide social opportunities and events that facilitate fellowship among the church and school, provide educational opportunities for parents, and provide additional support for the goals and programs of St. John Lutheran School.  The P.T.F. Board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran School. 

DRESS CODE: K-8

Students are to dress in a God-pleasing and respectful manner as determined by the teachers and principal.  The honoring of God and the discipline or approach to learning is often reflected in the way a child dresses.  Students who are in violation of the dress code will be removed from the classroom and will be expected to change their clothing.

It is requested that parents use the following guidelines in the selection of clothing worn to school:

• All clothing worn to school must be properly sized (no short shorts or short skirts, no oversized or skin-tight clothing), clean, free of holes, and covering all undergarments.
• Pants and shorts are to be worn with the garment waistband at the student’s waist.  Undergarments are not to extend above the top of the garment waistband.
• Shirts or tops exposing any part of the torso are not to be worn.
• A separate pair of athletic shoes (gym use only) is required for the gym floor.
• Boots, snow pants, coats, hats, and gloves are required for students intending to play in the snow.
• Clothing with inappropriate messages or symbols contrary to the Christian faith are not to be worn.
• Hats are not to be worn in the building during school hours.
• Unnatural color for hair is not appropriate (i.e. blue, green, purple, etc.)
• Piercing other than for ears is not appropriate.
• Shoes must have heel straps or heel enclosures.

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

Chewing gum, soda pop, and energy drinks are not allowed during regular school hours.

Do not bring iPods, other electronic devices, or any toys to school.  These items will be confiscated if they are brought to class. 

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: K-8

Every attempt is made to maintain Christian discipline at all times.  Teachers make every effort to treat all children fairly, in accordance with God's will.  It should be understood by students and parents alike that the students show respect and obedience to all teachers and staff at all times and in all places.  It should be further understood that teachers will exercise the right to discipline the students according to school policy and procedures.

If students have questions related to discipline, they are encouraged to discuss the matter with the teacher outside of class time.  Parents who have concerns are requested to come to the teacher first. Please schedule these appointments outside of school hours.   If no satisfactory agreement is reached, then the matter should be brought to the principal’s attention.  This procedure is written in accordance with the teachings of Christ as recorded in Matthew 18.

At St. John Lutheran Church and School we think of discipline as the teaching of self-control, Christian attitudes, orderliness, and efficiency.  Therefore, teachers will deal with children in accordance with the teachings and philosophy of Christ.  The children will be taught to understand that for happy living it is necessary to love one another, serve one another, and have respect for one another’s rights and privileges.

In the classroom the teacher is the disciplinarian.  In addition, all teachers have the right to correct any student's inappropriate behavior if they observe the behavior. Secretaries, custodians, and supervisors also have the right to verbally correct a student in the absence of a teacher.  They shall then bring this to the attention of the classroom teacher or principal.

When a student attends an off-campus, school-sponsored activity, such as an athletic event, that student is recognized as a student of St. John Lutheran School and is therefore subject to school expectations for behavior and subsequent disciplinary action.

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

• Follow directions given by adults in authority
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to oneself
• Use appropriate language for a Christian
• Use materials and equipment appropriately
• Show kindness and consideration at all times

CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal     warning
2. Name on board     warning
3. 1 check    15 minute after-school detention   - The child will make the phone call to inform parents.
4. 2 checks    30 minute after-school detention
5. 3 checks     60 minute after-school detention - This level contributes toward the Step System.
6. 4 checks    sent to principal to call parent, removal from class

CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal     warning
2. Name on board    warning
3. 1 check    loss of next recess
4. 2 checks     15 minute after-school detention  - The child will make the phone call to inform parents.
5. 3 checks     30 minute after-school detention and note home
6. 4 checks    sent to principal to call parent, removal from class

CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal     warning
2. Name on board    warning
3. 1 check     loss of part of next recess
4. 2 checks    loss of second recess
5. 3 checks    15 minute after-school detention and a note home
6. 4 checks     sent to principal to call parent, removal from class

• Report to detention room on time
• Remain in an assigned seat
• No talking
• No snacks or toys
• Homework is required

• Dishonesty or disrespect to an adult
• Throwing snowballs, hardballs, food, milk cartons, etc.
• Defacing/damaging school or church property or equipment
• Bullying
• Physically aggressive behavior
• Using obscene or inappropriate language, gestures, or symbols
• Exhibiting indecent or gross behavior
• Leaving classroom, building, or school activity without teacher or parent permission

• Participation in extra curricular activities is revoked.
• No credit will be given for academic work missed.

• Willful disobedience
• Leaving the school grounds without permission
• Stealing
• Harassment of student/staff
• Violent action against another person or threat of it
• Possession, use, or sale of a controlled substance (including look-alikes)
• Possession or use of a weapon (including any object such as a knife, gun, explosives, or look-alike object that could be used to cause bodily harm)

PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH INAPPROPRIATE PARENTAL COMMUNICATIONS/ACTIONS

If a parent contacts a teacher or staff member in an antagonistic, abusive, or confrontational manner, the following steps are suggested:

• The teacher or staff member should document the parent contact in writing in as much detail as possible, including time and date.
• The teacher or staff member should inform the principal, sharing the written documentation of the “confrontation.”
• The principal will schedule a meeting as soon as possible. Participants will include the principal, the parent, and the teacher. Statements and results of this meeting will be documented. One purpose of this meeting will be to make clear to the parent that communicating with the teacher to obtain clarifications of classroom situations and the like is welcomed and proper. However, the parent must be made aware of the inappropriateness of his/her methods and the actions he/she employed. His/her inappropriate actions do not foster the team approach that is so necessary between the parent and the teacher to benefit the student’s progress and development. Expectations and proper procedure/attitudes will be shared with the parent.
• If another occurrence takes place involving the same parent (not necessarily the same teacher), another meeting will be convened with the principal, parent, teacher, and a member or two of the Lutheran School Board. The purpose of this meeting will be the same as that described in the step above.
• If a third occurrence takes place involving the same parent, a meeting will be convened with the full Lutheran School Board. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the matter of lack of proper parental cooperation and support and to determine continuance of this family at St. John Lutheran School. At this point the School Board has the right to terminate enrollment at St. John.

HARASSMENT

St. John Lutheran Church and School will not tolerate any harassment of any employee or student relating to that individual's race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or handicap.  The term harassment includes, but is not necessarily limited to slurs, jokes, other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to an individual's race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or handicap.  Harassment also includes unwelcome sexual advances and similar behavior as a condition of employment or for the purpose or effect of interfering with one's academic or work performance or the creation of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

Those guilty of harassment or retaliation against an individual making such charges will meet with appropriate sanctions which may include termination of employment or suspension/expulsion of a student.  Those employees or students who believe that they have been the victim of any type of harassment should talk with the school principal, a teacher, a school board member, or a pastor.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN

A Crisis Management Plan is in place.  This plan outlines procedures for staff to follow in case of natural disasters (severe storm, earthquake); environmental hazards (explosion, fire, air-borne contamination); or intruders in the building.

ASBESTOS PLAN

The school office has a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan that is required by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health.  The only asbestos identified in the building is located in insulated pipe joints in the church boiler room which is in the church basement.  If you wish to look through the Management Plan, please contact the school office.