Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Purpose

3. Goals

4. Curriculum

5. Enrollment

6. Church Attendance

7. Nondiscriminatory Policy

8. Entrance Requirements

9. Fees

10. School Hours

11. Attendance

12. Student Conduct

13. Student Dress

14. Praise

15. School Grounds

16. Playground

17. Extra-curricular Activities

18. Nuisance Items

19. Bus Service

20. Safe and Drug-Free School

21. Excuses for Recesses or Absences

22. Emergency Closing

23. Medication Policy

24. Home and School Cooperation

25. Closing

---

Introduction
So that routine matters may be carried out in a consistent, orderly and God-pleasing manner, please carefully note and help to maintain the following standards, as adopted by your Board of Education.

Purpose
Based on the Lord’s Great Commission for his church (Matthew 28:18-20) and on his specific will for his church in regard to the Christian education of children (John 21:15), St. John's Lutheran School exists to assist parents in rearing their children “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Goals

• We will provide students with an elementary education based on God’s Word.

• We will assist congregational members in preparing their children for a life of service in God’s Word and in Christ’s kingdom.

• We will assist non-members in introducing the love of God through his Son, Jesus Christ, to their children.

• We will assist students in living for Christ in every aspect of their lives.

Curriculum
The subjects taught in St. John Lutheran School are similar to those of any other school. The distinguishing factor is that, in a Christian school, God’s Holy Word shines its light on all areas of conduct and curriculum.

• The Bible is the sure foundation in Religion.

• Science clearly shows God as both creator and preserver and discovers His marvelous works.

• History is the record that shows how God guides the destinies of men, nations and the world.

• Social Studies teaches the duties of Christians towards their fellow man and their government.

• Mathematics encourages Christian stewardship of God-given property and goods.

All other areas of the curriculum serve to discover and develop God-given gifts and abilities. Music, art and physical education are not neglected and serve to ready the child for a useful and God-pleasing life, both here and in eternity.

Enrollment
Children of St. John's members are eligible and encouraged to attend our school. All others will be considered only after consultation with the principal and pastor and after approval of the Board for Parish Education. Priority will be given to members of a WELS sister congregation on a tuition basis. Non-WELS members whose children become enrolled in K-8 will be required to attend the pastors' Bible Information Class. It meets for one hour each Sunday for about 20 weeks. Furthermore, non-member parents must agree to cooperate with our goal of preparing their children to become confirmed members of our congregation. Their continued enrollment will be reviewed annually. Students with a record of scholastic and/or discipline problems will be considered with extra care.

Church Attendance
Since the Lord commands us in the Third Commandment to attend church faithfully, we consider regular attendance at worship services to be an integral part of our curriculum. All parents who enroll their children in our school are expected to attend church with their children. WELS members who struggle with faithful church attendance may be called in for a meeting with the Pastor, Board for Education, and Board of Elders, if necessary. "Remember the Sabbath Day to by keeping it holy."

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

Entrance Requirements
St. John's Board of Education strongly suggests that children entering Kindergarten be five (5) years old before September 1st of the year in which they enroll. If there is any doubt regarding readiness, we strongly suggest that enrollment be postponed. Testing will be available upon request of the teacher or parents. Any transfer student can expect to be tested for grade placement.

In keeping with state laws, each child must submit a physician's statement showing immunization against smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis, and measles. A birth certificate copy is required and physical examination is strongly recommended.

Fees
St. John's School is maintained and supported by the regular contributions of its members. This includes such items as salaries, utilities, maintenance, etc. We do not depend on government money to operate. Our school operates at a cost of more than $5,000.00 per student per year. Parents are asked to keep this fact in mind as they plan their regular church offerings.

The Enrollment Fee (due on August 15) is $105 for K-8. Tuition for members of St. John's is $50 per month ($30 for K) for nine months due on the 15th each month from August through April. For nonmembers the tuition fee is twice as much.

Enrollment Fee Policy
If the monthly tuition fee is unsuitable for some families we are happy to work out an alternate payment plan. In some cases financial assistance is available, however you must take the initiative and contact the school office to apply before July 15. In receiving assistance the members of St. John's are given top priority.

Parents will be contacted by the school office if the payments are overdue. A Board of Education member will assist in the collection of overdue fees. The child will not be able to enroll for classes next year if any outstanding balance is remaining from the previous year. School records of students who have withdrawn from the school will not be released until the entire outstanding balance is paid in full.

If you have any questions or concerns about your payment, please contact the board of education by calling the school office.

School Hours
The school day begins at 8:15AM. The school doors will open at 8:00. An "Early Arrival Permission Form" is required of any student who must be here before that time. The Alp Street entrance will be open from 7:30-7:45AM for these students. These students will then report to a supervised room. Failure of these students to be quiet and orderly may result in the forfeiture of this privilege! All others must wait at the Alp Street entrance until 8:00. The school day ends at 3:00PM. ALL children are to leave the school grounds as soon as possible after dismissal. Only those students who are directly involved in supervised activities may remain.

Attendance
In accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan all children aged 6 to 16 are held to regular and punctual attendance. A written or oral excuse is required from a parent when a pupil is absent or tardy.

Student Conduct
When parents enroll a child in our school they are entrusting the care and training of the child to us. At times this care and training may require discipline. The following conduct standards will be enforced:

1. God’s Word stands as the guide for our daily lives.
2. The commandments direct our conduct.
3. The Gospel motivates us to lovingly serve our Savior.

Discipline Policy            Universal Rules

† Respect for God
† Respect for one another
† Respect for the speaker
† Respect for the facilities
† Respect for one’s property
† The right to be safe
† The right to learn
† The right to teach

Check system for grades 3-8 (per day, with each day starting fresh)

• 1^st check: teacher warning

• 2^nd check: miss recess, write sentences, or similar consequence

• 3^rd check: 45 minute detention (to be served that same day 3:00-3:45) plus disciplinary report home as a record of the event (not as a step to further and more serious consequences)

• 4^th check: removal from the classroom for the remainder of the day

Continued misbehavior (two detentions within three weeks) will initiate a meeting with the teacher, child, and parents to discuss the situation and arrive at consensus on how to remedy the problem.

Upon receiving a detention, the parents or emergency contact person will be notified immediately by the teacher.

Removal from classroom will mean automatic consultation with the parent(s) that day or as soon as possible.

Upon removal from the classroom, assignments will continue to be given.

This check system will also apply during field trips off the school property.

Check system for grades K-2

Contact teacher for details on any changes to the check system.

Exceptions to the check system

 

• fighting

 

• flagrant obscenities (talk or actions)

 

• flagrant disrespect

 

• other flagrant misconduct

 

• repeated misconduct

• dangerous or highly unsafe conduct

Punishment (along with a disciplinary report as a record of the event)

o detention or
o removal from room to hallway near classroom door or
o removal to other classroom or
o suspension

Student Dress
'Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's spirit lives in you?' (I Cor. 3:16) Yes, how we clothe and care for our bodies does matter. Independent studies also suggest that our appearance should always reflect the fact that we are redeemed children of God. With these concerns in mind, we offer the following guidelines:

1. Clothing and general grooming should be neat and clean.

2. As a general rule, shorts may not be worn for class from October 1^st through April 30^st .

3. Emblems or wording imprinted on clothing or accessories should reflect good taste and Christian judgment. This includes hair and makeup. There are to be no offensive tattoos. Girls may have at most two earrings per ear. Boys are not allowed to wear earrings. There is to be no other body piercing. If you are unsure whether a choice of clothing might offend others or our Savior, it would be wise to refrain from wearing it. Appropriate appearance will be determined at the discretion of the teacher, as well as consequences for inappropriate attire.

4. Care should be taken to see that children are dressed appropriately for weather conditions. Separate footwear is needed when outdoor conditions are wet or snowy. For health, safety, and floor protection, dry shoes are to be worn when inside at all times.

5. Only clean, dry gym shoes are to be worn for play in the gym.

Praise
Our whole lives, of course, are to bring praise and glory to God's name. However, several opportunities are given for children to offer praise in special ways.

At various times throughout the school year the children will be scheduled to sing in our worship services. This beautifies the service and gives children a chance to bring praise to God in song.

Another opportunity is offered through our mission program. Special mission projects are chosen for each marking period of the school year. Free-will offerings are gathered on the first school day of each week. This helps our children to learn about the importance of sharing God's Word. It can also serve well to train our children in bringing regular, generous offerings freely given out of love for Christ and His church.

Special children's chapel services are also planned on a regular basis. This helps the children to learn regular worship habits and permits us to focus more directly on the needs, concerns and interests of our youth. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join us for these services.

School Grounds
Students may not leave the school grounds, unless going home for lunch or when accompanied by a parent. A signed permission slip is required to go home for lunch and students are due back by 12:20. Please inform the teacher of any special arrangements.

Playground
Concern for the safety and welfare of others is one of many ways we show that we fear and love God. The playground is an excellent place for children to learn and practice such concern. The following rules will help to ensure that all children can enjoy playing safely:

1. No standing, twisting, or double swinging on the swings. Do not jump from swings while they are in motion.

2. Do not grab clothing.

3. Leave roller blades, skates and skateboards at home.

4. Remain in the enclosed area.

5. Do not climb fences.

6. Food or hard candy is not to be taken to the playground.

7. No objects are to be thrown at anyone except in teacher-approved games.

8. Do not walk on top of the playground equipment

9. The only way to play on the slide is to go down feet first.

Extra-curricular Activities
A variety of wholesome activities, outside of the regular curriculum, are available to the students. A child will be eligible if conduct and class work are satisfactory. The Athletic Director in consultation with the classroom teacher will determine this.

Nuisance Items
In a school environment, certain items may interfere with learning, present difficulties for cleaning or they may be hazardous. Gum is not to be brought to school. Radios, pagers, cell phones, handheld games, music devices, toys, matches, lighters, and tape or CD players are not allowed. These and other items will be confiscated and returned at the teacher's discretion.

Bus Service
Transportation is available from the Bay Metro bus system. You may also try the Bay City Public Schools bus service at 662-4416. The companies with the full backing and support of our school enforce certain conduct codes.

Safe and Drug-Free School
As you know drug abuse and school violence are major problems in our society. It is possible that we could also encounter this problem in our school. In the event that improper possession and/or use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products is discovered on the part of any student on the school grounds, the parents, and possibly the police, will be notified and the child will be suspended from school. This also applies to possession of any item that can be used as a weapon, such as knives, razor blades, guns, etc. Readmission would occur only with the approval of the administration and the Board of Education.

Excuses for Recesses or Absences
In the interest of good order, communication and common courtesy, we ask that you excuse in the following instances:

Ø Regular attendance for all classes, activities and field trips is important to every child's success. If a child is tardy or must be absent, a phone call before 8:00 a.m. or a note stating the date and the reason is expected. We ask that you make every effort to plan and schedule vacations and doctor appointments outside of regular school hours.

Ø All children are expected to participate in regular recess and physical education activities. If, for reasons of health, a child is to remain inside or refrain from physical education activities, a note is to be given to the child's teacher. Please include both the reason and the duration the note is to be in effect. In cases of questionable weather, the teachers will use good judgment regarding out-door activities.

Ø If a student is to be excused from singing for a worship service, please let the teacher know in advance when possible. Otherwise a note is required upon the child's return to class.

Ø Only notes or verbal excuses from a parent or legal guardian of the child will be accepted.

Emergency Closing
In case of inclement weather, sessions will not be held when the Bay City Public Schools are closed.

Announcements regarding this are broadcast on radio stations WSGW (790 AM), or on local TV channels WEYI-25 (cable 4), WJRT-12 (cable 11), or WNEM-5 (cable 7).

In the event of emergency closings, parents will be contacted by phone.

Medication Policy
The State of Michigan has stated that neither the school nor the staff is allowed to provide students with any type of medication, even simple pain relievers, like acetaminophen. If parents want their child to receive medication, they must send or bring it to the teacher. It must be in the original, labeled container. It must have written instructions giving the child's name, identification of the medicine, times and dosages to be given and the date of termination, and give the school permission to administer the medicine. This also applies to cough drops.

Home and School Cooperation
Parents and teachers share the responsibility to work together in a spirit of cooperation to benefit the child. Because we live in a sin-filled world, mistakes and disagreements in dealing with students or situations arise. When problems develop, parents and teachers need to remember to deal with this according to Matthew 18:15-18.

The concern should first be taken in a spirit of Christian love directly and privately to the person or persons concerned. Most often it's something that can be easily resolved or may even be a simple misunderstanding. If the result is not satisfactory, it should then be brought to the attention of the principal. After these steps have been taken, the matter becomes the concern of the superintendent pastor. If necessary, the matter will come before the Board for Parish Education. The Board will discuss the matter and attempt to reach a God-pleasing solution.

Closing
Our Lord wants us to fear and love him so that we follow what he commands and offer lives of service that are pleasing to him. It is our intent to help you instill the desire in your children to serve their Savior out of love.

Compared to normal lifetime, the elementary school experience is quite brief. We are both honored and humbled to have each child that is entrusted to our care. Using God's Word as our daily guide, we will all grow in our faith, increase in godly living and by God's grace share our eternal home in heaven. May God grant this to us all.