St. Peter's Lutheran School

37601 31 Mile Road

Richmond, Michigan48062

586-727-9080

Fax: 586-727-3370

SCHOOL HANDBOOK

for

Parents and Students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Table of Contents 

Section I:  St. Peter’s Lutheran School Philosophy   2

Mission Statement......................................................... 2

Philosophy of Lutheran Christian Education          2

What Does Scripture Say About Christian Education?      2

National Lutheran Schools Accreditation               3

Does This School Receive Financial Aid From The State?   3

Is The School Recognized By The State Of Michigan?         3

If You Have Concerns................................................... 3

Section II: School Organizations                                     3

Board of Christian Day School                                   3

P.T.L.S................................................................................ 3

Athletic Boosters......................................................... 3

Section III............................................................................. 3

Hours of Operation...................................................... 3

School Closing.............................................................. 4

Section IV:  Policies........................................................... 4

Church Attendance Policy                                           4

Admission Statement.................................................... 4

Attendance Policy........................................................ 4

Half Day/Full Day Absent............................................ 5

Tardy................................................................................ 5

Excessive Tardiness..................................................... 5

Recess Policy................................................................ 5

Policy For Administration Of Medication                  5

Procedure for Administration of Medication                           5

Use of Medications                                                            5

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students          6

Disclaimers..................................................................... 6

PUBLIC NOTICE CONCERNING POTENTIAL FOR LEAD IN DRINKING WATER:        6

Public Notice Regarding Asbestos In The School                  6

Student Management Plan.......................................... 6

Discipline Notice                                                                7

Discipline Referral                                                              7

Probation Status                                                                7

Due Process                                                                     7

Incomplete Schoolwork Policy                                 7

Additional Incidents Within 30 Days                                    7

Behavioral Detention Policy                                       7

Suspension Policy......................................................... 8

Sexual Harassment Policy                                           8

Bullying Statement....................................................... 8

Policy Concerning Written or Oral Testimony       8

Student Dress Code..................................................... 8

Outdoor Dress Code                                                          9

Chapel Day Dress Code                                                     9

Improper Dress Procedures                                                9

Section V:  Procedures................................................ 9

Transportation.............................................................. 9

Interruptions of the School Day                               9

Arrival Procedure....................................................... 9

Dismissal Procedure.................................................... 9

Items Not Allowed in School                                     10

Section VI:  Education..................................................... 10

Curriculum.................................................................... 10

Religious Instruction.................................................. 10

Extra-Curricular......................................................... 10

Music                                                                             10

Athletics                                                                         10

Athletic Eligibility....................................................... 10

Guidelines                                                                       11

Grading Scales............................................................ 11

Art, Music, Physical Education, Handwriting and Choirs Grading Scale          11

Adjusted Curriculum Grades                                             12

Academic Achievement................................................ 12

Honor Roll:                                                                      12

Principal’s List:                                                                12

Honor Pin:                                                                       12

Salutatorian/Valedictorian:                                                12

Quarter Awards:                                                               12

End-of-the-Year Awards Assembly:                                   12

Missed Homework....................................................... 12

Book Covers................................................................. 12

Thursday Folders....................................................... 12

Report Cards............................................................... 12

Section VII:  Financial/Partnership Responsibilities  12

Member Giving.............................................................. 12

Parent Volunteer Hours........................................... 13

Financial Assistance................................................... 13

Fee Payments............................................................... 13

Tuition Payments.......................................................... 13

Lunch/Milk Program.................................................... 13

Yearly Milk for Snack                                                       13

Hot Lunch Worker Account                                               14

Refunds......................................................................... 14

Registration Fees                                                             14

Books/Supply/Technology/Party Fees                               14

Tuition                                                                             14

Hot Lunch Substitute Fees                                               14

Lunch Account Funds                                                      14

Delinquent Accounts                                                        14

Missing Library Books                                                      14

Student Records                                                              14

After School Latch Key Child Care                          14

2007-2008 MINISTRY TEAM................................................ 15


Section I:  St. Peter’s Lutheran School Philosophy

Mission Statement  TOC

The mission of St. Peter’s EvangelicalLutheranChurch and School is: “Rooted and Growing in Christ. Caring and Sharing in Life.”

Philosophy of Ministry

St. Peter’s LutheranSchool is a mission and ministry of St. Peter’s EvangelicalLutheranChurch.  Christian education is a core virtue of the congregation because of God’s command to “...bring (children) up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  (Ephesians 6:4) We are committed to reaching out with the Gospel and equipping children for lives of faith and Christian service.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Philosophy of Lutheran Christian Education

St. Peter’s believes that true wisdom can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we strive to provide the highest quality instruction in all subjects teaching them with a Christ centered focus.  Through the working of the Holy Spirit, each child is prepared for life on earth and for eternity.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.”  (Psalm 111:10)

Objectives  TOC

St. Peter’s Lutheran School will provide educational experiences to enable our students through God’s guidance to:

·          Recognize their importance and worth as children of God.

·          Know God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

·          Grow in love and faith toward God.

·          Develop Christ-centered values and habits.

·          Grow in love and service toward others.

·          Share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

·          Develop skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, physical education, and technology.

·          Become responsible citizens in this world.

What Does Scripture Say About Christian Education?

God’s Word gives us ample direction as to the purpose of St. Peter’s Christian education program:

·          John 14:6:  “...I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

·          Ephesians 4:12-13:  “...to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

·          Deuteronomy 6:6-9:  “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

·          Proverbs 22:6:  “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

·          II Timothy 3:16-17:  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Who Needs a Christian Education?  TOC

Romans 3:23 says,  ...All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

What Makes Christian Education Effective?

Parents, church, and school must come together in order to instill in our children values that are derived from the Bible.  This partnership models Christian living.  A Christ-centered philosophy taught in partnership is the only way children will be able to live in the world and not be of the world.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve that God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2)

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them  by the truth; your word is truth.  As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”  (John 17:16-18)

 

National Lutheran Schools Accreditation  TOC

St. Peter’s Lutheran School has been approved for National Lutheran Schools Accreditation.  In recognition of a quality program of Christian Education as evidenced by its thorough self-study and acknowledged by the peer review committee, accreditation has been granted from the first day of September 2006 until the last day of 2013.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Col. 3:23

Does This School Receive Financial Aid From The State?

Financial aid, no.  Services, yes.  Public school bus transportation is sometimes available for those in the Richmond School District.  Speech and counseling services are available and are being utilized.

Is The School Recognized By The State Of Michigan?

Yes, St. Peter’s Lutheran School is recognized by the State of Michigan.  Our school falls within the guidelines of the State Department of Education, and our teachers are State of Michigan certified.  Many of our teachers also have their Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod teaching diplomas.  This certification is highly encouraged.  Students attending St. Peter’s may transfer to any other recognized institution by merely enrolling.  No special tests or admittance requirements are normally necessary.

If You Have Concerns

Matthew 18:15-17

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.  If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

 

If you, as a parent, have a concern, please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. We ask that you avoid discussing sensitive matters in the hall, classroom or in other public settings. If the matter has not been resolved, please schedule an appointment with the Principal and the teacher.  If you are still not satisfied with the results, please submit a letter to the Board of Christian Day School chairman describing the issue in detail and requesting that it may be placed on the agenda for a Board meeting which is usually held the first Monday of each month.

Reminder:  Please don't talk down the school in front of your child.  Support us.  If you aren't sure of something, come talk to us in private.  We may not always agree, but we can always talk.  (Mueller, Chas., School-Dazed Parents, CPH 1994 p. 87)

Section II: School Organizations  TOC

Board of ChristianDay School

St. Peter’s Lutheran School is operated by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  The Board of Christian Day School, duly elected by St. Peter’s, is to organize, manage, and supervise all educational activities of the school.  Board meetings are scheduled the first Monday of each month and are open to all parents and interested persons.  Please contact the chairman at least one week in advance if you want to be added to the meeting’s agenda.

P.T.L.S.

St. Peter’s Parents & Teachers in Lutheran Schools

Meetings will be scheduled throughout the school year.  Parents are asked to be involved.

Athletic Boosters

All parents with children in athletics are automatic members.

Section III

Hours of Operation

Our official school hours are 7:50 a.m.—2:50 p.m.

7:25am       Faculty/staff devotions

7:40am       Faculty reports to classrooms.  Building/office opens  7:40amStudents dismissed to classrooms.

7:47am       Warning bell

7:50am       Opening prayer/announcements – Start of day.

8:15am       AM Preschool (M/W/F) & Nursery (T/TH) begins

10:45am      AM Preschool & Nursery dismissal.

11:20am      Half Day Kindergarten dismissal

11:25am      Half Day of School dismissal (11:17am bus dismissal)

12:15pm      PM Preschool (M/W/F) begins.

2:45pm       PM Preschool dismissal.

2:50pm       END OF DAY - dismissal (2:43 pm bus dismissal).

 

School Closing

St. Peter’s will close when the Richmond Schools close due to inclement weather conditions which may be a result of snow, ice and or fog.  When the principal of St. Peter’s is notified by the Superintendent of Richmond schools that the school is closed due to weather conditions, he will notify the TV and radio stations to have St. Peter’s posted to their closed schools listing.  A message will be posted through Fastdirect which will be sent to all parents.  You can also call the school and go to the school closing menu, for this menu will be updated when the call is received from the Richmond School District.  Please be aware there is more than one St. Peters in Macomb County.  Remember there is only one St. Peter’s Richmond.

 

Section IV:  Policies  TOC

Church Attendance Policy

The Third Commandment

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”  Exodus 35:2

Families without a church home are welcome!  It is our goal to love ALL families to Christ.  God commands us to worship and to hold His Word sacred, gladly hearing and learning from it.  Parents are expected to not only provide opportunities for their children to worship and grow in God’s Word each and every week, but to participate themselves as the primary faith teachers in their homes.  We believe Christian education is the responsibility of parents and that weekly worship is an essential element.  St. Peter’s offers our Christian Day School to assist parents in their daily responsibility to immerse children in the Word (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).  Out of concern and love for our families, it is our desire that member and non-member parents fulfill their responsibilities by insuring that the entire family regularly and faithfully participate in worship.  We also highly encourage attendance in Sunday School, Bible Class, Small Group Bible Studies, Youth, etc., outside of what is directly provided by the day school program.

God desires 100% Church attendance.  In the event that your attendance falls below 75%, St. Peter’s will address the situation as follows:

1.       Contact by the School Principal

2.       Meeting called by the Board of Christian Day School

3.       Spiritual Counsel by a Pastor

The purpose of each visitation will be to show our deep concern for you and your spiritual walk.  It is our goal to encourage you in your faith and to fulfill your responsibilities as Christian parents.

In the event that such intervention is unsuccessful, the Board of Christian Day School has the following options:

1.       Member families placed on non-member tuition or full tuition status.

2.       Non-member families visited by St. Peter’s Board of Outreach.

3.       Non-member families placed on full tuition status.

Admission Statement

Admission:  An entrance interview, examination of official records, and determination of student needs will be reviewed by the school administrator and appropriate classroom teacher(s) prior to granting admission.  In home-school situations or other similar backgrounds, testing may be required.  The K-1 Brigance Screen is also given prior to admission to Kindergarten.  Although we strive to meet student needs, admission may be denied in the rare case that the school determines it is unable to do so.

Attendance Policy  TOC

We feel that it is imperative for each student to faithfully attend classes.  If, for some reason, your child will not be attending school, the parent should call the school office prior to the start of the school day 7:50 a.m.).  Failure to call will be assumed an “unexcused absence.”  An unexcused absence is an absence without compelling medical reasons or being of a reasonable nature such as a death in the family, family emergency or some reasonable situation.  Vacations, sporting events, school time used for the completion of homework, and other similar reasons causing an absence will be considered “unexcused.”  If your child is kept at home for three consecutive days, a note which states the nature of the illness, treatment taken (note from the physician), and any instructions must be sent in at the time of their return to classes.

If a student does not attend school for 10 days without compelling medical reasons in any given quarter, we are required to file this information with the attendance officer (truant officer) at the Macomb Intermediate School District.  The attendance officer will then follow up on the child's attendance with the school and home.  If a student is absent 25 or more days in a given school year without compelling medical reasons, that student will not be promoted to the next grade.

 

Half Day/Full Day Absent  TOC

Students who arrive later than 9:30 a.m. will be marked half day absent.  Also, students who leave prior to 1:30 p.m. will be marked half day absent.  If students are absent more than two hours within the school day, they will also be marked half day absent.

Tardy

Students are considered tardy if they are not in the classroom by 7:50 a.m. for opening prayer.  Students who are tardy or late, will not be admitted to class without a late slip from the office once attendance is submitted.

Excessive Tardiness

Excessive tardiness is defined as three or more tardies per quarter. This is not acceptable. Upon receiving the third tardy and each additional tardy within a quarter, a student will serve a 30 minute detention before school.

Recess Policy

Our students are expected to be dressed appropriately for weather conditions.  Young bodies need fresh air.  It is your responsibility as a parent to dress your child for the weather.  The teachers encourage each child to be appropriately dressed so as to be able to participate in recess.  If your child is unable to participate, due to a medical reason, a note must be sent in to the classroom teacher and placed on file in the school office.

Policy For Administration Of Medication  TOC

(Policy As Of 9/11/00)

Procedure for Administration of Medication

1.       ALL medications must be brought to the school office by an adult.

2.       Medications must be in the original prescription bottle from the pharmacy and must have the original pharmacy label without correction or additions.  Over-the-counter medications must be in their original container with clear directions for administration.

3.       Students are not to carry medications to school.

4.       Parents are responsible for keeping prescriptions refilled and maintaining a supply of over-the-counter medications.

5.       The Principal shall supervise the overall building procedures for the administration of medications through the school office.

6.       Two adults shall be present when medications are administered.  Both adults shall initial the record sheet at time of medication administration.

7.       St. Peter’s will administer oral medications; however, students requiring intravenous/intramuscular injections or insertion of a tube or device into the body shall be serviced by licensed personnel and/or other trained individuals as arranged by the physician and parents.  The Board of Christian Day School may permit the administration of medication requiring intravenous or intramuscular injection or the insertion of a device into the body when appropriate, and staff is in agreement.

Use of Medications

For the purposes of this policy, “medication” shall include all medicines prescribed by a physician and any over-the-counter drugs.  St. Peter’s Lutheran School and the Board of Christian Day School shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness.

The administration of prescribed or over-the-counter medication to a student by any person during school hours on school premises will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student, or the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not made available during school hours.  Medication shall be administered by school staff only under the following circumstances:

Prescription medication must be in its original prescription container, labeled with the date of prescription, student’s name, and exact dosage.  It must be in pre-measured form whenever possible and must be accompanied by written instructions of a physician which sets forth timing and amounts of dosages.

1.       Nonprescription medications must be in its original patent drug container accompanied by clear written instructions from the parent setting forth times and amounts of dosages.

2.       School staff will administer medication only with written authorization and instruction from the parent or guardian (and the physician if prescribed) and only in the presence of two adults.

Students who may require administration of an emergency medication may have such medication identified, stored in the school office, and administered in accordance with this policy.

ALL medications must be stored in the school office unless the student must have it on their person as prescribed by a physician.  A note from the prescribing physician must be on file in the school office documenting the need for the student to have the named medication on their person instead of in the school office.  A plan for safe keeping will be developed with the principal and a written copy placed on file in the school office.

 

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students  TOC

"St. Peter’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, and athletic and other school administered programs."

Disclaimers

PUBLIC NOTICE CONCERNING POTENTIAL FOR LEAD IN DRINKING WATER:

 

Under the SAFE DRINKING WATER AMENDMENTS, PUBLIC LAW 99-339 OF 1986 the United States Environmental Protection Agency is requiring a nationwide public notification to inform consumers of the possibility that plumbing systems may contaminate drinking water with lead.  This notice is required even if there is not a violation of the National Drinking Water standard for lead.

The required message is as follows:

THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SETS DRINKING WATER STANDARDS AND HAS DETERMINED THAT LEAD IS A HEALTH CONCERN AT CERTAIN LEVELS OF EXPOSURE.  THERE IS CURRENTLY A STANDARD OF .050 PARTS PER MILLION (PPM).  BASED ON NEW HEALTH INFORMATION, EPA IS LIKELY TO LOWER THIS STANDARD SIGNIFICANTLY.

Part of the purpose of this notice is to inform you of the potential adverse health effects of lead.  This is being done even though your water may not be in current violation of the standard.

EPA and others are concerned about lead in drinking water.  Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous systems, and red blood ells.  The greatest risk, even with short-term exposure, is to young children and pregnant women.

Tests have shown that flushing lines for several minutes prior to using the water for drinking or cooking can satisfactorily reduce the level of lead or other metals that could concentrate in a buildings piping system.  The Michigan Department of Public Health recommends that in order to minimize potential for expose to lead in drinking water the facility should institute a routing procedure for morning flushing of all drinking fountains and the faucets used for drinking and food preparation particularly on Mondays or after holidays.

The Department believes this is an effective and appropriate response to address the issue of lead in drinking water.  Persons with specific concerns relative to any possible health effects are urged to contact their physician.  Other questions should be directed to your local health department or the Michigan Department of Public Health, Division of Water Supply at 517-335-9216.

Public Notice Regarding Asbestos In The School

In accordance with Federal regulations concerning asbestos, accredited inspections of all building of this LEA were done on August 9, 1988 (and re-inspected on 2/16/98), by Larron Laboratory.  Asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) were found in this building.  ACBM was located in the boiler room (since removed), old school lower hallway ceiling (since covered over), floor tile (some has been removed), and fire doors.

All ACBM in this building has been addressed in a management plan written according to Federal and State requirements.  The purpose of this management plan is to safeguard the health and safety of all building occupants.  The management plan is available, without cost or restriction, for inspection by representatives of the EPA and the State, the public, including teachers, other school personnel and their representatives, and parents. The LEA may charge a reasonable cost to make copies of management plans.

Warning labels and/or signs have been posted adjacent to ACBM in routine maintenance areas.  Please observe the cautions stated on the labels and signs.  If you have cause to believe that ACBM is or has been disturbed by unauthorized personnel, please contact the Principal without delay.

The purpose of the Federal and State regulations is to protect the health and well being of all persons entering the buildings of this Church/School for any reason.  This Church/School takes very seriously the recommendations made in the management plan, which has been sent to the Michigan Department of Public Health for approval.

Student Management Plan  TOC

All discipline at St. Peter’s Lutheran School is based on Christian principles of Law and Gospel.  We read in Proverbs 22:6 (NIV), "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  God also directs us as parents in regard to His Law in Deuteronomy 6:7 (NIV), "Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The classroom teacher is in charge of the children in their room and all the children of the school.  This is legally called "in loco parentis" (in place of parents).  Some teachers routinely have students from other grades for a class or other supervisory situations.  Proper student behavior is expected at all times.  A variety of approaches and techniques are used by teachers for discipline.

Discipline Notice

A “Discipline Notice” is used to inform parents and administrator of discipline situations in the classroom not severe enough to issue a “Discipline Referral”.  This is a tool used to keep parents informed of student behaviors and actions taken by the teacher.  Normally teachers will also contact parents.

Discipline Referral

A “Discipline Referral” is used to inform parents and the administrator of discipline situations of a more severe nature.

Referral #1:  A referral is sent home, and the principal calls the parents.

Referral #2:  If within 30 days of Referral #1:  A referral is sent          home and the teacher or Principal issues a Behavioral Detention.  Detentions will normally be served with the teacher or Principal.

Referral #3:  If within 30 days of Referral #2: A referral is sent home and the Principal issues a Suspension.

Referral #4:  If within 30 days of Referral #3: The student will be placed on “PROBATION STATUS”, and a Suspension will be issued by the Principal.

Probation Status

A letter informing the student and parents of the Probation Status (one year) and the specific areas needing improvement is given to students and parents in a Principal/ teacher/ parent/ student conference.  The student must improve dramatically.  Failure to comply may result in a recommendation from the Principal to the Board of Christian Day School for expulsion.

Referral steps may be skipped due to the nature of the discipline incident.  If the next referral is not within 30 days of the previous referral, the process starts again at the Referral #1 step.  Suspensions may be “in house” or “at home”, depending upon the particular discipline incident.  The Principal will inform parents of how the suspension will be served.

After an “at home” Suspension is served, students may only be readmitted to the classroom after meeting with the Principal, teacher, and parents, and demonstrating an understanding of what they have done wrong and their intention to immediately correct the situation and avoid future suspensions.

When a teacher refers a discipline situation to the Principal, it is then the Principal’s decision as to how the incident will be handled.  Teachers are asked to follow through with their own classroom management plans whenever possible.  Situations of extreme belligerence, physical fighting, threats, illegal substances, weapons, and sexual harassment will be immediately referred to the Principal.

Due Process

Parents will be invited to a hearing with the Board of Christian Day School when expulsion is recommended.  The student and parents will be given an opportunity to state their case prior to the Board making a final decision.  All decisions are final.

The goal of St. Peter’s “Student Management Plan” is to maintain a positive, safe, and productive learning environment in which our mission and ministry are fully implemented.  Each situation will be handled in a way that encourages student growth and demonstrates a balance of both Law and Gospel.  Forgiveness and growth are the goal of our “Student Management Plan”.

Incomplete Schoolwork Policy  TOC

Students not completing their homework will receive an “Incomplete Schoolwork Notice” to take home and be presented to the parents.  Both the parents and students will be asked to sign the notice and return it immediately the next school day with the completed homework.  The notice will be issued as follows:

Step One:   1st time / reduced credit

Step Two:    2nd time / reduced credit

Step Three:3rd time / no credit – Behavioral        Detention issued

Additional Incidents Within 30 Days

Students will receive a “Discipline Referral” noting further consequences with possibility of being referred to the Principal for future disciplinary action.  Repeated incidents of incomplete work will NOT be tolerated.

 

Important Note:  We believe that in order to succeed in class, ALL assigned work must be completed, whether or not credit is received.  If any assignment is not completed after following through these steps, the student shall receive an “I” (Incomplete) on the report card.  Students will only have 10 workdays from the date a report card is issued to make up any missing work.  Failure to do so will result in a failing grade.

Behavioral Detention Policy

A Detention is a consequence for unacceptable behavior.  The Detention is a part of a discipline plan.  Each teacher has developed a discipline plan to assist in classroom management.  A Detention can be a consequence for a serious offense, or a series of less serious behaviors that have not halted.

Students are issued a Detention and are then to serve that Detention the specified day.  The Detention slip is to be brought home and returned the next day with the parent's signature.  Failure by the student to return the Detention slip will result in an additional Detention.

The teacher who issues a Detention will notify the homeroom teacher in writing of the offense.  The homeroom teacher will monitor their students’ total number of Detentions.  The teacher who issues the Detention is the one who supervises the Detention period.  Detention periods are after school for an assigned amount of time, which normally does not to exceed one hour.

If continued disruptive and unacceptable behavior occurs, one-day, two-day, and three-day Suspensions may be issued and an expulsion hearing may be called with the Board of Christian Day School.  We hope that this Detention Policy is clear and helpful in outlining our procedures and expectations.

Suspension Policy

THERE ARE SEVERAL SCHOOL POLICIES AND RULES WHICH WHEN VIOLATED AT SCHOOL OR IN THE COMMUNITY COULD RESULT IN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OR COMPLETE REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL:

1.       Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

2.       Immoral sexual conduct, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse.

3.       A threat or use of physical violence (fighting).

4.       Possession or use of fireworks, explosives, or weapons.

5.       Reprehensible conduct tending to reflect serious discredit to the school.

6.       Vandalism or willful destruction of property.  Stealing.  Profanity.

7.       Defiance and disrespect for authority.

Students will receive zeros for all work assigned, including tests, for days they are suspended.  Conditions of leniency need to be submitted in writing to the principal for consideration and possible action.

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of St. Peter’s Lutheran School to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment.  It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the St. Peter’s Board of Christian Day School, faculty, staff, volunteer, or student to harass a faculty, staff, volunteer, or student of St. Peter’s Lutheran School through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.

Bullying Statement  TOC

St. Peter’s Lutheran School supports a secure school environment, conducive to teaching and learning in an environment free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior.

Definition: Bullying is defined “as any written or verbal expression, or physical act or gesture, or repetitive pattern thereof that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school, on school grounds, in a person’s home, or at school activities or sanctioned events.”

Consequences: Students who engage in any act of bullying are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include detention, suspension, expulsion, and or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

Policy Concerning Written or Oral Testimony

It is the policy of St. Peter’s Lutheran school of not giving in written form or orally, voluntarily, a character witness unless a subpoena has been issued.  By being under a subpoena, the individual could maintain relationships with both parents.  This will eliminate the possibility of putting the school in the middle when speaking for one of two parents as a character witness.  Even if the teacher or staff member is friends with the parent, they would be representing the church/school; even in friendships one cannot completely separate oneself from one’s position.

Student Dress Code

We trust and expect that parents share our desire to foster high Christian standards in every area of our school program, including dress and personal appearance.  Furthermore, we believe that there is a correlation between student dress and grooming, and student behavior and learning.  Consequently, our Board of Christian Day School and faculty insist that each student dress in a way that will not hinder the educational process, and particularly in a way that will promote a positive Christian lifestyle among our students.

Your understanding of, and cooperation with, our school Dress Code is greatly appreciated.  We urge parents to help their children adhere to our dress guidelines faithfully and with common sense throughout the school year, rather than placing their children in the position of having to be confronted by teachers or the Principal with the need to make “dress corrections.”

St. Peter’s Dress Code applies to time spent at school, all extra curricular activities and athletic events, both home and away.  Our faculty reserves the right to make judgments concerning what we consider to be proper or improper dress and parents are held responsible to maintain and at times make corrections in their children’s dress based upon the guidelines below:

 

1.       Frayed, dirty, or generally sloppy clothing is not allowed.  No cutoffs of any kind may be worn.  All clothing must be in excellent condition, worn appropriately, fit properly, (appropriate length and size) and may not distract from learning.  Clothing with patches is not allowed unless the patches have been neatly applied and are of the same color as the article of clothing.  Undergarments of any type may not be visible or worn as apparel.  Students may wear sweatpants and wind suits as part of a matching ensemble only.

2.       Socks or hosiery must be worn with all types of footwear except sandals.  To provide safety of all individuals in our school, shoes without a back heel strap may not be worn Nursery-Grade 4.  Heel and or/sole height may not exceed 1 1/2 inches (all grades).  Non-marking shoes are encouraged.  Water shoes, slippers, and flip-flops of any kind may not be worn.  All shoes must fit properly and be neat in appearance.

3.       Scanty clothing (bare midriff, low cuts, sheer tops, bare backs, and spaghetti straps) is not allowed.  Dresses, skirts, shorts or skorts shorter than finger-tip length are prohibited.

4.       Clothing with phrases or pictures detracting from the ministry, mission, and intent of our school will not be worn.  Clothing depicting tobacco products, alcohol, weapons, negative ideas or attitudes, and of a sexual nature is strictly prohibited.

5.       No make-up, glitter or body art is to be worn to school.  No earrings for male students and females may wear no more than two earrings in an ear at one time.  No body piercing is allowed.  Female students in 6th - 8th grade may wear a minimum of make-up that is not obvious and appropriate for an educational setting.  Students wearing make-up inappropriately may be asked to wash it off.  In the event that the make-up is of a type that cannot be washed off with soap and water, parents may be called to have the make-up removed.

6.       Students may wear hats to and from school and during recess; however, hats (any type) or items worn as hats are not permitted during the school day.

Outdoor Dress Code

Students are asked to be dressed for the weather and will be not be excused from participating in outdoor activities due to issues of dress.  All students will go out for recess unless the temperature is below 0 F. (The wind chill factor is considered.)  Exceptions will be made only due to health reasons.  Parents will be notified if corrections need to be made.  Outdoor wear (coats, snow boots, hats, etc.) may not be worn in the classroom.

Chapel Day Dress Code

All students are to “dress up” on chapel days, usually Wednesdays, or for other school related worship experiences as announced.  We ask that students dress in a more formal manner in reverence for God, His house and our opportunity for worship.  Jeans, jean shorts, or jean skorts of any color or style may not be worn to chapel.

Girls:  Dress, skirt or dress slacks, dress shorts, button shirt, blouse, turtle neck, sweater, vest with dress code shirt underneath

Boys:  Collared shirt or dressy T-shirt, turtle neck, dress pants,

dress shorts, sweaters

NOT ALLOWED ON CHAPEL DAYS:  Casual T-shirts; sweatshirts; nylon, fleece or velour suits and jeans (any color).

Improper Dress Procedures

In the event that a student comes to school with “improper dress”, parents will be notified of non-compliance and asked to bring a proper change of clothing.  Students wil