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St. Peter Lutheran School Handbook2019-2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS 5CHURCH ATTENDANCE 5CHURCH SINGING 6MISSIONS 6PARENTAL GROWTH IN GOD’S WORD 6DEVOTIONAL SERVICES 6ST. PETER NEWSLETTER 6HOME/SCHOOL COOPERATION 6SOLVING PROBLEMS 7PARENT/TEACHER CONSULTATIONS 7BEHAVIOR 7DISCIPLINE 8DRESS CODE 8FOOTWEAR 9CURRICULUM 9CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION 9PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9ATHLETICS 9GYM USE 10TOWN STUDENTS 10BUSSING 10DAILY SCHEDULE 10RECESSES 11NOON LUNCH 11SCHOOL CLOSINGS 11ATTENDANCE 11TRUANCY 11ABSENCES 12STUDENT ABSENCE AND HOMEWORK 12HOMEWORK 12GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK 13GRADING 13REPORT CARDS 13REMEDIAL/LEARNING CENTER 13CARE OF PROPERTY 13BOOK COVERS 13GUM 13TELEPHONE 14CELL PHONES 14FIELD TRIPS 14TRANSPORTING STUDENTS 14SCHOOL CHAPERONES 14FIRST AID 14GENERAL SUPPORT 15TUITION 15PAYMENT OF FEES 15FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 15REIMBURSED FEES 15

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RELIGIOUS BOOKS 15ATHLETIC USER’S FEE 16HOT LUNCH 16HOT LUNCH BALANCE REFUNDS 16STUDENT MEDICATION AT SCHOOL 16SPECIAL NEEDS 17GENERAL MILLS BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION 17SCRIP PROGRAM 17

PHILOSOPHY The Lutheran elementary school established by St. Peter Lutheran congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is founded on the eternal truths as revealed in sole authority on faith and conduct. We further believe that it cannot contain any errors or contradictions, but is in all its parts and words, the infallible truth. That Word of God is the basis for all instruction at St. Peter. Therefore, all subject matter and student training rest wholly and solely upon the Word of God.

PURPOSE From Holy Scriptures, we learn that the church’s sole commission is to make disciples of all nations by preaching and teaching the gospel. (Matt. 28:19-20) The purpose of our Lutheran congregation and school is to make disciples for Christ and in all things to glorify Him. St. Peter Lutheran School was established by the congregation to assist the parents in their God-given responsibility to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4) This purpose St. Peters accomplishes by

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teaching its learners to fear their Lord. (Ps. 35:11) They are taught to fear their Lord both by learning God’s Word directly, and also by having all subjects taught from a scriptural viewpoint.

OBJECTIVES The eternal truths stated in the above philosophy and purpose are the foundation of every congregation’s Lutheran elementary school, its curriculum, and all of its activities. Through its Lutheran elementary education program, St. Peters strives to provide faithfully for each learner to grow in the fear of his Lord and to guide him in the maximum development of his spiritual, physical, mental, social, and cultural abilities given to him by God. Thus, the objectives of St. Peter Lutheran School are as follows:

1. To nurture and strengthen the faith of each child;2. To provide systematic and thorough instruction of God’s Word;3. To provide the students with the Spirit-given gift for

evaluating all aspects of their lives on the basis of God’s Word;4. To encourage and train students to become avid Bible readers;5. To teach the students effective communication skills (both written and oral);6. To teach the school subjects which best help to achieve our purpose and objectives;7. To teach each subject from the Scriptural viewpoint;8. To provide students with a Christian school community in which God’s Word rules supreme;9. To give students an opportunity to live their faith in daily Christian fellowship;10. To provide a rich devotional life centered in God’s Word;11. To arrange for class and student activities of a social nature;12. To provide academic activities, physical education activities, and musical activities which give the

students an awareness of the bodies and abilities with which they have been blessed;13. To support Christian parenthood and home life which are the basis of human society;14. To teach the students to use their time, talents, and treasures to glorify God in a life of faithful

service;15. To encourage students to live as obedient citizens of their country;16. To strengthen the congregation and the church-at-large through the training of their future

members;17. To help and encourage young Christians to enter the teaching and preaching profession.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY St. Peter Ev. Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students 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.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENT St. Peter Ev. Lutheran School is operated primarily for the benefit of the children of the congregational members. However, parents of children who are not members of the congregation may enroll their children as tuition students with the prior approval of the St. Peter School Board. Nonmember parents, upon enrolling their children for the first time at St. Peters, must attend a Bible

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Information class with one of the pastors, as deemed necessary. The purpose of this study is to inform new parents of the scriptural doctrines their children will be taught at St. Peters.

AGE REQUIREMENTS In order to enter Kindergarten, the child must be five years of age by Sept. 1st.

TESTING Students transferring to St. Peters from another school will be tested by our remedial teacher. This is to help aid in determining each child’s academic abilities in Math and Reading.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS The immunization laws require that all children present written evidence of immunization against certain diseases within 30 school days of admission, or parents will be reported to the District Attorney. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health, religious, or personal conviction exemption is filed with the school. If you receive any kind of notice from the school regarding your child’s immunizations, please comply with the request at once. The new TDAP vaccine is required for students entering 6th, 9th, and 12th grades. A 2nd Varicella (chicken pox) is now required for students in grades K, 6th, and 12th grades.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE Church services are held each Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Pupils of the school are expected to attend the church services offered by the Lord through the church. Over the years many young people in our congregation have become lukewarm in their faith and have fallen away from Christ. Your school board has developed a church attendance policy to establish a regular church going habit beginning in kindergarten and continuing through the eighth grade. The hope is that children who have heard God’s Word regularly for nine years will not forsake their Savior who has always loved them and forgiven their sins. The Holy Spirit will strengthen faith in those that regularly hear God’s Word. Parents can also present no better example than to bring their children to church for regular worship. Let parents not despise God’s Word in that they bring their children to church, but do not attend themselves. Let them prayerfully echo the words of Joshua: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” and let each service be but one facet of that service. Students in grades K-8 at St. Peter Lutheran School are encouraged to attend worship services at least 75% of the time. A student in his last year of confirmation instruction who does no attend 75% of the worship services may not be confirmed. School athletes are expected to attend church services on the Saturdays/Sundays they participate in competition representing St. Peter Lutheran. Students who play school sports but do not attend church on any given game Saturday/ Sunday will relinquish their rights to represent St. Peters at its next scheduled sporting event.

CHURCH SINGING Children love to sing. In order to give them a chance to use their voice to glorify God, grades 4K-8 will be scheduled to sing in regular church services and some special services. If a child for any reason is unable to attend church when he is scheduled to sing, a written excuse from the parent is required before that scheduled day.

MISSIONS

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Mission work is stressed, especially in our religious instruction. Through this program, our Lord’s command to go into all the world is stressed and the practice of regular, proportionate giving to the work of our church is put into action.

PARENTAL GROWTH IN GOD’S WORD “God has given parents the responsibility to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) St. Peter Lutheran Church, in following through with its commission of making disciples of all nations, (Matthew 28:19, 20), assists parents with their children’s Christian education through the church, but cannot, and does not, replace parents and their God-given responsibility listed above. The Board of Christian Education has established a policy to help parents meet the spiritual needs of raising a family. The policy has two parts: 1) parents having children entering Kindergarten are encouraged to attend parenting Bible classes during their child’s Kindergarten year, 2) parents having children in grades 1-8 are encouraged to attend Bible classes at least once every two years during this time period.

DEVOTIONAL SERVICES During the course of the year, morning devotional services will be held on the third Thursday of every month beginning at 8:05 AM. Parents and others, too, are welcome to attend these.

ST. PETER NEWSLETTER In order to provide parents and students with information about upcoming activities and the many school happenings, a school newsletter will be e-mailed weekly containing a calendar of events and various other school news. Other arrangements can be made for parents without e-mail.

HOME/SCHOOL COOPERATION Christian parents have the primary responsibility of educating their children in the way of the Lord. St. Peter Lutheran School has been established to assist the parents in their God-given duty. Parents and teachers must work together in their common goal of training God’s children to walk in His way. You, as parents, can help your child grow in grace in many ways:

1. By placing God’s Word foremost in your lives;2. By having regular family devotions and table prayers;3. By attending church regularly with your children;4. By encouraging your children to respect their teachers;5. By refraining from criticism of teachers or school procedure in front of your children;6. By seeing to it that your children are prompt and regular in their school attendance; and7. By encouraging them to be courteous on their way to/from school.

SOLVING PROBLEMS At times a problem or misunderstanding may develop. It is not good to leave matters of this nature to correct themselves. It is the aim of all concerned to clear up any problems with as little disturbance as possible. If at any time you have a question, please feel free to follow the following set of steps to solve the problem:

1. First, determine what the problem is. Determine with whom the problem is and find the cause for concern;

2. Go directly to the teacher(s) with whom you have the question or problem. Present and discuss it with them. Most problems can be solved on this level;

3. If the problem is not satisfactorily resolved, ask the principal to assist;

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4. If the problem is still unresolved, ask for the assistance of one of the pastors;5. Finally, if the above steps have been taken and the problem remains, then bring the matter to

the attention of the school board. At all times, God commands us to speak well of our neighbor and not to give our neighbor a bad name. By going first to the teacher with whom there is a problem, (rather than gossiping or spreading rumors with others), we are doing things in a decent and orderly way. In all such cases, it is most necessary that we remember that errors will be committed since all of us are indeed sinful human beings. Let us approach our problems with prayer and Christian love, always allowing God’s Word to lead us to peaceful and proper solutions.

PARENT TEACHER CONSULTATIONS Many times a problem can be avoided by a call or a consultation with a child’s teacher. When you feel that something is not right, please call for an appointment. All parents will be scheduled for a conference with the teacher after the first quarter report cards have been issued. An optional conference may be scheduled at the end of the second quarter. However, please do not feel that consultations must be limited to those particular times during the year. Keep in contact.

BEHAVIOR We ask parents to give their children, as the redeemed of God, guidance and encouragement to show their love for Jesus by doing the following:

1. Showing respect and obedience to the pastors, the principal, all teachers, and all others charged with the operation of the school;

2. Entering and leaving the building in a quiet and orderly manner;3. Conducting themselves in a quiet and orderly manner in hallways throughout the school day;4. Going to their classrooms immediately upon entering the building;5. Conducting themselves in the lunchroom in such a way that the meal will be a pleasant

experience for all;6. Using the lavatories for the purpose for which they are intended and not as an area in which to

loiter, to scuffle, to deface, or to destroy property;7. Helping to keep the building and grounds tidy by not littering;8. Refraining from bringing to school or using on school premises any smoking materials, alcoholic

beverages, or any drugs not prescribed by a physician. Such behavior will not be tolerated. Cough drops, pills, medicines, and other medication should be accompanied by written parental permission and given to the teacher upon entering school;

9. Students should refrain from the use of bad language whether it be in the form of speech, writing, or gestures; and

10. Students should refrain from bringing unwholesome literature to school. They should have the teacher approve any outside reading materials the moment they enter the classroom.

DISCIPLINE Good order in the classroom and about the school in general is necessary so that all pupils may receive the greatest benefit from the instruction that is given. Therefore, any pupil who by misconduct disrupts the lessons or other school procedures must be corrected and disciplined accordingly. We hope that in our school, children are able to achieve a level of self-discipline. However, to maintain order and to aid them, certain necessary rules do exist. If and when children demonstrate irresponsibility and lack of concern for pupils, teachers, or the rule under which we have placed them, then the school, acting in the stead of the parents, will approach the child with the Law of God in hopes of showing the child his

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sin and leading him to repentance. Likewise, the penitent will be comforted with the great love of God who forgives sins. When a word of reproof or even an explicit warning fails to remedy the situation, more severe measures will be employed. Parents, by entrusting the training of children to a teacher, thereby, also delegate to him the right to discipline. Love for Christ will be the motivating factor for any discipline. In any type of discipline problem, good school/home communication should be practiced between the teacher and parent(s). In case of continued disobedience the following measures will be used:

1. Detention during recess or after school for misbehaving (as well as for not completing assignments). Bus-riding pupils are not exempt from such detentions;

2. Suspension for the balance of the school day for flagrant violation of the rules. Parents will be notified by the principal;

3. Suspension until a meeting between parents, school board, principal, and the teacher takes place for continued disregard for school authority; and,

4. Expulsion from school upon the recommendation of the principal and/or faculty and approval by the school board for a total lack of cooperation by the pupil. Expulsion is for the remainder of the school year. The school board may approve readmission for the next school year.

5. Continued disobedience by students could also relinquish the right to represent St. Peter School in Athletics.

DRESS CODE As sanctified Christians, our students will certainly want to present themselves in their appearance with all decency and modesty. One who views his body as the temple of the Holy Spirit will exercise care in his clothing and grooming habits. The Christian student will desire to glorify God also by his/her clothing and manner in which it is worn. It is our intention, rather than to legislate, to encourage our students to become the type of Christian children God wants them to be, including their clothing and the manner in which it is worn. When in school, SPLS students are expected to be neat and clean and encouraged to wear something dressier than leisure attire. At no time are students to wear clothing that displays controlled substances, offends Christian values, or insults good tastes. No policy can cover every possible question about dress code, but the following sections attempt to clarify as much as possible.

Shirts/Tops Tank tops and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Shirts revealing bare midriffs are not allowed.

Pants Tight fitting leggings, spandex, tights, yoga pants, or similar types of clothing cannot be

worn as separates without a skirt or dress or a top that covers the student to mid-thigh. Pajama bottoms may not be worn.

Shorts They may be worn during the warmer months of September and May at the discretion

of the student’s parents. Shorts should be no shorter than mid-thigh. No cut-off or biking shorts are allowed.

Footwear Students must wear shoes that fully enclose their feet to be allowed outside for school

activities. Removable, waterproof footwear should be worn outdoors when it rains or there is

snow on the ground. This is for the sake of a student’s health and for keeping the floors in better condition.

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Students in grades 5-8 will be required to wear shorts and T-shirts any time they have physical education. It is also to be noted that students may not wear the same pair of shoes in the gym that they wear outside, so two pairs of shoes are necessary. The administration and faculty will have the right to determine the acceptability of student dress provided that such attire complies with the directives of God’s Word, the health code of the state of Wisconsin, and does not interfere with the educational process. CURRICULUM St. Peter Lutheran School offers to its students those subjects commonly taught at the elementary and junior high levels. In this way, St. Peter provides for the needs of the child’s mind as well as the needs of his soul. Standards set by the state for elementary schools are met with our subjects, but above all, all subjects are taught in the light of God’s Word. Thereby, St. Peter gives the children that which is so necessary, namely, a thorough education in the fundamentals of Christian faith and life. Religion is not just a subject taught once a day in school, but it is a tool given to us by God to be used as the guiding light in the training and disciplining of His children.

CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION Seventh and eighth graders receive thorough instruction in the basic doctrines of our faith in sessions conducted by the pastors. These classes are conducted two times a week from the beginning of the school year and are intended to prepare the pupils for the rite of confirmation and for communicant membership in the congregation.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical education is at least once a week for K-4 and twice for 5-8. Gr. 5-8 students are expected to wear their phy. Ed. (sport shorts, etc.) clothes for class.

ATHLETICS Grades 5-8 boys and girls are eligible to participate in league sports at St. Peters. These sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and track. When necessary, students from lower grades may be recruited to fill out a team. To qualify for and remain on any athletic team, a student must maintain an average C- grade or higher in his /her core academic subjects. The core subjects include Religion (Bible History, Memory Work and Catechism), Math, Reading, English, Spelling, Social Studies, and Science. Grades are examined at mid-quarter and the end of quarter grading periods. If a student is found to have an average below C- in the cumulative core subjects, he/she will be placed on probation until the next grading period. If the student’s grades are still insufficient at that time, he/she will be considered ineligible to participate in any sports at St. Peters for the following grading period. In order for a student to achieve eligibility status, he/she must achieve a C- average or higher at the grade period. Once a student achieves the C- average at the grading period, he/she is allowed to participate in sports and the process of eligibility returns to the step before probation. Since a student athlete at St. Peter has been blessed with athletic abilities, he/she has been given the opportunity to represent St. Peter Lutheran School, thereby representing his/her Savior. An extra responsibility has been placed on the student athlete. For this reason, as well as the obvious reasons of health and civil law, an athlete must give an extra accountability for his/her actions pertaining to the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Therefore, any student athlete found consuming any of the aforementioned substances during a particular sport season will relinquish the right to representation in that extracurricular sport for that season. If the infraction takes place between sports, the student/athlete will relinquish the right to compete in any sport for the next season.

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School athletes are also expected to conduct themselves as representatives of a Christian school. They must abide by the Disciplinary & Academic guidelines set up in the St. Peter Lutheran School Handbook. Student athletes, who do not conduct themselves accordingly are subject to the scrutiny of the Principal and Athletic Director regarding the relinquishment of participation. So as not to place anything above Our Lord, athletes who do not attend church but play in a game on Sunday representing S.P.L. will relinquish the right to represent S.P.L. in its next scheduled game.

GYM USE BY ST. PETER STUDENTS Elementary aged children (grades K-8) using St. Peter’s gym, after school hours or on weekends, must be supervised by an adult. The supervising adult is required to be in the school during gym use.

TOWN STUDENTS Parents who transport their children to school are to discharge and pick them up in the west parking lot. When picking up your child at 3:00pm, enter the parking lot and pull into a parking stall. Please do not pull up along the sidewalk for pick up.

BUSSING Any child attending St. Peters who resides in the Weyauwega-Fremont or Waupaca School Districts, and lives along their normal bus routes may make use of bussing transportation. Parents with children who meet this criteria and have not previously made use of public school bussing must fill out a transportation request form. These forms are available from St. Peter’s school office. On days the Waupaca School District is not in session and St. Peter does have school, it is up to the parents to make arrangements in getting their children to school. Please see the school calendar for any difference in scheduling between Waupaca and St. Peter. St. Peter children making use of Weyauwega/Fremont bussing and wish to ride a different bus than normal must bring a note to the school office stating this request. The note should include: Child’s name, grade, regular bus number, reason for switch, number of bus wishing to take, date/time child will take new bus, and parent’s signature. A verification form filled out by St. Peters will be sent with the student to give the bus driver. DAILY SCHEDULE School doors will open around the arrival of the first bus, which is usually by 7:30 AM. All students are expected to be in their classrooms by 7:55AM. This allows for proper preparation and settling down of students in getting ready for the start of school which begins at 8:00 AM. Students who are not in their classrooms by the 7:55 AM bell will be marked tardy at their teacher’s discretion. Two tardies are allowed per quarter. Noon meals for grades 4K through 8 begin between 11:20 and noon according to a staggered schedule. School closes at 3:00 PM. Bus students are dismissed at 2:55 PM. All other students are excused at 3:00 PM.

RECESSES All children should be on the playground during the recess periods unless asked to remain in the building by a teacher. If parents wish their child to remain indoors on a given day for a special reason, a note requesting this should be sent with the child. On rainy or extremely cold days, the children will remain indoors at the discretion of the teacher.

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NOON LUNCH A ruling of the school board requires that pupils who do not bring their own lunch to school will be expected to eat a hot lunch and will be charged for it, providing no contact with a parent could be made.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS If there has been a heavy snowfall or severe icing of roads during the night, tune in radio station WDUX (AM/800 or FM/92.7) or the Green Bay TV stations 2, 5, or 26 in the morning to find out whether classes will be held. If you hear that the Weyauwega/Fremont Public school system will be closed for the day on account of the weather, we will also be closed. On days the Waupaca School District is closed and St. Peter has school, it is up to the parents to make a decision on sending their children that particular day.

ATTENDANCE Regular school attendance promotes good scholarship and good stewardship of time. At our school, children are being trained not only for life’s vocation but for what is even more important, eternal life in heaven. The teachers depend on the wholehearted cooperation of parents sending their children to school regularly. Only serious illness or medical appointments should be allowed to deprive children of their daily opportunity to gain secular education and to mature in their Christian faith. We urge parents to try to set up medical appointments for after school hours or on non-school days whenever possible. In an effort to promote attendance in school, St. Peters distributes awards in this category at the end of the school year. A student who is in school, for full days, every day without any tardies, will receive a perfect attendance award. Exceptions to this include any student attending a school sponsored function off campus such as field trips, spelling bees, Fox-for-a-day activities, etc. Tardies and full or partial day absences, even if excused, will disqualify a student from receiving the award. All students are expected to be in their classrooms by 7:55 AM. This allows for proper preparation and settling down of students in getting ready for the start of school which begins at 8:00 AM. Students who are not in their classrooms by the 7:55 AM bell will be marked tardy at their teacher’s discretion. Students will be considered for possibly not being promoted to the next grade when they have an attendance record showing more than 15 days absent for the school year. If someone other than a guardian or grandparent wishes to take a student from the premises, the school board requires that the teacher first receive a written release signed by the parent/guardian before the child is dismissed. Please do not disrupt the unity of our Christian family at school.

TRUANCY A student is considered truant if they miss any part of a school day without having been excused by a parent. In cases like these, our school has a definite policy to follow. If a student is truant, the principal will send a letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s) stating that the child has the right to a conference and that the child has the right to return to school. A copy of the truancy policy will be included with the letter. In all the steps of the truancy policy, parents, teachers, and any student involved will work together toward bringing the truancy problem to an end. Corrective measures to be used are determined by the number of truancies by the student. Steps that are used in truancies one through seven include the following:

1. Contacting the parents and documenting everything that takes place,2. A review of the student’s academic program and records to determine if curriculum

modifications are needed,3. In any truancy, an unexcused absence is recorded, school missed is to be completed, and a

failing grade is received for that homework,

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4. A possible referral to the district’s pupil services for an evaluation to determine if there are any learning problems,

5. Referral to an outside agency (WLCFS) for professional counseling to address possible solutions to the problem,

6. Referral to the Juvenile Intake officer from the Department of Social Services,7. The final step taken would be expulsion from school for the remainder of the school year.

ABSENCES If you child will not meet his classes on a given morning or day because of illness, a doctor’s appointment, etc., the parent should inform the school by phone between 7:30 AM-8:00 AM stating the excuse. Parents are also asked to send an excuse with their children on the day they return to school after an absence. The excuse should include the date(s) of the child’s absence, and the signature of a parent because we must report certain diseases to the Health Services, please indicate the specific illness. Pupils who have been absent may be asked by their teacher to remain in the building during recesses or after school for special help and for completing their assignments. IF A STUDENT IS ABSENT FOR THREE OR MORE DAYS BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR OTHER MEDICAL REASON, A DOCTOR’S EXCUSE WILL BE REQUIRED UPON RETURN TO SCHOOL. Children who must leave school, due to illness, before the normal dismissal time will not be allowed to participate in any same day after-school extra-curricular activities including practices and games.

STUDENT ABSENCE AND HOMEWORK Please make every effort at having your child at St. Peters during regularly scheduled school days. We ask that parents schedule doctor appointments so that they coincide with St. Peter vacation days. When a child is absent from school, he/she is required to make-up any work that is missed. Parents should make arrangements to pick up homework at the end of the school day of their child’s absence. IT IS THE POLICY OF ST. PETER SCHOOL THAT THEACHERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DISTRIBUTE HOMEWORK AHEAD OF TIME FOR ANY ABSENCE- THIS INCULDES FAMILY VACATIONS.

HOMEWORK The faculty has set down the following guidelines for homework. These guidelines are based upon the understanding that homework is not a means unto itself, but rather that homework is the unfinished portion of school work that was used to help enforce the basic idea of the lesson. Therefore, homework should only consist of unfinished work and not entire lessons. Some long range projects are also given throughout the year as homework assignments. If the homework for your child is excessive or is causing strife at home, please notify the teacher. Please evaluate your child’s homework based upon these guidelines and HELP US CREATE A GENUINE LOVE OF LEARNING IN YOUR CHILD AND NOT A HATRED FOR SCHOOL AND SCHOOL WORK. If the teachers and parents work together from the beginning of school to the end of the year, it will be a positive learning experience for the child.

GUIDELINES for homework:

Kindergarten- usually less than 15 minutes a day. Gr. 1- memory work, math facts, Bible History, reading practice, usually less than 30 minutes a

night. Gr. 2-memory work, hymns, Bible History, reading and math, usually less than 30 minutes a night. Gr. 3-memory work, basic work in skills areas, usually less than 45 minutes a night.Gr. 4-memory work, basic work in skills areas, usually less than 45 minutes a night.

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Gr. 5-memory work, basic work in skills areas, usually less than 45 minutes a night. Gr. 6-memory work, basic work in skills areas, usually less than one hour a night. Gr. 7-8-memory work, junior high classes with basic work in skills areas, long range assignments, One hour per night.

GRADINGThe following grading scale will be used by the faculty at St. Peter:A+ given for achievement above the required A =100-96 B+ =93-92 C+ = 85-84 D+ =76-75 F =69-0A- =95-94 B = 91-88 C =83-79 D =74-72

B- =87-86 C- =78-77 D- =71-70

REPORT CARDS Report cards will be issued during the week following the last day of the previous quarter, except the final report, which will be issued following the Sunday church service on graduation Sunday. Parents may also track their child’s progress via on-line Skyward access. Each family is given a user name and password to view progress information.

REMEDIAL/LEARNING CENTER St. Peter has a remedial program in place to help students who are behind grade-level in the subjects of Math and/or Reading abilities. The function of this program is to offer individualized instruction to the child (at no cost to the parents) with the purpose of increasing his/her Math and/or Reading abilities. Students having difficulty in Math and/or Reading may be referred for testing by either parents or teachers. (Please see parent Referral Form for Learning Center Testing at the back of this handbook.) Testing is done to help decide eligibility in determining student placement into the program.

CARE OF PROPERTY Motivated by love for their Savior, our pupils will realize that school property (fixtures, desks, books, etc.) is a gift from God to be received with thanksgiving and to be used properly. Careless use and particularly willful damage to such items will require full payment to repair by the individual.

BOOK COVERS All school-owned hardcover books must be covered during the school year.

GUM To keep our school and furnishings clean and free from damage, gum chewing will not be allowed in the school building.

TELEPHONE The school telephone number is (920) 867-2200. The secretary will be in the school office between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM, so morning is a good time to call if messages need to be left for a student or teacher. Parents are asked not to call teachers or pupils while classes are in session unless a true emergency has arisen. The most convenient times to contact teachers by phone are between 7:30-7:55 AM and 3:15-3:45 PM. Pupils must receive permission from a teacher before using the telephone. Such use is not intended for making social plans, for asking parents to bring forgotten books, gym bags, etc. unless such items are requested by the teacher.

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CELL PHONES Telephones are located throughout the school building. As stated above, students are required to get permission from a teacher or coach before using school telephones. In regards to the possession of cell phones, the following policy outlines procedures that students are to follow:

1. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day unless approved by the teacher.

2. All cell phones that students bring to school must be checked in with the teacher.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips will be taken periodically at the teacher’s discretion. Permission slips will be sent home by the teacher before the activity takes place.

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS IN VEHICLES There may be times when students must find their own transportation to school related events. When vehicles organize to leave under the direction of the school, the St. Peter School Board dictates that there should be no more students in a vehicle than there are seat belts. Those vehicles must also have proper insurance.

SCHOOL CHAPERONES Throughout any given school year, teachers may offer parents the opportunity to serve as chaperones on class trips. Chaperones are asked to help supervise children during these events. At times, they are also asked to transport students in their own vehicles. The following policy has been developed in regards to school chaperones:

1. Only parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are allowed as chaperones on class trips.2. Open lifestyles that go against God’s will (such as living together outside of marriage) will be

grounds to not allow an individual to chaperone. This is dealt with on a case by case basis.3. Chaperones must remain with their students and follow the itinerary of the class trip.4. Chaperones that drive must have a minimum liability insurance of $300,000 to transport

students on class trips.

FIRST AID It is understood that first aid may only be administrated by the faculty in cases of minor injury during school hours. In the event of serious injury, parents will be notified immediately if available. No aspirin can be administered by the school. Any medication which must be administered at the school must be accompanied by written instruction from the parent and/or doctor and must be handled according to the instructions under “Student Medication at School” on page 13.

GENERAL SUPPORT The major portion of the cost and upkeep of the school is paid out of the general offering received each week in church. The average cost of educating a child at St. Peter’s is above $5000.00 Therefore, the major portion of this cost to educate each child is subsidized by the congregation. Everyone’s financial support through their offerings is necessary to provide our children with a quality education.

TUITION

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A tuition charge is assessed to each child who attend St. Peters. Tuition charges are reviewed annually by the School Board and established each year. Tuition for the 2016-2017 school year has been set as follows:

MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS3K: $320 $4504K: $580 $974K-8 $974 $1592

PAYMENT OF FEES Fees are to be paid on a quarterly basis by the start of each academic quarter. Please check with the current school calendar for notification of these quarterly dates. If at any time there are any families having financial difficulties, please let the principal or a school board member know. This would certainly be taken into account if there are any overdue balances left at the end of a quarter.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE A student assistance fund has been established by St. Peter Lutheran Church to assist any member student of St. Peter Lutheran School. This is done to make sure that money does not keep someone who wants a Christian education from receiving it. This assistance is available to those families who may be experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to pay all or part of the tuition fee for their child(ren). (Please see “Financial Aid Application Form” towards the back of this handbook.) There is a certain amount of money set aside for student assistance. If you wish to apply for that assistance, give a written request for the amount of assistance needed to the principal or a school board member by June 30. The school board then goes over each request and determines how much, if any, assistance will be given. This is a wonderful blessing, so if the need is there, please do not hesitate to make use of it.

REIMBURSED FEES All fees are prorated and reimbursed by quarter when a student transfers out of St. Peter’s during the school year.

RELIGIOUS BOOKS Following is a list of religious books and costs for each:

Gr. 7-8 Blue Catechism……………………. $21.00Gr. 1-8 NIV Bible……………………………… $7.00Gr. 1-8 Hymnal (Christian Worship)....$23.00

ATHLETIC USER’S FEE There will be a $15.00 user’s fee charged per student for each sport a student participates in where a uniform is used. This money will go toward the purchase of new uniforms.

HOT LUNCH We will be participating in the federal food program this next school year, so reduced price and free lunches will be offered to all school families. Those who qualify will receive either the reduced or free lunch. Payments made will be put on account and amounts deducted as students eat daily lunches/ milk.

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Parents will be notified by e-mail regarding low account balances. Negative account balances could result in students not being eligible for hot lunch on any particular day. The cost for a daily lunch, including milk, will be $2.38 per day per students in 4K, and $2.95 per day per student in grades K-8. If any individual feels they have been discriminated against in relation to the Hot Lunch Program, they should request a copy of the discrimination form from the school office.

MILK Since we’re participating in the federal food program, we will not be able to offer milk at a reduced price. Therefore, morning milk or cold lunch milk will cost whatever the current price is.As of this printing, both cold lunch milk and morning milk will cost $.35 a carton.

DIETARY NEEDS Upon receiving a doctor’s written notice, we make every effort to follow said guidelines when possible in meeting special dietary needs of specific students who wish to participate in St. Peter Lutheran School’s Hot Lunch program.

HOT LUNCH BALANCE REFUNDS Whereas parents are required to keep a positive balance in their child(ren)’s hot lunch/milk account and end of year hot lunch/milk accounts with positive balances will be carried over to the next school year, there are times when students with these carried over accounts will not be attending St. Peter Lutheran School. First, it is expected that parents make every attempt to make deposits into their child(ren)’s hot lunch/milk account at the end of the school year to only pay for the remaining days of the current academic year. Second, any hot lunch/milk account with a positive balance of $10 or less will not be refunded for any reason.

STUDENT MEDICATION AT SCHOOL Medications are given to students in the school setting to continue or maintain a medical therapy which promotes health, prevents, disease, relieves symptoms of illness or aids in diagnosis. St. Peter Lutheran School will administer medication, both prescription and nonprescription, taken by students at school, in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes 118.29 and 118.291. Any medication brought to school by a student must be collected and stored at the office or by a trained employee. This includes over-the-counter drugs as well. Responsible students, as determined by the parent and administrator, may possess and self-administer medication if the school has on file a written statement identifying the medication and granting permission with a signature by the parent/guardian. For prescription medications, a written, signed statement from the parent/guardian (Parent(s)/Guardian Medication Authorization Form) and a written, signed instruction from a practitioner (Medical Provider Authorization Form) must be on file at the school authorizing school personnel to administer any medication. Students with asthma may possess and self-administer a metered dose or dry powder inhaler with the written approval of the student’s physician and parent or guardian (Asthma Inhaler Administration Form). Copies of these forms can be found at the back of this handbook. Requests must be renewed each year or more often if changes in dosage occur. Prescription medications must be supplied in a pharmacy-labeled container indicating the correct dosage and administration instructions. For nonprescription medication, a written, signed statement from the parent/guardian (Parent/Guardian Medication Authorization Form) must be on file at school authorizing school personnel to administer. Nonprescription drugs must come to school in the original manufacturer’s packaging with ingredients and recommended therapeutic dose. The original container supplied by

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the parent must also have the student’s name affixed. Any nonprescription medication intended for long-term on a daily basis must be accompanied by a practitioner’s signature.

SPECIAL NEEDS FUND This fund is intended to be used for the purchase of educational items for the school that are not a part of the budget, but that can definitely play a part in providing for items that can enhance the teaching of our students. Donations and gifts designated toward the “special needs fund” will be used by the teachers according to a priority list of items that the faculty will decide on.

GENERAL MILLS BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Our school also participates in General Mills “Box Tops for Education” program. We receive $.10 for each General Mills box top with the required date on. This money is also put into the “Special Needs” fund.

SCRIP PROGRAM SCRIP means “substitute money.” SCRIP is issued by national and local retailers where many families already shop. These merchants want to support nonprofit organizations such as St. Peters. Each retailer offers a percentage that is received back to our school. SPL purchases gift cards and certificates to sell to generate extra income to assist with school programs. You can use SCRIP instead of money to purchase everyday expenses like food, clothing, gas and other essentials, and with every purchase, you help support your Child’s Tuition, the Tuition Assistance Fund, Building On the Rock, or Debt Retirement-whichever account you select. If your family uses SCRIP for these purchases, you can reduce your child’s tuition without spending an additional penny. Purchasing SCRIP for everyday expenses of gas, food, clothing and other essentials will benefit you in your child’s tuition cost. You can see a complete listing of all vendors that are available at www.GLSCRIP.com . SCRIP is available on the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s of each month from 9:00-9:30 AM in the school/church office. During the school year. SCRIP is available daily in the office when school is in session. If you have any questions or want to get signed up for SCRIP, please contact the office.