Parent & Student Handbook


Holy Cross Lutheran School

610 Court Street

Saginaw, MI 48602

School Office: 989.793.9795

Church Office: 989.793.9723

Fax: 989.793.7441


Our Mission Statement

Helping children grow in faith, knowledge, and service.


Our Philosophy

In keeping with our mission statement, our philosophy is as follows:


We believe that God in the “Great Commission” commands Christian Education.  Christ says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28: 19-20  ESV


We believe that the home is primarily responsible for bringing up children in the Lord’s discipline and instruction:  St. Paul writes, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord..”  Ephesians 6:4  ESV


We believe that all of God’s children have the responsibility to develop their God-given gifts and abilities to the fullest:  The Lord says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” 

Ecclesiastes 9:10  ESV


We believe that Holy Cross Lutheran School is the best possible tool by which parents/guardians can meet their responsibilities.


It is the responsibility of Holy Cross Lutheran School to:


The Importance of the Home

Our Heavenly Father commands parents to “bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4. He furthermore admonishes parents to “train up their children in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6


In Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 God clearly and forcefully tells parents, “These words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart and you shall teach them diligently to your children.”


The home must provide the foundation for God-pleasing Christian education.  The Christian school is the most complete extension of the home in helping parents to prepare their children for a life in Christ and that the Christian day school can best teach children to see God’s Will for them in their lives.


Parental Involvement

We have many wonderful parents who are willing to give of their time and energy to help the school instructional program by serving in various ways.  We believe that direct parental involvement with the education of each of their children is a God-given responsibility, not to be taken lightly. 


All parents are required to attend an Orientation Meeting in the fall 


Accreditation

Holy Cross Lutheran School is fully accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission, the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools, and the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.


Administration

The Vestry and School Committee of Holy Cross Lutheran are the controlling authorities of the school.  The calling of teachers and any other major changes are carried out with the approval of the Vestry and the Voters Assembly of Holy Cross Congregation.


Asbestos

We are required to notify all parents and employees of asbestos in the building.  With a building this age, there is some asbestos in areas such as the floor tiles and some ceiling areas of the church basement.  The asbestos has been sealed, as required, and is not friable (loose, able to be breathed into anyone’s lungs).


Holy Cross Lutheran School conducted a complete inspection of its facilities in 1989-1990 utilizing the services of the MEAD Environmental Associates, Inc.  The results of this inspection have been included in the management plan.  This management plan is available in the school office.


Periodic surveillance is conducted every six months and a re-inspection is conducted every three years, the last one in 2001.  No disturbances of ACM (asbestos containing materials) were found.


If you have any questions, please see the Principal.


Athletics

Holy Cross Lutheran School participates in interscholastic volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track, generally for students in grades 5-8.  These activities are offered to help develop the bodies and skills that God has given our children and to develop Christian attitudes towards sports and other people.


Holy Cross has a “no-cut” policy.  Any child in eligible grades who is physically able, is faithful in homework and attendance at practices, and maintains athletic eligibility may participate in the sport program.  A physical examination is required before the first practice for all sports.


Holy Cross is a member of the Tri County Lutheran League and abide by the league rules and regulations.


Athletic Eligibility

To play a sport, a student


Game Day Attendance

Athletes are required to be in attendance for a half day in order to compete on that day.


Student Athlete Handbook

Every Student who wishes to participate in a sport will be furnished a complete Student Athlete Handbook which more fully explains Holy Cross policy and procedures for sports.


Attendance, Absences, and Tardiness

All absentees must be excused by the parent, in advance or the day of the absence.


For your child’s security, we need to know if a child is really absent.  Therefore, parents MUST call into the school office by 8:30 am of the day when a child will be absent.  The school will contact the family if this is not done.  


Absence and Tardiness Policy

Classroom learning consists of more than merely completing assigned work.  Much learning takes place during the class activities that really cannot be “made up.”  Therefore, several states have set specific maximum numbers of absence days permitted before retention of a student in a grade is necessary.  Holy Cross has set the following policy regarding absences and tardiness:



Parents/guardian are responsible for regular attendance and promptness by their children.  Excess absences cause a child to fall behind in his/her work.  If a student is to be excused for reasons other than illness, a note from the parent should be addressed to the teacher so work can be completed in advance.


Each child is expected to make up any work missed during an absence.


A lack of parental or student cooperation in either matter of tardiness or absences can be grounds for suspension or possible expulsion.


Birthdays

Birthday parties are very exciting to have as we enjoy celebrating another year of life.  In school, birthday treats should be cleared with the classroom teacher by the parents/guardian before the event.


The school has asked that you MAIL invitations to your child’s party if everyone in the class is not invited.  In this manner, you will show concern for your invited guests as well as other members of the class.


Cellular Phones

Cellular Phones/Electronic devices are allowed to be brought to school, however the students are not allowed to have them on their person during the school day (8:00am - 3:15pm).  

Hand held electronic devices will not be used for educational purposes during school hours.

Holy Cross will not be held responsible for lost, damaged or stolen property.


Change of Address and Phone Numbers

Please report any changes in phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses to the school office immediately.  We must be able to reach you at times of emergency throughout the school year.


Church and Discipleship Hour/Kids Zone Attendance

God commands weekly worship in the Third Commandment.  We teach that Jesus is truly important in our lives.  It is expected that parents and children attend Church Services and Discipleship hour /Kid Zone weekly.  A record of each family’s faithful attendance is kept.


Holy Cross Lutheran Church welcomes all school families to worship with them on Sunday mornings or Monday evenings.


Holy Cross “Member Families” Church Attendance

Please note that families are expected to be faithful in their weekly church attendance and contributions to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  Holy Cross ‘Member Rate’ is offered to families who demonstrate ‘full commitment’ in worship.   


“Full commitment” means that the student AND at least one parent or legal guardian attends 50% of regular services offered (2 out of 4 weekends per month) through the entire calendar year.


Any families worshiping less than 50% of in any month of the year will be notified according to the following procedures: 


Chapel Services and Mission Offerings

Each Wednesday while school is in session, a chapel service is held for all school children and parents at approximately 8:20am.  The chapel service is the highlight of the worship life of the school community for that week.  Parents are always welcome to worship with us.


The school designates its chapel monthly offerings to an appropriate mission project.


Communicable Disease and Student Illness

Communicable Disease: A communicable disease is any illness or condition that can spread to one or more persons (such as chickenpox, measles, head lice, impetigo, pink eye, scabies, strep throat, etc).  Students will be excluded from school for the period of time based on the illness and county/state guidelines.  Please consult your physician if you believe your child may have a communicable disease.  More information on communicable diseases is available at the Saginaw County Health Department website.

http://www.saginawpublichealth.org/page.asp?ID=219&PID=198

Students with the following should be kept home from school:

Fever:  Student will be excluded from school until 24 hours after the fever has left and the child is taking no medication, like Tylenol, to reduce it.

Vomiting:  Student will be excluded from school if vomiting occurs during previous 24 hours or if vomiting is accompanied by fever.


Curriculum

In keeping with our Christian philosophy of education, Holy Cross Lutheran School meets or exceeds the state requirements in regard to curriculum.  Classes are taught in Religion, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Spanish, Mathematics, Art, Music, Computer Technology, and Physical Education.  We strive to teach each area in a Christ-centered way.


Damages

Children are expected to keep their books, desks, gym lockers, classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and playground clean and in good order.  Parents will be billed for any willful or careless damages caused by their child.


Discipline

Policy for Detention and Suspension

FAILURE BY THE STUDENT TO COMPLY WITH ACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR DURING SCHOOL HOURS AND AT ANY SCHOOL FUNCTION WILL RESULT IN DETENTION OR SUSPENSION.


Some examples of unacceptable behavior include:


Suspension/Detention Procedures


Immediate Suspension - Some instances of behavior are so extreme that they warrant immediate suspension.  In such cases, the parents/guardian will be notified immediately.  They will be asked to come to school as soon as possible.  They will then have a conference with the teacher and principal who will outline the reason for suspension and also the period of time the suspension involves.


Suspension will amount to a period of time from one day to one week.  Suspension may be in school or out-of-school as determined by the teacher and principal.  The student will receive no credit for schoolwork during an out-of-school suspension.


Expulsion Procedures

After one suspension, if the spendable behavior continues the student will be expelled from the school and all school functions. 


Immediate Expulsion - Examples of grounds for immediate expulsion are:


This is by no means meant to be a complete list.


Dress Code for Students

Copies of the Student Dress Code are available in the school office upon request and it is also located on our HCLS website, listed under School Documents. 


Enforcement of the Dress Code




Enrollment - Priority

Holy Cross Lutheran School exists to serve both member and non-member parents/guardian and children in our community who sincerely desire a Christ-centered education. God’s directive to all parents/guardian is, “Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4b. It is our privilege at  Holy Cross Lutheran Church and  School to assist parents/guardian with this God-given responsibility. 


Enrollment - Policy

Holy Cross Lutheran School has been established and is maintained primarily for the Christian training of the children whose parents/guardian are members of the parish. However, in keeping with the Savior’s invitation to let the little children come unto him and forbid them not, Holy Cross Lutheran School, also opens its doors to children whose parents/guardian are not affiliated with Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and who wish to provide a Lutheran Christian education for their children. Holy Cross is happy to enroll these children. It is to be understood that children of non-members are to participate in the total curriculum of the school, including the memorization of Bible passages, hymns, and the study of Christian doctrine as drawn from the Bible and Lutheran Confessions, and that the doctrines of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod will not be compromised as they are taught to the children. 


Holy Cross Lutheran School is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). The LCMS is a mission-oriented and Bible-based denomination that confesses the historic, orthodox Christian faith in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a faith built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone (Eph 2:20). With the Universal Christian Church, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God, who created all that exists; became man to suffer, die, and rose to be the world's Savior; and brings people to faith and new life through His word and sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - are coequal and coeternal, therefore one God.


The association voluntarily chooses to belong to the synod as an RSO ministry, and holds to a confession of Jesus Christ as taught in the Holy Scripture. We believe without reservation that the Scriptures of the Old and New testament are the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice. In addition, the Synod accepts without reservation the writings contained in the Book of Concord which contains the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.


Believing in the authority of the Holy Scripture and that the Lutheran Confessions are a correct interpretation and presentation of biblical doctrine, the association agrees to conform all its teaching and practices to the Scriptures and the Confessions.


The Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers concerning its member congregations and ministers. However, the voluntary association of member congregations and ministers include their agreement to respect and honor and uphold decisions made by the Synod in its national conventions regarding the understanding of the teachings of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and practices that are consistent with such teachings. The Synod in convention is the “Principal legislative assembly” of the LCMS (Bylaw 3.1.1) and its resolutions and statements are the position of the Synod in the matters of doctrine and life. The Constitution and bylaws of the LCMS provide specific guidance for the implementation and supervision of the teaching and practice of its members.


The association upholds teachings and practices that are consistent with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and while honoring Synod convention resolutions, is self-governed and establishes policies based on local circumstance and expediency. The association operates according to its own constitution and bylaws - which are required by the Synod Bylaws to be reviewed by the Synod and Michigan District LCMS which the association resides in and therein establishes an orderly way of making decisions and determines which individuals or entities in the association will have authority to act on behalf of the association in specific circumstances. The Constitution and bylaws of the association govern our decision-making and policies. A copy is available upon request from the school office.


Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. 


We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25), We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18, 7:2-5, Heb 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged outside of a marriage between a man and woman. 


We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; 1Cor. 6:9-10).


We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1Cor 6:9-11).


We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the association.


Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Ps. 139).


We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the association as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the association members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the association in any capacity, agree to and abide by the statements on marriage, gender, and sexuality, and the sanctity of human life (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess, 5:22, Ps. 139). 


We expect students, parents and volunteers to respect and support our right to determine our Statement of Beliefs. Additionally, students, family members, and volunteers may not, in a way that may affect the school, promote beliefs/behaviors that are contrary to those of the association or LCMS or otherwise weaken the LCMS Christian atmosphere at the school.  If a student, family member of a student, or applicant for enrollment challenges association or LCMS teachings, suspension, expulsion, or refusal of enrollment of a student.


Attending Holy Cross is a privilege and therefore full cooperation is expected from students and parents/guardian regarding all rules and regulations.  We operate on the premise that the school has the authority to reprimand, suspend, or expel a student whenever rules are not obeyed or when they engage in a life-style which is contrary to the teachings of the LCMS.  Only those who meet our academic requirements, behavior standards, and tuition obligations will be permitted to continue as members of our student body.  


Since we are not equipped for working with all special needs children, we must limit our acceptance of new pupils with special needs on a case by case basis.  Each case will be evaluated by our ability to meet the child’s needs adequately.


Enrollment of new students is permitted only at the beginning of a semester, or special circumstances, as addressed by the Principal.


Holy Cross 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, admission policies, tuition assistance, athletic and other school administered programs.


Extended Child Care (ECC)

Holy Cross Lutheran School offers an after-school childcare program from 3:00pm until 6:00pm.  Since the program is licensed for 25 children, enrollment may be limited to only students needing the program because of parents/guardian work schedules.  Forms for enrollment and the fee schedule are available in the school office.


Any child, regardless of age, not picked up by 3:30pm will be sent to ECC.


Fees and Tuition

Holy Cross Lutheran School receives no state funding for general operating costs.   Holy Cross Lutheran Church underwrites the majority of the cost for operation of its school.  The primary financial obligation lies with the parents/guardian of our students.  

The tuition rate is set by the Board of Finance in consultation with the Vestry of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  Copies of the current fee schedule are available from the school office.  Tuition is based on an annual fee divided into 10 monthly payments.  Parents/guardian may pay in full the annual tuition amount prior to the first day of school and they will receive a 5% discount. 


An annual registration fee is charged for all students, pre-8th.  This fee covers many items including the following: book usage, consumable books, curricular upgrading, insurance, services provided by the Saginaw Intermediate School District, library books, and art supplies.


An annual technology fee is charged for all students, K-8th grade. This fee covers Chromebook usage, computer usage, printers, internet support, etc.


Tuition and fees must be paid on time.   Tuition and fees are due in 10 monthly installments beginning September 1 and ending June1.  All accounts 30 days past due will be assessed a 2% late fee.  Any student whose account is more than 30 days past due is subject to suspension.  Families will receive the first past due notice at 31 days past due, their final notice will be given at 45 days past due and students will receive an immediate suspension notice at 60 days past due.  All final notice balances must be paid with cash or money order only.   Students with past due accounts will not receive school records, grades or transcripts nor be eligible to attend class trip or school year closing ceremonies.  Parents/guardian agrees that tuition will not be listed in bankruptcy proceedings.  If your account should go delinquent, all costs we incur to collect this debt will be your responsibility.  These costs include, but may not be limited to, late charges, collection agency fees, attorney fees and court costs.   Students are unable to enroll for a new school year if they owe more than 10% of the previous school year’s tuition and all other previous school year’s fees must be paid in full.


Students who withdraw, or are removed from the student body during the school year, are responsible for the full tuition for any month they attended in whole or in part. Holy Cross reserves the right to withhold student records if an account becomes in arrears.


Family Rights and Privacy Act

Under the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students and parents are given certain rights concerning the school’s records of their children.  The following rights are accorded to parents under this act:


Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Lockdown Procedures

Procedures are posted in each classroom and are communicated by each teacher.  Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills are held regularly during the school year.


Holy Cross complies to the federal standards on the number of drills performed each school year.


Health Requirements

All children are required to have a complete immunization record or a signed waiver (received from the Saginaw County Health Department) if enrolled in Kindergarten, 7th grade, or are transfers to Holy Cross.  In 2014, the administrative rules were modified that changed how non-medical waivers for immunizations will be processed for school and child care programs.  This rule went into effect on January 1, 2015.  The new rule requires parents or guardians who want to claim a non-medical waiver to receive education from a county health department about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases before claiming the waiver.  More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/immunize


Health Services

Our school receives the services of the Saginaw County Health Department.  We receive all the services accorded other schools in the area, such as vision and hearing testing.  Notification as to grades involved and dates of testing will be sent to the parents/guardian in advance.


Hours of Operation

The building doors will be opened at 7:30am.  No one will be allowed in the building before 7:30am, unless prior arrangements have been made.  The classroom doors will be opened at 7:50am.  Classes begin at 8:00am for all grades.  Half-day Kindergarten students are dismissed at 11:25am, while full-day Kindergarteners and grades 1-8 are dismissed at 3:15pm daily.  In the event of a scheduled half-day of school, all grades are dismissed at 11:30am.  Any student arriving after 8:00 am is tardy and must be signed in to the school office by a parent/guardian.  All children must be out of the building by 3:30pm, unless they are signed up for our Extended Child Care Program or attending a practice or after school activity supervised by an adult or staff member.  Any children remaining after 3:30pm will be required to sign in to Extended Child Care and a fee will be assessed.

Insurance 

All students are covered under a “blanket policy.”  This insurance will cover items that are not covered by the insurance program of the student’s parent or guardian.  This provides insurance while at school.


Lunch

The school operates a federal government subsidized hot lunch program each school day.  We encourage all families to apply for the program.  If your family qualifies under the federal guidelines, your student(s) may be eligible for free or reduced fee lunches.  The school office will supply those guidelines and the application form with registration materials.


Menus are printed monthly and are also published on the school info app.  Menus are subject to change.


Lunch payments are payable to the school office.  Lunches billed monthly gives parents/guardian a cost savings over purchasing lunches on a day-by-day basis.  Lunch fees are set prior to each school year.


If you are purchasing daily lunch or daily milk only, you must do so before the beginning of the school day.  We strongly discourage daily lunch to be charged to a student’s school account.


Those children not buying hot lunch may bring their lunch from home.  Please note that we have no refrigeration available for sack lunches, nor is there a microwave available for student use.


According to the Holy Cross Lutheran School Wellness Plan, parents 

are prohibited from delivering food from area restaurants (this includes fast food).  Pop is also not allowed to be sent in lunches brought from home.


Medication


Monthly Calendar

A school monthly calendar is published prior to the beginning of each month and a copy is distributed to each student.  The calendar is printed on the opposite side of the monthly lunch menu.


Music

The music program offers our students many ways to grow musically, socially, cognitively, and spiritually through various opportunities:



The Director of Music will furnish a schedule of performances to the parents at the beginning of the school year, as well as a link to the online google doc that pertains to your child/children’s specific group.  Current schedules will be posted in the hallway by the Music Room.


Parent Teacher Organization

Parents of all students are members of this organization and are encouraged to attend the meetings.  Please check the monthly calendar and/or a PTO Newsletter for meetings and activities.


The meetings provide an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to parenting and to keep parents abreast of happenings at the school.  The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is also involved in projects that provide funding for a variety of items for the school.


Report of Student Progress

Parent-teacher conferences are held annually.  Conferences may be held at any time at the discretion of the teacher or parent.  Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter, four times each year.  


School Closings

School closings will be posted on local news channels and the HCLS Facebook page.  Refer to TV Channel 5 or Channel 12 or 100.5 FM for information on possible school closings.


Technology Committee

The Holy Cross Lutheran School Technology Committee exists to promote the use of technology and seeks ways to use technology as a means to enhance the educational experience in a Christian setting.


Responsibilities Include:


Telephone Use

Cell phones and other electronic devices are disruptive for student use at school.  Please refer to the electronic device policy in the manual in the school office.



Testing

NWEA tests are given 2-3 times per year as a tool to evaluate your student’s progress.  Results of all such tests are filed in each student’s School Records File (CA-60) and copies of results are available to parents upon request.


VLHS Junior Symphonic Band

Band instruction at Holy Cross is provided by Valley Lutheran High School.  An instructor from VLHS will come out to Holy Cross at least twice a week for a 40-minute class.  Students are divided into Beginning Band (those with no former band experience) and Advanced Band (those with at least one year of band experience).