Parent Student Handbook
Trinity Lutheran School Student/Parent Handbook 2021-2022
Telephone Church: 618-495-2545
Mrs. Beth Boester, Principal Telephone school: 618-495-2246
8701 Huey Road Fax School: 618-495-2692
P.O. Box 200 bboester@trinityhoffman.org
Hoffman, Illinois 62250 www.trinityhoffman.org
Mission Statement:
We will prepare our students to be responsible members of the Christian community, strong in faith, and equipped with the knowledge and skill, to live as powerful, forgiven witnesses of Christ and His love.
Vision Statement:
We will provide our students with educational experiences designed to enhance learning which will enable them to become successful, life-long learners, equipped for service to God and others.
Theme for 2021– 2022:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things He planned for us long ago. ~Ephesians 2:10
Trinity Lutheran School was organized in 1875 as an educational institution of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hoffman, Illinois. The congregation is committed to the most important task of providing a Christian education for the children of the parish and the community. They have had through these many years and still have a keen sense of what is meant in the Lord’s admonition in Colossians 3:21 “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Philosophy and Core Values
We believe that God the Father is the Creator of all people and the Source of all gifts. As created beings we glorify God through the gifts He has given us. We believe that Christ died for the sins of all people so that by faith in Him we are His loved and forgiven children. We believe the Holy Spirit through the Gospel brings us to faith in Christ and thereby empowers us to serve our neighbors. We believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Through the teaching and hearing of His Word, both the law and the gospel of Christ are brought into our lives. This enables us to daily grow in faith.
We believe that education must include opportunities to teach the Word of God and share the Gospel so that individuals will recognize their lives and gifts as coming from God. We believe that our role is to assist parents in the education of their children. Through this education, the children will be motivated to use their lives to the glory of God and the benefit of others.
It is the purpose of Lutheran education to develop students’ God-given abilities. Lutheran education does not only develop potential, but assists students in finding their place, meaning, purpose, and responsibilities as children of God. Children will learn that they are loved and cherished not only by the Christian community, but unconditionally by Jesus Christ.
We serve the community by providing a quality education, enhanced by God’s Word, in an environment that is conducive to the development of Christian values. This school is a highly valued mission arm of Trinity Lutheran Church. As such we are dedicated to making our Lutheran school an avenue for gaining disciples as well as for nurturing those who are already His. The faculty sees their work as a ministry to our children and their families and is committed to serving them as they serve the Lord.
We see Trinity Lutheran School not as a replacement but as a positive alternative to public school education. In our school we strive to meet the intellectual, physical, and spiritual needs of our students through a varied curriculum and spiritual nurturing. It is our desire to send our students out into the world as productive members of the Christian community, strong in faith, and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desires to live as powerful witnesses of God and his love.
Staff and Faculty at Trinity Lutheran Hoffman
Principal Mrs. Beth Boester
Confirmation Pastor Jennings
Office Mrs. Rita Tyberendt
Pre-School Mrs. Jaime Spittler
Kindergarten Mrs. Heather Childress
1st & 2nd Grade Mrs. Angela Redeker
3rd & 4th Grade Mrs. Sara Kuper
5th & 6th Grade Mrs. Cindy Spenner
7th & 8th Grade Mr. Matthew Fick
Technology Coordinator Mrs. Beth Boester
Cafeteria Ladies Mrs. Deb Albers, Mrs. Tina Boehne
Custodian Mr. Danny Brammeier and Mrs. Motika Brammeier
Board of Education
Rachel Carpenter Max Kleiboeker
Sara Simpson Casie Huels
Wendy Jones Kerri Beal
Kathy Hanke* Ferrin Representative Jennifer Schilbe*Carlyle Representative
School Objectives
That the student may:
1. Learn to conduct his/her life as a child of God.
2. Receive a solid background in the teachings of the Lutheran Church as recorded in the Bible and summarized
in the Lutheran confessions (See Article II of the Constitution of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hoffman).
3. Learn the academic tools necessary to develop his/her potential in all areas of the curriculum.
4. Develop a desire to increase his/her knowledge through further study and experiences.
5. Develop self-respect, good character, and pride in his/her work.
6. Develop proper health, safety, and nutritional habits.
7. Learn to respect and cooperate with all people regardless of race, religion, or social background.
8. Learn to be a responsible citizen through knowledge and understanding of government.
9. Develop an appreciation for the world he/she lives in as a gift of God and accept his/her responsibilities
to make the proper use of it.
Parent/Student Handbook
The philosophy, purpose, and objectives of Trinity Lutheran School were developed and written by the faculty of the school. In-service meetings were held to accomplish this. These documents were presented to the Board of Education for review, discussion, and adoption. The handbook is approved annually by the Board of Education. Policies which effect the operation of the school are suggested and developed by the faculty and administration and approved by the Board of Christian Education or may originate with the Board. These policies follow.
A. ENROLLMENT AND ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Trinity Lutheran School is primarily supported by members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hoffman and therefore most of the students naturally come from member families. However, our school is open to all children of the community and they are enrolled and served by our school as space permits according to the following priority:
Members of Trinity, Hoffman
Non-members who already have a child enrolled at Trinity, Hoffman
Lutherans of other congregations
Non-Lutherans
We maintain our school not as a substitute for the public education available, but as an alternative, that includes the promotion of the Christian faith. Other requirements for enrollment follow the policies of the public school. Children must be five years old by September 1 to enter Kindergarten, and six years old by September 1 to enter the first grade. Health Record forms are required as prescribed by the State Board of Education.
Any prescribed state requirement pertaining to the enrollment is met by our school and we commit ourselves to this now and in the future.
Transfer Student Policy - Transfer students are admitted to Trinity Lutheran School Hoffman pending the receipt of records from the student’s previous school and the necessary information for enrollment. Those records and information include:
Complete transcripts must be received.
Copy of birth certificate must be made available.
All health records including immunizations must be received from the previous school.
The forms must be mailed directly to Trinity Lutheran, Hoffman from the previous school and not delivered by the parent. A transfer student must have a completed health card on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. A transfer from Trinity, Hoffman to another school must be completed within 10 days after the request form is received from the new school.
Tuition and School Fee Refund Policy
If a child withdraws from Trinity during the present school year, the following refund policy will go into effect:
1. There will be no refund of fees once school begins.
2. In regards to tuition student withdrawal:
a. When a student is withdrawn from school, any tuition that has been paid in advance of the current month will be refunded.
b. Current month’s tuition is not refundable.
3. In case of an expulsion, no school or tuition fees will be refunded.
4. In addition, anyone delinquent with paying tuition costs at the end of that current school year or one bounced check, the Board of Christian Education has the right to assess the situation and the parents may forfeit their children’s (child's) attendance to our school. Tuition payments will be evaluated at the end of each quarter.
Trinity Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, gender, disability, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
B. PRESCHOOL AT TRINITY LUTHERAN, HOFFMAN
The Trinity Lutheran Church at Hoffman accepts applications for the fall preschool through June 15. Applications received after June 15 will be evaluated on a space available basis. The Trinity Lutheran Preschool meets Monday through Friday from 8:15 - 11: 15 a.m.
If your child is 3 on or before September 1, your child can be enrolled and must be potty-trained. The enrollment is not limited to children of the Hoffman congregation.
The program is centered around Jesus' love for the children and how special they are as God's children. There will be Bible stories, alphabet, number, shapes, color recognition, art, and coordination activities.
The cost will be $150 per month. There is a yearly $50.00 registration fee to help cover the cost of materials and supplies. This fee should be paid at registration. If you have any questions, please contact the Preschool Teacher or the school office at 495-2246. Proof of immunization will be required.
C. ACADEMICS (Grading/Honor Roll, Promotion/Retention)
Grading/Honor Roll This policy describes the method used by the faculty to determine grades and honor roll.
The grading policy for grades 1-8 is as follows:
Percent earned Grade Point Value Percent earned Grade Point Value
100 A+ 12 pts. 81-82 C+ 6 pts.
95-99 A 11 pts. 72 - 80 C 5 pts.
93-94 A- 10 pts. 70-71 C- 4 pts.
91-92 B+ 9 pts. 68-69 D+ 3 pts.
85-90 B 8 pts. 62-67 D 2 pts.
83-84 B 7 pts. 60-61 D- 1 pt.
Students in grades 5 - 8 are eligible for the quarterly Honor Roll. All subjects will be incorporated into honor roll calculations. To qualify for the Honor Roll, a student must have a grade point average of A- (10.0) or more. To qualify for the High Honor Roll, a student must have a grade point average of A (11.0) or better.
Church attendance will be included in the religion grade.
Midterm notification of grades will be sent home by teachers in grades 3-8. These reports are intended to provide each student with the knowledge of his/her academic progress up to that time. The report is so designed that the teacher may include comments regarding student performance. In all cases where a student is doing unsatisfactory work and might be in danger of failing, a midterm will be issued. Midterm notification of grades will apply to grades 3-8. Midterms must be signed by a parent and returned to the teacher the following week.
1st and 3rd Quarter Report cards will be distributed at Parent-Teacher Conferences. 2nd and 4th Quarter Report Cards will be mailed home to parents. Iowa Test of Basic Skills Reports will be mailed at the end of the school year with the 4th Quarter Report Card.
The Board of Christian Education reserves the right to withhold all final report cards until all fees owed to the school are paid.
Promotion/Retention Policy
This policy establishes guidelines for retaining students. Retention is a serious matter which must be done only after very careful study by school personnel and parents. Each student must be carefully reviewed and each retention must be decided upon its own merits.
Guidelines:
1. The success of the child is our primary goal. Pre-Kindergarten testing is done for all potential Kindergarten students each spring for the following academic year. Strengths and weaknesses of the student are identified to make parents aware of their children's abilities. The staff of Trinity Lutheran School will meet with parents whose children show areas of concern. Readiness for Kindergarten will be evaluated at this time.
2. In grades K-8 Trinity Lutheran staff will meet with parents whose child shows weaknesses in learning areas. Specific concerns of retention will be discussed by the parents and the teacher by the end of the 2nd quarter.
3. Any student who is absent more than twenty (20) days during any one school year will be reviewed for retention.
4. Any student who fails two or more subjects may be promoted on probationary status to the next grade.
5. Any student who fails three or more subjects for three quarters in the school year may be retained at the grade level with the final decision being that of the principal, teacher, and parents.
D. ATHLETIC POLICY
Please refer to the athletic policy handbook for each individual sport.
Trinity Lutheran School is a member of the Little Eight Conference and a member of the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association (IJHSAA). Trinity also participates in the Lutheran Sports Association (LSA) tournaments when teams applying are accepted.
Sports Available for Participation at Trinity Hoffman
Fall: Winter: Spring:
*Baseball– for boys *Girls Basketball *Volleyball– for girls
*Softball – for girls **Boys Basketball *Cheerleading
1st/2nd Grade Little Eagles Basketball Track – for boys and girls
Cross Country Scholarbowl
Pee Wee Basketball
*Baseball, Softball, Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, and Volleyball are part of a co-op with Trinity Hoyleton and Trinity Centralia.
**Boys Basketball is part of a co-op with Trinity Hoyleton, Trinity Centralia, and St. Mary’s Centralia.
E. MUSIC PROGRAM POLICY
Band: Students in grades 4-8 are eligible to participate in the school band program. Parents pay for the lessons.
F. DISCIPLINE POLICY
This policy establishes general discipline standards which serve as a guide for the faculty. One of the most important responsibilities you have as a student in your school is good behavior. Without good behavior, you do not learn what you should be learning, you make it hard for other students to learn, and you make it difficult for the teachers to teach.
To make sure that you and other students at Trinity know how to behave in school, a list of responsibilities and the kind of behavior that is expected have been written by the teachers and members of the Board of Christian Education.
If you do not behave as you should, disciplinary action will be taken by your teachers or principal.
Please do your part to follow the rules of the school. If you do, you will learn more and you will enjoy school more.
As students learn of God's supreme love for them and recognize Him as the source of all their gifts, they will respond by freely and happily living as children of God not only at school but in their whole life. This "love-response" is a gradual process which can happen only with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Specific Guidelines if a disciplinary problem occurs:
1. The teacher will discuss the problem with the student and disciplinary action will be taken.
If the problem persists, the teacher will inform the parents of the student.
The teacher and principal may counsel with the child and the parents.
If the problem cannot be resolved, the principal may suspend the student from school until the family and child meet with the teacher and principal and agree on a means of resolving the problem. Depending upon the disruptiveness of the behavior, the principal may impose an immediate suspension, notifying the parents to come and pick up their child.
If suspensions and ensuing agreements are not successful, the principal may, with the approval of the Board of Education expel the child from school. If the parents feel the expulsion is unjust, they may appeal the action to the Board of Christian Education for a final decision.
Bullying
Trinity Lutheran School has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of its students are safeguarded. These include the right to learn in an environment that fosters a safe, supportive classroom without fear of being bullied, discriminated against or harassed.
By definition, bullying is repeated oppression, psychological or physical, of a less powerful person or group by a more powerful person or group of persons. It may be manifested in many ways e.g. harassment (verbal, sexual or psychological, by use of electronic devices …), victimization, coercion, intimidation, exclusion, and discrimination.
Any form of bullying is not acceptable behavior and results in hurt, fear, loss of confidence that the victim has been wonderfully made by God, and decreased social effectiveness. This includes cyber bullying. Cyber bullying or online bullying is the term used to refer to bullying and harassment by use of electronic devices
Steps
The following steps are a guide to dealing with reports of bullying.
1. If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident should be dealt with as soon as possible by the member of staff who has been approached, to ensure the student’s safety.
2. A clear account of the incident should be recorded and given to the Principal.
3. The Principal will then work through the school’s bullying policy.
Students
Students who have been bullied will be supported by:
Offering an opportunity to discuss the experience with a member of staff of their choice; reassuring the student; offering continuous support; and providing encouragement to form and maintain friendships with non-bullying students.
Students who have bullied will be helped by:
Discussing what happened;
Discovering why the student became involved;
Establishing the wrong doing and the need to change; and
Enlisting the support of parents/caregivers to help change the behavior and attitude of the student, where appropriate.
Teachers
Trinity Teachers will (through the word of God and inclusion in their routines) teach our students that:
1. Every individual has value in a community.
2. Every individual has the right to feel safe from bullying or harassment in all its forms.
3. Every conflict can be resolved. Victims and bullies both need help to solve conflict.
4. Every individual in a community is responsible for the safety of other individuals so that others can reach their potential in a supportive and non-threatening environment.
It is the responsibility of all Trinity staff, parents, and students to care for each other and take to heart the 5th and 8th Commandments and their meanings.
Implementation
1. Identification
A student reports bullying incidents/problem to student or staff member. The person receiving the report notifies Principal as soon as possible.
2. Action
The report is documented
The report is filed in central location.
The principal conducts initial interviews (the victim and bully are interviewed separately).
The interviewer will make both parties aware of the bullying strategy and policy. The issues surrounding the particular incident are discussed. The bully is made aware of the effect their behavior has had on the other person(s).
The interviewer works with the students to devise strategies for conflict resolution and attempts to reach a position where both parties are satisfied with the outcome; i.e. the victim feels secure and the bully is prepared to modify his/her behavior in future.
The victim understands that any further bullying must be reported immediately.
The strategy at this stage is not to apportion blame, or to punish; but to support the victim and make the bully aware of the school policy and of the consequences if behavior does not change.
An official warning to cease offending is made via note or call to parents and staff. Date of notification and means are documented on the report.
Subsequent Incidents
After careful investigation: Offending student may be excluded from an activity for a specified amount of time, suspension, or expelled (depending on the severity of the offense).
TRUANCY
Truancy will be defined as the missing of one or more class hours a day without the permission of the school or parents. Discipline of students who are truant will be as per policy of the school. Teachers will not admit a student to class unless the parent has previously phoned or the student has seen the principal first.
G. SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE POLICY
In order to ensure a safe and orderly environment for teaching and learning and to promote the health and well being of students, Trinity Lutheran School, Hoffman endorses a substance use/abuse policy that includes prevention, assistance, and discipline. This policy extends to the regular school days and school-sponsored activities held before or after school or on weekends. It extends to the school building, the school grounds, school buses, and wherever school sponsored activities are held.
I. Prevention
Trinity Lutheran School will provide students with information and instruction about the prevention of drug and alcohol use/abuse. The health education curriculum will include instruction on current information concerning alcohol and drugs and their effects upon the body. Classroom instruction will also assist the students in making responsible decisions about the use of alcohol and drugs. Community agencies will be used to provide resources or presentations to assist the school in drug and alcohol prevention activities.
II. Discipline
A. Rules of Conduct
No student shall be under the influence of or possess, use, distribute, sell, or attempt to distribute or sell any drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products. Drugs or alcohol include substance containing alcohol, substances which are intended to alter the physical and/or mental condition, and look-alike drugs. Students shall not have in their possession a greater amount of prescription drugs than are required for that day. All medications (prescription or over-the-counter) must be brought to the teacher or the principal before the start of school.
B. Disciplinary Procedures:
1. First Offense:
Student will be suspended for three days.
Conference with the student and parents/guardians.
In the case of possession, distribution or selling the police will be informed.
2. Second Offense:
Student will be suspended for ten days.
Conference with the student and parents/guardians.
In the case of possession, distribution or selling the police will be informed.
3. Any Subsequent Offense:
Expulsion will be recommended and the student will be suspended pending expulsion proceedings.
H. SCHOOL – HOME RELATIONSHIP POLICY
The faculty wishes to work with children and parents who are willing to walk with us in ONENESS of spirit and purpose. The home is and always will be the chief agency for the Christian training of the child. A Christian Day School does not relieve the parents of their God-given obligation. Rather, the purpose of our school is to serve as an important aid to and extension of the home in the vital work of Christian training. If the home and school are both CHRIST-CENTERED, your child is receiving the best education he or she can receive anywhere.
At times there may arise an occasion where there is a difference of opinion between the school, the teacher, the student, or the parents. Should problems arise, the procedure of rectifying these differences is as follows:
1. Contact the teacher and discuss the matter. We refer to Matthew 18:15-18, for guidance in this process.
Show respect for child/teacher relationships, authority, and class environment. We desire the spirit of cooperation.
Maintain and honor confidentiality in such matters.
2. If not resolved, the principal becomes involved:
May meet with those involved individually.
Should continue to emphasize step 1 approach as a positive way to handle the problem.
Bring those involved together to share constructive ideas and thoughts.
After all of the above and under the Principal's counsel, the Pastor may be contacted to share team direction.
If not resolved, the Board of Education, Principal, and Pastor become involved not as individuals but as an elected committee under Executive session. The Pastor sits as liaison member of the Board at the time. Called/contracted teachers or aides may be invited to attend executive session under the approval of the Board of Christian Education.
It is advised for the parents wishing to speak with a teacher to call right after school if possible. Calls in the morning or before school hours may take a teacher out of his or her room leaving children unattended. This can cause serious difficulties in the classroom. Calls to the teacher's home concerning school matters should be kept to a minimum and within reasonable hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The Board of Christian Education is always open to input from the parents. Yet, when there is a difficulty with the teacher, as Christians we are obligated to follow the procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-20. Malicious discussion by the teacher, student, or parents of another is wholly contrary to the Words of Jesus and the Eighth Commandment. All this is done to respect one another and to speak the truth in love with the goal of reconciliation.
I. DRESS CODE
Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Dress appropriately and practice habits of personal cleanliness. We encourage parents to govern their child's clothing, making sure that it in within these guidelines. Exercising modesty, not wearing clothing to draw undue attention to oneself, as Christians, is expected also as students attend evening or weekend school sponsored events as well. Students who are inappropriately dressed will be sent home to change. (See the Sports Handbook for guidelines for team uniforms.)
Dressing neatly and respectfully shows respect for yourself and others. Trinity wishes its students to be appropriately groomed and dressed, representing the school at all times. The responsibility for proper dress and good grooming rests with the individual and his/her parents. Students should strive to present a positive image that is not distracting in a Christian educational setting.
1. Shorts are acceptable at specified times of the school year and may be worn until Oct. 31 and after March 1. Shorts, skirts, and dresses should extend below the fingertips when standing with arms straight at the side. Spandex, or other tight-fitting shorts are not appropriate school wear and should not be worn to school. Students, who are flipping and playing on the jungle gym and bars at recess should wear some type of shorts under their skirts and dresses.
2. Pants should fit appropriately and not be "sagging." Pants with holes, rips, tears, wide-legged, tight-fitting or frayed/torn pants will not be worn at school. Pajama pants, yoga pants, spandex, and sweat pants and leggings are not appropriate school wear and will not be worn to school.
3. Polo shirts, button-down shirts, commercial outerwear t-shirts ( as opposed to undergarment tees), sweatshirts, sweaters and other tops that cover the torso and have a sleeve are acceptable. No alcohol, tobacco or drug-related logos, image or messages are permitted, nor are music or concert-style t-shirts. Tops for girls must be modest in cut, allowing no cleavage to be visible. Sheer tops are not allowed. At no time should undergarments, or shoulder and upper part of the arm, skin or any part of the midriff, front or back, be visible with moderate student activity. Approval of images or messages on shirts is at the discretion of the staff.
4. All shirts must have sleeves. No spaghetti straps or undergarments should be showing at anytime. This includes spandex or compression shorts. Tank tops, muscle shirts or shirts exposing the shoulder are not permitted.
5. No jewelry will be worn during P.E. in all grades, with the exception of stud earrings.
6. Tattoos and piercings are not permitted with the exception that girls may wear earrings that do not exceed the diameter of a quarter in size.
7. A separate pair of clean tennis shoes must be kept in the locker to be worn during activities in the gym.
8. Flip flops and slides should not be worn to school at any time. Any sandal type shoe must have a back strap.
9. No excessive make-up is to be worn.
10. Hats, caps, or sunglasses shall not be worn in the school building on any regular school day from the time students arrive at school until they leave the building UNLESS it is a designated school function such as "hat day."
J. FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an opportunity for students to learn outside of the classroom and off of school property. Appropriate field trips will be planned by the classroom teacher and approved by the principal to enhance curricular or cultural growth of our students. Transportation for field trips may be by school bus or cars driven by parents or their designee, as upon approval of the school. Information/Permission slips about each trip will be sent home Chaperones may be necessary for some but not all trips. Bus trips are limited to classroom students and parents/guardian only (as deemed necessary by the teacher).
K. GRADUATION SERVICE GUIDELINES
The Service:
Will be held in church. The Board of Education, 8th Grade parents and faculty will select the time.
List of speakers must be approved by the Board of Education and faculty.
Music selections must be approved by the Board of Education and faculty.
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian are determined by the highest cumulative GPAs from 6th, 7th and 8th grade school records. Students must have attended Trinity all of 8th grade.
Ushers, Crucifer, and Acolytes: Seventh grade students will be the ushers, crucifer, and acolytes. The 7th grade students with the highest cumulative GPA’s in 6th and 7th grade will be selected. They must have attended Trinity all of 7th grade.
The faculty and Board of Education will be recognized and sit in the first row.
Eighth grade students who have an incomplete will not participate in graduation exercises. All student fees and obligations to the school must be met prior to receiving their diploma.
L. HEALTH POLICIES
School physicals are required for students entering Kindergarten, fifth, and ninth grade. Immunization requirements are in conjunction with Unit 1 Schools and State requirements.
HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION POLICY
Any student who has not met the State of Illinois requirements for health examinations (physicals) or immunizations will be excluded from Trinity Lutheran School on October 15 of each school year. The student is welcome back to school when documented proof of the state requirements has been met.
DENTAL EXAMINATIONS POLICY
The State of Illinois requires all students in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades to have a dental examination by May 15th of each year. In order for Trinity Lutheran to meet this requirement we will require documented proof of the examination no later than May 1st of each school year.
EYE EXAM POLICY
All students enrolling in Kindergarten and new enrollments to the school must provide documented proof of an eye examination completed by a licensed optometrist or a physician licensed to practice medicine in all branches and does eye examinations as defined by the law. Students failing to produce documented proof of such an exam will be excluded from Trinity Lutheran School on October 15 of each school year. The student is welcome back to school when documented proof of the state requirements has been met.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE/FEVER FREE POLICY
All communicable diseases must be reported to the student's teacher and the principal as soon as the parent is aware of the illness. Students will not return to the school until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours. As flu symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) are considered a potentially communicable illness, students with these symptoms should be kept out of school; students sent home with these symptoms shall not return on that day.
LICE and NIT FREE POLICY
The Board of Education or the principal may authorize an inspection of the children at Trinity at any time they deem necessary. The inspection will be conducted by a designated person(s). The principal or members of the Board will designate those performing the inspection. All children will be obligated to participate in the inspection.
Whenever a teacher becomes aware that a student has head lice or nits, the principal shall be immediately notified. The principal will notify the parent that they should immediately pick up their child. If unable to contact the parent, the school will attempt to notify the grandparent/emergency contact person. Information will be sent home with the parent at this time regarding treatment of the child at home.
Prior to returning to school, the child must:
Bring proof of treatment of an accepted lice treatment product.
Submit a dated certification, signed by a licensed beautician, the county nurse, or the physician on record that the child is lice and nit free.
A log will be kept and proof of the treatment dated for each child sent home. At the time of any outbreak of lice, a note will be sent home to all parents. Follow-up inspections will be made to ensure that there has not been a reoccurrence.
SCHOOL MEDICATION POLICY
It is required that a physician's order accompany all prescription drugs. The order should state that a valid health reason exists which makes the administration of such medication during school hours necessary. All medications must be in the original container and labeled with the student's name. A member of the school staff will distribute all medications.
M. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
Students have the responsibility to:
Students are to be quiet and walk in the hallways and washroom at all times.
Students are welcome at school at 8:10 unless they ride a bus or if parents need to go to work early, in which case they will stay in extended care.
During all athletic functions at our school the children are not to run in hallways. Hallways are restricted to restroom use only. Classrooms will not be used as places to play and the band room/preschool room is also not to be disrupted.
After school (3:15) if there is any kind of extra curricular practice children must stay in the extended care until the teacher or coach arrives. This pertains to all children.
If a student is going to be absent from school, the parents shall call or write a written excuse and notify the school by 8:30 a.m. on that day. All missed classroom work and tests must be made up by the students. Anticipated Absence: No student may leave school during the day, unless he/she has permission from the principal or a note from the parents that has been turned into the office. If a student needs to leave school for any reason, he/she must be signed out by the parent or designated person picking them up before leaving the building. Sign out sheet is in the office.
If a student needs to leave early, a note should be sent in the morning and given to the teacher.
Students should:
Come to school every day and be on time.
Show how the love of Jesus is directing their actions.
Do their work.
Ask their teachers for help.
Help care for books, supplies, and all school and community property.
Obey all school rules; obey all teachers and staff in both school and school-sponsored activities.
Be polite to all teachers and staff.
Be fair and kind to other students.
Not use bad or inappropriate language.
Not chew gum in school building during the school day.
Not bring nuisance items such as electronic games, personal music players or phones to the classroom.
Attain the best possible level of academic achievement.
Respect school and community property.
Take pride in the school and school activities.
Convey school messages to parents or guardians.
Not bring weapons to school. Students who do bring weapons (knives, brass knuckles, etc., ammunition, fireworks, etc., or look-a-likes of the above) to school may be suspended or expelled. (Note: Due to events of violence in school today, the principal must check out any rumors of weapons being brought to school. We do not anticipate a problem, but we need to check it out.)
Students have the right to:
1. A meaningful learning experience
2. An appropriate and challenging curriculum
3. Protection from physical and verbal abuse
4. The opportunity to practice decision-making within the democratic process
5. Be disciplined in private, if possible.
6. Be disciplined in a humane and appropriate manner
7. A school climate free of violence and disruption
8. Knowledge of the reasons for any discipline which may be administered
9. Know that Jesus forgives all of our sins daily
10. The freedom to try out for school and extra-curricular activities if qualified
N. VARIOUS FACTS AND INFORMATION
Chapel is held most Wednesdays 8:40-9:15 a.m.
All K-8 students are required to take the Christian Faith Studies and Lutheran instruction.
It is the legal responsibility of all teachers to report any suspected child abuse. Each teacher is a mandated reporter.
The Parent Teachers League (PTL) meets four times a year. Every parent of a student at Trinity is a member of the PTL. The purpose of the organization is to foster communication between home and school and to provide financial support to the school.
Lost and Found (in school office): Label all items brought to school.
Telephone Policy: The office telephone may be used after receiving permission from the teacher or principal. Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. Any cell phone at school should be turned in to the teacher at the beginning of the school day and picked up after dismissal.
Damage to school property (textbooks, desks, maps, etc.) will be paid for by the parent of the student.
Any money sent to school should be in an envelope with name, grade, amount and purpose listed and given to the teacher at the beginning of the day.
Trinity Lutheran School has a daily hot lunch program.
Students are encouraged to use our fine lunch program. Lunch payments must be kept up to date. There is a 5 day grace period on delinquent lunch payments.
Tornado, fire, intruder, and earthquake drills are held with student participation regularly during the year. Escape route diagrams are posted in each classroom.
In case of inclement weather, a Remind message will be sent out notifying families of closure. Weather related decisions are made with consideration of local road conditions as well as decisions of CORLHS and other local schools.
Integrating the Faith and Illinois State Goals, and Common Core Standards are used as our Curriculum Guide.
Extended Care for students is provided before and after school. Hours are 7:15 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The cost for using the extended care program is $0.50 per 15 minutes.
REMINDER: Children should NOT be at school before 8:10 a.m. unless brought to school by parents due to work requirements. Students are to be picked up after school promptly at 3: 15.
Students may not go home with another student after school unless they have written permission from their parents or guardians. In cases of emergency parents may call the school to grant permission for another person to pick up their child(ren).
Children not picked up by 3:20 must go to extended care until the parent arrives. All athletes staying after school must go to extended care unless the parents have given the school a signed permission slip allowing the athlete to leave the school grounds with another parent.
After school social functions sponsored by a coach or teacher may be held with the approval of the principal. All other social functions must be approved by the board of trustees.
Occasionally a video to expand on a current topic will be used in the classroom. Media to be used as educational material in the classroom shall be approved by the principal prior to use. No R-rated films shall be shown.
Student owned cell phones are not to be used during the school day and are encouraged to be left at home. In the morning telephones will be turned into the teacher and returned at the end of the day. If there is a need to call a parent the student will be able to use the school phone. If a student neglects to turn in their phone and has it out during the school day it will be confiscated, the student will inform the parent that evening and a parent will need to pick it up the following day.
Trinity Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, gender, disability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-sponsored programs. To file a complaint regarding discrimination, you may contact:
Office for Civil Rights, Chicago Office
U.S. Department of Education
111 North Canal Street, Suite 1053
Chicago, IL 60606-7204
(312) 886-8434; FAX# (312) 353-4888
or
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
1-800-421-3481
FAX: (202) 245-6840; TDD: (877) 521-2172
E-mail: OCR@ed.gov
Web: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
Please read through this handbook and discuss it with your child(ren) as necessary. Sign and return this form signifying that you have received and read a student/parent handbook and will abide by the policies set forth within.
Lord’s Blessings,
Mrs. Boester
Parent Signature: ___________________________ Date___________
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Student Signature: __________________________ Date___________
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Use these signature lines as needed:
Student Signature: __________________________ Date___________
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Student Signature: __________________________ Date___________
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