Evangelical Lutheran Synod

2010-2011

School Handbook

Our Saviour Lutheran School

3045 Arapaho Drive

Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406

Our Saviour Lutheran School 680-6181

Our Saviour Lutheran Church 855-8811

Pastor Tim Hartwig 855-1231

Principal Mr. Chris Denney (5-8) 230-8597

Mrs. Rachel Carson (2-4) 566-9297

Mrs. Katie Denney (K4-1) 230-8915

E-mail: osls@citlink.net, principaldenneyosls@yahoo.com

Web site: www.havasulutherans.com

Table of Contents

SCHOOL HISTORY

Our Christian day school was started in the fall of 1994 for the purpose of providing a “Christ-centered” education for our children, and to provide a mission outreach for unchurched children in our community. Classes began with teacher Mrs. Barbara Huhnerkoch and nine students in kindergarten. In 1998 we dedicated our new Christian education and fellowship facility that provided us with additional classroom and workspace to deal with our growing enrollment. We also called our first full-time principal.

The next major expansion came in 2002-2003 when a separate educational wing was constructed to accommodate continued growth. On August 3, 2003, we dedicated our present school building to the service of our Lord. As we daily share the Word of God with His lambs, pray that the Holy Spirit leads more souls to us for Christian education. We currently teach about 35 students in grades K4-8.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Saviour Lutheran School is operated under the guidance and direction of Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church. It exists primarily to provide a Christ-centered spiritual, secular, and physical education “so that the congregation’s children might be thoroughly instructed in God’s Word”, and secondarily to use Christian education as a tool to reach our community’s children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As forgiven children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we consider it a wonderful privilege to serve Him by serving others. One form of our ministry at Our Saviour Lutheran Church is our Lutheran Elementary School.

Our goal in operating the school is to assist parents and guardians in bringing up their children “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As such, Our Saviour Lutheran School will provide a broad, comprehensive curriculum that thoroughly integrates God’s Word into every subject, challenges every student according to their abilities, and prepares students for successful transition into high school.

Parents must not give up their God-given responsibility when they send their children to school. The Lord has given us faithful Christian pastors and teachers who serve in our school to reinforce the Christian training of the parents in the home. As Christian parents and teachers, we want to work together so that nothing will rob our children of the crown of glory Jesus has won for them and will give them soon.

VISION STATEMENT

Our Saviour Lutheran School strives to become the recognized community leader in quality elementary education, and by serving as the most effective tool of Our Saviour Lutheran Church for sharing the Gospel with its community. The school shall strive to prepare all of its students for high school programs, while integrating these children and their families into a life of community and congregational service to their Lord and Savior.

OUR OBJECTIVES

1. Promote a sound education that is Christian based.
2. Give children a comprehensive secular education in all subjects, preparing them with tools necessary for a successful high school, college, and work experience.
3. Enable students to learn and be equipped for a life of joy and service to their Lord.
4. Provide a positive, safe school environment conducive to learning and academic achievement.
5. Enable the work of the Holy Spirit in helping children grow in faith and love for their Savior Jesus.

OUR STAFF

Mrs. Katie Denney teaches grades Kindergarten and 1. She grew up in Saint Paul, MN. She graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, in 2006, with an elementary and early childhood education degree. She taught in Jackson, MI, for 2 years before moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ, and is married to Chris and they have one daughter.

Mrs. Rachel Carson teaches grades 2-4. She grew up in Fort Atkinson, WI. She received her degree in elementary education (grades 1-6) in January of 2001 and minored in coaching at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI. She taught in the public school system in Milwaukee for 1½ years before moving to Lake Havasu City, Arizona in July of 2003. She is married to Darren Carson and they have four children.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION?

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

Deuteronomy 6:16 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.”

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

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

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The most loving thing parents can do for their children is to share God’s Word with them. Let that Word be the guide in all phases of daily life.

Attend church regularly with your child, teaching by word and example that a regular diet of God’s Word is extremely important for your family and for their faith in Jesus.

Have regular family devotions and prayers. The pastor and teachers are willing to show you not only what materials are available for home devotions, but also how to conduct devotions in your home.

Share your support of our school and Christian education with others. Keep in regular contact with your children’s teachers and pastor. Pray for our school, our families, and our leaders.

Regularly attend school related meetings and functions, showing support and concern for your school.

See that your child’s physical needs are met (e.g. healthy eating, adequate sleep, proper dress, regular health check-ups and visits).

Be accountable for your child’s actions at all times (before, during, and after school hours, and at all school and church functions).

Make sure your children complete homework on time, as well as take proper care of school property and textbooks.

Provide all necessary school supplies and fees on schedule.

Parents of our school will also be willing to have their child instructed in the teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. If they are not members of Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church, they will attend an informal seminar conducted by the pastor prior to the beginning of the school year or shortly after enrollment. This is an informational seminar. It is of great benefit for the parents or guardians of the students to be familiar with the spiritual instruction their children will be receiving.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights and privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.

REGISTRATION

The school must have a completed registration form on file and the registration fees paid before your child can be admitted to Our Saviour Lutheran School. We also require up-to-date immunization records and a birth certificate to photocopy. Please include on the registration form important telephone numbers where parents or guardians can be reached in case of an emergency. Include your email address.

According to Arizona Revised Statue 15-802, all parents or guardians of students attending our school must fill out a private affidavit of intent, have it notarized, and returned to the school. The forms are then sent to the Mohave County Superintendent of Schools in Kingman. This is done to assure that the children of Arizona are receiving formal education. A copy of the affidavit is kept on file at school.

ADMISSION POLICY

Children of the members of Our Saviour Evangelical Lutheran Church who meet membership guidelines will receive first consideration for admission, then children of other congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod or the Wisconsin Synod. If we still have positions open, non-member children who have been attending our church will be given priority. Finally, children of other denominations will be allowed to fill remaining positions in the class.

Children, who are five years old on or before August 31st, as mandated by state regulations, may enroll in kindergarten. Younger children may enroll if there is still space in the class, with the understanding that these students will be enrolled for two years before being passed to first grade.

Children are eligible for a given grade upon completing the requirements of the previous grade to the satisfaction of the staff. We reserve the right to determine whether or not special needs children will be accepted, the decision being based upon previous school history and our ability to provide an environment in which the children may progress in their education. All new students serve a two-month probationary period, during which time the school reserves the right to release students who are uncooperative or have special needs that the school cannot meet.

OBEDIENCE AND DISCIPLINE “This is love for God: to obey His commands.” I John 5:3

Upon enrolling a child in Our Saviour Lutheran School, parents or guardians automatically give the teacher authority to discipline their child. All discipline will be in keeping with the principles set forth in Scripture: “Do not withhold discipline from the child.” (Proverbs 23:13) Every effort is made to maintain Christian discipline at all times. Teachers make every effort to treat all children alike in accordance with God’s Word. It is understood that pupils owe implicit obedience to their parents and teachers under the Fourth Commandment.

Discipline is not a negative action, but a positive procedure administered by caring adults. However, certain situations may call for a strong rebuke. Using God’s Law, they will be shown their sin and the need for repentance. Using God’s Gospel, they will be assured of Jesus’ forgiveness for their sins.

Common School Rules: I Corinthians 10:31 “ … whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1. Complete work on time, to the best of God-given ability.
2. Be neat and orderly.
3. Raise hand, wait to be called on.
4. Obtain permission to leave seat.
5. Be kind, courteous, and respectful to fellow classmates, teachers, helpers, and visitors.

School Procedures for Conduct Problems:

1. Student is made aware of the offense, reminded of the rule broken, and shown the appropriate way to act.
2. Student is reminded again of the rule and is spoken with privately by the teacher.
3. Student, parents, and teacher meet after school regarding the problem.

If a situation arises where a student is physically or verbally abusive or defiant, the parents will be called to school and the child may then be taken home. Any student who demonstrates a disregard for the rules of the school will be subject to suspension. A continued disregard for the rules will result in expulsion. If any problems or misunderstandings regarding discipline arise, we expect the matter will be discussed in a Christian manner with the parent, teacher, principal, pastor, and/or the Board of Education.

LATE HOMEWORK

God expects of us all to do the best according to the abilities He has given us. All students should come to school at 8:00 a.m. with the previous day’s homework completed, ready to be recited, collected or graded. This enables students to be ready to work on the new day’s assignments and use their time in school wisely. When this routine is faithfully followed, after-school homework should be kept to a minimum.

1. Expect all assignments due for the day to be checked for completion at the beginning of the day.
2. For a typical day’s absence (illness, vacation, etc.), your child will be given one (1) school day’s time for completing assignments. (Example: If a student is sick/absent on Monday, they receive Tuesday to complete the work, and it is due Wednesday.)

1. • 1. For planned vacations lasting one (1) or more weeks, students are expected to ask for their homework before leaving.
     2. If the homework is not completed upon arrival, students will have one (1) week from their return date to complete any vacation homework.

1. If a student accumulates five (5) late homework assignments per semester (memory & written work), the student, parents, and teacher will meet to discuss plans and procedures to help the student improve study habits, organization, and search further ways to complete homework well and on time.
2. If a student reaches seven (7) late assignments per semester, parents will be personally notified.
3. If a student reaches nine (9) late assignments per semester, parents will be personally notified.
4. If a student reaches ten (10) late assignments per semester, the student will be required to pay a minimum consequence fee of $ 20.00 for each subsequent day of late work, and the following will be required:

1. • 1. The student is required to attend a supervised after-hour session at school to finish the incomplete assignments for that day.
     2. The student is also required also to complete the next day’s homework for that subject not finished for that day. (Example: If the student was not finished with math due Wednesday, on Wednesday that student stays after school to complete the late math plus the math assignment due the following day to ensure that it will be completed.)
     3. Work that is completed will be corrected after school to the satisfaction of the teacher. If the work is not done well, the student will make corrections and/or be assisted by the teacher to ensure that the lessons and concepts have been learned, and that the assignment was done to the best of the student’s God-given abilities.
     4. If numerous assignments are missed and additional time is needed for the student to complete work, a Saturday morning study hall may be set up, which would require a parent to attend the session.
     5. The fee charged for the after school time will be $ 20.00 per hour for students who have reached the ten late assignment mark per semester. The student will pay the fee regardless if the work is completed by 3:00 p.m. or not. All fees must be paid after each session in order for the student to return to school the following day.

A student, who has, for unexcused reasons, failed to complete a homework assignment from the previous day, will remain after school hours in the classroom until the work is satisfactorily completed. If such a student does leave unexcused:

1. They will be placed on academic probation for the quarter (i.e. “Don’t let it happen again!”)
2. If it occurs a second time within the quarter, the student will be suspended one day.

This after school procedure enables the student to get individual help if needed, the chance to complete work in a quiet, after-school environment, and avoids a build-up of previous assignments. If this situation does occur during the school day, a reasonable attempt to reach you will be made. The student will also receive a 10% lower grade on the late assignment.

As part of our school policy, any student may redo homework or do extra credit projects to improve a grade. This is a great opportunity and is highly encouraged! Parents will be notified at least monthly regarding your child’s progress, plus a mid-quarter progress report will also be sent home to notify you before the final quarterly report. When all homework for the quarter has been completed, report cards will be sent home quarterly. Report card envelopes must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school.

GRADING SYSTEM A Excellent Work 100 % - 97 %

A- 96 % - 94 %

B+ Good Work 93 % - 89 %

B 88 % - 87 %

B- 86 % - 85 %

C+ Average Work 84 % - 82 %

C 81 % - 79 %

C- 78 % - 77 %

D+ Below Average 76 % - 75 %

D 74 % - 72 %

D- 71 % - 70 %

F Failure 69 % - 0 %

EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY

Students must be in good academic standing in order to participate in school related extracurricular opportunities. Students must maintain at least a 2.7 GPA and must be passing every subject in order to be eligible for these opportunities.

If a student’s GPA falls below 2.7, or is failing one (1) or more subjects, he or she will be unable to participate until these requirements are met.

Students in all school related extracurricular activities will receive weekly progress reports.

Parents can appeal ineligibility in special situations at the next Board of Education meeting.

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll is awarded quarterly. It is awarded to all students with a grade point average of 3.0-4.0. Students receiving a GPA between 3.0-3.4 will achieve Honors recognition. Students receiving a GPA between 3.5-4.0 will achieve High Honors recognition.

DRESS AND CHRISTIAN APPEARANCE

In a Christian school, proper dress and good habits of hygiene reflect the Scriptural principles that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

Every new student will receive his/her first school shirt free of charge. In cooler weather, students may wear the official school sweatshirt jacket over the polo-style school shirt in the classroom and in Chapel. T-Shirts or undershirts may be worn, but be the same color as the school uniform shirt. This keeps all students looking uniform. We have a supply of school shirts at school. Some shirts may need to be ordered. See last page of handbook.

Boys are required to have shirts tucked in and wear a belt if the pants are looped. Girls wearing skirts or shorts should have the length two inches above the knee.

Along with the shirt, students have a choice of wearing pants or skirts, all of solid blue or khaki color.

Students are to dress and appear their best to honor and represent their Savior and their school. Soiled or torn clothing may not be worn. All shoes must have closed, covered toes for safety. Shoes with wheels are not permitted. Socks are to be worn with all foot apparel. Boys may not wear earrings. Hair should be combed or brushed and neat in appearance. Hair length for should not be longer than eyebrow level in the front and below the collar line in the back when standing. This uniform will be required for all field trips and on the days the students sing in church.

On church singing dates, students should wear their Sunday best: school shirt and navy blue or khaki pants or skirts (no blue jeans or jean skirts on singing dates.)

When a teacher gives counsel regarding either clothing or appearance, both parent and student will honor that judgment. If a student comes to school not in accordance with our school dress code, parents will be notified to come back to school and correct the problem.

SCHOOL HOURS – ATTENDANCE – TARDINESS

Normal class hours run from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Students are expected to maintain regular and punctual attendance in accordance with state laws. Arizona Law 15-803 states that a student is considered “habitually truant” when absences from school exceed five days in any given school year. In addition, punctual attendance is required so as to avoid disruptions to the teaching and learning process that goes on in each classroom once the school day has begun.

We strive to teach your children in a loving, caring, supportive and structured atmosphere that promotes learning. This structured atmosphere begins early in the morning.

At 7:45 a.m. the school doors will be opened for students to enter their rooms. Students in each grade will be instructed by their teachers to follow these simple morning routines:

1. Enter the classroom and hang up necessary backpack and lunch items.
2. Hand in necessary assignments for the morning.
3. Find their seat and work quietly until school begins with the 8:00 a.m. bell.

Teachers and students alike appreciate the orderliness and structure of this routine. It is essential in setting the appropriate tone for the day.

Parents, please take your children only as far as the classroom door in the morning. While students are not to arrive prior to 7:45 a.m., also set as a goal to have your children in the classroom no later than 7:55 a.m. This enables the children to complete their expected morning routine before the 8:00 a.m. bell.

If any students arrive after the 8:00 a.m. bell, their driver will need to come into the school office to sign-in the student. The student will receive a pass to return to the classroom. When the student returns to the room with the pass, the teacher will change the attendance from “absent” to “tardy”. Calling in will not excuse a tardy student. The driver must accompany the student to the office to gain admittance. If the driver leaves the late student without signing-in, they will be called back via telephone. The student will remain in the school office until the driver returns to properly sign the late student in. We thank you for your cooperation.

Any student who has been tardy more than 10 times in a quarter will be sent home for a one day out-of-school suspension. Any student who has been absent more than 10 times within a semester may be retained in the grade for the following year. Faculty and board review of each child’s situation will be done on a case-by-case basis. Any child that is gone for non-school sponsored events will be marked absent.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Perfect attendance is awarded quarterly. It is awarded to any student who attends each school day in its entirety. There can be no days tardy or partial days missed.

PERFECT CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Perfect Church Attendance is awarded quarterly. It is awarded to all students who attend each Sunday church service in a quarter.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The Sunday school program is the basic Christian educational opportunity for the children of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Attendance at Our Saviour Lutheran Elementary School does not exclude participation in the Sunday School Program. While Sunday school attendance is not required as a prerequisite of elementary school enrollment, we stress that all Christian education is the responsibility of the parents. The opportunity for an additional hour of Christian education in the grade school formative years is offered in an attempt to help parents fulfill this “God-ordained” responsibility.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

All children in our school participate in the School Choir. The children sing anthems on a scheduled basis each month of the church year, along with our Christmas program. Parents are asked to bring their children to church at the proper time on each of these Sundays and the Christmas service. All children are expected to attend the full worship service when singing, as your child may sing at a different time in each service. This is part of our obligation to the church, which provides us with our Christian education. Parents would do well to remember the words, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of God.”

Attendance for singing will be an important part of their school music grade. Parents of the students who cannot attend due to an extenuating circumstance are asked to contact the principal or teacher at least three days in advance of the singing date. If there is a recent sickness, still call your child’s teacher or leave a message at the church or school prior to the singing date. We ask this as a courtesy to us in our planning. (There will be a 10% reduction in the music grade for a non-emergency excused absence and a 20% reduction for each unexcused absence.)

TRANSPORTATION

Our Saviour Lutheran School does not have a school bus program. Students within close proximity of the school may ride bikes. They must park them as soon as they arrive on school property, and are not to be used until dismissal. If you are interested in arranging a car pool, contact the principal for the names of school families near you.

Please arrive after 7:45 a.m. on school days, and pick up your children promptly at 3:00 p.m. If you need to speak to a teacher, please park your vehicle in a marked parking space and come in. This allows for the safe and continuous flow of traffic as parents pick up their children. Children will not be allowed to run into the parking lot before or after school.

Your children can only be picked up from school or any other school related event by the people that you listed on the Child Release Form that you filled out at the time of enrollment. If you need to add someone to the list it must be done in writing in the school office. We can’t accept phone calls for changes to the list.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tuesdays/Thursdays (seasonal) Basketball 3rd-8th Mr. Denney, Mrs. Carson 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Wednesdays Girl Pioneers Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Carson 3:15–5:00 p.m.

Boy Pioneers Mr. Koivisto 3:15-5:00 p.m.

If your child is participating in any after school activities, please pick them up promptly at the indicated time.

EXTRACURRICULAR AWARDS

Extracurricular awards are awarded for participation in Yearbook, and Basketball. For the first year of participation, the child will receive a red and white chenille block letter “S”. The letter “S” is representative of our mascot, the Saints. For each successive year of participation, a pin to be placed on the block letter “S” will be awarded. Awards will also be given for intramural champions.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP THROUGH CHAPEL OFFERINGS

Each Wednesday our pastor will conduct a chapel service in the church from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend this service that is focused toward the children. An offering is taken for a particular mission project for the semester. All children will be encouraged to take part in our school’s mission projects. However, “giving” stewardship is not the only way we can show our love for Jesus. We will also encourage children to spread the Gospel by personally telling others of Jesus and His love for us, and by using whatever gifts God has blessed them with to the best of their ability.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

As in all areas, students are to follow instructions when an emergency arises. Students should warn the staff of anyone that they see who is a stranger on the school grounds. Children and parents are to report all threats, no matter how seemingly trivial. In the case of an emergency necessitating lock-down, the staff will lock all doors and close windows. Students are expected to sit quietly under the direction of a staff member until the threat is over.

During a fire emergency, children will follow the established procedures. They will proceed in an orderly manner to the given location along the western edge of the parking lot. If that exit is blocked, they will proceed to the northern end of the playground. The teachers will count the students in their class to ensure everyone is accounted for, and the supervisor administering the drill be notified. Regular fire drills are held each month. In the case of a bomb threat, the procedure will be the same; with the exception of having the children take their backpack with them on the way. After roll call is taken, the children will proceed to Our Saviour Lutheran Church under the direction of the staff.

It is the policy of Our Saviour Lutheran School to safeguard the health of the children to the best of our ability. In this regard, we prefer to be especially cautious concerning any accident of a serious nature. It is therefore our policy to handle emergencies in the following manner:

1. Call 911. Then call parents or emergency contacts from the enrollment form
2. Have the child evaluated by a paramedic on our site.
3. Follow the recommendations of the paramedic concerning the seriousness of the injury and the need for immediate transportation to a medical facility. If, in their opinion, the injury is not serious, the child will be kept at school for the parents to transport.

INSURANCE

Our Saviour Lutheran School does not carry any health / accident insurance for the students. The responsibility for proper coverage lies with each family. You may wish to consult your insurance carrier to determine the extent of your coverage.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

There will be no medications administered to any child without specific written directions and permission from the child’s parent or doctor. This includes over the counter medications as well as perscriptions. The school stocks no medications, including Tylenol or aspirin. If your child requires medication during school hours, the parent may personally come to administer the medication. If this is not possible, deliver the medication along with an Administration of Medication form. Any medication to be administered at school must be in its original, labeled container, be accompanied by the signed form, and delivered by a parent or responsible adult. These forms are available in the office throughout the school year. No children will be allowed to carry medication with them.

FIELD TRIPS and EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Throughout the course of the year, our school may participate in various activities designed to broaden the student’s interests and general knowledge of God’s creation. In keeping with the philosophy of teaching the whole child, “outside” activities such as science fairs, field trips, etc. are important parts of a good education. On most trips, parents will be asked to drive. Parental permission is required before the child can go on these trips. Student health and accident insurance is not carried by the school, but is the responsibility of the family. Students are expected to participate in all school activities as part of our curriculum. Work assignments will be provided for students remaining at school.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Parents may call the school before 8:00 a.m., during the lunch period (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), or after 3:00 p.m. School office hours are 10:00am to 2:00pm. Church office hours are 8:00am to 3:00pm. Except for cases of emergency, parents are urged not to call the school during class time. Students are expected to plan ahead to avoid the necessity of calling home to arrange for transportation or to spend the evening with a friend. Such arrangements should be made before school.

P.A.T.T. ORGANIZATION

P.A.T.T. (Parents And Teachers Together) is a parent/teacher organization that meets once a month, giving teachers and parents a chance to get together socially, discuss common issues, do service projects, and to invite guest speakers and performers. Parents are encouraged and expected to be at the meetings. There are many exciting opportunities available throughout the year! Guests and friends are welcomed.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

As parents, you have an obligation and a right to expect to be fully informed concerning all functions and activities of Our Saviour Lutheran School. Information about class outings, or any other school or extracurricular activity will be forwarded to you through your child. A weekly newsletter is sent home regarding more recent events and information. Please check daily for correspondence from the school and teachers.

SCHOOL GROUNDS AND RECESS

If the school is to assume the responsibility of the safety of your child, the school must insist that no child leave the school grounds during school hours. Written permission from the parents is the exception. Whenever such permission has been granted, such instances will be noted on your child’s attendance record. Full responsibility for early dismissal lies with the pupil and the parents.

If, during the year, you would like to have your child stay in for recess because of sickness or some other valid reason, please contact your child’s teacher. For health reasons, it is advisable for students to go outside unless they are ill.

DISTRACTIONS

Students should not have any items that are not directly related to their education visible during the school day. If a teacher notices any of these items, he or she will take the item from the child and return it at the end of the school day on the first offense. On the second offense the item will be taken and returned to the child’s parent or guardian at the parent’s earliest convince. If there is a third offense the item will be taken and returned at the end of the school year.

SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS

School supply lists will be provided by each classroom teacher for the upcoming school year, prior to the beginning of the school year. Teachers will notify parents of needed supplies through the course of the year.

Kindergarten students should bring sleeping accessories (blanket, pillow) as part of their supply list.

LUNCHES – SNACKS – WATER

Microwaves are available for use in the classrooms. Please provide a lunch that is healthy and is easily consumed by your child. Since food is a blessing from God, it is not to be wasted. Uneaten food will be returned into your child’s lunch box and sent home. Pop (soda) or caffeine drinks are not permitted in school. Students are allowed a morning snack at recess.

Students should bring a water bottle to school to use and refill with the classroom water dispensers.

LIBRARY

The Karen Schneck Library is for your child’s use and enjoyment. We have a wonderful variety of books, videos, and reference materials. Please help us encourage your child to continue to read at home. Proper care and return of library books is expected.

WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD’S TERRA NOVA ACHIEVEMENT TESTING

Our school carries out a testing program in the basic academic areas. They are administered to grades 3-8. Parents will be advised as to the strengths and weaknesses of their children through the evaluations sent home with the results. We urge all parents to take full advantage of these evaluations.

BOOKS AND BOOK FEES

Catechism books are the personal property of each student and can be purchased from the pastor. A registration fee, which includes a book fee, is required of all students and is set annually by the Board of Christian Education. The fee is for the cost of consumable materials and for the replacement cost of new textbooks. All hardcover books needed by the student for daily work are provided by the school and are covered by the registration fee. Parents of students who take improper care of their books, thus causing a book to wear out before its usual wear span (at least five years) will be expected to pay the replacement cost of books lost or damaged. (Students are not to write in their hardcover textbooks.) Fees must be paid before the final report card is released to the parents.

PAYMENT POLICIES

Registration Fee: $400.00 per student due: upon registration

Tuition Payment Plan: $ 4,000.00 in 10 payments $400.00 due: 1st of each month (August – May)

Discount Tuition $ 3,600.00 if paid in full by: 1st day of school (10% discount)

There is a ½ price reduction in tuition for additional children in the family enrolled in school.

The Board of Education reserves the right to discontinue the enrollment of any student whose fees fall behind schedule. If there are extenuating circumstances, contact the principal before payment is due. See information about the H.E.L.P. Foundation in the next section.

If tuition falls behind more than thirty days, a written notice will be sent to the parents or guardians concerning the delinquency of payments. A 5% late fee may be assessed, and cash or money orders may only be accepted as future payments. If tuition is delinquent for sixty days, the student may be suspended with notice. A record of repeated late payments may be held as a reason not to renew a student application for the next year.

We require a nominal tuition fee for our active church member parents in view of the fact that they support the school through their weekly church offerings. Parents should consider the costs involved in running the school when deciding what portion of their income they will return to the Lord. We expect good Christian stewardship from the parents not only for the support of the school, but as a good example of Christian living to their children.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Our school is a member of the H.E.L.P. Foundation, an organization that collects and distributes funds through the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Under this program, married taxpayers filing jointly may make a contribution of up to $ 1,000.00 per year to our school and receive a direct credit off of their state income tax. We then make available scholarships to our students from this fund. We encourage all parents to make use of this program as a painless way to help our educational program and assist our students. Donations to credit the year’s taxes must be postmarked by December 31. H.E.L.P. Foundation’s website for information and donations is: www.helpfoundationonline.org .

To benefit from the H.E.L.P. funds available, parents must apply. Parents who are members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church must also apply for their children. The program is used to distribute the H.E.L.P. funds based on the need and financial background of the student and family. H.E.L.P applications will ask for W2 forms and a paragraph. However, the benefits received through the H.E.L.P. foundation are worth the efforts, as $34,923.07 was distributed last year. Applications may be picked up at the school or church office.

QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

At times a parent may disagree with a school policy or practice, especially as it pertains to your child. Such concerns should not be allowed to fester within, nor should they become the subject of public conversation. God has a better plan. In keeping with Matthew 18, discuss the problem with the person involved. Approach the discussion with prayerful humility. Rejoice that the problem is between fellow Christians. Our Lord is Lord over all, for under our almighty all-knowing God any such problems can be resolved. To insure proper loving communication, it is important to follow this procedure.

Take it to the Lord in prayer  Parent  Teacher  Principal  Pastor  Board of Education

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Ask the principal, your child’s teacher, or any member of the Board of Education. We will be glad to help you.

OUR SAVIOUR LUTHERAN SCHOOL 680-6181 BOARD of EDUCATION

Our Saviour Lutheran Church 855-8811 Mr. David Wilson 855-7040 work

Pastor Tim Hartwig 855-1231 Mr. Blair Fasching 505-1592

Mr. Cliff Anderson 680-7910

Mr. Darren Carson 208-9393

Mr. Hal Lee 453-5061

Mr. Brandon Fasching 453-4833

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1-2