“Be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, dO NOT BE AFRAID. DO NOT DISCOURAGED, FOR THE lORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” Joshua 1:9 Parent-Student Handbook 2020–2021 Table of Contents 1.1 THE PHILOSOPHY 4 1.2 MISSION STATEMENT 4 1.3 VISION STATEMENT 4 1.4 CORE VALUES 5 1.5 SCHOOL GOALS 5 1.6 ADMINISTERING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 6 1.7 STATEMENT OF BELIEF 6 2.1 ENROLLMENT AND REGISTRATION PROCESS 7 2.2 CLASS LIMITS 8 2.3 NON DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT 8 2.4 STUDENT HEALTH GUIDELINES 8 2.5 FINANCES 8 2.5.1 TUITION POLICIES AND REGISTRATION FEES 8 2.5.2 MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES AND FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION POLICY 10 2.5.3 FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLICY PROCEDURE 10 2.5.4 FINANCIAL POLICY FOR NEW MEMBERS 11 2.5.5 VOLUNTEER TUITION CREDIT PROGRAM: 11 2.6 CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE 11 2.6.1 RESPECT POLICY 11 2.6.2 SCHOOL RESPONSE TO BULLYING AND HARASSMENT 11 2.6.3 STUDENT BEHAVIOR PROTOCOL 12 2.6.4 DISCIPLINE STEPS 12 2.6.5 APPEALS PROCESS 15 2.6.6 INVOLUNTARY REMOVAL 15 2.7 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 15 2.8 CHILD ABUSE SUSPICION POLICY 16 2.9 VOLUNTEER POLICY 16 2.10 MEDIA RELEASE 17 2.11 SCHOOL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE 17 1 6 ​ 3.1 THE CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM 17 3.2 BAND 17 3.3 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 18 3.4 OUTDOOR EDUCATION 18 3.5 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 18 3.6 LUTHERAN SPECIAL EDUCATION MINISTRY (LSEM) 18 3.7 PROMOTION POLICY 18 3.8 TECHNOLOGY 18 3.8.1 Acceptable Use Policy 18 3.8.2 1 to 1 Policy 20 3.8.3 Chromebook Responsibilities and Use Policy 20 3.9 IMMUNIZATIONS 21 3.10 ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY 21 4.1 THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 21 4.2 THE SCHOOL DAY 21 4.3 VISITORS 21 4.4 COMMUNICATING WITH FACULTY AND STAFF 22 4.5 SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS 22 4.6 CHILDREN DROPPED OFF BEFORE 7:30AM 22 4.7 STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY 22 4.8 AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP 22 4.8.1 CHILDREN NOT PICKED UP 23 4.8.2 BUS TRANSPORTATION 23 4.8.3 WALKING HOME 23 4.9 ATTENDANCE / ABSENCES 23 4.10 CHAPEL SERVICES 24 4.11 FIELD TRIP RULES AND TRANSPORTATION/8th GRADE WASHINGTON D.C. CLASS TRIP 24 4.12 PARENTAL CONCERNS 25 4.13 HOMEWORK 25 2 6 ​ 4.14 ACADEMIC DETENTION 25 4.15 HONORS PROGRAM 26 4.16 LIBRARY BOOK REPLACEMENT 26 4.17 LUNCH 26 4.18 LOCKERS 26 4.19 MEDICATION POLICY 27 4.20 PARENT EVENT PLANNERS (PEP SQUAD)AND BOOSTERS 27 4.21 PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CLOTHING 27 4.22 REPORTING TO PARENTS 28 4.23 PHOTO PUBLICATIONS AND USE 28 4.24 SUNDAY WORSHIP 28 4.25 TELEPHONE USAGE 28 4.26 CELL PHONE POLICY 29 4.27 TESTING PROGRAM 29 4.28 VISITORS TO CLASSROOMS 29 4.29 VOLUNTEER POLICY 29 4.30 INCIDENT REPORTING 30 4.31 PEANUT AND TREE NUT POLICY 30 3 6 ​ SECTION ONE: Purpose of Faith Lutheran School 1.1 THE PHILOSOPHY Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 All who have been brought to Faith in Jesus Christ are commissioned by Him to preserve and extend the kingdom of God. This becomes a corporate responsibility when Christians gather as a congregation. When Faith Lutheran Church was founded, a Christian day school was established as a vital part of its total ministry. Presently, our school includes classes for children in preschool through grade eight. Quality Christian education occurs daily in all subjects to prepare children to serve God, their church, and their fellow human beings. In addition, all students are taught biblical truths, Christian values, and Lutheran Doctrine by Christian teachers, thus affording the Holy Spirit an opportunity to work faith in their hearts. Worship in our school is not confined to the daily classroom devotion or to whole-school worship experiences, but occurs throughout the day. Children are encouraged to express their Christian faith in word and deed and to grow in their prayer life. Teachers are to be Christian role models, foster worship in the school and the congregation, faithfully attend congregational worship, and participate in other aspects of congregational life. They are also to provide Christian discipline and age-appropriate instruction for all students in a safe, stable, and positive learning environment. This would include an atmosphere which accommodates special needs, promotes strengths, and respects the dignity of all. The unique role of families and volunteers is recognized as a vital support system for the students, staff, and the success of the school’s ministry. Family oriented activities are promoted, as well as efforts to assist parents in their child-rearing responsibilities. We provide the very best education possible through a continuous self-evaluation process. This assists us in recognizing areas of strength, identifying needs for improvement, and implementing changes where necessary. 1.2 MISSION STATEMENT 1.3 VISION STATEMENT Through God’s guidance and visionary leadership, Faith Lutheran will be engaged in 4 6 ​ ● encouraging an intentional ministry mindset and lifestyle, ● supporting a Christian day school ministry and Christian education for all ages, and ● providing for the physical and spiritual needs of our community and beyond. People will know Jesus because of Faith. 1.4 CORE VALUES As the body of Christ, we value... CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL MINISTRY We are committed to offering a Christ-centered education that challenges each child to reach his or her full potential and encourages every family to honor Christ in all aspects of their life. ● 2 Timothy 3:14-15 - But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing ​ from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ● Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ​ ​ Faith Lutheran School is a prominent organization in providing a quality Christian educational experience for individuals and families of both members and non-members of Faith Lutheran Church. As such, this experience is rooted in Holy Scripture through the integration of Christian teaching across the curriculum and extracurricular activities. CHRIST FIRST IN ALL THINGS We are committed to diligence in prayer, worship, and financial responsibility as a means of honoring Christ. We will strive for excellence in all things so that we may be the light of Christ to those in darkness. (Colossians 3:17; Proverbs 3:5-6) ​ ​ TRUST IN GOD We are committed to wholeheartedly trusting in God. We have faith that the Holy Spirit will guide us, as individuals and as a church family, to fulfill His mission here on earth with grace and honor in His name. (Psalm 119:105; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 41:10) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ BIBLE-BASED TEACHING We are committed to strengthening our relationship with Christ through Biblical preaching and God's word; feeding our spirit through worship, faithful reception of the sacraments and diligent prayer. (Colossians 3:16; Romans 10:17) ​ ​ CHRISTIAN EDUCATION We are committed to providing various opportunities where disciples of all ages are able to personally learn about Christ’s love, spirit, and truth, so they can grow in their faith and discover their baptismal identity. (Matthew 28:19-20;2 Timothy 3:16-17) CONNECTING INWARD AND OUTWARD We are committed to living as God’s people, being ambassadors of God’s love and strength and creating an environment that is welcoming to all. We value all opportunities to serve, worship, and join in fellowship allowing us to serve in His name, spread His word, share His love, and value the gifts He has bestowed upon us. (3 John 1:5-8;Matthew 25: 35) ​ ​ MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES We are committed to a mission and ministry mindset that encourages us to be engaged in sharing our gifts and supporting others in love. Through this commitment, we pray that the light and love of Christ will shine through us. 5 6 ​ (Matthew 5:16;Matthew 22:36-39) ​ ​ 1.5 SCHOOL GOALS These are the goals developed for the ministry of providing a quality Christian education: 1. To remain as an effective and vital part of the total ministry of Faith Lutheran Church 2. To maintain a quality Christian educational experience for all students 3. To provide an atmosphere that would allow students to express their Christian faith in word and deed and to grow in their prayer life 4. To call or contract a School Administrator and teachers who would function as Christian role models, provide Christian discipline, and utilize age-appropriate instruction in a safe, stable, and positive learning environment 5. To recognize the unique role of families and volunteers as a vital school support system 6. To promote family oriented activities and to assist parents in their child-rearing responsibilities 7. To maintain a continuous self-evaluation process and implement needed improvements to assure a high quality educational program 1.6 ADMINISTERING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Board of Christian Education, elected by the Faith Voters’ Assembly, is the controlling authority in the operation of Christian education at Faith Lutheran School. A summary of Board of Christian Education meetings will be published following the monthly meeting and minutes of the Board meetings and the principal’s report are available by contacting the office.