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Grace Lutheran School

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Parent / Student Handbook

1207 South 7th Ave.

Yakima, WA 98902

(509) 426-1471

Table of Contents

Grace Lutheran School Primary Information:

Purpose, Philosophy, and Goals 3

Tradition of Excellence 3-4

Statement of non-discrimination 4

Management and Supervision 4

Philosophy 4

Curriculum and Faculty 4

Learning Environment 4

Enrollment 4

Discipline 5-8

Grievance Procedure 8

Home-School Communication 8-10

Admissions Guidelines 10

Tuition and Fees 10-11

GLS - General Information

Attendance, Arrival and Dismissal 11-12

Grading 12

Dress Code 13

Health and Safety 13-15

Extra-Curricular Activities/ P.E. 15

Lunch and Snacks 15-16

Telephone 16

Purpose, Philosophy, and Goals

The purpose of Grace Lutheran School is to offer its children a quality, Christ-centered education that prepares them for this life and the life after. Our school ministers to the entire child with concern for his/her salvation in Christ as its prime purpose. Its secondary and other important task is to education and train the child in academics from a solidly Christian perspective. God and His Word are the common foundation of our work together as families and as a school.

Our philos0phy is that our children are a precious gift given to us by God. Along with this gift, parents are given the important responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents are to teach their children to use their time, talents, and treasures to the glorify God, in a life of faithful service. Grace Lutheran School has been established to assist parents in this endeavor.

Our objectives include supporting the mission of the congregation, supporting the Christian home, helping students to discover, appreciate, and develop the gifts given to them by God, and to use these gifts in service to Him.

Our Goals can be summed up under the following points.

1. Proclaim the Gospel so that the entire family might know Jesus as their personal Savior and be nurtured in that faith.

2. Provide students with a solid foundation in God’s Word.

3. Study all subjects from a Christian point of view and carry out all activities with Christian character.

4. Strive for academic excellence while helping each student develop according to the gifts given to him/her by God.

5. Provide students with guidance and knowledge needed to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and physically all to the glory of God.

6. Maintain Washington State approval for our school program while continuing a high scholastic standard.

A Tradition of Excellence

Grace Lutheran School is part of The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) School System. The WELS has a rich tradition of academic excellence in its Pre-School through Grade 12 school system. The WELS has operated highly regarded schools across the United States, the Caribbean, and elsewhere in the world for over 150 years. Currently, WELS churches and associations operate 403 early childhood centers, 316 elementary schools, 23 high schools, and 2 colleges. Grace Lutheran School of Yakima is a part of the fourth largest private school system in America.

The Wisconsin Synod has provided excellent instructors to these schools by training its own teachers since 1884. It is gratifying to report that, on average, students attending WELS schools annually tend to outperform their peers by a considerable margin on national achievement tests. We humbly thank God for His blessings upon our schools. Grace Lutheran School is proud to continue this rich tradition of academic excellence in the Yakima Valley for over 60 years.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Grace Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national, or 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 or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, athletic activities, admissions, and other school-administered programs.

Management and Supervision

Grace Lutheran School is part of the ministry of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and is at all times under the control of this congregation. Our school is under the supervision of the Grace Lutheran School Team, which acts by the authority of the voters of Grace Congregation and in accordance with its constitution.

Curriculum and Faculty

The curriculum of our school meets the requirements of the State of Washington and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Our school receives yearly approval from the Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction. The members of the teaching staff are spiritually and academically qualified to serve as teachers in our school. The school year calendar conforms to the requirements of the Washington Administration Code (WAC 180-90-150).

Learning Environment

Respect and seriousness of purpose characterize the classroom environment at Grace. The GLS code of conduct promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. This learning atmosphere is relaxed but orderly – a place where instruction can take place and the joy of academic accomplishment can be experienced. In maintaining structured, disciplined classrooms, the teachers provide an educational setting where children can focus more readily, apply themselves better, and realize greater success in their quest to learn.

Enrollment

Grace Lutheran School is maintained for families who desire a sound Christian education in the Lutheran tradition, and who are willing to cooperate with the school in this endeavor. It is also necessary that we are truly able to help the students. For this reason we do not normally accept students with severe learning disabilities, discipline issues, or severe physical deficiencies. The School Team has the responsibility of determining the acceptance of students into the school. In addition, the School Team may at any time determine that the enrollment of a student is no longer in the best interest of the school. In such cases the student will be dismissed.

Discipline

In keeping with Grace Lutheran School’s mission, faculty and staff members strive to clearly communicate all school rules and classroom guidelines regarding student conduct. These rules and guidelines are shared with the parents at the start of the school year. Conformity to these rules is expected at all times, whether in the classroom, on the playground, or elsewhere on the school campus. Students are expected to follow these rules out of love for God, respect for their teachers, and consideration for their fellow students.

The staff assumes the role of parent when the children are left under their care each day. The Principal and teachers use their discretion whenever discipline is deemed necessary. Parents can rest assured that all discipline is carried out in the spirit of Christian love by teachers who genuinely care about each child. Discipline comes from the word “disciple” – to teach. Discipline is our way of teaching children to make proper choices. Discipline, then, is viewed not as punishment, but loving correction. No form of physical, corporal, or emotionally abusive disciplinary measures are used at any time.

Discipline is administered for the following unacceptable behaviors and may lead to suspension, expulsion, and/ or other disciplinary action:

• Being disrespectful, rude, disobedient to school personnel

• Using inappropriate, vulgar, or obscene language

• Stealing or possessing items not belonging to you

• Violation of dress code

• Failing to complete assigned school work (3 or more per week)

• Tardiness (4 or more per quarter)

• Cheating on tests

• Harassment of fellow students

• Vandalizing/defacing school property (parents will be financially liable)

• Leaving class/school without permission

• Skipping class

• Being out of class without permission

• Attitude and examples which are detrimental to the welfare of other students

• Gambling

• Possession of Water pistols, Toy guns, Knives, Radios, Electronic Games, IPod, CD Players, etc.

Any electronic equipment brought onto campus by students is subject to confiscation if seen without permission.

Disciplinary Procedures

In the event that a student fails to observe the Grace Student Conduct and Discipline Policy, a discipline process is initiated as follows:

1.) The infraction is brought to the student’s attention.

2.) The incident is documented by the teacher.

3.) By means of personal counseling, the teacher and student work together to achieve resolution. This may result temporarily in extra duties or the loss of privileges for the student. Whenever consequences are administered, they will be consistent, logical, and motivated by love for the child.

4.) Parents may receive a phone call, hand-written note, or e-mail message from the teacher indicating concern for the student’s behavior and inviting parental involvement.

5.) Ongoing infractions may result in student conferences with the Principal.

6.) A teacher or administrator may request a parent conference in which behavioral issues are identified and solutions are discussed.

7.) A student can be placed on probation for repeated violations. The student will remain on probation status until the next marking period.

8.) A student may be suspended for continued violations of school rules. The types and quantity of violations are taken into consideration. The duration of the suspension will be determined by the principal.

9.) If a student persists in his/her lack of cooperation as indicated by an unwilling spirit, rebellious behavior, or unacceptable attitude, the parents will be asked to withdraw the child. Parents with questions or concerns about disciplinary actions should address them to the principal. The principal will then decide on the proper course of action; whether that is through counseling or scheduling a meeting with the teacher.

As disciplinary situations arise, we will approach our concerns with prayer and Christian love, always seeking to arrive at peaceful and proper solutions that are in the best interests of the child.

Disciplinary procedures for unacceptable/inappropriate behavior by students may include, but are not limited to:

Teachers

• Warning/counseling

• Time Out

• Copy classroom rules

• Recess detention

• Contacting parent

• After school detention

• Extra assignments

• Referring students to administration

Administration

Students referred to school administration may be disciplined by:

• Warning/counseling

• Parent conferences

Action taken will be commensurate with the offense and in accordance with the physical development of the student involved. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• In-school suspension

• Out-of-school suspension

• Probation

• Loss of privilege to take part in extra-curricular activities

• Legal action (court)

• Expulsion

Disciplinary Probation

Under certain circumstances, a student's behavior may warrant a more severe disciplinary intervention. Probation is intended to serve as a formal and serious warning to the student and his parents. During the probationary period the student must be all the more intent upon improving his conduct. It is also a period during which a student violating school rules is subject to further disciplinary action. All decisions regarding probation are at the discretion of the Principal. At the discretion of the Principal, probationary status may include one or more sanctions such as restriction of participation in school activities and/or other privileges.

Conditions:

• A student can be placed on probation for repeated violations

• Student progress will be reviewed periodically

• Disciplinary probation can be started at any time during the school year

• Parent cooperation is expected in monitoring concerns

• Duration of the Probationary status will be a minimum of one marking period

• Both student and parents must meet school recommendations

• Student failure to improve conduct may result in a recommendation for alternative schooling.

Suspension and Expulsion Policy

In-School Suspension (ISS) –The Principal may institute an ISS for discipline purposes. The student will be placed in a physical setting where there will be appropriate supervision by a designated person. Any disruption by the student in this setting will result in the student being sent home.

Out-of School Suspension (OSS) – The Principal may suspend any student from attendance at school or any school-related activity on or off campus or from attendance at a specified class or classes.

The following infractions may result in suspension or expulsion:

• Violation of the Grace Student Conduct and Discipline Policy

• Fighting/assault. It takes two to fight and both will be disciplined.

• Possession of tobacco, tobacco products, drugs or alcohol

• The possession or use of firearms, weapons, or explosives will result in an immediate expulsion and notification of the proper authorities.

Grievance Procedure

Grace Lutheran School Administration and Teachers and school staff work very hard to maintain an environment that nurtures academic excellence for our students. Differences of opinions need not create a divisive relationship between school and home. For the sake of the children, there is a mutual benefit if these differences can be resolved through communication and understanding. To work towards this common goal, the following procedure is recommended:

1. Maintaining a calm and respectful attitude that will set a tone where real listening can occur and understanding can emerge.

2. Parents or students with grievances or concerns regarding general school policies or procedures should set up a meeting with the principal to discuss these items of concern. The principal will then decide on the proper course of action; whether that is through counseling or scheduling a meeting with a teacher. Concerns regarding your child’s academic performance should be brought to his/her classroom teacher through a scheduled appointment.

3. If the matter is between the home and the Principal, a conference with the Principal is the appropriate starting point. If satisfaction is not accomplished, then the matter may then be referred to the Pastor / School Team Leader of GLS.

Home to School Communication

GLS desires to build a culture where parents and teachers join hands as partners in providing the finest education possible for the young people entrusted to their care. To that end, the staff of GLS is truly committed to maintaining open channels of communication with the parents and or guardians of our students. The following list outlines some of the important avenues designed to promote efficient and effective home-school communication:

Parent Orientation Night

In late August, parents are expected to meet with the Principal and teachers at a Parent Orientation night to discuss the school’s philosophy, policies, and procedures. Classroom visitation and a question-and- answer session provide parents with helpful insights and information they will need for a successful school year. Inability to attend this meeting may require a separate visit with the staff.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Following the 1st grading period, parents are scheduled to meet with the teacher in a 20- minute conference. Discussion items include the child’s academic progress, school disposition, and interaction with teacher and classmates. A teacher may schedule additional conferences at their discretion.

Teacher Availability

If at any time during the school year parents have questions concerning their child’s progress or behavior, they are encouraged to call the teacher and arrange a mutually convenient time to meet. This may be accomplished by stopping by or calling the school or e-mailing the teacher. The teachers will make every effort to return your call or respond to your e-mail no later than the following day.

Classroom Visitation

As part of Grace’s open-door policy, parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom and see education in action. Parents may participate in the classroom activities or just come and observe. Prior to the visit, arrangements should be made with the teacher for the best time to visit so that the teacher may prepare ways to involve the parent during the visit.

Volunteering

Parents are welcome to volunteer at Grace Lutheran School. Opportunities are plentiful. Whether it’s one day a month or one day a year, please consider reading a story, assisting with a small group, helping with a project, singing a song, manning the computer, or just being an extra pair of hands. Your presence enhances your life, your child’s life, and our educational program as well. If interested, please contact your child’s teacher. At all times we keep the safety of our students at the fore-front of our minds. Volunteers must pass a background check through the Washington State Patrol WATCH program.

Periodic Teacher News

Each teacher sends home a periodic update that may include curriculum units being introduced, projects students are working on, areas of school work where parents can assist their children, or upcoming events. Additionally, student work is saved and sent home at the time specified by your child’s teacher, so that parents are aware of their child’s overall performance. Parent comments or questions are always welcomed.

Field Trips

Field trips are planned during the school year to enrich experiences for the children and expand their educational horizons. Careful thought goes into planning each activity to ensure its educational value and the safety of the children. Examples include trips to theaters, farms, museums, the local library and other special events. These educational trips are planned as a supplement to our curriculum; therefore, all pupils are expected to attend such trips as part of the regular school day. Attendance is taken for field trips and recorded accordingly on report cards.

Parent volunteers are needed to assist with student supervision; consequently, all volunteers must adhere to all school policies and are under the direct authority of the classroom teacher. Trip information and permission slip are sent home to the parents prior to each trip.

Admissions Guidelines

All new students are subject to a six-week probationary period. At the end of the six weeks the child will be evaluated by the faculty and principal in order to determine the permanent status of the child. If we cannot meet the child’s behavioral, academic or spiritual needs, the parents may be advised to transfer their child to another school.

New first year families will have a conference with the principal prior to enrolling for the following school year. Evidence of satisfactory scholastic and health standing with a former school, such as a final report card and immunization records, will be required of all students who apply to enter GLS.

A student entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 31st of the current school year. A student entering 4 year old Preschool must be 4 years old by August 31st of the current school year. A student entering 3 year old Preschool must be 3 years old by August 31st of the current school year. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the principal in consultation with the School Team Leader.

Entry-level placement of students in all grades will be determined by means of faculty-parent consultation. The final determination for grade placement will be made by the principal.

Tuition and Fees

1. Application fees are submitted with all student applications. No student will be considered for enrollment until the application form and fees are received. Application fees are non-refundable. Discounts are available for early payment.

2. Supply fees are broken into monthly installments and paid in addition to monthly tuition.

3. Tuition is due by the 15th of each month and becomes delinquent by the 20th. A $20 late fee may be applied to the account if no contact with the Finance Team Leader listed below or payment has been processed by the 20th.

4. If an academic quarter ends while an account is delinquent, the student(s) may not be accepted for the next quarter until payment or payment arrangements have been made.

5. Money received will be applied in the following order:

1. Prior year obligations.

2. Current year application fees.

3. Current year supply and tuition fees.

6. After July 1st, all tuition and related fees must be paid through and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from a savings or checking account. To access the site, go to .

7. Tuition/Supply Fees may be paid annually or over 10 months – August 15th – May 15th.

8. Grace Lutheran School will not enroll any student who owes tuition from the previous year unless arrangements have been made with the Finance Group Leader on the School Team.

9. Contact Information:

-Current Finance Group Leader: Jonathan Hood

GLStuition@

509-949-1965 (call or text)

Attendance

We expect regular and punctual attendance of our students. Parents are required to contact the school if their child is going to be absent. If the school is not contacted within 24 hours of the start of a school day then the absence will be unexcused. If a student is absent for seven consecutive days without communication from a parent or guardian, the student may be dismissed from school and the matter may reported to the appropriate state officials.

Preschool and Kindergarten

Our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon for preschool and kindergarten. Preschool and kindergarten students are expected to arrive at school by 8:30 a.m. Parents must arrive no later than noon to pick-up their preschool and kindergarten student. Before and after school care IS NOT available for our students. If care is needed during non-school hours, parents must make arrangements outside of school.

Grades 1-8

We expect regular and punctual attendance of our students. Our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:15p.m. Students should arrive at school no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and no later than 8:30 a.m. (doors will open at 8:15 a.m. and locked at 8:30 a.m.). If students arrive after 8:30, they must follow the guidelines of the classroom teacher regarding late school arrival.

Students should proceed directly home at the end of the day. Parents must arrive no later than 3:15 p.m. to pick up their children. We depend on our parents to provide transportation for their students to and from school.

Late Pick-up

If a student is not picked up by 3:45 p.m. the student may be taken off campus by a member of the church or school faculty/staff and may be taken to the home of a member of the faculty/staff. If the parent or guardian of the student does not contact the school principal or classroom teacher by 8:00 p.m. the school may contact child protective services.

Grading and Promotion

Our grading system uses the following scale:

A 92-100%

B 83-91%

C 74-82%

D 65-73%

F 0-64%

E Exceptional

S Satisfactory

N Needs Improvement

U Unsatisfactory

I Incomplete

Incomplete: the work for a given assignment was not finished by the date the assignment was due.

Students will be promoted upon successful completion of their grade level. Students will be retained at their grade level if they cannot successfully complete the work of that grade level. Parents will be contacted about the possibility of retention as soon as there is any indication of the need.

Weekly Progress Reports

Teachers may initiate the weekly progress report for students of concern or at risk. Parents may also request that a weekly progress report be implemented. This will help parents keep a pulse on their child’s educational growth, effort, and conduct. The weekly progress report will be sent home each Friday. Part of the value of the progress report is that they help prevent any “surprises” at report card time. Parents are to ask the child for the progress report.

Dress Code

We expect our students’ clothes and appearance to be neat, modest, appropriate, and clean at all times, thus showing the world that they believe their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. What is more, we expect our students’ style of clothing to become them as Christians, and should be worn in such a way as to reflect the principle “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) We intend to leave the control of these matters in the hands of parents, where they

properly belong, but we do reserve the right to act in cases where good taste and judgment are no longer being exercised.

Hair must be neat, clean, and trimmed. Girls may have no more than two earrings per ear. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. No other type of body piercing is allowed.

Proper clothing includes outerwear, because much of our recess and physical education activities take place outdoors, even in inclement weather. We do ask parents to make sure their students are properly dressed for being outdoors in all but the most severe weather conditions. In the event of warm summer weather, shorts are permitted if they are mid-thigh in length or longer.

Polo Shirts

Every Wednesday will be school spirit day and we require your child (ren) to wear their issued navy blue school polo shirt and khaki slacks or shorts for boys and khaki slacks, shorts, skirts, or skorts for girls. We also may require the school polo shirt be worn by all students participating in any off-campus, student related activities as an extra measure of safety and to show our school pride, unless otherwise specified by the student’s teacher.

Health and Safety

First Aid and CPR Certification

No one can know when CPR will be needed, but it’s a skill that can be the difference between life and death. All GLS faculty and staff are CPR and First Aid Certified and meet American Red Cross and American Heart Association recommendations. Knowledge obtained through these courses permits GLS faculty and staff

to be ready to handle emergencies due to sudden illness or injury to students.

Immunizations and Health Forms

Washington law requires that all students have the necessary forms on file by the first day of class. Students cannot begin classes at Grace without proper documentation of up-to-date immunizations. Forms are available from your doctor. An emergency card, filled out with the registration paperwork, is also required of each student.

Emergencies

Medical emergencies may, on occasion, occur at school. In the event of a life-threatening situation (i.e., unconsciousness), the school may need to contact the appropriate emergency medical service first, before calling the parents. In case of an accident or illness where immediate emergency care is not deemed necessary,

but where a child is unable to remain at school, the school will contact the parents to arrange transportation home. Likewise, if a child shows symptoms of illness during the day, the child will be isolated and the parents will be called. Parents, please remember that the school must be able to reach you at all times. If neither parent can

be reached at home, work, or cell, the emergency contacts listed on the child’s emergency card will be phoned and asked to pick up the child.

Serious Injury

If your child suffers a serious injury, procedures as outlined in the Safety and Emergency Management Plan will be initiated. The school will call 911 followed by the parents; provide First Aid until help arrives; and determining who will accompany the injured student to the hospital. An Accident Report form will be completed describing the nature and extent of the injury. All Head Injuries Will Be Reported To Parents.

Medication

Medication which is prescribed by a physician may be administered to the student if failure to take such medication during the school day jeopardizes a student’s health.

An authorization to Administer Oral Medication shall be completed by the parent or legal guardian before any prescription medication is administered by an authorized person. Any change in dosage or directions will require completion of a new authorization by the parent. A physician’s signature will be required if the

prescription date is more than 12 days old.

Illness

Students with any of the following symptoms are asked to stay home from school:

• Fever of 100 F or higher (Students should be kept at home for AT LEAST 12 hours AFTER the fever breaks.)

• Vomiting on 2 or more occasions

• Diarrhea

• Pinkeye or Eye Discharge

• Excessive Coughing

• Request open sores are covered/ bandaged

The courtesy of a phone call to the school is expected when a student is ill and staying home from school.

Safety and Emergency Management Plan

A Grace Lutheran School Safety and Emergency Management Plan has been formulated for in the event of an external threat to its students, teachers, staff and or physical plant. This multi-hazard evacuation plan shall encompass, but not be limited to, evacuations for fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other hazardous storms

or disasters in which serious bodily injury might occur, hostage siege, terrorist activities, and bomb threats, etc. The plan shall be designed for the building after a yearly review. The Safety and Emergency Management Plan shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

Severe Weather

A severe weather warning is made when the weather service announces a severe weather watch for the area. Unless otherwise notified by the school principal, Grace Lutheran School will follow the Yakima Schools’ announcement regarding school closure and openings.

Emergency Evacuation Drills and Reporting

In compliance with state regulations, emergency drills are performed once a month. For the safety of all, detailed drill procedures are shared and periodically reviewed in each classroom.

Extra-Curricular Activities/ P.E.

Our students participate in various interscholastic sports. Depending on grade level, students participate in soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track.

Physical education is a part of our curriculum and our students participate in all physical education periods unless they are excused for reasons of health with written permission from their doctor. Appropriate shoes and dress must be worn on scheduled P.E. days. Parents are to make sure their children are properly clothed for playing outdoors. Certain participation fees for sports and PE programs may apply.

Lunch and Snacks

All students must bring a lunch from home except on special Hot Lunch days. Hot Lunch days occur at various time throughout the year and each meal must be paid for in advance. In the event a student forgets his/her lunch, parents are to drop off the in the classroom or kitchen prior to the student’s lunch time. Soda, sports drinks and energy drinks are not allowed. The students are allowed microwave use.

Snack Break

At the start of each morning recess, the children will have a short snack break. Parents are encouraged to send along nutritious, low-sugar light snacks. Soda is not allowed.

Parties

Many of the parents like to bring refreshments on their child’s birthday. This may be done with prior approval from the classroom teacher. Because of time constraints, birthday celebrations at school should be kept short and simple and cannot be spontaneous. A good time to do this is right after the lunch period, if possible or when suggested by the teacher.

Telephone

Children may be allowed to use the office phone only with the permission of a teacher. Students in grades 5-8 may have cell phones at school, but they must be turned off and put away. A student’s cell phone may only be used with the teacher’s permission primarily for the purpose of contacting parents or guardians. In the event a student’s cell phone is seen or rings during the school day, the student will receive a warning. If it happens twice it will be given to the parents. If it happens a third time, the principal may determine that the cell phone cannot be at school.

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