ADMINISTRATION The policies and activities of Emanuel Lutheran School are decided and controlled by the Board of Education of Emanuel Lutheran Church and are under the direct supervision of the principal of Emanuel Lutheran School. This handbook is designed to explain policies set by the Board of Christian Education and practices established by the school staff. Please become familiar with this handbook, and let us know if you have any questions or comments. We encourage you to remain active in the education of your child. Please pray for our church and school, our faculty, our families, and especially for our children. May they “grow in grace and knowledge” as they are taught by word and action here at school and in your Christian home. The Board of Education has the best interests of our students, parents, staff and school in mind as we set these policies in light of our Christian walk. Board of Education 1
Transcript
ADMINISTRATION
The policies and activities of Emanuel Lutheran School are decided and controlled by the Board of Education of Emanuel Lutheran Church and are under the direct supervision of the principal of Emanuel Lutheran School.
This handbook is designed to explain policies set by the Board of Christian Education and practices established by the school staff. Please become familiar with this handbook, and let us know if you have any questions or comments. We encourage you to remain active in the education of your child.
Please pray for our church and school, our faculty, our families, and especially for our children. May they “grow in grace and knowledge” as they are taught by word and action here at school and in your Christian home.
The Board of Education has the best interests of our students, parents, staff and school in mind as we set these policies in light of our Christian walk.
Board of Education
Jerry Paumen Betty Sprengeler
Scott Johnson Krista Woestehoff(
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OUR MISSIONEmanuel Lutheran School exists to help parents meet the spiritual and educational needs of their children, reflecting Christ in all thought, speech, and action.
Welcome to Emanuel Lutheran SchoolAs parents, you have made an important decision. You have chosen who will join you in caring for one of the greatest gifts God has given you, your child. At Emanuel, your child will have the benefits of church, home, and school working together. Your child’s full, God-given potential can be developed through Christian education.
Emanuel Lutheran School is committed to the sustaining and nurturing of saving faith in the Lord Jesus as presented daily in God’s Word for the purpose of equipping His children to glorify God and serve mankind.
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Table of Contents Pg. #
GENERAL INFORMATIONEntrance Requirements and Enrollment 5Privacy Rights 6Attendance Policies 6Parking Lot Safety 9Child Care 10Multi-Age Classrooms 10Matthew 18 Policy 10
CLASSROOM INFORMATIONCode of Conduct/ Discipline 11Threats/ Disruptive Behavior 13Chapel and Devotions/Church Attendance 14Homework/Grading Procedures/Conferences 14Special Services 16Standardized Testing 16Computer/Technology Use Policy 16Recess and Outdoor Play/ Playground Rules 18Field Trip Policy 18Cell Phone Use/Personal Items/Toys 19Missing or Misused School Books 19
PARENT INFORMATIONParent Communication 21Parent Participation/Parent-Teacher League 22Emergency School Closings 22Financial Policies 23Lunch/Milk Fees and Procedures 24Promotion/Retention 26Permanent Records 27Home Visits 27Memorial Scholarship 27
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND ENROLLMENTBased upon our philosophy that every child is viewed as a unique creation of God, it is the purposeful intent of Emanuel Lutheran School to provide a thorough and comprehensive program of religious and academic education.
The purpose, personnel and programs of Emanuel Lutheran School are centered on the task of assisting families in educating their children in a Christian environment. The religious teachings of Emanuel Lutheran School will proceed from the confessional standards of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Emanuel 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 the administration of its educational policies, and scholarship programs, athletic, and other school-administrated programs.
PreschoolChildren enrolling in Preschool must be 3 or 4 years old before September 1 of the same year.
KindergartenChildren who enroll in Kindergarten must be 5 years old before September 1 of the same year. Prior to Kindergarten, students are required to complete preschool screening in the spring closest to their 3rd birthday unless other arrangements are made through the Principal.
Grades K - 8When enrolling children, applications are considered in the following order:1. Children of members and existing school families.2. Applications from the community. These are considered in
the order received.3. When the session has reached capacity, further applications
will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if an opening occurs.
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Required DocumentationAll students entering first through eighth grade must submit copies of a current report card and the most recent standardized test scores.
Students transferring from another school will be placed in the grade to which the child is most suited according to information supplied to the Principal from the child's previous teachers, pupil's cumulative record, and any test results.
Emanuel Lutheran School will attempt to meet the special needs of children who request enrollment. We will seek the assistance of a qualified consultant before enrollment of a special needs child. Before admittance, Emanuel Lutheran School shall obtain all vital information from the parent, the child's physician, and the school district to provide special education services to the child.
PRIVACY RIGHTSPlease know that any information you provide is considered private information and needed only to provide the right and proper service for your child. Information will only be shared with individuals who are directly relevant to your child’s education.
ATTENDANCE POLICIESGood stewardship and accountability for our time, as Christians, require us all to be responsible. Regular, punctual attendance is expected of all students. Minnesota Compulsory Instruction Law (§120A.22) requires that all children, ages 7-17 (inclusive) must attend public school or private school. There are legitimate exemptions (Subd. 12) to have a child excused from attendance. In order to avoid consequences mandated by state law, for extended absences, 5 or more school days in a two week period, a doctor’s note will be required .
The following procedures are the student's and the parent's responsibility, should absence from school be necessary:
1. Parents are to call school or Fast Direct the homeroom teacher before 7:45 a.m. if their child will be absent/late for
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the day. The school is to be advised as to the extent of the expected absence. In the case of communicable illnesses, please notify your child’s teacher immediately.
2. If the parents have not called, the school will attempt to contact a parent to confirm the reason for the absence.
*Any student arriving late or leaving during the school day is required to sign in and out on the register by the front door.
AbsencesA student will be considered one half day absent if he/she has missed more than 90 minutes of any part of the school day. A student is a full day absent if he/she has missed more than 4 hours of the school day.
Trips and family vacations during the school year are discouraged.
Early ArrivalsStudents arriving between 7:05 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. should proceed directly to the gym where they will be supervised by a teacher. No student should arrive before 7:05 a.m. Please do not drop off your backpack or go to the classroom first. Teachers are away from their classrooms at this time each morning, taking turns doing gym supervision or attending our faculty devotions & Bible study until 7:35 a.m. We are committed to our time in God’s Word and thank you for understanding that teachers and classrooms are not available to parents and/or students until after that time.
TardinessSchool begins at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. will be counted tardy, except in cases related to severe weather. For every 3 tardies, the student will be marked as one half day absent.
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Part Day AbsencesIf a student must be gone from school for doctor’s appointments, sporting events, etc., but is absent for less than 90 minutes, it will be recorded as a tardy. If over 90 minutes, it will be recorded as one half day absent. For every three tardies and/or part day absences, the student will be marked a half day absent.
Perfect Attendance Awards are given to students who have no absences and who have less than 3 tardies per school year.
Make-up work All school work assigned on the day of the student's absence is the responsibility of the student. The student is to contact all teachers with whom classes have been missed for assignments. Students are allowed time to complete make-up work, equal to the number of days absent, plus one additional day. Students who are absent because of a trip must turn in completed assignments to the teacher on the day of their return.
Student Pick-upOur school day ends at 2:35 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child/children after school. Students need to be picked up by 2:45 pm. Parents must inform Emanuel if their child is going home in a way that is different from their usual routine. If your child is going to be picked up by someone other than a parent, will be staying after school to watch an athletic event, going to a friend’s house, or going home by any way other than the one usually used, you must send a note to school or call the school informing the teacher of this change . The end of the school day is very busy, so please contact us as soon as you know of the change. Attendance and After School Activities and AthleticsFor participation in after school activities and athletics, students need to be in attendance for at least half of the day on the day of the event.
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After School Supervision – Lessons, Practices and GamesPractices: If a student needs to stay after school with a sibling who has practice, that student will need to stay in the gym on a designated area of the bleachers for the duration of the practice. Prior approval must be obtained from the coach. If the student leaves the gym or is disruptive to practice, the privilege of staying after will be revoked.
Games: While we encourage our students to support our Raider teams, anyone staying after school for a game needs to have a parent or adult present on campus who will take responsibility for them. Classroom teachers must be informed if a student will be staying after for a game and who is responsible for them if a parent is not present.
Teachers/coaches will not fill this role due to their responsibility to either their classroom or their team.
Students should be in the gym, or they may use outdoor facilities with permission of their on-site parent. No students are allowed in the school or classrooms before, during or after events.
PARKING LOT SAFETYTo ensure the safety of our students, we ask that during the school hours of 7:15 am – 3:00 pm, everyone entering the parking lot should enter through the west entrance nearest the church. ALL traffic in the parking lot should move in a counterclockwise direction from that entrance.
If you are dropping your child off at the main entrance to school, please make sure your vehicle is facing north (toward Co. Rd. 50). If you are walking your child into or out of the building, please park your vehicle in the marked spots in the center of the parking lot.
Students in grades K – 4 must be picked up in the school entryway. Please remind your 5th – 8th grade student that they must be excused by the teacher on duty before meeting you at your vehicle.
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Please pass this information on to everyone who will be transporting your child(ren). Thank you for helping ensure the safety of our precious children.
CHILD CAREBefore and after school care is available at our SONshine House Daycare located behind the church. You may call to make arrangements at 952 - 467 - 9000.
MULTI-AGE CLASSROOMSEmanuel is proud to offer multi-age classrooms that enhance our students’ education. Studies show that multi-age classrooms create an environment that allows students to more readily improve their social and academic development as compared to the single age classrooms in many other schools.
Students are grouped according to achievement in some subjects, such as math and reading. Other subjects result in different groupings. At different times of their day, students work independently, in pairs, and in large and small groups.
The following are some of the benefits of a multi-age classroom:
Because there is a wide range of abilities, the multi-age class lends itself to a cooperative spirit. Students are more accepting of the uniqueness of themselves and others.
Younger students learn from older students. The older students reinforce their own learning through "teaching."
Older students get to be models and leaders which enhances their self-esteem.
In grades 3-8, Religion, Social Studies and Science will be taught using an alternating curriculum format. (i.e. 3rd grade Social Studies one year followed by 4th grade Social Studies the next.)
MATTHEW 18 POLICYWithin the Christian community of Emanuel school, (families, faculty, and staff) occasions of conflict, offense and sin will occur. So that we deal with each other within God's prescribed
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Word, all members of this Christian community are expected to abide by the principles of Matthew 18. (See Matthew 18:15-17)
The following is the adopted procedure based on Matthew 18:
Concerning a faculty or staff member:1. Speak privately with the individual with whom there is
concern or conflict.2. If necessary, both parties meet with the principal.3. If necessary, both parties meet with both pastor and
principal.4. If necessary, both parties meet with pastor, principal, and
Board of Education.
Concerning an administrator:1. Speak privately with the individual with whom there is a
concern or conflict.2. If the concern or conflict is not resolved, speak to the
person again in the presence of the pastor.3. If necessary, include another professional who would serve
in an objective capacity. This person is to be mutually agreed upon by both parties.
4. If necessary, have the person meet with the pastor, professional, and the Board of Ed. to resolve the concern.
Internal conflicts within the school staff will also be determined through similar procedures based on Matthew 18.
CLASSROOM INFORMATION
CODE OF CONDUCTEach year at Emanuel, students are asked to accept his or her God-given responsibility to “grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52)
Students are asked to abide by the following Student Code:I want to attend Emanuel to receive a Christ-centered education.
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I will work hard each day to develop my God-given talents to the best of my ability.
With the help of God:1. I will show that Jesus is a part of my life by being
responsible for actions which show love towards others.2. I will use words and actions that glorify Christ.3. I will treat others with love, kindness, patience, and in a
spirit of forgiveness.4. I will show respect to a teacher, pastor, coach, or any adult
by listening carefully and following their instructions.5. I will keep my hands, arms, feet, and legs to myself.6. I will treat others with respect by calling them by their given
name, and I will not make fun of or put down fellow students or adults.
7. I will dress according to the school policy.
I understand that if I do not follow these expectations, I will accept the consequences for my behavior.
DISCIPLINE The word “discipline” shares its root with “disciple.” As we discipline the students in our care, it is our desire to work with students and families as fellow disciples of Christ.
Discipline will be handled in a Christ-like manner by:1. Praising good behavior.2. Changing the environment.3. Redirecting the child.4. Quietly removing the child from the group to discuss the
problem and a solution.5. A loss of privileges for students demonstrating repeated
inappropriate behavior.
At the beginning of the new school year, each teacher will go over all classroom rules and behavior guidelines that support the Christian community in the classroom.Although families differ in their approach to discipline, harsh or threatening methods will not be used at Emanuel Lutheran School.
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The following guidelines will be followed:1. No child will be handled roughly, in any way.2. A student will not be isolated from the classroom unless the
safety of other children is in jeopardy.3. Humiliation and labeling will not be used.
Teachers will use wisdom and discretion as these options for Rules Violations are applied.
Disciplinary Options for Recurring Rules Violations Loss of recess time Teacher/Student conference Parent contact by teacher, or if necessary, the principal Principal/Student Conference Child/Parent/Teacher Conference, with the addition of
the principal when deemed necessary
If these efforts to redirect the behavior in a positive way are unsuccessful, the following may occur:
In or out of school suspension Expulsion
Retribution for loss due to damage by a student may be applied at any point.
We thank parents/guardians for partnering with us as we discipline in love.
THREATSThreats to a person are a serious offense, even if they are said in jest. Any verbal, non-verbal or written threat will result in a call to the parent by the teacher or principal. Any subsequent threats could result in suspension or expulsions.
*Bullying is defined as participating in or conspiring with others to engage in acts that injure, degrade, or disgrace other individuals.DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
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Any behavior that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the educational process is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to disobedience, disrespectful behavior, inappropriate language, harassment or defiance of authority.
CHAPEL AND DEVOTIONSEach school day begins with a brief devotion in the classroom. A chapel service is held once a week for the entire school on Friday mornings from 7:55 – 8:20 a.m. Offerings are taken each week to support mission projects as chosen by the classrooms for each quarter. Parents and members of the congregation are invited and encouraged to worship with the children and support these mission projects as well.
CHURCH ATTENDANCEWe believe that worship provides us with opportunities to grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With this in mind, it is our desire for families to worship together. Church attendance is taken to encourage faithful worship attendance for our families.
HOMEWORKHomework can be any planned extra-learning which is done without teacher supervision. It can also be class work that was not completed during the school day. Progressively, more homework is given as the child enters the upper grades. However, if you are concerned about the amount of homework your child has, or the amount of time it takes to complete it, please take the time to discuss this with the teacher.
Parents are encouraged to use homework as an opportunity to work with their children in teaching them how to manage their time and responsibilities. It also gives them the chance to become more involved with their student’s learning. It is expected that each child come to school with all
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homework completed. Late work may result in a lowered grade and/or recess time being used to complete assignments.
GRADING PROCEDURES/CONFERENCESEmanuel uses Fast Direct online grading to keep you informed of your child’s progress throughout the school year. Parents are asked to keep current with their child’s progress, and are notified to check Fast Direct for grades at mid-quarter. Teachers will make every effort to post grades in a timely manner.
Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter for gradesK – 8. Preschool progress reports will be sent home in the fall and spring.
Letter grades reflect academic progress. These letter grades are usually a combination of test scores, daily assignments, quizzes and class participation. Under certain circumstances, teachers may use their discretion in making exceptions to the grading scale.
Grading scaleA+ 98-100 B+ 89-91 C+ 80-82 D+ 71-73A 95-97 B 86-88 C 77-79 D 68-70A- 92-94 B- 83-85 C- 74-76 D- 65-67
F 0-64
Honor Rolls in the Upper Grades will be determined as follows:All A’s All A’sA Honor Roll Average of all grades is 3.67 - 3.99, and
no grades are below a B-B Honor Roll Average of all grades is 3.0 - 3.66, and
no grades are below a C-
ConferencesParent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled after the 1st and 3rd
quarters for grades K–8. Preschool conferences are scheduled in the spring.
Individual conferences during the year are encouraged as necessary, and can be requested at any time. Communication
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between teachers, students, and parents is paramount to the success and goodwill of all parties.
SPECIAL SERVICESIt’s All About the Kids!Emanuel provides education services through Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM.) As a Christ-centered resource, LSEM supports children who have a variety of learning needs through programs and services designed to address each child’s specific needs. Our LSEM teacher also collaborates with parents and classroom teachers to help make the most of each learning opportunity. During the upcoming school year, we will have services with LSEM two mornings a week.
Emanuel also works in conjunction with our local public school districts for testing and speech services as needed.
STANDARDIZED TESTINGStandardized achievement tests are administered each Fall and Spring to determine student, class and teaching strengths and weaknesses. Emanuel currently uses the "Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)." This test battery measures individual progress in specific curricular areas. Parents will receive reports in each subject area tested showing their child’s results. Reports will show a year-to-year compilation.
COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY USE POLICYAll classrooms, Pre-K through 8th grade, have been equipped with computers and/or technology that is connected to the Internet. We thank God for the opportunities we have to access libraries, museums, universities and other sites from around the world. In addition, this technology can be used for word-processing, printing students’ writing assignments, and other educational activities.
We know that in addition to these benefits, several dangers exist, such as sites with obscene, illegal, or inappropriate content. In order to protect our students, the following steps have been taken:
1. The monitor of each computer is turned so that the teacher
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can easily see what the student is doing.2. An Internet Service Provider is used that filters out
inappropriate sites. 3. Each student has been assigned a specific computer to
use. Any other student from the classroom using that computer that day must have specific approval from the teacher.
4. Students will be held accountable for computer activities during their assigned times.
5. Student folders are open to inspection by the teacher.
Rules for use:1. Use the computers only for educational activities approved
by the teacher.2. Leave the computer equipment, the desktop, and programs
as you find them. If there is a problem, tell the teacher immediately.
3. If you accidentally access an inappropriate site, leave it immediately and tell the teacher what happened.
4. Do not download programs off the Internet. Damaging viruses can be transmitted this way.
5. Obey copyright laws.6. Respect the privacy of others. Do not open anyone else’s
folder.7. Do not disclose your name, address, phone number, or
other personal information on the Internet.
7th and 8th grade students are also required to read and abide by the iPad agreement in conjunction with their iPad usage.
CyberbullyingOur society is dealing with the major issue of cyberbullying. It is defined as the ‘use of the Internet, cell phone, or other technology to harass, embarrass, or threaten another person. Any inappropriate behavior via the internet falls under the Disciplinary actions as outlined in this handbook.
Please contact Principal Bentz or your child’s teacher if you face a challenge in this area and desire our assistance and support working through it.
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RECESS AND OUTDOOR PLAYAll of our students are provided recess and play times on a daily basis. Emanuel offers a gymnasium and outdoor facilities, including a playground.
Outdoor play is a very important part of your child’s day. Fresh air and movement are things that lead to general well-being and healthy development. Students are taken outside whenever possible, but there may be times when the gym is used by students. Parents are expected to provide their child with a pair of gym shoes that do not leave black marks on the floor. PLAYGROUND RULES Students must practice safe and appropriate behavior while on the playground. No behavior is permitted which poses a high or unacceptable level of risk and/or potential for harm to individuals or property. Some of the activities not permitted at the school or in the gym are: Red Rover, Tackle Football, King of the Hill, and hanging from basketball rims.
FIELD TRIP POLICYField trips are designed as an extension of the learning environment of the Emanuel classroom. When a field trip is planned it is expected that all students participate. Students who do not participate in field trips will miss a worthwhile experience that would have contributed to his or her classroom experience. Students who do not participate in class field trips will be required to complete appropriate homework that will be assigned at the teacher’s discretion. Exceptions to this rule would include: a pre-arranged absence cleared with the teacher, an illness, or a doctor’s note.
When students are on a field trip, it is expected that they will behave in a manner that is reflective of Christ’s actions. Disciplinary actions will follow the guidelines as stated in this handbook.
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Parents sign a “Field trip Permission” form at the beginning of each school year which authorizes the school to take children off of school premises for field trip experiences.
CELL PHONE USEStudents are prohibited from using cell phones during school hours (7:45 am – 2:35 pm) and they must be turned off during the school day. If parents need to reach their child during school hours, they should use the school’s number to leave a message for their child.
PERSONAL ITEMS/TOYSBecause personal items and toys from home can become a distraction and disrupt the learning process, they will not be allowed at school. Items may be brought for show and tell on the appropriate days, but they must remain in backpacks or be in the teacher’s possession during the school day. E-readers may be used with permission from your child’s teacher.
Fidget devices will only be allowed upon the recommendation of the student’s physician and after a conference between parents and teachers.
MISSING OR MISUSED SCHOOL BOOKSThe replacement cost of any textbook showing above normal and/or excessive wear will be assessed. Students who have unreturned or misused library books will be assessed fees of $10 for a hardcover and $5 for a paperback.
Report cards, diplomas and transcripts will be held until these fees are paid.
STUDENT INFORMATION
DRESS CODEIt is the parents’ responsibility to take leadership and provide guidance for what their child/children wears to school. Please make yourself familiar with these guidelines.
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Emanuel requires all students to wear clothing that is a reflection of their Christian training and does not disrupt or distract from the educational process. As Christians, we should want to take certain pride in the way we present ourselves to the public. Our faculty reserves the right to make judgments concerning what we consider to be proper or improper dress, based upon the guidelines below. If it becomes necessary to do so, we will inform individual students and their parents of “dress corrections” that must be made and appropriate alternative clothing will be provided as needed. Modesty should be displayed in all clothing worn. Leggings/yoga pants may be worn with shirts/dresses fingertip length or longer when arms are fully extended.
Inappropriate school clothing includes, but is not limited to:
Clothing bearing or implying an unChristian witness or which give offense: rock group logos, beer advertisements, etc.
Shorts or skirts shorter than fingertips when arms are fully extended at students’ side
Specific situations not covered in the previous points will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Cold weather outdoor clothingAny time the temperature is above zero, there is a possibility that students will be outside for recess. Students should dress appropriately each day with coats, boots, gloves, snow pants, etc.
Non-marking tennis shoes must be worn in the gym at all times.
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We thank parents and students for accepting and cooperating with our dress code, and for joining us in fostering neat, clean dress that reflects well upon our school and upon all the members of our school family!
ATHLETICSMission Statement: The purpose of the athletic program is to provide a Christ filled experience for our students. We emphasize good sportsmanship, team work, personal effort, playing time experience, fundamental skills, and a positive, competitive spirit. Coaches and fans will set a Christian example at all times in word and action. Please refer to the Athletic Handbook for additional information. Fees are listed on the Tuition and Fee schedule.
Please refer to the “After School Supervision” policy on page 9 of this handbook for information regarding students staying after school for practices and/or games.
BANDIndividual band lessons are provided for those 4th – 8th grade students interested in playing an instrument. These lessons are provided by a licensed local music instructor. Student lessons are contracted for a full school year, but payments may be made quarterly to Emanuel Lutheran School. Fees are listed on the Tuition and Fee schedule. Information will be sent home at the start of the school year.
PARENT INFORMATION
PARENT COMMUNICATIONIt is our desire to be in close communication with the parents/guardians of our students. Whenever possible, this will be done personally. Emanuel staff also uses the Fast Direct online communication system as a means to convey written information to our families. Monthly calendars are posted for each classroom as well as a “bulletin board” for daily or weekly assignments and reminders. Parents will receive information about any field trips or special events via Fast Direct. You can access your child’s grades, daily assignments, and homework
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at any time, as well as contact your child’s teacher through the system’s email.
PARENT PARTICIPATIONAs parents/guardians, you are expected to participate in your child's school experience. Parent involvement is vital to the success of our school and makes a positive impact on your child and his/her education. There are many ways to be involved, but the most important way is to frequently communicate with your child’s teacher.
Parents may also volunteer to: - drive students and/or help with a field trip or athletic event.- assist with special events, such as Harvest Carnival, Bake Sale, Silent Auction, Ribfest, etc.- be on a PTL committee.- act as a resource person for some of our units. - assist teachers with classroom projects.
Parents are encouraged to visit the classroom during the school day. Please contact the teacher to arrange your visit.
PARENT-TEACHER LEAGUEThe P.T.L. offers the opportunity for parents to be directly involved in the decision-making, operation and future of Emanuel Lutheran School. Parent-led committees are vital to achieving the educational environment we desire for our children.
The P.T.L. is your organization! It’s a great place to meet other families, hear guest speakers and make a direct impact on your child’s education. To make it work, we need your input and your presence!
Meetings are held in September, November, January, March and May. Please check the school calendar for specific dates. Agendas will be sent out prior to the meetings via Fast Direct.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGSWhenever possible we follow Central’s (District #108) decisions on snow days. If Central is closed or starting late, Emanuel is
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also. Closings/late starts will be announced as Emanuel-Hamburg or Emanuel Lutheran-Hamburg on TV stations WCCO 4 and KARE 11. You will also be notified via Fast Direct .
However, because we have a number of students who live outside the Central School District, these families may follow the decision of their home school district. Parents are always encouraged to use their discretion before sending children out in questionable weather or road conditions.
Emanuel Lutheran School reserves the right to make a closing/ late start/early dismissal decision different from District #108 based on the information available.
Parents are to monitor weather conditions and check Fast Direct for possible early closings. In case of an early close due to inclement weather, children will remain at Emanuel until picked up by a parent or designated adult. Every effort will be made by Emanuel to contact parents of children riding a bus regarding their wishes on the best and safest way to transport their child to their home or another location, whether by bus or private transportation. Please notify school if someone other than a parent will be picking up your child.
Weather Related CancellationsIn the event that Emanuel closes earlier than its regularly scheduled dismissal time, ALL after school activities will be cancelled. This includes any extra-curricular programs such as, but not limited to: sports – practice as well as games, musical practice, non-school affiliated programs and practices and/or any scheduled after school activity.
FINANCIAL POLICIESWe are thankful that Emanuel Lutheran Church has supported a Christian Day School since 1857. The sacrifices our ancestors made are still a blessing to us today.
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The cost to educate one student at Emanuel is in excess of $6,000.00. Congregational members support the total work and mission of the church through their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. When all our families give a percentage of their blessings back to the Lord through their work and offerings, we are obeying the Lord and giving witness to our faith by helping to spread Christ's love to others. The expenses of the school, as well as all the other activities of nurture, outreach, and education that the congregation supports, are financed by these gifts and offerings.
Please refer to the current Tuition and Fee schedule for all financial information.
Tuition AssistanceTuition assistance is available to those families who have need. To apply, pick up an assistance form at school or you can apply online at www.tuitionaid.com. If you would like more information on this process or would like a paper application, please contact Mr. Bentz at school, or contact TADS at 1-800-884-8237. The deadline for applications is August 15th.
Past Due AccountsAll fees are to be paid by the first day of the month and are considered past due on the 15th. Unless a just cause is given in advance, a late fee of $10 will be charged on the 15th.
Report cards, diplomas and transcripts will not be released until all fees due to Emanuel are paid.
LUNCH/MILK FEES AND PROCEDURESLunch fees for the current school year are listed on the Tuition and Fee schedule. One milk is included in the hot lunch price, but milk may also be purchased when your child brings a home lunch. Students are required to notify their teacher if having milk with a home lunch, or if having a second milk with hot lunch.
Records of student’s milk/juice and hot lunch charges are kept on Fast Direct. Parents are reminded to monitor their child’s account regularly and are asked to keep their lunch account
current. Notices will be sent home via Fast Direct when a family’s account falls below $5.00. A second notice will be sent when an account balance reaches negative $20.00. The expectation is all fees owed to the school will be paid in full on the last day the student will be attending classes.
If a family account has insufficient funds to pay for lunch, students will still be given a meal.
Financial aid is available for hot lunches through the USDA nutrition program. Forms are sent out prior to the school year, but may be completed and turned in at any time. This also applies if your family’s financial status changes during the school year. Please contact the school office for more information.
Upon graduation, families will be reimbursed for any amount left in their child’s lunch account.
Special Dietary NeedsEmanuel will make reasonable efforts to meet the special dietary needs of our students as determined by their physician. A physician’s note that outlines the dietary restrictions and food substitutes is required. Lactose-reduced/free milk can be made available for purchase if needed for medical reasons.
Milk Break/SnacksA daily morning milk break is scheduled in all classrooms. White milk, chocolate milk, and orange or apple juice are available for purchase. Refer to the Tuition and Fee schedule for prices.
Preschool students take turns providing snack for the class. Parents will be notified when to bring a snack.
Students may wish to celebrate their birthday by bringing a special snack to share with their classmates. Please check with your child’s teacher for any food allergies present in the classroom before sending birthday treats.
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We encourage families to refer to the Emanuel Wellness Policy for guidance on healthy snack choices and non-food items for these celebrations.
PROMOTION/RETENTIONGenerally, a student having received passing final grades in all subjects will be promoted to the next grade level. However, if for various reasons a student did not receive passing grades, the classroom teacher, principal, and Board of Education may decide on one of the following alternate actions for the student:
Conditionally promoted to the next grade level. Retained in the present grade level. Placed in next grade (which would indicate that the child's
progress is too poor for promotion, but age or other factors make retention ill-advised.)
If one of the above actions are being considered, the teacher will advise the parents well in advance of implementing the action. Appeals may be made to the Board of Education.
Students who are not demonstrating competence in their grade level by the end of the 3rd quarter, will be formally evaluated using "Light's Retention Scale" as a guideline. If possible, evaluations will be sought from several sources. Parents will be notified early in the process and consulted regularly.
Acceleration
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Upon request from the parents, a school team consisting of the current teacher, teacher in the next level (grade or room), and principal will evaluate a request for grade or subject level acceleration. Parents are responsible for securing a complete battery of tests from a professional, accredited and mutually-agreed-upon testing source. Specific recommendations must be given about the proposed acceleration. Whenever possible, acceleration will take place at the beginning of a school year.
If the team and test recommendations do not indicate that a grade or subject acceleration will benefit the child, the process ends with the child remaining at the present grade level. If the recommendation is positive and the school team feels the change holds probabilities for an improved environment for the child, a test period will be initiated. At the conclusion of the test period, the school team and parents will meet and make a final decision.
Parents may appeal to the Board of Education if they do not agree with the school team's decision.
PERMANENT RECORDSA complete scholastic, attendance, behavior, and health record is kept on each student in a permanent file. The primary purpose is to assist school officials in providing a student with the best possible education now and in the future. All students and parents have the right of access to information that is contained in their permanent record file. To release records we must have written permission signed by a parent.
HOME VISITS/PARENT VISITSBefore the beginning of the school year, your child’s teacher will contact you to set up a home visit or parent visit if you wish to do so. This provides an opportunity to become better acquainted and makes for a smoother transition from home to school.
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPA scholarship in memory of Marvin and Shirley Scheele is administered by our church's Board of Elders. This $500 annual scholarship is awarded to the 8th grade graduate
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attending Lutheran High School in Mayer for the next school term with the highest Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale in both their 7th and 8th grade years. If two or more students have identical scores, the scholarship is divided and shared equally.
HEALTH/SAFETY INFORMATION
HEALTH POLICIESUnder certain circumstances, children must not be sent to school. This is for the health of your child,as well as the other children in the class. Please keep your child home if any of the following symptoms are present:
- a fever - diarrhea or vomiting- a rash- discharge from the eyes or ears.
Parents should exercise every caution and keep their child home should other unusual symptoms occur. A child must be free of persistent fever (without fever-reducing medication,) diarrhea and/or vomiting for 24 hours, before returning to school and no longer in the contagious stage of a communicable disease.
A doctor's note is required for a child to return in the cases of undiagnosed rashes, skin lesions, running eyes and for other potentially communicable diseases. If the child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease, he should be kept at home and his condition should be reported to the school. (Strep throat, pin worms, viral infections, infected ears and/or glands, measles, mumps, chicken pox, scarlet fever, etc. are among those conditions categorized as highly contagious). Parents will be notified if there is an outbreak of any highly contagious disease(s).
In case of medical emergency, the student will be transported to Ridgeview Medical Center by the local emergency unit for treatment if the school deems necessary. The child will be transported at the expense of the parent.
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Illness NotificationParents will be notified by telephone if their child is to be picked up from school because of illness. If a parent cannot be reached, the person on the emergency card will be contacted. Parents are asked to pick up their child promptly to avoid additional exposure to other children in the classroom.
ImmunizationsMinnesota state law requires parents of all students to present proof that all immunizations are up-to-date at the time of school entrance each year. Students not meeting the minimum requirements will be excluded from school. A physician’s signature is required for medical exemption and a parent signature and notarization is required for conscientious objection.
The number of immunizations required at kindergarten entrance are:5 DTaP/Td/Tdap (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus).4 Polio.2 MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella).3 Hepatitis B.2 Varicella (Chicken Pox) or record of date of disease.
Emanuel Lutheran School participates in the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) registry for all enrolled students. Parents may notify the school nurse if they do not wish to participate.
Health RecordsAll students are required to have an individual health record on file with the school. It contains a cumulative health history, screening results, and immunization history. Parents are expected to keep the school informed of current or chronic medical problems. A complete physical exam is recommended, but not required, prior to school entrance.
MEDICATIONSStudents who require medication at school must bring a signed parent permission note before the medications will be
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administered in school. This includes over-the-counter medications and cough drops.
All medications must be brought in the original container and given to the teacher upon the student’s arrival at school. The teacher must administer medication. Pharmacists will provide an extra container if necessary.
SAFETY DRILLSThe State of Minnesota requires various safety drills during the school year. Students are instructed early in the year concerning the procedures to follow in case of a fire, tornado, lockdown or other emergency. The teacher talks through and walks through the procedure several times before it is actually practiced. Drills are practiced throughout the school year to ensure the safety of the children.
In the event an evacuation is necessary, children will be guided by staff to Emanuel Lutheran Church and kept there until parents are notified and can make arrangements to pick them up.
WEAPONS POLICYOn school property, students are forbidden to be in possession of any instrument that is considered a weapon. Weapons include, but are not limited to: any firearm whether loaded or unloaded; replica firearms or BB guns; knives; any device or instrument designed as a weapon that could produce bodily harm; any explosive, rocket, mine or similar device.
CIVIL RIGHTS STATEMENTIn accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency
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(State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:(1) mail: U.S. Department of AgricultureOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20250-9410(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or(3) email: [email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
