Academics................................................... pages
14-16
Academic Fee, Athletics,
Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Fine Arts, Injury and Illness, Legal Forms and Other
Official Documentation, Library, Lunches/Milk, Make-Up Homework, Parent-Teacher
Association, Reports for Your Reading, School Closing, Student Government, Student
Insurance, Teacher Availability, Tuition/Financial Assistance, Volunteer Program
Accreditation............................................. page
3
Administration.......................................... page 2
Admissions................................................. pages
3-4
Christian Education....................... page 1
Curriculum and
Instruction................... page 3
Discipline and
Supervision..................... pages 17-21
Classroom Disciplinary Measures,
After School Detention (ASD), Saturday School, Suspension from School, Disciplinary
Committee, Probation, Appeal Process, Expulsion
Family Groups........................................... page 2
Handbook
Introduction............................ page
1
Nondiscrimination
Policy....................... Page 4
Parent & School Family
Expectation...pages 4-6
Special
School
Considerations............... pages 21-26
Teacher Availability, School
Closing, Lunches/Milk, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Athletics, Fine Arts, Student
Government, Injury and Illness, Reports for Your Reading, Volunteer Program,
Parent-Teacher Association, Legal Forms & Other Official Documentation, Student
Insurance, Academic Fee, Tuition/Financial Assistance, Library
Spiritual Life
Expectations....................... page 1-2
Student
Expectations.................................. pages
6-14
School
Attendance, Church Attendance, Punctuality, Before School Hours, After
School Hours, School & Classroom Behavior, Hallway Movement, School Office, Homework,
Appearance, Damages, Recess/Physical Education, Lunch Room Decorum, Bicycles, Telephone
Use, Money, Inappropriate Items, Medicine
Mission Statement............................. page 1
Contact
Information
Clarinda
Lutheran School....................................................
542-3657
Secretary:
smarcum@cls.k12.ia.us
MISSION STATEMENT
The Clarinda Lutheran School Mission Statement: “Compelled by God to TELL THE NEXT GENERATION. . . ., Clarinda Lutheran School provides an education
firmly based on Biblical truths to build Christian faith, Christian character and academic
excellence.”
HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
With all groups, there are rules and guidelines to live by that give
privileges and responsibilities for the happiness and benefit of all. This handbook has been
compiled to help you understand the guidelines that help us live together in a
spirit of Christian harmony and cooperation.
We send greetings from the Board of Christian Education and the
faculty and staff of Clarinda Lutheran School. We
are happy to have you either for a first time or continuing as part of our educational
ministry and mission here in Southwest Iowa.
Under the Gospel we will want to do all things to the glory of God. Please become familiar with this handbook so that
we may live together in happiness and in a spirit of forgiveness and love.
In His Service,
Merrilee A. Sump, Principal
CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION
A Christian school provides the best and fullest opportunity for the education of
the whole child (physically, mentally, socially and spiritually) for his or her whole
life. While the child studies the secular
subjects, he/she is still God’s child who must learn that all knowledge and life are
from God and must be used to glorify God. A Christian school provides the most desirable
school situation by having the children under the influence of God’s Word every day
throughout the week, in a school in which the Christian Spirit is a part of all the
relationships and instruction of the children.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
EXPECTATIONS
It is our belief that Christians live their lives out of love for the Lord. We show our faith and thankfulness to God through
our regular worship life.
Our chapel service at school is every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. Attendance is required of all students. Parents and friends of CLS are welcome to join us. The children will sit in their family groups the
majority of the time.
Daily private devotions also are a most important activity in the life of a child
of God. Please contact a teacher or a pastor
if you need assistance in finding material or a procedure to follow for private devotions.
Pledges of allegiance to the Christian flag and to the American flag will be recited.
FAMILY GROUPS
Family groups are a mixture of the older students with the younger students. It is our goal to provide a vehicle for the
students to feel comfortable with relating to the younger or to the older students as the
case may apply. Older students do have a
responsibility to be good role models for the younger students. The older students also have many talents and
abilities which can be a great service for the younger students. It is our goal to use the family group concept
where it is suitable for any school activity at CLS.
ADMINISTRATION
The Clarinda Lutheran School Association presently has one member congregation, Saint
Paul Lutheran Church. Saint Paul is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The school is under the control and supervision of
the congregation of the association. Saint
Paul congregation elects members to serve on the Board of Christian Education. For the sake of efficiency, the congregations
delegate much authority and responsibility to the Board of Christian Education and the
Principal of CLS. There is a procedure which
is to be followed for other congregations who would like to
become members of the CLS association.
The Board of Education is the
policy-making body for CLS and acts as spokesman and leader within the congregations to
support Christian education. The calling and
appointing of teachers and all major changes in the school are the responsibility of the
Board of Education.
The Principal administers or carries out Board policy and makes the day to day
administrative decisions. The Pastors act as
spiritual advisors for the Board of Christian Education.
ACCREDITATION
The State of Iowa has accredited CLS. This
means that CLS satisfactorily meets the requirements set forth in the Iowa Code. Children attending CLS can attend any public high
school with complete confidence in their educational experiences at CLS.
Clarinda Lutheran also holds National Lutheran School Accreditation. A complete list of the standards which CLS meets
for NLSA is available in the school office.
All teachers hold a valid state teaching certificate.
CURRICULUM AND
INSTRUCTION
The curriculum of CLS is in keeping with curriculum standards suggested for
Lutheran elementary schools. It meets all
requirements for elementary schools in the State of Iowa and qualifies its graduates to
attend any high school.
Religion includes Bible History, Doctrine, Worship and Memory Work. Religion does include “head knowledge”
but the ultimate goal of the Religion instruction is “heart knowledge”. Heart knowledge allows a child of God to live out
the Gospel joy in daily life with service to those he or she comes in contact with.
Confirmation is a part of the Religion curriculum at Clarinda Lutheran School as
well as an educational ministry of the church. Confirmation
is taught four times a week to the 7th - 8th grade students. Topics covered include The Ten Commandments, The
Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, The Lord’s Supper, The Apostle’s Creed,
Confession/Forgiveness and Bible History. At
the conclusion of this instruction, students may choose to become a communicate member of
the Lutheran Church.
The proper distinction of Law and Gospel is used as the
framework for spiritual and relational growth at CLS.
ADMISSIONS
Admission to the school is obtained by written application, personal interview by
the Principal and previous records sent to the school.
Entrance tests may also be given. The
administration reserves the right to place each child in the academic level for which the
child is best suited.
Applications for enrollment are accepted according to
the following policy:
1. Children whose parents are members
of the
congregations of the CLS association.
2. Children who were
enrolled during the previous school
year.
3. Children whose parents are members
of other Lutheran
congregations.
4. Children whose parents are active
members of other
Christian churches.
5. Children whose parents are members
of no church.
Parents and children must agree to support the policies of CLS as outlined in this
handbook and meet financial obligations to CLS to be considered
for admissions.
Pupils to be enrolled in Kindergarten must be at least
five (5) years old by September 15. A copy of
the student’s birth certificate is needed when they enter
Kindergarten. Each child must present a
Certificate of Immunization or waiver as required by the State of Iowa.
NONDISCRIMINATION
POLICY
CLS admits any student of any race, national and 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 and ethnic origin in administration of its educational
policies, admission policy, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school
administered programs.
PARENT/SCHOOL
FAMILY EXPECTATIONS
This list of expectations is written to inform the
parents of the school’s view of their parental responsibilities not only to their
children but to the school. It is our goal to
solidify the relationship of the parent to the school and vice versa by stating such
expectations.
The parents are the first teachers of the child and should develop proper attitudes
in the child toward his fellow man and the school.
Parental expectations are:
·
to attend
church and Sunday School regularly.
·
reinforce
the public teaching of the Word of God through family study of the Word, family devotions
and praying together.
·
provide
regular study time at home for homework and other out of school preparations for the
school day.
·
see to it
that each child in the family has proper rest and recreation in the family schedule for a
healthy balance of activities in his/her life.
·
accept CLS
as an extension of the Christian home, not as an experiment which must prove itself.
·
show respect
toward teachers and pastors as Servants of God.
·
support the
teacher’s judgment in front of the child and the public in regard to discipline
matters.
·
support the
policies and philosophies of CLS as written in this handbook or as you have been notified
of in front of the child and the public.
·
use the
guidelines of Matthew 18 if you disagree with a policy or actions taken at the school. For CLS this means you should first discuss the
matter with the person involved, then the Principal and if the matter needs future
attention, the Board of Education. The
Principal will notify the Board of your desire to meet with them. The Board of Education will have the final
authority on matters.
·
attend
activities of your child as much as possible.
·
attend
parent-school meetings and social gatherings.
·
work at
school and PTL fund-raisers.
·
be
responsible for regular school attendance of your child.
·
children
will be instructed in the teachings of the Lutheran Church which are taken from the Word
of God. Parents who are not members of LCMS
congregations are encouraged to take an adult instruction class to be aware of what is being taught to their child at CLS.
·
do
everything possible to support the Christian instruction which their child is receiving.
·
do what is
necessary to see to it that their son/daughter comply with all the rules and regulations
of the school.
·
be aware of
the child’s participation in the school choir, school programs and other activities
as approved by the Board of Education.
·
do their
best to promote and support CLS and its Mission Statement.
STUDENT
EXPECTATIONS
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Regular school
attendance is expected by all children. Students who are absent more than 10% of
the scheduled school days may be in jeopardy of class advancement.
Parents should notify the teacher as soon as possible if they know their son or
daughter will be missing school. Parents will
be
called if the student is absent and the
office or teacher has not heard from the parent by 9:00 a.m.
If possible, doctor and dentist appointments should be
scheduled after school or on non-school days.
A student will be counted one-half day absent if they are an hour and a half late or leave an hour and a half early or miss an hour and a half of
school during the day.
A written note or a phone call before 9:00 a.m. of the day missed are the
appropriate methods of notification for full day absences, early departures, appointments,
etc.
If a child has an excused absence, they will be given as
many days as they were absent to complete make-up work.
Unexcused absences are where no phone call, personal contact with the teacher or a
written note is received before 9:00 a.m. Also, if a parent states it’s unexcused. Missed class time may be made
up in detention or Saturday school. Credit
for school work will not be given.
A student must be in attendance for the half day after lunch to participate in
practice, athletic games or school activities after school.
The Principal may make exceptions where appropriate.
Work needs to be made up ahead of time or arrangements
made with the teacher when a family trip is planned.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend church and
Sunday School regularly. A
record of church and Sunday School attendance is kept by the
teachers. This record is
indicated on the report card and the permanent record.
PUNCTUALITY
The school day is from 8:15 a.m. to 3:10
p.m. Students need to be in their assigned
classroom (and possibly assigned seat if the teacher so indicates) by 8:15 a.m. Failure to be in the appropriate place by 8:15
a.m. will constitute an unexcused tardy.
Three unexcused tardies (as defined by the classroom teacher) for school and/or a
class in one quarter for grades 4-8 will result in a detention. In grades K-3 a note will be
sent home for the first three unexcused tardies.
The office will contact the home of students in K-3 if the problem persists.
After a second detention for tardies in a quarter, the student may be subject to
suspension from school and/or extra curricular activities for unexcused tardies.
BEFORE SCHOOL
HOURS
Students will not be
permitted to be at school or in the school building before 8:00 a.m. unless
permission has been requested by the parents and approved by the Principal. These students will go to and remain in the area
designated by the Principal. This privilege
to come before 8:00 a.m. could be suspended if it is misused by the
student.
At 8:00 a.m. teachers are required to be in their respective classroom. Students are to go quietly and directly to their
classroom upon arrival at school. Permission is needed to leave the classroom before school. Students must follow the before school rules as
outlined by their teacher.
AFTER SCHOOL
HOURS
Students will be
dismissed by the respective classroom teacher.
Parents are asked to not come in and take their child(ren)
before this dismissal unless this has been pre-arranged with the teacher and/or Principal.
All children will quietly leave the building after they are
dismissed unless they have special permission from the teacher or Principal to
remain later. Children must leave the school
premises immediately after dismissal. If
children can not be picked up by the bus or parent at the end
of the school day permission for a late pick up must be requested by the parents and
approved by the Principal. These students
will go to and remain in the area designated by the Principal. It will be a study period. THIS POLICY AND PROCEDURE WILL ALSO APPLY WHEN
THERE ARE HOME VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL GAMES.
Families of students who are here past 3:30 p.m. (11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on early
out days) without late approval from the Principal will be charged $5.00 per child for
each and any part of 15 minutes past the late time. This
policy also applies for athletes here more than 15 minutes after the end of practice.
Children being picked up by the bus will leave first
from the south door. Students riding in
personal vehicles will also leave from the south door.
Walkers will leave after the majority of the vehicles have cleared out. Students should be picked up
at the curb when leaving school to avoid walking in front of moving and/or parked cars.
Students must follow the after school rules as outlined by their teachers.
SCHOOL AND
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students should:
·
exhibit a
positive Christian spirit in his/her everyday life at CLS.
·
respect
themselves and others.
·
meet all
their responsibilities and obligations on time.
·
use their
God given abilities and talents to the glory of God.
·
follow the
directions of the teacher or adult in charge.
·
not chew gum
in the building or on school grounds.
·
WALK through the hallways and classroom quietly.
·
toss, throw
or bounce balls only in the gym or outside areas designated by the teacher.
·
not loiter
or make noise in the rest rooms.
·
be quiet in
the library.
·
not play any
of the school pianos without the permission of a teacher.
·
not eat
candy and snacks during the school day unless it is part of a classroom celebration where
all the children are to be included (lunch period is an exception).
·
not leave
the school grounds during school hours without written or telephone request from a parent
or guardian to the teacher or Principal. Parents
should pick up their son or daughter in their classroom.
Full responsibility rests with the pupil and parent after the child leaves the
grounds.
·
address
adults with the proper title Mrs., Miss, Mr., etc.
·
practice
common courtesies of saying please, thank you, excuse me and so forth.
·
not throw
rocks, snowballs or woodchips.
·
not hang on
the basketball rims or backboards.
·
stay out of
the PE storage room unless permission has been given by the teacher and/or coach.
·
not be in
the computer room unless they are under the direct supervision of their classroom teacher
or the computer lab supervisor. This includes
after school hours as well as the academic day. Accelerated
Reading tests may be taken with the permission of the classroom
teacher who may or may not be in the lab while the student takes a test. A pass is required.
·
not be in
other classrooms without the permission of that classroom’s teacher. This includes after school hours as well as the
academic day.
·
not be in
the gym without the supervision of a teacher and/or coach.
This includes after school hours as well as the academic day.
HALLWAY MOVEMENT
Students are to walk through the hallways
and the Great Room without talking during the academic day.
Hands are to be kept to oneself. Groups are to walk in a line if the teacher so
directs.
SCHOOL OFFICE
Students are not to be in the inner office area unless permission is granted from the secretary, a teacher or the Principal.
Students are to take money and medications to their teacher before going to the
office.
APPEARANCE
It is our desire for students, staff, and
faculty to reflect their Christian faith in their appearance. Proper dress also enhances the educational climate
of Clarinda Lutheran School. Modesty in
dress, cleanliness, neatness, and cooperation with the guidelines below are our goals. The appearance guidelines apply to students in all
grades. These guidelines apply to
the academic day and school sponsored activities.
Exceptions for school activities will be so stated when activity information is handed out.
Torn jeans, holes in pants, pant legs
dragging, etc. would not be considered as neat.
Parents should be aware of what their children have on. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and
activity of that day. Parents should also we
aware of PE days for proper foot ware.
Shorts and skirts should cover at least half of the upper leg.
Pants, shorts, and skirts are to be worn
at waist level. This applies to all
students in grades K-8.
Shirts are to cover the midriff area. All
shirts are to have sleeves of some length. Insignias,
symbols, or advertising on clothing should be within the philosophy of living out a
Christian lifestyle.
Shoes should be worn at all times. Some dress sandals are appropriate for the
academic setting but may not be appropriate for certain activities of the day. Flip flops and slides are
not considered dress sandals and appropriate for school.
Students are expected to keep their hair neat and
well-groomed. The style and color of hair
should not be distracting to the learning process or call undue attention to the
individual.
Male students are not to wear earrings during the academic day and at school
activities.
Special attention should be given to appearance when the
student athletes travel to play in games or tournaments.
This is also true for other public performances of CLS and field trips. The student is representing not only him or
herself but the entire school.
Please label all children’s belongings. A
lost and found will be kept in the school office.
Please check with the Principal before hand if you have a question in regards to
dress and/or appearance. The school reserves
the right to make final decisions on what is and what is not acceptable to be worn at school.
Consequences: Teachers will send a student to the office for
substitute attire or a call to parents for appropriate clothing.
DAMAGES
Students who lose or damage textbooks or school property will be required to
reimburse the school for the loss. Books on
loan from the public library or Area
XIII will also be the responsibility of the students who checks the books out.
Students will be held responsible for school facilities
which are deliberately or carelessly defaced, damaged, or marred. Classes or groups of students may
be charged on a per capita basis if the situation allows for such.
Registration can take place for the next academic year when previous financial
obligations have been met.
RECESS/PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
If a student has been ill or injured and needs to remain in the room during recess
or sit out of Physical Education class, a note from the parent or doctor should request
such. Otherwise, students will
be expected to go outside for recess with the class or to participate in Physical
Education class.
Christian sportsmanship and fair play must prevail at all times on the playground. No fighting or friendly wrestling will be allowed.
Students may only be in areas designated by the teacher or playground supervisor. Out of bound areas include but are not limited to
the dumpster area, around the teachers’ cars or the bus, around the storage shed
north of the gym, in the wetlands, east of a line extended from 21st street and
in the gym storage room.
Playthings should not be brought to school
for recess. Water guns, balloons and other
items for water fights will not be allowed on school grounds. Baseballs may not be used. No use of ones bicycle, roller blades, etc. may be used at recess.
The list of what one can or can not have on the school grounds could go on and on,
therefore, the teacher or Principal will use judgment as to the items not listed above and
whether they are appropriate or not for recess play.
LUNCH ROOM
DECORUM
Children will eat in the area designated by their teacher. Classes will come together as a group and sit as
such. Care should be
given so food is not wasted. Students
should return the tray, silverware, etc. properly to the designated area when directed to
do so by the teacher. The area where the
students sit should be cleaned up before leaving the area. Classes will return to the classroom or out to
recess as a group.
No pop or other carbonated beverages are allowed during
the lunch period. Students who are allergic
to milk need to have a doctor’s note stating such for the student to receive juice in
place of milk with hot lunch.
Students may visit quietly during the lunch time.
Students are to remain in their original seat and not get up without permission.
Classroom discipline sanctions will be applied during
the lunch period.
Failure to function cooperatively in the lunch room will result in the student
eating by him or herself in an area designated by the teacher or Principal.
BICYCLES
Bicycles are to be
used only as transportation to and from the school.
They should be parked and locked at the designated area.
Parents should instruct their children regarding the “rules of the road.”
Students who persist in
disregarding bicycle safety may lose the privilege of riding their bicycle to school.
TELEPHONE USE
Children may use the phones in the
classrooms for important matters and only with the permission of their teacher or coach. Forgetting PE clothes, instruments and/or homework
are not considered matters which warrant a phone call home.
Students making long distant calls need to make these calls from the office and log
the necessary information.
MONEY
Students should only bring money when necessary.
Students bringing money to school for any payment or purchases should give the
money immediately to their respective teacher in the morning. Do not stop at the office first.
INAPPROPRIATE
ITEMS
Toys, game boys, I-pods, walkie talkies, lasers, black
berries, comic books and novelty items are considered inappropriate before and after
school and during the academic day. The
teacher or Principal will use judgment as to items not listed above which may be
considered appropriate or inappropriate. This
includes in the classroom and during recess. Items considered inappropriate will be taken away. Parents
may pick up such items. Please check with the
Principal before hand if you have a question about whether an item is appropriate or not.
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept in book bags or lockers from 8 a.m. – 3:10
p.m. Teachers may have specific rules
regarding before and after school. Use of
ones cell phone is only by permission during the academic day. Special rules regarding cell
phones and field trips will be announced by the respective teacher. A cell phone will be
confiscated if it appears to be disruptive to the academic environment.
Primary grades (K-3) will designate
special days and times when children can bring “show and tell” items.
Knives, matches and lighters, guns, gun
look a-likes, alcohol, tobacco products and drugs are not to be in the possession of
students at anytime.
MEDICINE
Any medication to be taken by a student during school
time should be brought in the original container with instructions concerning the dosage
and time at which the medicine should be taken. THIS
INCLUDES TYLENOL AND ASPIRIN. Students are
not to have any medicine at their desks. All
medicine must be given to the teacher with the instructions and
parent’s signature. There is no Tylenol
or Aspirin kept on hand for general use. Each
parent should make arrangements to have over the counter medication available if their
child uses it on a fairly “regular” basis along with instructions as to dosage
and frequency. All medication will be kept in a designated locked location.
ACADEMICS
GRADING SCALE
(GRADES 2-8)
A: 92%
or better
B: 83%
- 91%
C: 74%
- 82%
D: 65%
- 73%
HOMEWORK
The academic program at CLS requires that
some study be done at home.
Amounts will vary according to the grade level of the child and the ability and
study habits of the child in school.
Each teacher will announce his or her classroom management plan in dealing with
unexcused missing and/or unacceptable homework.
There will be times when a student honestly will not understand how to do his/her
assignment. Family emergencies and sometimes
scheduled activities may arise which interfere with your son or daughter completing an
assignment. Please be aware of the
respective teacher’s classroom management plan in regards to homework and the above
possible situations. Please contact the
respective teacher if you have concerns.
MAKE-UP WORK
When a student is absent from school there are two options for make-up work.
Option 1: Parent requests make-up work: Assignment sheet along with material will be
available in the office at 3:30 p.m. of the day requested for parent pick-up. Homework will be expected
to be complete when the student returns to school.
Option 2: When no make-up work is
requested, students are allowed 1 day to make up work for each day absent.
For students who have an extended
illness; special arrangements will be developed with the
individual teacher.
For students going on an extended
vacation/trip; homework should be completed before the
vacation/trip. It will be up to the
individual teacher if he/she finds it necessary for tests to be taken
when the student returns.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards will be
issued each quarter of the school year.
Teachers (grades 4-8) will submit a progress report for students earning a D or F
in any subject at the midterm of each quarter. Other
midterm grades may be obtained upon request to the teacher.
Weekly reports for students in grades 4-8 will be sent when
your son/daughter has done very well or done poorly for the week. This includes areas of academics and decorum.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will normally be held in
October and February. If you have a concern,
please do not wait for these scheduled times to contact the teacher or Principal.
ELIGIBILITY FOR
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The student needs to meet the following
expectations to participate in school activities which are not part of a class or school
requirement (sports, Gathering of the Talents excluding choir, Spring Musical excluding
the chorus). This includes activities at the Clarinda
Middle School. Participation includes
practices and public performances. Eligibility
will be between the official grading periods which are midterm and quarter.
·
be a student in good standing
·
maintain a C average with no F grades
·
served all assigned detentions
GRADUATION POLICY
To receive a diploma from Clarinda Lutheran School, the student must meet the
following criteria:
·
be a student
in good standing.
·
attend
worship services regularly (at least 50% of school calendar Sundays).
·
be in
attendance 90% or more of the calendar school days.
·
perform an
established number of service hours to Clarinda Lutheran School.
·
perform in the academic areas to one’s God given abilities (an
average student would be passing all courses while maintaining a C average).
·
fulfill all
financial obligations to Clarinda Lutheran School.
Students with special academic needs may meet individual graduation requirements as
stated in their individual education plans. The
Principal and Building Assistance Team shall have complete discretion to determine
extraordinary circumstances.
The faculty will recommend to the Board of Christian Education those students who
have met and should earn a diploma. Students
not meeting the requirements will receive a certificate of attendance.
COMPUTER LAB/COMPUTERS
Students may use the
school computers (classroom & lab) with the permission of their teacher during the
academic day (8:00 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.) A special pass from the Principal is required for
before and after school hours Monday thru Friday.
Internet use may only be used under the direct supervision of a teacher.
Students must sign in with
the school secretary before and after using the computer lab. This does not apply to any class going to
the lab as a group.
If a virus
is caused by a student downloading a particular program, email, or transfer with a disk;
the student will be obligated to pay for the repair of the computer/computer system.
TRANSFERS/FINANCIAL
OBLIGATIONS
When a student is to transfer to another
school, the Principal is to be notified in advance. Parents will request the records to be sent through the school which the student is transferring to.
School records will be released only if all financial
responsibilities to Clarinda Lutheran School have been met.
All school owned and/or faculty owned material is to be
returned or financial compensation made to the appropriate owner before records
will be sent.
Registration can take place for
returning students for the next academic year when previous financial obligations have been met.
RETENTION
Clarinda Lutheran School reserves the right to place students in the academic level for
which the student is best suited. Input
and discussion with parents and guardians will be part of this decision.
DISCIPLINE AND
SUPERVISION
As Christian teachers, we are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ and our task is to
“disciple” others, particularly the children of CLS. A disciple is a disciplined person. As Disciples of Christ we speak about “Christian
Discipline” in our school. Christian
discipline is a learning process, and its objective is first to train the child and lead
him or her to be a more Christ-like person and second to maintain an atmosphere in the
school which will serve as a pattern for the learning process.
Discipline in a Christian school is a triangular responsibility and process. It involves the home, the teacher/principal, and
the student. Responsibilities and
expectations of home and the student have been stated elsewhere
in the handbook. School personnel is expected
to discipline to the extent that control of emotions is always maintained, all children
are dealt with because of the love and concern we have for them and for the learning
atmosphere which we are striving for. Love is
not confused with softness or firmness with harshness.
Discipline is part of the learning process, an individual’s success is vital
in being able to discipline him or herself. Children
are respected as redeemed members of the Body of Christ.
Discipline is a timely thing. It may
be best to take action immediately when other situations allow you to wait. It is the assumption of the school that parents
are putting their trust in the teachers/Principal to deal with the child in the most
appropriate way and in a timely fashion. Parents
should be aware that the sanctions listed below may be imposed
with or without their permission.
Misconduct or lack of discipline on the part of all three sides of the triangle should be expected and we should be prepared to deal with it. The process of Matthew 18 should
be followed in regards to the home and teacher/Principal.
CLASSROOM
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
It is our goal at CLS to keep the majority of the disciplinary action between the
student and his/her teacher. Each teacher
will let the class know his or her expectations and sanctions at the beginning of the
year. Extreme or inappropriate repetitive
behaviors may result in an office referral.
SANCTIONS FOR AN
OFFICE REFERRAL
The teacher and the student will both be asked to write
down what they feel occurred which resulted in the office referral. The Principal will discuss the matter with the
student. It could end at that point. Factors such as the previous behavior of the
student, the reason for the office referral, and/or the attitude displayed by the student
may require us to go on.
It is impossible to write down every possible sanction when dealing with
individuals ranging from age 5 to 15 and deciding to do what is best for the student and
for the school. Possible sanctions could be: calling the parents, writing a behavior contract,
writing an apology, paying for the property damage, writing a paper, doing a service
project at CLS, receiving a spanking or swats, having a student/teacher conference, refer
the student to counseling, work on a disciplinary packet, letting the natural consequences
occur, being assigned detention or Saturday school, being suspended, placed on probation,
and ultimately recommend the Disciplinary Committee to expel the student. Some of the later disciplinary measures will be explained further.
AFTER SCHOOL
DETENTION (ASD)
Students
assigned detention through the office will serve their detention time as assigned by the
Principal. Regular weekly
detention will be held on Wednesday
afternoon from 3:10 - 4:00 Detention may be given for:
·
an office
referral.
·
running in
the building.
·
misbehaving
in the restroom.
·
misconduct
on the playground.
·
other
reasons as determined by the Principal.
Parents will receive a notice of an assigned detention.
During detention students will be assigned a discipline
packet, copy a behavior/attitude essay or perform some work service to the school. Doing homework and free reading is not allowed.
An unexcused absence for an ASD or misbehavior during detention will result in a Saturday
School.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Saturday School will meet from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
During Saturday School the student will partake in a problem solving procedure with
the Principal. An assigned work packet and/or
a work service project to the school will be performed.
Saturday School should be considered a very serious
consequence.
SUSPENSION FROM
SCHOOL
The Principal may suspend a student for a
period of time not to exceed five (5) days.
There are two types of
suspension: in-school and out-of-school.
IN-SCHOOL: ISS will
be held when and where the Principal designates.
Students are to report to the office at 8:15 a.m. or immediately upon arrival. Students are not to leave the assigned area
without the permission of the Principal. Lunch
will be taken alone. Meaningful class work and homework will be performed by the student as well
as other assignments from the Principal. Students
on ISS will leave immediately at the end of the day when their bus or ride arrives. Credit for school work will
not be given.
If the school needs to hire a supervisor for ISS; the family of the student will be
responsible for paying for the services of the supervisor.
Students who are not permitted to go on field trips
because of behavioral issues will be considered the same as ISS in regards to hiring a
supervisor.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL: OSS means the student
is not be on school grounds. The student is
not the responsibility of the school during OSS. Credit
for school work will not be given.
Work for both ISS and OSS must be turned in and
acceptable before the student will be allowed back in class.
ISS and OSS should both be considered very serious
consequences.
DISCIPLINARY
COMMITTEE
When deemed necessary, the Principal will take the appropriate action as outlined
below.
Students who because of their attitude or inappropriate actions; could be suspended
more than five days, removed as a student from Clarinda Lutheran School, or have their
behavior reviewed for future guidance will appear before the disciplinary committee. The committee is made up
of the Principal, the student’s main teacher, a Pastor from one of the association
churches and the President of the Board of Christian Education. The committee is chaired by
the Principal. The Principal is
responsible for taking notes of the meeting.
A parent, parents or a legal guardian must be in attendance with the student.
The Principal shall call the committee into session and present all pertinent
facts. The student and his/her parents will
have an opportunity to speak at the session. The
student and his/her parents will leave the meeting while the recommendation or vote is taken. The Principal
will notify the student and his/her parents of the committee’s decision.
If the student feels that he/she was dealt with unfairly by the
committee he/she may appeal this decision to the Board of Education. Appeals must be in writing to the principal within
24 hours of being informed of the committee’s decision. All documents of the meeting and the committee’s
decision will be presented at the Board meeting. No further appeal may be made
after the Board hears the appeal and passes on the decision.
PROBATION
Probation is a period of time set aside
for the student to show he/she is capable of modifying the type of behaviors which
resulted in the probationary status. Probation
is designed to correct an existing problem. Special guidelines to assist the student may be imposed as terms of the probation.
APPEAL PROCESS
If a student feels he/she was unfairly treated, they may share such a concern with
the next person in line. For a student this
would be teacher, then Principal, then Board of Christian Education.
The concern should be in writing and submitted to the person next in line within
three days of the incident. A reply to the
appeal will be given within one week of the receipt of the
written concern.
EXPULSION
The Disciplinary Committee may by a
majority vote, expel any student from school.
Reasons for which a student may be expelled:
·
when the
behavior of the student is such that there is reason to believe that the health and
welfare of the student and others is in danger.
·
when the
behavior of the student is such that there is reason to believe that the physical property
of individuals or of the school is in danger of being damaged or destroyed.
·
when the
student, in word or deed, has displayed an attitude that is viewed as being uncooperative
in regard to living out the Christian lifestyle.
·
when the
parents, in word or deed, are not in active support of the school and its policies, or are
a detriment to the unity of the school families.
THE SCHOOL
RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISCIPLINE, SUSPEND, OR EXPEL A STUDENT FOR BEHAVIOR UNBECOMING A
STUDENT AT
CLARINDA LUTHERAN SCHOOL.
SPECIAL SCHOOL
CONSIDERATIONS
ACADEMIC FEE
The Board of Christian Education sets the academic fee. This fee covers the rental of all hard cover
texts, the purchase of paperback workbooks, the purchase of art supplies, paper supplies,
computer supplies/repairs, copier supplies/repairs, etc.
The academic fee is to be paid at registration. Students may not attend class the first day
until the academic fee is paid. The
academic fee is not refundable.
ATHLETICS
Grades 6-8 may participate in the following sports:
Fall:
Volleyball for girls (6th may only practice)
Football for boys (shared with CMS)
Cross Country
(shared with CMS/girls Board approval)
Coed Soccer
Winter:
Basketball for girls and boys
Wrestling
(shared with CMS with Board approval)
Spring:
Track and Field for boys and girls
(shared
with CMS)
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
We welcome birthday treats being brought to the
classroom. When hosting an after school party
we ask that parents help their children to consider the
feelings of others. If all boys/girls in the
class are not included, please do not send invitations to school and/or pick up a
select group after school.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips into the community are the
out-growth of work being studied in the class by the children. A signed field trip permit is required for each
child.
FINE ARTS
During the school year the children will
be involved in a Christmas Cantata and the Spring Musical.
The Christmas Eve Children’s Programs are held in
connection with the separate churches.
Clarinda Lutheran has two choirs. The
public singing experience is part of the classroom expectations for the choirs. Children are expected
to be present to sing at all worship services where their choir is assigned to sing. The respective choir director will share
with the students their policy on excused and unexcused absences from this obligation.
INJURY AND
ILLNESS
Parents are asked
to complete a health information form at the time of registration. This form will include information such as the
name of the family physician, emergency phone numbers, and permission for medical
treatment in cases of emergency. Students who
become ill or are injured at school will be given first aid. If necessary, parents will be
notified by phone.
In the case of an emergency, the pupil shall be transported
to a hospital or a doctor’s office by ambulance or other convenient types of
transportation. If possible the family
physician listed on the office records will be contacted.
The Board of Christian Education assumes no responsibility for medical treatment of
students.
LEGAL FORMS AND
OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION
Legal guardians, custodial parents, etc. who have needs
regarding sanctions and restrictions for the safety of their son/daughter must communicate
this need with the Principal. Written
documentation must be on file in the office for intervention to take place.
LIBRARY
Children are allowed to have only two books out at a
time. K-2 may check books out for 2 one week
and renew for a second week. Grades 3-8 may
check out 2 books for two weeks and renew for an additional 1 week period.
LUNCHES/MILK
A hot lunch program is
offered through the Clarinda Community Schools.
Meals include the cost of one carton of milk.
Both white and chocolate milk are available. If
a student cannot drink milk, a written note from the child’s medical doctor is
necessary before juice will be allowed as a substitute. Prices and menus are set by the community school.
The student’s teacher will take a lunch count each morning and inform students
regarding times when each class will have their lunch period. Money collected for the hot lunch program will be
sent to the office daily by teachers and will be counted, credited and tickets issued by
the public school. They will also send
notices concerning charges or when additional money is needed. A designated person (the school secretary) will
take an exact count daily of all those having hot lunch as well as those taking milk.
School families in excess of a $30 deficit with their lunch account could or may
lose the privilege of eating school lunch.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Eighth graders planning to attend high
school in a school district other than the one they live in need to open enroll to the
district they plan to attend before March 1.
PARENT DROP OFF
& PICK UP
Parents dropping their students off from 8:00
– 8:15 a.m. should use the front door. Early
arrivals may come in through the front door. If
you plan to park and get got please use the north or east
parking areas and come in the east or kitchen door.
Bus riders will exit through the south door at 3:10 p.m. After the bus is gone rider pick ups may be picked up under the eaves on the south entrance. Please enter your car from curb side. Walkers will be excused
when the majority of the cars are gone.
Parents may park in the back of the school or on the east side and enter the school
to meet their children after school in the great room.
Please use the east door or kitchen door to exit.
PARENT-TEACHER
ASSOCIATION
The purpose of this group is a means to bring the home and school into a closer
relationship. It provides fellowship, an
opportunity for educational growth and support for parents and teachers of CLS. Projects and fund raisers taken on assist the
school to obtain items which are needed or desired at CLS.
REPORTS FOR YOUR READING
There are a number of reports available for your reading in the school office. Please contact the Principal to obtain these
reports:
·
Standards, Benchmarks and Assessments
for all curriculum areas
·
The Annual Progress Report for the State of Iowa
·
The National Lutheran School
Accreditation self study and Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
·
The State of Iowa Comprehensive School
Improvement Plan
·
Asbestos Management Plan: CLS maintains an asbestos free building.
·
A listing of the Hazardous Material in
our building.
SCHOOL CLOSING
All school closings due to weather will be announced over the radio station KMA
(960 AM). Due to the bus transportation
operated by the public school system, the closing of Clarinda Lutheran School is dependent
on the decision of the public school.
STUDENT
GOVERNMENT
Students in grades 6-8 will elect student
body officers. Activities for the year will be discussed and arranged through this group. Activities include service projects as well as
social activities. Leadership opportunities
are available for the elected officers.
STUDENT INSURANCE
CLS offers an insurance plan that is optional for
parents. The purchase of this insurance is
voluntary with the cost being paid by the student and parents. This information will be made
available to all parents at registration.
TEACHER
AVAILABILITY
Teachers are available to be contacted at 8:00 a.m. and
after school until 3:30 p.m. It is most
helpful if calls or contacts are made with the teachers during
non-school time.
TUITION/FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
School families are responsible for around 75% of the cost of education. Saint Paul Lutheran congregation will commit to
paying 12% with the rest from third source funding by the Board of Christian Education.
Immanuel Lutheran, Saint John Lutheran,
and Saint Paul Lutheran all contribute at various levels to support school families from
their congregations to attend Clarinda Lutheran School
Financial assistance may be available. Contact
the Principal. The Board of Christian
Education approves all requests before assistance is awarded.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Parents or other interested persons of the congregations and community are
encouraged and invited to serve as volunteers. Volunteer
workers will receive the necessary background information and assistance in learning how
to carry out their work. Areas where one can
volunteer are: grounds maintenance, building
maintenance, teacher aiding, room mothers, grading papers, field or class trip chaperones,
coaching, library aid, school historian, compose public release articles for various
newspapers, etc.
Persons interested in doing volunteer work should inform the Principal or
respective teacher.