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The Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to provide parents and pupils with necessary information regarding St. John Lutheran School. If you read this carefully, you will find the answers to many of the questions that arise regarding your school. After reading it, please come back. You will want to refer to it often during the school year.

School Purpose and Aim

The following is a statement of "The Philosophy and Purpose of the
Christian Day School" of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

"The congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod establish, maintain, and foster Christian Day Schools in their midst with the thought of carrying out a unified program of Christian training. In the interest of such Christian training, our congregations are ready to take over the full responsibility of offering what our government requires in the way of elementary education.

Such Christian training aims to build up the individual child in Christian faith and thereby to motivate him/her to live as a Christian in all of his/her present and future activities and relationships of life. As members of these Lutheran Congregations, we carry out Christian education with the conviction that in the Holy Scriptures, as God's inspired and inerrant Word, we have an infallible norm and guide for everything that pertains to Christian faith and life."

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Brief History

In order to give our children the "one thing needful" (Luke 10:42), our congregation established a Christian Day School in 1872, only one year after the founding of the congregation. Classes were first held in the church basement located at 8th and Locust. The congregation's first school building, erected in the year 1886, was located at Margaret and Hope Streets. This was a two-room structure. When the enrollment outgrew those two classrooms, the basement of the church was used. In 1952 a new building, including four large classrooms, was erected and dedicated to the glory of God. Increased enrollment still necessitated the use of classroom space in the church basement, and in 1966 an addition was built. This addition, dedicated on February 25, 1968, includes four classrooms, a gymnasium, a before and after-school room, and an office.

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Objectives

The chief objectives of St. John Evangelical Lutheran School to be attained through God's Word are:

1. To give each child the assurance of being a redeemed child of God.
2. To increase each child's knowledge of Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior through the daily study and memorization of God's Word.
3. To provide sound Christian training in all secular subjects—mathematics, science, social studies, language, reading, music, art, physical education, etc.
4. To teach our children to be evangelists by using their knowledge, talents, and earthly treasures to the glory of God and the welfare of their fellow humans.
5. To prepare our children to be Christian American citizens by teaching them, out of thankfulness to their God, to respect and honor all government authority as being sent by God.

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Management and Supervision

In keeping with the above objectives, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, through the constitution, charges its Committee on Education as follows:

"In general, the Committee on Education shall supervise all areas of Christian education within the congregation. It shall formulate all policies to be followed in the education phases of the congregation's work, such as Sunday School, Christian Day School, Vacation Bible School, instruction classes, youth work, Bible classes, and the like, and present them, by way of the Church Council, to the congregation for ratification. In a similar manner, it shall make appointments, select courses of study, and engage in such other activities as it may deem necessary for the successful operation of this function of church work."

To this end, St. John Evangelical Lutheran School has set down its PHILOSOPHY AND CHRISTIAN OBJECTIVES:

We recognize that man, by nature, is a lost and condemned creature. We recognize that God had favored us with His inerrant Word, which provides knowledge to make us wise unto salvation. We recognize the need for earthly knowledge. We recognize that this earthly knowledge cannot be properly interpreted unless founded in God's Word. We recognize that man's earthly activities are God-pleasing if they are motivated by man's faith in, and love for, Christ. We recognize that God wants us to aid the Church in preparing full-time workers for His kingdom. Finally, we recognize that a Christ-centered education is a God-pleasing education; therefore, St. John Evangelical Lutheran School exists to instruct the child from a Biblical point of view concerning:

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Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy

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

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Enrollment Policy

Christ's commission to teach and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) identifies those who should receive the benefit of our school ministry. Our school exists to nurture the Christian faith of children whose parents are members of St. John Lutheran Church and to introduce the Christian faith to children who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin. St. John Lutheran School will therefore enroll students in four categories on a priority basis:

1. Children of members of St. John Lutheran Church.
2. Children of members of sister congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
3. Children of families who neither hold membership at a church home nor regularly attend another church.
4. Children of families who hold membership in or regularly attend other churches not in fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Because it is our expressed intent and purpose to minister to those in categories one through three, applications for children in these categories will be processed first. Those accepted from categories one through three will be enrolled throughout the spring as applications are received.

Applications of children in category four will also be processed when received; however, those accepted will be done so on a tentative basis and will be placed in a temporary waiting list until May 1, at which time they will be enrolled as space availability allows. If there are more students on the waiting list than available spots, the St. John Committee on Education will determine which families will be enrolled.

To provide the best education possible for our students, it is our goal to maintain classrooms of no more than 25 students per classroom. Kindergarten enrollment is limited to 20 students.

When a child endrolls after September 15th of any given school year, the previous school will be contacted concerning academic and behavioral status and, if accepted, the student will be on probation for four weeks.

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Application process

The school secretary will make arrangements for campus tours and classroom visits. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children at St. John may obtain an application from the school principal, who will meet with them to become acquainted and to discuss the needs of their children, the mission and policies of our school, and to answer any questions they might have.

This handbook should be read in full prior to submitting a completed application, and parents are asked to sign that they have done so on the application form. There is no application fee; however, upon acceptance, parents are required to pay a registration fee to reserve their child's space.

For children transferring from another school, report cards, attendance records, and test results from the previous two years must be submitted with the application.

If desired by either the applicant family or the school, one of the pastors may meet with the applicant family to discuss any spiritual needs or concerns. Parents are informed by letter whether their child has been accepted, declined enrollment, or placed on a waiting list. The St. John Board of Christian Education will be informed of all enrollments and, in special circumstances, may make the final decision whether a student will be accepted.

Children of nonmember parents (categories three and four) are enrolled on a probationary basis for the first full quarter they attend our school. Category three and four children and their siblings will be re-enrolled each year as long as they display appropriate conduct and academic effort and their parents have met all enrollment requirements.

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Enrollment Requirements

Children in nonmember families (categories three and four) will be enrolled according to the following stipulations:

1. Parents of the applicant must agree to attend the School Parents' Bible Information Class to acquaint themselves with the religious instruction their children at St. John Lutheran School. The class meets once a week for four weeks and is offered three times during the calendar year. It is best if both parents attend the same session, but it is allowable for the mother and father to attend different sessions. There is no fee for this class, and child care is provided free of charge. Most parents find this class to be very spiritually invigorating, and each parent is invited to complete the entire Bible Information Class over an additional fifteen-week period. (The full nineteen-session class can lead to membership at St. John Lutheran Church.)

2. Parents must agree to have their child attend the worship services in which his or her class is scheduled to sing (several times each year). Singing in worship is an integral part of our religion curriculum and provides our students an opportunity to witness their faith.

3. Parents must be supportive of the school, its teachers, and its policies.

4. Parents must be faithful in making timely tuition, daycare, and other school related payments.

5. Parents must provide academic, attendance, and behavioral records from previous schools as well as results of psychological, cognitive, or academic achievement tests for the principal's review.

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Home and School Cooperation

The Lord, through His Word, has bound the home and school together as one unit with one and the same aim when He said, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Parents dare not give up this God-given responsibility when they send their children to school. The teacher's part is to give additional training so that the work of making children "wise unto salvation" might continue unhindered and uninterrupted. Parents and teachers must join hands so that nothing may rob our children of the crown of glory laid up for them in heaven.

In order to bring about cooperation in the great and responsible task the Lord has given us, we must be sure of our aims, objectives and methods on child training as found in God's infallible Word. Jesus says, "Whoever serves me must follow me." (John 12:26). We Christian parents and teachers must dedicate ourselves anew to ever greater study of God's Word so we may become more proficient in carrying out our difficult task in a God-pleasing manner.

In order to create a closer relationship between school and home, between teacher and parents, our teachers visit the homes of new pupils each year. These visits are usually made in the month of August between registration day and school opening day.

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Helping Your Child

Parents, you can help and encourage your children by:

1. Attending church regularly with your child and discussing the sermon.
2. Having regular family devotions and table prayers.
3. Letting the Word of God be the sole guide in all phases of daily living.
4. Seeing to it that your child is regular and prompt in school attendance.
5. Assisting your child by listening to memory work.
6. Encouraging your child to complete homework carefully before engaging in other activities.
7. Urging Christian conduct on the part of your child in work and play activities with schoolmates and friends.
8. Refraining from being critical of school procedures or staff decisions in the presence of your child.
9. Encouraging your child to keep the school buildings and playground clean and orderly.
10. Encouraging the eating of well-balanced meals.
11. Encouraging sufficient hours of rest and sleep.
12. Discouraging the bringing of distracting items to school. (Items may be taken away.)
13. Encouraging your child to play games suitable to his/her age and skill.
14. Exposing your child to wholesome experiences (selective TV and video viewing, music choices, computer games, etc.)
15. Having your child wear suitable clothing in accordance with our dress guidelines.
16. Encouraging your child to read for pleasure to gain information (books, newspapers, etc.)

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Instruction in Religion

Since Christian training is the purpose of the instruction given at St. John, all children attending our school must take part in the study of God's Word and complete the necessary course requirements. In addition, seventh and eighth grade pupils receive confirmation instruction and are to complete the necessary requirements for confirmation. Children of parents not members of St. John Lutheran Congregation or another WELS congregation do not have to be confirmed into our church, but may do so with the consent of their parents.

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Memorizing God's Word

God's people have always considered memorizing God's Word a part of religious education. Before Scripture was recorded, there was no other means of instruction; the patriarchs passed on by word of mouth the messages of God's revelation they had committed to memory. In his day, Luther urged pastor and people alike to know from memory certain Christian fundamentals on which a richer and fuller knowledge might be built.

Memory work has been part of the religion curricula of Lutheran elementary schools since the time of their organization. Today pupils in these schools usually memorize all of Luther's Small Catechism as well as selected Scripture passages, hymn stanzas and prayers.

The fundamental objective of memory work is to provide the child with a store of personally relevant materials adequate for his/her needs. A second objective is to help the child develop the ability and habit of putting memorized material to practical use. Other objectives of memory work are to help the child acquire knowledge of the essential elements of Christian faith and doctrine and to grow in his/her ability to memorize exactly.

Memory work is useful only when the memorized selection becomes relevant to personal life and experience and when there is personal commitment to its truth. God's Word which has been memorized can be used to witness your faith in Jesus Christ, and be used for comfort in times of trouble and for praise in times of joy.

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Children's Church Services

Special children's services are held on the first Wednesday of each month during the first hour of school time except during the time when special Lenten services are offered. All parents, friends, and congregation members are invited to attend these services. An offering is gathered at the service and is designated for the School Improvement Fund.

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Missions and Offerings

Mission projects are chosen for study throughout the year. The children can better carry out God's command of preaching the Gospel when they are aware of the work done in both world and home missions. This mission program serves also to stimulate and guide the children in the grace of Christian giving.

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Singing to the Lord in Church

Scripture commands: "Sing to the Lord a new song." (Psalm 98:1). To give the children the opportunity to express their faith in song, they will be singing in church. The children whose parents are members of St. John Congregation are required to attend when their class is scheduled to sing. Children from other churches are invited and encouraged to attend. A note is required from the parents who are members of St. John if their child is not able to sing with his/her class.

All students from all churches are required to sing at St. John for two services: Christian Education Sunday and the Graduation Service. You will be informed of the dates of these services through the school newsletter.

While we are not requiring students from other congregations to attend St. John's Christmas Eve Service, we would strongly encourage that all participate in this service.

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Excuses from Classes

Parents are urged to make appointments with doctors or dentists for non-school hours or days. Children will be excused by their teachers for medical or dental appointments upon receiving a satisfactory oral or written request directly from parents. The school will excuse pupils for emergency appointments at any time.

If a child will be absent due to illness, the parents are asked to call and inform the teacher before school that morning. If it is impossible to notify the school beforehand, then a written excuse is necessary upon the child's return.

Absence from school for family trips and the like should be arranged beforehand. Please contact the respective teacher for such arrangements. We would, however, strongly encourage parents not to plan such trips during the school term.

Excessive absences or unexcused absences will be reported to the Ramsey County Human Services Child Protection Agency.

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Crusader for a Day

All eighth grade students are required to attend "Crusader for a Day" as a planned school activity.

Health Services

The Health Department of St. Paul serves us in advisory capacity in matters of health and as a connecting link between school and home. The health program consists of:

1. Hearing and vision tests
2. Weighing and measuring

First aid supplies are available in school for the treatment of minor injuries. According to state law, teachers must have written permission from parents to administer medicine or aspirin to the child.

By state law, all children must have the required immunizations before each school year. Physicals are recommended for students entering Kindergarten and grade 7. If you have any questions, you may check with your family doctor.

Students who bring medication from home, either prescription or over-the-counter, must give this medication to the teacher along with written permission to administer the medication in the proper dosage. If these procedures are not followed, the medication will be confiscated and the parents will be contacted.

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Daily Schedule

The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. The noon hour varies due to the dismissal times for lunch. Recess periods also vary in primary and upper divisions. You will note the times on the copy of the daily schedules that you will receive from each teacher.

The Committee on Education has adopted a policy that no pupils may enter the school before 8:00 a.m. unless arrangements have been made for before-school care. When the pupils are dismissed at the end of the day, we expect them to go home unless they are participating in a school sponsored activity. Our teachers are busy before school and after classes are dismissed. It is very difficult for the staff to do its work and also look after children who are staying on the grounds unnecessarily. If it is not possible for children to be picked up by 3:30 p.m., they will be sent to the after-school care room and parents will be charged accordingly. Children living within walking distance are expected to leave promptly after classes are dismissed.

Students are not permitted to leave school property without parental consent. This policy also applies to the before and after-school program. If students have the consent of their parents to leave school property, the teacher should be informed of this in writing.

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Pupil Progress Reports - Consultations

Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-week period. Comments from the parents which will give the teacher a better understanding of the pupil are appreciated at any time, but especially at the time report cards are issued. It is important that report cards be evaluated carefully and then discussed with the pupil. To keep parents informed of student progress, mid-term reports will be issued each quarter for students in grades 1-8.

Standardized tests are administered to determine pupil and class strengths and weaknesses. Parents will be advised of the test results.

Parent-teacher consultations are held after the first and third report cards have been issued. A special day and evening will be set aside for this purpose. Both parents are asked to attend the conferences, if possible. At the end of the first quarter, all parents will be asked to come to school to discuss the progress of their child/children. At the end of the third quarter, consultations will be scheduled for parents who have students in grades Kindergarten through grade two. Parents who have students in grades three through eight may request a conference. The teacher may also request to visit with the parents at that time.

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Lutheran Education Association

All parents are urged to attend and participate in the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) which meets four times during the school year. Consult the school calendar for these dates. These meetings feature a variety of educational and informative topics which pertain to Christian education.

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Library

Each classroom is supplied with reference materials such as encyclopedias and dictionaries. Books from the school library may be borrowed for a period of two weeks. Students are responsible for the cost of books which are lost or damaged.

We encourage all students to make use of the library as often as possible.

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School Newsletter

The school newsletter, St. John Wildcat News and Notes, is sent home once a week. With the newsletter is a mission offering envelope. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep parents better informed about school activities and events and to promote better communication between parents and the school. Please ask your child for the newsletter and take a few minutes to read its contents.

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Athletic Program

The athletic Program is under the supervision of the faculty. The boys' program includes soccer, basketball, softball, cross country, and track. The girls' program includes volleyball, basketball, softball, cross country, track, and cheerleading. Our teams compete in games with other schools in our area. Our emphasis is not on winning, but on learning the game, fair play, and sportsmanship.

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Eligibility Requirements for Extra-Curricular Activities

St. John Lutheran School encourages students to make use of their God given talents outside of the regular classroom setting. Students who maintain an acceptable level of academic achievement and exhibit satisfactory behavior are eligible to participate in the school's extra-curricular programs.

1. "Extra-curricular" includes all school functions outside the regular curriculum of the school. These are: all sports, cheerleading, Spelling Bee, Math Meet, musical, etc. Extra-curricular does not include church functions not associated with the school.

2. When determining "acceptable academic achievement", the teachers take into consideration that their students are redeemed children of God. Each one is an individual. There may be times when these eligibility guidelines must be tailored to the needs and abilities of an individual.

3. In general, however, students must maintain a Christian attitude toward their school, schoolwork, classmates, teachers, and coaches. This attitude will manifest itself through God-pleasing and constructive work habits. Students must also maintain a "C" (7.49) grade average or better and not receive an "F" on a midterm or quarter report. Finally, students must not have three or more late assignments in any given week.

4. "Exhibiting satisfactory behavior" means that students will comply with school and classroom rules and display sportsmanlike conduct on the playing field or court.

5. Students that are declared ineligible, for any reason, will be prohibited from participating in all extra-curricular activities for a duration of five school days from the time the ineligibility is declared. A student will not be allowed to participate in weekend activities if a weekend comes between these five school days.

6. After five school days, the student's progress will again be reviewed. If the student has demonstrated a satisfactory improvement, the student will be declared eligible.

7. The classroom teacher will contact the child's parent(s) promptly to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

8. If the period of ineligibility occurs directly prior to a school event, the student may be removed from the performance or game if his/her absence from the rehearsals/practice is detrimental to his/her performance.

9. If students miss a practice or game without a valid excuse, they will not be allowed to participate in the next game. On the third unexcused absence the individual may no longer be on the team for the sport in session. Three unexcused absences would seem to show a lack of interest and/or commitment.

10. Student athletes are required to be present in school all day in order to participate in athletic practices or games scheduled for that day.

Parents are our biggest help in teaching good sportsmanship by coaching and cheering. We ask that you set the example for our school.

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Playground

Our school playground is used for regular school activities. The following rules, however, also apply whenever the playground is in use:

1. Activities which could result in window breakage are not allowed near the church or office areas.
2. No toys or balls from home are to be used without the teacher's permission. Playground balls are furnished by the school. The school will not be responsible for items brought from home.
3. No school equipment may be taken out of the school before or after school hours unless it is to be used as part of an organized school sport or activity.
4. During any and all playground activity, the pupils are supervised by adults. These adults are to be respected and obeyed by all students.
5. There shall be no throwing of any objects (snow, ice, dirt, rocks, etc.) other than balls in the playing of games.
6. Once children have arrived at school, they are to remain on school property. Students will not be permitted to leave the school grounds unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult, or unless they have written permission from parents.
7. When there is a large hill of snow on the playground, students may play on the hill of snow. Behavior which endangers other students will not be tolerated.
8. All playground rules also apply to before and after school activities.

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Treats

Some children, especially those in the lower grades, like to bring birthday treats. These treats are usually in the form of cookies, cake, or candy. In addition to, or as an alternative to bringing a sweet treat, parents are encouraged to donate a book to the school library in honor of the child's birthday.

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Telephone

Students should obtain permission from a member of the faculty should it become necessary to use the phone.

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Emergency School Closing

In the event of severe weather in the winter, please tune to WCCO, AM 830, for the school closing announcement. Please make sure you listen for information regarding "St. John Lutheran School in St. Paul." As soon as a decision is made to close school, that information will also be placed on our voice mail at school. Rather than listening to the radio, you may call the school office. Classes will be held as usual unless the message clearly states that school has been dismissed.

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Curriculum Requirements

At St. John School we follow a set course of study in all subject areas. Students are expected to complete the course requirements for their grade level, based on their gifts and abilities. Students are expected to complete their assignments on time unless there is a valid reason, such as illness, for not having work completed when it is due. If there is a problem, the parents and/or student should talk with the teacher.

Assigned work not completed by the time set by the teacher will be penalized. Poor work will have to be made up to the satisfaction of the teacher. This policy is designed to help children maintain good and punctual work habits.

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Incomplete Homework

The consequences for late work are as follows:

1. The student will be reminded that the work should have been completed and s/he will have until the end of the school day to complete it without a loss of grade. If the assignment has not been completed by that time, the student will lose 10% of the grade (i.e. 90% down to 80%).

2. After three incomplete assignments, the student, in the presence of the teacher, will call a parent or guardian to inform him/her of the problem of incomplete work. Step one still applies.

3. If the problem of incomplete work continues, the teacher will notify the parents by telephone. If satisfactory plans cannot be put in place, a meeting will be arranged with the student, the parents, and the teacher.

4. If there is still no noticeable change, and the child comes unprepared for the school day, the student will be placed on an in-school suspension. This will be for at least one full school day, or longer if the teacher feels it is necessary. This means the child will be isolated from his/her class and will be placed in an area where work can be completed.

5. If in-school suspension occurs more than twice, the child and his/her parents must appear before the Committee on Education for prayerful discussion regarding the issue. Repeatedly not having assignments finished for no apparent reason could lead to expulsion.

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Discipline

A Christian Day School has a decided advantage over other schools in matters of discipline. We have the Word of God as our guide in all matters of behavior. Merely making the child behave is not our only objective. Our aim is to use God's Word to instill in each student's heart the willingness and desire to exhibit God-pleasing behavior. Pupils who attend this school are expected to place themselves under God's guidelines.

All teachers and adults are to be obeyed and respected as representatives of God. In the Fourth Commandment the Lord requires respect for all in authority.

Disruptive talking in the halls and lavatories is forbidden because of the disturbance it causes.

It is assumed that parents will help in matters of discipline by giving their full cooperation. "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." (Proverbs 23:13-14).

Students may be suspended and/or expelled for any of the following:

1. Cursing and/or use of foul language
2. A rebellious spirit which is not responding to correction by the teacher.
3. Repeatedly not having assignments finished for no apparent reason.
4. When a student willfully inflicts bodily harm upon another student by fighting, kicking, hitting, or using threatening language.
5. Sexual harassment.

The faculty and Committee on Education have adopted a "pink slip policy." A copy of this can be found at the end of the handbook.

Students may be expelled permanently for any of the following:

1. Smoking or use of drugs which are not prescribed by a doctor.
2. Persistent cursing and/or use of foul language.
3. A rebellious spirit which is unchanged and uncontrolled after reasonable effort by the teacher.
4. Openly advocating an anti-Biblical belief.
5. The commission of any act or offense involving the Sixth Commandment.
6. Willful destruction of church or school property.

If at any time the parents of a pupil have a concern about the school or a member of the faculty, the parents are to contact the respective teacher. The guidelines of Matthew 18:15-17 should be followed.

If the matter is unresolved, then the principal and Committee on Education will become involved.

Should a pupil willingly damage any school or church property, such damage will be reported to parents and the Committee on Education. In accord with the ruling of the Committee on Education, parents will stand the cost of repair or replacement of what was damaged. In case the damage can be repaired by one of our church trustees, the Committee on Education will fix an amount to be charged for the necessary completion of repair.

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Textbooks

Book covers are suggested for all school-owned books. Desks will be checked at least once a week for orderliness so that book bindings don't break from overcrowding. Should a school-owned textbook be misused, lost, or ruined, the cost of replacing that text will be charged to the student's account. Students are not to write in textbooks or handle them carelessly.

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Student Belongings

The halls are to be kept neat and clean at all times. Anything left in the halls or bathrooms overnight will be taken to the Lost and Found, where students will pick up what they have left behind. The school is not responsible for students' personal items.

Desks and lockers should be kept clean and are subject to inspection at anytime.

All classroom items are to be kept in the student's desk or locker. To make the cleaning of the classroom easier, nothing should be left on the student's desk overnight.

Locks on lockers are not permitted.

Trading cards and portable electronic devices such as hand-held electronic games and music devices are to be left at home.

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Dress Code

All pupils attending St. John Lutheran School are to dress in such a manner that their daily school clothing is neat, clean, and in keeping with Christian virtues of decency.

The following (adapted from the dress code of St. Croix Lutheran High School) will apply to the students and faculty of St. John Lutheran School. Since Christian love and respect should be reflected in all that we say and do, St. John faculty and students are expected to dress in a God-pleasing manner. Modesty, good taste, cleanliness, and neatness must be important factors to consider when getting ready for school.

Modesty and good taste refers to avoiding such things as inappropriate T-shirts, extremes in hairstyle, and short skirts/dresses. Cleanliness and neatness refers to general appearance and the condition of clothes which should not be worn-out, torn, or dirty.

Failure to comply with any of the items in the dress code may cause a student to be sent home from school to remedy the situation. For the sake of order, when there are differences of opinion concerning dress, the judgment of those in authority will be respected.

The following are NOT PERMITTED at St. John Lutheran School:

• Frayed, torn, worn-out, or dirty clothing
• Shirts unbuttoned to the point of immodesty
• Halter tops, tube tops, see-through, sheer tops, and half-shirts
• Bare midriffs
• Blouses, sweaters, or dresses that are low-cut or have spaghetti straps (applies to students in grades 5-8)
• Spandex undergarments worn as outer garments
• Low-hanging, sagged, or slouched pants or jeans
• Unkempt, dirty, and ill-groomed hair
• Headwear in the classroom
• Clothing (including jackets) which has the following types of logos: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, suggestive double-meaning, cursing, vulgarities, music-related groups, concerts, individuals, album covers, etc.
• Any ornamentation, other than earrings, that involves body piercing.
• Sandals on the playground
• Shoes with embedded wheels
• No visible tattoos, either permanent or temporary

A 'rule of thumb' guide for parents and students to follow in determining an appropriate length for shorts/skirts/dresses that may be worn to school is: when arms are placed at a person's side, the bottom of the hem should, at a minimum, meet the fingertips of the outstretched hands.

If students change clothes for physical education classes, this is to be done at the beginning and end of the physical education class. If that class period is at the end of the day, students will not be required to change again to their school clothes to go home. The above guidelines do not include the types of clothing to be worn in the winter season.

The faculty would expect parents and pupils to exercise good judgment, and we solicit your complete cooperation in carrying out these guidelines. Should a particular case need attention, the faculty will have the final say as to what meets the general standards stated above.

During hot weather, students may wear shorts to school. Shorts should be of a respectable length.

God created our bodies as His temple, and we, as Christians, desire to take care of our bodies by bathing regularly, keeping hair and nails clean and well-groomed, and practicing oral hygiene.

There should be no visible evidence of pierced body parts with the exception of the ears.

If hair length becomes a problem to the extent that the faculty feels it hampers performance in the classroom or on athletic teams, the student will be required to make the necessary changes.

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Bicycles

Children may ride bicycles to school, but the bicycles are to be kept in the lower hall and are not to be ridden during the school day. Bicycles are to be ridden home immediately after school or any school-related activity.

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Field Trips

In order to enrich the child's learning experience, field trips are taken by each room during the year. Parents will be notified of the time and destination of such trips. Students must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order to accompany the class on a field trip.

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Student Lunches

Since St. John does not have a hot lunch program on a regular basis, students are to bring a well-balanced bag lunch. Milk is available at school. No pop or soda is allowed. Parents will be informed of the price of milk at the time of registration.

Please send your child's lunch with him/her in the morning, because noon time deliveries are disruptive. Students may bring a nutritious snack for morning snack.

Information will be sent home when hot lunch is available. All classrooms are equipped with a microwave. Teachers have the option of setting up a schedule for the use of these microwaves.

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School Visitation by Parents

We invite and encourage parents to visit our classrooms at any time. We would, however, ask that such visits not exceed more than one-half day. Teachers would appreciate knowing when parents wish to visit the classroom.

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Volunteer Educational Assistant Program

St. John School has established a teachers' aide program. The main function of a teacher's aide is to assist in the instructional program of the school. This is accompanied by helping the teachers in their task of meeting the many individual needs of our children. Information about this program is sent home sometime during the first month of school.

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Revised.
June, 2004

Handbook Supplement

Registration and education fees, school calendar, as well as the listing of the faculty and members of the Committee on Education will be published separately from this handbook. When new policies go into effect, parents are informed through the school newsletter or a special letter from the school office.

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Pink Slips for Behavior/Attitude Problem

Click here to read the Pink Slips for Behavior/Attitude Problem.