St. Paul's Lutheran School Handbook

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL 13082 Bowen Street Garden Grove, CA 92843 714-534-6320

TABLE OF CONTENTS Accident Insurance…………………………….. Accident or Illness................................... ……… Academic Probation…………………………… Admission and Enrollment...................... ……… Affiliation……………………………………… AIDS…………………………………………… Annual Notice to Parents………………………. Appointments with Teacher…………………… Attendance……………………………………... Awards………………………………………… Bicycles………………………………………... Chapel…………………………………………. Child Abuse Reporting Obligations…………… Class Visitation………………………………… Course of Instruction…………………………... Daily Schedule…………………………………. Dress Code…………………………………….. Early Release From School……………………. Emergency Preparedness……………………… Expected Student Learning Results…………… Finances - Fees & Tuition……………………... Field Trips……………………………………... Fund Raising and Volunteer Service…………... General Behavior Guidelines………………….. Grading………………………………………… Grievance Procedure…………………………... Help Make Your Child’s Year More Enjoyable.. Lost and Found………………………………… Lunches………………………………………… Medication Administration.....................……… Medical Records/Immunizations………………. Mission Statement. . . …………………………. Movie Policy…………………………………... Music Program………………………………… Newsletter……………………………………… Nondiscrimination Policy........................ ……… Office Hours…………………………………… Parent-Teacher Fellowship…………………….. Passes…………………………………………... Philosophy……………………………………... Policy on Athletic Eligibility………………….. Promotion……………………………………… Page 2

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Purpose………………………………………… Rainy Day Dismissal…………………………... Reenrollment…………………………………... Report Cards…………………………………… Restricted Pickup………………………………. School Age Care……………………………….. School Age Care Vacation Program…………… School Hours…………………………………... Sexual Harassment Policy……………………... Sports Program………………………………… Student Aids Policy……………………………. Student Records………………………………... Student Responsibilities……………………….. Students with Money at School………………... Summer Program.................................... ………. Supervision and Discipline…………………….. Transportation…………………………………. Testing…………………………………………. Tuition Refund Policy. . . ……………………... Use of Telephone………………………………. Worship Services……………………………….

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HELP MAKE YOUR CHILD’S YEAR MORE ENJOYABLE By enrolling your child at St. Paul’s, you are agreeing to support our various programs and functions. Please make a note to attend as many of these events as possible. Also note other dates on the calendar when your child will participate at school such as singing in church services, the Christmas Program, Spelling Bee, Open House, Fall Festival, Strawberry Festival booth, etc., and please plan to participate with your child. Parents who show interest in their child’s activities are our best means of helping motivate those same children. Be involved!

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AFFILIATION St. Paul’s Lutheran School is sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Garden Grove, a non-profit corporation in the State of California. It is governed by the Voter’s Assembly and Leadership Team through the School Board. Members of these bodies are elected by and from the membership of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Garden Grove. St. Paul’s Lutheran School is affiliated with the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Board of Parish Services of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We are members of the Orange County Lutheran Principals’ Conference, the Lutheran Education Association and the Lutheran Educators’ Conference of the Pacific Southwest District. St. Paul’s Lutheran School is listed in the Directory of Private Elementary and High Schools in California which is published by the State and which lists all schools which have complied with Education Code Section 290095. There is no official accrediting agency for California elementary schools. We are accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Our school does not exist in opposition to the local public schools, whose work we greatly respect, but rather for the purpose of offering a Christian education and environment which the public school, by its very nature, is unable to offer.

PURPOSE In response to God’s commands concerning His children as found in the following passages and by His power working in our lives, St. Paul’s Lutheran School as an extension of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, is committed to His purpose. Ephesians 6:4 Matthew 28:19 Deuteronomy 6:7 John 21:15 Psalm 37:5

“Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” “Teach them diligently” “Feed My lambs” “Commit your way to the Lord: trust in Him, and He will act”

The purpose of St. Paul’s Lutheran School is to provide a Christian education for the children of the congregation and the community so they may, through God’s Word and Spirit, • • • •

Witness to Christian values Form community Gain knowledge and skills Be prepared for a life of service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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PHILOSOPHY St. Paul’s Lutheran School is an educational ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in which students of various backgrounds can learn and grow within the context of a Christian community. The faculty, in cooperation with the parents, provides resources and motivation by which students are encouraged to develop high levels of knowledge and skills in academic, physical, spiritual, and social areas. Each student is important as a child of God with individual gifts. The student is challenged to acknowledge God as Lord and Savior, to respect his own worth and that of others, and to develop exemplary qualities of character around a code of Christian values as a basis for making responsible, God-pleasing decisions. With these tools, we hope that each graduate will continue to work for the betterment of society in a changing world to the glory of God.

MISSION STATEMENT With God’s help, the ministry team of St. Paul’s Lutheran School shares the gospel and equips all children spiritually and academically to carry out the Lord’s Great Commission.

EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING RESULTS Spiritual • Develop an active faith in Jesus Christ • Model Christian values • Develop an active prayer life • Gain knowledge of God’s plan for salvation Academic • Utilize efficient study skills that incorporate time management, prioritization and goal setting • Develop communication skills of speaking and writing • Develop effective skills in reading, math, science, social studies, language arts, and technology • Complete a course of study that meets or exceeds the California Standards for Excellence Interpersonal • Practice good citizenship • Recognize and accept responsibilities and the consequences for choices made • Consider the feelings of others and exercise compassion and understanding Nurture • Develop a healthy self-esteem • Develop the body through physical activities and health experiences • Develop creative forms of expression • Develop a desire to serve in the community • Utilize spiritual gifts in daily life and work Thinking • Develop critical thinking and listening skills • Develop skills in working collaboratively with others • Seek to serve

ADMISSION and ENROLLMENT

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I.

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL is a private Christian school for the children of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and for parents desiring a Christian education for their children. Application for admission and enrollment are considered in the following order of preference: A.

Children whose parents are communicant members in good standing of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

B.

Children of non-members who are re-enrolling

C.

Children who are in membership with St. Paul’s Church by baptism

D.

Non-member children

II.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL admits students of any race, color, 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 age, race, color, sex, national and/or ethnic origin, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. Likewise, St. Paul’s Lutheran School does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, age, or national and/or ethnic origin.

III.

A child entering KINDERGARTEN must be 5 years old by September 1 of the year enrolled.

IV.

All new students are enrolled for a probationary period of one quarter. In the event the new student does not perform satisfactorily either academically (75-100%) or behaviorally, the student may not be admitted back to St. Paul’s after the first quarter.

V.

All newly enrolled students who are transferring to St. Paul’s must present their last report card from the school previously attended and a copy of their birth certificate.

VI.

Immunization requirements of the State of California MUST be met.

VII.

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL is not equipped to serve as a special education or disciplinary school.

VIII.

We believe these policies are in agreement with our Lord’s directives concerning the church’s responsibilities to its own children and with the Lord’s missionary command to “teach all nations”.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Page 6

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We have a variety of expectations of our students. We will strive to teach them that they each have unique talents and abilities. We expect that each student will do his or her best to use those talents and abilities as best they can.  Students are responsible to do all work neatly and completely, following school standards.  Students are responsible to submit work on time, following school- and teacher-set deadlines.

 Students will arrive at school in sufficient time to be in class, at their desk, ready to begin work or devotions BY the 8:30 a.m. late bell.  Students will treat other students, faculty and staff, and other parents with the respect that God expects of His children.  Students will do their best to model their lives after that of Jesus.  Students will know the rules and expectations and will readily and willingly follow them.  Students will always have all required books and supplies on hand at school.  Students are responsible to find out and do work missed due to absence. While some teachers may elect to do so, teachers are not required to supply advance work for unauthorized absences.

 Students in grades 3 through 8 will be issued a planner and are responsible for keeping it.

GENERAL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES As children of God, it is important that we all work together throughout the year. One way to do that is to have certain “rules” which all agree upon. To that end, we have established general behavior guidelines to which all students must adhere.

1. SPEAK respectfully to teachers, support staff, and other students. Profanity and abusive language are examples of inappropriate speech.

2. BULLYING destroys the safe learning environment, which is so important for both students and teachers to effectively do their jobs. Bullying is never acceptable. We define bullying as any intentional harassment of another by an individual or by a group via physical and/or psychological means to intimidate or demean that person.

3. COMPLETE all assigned schoolwork within the time allotted by the teacher. Work not made up during the allotted time frame will receive a grade of “F”. When children have been absent, they will be allowed a maximum of two days per day of absence to make up their work.

4. WALK in the classrooms, hallways, and stairways in a quiet, respectful manner. 5. GUM CHEWING is not allowed on campus due to the damage it causes to the physical facilities. 6. EATING is allowed only during snack and lunch periods, and only in designated snack and lunch areas. Exceptions will be made for approved class parties, celebrations, etc.

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8. ALL BOOKS, MATERIALS, SCHOOL PROPERTY and PERSONAL PROPERTY of others are to be treated with respect. Any student who writes on, defaces, or damages the property of others or of the school, or who takes something without the owner’s permission will be required to pay for it and is subject to strong disciplinary action. Hardback textbooks must be covered at all times. No tape or adhesive covers of any type should be used.

9. RESTROOMS are to be left as neat and as clean as possible. 10. CELL PHONE USE: Students with cell phones are required to have them turned off and stored in their back packs. After school hours they may call a parent only with a supervisor’s permission. If the rules are not followed, the phone will be immediately confiscated and parents will be required to pick it up for their children. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

11. TOYS, ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES, and GAMES are to remain at home except for special occasions such as show and tell, announced by the teacher. Items such as these will be immediately confiscated and parent(s) will be required to pick them up for their child.

12. THE RIGHT TO SEARCH desks, lockers, book bags, and coats at any time is a right reserved by the school. In some cases, students may be asked to empty their pockets.

13. RULES and PROCEDURES have been developed by each teacher for the efficient management of their classroom. These rules and procedures are to be followed and obeyed at all times.

14. BIKES must be locked to the bike rack. Skateboards and scooters used as transportation to school need to be checked into the office. (By law appropriate safety equipment must be worn if children are riding to school.)

SUPERVISION AND DISCIPLINE Since ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL is an agency of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, all policies and activities are controlled by that body. Supervision is vested in a congregational School Board. Direct supervision is entrusted to the principal and members of the faculty. Our teachers sincerely try to treat children fairly in true Christian love in accordance with God’s Word. Students are expected to respect and obey their teachers and all members of the staff according to the Fourth Commandment. All students must adhere to the rules and regulations of the school, of their teacher, and of any adult put in charge of them. For students who are in need of extra disciplinary action, St. Paul’s Lutheran School has a system, which keeps parents informed of their child’s behavioral progress. DETENTION may be assigned to students for excessive or repeated negative behaviors. The detention normally will be served immediately after dismissal on the day received. The teacher and student will telephone the parent from school, informing about the detention. Depending on the severity of the behavior, a detention will be assigned from one (1) to four (4) points. Detentions are 15 minutes for each point, beginning at 3:15 pm. Detention will be served in the classroom designated for that week, and will be strictly supervised by the teacher who has been assigned detention duty for the week. Strict detention room rules will be enforced by all teachers. Failure to observe the detention room rules will cause a detention to be issued for the next day. Detentions will be written on a detention form. One copy will go to the principal, one to the child’s teacher and two copies are sent home, with one to be signed and returned by a parent. The principal will issue a DEMERIT whenever a student accumulates detentions equaling a multiple of four. Demerits accumulate during the school year as follows: 4 detentions - 1st demerit for the year - Letter from principal, teacher will meet with parent and student.

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8 detentions - 2nd demerit for the year - One day in-school suspension; principal will meet with teacher, parent, child. 12 detentions - 3rd demerit for the year - Two day at-home suspension; principal will meet with the parent and child. 16 detentions - 4th demerit for the year - The student’s future at St. Paul’s will be discussed in a meeting with the principal, the teacher, and a school board representative along with the parent and student. At this consultation, the parent and/or the student may present their side of the story to the School Board. Students using or bringing on the school property drugs, “look-alike” drugs, alcohol, knives, or other dangerous weapons or anything which would constitute a danger, physically or emotionally, to pupils and faculty are subject to immediate suspension pending expulsion from St. Paul’s Lutheran School. In this situation, the Garden Grove Police may be called and the student placed in their custody.

FUND-RAISING AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM Fund-raising is a fact of life for all religious and private schools. St. Paul’s sponsors a variety of fund raising events throughout the year. While we appreciate and encourage the participation of all families in our fund-raising activities, participation is on a strictly voluntary basis. St. Paul’s has no required fund raising or fund-raising fee. You will be informed of the purpose of each activity prior to its scheduled starting date. The education of the children is of utmost importance to us. It has been shown that children who have parents who are involved in activities at their child’s school excel in social and academic skills. That is why we have established Volunteer Hours. This program requires each family to donate at least 10 hours of their time and talents to assist in various programs affiliated with a successful educational process. Each year, a list of opportunities will be provided, and credit forms for hours donated will be available from the office. At the beginning of the year, each parent will be able to sign up for hours. Additional opportunities that arise will be published in the newsletter. Families are charged $50 per semester, a total of $100, for the Parent Involvement Program on their tuition statement. By the end of each semester hours served volunteering will be credited $10 per hour.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE Your registration fee pays for accident insurance for your child through Guide One Insurance. This is secondary coverage insurance. You will be asked to bill your personal insurance carrier first, and the school insurance will then pick up the difference. Forms are available in the school office.

OFFICE HOURS The school office is open for business from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. on school days.

DAILY SCHEDULE At the beginning of the school year, each teacher will plan, publish, and send home a daily or weekly schedule. Schedules will be coordinated among the teachers.

DRESS CODE Attending St. Paul’s and its functions is a privilege, and the school expects its students to conform to consistent and acceptable dress standards. At St. Paul’s, we believe that a student’s appearance has an impact on his or her attitude and behavior. Respect for the school community, for the students themselves and for what the school is giving to the students is manifested

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by an attitude of “dressing up” rather than “dressing down” for school. The dress code is also designed to help students maintain a sense of Christian modesty and decorum. We expect our students to observe the spirit represented by the “standard attire for student dress” requirements. Students who cannot manage this may be asked to leave. The school reserves the right to regulate against extreme, unbecoming or exaggerated fads and fashions whenever it is deemed necessary. (e.g. hair styles and length, makeup, jewelry, etc.) The Principal shall have the final authority in deciding if a student’s dress is acceptable and in agreement with the dress code. The Board believes that a student’s appearance has an impact on his/her education, attitude, and behavior. Respond for the school community, for the students themselves, and for what the school is giving to the students is manifested by an attitude of “dressing up” rather than “dressing down” for school. The student dress code will be designed to achieve the following goals: •

To education the student as to what is appropriate dress for the proper use and time.

•

To improve the work and study habits of the students

•

To foster a sense of pride and unity among the students

•

To project a positive image of our school and its students to the community

In order to achieve these goals, the students of St. Paul’s Lutheran School will dress in standard attire. It is the responsibility of the Principal, with the advice and consent of the Board, to determine the standard attire of dress, communicate this stand to the parents, and to insure it is followed by the student body. It is recognized that certain activities may require that students deviate from a policy of standard attire at certain times and for specific reasons. Decisions concerning deviating from the standard dress policy are left to the discretion of the Principal.

REQUIRED STANDARD ATTIRE FOR STUDENT DRESS BOYS

COLORS (SOLID ONLY)

GIRLS

Polo shirt

white

Polo shirt

(long or short-sleeved)

gray

(long- or short-sleeved)

navy red ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cotton twill slacks Cotton twill shorts

navy

Cotton twill shorts

Cotton twill slacks

khaki

Jumper Skirt

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Skort ____________________________________________________________________________________________

WINTER INSIDE WEAR FOR EVERYONE Plain cardigan or sweatshirt in white, gray, red or navy. Winter inside wear may be of fleece, wool, or synthetic fiber. •

Clothing must be of the proper size for the individual child. Overly large or excessively loose-fitting clothing will not be acceptable. Likewise, excessively tight clothing is not acceptable.

•

Any combination of the above styles or colors may be worn as standard attire for school. Families may choose to select all styles or colors, or limit their selection to only a few. No one has to have any particular style or color.

•

Any style of jumper, skirt, or skort is acceptable. Material must be of cotton twill (like Dockers). Denim, regardless of color, is not acceptable.

•

Shirts with uneven length tails must be tucked in at all times.

•

Elastic waistbands or belt loops are acceptable. Suspenders are acceptable, but must be navy blue in color.

•

No T-shirts may be worn to school except on days when the standard attire policy is suspended.

•

Shirts and sweatshirts may be either plain or embroidered with the school logo (no other logos are acceptable)

•

ONLY PLAIN SWEATSHIRTS IN WHITE, GRAY, RED, OR NAVY (NO LOGOS) may be worn on campus indoors or outdoors.

•

Shorts may be worn at any time during the school year. Shorts, skorts, pants, skirts or jumpers must be longer than finger-tip length; they must be worn no lower than the hip (no skin or underwear may be showing). A belt may be required to keep clothing in the appropriate place.

•

No jackets may be worn in the classroom.

•

SHOES must be firm-soled and flat (for safety reasons). Platform shoes and sandals are not acceptable. Tennis shoes are preferred for safety on the playground and climbing apparatus. Faculty members have discretion in not allowing students to play in shoes deemed unsafe.

•

SOCKS must be worn with all shoes.

•

HAIR may not be worn in excessive styles. Hair shall be that of a natural hair color.

•

MAKE-UP is not permitted to be worn by students in K-5. With parental permission, Middle School girls may wear only light lipstick, light foundation and mascara. For safety reasons, girls with pierced ears may not wear earrings below ear lobes, studded earrings are preferred. Make-up and/or earrings on male students is not permitted. Visible body piercing or tattoos, clip-on rings, and tongue rings are not permitted.

•

P.E. UNIFORMS are required for all students in grades 6-8. Students failing to dress out for P.E. class will receive an “F” for that class period, and may not be allowed to participate in the activity.

•

HEADCOVERINGS and SUNGLASSES are not to be worn once inside the school building.

•

TORN, FRAYED, or DIRTY clothing is not allowed.

•

SHIRTS must be clean, neat, and buttoned appropriately.

•

We require that all articles of clothing be labeled with the child’s name.

ALTERNATIVE DRESS DAYS are scheduled in most months to celebrate those students who faithfully follow the dress code. Only students who have received no “Standard Dress Notices” since the last Alternative Dress Day are eligible to wear the alternative dress. Alternative dress is defined as clothing other than the Standard Dress. Note that Alternative Dress must still be clean, neat, and modest. Clothing which is overly large, overly tight,

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revealing, torn or dirty, or having a design or logo which is not appropriate in a Christian setting are not allowed. Policies regarding accessories and make up are not suspended on these days. The “STANDARD DRESS NOTICE” can be issued by any teacher and is used to inform the parent of the dress violation.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a student and his/her parent feel aggrieved on account of any policy or interpretation of policy of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, the administrator, or a teacher, the parent shall use the following procedure: • If the grievance is with a teacher, contact the teacher immediately and discuss the problem with the teacher. The teacher is expected to solve the problem. • For all other grievances, including unresolved teacher grievances, the parent is to contact the school principal and set forth in detail, either in writing or verbally, the action or policy that is the basis of the grievance. The principal will be responsible for solving the problem. • If a parent brings a grievance to the principal without first attempting to solve it with the teacher, the principal will refer the parent to the teacher, using the Matthew 18:5 principle, which says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you…” • Similarly, the principal will normally utilize the Matthew 5:23-24 principle, which says, “Therefore, if you…remember that your brother has something against you,…go and be reconciled to your brother…”, to lovingly encourage the teacher to go to the parent or student who feels aggrieved. • If the grievance is not settled within a reasonable time (the parent and principal will mutually agree on the time frame) the parent may contact the chair of the School Board. The Board chair may either refer the matter back to the principal or may set a meeting between the Board chair, the principal, the parent, and other appropriate parties. • If the grievance is still not settled, the parent may file a written statement with the Board and request a meeting with the whole Board. At the next regularly scheduled Board meeting (the Board chair may call for a special Board meeting) the Board will meet with the parent and all parties involved in the grievance. • Following the conference, but not later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Board will communicate its decision in writing, together with supporting reasons, to all parties in interest. The Board’s decision is the final step in the procedure. In administering this policy… • A parent and/or student will never appear before the School Board without the other party in the grievance also being present and given a chance to offer his/her side of the situation. • No reprisals of any kind will be taken by any party to this procedure against any party in interest, any witness, or any other participant in the procedure. • The procedure outlined above is the sole and only course available to any aggrieved person. • All parties concerned will treat the grievance as confidential information • All grievances will be processed as rapidly as possible.

ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS Copies of medical release forms for each student shall be kept in the school office in case of emergency. Injuries requiring more than routine, superficial first aid as well as all hard head injuries causing marks or swelling shall be reported to parents and/or guardians immediately and, if necessary, the paramedics shall be called. An accident report form should be filed by supervising school personnel in the school office for all injuries beyond minor scrapes and cuts.

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In case of accident or illness, you child will be sent to the office and if deemed necessary, the parent and/or guardian is notified to come and pick up the child immediately. Only in the event the parent/guardian cannot be reached is the student allowed to remain in the office. Please do not bring your child to school if he/she is running a temperature or allow your child to return to school until after his/her temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a cold or any other physical condition that would require him/her to be kept inside during noon and recess periods. Medication is administered by school personnel only if permission is granted via a doctor’s note from the parent and/or guardian. Exceptions are aspirin or Tylenol, which only require permission as indicated by the release form. Release form can be obtained in school office.

In case of accident or illness, your child will be sent to the school office and, if deemed necessary, you will be notified to pick up your child. Please do not bring your child to school if he/she is running a temperature or vomiting. Your child can return to school after his/her temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a cold or any other physical condition that would require him/her to be kept inside during noon and recess periods. In order to discourage attendance of sick children, students who are ill must be picked up within one hour from time of notification. If the students are not picked up, a Day Care fee may be charged, at a rate of $20.00 per hour. CHILDREN WITH THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE IN SCHOOL: Acute cold Earache Nausea Swollen glands

Chills Fever Running nose Vomiting

Coughing Flushed skin Sneezing Red or Discharging eyes

Drowsiness Headache Sore Throat Diarrhea

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION Upon the advice of medical authorities, the following regulations will be observed regarding giving medications to students: 1. Any medication to be taken by a student on school grounds must be administered in the school office by the Principal or the designated person.

2. The Principal or his designate may administer medication to a student only if a signed medication request form is on file in the school office. This includes aspirin or Tylenol. All medication must be in the original container, properly labeled with the student’s name, dosage, times of administration, name of physician and name of pharmacy. All medications, including cough drops, must be immediately turned in at the office upon arrival of the student with a written request from the parent, with the exception of inhalers. Asthma inhalers may be carried by students and used as necessary. 3. Never send medication of any sort along with the student’s lunch. Even aspirin in incorrect dosage can be lethal to a child finding lost medication.

MEDICAL RECORDS/IMMUNIZATIONS Kindergarten and any new student entering St. Paul’s Lutheran School must bring a record of immunizations as required by the State Department of Health. First grade students must have on file a “Report of Health Examination”, signed by a physician. These state forms are also provided to new first graders at registration. Failure to provide the requested verification of immunization and/or health examination will result in suspension from school until the necessary information is provided as mandated by law.

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FINANCES – TUITION and FEES St. Paul’s Lutheran School is owned, operated, and maintained by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church t. The largest percentage of financial support is derived from tuition and registration fees. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church contributes the balance of the operational support in the form of a mission subsidy. Tuition is collected on a ten month basis, starting August and ending in May. The tuition is due the 10th of each month. Any payment not received by the 10th is considered delinquent; therefore a 10% late fee is assessed. If payment is not received by the 10th day of the next month, the child(ren) of the responsible party shall not be allowed to attend class until the entire balance is paid in full. Tuition and fees payments are made by check or money order made payable to ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL. Payments may be brought to the school office, sent via the child and his/her teacher, or mailed to the school at 13082 Bowen Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92843. While we do not reject cash, checks or money orders are safer means of remitting payments. We do accept Visa or Master Card; contact the bookkeeper to make arrangements. A non-refundable REGISTRATION fee is collected each year. It is due during the registration period (usually March) for returning students and immediately upon acceptance for new students. This fee includes the registration fee, books and materials, student insurance, class T-shirt, yearbook, and availability of an earthquake kit. Grades 5-8 students incur an OUTDOOR EDUCATION fee to cover costs for the annual Outdoor Education experience. This fee may be paid in installments along with tuition, and may also be partially covered through participation in class fund-raisers. Excess fees raised or paid will be applied to tuition and fees or we will apply it to the next year’s Outdoor Education trip.

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TUITION is an annual fee, but it may be paid in one lump sum or in up to ten (10) equal installments. •

If paid in full by July 1, parents receive a 5% discount on tuition.

•

If paid in installments, the first installment is due August 1 and all payments must be paid by May 1. A monthly statement of account will be issued throughout the year.

A LATE CHARGE of 10% of the delinquent amount will be assessed on an account which becomes delinquent due to tuition, fees, SAC charges, or any other fees. Payments are due on the first of the month and become delinquent after the tenth (10th). Delinquency usually will result in the termination of the child’s enrollment unless suitable, workable arrangements have been made with the administrator prior to the tenth (10th) of the month. CHECKS returned for INSUFFICIENT FUNDS will incur a $20.00 charge to the account, and all future payments must be via cash or money order. REPORT CARDS normally will be withheld in June (or at the time a student leaves St. Paul’s) if the family account has an outstanding balance. The report card is released when the account is paid in full.

TUITION REFUND POLICY: Tuition is an annual fee. Parents are permitted to pay the fee in ten payments. In the event of early withdrawal, tuition must be paid through the end of the current month. If tuition has been prepaid, refund will be based on the number of weeks remaining in the school year after the current month. Parents will be responsible for any late tuition owed prior to leaving. A student withdrawing for disciplinary reasons forfeits all rights to the return of any portion of tuition and fees.

SCHOOL AGE CARE Our School Age Care Program (SAC) is offered from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. as a service to parents who need care for their children beyond school hours. Students who arrive on campus before 8:15 or who remain on campus after 3:15 will automatically be placed in the School Age Care program. The parents will be billed at the hourly rate. School Age Care begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. On no occasion are children to be left at the school before 7:00 a.m. Our workers begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. and any children arriving early would be unattended. For the safety and well-being of your child, we cannot allow arrivals before that time. It is required that the person who brings the child to school during SAC time MUST come in and sign in on the SAC attendance book. Repeated failure to do so may result in the child’s removal from SAC care. When a child is picked up from School Age Care, he/she must be “signed out” by a parent or their representative. Parents must list, in advance, all persons authorized to pick up their children. No child will be released to persons not listed by the parents. All who pick up the child must be able to produce a photo ID. No child will be released to anyone not on the emergency form with authority to pick up the student. For emergency situations, refer to paragraph three in the “Restricted Pickup” section. School Age Care ends promptly at 6:00 p.m. and all children are to be picked up at or before that time. If an emergency should arise that would keep you from being here by 6:00 p.m., please make arrangements for a neighbor or friend to pick up your child. Any child remaining after 6:00 PM will be billed $1.00 per minute beyond 6:00 PM according to the clock in the day care room. Please be sure all emergency numbers are kept current. The closing staff is instructed to place children not picked up by 7:00 PM with the Garden Grove Police Department after all emergency numbers have been exhausted and the principal has been informed. After four instances of picking up your child after 6:00 PM, the family may be dropped from School Age Care services.

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SCHOOL AGE CARE VACATION PROGRAM School Age Care will be in session during some of the regular school vacations, and will close for some others. See the school calendar for specific dates for these holidays. It will be crucial for our planning that parents who are using the SAC during vacations ENROLL their children in the weeks prior to the vacation. Watch the newsletter and SAC announcements about the enrollment periods. The School Age Care staff plans activities on each vacation day, which may include devotions, organized and/or table games, crafts and projects, movies, field trips and special snacks or lunches. During school vacation weeks, a day camp format is planned. 1.

Parents are required to sign-up for Day Care services in advance on days when school is not in session.

2.

If they sign-up and do not send their child(ren) they are assessed half the daily fee, $9 per child.

3.

If they do not sign up and then send their child(ren) they are assessed an additional fee of $5 per child for a total of $23 per day.

4.

Any changes to the sign-up should be made with the Day Care Director at least 24 hours before the date. If these changes are made in a timely manner, the parents will not be assessed the additional charges.

SCHOOL HOURS School is in session from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for grades K to 8. Since the time period prior to 8:00 a.m. is used by the faculty for devotions, personal meditation and classroom organization, we request that the children arrive as close to 8:15 as possible. Children in grades K to 8 who arrive at school before 8:15 a.m. are to report to School Age Care and will be subject to SAC regulations and fees. There will be no loitering on the premises after 3:15 p.m. or after school activities. Students on campus more than 15 minutes after the end of their last activity (or class) will be signed into SAC and will be subject to day care regulations and will be billed. Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds on their own during the school hours.

ATTENDANCE ABSENCES: Punctual and regular attendance is expected and is extremely important. Please inform the office if your child is absent. Since education is so important, absences due to vacations and long weekends are to be avoided. Teachers will not be required to provide assignments for such absences, and students will be allowed a maximum of 2 days per day of absence to make up their work. Any assignments, tests, or quizzes given during an absence must be made up within the time period allowed for make-up work. Students and parents need to assume the responsibility for obtaining and completing make-up assignments. TARDINESS: Arriving after the 8:30 a.m. start time creates a disturbing and unnecessary disruption of the school day for both teachers and students. For this reason, all parents are expected to ensure that their child(ren) arrive at school before 8:25 a.m. to allow time to unpack and prepare for the day. In the event of a late arrival, parents are expected to send the child to the office with a note of explanation. If a child is tardy excessively, the principal will notify the parents in writing, and may require a personal conference.

EARLY RELEASE FROM SCHOOL Any child who needs to leave school prior to the regular dismissal time or leave campus at any time during the day must be picked up by a responsible adult authorized by the child’s parent to do so. We require that the parent come to the school office to pick up the child. The child will then be called from the classroom. Parents may not go directly to the classroom. The child will need to be signed out by the parent. Parents are requested to notify the

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office and teacher in advance whenever possible when early release is necessary. St. Paul’s reserves the right to not release the child to anyone whose behavior indicates that the child will not be in safe care.

RESTRICTED PICKUP The school is responsible for its students from the time they leave their parents in the morning until they return to their parents in the afternoon/evening. Because of this, we must have a record of who takes each child from our campus. At dismissal time the children must check out with their teacher informing the teacher who is picking them up. If that person is not listed on the emergency form the child will not be permitted to go with that person. Children will not be permitted to call at the end of school to get permission to ride home with someone else. If, in an emergency, it becomes necessary for a parent to send someone who is not previously listed on the authorization list to pick up the child, the parent must phone the school office. That person should be prepared to show their identification to be permitted access to the child. If your child is to leave the school with another school parent, the office must have a written or telephone approval from you. St. Paul’s reserves the right to refuse to release a child to an adult who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or in any other way seems unfit to care for the child. When there is a half-day of school, all students regardless of grade must either be picked up by 12:15 p.m. or they will be placed in School Age Care. On scheduled half-days (except Good Friday) day care will be provided for all students who need to stay.

RAINY DAY DISMISSAL On rainy days students will be kept in their classrooms. Parents will come to the classroom to sign them out.

CHAPEL The school conducts weekly Chapel Services in the church for all children of the school. These are usually on Wednesday. The Pastors, faculty members, and individual classes conduct these weekly services throughout the school year. Contribution envelopes are provided for each child for his/her weekly offering. Offerings collected are given to Christian institutions selected by the faculty. Parents and friends are cordially invited to attend.

MOVIE POLICY Only “G” rated movies are to be shown on campus. If a movie that is not “G” rated becomes part of academic instruction, the teacher will get parental permission prior to showing the film. Do not allow your student to bring a movie to school unless it is “G” rated, and the teacher has given permission.

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHER We encourage you to discuss any problems concerning your child with the teacher. Please consider, however, that the teachers have extra-curricular duties. In addition to teaching, teachers have yard duty, faculty meetings, administration appointments, committees for school, church and Orange County Lutheran schools, special tutoring, coaching, etc. as a part of their professional obligations. We ask you to make all appointments through the school office. Appointments will be verified with the teacher. Proper time and place can then be allotted for discussion of your child’s progress. Spontaneous conferences on the school grounds are not in the best interest of the student and are discouraged.

CLASS VISITATION If you wish to visit a classroom, please follow these guidelines. In order for the teacher to function most efficiently, it is always necessary to make an appointment, either directly with the teacher or through the office. Try to give at least three days notice in advance, so that the classroom schedule will be least disturbed, and so we can work out an appointment that will be the most meaningful for you. We ask that the person visiting come to the office at the appointed time. The Principal or office secretary will go with you to the class. After 30 minutes (the maximum length of our visitation periods), you may leave and return to the office to check out. Please make an appointment to meet with the teacher after school to discuss the visit. Observers should not distract the class by engaging the teacher in conversation or asking questions during class time.

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COURSE OF INSTRUCTION Students receive instruction in the following subjects: Religion/Memory Work Reading Science Social Sciences(history/geog) Physical Education Fine Arts (Art and Music) Language Arts (Spelling, Creative Writing, and Grammar)

Mathematics Health Handwriting/Printing Technology

As a staff and as part of the Orange County Lutheran Schools, we study a curricular area each year to keep our curriculum updated and relevant.

REPORT CARDS It is imperative that home and school work together for your child to achieve at his/her maximum potential. In order to assure the closest communication possible between home and school, parent/teacher conferences are held after the first academic quarter with all parents of students in Kindergarten through grade 8. Specific conference times are scheduled in advance. We will make every effort possible to meet your scheduling needs. Should you be unable to schedule a conference, or if you miss your conference time, it is your responsibility to reschedule a conference with your child’s teacher within two weeks. Because of the importance of these conferences, we reserve the right to exclude children from school if their parents fail to complete the conference within the specified time frame. In addition, conferences will be required after the second and third marking periods for any student who did below average the preceding quarter, or who is achieving below average for the current quarter. Parents may also request a conference at any time.

WORSHIP SERVICES A vital part of a child’s spiritual development is regular attendance at Church and Sunday School. Because we feel this development is essential to our total Christian education program, a weekly attendance record is kept and recorded on the pupil’s report card. If you do not have a church home of your own, we warmly encourage you to join us for worship. A traditional service is held each Sunday at 8:00 am. The contemporary celebration is held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages are held every Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Vietnamese Lutheran Church of St. Paul’s welcomes you to their service at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday School at 11:00 am. Good News Korean Lutheran church holds their service in Korean at 10:30 a.m. in the lower sanctuary.

GRADING Students will be evaluated based on the following scales:

A B

3rd through 8th Grades 100 – 90% - Outstanding 89 – 80% - Above Average

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C D F

79 – 70% - Average 69 – 60% - Below Average below 60% - Failing

+ Outstanding √ Shows improvement Needs improvement Kindergarten, first and second grade will use reporting methods that will help the parent assess their child’s academic and social progress.

AWARDS Saint of the Month Award is presented each month to one or two students from each class who demonstrated some outstanding qualities during the preceding month. QUARTER AWARDS Academic Awards (grades 3-8) are based on a Grade Point Average (GPA) for the seven academic subjects (religion/memory work, reading, English language, spelling, mathematics, social science or history, and science). A student who has a qualifying GPA on the 4 point scale with no D’s or F’s in any area will receive an award. Quality points are A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0. Qualifying Grade Point Averages for... Principal’s List

-- 3.75 through 4.00

Honor Roll

-- 3.50 through 3.74

Honorable Mention -- 3.00 through 3.49 Principal’s Special Recognition Award (Grades K-8) is presented at two levels. At the primary level, the award is presented to students who, in the teacher’s opinion, have made outstanding progress in academic areas. At the other grade levels (3-8), the award is presented to students who have displayed outstanding effort in academic areas but were not able to qualify for one of the academic awards. Perfect Sunday Attendance Award (grades K-8) is for any child attending church or Sunday school at their own church or another Christian church, on every Sunday during the quarter. Consistent Sunday Attendance Award (grades K-8) is for any child attending church or Sunday School at their own church or visiting a church at least 90% of the Sundays during the quarter. Perfect School Attendance Award (grades K-8) is awarded to students who have perfect attendance (NO absences and NO tardies) during the quarter. Christian Citizenship Award (grades K-8) is presented to students, who in the teacher’s opinion, have displayed on a regular basis the qualities of love, care, and concern for their classmates that exemplifies a Christian life.

YEAR END AWARDS Students who have maintained grade point averages which qualify for Principal’s List, Honor Roll, or Honorable Mention as an average over all four academic quarters are given special recognition at the end of the school year. Perfect School Attendance will be awarded for no absences and no tardies all year. The Good Samaritan Award is presented to the boy and girl in each class who demonstrate their Christian love for others. This award is voted on by the children of each class.

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President’s Education Awards are presented annually to those graduating 8th grade who have met the standards set by the U.S. Department of Education based on grades 4-8 and achievement test scores. Principal’s Special Recognition awards mirror the same standard as the quarter award, but are based on the yearend averages. Significant Improvement Award is for any student who, in the teacher’s opinion, has made significant improvement in academics, behavior, and/or attitude during the school year. Valedictorian & Salutatorian (for graduates only) recognition is based on the 2 highest cumulative grade point averages for grades 6-8, inclusive. They each speak at the graduation service.

TESTING Students in grades 1 - 8 are tested using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, a nationally normed test. Parents will be notified in the school newsletter when testing is scheduled, and will be given a chance to meet with the teacher to discuss their child’s achievement once the results have arrived.

STUDENT RECORDS Permanent student records are maintained on all students enrolled in St. Paul’s Lutheran School. These files include, but are not limited to, the following information: Enrollment & attendance data History of academic progress Standardized test results Permanent health record Discipline record St. Paul’s faculty and staff take all necessary precautions to safeguard both the integrity and privacy of the records.

ACADEMIC PROBATION In order to insure each student's academic success, students earning a D or an F in any academic subject after 2 weeks into the quarter will be put on probation. A meeting will be called with the parents, teachers, principal and student present. The student will be placed on an Academic Contract for the rest of the quarter. The contract is a step-by-step plan to solve the academic problems and help the student get back on track. The student will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities while on probation. For every late assignment, the student receives an Academic Detention. Three academic detentions will extend the contract through the next grading period.

PROMOTION Students will be promoted at the end of the school year if: 1. In each academic subject at the end of the year, the grades must average higher than an F. 2. The student has above a 90% attendance rate. This is up to the discretion of the principal.

ANNUAL NOTICE TO PARENTS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (F.E.R.P.A.) Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, St. Paul’s Lutheran School annually notifies parents of their rights under this act. This act, with which St. Paul’s intends to comply fully, was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the rights of parents and students to inspect and review the educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data

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through informal and formal methods. Parents and students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the Act. St. Paul’s policy for inspection, review, and petition for correction of records is that parents must contact the principal. The principal will make the necessary arrangements to inspect or review the records. In the case of a request for correction of records, the principal will provide the parents with an official request for the correction of the records. The form will ask for detailed, concrete reasons for the requested change. Questions pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be directed to the principal of St. Paul’s Lutheran School.

NEWSLETTER Caring and Sharing is the weekly newsletter of our school. It is sent home every week in the student envelope that is handed out every Monday. Our newsletter covers a variety of topics important to all school families. In addition to the newsletter, the weekly envelope includes such items as graded work, tuition bills, monthly calendars, hot lunch orders, permission slips, and other important communications. It is important that the contents of the envelope are reviewed and the newsletter is read by parents each week. The envelope and any appropriate information or forms are expected to be returned on the next day.

USE OF TELEPHONE Calls will be made from the office only in case of emergency. Students may not call home to request assignments, supplies, lunches or other belongings that have been left at home. Permission to go home with another student, stay late after school, etc., should be dealt with before coming to school. Parents are encouraged not to bring materials to school that students have forgotten. Children develop responsibility more effectively if they must accept consequences for their actions. If a child is ill at school, parents will be notified by school staff.

MUSIC PROGRAM St. Paul’s participates in a music program. We currently offer group lessons twice a week during the school day. The instructor charges a yearly fee for this service. The band students are able to participate in concerts with other Lutheran elementary students. Contact the office for information. Fifth through eighth grade students may elect to participate in hand bells. Practices may be held after school. “Kids of the Kingdom” is a choir open to fourth through eighth grade students. These groups participate in events in the community and in church services. Music appreciation is taught in the Middle School. Kindergarten through 3rd grade has a music class each week. All children are involved with chapel and church singing as well as the Children’s Advent Service and the Spring Program, which could either be a musical or talent show.

SPORTS PROGRAM St. Paul’s Lutheran School offers an interscholastic athletic program for children in grades 5-8. The purpose of this program is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and improve their characteristics of teamwork, emotional control, determination, and a positive self-concept. The program is also designed to allow the student to enjoy the experience of athletic competition and physical activity. To a small degree, the program fosters the development of physical gifts and athletic skills the students may wish to develop as they grow and mature. In our program, participation and enjoyment are stressed. Competition and victory play a secondary role. Our boys and girls learn Christian sportsmanship through competitive participation and are encouraged to be thankful to God for the physical abilities they have been given. Our school belongs to the Lutheran Orange County Athletic League and participates in flag football, basketball, volleyball, and track. All students in grades 5 - 8 may participate in the after-school sports program. All students participating in the athletic program must have an annual sports-related physical examination. Many local schools offer sports related physical examinations at reduced prices during the summer months. Physicals from these facilities are acceptable in fulfilling this requirement. St. Paul’s also provides its own form for parents

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who wish to go to their own doctor. Whatever form is used must state that the student is free to participate in sports activities. No child will be allowed to participate in the athletic program until this requirement is met. Students participating in the athletic program must also meet the standards of the eligibility policy. An activity fee is required of all students participating in the school sports program, payable at registration or at the beginning of each season.

POLICY ON ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY While the athletic program of our school may be of great benefit to our students, their academic education is our primary focus. For this reason, participation in the athletic program should be viewed as a privilege rather than a right of enrollment. Students participating in our athletic program must remain academically eligible with a grade point average of 2.0 in each subject in order to continue their participation in the program. Students with assignments outstanding may be kept from games or practice until their work is caught up. Since students participating in the athletic program represent the school, their behavior must be in line with the disciplinary guidelines developed by the school and individual classroom teachers. Many factors enter into the development of older children and adolescents. If a question arises as to the eligibility of a particular student, in either the academic or disciplinary areas, the Principal, in consultation with the classroom teacher and coach, shall determine the continued participation of the student in the program. Students and their parents shall be informed if a question arises. A student’s reinstatement into the program shall also be determined by the Principal in consultation with the classroom teacher and coach.

PASSES During regular school hours, passes are issued to students who are out of class for any reason. The teacher will issue a pass if the student is going to the office or elsewhere on the premises. A student sent to the office during recess will be issued a pass by the teacher on duty.

STUDENTS WITH MONEY AT SCHOOL Students are discouraged from bringing any large amount of money to school. The school will not be responsible for any money stolen or lost. If for any reason a child needs to bring money, he/she should turn it in to his/her teacher or to the School Age Care worker immediately upon arrival (money should be in a sealed envelope with the child’s name on it). Children should not leave money in lunches, back packs, clothing, or desks.

LOST AND FOUND Every article that could possibly be lost by a student should be plainly marked with the child’s name. All articles found are to be turned into the “Lost and Found” where they can be claimed. Items left more than several weeks will be donated to the needy.

BICYCLES Students may ride their bicycles to and from school. Student riders are expected to obey the state helmet law. A bike rack is provided. All bikes are to be locked and placed in the rack. There is to be no bike riding on the school grounds. Students are expected to dismount and walk their bicycles across the playground. Children are not to loan their bicycles to other students nor ride bicycles not belonging to them. Students who abuse the bicycle policies may lose the privilege of riding bicycles to school.

LUNCHES Students are responsible for their own lunches. A supervised period is set aside for lunch each day. Permission will not be granted for students to leave the campus to buy lunch. The school offers an optional hot lunch program which is catered. Menus and order forms are sent home monthly with the newsletter. Parents may decide to participate on a daily or occasional basis. All orders and payments are handled directly with the company. No

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facilities are available for warming food for students. If you are dropping off a lunch, please observe the assigned lunch periods. All student lunches need to be labeled with the student’s name and brought to the lunch area ten minutes before the assigned lunch period.

PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP For the mutual benefit of the school, parents, and children, St. Paul’s has established the PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP (PTF). This organization is our school’s version of the PTA. All parents and guardians are considered members and are strongly urged to attend. The PTF also sponsors several fundraisers a year to help the school earn money for needed equipment. The PTF is responsible for the school picnic. The PTF sponsors various school activities and family nights. A planning meeting is held for the PTF Board and all interested parents once a quarter. These meetings will be announced in the Caring and Sharing.

SUMMER PROGRAM St. Paul’s offers a Summer Camp beginning soon after school ends in June and continuing into the middle of August. We offer field trips, art and crafts, swimming and other fun activities. Summer Camp is a 6 week program. Day Care is offered all other weeks in the summer.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS The school has adequate supplies for all students and faculty to survive in the case of emergency. We will remain here with your children until you or a person on your approved pick-up list is able to sign-out your child. A copy of our emergency plan is available in the office. Practice drills for fire, earthquake, and lockdown will take place during the school year.

TRANSPORTATION The school makes no provision for transportation. To insure the safety of all students, a traffic flow plan will be developed for arrival and dismissal times. This traffic flow plan will be published at the beginning of the year. All persons dropping students off, or picking them up after school are required to know and adhere to this plan, and to cooperate with school personnel and volunteers who are supervising pick-up or drop-off. Above all, be patient when driving near school. The safety of the students is our priority.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips will be educational in nature and will be relevant to the curriculum as offered at St. Paul’s. Field trips are scheduled by the teacher with the advice and consent of the Principal. Field trips are a required part of the curriculum, and all students are expected to attend. All students are required to have a signed permission slip in school before leaving on a field trip. Parents are requested to volunteer as drivers and/or chaperones for field trips. Before driving to any event, drivers are required to have a copy of their driver’s license and current auto insurance card on file in the office. Handwritten notes and phone calls granting permission to go on a field trip are not acceptable. A ratio of 5 students to 1 adult must be maintained on field trips for grades K-2 and 8 students to 1 adult for grades 3-8. Scheduled field trips may have to be canceled if those ratios are not met or adequate transportation is not available. Some field trips may be funded through the student activity fund. A walk-a-thon is held during the year to raise money for this fund.

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CHILD ABUSE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS In accord with California law, school staff members are obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and exploitation. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the school will not contact parents in advance of making a report to legal authorities.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT - STATEMENT OF POLICY St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Garden Grove, California (hereinafter named as St. Paul’s) is bound to God’s will for life and ministry and will therefore, maintain an environment which is free from harassment and ensures that all professional church workers, employees, members, students, volunteers, guests and persons doing business with St. Paul’s are treated with dignity and respect. Any form of unlawful, unscriptural, or immoral harassment, include sexual harassment or intimidation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any facilities or functions of St. Paul’s. It is affirmed that this policy, under the First Amendment rights, is ultimately governed by the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church. This policy applies to all called and employed personnel, members, students, volunteers, guests, and persons doing business with St. Paul’s. Any individual who has been found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action(s) ranging from a warning up to and including the possibility of losing one’s called position, employment, membership, or enrollment in St. Paul’s. Sexual Harassment in employment violates the provisions of the Fair Employment and Housing Act - U.S. Government Code Section 12940 (a), (h), and (j). SEXUAL HARASSMENT DEFINED Sexual harassment is any behavior which sexualizes the relationship; or any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: •

submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, participation, membership, or enrollment;

•

submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for membership, participation, employment, or enrollment decisions affecting such individuals; or

•

such conduct has the purpose or effect of reasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, uncomfortable, or offensive work, classroom, or parish-life environment.

EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT Forms of harassment include words, attitudes, and actions which demean or cause emotional pain to another such as: • verbal harassment, such as sexual jokes or innuendoes; • unwanted sexual advances or propositions, • physical harassment, such as unnecessary or offensive touching, or impeding or blocking movement; • Physical harassment, such as derogatory or sexually offensive posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings, graffiti, staring, glaring, or gestures. GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING HARASSMENT

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When a complaint of harassment or sexual harassment is made, the person bringing the allegation will be treated with care, respect, and dignity and be fully informed of his/her rights. Information regarding the identity of parties involved will be limited to those empowered to investigate, or on a need to know basis as determined by the investigating committee. The accused will be afforded due process and presumed innocent until it is proved otherwise. For any complaints to be found valid, they must be decided by a majority of the appointed committee to be “proved by a preponderance of the evidence.” Every employee has a right to remedy any form of harassment. In order to secure this right, a complaint should be made to the employee’s supervisor(s). A professional church worker, under the ecclesiastical supervision of the District President, who does not feel that appropriate corrective action has been taken, should set forth in writing • a description of the incident(s) of alleged sexual harassment, • the response, if any, taken by the supervisor(s), • the response the worker believes would be appropriate, and • forward this to the Circuit Counselor, or directly to the District President for review and further action. SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE 1. When possible, confront the harasser and persuade him/her to stop. 2. Provide a written complaint to your own supervisor or to any supervisor or pastor as soon as possible after the incident. Include details of the incident, names of individuals involved and the names of any witnesses. 3. Supervisors will refer all harassment complaints to the pastor and/or the president of the congregation. 4. Once a complaint has been made, the President of the congregation shall form a committee to include; two members of the Board of Elders; two members of the School Board; the Pastor; and the School Principal. If the complaint is against the Pastor or the Principal, the one against whom the complaint was registered shall not form part of the committee (the position shall remain vacant). 5. The President of the Congregation shall serve as chairperson of the committee. This committee will immediately undertake an effective, thorough and objective investigation of all harassment allegations. 6. If the committee determines that unlawful harassment has occurred, it will report to the Church Council except in the case of a student, in which case it will report to the School Board who will take remedial action commensurate with the severity of the offense. Any person determined to be responsible for unlawful harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of Call, employment, membership, or enrollment with St. Paul’s. 7. The person lodging the complaint will know whatever action the constituted board takes against the harasser. 8. St. Paul’s will not retaliate against anyone for filing a complaint and will not tolerate or permit retaliation by the administration, employees or co-workers. 9. Whenever a change of sexual harassment is made against a professional church worker, the allegation must be referred immediately to the office of the District President. If there are any questions about this policy against any form of harassment or the procedure for filing complaints, please contact the Pastor (537-4243) or the Principal (534-6320).

STUDENT AIDS POLICY In accord with the love shown by Jesus to those needs, and the philosophy of our Lutheran school, any student found to be infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS) or AIDS-Related Complex(ARC) will be treated with respect and dignity.

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Every precaution will be taken to protect the confidentiality of records, files, and other information about HIV status of the student. Upon notification that a student has been found to be infected with the AIDS/ARC virus, the parents will be asked to have the present condition of the child evaluated and reported to the school. This evaluation report is to be from the family physician and a public health physician. Decisions regarding the type of educational and care setting for a student infected with the AIDS/ARC virus, should include the behavior, neuralgic development, and physical condition of the student. For most infected school-age students, the benefits of an unrestricted environment should be given priority in the decision-making process. For some neurological handicapped students who lack control of their bodily secretions or who display abnormal behavior, such as biting, and those students who have uncovered, oozing lesions, a more restricted environment is advisable until more is known about transmission in these settings. At a point where a more restricted environment is not financially feasible, the school reserves the right to refuse admittance. Any decision regarding the type of educational service to be provided to a student based on the presence of the AIDS/ARC virus must be made in consultation with the student’s physician, a public health physician, the counselor, the pastor, the student’s parents or legal guardians, and the principal. A quarterly review of the student’s condition will be made to assess any change in restriction and/or involvement in the school program.

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