Philosophy and History

Our Philosophy 
 
We firmly believe that God created us in His image for a definite purpose. This purpose is to glorify God as His foremost Creation. The perfect relationship which existed at the time of Creation between God and His people was ruined as a result of sin. Since the time sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, every person has been conceived and born in sin, condemned to die eternally. 

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

This hopeless condition points to the need for a Savior. God's redemptive act of grace through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, provides us with hope. By accepting this through faith worked by the Holy Spirit, and by the cleansing action of Holy Baptism, we are saved from dying eternally. 

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20

 
All who have been brought to faith in Jesus Christ are commissioned by Him to preserve and extend the Kingdom of God. This becomes a corporate responsibility when Christians gather as a congregation and is done by proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, this proclamation changes hearts and lives, and brings victory and comfort to individuals who are declared totally and unconditionally righteous for Christ's sake. 

The Purpose of Saint Paul Lutheran School  
 
Saint Paul Lutheran School exists and operates as an extension of Saint Paul Lutheran Church for the purpose of providing a Lutheran Christian education to children placed at the elementary level. We recognize that education is a life-long process consisting of formal and informal experiences with the home, school, church, and neighborhood. St. Paul seeks to work in partnership with parent and child to fully realize the child's God-given potential, in an environment where love, forgiveness, and admonition prevail. To this end, it is essential for the school and home to work together, as optimal learning occurs when school and home mutually support and reinforce common values. The successful child will best develop as a productive Christian when there is full commitment of church, teachers, parents, and self to these Christian values. The goals of St. Paul Lutheran School for the child include, but are not limited to the following: 
 
Spiritual: The child will know and love Jesus Christ as Redeemer and friend, God the Father as Creator and source of all good, and the Holy Spirit as Counselor, who maintains the faith that saves all believers. This knowledge and faith will be increasingly demonstrated in all aspects of personal behavior. 

Intellectual: The child will appreciate, desire, and participate fully in the learning experience. The child will attain knowledge and develop skills in the prescribed curricular areas. This will equip him or her for continued education at the secondary level. 

Emotional: The child will develop a balanced sense of self, taking pride in his or her ability given by God. He or she will be thankful to God, recognizing the value of emotions, and channeling them productively. 

Social: The child will develop positive relationships with peers and those in authority based on mutual love, respect, forgiveness, and cooperation. 

Physical: The child will respect his or her body as a gift from God and will develop and care for it by acquiring knowledge and practicing skills which can be used to maintain personal health, safety, fitness, and well-being.

History of Saint Paul Lutheran School  
 
From its very beginning in 1903, the St. Paul congregation has shown concern for the Christian training of its children by operating a parish school. At first, a one-room school was operated in the rear of the church and classes were taught by the pastor. Later, a one-room school was erected near the front of the church, thus providing two classrooms, one in the school building and one in the rear portion of the church. 
 
The next building was erected in 1922 and was dedicated in September of that year. On August 26, 1939, the upper part of the building was destroyed by fire. During the following winter, a new gymnasium-auditorium was erected adjoining the old building. This building was dedicated to the service of God on April 12, 1940. 
 
In the early morning of January 5, 1959, a disastrous fire completely destroyed the entire building, together with the gymnasium-auditorium. On June 28, 1959, ground was broken for the present building which houses nine classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, offices, and auxiliary rooms. Dedication of this building took place on June 12, 1960. 
 
Since 1960, the school passed two other milestones. The first was in 1982 when the school program went to single graded classrooms. The second was in 1995 when the principalship became a full-time position.

Strategic Ministry Planning of Saint Paul Lutheran Church

The mission of St. Paul Lutheran Church is:

Sharing God, Touching Lives, Everywhere!

We, the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Norwood Park, IL, hereby resolve to:

Adopt the Strategic Ministry Plan for 2006-2009 as “our best understanding of God’s calling for this congregation.”

Enter into intentional and regular corporate and personal prayer, asking God to provide resources to allow His calling to be accomplished through us.

Proceed immediately with implementation according to the Strategic Ministry Plan as resources are provided by God.

Thank God for His continued blessings and grace on St. Paul Lutheran Church in Norwood Park, IL!

Pray and work together as we build up the Body of Christ grow through study of God’s Word, and encourage each member to participate in ministry opportunities so that our community will know the Gospel!

1. Community Outreach  
2. Outreach through School ministry  
3. Increase PRAYER!  
4. Small Groups  
5. In-reach to Members  
6. Family and Children ministries 
7. Recruit and Train  
8. Youth – Target & Involve Youth in ministry 

Our community will realize that Saint Paul is a place of Christian service to many and a positive influence for all. We will be known as a place that is growing, where Christian education inspires faith. 
 
We will welcome guests warmly. They will be inspired by the love shared here. Our guests will be diverse, accepted, and appreciated. 
 
Our members will be nurtured by the Word. We will be encouraged, challenged, motivated and stimulated to faithful acts of service. We will be active, cooperating to respond to opportunities to share the Gospel. We will be a fellowship of prayer and joy!

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Administration Policies and Procedures

Accreditation 
 
Saint Paul Lutheran School is one of over 1,500 Missouri Synod Lutheran schools in North America and one of 77 schools in the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Our school maintains standards in accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education and is officially recognized according to Policy and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Non-Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. 
 
In addition, St. Paul has been fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation commission after a vigorous process of self-evaluation and validation by a certified accreditation team. Teaching personnel are certified with the State of Illinois or are in the process of receiving certification. Qualified Christian teachers teach God's Word in and with a prescribed course of study leading to entrance into high school.

Administration 
 
The administration of St. Paul Lutheran School rests ultimately with the Congregational Voters' Assembly which is comprised of the voting membership of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Much of the administrative responsibility for the school is delegated to an elected Board of Christian Education (the school board), which, in turn, is responsible to the church's Board of Directors. 
 
The responsibility for the immediate and direct administration and supervision of the school rests with the Principal. It is the Principal's role to execute the policies and resolutions enacted by the governing administrative bodies. Responsibilities also include the development of policy recommendations with the assistance of the professional staff for the improvement and welfare of the school. The line of due process and appeal are as follows: the classroom teacher, the Principal, the Board of Christian Education, the Board of Directors, and the Congregational Voters' Assembly. The Congregational Voters' Assembly has the final say in all matters pertaining to the school and its operation.

School Hours  
 
The school day begins at 8:30 A. M. and ends at 3:00 P. M. for Grades Kindergarten through 8. School hours for our half-day Kindergarten are 8:30 A. M. to 11:45 A. M. School hours for PreK-3 are mornings only from 8:30 A. M. to 11:00 A. M. (with a choice of 2, 3 or 5 mornings). PreK-4 classes are held from 12:30 P. M. to 3:00 P. M. (with a choice of 2, 3 or 5 afternoons). All half-day dismissals are at 11:45 A. M. For attendance purposes 11:45 A. M. is the half-day mark.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures  
 
Parents drop their student off in the parking lot before school in accordance with the student accountability procedures. To reduce the vehicle congestion in the school's parking lot, parents are asked to leave as soon as their students are safely in the school building. 

Parents are encouraged to pick up their students after school in accordance with the student accountability procedures. Again, to reduce vehicle congestion, parents are encouraged to leave the parking lot as soon as they have their students. Those parents who choose to stay and allow their children to play are reminded that they are responsible for watching their children and ensuring their behavior is the same as during the school day. Students may play on the playground equipment only if they are being watched by an adult who has the responsibility for taking them home.

Because the parking lot is also part of the school's playground, the students sometimes feel comfortable and free to run at will through the parking lot at anytime. Though the faculty and staff try hard to discourage this during the drop-off and pick-up periods, we will always have students darting through the parking lot. Drivers are expected to drive very cautiously while in the parking lot. We do not want students to be accidentally hit by a vehicle.

Attendance - School 
 
It is state law that all children ages 7 through 16 attend a state approved educational program. St. Paul Lutheran School offers such a program. St. Paul's attendance policy is in keeping with the State of Illinois Attendance Law. The school day is 6.5 hours long, beginning at 8:30 A. M. and ending at 3:00 P. M. 
 
Regular daily attendance is necessary for the orderly, normal growth and improvement of children. Therefore, children should not be kept home from school except for illness or other emergencies. Vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged. While students may be able to make up the written work and assignments, the intangibles which occur in classroom discussions, and the teacher's verbal explanations or instructions can not be made up. If a student does miss school days because of vacation, it is unfair to expect teachers to provide lessons and assignments in advance. While this may be able to be provided for some subjects, please do not expect this to be done for all areas. 
 
In case of absences (either full or half-day, including medical or dental appointments made during school hours) children must be excused in writing by the parents. The excuse should be turned in on the day the child returns from the absence and should include the following information: child's full name, grade, and date(s) of absence. In case of a contagious illness, the parents should notify the school immediately. A release card must also be obtained from the child's physician upon returning to school following an extended illness or injury (when either is greater than three days), or a communicable disease. Students must be in attendance for at least half of the school day to participate in extra-curricular activities. 
 
The half-day dividing time is 11:45 A. M. If a student leaves school before 11:45 A. M, he or she will be given credit for one half-day attendance. If a student leaves after 11:45 A. M; he or she will be given credit for a whole day attendance. The departure time will be the time that the student is signed out in the school office. 

A student will be tardy when he or she arrives after the 8:30 A. M. bell rings. Students arriving in their classroom after the 8:30 A. M. bell must go directly to the school office and pick up a tardy slip. No tardy student will be allowed into class without a tardy slip. Students arriving after 8:30 A. M. but before 11:45 A. M. will be tardy. Students arriving after 11:45 A. M. will be given credit for one half day attendance. After three unexcused tardies, parents will be notified to rectify the situation. On the fourth unexcused tardy, the student will serve an after-school detention. The classroom teacher is responsible for recording all tardies and absences.

Truancy is an absence without the knowledge of the parent or guardian. Schoolwork missed for truancy cannot be made up.

Attendance - Church  
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

“And I shall give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15. 

St. Paul Lutheran School exists primarily for the building of the Kingdom of God. This is accomplished through God's Word and Spirit. Since the primary function of our church is its ministry of Word and Sacrament, regular attendance and participation is necessary for spiritual development. It is therefore vital that children regularly attend church and Sunday School. A record is kept of the child's church and Sunday School attendance by each teacher and is recorded on the regular report card as a reminder for parents of their child's worship attendance record. If the children and their families have no church home of their own, we heartily and graciously invite them to join us in worship services which are held at St. Paul on Saturday evenings at 6:00 P. M. and on Sundays at 8:15 A. M. and 10:45 A. M. Sunday School and Bible classes are held at 9:30 A. M. between the services.

Homework and Vacations  
 
St. Paul strongly discourages the taking of vacations during times when school is in session. When parents choose to remove a child from the continuity of the discussion, activities, and planned experiences of the classroom setting, classroom learning takes place which can never be duplicated or made up. 
 
In the case that pre-planned absence is a necessity, the procedure outlined below will be followed:

1. The teacher is notified of the child's upcoming absence by the parent. 
   2) Any activities that can be made up are collected and held for the child for the duration of the absence; generally, assignments will not be given out in advance unless approved by the teacher. 
   3) The child is expected to begin working at the point at which the class is currently working upon returning to the classroom. 
   4) Upon the child's return to school, the number of days allowed to make up delinquent work is equal to the number of school days absent.

Emergency School Closing  
 
In the event that the school has to close for a weather emergency, parents will be notified through a phone-chain procedure utilizing the school directory. Also, several local radio and TV stations will air the closing information. Each year as the winter season closes in, more information will be made available in the News & Notes publication to remind parents and students about the emergency school closing procedures. Emergency school closing information is also found on the St. Paul website: Emergency Closing Information

Class Size Policy  
 
St. Paul Lutheran School is accredited to have a class limit of 25 students per classroom in 1st through 8th grade. The PreK-3 class has a 10 student limit and the PreK-4 class has a 15 student limit. Kindergarten has a 20 student limit with provision being made for 25 students if a classroom assistant is employed. Exceptions for increasing the class size will be allowed at the School Board's discretion.

Student Records 
 
All student records are the confidential property of St. Paul Lutheran School. Access to these records is limited to St. Paul faculty and staff, and the custodial parents or legal guardians. Individual academic records on each student are kept on file in our school office and are not allowed to be taken off of school property. Under rights granted by law, parents have the following rights concerning their child's records:

 
1) Right to Inspect: Parents have the right to look at all of their child's records maintained in the official school file in the presence of a school official. 
2) Right to Prevent Disclosures: The school will not disclose anything to third parties from a child's records unless (1) parents consent in writing prior to the disclosure, or (2) the information is directory information which has not been requested to be kept confidential, or, (3) the request for information meets one of the limited circumstances described in the guidelines. 
3) Right to Request Correction: Parents have the right to present evidence that the school should amend any part of their child's record which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading, or which otherwise violate the student's rights. If the school decides not to change the record, parents may insert an explanation in the record.

Once the child turns eighteen, he or she obtains all the above rights.

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Enrollment and Admission

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

Admission Policy  
 
Enrollment policies have been set by the St. Paul Board of Christian Education, and all admissions are subject to the final approval of this Board. Since St. Paul Lutheran Church operates the school primarily for its children, first priority is given for members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. As space permits, consideration for enrollment is then given to all other children in the order of applications received. 
 
The age requirements set by the State of Illinois are followed with regards to admission into Kindergarten. A child must be five (5) years old before September 1st to begin Kindergarten in September. Our Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and 1st Grade admission policies follow the same date of September 1st, with the attained ages of three (3), four (4) and six (6), needed for admission into those grades, respectively. 
 
All new children enrolled in our school are subject to a nine (9) week probationary period to evaluate their behavioral and academic compatibility with our program. New students enrolling in Grades 3 through 8 may be given a standardized achievement test to help the principal and the receiving teacher better predict the student's academic success in our program.

Registration 
 
A pre-registration is conducted each spring for the purpose of planning for the coming school year. A prorated-refundable deposit, which will be applied to registration fees, is required with this pre-registration. Formal registration for the new school year is held near the middle of August. At this time the instructional materials fees, and two-tenths of the tuition fee, which covers September and June payments is due. Each successive payment is then due by the first of each month with final payment due no later than the end of May.

Enrollment Agreement  
 
Each year at registration, each parent is required to sign an agreement stating that they have read, understand, and will comply with the policies and procedures in this handbook. Several of the policies are restated for emphasis.

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Fee Collection

Tuition 
 
St. Paul Lutheran Church operates the school primarily for the benefit of its children. Members are assessed a reduced tuition fee but they are still expected to support the financial needs of the school by contributing their fair share towards the congregation's budgetary needs. 
 
Tuition is a fee set by the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church to operate and maintain the elementary school. Tuition is collected and administered by the congregational treasury to pay the costs of operating and maintaining the school's physical plant and to pay the salaries and benefits of the faculty and staff of the school. The tuition rate for the coming school year is set by the congregation at its November meeting, following discussion and recommendations by the Board of Education, and is based on the needs of the projected budget for the coming year. 
 
Tuition fees are refunded according to the tuition used and are done so by the Principal at his discretion.

Admission Fee  
 
All new students are charged a one time, non-refundable fee to pay for the establishment of student records in the school office.

Enrollment Fee  
 
At the time that a student is enrolled or re-enrolled for the coming school year, the student is charged a $100.00 enrollment fee to hold his or her place in the class. This fee is then applied to his or her registration fees in August when he or she registers for school. The purpose of this fee is to allow the school to purchase books, supplies, and services for the coming school year. As the starting day of school approaches, more of this money is used to prepare the school for the coming school year. This fee is, therefore, refundable on the following schedule:

If the student is withdrawn before April 1st, 100% is refunded. 
If the student is withdrawn during the month of April, 75% is refunded.  
If the student is withdrawn during the month of May, 50% is refunded. 
If the student is withdrawn during the month of June, 25% is refunded. 
If the student is withdrawn during the month of July, 10% is refunded. 
If the student is withdrawn on or after August 1st, no refund is granted.

Registration Fee  
 
This is a non-refundable fee that is paid on registration day and the enrollment fee is a part of this fee. This fee encompasses but is not limited to the following sub-fees:

Textbook Fee - This fee funds our purchase of textbooks, consumable materials, and other supplies that are needed to maintain a quality educational program here at St. Paul.

Computer Usage Fee - This fee funds the up-grading of our computer hardware and software; it also pays for the cost of providing Internet services to the school. 

Instructional/Classroom Supplies Fee - This fee funds those supplies, materials, and consumable books needed to develop and keep the learning environment functioning in the classroom. 

Music Fee - This fee funds a portion of the music, supplies, and services needed to provide a quality music program.

At the beginning of each school year, the School Board will allocate a percentage of the registration fees to fund the operation of the school.

Athletic Fee

This fee funds our athletic programs here at St. Paul. These include the P. E. program and our inter-school sports activities.

PTL Fee  
 
The Parent-Teacher League of St. Paul Lutheran assesses each school family a fee to support its program. This fee is in place of PTL fund raisers.

Lunchroom Fee 
 
This fee is assessed each family to help offset the cost of providing workers to help serve in the hot lunch program. The fee will be waived if a parent volunteers to help out in the kitchen a prescribed number of times. This fee does not replace the meal ticket.

Walcamp Fee

This is collected each year for the 5th Grade participation in Walcamp's outdoor education program. 

Miscellaneous Fees  
 
These are fees that are assessed throughout the school year to help with the costs of specific activities such as field trips, yearbooks, and the like.

School Trips 
 
Class trips will be taken during the school year. Various costs associated with these trips will be assessed for each student involved in the trip.

 

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Tuition and Fee Payment Procedures

Payment Process

1. Tuition payment will be handled by "Smart Tuition" management services as agreed upon in the contract between St. Paul Lutheran School and Smart Tuition. All families will be signed up with Smart Tuition and monthly payment plans determined between the company and the family. Exceptions to this are for those families who pay tuition entirely at or before registration. Late tuition notices will be sent out by "Smart Tuition" and a copy of all correspondence sent to the Principal. If further action is necessary, the Principal will contact the family involved either by phone and/or letter and action taken as deemed necessary by the Principal, and as approved by the Board of Education. 
 
2. Fees associated with the operation of the school and its programs will be collected at the time of registration. 
 
3. No official records will be issued by the school at the end of the school year until all fees and tuition have been paid in full. 
 
4. Activities requiring fees; e. g; field trips, need to have those associated fees paid on time so the necessary arrangements can be made. Students with unpaid fees will not be allowed to participate in those activities.

Tabitha Tuition Assistance

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is  called Dorcas: this woman was full of good deeds and almsdeeds which she did.” Acts 9:36

Just as its namesake was always helping those in need, this program is designed to assist those families who need help educating their children by providing assistance with tuition. There are four types of assistance: scholarships, delay grants, work grants, and waivers.

Families applying to the Tabitha Program must prepare an application package. The Principal will assist them in its preparation. Once completed, the Principal forwards it to the Tabitha Review Committee for their evaluation. This committee will promptly act and make a recommendation to the Board of Education for their timely action. The Principal will then inform the family of the Board’s action.

 

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Code of Behavior for St Paul Students

Christian Behavior

I. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light . . .” Ephesians 5:8 
 
St. Paul students have been brought from the darkness of sin to the light of God's love for them by Christ's death on the cross. Out of gratitude for what has been done for them, their goal is to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us . . .” Ephesians 5:1, and “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, . . . even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. Colossians 3:13

II. "So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 
 
St. Paul students will strive for a life style which brings glory to God. This will, in turn, bring honor to their families, their school, and to themselves. 
 
III. "Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor . . . . In your anger do not sin! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:25-26

St. Paul students strive to live honestly with one another. Gossiping, cheating, and lying are not a part of the Christian life. Anger happens, but the Christian strives for reconciliation. 
 
IV. “Wherefore put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another . . . . Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their need . . . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:25, 29-32

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19.

Finally, Christian students, faculty, support staff, and volunteers at St. Paul realize that their lives at St. Paul will be much more God-pleasing if they follow the "five-fold respect" pattern: 
 
1. The students respect their teachers; 
2. The teachers respect their students; 
3. The students respect their fellow student; 
4. The faculty members, supporting staff, and volunteers, respect their colleagues, and, 
5. We, together as the Christian family at St. Paul, respect our God.

School Attire 
 
As a Lutheran School, standards for apparel worn must support the philosophy and goals of our school. Parents are expected to discuss the following dress code with their children and follow through when infractions occur.

1. The interpretation and administration of this dress code is subject to the discretion of the Principal, faculty, and staff of St Paul Lutheran School. 
 
2. Students of St. Paul Lutheran School are required to dress and groom in a manner that is neat, clean, and one which reflects the dignity of the individual in God's sight. Comfortable clothing appropriate for school activity should not be distracting or detract from the educational process, safety, or well-being of the student. Clothing or shoes which would be damaging to furniture or floors should not be worn.  
 
3. Boots should be worn during inclement weather and removed immediately upon entering the building. An extra pair of shoes should be available to be put on after the removal of the boots. 
 
4. Specific guidelines for dress passed by the Board of Education for Grades 1 through 8 include the prohibition of wearing shorts, skorts, or culottes; shirts with inappropriate sayings that cannot support Christian morals and values; bare shoulders, bare midriffs; "fatigue-type" clothing; sweat suits (including stretch pants, and other sweat suit type of clinging knit pants); jerseys; or gym clothes other than for P. E. classes. Clothing with low-cut necklines, short hemlines, high cut slits or which are extremely form-fitting is also inappropriate. No open toes or backless shoes may be worn. Stockings or socks must be worn at all times. Pants, slacks, and skirts need to fit at the waist. Any pants, slacks, or skirts that are loose at the waist should be belted at the waist. 
 
5. The school will not be responsible for the entanglement of jewelry in playground and P. E. equipment and the resulting physical harm to the involved student. The school will not be responsible for the loss, misplacement, or stealing of any jewelry. School time will not be used to look for missing jewelry items. 
 
6. The dress of students in our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten should follow the general intent of these guidelines and will be monitored by the teacher at that grade level and by the Principal.  
 
7. When any student is found to violate this dress code, the teacher and/or the Principal will privately discuss it with the student and corrective action will be taken. The student may be asked to change into other clothing which is on hand at school or sent to the office to call home for a change of clothes. The parents will be notified. A repeated incident will be dealt with at the discretion of the teacher and/or the Principal.  
 
8. Gym Clothes - Students in Grades 5 through 8 must be equipped for gym/P. E. class as follows:

A) Gym shoes used for no other activity than gym or P. E; 
B) P.E. shorts and shirts, which are ordered through the school, labeled with the name of the student, and  
C) White socks.

Students are provided lockers for storage of clothes.

School Property  
 
All children are expected to show respect for and take proper care of all school property. Fines will be assessed for willful damage to books and instructional materials, computers and associated equipment, desks, windows, and other school property. Parents will be notified if these damages occur, and a bill to cover repairs will be sent home with the student.

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Conduct and Behavior

Student Honesty in Work 
 
We read in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not steal," Exodus 20:15, and in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 10, Verse 31: "...Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God," and in Chapter 14, Verse 40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”  Therefore we encourage all students to do all work to the glory of God and without unfair assistance of others or by the deception of others, that is, by cheating. This includes acts of plagiarism. Any isolated instances of cheating will be handled by the classroom teacher. Students may receive a zero on the assignment if it is determined that he or she cheated. Repeated instances of cheating will be handled by the Principal.

General Behavior 
“Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands . . . .” 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

 
Christian discipline is the application of self-control and orderliness as motivated by Christian attitudes. Therefore teachers and parents nurture and supervise children in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. 
 
Learning and playing in a group requires a disciplined environment. Christian discipline is established with a positive attitude by teachers and parents so that the child may be guided toward the development of self-control and responsibility for his or her behavior. 
 
Self-discipline is a term we use when a child has control over his or her behavior and is not dependent on the teacher to tell him or her when behavior is proper or improper. Self-discipline is developed over time. Some children acquire it quickly. Others need considerable help from parents, teachers, Pastor, and other counselors before they develop good control over their behavior. 
 
Self-discipline is associated with self-esteem. Therefore, it is essential to build up a child's self-concept before he or she takes responsibility for controlling behavior. Hence, rules and consequences alone may not be adequate in changing a child's behavioral pattern; improving the child's sense of worth must accompany a plan to modify the child's behavior. 
 
Establishing and maintaining a disciplined environment at St. Paul is the shared responsibility of the students, teachers, parents, and the Principal. In the following sections we will describe these expectations and define the process of communication when behavioral problems exist.

Student Responsibility 

“. . . And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch over your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

Students are expected to respect all people with whom they come into contact in the school, in the church, on the playground, and on all school sponsored activities away from the school campus. This includes other students, teachers, principal, pastors, secretaries, custodians, volunteers, bus drivers, parents, and visitors. Older students are encouraged to assume responsibility for younger students by helping them and setting a positive example for them. 

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4.

Students are expected to respect authority, property, and materials. This includes both respect for school and church property and responsibility for the care of their possessions as well as the possessions of others.

Teacher Responsibility 

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

The teacher is to establish good relations with the student by reinforcing positive behavior that encourages rather than discourages the child. A variety of learning experiences must be provided to stimulate student interest and motivation. The teacher is to understand the uniqueness of all students, accept them as persons redeemed by Christ, and help them to grow in their creativity, individuality, and problem solving ability. It is important that teachers are caring and understanding of the student's needs. Teachers are also to be aware of their own values and establish trust with students by avoiding double standards. The teacher must create a disciplined environment by setting reasonable limitations that are fair and consistent. The students are also expected to do their part in maintaining a cooperative learning environment. Teacher supervision in the classroom, hallways, playground, and church must maintain the learning environment. We respect the teacher's right to use procedures for maintaining discipline that are most effective for the teacher so long as the procedures are consistent with the expectations described above. 
 
Parent Responsibility
 
“Lo, Children are an heritage of the Lord . . . .” Psalm 127:3

The major responsibility of raising a child has been given by God to the parent. The school willingly takes on the secondary responsibility of assisting the family in this most important task. 

“ . . . let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents . . . .” 1 Timothy 4:5

The home is the environment in which to begin teaching responsibility and respect. When a child enters school, this process becomes a shared responsibility that reinforces Christian values in the home and school. 

Principal Responsibility  

“Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” Isaiah 55:4

The Principal is responsible for establishing and maintaining a well-disciplined, Christian educational environment in the school. This responsibility includes supervision of school-wide activities, movement of groups, busing, emergencies, safety drills, school pictures, performance practice, athletic contests, etc. 
 
The Principal will establish supportive relationships among the students, parents, teachers, staff, and volunteers. In dealing with behavioral problems, the Principal will give direction or make recommendations for handling the problem and establish procedures for ensuring resource people assist in resolving behavioral problems. 
 
Communication Process for Behavioral Problems  
 
In spite of all our expectations, children still misbehave - sometimes deliberately, sometimes unintentionally. When a student continues to misbehave, the teacher will contact the parents so they can cooperate in helping the child to understand the problem and implement a plan for modifying the behavior. It is important that both parents and teacher support each other so that progress toward positive self-discipline can be achieved. 
 
When a student has a concern about discipline, he or she should discuss it with the teacher. If the problem is not resolved, the student or parent should present the concern to the Principal. 
 
When parents observe or hear about incidents at school that concern them, they should immediately contact the teacher who is responsible for supervision of the children. Seeking answers and solutions to such concerns will eliminate damaging accusations, hearsay, and rumors. 
 
When a parent feels a concern has not been resolved, the Principal should be asked to assist the parents and teacher with the problem. As a final step in resolving the problem, the parents should request the Principal or the school board Chairperson place the concern on the agenda of the next school board meeting. Following the meeting the parents will be promptly notified by the Principal or the school board Chairperson of the decision reached by the board. 
 
School/Classroom Discipline  
 
Because of differing teaching styles, learning styles, and personalities, the teachers are given a broad latitude in developing and maintaining their "student behavior management plans." To help support the teachers with their behavior management plans, they are required to have their plans on file in the Principal's office by the end of the third week of school. Once the plans have been reviewed by the Principal, the Principal will then integrate his level of discipline procedures into the teachers' plans and support them to the fullest extent possible. 
 
Discipline at the Principal's Level  
 
Unless it is a severe offense and is covered by another set of procedures (see below), when a teacher sends a student to the Principal for behavioral concerns, the Principal will follow these steps:

Discipline at the Principal's Level, cont.

1. 1st time to the Principal - counseling and/or punishment, call parent, and possible Principal's detention. 
 
2. 2nd time to the Principal - parent conference, Principal's detention. 
 
3. 3rd time to the Principal - parent conference, possible suspension. 
 
4. 4th time to the Principal - suspension and recommendation to the school board that the student be placed on behavioral probation. 
 
5. 5th time to the Principal - student will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the behavioral probation agreement including possible expulsion from school.

The Principal, in consultation with the teacher, reserves the right to vary from the above procedures in the event that the situation merits it. 
 
Severe Offenses - Discipline Procedures  
 
The following offenses are suspendable offenses and may result in a suspension for 4th through 8th Grade students. The Principal has the option to utilize suspension for Pre-K through 3rd Grade students. Expulsion and/or police contact is possible depending on the severity of the offense. The school board has the final authority in any expulsion hearing. 
 
1. Assault - physically fighting with students, staff members, volunteers, any family members, visitors, or guests. 
 
2. Violent or verbal threats, bullying, intimidation, ostracism, or other harassment against students, visitors or guests, employees, volunteers, or family members. This would include prank phone calls, harassment in any printed form, and such acts listed above performed using any other media such as e-mail, blogs, chat rooms, cell phones, other community/interactive websites, and instant messaging services.  
 
3. Use, possession, or sale of tobacco products, drugs, alcohol, or related paraphernalia. All legal medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) must be brought to the school office, stored in the school office, and taken in the school office supervised by office personnel. 
 
4. Use, possession, or sale of weapons including guns, knives (pocket knives and knives used to eat bag lunches), fireworks, bombs, or any facsimile thereof. Knives needed to eat food in a bag lunch will be provided by the school kitchen, used in the lunch room, and returned to the kitchen at the end of the lunch period. 
 
5. Property Damage/Vandalism - Intentional destruction, damage, or defacement of personal or school property.

6. Theft/Stealing, including Identity Theft – the intentional obtaining or removal of any person’s property, including personal identification in any media, without their consent; or any school or church property without the clear approval of a responsible individual.

7. Sexual harassment - Unwelcome sexual conduct directed toward a student, staff member, volunteer, family member, visitor, or guest. This conduct includes verbal or written sexual comments (in any media) about parts of the person's body, sexual name calling, making sexual gestures, displaying sexual objects, spreading sexual rumors about a person verbally or by any media, attempts to alter articles of clothing, pressure for sexual activity, or other unwelcome sexual advances.

8. Gang activities - The wearing of gang related clothing and/or symbols, gang advertisement or recruiting, or the involvement in gang activities. 

Action on the above offenses will only be taken after there is established documentation and verification utilizing names (including offenders, victims, and witnesses), dates, and times. The Principal has the flexibility not to use suspension for the above offenses if the teacher and the Principal determine that suspension is inappropriate. 
 
Suspensions (Out-of-School)  
 
Student suspension is the total responsibility of the Principal (or Assistant Principal when the Principal is off campus). Out-of-School suspension is when the student is not allowed on the school campus for a given amount of time. The date, time, and duration of the suspension is at the discretion of the Principal. The Principal reserves the right to adjust the suspension penalty to fit each individual situation. 
 
During the suspension periods, all class work, homework, quizzes, and tests missed because of the suspension will be assigned a grade of 0% (F). No make-up work will be given. No fees and/or tuition will be refunded because of time missed due to a suspension penalty. During a suspension period, the suspended student will be barred from all extra-curricular activities. 
 
Parents will be notified by telephone and with a letter when their student has been assessed a suspension penalty. The parents have the right to meet with the Principal at a mutually agreed upon time to discuss the suspension of their student. The parents have the right to appeal the Principal's suspension action to the school board. The school board has the final decision in all suspension penalties. If a suspension is appealed to the school board, the student will still serve the suspension period. If the school board rules in favor of the student, the suspension will be removed from the student's record and the student will be allowed to make up all missed work. 
 
Detention (In-School)  
 
Detentions will be served before, during, or after school at the discretion of the teacher and/or Principal. Parents will be notified of detentions via a "Parent Notice." Parents will be notified at least 24 hours ahead of time when a before or after school detention is to be served to give them time to make arrangements for their student's detention. 

Academic and Behavioral Probation  
 
Academic and behavioral probations are a function of the Principal and the Board of Education. Probation is a set of conditions that the affected student must meet in order to remain enrolled in St. Paul Lutheran School. 
 
Expulsions  
 
Expulsions are a function of the Principal and the Board of Education. Expulsions are a last resort when all other options have failed. Expulsion is when a student is removed and barred from attending St. Paul Lutheran School.

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Evaluation of Students

School Work and Assignments 

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40

 
Students are given opportunities in school to complete some of their assignments. However, homework is necessary for the completion of other assignments and in order to be well-prepared for the next day's classes. 
 
Parents are encouraged to take an interest in their child's work and to assist by insisting that the work is done neatly, accurately, and completed on time. Providing a quiet work area and a regularly scheduled time to do homework is important in developing proper homework habits. Periodically checking your child's progress as he or she does homework is also beneficial. Should your child consistently be bringing home large amounts of homework or no homework at all, parents are advised to consult the teacher. 
 
Generally, it is left to the classroom teacher's professional judgment whether or not late work will be accepted. As school-wide policy, the following reasons are acceptable excuses for work not being done on time:

1. Illness
2. Serious illness of a family member
3. Family emergency, e. g; death of a family member or a close family friend.

Please send a written note with your child or call the teacher to alert him or her of the situation. Generally, students receive one day for each day absent to make up work. Once again, the teacher will use his or her professional judgment in the matters of late work.

Study Buddies

Study Buddies is an after school program offered to help students who are recommended by teachers to obtain additional instruction or review in specific academic subjects or topics. This program is not intended as a place and time for the completion of homework. Study Buddies is offered Monday through Thursday. Parents will be asked to complete the Study Buddies Permission Slip for their child after the teacher recommends this program for a student and before the student will be able to attend the Study Buddies program.

Middle School Supplement (Grades 5-8)  
 
Students in Grades 5 through 8 are encouraged to seek help before or after school for material they do not understand. Some of the teachers offer regular tutoring sessions or sometimes after school to assist students in their work. (See Study Buddies above.) Students are advised to balance their homework with any extracurricular activities in which they might participate. Generally, teachers will not significantly decrease the amount of homework for activities that are not a required part of the school. 
 
In addition, students in Grades 5 through 8 are subject to the following rules, conditions, and consequences of late work:

1. If an assignment is late and unexcused, a set number of points will be deducted from the grade.
2. Repeated offenses could result in homework detentions, to be held after school from 3:00 - 3:45 P. M. (A day's notice will generally be given to parents to make arrangements.)
3. In general, students who leave books at school will not be excused from doing the assignment; it is up to the classroom teacher to decide if the child can gain access to the classroom after school hours.
4. The individual classroom teacher is the final authority in the matter of late work
5. In the upper grades (7th & 8th) all assignments need to be completed before students are passed on to the next level of education. Certain exceptions are made after consultation with the teacher and/or Principal.

Grade Point Average

Our 5th-8th grades receive a GPA that is calculated in the following manner. Our grading scale is based on a 4.0 average which is listed on the report cards. The grades are weighted according to how many times each class meets per week. For example, a math class meets five (5) times per week and therefore has a weight of 5, where art meets once a week and is given a weight of one (1). If a student gets an "A" in math it is worth 4.0 x 5 or 20 points, an "A" in art would be 4.0 x 1 or simply 4. After all grades are entered and the total for the quarter is achieved, the total is then divided by the total number of classes during the week and an average GPA is calculated. This way core subjects like Math, Reading, Religion, etc, are give more weight for the GPA than Art, Music, and Spanish, etc. Each classroom has a different total number of classes so the calculation is unique for each classroom. Our GPA scale is as follows:

A 4.0; A- 3.7; B+ 3.3; B 3.0; B- 2.7; C+ 2.3; C 2.0;
C- 1.7; D+ 1.3; D 1.0; D- 0.7; and F 0

The grading scale is:

100-94	A
93-90	A-
89-87	B+
86-84	B
83-80	B-
79-77	C+
76-74	C
73-70	C-
69-68	D+
67-66	D
65-64	D-
63 and below	F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standardized Testing 
 
In addition to regular subject matter testing, St. Paul follows a planned program of standardized testing in the areas of achievement, school ability, reading readiness, math, and other areas as the need arises. The Stanford Achievement tests are taken by the 7th and 8th grades in January. The 1st through 6th Grades are tested with the Stanford tests in the spring of the year. The results of each child's achievement tests are shared with his or her parents. No standardized testing is given in Grades PreK-3 through Kindergarden.  
 
Parent-Teacher Communication 
 
It is our prayer that positive, mutual support between the home and school will be developed so that the educational, spiritual, physical, and social needs of our children can be met. To help bring this about, the following procedures and media have been established:

1. Open House: an open house will be held at the beginning of the school year to allow parents to talk to the teachers, ask questions, and share information. Parents will be notified of the date of the open house at registration.
   
2. News & Notes, a weekly bulletin, is sent home with the eldest or only student on the last day of full weeks during the school year. This provides current school and church information and news for our parents and students. Sometimes teachers will attach individual classroom information to this bulletin.
   
3. Report cards are issued quarterly during the school year with progress reports issued in between the report cards. The grading system of A, B, C, D, & F is used as a means of marking academic progress. These progress reports and report cards are supplemented by other oral and written communications from teachers as deemed necessary. Teachers may also use progress remarks in the report cards, at their discretion, for each subject, for overall progress, or not at all.
   
4. A Parent-Teacher Conference is scheduled after the first quarter for the purpose of discussing the student's progress up to that point. At the end of the third quarter, a second conference may be requested by the teacher (or the parent if so desired) to further discuss the child's progress and/or needs.
   
5. The St. Paul Website, www.stpaulwildcats.org, also provides much current school and church information and contact information. This includes administration and office contact information, upcoming events, classroom links, the monthly church and school calendars, academic year calendar, PTL event information and contacts, school lunch schedule, News & Notes online, and other links to additional student services and extracurricular activities.
   
6. Curriculum Information Nights are held each spring to provide parents with information about the curriculum for the next school year and grade level of their student(s).

Consultation Procedures 
 
Contact with your child's teacher and the Principal is always welcomed and encouraged. If a question concerning classroom policy or procedure should arise, parents should first phone the teacher. Your child's teacher can provide answers that other teachers, parents, and even your child may not be able to provide. Please leave a message at the school office, or on the teacher’s voicemail extension, and the teacher will return your call as soon as possible. 
 
If a personal consultation is desired, please call the school office to set up an appointment. As is the case with any busy professionals, teachers are not usually available for unscheduled consultations. An appointment scheduled through the office ensures that the issue you wish to address will receive the time and attention it deserves. 
 
If a concern persists, parents may then contact the Principal. If further resolution of the situation is necessary, the Chairperson of the Board of Education may be contacted. The Chairperson will then bring the matter to the attention of the Board, for their edification and, as deemed necessary by the Chairperson, their consultation.

 
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Curriculum

“I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things . . . .” Ecclesiastes 7:25.  

Curriculum Accreditation 
St. Paul Lutheran School is fully recognized by the Illinois Department of Education and the Cook County Superintendent of Schools. In addition, St. Paul Lutheran School is fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. 
 
St. Paul's curriculum offers a well-rounded, complete course of studies based on the Bible and the State of Illinois standards. St. Paul’s curriculum is continually being reviewed on a cyclical review process to meet with or surpass the latest state standards. The following is a summary of the curricular areas. A copy of the whole curriculum package is available in the Principal's office for check-out by parents. 

Curriculum Summary

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them . . . .”1 Timothy 4:15-16

 
Religion: Formal religious instruction is given four class periods per week. Old and New Testament history, as well as church history, are emphasized at all levels. Memory work is an integral part of the religion program at St. Paul. In the 8th grade, formal confirmation instruction is conducted by the Pastor. Christian values and morals are informally taught throughout the school as an integrated part of all the other curricular areas. 
 
Language Arts: A special emphasis is placed on reading instruction which the faculty feels to be essential for successful learning. Spelling, Phonics (grades K-3), English, and Handwriting (Grades K-4), are important parts of the Language Arts program as well. In addition, skills are taught and reviewed through Daily Oral Language, Creative Writing, Written Composition, and Study Skills.  
 
Mathematics: The basic computational areas are stressed at all grade levels with beginning algebra introduced at the middle school level. The curriculum is based on the Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and problem solving and reasoning are emphasized at all levels. Manipulative aids and calculators are used where appropriate. 
 
Science: General science courses are taught through Grade Six with physical science and biology taught in Grades Seven and Eight. At the middle school level, experimentation is emphasized via the lab experience.  
 
Social Studies: Geography is incorporated at all grade levels. The state-required Constitution course and U.S. History are taught in Grade Eight. Map and study skills are emphasized at appropriate grade levels. Current events are studied by periodicals such as Weekly Reader, Newsweek, and Junior Scholastic.

 
Physical Education: Instruction includes development and fitness exercises, rhythmics, individual and group games, and sports activities. Health is taught throughout the grades either in conjunction with P.E. or as a separate class. Sex education is incorporated into religion classes where appropriate, with formal instruction in the Spring for Grades 5 through 8.  

The Fine Arts: The fine arts, which include structured experiences in music, drama, and art, are another integral part of our curriculum. Art is taught on a weekly basis, and its curriculum includes art appreciation, technique, and art history. Music is also taught on a weekly basis and is enhanced through the choirs, singing in Chapel services, plays, PTL functions, and in other settings. Drama productions, e. g; plays and skits, are organized and performed at various times throughout the school year as part of individual class education and performances, school plays and musicals, Sunday School, Wednesday chapel and Sunday church services, and PTL functions.  
 
Departmentalization: Some departmentalization occurs in Grades Five through Eight which makes use of the teachers' special abilities and interests. 
 
Special Education: St. Paul has a full-time resource teacher. This teacher is on staff to assist with those students who have special needs. This assistance includes individualized instruction, classroom help, IEP planning and writing in conjuction with the local public school, and consultation with the classroom teacher to create a more effective learning environment for every student.  
 
Computers: Computers are used in each classroom. Software used to strengthen skills in various subject areas is utilized and experiences are provided in word processing skills, presentations, and in assessing information through the use of the computer. For example, the Internet and Accelerated Reader are available in Grades K through 8.  
 
Foreign Language: Conversational Spanish is offered in Grades K through 8, two periods a week. The purpose is to introduce students to a second language concentrating first, on the art of spoken communication, and second, on the grammar of the language.

 

 
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Computer/Internet Policy

St. Paul Lutheran School believes the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. The goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in school by facilitating research, resource sharing, innovation, and communication. 
 
Students and Parents will sign a "Conduct Code" each year which must be on file with the school before a student is permitted to use the Internet at St. Paul. 
 
Conduct Code for Internet Access  
 
Students at St. Paul may use the school's computers to access the Internet. To gain this access to the Internet, students must first obtain parental permission and must sign and return the required form to the school office. 
 
Persons who use St. Paul's equipment to access the Internet are expected to conform to the policies in this document. Users are expected to read, understand, and obey these rules. Users are expected to maintain high ethical standards. 
 
Access to the Internet enables students to explore many avenues of information and possibly exchange messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families are warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, deceptive, or offensive to Christian people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives as well as to apply technology to the practice and proclamation of the Gospel, students may find ways to access other materials. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration far exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and others responsible for minor students are responsible for establishing and communicating the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, each family has the right to decide whether or not to apply for access.  
 
Computer/Internet Rules  
 
St. Paul Lutheran School has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. Software programs are used to block inappropriate sites that students might access. 
 
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computers just as they are in the classroom, hallway, or lunchroom. General school rules apply. 
 
Computers are provided for students to conduct research, communicate with others, and to do their homework. Access requires responsibility. Access is a privilege granted by the Principal and teachers and is not an automatic right. Access to Internet services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. 
 
Individual users of the school computers are responsible for their behavior and communications. It is understood that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the school is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the computers. 

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with other information sources such as television, telephones, movies, music, radio and other potentially offensive media.  
 
The following actions are not allowed:

1. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures in any format.
2. Using obscene language.
3. Harassing, insulting, bullying, or attacking others in any printed, vocal, or image media.
4. Damaging or hacking computers, computer systems, or computer networks. This includes the placement, in any computer or computer system, of any malicious programs or data; e. g; viruses, worms, or spyware.
5. Destroying or damaging data of another user
6. The theft or removal of another user’s data or the theft of any storage device.
7. Violating copyright laws.
8. Using a personal account to access the Internet at school.
9. Intentionally wasting limited resources.
10. Employing or using the Internet for commercial purposes.
11. Other violations deemed unacceptable by the general standards of our faith and our school.

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. 
 
Internet Guidelines 
 
In addition to the inappropriate behaviors listed above are these ground rules for the students’ use of the Internet.

1. Students are NOT to give out personal information such as their address, telephone number, parents' work address or telephone number, account numbers, passwords, or the name and location of our school without clear permission from the teacher or the Principal.
2. CHAT areas are not to be entered. At some sites there may be an opportunity to enter a chat line. Students are not to enter these chat lines. .
3. Questionnaires are not to be filled out without clear permission from the teacher or the Principal.
4. At some sites, there is advertising where there may be order forms to purchase something. Students are NOT to fill out any of these forms.
5. If a student arrives at a site that is offensive to Christians, or is otherwise uncomfortable or confusing, they are to immediately use the "BACK" button to leave the site and report it immediately to the teacher or Principal.

 
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Co - And Extracurricular Activities

Band 
 
St. Paul participates in a band program provided by Walther Lutheran High School. Students in Grades Four through Eight are eligible to join. Small group and ensemble instruction is given in this program during the school day. Fees are assessed each semester for those students participating. More specific information is distributed at the beginning of each school year.  

Chapel Services  
“. . . Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

 
Volunteer students assist in our Wednesday morning Chapel services by serving as ushers, acolytes, scripture readers, prayer leaders, musical accompanists, and offering counters. 
 
Children's chapel services are held every Wednesday morning at 8:45 A. M. in the church. These services provide children an opportunity to develop their worship life and Christian stewardship by participating in mission projects each month. Weekly offering envelopes are provided each child which are to be used (each Wednesday chapel service) for this purpose. Parents are cordially welcome to attend these chapel services.  
 
Choirs 
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

“I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6

Vocal experiences are provided for students at all grade levels through our Cherub (Grades 1 & 2), Children's (Grades 3 & 4), and Junior (Grades 5 through 8) Choirs. These choirs offer their praise to our Lord as they participate in a Sunday morning worship service on a monthly basis. A bell choir for students in Grades 5 through 8 is conducted as an extra-curricular activity and provides another opportunity for service through an instrumental experience.  
 
Field Trips 
 
Educational class trips to various points of interest are scheduled by the teacher in conjunction with their studies. All students are expected to participate as these are an important part of the learning experiences of the class. Parents will be notified in advance of such trips and need to provide written authorization for their children to attend. The cost for transportation and the trip is shared by the class when a cost is involved. Parent chaperones must complete the chaperone form prior to going on the trip. Sibling will not be permitted to participate in class field trips.
 
Geography and Spelling Bees 
 
These activities are designed to stimulate interest in selected curricular areas. Guidelines and grade levels for participation are determined by the faculty sponsor(s).

Academic Fair 
 
Additional academic learning experiences are provided to our students each school year and are under the supervision of a faculty committee. This is mandatory for Grades Five through Eight and is optional for First through Fourth Grade.  
 
Outdoor Education 
 
Students in Grade Five attend Walcamp during January. Walcamp is the Lutheran camp located in Kingston, Illinois. Unique learning experiences are shared here in an outdoor setting which provides overnight experiences for our students. All students are expected to attend.  
 
Recess 
 
Students will not be taken outdoors in cold weather if the wind chill factor is below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The teacher may use discretion in deciding whether to go outside when the wind chill is above that figure. All students are expected to participate in regular recess activities unless excused by a physician's written order. Students are to dress for the weather, including appropriate hats, gloves, and boots.  
 
School Plays/Musicals 
 
Opportunities are provided for students to participate in dramatic and musical productions throughout their years at St. Paul. A rotating cycle of lower grade (K-2), middle grade (3-5), and upper grade (6-8) productions is followed.  
 
School Yearbook 
 
Under the direction of a faculty member, students may assist with the publication of the school yearbook in the spring of each school year. The yearbook is made available for purchase to all families.  
 
Safety Patrols 
 
The Safety Patrol is responsible for the raising and lowering of the U. S. flag each day, positioning of the traffic cones in the parking lot throughout the day, and assisting students cross the parking lot.
 
Sports 
 
A number of extra-curricular sports are available to students in Grades Three through Eight. Students are able to further develop athletic skills by competing against other Lutheran schools in our conference in the following sports:

Basketball (Grades 5 and 6 / Grades 7 and 8)

Volleyball (Grades 6 through 8)

Track & Field (Grades 3 through 8)

Cross Country (Grades 3 through 8)

Cheerleading (Grades 7 and 8)

In the event of teams having too few players to compete, players from lower grades may be allowed to be on these teams. This will be at the discretion of that team’s coach and the Principal.

Eligibility Policy 
 
Participation in these various sports is a privilege which is dependent on the following criteria being met:

1. Written permission is granted by the parents.
2. Physical examinations or waiver forms are requirements for that year's participation in sports. Forms are available from the school office.
3. Academic achievement and conduct is maintained at an acceptable level. Guidelines for participation are that eligibility will be reduced or removed and the students will be placed on academic probation if an "F", or more than two "D's", are received in any subject area. If progress or improvement in the deficient area is not demonstrated, the student will not be allowed to participate in the sport.
4. Children attend all practices and games. A written excuse for absences must be provided to the coach directing the sport.

Students who are absent on a particular day may not participate in after-school activities for that day.

Student Council

The Student Council is an upper-grade group which provides students a direct voice in the school functions, provides positions for and examples of Christian leadership, helps to improve communications and relations between students, faculty, and administration, and offers a program of social functions and community service.

The Student Council is authorized and empowered by the school administration and the Board of Education. All actions of the Council are subject to review and possible veto by the Principal. A faculty member is appointed by the Principal as an advisor to aid the Council in leadership development, activities, and projects.

Any student in Grades 5 through 8 is eligible for election. These elected students must maintain a cumulative 2.70 grade point average. Elections occur in the first quarter of the school year.

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Health And Safety

Student Accountability Procedures 
 
In keeping with Illinois State School Law Codes, we are obligated to show a paper trail of the physical accountability for all students on our campus. To meet this requirement, the following procedures are used. 
 
1. Students dropped off between 7:00 A. M. and 8:00 A.M. will need to go to the Before/After School Care (BASC) program in the church basement. Parents will be charged for this service in 1/4 hour units. Students arriving in the BASC area will be logged in and then released to the classroom teachers at 8:20 A.M. There are no BASC services provided before 7:00 A.M; and students must not be dropped off before 7:00 A. M. 
 
2. Students dropped off between 8:00 A. M. and 8:20 A. M. will be allowed to congregate outside the school doors by the parking lot. At 8:20 A. M; the doors will be opened and the students will go directly to their respective classrooms. In case of severe weather, the students will be allowed to congregate in the school hallway by the restrooms. 
 
3. From 8:20 A. M. to 3:00 P. M; the students are the responsibility of their respective teachers. If a student is required to leave school during this time, the parent or other responsible adult must adhere to the following procedure:

A. The parent or person responsible for checking out the student will be required to physically come to the school office and sign out the student with office personnel. This person is to wait in the office until the student is summoned from the classroom. Parents or the person responsible will not be allowed to go directly to the classroom and pick up their student for check out. 
 
B. Students will not be allowed to wait in the hall or in the office for their parent to get them. They will be a part of the learning situation until they are summoned to the office. One exception will be if the student is sick or injured and has to be removed from the classroom. 
 
C. First through Eighth Grade students checked out before 11:45 A. M. will be given only 1/2 day's worth of attendance and those checked out after 11:45 A. M. will be given a whole day's worth of attendance.

4. Classes will end at 3:00 P. M. and the students will be released to the parking lot for pick up. Parents are strongly encouraged to leave the parking lot as soon as possible after picking up their students to help reduce the parking lot traffic. 

5. Any and all students remaining on school grounds after 3:15 P. M. must be involved in an approved after-school activity; e. g; sports, scouting, or drama productions, or be under the direct supervision of their parents, or of an adult who has the responsibility for taking them home. Otherwise they will be sent to BASC for the proper supervision and their parents charged in 1/4 hour increments. 

 
6. The BASC program offers supervised care from 3:00 P. M. until 6:00 P. M. Parents are encouraged to utilize this program if they find that they are unable to pick up their students from 3:00 P. M. to 3:15 P. M. Any and all students remaining after 6:00 P. M. will be charged a higher overtime rate.  
 
Building Access Procedures 
 
St. Paul Lutheran School is strongly encouraged by state school code to limit the access to its building during the school day when students are on campus, from 7:00 A. M. to 6:00 P. M. To this end, the following procedures are in place.

1. The congregation has installed a video/audio door access and security system. When you come to the school door, push the video camera button and the office will answer. A door will be unlocked for you. 
 
2. All visitors must proceed directly to the office and sign-in. If your business requires you to be in the school building you will be issued a visitor's pass.  
 
3. When leaving the school, you must return your visitor's pass and sign-out in the school office.  
 
4. Congregational members coming into the school building for church activities will go directly to their area for the activity once admitted to the building. 
 
5. Pre-K pick-up and drop-off will take place on Seminole Street using the Pre-K playground entrance. This entrance will be under the supervision of the Pre-K teacher.  
 
Safety Drills 
 
Fire drills, tornado drills, and lockdown drills are held regularly as suggested by state guidelines. Fire drills are held at a minimum of three times during the school year. Tornado drills are held in the early spring. Lockdown drills are held at a minimum of twice a year.  
 
Student Accident Information 
 
Even though the staff is very safety conscious, there will be accidents. To help the staff to reach a parent or guardian quickly, an emergency information card must be filled out and on file in the school office. An accident form will be filled out by the staff member on the scene of the accident and filed with the school office.  
 
Safety Phone-In Program 
 
To help further the safety of our children, we ask all parents to phone the school office between 8:30 and 9:30 A. M. in the event that your child will be absent from school that day. For students in our afternoon pre-school program, we ask parents to call the office between 11:30 A. M. and 12:30 P. M. If the office is not notified by 9:30 A. M. (or 12:30 P. M. for pre-school), we will then call home to confirm your child's absence.

 
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Medical Information

Examinations and Immunization Requirements 
 
Illinois State law requires each child to have a complete physical examination and specific immunizations upon entering an Illinois school for the first time, in Kindergarten, and again in Fifth Grade. Physical examinations which are not more than one year old are also acceptable. Dental examinations are also required for students entering Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade Forms (available in the school office) should be completed and returned on or before the first day of school. 
 
Illinois State law requires that children be excluded from school if proof of required immunizations and the physical examination are not presented by September 30^th.  
 
Administration of Medications 
 
The responsibility for administering medication rests primarily with the parents. However, it is recognized that at times medication must be given during the school day. The following regulations have been established to protect the physical well-being of each student and to prevent the unauthorized administration of medication.

1. A Medication Request Form, available from the school office, must be completed by the parent. New forms must be completed when medication is changed and/or when a time period has elapsed.
2. All medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or the physician.
3. All medication will be kept in the school office.
4. Parents are required to transfer all medications to and from school personally.
5. Medication will be self-administered under the supervision of the office staff in the school office. If this is not possible, it will be administered by a responsible school official, with prior approval of the Principal.
6. School personnel will not assume responsibility for any medication brought to school without proper notification or in non-compliance with any of these regulations.

Communicable Diseases 
 
Parents are to immediately notify the school if their child contracts or is otherwise infected with any type of communicable disease. All children are to be excluded from school for a communicable disease or condition which is readily transmitted to others. The following restrictions apply: 
 
Chicken Pox - Exclusion for at least six days after the onset of skin eruptions. 
 
Mumps - Exclusion for nine days after the onset of swelling and until all swelling is gone.  
 
Strep infections - Exclusion until the child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.  
 
Skin rashes or eruptions - Exclusion until the condition clears or a written statement from a physician that the contagion does not exist.  

Conjunctivitis - Exclusion until the child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

Mononucleosis, meningitis, and hepatitis - Exclusion until there is a written release from a physician.  
 
Head lice - Exclusion until effective treatment has been administered. 
 
In order to prevent the spread of illness, a child should be kept home if he or she has an acute upper respiratory infection, sore throat, earache, or elevated temperature of more than 100 degrees.

In addition and, again, in order to prevent the spread of illness, a child must remain home for 24 hours following an episode of fever, diarrhea, or vomiting to ensure full recovery.

 
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Student Services

Before and After School Care

BASC is a supervised, safe, and fun environment for your children to come on school days, when they are not in other school based extra-curricular activities or are waiting to be picked up. St. Paul's BASC is available to children from Pre-K 3 to 8th grade. The morning care program opens at 7:00AM and lasts until 8:20AM. The after school program starts at 3:00PM and lasts until 6:00PM. Homework time will be provided for students during after school care. Parents are charged by the quarter hour. Families of students are charged extra if the child/children are not picked up before 6:00PM.

Lunch Program 

“When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.” Deuteronomy 8:10

A hot lunch program is conducted every full day of school. Meals (which include one-half pint of milk) are purchased in ten-meal tickets. Rates for the meals are published at the beginning of the school year. Menus are published at the beginning of the month indicating each day's meal. To assist children in developing proper eating habits and attitudes concerning wastefulness, and to comply with government requirements (our lunch program is federally subsidized), children are encouraged to eat all the items on their plates. Milk is also available for purchase by those who choose to bring their lunches from home.  
 
In order to help make our hot lunch program economically feasible, parents are expected to help prepare and serve meals four times throughout the school year. For those unable to assist, a fee is assessed so that a substitute can be provided. The schedule of parents is indicated on the monthly menu.  
 
Student helpers from Grades 5 through 8 are also utilized in the program as additional helpers. Four students are scheduled for an hour each day on a rotating basis to help in serving and clean-up, in exchange for a free meal. Their responsibilities as helpers are as follows:

• Sell milk.
• Collect the used trays and silverware from carts; scrap and rinse the trays and silverware and place them in the sanitizer.
• Run the sanitizer and remove trays and silverware from the sanitizer when finished
• Assist the adult volunteers with wiping the tables, as time permits.

Parents are given the latest federal information concerning the guidelines for free and reduced lunches during registration. It is then the parents’ choice to evaluate their situations to see if they meet the guidelines for free or reduced lunches and milk.  
 
Pre-K Kindergarten Extended Day Program

The Extended Day program is open to children who are enrolled in the St. Paul Lutheran School Pre-Kindergarten. This program allows parents who have the desire or need to have their child(ren) in school for the full day to do so. The program is staffed by qualified adults with teaching and/or child care experience.

The program for the 4 year-olds begins at 8:20AM. The program is housed in our Before and After School area in the church basement. The children will have a daily schedule of activities which include play time, art activities, puzzles, books, snack and quiet time. Lunch is scheduled for 11:30AM. Children may either bring a bag lunch from home or purchase hot lunch at school. Following lunch the children will have recess before they begin their Pre-Kindergarten class.

The 3 year-olds will be with the teacher beginning at 8:20AM. At 11:15AM the children will have lunch. Children may bring a bag lunch from home or purchase hot lunch from school. At noon the 3 year-olds will go to the Extended Day Program for afternoon activities. The program concludes at 3:00PM when children will need to be picked up or go to After School Care.

Before and After School Care

Our Before and After School Care (BASC) program is a safe, supervised, fun environment for children after the normal school day when they are not in other school based extra-curricular activities. St. Paul's BASC is open to children in Pre-K through 8th grade. The morning care program begins at 7:00AM and runs until 8:20AM. The after school program begins at 3:00PM and concludes at 6:00PM. Parents will be charged by the quarter hour for this program. Families of students are charged an additional fee when child(ren) are not picked up by 6:00PM.

Study Buddies

Study Buddies is an after school program offered to help students who are recommended by teachers to obtain additional instruction or review in specific academic subjects or topics. This program is not intended as a place or time for the completion of homework only. Study Buddies is offered Monday through Thursday. Parents will be asked to complete the Study Buddies Permission Slip for their child after the teacher recommends this program for a student and before the student will be able to attend the Study Buddies program.

Summer W.I.L.D.K.A.T.S. Program

W.I.L.D.K.A.T.S. is a fun-filled summer program for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Camp runs from 7:00AM until 6:00PM. from June through August. W.I.L.D.K.A.T.S. is an acronym for Wild In the Lord Discovering Kids Active Throughout Summer.

Camp is designed for students to nurture faith and friendships through the motto "Let us go forward and walk the walk and talk the talk in Jesus Christ." This motto sometimes quietly, and other times delightfully loud, encompasses students through their day camp adventures. Each week is filled with carefully designed education, workshops, field trips, swimming, outdoor activities and crafts to help integrate this motto into every day practice. Applications for the program are available in the school office.

School Directory/School Website 
 
An annual school directory is issued which lists the names, addresses, and phone numbers of school families. In addition, contact information is also given for the teaching staff, office staff, PTL officers, Hot Lunch personnel, BASC personnel, and the Board of Education members. This directory is intended to be used by parents only. If you do not wish to have your address or phone number listed in the directory, please inform the school secretary.

The school website, www.stpaulwildcats.org, provides much current school and church information. Descriptions and news of many current functions, activities, and events are placed here with contact information or website links. To further protect our children, recognizable individual and small group photos of the children are not placed on the website.

Messages and Use of the School Telephone 
 
Children and teachers may not be called out of class for a phone call unless it is an emergency. Messages will be relayed for those matters which are not of an emergency nature. 
 
Items which need to be delivered to your child during the school day are to be brought to our school office. Our office staff will then make sure the item is delivered at an appropriate time.  
 
Students may be allowed to use the office phone for quick emergency phone calls only.

 
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Volunteers

“Every man shall give as he is able according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.” Deuteronomy 16:17

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

Many volunteers are needed to carry out the mission and purpose of St. Paul Lutheran School. Our curricular and extracurricular programs often depend on assistance from parents for successful implementation. Please sign up at the school office to volunteer for an activity which needs you! Thank you for volunteering! 
 
EXPECTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS 
 
We expect that your attitude and behavior will reflect the Christian philosophy of St. Paul. We hope that you will speak well of the school and the teachers during your volunteer experience and when you leave. 
 
We expect you to understand that St. Paul school is a professional environment and it is important to keep your observations of the students and the teachers private. Please avoid discussing student behavior with other parents. It is the teacher's job to report to parents a child's academic or behavioral needs.  
 
We expect you to be aware of the potential conflict of interest should you work with your child in a small group of children, and we ask you to make every effort to be fair and impartial in your treatment of all children.  
 
We expect volunteers to sign in and sign out in the office and to remain in the area in which they are serving. It is distracting to students and to teachers to have volunteers make unannounced visits or observations, even from the hallways.  
 
We expect you to allow the professional staff to handle discipline situations. If a child's safety is at risk, you may certainly intervene, but the incident should be reported to the Principal or the teacher immediately so it can be handled by school personnel.  
 
We expect that you will check with the Principal and/or the teacher before soliciting student help or participation in activities. 
 
We expect that you will not bring younger children with you when you volunteer, unless arrangements have been made with the Principal ahead of time. If this is the case, please supervise your children carefully.  
 
We may choose to do a background check on our volunteers in order to maintain a safe environment for our students, staff, and other volunteers.

Parent-Teacher League

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:4-5, 10

All parents who have children enrolled in our school are automatically members of our school's Parent-Teacher League (PTL). Our PTL meets bi-monthly during the school year except during Advent and Lent.

The PTL purpose is to better acquaint parents with our school, to promote a wholesome relationship and understanding among parents and teachers, to assist parents in equipping themselves in their responsibility over their children, and to assist our school financially in some of its needs. An annual fee is assessed for each family to help fund various PTL projects and functions

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