GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL POLICIES
2008-2009
"Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." -- Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it." -- Proverbs 22:6.
". . . Bring them up in the training and instruction of the LORD." -- Ephesians 6:4.
OUR PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
Grace Lutheran School is a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church. As a ministry we promote academic excellence through partnership between home, school, and church. The Christian education that we share embraces all aspects of a child's development. Together with the application of the Law and the Gospel, Grace Lutheran School provides a stimulating environment for intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and artistic growth. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Grace Lutheran School strives to make disciples for Christ as it nurtures the relationship of our students and their families with our loving Lord and Savior.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Grace Lutheran School expects all students and parent/guardian(s) to conduct themselves according to standards reflected in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Consequently, it is expected that all students and parent/guardian(s) exhibit good taste and manners in their relations with other members of the Grace Lutheran School community and guests. All students and parent/guardian(s) must respect the rights and possessions of other persons. Students and parent/guardian(s) are expected to maintain personal integrity and a high standard of honor. They are expected to know the regulations of the school.
Grace Lutheran School students will realize that their behavior has consequences, and that they must accept responsibility for their behavior. It is expected that discipline be taught in the home and carried over into the school. Without discipline, learning cannot take place. Therefore, it is important for children to know that parental authority and school authority are one. They must respect their teachers as they respect their parent/guardian(s) and realize that the essence of Christian discipline is self-discipline.
Discipline problems can be solved through proper communication between parent/guardian(s) and teacher. Disapproval of the child's actions is not the absence of love; it is the strengthening of love. School discipline can be undermined when parent/guardian(s) criticize school authority. Therefore, parent/guardian(s) should consult the teacher about all the facts before making any hasty decisions or commenting on a discipline problem in front of their children.
Matthew 18:15-17 ("If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over, but if he will not listen, take one or two others along so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.") gives us guidance in dealing with our differences, and so, Grace Lutheran School adheres to the following procedures. Any problem involving a teacher should be directed to the teacher involved. If an agreement is not reached, the administration should be consulted. If the issue is still not resolved, the "Board for Day School Ministries" should be consulted.
Verbal abuse or harassment of any school employee, on or off school property, will not be tolerated. The failure of parent/guardian(s) to cooperate with this regulation is grounds for a student's dismissal from school.
REPORTING PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT
All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school, or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.
Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of an educator's certificate. Forms of such misconduct include:
Obscene Language
Drug and Alcohol Use
Disparaging Comments
Prejudice or Bigotry
Sexual Innuendo
Cheating or Testing Violations
Physical Aggression
Accept or Offer Favors
BOARD FOR DAY SCHOOL MINISTRIES
The "Board for Day School Ministries" is an elected board of the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church. Major decisions for the school are carried out with the approval of the Board and the congregation. The principal reports regularly to the "Board for Day School Ministries." Members of the Board for the 2008-2009 School Term are:
SCHOOL STANDARDS
- Respect God, all others, and yourself.
- Respect the teaching and learning process.
- Respect the rights and property of others.
- Encourage one another.
- Be positive and joyful.
ENROLLMENT POLICIES
Grace Lutheran School is a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church and as such is open to families of the congregation and families of the community desiring a Christian education for their children. Grace Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities that are generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school programs.
Congregational members and students enrolled in the prior year will be given priority registration status through the month of January. Beginning February 1, enrollment opens to the public on a first come, first served basis.
Enrollment of all children must be made through the principal of the school or a person duly appointed by the principal or the "Board for Day School Ministries."
A registration fee is required for each child. This fee, which is nonrefundable, must accompany the registration form when a student applies for enrollment.
Parent/guardian(s) are responsible for their contract commitment for the full school year. Consideration for the release from the contract is moving out of the Tampa Bay area or State of Florida. Parent/guardian(s) must write a letter to the "Board for Day School Ministries" stating the reason for discontinuing.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Children may begin to attend Grace Lutheran School on his/her third birthday. All children must be potty trained. A child entering Prekindergarten must be four years of age on or before September 1, of the year enrolling. A child entering Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1, of the year enrolling. First Grade students upon entering must be six years of age on or before September 1, of the current school year.
A "State of Florida School Entry Health Form" (Gold Form DH 3040) and a "Florida Certificate of Immunization" (Blue Form DH 680) is required for all students enrolling in Preschool and Kindergarten as well as all students who are new to Grace Lutheran School. Students entering Grade 6 are required to have a scoliosis screening. Students entering Grade 7 are required to submit a physician's certificate of immunization supplement. Part A-2.
A birth certificate or baptismal certificate is required as proof of age. We must also have on file the student's Social Security Number.
All students must submit these forms prior to the first day of school, otherwise attendance will be denied.
A developmental screening is administered to all students who are entering Preschool 3 through Grade 1. This tool is used to assist teachers in assessing students and placing students. New students who are enrolling in Grades 2-8 will be subject to a screening process. This determines whether the child falls within the school's academic ability range. Previous report cards and achievement test scores must be submitted with the registration.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
The first ninety days for students who are new to Grace Lutheran School are considered to be probationary. Should a student not meet the requirements for exemption status by the end of the ninety-day period, the student's file will be reviewed.
Students who receive a failing grade in a major (core) subject will be placed on probation. Probation will continue until the next grading period. The student's status will be reviewed at that time.
TUITION
The tuition for Grace Lutheran School varies according to the grade placement of each student. Upon registering a student, the parent/guardian(s) will complete an enrollment contract and be required to pay the nonrefundable registration fee. There is no refund of tuition payments when a child is absent due to illness, vacation trips, etc. The tuition may be paid by the following methods:
- The Annual Pay Plan -- paid in advance
- The Monthly Pay Plan -- 10 monthly installments
To be eligible for the member tuition rate, you must first be a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Member families (parents and students) must attend a minimum of 26 weekend or special services (i.e. Advent, Christmas, Lent) at Grace Lutheran Church. Member families must simply sign a pew card and give it to the ushers at the church service that they attend. If, as a member, you do not meet the specified number of services, you will be contacted to make the financial adjustment to your contract and be responsible for non-member rates. The year is defined as June 1st through May 31st.
All tuition fees must be paid promptly by the dates that the parent/guardian(s) has chosen. Late fees will be assessed for tuition that is not paid according to the contract. All monthly tuition fees will be set up for automatic deduction from a checking or savings account. All annual tuition fees are to be sent to the business office. Fees for special services (i.e. Extended Care fees, etc.) are to be sent to the school offices. Grace Lutheran School now accepts Visa or MasterCard. Parent/guardian(s) are responsible for their contract commitment for the full school year.
Grace Lutheran's business office is located in Rooms 109 and 110. The following policies have been established regarding checks:
- All returned checks or insufficient funds drafts (NSF) will be assessed a $30.00 fee.
- Two NSF transactions within a 12-month period will reuire an alternate form of payment. They are money order, bank cashier check, and credit card (MasterCard or Visa only.)
The business office has a mail slot for after-hours transactions. The slot is located on the door of Room 110 on the Haines Road side of the campus. Tuition accounts that are not "paid in full" by the end of the school year will result in the student not being allowed to return the following year.
CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Families are strongly encouraged to attend the church and Sunday School of their choice. Each teacher is asked to keep a record of such attendance. If you and your children are not attending a church regularly, you are cordially invited to attend the worship services at Grace Lutheran Church. Regular worship opportunities at Grace Lutheran Church are:
- Informal Saturday worship service at 6:00 P.M.
- "New Song" Contemporary Sunday worship service at 8:30 A.M.
- "Didache" Bible study and Sunday School at 9:45 A.M.
- Traditional Sunday worship service at 11:00 A.M.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance of all students is expected in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to ensure that their child is present and on time. Please telephone the school offices or Email before 9:00 A.M. the day that your child is absent. Please include the reason that your child is absent. The Email address to use is driber@grace-lutheran.com .
School hours are from 8:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. for students in Preschool 3 through Grade 5. School hours are from 7:50 A.M. (Please not new start time) until 3:00 P.M. for students in Grades 6-8. Occasionally students will be dismissed at 12:00 P.M. for teacher inservice days. Advance notices will be sent home indicating the dates of early dismissals.
Perfect attendance awards are given each year to those students who have been present for the full 180 days of the school year. An absence due to illness, tardiness, doctor's appointment, early dismissal, or any other absence will disqualify a student from perfect attendance. A student must be in attendance every minute of every school day to qualify for perfect attendance.
ABSENCES
It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to make sure that their child is attending school regularly and to notify the school by 9:00 A.M. when their child will be absent. Students who have been absent five days or more in a grading period may be required to bring to the school a certificate of illness from a licensed doctor. More than twenty absences during the school year may be cause for retention and will be reviewed by the administration. If the parent/guardian(s) does not agree with their child's attendance as recorded on their report card, the parent has one week to appeal (in writing) to the administration. An excessive number of absences will lead to a review of the child's attendance by administration, a referral to the "Board for Day School Ministries," and possibly the involvement of "Social Work Services" or the "Office of the State Attorney."
Any student who is absent from school due to illness or for any other reason is not permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activity that day (sports, clubs, choirs, dances, etc.) Any student who leaves during the day is not permitted to return for extra-curricular activities unless the administration approves the student's participation.
The student is expected to make up the work that was missed during an absence. Tests and quizzes must be made up at school within three days of the absence. The student will complete make up work by the designated time, one day per each day absent. It is the child's responsibility to find out what work has been missed due to absences. If a child wishes to receive the assignments for the day(s) absent, please refer to the school Website to obtain the class work. The Website address is www.grace-lutheran.com . If you do not have Internet access, please have the parent/guardian call the school office.
Dental or doctor appointments during class hours are discouraged. If an appointment can only be made during school hours, a written note signed by the parent/guardian(s) is required. The child will be called to the school office to meet the parent/guardian(s) when the parent/guardian(s) arrives. The time that a child is absent from class due to various appointments is recorded by the classroom teacher and totaled at the end of the marking period. If the total equals one half-day or one full day, it is noted as an absence on the child's report card for that period.
On the day that the child returns to school after being absent, he/she must present a note signed by the parent/guardian(s) explaining the reason for the absence and indicating the date(s) that the child was absent. All absences and/or tardiness will prevent a student from receiving a perfect attendance award at the end of the year.
TARDINESS
Any student in Middle School who is not in his/her classroom by 7:50 A.M. or any student in Preschool 3 through Grade 5 who is not in his/her classroom by 8:30 A.M. will be considered tardy. A student arriving after these times must enter through the appropriate school office and be signed in by his/her parent/guardian. A student who arrives at least three hours late will be marked as absent for one-half day. A note explaining the tardiness is required from the parent/guardian(s). Middle School students (Grades 6-8) who come in late must report first to their homeroom teacher before going to their assigned class. Middle School students are responsible for getting to every class on time. They may accrue tardies for being late to any class -- not just first period.
Habitual tardiness disturbs the daily routine of the school and must be corrected by the parent/guardian(s). A student who has accrued five tardies in a marking period will receive a detention. After ten tardies within a marking period, the student's attendance will be reviewed by the school administration. The parent/guardian(s) and student may be required to meet for a conference.
Only excuses involving medical appointments and unforeseen, extraordinary circumstances will be accepted as an excused absence. Oversleeping, late carpools, etc. will not constitute an excuse absence.
Please make every effort to have your child to school on time. It is difficult for students to catch up with the class or receive missed instruction if they are late to school.
ARRIVAL
PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY
- School begins at 8:30 A.M. Classrooms open at 8:15 A.M. Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:30 A.M.
- Students arriving on campus before 8:15 A.M. will be directed to the Extended Care rooms for supervision. A fee will be charged for this service.
- Younger siblings of Middle School students arriving at the same time as their sibling should go to Extended Care for supervision. A registration fee is required, but once they are registered, there is no fee for this service.
- Students arriving on campus after 8:30 A.M. must go to the appropriate school office to receive a permit to enter class.
- Students in Grades 2-8 arriving at school must be dropped off at the Haines Road parking lot. Preschool 3 through Grade 1 students must be dropped off at the 16th Street parking lot. All other gates will be locked and must remain so. The safety of our students is jeopardized when they are dropped off at any other location.
- Any student who walks or rides his/her bike to school must have a note signed by his/her parent/guardian(s). The signed permission must go to the homeroom teacher and to the school office.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- School begins at 7:50 A.M. (please note new start time.) The classrooms open at 7:40 A.M.
- Students who are not in their classrooms by 7:50 A.M. are considered tardy and must go to the main school office to receive a permit to enter class.
- Students arriving on campus before 7:40 A.M. will be directed to the Extended Care rooms for supervision. A fee will be charged for this service.
DISMISSAL
Pick-up locations are the same as arrival. Students are to be picked up in the same location. If parent/guardian(s) are parked in a parking space, they are to use the crosswalks and come to their child's waiting area. Parent/guardian(s) and students are asked to please follow this regulation for the safety of all. Parent/guardian(s) are asked to wait outside of the gated area for dismissal.
If parents/guardian(s) or students find it necessary to vary the way home other than the norm, the parent/guardian(s) are to inform the homeroom teacher beforehand in writing.
A student who is not picked up by 3:15 P.M. will be taken to an Extended Care room for supervision. A fee will be charged for this service. Children may not wait in an office or classroom for their parent/guardian(s).
To ease traffic congestion, parent/guardian(s) are requested to abide by the staggered dismissal times. If it is necessary to arrive early, please park in a designated parking spot. It is imperative that we keep the traffic flow moving.
Any student who walks or rides his/her bike home must have a note signed by the parent/guardian(s). The signed permission must go to the homeroom teacher and to the school office.
EARLY DISMISSAL BY A PARENT
If parent/guardian(s) needs to pick up their child for an appointment during school hours, they must report to the appropriate school office and sign out the child. The school secretary will call the child's classroom, and the child will report to the school office.
THE CURRICULUM
The main focus of our curriculum is teaching the Christian faith. Through our program of faith instruction, we not only attempt to prepare children for a rich spiritual life in this present world, but also for the life which is to come. All subjects are taught from a Christian point of view.
The curriculum an course of study at Grace Lutheran School meets and exceeds the standards of the local public schools, the State of Florida, and the "Board of Parish Education of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod." Grace Lutheran School is accredited by the "National Lutheran Schools Association," that is recognized by the State of Florida.
ACADEMIC GRADING
Grace Lutheran School maintains high standards and expectations for its students. Each student is expected to do his/her best, using the gifts that God has given him/her. To communicate the student's progress, written reports are issued at scheduled intervals. Please see the School Calendar page on this Website for those dates. If parent/guardian(s) have a disabreement about their child's report card, an appeal must be made in writing to the administration within one week of the date of distribution of the report cards.
The students will earn the following grades for their accomplishments and class participation:
GRADING SCALE:
- A = 90-100%
- B = 80-89%
- C = 70-79%
- D = 60-69%
- F = 59% and below
- I = Incomplete
Any student who fails two major subjects for the year will automatically be required to repeat the grade level of the current school year. Final grades for each subject are the average of the four marking periods.
The major (core) subjects are:
- Religion
- Language Arts (English, Reading, Spelling)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
CHAPEL SERVICES
Weekly chapel services are conducted each Wednesday morning for all students. Parent/guardian(s) and friends are welcome to worship with the student body and faculty. Through these worship services the students are given the opportunity to join in public worship and learn proper church decorum. Out of respect for God and His gifts, uniform shorts will not be permitted on chapel days in Grades 2-8. A "Baptismal Remembrance Service" is conducted on the first Wednesday morning of each month at 9:00 A.M.
TESTING PROGRAM
In addition to regular subject testing, standardized achievement tests are administered in the spring of each year to children in Grades 1-8. I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient) tests are administered to children in Grades 1, 4, and 7. A "Writing Inventory Test" is administered to students in Grades 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. Permanent records are kept in the school office. Parents will receive a copy of the standardized achievement test with the final report card.
TUTORING
Full-time teachers who are not assigned after school responsibilities may be available to give additional help on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3:15 - 3:45 P.M. All tutoring beyound that point must be reviewed by the administration. Please contact individual teachers to seek additional academic help.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY
Teachers are available by appointment. Early Childhood and Elementary teachers will be on campus from 8:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. Middle School teachers will be on campus from 7:30 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. If you are trying to contact a teacher outside of those hours, you may leave a message on the voicemail system or the Email system for the teacher who you are trying to reach. Please respect your child's teacher by not calling them at home, unless it is an emergency. Thank you for your cooperation.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
A parent/teacher conference is scheduled at the end of the first quarter. Early Childhood and Elmentary conferences are conducted in the classrooms. The Middle School conferences are available in the lunchroom. Parent/guardian(s) are encouraged to request a conference with teachers as the need arises. Please contact the teacher to request a conference.
Problems between individuals may arise. However, such problems should be handled as outlined in God's Word (Matthew 18:15-17.)
Any problem involving a teacher should be directed to the teacher involved. If an agreement is not reached, then the administration should be consulted. If the issue is still not resolved, then the "Board for Days Schoool Ministries" should be consulted.
CLASS PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
The classroom teacher, along with the adminstration, will make the final determination of the class and/or grade level in which a child will be enrolled while attending Grace Lutheran School. If a child is to be retained, the parent/guardian(s) will be informed of the reasons and made aware of the decision of the professional staff. The "Board for Day School Ministries" has stated as of July 14, 2004, "In the best educational interest of all students, requests for specific teachers will no longer be accepted."
The member(s) of the faculty who previously taught the student(s) in consultation with other professional staff and the administration of Grace Lutheran School will determine the teacher and classroom in which the students will be placed for the next school year. The professional staff will use its educational expertise to determine the classroom compositions that will best benefit the class as a whole and each individual student.
HEALTH SERVICES
A nurse from the "Public Health Department" is on call for Grace Lutheran School. We can use this resource at any time with regard to student health concerns.
Regular and punctual attendance is essential for maximum learning benefits. However, for the protection of your child and other children, it is imperative that you keep your child at home if he/she shows signs of the following:
- Fever
- Sore throat or excessive coughing
- Rash
- Pink Eye
- Head Lice
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
In the event of a contagious ailment, please consult your family doctor before sending your child back to school. Children who have been sent home with a fever should not return to school for twenty-four hours after the fever has diminished. Parent/guardian(s) sometimes find it difficult to "drop everything" and pick up a student who is ill. We ask that you have an emergency procedure in place so that the child may be picked up within thirty minutes of our telephone call. Treatment of illness remains the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s).
911 will be called in emergeny situations. Students will be sent to the hospital that is specified by the parent/guardian(s) on the emergency forms. Calls to the parent/guardian(s) will follow a 911 call.
SCHOOL MEDICATION POLICY
School personnel are not permitted to administer any form of medication to the students including prescription or over-the-counter drugs for short term illnesses. This includes pain relievers and cough medicines. All medication must be administered by the parent/guardian(s). Unauthorized medication that is brought to school by the student will be confiscated by school personnel, and the parent/guardian(s) will be called.
Authorized Grace Lutheran personnel will administer medicatons only to students with long-term conditions that are supported by a physician's letter that will remain on file.
The exception to this policy would be sunscreen. Children may keep sunscreen in their school bags. Children with sunscreen are encouraged to apply it before coming to school and at lunchtime if necessary. Children may not share sunscreen due to allergic reactions. All sunscreen must be labeled clearly with the child's name or it will be confiscated by school personnel.
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
Grace Lutheran School's library/media center is available to students for research, checking out books and magazines Hours will be determined through volunteer assistance.
LUNCH PROGRAM
A hot lunch progam is available for those wishing to participate. The menu, including milk, meets the requirement for the government's Type A lunch. Milk, juice, or water is available for purchase by those students who bring their own lunches. Lunch and/or drink tickets may be purchased in the lunchroom on the first day of each school week. The prices are posted.
Lunchroom personnel are authorized to charge only for a complete lunch and drink in the event that a lunch ticket is lost or forgotten at home. Payment for the charge is due the following school day.
The monthly menu is distributed to the students to be taken home. It is also available on Grace Lutheran School's Website through the link at http://www.grace-lutheran.com or the direct link at http://teacherweb.com/FL/GraceLutheranStPetersburg/SchoolHomePage .
SODA MACHINES
The soda machine located in the teacher's lounge is not to be used by the students between the hours of 7:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. The Extended Care supervisor will allow students to purchase sodas on special occasions per staff permission.
SCHOOL STORE
A school store is maintained in the main school office. All necessary school supplies such as agendas, hymnals, N.I.V. Bibles, paper, pencils, and crayons, etc. may be purchased on Monday mornings before classes begin.
Grace Lutheran School gymn clothes are to be purchased from the school store. Please check with the main school office to learn when this service is available.
SAFETY DRILLS (FIRE DRILLS)
Emergency evacuation fire drills are conducted once a month in accordance with policy. The school admininstrator and the Fire Marshal set the regulatons. Emergency procedures are taught the first day of school by the teachers and are reviewed regularly.
CIVIL DEFENSE PLAN
Grace Lutheran School asks for your cooperation in carrying out the following plans in the event of a national disaster or severe weather alert (including hurricanes):
- In case of an alert, keep your child at home.
- In the event that school is cancelled, announcements will be made over the radio and television. See the listings below for the stations. In addition, a marquee announcement will be posted on Grace Lutheran School's Website, and a "One-Call" will be made to school families.
- If a warning is received during the school day and there is time, every effort will be made to contact parents.
Every possible precaution will be taken to keep students safe at school until their parent/guardian(s) are able to pick them up. The parent/guardian or designated adult must properly sign out each student at one of the school offices or evacuation site. Photo identification may be required.
Should the need arise to evacuate the students, they will be transported to "Riviera Day School" located at 175 62nd Avenue North -- St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 -- Telephone: (727) 525-8866.
The following news forums may be consulted for information about school closings:
- WFLA - TV News Channel 8
- www.TBO.com
- WFLA Newsradio 970 AM
SCHOOL PROPERTY
SCHOOL GROUNDS
There should be no loitering on the school grounds after classes are dismissed. Allowing children to play on the playground, even with parental supervision, interferes with after-school activities and with the Extended Care Program.
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY
The students are accountable for damage to school property when carelessness or willful action causes the damage. This applies to books as well as to other physical property. The replacement cost will be passed on to the parent/guardian(s) as determined by the administration.
GATES
For the safety and security of the students and staff, the gates are to remain locked at all times. Students are NOT permitted to open gates at any time unless instructed or authorized to do so by supervisory personnel.
Please report to either of the school offices during the hours of 7:40 A.M. -- 3:45 P.M. or to the Extended Care office that is located on the north side (backside) of the school building (during the hours of 7:00 - 7:45 A.M. AND 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. for admittance to the campus.
BICYCLES
- Bicycles must be walked while on campus and taken to the bike rack immediately upon arrival.
- Bicycles are not to be ridden during the school day.
- Bicycles are to be ridden solely by their owner.
- Bicycles must be attached to the bike rack by a lock and chain.
- Grace Lutheran School takes no responsibility for bicycles that are stolen or damaged while on school grounds.
- Florida law states that bicycle helmets are mandatory.
UNIFORM DRESS CODE
To communicate our image of a Christian school that is committed to excellence and providing a positive, Christ-centered learning environment, students will follow the uniform dress. code. Repeated dress code violations will result in an appropriate disciplinary action.
- Uniform shirts must be worn each day and tucked in so that the waist is showing (must fit appropriately.)
- White, yellow, or navy shirts are available for all grade levels.
- The Middle School has the option of wearing green shirts as well.
- Belts are to be worn if there are belt loops. (Belts are not required for Preschool students.)
- Shoes must be worn at all times. (Wearing sneakers is encouraged.) All shoes must have backs. Sandals and clogs are not allowed.
- Slacks, pants, shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers must be uniform style and must fit appropriately. The approved colors are khaki or navy blue.
- All uniform bottoms must come from the uniform section of any department store.
- Cosmetics for Grades 2-5 can be a distraction in the classroom and are not permitted.
- Hats, sunglasses, bandanas, buffs, and earrings (boys) are not permitted.
- Jewelry and watches are permitted as long as they do not cause a distraction. It is at the school’s discretion to request the removal of these items.
- In cold weather a sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket may be worn. These items must be the school approved uniform items. Solid navy or solid white are also approved. They are not to be wrapped around the waist and should be appropriately sized.
- Uniform shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers for girls should be no shorter than mid thigh. Girls are encouraged to wear shorts underneath their skirts and jumpers.
- All uniform bottoms must come from the uniform section of any department store.
Out of respect for God and His gifts, uniform shorts will not be permitted on chapel days in Grades 2-8. Students must wear pants, skorts, skirts, or jumpers.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
All students' hair should be neat and clean at all times. Boys' hair length should be appropriate and cannot cover the eyes or touch his shirt collar. If in violation male students will have one week to get a haircut. A girl's long hair should be secured during activity periods for safety reasons.
We are to honor our Lord by taking good care of our bodies with proper hygiene and good grooming. All clothing and shoes shold be in good repair and be clean. All students are to refrain from being a distraction to others by their personal appearance. Children learn to dress for success.
NON-UNIFORM DAYS
Occasionally Grace Lutheran School will have a non-uniform day for special events or projects. The dress code of the day will be determined. Notification of cost and attire will be communicated.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS DRESS CODE
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All students in Grades 3-8 are required to wear the Grace Lutheran School athletic uniform for physical education classes and extracurricular athletic sessions as prescribed by the school.
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The accepted athletic shorts must be an appropriate length. The accepted tee shirt is printed with the school emblem. The uniform must be purchased from the school store. Please check with the main school office to learn how to obtain a P.E. uniform.
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All students, Preschool 3 through Grade 8, are required to wear sneakers for physical education classes.
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Dress code violations will result in sitting out and lowering of grade
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A detention will be implemented for non-compliance of dress code following 1st warning.
VISITORS
Parent/guardian(s) and former students are always welcome to visit the campus or a classroom. Visitors are required to sign-in at the school offices and receive a "Visitor's Pass" before visiting a classroom and the campus. Classroom visits should be arranged with the teacher beforehand. Due to testing or special situations, admittance could be denied until 3:00 P.M.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles that are found in the school or on the campus will be placed in bins that are located in the lunchroom. Valuable items such as watches and jewelry will be taken to the school office. Articles other than books that are not claimed within thirty days will be donated to charity. Books will be brought to the office, and a fine of $2.00 per book will be assessed to reclaim each book. This money will be used for the purchase of new textbooks or donated to the scholarship fund.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
We, as you, are vitally interested in the safety of your child. School buses are used for field trips. Please periodically discuss the rules below with your child and impress on him/her that the rules must be obeyed.
BUS RULES -- These rules apply to Grace Lutheran School buses and also to chartered buses:
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Students must board and exit buses in an orderly manner.
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Students must remain in their seats at all times when the bus in moving and use seat belts if fitted.
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Noise level must be maintained at a safe level for driving.
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Food and drink are not to be taken aboard the bus.
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Cleanliness of the bus must be maintained.
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No items may be thrown out of the windows. Hands, arms, heads, and all body parts must remain inside the bus at all times.
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Always cross at least ten feet in front of the bus. Wait for a signal before crossing.
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The driver or teacher has the right to assign students to certain seats, if necessary, to promote order on the bus.
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The driver is to be respected and obeyed at all times.
TELEPHONE USE
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Student use of the classroom telephone will be at the discretion of the teacher.
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Arrangements for social activities, transportation, etc. should be made at home.
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Parent/guardian(s) who wish to leave messages for their children may call the school offices. A message will be relayed at the first available opportunity. Classes will not be interrupted except in the case of an emergency.
ELECTRONICS
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The use of cell phones, pagers, headsets, electronic games, and other electronic devices is not permitted between the hours of 7:45 A.M. and 3:15 P.M. If a device is used for text messaging during school hours, a detention may be issued at the discretion of the teacher. Students should leave all such items in their backpacks or lockers unless directed by a staff member.
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Staff members will confiscate all electronic devices that are found during the hours stated above. A parent/guardian must go to the school office to retrieve the confiscated item.
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Grace Lutheran School is not responsible for property damage or theft.
PRIVACY
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Students and parent/guardian(s) are only allowed access to their personal belongings unless they have been given permission. Students and parent/guardian(s) are to refrain from going through another person's bag, desk, or locker, or placing items into the possession of someone else without his/her permission.
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Students and parent/guardian(s) will only have access to the personal information of other students that is printed in the school directory.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Occasionally "Law Enforcement" or "The Department of Child and Family Service Personnel" will be on Grace Lutheran School's campus to respond to a student's personal family situation or a school situation. By law, Grace Lutheran School is not required to contact the parent/guardian(s) of these students, but we will make an attempt to do so provided that it is within legal guidelines and time constraints of the situation.
WEDNESDAY FAMILY AND CHURCH NIGHT
Our plan is to begin "Wednesday Family Night" this year at Grace Lutheran School. Families are encouraged to participate in planned activities. Church services will be held on Wednesday evenings during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Homework will be kept at a minimum during those evenings.
EARLY CHILDHOOD, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT RULES AND PROCEDURES, AND WILDCAT ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
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