TRINITY  LUTHERAN SCHOOL

419 East Park Avenue   Riverton, WY 82501

SCHOOL OFFICE   307-857-5710

CHURCH OFFICE  856-9340

PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK

Trinity Lutheran School is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ

by providing a classical Christ-centered education so that its students,

firmly grounded in God's Word, may demonstrate and share God's grace

in their lives at home, at school, and in our community. 

Accredited by the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) in 2012

Pastor:                                    Rev. David Magruder, M. Div.                                  856-3650

Head Teacher:                       Mrs. Susan Tucker, BA, LCMS rostered                   857-3169

Administrative Assistant:     Mrs. Phyllis Zenk, BS                                                856-9460

TEACHING STAFF

Preschool:                        Mrs. Susan Conilogue, AA, completed LCMS certification     856-4567

Kindergarten:                 Mrs. Susan Tucker, BA, LCMS rostered                                   857-3169

Grade 1:                           Miss Karen Lininger, BA, LCMS rostered                               463-2545

Grades 2 & 3:                  Mrs. Shirley Bundschuh, BA, LCMS rostered                         463-2835

Grades 4 & 5:                  Mrs. Fredella Busch, completed LCMScertification                856-2915

Grades 6, 7 & 8:              Mr. Steven Coniglio, BA, LCMS rostered                               857-2094

Part-time Teacher:          Mrs. Chris Steele, BS                                                               857-6186                                                                    

Teaching Volunteers:      Mr. Richard Busch                                                  

       Mrs. Laura Coniglio

         John Snell – Chairman                        856-9393

         Joel Harms – Vice Chairman              840-3035

         Phil Orbell                                           857-2435

                                 Mark Williams                                    856-6430

                                 Bill Jacobs                                           856-9752

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Trinity Lutheran School is an educational agency of Trinity Lutheran Church.  It has been established by the members of Trinity to provide a quality education in a Christian setting for the children of Trinity and of the community. The local congregation has the final authority for the school's management and maintenance.  The school is under the direct supervision of the Administrator who is responsible to the elected Board of Education.

The Board oversees all education agencies of Trinity. It meets monthly and/or as needed to study the needs and concerns of the school.  These monthly meetings are listed in the newsletter and the bulletins and are open to interested parents and members of Trinity.

...Christian education is a continuation of, and response to, Christ's directive to "Go make disciples … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

...Lutheran schools are necessarily established and maintained to assist the family to train and educate their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

...Children are a cherished gift of God and deserving of quality instruction and varied learning experiences to enable acceptable spiritual, mental, social, physical, and emotional growth.

...Lutheran schools with a philosophy, objectives, and curriculum that are Christ centered can best provide a "total" education for the children of the church and for those of the community who share our thoughts about Christian education.

...Christian educators, by the grace of God, see their pupils through the Cross of Christ as members of the family of God and educate them to serve a life of love and service to God and their fellowmen.

OUR OBJECTIVES ARE...

...to carry out the mission of the church, namely to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

...to give the Gospel free course through the Word and the Spirit so that the members of the body of Christ are nurtured, edified, and educated.

...to enable each child of God to fully use and develop his/her God-given talents to grow spiritually, mentally, socially, and emotionally as he/she grows physically.

...to equip God's children through religious and secular training and education to be of service to all men in all walks of life, as critical thinkers and problem solvers.

...to reach out as a corporate body and as individual members of the body of Christ to bring the Gospel to the home, the parish, the community, and the world.

…to prepare Christian children, to assist them to prepare others for the second coming of Christ.

I.  Trinity Lutheran School confesses and incorporates a commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects of its education mission as it is taught and confessed in the inspired sacred Scriptures and the confessional writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A.   This faith commitment is explicitly articulated in the school’s charter as expressed

in the constitution and bylaws of the Trinity Lutheran congregation (see church  constitution).

B.    This faith commitment shapes – and is reflected in – the school’s faculty, staff

instructional program, education philosophy, and worship life.  

1.   Faculty and staff confess and reflect in their personal faith, worship life, and professional service to the school the belief that “God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

2.   A Lutheran, Christian world-view shapes, integrates and unites the instructional programs of the school – its courses of study, education resources, and priorities.

3.   Catechesis from Luther’s Small Catechism – teaching of the faith with confession, prayer, and memorization – is central in the instructional life of the school on all grade levels in accord with the school’s confessional commitment. We believe that our school is an extension of the home, existing to supplement the parents, not to take the place of them; to aid, not to oppose them; and to strengthen parent/child ties, not to weaken or destroy them.

4.   The worship life at Trinity Lutheran School uses and teaches the historic forms of liturgy and hymnody as they express and convey the gifts of the pure Gospel in Word and Sacrament (using the Lutheran Service Book).

C.       Regular evaluative strategy is in place to continually evaluate the school’s performance in light of its confessional commitments with established ways and means to implement improvement. The Trinity Lutheran Church and School Board of Education is responsible for such evaluation.

II.  The School demonstrates a commitment to a classical and Lutheran approach to curriculum and instruction, as adopted from The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education “Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School.”

A.    The school’s curriculum and instruction is shaped on all levels by a manner of teaching that nurtures the basic language skills – grammar, logic, rhetoric – to progressively equip learners to carry out successfully their own inquiries.

1.   These skills are taught and exemplified by instructional strategies that are

informed and shaped by levels of student intellectual maturity and aptitude – grammar in the lower grades; logic and rhetoric added at learning-appropriate higher-grade levels.

2.   All faculty and staff are committed to the classical and Lutheran approach in education and exhibit an enthusiastic willingness to grow in their understanding, skill, and appreciation of this approach to pedagogy.

3.   Each member of the faculty demonstrates being an enthusiastic ongoing

learner in his/her assigned teaching areas of responsibility in and out of the classroom.

4.   The school’s governance possesses and implements ways and means for the continuing education of its staff in the classical approach – appropriate to the levels of the school’s education program.

B.   The scope and sequence of the school’s curricular and co-curricular programs are normed by the goal to raise up a virtuous, educated person for heavenly and earthly citizenship – the  life of faith in Christ and loving service to neighbor in the offices of one’s vocation.

1.   The courses of study to be mastered by students are shaped by the significant fund of information to be passed on to the next generation for responsible citizenship in the Church and world.

2.   The basic subject areas of English language skills (reading, spelling, vocabulary, and writing), Latin, mathematics, history, science, geography, literature, music, art, physical education, and theology form the primary courses of study on all elementary levels of instruction.

3.   The higher language skills of dialectical thinking and analysis, and then later, rhetorical uses of language (written and oral) are exemplified by instructors on all levels but then, integrated into strategies for student mastery in the higher grades 7-8.

4.  Instruction in Latin, even in the early grades, is integrated into the strategies of teaching linguistic grammar and syntax and serves as a foundation for increased mastery of English and other foreign languages.

5.   The upper grades instructional program (grades 7-8) will reflect an increasingly sophisticated exposure and mastery of the primary resources of the literature of the Western Canon (The Great Books) that are age appropriate.

(reference www.CCLE.org for further information)

III.  The Trinity Lutheran Church and School Board of Education establishes and expresses clearly articulated rules, regulations and responsibilities that are in harmony with God’s revealed orders of creation – for students, parents, and school staff.

A. Children are to be loved and respected and their limitations clearly recognized.  Children must also learn to respect the Lord, parents, other adults and one another.  Jesus said, "Permit the children to come unto Me;  do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to them."  Mark 10:14

B.  Children have responsibilities to God for their words and their actions.  "It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself, if his conduct is pure and right."  Prov. 20:11

C.   Children are born with a sinful nature, and are sinful, by nature and by personal choice. Therefore they need correction early in life.  Although man is created in the image of God, his sin prevents him from realizing his full potential. “For whom the Lord loves, He reproves, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.”  Prov. 3:12

D.   The school has written faculty, parent, and student policy manuals and has secured appropriate commitments.

E.  Staff, parents, and students give ample evidence to their knowledge and compliance of the school’s policies for conduct and responsibilities.

IV. With regards to the principles of staffing, all who are involved in the educational process must:

A. Be a Christian.  Without Christ, the teacher is impotent in his ability to teach in a Christ- centered manner due to the absence of the Holy Spirit from his life.  "However, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." Rom. 8:9

B. Actively attend and fellowship in and with Trinity Lutheran Church or another LC-MS  church.

C. Live a lifestyle in word and deed that is in accordance with the Word of God. Eph. 4:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

D. Trinity Lutheran School requires all of its teachers to be certified by the State of Wyoming and/or rostered by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  It is the policy of Trinity that all full-time teachers have a Lutheran Teachers Diploma (or are working towards such certification). The theological training helps teachers integrate their Christian faith in the teaching of academic subjects. In such instances where an LC-MS certified or rostered teacher is not available, the vacant position will be filled with the most suitable replacement until an LC-MS certified or rostered teacher can be secured.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

I.  The Word of God - We believe that the Bible is the ONLY written Word of God, fully inspired and written without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.  1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17;  2 Peter 1:20, 21

II. The Trinity - We believe that there is one Living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:19;  2 Cor. 13:14;  John 14: 16-31;  1 John 5:7; John 10:30

III.  God the Father – We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. 

What does this mean?  I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, animals, and all I have.  He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.  All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.  This is most certainly true.  1^st Article of the Apostles’ Creed and Explanation from Luther’s Small Catechism

IV. Jesus Christ - We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.  From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.            2^nd  Article of the Apostles’ Creed and Explanation  from Luther’s Small Catechism

V. Holy Spirit - We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?  I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.  In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.        

      3^rd  Article of the Apostles’ Creed and Explanation from Luther’s Small Catechism

VI.  Salvation – Our (Lutheran) churches teach that people cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works.  People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received in to favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight ( Romans 3:21-26; 4:5).  Article IV of the Augsburg Confession from Concordia. The Lutheran Confessions  “A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord”, CPH, St. Louis, MO,  2005

VII.  Satan and Hell - We believe that Satan is real and does exist and is the adversary of every believer. We believe that hell is a place of eternal conscious punishment of all unbelievers.  Job 1:6-7;  Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:14, 15;  I Pet. 5:8

VIII.  Church – Our (Lutheran) churches teach that the one holy Church is to remain forever.  The church is the congregation of saints (Psalm 149:1) in which the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are correctly administered.  Article VII of the Augsburg Confession from Concordia. The Lutheran Confessions  “A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord”, CPH, St. Louis, MO,  2005

IX.  Christian Conduct – Our (Lutheran) churches teach that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).  It is necessary to do good works commanded by God (Ephesians 2:10) because of God’s will. We should not rely on those works to merit justification before God.  The forgiveness of sins and justification is received through faith. The voice of Christ testifies, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded say, ‘We are unworthy servants: we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10). Article VI of the Augsburg Confession from Concordia. The Lutheran Confessions  “A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord”, CPH, St. Louis, MO,  2005

X. Resurrection - We believe in the resurrection of the saved unto life and the resurrection of the lost unto damnation.  John 5:24-29

XI.  Spiritual Unity - We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that we should live together in peace, and that it is our Christian duty to promote harmony among the members of the Body of Christ.  Ps. 133:1;  Phil 2:1-5; Eph. 4:3. Upon your request, you may receive from the church office, free of charge, a copy of Luther’s  Small Catechism with Explanation, which explains the doctrine of the Lutheran Church in greater detail.  The pastors are eager to discuss with you any questions you have about our doctrine.

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Trinity Lutheran School reaffirms its policy to admit or enroll students of any race, color, or national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletic and other school administered programs.

ADMISSION

Preference in admission is given first to currently enrolled students on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning March 3, 2014.  Other children of school families and members of any LCMS congregation in Fremont County may register beginning March 10, 2014. As space permits, other children of the community whose parents desire a Christ-centered education will be accepted beginning March 17, 2014.

Any outstanding fees (tuition, lunch, library fines) must be paid in full by June 10th of the current school term, or a student will forfeit their registration status for the upcoming school year.  The office will hold a student’s progress reports and records until all fees are paid.

Age requirements for entrance conform to the laws of the State of Wyoming: five on or before September 15 of the year entering school for kindergarten;  six on or before September 15 for Grade 1.

All new students, Preschool-8^th grade, enter Trinity Lutheran School under a 6-week probation period.  This period allows the teacher(s) and administration adequate time to determine if Trinity Lutheran School is able to meet the educational need of the student. Because of our parochial/private school status, there may arise incidence of a child with either learning or behavioral problems for which Trinity Lutheran School is unable to provide adequate services.

A meeting with parents, teacher(s), and administrator shall be requested at any time during this 6-week period if removal from Trinity Lutheran School is being considered.  This meeting will be used to discuss teacher observations and concerns, and recommendations will be given to parents concerning their child.

Trinity Lutheran School reserves the right to place students in the appropriate instructional level as determined by standardized tests, previous records, and any additional placement tests of ability and achievement, not solely upon the age of the student.

PRESCHOOL AGE  REQUIREMENTS

The Board of Education has established the following preschool age requirements.  These requirements will determine if a child has reached enrollment age for the current school year, and which preschool class the child can enroll in.  If the required age is not attained by September 15^th, the child will need to wait until the following school term to enroll in the appropriate age class.

Preschool 4 Year Old – Child must reach their 4^th birthday by September 15^th
                                           of the current school year.

In each of the above Preschool classes the child must be able to pass the requirements of the Preschool teacher to enter into any of the preschool classes.  The final determination as to the placement of the Preschool student will be the decision of the Preschool teacher.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

Registration Steps:

1.  Complete an ENROLLMENT FORM for each child and submit required documents.

2.   Pay the required REGISTRATION FEE for each child when submitting the enrollment form.  This fee is non-refundable. (It can be refunded only if your family moves. Contact the school office in case of any other emergency.)

3.   Parents of new students in grades K-8^th shall meet with the head teacher and classroom teacher. This meeting is to discuss the philosophy of Trinity Lutheran School and reasons for enrolling your child.

RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION

Registration Steps:

1.  Complete the ENROLLMENT FORM for each child.

2.  Turn in the Enrollment Form with the required REGISTRATION FEE for each child during the month of March.  This fee is non-refundable.  (It can only be refunded if your family moves.)  An additional $25 per month will be added to the registration fee after March for all returning students. (e.g. registration is $125 if paid in April, $150 if paid in May)

FEES FOR THE 2013/2014 SCHOOL YEAR

PRESCHOOL FEES:

REGISTRATION FEE – Paid at Registration $50 per child

FIELD TRIP FEES – Paid at final registration  $7 per child

MONTHLY TUITION – SEPTEMBER – MAY 

                                    3 Year Old / 2 half days:                    $105 per month

                                    4 Year Old / 3 half days                     $127 per month

GRADES K –8^TH  FEES:

REGISTRATION FEE –  Paid at Registration    additional $25 per month after March   

Grades K-8                                         $100 per child

BOOK AND SUPPLY FEES – Paid at Final Registration

Kindergarten                                     $100 per child

Grades 1-8                                          $125 per child

FIELD TRIP FEE – Paid at final registration   $8 per child

MONTHLY TUITION  Families with K-8^th grade students have the option of

making payments over 10 months beginning with the August final registration payment, or over 12 months beginning July 1^st.

                   Kindergarten

AUGUST - MAY – 10 month payment plan  $220 per month

JULY - JUNE   –    12 month payment plan  $184 per month

Grades 1-8     AUGUST -MAY – 10 month payment plan

Single child family                              $340 per month

Multi-child family                               $315 per child per month

Grades 1-8    JULY  - JUNE  –    12 month payment plan

Single child family                              $284 per month

Multi-child family                               $263 per child per month

The graph showing actual costs unavailable until mid-July.

TUITION PAYMENTS

 Tuition payments for preschoolers are on a 10 month payment rate. 

Tuition payments for K-8^th grades are on a 10 month payment plan, beginning in August, with the first payment to be made at final registration in August or on a 12 month payment plan, beginning July 1^st. 

All tuition payments are due during the first week of each month and are past due after the Tuesday of the following week.  Checks should be made payable to Trinity Lutheran School and mailed to 419 East Park Ave., Riverton, WY 82501, turned in to the school office or inserted in the tuition payment box in the office.  Tuition payments may also be made with an automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account or by using a credit card; paperwork to set up these payment options may be picked up in the school office. If financial concerns arise regarding tuition payments, the school office expects to hear from you.

Information on insurance, pictures and other optional expenses will be sent as it becomes available.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Generous members of Trinity have made possible tuition assistance for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade to families who desire a Christian education for their children, but are unable to pay the entire cost of tuition.  Families who need help are encouraged to meet privately with the school office to discuss their needs and to make application for tuition assistance. Any information shared is confidential. Parents of students receiving this assistance are required to help at the school in exchange for this financial assistance.  They will indicate on their assistance application the hours and days they are available to help at the school.

1.  The school office will seek payment of tuition for the first month after tuition due date.

2.  Student(s) will be suspended from school if two cumulative months of tuition have not been paid, unless        arrangements are made to the satisfaction of Trinity Lutheran School.

3.  Should late payments be made, the student(s) is (are) reinstated without prejudice.

4.  All records, etc., shall be transferred in accordance with the laws of the State of Wyoming.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY GUIDELINES

Regular and punctual attendance is absolutely necessary for the benefit of your children.  Sickness, accident, or death in the family are excused absences from school. A total of 10 or more absences in one semester may be cause for the student to repeat a semester.  Parents of such students will need to meet with both the Administrator and their classroom teacher.  Students reporting after 11:00 AM will be counted as ½ day absent.  ANY absence (excused or not) will constitute a ½ day absence if the student is gone 3 hours or more. We recognize that orthodontic appointments must be scheduled during the school day, and we will consider this excused.  Appointments with doctors, dentists and counselors should be made so as not to interfere with attendance at school except in emergencies.

In the event of an absence from school, parents are asked to notify the school office by telephone before school. When parents know of an absence ahead of time, they should notify the teacher as soon as possible before the absence so that arrangements can be made regarding homework and tests. See the STUDENT  ABSENCE / MAKE-UP WORK document at the back of this handbook.

A K-8^th grade student is considered tardy if they are not in the class by 8:00 AM.  After 3 tardies in a 9-week period, the school will contact the parents to inquire into the reasons for such tardiness.  Five accumulated tardies in a 9 week quarter will equal 1 day of absence, which will be reflected on the report card.  Parents will be notified by the Administrator to discuss their child’s tardiness problem.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

The school suggests annual check-ups.  We urge students, especially when entering preschool, kindergarten or 7^th grade to have a thorough examination.  A hearing and/or eye exam will be scheduled. Athletic physicals will be required for all students participating in any sports events at Trinity.

MEDICAL CONCERNS, SICK CHILDREN, ETC.

Children who have the flu, are running a fever, or who have a contagious disease should be kept home.  Please use good judgment as many conditions will affect not only the health of your child, but the health of the other children and the teachers in school as well.

If your child is sick, please call the office before 8:00 AM.  If your child will be out for more than one day, please leave a message as to how long your child will be gone.  The teacher can then make arrangements for making up school work.

IMMUNIZATIONS

The State of Wyoming has made it law that all children be properly immunized within 30 days of enrollment date or student's enrollment will be terminated at the school until immunization requirements are met. Immunization forms may be picked up at the school during final registration in August.

The State immunization requirements are as follows:

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY

           5 DPT MINIMUM.  At least one dose must be administered on or after the 4^th birthday

            4 POLIO MINIMUM  At lease one dose must be administered on or after the 4^th birthday

            2 MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), 1^st dose on or after 12 months of age

   2^nd  dose at least one month after the 1^st dose

             3 HEPATITIS B

7TH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY

          DPT MINIMUM (Age appropriate series complete + one additional Td)

POLIO MINIMUM (Age appropriate series complete)

2 MMR - 1st on or after 12 months of age, 2nd by entrance of 7th grade

3 HEPATITIS B

OTHER STUDENTS

         DPT MINIMUM (Age appropriate series complete)

            POLIO MINIMUM (Age appropriate series complete)

            2 MMR – 1^st  dose on or after 12 months of age      2^nd dose at least 1 month after the 1^st dose

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

For kindergarten students, if the 4th DPT and the 3rd Polio doses were administered after the 4th birthday, no additional doses are required. For those students who did not start or adequately complete preschool immunization according to schedule, and are 7 years of age or older, only a total of 3 Td and 3 Polio are needed.  MMR is required according to age and grade.

MEDICATIONS

Students requiring medication during the school day should give the medication to their teacher or leave it with the school secretary along with written instructions indicating amounts and times for taking the medication.  Specific health problems should be discussed with the teacher. No medications will be given to preschoolers at any time.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

All parents with children enrolled in the school automatically belong to the organization.  The group meets bi-monthly to discuss mutual concerns and to promote the education program.  While parents are not required to attend these meetings they are strongly encouraged to attend to help with the support of the school.  The National Lutheran Parent-Teacher League serves as a resource of our school.

PARENT ORIENTATION

Teachers of K-8^th will make every effort prior to the beginning of the school year to conduct a home visit with each of their students and parents.  This meeting is conducted to orient parents and students of the teacher’s plans/expectations for the school term, as well as giving the parents an opportunity to meet and discuss questions/concerns with the teacher.  Families are also encouraged to attend the “Back to School Night” or “Open House” in order to meet the entire staff, the pastor, and the members of the Board of Education. 

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

A hot lunch program is run with the help of St. Margaret's School.  All the children of Trinity will walk to St. Margaret's each day for lunch.  The hot lunch staff will also provide the members of Trinity with a lunch schedule.  Hot lunches will usually not be available the first week of school.

All children will need to bring a cold lunch on any days that hot lunches are not served at St. Margaret's.   A monthly menu will be sent home and dates that lunches are not available should be carefully noted by parents.  As guests of St. Margaret's we are to obey their lunchroom rules.  Food should only be eaten at the lunch tables. 

As a safety precaution, Trinity cannot allow a student (or groups of students) to walk back to our school without adult supervision to retrieve a forgotten lunch. If a student forgets to take their cold lunch to St. Margaret’s, they will have to eat the hot lunch offered for the day, or sit with their class during lunch and eat their cold lunch in the classroom during lunch recess.

Lunch and milk payments may be made at any time to Trinity’s school office.  Checks for lunches and milk must be separate from tuition checks.  Hot lunches are $3.00 for K-5^th,  $4.00 for 6^th – 8^th graders, an extra milk is $.50 each and $4.00 for adult/guest lunch.  These prices are subject to change at St. Margaret’s discretion.

As a consideration to those personnel at St. Margaret’s involved with lunch preparation, parents are asked to notify teachers at least 2 days in advance if they wish to provide a special lunch for their child’s class.

Trinity participates in the National School Lunch Program supervised by the Wyoming Department of Education. Free or reduced cost lunches are available for those who qualify.  Applications are available in the school office and will be accepted at any time during the school year.

In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 800.795.3272 (voice) or 202.720.6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

TRANSPORTATION / STUDENT PICK-UP

Bus transportation is available through the Riverton School District.  Students who ride the bus will need to make the necessary connections which will bring them to the front door.  They will be dismissed in time to get on their bus.

Parents who drive should be careful not to park in the bus loading zone (the white curb area in front of the school) and are reminded to exercise care when driving around the school.  We ask that you park on the sides of the streets next to the school and church so that your child will not need to cross the street.  If they must cross the streets they should do so only at the corners. Parents picking up or dropping off students in the rear of the school are requested not to block the alley entrances or park in the middle of the lot, even for a very short time.  Please also refrain from parking in the Wyoming Work Force parking area.

For the safety of our preschoolers, parents should accompany their child into the school building at the beginning of the session. Likewise, parents should come into the building to pick up their child at the close of the session.

To insure the safety of our students, persons picking up children at any time of the day should be 21 years or older if other than a family member.  Parents must call the school office if anyone other than family or a pre-determined individual will be picking up their child.

BICYCLE USE

Students who walk or ride bikes are reminded to obey all traffic laws.  Riders are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO WEAR HELMETS.  Bicycles are to be parked in the designated spot and should be locked. They are not to be used during the school day nor are they to be ridden by anyone other than the person who rode it to school.

CALENDAR

A school calendar is distributed at Final Registration. Parents are asked to post it in their home for reference.  In some instances, the public school's schedule does not coincide with Trinity's. Please note on the school calendar the addition of some early release Fridays. These have been added to allow for staff instruction time.

WEATHER

In severe weather, listen to the Riverton radio stations for information.  We will usually follow the Riverton schools.  If school is closed after it is in session, the local stations will be contacted.  Please listen to the radio stations (KTAK 94 FM, KTRZ 93 FM, KVOW 1450 AM) instead of contacting the office. When there is concern about weather and travel conditions and school remains in session, the final decision on the child's attendance is the parent's.

VISITING

Parents are always welcome.  Children welcome your visit and it gives them added security and importance knowing you are interested.  Out of courtesy for the teacher and class, please check with the teacher the day before a visit.   Prospective students are also welcome.  In order to help the teachers and students to prepare for a visit, a full day's notice is necessary before any visits.  Any visit should normally be limited to one day.

COMMUNICATIONS

Trinity strives to send home a school newsletter at the end of each week.  In addition, each family will receive in the mail a copy of  The Trumpet, Trinity's monthly church newsletter. Teachers will also use various means to keep parents informed. The school office often posts emails to our families.

Parents are encouraged to contact teachers and the school office after school and make an appointment when they have questions concerning school or classes.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

With reference to Matthew 18:15-20, parents are requested to use the following procedure.  In order to maintain open and healthy lines of communication, parents should first take to the Lord in prayer any personal conflicts or concerns.  Secondly, they should contact the child’s teacher. Then, if necessary, they should further speak with the Administrator.  If further consultation or intervention is needed, it is then appropriate to contact the Chairman of the Board of Education and, at the parents’ request, a parent meeting with the Board of Education will be established.

LIBRARY

Trinity Lutheran Church and School maintains a church and school library.  Continued donations of good books are welcomed.  Students and their family are encouraged to use the library as well as using the Fremont County libraries.

TELEPHONE

The school and church telephones are business telephones that can only be used by students in the case of an emergency.  Permission must be granted by an adult for the use of the telephone.  Please do not use the telephone to make arrangements for a friend to stay at your house, request that your parents bring something to school for use, or announce when you have an after school activity. It is the student's responsibility to remember needed articles for school and activities, to give notes to parents, and to make prior arrangements for transportation, unless the school makes a last minute change in scheduled activities.  The school reserves the right to charge 25 cents per call for non-emergency use of the telephone.

SCHOOL ITEMS

In adherence with Riverton’s fire code, all items your child brings to school must fit in their locker or cubby. This includes backpacks with wheels.

NUISANCE ITEMS

Toys, radios, recorders, headphones, squirt guns, computer programs, electronic games… and the list could go on and on… and other types of "nuisance" articles should not be brought to school unless materials are specifically requested by the classroom teacher for some educational purpose. Show & tell items requested by classroom teachers would fit this category of exception on designated school days. Nuisance items will be collected by the teacher; offenders will be asked to have these items claimed by their parents before they can be returned.  The basic rule is that an item is classified as a nuisance item if it is not normally used in school or after school hours for some positive educational purpose.

Cell phones and all electronic devices will be surrendered to the classroom teacher at the beginning of each school day and returned at the end. In case of an emergency, parents may contact their child through the school office.

CHAPEL WORSHIP SERVICES

God's people at Trinity Lutheran School gather in the church for worship every week.  This normally takes place on Monday and Tuesday mornings at 8:10 AM and Friday afternoons at 2:20 PM.  In addition to worshipping God, the children develop positive attitudes about worship, learn hymns from LSB, hear God’s Word read and preached according to the Lutheran Confessions, learn forms of worship, and practice respect for God's house.  The pastors and guest pastors will lead these services.  Children are encouraged to bring an offering to chapel.  These offerings are sent to various mission projects. Parents and members of the community are invited to join our chapel services.

CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at church services and Sunday School classes is one expression of Christianity in action. As a part of our educational program of training the whole child, our children are encouraged to attend divine services regularly. To that end, each student’s church attendance will be recorded and reflected on their progress report.  The home must set the example.  The family should worship together.  Christian parents will want to set an example for their children and attend services with them.  “Not forsaking the assembling of themselves together, as the manner of some is.” (Hebrews 10:25).  Parents with no church affiliation are invited to attend services at Trinity Lutheran Church.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CHURCH SERVICES

The music curriculum at Trinity Lutheran School includes periodic singing or handbell ringing in Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, or other special services.  Attendance by ALL STUDENTS at such occasions is a requirement of the Trinity Lutheran School music program.

Non-member families are welcome to worship with us at Trinity at any time.  In the event of a communion service, we ask that non-members refrain from partaking of the Lord’s Supper.  Scripture makes clear that in communion a public testimony is being given that the communicant believes the teachings of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to be faithful to the Word of God.  We are publicly proclaiming a oneness with each other.

We practice “Close communion” wherein we believe that only those persons who  are “one” with us in doctrine and practice should attend Holy Communion here, because communion proclaims a unity of faith.  This does not imply that those of another faith are not Christian.  It does mean that we take doctrine seriously and we should be one before we proclaim that we are one.  An additional brochure is available on close communion.

CURRICULUM

PHILOSOPHY:  Trinity follows a long tradition of Lutheran Schools who provide excellence in education.  Since the fall of 2000, our school is transitioning into a Classical approach to education which strives for academic excellence, behavioral discipline, Christian content, and direct instruction methodologies.  Classical Education is based on the understanding that children develop intellectually in different ways at different ages of their life. Therefore, the child’s education should correspond to the different stages of the child’s intellectual development. All subjects are taught using a variety of textbooks and methods, but teachers strive to teach everything from a Christian viewpoint.  Christian textbooks will be used when appropriate.

“Classical education goes against the grain of much contemporary culture.  It makes pampered children work hard.  It forces the television generation to read.  Teachers will have to convince students that the good, the true, and the beautiful have more value than the glittering prizes of pop culture and the easy answers of relativism.  And yet wherever classical education has been tried, students have learned to think broadly, deeply and creatively.  They have learned to live up to their responsibilities and to recognize the possibility of greatness within themselves.”  (Dr. Gene E. Veith, Jr.,  Classical Education, Towards the Revival of American Schooling)

The most foundational time in a child’s education is called the grammar (knowledge) stage (preschool through 5^th grade). The child’s intellectual development is at a stage where they have the ability to remember large amounts of information.  In the grammar stage, the facts of each subject are taught, repeated, and recited by the child so that they may  be committed to memory and used all their lives. The next stage is the logic (understanding) stage (6^th through 8^th grade).  At this age level, children usually begin to question everything they have learned.  Therefore, the educational approach is dialogue between the student and the teacher so that the student may develop their critical thinking skills. Children who have been instructed in the grammar and logic of the basic subjects begin high school with a precise ability to reason and to desire to express themselves.  The high school level is called the rhetoric (creativity) stage. For further and indepth understanding of Classical Education, we recommend these books: Wisdom and Eloquence by Littlejohn & Evans, The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer, The Educated Child by William Bennett.

AREAS OF INSTRUCTION INCLUDE:

RELIGION                                        LANGUAGE ARTS              MATHEMATICS

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY                SCIENCE                              COMPUTER  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION               MUSIC                                  ART                           

LATIN                                               LOGIC

Handwriting will be graded on the following scale:

E=Excellent     S=Satisfactory      N=Needs Improvement      U=Unsatisfactory.

SPECIAL STUDENT NEEDS:  Smaller classes and a small school are a positive step in allowing teachers to spend more direct instruction time with our students. However, Trinity Lutheran School recognizes that there are instances when we are not adequately staffed to meet all special needs students.  Please refer to page 6 under “ADMISSION”.

ELIGIBILITY POLICY

In order for students of Trinity Lutheran School to participate in athletic activities, they must maintain a grade average of "C" or better in each subject area. This includes all areas listed under our “Areas of Instruction.”

Teachers will determine eligibility at the end of the school day on Thursday and that eligibility will affect the activities beginning and following Sunday through Saturday.  Practice for a sport during ineligibility will be left up to the discretion of the coach and teacher.  They cannot participate in any games/meets.

Eligibility for other activities including non-academic class/school outings and/or "fun days" will be at the teacher's discretion.

The intent of this policy is to teach the students the value of work ethics and the proper perspective for class work vs. extracurricular activities.  It is also the intent to be fair and give every opportunity for the students to participate in all activities they desire.

SPORTS PARTICIPATION

Students in 4^th-8^th grades may participate in co-ed volleyball in the Fall.   Boys’ and/or girls’ basketball seasons will be held in late fall and early winter. These teams are dependent upon a sufficient number of participants.  Cross country is available to students in 5^th-8^th grades in the fall with track available to these students in the Spring.  Participation in sports at Riverton Middle School has been made available to Trinity students in the past. It is the parents’ responsibility to pursue these options for their child.

GRADUATION / PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

The classroom teacher is to make the final decision concerning a student's promotion.  Any student who fails any academic class should not expect to be promoted.  If a student is in danger of failing any class in a grading period, the teacher will meet with the student and parents at that time or not later than the mid-term of the final quarter.

REPORT CARDS/GRADING SYSTEM

Each student is responsible to God for his studies. The school's marking system represents the teacher's evaluation of the progress of the student and is done considering the child's ability, effort, daily work, punctuality and test scores. All of these have some effect on the child's grade.

Report cards are issued every quarter (nine school weeks).  Parents will receive them at the Parent/Teacher Conferences following the first quarter.  They will be sent home following the remaining quarters.  Please return report cards promptly after you have examined and signed them.  Mid-term reports will be sent home the first three quarters.

By law, parents can have access to their child’s permanent record.  At their request the Administrator will share the record with any parent.  The permanent records are not to be taken from the school office.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are made by appointment at the end of the first quarter.  Other conferences may be requested by either parents or teachers.  Preschool reports will always be made in conference with the teacher.

A = 100 - 90% - Superior work, outstanding achievement

B =   89 - 80% - Excellent work, above average

            C =  79 - 70% - Average work, work of medium quality

            D =  69 - 60% - Work below average, work hardly meets requirements

            F = Below 60% - Failing work, does not meet minimum requirements

            E =  Exceeds expectations

S =  Satisfactory, acceptable work

              N = Needs improvement

RESPECT

Respect is a key word in the Christian life.  Respect for pastors, teachers and one another is vital to proper and positive thinking in the Christian life.  We, therefore, expect complete respect and consideration from our students and parents and will seek to make this reciprocal.  When people lose respect for one another it breaks down communication and hinders confidence.

When we respect one another we will be able to discuss problems rationally and constructively rather than resorting to harsh conversations and upsetting scenes caused by over-reacting to any party involved.

Respect for property which does not belong to us is also extremely important.  We would like each parent to stress with their child the need for taking care of equipment and refraining from marring or in any way being destructive to walls, chairs, door, tables or anything belonging to the school or other students. Students will be expected to take part in the daily chores of cleaning and maintenance under the supervision of the staff.

STUDENT UNIFORM DRESS CODE

It is the belief of Trinity Lutheran School that appearance and attire does affect a person's attitude and behavior.  All clothing should be modest and in good taste – to the glory of God. Our dress regulations and appearance requirements are set out by the following guidelines.  All students will be expected to follow these guidelines.

Students will dress according to the dress code.  Clothing will be clean and neat at all times, with no holes, or holes repaired neatly. As a general principle, the Dress Code is about solid colors!

FEMALES:

TOPS:  6 solid colors—Cobalt blue, Navy blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black

                        Styles:

1) Long or short sleeved polos (Trinity logoed cobalt blue shirt required for     

Friday dress, performances, and field trips)

                        2) Long, short, or ¾ length sleeve oxford blouse with standard collar in

                                    colors listed above

                        3)  V-neck or crew neck sweaters or vests in colors listed above; Trinity

                                    logoed blue fleece vest

4)  Cardigan sweaters in colors listed above

5)  Black or white solid color turtlenecks/long-sleeved t-shirts may be worn under polos,

blouses, sweaters or vests

Polos / blouses / turtlenecks are to be tucked in at all times.

Trinity hoodies and sweatshirts are considered outdoor wear.

BOTTOMS:  3 solid colors—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black

                        Styles:

1)  Chinos pants only (no extra pockets, zippers, drawstrings)

2)  Capris (crops) in same style

3) Skirts/skorts must have length no shorter than two inches above the knee

4)  Shorts must have length past fingertips in same style as pants.

JUMPERS:  3 solid colors—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black

SOCKS/TIGHTS/LEGGINGS:  4 solid colors—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black, White                                                                                                                    

Girls in grades 5-8 may wear nylons of same colors.We know that self-expression is desired by our students, but please limit socks/tights/leggings to solid colors, as listed above.

SHOES:   5 SOLID COLORS—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black, Brown, White

                       Styles:

1)  Dress shoes(plain lace up, leather loafer, Mary Janes)

2) All-weather Mocs

3)  Sandals(no flip-flops)

4)  Cowboy boots

5)  Tennis shoes

6)  Dress boots

No clogs, hiking shoes, platform/high heels.

NOTE: Rubber-toed Keds are not considered solid color.  

Lace-up shoes must have laces and be tied.

Snow boots are not considered classroom attire. 

Athletic shoes for gym class or recess are allowed.

BELTS:  Plain black, brown, navy, or tan belts are allowed but not required.

HAIR:  Hair is to be clean, neatly combed, and trimmed (out of the eyes). Bangs are not to go past the middle of the eyebrows, or must be secured out of the eyes. Unnatural hair coloring is not allowed.  Small hair accessories which coordinate with the school uniform, and are not distracting, are permitted. Hair pins/barettes wil be kept at school for students to use at a teacher’s request.

COSMETICS:  Chapstick and clear lip gloss are permitted.  No fake nails. Clear or light pink nail polish is permitted. A tasteful amount of natural-colored cosmetics such as mascara and cover-up may be used by 7^th-8^th grades.  Other products are not permitted.  Tattoos or any skin drawings are not permitted. Nail polish/makeup remover will be kept at school for students to use at a teacher’s request.

JEWELRY:  Watches, small necklaces, one ring/one bracelet per hand or arm, and one small studded earring in the lobe of the ear are permitted.  No other body jewelry is allowed.

FRIDAYS/PERFORMANCE DAYS:  The Trinity logoed cobalt blue polo shirt with khaki bottoms are required.  This attire is also to be worn on the final day of any shortened week of school. No shorts are to be worn on performance days.

MALES:

TOPS:  6 solid colors—Cobalt blue, Navy blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black

                        Styles:

1) Long or short sleeved polos (Trinity logoed cobalt blue shirt required for    

                                    Friday dress, performances, and field trips)

2)  Long or short sleeved oxford shirts with standard collar in colors listed

                                    above

3)  V-Neck or Crew neck sweaters or vests in colors listed above; Trinity  

                                    logoed blue fleece vest

4)  Black or white solid color turtlenecks / long-sleeved t-shirts may be worn under

polos, shirts, sweaters, or vests.

Polos/shirts are to be tucked in at all times.Trinity hoodies and sweatshirts are considered outdoor wear.

BOTTOMS:  3 solid colors—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black 

Styles:

1)     Chinos pants only (no extra pockets, zippers, drawstrings)

2)     Dress shorts in chino style as listed above and no shorter that two inches above the knee

BELTS: Plain black, brown, tan, or navy belts are allowed but not required.

TIES:    Solid color neckties are allowed, but not required.

SOCKS:  4 solid colors—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black, White

SHOES:  5 SOLID COLORS—Khaki tan, Navy blue, Black, Brown, White

                        Styles:

1)     Dress shoes(plain lace up, leather loafer)

2)     All-weather Mocs

3)     Sandals(no flip-flops)

4)     Traditional cowboy boots

5)     Tennis shoes

No clogs or hiking shoes.

NOTE: Rubber-toed Keds are not considered solid color.

Lace-up shoes must have laces and must be tied.

Snow boots are not considered classroom attire.

Athletic shoes for gym class or recess are allowed.

HAIR:  Hair is to be clean, neatly combed and trimmed. Bangs are not to go past the middle of the eyebrows, or must be secured out of the eyes. No ponytails allowed. Haircuts shall show at least partial ear lobes on the sides and hair is not to touch shirt collars in the back. Unnatural hair coloring is not allowed. Hair pins/barrettes will be kept at school for students to use at a teacher’s request.

TATOOS:  Tatoos or any skin drawings are not permitted.

JEWELRY:  Watches and 1 small neckband are allowed.  Boys are not permitted to wear earrings.  Only one ring per hand is permitted. No other body jewelry is allowed.

FRIDAYS/PERFORMANCE DAYS:  The Trinity logoed cobalt blue polo shirt with khaki bottoms are required. This attire is also to be worn on the final day of any shortened week of school. No shorts are to be worn on performance days.

Students in the Preschool 4 year old classes are required to wear the Trinity logoed cobalt blue shirt for their final school day each week, as well as for all performances and field trips. Students in the Preschool 3 year old class are required to wear the Trinity logoed cobalt blue shirt on Tuesdays. In the spirit of unity, we also encourage preschool students to wear khaki bottoms on the above mentioned days.

The dress code will be enforced by the following means.  Teachers or staff will note the improper attire or grooming and the parents will be notified by phone.  It is expected that the parents will promptly supply the regulated clothing for their child. Trinity staff and the Board of Education reserve the right to revise or update this code as needed.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Trinity Lutheran School has a ZERO tolerance policy for controlled substances including, but not limited to drugs, alcohol and tobacco and weapons.  If a student is reported as possibly using and/or possessing drugs, alchohol, tobacco, or any type of weapon, an inquiry will be conducted before any action is taken. If the student is found to be using and/or possessing a controlled substance or weapon, they will be expelled from school and not allowed to return without special permission from the Board of Education.  Trinity Lutheran School reserves to right to contact law enforcement.

If a student is caught on school property using or possessing a controlled substance or weapon they will be expelled immediately from school.  In addition, law enforcement will be notified and the student will be retained until law enforcement officials arrive and then the student will be released to their custody.

Exceptions to this policy shall be when a student is using a substance prescribed by a physician to treat a medical condition. Parents of the student must provide written proof to the Administrator that the substance is indeed prescribed.  Also information as to time(s) of day the substance is to be taken and for what period of time the treatment will last.

In the case of weapons of any kind being used for any educational display, students must have prior approval from the Board of Education or Administrator before such items are brought onto the school property.

DISCIPLINE

The subject of discipline is often a touchy one, and yet it is extremely vital to proper operation of any well-run educational system.  Trinity Lutheran School is not a corrective institution.  We ask that you not enroll your child merely with the idea that we will reform him or her.  Our aim is to help your child achieve a high level of learning and training while under the school's authority and this can be accomplished only when good discipline is maintained. Parents are encouraged to reference the materials on LOVE and LOGIC in the school library.

Discipline includes any and all attempts that make “disciples” of children. We must get past the notion that to discipline is to punish. It should be viewed as building a child up so they feel more capable to exercise internalized control. When praise is given, discipline is taking place; when a treat for good behavior is given, discipline is taking place; when a child is given a pat on the back or a smile, discipline is taking place; when consequences are given for misbehavior, discipline is taking place. We are in a unique and wonderful position to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This said, the following specific discipline code is used at Trinity Lutheran School.

All students are expected to address their teachers and staff respectfully as "Miss ____",  "Mrs. ____", "Mr. ____", “Dean ____”, "Pastor ____";  "Mom", "Dad", "Aunt ___" are also acceptable in appropriate situations.  All students will be expected to follow classroom and school rules          

Students must at all times conduct themselves in a manner becoming a Christian.  Griping cannot be tolerated because of its deteriorating effects.  If your child comes home complaining about a policy or discipline, please use the following procedures:

Man's highest aim is to follow the Lord and be always in His ways, Ps. 1:1-2 and Ps. 18:44.  God blesses those who respect and obey rules that are in accordance with God's Word.

The teachers at Trinity Lutheran School want your child to be able to follow the rules and to be happy and contented here.  Therefore, following is a list of rules and consequences that will be implemented at Trinity Lutheran School.

We will honor our school by following these rules:

            Listen the first time.

            Obey right away.

            Respect others and property.

            Do your best.

            Keep a place for everything and everything in its place.

BASIC CLASSROOM RULES:

1.  Follow directions

2.  Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

3.  Raise your hand before speaking

4.  Stay in your seat

5.  No swearing, teasing, bullying or using obscene gestures

6.  Be in class on time

7.  Complete assignments on time

8.  Bring materials to class.

9.  Take proper care of school property

PLAYGROUND RULES:

1.  Play in designated areas only

2.  Follow directions of supervisors

3.  Play games that are not dangerous (supervisor's discretion)

4.  Throw authorized items only

5.  No fighting

6.  Classroom rules also apply on the playground

CONSEQUENCES:

First three infractions - Disciplined at teacher's discretion.  Parents will be notified of misbehavior.  At any time, a conference may be established by the classroom teacher, involving parents, student, and Administrator. Following the 3^rd infraction, a conference will be held with parents, student, classroom teacher, and Administrator.  This meeting will encourage parental suggestions to assist the teacher and child at school.

Any additional infractions from this will result in a day of out-of-school suspension under the parents' care and the student will receive zeros for school work missed.  Should any additional steps be necessary past this, the student will appear before the Board of Education for a review of the situation.

At any step in the above process the student can be removed from the school for blatant disobedience or rebellion.  This decision will be prayerfully made by the staff.              

It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to record any inappropriate behavior in the classroom, playground, at the lunchroom, etc.  This record will be a means of documentation in the event of a parent conference.

Teachers will call parents after each infraction has occurred.  A letter will also be mailed to insure parent notification, especially should the school be unable to reach the parents via telephone.

In most circumstances the teacher will deal immediately with the wrong behavior.  These guidelines will not include any disciplining that is in violation of child abuse and neglect statute.  This includes excessive or unreasonable physical discipline as defined by the law.  These guidelines are as follows:

1.  Children shall be disciplined with kindness and understanding.

2.  Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest or toilet training.

3.  Measures that unduly frighten or demean a child shall not be allowed.

4.  Prohibited physical discipline include shaking, hitting, pinching, slapping, twisting, jerking,  

kicking, thumping, or pulling hair.

5.  Children shall not be subjected to verbal remarks that belittle or ridicule them or their

families.

6.  Only adult staff shall discipline children. Students shall not act as or be employed as staff or

be allowed authority over other children.

DISCIPLINE AT SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES

Students who participate in games, practice, or other school-sponsored activities are under the supervision of the school until the time the activity is ended.  Students are expected to stay with the supervisor until they are picked up by their parents or returned home.  It cannot be stressed enough the importance for a parent to pick up their child promptly at the end of such activites.  Students whose activity may be completed (i.e., midget players waiting during a varsity game) will remain at the activity and visible to the supervisor. Non-involved Trinity students must have permission from both their parents and the school in order to attend activities without their parents in attendance.

All field trips are school-sponsored activities and all who attend are under the supervision and authority of Trinity Lutheran School.  The school is legally responsible for all persons involved, including those providing transportation. 

As faculty cannot directly supervise students if drivers make unscheduled stops while transporting students, all drivers will stay with the group and follow the itinerary specified by the teachers.

POOL POLICY

It is the policy of Trinity Lutheran School to follow the rules outlined by the Riverton Aquatic Center.  There is always a lifeguard on duty and we have many parent volunteers that join us. We allow one child at a time with an adult in the main pool if they are under the age of 5.

SCHOOL HOURS                                           PRESCHOOL HOURS          

7:40 A.M. – Faculty devotions                                    8:00  A.M. –  Morning Preschool classes begin

7:45 A.M. – Doors open                                               11:00 A.M. –  Morning Preschool classes dismiss

8:00 A.M. –  K-8 classes begin                                   12:30 P.M. – Afternoon Preschool classes begin

3:00 P.M. – Grades K-8 dismiss                                 3:15  P.M. –  Afternoon Preschool class dismiss

3: 10 P.M. –  All students are to be picked up

Out of courtesy to the teaching staff, we request that students do not arrive before 7:45 AM. Since the faculty is in devotions at this time, students must report IMMEDIATELY to the school basement, as no student may be in the classroom without Trinity staff supervision.

Revised  June  2013