Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran School

INTRODUCTION

This handbook of Redeemer Lutheran School has been prepared to assist parents in becoming more familiar with the day to day operations of our school and it’s program of Christian education.

The intent of this handbook is to be informative. Occasionally, however, items may arise which may not be treated specifically. In such case please consult the school. You are always welcome.

Redeemer Lutheran School currently offers Christian education for children from preschool, age three, through elementary, grade eight. Our school is one of four in the Pittsburgh area, and one of 991 LCMS operated elementary schools nationwide. The number of schools, plus their enrollment of over 199,000 students, makes them the second largest Parochial school system in the USA

Maintained autonomously by a single congregation or an association of local congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, these schools exhibit an increasing uniformity of standards, course offerings and policies. Synod-wide guidance and assistance toward such goals are offered through many advisory boards and offices. Continued evaluation and growth toward excellence in all areas have helped to make Lutheran elementary schools readily accepted and respected in the educational community.

The staff of Redeemer Lutheran School consists of the pastor of the congregation, the principal, and teachers who have graduated with degrees in education from either a national accredited teachers’ college of the LCMS or a secular college or university with LCMS training and approval by the School Board.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Redeemer Lutheran School is to teach children the Gospel of Jesus Christ in truth and purity according to the Holy Scriptures, which tells us to make disciples of all nations.

THE BASIS OF AUTHORITY

Authority in Redeemer Lutheran School is based in the Holy Scriptures as understood in the Law

and the Gospel. It is the Gospel which is the motivating force. The Law will show the Christian his shortcomings, give him a goal to strive for, and show him direction.

ADMISSIONS

Enrollment Policy (revised and approved 12/10/2006)

* Our school seeks to offer a Christian education to as many pupils as possible. We admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, and other school administered programs. Although we follow this policy there are certain priorities we follow in admitting students to the school family.

Returning students are given first priority in enrolling at Redeemer. Each winter, when we start our re-enrollment process, we set aside a period of two weeks for returning students. During that time, we will not enroll new students.

After said month is concluded, registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. When we are near capacity and we have more applications than space left, we will distinguish between applications based on the following priorities: returning students; members of Redeemer; other family members from returning students’ families; all others. The date of the application may also play a role in the decision.

Once we have accepted your child in our school, we will not rescind their registration based on incoming applications. We commit ourselves to holding a space for your child when we accept the registration, and we expect a commitment in return from you to actually send your child to our school. The registration fee is not refundable. New student registrations will be rescinded if pertinent student information is withheld or falsified.

Acceptance of an application in any given school year, however, does not guarantee enrollment in the subsequent year, particularly if the child and/or parents do not demonstrate any interest or cooperation in the school program.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll a student at Redeemer Lutheran School the following requirements must be met:

1. Children must reach the following ages by December 31:

3 years: 3 Year Old Program

4 years: 4 Year Old Program

5 years: Enrichment Class

Children must reach the following age by September 1:

3 years: PreK Counts Program

5 years: Kindergarten Program

6 years: First Grade

2. Proof of date of birth must be provided for K - 8.

3. All medical and health requirements must be current.

4. Parents wishing to enroll children who are transferring from another school must present their child’s most recent report card. Parents must also sign a Transfer of Records Form to be sent by Redeemer to the child’s previous school. Enrollment for such students will be considered probationary with continuing enrollment dependent on the child’s ability to adapt to the school and meet its requirements. Evaluation of a transferring student will be done at the end of the first marking period and again at the end of the first year of enrollment. Redeemer reserves the right to place students at the grade level that best meets the needs of the students. This decision is made by the principal in consultation with the parents and the classroom teacher. Testing may be required prior to acceptance to help in the decision to enroll the student and/or to help in the determination of proper grade level.

5. The following forms must be completed for students entering Redeemer for the first time:

· Application for Enrollment

· Medical History Form (Preschool)

· Request for Transfer of Records (Grades K-8)

· Emergency Information Form

· Textbook Form

· Parental Agreement to Support Form

· Student Agreement to Cooperate Form

6. The registration fee must accompany the Application for Enrollment. This fee is non-refundable, except in the case of a student who moves out of the area.

PROBATION: Academic and Behavioral

Academic Probation: All students new to Redeemer Lutheran School will be placed on probation for a 9 week period. Students are expected to display a desire to learn, and a willingness to try their best. Students who have exhibited serious academic or behavioral problems, will be referred to the Student Assistance Program (SAP). Recommendations will be made to improve the student’s behavior and/or academic progress. A 9 week probationary period will follow, with weekly reports. If the student refuses to improve during this period, or the parents refuse to follow plans outlined by the SAP team, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child from Redeemer. Students may be placed on academic or behavioral probation at any time during the school year. When the probationary period is completed, parents and students will be notified by the principal as to their enrollment status.

CURRICULUM

Curriculum Policy

* All curriculum used at Redeemer will be in accordance with the state of PA requirements and approved by the School Board. The principal along with the teachers will choose textbooks used in the classroom. Keeping with the purpose of Redeemer Lutheran School, Biblical truths form the foundation upon which all instruction is based. Teachers will teach according to God’s Word as outlined in the constitution of Redeemer Lutheran Church, and according to Luther’s Catechism.

Bible truths are taught daily not only during religion class but also throughout the school day. Each day opens with devotions, followed by instruction in Bible study and Christian doctrine. Christian faith instruction includes learning Bible stories and their applications to life, and the memorization of Bible passages and prayers. The Bible, materials based on Biblical truths, and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism will be used for Bible study curriculum.

Redeemer Lutheran School meets and exceeds the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The following academic courses are taught at appropriate levels for each grade:

Bible Study Reading Handwriting

Language Arts Spelling Mathematics Social Studies Science Health/Phys. Ed.

Art Music Computer

German

Some of the textbooks our pupils use are on loan from the Department of Education of the State of Pennsylvania. Parents will sign an acknowledgment form at the time of orientation.

Transfers and graduates from Redeemer Lutheran School will be received on the same basis as pupils from public schools throughout the country.

Physical Education Class

Phys. Ed. will be taught by the classroom teacher or another teacher on staff with a Phys. Ed. background. Students in grades 1 - 8 will have a gym class four times a week. Students should wear clothing appropriate for physical activities. They are permitted to bring a change of clothes for class. Tennis shoes must be worn during Phys. Ed class. Children not wearing proper attire and shoes will not participate in gym activities, and will not receive a participation grade for that class.

Students will not be excused from gym without an acceptable written excuse presented to the teacher.

Art Class

Redeemer has made Art Class a part of their academic program. Art will be taught by the classroom teacher or another teacher on staff during school hours. As part of this class requirement, students will participate in an Art Show at the end of the year.

Music

Music classes will be taught by the classroom teacher or another teacher on staff with a music background. The program will include introduction to keyboard, recorder, guitar and bells at various grade levels as well as music theory and choral instruction. Participation in choir and program presentations will also be part of the class requirement. Redeemer has made instrumental music available for students in the elementary and middle grades. Lessons are available from a private instructor at the expense of the parents, during school hours. Every effort will be made to have a minimal amount of disruption to regular classroom studies.

Equipment

Besides maintaining up-to-date textbooks and supplies, we provide classroom furniture and modern equipment. VCR, television, computers, motion picture projectors, overhead projectors, tape recorders, record players, filmstrip projectors, SmartBoards, and other teaching aids all constitute part of the equipment for regular school use.

Homework Policy

* The Redeemer Lutheran School Board has decided that homework will be a part of the educational program at Redeemer.

Homework will:

· Be given regularly

· Serve a valid educational purpose.

· Be reasonable and consistent with a child’s needs and abilities.

· Extend a student’s knowledge without fostering discouragement.

· Be used as a tool to evaluate progress.

Homework is not only necessary for accomplishing immediate goals, but also helpful as a habit for future education. It is difficult to adopt a standard rule for the amount of time to be spent on school work at home. There is a great degree of variance through the grades. Generally speaking we would say that when children in grades 1-3 are spending considerably more than thirty minutes on school work night after night, there may be reason for concern. A parent-teacher discussion may be in order. By the same token, when children in grades 4-5 are consistently spending considerably more than one concentrated hour per night on homework, it may be time for an examination of study habits, use of study time in school, etc. Conversely, when children never have homework to do, it may also be time to ask questions. Students in the middle school grades should be spending about 1 ½ hours a night studying, reviewing, or doing homework.

Parents can help by providing encouragement, a quiet place for study, and a regular homework time. Providing too much help is to be avoided. If your child is unable to complete his/her assignments for any reason, kindly send an explanatory note to the teacher. Students who regularly miss assignments or turn them in late may be required to serve detention. See Detention Policy.

Missing work and making up assignments

When possible, parents should be encouraged to pick up assignments if their child is absent more than 1 day. The teacher should compile a list of assignments with clear directions and the materials needed to complete them. Students have 1 day for each day absent to turn in an assignment. If a student misses a test the day they are absent, they are to make-up the test the day they return. If they have missed a significant lesson because of an extended absence, the teacher is to reschedule the test for that student. It may be necessary to rewrite a test depending on the circumstances

Testing Policy

* The Redeemer Lutheran School Board has determined that as a part of the evaluation process for each student, tests and testing are a necessary part of the teacher’s plan.

The testing program will serve as an aid in understanding each student’s mental abilities, skill level, and developmental progress. This fundamental information will be effectively used by the teacher to determine a student’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the testing of regular subject matter, all pupils of the elementary grades (K-8) are annually given a standardized achievement test. Results from this test help to show individual growth in the major subject areas, and compare our students to those nationwide. It likewise enables us to pinpoint weaknesses in our program and curriculum, and to locate areas requiring more attention for individuals or groups. These tests are graded and scored, and the results are entered into the student’s permanent record.

An S.A.I. (School Ability Index) test is administered along with achievement tests in certain grades. These tests help determine the student’s ability level.

Teachers will notify students at least 3 days prior to a unit or chapter test, and at least 1 day prior to a quiz. To help your child prepare for unit tests, encourage them to regularly review what they have learned. Teachers will notify parents and students the dates in the spring when the standardized tests will be administered. Parents are asked to prepare their children for all tests by making sure they have adequate rest, a good breakfast, and come to school in a positive frame of mind to do their best.

Student Evaluation/Grading Policy

* The basis for all evaluation at Redeemer Lutheran is the Scriptural admonition: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (Peter 4:10) We believe that academic standards, tests and evaluations should provide measures for students to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses and limitations. This should equip them to grow and advance toward their particular vocational goal.

Grading is a professional judgment of multiple factors based on:

1. Achievement: Meeting the requirements of the course on the basis of God-given talent. This means satisfactorily completing all assignments, passing tests, and participating in class discussion as required. The academic grade indicates the individual progress of a student in

relationship to class standards as set by the teacher and the curriculum. Grades for

elementary and middle school classes 1 - 8 are based on the following percentages:

A - 94 - 100

B - 84 - 93

C - 74 - 83

D - 64 - 73

F - 63 - or less

2. Christian stewardship in work habits: This means; using assigned study time for study, bringing required texts, necessary supplies and materials to class, keeping work

independent work, spending sufficient time on home study, and completing assignments on time.

3. Christian motivated conduct: This means; showing courtesy and respect for both the teacher and classmates, not interrupting classroom routine by misbehavior, following classroom procedures and rules, and willingly accepting correction by teachers and classmates.

Students' progress is evaluated daily throughout the school year. This in turn is reported to the parents by means of a report card each nine week period. Parents are asked to review the report card, sign it, make any comments and return it to school within 1 week.

· Students in grade 1 will receive percentage grades for Reading, Spelling, and Math. Grades for Religion, Science, Social Studies, Health/Phys. Ed., Computer, Art and Music will be given as ‘O’ outstanding, ‘S’ satisfactory, ‘P’ progressing, and ‘U’ unsatisfactory.

· Students in grade 2 will receive percentage grades for the same subjects adding Language Arts.

· Students in grade 3 will receive percentage grades for the same subjects adding Science and Social

Studies.

· Students in grades 4 - 8 will receive percentage grades for all subjects except Computer.

· As part of a student’s music grade the school will prepare two programs and one worship service each year. Students are expected to participate in the Christmas Program, Lutheran School Sunday, and the Spring Musical.

· As part of a child’s spiritual development, students of Redeemer Lutheran School are encouraged to attend regular worship and Bible study. Church and Sunday School attendance is taken in grades 1 - 8 each Monday and recorded on the report card.

Preschool and Kindergarten Evaluations

Preschool evaluations are done three times a year. Teachers evaluate each child individually as to their progress in specific areas of development. At mid-year the teacher will meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress and determine whether he/she is socially, emotionally, and academically ready to move on to the next level of learning. Some children may need extra time to develop in a certain area, and we will do what we can to accommodate them.

Kindergarten evaluations are done four times a year. Evaluations are based on what has been taught, and what progress the student has made. Certain skills are mastered in kindergarten and will be required for the child to have the best start in first grade. Other skills may be mastered but not required for first grade entry. Students will also be evaluated on social, emotional, and spiritual development.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year for all students. Preschool conferences are in November and late January or early February. Conferences for K - 8 are held at the end of the first and second quarters. Parents will be asked to attend the conferences at a time convenient to them and the teacher, to discuss their child’s progress.

Confidentiality

To respect the privacy of the student and family, teachers will not discuss a student or family with anyone other than the staff and principal. Student's progress and behavior is to be discussed with legal parents and guardians only unless written permission is obtained from the parents or guardians. In the case of parent separation, permission must be granted by both parents.

Academic Recognition

To recognize outstanding academic achievement on the part of those students in grade 4 and above,

students earning a 'B' average or better will be eligible for the 'honor roll.' Students will be evaluated in the following subjects: religion, memory, English, mathematics, science, language arts, spelling, social studies, music, art, and physical education. Music, art and physical education classes will be weighted as 1/3 of a core curriculum grade toward the grade point average. To qualify for honor roll, a student may not have below a 74% in any subject area. The following system will be used:

EXCELLENT - 97% AND ABOVE

HIGH HONOR - 94% - 96.99%

HONOR - 85% - 93.99%

Student Records Policy

* It is the policy of Redeemer Lutheran School to keep the records of each student private and confidential. With that in mind, student progress reports will be discussed with parents and legal guardians only, unless permission is otherwise granted by parents or legal guardians. Parents may request to see their child’s permanent record at any time.

Promotion Policy

* Promotion to the next grade is dependent upon satisfactory completion of requirements and teacher recommendation.

Also see attendance requirements.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The students of Redeemer Lutheran School receive similar services as those provided to students of local public schools.

Health

In accordance with the Pennsylvania school laws and the health regulations of Allegheny County, the following services are provided for students in grades K - 8 without charge, and under the supervision of Riverview School District’s school nurse.

· Annual vision and hearing tests to all students.

· Immediate notification to parents of any defects noted in the above examinations.

· Maintenance of permanent school health record.

· First aid care for minor injuries and professional assistance in obtaining necessary treatment for major

injuries.

Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), our school has access to many useful services. Under Act 89, we may receive Speech/Language Therapy, Standard Testing and Scoring services, and Pupil Service team services (including consultation, counseling, psychological testing, clinical evaluation, and social work services).

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Policy

* When possible written notification to school is required when someone other than the designated parent, caregiver or bus company will pick up your child. (We realize it is not always possible to give written permission, and in those instances a phone call from the parent is accepted.) Students will not be released to unauthorized neighbors, relatives or others.

Bus Transportation

Act 372 authorizes any school district to use district funds to provide transportation of any resident pupil to and from the public or nonpublic school, in which the pupil is enrolled, provided that such school is located within the school district boundaries or no more than ten miles outside the district boundaries by the nearest pubic highway.

Bus transportation should be considered a privilege and not a right. We expect students to behave in a Christian manner at all times. The principal has the authority and obligation to suspend a student’s school bus riding privileges for severe or repeated instances of misconduct. Such suspension will always be in a spirit of trying to correct the student instead of merely punishing him or her. To this end, the parents will be asked to cooperate and assist with correcting the student’s behavior. Parents and students will be given a copy of the bus conduct code to review and sign at the beginning of each school year.

If a student misses a bus, the parent or emergency person will be contacted to arrange transportation.

It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the bus company any time your child is not riding the bus to or from school.

Students riding the bus of one school district are not permitted to ride the bus of another school district. Students not on any bus roster are not permitted to ride any bus. These are the rules of the bus company, and must be adhered to for insurance purposes.

Parent Transportation

Parents who transport their children to and/or from school should keep the following in mind:

1. Even if a teacher’s car is in the parking lot, the school doors will not be opened until

7:50AM. You should not drop off your child until after this time. Preschool students are not permitted to be ‘dropped off.’ Parents must escort their child into the classroom and place

them in the care of the teacher or teacher assistant. If parents arrive with their preschooler

before the start of class, they are to stay in the classroom with them until the class begins.

2. Parents are to park their car in spaces in the parking lot when entering the building to ‘drop

off’ or ‘pick up’ children. Do not leave your car running, and do not park along the sidewalk

at the school entrance. Students in grades K - 8 will be given procedures for ‘pick up’ during orientation.

3. If no one is there to pick up your child within 15 minutes of dismissal time, the person on

your child’s emergency form will be called.

All students are expected to go directly to their classroom upon arrival at school. After checking with the teacher, they may be excused if needed.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance Policy

* Attendance is a factor in determining the proficiency of a student to be promoted. Poor attendance has an effect on the student’s performance due to missed work and lack of classroom participation. Therefore, any student who has accumulated twenty (20) days of absence throughout the school year shall be presumed to lack the proficiency to be promoted for that school year.

After 15 days of accumulated absence, the parent will be notified by the teacher or the principal. Upon the accumulation of twenty (20) days of absence, whether excused or unexcused, the School Board through the principal, shall notify the student’s parents by letter that the student has accumulated twenty (20) days of absence, and, in accordance with the provisions of Redeemer Lutheran School Board, the student will not receive credit for that school year.

Excused Absences

In accordance with the state laws, all pupils are held to regular and punctual attendance. According to the regulations of the State Board of Education of Pennsylvania, the following reasons constitute a legal excused absence for a student:

1. Observance of bona-fide religious holidays by particular religious groups in accordance with

policies of the district’s school board (or the R.L.S. Board).

2. A student may be excused during school hours to obtain non-school professional health care if:

a) the health services are rendered by state licensed practitioners.

b) there has been established reasonable cooperation between school authorities and the

practitioners in providing services to school children outside school hours.

c) the time of necessary absence from school involves a minimum of interference with

school work.

3. When there is a temporary period of illness, upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of mental,

physical, or other urgent reason.

4. With written parental request, pupils may be excused from school attendance to participate

in an educational tour or trip at the expense of parents. Merely accompanying parents on a

vacation does not qualify as an excused absence.

5. Death in the immediate family.

6. Other exceptional and urgent reasons.

(When a district’s buses do not run in case of severe weather, a student’s absence will be

excused.)

Written excuses are to be submitted following absences, and are to include the following information:

1) Student’s name;

2) Date of absence(s);

3) Reason for absence(s);

4) Parent’s signature.

Excused Absence Policy

* It is the policy of Redeemer Lutheran School to have requests for excused absences (that follow state definitions for excused absences' #1, #4, #6 above) in writing to the principal and teacher with as much advance notice as possible. A maximum of 5 days per school year will be the limit for this type of absence. If the request is approved, the principal will outline the educational responsibilities of the parents and students.

Unexcused Absences

Section 1354 of the School Laws of Pennsylvania states: “It shall be the duty of every principal or teacher to report to the attendance officer the names of all children who have been absent three days or their equivalent, without lawful excuse.”

Unexcused absences are those which are avoidable and those for which:

1. The school is given no explanation.

2. The explanation is not valid as an excuse (based on PA law)

3. The student neglected to bring a written explanation.

Any student who has accumulated 3 unexcused absences will be reported to the superintendent of school from their school district as required by the state of Pennsylvania. In the case of an unexcused absence, the teacher has the right to mark all missed assignments and tests as failing work.

The parents’ right to request a waiver of this decision and all due process procedures will be included in the notification letter.

Tardiness

School hours are from 8:15AM to 3:05PM. Kindergarten hours are from 8:15AM to 11:15 AM. Children are expected to be in their rooms and ready to learn by starting time. If not, they will be marked tardy. A written excuse must be presented to the teacher in cases of tardiness. Pupils more than 1 1/2 hours tardy are considered absent 1/2 day for grades 1-8, whole day for kindergarten.

Excused tardies include:

1) Request of a parent for a child’s doctor or dental appointment. (A note from the doctor or dentist is required.)

2) Delay due to weather conditions or emergencies.

Individual teachers will determine for their class how and when a tardy student is to enter the classroom. Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. After three unexcused tardies, parents will be notified to rectify the situation. On the fourth unexcused tardy, the student will serve an after school detention.

Early Dismissals

If a child is to be dismissed early from school, a written request must be sent to the principal. Parents are to come to the office first to check in, and their child will be waiting for them there. Students may only be excused early by phone in the case of an emergency.

MEDICAL

Communicable Disease Control

Children with communicable diseases are not permitted to attend school for the following specified intervals according to the rules and regulations mandated by state law.

Diphtheria................................................... Two weeks from onset or until appropriate negative culture tests.

Measles.......................................................Four days from onset of rash.

Mumps........................................................Nine days from onset or until subsidence of swelling.

Pertussis.....................................................Four weeks from the onset or seven days from institution

of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.