Policies and Procedures

Admissions
School Fees
Instruction
Student Services
Attendance
Parent/Student Grievances and Concerns
Conduct and Discipline
Health Services

ADMISSIONS

Admissions Policy
Salem Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Salem reserves the right to limit or restrict admission of any student due to circumstances such as learning disabilities, limited achievement, or behavioral and/or emotional problems. Admission decisions are not based on race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

The number of children Salem can serve is determined by available facilities and the financial capability of the congregation.

Applicants are admitted on the basis of space available in order to maintain teachable student/teacher ratios according to Board of Christian Education’s policies. Applications will be processed in such a manner as to give preference, wherever necessary to limit admissions, to pupils whose parents are:

Salem congregation members.
In the process of becoming Salem members at the time of registration, which includes those persons whose written request of transfer of church membership is in process. (proof required)
Affiliated congregation members.
All others.

Denial of re-enrollment for any reason other than space limitations is at the discretion of the Salem Board of Christian Education after consultation with the school administrator.

There is a nine week probationary period for all children entering Salem Lutheran School. During this time, academic and behavioral progress will be evaluated by the teachers, principal, and Board of Christian Education. If it is determined that it is in the best interest of the student and school, enrollment will be denied, the parents will be asked to withdraw the child.

Entrance Age Requirements
A child must be three years old on or before July 31 to be enrolled in pre-kindergarten 3’s, four years old on or before July 31 to be enrolled in pre-kindergarten 4’s, five years old on or before July 31 to be enrolled in kindergarten, and six years old on or before July 31 to be enrolled in first grade. Evidence of birth date must be provided by birth certificate.

Registration Procedures
All parents are to complete the application form to officially register for the new school year. An application fee must accompany the application form to certify enrollment. This amount is not refundable unless for some reason Salem makes the decision not to enroll the child in which case a portion will be refunded.

A student information form must be completed by parents enrolling a child at Salem for the first time. All transfer students must submit a school recommendation, evidence of grade placement, and a transcript of grades from previous schools before admission is approved.

Admissions Testing
All students applying for admission to Salem’s Kindergarten through Eighth grades are required to complete the Basic Achievement Skills Individual Screener. The BASIS test provides a measurement of the general level of school achievement in the areas of mathematics, reading, spelling and writing. The results of this test are used in conjunction with the School Recommendation and School Records to determine acceptance into the school program at Salem.

SCHOOL FEES

Church Attendance Policy for Reduced Tuition
The apostle Paul reminds us in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Parents with young children are especially urged to help their children grow spiritually as well as physically. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Faithful church attendance strengthens each member of the family in their faith in Jesus as their Savior. This happens by the power of the Holy Spirit through worship, the hearing of His Word and the administration of the Sacraments. The accompanying fellowship of believers also provides physical and emotional support for the needs of each member of the family. Faithful church attendance also allows the opportunity for the children of Salem families to attend our school at a reduced tuition.

Reduced tuition is provided as a special benefit for the faithful members of Salem because of their generous support of the church and school. Therefore, in keeping with the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, we at Salem define “faithful church membership” as individuals and families who have entered God’s family through the waters of baptism (Matthew 28:19) and gladly worship together every week (3rd commandment) and being moved by the Holy Spirit to willingly give of themselves through their God given time, talent and treasure in support of the church and school and its mission.

Membership in Lutheran congregations is available only to those who have been baptized into the Christian faith. By becoming members of Salem, parents have indicated their agreement with what this Church teaches. This includes the Lutheran understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism and its vital importance as God’s work by which He gives His grace and salvation.

The standard tuition rate to attend Salem Lutheran School is the current full tuition rate. Reduced tuition is available, however, to families who have been “Regularly Attending Members” of Salem Lutheran Church for at least six months and whose child (student) has been baptized in accordance with Matthew 28:19. “Regularly Attending Members” means both child and parent (guardian) have been accepted by Salem as members and both have also attended weekend worship services at Salem for at least 8 out of 13 weeks in each calendar quarter. (The six month membership requirement will be waived for families who were members of another congregation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, for at least six months immediately prior to their transfer to Salem.) Properly completed attendance cards at each service will be the measure of attendance. For each quarter that a family fulfills the requirements of being “Regular Attending Members,” they will be eligible for reduced tuition the following quarter.

Each attendance quarter is identified as follows: (July, August, September); (October, November, December); (January, February, March); (April, May, June).

If you have questions regarding this policy you may contact the school principal for further clarification.

Payment of Fees
ALL SCHOOL FEES ARE PAYABLE IN ADVANCE OF THE SERVICES RENDERED. This includes school tuition and fees, both yearly and monthly, as well as fees to the Lunch and Extended Care Programs. Please note the following due dates for the school yearly and monthly fees. See the handbook areas pertaining to the Lunch and Extended Care Programs if you have questions regarding payments in those departments.

A non-refundable application fee is charged for each student with the returned application. The remainder of the school fees will be announced by and may be paid in full at Final Registration Day in August or may be paid in 4 equal installment with the first due at the August Registration Day, the 2nd on Sept. 15, the 3rd on Oct. 15, and the 4th on Nov. 15. These fees cover the costs associated with books, supplies, computers, school office expenses, and other school expenses.

Tuition fees are payable in ten (10) equal installments over the course of the school year The first tuition payment is due at Final Registration Day in August. The remaining nine payments are due on the 15th day of each month beginning September 15 and ending on May 15.

Additional fees are charged for optional programs and services including band, sports, lunch, extended care and technology.

Payments may be mailed or sent to the school with the student in an envelope marked “school office”. These envelopes may be dropped off in the school office or given to the student’s teacher at the beginning of the day. Please enclose a note with the child’s name, total amount enclosed, and designate as to how the money should be divided towards account payments.

Please note: Lunch fees should be paid separately from other fees. Please use a separate check made payable to Salem Lunch Fund to pay for this program.

Please contact the principal of Salem Lutheran School if there is a need for a special payment program to be worked out or a financial emergency develops.

Policy on Late Fees
Payments not made by the last day of the month (approximately two weeks past the due date) shall be considered delinquent and a late fee shall be added to the amount due. The late fee is $5.00 on the first $100 plus 5% of the unpaid balance over $100. If fees are 30 days overdue, the student(s) shall be removed from school until all fees are paid. If a returned check is received from the bank, late fees will apply.

Lunch payments which are not made within a reasonable period of time, may result in the student receiving a sandwich instead of the usual lunch. Please contact the Food Service Director in case of extenuating circumstances regarding your lunch payments.

Extended Care balances due are also subject to late fees. The payments may be made in the school office. Payments should be prior to the use of the program and parents are encouraged to keep money in their E.C.P. account to cover services.

Report cards will be held until all current fees, fines, and tuition are paid in full. A written notice of any outstanding amount due is provided prior to the holding of a report card. School records are not released to any other school until all school fees have been paid.

Returned Checks
Parents will be notified when a check is returned to the school office. Payment, for the amount of the check plus bank fees charged, is due immediately upon notification of the returned check. In addition the school charges $15.00 for a returned check. Payment must be made with cash, money order, or cashier’s check only. If a returned check is received from the bank, late fees will apply.

Following the second returned check in one school year, all school fees will be paid in cash or by money order for the remainder of that school year.

Fines
Basic library, book, and other fines will be collected by the adult staff member issuing the fine. A written notice of this fine is sent home as necessary.

INSTRUCTION

Chapel Service
Our weekly chapel service will be held at 8:40 a.m. each Friday morning during the school year, except for special services. Parents and friends are welcome to attend these weekly services and worship with the entire student body and staff. However, it must be stressed that this service is not designed to take the place of the regular Sunday morning worship service.

An offering is taken at each of these worship services giving children the privilege of contributing towards the Lord’s work in a very special way. Monies contributed are donated to various mission endeavors locally and internationally. The school newsletter will inform parents and students of designated agencies.

Uniform Policy
In order to be in compliance with the Salem Lutheran School Uniform Policy students will wear navy blue or khaki slacks, capris, skirts, jumpers, skorts, or shorts. (Shorts can be worn August through November and March through June.) Collared shirts/blouses are to be white or navy blue, polo (golf) shirts, either long sleeve or short sleeve; turtle neck; or oxford cloth, either long sleeve or short sleeve. Green, logo Salem Lutheran School polo shirts, may be worn in place of the uniform shirts. All shirts are to be tucked in. Pants are to be belted with the exception of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who will be permitted to wear pants with elastic waistbands. Shorts, skirts, jumpers, and skorts are to be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. It is recommended that girls wear sport shorts under all skirts and jumpers. Boys are permitted to wear ties at anytime.

Students are encouraged to wear shoes which do not restrict their general walking, running or play. Shoe laces are to be tied. Socks are to be worn with all footwear.

Outerwear will consist of cardigan sweaters, pullover sweaters or sweater vests in navy blue or white. Salem Lutheran School sweatshirts can be worn over the appropriate uniform collared shirt.

Recognized Organizations & Designated Dress Days: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc., may wear uniforms on meeting days. Designated dress days will be held periodically and will be announced via the school newsletter by the administration. School picture day will be a designated dress day.

The parents will be held responsible for the student’s adherence to the uniform policy. Our students are being taught that rules are meant to be followed and authority to be respected. The teachers and administration of Salem Lutheran School will be responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of the uniform policy. If a student is not properly attired, parents will be called to bring proper clothing to the school before the student can return to the classroom, go on a field trip, or participate in a program. If a student is not properly attired, he may receive a Uniform Infraction Notice. Three uniform infractions will result in a behavioral notification form.

Unacceptable Clothing/Appearance

Oversized clothing, low rider pants.
Hats, caps, bandanas and other headwear in the building.
Logos, emblems, labels, brand names on clothing. All clothing must be free from references to alcohol, rock groups, and suggestive words, phrases or emblems.
Flip-flops, sandals, clogs or open-toed shoes.
Outer jacket/coats worn in the building during classes.
Sweatpants, overalls, stretch pants, stirrup pants, spandex, denim fabric, cargo pants, jeans, flares/bell bottoms and wide leg pants.
Hats or sunglasses are not to be worn in classrooms except for designated occasions.
Excessive make-up. Hair coloring that is not natural. Extreme hair styles. (No mohawks, designs in your hair)
Tattoos. (No outer skin markings) Piercing on any part of the body but the ear. More than two earrings per ear are not permitted. Earrings are to be kept simple, nothing over 1 inch in diameter or length.
Salem maintains the right to make final approval of a student’s appearance and to request modification before the child is admitted to the classroom.

Home and School Communications
The School Board recognizes the need and benefits of establishing and maintaining open communication between parents and teachers. Home/school visits at the start of the school year are an option to aid in this process. In addition, staff phone numbers and e-mail addresses are published to allow for continuing communication between parents and teachers.

Homework
Parents and students should expect to receive homework assignments on a regular basis. Homework and study tips are provided at the start of each school year.

Students in the lower grades may have minimal homework on a daily basis. The amount of time needed to complete assignments at home generally increases with each grade level. An individual’s ability and effort to complete assignments at school will also determine how much time may be needed to complete the work at home.

Students are to keep an organized list of daily assignments which need to be completed at home. Teachers assist with this process by writing the assignment on the board or verbally clarifying what items are to be completed. Students are to write assignments down in their daily planner (given to students in grades 2-8). Parents should monitor the progress of their child’s daily work and may be asked to initial their child’s assignment paper or planner each day. As the child demonstrates a greater responsibility for completing his home work on his own, parents will realize less time is needed on their part to make sure these items are done.

From time to time students are given long range projects. Parents should assist in monitoring the progress of such activities so the child does not leave all the work until the last moment. If a question arises regarding an assignment, individuals may find it beneficial to call another student or the teacher so the assignment may be completed accurately and on a timely basis.

When extreme circumstances arise (medical/family/personal) which prevent a student from completing an assignment parents are asked to write a note to the teacher sharing this fact. Students will still be required to complete the activity as appropriate.

When students are absent, they are still responsible for completing their daily work. Whenever possible, parents are asked to make arrangements to pick up their child’s homework at the end of the school day. Please call the school office earlier in the day so the teacher can be notified and has time to gather items needed.

Generally, when a student is absent he is given one day to make up work for each day missed. If two days of school are missed, two days may be given to make up assignments missed. For extended absences a reasonable amount of time will be given to make up work missed. However, the student is expected to show a positive effort in doing so.

If a student is absent due to a suspension, homework will be provided by the teacher at his/her earliest convenience. All homework must be completed by the student and will receive a 10 percent reduction in value.

When students do not have their homework assignment completed or available to turn in when asked for, a “late homework notification form” will be sent home to alert the parents of this concern. Parents are to sign and return this form to school the following day. Parents are encouraged to contact the individual teachers whenever questions arise.

Homework notification forms accumulate by the quarter starting over with each new grading period. The accumulation of five homework notification forms during any given quarter will result in a detention either before school, during school, after school, or on Saturday. Three additional homework notification forms will result in a second detention and a mandatory conference between the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), teacher, and administration. Three more homework notification forms will result in a suspension and a conference between the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), teacher, and administration.

Reporting of Student Progress
The appraisal of a student’s progress is an important factor in the establishment of good home/school relations. Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter in grades K-8, and progress reports are also issued at mid-term to students in grades 1-8.

At the end of the first quarter, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for parents of students in grades PK-8. Additional conferences may be scheduled during the year at the request of the parent or teacher. When requested, parents are to meet with the teacher to address a concern. Failure of a parent(s) to meet with a teacher at the teacher’s request will result in immediate suspension.

Honor Roll
The Honor Roll at Salem Lutheran School gives special recognition at the end of each marking period to those students in grades 5-8 who have shown special effort and accomplishment in their school work. Information regarding requirements for the high honor roll and honor roll may be obtained by contacting the school office.

Testing Programs
Besides the regular testing done in each subject area, standardized tests are given to all pupils in grades K-8. These standardized tests, based on national norms, are administered each spring. The achievement test results are given to the parents at the end of the school year. Cognitive Ability tests are also given to students in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. The results of these tests are kept in the student’s permanent file.

Personal School Supplies
Parents are responsible for their child’s personal school supplies such as paper, pencil, rulers, crayons, scissors, etc. A classroom supply list is provided at the beginning of the school year. Please check your child’s needs throughout the school year.

Classroom Visits
Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom if they so desire. However, so that all concerned are informed about such visits, parents are required to make such requests known to the school principal in writing at least 24 hours in advance of the planned visit. The school principal must give permission for such classroom visitation. He will also determine the length and frequency of classroom visits.

School Security
School doors are kept locked during the school day. All parents and visitors are required to check into the school office and receive an appropriate visitor’s pass which must be worn at all times while in any area of the school building during school hours.

Field Trips
Many valuable educational experiences which cannot be taught in the classroom can be gained through field trips. In order to provide such experiences, a number of field trips and excursions are planned for the various classes during the school year. The planning of the field trips are at the discretion of the classroom teacher and are approved by the principal.

Written permission must be given by the parent before the child may participate in a field trip. At times a nominal fee may be assessed to cover the cost of the field trip.

Teachers are responsible for providing adequate supervision of the students in a way that insures their safety and good behavior. A student’s participation to field trips may be denied due to prior behavioral problems.

Field trips are a part of the curriculum and students are expected to attend each field trip. If students do not participate in the field trip, work will be provided at the school. Those students who do not go on the field trip or attend school that day will be marked absent.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade Field Trips

These programs have been set up by the faculty and approved by the Board of Christian Education as a part of Salem’s total curriculum. The 6th grade students attend an outdoor education program for three days and two nights. The 7th grade class, in conjunction with the study of the Missouri State Constitution, participates in a full day field trip to Jefferson City, Missouri’s state capital. Each spring our 8th grade class program includes a 3 day/two night trip. Traditionally this trip has been to Chicago, Illinois. Additional fees are collected to cover the costs of these programs.

Fundraisers
Students are highly encouraged to participate in all fundraisers throughout the year. All money raised goes directly towards benefiting the students now and in the future. 8^th grade students will also do individual class fundraisers for their 8^th grade trip.

STUDENT SERVICES

School Calendar
Salem conforms to the state law with respect to the number of school days and hours that it is in session. Parents will receive a calendar for the current school year at the time of final registration.

Instrumental/Vocal Music
Salem Lutheran School provides several opportunities for individuals to participate and expand their musical talents.

Students in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to participate in our school band program. There is an additional cost for students to participate. Practice sessions are scheduled during the regular school day.

Students in Kindergarten through fourth grade are grouped into classroom choirs or special groups which practice during school hours. All classroom choirs or grades are scheduled to sing about once each semester at one of Salem Lutheran Church’s services. Students are expected to be present and sing when scheduled to sing.

All students may also annually participate in the Lutheran High School North Academic Fair. It is an opportunity for the whole band and choir, individuals, and small groups to perform before a judge and be assessed for learning purposes.

Interscholastic Sports
Salem Lutheran School offers an interscholastic sports program for students in grades 5-8 and plays in a Lutheran interscholastic league. Boys are eligible for soccer, basketball, and track. Girls are eligible for volleyball, basketball, and track. Other programs may be offered as time and talents permit. Before and after school hours are used to schedule practices for the interscholastic athletic program. Interscholastic games are scheduled after school, evenings, or on Saturdays. Students may participate if they have the consent of the parent, teachers, and principal.

The students must be physically fit to participate in these sports. Each student participating in an interscholastic sport must have an annual physical examination and parent permission to participate in sports. A report of this examination and permission form must be on file in the school office prior to the first practice. A student will not be permitted to practice or participate without these items. Waivers are not acceptable.

Eligibility to participate in interscholastic sports because of academic work is left to the discretion of the classroom teachers, athletic director and principal. Things taken into consideration include behavior, completion of work on time, attitudes, working up to ability, satisfactory grades, and consideration of other team members. Students must maintain a G.P.A. of C-. If ineligible students will be reevaluated after 2 weeks.

School Parties, Birthday Treats, and Invitations
School parties will be held on various occasions throughout the school year. The teacher may contact the room parent to arrange for entertainment and refreshments. All parents will be asked to help defray the cost of such parties by either donating refreshments for such occasions or by assuming a portion of the cost.

Parents may wish to provide a treat for their child’s birthday. However, the teacher should be consulted before making such plans. Commercially pre-packaged treats with a clear list of ingredients are expected. When such treats will be served is left up to the teacher’s discretion.

Any invitations, including birthday invitations, may be given out at the school only if all boys, all girls, or all students within the class are invited.

Office Telephone Use By Students
Since the office telephone is not a public phone and as it must be kept open for business calls, students are not normally permitted to use it. A teacher’s written permission must be secured before a student may use this phone during the normal school hours. A nominal charge is made in these instances. If an emergency occurs, such as an illness or an accident, or if the school makes a change in a previously announced plan, the school office phone may be used with permission and without cost.

Cell phones or other electronic devices are to be turned off and may not be used during school hours. If possession of a cell phone, etc. is a distraction, the item will be confiscated and held in the school office until the student’s parent/guardian picks it up. If it is confiscated a second time an after school detention will be given. A third time and a one day suspension may be given.

ATTENDANCE

School Day
The school day officially begins at 8:30 a.m. Teachers are required to keep records of daily attendance and tardiness. Attendance records are kept on the following basis:

After official starting time (8:30 a.m.) and up to 1/2 hour late – the student will be considered tardy. A pupil is tardy if he/she is not in the classroom seated and ready to begin class by the 8:30 bell unless otherwise excused by the teacher. Any student arriving at school after the official opening must report to the office first and receive an admission slip indicating that his attendance records have been revised in the office.
After 1/2 hour to 9:45 a.m. – 1/4 day tardy/absent.
After 9:45 a.m. till 11:45 a.m. – 1/2 day tardy/absent.
After 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. – 3/4 day tardy/absent.
From 11:45 a.m.- 1:45 p.m. – 1/4 day absent.
From 1:45 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. – 1/4 day absent.
From 11:45 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. – 1/2 day absent

Accumulated tardies within each grading period will result in the following: 4 tardies = one-half day absent and 8 tardies = one full day absent as it relates to “perfect attendance” purposes.

Early Arrival
Students living within walking distance of Salem or those depending on other means of transportation are requested not to arrive at school before 8:15 a.m. However, if it is necessary for your child to arrive at school before that time because he depends on your transporting him on your way to work, he will be placed in the Extended Care Program and charged accordingly. The school is not responsible for individuals who arrive early and are not in the ECP.

Tardy Policy
Students will be allowed 3 unexcused/non-medical tardies per grading period. Upon the fourth (4th) tardy and again upon the fifth (5th) tardy a detention (before school, during school, after school or on Saturday) will be issued. Upon the sixth (6th) tardy the student will receive a one day suspension and upon the seventh (7th) tardy a second one day suspension. The second suspension also requires the parent/guardian to appear before the school board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Absences
Students are expected to be at school, in class, every day that school is in session. State law requires attendance on a regular basis. Students who do not comply with this regulation are subject to school discipline.

Parents are to call or contact the school office by 9:15 a.m. on days when their child will be absent or late. Parents are to notify their child’s teacher and the school office in writing in advance of a planned absence. Please notify the school office if your child has a contagious disease or must go to the hospital.

When a student is or will be absent, arrangements to pick up your child’s work should be made.

Leaving School Grounds
Students will not be permitted to leave the school grounds before the end of the school day unless a parent or guardian calls for the student, or if a written note from the parent or guardian is sent to the school indicating that his child has permission to leave with some other person(s). All students leaving school during the normal school hours are to be called for and dismissed from the school office only. The person calling for a student MUST COME TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE BEFORE A CHILD WILL BE DISMISSED. All early dismissals for convenience sake are discouraged.

If your child is participating in an activity, is a team member, or is assisting with an event after the regular school day, he/she is under the supervision of designated school personnel (staff and/or volunteer). Students are expected to remain on the school’s premises at all times throughout the activity or event. Any student who leaves the school grounds forfeits his/her right to participate in the event or activity, and Salem is no longer responsible for his/her supervision or safety.

If your child is a spectator, arrangements need to be made in advance where he/she is to report. Otherwise, individuals will be sent to ECP (and billed accordingly) until an appropriate time (10 minutes prior to the start of the event) when they will be dismissed.

Parents are to arrange for their children to be picked up within fifteen minutes of the conclusion of all afternoon practices, rehearsals, and activities. Individuals who are not picked up within this time frame will be sent to ECP and billed accordingly. Parents are encouraged to be prompt in picking up their child from evening activities.

Inclement Weather Policy
When our school is to be closed due to inclement weather conditions or other circumstances, a “phone blast” will be given to all parents if school is closed or dismissed earlier that the regular scheduled times. If you do not receive a call, please contact the school office.

We live in a sinful world. Although we are Christians, there will be times when we do not all get along. Matthew 18 states, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” This should provide the basis of how we treat others in these situations.

PARENT/STUDENT GRIEVANCES AND CONCERNS

In day to day situations where a student may have a concern regarding a teacher, the student shall use the following procedure:

The student shall approach the teacher outside of instructional time and schedule an appointment to discuss the problem.
If the problem cannot be resolved, the student will refer the problem to her/his parent to follow the steps listed below.

If a student and/or parent feel aggrieved on account of any policy of the Board of Christian Education, the administrator, a member of the staff, or a teacher, the parent shall use the following:

If the grievance is with a teacher, the parent shall contact the teacher immediately and discuss the problem with the teacher. Only after failure to satisfactorily resolve the issue, proceed to step 2.
For all other grievances including unresolved teacher grievances – contact the school administrator and set forth in detail, both verbally and in writing, the action or policy that is the basis for the grievance.
If the grievance is not settled after the above steps have been exhausted in a reasonable time, the principal shall contact the Board chair. The Board chair will either refer the matter back to the administrator, or set a meeting with the appropriate parties.
If the matter remains unresolved, the parent may submit a written statement to the Board and request a meeting with the whole Board. At the next regularly scheduled Board meeting – the Board chair may call a special meeting at his/her discretion – the Board will meet with the parent and all appropriate parties in the dispute.
The Board will communicate its decision in writing, together with supporting reasons, to all parties in interest. The Board’s decision is the final step in the procedure.

No one shall appear before the Board without the offending person present. This procedure is the sole and only course available to any aggrieved person. All parties will treat the grievance as confidential information. No party will take any reprisals of any kind against any other participant in the process.

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Good and Creditable Citizenship Policy
Because students are representative of their school, community, and Lord, Salem Lutheran School requires that all students maintain themselves as good and creditable citizens.

Good and creditable citizenship requires that students agree to accept their obligations to attend school on a regular basis and to comply with the School’s discipline code as set forth in the handbook.

Students are expected to conduct themselves as good and creditable citizens at all times, whether on or off campus. Students who engage in off-campus misconduct that is prejudicial to the good order and discipline of their school may be disciplined in accordance with the school policy and regulations. Disciplinary action may consist of such penalties as suspension or expulsion from school and/or removal from school activities and/or organizations or teams.

Good and creditable citizenship also requires that students accept their responsibility to contribute to providing a safe and positive school environment and community; that students fulfill their responsibilities at school and in the community in an honorable and trustworthy manner; and that students comply with the standard of good discipline so as not to bring discredit to themselves, their school, their community, or their God.

Standards of good discipline include, but are not limited to: orderly, lawful conduct; self-control; honesty; integrity; and accountability. Behavior that would not conform to the standards of good discipline includes, but is not limited to: any misconduct identified in the school discipline codes or policies; possession of or presence under the influence of a controlled substance; sale of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled substance; use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm; possession of a weapon; intentionally causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion; unwanted physical touching of others; sexual harassment; intimidation of others; disruptive behavior; theft; vandalism; truancy; use of obscene or vulgar language; and defiance of authority.

Discipline
At Salem Lutheran School we think of the term discipline as the teaching of Christian attitudes, self-control, orderliness, and efficiency. In the classroom, the teacher is expected to maintain discipline and students are to abide by the rules and regulations of the school. Therefore, teachers will be guided by God’s Word and deal with the children in accordance with the teachings and philosophy of Christ and school policy. In all cases of discipline Matthew 18 shall prevail. The children will be taught to understand that for happy living it is necessary to love one another, and to respect one another’s rights and privileges.

Disciplinary action will be taken (1) when the conduct is detrimental to the education and safety of the student or to the good order in the classroom or in the school or (2) when the conduct tends to impair the morals or good conduct of the other pupils in the classroom or school; specifically, when there is (a) physical violence involved; (b) continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of authority; (c) willful destruction and defacement of property; and (d) when the sins are manifest (open) and said student lives in impenitence.

Every teacher shall share in controlling and supervising the conduct, behavior, and discipline of all students in the corridors, library, wash rooms, lunch room, and on the school grounds, during the school day. Along with teachers, parents are to assist in the monitoring of their child’s behavior at school sponsored activities at Salem or away.

If a discipline problem occurs:

The individual teacher will clearly identify to the student what was the inappropriate behavior and what positive behavior is expected in the future. Reprimands will occur in an appropriate manner and may include the use of before school, in-school, after school or Saturday detentions, or parents may be notified of the situation through a “Behavior Notification Form” sent home. Parents are to sign this notice and return it to school the following day. Teachers will be contacting parent(s)/guardian(s) each time a behavior notification is sent home. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher for details regarding any concern or altercation as it arises.
A phone call will be made to parents to inform them of the discipline problem and of the circumstances surrounding the problem. This will be done with each behavior notification form sent home.
Any additional problem with discipline will be brought to the attention of the principal and may result in suspension.
Any situation which is against civil law, such as smoking, theft, vandalism, illegal possession or use of a controlled substance, physical violence, possession of a weapon, etc., will result in immediate suspension and possible expulsion.
Teachers must inform the principal of the above listed events in writing as they occur.
Problems with discipline may result in loss of field trip privileges.
The Behavior Notification Forms accumulate over the entire year. Behavior Notifications and Homework Notifications will be treated separately. There is no starting over as with Homework Notification Forms. The accumulation of three Behavior Notification Forms results in a conference with the student, parents, teachers, and school administrator. After the occurrence of the 4^th Behavioral Form, a one-day suspension will be issued. A mandatory conference must occur before the student may return. After the occurrence of the 7^th Behavioral Form, the child will receive a three-day suspension. A mandatory conference must occur before the student may return. At the occurrence of the 10^th Behavioral Form, the student is suspended and expulsion proceedings begin.

Detention
The teacher may choose to detain a child in the classroom during recess or other time in the school day. However, the teacher of this child will be in the classroom or the supervision of the child will be assigned to another teacher or competent adult. The teacher may also require a student to attend a detention: in-school, before or after school or on Saturday morning. Parents will be informed that their child has received a before school, after school, or Saturday detention. Parents are responsible for providing transportation. Students must wear school uniforms during detention. Failure to appear at the assigned detention results in double detention time to be served with a potential of immediate suspension. This double detention time still counts as only one detention.

Suspension
The principal has the authority to suspend a student not to exceed a period of ten (10) school days for the first suspension. All suspensions will be held out of school, not on the school grounds. Any suspensions shall be reported to the Board of Christian Education at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Before returning to school following a suspension, the parents must schedule a conference with the principal and the child’s teacher.

All homework given during the suspension will be provided by the teacher at their earliest convenience. All homework must be completed by the student and will receive a 10 percent reduction in value.

The second suspension brings a possible recommendation for expulsion of said student. If there is a recommendation for expulsion, the student remains suspended until the Board meets to hear the reasons for expulsion. Upon a written request, the parents may also request a hearing at the same Board meeting. Only the Board of Education may expel a student from school and only after the parents or guardians have been given notice in writing that the suspended student’s case will be reviewed in its next meeting.

A continuous behavior problem may result in a request for the parents to seek professional counseling for their child or may lead to a recommendation for expulsion.

Damage to Property
Students and/or their parents shall pay the school and/or person(s) for damage intentionally or negligently inflicted on persons or school property. The school is not responsible for damage to or loss of personal belongings.

Homework / Behavior Notification Forms
The distribution and result of accumulating Homework/Behavior Notification Forms are each described elsewhere in the handbook under their appropriate headings. The following information and flow chart is presented to provide clarity in this area of concern. Behavior Notifications and Homework Notifications will be treated separately as they pertain to Detention and supervision of these areas of concern.

Homework Notification Forms (HNF)
1st HNF received
*
2nd HNF received
*
3rd HNF received
*
4th HNF received
*
5th HNF received

Student to serve a Detention

6th HNF received
*
7th HNF received
*
8th HNF received

Student to serve a second detention and
a mandatory conference is held with
parents/student/teacher/administration

9th HNF received
*
10th HNF received
*
11th HNF received

Student is suspended and a mandatory conference is held with parents/student/teacher/administration

Homework Notifications accumulate by the quarter starting
over with each new grading period.

Behavior Notification Forms (BNF)
1st BNF received
*
2nd BNF received
*
3rd BNF received

A Mandatory Conference is held with
Parents/student/teacher/principal

4th BNF received

Student to serve a One-Day Suspension and
A Mandatory Conference is held with
Parents/student/teacher/principal

5th BNF received
*
6th BNF received
*
7th BNF received

Student to serve a Three-Day Suspension and
A Mandatory Conference is held with
Parents/student/teacher/principal

8th BNF received
*
9th BNF received
*
10th BNF received

Student is Suspended and
Expulsion Proceedings are Begun

Behavior Notifications accumulate over the entire school year.

HEALTH SERVICES

Physical Examinations
It is the policy of Salem that every student have a physical examination by the beginning of the school year in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, grade three, and grade seven. The physical should be completed after March 1 and prior to the first day of school. All students participating in athletics must also have an annual exam prior to the first practice of the sport/activity. If a student transfers to Salem, physical exams will be honored, provided the child has had the exam in accordance with the recommended schedule. A report of this examination is to be on file in the cumulative health record maintained for each student. A health form is included in your registration packet if your child is to have a physical examination for the current school year. Your doctor may mail it to the school office or you may return it on final registration day.

Immunizations
As required by State Law (167.181), all children of attendance age must present satisfactory evidence of immunization against polio, diphtheria, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, hepatitis B and chickenpox or proof of chickenpox. State law requires that all children either be immunized or exempted from those diseases listed above. All immunizations must be completed by the first day of school. A child shall be exempt from the immunization requirements of this regulation upon certification by a licensed physician that such immunization would seriously endanger the child’s health or life. Also, the law providing for this regulation shall not apply to any child if one parent or guardian objects in writing to the school principal against the immunization of the child.

Salem’s principal is mandated by Missouri State Law (Section 167.181) to report to the Division of Public Health the name of any parent or guardian who neglects or refuses to permit a nonexempt child to be immunized as required by the rules and regulations and must maintain a current valid list of delinquent names and addresses of parents or guardians for use in audit activities.

Infection, Disease, and Injury
Guidelines provided to Salem by the Missouri Department of Health for deciding when a child may or may not attend school include:

Students with vomiting, diarrhea or fever above 99.4 F should not attend school until it becomes normal without the use of fever lowering medications. If a child’s temperature is 99.2 or above in the morning, parents should suspect it will elevate during the day and should monitor the child at home as a way of preventing the spread of possible communicable diseases.
Students must be symptom free (i.e. no rash, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea) for 24 hours prior to returning to school. If medication has been prescribed for a possible contagious disease, they must have a minimum of 24 hours of treatment (48 hours is preferable) as well as be symptom free before returning.
When necessary (if contagion is still suspected or the child has been absent over 5 days, has had surgery, or been diagnosed with a chronic condition) the parents must provide a physician’s statement and recommendations for school attendance and participation in athletic events for readmission to occur.

Under ordinary circumstances, when a child attends school he should be well enough to participate in all class activities, indoors and outdoors. Requests from parents not permitting their child to participate in physical activity when he is recuperating from an illness complicates the teacher’s supervising responsibilities and can be complied with only when a written doctor’s excuse is received by the teacher.

If the child becomes ill during the day, the parent or guardian will be called to make arrangements to pick up his child. Salem has no infirmary facilities. In case of serious injury, an attempt will be made to contact the parents or guardians. However, if they cannot be reached, Salem reserves the right to use its own good judgement and will follow the information given on the application form.

Any case of a disease designated “reportable” by state law will be reported immediately to the local health authority. Anyone suffering from a reportable disease or liable to transmit such a disease will be excluded from school and will be readmitted after a period of time as established and published by the Missouri Department of Health.

Since certain specific types of behavior could potentially be associated with transmission of pathogens, no student who bites, scratches, has frequent bleeding episodes, or has uncovered, oozing skin lesions, shall be allowed to attend school unless these behaviors or conditions are either absent or appropriately controlled. If necessary, the principal will convene a Review Committee to make recommendations regarding a student with these conditions.

Adults who help in school are required to have Tb skin testing. This includes teachers, class helpers, teacher aides, kitchen and library workers.

Administration of Oral Medication
Students needing medication to be given during school hours must have a medication authorization form on file in the school office. These forms must be completed and signed by the physician and parents and returned to the school office before any medication may be given. A new form must be completed for each new school year. Students may only self-administer and carry with them a rescue medication inhaler for asthma or an epi-pen for severe allergic reactions and only if the physician and parent have signed the self-administration portion on the form. Insulin for diabetics and non-rescue inhaled medications may also be self-administered but must be kept in the school office. All medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter medications (including cough drops) must have an authorization form completed and must be kept in the school office except for the two exceptions noted above.

No medication that is prescribed by a physician for a student nor any over-the-counter medicine shall be administered to a student unless:

The school office receives a written request signed by the child’s physician and a written request from the child’s parent/guardian that the drug be administered to the student. The student must bring both the medication and the signed permission forms to the school office.
The signed statement that is presented to the school office includes the following information:
The name of the student.
The class in which the student is enrolled.
The name of the drug and dosage to be given.
The times at which the drug is to be administered.
The date the administration of the drug is to begin.
Any severe, adverse reactions that should be reported to the physician, and one or more phone numbers at which the physician can be reached in case of emergency.
Any special instructions for the administration of the drug, including sterile conditions and storage.

The parent, guardian or person having care of the child must submit a revised statement signed by the physician if the previously provided information changes.

All drugs must be received by the person authorized to administer the medication in the container in which it is dispensed by the prescribing physician or pharmacist.

Abuse and Neglect
School personnel are required to report to the Missouri Division of Family Services if they have a reasonable cause to suspect that a child known to them in their capacity may be abused or neglected.