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Table of Contents
GOD'S COMMAND
WHAT WE BELIEVE AND TEACH
WE BELIEVE
THAT THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.
DISCIPLINE
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
SCHOOL HOURS
SCHOOL PHONE
CURRICULUM
MEMORY WORK
REPORT CARDS
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
MISSION OFFERINGS
FIELD TRIPS
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
HEALTH
MEDICATIONS
SCHOOL PICTURES
SINGING
JUNIOR CHOIR
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
DRESS CODE
CLOTHING IDENTIFICATION
HARASSMENT
WEAPONS
REGISTRATION DAY
TUITION
EXTENDED TUITION PAYMENT POLICY
PAST DUE TUITION –
PRE-REGISTRATION FEES
“NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS” FEE
POST OR PRE-DATED CHECKS
BOOK CARE
HOMEWORK
BIKES
GYM SHOES
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING SPORTS)
SPORTS
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
TRINITY EDUCATION LEAGUE (TEL)
TRINITY BOOSTER CLUB
BOARD OF SCHOOL ELDERS
FINALLY
TRINITY’S STAFF
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PDF version of handbook
GOD'S COMMAND
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the
training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
The purpose of this Christian school is to play a leading role in the work
of our congregation.
The
Church's only mission is to preach the Gospel to all people...including our
children. This is a full-time job. As a Christian parent you have this
responsibility. To assist you in carrying out your responsibility this
school has been established. God's Word is at the center of all we teach in
our school. We use science, english, math, reading, social studies, etc. to
show God's glory and power. We use class work to help the children grow as
His children. School discipline is used not simply to keep order but
to teach children that acting contrary to God's will is sin and that we
sinners need the forgiveness of God. Also, true Christian discipline
is learned when we use His word to avoid sin and follow in Christ's
footsteps. Your home is the center of your child's life. This school
is an extension of your home helping to provide a Christ-centered education
and preparation for a Christian life.
WHAT WE BELIEVE AND TEACH
All the usual and required elementary subjects are taught in our school.
However, here at Trinity those subjects are taught in the light of God's
Word as given to us in the Bible.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD
OF GOD.
We believe that the Bible is the only source of faith and Christian living.
We believe and teach that it does not contain any errors, mistakes or
contradictions. The Bible is the basis of all of our teaching because
it alone can answer the three most important questions that all of us must
finally answer:
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
DISCIPLINE
Without proper discipline and order no school can function. We believe that
an undisciplined child can grow up to be a poor citizen of his
community...or, worse, an unprofitable servant in God's kingdom. The
Bible clearly teaches that all of us are sinners. Many times, in our
weakness, we will follow our flesh and sin against God and man. It is at
times like this that the Law is used to point out sin. After that has been
done, the Gospel can then be used to give assurance that Christ has died as
payment for all of our sins. Christian students can also do much on
their own to help create an atmosphere of good Christian order and to make
their school a place where learning can take place. Students can learn to
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and
praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Parents and
teachers can expect the following from the students at our school:
1. That they obey and respect the pastors and members of the faculty as
persons who have
been placed over them by God.
2. That they uphold all rules of the school for the
sake of decency and good order.
3. That they accept correction and discipline as being necessary.
4. That they do not let problems they may have with their classmates or
teachers grow into sinful grudges but instead honestly discuss those
problems with the persons involved. When you as a parent have a
concern, you are expected to first discuss that problem with the teacher
directly involved. Following that, if you feel it is necessary, you may
bring the matter to the attention of the principal. If you feel that
your concern has not been answered you may bring up the matter to the
Pastor or the Board of School Elders of Trinity School. Since all
of us are sinful human beings, let us approach our shared problems with
prayer, courtesy, and Christian love.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
“God our Savior ... wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of
truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
God’s love knows no bounds. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of
race, nationality, color, ethnic origin, gender, or handicap.
SCHOOL HOURS
-
Our school is in session from 8:20 A.M. to 2:55 P.M.
-
Kindergarten meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays.
-
Preschool meets in two separate sessions on Tuesdays
and Fridays. The first class meets from 8:30 until 11:00 A.M.; the
second class meets from 12:15 until 2:55 P.M.
Students should not come more than 15 minutes before the
start of classes. Our school doors are not opened, except in inclement
weather, until 8:05 A.M. When they do come to school, students are expected
to come into the building and begin preparing for the day's work. School bus
schedules may alter the starting and
closing time for some of our students.
SCHOOL PHONE
When calling the school please allow enough time for someone to answer the
call. If you would like to speak with a teacher, please make every effort to
call before school begins or after school dismisses. The Principal keeps
office hours between 8:20 and 10:20AM Monday through Thursday. Feel free to
call between those times as well. Students should not expect to use the
phone except for such emergencies such as calling home when sick.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum of our school is designed to meet the educational needs of
our students and prepare them for high school. The curriculum is based on
the recommendations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the
Minnesota Department of Education. The requirements established by the laws
of Minnesota are met and exceeded. The textbooks that are used have been
carefully evaluated before they were adopted for our use. The teaching of
the Word of God forms the core of our curriculum. We teach religion in
specific classes
such as Bible History, Catechism (Instruction Class), Church History, and
Hymnology. In addition, God's Word forms the foundation of each subject.
MEMORY WORK
The memorization of Bible passages, hymn verses, and the six chief parts of
Luther's Small Catechism is considered necessary. The material that we
choose for memorization is considered to be the core of our faith. We want
our children to be able to give an account of their faith to others and to
find comfort for themselves when needed. You can help most by taking an
interest in that memory work and in stressing to your child the importance
of that work.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued four times a year. The Report Card gives you some
idea of how well your child is performing in school. The following scale is
used for grading:
A - 94-100 S
Satisfactory
B - 86-93 N Needs Improvement
C - 78-85 U Unsatisfactory
D - 70-77 I Incomplete
F - 69-0
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
We regularly schedule two Parent-Teacher Conferences each year. The first is
scheduled shortly after the end of the first grading quarter. We ask then
that all parents schedule a conference time with each of their children's
teachers. The second conference is scheduled toward the end of the third
grading quarter. This conference is scheduled by the parent or teacher
if the need arises. We encourage parents and teachers alike to stay in
frequent close contact with either special conferences or by informal
contact during the school year.
MISSION OFFERINGS
A chapel service is held at the beginning of the day on Thursdays at Trinity
School. On this day the children bring their individual contribution
toward the work of God's kingdom. The opportunity that is given and the special mission envelopes
that are used are designed to encourage our students to become aware of
their individual responsibility to “teach the Word to all nations.”
FIELD TRIPS
Whenever a class leaves the school grounds, a permission slip must be signed
by the parent/guardian giving permission for a child to attend any type of
field trip. Field trips are a part of the school day and children are
expected to participate in them. In the event a parent volunteers to
drive for a field trip, that parent must have proof of insurance and ensure
that each child is buckled separately in the vehicle.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Faithful attendance is required of all students enrolled at Trinity Lutheran
School. Students are excused from school when the absence is with the
knowledge and approval of the child’s parents or guardian for the following
reasons:
-
Child’s personal illness
-
Severe illness or death in the family (a doctor’s
note is required if a child is ill more than two successive days.)
-
Health appointments (although we ask that health
appointments be scheduled outside of regular school hours if at all
possible)
-
Special emergencies
At the parent’s request and with prior approval, a
student may be excused for a family activity. However, families are
strongly encouraged to take these days during school breaks. Students miss
instruction and class activities when they are absent because they cannot
participate in the interaction within the classroom. Parents may request
assignments in advance, but it is not always practical or possible for
teachers to do this. The student is required to complete the work in a
reasonable amount of time, as determined by the teacher. Teachers and
parents will assist in helping students make-up their work.
Students are truant if they are absent, without excuse, for all or part of a
school day. If notification is not received by the day after an excusable
absence, the absence is truancy. An unexcused absence (truancy) requires the
parents to meet with the principal.
HEALTH
Since good health is a gift of God your school works to help you with your
child's health care. All students entering our school for the first
time must have a complete physical exam from your doctor. Trinity School is
required by the State of Minnesota to have on file and maintain a complete
listing of your child's immunizations. Children who are behind or have no
record of immunizations on file may be excluded from classes until all
requirements are met.
A vision screening is held each fall at the School.
MEDICATIONS
State law requires that all prescription and over-the-counter medicines in
school must come in their original containers with a signed form from a
legal guardian. A copy of the form can be obtained from the school office. A
doctor’s authorization is also required. The school nurse can be consulted
for assistance.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Student and class pictures are taken every year.
The pictures are scheduled—usually in September—so that the completed
pictures are in your hands before Christmas.
SINGING
Children at Trinity School are given classroom training in singing not only
for the personal satisfaction which comes from music but to also equip them
to praise God in our services. Each classroom functions as a choir for the
worship service. When a child is not able to take part in this privilege,
his parents are asked to inform the classroom teacher. (A schedule of
singing dates is listed in the appendix.)
JUNIOR CHOIR
In addition to classroom singing, a group of children is formed into a
special junior choir. These children practice several times during the week
and take part in church services.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Our school does not wish to take a legalistic approach concerning pupil
appearance and clothing. However, we also feel that student appearance
and behavior are a reflection and an influence on behavior and attitude. As
Christians we have a special responsibility not to give offense to others -
either in our congregation or in the community. This may strike some
as a violation of personal choice and privilege but God also tells us that
"You are not your own; you were bought at a price." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
This means that our responsibility is to serve God first. We ask you
as parents to help your child practice discretion and good sense in this
matter. Inappropriate clothing and styles are to be avoided. In
all questions concerning dress code issues, the administration reserves the
right to determine what is appropriate.
DRESS CODE
Our Board of School Elders adopted the following specific dress code:
-
Avoid ripped, frayed or torn clothing.
-
The length of girls’ skirts is to be appropriately
modest. Both parents and teachers will encourage our students to show
Christian judgment in this matter.
-
High, spiked heels are impractical and inappropriate
in grade school.
-
Girls are permitted to wear liquid foundation makeup
and other makeup which is “natural” in appearance.
-
Excess and elaborate jewelry are not permitted.
-
Halter tops and boys’ tank top shirts are not
permitted. Clothing should cover the abdomen.
-
Neat, well-fitting "jogging" outfits are permitted.
-
Shirts or clothing that advertise drugs, alcohol,
rock music, professional wrestling, and the like are not to be worn.
-
Excessively tight clothing, such as "biker" shorts,
is not permitted.
-
Students are permitted to wear shorts during August,
September, May, and June.
-
During the winter students should wear outer clothing
and have the necessary boots, gloves, etc. which permit them to play
outside during recess times.
CLOTHING IDENTIFICATION
Each year at the close of the school term we are left with a large
collection of lost and unclaimed clothing, boots, mittens and hats. Please
put some type of identification in or on your child's clothing. This
is especially important in the winter when we have to sort out and match up
pairs of similar mittens and boots.
HARASSMENT
In keeping with the Scriptural principle that one’s love for God is shown
through love to his fellow man (I John 3-4), Trinity will not tolerate
students harassing other students. Harassment is defined as unwanted
behavior, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual innuendo, willful
defacing or destroying the property of others, and inciting or encouraging
others to harass a student. Consequences may include conduct referrals,
suspension, or a recommendation to the Board of School Elders for expulsion.
All harassment should be reported to the Principal.
WEAPONS
The administration reserves the right to expel a student who brings any type
of authentic or replicastyle handgun, knife, or other weapon onto the school
premises.
REGISTRATION DAY
Students are expected to be fully registered on Registration Day. When
special circumstances do not allow this, arrangements must be made with the
principal beforehand. If suitable prior arrangements have not been made with
the principal, a $25.00 late registration fee will be assessed. Late
registration increases the costs of administration, as well as costing the
school additional amounts for shipping fees, handling fees, etc. when all
textbooks and/or supplies cannot be ordered at one time. Children are
not allowed to attend classes until they are registered.
TUITION
Non-Member Tuition
-
Tuition is charged on two levels, one level for
families from Wisconsin Synod Congregations and another level for
families who are not WELS.
-
Families from Wisconsin Synod Congregations are
charged $1250 for the first child, $1150 for
the second, and $1100 for the third. 3 . Families from non-Wisconsin
Synod Congregations will be charged $1675 for the first child, $1475 for
the second, and $1375 for the third.
Member Tuition
-
Member tuition will be charged at a rate of $700 for
the oldest child in a household attending Trinity School, $650 for the
second, and $600 for the third.
EXTENDED TUITION PAYMENT
POLICY
The following is the extended payment policy:
Tuition may be paid in full on Registration Day or in installments with
payments due at the dates listed for that payment plan. Trinity School
reserves the right to remove from classroom instruction any student whose
tuition is more than one quarter past due until payment is made. Diplomas of
graduation will not be issued until full payment is made. Student records
will not be transferred until past full payment is made. The Board of School
Elders will consider extensions on tuition payment upon application to the
School Board Chairman. All other fees are due on registration day.
PAST DUE TUITION – PRE-REGISTRATION FEES
Families with any past due balances from a previous school year will be
required to cover those past due amounts prior to being able to register for
subsequent school years. If families decide to enroll their children in
another school for subsequent years, no records will be transferred until
all past due expenses are paid in full.
“NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS” FEE
In the event the school, for any reason, receives a check that the bank
deems to be an “NSF” check, a fee of $10.00 will be assessed and payable in
the next billing cycle. This fee is used to cover the bank charges and
administration costs which will be incurred as a result of the “NSF” check.
POST OR PRE-DATED CHECKS
Post or pre-dated checks will NOT be accepted for any purpose at any time.
BOOK CARE
Please encourage your child to take care of the books that he or she uses
during the year. They are expensive and must last for a number of years.
Textbooks must be kept covered.
HOMEWORK
Homework is the best means you have of keeping a day-to-day connection with
your child's education. Since homework is assigned regularly it can
provide almost continuous contact between you, your child and your child's
teacher. Your motivation and support are the most important factors in
determining whether a child will do well in school. With encouragement,
children are almost certain to develop a positive attitude toward school.
You can let your child know that education is a priority in your family, and
homework is a part of that attitude. The only homework some of the
younger children will have is their memory work with which you can help them
to learn. As students move through the grade levels you can expect that your
child will have
increasing homework responsibilities. When questions about homework do come
up you will need to work closely with your child's teacher. Plan to do so
before small problems become overwhelming.
BIKES
Students may ride their bikes back and forth to school. Students must keep
bikes in the bike rack during the school day. We will actively
encourage good bike safety practices among our students. You are
responsible for deciding whether or not to provide a lock for your child's
bicycle.
PHY ED
Physical education activities are held regularly in our classes. Whether
inside or outside, students should be properly dressed for these activities.
Students are not excused from either recess or physical education unless you
contact the teacher by note or phone.
GYM SHOES
Our children are expected to change into their gym shoes whenever they are
in the gym. We ask our parents to provide gym shoes with light-colored
soles. Black or dark-colored soles almost invariably leave marks on
the gym, classroom, and hallway floors.
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING SPORTS)
Students have opportunities to participate in various extra curricular
activities at Trinity. Because of the high value that we place on the
spiritual and academic development of our children, students must maintain a
“C” average or better with no failing or incomplete grades.
SPORTS
Girls and boys in grades five to eight may take part in volleyball, soccer,
basketball, softball, and track. Students who decide to take part in
these sports are making a commitment to their coach, team and themselves.
They are expected to follow through by regular attendance at practices and
games.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
When severe weather or other emergencies make it necessary to cancel
classes, announcements can be heard on WCCO (830 AM) radio. Trinity will be
closed whenever the Belle Plaine School system closes for inclement weather.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Trinity is not a private preparatory school. It is a parochial (church)
school organized and sponsored by this congregation for the purpose of
spreading Christ's Gospel and nurturing its members. The preaching of that
Gospel is the central reason for the school's existence. We believe that the
most effective application of that lesson takes place when the family hears
and participates in that service. Attendance at worship services in
their home church is expected of all of our students. Our Thursday
morning mission services are not intended to replace the service the entire
family together attends.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
For religion classes and all assigned memory work our school uses the New
International Version of the Bible. Occasionally we will use a different
translation to clarify a passage or make it more accessible to the younger
students. Copies of the NIV Bible, intended for class use, may be
purchased on Registration Day or ordered through the school office at any
time during the year.
TRINITY EDUCATION LEAGUE (TEL)
Trinity School TEL is a support organization of the school. All parents of
Trinity School children are members of the TEL. TEL meets three times a
year. This group provides an opportunity for parents to learn more
about parenting, are given updates on the school, and are able to volunteer
to help the school in a variety of areas.
TRINITY BOOSTER CLUB
The Booster Club meets three times each school year. All are welcome to
attend. The Booster Club takes care of the concession stand at home
basketball games. Any funds made by the Booster Club go to the Athletic
Fund.
BOARD OF SCHOOL ELDERS
Trinity Board of School Elders (BOSE) is the governing body of the school.
It is responsible for policies of the school. Thus, the principal, faculty,
and TEL operate under their immediate supervision. BOSE members are
elected and accountable to the Coordinating Council of Trinity Congregation.
Questions about direct classroom concerns should, of course, be addressed
first to the classroom teacher. Questions and concerns about policy or
procedures may also be made to the Principal or the members of BOSE.
Individuals or families with issues requiring action, approval, or direction
from the School Board must present their request in person to the entire
School Board prior to any consideration, decision, or action being taken by
the School Board at a regularly scheduled meeting.
FINALLY
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
The responsibility that the Lord gives to parents is a
serious one. That responsibility you have been given to properly raise your
children to adulthood is the most important responsibility you are likely to
ever have. This school has been founded to help you to meet that
responsibility. In order for us to help you, we have to communicate
frequently, frankly and effectively. Always feel free to call on us when the
need arises.
TRINITY’S STAFF
Mrs. Lavonne Bratsch (PreK/K).............. 873-6471
Mrs. Andrea Hahm (Gr. 1-2).............507-665-6219
Mrs. Pat Grabitske (Gr. 3-4) ............507-964-5878
Mrs. Barbara Hanneman (Gr. 5-6).......... 873-3278
Mr. Dan Whitney (Principal/Gr. 7-8)........ 873-3484
Pastor John Zeitler.................................... 873-2078
BOSE MEMBERS
Mr.Tony Hetzel........................................... 873-2449
Mr. Erich Meyenberg................................. 873-4667
Mr. Brian Miner.......................................... 873-4387
Mr. Jeff Schmidt, Chairman.......................873-2486
Mr. Brandt Vinkemeier...............................873-4507
School Phone.............................................. 873-6320
School Fax .................................................. 873-6545
School E-mail......................trinitylutheran@frontiernet.net
School Website....................www.school.trinityluthbp.com
Revised 09/06 |
