ABSENCE EXCUSES

If your child is absent or will arrive late, please call the school office before 9:00 am.  Be specific about why your child will be late or absent for the day.

For grades K – 2, please call the Getz Road campus at 459-1616.

For grades 3 – 8, please call the Union Street campus at 422-6712.

When returning to the classroom after any absence, the parent/guardian must present the office with a signed, written excuse stating the specific reason for the absence.  If the child has visited a health facility (dentist, doctor, clinic, etc) a signed note from their office is required to make that an excused absence.  All excuses will be kept in the office and on file for the school year.

Students are permitted one day for each day ill to make up work missed.  Arrangements should be made to pick up assignments after 3:00 pm.

If your child cannot go outside for recess or must be excused from P.E., you must send in a note stating the reason for being excused.  Frequent or extended absences from recess and/or P.E. requires a doctor’s statement.

CONSEQUENCES FOR TOO MANY ABSENCES

Being absent too many times makes it hard for your child to learn and progress in school.  If you child has more than ten (10) absences in a school year, each additional absence will be unexcused unless you get and turn in a doctor’s excuse.  A longer-term illness (such as chicken pox) may be considered a single day for this requirement.

Having a pattern of unexcused absences (or tardies) may lead to truancy proceedings.

If absences exceed twenty (20) in one year, being promoted is not assured.  The school and/or school board may hold a hearing to determine if the child should be moved on to the next grade.

ATTENDANCE

All school-aged children and young adults in Indiana are required by law to attend school regularly and be on time.  Students are expected to be I school except in cases of emergency or illness.

Your child will be considered absent for 1/2 day if they attend class less than 4 hours because they arrived late or left early.

1.       If a student leaves during the school day, parents must check him/

2.       Parents are encouraged to make dental and medical appointments

after school hours.

3.       Extracurricular lessons, i.e. piano, tennis, must be scheduled before

4.       Any student at school after 3:35 pm at the Union Campus and  

3:20 pm at Getz Road (not under adult supervision) must go to

Extended Care until picked up.

CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Weekly church attendance strengthens faith and demonstrates unity of purpose in home and school.  It is expected that children will attend services regularly with their parents.  Each teacher keeps a record of every child’s worship attendance.  Families who become delinquent in this will be reminded of their responsibilities.  Special recognition is given to students for faithful worship attendance at the end of the school year.

DISCIPLINE

In matters of discipline, guidance, and counseling, your child’s teacher will help your child learn respect for authority and rights of others, adjustment of restraints and freedom, as well as self-control and self-expression.  At times it does become necessary for children to receive special guidance and correction as they develop and grow.  This school employs a discipline and student behavior policy and uses procedures of referral, conference, suspension, and expulsion.

DRESS CODE

ESM has adopted the following dress code in an effort to reflect Christian values, enable students to live in oneness without uniformity, and to promote safety, respect of self and others, and modesty.  The dress code allows students and parents to work together to make good decisions regarding student student dress.

Shirts:  Short or long sleeve polo shirts, Oxford dress shirts, turtlenecks, or ESM polo shirts in the following solid colors:  white, blue, or yellow.  Decorations or logos other than ESM are not permitted.  Polo shirts must have three or fewer buttons.  Shirts should be tucked in at the waist.  Cardigan sweaters and sweater vests may be worn over the collared shirts and must be white, blue, yellow black*, or ESM Spirit Wear. 

Pants:  Shorts, skorts, skirts, capris, or slacks in the following solid colors:  Khaki or navy.  Shorts must be at least mid-thigh in length.  Belts should be worn on all pants with belt loops.

Fridays:  Students may wear jeans or jean shorts and any approved ESM Spirit Wear.

Additional Appearance Notes:

§         ESM students may not have tattoos on any exposed part of the body.

§         Shoes must be worn at all times and must have closed heels or heel

            straps.

§         Boys may not wear earrings to school.  Girls may have no more than

             2 earrings in an ear.  No other pierced body jewelry is allowed.

§         Spandex and tight-fitting leggings are not permitted.

§         Socks and tights should be a plain color

§         Non-policy days may be permitted at the principal’s discretion.

*  Black is not  part of the dress code in 2008-2009.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS

Occasionally weather presents some problems that force the cancellation or delay of school.  All information concerning closings or delays will be relayed through our SchoolReach voicemail system and is also carried on radio and TV stations.  Announcements concerning Fort Wayne Lutheran Schools apply to our school.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES

1.       Enrollment and placement in the school will be conditioned by the child’s academic, social, and emotional behavior.

  2.   A child entering Kindergarten must reach the age of five either

        on or before August 31 of the current school year.  If a child turns five

        between June 1 and August 31, a screening appointment is made to

        determine eligibility.

3.       Regardless of religious background, the child is required to take the

prescribed courses in the curriculum and live according to the rules

and regulations of the school.

  4.   Children of nonmembers may enroll if class size warrants it.

5.   A child will not be enrolled if the motive includes a desire to avoid

previous commitments or responsibilities in another school.

6.   A child will not be enrolled if the motive includes a desire to avoid

integration with children of other races.

7.   Each nonmember child shall follow the tuition policy or make

request to the Interparish School Board to waive the cost of any amount of tuition or school fees.  All students may request financial assistance with registration, bus transportation, or other fees by

making a request to the Interparish School Board.  Forms are available from the school office.

8.   Parents of enrolled students must cooperate with the teachers and

administration of the school and accept the normal obligations attendant with school enrollment.

9.   A child must be in compliance with the student immunization laws of Allen County, Indiana.  A maximum 

      20-day waiver period will be given for a late enrollee.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

No child will be refused admission to the school on the basis of race,  national origin, sex, or color.  The school’s program of Christian education is offered to any who want a quality Christian education.

Children transferring from another school will be subject to entrance tests and must present the latest transcript of records from their previous school.  All official school records are transferred through the schools.  Students are expected to fulfill courses as required.

EXTENDED CARE SERVICES

HEALTH / SAFETY / MEDICATION

Vision testing is held for grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 8; hearing tests are done in  grades K, 1, 4, and 7; and height and weight measures are conducted for grade K – 8.  If a condition requires the attention of the family doctor, a notice is sent home with the child.  When the condition is corrected, the slip is signed by the doctor and returned to the school.

A physical exam is required for all students beginning school at ESM.  Students who participate in extracurricular sports are required to have a yearly physical exam on file in the school office.  Forms are available through the school office.

If a child is absent with a communicable disease (mumps, chicken pox, measles, etc.), parents must check with the family physician before the child can re-enter the classroom.

When a child has a fever, he/she must remain home 24 HOURS AFTER THE FEVER BREAKS WITHOUT USE OF TYLENOL OR OTHER FEVER REDUCER.

All elementary school children are required to be immunized according to the Indiana State Department of Health school immunization requirements for current school year.

MEDICATION POLICY

The purpose of administering medication in school is to help each student maintain an optimal state of health to enhance his/her educational plans. MEDICATIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN AT HOME WHENEVER POSSIBLE!  Medications given during school hours should be only those necessary to provide the student access to his educational program.  Only those medications that are necessary to maintain the child in school and MUST be given during school hours shall be administered.

The protocol for administration of medications is developed and managed by the principal and / or school nurse:

A.  Written instructions such as a medication authorization form is signed and completed by the physician and parent of the student who is to receive a prescription medication.  A medication authorization form is signed by the guardian of the student who is to receive OTC (Non-prescription) medication.

B   Medications prescribed for a student (legend drugs) are kept in  

      the original container with pharmacy label and students name 

      affixed.  The pharmacy label can serve as the written order of a

      physician.  OTC medications shall be brought in with the

      manufacturer’s original label with the ingredients listed and the 

      students name affixed to the original package.  Dosage cannot

      exceed package directions without note from physician.

C.      All medications are kept in a locked cabinet in the school health room.

D.      When a medication is to be administered at school, the students parents will be requested to advise the principal / school nurse / school secretary of the purpose of the medication, side effects, dosage, administration route, and the time.  This information is

discussed with the student and other staff assigned to administer medications.  Please see the back of the Medication Consent form for complete policy.

E.      No medication should be in the student’s possession while on  

       school property.

HOMEWORK

The challenging program at Emmanuel-St. Michael has required that some study be done at home.  This is not only necessary for accomplishing immediate goals but also a helpful habit for future education.

The amount of homework depends on the grade level, how well class- room time is utilized, and upon the ability and study habits of the child.  A good rule of thumb for homework time is 10 minutes per grade level per night.  Parents can help by providing encouragement and a quiet place to study. If assignments are consistently burdensome, the teacher will appreciate such information so the problem can be alleviated.

HOW TO BRING CONCERNS

During a school year there may be times that you wish to register a concern about a particular topic or happening.  It is important that your concerns be heard.  If you have a concern about a teacher, staff member, or other person:

1.       Speak to that individual immediately first, outlining the specifics.  Tactfully, you honestly, discuss how you feel.  Remember both of you are working towards the same goal.

2.       If, after that conference, your understanding is not complete, the principal may need to speak with you and thereby help to resolve the situation.

3.       If there is still a need for additional intervention, you may bring your concern to the Chairperson of the Personnel Committee for the School Board who will give it prompt attention.

Bring your concerns to those who can resolve them. 

PRE-REGISTRATION

A pre-registration is conducted in the spring of the year.  At this time, those pupils who are enrolled may register their intent to enroll for the next school year.  A pre-registration fee is required to substantiate the commitment for enrollment.  The fee is refundable only if the student moves from the area or is denied enrollment by the school.  This pre-registration fee is the initial payment of the school fees.

PTL - PARENT/TEACHER LEAGUE

The major contribution of the PTL to the school and our children is made through the dedication and cooperative volunteer efforts of parents.  This organization of parents and teachers is primarily concerned with bringing the home and school into a closer relationship in the areas of social, service, and fundraising activities.  Parents are urged to take an active part in this organization by volunteering and supporting services and activities throughout the school year.  The directors and officers would appreciate your questions, concerns, and any suggestions you might have to help keep the PTL an active, vital part of your school.  PTL meetings are scheduled monthly.  Notice of time and dates will be announced through the school Newsnotes.

REPORTING PUPIL PROGRESS

In an effort to keep parents informed about student progress, the  following measures are used:

1. Pupils’ showing of papers and experiences are encouraged.
2. Notes, phone calls, and conferences are frequent.
3. By the fifth week of each quarter, progress reports are sent home with the student to indicate any unsatisfactory progress.  In addition, some teachers send home weekly progress reports.
4. A report card is issued each nine weeks.
5. A parent-teacher conference is held for all students after the first quarter and select conferences are held after the second and third reporting periods.

SCHOOL HOURS

Parent and student cooperation is requested in observing the daily school

schedule.

Grades K – 2 at the Getz Road Campus

1.       Classrooms open at 8:20 a.m.

2.       Classes begin at 8:35 a.m.

3.       Classes are dismissed at 3:05 p.m.

4.       After School Care begins at 3:05 p.m.

Grades 3 – 8 at the Union Street Campus

1.       Classrooms open at 8:05 a.m.

2.       Classes begin at 8:20 a.m.

3.       Classes are dismissed at 3:20 p.m.

  4.    After School Care begins at 3:20 p.m.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

v       Our program is based on a pre-pay account.  Families must pay in advance in an account that should be kept positive.  Deposits can be made in any denomination conveniently at either campus.  Your account can be tracked through Fat Direct and with the use of your individual password you are able to check your balance.  Only by keeping accounts pre-paid are we able to properly fund our program.

v       Hot lunches are prepared daily by our cooks and available to all    children, kindergarten through grade eight.

v       Type “A” hot lunches prepared by our cooks are always well-balanced and nutritionally very sound.  The government subsidies and a high percentage of students eating hot lunches make it possible to provide a lunch for our students at a very reasonable cost.

v       Developing proper nutritional habits in this day and age is not an easy task, but not developing those habits has overwhelming consequences.  Our school is very concerned about this aspect of our student’s lives.  We know that it has an effect on their total well-being and may have an impact on their academic performance as well.

v       Students who carry lunch are encouraged to pack nutritional foods. Extra milk may be purchased.

v       Applications for free lunch and reduced lunch prices are avail- able through the school office at any time during the year.

v      A doctor’s signature is required to alter the school lunch diet as prepared by the school’s hot lunch program.  Requests may be due to allergies or other health matters of the student.

SCHOOL VISITION

Parents are encouraged to visit school frequently and actively participate in the education of their child.  We request that parents avoid conferences with the teacher during such visits but rather schedule a conference for a mutually acceptable time.  For the protection of the students, all non-students are to report to the school office upon entering the building.