Within the policies adopted by the Board, faculty are given the discretion concerning how to teach the approved curriculum most effectively.

When there is a disagreement with a teacher’s implementation of the curriculum the problem should be addressed using the following steps:

1. Schedule a meeting with the teacher to discuss the concern.
2. If the problem is not resolved the principal will work through the problem with persons involved.
3. As the final step in resolving the problem, the concern should be placed on the Board agenda.

Sexuality Education is the primary responsibility of parents. To assist parents with this responsibility, ESPL makes available a sex ed book published by Concordia Publishing House: Why Boys & Girls Are Different (K); Where Do Babies Come From (Gr. 1, 2, 3); How You Are Changing (Gr. 4, 5); Sex & The New You (Gr. 6, 7); and Love, Sex & God (Gr. 8). Parents are to purchase the appropriate book(s) from the school for use at home. However, the information contained in them will be taught by your child’s teachers as part of religion, science or health classes. A note stating when these lessons will be taught will be sent home prior to the presentation. Please notify your child(ren)’s teacher if you do not want him/her/them to be a part of the class session.

The specific areas of the curriculum for each grade level are explained in the classroom syllabus which the teachers distribute during home visits in August.

ESPL athletic teams participate in several sports programs. These programs provide for the development of sound physical education programs built on Christian principles for the students. Students in grades 5-6 are generally eligible for participation, whereas younger students may be allowed to participate in individual sports.

Criteria for participation in the athletic programs shall be established by faculty representatives and the athletic director, and distributed prior to the start of the sport season. The athletic director is responsible for the organization and supervision of the sports programs, including selection of coaches. All non-faculty coaches must have a criminal background check on file that has been completed in the last 12 months or more frequently if required by insurance carrier.

Extracurricular athletic activities offered: Boy’s – Basketball, Baseball, Co-ed Soccer, Cross Country / Girl’s – Volleyball, Basketball, Co-ed Soccer, Cross Country. Fees are collected for each extracurricular athletic activity in which a student participates in grades 5-6. {If warranted, fees would also be collected from fourth grade students participating in extracurricular athletic activities.} These fees are established at the beginning of each school year. East St. Paul Lutheran will participate in the TCLAC (Twin City Lutheran Athletic Conference) and the CAA(Catholic Athletic Association).

Children are required to attend school each day that they are able. Parents/Guardians are to report all absences by calling the school office as soon as possible. If the office is not contacted, the parent/guardian will be contacted.

• A student is marked absent for a full day if they miss four or more hours in a school day.
• A student is marked absent for a half day if they miss less than four hours in a school day.

According to Minnesota Statute 260.015, subdivision 19, a child under the age of 16 years who is absent from attendance at an elementary school without lawful excuse for seven school days, is considered a “habitual truant.” In this case, a conference will be scheduled between the parent/guardian and the school to implement a plan for better attendance. If the efforts do not result in better attendance, the school will collaborate with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, which has an established Truancy Intervention Program. The principal will inform the Board when the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office is to be contacted.

In the event of a student absence, school work must be made up and parents/guardians are responsible for supervising the completion of such work.

Tardies: Students are marked tardy if they arrive after the start of class in the morning. A signed explanation or telephone call from the parent is required if the student is more than 15 minutes late for the start of class. The teacher should report to the principal excessive tardiness. If a student is tardy more than five (5) days during a grading period, a conference will be scheduled with the parent to implement a plan to solve any problems. If these efforts do not result in acceptable attendance, the principal should refer the problem to the Board.

The principal and the faculty will develop a procedure to address behavior problems and publish the procedure in the Parent/Student Handbook.

1. Communication Steps for Behavioral Problems
   Student Behavior Problems:
   1. The teacher asks the principal for assistance in diagnosing problem.
   2. Design a plan for modifying the behavior.
   3. The teacher and the parents/guardians meet to discuss implementation of the behavior plan.
      The child may also be invited to participate.

   When a Parent/Guardian or student has a concern about discipline:

   1. Discussion with teacher.
   2. Discussion with teacher and principal.
   3. Request for concern to be an action item on school board agenda.

   When parents observe or hear about incidents at school that concern them, they should contact the teacher or principal as soon as possible.

2. Expulsion
   Expulsion from the school is the authority of the Board. The following situations will be possible reasons for expulsion:
   • persistent discipline problems
   • persistent failure to follow the Student Statement of Intent
   • sexual harassment, sexual violence, requests for sexual favors, or verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature
   • possession on school grounds of weapons or articles commonly used as weapons or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate others
   • possession or use of alcohol during school functions or on school grounds
   • possession or use of drugs during school functions or on the school grounds; examples include, but are not limited to the following: marijuana, speed, crack, over the counter stimulants, prescription drugs not specifically prescribed for that person, or the possession of paraphernalia commonly associated with drug use
   • possession or use of tobacco during school functions on school grounds.
3. Parent/Guardian Responsibility
   It is the parent’s responsibility to “train up their children in the way of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6). When a child enters school, this process becomes a shared responsibility that reinforces Christian values in the home and school.
4. Principal Responsibility
   The principal is responsible for establishing and maintaining a well disciplined environment in the school.
5. Student Responsibility
   It is each student’s God-given responsibility “to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Matthew 2:52). Students are expected to respect all people with whom they come in contact with in the school, in the church, and on the grounds, and the community at large. This includes other students, teachers, principal, pastors, office staff, custodians, volunteers, bus drivers, parents, visitors, etc. Older students are encouraged to assume responsibility for younger students by helping and setting a good example for them. Each student must learn to take responsibility for their own behavior.
   
   Students are expected to respect all property and material whether it belongs to the church, school, other students, community at large, or themselves.
   
   The Student Statement of Intent is signed each year by enrolling students and kept in the student’s file. A copy of the Student Statement of Intent is included in the Parent/Student Handbook.
6. Suspension
   Disruptive behavior by a student is analyzed and modified in the spirit of Christian relationships. When these efforts are not effective so that a student deliberately and persistently disobeys school regulations, the principal has the authority to suspend a student for a maximum of one week. The suspension should be reported to the Board immediately. Upon request of the parents, the suspension may be reviewed by the Board.
7. Teacher Responsibility
   The teacher must create a disciplined environment by setting reasonable limitations that are fair and consistent in the supervision of the classroom, hallways, playground, the community at large, and church. Procedures should be maintained in order to accomplish a positive learning environment.
   
   The Parent/Guardian Statement of Intent is signed by the parent/guardian each year to indicate their support of the school’s program. A copy of the Parent/Guardian Statement of Intent is included in the Parent/Student Handbook.

East St. Paul Lutheran School offers those subjects commonly taught at the kindergarten, elementary, and junior high levels. In keeping with the purposes of ESPL the curriculum is based upon the Word of God. The Christian religion forms the center upon which all instruction and learning is based. The curriculum and course of study is in compliance with the standards of the Minnesota State Department of Education.

The areas of learning are as follows: Religion and memory work, social studies (geography/history), language arts (reading, literature, writing, English, and spelling), science, mathematics, art, music, Minnesota history, physical education, and health education. Music is an important aspect of Christian education, thus, ESPL will offer a music program. Ideally the program will include activities such as choir, band, handbells, etc. Opportunities for performance may include Sunday worship services at member congregations, the school Christmas service, the concerts, the graduation service, and special appearances in the community.

ESPL requires that all students wear clothing that is a reflection of their Christian upbringing and that does not disrupt or distract from the educational process. Uniforms may be purchased at Donald’s located at 972 Payne Avenue. Uniforms may be purchased at other stores but MUST fit the following guidelines:

1. Clothing
   1. Pants/Slacks
      Colors: Navy and/or Khaki
      Fabric: Twill, thin strip(pinwheel) corduroy. NO knits, denims or jeans
      • fit at the waist; no low rise waistband
      • straight legs preferred
      • not frayed, ragged, torn or have holes
      • no elastic cuffs, flared bottoms, cargo or carpenter pants
      • no outside pockets or rivets
   2. Shirts
      Colors: white, red, royal blue, and navy
      • Knit polo {short or long sleeve}
      • Knit turtle necks {mock or traditional}
      • Oxford cloth shirt or blouse / color: white; Peter Pan collar is acceptable.
      • No knit shirt except polo’s
      • No logos except ESPL
   3. Sweaters & Sweatshirts
      * Colors: white, navy, royal blue
      • No zippers or hoods
      • No logos except ESPL
        * Note: A uniform shirt/turtleneck must be worn under sweater or sweatshirt.
   4. Shorts
      Colors: Navy and/or Khaki
      Fabric: Twill or corduroy(thin line pinwheel) Note: The test used for determining appropriate length of uniform short is the “fingertip” test. When one’s hands and arm are placed at ones side, the shorts being worn should be as long or longer than the fingertips.
   5. Skirts/Skorts
      Colors: Navy and/or Khaki
      Fabric: Twill or corduroy(thin line pinwheel) Note: Must pass the “fingertip” test as stated in #4.
   6. Jumper
      Colors: Navy and/or Khaki. Plaid jumper at Donald’s only. {Younger girls who wear skirts or jumpers might also want to bring shorts for gym and/or slacks for outdoor activities}.
      Fabric: Twill or corduroy(thin line pinwheel) Note: Must pass the “fingertip” test as stated in #4.
2. All clothing should be the appropriate size for the wearer.
3. All students in grades 5-8 are to have the designated P.E. uniform and shoes. Failure to dress appropriately for P.E. may result in a lower grade. Students in grades K-4 should wear tennis shoes for gym class.
4. Shoes should not present a danger to the wearer.
5. Hair should be conservatively styled, well groomed and neat. Hair may not be unusually colored.
6. Ears may be pierced but not other parts of the body. No tatoo’s.
7. No hats are to be worn in the building during the school day.
8. Coats are not to be worn in the classroom. Wear warmer clothing if the building seems cool to you.
9. Student should come to school prepared for outdoor activities by having appropriate outerwear; i.e. boots, mittens, scarves, raingear, snow pants/snow suits.
10. On casual days, students are not to wear tank tops or shirts that expose the navel.

IF THE SCHOOL FEELS THE STUDENT IS NOT WITHIN THE GUIDELINES, PARENTS WILL BE CALLED TO BRING SUITABLE CLOTHES TO SCHOOL FOR THE STUDENT

Field trips are important learning opportunities and, by definition, take place off campus. All field trips must, however, be approved by the principal. After approval, teachers are responsible for making all field trip arrangements.

Parental permission is required for each child participating in field trips, and is obtained once, at the annual registration, for all field trips during the school year. Notice will be sent home in advance of the field trip to the parents/guardians to describe the field trip activities and schedule.

A touchstone for successful education is the cooperation of home and school, and the key to such cooperation is successful communication. East St. Paul Lutheran School channels the flow of information in a variety of ways.

Assignments: In most cases, children are given opportunities to complete most of their school assignments. It is not the policy of the school to oppose all forms of homework. We believe that some homework makes a child more conscious of his/her responsibilities in his/her training. However, in cases where a child seems to bring home a large amount of homework, parents should consult with the teacher.

Bicycles: There is no objection to children riding bicycles to school. They should be parked in the appropriate areas on the school grounds and locked. Bicycles are not to be ridden on the school grounds during the school day.

Books and Supplies: Pupils are required to purchase their own religion books, such as Bibles, Bible story books, hymn books, catechisms, and supplies, such as crayons, tablets, notebook paper, pencils, erasers, and rulers. All other texts and workbooks will be furnished. A school supplies list is mailed home during the summer.

Church and Sunday School Attendance: In keeping with the program of religious training in the school, all pupils are expected to attend divine services with their parents. We encourage you and your family to participate in the Sunday school and Bible class programs offered by your church. Church and Sunday school attendance are recorded on the report cards.

Homework Guidelines: Grades K – 1 = up to 15 min. daily; Grades 2 – 4 = 15 – 45 min. daily; Grades 5 – 6 = 1 hour daily

Home Visits: Teachers call on the families of their students each year prior to the start of the new school year. These visits, which usually begin in early to mid August, allow an opportunity to discuss informally any matters of common interest regarding the child and his/her education.

Informal Reports: Questions and problems that occur between formal parent/teacher conferences should not be disregarded. Notes and telephone calls will relieve much of the concern. Parents are encouraged to consult the teacher personally whenever the situation demands. This should be done at opportune times, preferably after school hours by appointment. Just “dropping in” is discouraged since it often interferes with other teacher responsibilities.

It is important that the teacher be personally informed of any problem. If, after such contact the problem persists, the parents and teacher, together with the principal, should meet. (Parents will only harm their child and the cause of Christian education if they persist in criticizing teachers among friends and in the presence of their children. The guidelines of Matt. 18 should be followed.

Newsletters: The school publishes a weekly and/or monthly newsletter. It contains a calendar of events, important announcements and articles about classroom activities.

PTL/Boosters: The purpose of the PTL/Booster’s is to support the students, parents, and teachers of East St. Paul Lutheran School in carrying out the mission of sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This support is accomplished in a variety of programs throughout the school year. These programs include providing assistance to the teacher in the classroom, supporting the athletic program, engaging in a variety of fund raising projects, and providing opportunities for parents to develop parenting skills by offering appropriate educational programs.

The PTL/Booster’s is made up of all parents who have children enrolled in East St. Paul Lutheran School, teachers, and any congregational members who have an interest in serving their Savior as a volunteer at school. The goal of this program is to provide a structure which will enable most parents and other volunteers to be involved in school activities. Since today’s parents have very harried schedules, one of the goals of the PTL/Booster’s is to organize all of the opportunities to volunteer in such a way that a volunteer has a complete picture of his/her function at any given activity without the need for extra meetings.

A schedule of events and activities is presented each year. Specific information about each event is promoted in the school’s newsletter. Your involvement is very important and helps show your personal interest in the school’s welfare and your child’s training. When parents, teachers, and volunteers work together, the benefits for the child will be positive.

Reporting Student Progress: Reports of student progress are an essential component in the parent/guardian-teacher partnership. Official reports are provided to parents/guardians during the school year by the following methods:

1. Report cards will be sent home to the parents/guardians four times during the school year. The parent/guardian is required to sign and return the report card to the teacher after each of the first three reporting periods. In grades 1-6 a dual marking of A-B-C-D-F and numerals of 1-2-3-4-5 is used in most of our subject areas. In grades 1-4, E=Exceptional / S=Satisfactory / N=Needs Improvement may be used in some subjects.
   
   A number system is used in Kindergarten to indicate a students level of competence. Also, statements and commentaries are used in special areas. Parent-Teacher conferences are arranged to make reports more meaningful.
2. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at the conclusion of the first and third quarters. Individual conferences may be scheduled with each student’s parent/guardian at any time.

Safety Patrols: East St. Paul Lutheran School sponsors a safety program in cooperation with the local police department. School patrols will be assigned to cross students whose parents have requested this type of assistance. All pupils are expected to give full cooperation to the members of the school police patrol and must cross at designated intersections.

Student Records: A cumulative file is maintained in the school office for each student. The file contains personal and family information, records of grades, standardized test results, health information, and other information that the principal judges to be useful in planning and supervising the child’s education. The information in the file is confidential and is available to the certified staff for professional use.

Parents have the right to look at their child’s cumulative file. The principal should be present when parents examine the file. Parents/guardians who want to challenge information in the cumulative file should:

1. Present a written statement of the challenge to the principal.
2. Present the concern to the Board if it is not resolved with the principal.

Parent/guardian permission is required for releasing information in the cumulative file. In the event the student enrolls in another school, the file is transferred to that school when the new school makes a request. In addition to the cumulative file, the school maintains an emergency card and immunization card for each student.

Telephone: The school telephone system is for the use of the staff and for pupil emergencies with the permission of their teachers or office personnel. Teachers or pupils are not called to the phone during school hours except in cases of emergency. The school administrative assistant and secretaries of the churches will relay important messages at convenient times. Student use of the phone is to be restricted to emergencies.

Testing: Assessing and evaluating what students know and are able to do is important for the school, for the faculty, and for students and parents/guardians. Appropriate testing is an integral part of the instructional program in each subject of each grade and faculty members will use results to inform decision-making.

The following tests are administered each year: Kindergarten. – Metro Readiness Test; Gr. 1-6 – Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATS) are also given to 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders. The results of these tests allow the school to compare its performance and the performance of individual children to state and/or national averages. Further, this enables the school to identify strengths and weaknesses in curricular areas, programs, and/or materials, and to identify areas requiring more attention for individuals or groups. Individual results are released to parents/guardians and included in the permanent records of individual students. A written report of the results is also enclosed with the end-of-year report card. Regular efforts will be made to offer interpretive meetings for parents/guardians. The program for standardized testing shall be approved annually by the Board.

If other special testing (e.g., psychological, speech, language, learning disabilities) is deemed necessary, the teacher(s) will seek parental approval and the principal will ensure that the matter is referred to qualified specialists.

Testing related to the external gathering of data for research purposes must be approved by the principal and reported to the Board.

Visiting School: Parents are welcome to visit classes at any time. However, in the interest of orderliness, we request that anyone desiring to visit classes call the teacher one day in advance and “check in” at the office before making the visit.

Our Lutheran churches and East St. Paul Lutheran School are here to serve and help you. In order for the school to function properly and to fulfill its aims, purpose, and objectives we need the help and cooperation of each child and their parents. Therefore, in enrolling your child we anticipate your agreement with our purposes of the Christian Day School and its curriculum and program. We are all well aware that no school or any one teacher can or should compete with parents for the affections of the child or the influence upon him/her. But we believe and realize that both parent and teacher must support each other for effective results in the learning and training process. The faculty and the Board of Christian Education support your school’s philosophy and goals. We hope you can agree and give your support. If you need clarification, call your pastor or principal. The following parent code has been adopted to help establish a cooperative spirit between school and parents. Parents are asked to sign the following statement of intent when enrolling their child(ren).....

1. I/we understand that all students who attend ESPL will receive daily religious instruction based on the teachings of the Lutheran Church Mo. Synod.
2. I/we recognize the importance of the church, school and families working together to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere for children. Therefore, I/we will support and promote this atmosphere in our family by regular church attendance, participation in other programs offered by the church, and through regular contributions to the church. Families with no church affiliation are encouraged to become involved in one of the association churches.
3. I/we will provide adequate time, a quiet place, and help as needed for our child(ren) to successfully complete daily homework assignments.
4. I/we will keep communication open between home and school by speaking directly to our child(ren)’s teacher when I/we have a question about any school issue or classroom event.
5. I/we will support our child’s(ren’s) education with daily prayer and, whenever possible, by volunteering in the classroom, supporting school events, and possibly working with the after school sports program.
6. I/we will pay our tuition in a timely manner as established by school policy.
7. I/we understand that if an area of conflict or concern arises between home and school, I/we will first speak directly to the group or person(s) involved. If it is not resolved, I/we will go to the principal. If there is still no solution, a meeting with the Joint School Board(JSB) will be arranged.
8. I/we understand that students found to be out of harmony with East St. Paul Lutheran’s expectations and ideals may be invited to withdraw.

ESPL will follow Minnesota law that requires schools to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide applications and to make the schedule available to parents/guardians for review or copying at each school office. Parents/Guardians are told that the long-term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong, may not be fully understood.

The school provides a notice concerning pesticide applications in its official school handbook each year. Parents/Guardians may request the school to notify them before every pesticide application is made. A copy of notifications will be kept for a least six years in a manner available to the public.

Teachers have the authority to make decisions on student promotion or retention at the conclusion of each school year. Each decision should be based on the student’s progress during the past year and the ability to participate in the next grade.

If a parent disagrees with the teacher’s decision to promote or retain a student, the following steps will be taken:

• The teacher conferences with the parents/guardians and the principal is informed.
• If the teacher and parents/guardians still do not agree, a conference will be scheduled with the principal. If an agreement is not reached, an appeal of the teacher’s decision can be made to the Board.

Promotion to the next grade may be permitted if a student demonstrates subject matter competency by scoring at grade level or at the 40th percentile on a standardized achievement test.

Guidelines for retention
Failing three of the following core subjects: Religion, Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science; or failing one or two of the above core subjects and poor performance in other core subjects; or any absenteeism of twenty-one (21) or more days during the school year.

If a child becomes ill while at school, or must for some reason be excused, the teacher or secretary will phone the parents asking that transportation be provided to take the child home. Emergency cases will handled according to directions on the emergency forms filled out by parents prior to the start of each school year.

The safety of the students is the responsibility of the school staff in the building(s) on the school grounds, and during trips away from school. The staff will instruct students about safety and provide adequate supervision.

The principal or designee conducts fire and tornado emergency drills regularly and in compliance with state regulations.

When the temperature and/or wind chill is below zero, students remain indoors during break times. Temperature and wind chill are determined by calling the local weather service.

Teachers will refer to the Heat Index chart to help exercise proper precaution when the weather is unusually warm.

Communicable Diseases
Public concern that children of ESPL be able to attend the school without being infected with serious communicable diseases, such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex (HSV), and HSV related diseases such as Chickenpox, Shingles, and Infectious Mononucleosis, requires that the Board adopt procedures effectively responding to these health concerns while respecting the rights of all students and employees, including those who are so infected.

Data Primary Concerns
Public concern regarding communicable diseases is neither an excuse nor defense for the violation of data privacy rights of students or employees who have or are rumored to have such illnesses.

Health data regarding students is private data (MN Statute 13.32, Subdivision 2), and is not to be disseminated to the public or the staff without the strict observation of data privacy rights. Release of information about students with communicable diseases shall be subject to current state law.

Emergency Medical Treatment
When medical treatment is urgent, the emergency ambulance (911) will be called. A file with Emergency Information for each student, will be kept in the school building. The card will contain the name of the family doctor and the phone numbers for contacting parents/guardians and other designated persons in an emergency.

Employees
Employees with communicable diseases may not be excluded from attending to their customary employment so long as they are physically able to perform tasks assigned to them and so long as their employment does not create a substantial risk of the transmission of illness to children or employees of the school.

First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Members of the school staff shall be trained to administer basic first aid and CPR. A parent/guardian will be notified immediately when a student is injured or becomes ill. Records will be kept of all injuries.

Medication
Medication taken at school must be properly monitored. Members of the school staff shall never dispense medication, including over the counter medications, without the signed instructions of the parents/guardians. Prescribed medication shall be properly labeled.

Procedures
The following procedure is based upon guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Education and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

In all cases in which the principal becomes aware that a student or employee of the school has contracted one of the diseases listed above, the principal will take the following steps:

1. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child, or in the case of an employee, the employee or his family, will be contacted in order to discuss the situation and determine whatever facts are available.
2. Upon receiving written consent form the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student or, in the case of an employee, the employee or his family, the principal will confer with the treating physician, if any, in order to determine any significant medical facts concerning the diagnosis of the disease or factors affecting the possible transmission of the disease.
3. Advise local, county, and state public health authorities of all situations.
4. Notify the school nurse.

Special Circumstances and Conditions
The Board recognizes that some children, because of age or handicapping conditions, and some employees, because of special conditions, may pose greater risks for the transmission of communicable diseases than other persons infected with the same illness. Examples include children who display biting behavior and students and employee who are unable to control their bodily fluids or have uncovered oozing wounds. These conditions need to be taken into account and considered in assessing the risk of transmission of the disease and the resulting effect upon the educational program of the student or employment of the employee.

Staff and Student Education
The Board recognizes that the education of its residents, staff, and students regarding the risks involved in the spread of infectious disease in the school setting will help to minimize the risk of transmission to other students and employees while protecting the rights of infected students and employees.

1. All school employees will receive instruction regarding this policy, appropriate hygienic practices for use in all school settings, precautions to be employed where contagious diseases may be encountered, and community resources for referral and information. Periodic updates will be provided through in-service or memoranda.
2. Students will receive appropriate instruction in health, including age-appropriate information about communicable diseases.

Students with communicable diseases may not be excluded from attending school in their regular classrooms so long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of the transmission of illness to children or employees of the school.

Announcements of school closing due to inclement weather, poor road conditions, or other emergencies will be made over WCCO, 830 AM radio. Such announcements will be made as soon as the decision to close has been made. Closings due to inclement weather or poor road conditions will generally be made between 5:30 & 6:30 A.M. Listen to the radio - do not phone the principal or teachers.

In addition to the formal study of religion the children participate in daily room devotions. Every Wednesday morning all pupils assemble in church for the weekly chapel service. This service is planned as a children’s service and here we endeavor to teach proper church decorum, Christian stewardship, and acquaint the children with the various forms of liturgy used by the Lutheran Church. Parents and friends of the children are also invited to attend. Offerings are collected during these services and are used to support various charities and missions.

Classes begin daily at 9:15AM and are dismissed at 3:45PM. One-half day Kindergarten hours are from 9:15AM to 12:30PM daily. Any schedule changes will be published in the newsletter. It is important that pupils arrive in time to get ready for the opening of classes, however, students should not arrive more than 15 minutes before school begins unless special arrangements have been made with the principal. If students arrive earlier than 15 minutes before class, they are to proceed to the Extend-A-Day (EAD) facility at that site, if available. Students must remain on the school grounds once they arrive.

Students are expected to leave the school grounds within 15 minutes of class dismissal. If it is justified for students to remain until a later departure, students must remain in areas of the school property designated by the principal until their departure time. Students who need to remain at school for longer periods of time will be placed in EAD and the family will be charged accordingly. Students who remain on school grounds for the purpose of athletic practice are the responsibility of the coach. Such students must remain in the areas of the school property designated by the coach and are subject to the coach’s discipline procedures in accordance with school policies.

Detention of Pupils: Students who are detained after school must be properly supervised. If a student is prevented from riding the bus or other form of transportation, the parent/guardian is responsible for arranging transportation. Parents shall be informed by the teacher when the departure time is delayed.

Leaving School Grounds: Pupils who need to leave the school grounds during any time of the school day must have written permission from their parents as well as the permission of the respective classroom teacher.

Each year students at ESPL are asked to sign a Student Code. By signing this code the student accepts his God-given responsibility “to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). The content of the code is as follows...

• I want to attend ESPL to receive a Christ-centered education.
• I will work hard each day to develop my God-given talents to the best of my ability.
• With the help of God:
  1. I will show that Jesus is a part of my life by being responsible for actions which show love toward others.
  2. I will treat others with love, kindness, patience, and in a spirit of forgiveness.
  3. I will show respect to a teacher, coach or any adult by listening carefully and following their instructions.
  4. I will keep my hands, arms, feet, and legs to myself.
  5. I will treat others with respect by calling them by their given name. I will not make fun of or put down fellow students or adults.
  6. I will dress according to the school dress code.

I understand that if I do not follow these expectations I may be invited to withdraw or not be eligible to be enrolled the following year.

Extend-A-Day/Child Care
Before and after school care is available at two (2) sites to students who attend ESPL.

• Bethlehem: Joy-Preschool and ChildCare, 655 Forest Street. For more information contact: Carol Fink, Director – 651.776.4737. Busing is available to E.H. from this location.
• Eastern Heights: Sonshine Kids Extend-A-Day & Pre-school & Child Care, 616 Ruth Street. For more information contact: Michele Emmons, Director – 651.501.5946.

Lunch
Students bring a cold lunch. On occasion, special lunches will be made available for students to order. Prior notification will be sent home.

Milk
(20 milks per ticket = $7.00). Please note: As directed by the Joint School Board, milk tickets will not be carried over from year to year and credited to your account. Be sure to track the milks you use so you will make use of all of your purchased tickets.

Bus transportation to and from school is available through the St. Paul Public Schools for students who reside in the designated busing areas. Busing is available only on days when the St. Paul Public Schools are in session. Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from school when the St. Paul Public Schools are not in session.

The St. Paul Public School district may dismiss classes early because of changing weather conditions that my result in hazardous driving conditions. When notified of such a decision, the principal or principal designee shall announce the early dismissal on the designated local radio station.

All students must be transported by bus when taking field trips during the school day that require transportation. A bus is not required for walking field trips.

Transportation to after school athletic events will be arranged by the parents/guardians of students participating in the events.

Each year students receive bus safety training.

Bus Rules:
Be on time to the bus stop. Stay back from the curb so that you will not accidentally slip and fall into the street or in the path of a passing motorist. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop - do not push or crowd in entering. Take a seat promptly. Stay seated. Do not move around! When it is time to leave the bus, stay seated until the bus has completely stopped. Do not push or crowd to get off.

On the bus...

• student may not be dropped off at any other stop except at the one to which he/she has been assigned.
• follow the instructions of the driver, teacher or school officer promptly and courteously.
• keep the things you carry on your lap not under the seat or in the aisle.
• ask the driver where to place bulky things like large musical instruments which you can’t hold on your lap. Respect all things belonging to others.
• first aid kits, flares, emergency doors are for emergency use. Children should never handle any of the bus equipment.
• the school or individuals may be charged for damage to the bus or excessive litter. Don’t abuse your bus.
• fighting, abusive language, spitting, teasing, wrestling, throwing objects or “horse play” cannot be tolerated.
• for everyone’s safety, do not bring sharp objects such as knives or sharp toys on the bus. Skates must have guards or protective covers.
• opening, closing or adjusting of windows will be done only at the direction of the bus driver or aide. Never put your head, arms or feet(or any object) out of the window.
• animals or pets are never to be brought on the bus.
• we ask our parents to impress upon their children the need and importance of complying with rules while using the bus for the sake of their health and safety.
• do not eat or drink on the school bus.

**Failure of compliance with regulations may result in the omission of a stop or pick-up.

Tuition is charged for all pupils. Member families are encouraged to make a sincere effort to help meet the expenses of operating the school through regular contributions to their church, and as the Lord has blessed them.

Whenever the tuition fee creates a hardship on a family, a request for financial assistance should be made in writing to the Scholarship Committee of the Joint School Board. Application forms are available for such requests. Association churches may also assist families through the Adopt-A-Student fund. Parents may make inquiries through the church where they are a member.

Registration Fee: Refer to Admission and Enrollment

Tuition SMART Tuition Management Services will handle collecting monthly tuition for the school:

• Payments may be spread over ten (10) months from August 15 - May 15 of each school year.
• Payments may be spread over twelve (12) months July 15 - June 15 of each school year.

The following options are payable directly to ESPL:

• A 5% discount is given for all accounts paid in full before the first day of school.
• A 3% discount is given for families wishing to make two equal payments. First payment is due before the first day of school and the second payment is due January 31st.

2006/2007 Tuition Rates
Kindergarten: Member / Affiliate / Non-Member: $990 full day / ½ day - $693
Grades 1-6: Member - $2,990 / Affiliate - $3,090 / Non-Member - $3,590

2006/2007 Tuition Rates for 3 or more children

Delinquent Tuition
It is the policy of East St. Paul Lutheran School Association that all families are current with tuition and fee accounts. If any family accounts are in arrears at the beginning of a new school year, the child cannot be re-enrolled until the previous year’s balance is paid. The ESPL Joint School Board will make every reasonable effort to collect delinquent funds and keep accounts current.

All families will be informed of delinquent accounts within thirty(30) days of becoming delinquent via a letter from SMART and a phone call. Families who are fifty(50) days delinquent in making tuition payments will receive a second written notice from SMART and a phone call. A late fee, as determined by the Finance Committee, is assessed by SMART.

If prompt payment cannot be made, the Finance Committee may arrange an alternate plan with the parents for delayed payment of tuition and registration fees.