Master's Memo (PDF)
Registration
Preschool
School
Staff
PTL
School
History
Handbook
Mission
Statements
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL, MAYER, MINNESOTA
SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Dear Parents and Friends of Zion Lutheran School:
The following handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL and our philosophy of Christian Education. Through this means we hope to acquaint you with our program so that you might understand the aims, policies, practices, and regulations of our school.
We are dedicated to the development of each individual as a redeemed child of God. Your child's total growth is best served by home and school working closely together. This is, of course, dependent upon communication between home and school. These pages are an attempt to establish that communication between us as we jointly work toward the Christian development of your children. Please feel free to call upon the teachers or the principal at any time so that we may keep these communications open.
May God grant His richest blessings to all of us and lead us to the understanding that we are not alone in our efforts. We pray that parents and staff may join in spirit and in cooperation for the full edification of the children that the Lord has entrusted to us.
INDEX FOR POLICIES AND INFORMATION
Absences
Achievement/Ability
Testing
Admission Policy
AIDS Policy
Chapel
Child Abuse
Policy
Church &
Sunday School Attendance
Classwork -
Incompletes
Curriculum
Desk Vandalism
Discipline
Behavior
Ticket
Ladder
Steps
Severe Clause
Failure to Respond
Due Process
- Parent
Extra - Curricular
Activities
Field Trips
Gift Giving
Health
Holiday Observances
Honor Roll
Hot Lunches
Insurance
Invitations
Kindergarten
Lost & Found
Master's Memo
Merit Roll
Parent - Teacher
League (PTL)
Personal Appearance
& School Dress
Pre-School
Registration
& Tuition
Report Cards
& Parent-Teacher Conf.
Rules - General
Before &
After School
Restrooms
Chapel
Classroom
Playground
Lunchroom
Halls
Recess/Gym
School Closings
School Day (before,
during, after)
School Liability
Sexual Harassment
Substance Abuse
Tardy
Telephone Usage
Textbooks
Transportation/Bus policy
Visitors
Zion Church and School Office - 952-657-2339
(Please leave a message on the machine if you do not contact
someone directly)
PASTORS
Senior Pastor Rev. Lucas Woodford - Office 952-657-2566
Associate Pastor Rev. Adam Gless - Office 952-657-256
STAFF
Mrs. Debra Kelzer, Principal - 952-657-2316
Mr. Kirk Shipler, Grades 7 & 8 - 320-395-8462
Mrs. Shannon Aurich, Grades 5 & 6 - 952-442-5540
Mrs. Nancy Schwanke, Grades 3 & 4 - 320-395-2029
Mrs. Tracy Shipler, Grades 1 & 2 - 320-395-8462
Mrs. Lee Evans, Kindergarten, Pre-School - 952-472-2151
OFFICE
Secretary - Mrs. Marlene Jopp - 320-587-4852
Office Assistant - Mrs. Kris Thomas - 320-395-8341
BOARD FOR SCHOOL MINISTRY
Mrs. Barb Argabright - 952-473-0669
Mrs. Brenda Bentz, secretary - 612-986-2705
Mr. Jeremy Hoese - 952-657-2846
Mrs. Darlene Siegel - 952-657-2512
Mr. Todd Thomas, chairman - 320-395-8341
Mr. Ken Olson - 952-657-1024
COOK
Mrs. Joanne Hartwig - 952-657-2354
JANITOR
Mr. Burt Linquist - 952-472-4064
Zion Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other administered programs.
The registration and tuition fee for the current school year for grades Pre-K - 8 is following:
Pre-Kindergarten:
3yr. - $55.00 per month
4yr. - $60.00 per month
Kindergarten:
Member: $1,000 per year
Non-member: $1,170 per year
Grades 1 - 8:
Member: $1,650 per year for the first child, $1,625 for each child thereafter.
Non-member: $1,950 per year
Membership at Zion: To be a "member" with regard to Zion Lutheran School (tuition) means that one or both parents and children are members of Zion Lutheran Church. You may become a member of Zion by transferring your membership to Zion from another congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). If you are not a member of an LCMS congregation, and wish to become a member of Zion, please contact the Pastor. Membership classes are offered several times a year by the Pastor, usually beginning in September and after the new year.
Arrangements for payment can be made at the school office. The opportunity for Christian Education, however, will not be denied anyone who is financially unable to pay tuition or registration. A Student Aid Fund exists for families needing assistance with tuition or registration. Requests for more information or financial assistance should be directed to the principal. *Student Aid Fund applications are due in the school office by October 1.
Tuition: Non-Payments
The child does not return to
school when:
• The parent has chosen the 10/12 month payment plan and is behind by two months tuition payment.
• Tuition is not paid in full by August 15 from the previous school year.
There will be no transferring of records to another school until
all tuition is paid in full.
Families who are in need and want special consideration, need to bring it to the Board for School Ministry's attention. A decision will be made at the discretion of the Board for School Ministry and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Most classrooms are maintained chiefly on a self-contained basis with enrichment by teachers of specialized areas. This affords the teacher the greatest opportunity to interact individually with each child. This allows the child a better opportunity to achieve his/her own potential.
In addition to the common subjects taught in our school the children are taught to know their Lord and to respond to Him in a life of Christian obedience.
In addition to our regular curriculum, Zion offers a Unique Learners program in which identified students are offered one-on-one or small group remediation and/or enrichment.
All children regardless of religious background will take the required courses in the curriculum and live according to the rules and regulations of the school.
In compliance with State law our teachers are certified by the State of Minnesota - Department of Children, Families, and Learning.
Your school faculty and Board for School Ministry are striving constantly to secure and employ the most efficient methods and materials that are available.
Before School: The school day begins at 8:20 A.M. The children should arrive at school after 8:00 A.M. Upon arrival at school the children are to stay in the school building.
During the Day: No student may leave the school grounds during the school day. Exceptions to this are illness, an emergency, or by pre-arrangement with the classroom teacher.
After School: School dismisses at 2:40 in the afternoon. All children are to leave the school grounds immediately after dismissal of the supervising teacher. Children riding the buses are to wait in the school for the buses and then are to board them in an orderly manner. Those children riding a bicycle to school are to walk their bicycle off the school grounds.
Classes for the 3 year-old program are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Children entering the 3 year-old program should be toilet trained. Classes for the 4 year-old program are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00 - 2:30 PM. Children entering these classes should be the appropriate age for the class by September 1.
Kindergarten classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:20 - 2:40. All children who will be five years old before September 1st are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten.
The Boad for School Ministry believes that regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student. The purpose of this policy is to encourage regular school attendance, and also to be positive and not punitive.
It is the responsibility of the student's parent/guardian to ensure the student is attending school, to inform the school in the event of a student absence, and to work cooperatively with the school and the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.
If a parent does not inform the school either by a phone call or note about the student's absence, the school will call a parent before noon that day to understand the student's absence.
Students whose absences are excused are required to make up all assignments missed or to complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. Work missed because of absence must be made up within reason from the date of the student's return to school based on teacher discretion. Any work not completed within this period shall result in"no credit" for the missed assignment. It is the student's responsibility to request any missed assignments due to an absence.
Excused absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family death or emergency, medical/dental appointments, and pre-arranged family business or vacation.
Students with unexcused absences shall be subject to school specific discipline consequences.
Zion's attendance policy (#2104) can be found, in its entirety, in the School's Policy Manual located in the school office.
Tardiness should be avoided. A tardy consists of the student entering the building up to 1 full hour after school has officially begun. After the third tardy in a quarter, the parent(s) will be notified. (Students are not marked tardy when buses are late.) The only tardy that is an exception to this is a medical excuse tardy signed by a parent.
Personal Appearance and School Dress
Our approach to our personal appearance is reflected in the neatness and appropriateness of our dress. As Christian people we reflect our Christian ideals in all areas of living. We therefore, take pride in our personal appearance. We take pride in the clothes we wear and in the manner in which they are worn. Zion Lutheran School expects that its boys and girls present themselves in a manner that reflects Christian ideals and practice. We ask that all parents and children use "Christian Common Sense" in the selection of their clothes and the manner in which they are worn.
In keeping with our Christian philosophy and values, some types of wearing apparel are acceptable while some are not. As a guide to those who wonder, the following are considered unacceptable for school dress: bare-midriff, halter tops, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, see-through mesh shirts, T-shirts with offensive or suggestive pictures and/or messages, any wearing apparel advertising any alcohol or tobacco product, buttons with pictures or slogans that are offensive, suggestive, or distracting. Shorts may be worn anytime during the school year, but all shorts and skirts should measure 4 inches from the floor when kneeling. There should be no make-up for girls younger than the 7th grade.
If the appearance and/or dress of the student is inappropriate, in the judgment of the school personnel, the student will be asked to change and the parent contacted.
Policy #1400 states: When a parent has a grievance against a member of the faculty, staff, or board the parent is encouraged to follow the Matthew 18 procedure. The parent will be directed to first voice the grievance in person to the individual in question.
If after a personal conference, the parent feels the problem has not been resolved, the parent can present the matter in writing to the principal in a private conference.
If, after following the first two steps, the matter still cannot be resolved, the matter can be presented in writing to the Chairman of the Board for School Ministry.
Zion Lutheran School provides each child enrolled at the school the opportunity to receive a Christian education. No child has the right to interfere with this opportunity. Therefore, each child enrolled in Zion Lutheran School is expected to lead a Christian life in the classroom, outside the classroom, on the playground, and at any event where Zion Lutheran School is represented regardless of location. Consequently, the Board for School Ministry holds its faculty responsible for good discipline in all areas of school life. The Board has entrusted discipline of the children into the hands of the teachers and the principal. The teachers are given full authority to take any appropriate action necessary to maintain high Christian standards of conduct at all times.
Any problems in the area of discipline should be taken up, first with the teacher, then the principal, and if necessary, with the Board for School Ministry.
1. No swearing.
2. No gum chewing.
3. Dangerous objects, toys, radios, CD players, cell phones, trading cards, electronic games, or any kind of balls from home are not to be brought to school. (Occasionally the lower grade children may bring things for show and tell.)
4. Fighting, pushing, shoving, wrestling is not permitted.
5. Children are to treat each other with respect and kindness at all times.
6. No use of foul language in verbal or written form.
7. Remove hats when entering the building.
8. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
9. All homework is expected to be complete and on time in all classrooms.
1. Follow directions the first time they are given by any teacher.
2. The time from the arrival at school until the beginning of the school day is to be spent in quiet preparation for the school day.
3. All school rules concerning the use of equipment apply before and after school.
4. After 8:00 a.m., go directly to the classroom.
5. Only those with special permission from the principal may arrive before 8:00 AM, and they will wait in a designated area.
6. At the close of the school day, children are to leave the building and the grounds immediately. Exceptions include waiting for transportation, serving detentions, or participating in an authorized school program.
1. Climbing, jumping, or swinging, is not permitted.
2. Rest rooms are not a place to loiter.
3. Keep rest rooms clean. There is to be no littering or anything done that requires additional cleanup.
4. Paper towels are to remain in the rest room unless permission has been given to take them out.
5. Use a quiet voice in the rest rooms.
1. WALK on the sidewalk to and from chapel.
2. Stay with your chapel family.
3. Enter the church quietly to prepare for worship.
4. Remove hats and coats before
worship.
RULES IN THE CLASSROOMS
1. Report on time and be prepared.
2. Raise hand for permission to speak.
3. Remain in your seat unless you have permission to move about the room.
4. Have pencils properly sharpened at the designated times.
5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
6. Each room will have its own special set of classroom rules.
7. There will be no physical contact with another student or teacher at any time.
1. No one leaves the playground without permission.
2. Throwing of dirt, rocks, sticks, snow, ice, gravel, etc., is not permitted.
3. Baseballs, golf balls, or any hard balls are not permitted.
4. Children are to show Christian sportsmanship at all times.
5. Safety precautions must be observed at all times, while playground equipment is being used. Students are to be seated while swinging. Twisting of the swings or jumping from the swings is not allowed.
6. There is to be no playing on or in the area of the bicycle rack.
7. Notes from parents are required if a student must stay in the building at recess, break, or physical education times.
1. Observe good table manners at all times.
2. No food is to be thrown at any time.
3. Dispose of your own litter. Keep the tables and floor clean for the next group.
4. Speak in a low voice.
5. You are to eat all, or just about all of your lunch. Teacher discretion will decide if you have eaten enough.
6. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
7. Walk in the lunchroom and sit while eating.
8. Eat the food on your own plate and there is NO sharing of food with others.
1. Running, jumping, sliding, pushing, shoving, or passing others is not allowed.
2. Move through the halls quietly, on the right side of the halls and stairways without touching the wall. Stay a safe distance from closed doors. No talking in the halls when classes are in session.
3. Do not touch the walls, the doors, or items displayed in the halls.
4. Water fountains are to be used for drinking only.
5. Line up to get a drink from a water fountain in the designated manner.
1. No kicking of balls, unless it is a programmed activity.
2. No hanging on the rim.
3. Use equipment for intended use only.
4. Scooters are limited to grades Pre-K - 4.
Disciplinary
Actions
Behavior Ticket System for Grades 5-8 (Classroom)
If the student is issued a behavior ticket by an adult, this will serve as a warning. After the second ticket, the parents will be notified in writing that their child has been given two behavior tickets and that only one behavior ticket is left. Upon receiving the third ticket, the student will then serve a one-hour, after school detention. This will continue in the same manner over the course of the school year. At the end of each month, the student's record will be wiped clean and the student has a chance for a fresh start.
Discipline Ladder for Students Sent to the Principal
Our goal at Zion Lutheran School is to help students understand how to manage themselves. Our purpose of student management is three-fold. First, and foremost is to live a Christian life with respect to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Secondly, to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. And finally, our discipline ladder is intended to be instructive and protective rather than punitive. Zion Lutheran School's code of discipline is expressed in the following Discipline Ladder and Step Responses:
| Zion Lutheran School Discipline Ladder | ||
| MINOR INFRACTIONS STEPS 1-3 |
MODERATE INFRACTIONS STEPS 4-7 |
MAJOR INFRACTIONS STEPS 8-11 |
| Tardiness Littering In-appropriate dress Use of electronic equipment Like or similar behaviors as determined by the supervising adult |
Threatening Like or similar behaviors as determined by the supervising adult |
Possession or use of alcohol,
tobacco, or other drugs Like or similar behaviors as determined by the supervising adult |
| *Any student giving harassment and/or disrespectful behavior towards any supervising adult will automatically serve two after school detentions. The parents will be notified by the principal. (Harassment includes verbal comments, physical actions, etc.) | ||
Step Responses to Discipline Infractions
Administrative discipline interventions are listed below by steps. The first step is intended to be the least severe, progressing to the most severe at step 11. Our goal is to correct behavior, not to seek retribution. Therefore, the application of step responses will begin at the lowest step consistent with the category of infraction (see the Discipline Ladder) and will progress up-step only so far as it is necessary to correct student behavior.
Step 1
A note will be sent home with the student from the principal.
The principal will retain one copy and give one to the office
for filing. The student will miss one recess for each note sent
home.
Step 2
The student will be sent to the principal for a conference. The
incident will be recorded and a phone contact with the parent
will be made. The student may be held in the office for a period
of time determined by the principal.
Step 3
One after-school detention will be assigned. Parents will be
notified. No participation in extra curricular activities for
that day. A detention sheet will be completed by the student
and turned in to the principal before leaving detention.
Step 4
Two after-school detentions will be assigned. Parents will be
notified. No participation in extra curricular activities for
those days. A detention sheet will be completed for those two
days and turned in to the principal before leaving detention.
Step 5
One half-day in-school-suspension will be assigned. Parents will
be notified. No participation in extra curricular activities
for that day. A suspension sheet will be completed by the student
and handed in to the principal before leaving the suspension.
Step 6
One day of in-school-suspension will be assigned. Parents will
be notified. No participation in extra curricular activities
for that day. A suspension sheet will be completed by the student
and handed in to the principal before leaving the suspension.
Step 7
Two days of in-school-suspension will be assigned. Parents will
be notified. No participation in extra curricular activities
for those days. Two suspension learning sheets will be completed
and handed in to the principal before leaving the suspension.
A parent conference will need to occur before the student is
admitted to the class.
Step 8
One day out-of-school suspension will be assigned. Parents will
be asked to pick the child up and transport him/her home. If
the parent cannot come, the child will be held in-school-suspension
for the remainder of that day and suspended out-of-school the
following day. Re-admittance to class after the suspension will
be on the basis of a parent conference and behavior contract
agreed to by the student and parent.
Step 9
A two-day out-of-school suspension will be assigned. All other
actions detailed in Step 8 will apply.
Step 10
A five-day out-of-school suspension will be assigned. All other
actions detailed in Step 8 will apply.
Step 11
An action for a student expulsion from school will be initiated
with the Board for School Ministry.
Note:
Student behavior that is not just against school rules but constitutes
a violation of law, will be reported to the policing authorities.
Parents also have the right to be the complainants in a legal
action against the illegal behavior of a student.
Severe
Clause
If a student severely disrupts a classroom or causes a harmful or life threatening situation, the parents will be called immediately to come and take the student home.
If a student's behavior shows a consistent failure to respond to disciplinary consequences, a meeting will be held with the student, teacher, principal, parents, pastor, and Board for School Ministry in attendance.
Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Conferences
A written report of your child's work is given every nine weeks. The purpose of this report is to inform you of your child's progress in all areas of their spiritual, mental, and social growth. A mid-quarter report will be sent home for grades 1-8. If any outstanding balance, such as tuition, lunch/milk tickets, missing library books or textbooks, etc., is not paid in full by May 31, that student's report card will be held until the balance is paid in full.
A conference will be held with parents twice a year, at the end of the first quarter and after the third mid-quarter to personally discuss the student's progress. These conferences will be set up by appointment. Parents are also welcome to meet with their child's teacher at other times during the year.
The challenging program at Zion Lutheran has always required that some study be done at home. This is not only necessary for accomplishing our immediate goals, but also a helpful habit for future education, which is becoming more and more demanding.
The amount of homework depends on the grade level and upon the ability and study habits of the child. Parents can help by providing encouragement and a quiet place for study. Parents are encouraged to help, but not do the assignment for their child.
If your child is unable to complete his/her assignments because of a valid reason, kindly send an explanatory note so he/she may make up the work at a later date. If assignments are consistently burdensome, the teacher will appreciate such information so the problem may be alleviated. All assignments are to be completed by the end of the quarter. If the assignment is incomplete, the grade for that assignment is a zero.
Parents are always welcome. If you plan to visit a classroom while it is in session, please notify the teacher (or teachers) the day prior to your visit. It is suggested that there be no visiting during the first two and last two weeks of the school year. All prospective student visitors are welcome if they plan on attending Zion in the future. Arrangements needs to be made with the principal prior to their visit. Other students visiting will not be permissible.
All parents of children enrolled in Zion Lutheran School are members of the Parent-Teacher League. A separate booklet will be available from the Parent-Teacher League explaining their program in greater detail. As parents, you want the best for your children. By your direct support of the Parent-Teacher League, you will benefit your children.
All textbooks are furnished to the pupils. Their cost is covered by registration and tuition fees except for Bibles, hymnals, catechisms, and some other religion texts.
Textbooks are kept current so that our students will receive the benefit of the most recent educational research being done. Keeping current textbooks available is an expensive endeavor. For this reason each child is expected to treat each book with respect and return it at the end of the year with only the normal wear and tear of a year's use. All textbooks and materials are carefully checked at the beginning and end of the school year.
For books that can no longer be used, the student will be assessed the price of a new book. If a book shows excessive wear, more than normal, a $5.00 damage charge (or more if damage is severe) will be assessed. These charges must be paid before report cards are issued at the end of the year.
The telephone at school serves both the church and school office. Pupils may use the phone only in cases of an absolute necessity. (Absolute necessity will be interpreted as a situation which could not effectively be handled after a child returns home or a problem which could not have been effectively handled prior to the student's arrival to school.)
Worship services for students and faculty are held each Wednesday at 8:40 A.M. These services are not intended to replace Sunday services, but to supplement them.
Services are led by the pastor, another area pastor, or one of the teachers. Parents are invited and encouraged to join us in our weekly service. Our offerings are given to continue spreading God's Word to people here in Mayer and to those all over the world. The offerings are designated for a different mission project each quarter.
Church and Sunday School Attendance
Children at Zion have been taught that regularity in worship at the House of God is vitally important. Parents do their children an injustice when they do not set the pattern according to this principle. Children will soon begin to wonder whether church is as important as pastor or teacher maintains. The Bible itself maintains, "He that is of God hears God's Word."
Attendance will be taken for all church services held at Zion. This includes Advent, Lent, and all other special services. Attendance also will be taken for Sunday School. Some parents feel Sunday School is unnecessary because of their child's attendance at our Christian day school. God's Word encourages us to make use of every opportunity to hear and learn it.
Custody Notification
Unless a court order restricting contact by a parent is on file at the school, the school staff cannot be responsible for keeping a child from the parent.
Lunches are served in accordance
with the government school lunch program. Children are asked
to show proper table manners while eating and are encouraged
to eat all their food. Milk and lunch ticket prices are as follows:
Grades 1-8:
20 lunches $40.00
20 milks $5.00 (used for milk break)
One milk is included with a school lunch for all grades. Kindergarten milk is subsidized by the government, however, kindergartners do need to purchase milk when they bring their own bag lunch (25 cents each, or you can purchase a ticket). A note will be sent home with your child when he/she needs to bring money for a lunch and/or a milk ticket. Adult meals are $2.80 each.
Students and parents are asked to listen to television channels 4, 5, 9, or 11 for information about school closings. Closings will be listed under "Zion Lutheran School," However, if there is a late start, Zion is included with Watertown-Mayer Public Schools. If there is a late start, morning session of pre-school will be canceled.
Each year there is a large accumulation of lost and found items. These items are kept in the office. Much of this can be prevented by labeling garments, gloves, boots, etc. Losses should be reported to the teacher immediately. Any items not claimed by the end of the year will be turned over to a worthy cause.
Field trips are considered part of the curriculum of the school because they contribute directly to the teaching of the child. In all cases, children are prepared for field trips in advance. A written explanation of the event will be sent home before the date of the trip. The return of a signed permission form is required before the child may go on the field trip. (Students will be counted as absent if they fail to attend.) No CD players, or electronic games or equipment on field trips. (Please refer to rule #3 under General Rules)
Teachers will administer first aid when necessary. By state law, teachers are not permitted to administer medicines or drugs of any sort. When a child receives a serious injury or is feeling quite ill, the parents will be notified immediately and are expected to come for their child as soon as possible. If your child has a contagious condition that's being medically treated, please notify the school before sending your child. *If your child has thrown-up, had diarrhea, or is feverish within the past 24 hours, please do not send them to school.
Accident insurance is provided for all students as a supplement to your own insurance policy. Coverage includes to and from school and for any school sponsored activity. Accident report forms will be completed and kept on file.
Zion Lutheran School offers team sports for students in grades 5-8. Students are encouraged to participate in these extra-curricular activities:
• To participate in a team effort.
• To develop an attitude of self-improvement.
• To use and enhance God-given talents.
• To develop a sense of sportsmanship and self-control.
• To enhance skills related to personal recreational enjoyment and fitness.
It is strongly encouraged for students in grades 7-8 to get a physical before beginning athletics. Physical forms are available and a good for three years.
Zion Lutheran School's mission is to provide a quality Christian Education. In some cases, extra-curricular activities may interfere with the student's time, energy, and efforts in the required curriculum. In such cases, students need to devote more time and effort to their scholastic achievements.
Choir for grades k-8, while mandatory, is part of the curriculum and is not an extra-curricular activity. For this reason, choir is not included in this policy.
Mid-quarter policy
It is the policy of Zion Lutheran School that when a student receives an F or more than one D on a mid-quarter, that student will be assessed and may be admitted to our Unique Learners program. This program will be designed to help the student raise the D or F to a C or higher by the end of the quarter. Students will be assigned to the UL program 1-2 tims per week, depending on the need and availability of the UL teacher, until the grades meet the requirement of a C or higher. If the grade(s) does not improve, a suspension from extra-curricular activities will be issued at the end of the quarter. The suspension will begin the day after the report card is sent home. Upon reaching the satisfactory grade, the student may be dismissed from the UL program or continue in the program provided a learning deficit is identified.
Report Card Policy
It is the policy of Zion Lutheran School that when a student received an F or more than one D on a report card, that student will be automatically admitted to our Unique Learners program. This program will be designed to help the student raise the D or F to a C or higher by the end of the next mid-quarter. Students may be assigned to the UL program 1-2 times per week, depending on the need and availability of the UL teacher, until the grade(s) meet the requirement of a C or higher. If the grade(s) does not improve, the student may remain in the UL program provided a learning deficit is identified.
*Individual cases may be reviewed and assessed by the UL teacher, faculty, and parents.
**The faculty will review students with special education concerns.
Choir
In addition to the regular course of study in music, school choirs are made up of children from grades K-4 and 5-8. Both choirs are separate, however, both are mandatory. The choirs will take their regular turn in singing at Sunday and mid-week services. Conduct at practice and especially in the House of God should be beyond reproach. It is required of all students who are members of Zion to participate whenever the choir sings in church, unless excused in writing for a valid reason. When possible, the excuse should be given prior to singing time. Unexcused absences will affect their music grade.
Achievement Testing / Ability Testing
Achievement/Ability tests will be administered in all the classrooms during the 3rd quarter of the school year. Results will be sent home with the 4th quarter report cards.
The Honor Roll for grades 3-8 will be published in the Master's Memo after each quarter. To be included on the Honor Roll, students must have a 3.5 (A-) average or above.
The Merit Roll for grades 3-8 will be published in the Master's Memo after each quarter. To be included on the Merit Roll, students must have a 3.0 (B) average or above.
This is the school newsletter that will be sent home every week, usually on Thursday or Friday. The purpose is to keep the parents and students informed of things happening at school. This is the main source of information. the Master's Memo is also located on Zion's web site (www.zionmayer.org) under regular updates.
The school is not responsible for the students until they are on school property. Zion school does not assume liability for your children before they arrive or following dismissal at the end of the school day unless they are involved in a school-related activity.
Zion Lutheran School will accept a student with AIDS, if the student has a doctor's note of permission to be attending school. Zion will also be involved in the teaching of AIDS education.
All alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are prohibited on the school grounds during school hours or after school hours. If a student has possession of any illegal substances, he/she will be suspended immediately and will only be reinstated after a meeting with the parents, student, and principal.
In order to keep our classroom desks and chairs in good condition and to avoid unsightly destruction, we will be charging a $10 fine for each instance of desk/chair vandalism. (If more damage is done, a larger fine will be assessed.) Parents will be notified of desk vandalism by a note from the school office. The student involved is responsible for repairs.
All party invitations (birthday, etc.) are to be mailed to children. Please do not hand them out in the classroom. Also, if your child is invited to a party, please send a note to the teacher indicating all pertinent information regarding your child's plans for after school. This is helpful to the teacher upon dismissal at the end of the school day.
Since this is a Lutheran School, we put emphasis on Luther's Reformation, keeping Christ in Christmas, and a Christ-centered Easter. All classroom parties will be celebrated with emphasis on the real reason for the holiday. (Jesus is the reason for the season.)
Gift giving at Christmas will be a special project. Students will not be exchanging gifts, however, they will have the opportunity to give gifts to families in need or other charitable organizations. Faculty and Staff will determine the recipients at their discretion. Limited information will be available to all Zion families during this special project. If students wish to exchange gifts, they will need to do this after school hours.
Transportation To and From School
Students should arrive at school by walking, car, bus, or bicycle. Snowmobiles, 3 or 4-wheelers, or any other motorized vehicles should not be driven to school by the student.
Bus Policy
Zion Lutheran School supports the bus policy that Watertown-Mayer School District has established, as it pertains to Zion. To view this policy in its entirety, please contact the Watertown-Mayer School District by phone, 952-955-2500, or visit its web site.
The State of Minnesota has, by law, mandated that professional educators who know or have reason to believe a student, up to the age of 18, is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, shall immediately report such information to the appropriate authorities. Zion Lutheran personnel shall immediately report such incidents to the Principal who will assist them in contacting the Carver County Social Services or a local law enforcement agency. The Principal will also notify the Pastor working with the Board for School Ministry.
Under this Law, any person participating in good faith and exercising due care in the making of a report is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be imposed. Failure, to report physical or sexual abuse or neglect may result in a misdemeanor charge and the County Attorney is required to prosecute any failure to report.
When reporting incidents, the following information is required in written form and should be submitted to the Carver County Social Services or a local law enforcement agency as soon as possible: Name, address and age of student; name and address of parent or caretaker; nature of child's injuries or description of neglect; and the name and address of the original reporter. Actions taken and contacts made shall be documented, including dates. All comments shall be factual in nature. Report forms can be obtained in the Principal's office.
While the employee of Zion Lutheran is responsible to report suspected abuse and/or neglect, school personnel shall not contact the child's family to determine the cause of suspected abuse or neglect, or to prove the abuse or neglect.
The reporter may request a summary of the disposition of their report from the County Social Services.
When the local welfare or law enforcement agency determine that an interview of the student involved shall take place on or off school property, written notification of such intent shall be received by school officials prior to the interview. The time, place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion of the school officials. School officials will not disclose any information about the interview to parents, guardians or other persons responsible for the child's care. Any notification of intent to interview which was received by the school shall be destroyed by the school when ordered to do so by the agency conducting the assessment or investigation.
"Physical Abuse" means: any physical injury inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than accidental means or any physical injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries.
"Sexual Abuse" means: the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care to any act which constitutes a violation of the Minnesota Statutes concerning criminal sexual conduct.
"Neglect" means: failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical care when reasonably able to do so or failure to protect a child from conditions or actions which imminently and seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so.
"Persons Responsible for the Child's Care" means: (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other persons having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day-care, baby-sitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching and coaching.
Sexual Harassment (Abridged Version)
If you believe that you are a victim of sexual harassment you should report the incident to the school office and fill out and file a report form with the Principal. If the complaint involves the Principal, the complaint must be filed directly with the Pastor.
Response to Allegations
A. Each case will be investigated either by the Principal, Pastor, or the Chairman of the Board for School Ministry.
B. Individuals upon whom the allegations were instigated shall be informed of the status/results of the investigation as permitted by law.
C. Disciplinary action following the investigation will be imposed if the act was one of sexual harassment.
Referral to Zion's Full Policy
Zion policies are open for examination by any parent, member of Zion, or by the public, and they are encouraged to read the full policy to insure that all of their rights and protection have been provided.
Principal Debra Kelzer
Zion Lutheran School
209 Bluejay Ave.
Mayer, MN 55360
(952) 657-2339
Pastor Lucas Woodford
Zion Lutheran Church
209 Bluejay Ave.
Mayer, MN 55360
(952) 657-2566
