PLEASE READ
The rules, policies and procedures of St. John’s Lutheran School are designed to allow each student to obtain a safe, orderly, and appropriate education. Students can expect their rights to freedom of expression and association and to fair treatment as long as they respect those rights for their fellow students and the staff. Students will be expected to follow teachers’ directions and obey all school rules.
The School recognizes the importance of safeguarding a student’s constitutional rights, particularly when subject to the school’s disciplinary procedures.
Parents have the right to know how their child is succeeding in school and will be provided with information on a regular basis and as needed, when concerns arise. Many times, it will be the responsibility of the student to deliver that information. If necessary, mail or hand delivery may be used to ensure contact. Parents are encouraged to build a two-way link with their child’s teachers and support staff by informing the staff of suggestions or concerns that may help their child better.
It is hoped that an open relationship will exist between parents, teachers, students, principal, and pastors at all times so that they may mutually assist each other in understanding and helping students meet their spiritual, educational, and social needs.
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Facility Use
Food from Home
If children bring food from home, parents and children are responsible for proper care of that food.
School Safety
Student safety is a responsibility of the staff at St. John’s. All staff members are familiar with emergency procedures such as fire, tornado, and emergency intruder drills and accident reporting procedures. Should a student be aware of any dangerous situation or accident, the student must notify a staff person immediately.
School safety reporting process
If a student feels unsafe or knows of someone who feels unsafe, they should report it to a staff member in the school.
If a situation presents an immediate threat to the student or someone else’s life, call 911 immediately. Individuals who have concerns that a person may hurt themselves or another person are encouraged to report this information to a trusted adult immediately or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free to get help at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Suicide Crisis Lifeline is 988.
Parent Rights
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.
Parents and students are reminded of their rights under FERPA. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.
Parents should submit to the School principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent, the School will notify the parent of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement personnel): a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist) ; a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-8520
Wisconsin Parent Choice Program (WPCP)
St. John’s Lutheran School participates in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). This program provides tuition vouchers for families who meet certain income and residency qualifications. Applications run from February through April of the prior year. The DPI provides vouchers for current St. John’s students entering 4K through First Grade. New students to St. John’s may apply for any grade for which there are open students. Please consult with the administration for further details.
Allergy/Illness
If, at any time, a student shows signs of allergy, illness, or injury, that student’s Student Data demographics will be pulled off of the FACTS student information system to review for any emergency or medical notes. Per any medical notes, and depending upon the severity of the incident, the student will then be referred to the office for next steps. It should be noted that all St. John’s staff are provided a communication at the beginning of the school year that outlines any students with allergies or a further medical condition the staff need to be aware. Parents should make sure they provide documentation as well as a verbal communication to inform the school of any concerning medical condition in regard to their child.
Non-harassment
St. John’s does not tolerate any harassment based on sex, race, political affiliation, or any other category. All harassment should be reported immediately to a teacher or the administration. At that time the harassment will be documented and followed up. If the harassment continues, the offending student will undergo steps for detention/suspension/expulsion. Parents will be notified of all concerns and potential discipline.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Any called teacher or pastor hired teacher or aide, or other hired staff members who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected as defined in Wis. § sec. 48.02(1) shall contact the Sauk County Department of Social Services, Sauk County Child Protective Services, or a local law enforcement agency as required by Wis. § sec. 48.981 (2)(a).
Mid-Day Pickup
All bus transportation is provided by Lamers Bus Lines. 608-448-4851.
Check-out Procedure (When a student leaves during the school day)
At St. John’s School, the check-in and check-out procedures ensure the safety and security of every student.
Parent/Guardian Notification:
Parents or guardians must notify the school in advance if their child will be leaving during the school day. Notification can be made through a written note, email, or by calling the main office.
If it’s an emergency or unexpected situation, parents must contact the school immediately via phone or email.
Arrival at the Office:
When a student is ready to leave, the parent/guardian or authorized individual comes into the school or picks the student up outside after visual verification by the office.
Office:
Office staff will confirm the students’ details, including who is authorized to pick them up. They will check that the parent or guardian has provided the necessary permission if it’s someone other than the parent.
Students will be called to the office by arrangement at the agreed time. Office staff personnel will visually verify the identity of the student and parent/guardian or designee picking the student up. The office will also take care of all documentation including in the FACTS student information system.
Return Procedure (if applicable):
If a student returns to school after leaving for an appointment or other reason, the parent or guardian will make a communication with the office through a call, email, note, or prior communication about their child’s return to school.
Absences
In the event of 3 unexcused absences in a semester, a meeting between the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and the administration is required.
5 or more unexcused absences in a semester is defined by Wisconsin State Statute 118.16 as “habitually truant.”
If a student accrues 5 or more unexcused absences in a semester, authorities will be notified.
If a student accrues 7 or more unexcused absences in a semester, the student will be automatically unenrolled. Reenrollment may be granted at the discretion of the St. John’s School Boar
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In the event of 3 unexcused absences in a semester, a meeting between the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and the administration/principal is required.
5 or more unexcused absences in a semester is defined by Wisconsin § 118.16 as “habitually truant.”
· If a student accrues 5 or more unexcused absences in a semester, authorities will be notified.
· If a student accrues 7 or more unexcused absences in a semester, the student may be unenrolled, or their situation may be presented to the school board for consideration of unenrollment. Reenrollment may be appealed to the St. John’s School Board and granted at their discretion.
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Communication and follow-up regarding missed assignments are also the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s). Teachers will take the necessary steps to keep absent students caught up on their work.
In the event of 3 unexcused absences in a semester, a meeting between the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and the administration/principal is required.
5 or more unexcused absences in a semester is defined by Wisconsin § 118.16 as “habitually truant.”
· If a student accrues 5 or more unexcused absences in a semester, authorities will be notified.
· If a student accrues 7 or more unexcused absences in a semester, the student may be unenrolled, or their situation may be presented to the school board for consideration of unenrollment. Reenrollment may be appealed to the St. John’s School Board and granted at their discretion.
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Communication and follow-up regarding missed assignments are also the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s). Teachers will take the necessary steps to keep absent students caught up on their work.
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Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are expected to provide an excuse in the form of a call, email, or note for all absences.
NOTE: All Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) students are held to all handbook rules, policies and procedures, including the Wis. § 118.16 regarding truancy. A choice student may be unenrolled if they are considered truant.
Personal Appearance and Dress Code
The parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s attire. It is important for parents to be aware of what their children are wearing before they leave for school. Shorts are permitted from April 1 until November 1 or any other days based upon the principal/administrator discretion.
Technology and Photos
In addition to mobile phones, the use of any personal “smart” device by student during the school day is strictly prohibited. A “smart” device is defined as any device which can independently connect to the internet. This also includes devices which can pair via wireless connection such as Bluetooth to a device which can independently connect to the internet. Examples of smart devices covered under this policy include but are not limited to smartphones, smart watches, tablets, etc…)
If students need to speak to a parent or guardian during the day, that communication must take place via the school phone system under the supervision of a staff member.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
The St. John’s School Board has authorized the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment throughout the school. There are signs posted throughout the building communicating the use of video surveillance. Any person who acts to block, move, or alter the location and/or viewing angle of a video camera shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Photos
Periodically the school will distribute pictures, videos, or publications of students on our website, school display board, or give access to local media. The school will use these multimedia tools to highlight the school or an individual student’s achievements. If as a parent/guardian, you do not wish your student’s name and image to be used you must contact the school office revoking consent to the school, thus not granting St. John’s to use.