Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church and School

WELCOME
WORSHIP
MINISTRIES
CHILDREN/YOUTH
SCHOOL
NEWS
GET INVOLVED
ED. FOUNDATION
LINKS
E-VITES/FORMS
MEMBER DIRECTORY
EVENTS

Policies

Discipline
"Do all to the glory of God” is the underlying philosophy of the school’s behavior expectations. St. Paul wrote, “Love…does not behave itself unseemly that is it is mannerly.” Classrooms must be places where students can learn and teachers can teach. This school is a place where students, teachers and others live and work together in harmony.

It is the policy of the school that corporal punishment (spanking) will not be administered by school personnel or volunteers.

Early Childhood:
For the most, teachers use observation skills to intervene and either redirect before a problem arises or assist the child in building problem-solving skills. Activities that are child centered and directed limit behavior problems. The teacher will set up the environment in a way that limits the opportunity for discipline problems.But, whenever a child disrupts others by taking toys, hitting, or creating a dangerous situation, we will take the following disciplinary actions:

Whenever possible, we shall explain why a particular behavior is not allowed, suggest an alternative, and then assist the child by modeling language and behavior. We also might use a “sit and watch” method that consists of the child being asked to sit at the edge of the other children’s play and watch for a minute. The caregiver will explain the proper behavior and then invite the child to rejoin the play. Good behavior will be reinforced.

When behavior must be stopped immediately because of the potential danger to the child or another child, we may physically hold the child until they regain composure. Parents will be kept apprised of any behavior problems. Teachers and parents will respect each other and work together to solve problems.

Kindergarten Lunch
An enjoyable, calm lunch environment is desired. Of course, the purpose of lunch is to eat! Appropriate manners are expected. Children are to obey and show respect for the Lunch Supervisor and parent helpers the same as they would a teacher. Children are to remain seated and speak in conversational volume.

Outdoor Play
Preschool classes use the Early Childhood Play Area. Kindergarten classes use that area and the Elementary Department Playground. Both areas are fenced. Standards of appropriate, safe and respectful behavior are maintained.

Elementary:
The faculty strives toward positive relationships. Learning involves the whole child, and a child who makes a mistake is dealt with in a loving, caring manner. The repentant child is forgiven and given a chance to start anew. This kind of caring makes behavior change and self-discipline possible.

It is essential that the faculty and administration have the understanding and whole-hearted support of all parents in the area of discipline and behavioral expectations. Children often have more respect for school personnel if they know that they will be disciplined at home if they require discipline at school. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with questions whenever children report something questionable as having taken place at school. Clear understanding of incidents and aftermath eliminates concern and builds trust.

Disciplinary methods will be respectful of the physical and emotional health of the child.

Teachers are encouraged to handle problems to the best of their abilities, applying Christian principles and consulting parents and principal when problems occur. Teachers refer problem students to the principal due to repeated infractions of school and classroom rules or due to the seriousness of the problem.

School rules fall under three major expectations:
Respect others and all property.
Listen and speak politely.
Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself.

Children are to treat each other with Christian love, respecting their rights and property. They are to take responsibility for their behavior and display an understanding of what is right and appropriate.

If misconduct is considered persistent, chronic or serious a conference will be scheduled with the principal, teacher, parents and child. A plan will be developed and administered as written.

For the safety of students and staff and to preserve the learning environment of the school, students who do not respond to correction may be encouraged or required to transfer to another school. The actions of a few cannot be allowed to detract from the opportunities of many.

Disciplinary or academic problems may result in short or long-term suspension from participation in extra-curricular activities.

After due consideration and consultation with the parties involved, the principal may suspend or permanently expel students from school. Some behaviors, such as the possession, sale or use of alcohol, drugs and weapons will result in an automatic suspension from school and consideration of expulsion. The threat to do harm, physical attack, sexual harassment and verbal harassment may result in automatic suspension and consideration of expulsion as well.

BEHAVIOR Procedures that may be used at each level

Level One
Disruption in class Warning
Off task Turning of card- severity
Talking and number of cards will
Unprepared for class determine next step
Loss of recess and Parent notified

Level Two
Dangerous behavior Sent to office
Defiant behavior Parent notified
Dishonesty Loss of privilege
Disrespectful to peers/ staff Detention duty- clean
Harassment up, etc.
Behavior contract
Detention

Level Three
Immediately Sent to office
Fighting Parent called
Improper Language Behavior contract

Suspension
Repetitive problems, in any area, may result in suspension.
Suspension may be for the remainder of the day (either in school or sent home) or a varying number of days. The length of time will be determined by the nature of the offense and previous behavior.

Disciplinary or academic problems may result in short or long term suspension from extra curricular activities.

Students are responsible for all work missed during suspensions.
When an offense is repetitive or involves dangerous behavior, sexual or verbal harassment, theft, threat to do harm, vandalism, fighting, arson or extreme defiant behavior the consequences will include:

Student sent to the office
Parent called
Parent/Student conference with principal

And may include:
Probationary contract
Detention duty
Suspension
Suspension with conditional re-entry
Expulsion
Legal action
Restitution for loss.

Dress Code Violations
First Offense -Warning- Parent called -Sent to office to await proper attire from home or if available from used uniform inventory.
Second Offense –Detention.
Repetitive Violations may result in suspension.

Recess
Children use the Elementary Department Playground and may use the west end of the parking lot that is restricted to cars during the school day on occasion.

Rules:
Respect Others
Use playground equipment as designed:
Do not stand on top of playground equipment.
Face forward when going down the slides, one person at a time.
Do not push or pull other children.
Do not throw rocks.
Do not throw wood chips.
Do not pick up or walk across the large rocks in the spillway.
Put litter in a trash can.
Get permission from an adult before retrieving balls that have gone over the north fence or into the main parking area.
Adults must retrieve balls that have gone across the fence along Shea, into the apartment parking lot or onto Becker Lane.
Get permission from an adult before leaving the play area.

Dress Code
Early Childhood
Overall appearance should be neat and clean.
Please dress children appropriate for active play.
We will work with messy materials and do not want the children to be hampered in their experience because of their clothing or fear of having their clothes damaged.

Children will be running and climbing on the playground. Shoes should be appropriate for active participation.
School uniform is optional

Elementary Department Uniform Dress Code.
As one part of the overall standards of the school, the following requirements are based on these values and goals:
• Moderation.
• To keep the focus on learning.
• To reduce “label” competition.
• To make daily preparation for school easier on parents and children.
• Neat appearance is an important component of our learning environment.
• It is good to allow freedom within limits.
• The appearance of students and staff should reflect positively on the school.
Neat appearance is an important component of our learning environment and proven to increase achievement.

Styles change. No policy can cover every present or future possibility. So, the school administration has authority to make decisions with respect to attire in keeping with the values of this school. It is best to direct questions to the school administration before the purchase of questionable clothing.

No required dress code can satisfy every person affected by those requirements. Parents are encouraged to help their children see that successful living and working with others takes accommodations to the expectations of others so long as the ways of God are not involved. This is an important life skill related to family, marriage, friendships and employment.

Students should be dressed to reflect modesty and good taste. Appropriate dress does not distract from study or negatively effect appropriate classroom behavior.

Makeup
Students are not to wear makeup to school.

Hair
Hair should be clean and well kept. (No styles that would call undo attention, no unnatural hair color) Hair accessories should be school colors.

Bottoms: Colors: Solid Tan, or Navy *
Pants, Skirts, Skorts, Split skirts with no visible labels.
All bottoms should sit at natural waist line. Skirts, skorts, shorts, split skirts and jumpers must be of modest length. They should be at least fingertip length, but not shorter than 4 inches above the knee.
Sloppy or baggy shorts or pants, jeans, sweat pants or nylon running pants are not considered appropriate for school.
* Jeans may only be worn on special dress days. When worn they must be in keeping with uniform standards of modesty and good taste.

Tops: *
Colors: Solid red, white or blue (navy, royal or light blue)
No labels. This includes embroidered logos in the same color as the shirt..
Collared, loose fitting shirts...polo type.
Dress shirt, or collared blouse.
Long or short sleeved
Turtlenecks OK.
Shirts must be long enough to remain tucked in when arms are raised over the head. Layering is only acceptable if both layers are school colors. Both layers must be tucked in.

A red polo-style shirt with the school logo is required for school field trips. These are available through Lands End. Check with the school office for our school number.
*Appropriate clothing may be purchased through Lands End. A small % of sale is paid back to Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran School. Only 1 red shirt for field trips requires a logo.

Socks or appropriate foot covering must be worn:
Solid Red, White, or Blue socks.
Socks must be visible.
Any style.
Belts:
Optional (So long as pants stay up without one!)
Plain Black, Brown or school colors.
Shoes:
Athletic or Tennis Shoes required for PE.
Flat sturdy shoes.
For safety sandals should be low-heeled with a heel strap
Boots are not uniform attire

Jewelry:
Girls only.
For safety, no hoops or dangling earrings.
Limited to one earring per ear located in lower ear lobe.
Hats:
Hats are not to be worn in any of the buildings!

Outer Wear for Indoors:
Solid School Colors
No visible labels.
Cardigan or pullover sweaters or sweat shirts of regular length.
Shepherd of the Desert spirit wear is acceptable.

Scout Uniforms:
May be worn by scouts on meeting days for meetings taking place on campus.

Special Event Dress
Several times a year there will be opportunities for alternative dress. These days will be announced and guidelines will be set for appropriate dress, ie.:”spirit days,” “dress-up day,” etc.

Coats, Jackets:
For outdoor wear only. Any colors, styles and decorations and symbols are allowed so long as they are in keeping with the values of the school.

Health & Safety

When to keep your child at home:
• the first days of a cold.
• if they have a sore throat or fever.
• if they have a rash.
• in case of stomach pain.
• if their eyes show signs of infection.
• until they have been without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 hours.
We will call you immediately and isolate your child if these symptoms appear while they are at school.

If your child is absent, please call the office before 8:30 a.m. for elementary children and 8:45 a.m. for Early Childhood.

Please call us immediately in case of infectious disease.
Young children enjoy school more and function better if they rest 10 to 12 hours a night.

UV protection is the responsibility of parents. Please apply sunscreen daily to your child. If it should be necessary for the staff or your child (elementary age) to reapply sunscreen during the day, a signed permission form needs to be in your child’s file.

No immunizations will be given without the parent or guardian present.

Snacks – Parents are asked to provide daily snacks. Sign-up sheets are posted on boards in the early childhood classrooms. The teacher will make requests to insure that the snack meets State Health regulations and possibly to go with the theme for the day. All foods must be in their original packaging.
Appropriate shoes must be worn for kindergarten and elementary grades physical education classes.

Prolonged absence due to illness or injury
If it is necessary for a student in the elementary department to experience a long period of absence, please consult with the principal and classroom teacher to coordinate an appropriate educational plan. Shepherd of the Desert may not be able to meet the needs of all circumstances.

Early Childhood:
An adult must bring the child to the classroom door and remain until the staff greets the child. The classroom doors open at 8:45 a.m. and 12:15pm. Please allow the teacher her time to properly prepare the classroom for your child, but do be prompt so that the class may begin on time. *Late arrivals distract from what is planned.

Children must be “signed in” in the school office. Sign-out is at the classroom door. A “We Need to Know” form is made available to you on the classroom board to let us know if someone different will be picking up your child. We do not allow for telephone authorization unless permission has been authorized before the call. An emergency card is provided for all the names of persons to whom your child may be released.
Children become anxious when parents are late. Remember this is a time when children are learning to trust. Be matter of fact and truthful about leaving and assure your child that you will be prompt about picking up.

Elementary students:
It is good for students to prepare themselves for the school day. Parents are asked to remain outside the classrooms before school.
Students who are tardy for school...
• ...begin the day behind their classmates. In the first few minutes of class, the teachers set the stage for the rest of the day. Being tardy to school is like joining a board game after the other players have heard the rules and have begun to play.
• ...degrade the education of those who arrive to school on time. It is not possible to “sneak” into a room without detracting from the education of the other children.

Students are tardy if they are not in the room AND prepared for the day to begin when the tone sounds at 8:30am. The school doors are opened fifteen minutes before school begins so children are ready for learning at 8:30. Please note that students who walk into the classroom as the tone sounds are tardy because they are not prepared for the school day to begin. Arrival by 8:25 is important!

Before tardy students can go to the classrooms, an adult must sign them in at the school office. Children who are tardy and enter the school alone will remain at the office until someone arrives to sign the children in as tardy.

Parents are to notify the school if their child will be tardy, absent or if there is going to be a delay in picking up their child. Late arrivals must be “signed in” by an adult in the school office. Children not seated and ready for the day to begin at 8:30 will be marked tardy. Tardies appear on the child’s Permanent Record. Early releases must be handled through the office.

Partial Day Absence Definitions
Tardy – arrival between 8:15 (8:30) and 10am
.5-day absence – arrival or departure between 10am and 2pm
full-day – not present or departure between 8:30 and 10am