Parent and Student Handbook Our Fifteenth Academic Year

Transcription

1 Parent and Student Handbook Our Fifteenth Academic Year Accredited by CCLE and NLSA Pastor Paul J Cain, Headmaster revpaulcain@gmail.com (Church Study) (Parsonage/Home) (307) (Mobile/Text) Immanuel Lutheran Church and Academy (Office) Immanuellutheran82801@gmail.com (307) Pastor René G. Castillero revrenecastillero@gmail.com (307) (Mobile) Mrs. Russell mlgsarussell@gmail.com (307) (Mobile) During School Hours (or summer), please do not call the school number, , except in an emergency, so that classes are not disrupted. Instead, call (or leave a message at) the Immanuel Lutheran Church office at (307)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 WELCOME AND ORIENTATION From Pastor Paul J Cain, Headmaster... 9 School Year Overview School Day Overview Lunch Overview School Uniforms Resolving Issues and Avoiding Gossip Get the Latest News About MLGS and IA Required Orientation Meeting with the Headmaster Open House and Clothing Exchange Sign and Return the Acknowledgment Form Before Classes Begin Parent Group Meets Quarterly on a Tuesday from 6-7 p.m Electronic Device Policy How Long Should Homework Take? Contact Your Teacher ASAP with ANY Concerns Average Time by Grade Level Homework Overview A Homework Binder Designed to Organize and Communicate Language Arts Overview Reading Overview Spelling Overview Latin Overview Classroom and Chapel Directions in Latin Lord's Prayer LSB Latin Prayers and Polite Sayings Unique Information Regarding Science and History Math Overview Examples An Example of Supplementing a Math Lesson Using Direct Instruction according to Classical Education An Example in Grammar: Concluding Encouragement Online Grading Instrumental Music Program Standards for Admission and Retention Preface Visit Page 2 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

3 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Standards Checklist for Admissions ABOUT US MARTIN LUTHER GRAMMAR SCHOOL IMMANUEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL MLGS School Motto: Helping Believers Become Achievers Proposed IA School Motto: Preparing Servant Leaders for Church and World MLGS Latin Motto: Credimus, Docemus et Confitemur Christum (We believe, teach, and confess Christ) Adopted in Proposed IA Latin Motto: Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam MLGS Hymn Immanuel Academy Hymn Mission Statement: To prepare our student for service and citizenship, to church and the world, by providing them with a strong foundation through a classical, Christ-centered academic environment Vision Statement: Our vision is to provide a Christ-centered classical education opportunity to the wider Sheridan community, from preschool through high school Philosophy Confessional Document Guidance for MLGS/IA Luther on Education Statement of Faith We believe and teach: Doctrinal Standard School Standards State of Wyoming Code of Ethics Immanuel Academy Toward Better Communication in Christ The Blog The Knightly News newsletter The Suggestion Box Grievance Guidelines School Colors and Mascot Visit Page 3 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

4 3 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook SCHOOL GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SUPPORT Affiliation Mission Opportunities A Brief History of MLGS/IA Accreditation CCLE NLSA ACCS The State of Wyoming School Administration Relationship to Sponsoring Congregation MLGS Board Admissions Checklist Parent Group (PG) PHILOSOPHY OF CLASSICAL EDUCATION The Trivium Grammar Stage Dialectic (or Logic) Stage Rhetoric Stage Classical Content at the Grammar Stage The Skills The Content The Person The Goal at the Grammar Level Doing Naming Identifying Living Curricular Materials SCHOOL POLICIES Non-discrimination Statement Admission to MLGS/IA Withdrawal from MLGS/IA Reregistration for the Next School Year The Headmaster s Meeting Visit Page 4 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

5 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Tuition and Fees Overview Tuition Payments Scholarships Late Payments Non-payment of Tuition School Hours/Drop-Off and Pick-Up Our school day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m Doors open at 7:45 a.m Chapel Dismissal from school is at 3:10 p.m Doors lock at 3:30 p.m There is no outdoor supervision of children after school Parking Lot Safety Absences/Tardiness Definition Consequences Counsel to Parents Our Expectations Parental Responsibility: Contact the School Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Make-up Work Homework Exclusion from Care Policy Discipline Policy Student of the Year Reproofs and Rewards Notes Home: Yellow and Red Slips MLGS/IA Rules General School Rules Classroom Rules General Rules for Recess, Lunch, and Library Recess Rules Lunchroom Rules Library Rules Physical Education (PE) Rules The Honor Form No Electronic Devices SPECIAL SUBJECTS AND REQUIREMENTS Chapel Mission Offerings Families are Welcome Visit Page 5 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

6 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Chapelbook Music Vocal Music Instrumental Music Physical Education Art Science Friday Library Basic Policies Parental Guidance Missing Books Return, Replace or Pay before Release of Records Catechism Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips Homework Grading Policy Grading Chart Questions? Talk to Your Child s Teacher First Assessment in a Multi-level Classroom Testing Regular Weekly Tests Standardized Testing Standing Desks and Stools School Dress Code Everyday Uniform Dress Uniform Immanuel Academy/Logic Level Uniform Options Hair Cosmetics, Jewelry, and Accessories Outdoor Clothing Knight Days Grubby Days Clothing Exchange Snow Days Snow Days Calling Tree Parent/Teacher Conferences Visit Page 6 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

7 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Tutoring Lunches and Snacks General Guidelines Snacks Lunchtime Microwave Guidelines Pizza Lunch Days Hot Lunch Days Milk at Lunch Celebrations Fire/Tornado Drills Parental Involvement Volunteer Schedule Fundraising My Coke Rewards Box Tops for Education GoodSearch Garage Sale PG Dad and Daughter Dance SCHOOL PERSONNEL CONTACT INFORMATION Headmaster Lead Teacher Mentor Teacher Immanuel Lutheran Church Church/School Office Lutheran Day School Board The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) The Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod The Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education (CCLE) National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) APPENDICES MLGS Philosophy of Education Visit Page 7 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

8 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School ( 64 The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran Educator ( SCHOOL SCHEDULES (INSERT THE MOST CURRENT VERSIONS HERE) School Year Calendar Weekly/Daily Schedule MLGS Supply List Immanuel Academy Supply List Uniform Supply List ACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURES Visit Page 8 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

9 1 WELCOME and Orientation MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook This Parent and Student Handbook has been designed to answer many common questions about how MLGS/IA operates during the school year. While it is extensive, it is not exhaustive. Please contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions for the next Handbook. 1.1 From Pastor Paul J Cain, Headmaster Dear Parents and Students, Faculty and Volunteers, and Friends of MLGS/IA: A new school year is a time to refocus. This year is especially an opportunity to do just that with a new Lead Teacher, the Rev. René Castillero, and with Mrs. Russell becoming our Mentor Teacher. This year also brings with it a renewal of our accreditation with the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE). We have refreshed our school s entire curricular scope and sequence, mapping our curriculum in anticipation of a Spring 2018 Accreditation Visitation. All of this is for the sake of our scholars, your children. We equip them with the Arts of Free People, including the Arts of Language (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric) as well as the Arts of Mathematics (Arithmetic, Geometry, Music Theory, and Astronomy) in addition to a solid foundation in the Christian faith. The latter makes us a Christian school in the Lutheran tradition. The former makes us a classical school in the Lutheran tradition. Welcome, Rev. Castillero! Welcome back dear scholars! As always, I am your servant in Christ, Paul J Cain, Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS) Headmaster, Immanuel Academy and Martin Luther Grammar School (CCLE) Wyoming District Education Executive/NLSA Commissioner Permanent Member of the Board of Directors and Recording Secretary of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Visit Page 9 Contact SheridanMLGS@gmail.com

10 1.2 School Year Overview Classes for each new school year begin on the Tuesday following Labor Day. The school year typically concludes the Friday before Memorial Day. 1.3 School Day Overview Our doors open at 7:45 a.m. Students are expected to be prepared, relaxed, and seated by 8:00 a.m. Our school day ends promptly at 3:10 p.m. This means that students need to head home or to their next activity. Children are expected to promptly pack up coats, put away belongings, gather homework, empty lunch pails, etc. Doors lock at 3:30 p.m. Parents should plan to arrive well before this time to pick up their children. There is no outdoor supervision of children after school. Children may play outdoors under parent/guardian supervision only. 1.4 Lunch Overview Students bring their own lunches except for a monthly Hot Lunch Day and a monthly Pizza Day. 1.5 School Uniforms The school has a Parent Room with a large supply of gently-used uniforms. See section 6 for more details on our dress code. 1.6 Resolving Issues and Avoiding Gossip If issues come up during the year, avoid the temptation to vent about them in the school parking lot. The sooner we deal with issues in a Christian manner, the better. Gossip undermines Christian relationships. 1.7 Get the Latest News About MLGS and IA Please check your regularly for the latest edition of the MLGS/IA Knightly News. If your address changes, please contact the school at sheridanmlgs@gmail.com with your new address. 1.8 Required Orientation Meeting with the Headmaster At least one parent/guardian from each family is required to attend an Orientation Meeting with the Headmaster on the Tuesday before school begins at 6 p.m. We will review the Handbook together and cover daily homework, weekly overview sheets, and everything that regularly goes home with your young scholars. If that day or time does not work for you, please contact the Headmaster to arrange an alternate meeting before that date. 1.9 Open House and Clothing Exchange On the next day, the Wednesday before school begins, you may peruse our free MLGS clothing exchange items from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Noon to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. We will also have an Open House at the school during these same hours. If that day Page 10

11 or times do not work for your family, please contact the Teachers to arrange an alternate meeting before that date Sign and Return the Acknowledgment Form Before Classes Begin In the Handbook, please note the form regarding your acknowledgment of Handbook policies and your intent to pay tuition. It is found near the very back of the Handbook(Section 10). A separate copy will be provided to you, so you need not remove the page from your bound handbook. Please decide which payment option works best for you and your family budget. Also note the last option. This is your opportunity to suggest an alternative for me to pass on to the Immanuel Lutheran Day School Board for consideration before classes begin. Tuition is due on the first of each month (beginning with August 1 on the 10-month payment plan). The Board wishes to work with you on this matter so that we may provide for curriculum, utilities, and teachers to instruct your children Parent Group Meets Quarterly on a Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. Dates for quarterly Parent Group will be announced after school begins, with the first meeting date announced at the Headmaster Orientation Meeting. All parents are welcome to participate in Parent Group! 1.12 Electronic Device Policy MLGS/IA scholars may bring a cell phone to school for safety purposes, but shall not store it on their person, nor in a locker, "cubby", or backpack during the school day. Upon arrival at school, the device shall be surrendered to his/her classroom teacher for safe storage during the class day and shall be returned to the student at the end of the school day (or only for emergency use during the school day). Note: Emergencies, by definition, are rare. Gaming devices shall not be brought to school, even for use at recess. Violations of this policy are subject to confiscation of the item/device and return of that item/device to the child's parent/guardian How Long Should Homework Take? Contact Your Teacher ASAP with ANY Concerns Average Time by Grade Level The time limit for homework should be around 30 minutes for Kindergarten, 45 minutes for 1 st Grade, 1 hour for 2 nd and 3 rd Grades, and 90 minutes for 4 th and 5 th Grades. 6 th Grade and up may take longer occasionally. This is an average, students who use their time wisely could have significantly lower homework time. If you are new to our school, homework may take longer than your previous school. We can help you with this transition! Please contact us! We also cover subjects (like Latin and Religion) not found in public schools. If homework is taking longer, please contact your teacher as soon as possible. Page 11

12 1.14 Homework Overview Because homework is a vital part of the grammar stage of learning, we would like to address some common concerns about homework. In the beginning of the school year we do have a bit more work time at home as your child begins to understand new concepts. However, after these concepts have been practiced, the time it takes to do the work should be greatly decreased. What follows is a basic explanation of what is expected of you and your child A Homework Binder Designed to Organize and Communicate An important part of our system for organization and communication is the Homework Binder. Your child will be bringing the binder home daily. It is divided into five sections labeled 1. Homework, 2. Notes, 3. Save, 4. File at School, and 5. Stay Home. Their Weekly Study List and Homework Sheets will be the first items in the Homework section along with any worksheets. The Notes section will contain any notes taken during the week for studying for Friday testing. Any information parents should keep on file will be in the Save section. Papers in the File at School section are completed work that is sent home for parents to view, then returned to school to be filed in the classroom. Papers in the Stay Home section should be emptied at home (May we add, Never to be seen by the teachers again?). Please help your child work on his organizational skills by keeping his binder neat and current. The teachers will share more about the Homework Binder at the Headmaster meeting in late August. Please ask questions of the teachers about the Homework Binder as you have them Language Arts Overview Kindergartners begin language arts instruction by learning 70 phonograms. Each week they will be assigned 10 phonograms to master. Practice instructions can be found on the Phonogram Practice Sheet in the Parent section of your child s homework binder. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week, older students are taught 10 new spelling words which they enter in their spelling notebooks. Their homework on those days is to use each spelling word in context in 10 separate sentences. Each sentence should consist of a minimum Page 12

13 of the same number of words as the student s age. If your child is 7, each sentence must have at least 7 words. This encourages them to use adverbs, adjectives, prepositional phrases, etc. Thursdays are spelling pretest days. Students who miss 3 words or fewer on the pretest do not have to take the entire spelling test on Friday. Words missed should be reviewed Thursday night for Friday s test Reading Overview For new readers, the daily reading assignment is the sentences written each day in class with the entire week s sentences read on Thursday night. For all other readers see homework sheet for the assigned pages for the day. Weekend reading is free reading. We also encourage you to read to your child each day Spelling Overview Please refer to your spelling instruction sheet sent home earlier this year regarding; See and Say, Hear and Write, Hear and Write and See spelling assignments Latin Overview We work to make sure scholars have the pronunciation of each Latin word so that each child can practice their assignment at home. As with all memory work, all that we ask of parents is that you read each line to your child, and have your child repeat that back once each night. We do it twice each day in the classroom, the third time at home is a reminder to the brain that this is important information that must be stored and retrieved at a later time. See this year s Chapelbook for more resources in Latin Classroom and Chapel Directions in Latin Sit Sedete (to a group) Sede (to an individual) Stand Surgite (to a group) Surge (to an individual) Let us pray Oremus Write Scribite (to a group) Scribe (to an individual) Repeat Repitite (to a group) Repete (to an individual) Quiet, please Tacete (to a group) Tace (to an individual) Listen Audite (to a group) Audi (to an individual) Open your book Aperi librum Raise your hand Attole manum Let us pray. O Lord, have mercy on us. Thanks be to God. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Oremus. Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. Deo gratias. Verbum Domine Deo gratias. Benedicamus Domino. Deo gratias. Dominus vobiscum. Et cum spiritu tuo. Page 13

14 Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et insaecula saeculorum. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. A Latin alternative to My bad! Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! (My fault, my [own] fault, my own most grievous fault!) Lord's Prayer LSB 251 L Taught by our Lord and trusting in His promises, we are bold to pray: C Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen Tuum. Adveniat regnum Tuum; Fiat voluntas Tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie; Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris, et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Sed libera nos a malo. Quia Tuum est regnum, et potestas, et Gloria in saecula. Amen. C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. A sung version of the Lord s Prayer is provided in the current Chapelbook. Page 14

15 Latin Prayers and Polite Sayings Asking a Blessing (Luther) Domine Deus, Pater coelestis, benedic nobis et his donis tuis, quae de tua largitate sumimus, per Iesum Christum, Dominum nostrum. Amen. Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts, which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Table Blessing Benedic, Domine, nos et haec Tua dona quae de Tua largitate sumus sumpturi per Christum Dominum Nostrum. Amen. Bless, O Lord, us and these your gifts which from your bounty we are about to receive through Christ our Lord. Amen. Gratias tibi ago (or ) Tibi gratias ago Amabo te Ignosce mihi Verbum Dei manet in aeternum. Thank You Thank You Please Please excuse me The Word of the Lord endures forever Unique Information Regarding Science and History Notes are taken in class after a short lecture, project, or activity. The only homework assignment regarding these lessons should be to read these notes with your child once each night followed by a few questions to help recall the information. In order to improve, this skill of recalling information stored in the brain must be exercised. If the notes were not copied in class, a copy of the notes will be sent home so that it may be completed during homework time. Older students usually have a worksheet rather than notes. After the first quarter, if your child is still bringing home notes from the day to be completed during homework time then the ability to use the time wisely in class has not yet been mastered. Your teacher will be more than happy to talk with you about ways to help your child grow in this ability. Homework is just an extension of school, and its purpose is to help your child become familiar with the day s lessons Math Overview Each day we do a lesson together in class. Lessons for younger students include the introduction in class of a new concept. Side A of the worksheet is the classroom review of previously learned concepts. This is graded in class so that misunderstandings can be addressed before a further review on side B is attempted. Side B is homework, the intention of which is to reinforce these concepts. We do not grade this side until the following day so that parents have Page 15

16 a chance to review this with their child. Each day there will also be a fact practice worksheet or a skip- counting assignment. Talking about math throughout the day helps a child to become facile with the different concepts. Older students work from a book rather than worksheets. Each day assignments include mental math, lesson practice, and occasionally a mixed practice for review Examples An Example of Supplementing a Math Lesson Using Direct Instruction according to Classical Education Example of adding to Saxon Math Lesson The Lesson: Measuring with feet and inches. After the lesson, per Saxon guidelines, as with all lessons, we add in a question and response time with previous and additional knowledge. Teacher: If I wanted to measure the height of the school what could I use for measurements? Student 1: Yards. Teacher: Yes, we could use yards to measure the height of the school. Would that be the only unit of measure we could use to measure the height of the school? Student 2: No, we could also use feet. Student 3: Or even inches. Teacher: Which measure would be the more precise? Student 4: Inches. Teacher: Why? Student 5: Smaller units give a more accurate rate. Teacher: Could I use gallons as a unit of measure for distance? Then, I would also ask about measuring different items, such as from here to New York, always striving to determine which would be the best measure, which would be the more precise measure, and different measures, with a goal of engaging discussion and developing an understanding. Then, while reviewing side A of worksheets or chapter summaries I add to the lessons with questions like: What type of problem is this? What words helped you to know this was a some, some more problem or equal groups problem? What order of operation would we use to solve this type of problem? What order of operation could we use to check the answer? Page 16

17 As with any lesson in the day, because we teach classically, students are encouraged to ask questions, and answer questions to show an understanding of the day s concepts. When taught in one direction, you must reverse and question from another direction An Example in Grammar: We use question flow conversations to help identify the parts of speech in a sentence. When we are done I love to ask my students questions like, What part of speech was the word run? How do you know it is a verb? This helps me to see that they understand what they are identifying when classifying sentences Concluding Encouragement If you have questions or concerns, contact your teacher. Homework is just an extension of school, and its purpose is to help your child to become familiar with the day s lessons. If too much time is being spent on homework, we must meet and work together to help your child make his learning experience more worthwhile Online Grading Online Grading is on hold until more parents request it Instrumental Music Program MLGS owns instruments to begin a violin instrumental music program. Please contact the Headmaster if you know of prospective string music instructors Standards for Admission and Retention Preface Although we would like to think that Martin Luther Grammar School or Immanuel Academy is for all children, in reality the limited staff and rigorous curriculum in multi-grade classrooms preclude that ideal. The present excellence and the future viability and success of the school depend upon a student population that is willing and able to comprehend the material and perform the work given. Enrollment limiting factors include learning disability, behavior issues, lack of adequate parental support, and moral failures that compromise the culture of the school. The inability to pay does not preclude enrollment in the school but the Board recognizes that it has limited resources for providing scholarships or tuition relief and must apply these resources judiciously for the good of both the students and the school Standards 1. Registration forms, Registration fee, etc. (all paperwork). 2. Placement testing (as appropriate). 3. Records from previous school(s). Page 17

18 4. Interview of parents and student with teacher and headmaster. 5. Placement of students based on testing, performance, interview, and previous work. 6. Parent Agreement form signed. 7. Older students: honor form signed (for grades 7 th and above). 8. Work habits and self-discipline to work in school and complete homework demonstrated. 9. Acceptable behavior, maintenance of school rules and expectations. 10. All parents' attendance at the August Orientation Meeting with the Headmaster Checklist for Admissions 1. Personal meeting with Headmaster (at any point in this checklist). 2. Registration form is completed (necessary for registration). 3. Registration fee is paid (necessary for registration). 4. Parent Agreement is signed. 5. Placement testing is completed (as appropriate). 6. Records from previous school(s) are received (for new students). 7. Interview of parents and student with the teacher and headmaster is completed (for new students, and also for returning students at the Headmaster's request). 8. Grade Placement of student, based on testing, performance, interview, and school records, is established with parent agreement 9. Honor form is signed (for grades 6 th and above). 10. Parents have attended the mandatory Orientation Meeting. 11. Scholarship application is completed and approved (if applicable) Page 18

19 2 ABOUT US MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook MARTIN LUTHER GRAMMAR SCHOOL MLGS is named in honor of Martin Luther ( ), a German, a Christian, a former Augustinian Friar, an ordained pastor, a theologian, a musician and composer, the Protestant Reformer, and father of the Lutheran Church. He pointed the Church of his day (as well as Christians in our day) to the Gospel of Christ, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, The righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:16-17). 2.2 IMMANUEL ACADEMY Immanuel Academy is the name of the secondary school extension of MLGS. The name Immanuel means God with us and is a name for Jesus Christ in Holy Scripture. Spelling Immanuel with an I uses the Hebrew spelling from Isaiah. Emmanuel is the Greek spelling of the word in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The name also clearly connects the Academy to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming. 2.3 PRESCHOOL After expanding to Eighth Grade, we hope to begin a preschool. 2.4 MLGS School Motto: Helping Believers Become Achievers 2.5 Proposed IA School Motto: Preparing Servant Leaders for Church and World 2.6 MLGS Latin Motto: Credimus, Docemus et Confitemur Christum (We believe, teach, and confess Christ) Adopted in Proposed IA Latin Motto: Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam. (Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name give the glory.) Psalm 115:1 Page 19

20 2.8 MLGS Hymn MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Lutheran Service Book #867, Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds Text: 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License.NET, no Tune: Public domain (Text based on Psalm 78 and Deuteronomy 4:9-10) 2.9 Immanuel Academy Hymn The Lutheran Hymnal #292, Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide Text 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License.NET, no Cf. LSB 585 Page 20

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22 2.10 Mission Statement: To prepare our student for service and citizenship, to church and the world, by providing them with a strong foundation through a classical, Christ-centered academic environment. Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy assists parents in equipping their children academically and spiritually to develop their God-given potential using a classical curriculum based on Biblical truth Vision Statement: Our vision is to provide a Christ-centered classical education opportunity to the wider Sheridan community, from preschool through high school. We envision a school where parents, teachers, and students "take captive every thought to make it obedient unto Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5), and where the nurture and admonition of each student guides his proper development through a classical methodology emphasizing the grammar, logic, and rhetoric of all subjects. Each student will learn to understand the world in which God placed him and his role in it, and above all to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself. We therefore recommend the following works which will help restore this framework for our schools: Martin Luther s Exhortation to the Councilmen that they establish and maintain Christian schools Martin Luther s Sermon on Keeping Children in School Dorothy Sayers The Lost Tools of Learning John Milton Gregory s The Seven Laws of Teaching The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School ( The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran Educator ( Classical Education by Veith and Kern Wisdom and Eloquence by Littlejohn and Evans Joel Brondos No Greater Treasure Cheryl Swope s Clearly Classical A Handbook for Classical and Lutheran Education (smile.amazon.com) Lutheran Education: From Wittenberg to the Future ( Curriculum Resource Guide for Classical Lutheran Education (smile.amazon.com) 2.12 Philosophy Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy is a vital part of the mission and ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We have a comprehensive program of quality education based on a classical approach, including the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our school is a place where God s Word and the Christian faith are related to all subjects to help each child become a mature Christian adult. MLGS/IA is governed by Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Constitution and Bylaws of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, WY. Page 22

23 See Section 8.1 for the full MLGS Philosophy of Education, Section 8.2 for The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School (from and Section 4 for an explanation of the philosophy of classical and Lutheran education. CCLE s guidance document, The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran Educator, is available from Our MLGS/IA teachers are expected to make demonstrable measurable progress toward meeting the CCLE Marks of a Classical and Lutheran Educator. In addition, they have agreed to make every effort to help MLGS achieve the CCLE Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School, the Recommendations of the CCLE Accreditation Process, and as the Lutheran Day School Board directs, the CCLE Accreditation Suggestions. Page 23

24 2.13 Confessional Document Guidance for MLGS/IA From Luther s Large Catechism on The Fourth Commandment: 161 Yet there is need that this truth about spiritual fatherhood also be taught to the people. For those who want to be Christians are obliged in God s sight to think them worthy of double honor who minister to their souls [1 Timothy 5:17 18]. They are obligated to deal well with them and provide for them. For that reason, God is willing to bless you enough and will not let you run out. 162 But in this matter everyone refuses to be generous and resists. All are afraid that they will perish from bodily needs and cannot now support one respectable preacher, where formerly they filled ten potbellies. 163 Because of this, we also deserve for God to deprive us of His Word and blessing and to allow preachers of lies to arise again and lead us to the devil. In addition, they will drain our sweat and blood. 164 But those who keep God s will and commandment in sight have this promise: everything they give to temporal and spiritual fathers, and whatever they do to honor them, shall be richly repaid to them. They will not have bread, clothing, and money for a year or two, but will have long life, support, and peace. They shall be eternally rich and blessed. 165 So just do what is your duty. Let God manage how He will support you and provide enough for you. Since He has promised it and has never lied yet, He will not be found lying to you [Titus 1:2]. 166 This ought to encourage us and give us hearts that would melt in pleasure and love for those to whom we owe honor. We ought to raise our hands [1 Timothy 2:8] and joyfully thank God, who has given us such promises. For such promises we ought to run to the ends of the world, to the remotest parts of India. For although the whole world should work together, it could not add an hour to our life [Matthew 6:27] or give us a single grain from the earth. But God wishes to give you everything exceedingly and abundantly according to your heart s desire [Psalm 37:4]. He who despises and casts this promise to the winds is not worthy ever to hear a word about God. More than enough has now been stated for all who belong under this commandment. 167 In addition, it would be well to preach to the parents also, and to those who bear their office. Tell them how they should behave toward those who are given to them for their governance. This is not stated in the Ten Commandments. But it is still abundantly commanded in many places in the Scripture. God wants to have this included in this commandment when He speaks of father and mother. 168 He does not wish to have rogues and tyrants in this office and government. He does not assign this honor to them, that is, power and authority to govern, so they can have themselves worshiped. But they should consider that they are obligated to obey God. First of all, they should seriously and faithfully fulfill their office, not only to support and provide for the bodily necessities of their children, servants, subjects, and so on, but, most of all, they should train them to honor and praise God [Proverbs 22:6]. 169 Therefore, do not think that this matter is left to your pleasure and arbitrary will. This is God s strict command and order, to whom also you must give account for it [1 Peter 4:5]. 170 Here again the sad plight arises that no one sees or hears this truth. All live on as though God gave us children for our pleasure or amusement and servants so that we could use them like a cow or an ass, only for work. Or they live as though we were only to gratify our lewd behavior with our subjects, ignoring them, as though we have no concern for what they learn or how they live. 171 No one is willing to see that this is the command of the Supreme Majesty, who will most strictly call us to account and punish us for it. Nor does anyone see that there is so much need to be seriously Page 24

25 concerned about the young. 172 For if we wish to have excellent and able persons both for civil and Church leadership, we must spare no diligence, time, or cost in teaching and educating our children, so that they may serve God and the world. 173 We must not think only about how we may amass money and possessions for them. God can indeed support and make them rich without us, as He daily does. But for this purpose He has given us children and issued this command: we should train and govern them according to His will. Otherwise, He would have no purpose for a father and a mother. 174 Therefore, let everyone know that it is his duty, on peril of losing the divine favor, to bring up his children in the fear and knowledge of God above all things [Proverbs 1:7]. And if the children are talented, have them learn and study something. Then they may be hired for whatever need there is. 175 If that were done, God would also richly bless us and give us grace to train men by whom land and people might be improved. He would also bless us with well-educated citizens, chaste and domestic wives, who, afterward, would raise godly children and servants. 176 Here consider now what deadly harm you are doing if you are negligent and fail on your part to bring up your children to usefulness and piety. Consider how you bring upon yourself all sin and wrath, earning hell by your own children, even though you are otherwise pious and holy. 177 Because this matter is disregarded, God so fearfully punishes the world that there is no discipline, government, or peace. We all complain about this but do not see that it is our fault. The way we train children and subjects spoils them and makes them disobedient. 178 Let this be enough encouragement. To draw this out further belongs to another time Luther on Education Moreover, even if the universities were diligent in Holy Scripture, we need not send everybody there as we do now, where their only concern is numbers and where everybody wants a doctor s degree. We should send only the most highly qualified students who have been well trained in the lower schools. A prince or city council ought to see to this, and permit only the well qualified to be sent. I would advise no one to send his child where the Holy Scriptures are not supreme. Every institution that does not unceasingly pursue the study of God s word becomes corrupt. Because of this we can see what kind of people they become in the universities and what they are like now. Nobody is to blame for this except the pope, the bishops, and the prelates, who are all charged with training young people. The universities only ought to turn out men who are experts in the Holy Scriptures, men who can become bishops and priests, and stand in the front line against heretics, the devil, and all the world. But where do you find that? I greatly fear that the universities, unless they teach the Holy Scriptures diligently and impress them on the young students, are wide gates to hell. 2 1 McCain, P. T. (Ed.). (2005). Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (pp ). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. 2 Luther, M. (1999). Luther s works, vol. 44: The Christian in Society I. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 44, pp ). Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Page 25

26 2.15 Statement of Faith We believe and teach: 1) THE BIBLE is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is the only infallible source for matters of faith, fact, history, and life. We reject any compromise of plain Biblical teaching to accommodate human wisdom, tradition, or science "so-called." 2) THE TRINITY, which is one God in three distinct persons-father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We consider atheism, pantheism, and any non-trinitarian theism to be idolatry. 3) THE CREATION by God of everything that exists. He created everything out of nothing by the power of His Word. We reject all evolutionary theories that propose a progressive development of matter or life. 4) SIN AND DEATH came into God's perfect creation at the fall of Adam and Eve. Ever since, all people are born sinful and are destined to temporal death. We reject the theories that man is inherently good or neutral at birth and corrupted only by his environment. 5) SALVATION IS BY GRACE, because people cannot save themselves by their good works, but God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, both true God and true man. He lived a sinless life to fulfill God's law for us, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose from the dead to grant eternal life. We reject any conjecture that there is any way of salvation other than through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. 6) SAVING FAITH is always and only a work of the Holy Spirit-accomplished through the Means of Grace-in which He works contrition (sorrow) over sin, repentance (turning away) from sin, and trust (faith) in God's forgiveness procured by Christ. We reject any assertion that faith is attained by intellectual assent, emotional experience, or volitional consent. 7) ETERNAL JUDGMENT will occur when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead, at which time believers will go to everlasting life in heaven, and unbelievers will go to everlasting shame and contempt in hell. We reject any attempt to reduce heaven to a social phenomenon, and any spiritualizing or repudiation of hell Doctrinal Standard This school, as with its sponsoring congregation, accepts all the canonical books of the Old Testament and the New Testament as the revealed and inerrant Word of God, verbally inspired, and submits to them as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life. This school accepts without reservation all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord School Standards Excellence in all things: academic, physical, social, moral, spiritual Truth in all things: personal, academic, theological Love to all people: with respect, compassion, and mercy Honor to all in authority: especially parents, teachers, pastors, trustees, volunteers, and school board members Faithfulness in every responsibility: relationships, possessions, reputation, faith, and worship Page 26

27 2.17 State of Wyoming Code of Ethics An Act declaring "The Code of the West" as the official state code of Wyoming was signed into law on March 3rd, Wyoming is the first state to adopt a code of ethics. The legislation designates ten ethics derived from the book "Cowboy Ethics" by James P. Owen: 1. Live each day with courage. 2. Take pride in your work. 3. Always finish what you start. 4. Do what has to be done. 5. Be tough, but fair. 6. When you make a promise, keep it. 7. Ride for the brand 8. Talk less, say more. 9. Remember that some things are not for sale. 10. Know where to draw the line. ORIGINAL SENATE FILE NO ENROLLED ACT NO. 7, SENATE SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING 2010 BUDGET SESSION State code. This act is effective July 1, Immanuel Academy As our secondary school develops its own traditions faithful to the Lutheran confession of the Christian Faith, ones appropriate for a secondary school, and consistent with our MLGS/IA mascot, the Knight, the following codes of conduct are under consideration. The Song of Roland was written between and described the betrayal of Count Roland at the hand of Ganelon. Roland was a loyal defender of his liege Lord Charlemagne and his code of conduct became understood as a code of chivalry. The Code of Chivalry described in the Song of Roland and an excellent representation of the Knights Codes of Chivalry are as follows: To fear God and maintain His Church To serve the liege lord in valour and faith To protect the weak and defenceless To give succour to widows and orphans To refrain from the wanton giving of offence To live by honour and for glory Page 27

28 To despise pecuniary reward To fight for the welfare of all To obey those placed in authority To guard the honour of fellow knights To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit To keep faith At all times to speak the truth To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun To respect the honour of women Never to refuse a challenge from an equal Never to turn the back upon a foe Of the seventeen entries in the Code of Chivalry described in the Song of Roland, at least twelve of the codes relate to acts of chivalry as opposed to acts of combat. The chivalric virtues of the Code of Chivalry were also described in the 14th Century by the Duke of Burgundy. The words he chose to use to describe the virtues that should be exhibited in the Knights Code of Chivalry were as follows: Faith Charity Justice Sagacity Prudence Temperance Resolution Truth Liberality Diligence Hope Valour Maturity according to Dear Abby This is maturity: To be able to stick with a job until it s finished; to do one s duty without being supervised; to be able to carry money without spending it; and to be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even. Our goal in composing a school code is not to replace the Ten Commandments but to apply them to the specific vocation of student in the context of a classical Lutheran school in preparation for being a servant leader for Church and for world Toward Better Communication in Christ We all want good educational and social experience for the scholars of Martin Luther Grammar School. In order to help us better accomplish those goals, we offer the following suggestions and resources to better facilitate communication with and about the school. Page 28

29 The Blog MLGS has had a blog since 2009, a main source of information about fundraisers, Classical education, Christian education, Lutheran education, and an easy way to find websites for The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education and the MLGS store at GTM to purchase Knight Gear. Our Blog has become more of a full-resource website in We have compiled the content of our previous brochures and website. Here is a list of some of the topics and resources available there: Video About MLGS/IA What Is Classical Education? What Is a Lutheran? How Your Child Benefits Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School How Does MLGS Teach Reading? Classical Philosophy and Methodology Reading, Writing and Arithmetic What Is a Grammar School? Classical and Lutheran Education Links Luther on Education Melanchthon on Education Walther on Education Miller on Education A Recipe for Academic Excellence Keeping the Excellence in Education Yesterday and Tomorrow Paradigm, Pedagogy Practice In addition, you can visit the websites of our sister schools, associations, and recommended websites of interest to parents who care about the education of their children The Knightly News newsletter Begun in summer of 2011 and named after our school mascot, periodic s called Knightly News will arrive in parent and supporter inboxes. Please add SheridanMLGS@gmail.com to your address book and make sure our school newsletters make it through your junk filters. is universally used by our parents. We encourage each family to send updated addresses to the school address above AND check at least twice a week. Page 29

30 The Suggestion Box Have a question, comment, idea, or suggestion that you would like to share quickly? Want to set up a meeting with a Teacher or the Headmaster? SheridanMLGS@gmail.com or fill out a paper form for the Suggestion Box at the school Grievance Guidelines The purpose of the Grievance Guidelines is to build and sustain the love which God commands us to have toward our neighbor and to improve our school. Ephesians 4:25-32 is especially significant for this purpose: 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Likewise, these Guidelines will help us keep James 3:10-12: 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. We expect all matters of concern to follow the general outline of Matthew 18:15-20: 15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18 directs us first to the person with whom we have the concern. The most effective means toward resolution is to initiate honest and open communication. In most cases the concern is quickly resolved and a stronger relationship is often an added benefit. If unresolved, we may ask for intervention and support from the next level of authority. Every effort will be made to bring about communication between the parties involved leading to resolution and Christian reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). The order of authority in any concern is: First and foremost, to the person with whom we have a concern as noted above. Otherwise, the following order should be observed: o Teacher o Headmaster o The Lutheran Day School Board Page 30

31 It is the responsibility of the Headmaster to help facilitate this process and bring about reconciliation School Colors and Mascot Red and Gold were nominated and chosen by the MLGS student body in May of Red reminds us of the redeeming blood of Christ. Gold recalls God s glory. The MLGS student body nominated and chose the knight as their mascot in May of A golden knight with a red plume rides a white horse and carries a shield emblazoned with a lion and one or three crosses. The new patch for daily wear by scholars at Immanuel Academy is intended to be a more detailed version of the Knight s shield, featuring a cross and lion. It is not intended to be a different mascot, but a very specific focus on the Knight s shield. Page 31

32 We refer to this knight as George. In 1521, following the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther was kidnapped (by friends for his own protection) and hidden at the Wartburg castle. There he was known as Knight George (German: Junker Jörg). It was then that Luther translated the New Testament into German. Visit our main website for a link to purchase official MLGS/IA merchandise. Page 32

33 3 SCHOOL GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SUPPORT 3.1 Affiliation MLGS/IA is a vital part of the mission and ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church and is one of 2,450 LCMS schools, serving more than 270,000 students nationwide. 3.2 Mission Opportunities In addition to our school, Immanuel Lutheran Church also provides: Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. (and other times as announced) with Sunday School and Adult Bible Study at 9:15 a.m for ages three through adult. Parents, Friends, and Guests are invited to Chapel Services. o Matins is prayed at 8:05 a.m. on Monday Sermon on the week s Old Testament Reading o Prayer and Preaching is at 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday Sermon on the week s Epistle Reading o Morning Prayer is said at 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday Sermon on the weeks Gospel Reading o Evening Prayer is sung on Thursday afternoons Sermon may be topical or on an alternate Reading Compline and Vespers may be prayed instead of EP o Friday chapel is a new addition for the school year Details TBD Wednesday evening services are held each week at 7 p.m. A light meal is often offered before the service during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Youth Catechism instruction is offered to grades 6-8. Bible Study groups meet throughout the year, usually on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings (not during Advent or Lent). Thursday Night Theology (6p) began in Pastor conducts Adult Confirmation/Information classes for those interested in knowing more about the Lutheran confession of the Christian faith and/or becoming members of our congregation. Immanuel has active groups for men, women, youth, and young adults. 3.3 A Brief History of MLGS/IA Immanuel Lutheran church began in Sheridan in 1903 as Evangelische Lutherish Immanuels Gemeinde and held services in German. Voters meeting minutes of the congregation were in German until Pastor Cain still has occasional shut-in visits in German. In the 1920 s under Pastor Her, Immanuel Lutheran had a German-language school in the second floor of the Park Street parsonage. A request for a mission grant to build a school was declined by the District at the time Page 33

34 Wyoming became a center for classical Lutheran education when William Heine, one of the original pioneers, became Education Executive for the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 3 with the support of the Rev. Dr. Ron Garwood, Wyoming District President and former pastor of Immanuel, Sheridan. Pastor Heine s wife, Melinda Heine, had researched classical education and shared its promise with her husband. Pastor Heine served Immanuel Lutheran Church (ILC) from 1997 until He is a permanent member of the Board of CCLE and served as Dean of Chapel of Saint Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, Missouri before being installed in 2012 as Headmaster of Memorial Lutheran School, Houston, Texas. He was awarded the CCLE Magister Magnus in 2015 and entered his heavenly reward in December On the occasion of the Centennial of Immanuel, MLGS was founded in 2003 as a ministry of ILC, under his direction and the support of the congregation and parents. CCLE V, a Conference on Classical and Lutheran Education, was held on the campus of the University of Wyoming and St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, Laramie. This conference served to inform the congregation and inspire Pastor Cain to become a Headmaster. Our first teacher, Mrs. Alicia Russell, spent a year in training as an apprentice teacher at the classical Lutheran school (Mount Hope Lutheran School) in Casper, Wyoming, under the tutelage of Mrs. Betty Garwood. Mrs. Russell opened the school in 2003 with 7 students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. In 2004, Mrs. Mary Heine was added to the faculty, and the student body grew to 28. During the school year, Mrs. Amy Johnson served as full-time aide to Mrs. Russell. During the school year, Mrs. Johnson taught grades 3-6 with Ms. Atwell serving as a her full-time aide. Mrs. Russell taught K-2 with Mrs. Pendergraft as her full-time aide. Mrs. Erica Cote worked as a part time aide from Beginning with the school year, Mrs. Pendergraft was named Teacher s Assistant. She has announced her retirement from MLGS/IA at the end of the school year. A nationwide search for her successor led to the congregation calling an Assistant Pastor, The Rev. René Gonzalo Castillero, Ordained and Installed on 18 June He will be our Lead Teacher. Mrs. Russell will be our Mentor Teaacher. The Rev. Paul J Cain was installed as Pastor of ILC and MLGS Headmaster in April of He was elected to the Board of Directors of CCLE as a term member in the summer of 2010 and was reelected in 2011 and On May 17, 2013 he was selected to be a permanent CCLE Board Member. In 2010, we were blessed with the gift of the former library of Red Grade Christian Academy. In 2012, we were honored to receive a gift of the remaining funds of Three Peaks Christian School. We are not claiming the mantle of these schools, but we are encouraged and humbled by their supporters confidence in us. MLGS hosted the annual CCLE Conference on the campus of Sheridan College in the summer of Mrs. Nancy Huckfeldt began serving as MLGS School Monitor early in 2011 and served us for the whole school year. Mr. Larry Roberts worked as MLGS School Monitor from Page 34

35 Mrs. Beth Manthei has been our School Monitor since fall 2015 and will be our School Monitor again for this school year. We were blessed to have Mrs. Elizabeth Carlson as our first called LCMS Rostered Teacher for Kindergarten for the school year. Rev. Castillero (Lead Teacher and Classroom Teacher) and Mrs. Russell (Mentor Teacher and Classroom Teacher) are our Faculty/Staff for Pastor Cain and others will serve as substitute teachers. The MLGS Board has had a goal of building from the bottom up, with full classes of 12 Kindergarteners each year. Our plan was to continue expanding our school by adding grades when possible. Sixth Grade was initially added on a year-by-year basis by special permission of the Board as pilot projects. Fall 2014 marked the official addition of 6 th Grade, Fall 2015 our very first class of 7 th Graders and the new name of Immanuel Academy for secondary school, and Fall 2016 marks the beginning of 8 th Grade instruction and Immanuel Academy as our 6 th -8 th secondary school. The 2015 Convention of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod called for a task force to explore the possibility of a classical Lutheran High School for the District. It is projected to begin in Fall Our school is funded by tuition, significant mission support from Immanuel Lutheran Church, as well as foundation grants and passionately dedicated individual donors. The school is a member of ACCS, the Association of Classical and Christian Schools and is accredited by CCLE, The Consortium for Classical Christian and Lutheran Education ( as well as National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA). 3.4 Accreditation CCLE MLGS is accredited by The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education. Our Letter of Intent was submitted in May 2010, paperwork was completed by January 2011, our site visit occurred April 13-15, 2011, and the CCLE Board of Directors accredited us on May 20, Our accreditation was formally announced at the CCLE Annual Conference (XI), July 12-14, 2011 at Sheridan College, Sheridan, Wyoming. As of July 2012, all four LCMS Wyoming District schools have CCLE accreditation. Ten schools in the United States had CCLE accreditation as of July A new Wyoming District school, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Alliance, Nebraska began its new classical school in the fall of NLSA The CCLE and NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation, of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) entered into a formal co-accreditation agreement in Page 35

36 MLGS was the first CCLE school to be granted National Lutheran School Accreditation on July 25, ACCS We do not currently intend to seek accreditation from The Association of Classical and Christian Schools. We are included as a Member School on the ACCS list The State of Wyoming We do not intend to seek accreditation from the State of Wyoming. 3.5 School Administration Relationship to Sponsoring Congregation MLGS/IA is owned and operated by Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, a congregation of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod MLGS Board The Lutheran Day School Board is responsible to the congregation for the operation and maintenance of the school. The Board establishes all policies and guidelines regarding the administration of the school. MLGS is extremely thankful for the work of the Trustees of Immanuel Lutheran Church and for the inclusion of school maintenance items in the annual congregational budget. The Board serves under the Constitution and Bylaws of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and our Faculty, Staff, and Volunteer Manual, intended as a companion to this handbook. The Headmaster, in cooperation with the faculty, is responsible for the execution of all policies and guidelines established by the board. A school board of five members of Immanuel Lutheran Church convenes on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. (subject to change as announced). Parents and family members wishing to bring up issues at a meeting may do so by calling a school board member well in advance of the meeting, ensuring appropriate time is set on the agenda, as well as agenda time necessary to address the Board s own business. Meetings are open unless called into executive session. The Lutheran Day School Board members are elected by the Voters Assembly of Immanuel Lutheran Church. All are male confirmed members of the congregation, the same requirements as our Board of Elders. Board members (term ends in May of 20xx) are: John Matthews (2020, Vice President, Signer) Matt Riederer (2019) Vacant (2019) Bob Hamilton (2020, ILC Elder Representative, Signer) Steven Petzold (2018, Board President, Signer) Page 36

37 3.6 Admissions Checklist See and Parent Group (PG) Parental support is a foundational part of a child s education. Participation of parents in support of their child s school is very important. In other words, YOU are the Parent Group. A parent group was started in 2007 to aid in the communication between teachers, parents, school board, and headmaster. The PG serves as a fundraising group, networking group, and support group for the school. Our goal is to assist the school in every way possible by using our parents'/guardians' time and talents. This group is overseen by the Headmaster and Head Teacher to be sure we all share the same vision. All parents are welcome to participate! Since the school year, Parent Group has met quarterly. Dates will be announced at or before the late August Headmaster meeting (the Thursday before Labor Day. Tentatively, we meet from 6-7 p.m. on the Fifth Tuesday of the month in the Immanuel parish hall (or as announced). We hope to encourage and offer more social activities for parents to get better acquainted with one another, our school, and our faculty, board members, volunteers, and supporters. PG has a Facebook group. The parent group has been very generous to MLGS/IA. Page 37

38 4 PHILOSOPHY OF CLASSICAL EDUCATION 4.1 The Trivium Classical Education utilizes The Trivium, three stages of learning delineated by the ancient Greeks Grammar Stage Approximately grades K-5 Students want to know what exists Teachers teach for the accumulation of knowledge The method focuses on memorization and retention of information Dialectic (or Logic) Stage Approximately grades 6,7,8, and up Students want to know why things are as they are Teachers teach to enable the understanding of systems and interrelations The method focuses on student-teacher interaction primarily through questioning and answering Rhetoric Stage Students want to know how to develop their own ideas and voice Teachers help students try their hand at developing reasons, explanations, and arguments The method focuses on students researching, writing, and defending by building on what they have previously learned and understood 4.2 Classical Content at the Grammar Stage The Skills Decoding Mental Math Rote Memorization The Content History Chronology Geography Facts Science Names The Person Literature to build character Poems to enrich language Singing to imbue theology (among other reasons) Page 38

39 4.3 The Goal at the Grammar Level Doing Reading words accurately (even if meaning is not present) Rote and rapid recollection of math facts (second nature) Writing well and copying accurately Telling time and planning the use of it Naming Names World places and characteristics Historical events, persons, and places Art and music masters and masterpieces Identifying Parts of speech Animals, plants, human body parts, etc. Musical notes, various instruments Living Personal hygiene and healthy living (nutrition and fitness) Personal organization Care of personal items Respect and care for others and their belongings Development of good study habits 4.4 Curricular Materials We at Martin Luther Grammar School seek to put into practice the ideals of Classical education by utilizing curricular materials consistent with those ideals. These include: Spalding Reading is a program of explicit and intensive phonics. Shurley Grammar is a program that takes students through parts of speech (nouns, verbs, direct objects, etc.) to sentence and paragraph structure, and to coherent essay composition. Saxon Math is a program of incremental (rather than spiral) math instruction. Veritas History is a chronological study of World and American, secular and sacred history. God s Design for Science is a classically-structured science curriculum that helps our scholars study God s world in harmony with the account of a six-day creation as recorded in God s Word. o o Chemistry & Ecology Properties of Matter Properties of Atoms & Molecules Properties of Ecosystems The Physical World Inventions & Technology Heat & Energy Page 39

40 MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Machines & Motion o Heaven & Earth Our Planet Earth Our Weather and Water Our Universe o Life The World of Plants The World of Animals The Human Body Luther s Small Catechism presents systematic study of Christian doctrine rooted in the Reformation principles of Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria (Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and To God s Glory Alone, respectively). Students will learn the Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord s Prayer, and Biblical teaching on Holy Baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and the Lord s Supper. Memorization (with meaning) is an important part of grammar. Our students sing, recite facts of geography and science, memorize poetry, and enjoy sharing what they have learned. Latin, the universal language of the Roman Empire, Medieval Western Christianity, and modern science and medicine is ideal for developing young minds, understanding English better, warming up for Italian, French, or Spanish, and preparing for a scientific or medical vocation (Students of Latin score higher on the SAT than students of modern languages). The Lost Tools of Writing will be offered to older students as appropriate, where they will learn classical techniques of what is called Material Logic to address the three most common problems in writing (other than technological problems and motivation). What to write is addressed with Grammar. How to organize material is taught using formal Logic. Rhetoric is the solution to how to write or say something just so. Page 40

41 5 SCHOOL POLICIES 5.1 Non-discrimination Statement Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, 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, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs. 5.2 Admission to MLGS/IA For a student to be admitted to MLGS/IA, a meeting with the teachers and Headmaster is recommended. Please ask for a registration packet and return it as soon as possible. We may do some academic testing. If your child has come from another school, any former standardized test results that can be provided would be helpful. A medical release form, field trip permission form, emergency contacts form, and enrollment form must be filled out. Immunization records should also be provided. Enrollment is generally kept to a ratio of students per teacher; however, exceptions are sometimes made. All new students are subject to a one quarter probation period. Enrollment is not limited to Lutheran Christians, but matters of faith will be taught exclusively in accord with the Scriptures and the Book of Concord while respecting the denominational preferences of other Christians. Due to limited class size, members of Immanuel and sister LCMS congregations receive first priority for registration (before any announced early registration date). After this time, enrollment is open to the general public on a first-come, first-registered basis (all paperwork and payments complete). Completing a registration application does not guarantee admission. 5.3 Withdrawal from MLGS/IA If parents decide to withdraw their child(ren) from MLGS/IA for any reason, they must notify the Headmaster via a face-to-face meeting. This affords us all one final chance to follow the Section 2 Grievance Guidelines according to Matthew 18. Page 41

42 5.3.1 Reregistration for the Next School Year Registration forms for Fall of a given year are typically available as early as February of that year. They may be requested at any time. If a current MLGS/IA family is considering not returning to our school in the Fall for any reason, we would appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation about the reason(s), preferably in time to make institutional corrections, if necessary. 5.4 The Headmaster s Meeting Each year, prior to the beginning of the school year, the Headmaster holds an informational meeting for all parents/guardians (both new and returning families). Though often on the Thursday before Labor Day, the date will be announced in advance in the cover letter accompanying the updated annual handbook. At least one parent or guardian of each admitted student must attend this informational meeting or arrange to cover the meeting s content in advance of the meeting (with the Headmaster, etc.). 5.5 Tuition and Fees Overview A one-time registration fee of $100 per new student is collected at the time registration paperwork is turned in to the school office. We do anticipate modest biennial tuition increases to keep up with inflation and to offer our faculty cost of living increases in salary. The tuition rate for fall is usually announced by March 1. MLGS Tuition is $3,000 per student each year. Each additional student from the same family at MLGS is 50% of full tuition ($1,500). If a family s only student at MLGS is a half-day Kindergartner, tuition is 75% of full price ($2,250). Tuition for students at Immanuel Academy is 125% of full tuition ($3,750). No discounts normally shall apply. Please contact the Board through the Headmaster in cases of necessity. If a family has students in both Immanuel Academy and MLGS, the eldest child in MLGS will be assessed full tuition. Additional younger children in the same family would then be eligible for half price tuition. Please contact the Board through the Headmaster in cases of necessity. A ten-month payment plan is recommended, with payments beginning in August and concluding in May. A twelve-month plan is also possible. Payments begin in June and conclude in May. Page 42

43 5.5.2 Tuition Payments Tuition payments may be mailed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or dropped off at the ILC office. Statements are sent out monthly. Other payment plans are available. Electronic Automatic Withdrawal plans may be available upon request. Payments may also be made via PayPal, once that system is set up Scholarships Scholarships may be available through the Headmaster and Board. Applications are available in the Office or from the Headmaster. Past practice has been a modest $500 scholarship per scholar based on available funds Late Payments When the account becomes 30 days late, a notice will be sent to inform the parent(s) that tuition must be brought current in the next 30 days in order for their children to continue the privilege of attending MLGS/IA Non-payment of Tuition Unpaid tuition from the previous school year may mean that the student will not be invited back for the following school year. 5.6 School Hours/Drop-Off and Pick-Up Our school day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students need to be ready and in their seats at 8:00 a.m. They need to arrive at school before this time to hang up coats, put away belongings, get out materials, etc Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Children should arrive between 7:45 and 7:50 to begin preparing for the day. Encouraging Responsibility, Avoiding Distraction We want to teach our students to be responsible for themselves, their belongings, their classroom work, and their use of time. A school-aged child should be able to put his/her own items where they belong in the classroom. Parents may accompany younger children to the classroom door, but please refrain from chatting with the teacher or other parents inside the building as it distracts pupils and teachers from getting started promptly. If you need to discuss something at length with your child's teacher, please contact her for an appointment at a different time Chapel Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Chapel starts promptly at 8:05 a.m. so we will be lining up and walking to the church at 8:00 a.m. Doors will be locked, so if a student is tardy, a parent will need to walk him to Chapel. Page 43

44 5.6.4 Dismissal from school is at 3:10 p.m. Our school day ends promptly at 3:10 p.m. This means that students need to head home or to their next activity. Children are expected to promptly pack up coats, put away belongings, gather homework, empty lunch pails, etc Doors lock at 3:30 p.m. Parents should plan to arrive well before 3:30 to pick up their children. Sister schools in Wyoming charge by the minute for watching children after school. We hope to avoid implementing that policy There is no outdoor supervision of children after school. Children may play outdoors under parent/guardian supervision only. We repeat, the only supervision on the playgrounds after school is parental supervision Parking Lot Safety Please take great care to watch for children when driving in the parking lot. If your child has an appointment, lesson, practice, or game to attend and needs to leave sooner, please discuss this with your child's teacher prior to picking up him or her. 5.7 Absences/Tardiness Definition School starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. so your child is considered tardy if he or she arrives at the building at 8:00 a.m. and still has to put away his coat, get out books, etc. Getting to class on time is a life skill Consequences As in other schools, consequences may be arranged for students who are habitually tardy Counsel to Parents Plan for your child to arrive at the school when the doors open at 7:45 a.m. Arriving before 8:00 a.m. allows ample time to get prepared for the day, such as turning in homework and sharpening pencils. Again, students need to be seated and ready to go promptly at 8:00 a.m. Promptness is the mark of a leader. Tardiness on the day a student is scheduled to be the class leader will result in forfeiture of that privilege. Please notify the teacher or Headmaster (through the ILC office) if your child will be absent or tardy on any particular day(s). The teacher can then get together the work your child will be missing and your child can start catching up as soon as possible. Absences and tardiness are marked on your child's report card. Please help instill responsible behavior in your child(ren) by helping us begin school on time every day Our Expectations It is an expectation that students will attend school on a consistent basis as regular attendance at school promotes the mental and emotional development of children. Even though students can obtain make-up work for days absent, the daily teacher-to-student interaction and focused teaching Page 44

45 cannot be replaced. Information given during lectures cannot be recreated in exactly the same way for an absent student Parental Responsibility: Contact the School In all absences, including tardiness, it is the responsibility of the student s parent or legal guardian to contact the school (through the ILC office at ) each day the student is absent to explain the absence. If this is not possible, the student is required to provide a written explanation from the parent or guardian upon the student s return to school. If a student is absent and no call is received on the day of the absence, the school (usually the Headmaster or ILC Office) shall attempt to call the parent/guardian as soon as possible. For reasons other than illness or family emergencies, parents should request in writing a prearranged excused absence (or tardy). To allow teachers a reasonable amount of time to prepare lessons, you must request a pre-arranged absence at least two days ahead of the actual event Excused Absences Excused Absences/Tardiness are those that MLGS/IA (like other schools), with the knowledge of the parent, considers compelling or unavoidable. Examples include but are not limited to: Student illness Serious illness or death in the family Religious holidays Court hearings where the student is required to attend Natural disasters or weather that jeopardizes travel Medical and/or dental treatment Absences that have been arranged in advance through collaboration with the Headmaster Unexcused Absences Unexcused Absences/Tardiness are those that MLGS/IA (like other schools) considers noncompelling or avoidable. Examples include but are not limited to: Appointments (other than those listed above) that could be scheduled before or after school Shopping trips Haircuts Failure to get up on time in the morning Delays because of traffic or trains Babysitting siblings Absences for which no reason is provided Page 45

46 5.7.8 Make-up Work In the event of illness, a phone call before school will enable your child s teacher to prepare the assignments and materials for pick-up after school that day. Please call the ILC office to minimize disruption of classroom instruction. 5.8 Homework Homework is a daily and critical part of our curriculum. It is used as a constructive exercise for mastery of the subject, as well as an opportunity for parents to be actively involved with their children in their studies. Parents have the ultimate responsibility for following through with the consistent discipline of homework. 5.9 Exclusion from Care Policy Any child who cannot participate in the regular school day due to discomfort, injury or other symptoms of illness may be sent home. Examples include, but are not limited to: 1. The child does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in all school activities. 2. The staff cannot adequately care for the sick child without compromising the care of other children. If your child has a contagious disease/illness, please refer to the following information concerning when he/she can return to school: ILLNESS CHILD CAN RETURN Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) 24 hours after starting antibiotics (4 doses) Fever (temp. above 101 ) When fever has been absent for 24 hours without medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) Strep Throat 24 hours after starting antibiotics (4 doses) and child feels well Vomiting - 2 or more times within 24 hours When there has been no vomiting for 24 hours; is fever free Diarrhea - 2 or more times within 24 hours When there has been no diarrhea for 24 hours; is fever free Ringworm After antifungal treatment has begun Lice When no nits or live lice are present Chicken Pox When all chicken pox are scabbed over and not oozing fluid. Scabies After treatment is completed (usually 24 hours). The following diseases ALWAYS require the permission of your child's doctor to return to school: ILLNESS CHILD CAN RETURN Hepatitis A When doctor clears child with written permission Measles Usually 5 days after rash appears and written permission Mumps Usually 9 days after swelling begins and written permission Rubella When doctor clears child with written permission Page 46

47 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) 5 days after antibiotic treatment and written permission 5.10 Discipline Policy As much as possible, students are rewarded for good behavior. Teachers strive to bring out the best in students and deter negative behaviors. In terms of rewards for good behavior as well as academic excellence and responsibility in doing homework, etc., teachers have a points system. Points are awarded for attending church regularly, doing homework nightly, making improvements where needed, etc Student of the Year At the end of the year, a "Student of the Year" award may be given to one especially deserving student in each classroom. This award is given on the basis of an overall picture of the student s behavior, grades, growth, and points earned. Students of the Year, Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy Sheridan, Wyoming Justin Beutler Caleb Gray Galen Westre Alana Ziegler David McMahon, Lyndsey Johnson Madisyn Zeller, Hailee Tellez Morgan Irvine, Warren Reinke Madisyn Zeller, Morgan Hall Madisyn Zeller Austin Reenders Isabel Reinke, Jenna Reenders Kadia Miller, Austin Reenders none awarded Ashlyn Salyards, Laura Anderson; Ian Chauncey TBD Reproofs and Rewards In order to provide immediate reproofs and rewards for grammar school students, we use a daily points system. Each week, students have the opportunity to earn a daily point for observing classroom rules. Earning his/her point each day of the week qualifies the student for the weekly Headmaster s List (announced after chapel each Monday). Losing no points for an entire quarter earns students a special reward from the Headmaster. This is also taken into consideration for determining year-end awards such as Citizenship and Student of the Year. Page 47

48 At the teacher s discretion, the daily point may be lost for inappropriate behavior. Students will be given three warnings for infractions such as tardiness, uniform violations, incomplete homework, being unprepared for class, and other infractions of classroom rules Notes Home: Yellow and Red Slips Teachers will issue a yellow slip when parents need to be notified of behavior infractions. Parents are required to sign and return the slip. Teachers will issue a red slip for more severe infractions, which also include a visit with the Headmaster MLGS/IA Rules General School Rules Behave responsibly. Respect authority. Respect others. Respect self. Respect the school environment Classroom Rules Listen carefully. Be obedient. Respect people and property. Do your personal best. Keep a place for everything and keep everything in its place General Rules for Recess, Lunch, and Library Follow the directions of the adult(s) on duty. Treat others as you want to be treated (or better) Recess Rules Stay in the area designated by the adult(s). Include others. Don t hurt others. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. No climbing on top of equipment Lunchroom Rules Food is for eating. Eat first so you can talk & play later. Clean up after yourself and help clean your table area Library Rules Treat books & other resources with respect. Do not reshelve books. Place them on a designated red counter. Read the items you check out or return them early for others to use. Page 48

49 Provide a quiet place for other readers. MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Physical Education (PE) Rules Behave Responsibly Respect Authority, Others, Self, and the School Environment 5.12 The Honor Form For Students 7 th and up, an Honor Form is under development No Electronic Devices MLGS/IA scholars may bring a cell phone to school for safety purposes, but shall not store it on their person, nor in a locker, "cubby", or backpack during the school day. Upon arrival at school, the device shall be surrendered to his/her classroom teacher for safe storage during the class day and shall be returned to the student at the end of the school day (or only for emergency use during the school day). Note: Emergencies, by definition, are rare. Gaming devices shall not be brought to school, even for use at recess. Violations of this policy are subject to confiscation of the item/device and return of that item/device to the child's parent/guardian. Page 49

50 6 SPECIAL SUBJECTS AND REQUIREMENTS 6.1 Chapel Chapel will be at the beginning of the school day Monday (Matins), Tuesday (Prayer and Preaching), and Wednesday (Morning Prayer) and at the end of the school day on Thursday (Evening Prayer or Compline). Typical Schedule Monday: Matins and a sermon on an Old Testament Reading (or from the book of Acts) Tuesday: Service of Prayer and Preaching and a sermon on an Epistle Reading (or from the book of Revelation) Wednesday: Morning Prayer (or Divine Service) with a sermon on a Gospel Reading Thursday: Evening Prayer (or Compline or Vespers) with a topical sermon, or a sermon on a Psalm or alternate lectionary reading. Friday: Details TBD Mission Offerings An offering will be taken on each Wednesday to support an offsite mission project agreed upon by the Headmaster and student body Families are Welcome Parents are welcome to attend Chapel with their child at any time Chapelbook A music booklet of music commonly used for chapel is available before the beginning of each school year. It is also intended for home use. 6.2 Music Vocal Music The children learn hymns and sing them from memory at school programs. Children will be given opportunities to sing in duets, trios, and at times, solos. For younger students, music may be sent home to get extra help with memorizing the words to the songs. Please assist your child in this Instrumental Music A string program is in formation at MLGS/IA thanks to individual donors and foundation grants. MLGS/IA owns violins for student use. Families may provide their own instrument at their discretion. Page 50

51 Parents willing to check out a school instrument may do so at a meeting with the Headmaster/Music Instructor by filling out an appropriate form, held until the instrument is returned and an inspection return form is completed by the parent and Headmaster/Music Instructor All school property, including instruments, must be returned before the release of school records and report cards. More details will be provided to parents as we have them. 6.3 Physical Education The church van will take the students to the YMCA and bring them back. A separate pair of tennis shoes will be required for P.E. days. They may only be worn for this purpose, as we do not wish to scratch the floors at the YMCA. There is a shoe rack at school for storing gym shoes as needed. Please, NO skirts of any sort on this day to help our girls learn modesty. 6.4 Art Art and Art History are covered each week. Supplies will be provided unless requested by teachers. 6.5 Science Friday The Headmaster will provide more information as it becomes available. 6.6 Library Basic Policies Each student may check out four books at a time. Failure to return library books will remove the student s privilege to check out books Parental Guidance Parental Guidance is recommended with all library materials. In addition, parents may give the school library staff special limits on the quantity (no more than two) or type of materials (no videos). Such direction shall be in writing ( acceptable) Missing Books If a book is still missing after a month, a note (and/or an ) will be sent home with the book title. If the book is unable to be returned, a suggested replacement price will be sent home. This is done so that your child will be able to check out books again and so that other students now and in the future may benefit from the restoration of that volume to the school collection. Page 51

52 Return, Replace or Pay before Release of Records It is the policy of MLGS/IA that books returned damaged must be paid for or replaced. Amazon.com has been used to estimate the copy of a replacement and to order that replacement. All missing library books must be returned, replaced, or paid for before the release of the end-of-year report card, Stanford Achievement Test results, or the transfer of school records. The librarian and volunteers are under the direct supervision of the Headmaster and the Board. The library reserves the right to return or pass on book donations that are inappropriate for our collection. 6.7 Catechism All students will memorize the Six Chief Parts from Luther s Small Catechism. Grades K-2 may use My First Catechism. Grades 3-6 will use Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation. Upper Grades will begin study of Luther s Large Catechism and the Augsburg Confession. Books may be borrowed for home use at the discretion of the teacher. 6.8 Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips Students will be given opportunities to perform for various church and community functions throughout the year. These may include the naturalization ceremony for new citizens at the courthouse, the Sanctity of Life vigil at the courthouse, Christmas caroling for shut-ins, singing for birthday parties at nursing homes or assisted living centers, and performing for church groups. Students also perform at regularly scheduled school programs throughout the year, held at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Field trips may be scheduled by the Parent Group throughout the year at the school's discretion. Students may go to museums in Gillette or Casper, or to local attractions. Parents are notified beforehand and asked if they would like to help chaperone and drive. 6.9 Homework Homework is a vital part of our education program at Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy. Your child will have homework on Monday through Thursday. Normally homework is not assigned on weekends, other than reading. Each week s homework sheet requires a parent s signature at the bottom at the end of the week, as well as parent initials after each particular item. It is very important to initial and sign the homework sheets as reward points are assigned to each item. An unsigned or uninitialed homework sheet means fewer reward points for your child. Since each day's homework builds on another, it is essential that the work be completed and brought to school daily. Incomplete or lost homework will need to be completed at recess. After the third homework violation in a quarter, your child's teacher will notify you that your child will need to stay after school until the work is completed. Page 52

53 Reading aloud to your child and listening to him or her read is at the top of the homework list! Language skills are improved by practicing spelling words, new math skills, history facts, Bible stories and verses, poems, etc. These will be listed on the "Study List" your child brings home each Monday. Please limit television viewing and set aside time each day for you and your child to read, talk, listen, and pray together Grading Policy Grades are assigned quarterly and report cards will be sent home at these times. Students receive marks in their core subjects and in classroom behavior. Behaviors, such as work ethic, obedience, and responsibility earn either an S for satisfactory, "N" for needs improvement, or "U" for unsatisfactory. Students are awarded grades in core subjects as follows: Grading Chart Grading Key Alternate Marks Comments H (Honors) Above grade-level work Outstanding performance on objectives Intended to be rare E or Excellent A S or Satisfactory B N or Needs Improvement C U or Unsatisfactory D or F Meets objectives consistently Meets objectives a majority of the time Meets objectives inconsistently Unable to meet the objectives Objectives not yet introduced (Kindergarten ONLY) Questions? Talk to Your Child s Teacher First If you have any questions about grading or grades on specific assignments, please talk to your child s teacher first. Asking questions (and communicating concerns sooner rather than later) resolves misunderstandings and helps avoid hard feelings. Do this. Refrain from parking lot gossip. Page 53

54 Assessment in a Multi-level Classroom MLGS/IA currently has only two classrooms and had three for the school year. Multi-level classrooms have many blessings. Grading certain subjects fairly and consistently is one of the challenges. The content of subjects like History or Science are taught in groups. Obviously, we have different expectations of younger students compared to older students. Based on our current textbooks for these subjects, we often have to offer the same worksheets and tests to all ages 2 nd through 5 th. Based on each individual scholar s abilities, we may designate an Ability Level Expectation or ALE for each of these special subjects and each individual scholar. For example: If on a science test we were to expect 100% for our oldest students, a possible ALE for one of our third graders could be 70%. If a 5 th grader gets 65% when the expectation is 100%, we would note a problem. If that third grader got 65% on that test, the real grade would be 65/70, not really 65/ /70 = about a 93%, a pretty good score. This is only intended as a general explanation of the ALE concept. The ALE will be set before the homework is assigned or a test is handed out. The ALE may be adjusted as necessary Testing Regular Weekly Tests Regular weekly tests are held on Fridays to assess each child's individual progress in his studies. Your child will have ample time to prepare for tests, and will be given a "Study List" to bring home at the beginning of the week to delineate exactly what will be studied that week Standardized Testing In addition, standardized testing is done every spring to reflect each student's progress compared to a large group. The Stanford Achievement Test is done over the course of four days (mornings only) in May or late April. Please make sure your child has adequate rest and a good, nutritious breakfast, especially on these days Standing Desks and Stools During the school year, MLGS had the opportunity to upgrade our student desks for all students to a standing desk. Designed to provide a more ergonomic position to increase attention and blood flow to the brain, and to reduce fidgeting and future lower back pain, these desks and matching stools are adjustable to fit each individual student. Page 54

55 Desktops are to be level with a student s elbow when standing. Stools are adjusted so that the desk height may be maintained while seated. In addition, a foot rest is a revolutionary concept that provides the same energy releasing, focus attaining results with proprioceptive input that therapists have gained by using hand fidgets for years. It provides these same positive results but leaves hands free for classroom work ( Have a child that has trouble sitting still? Why do they have to sit? Winston Churchill favored a standing desk well before he was Prime Minister School Dress Code Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy students are expected to appear clean, neatly groomed, and properly dressed. The dress code is enforced to ensure high standards of personal appearance, freedom from fashion consciousness, and school uniformity. No particular brand of clothing is required; as long as the basic colors and styles requested are adhered to your student will be following dress code. Please keep in mind that students may be sent home if not appropriately dressed Everyday Uniform Dark red, white, or navy blue polo shirt Navy blue or khaki pants, skirt, jumper, or skort o Denim is not acceptable o Leggings are not considered pants o Skirts should reach to or below the knee Navy, white, or red turtle necks or plain t-shirts may be worn under the polo Navy blue, dark red, or white cardigan with buttons or zipper or a dress jacket is acceptable (not required). No hooded or pull-over sweaters allowed Solid Brown or black dress belt (plain, not braided, tooled, or jeweled) Brown or black dress shoes or boots (no tennis shoes, hiking boots, flip flops, or crocs) Martin Luther Grammar School patch (provided by school) Page 55

56 Dress Uniform MLGS/IA Parent and Student Handbook Worn every Friday and at school performances and field trips Navy blue polo top (long or short sleeve) Khaki pants Brown or black dress belt Brown or black dress shoes Martin Luther Grammar School patch Immanuel Academy/Logic Level Uniform Options As students mature into the Logic/Dialectic Stage, the Headmaster and Teachers may allow the following additions to the MLGS Uniform, which shall also be designated as the uniform of Immanuel Academy White or French blue button shirt or blouse Solid or red/navy striped tie or scarf The MLGS patch may be worn on the blazer, tie, or scarf in an appropriate manner Dress uniform shall include: Navy Blazer Upon entry into Immanuel Academy, scholars will substitute: Immanuel Academy Patch (provided by school) Hair The goal of our school dress code is for our student s appearance to be modest, discreet and God pleasing. Hair styles and accessories should also meet these criteria. Gentlemen: clean cut, neatly groomed, no unnatural coloring, and no extreme styling. Ladies: accessories should match the uniform of the day and not distract other students or herself, no unnatural coloring, and no extreme styling. Long hair should be well under control in a manner that can be maintained throughout the school day. Please be aware that strongly scented hair and skin products can aggravate the allergies of classmates Cosmetics, Jewelry, and Accessories Colored cosmetics of any kind are not permitted except clear or pale nail polish. Chap stick is permitted, but not lip gloss. Face paint, temporary tattoos, or any drawing on skin are also not permitted. Jewelry such as a watch, necklace with a cross, or one small ring on each hand are acceptable for boys and girls. Girls may wear one small stud-type earring in the lobe of each ear. Boys may not wear earrings. No other body jewelry is allowed. All jewelry should complement the school uniform. Inappropriate items will be confiscated and given to the student s parents. All hair accessories should match the uniform, be small in appearance, and not be distracting to themselves or other students (i.e., no big pink bows). Page 56

57 Outdoor Clothing We want students to get as much fresh air and exercise as possible. So, unless the weather is particularly inclement (rain, sleet, high winds, or wind chill below zero), the students will get outside daily, even in the winter. Please have your child wear or bring appropriate outdoor clothing to school every day. In the winter this includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, boots, and snow pants. Please mark every item with your child's name Knight Days On special days as announced by the Headmaster, students may be invited to wear clothing with their school colors and mascot. Visit our main blog page for a link to purchase official MLGS merchandise. Students do not have to purchase items from the GTM Teamstore in order to participate. They may wear plain red or gold clothing with their clean jeans and clean tennis shoes. In previous years, the Board has gifted each new student with their first Knight Day shirt. Please also check the parent room Clothing Exchange for additional sizes. Immanuel Academy scholars may have their own Knight Day shirt design. Knight Day is intended to be special, so it will not have many planned occasions on our School Year Calendar. The Headmaster may announce a Knight Day as a reward or to boost morale Grubby Days Classroom teachers will notify parents about days when wearing our everyday uniform may be inappropriate for a given activity or field trip Clothing Exchange MLGS/IA offers an ongoing clothing exchange for your convenience. Located upstairs by the back door of Immanuel, you will find outgrown or otherwise gently-used uniform clothing that you may take as your child grows out of his/her current size. If you have clothes you would like to add to that as the year goes on, please feel free to bring clean, stain-free clothes to the hanging rack or bins and take your student s next size to help defray costs Snow Days Students in grades 5th and up will need to bring modest yet appropriate clothes (clothes, sweats, gym shorts, etc.) for Physical Education classes as announced Snow Days Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy makes decisions regarding late starts and snow days independently of the public schools. Page 57

58 Please listen to your radio at AM 930 KROE for school closings or delayed starts. The teacher will also call to notify you of any changes Calling Tree A calling tree will be sent home with your child. It will be used to notify all school families of late starts or snow days. Once you have received a call, please call the next family on the list. Leave answering machine messages if you are not able to speak to a person. Please continue calling until you reach a person. The last family will call the school office. The Office will call each Teacher to complete the calling tree Parent/Teacher Conferences These meetings are important for communication between parents and teacher about your child's progress in school. The dates of these conferences will be found on your school calendar. Please prioritize these conferences. It is ideal that both parents attend Tutoring Sometimes the teacher may deem it necessary for a student to have extra help after school. If the teacher stays after school to give extra instruction and help, the parents will be asked to make a donation which is then given to Immanuel Lutheran Church Lunches and Snacks General Guidelines Absolutely no candy or pop may be sent with students. Practicing good nutrition is something we try to impart at school Snacks To keep energy levels up, we have two snack times each day. Please send a package of nonperishable snack, such as animal crackers, goldfish crackers, etc., to be kept in the classroom for when your student may have forgotten his/her snack or needs more of a snack. We will send the empty box home when this is depleted so you will know that more snacks are needed. It is usually helpful to include extra snack items in the lunch box for these times. You may need to label them so your child knows which are for lunch and which are for snack time. Students will not be allowed to leave their desks to get snacks from their lunch box due to time restraints. Please send your child to the classroom with their snack at the beginning of the day Lunchtime You are welcome to come and have lunch with your child any day of the week. You may also take your child home or out to lunch by checking with the teacher the day before. Page 58

59 Microwave Guidelines You may send items to be heated for lunch, especially in winter. Even with a MLGS Monitor, we will need volunteer help in the kitchen to assist children to heat all of these and have them ready by the time the students come in for lunch. A good rule of thumb on this is: if you send a lunch to be heated please 1) be there to heat it for your child, or 2) teach them how to run a microwave under supervision. Time in microwaving meals is included during (not before) lunchtime Pizza Lunch Days Pizza Days will be held as announced Hot Lunch Days Hot Lunch Days, consisting of a casserole, veggies, and fruit, will also be held as announced Milk at Lunch Milk may be purchased for your child in the lunchroom. Details will be determined by the Parent Group Celebrations Students are welcome to bring in treats to celebrate their birthdays. Please notify your child's teacher of your plans so she may accommodate them. Usually birthday treats are served at the end of the school day or at the end of lunchtime. If your child is passing out party invitations at school, he or she may do so as long as the entire class is invited. In-school celebrations (ISC) typically occur four times a year: Reformation Day, (before) Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Students plan the menu and activities and help in the preparations for those days. Parents will be notified of ways they can help and will be invited to these events as well Fire/Tornado Drills Students will practice exiting from the building during periodic fire drills, which are held not less than once each month on average. Students will practice tornado safety during tornado drills held at least one time during the year. The safe place for MLGS/IA in the event of a tornado is the basement (cafeteria/library) of Immanuel Lutheran Church Parental Involvement Parents are required to be involved in the school. There will be a sign-up sheet for parents/guardians to sign up to serve in various capacities throughout the school year. You may also call Mrs. Russell at or to let her know how you would like to help. There are many different things that you can sign up for, from paper grader, to recess monitor, to lunchroom helper, to cleaning the rooms. Please feel free to ask any questions and sign up for as many or as few Page 59

60 duties as you have time. Please prayerfully sign up for something. When we all work together no one is burdened and it enhances our school Volunteer Schedule An up-to-date volunteer schedule is maintained by the School Office Fundraising Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy will have fund-raisers again this year. Parents also have the opportunity to help the school financially in small but important ways. We are always open to creative new ideas My Coke Rewards Consider donating your Coca-Cola points to MLGS Box Tops for Education Box Tops for Education has a website with a section called "Market Place." Many popular stores such as Cabela's, Lands' End, etc., are listed there. When you shop on-line from these stores, after registering and accessing them through "Market Place," either a percentage or flat donation goes directly to our school! It's quick and an easy way to help our school earn a little money. You may find this website at There is a box inside the front doors of the school on a shelf for you to place your Box Tops. They will be collected and mailed in for our school to receive the money due to MLGS GoodSearch By changing your search engine to each time you conduct a search on your browser with this search engine (only one per site) a penny will be donated to the school of your choice. It is easy to select the school. Type in Martin Luther Grammar School, Sheridan WY under Enter your charity here and select Garage Sale PG has held garage sales in the past PG Dad and Daughter Dance In 2015, the MLGS/IA Parent Group sponsored its first Dad and Daughter Dance. We intend to continue this tradition! We also hope to begin an annual Mother/Son event, too. Page 60

61 7 SCHOOL PERSONNEL CONTACT INFORMATION 7.1 Headmaster Rev. Paul J Cain, Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church (Church) (Parsonage) (Mobile/Text) revpaulcain@gmail.com Pastor Cain has served as Wyoming District Education Executive since 2015 and was recognized as the Wyoming District NLSA Commissioner in He has been a member of the Board of Directors of CCLE since Lead Teacher Rev. René Castillero (Church) (Mobile/Text/Home) revrenecastillero@gmail.com Pastor Castillero is a 2017 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. 7.3 Mentor Teacher Alicia Russell (School Emergency Only, please) (Church Please use this number between 7:45 and 3:10) (Home) (Mobile/Text) mlgsarussell@gmail.com 7.4 Immanuel Lutheran Church 1300 West 5 th Street Sheridan WY ( Immanuellutheran82801@gmail.com Page 61

62 7.5 Church/School Office Charlotte Hamilton, Administrative Assistant (ILC Church Office) 7.6 Lutheran Day School Board Steve Petzold, Board Chairman (Home) 7.7 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) The Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (307) Rev. John Hill, Wyoming District President 7.9 The Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education (CCLE) National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) Page 62

63 8 APPENDICES 8.1 MLGS Philosophy of Education Page 63

64 8.2 The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran School ( Page 64

65 Page 65

66 Page 66

67 8.3 The Marks of a Classical and Lutheran Educator ( Page 67

68 9 SCHOOL SCHEDULES (Insert the Most Current Versions Here) Please see the following pages. They are subject to change. Parents will be notified in advance by the Board, Headmaster, and/or classroom teachers. 9.1 School Year Calendar 9.2 Weekly/Daily Schedule 9.3 MLGS Supply List 9.4 Immanuel Academy Supply List Page 68

69 9.5 Uniform Supply List Everyday Uniform Dark red, white, or navy blue polo shirt Navy blue or khaki pants, skirt, jumper, or skort Denim is not acceptable Leggings are not considered pants Skirts should reach to or below the knee Navy, white, or red turtle necks or plain t-shirts may be worn under the polo Navy blue, dark red, or white cardigan with buttons or zipper or a dress jacket is acceptable (not required). No hooded or pull-over sweaters allowed Solid Brown or black dress belt (plain, not braided, tooled, or jeweled) Brown or black dress shoes or boots (no tennis shoes, hiking boots, or crocks) Martin Luther Grammar School patch (provided by school) Dress Uniform Worn every Friday and at school performances and field trips Navy blue polo top (long or short sleeve) Khaki pants Brown or black dress belt Brown or black dress shoes Martin Luther Grammar School patch Immanuel Academy/Logic Level Uniform Options As students mature into the Logic/Dialectic Stage, the Headmaster and Teachers may allow the following additions to the MLGS Uniform, which shall also be designated as the uniform of Immanuel Academy White or French blue button shirt or blouse Solid or red/navy striped tie or scarf The MLGS patch may be worn on the blazer, tie, or scarf in an appropriate manner Dress uniform shall include: Navy Blazer Upon entry into Immanuel Academy, scholars will substitute: Immanuel Academy Patch (provided by school) Page 69

70 10 ACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURES I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Martin Luther Grammar School/Immanuel Academy Parent and Student Handbook for the current school year. I have read, understood, and will abide by this handbook, including following the prescribed steps when dealing with issues of concern. I will discuss its policies with my student. I will encourage, edify, and aid the school, board, teachers, and staff to the best of my abilities by prayer, time, talent, and effort. I acknowledge that the School Board recommends 20 volunteer hours per family each school year to MLGS or Parent Group. I further acknowledge that tuition is due for the education of my child(ren) at Martin Luther Grammar School and promise to pay according to the following Lutheran Day School Board policy: Ten monthly payments delivered to the Church office due on the first of each month beginning in August and concluding with May. Twelve monthly payments delivered to the Church office due on the first of each month beginning in June and concluding with May. Half paid prior to first day of school and half paid prior to second semester beginning. Full tuition paid prior to school beginning. An alternate family tuition payment plan Please contact the Board through the Headmaster before selecting this option. Arrangements must be made before school begins. In addition I understand that all past tuition should be brought current prior to MLGS/IA accepting the student back for a new school year, or be put on a monthly payment schedule that would bring all tuition current by the end of the current school year. To opt-in to Continuous Reenrollment at MLGS/IA, check this box: Signature Date Students in Immanuel Academy, Grades 6-12, shall sign and date below: I hereby affirm that I have read the Parent and Student Handbook. I certify that I consent to, and will submit to all governing policies of the school. I understand that admission to the school is a privilege, not a right, and that any behavior, either on or off campus, which is not consistent with the school s standards could result in the loss of that privilege. Signature Date Page 70

71 Helping Believers Become Achievers Credimus, Docemus et Confitemur Christum (We believe, teach, and confess Christ) Proposed IA School Motto: Preparing Servant Leaders for Church and World Proposed IA Latin Motto: Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam. (Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name give the glory.) Psalm 115:1 Page 71