Non-discrimination Policy

Immanuel Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, nationality and ethnic origin to all 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 origin, sex, age, disability, religion or political belief in the administration of its educational Policies, and other school administered programs.

Admission Policy

Immanuel Lutheran School is open to children who are members of Immanuel Lutheran and Mision Emanuel as well as other children whose parents desire for them to attend. The school is for those who are seeking a Christ-centered educational program and who subscribe to the philosophy and objectives as stated in this Hand- book for Parents.

EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN OF IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MISION EMANUEL AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

Our School is open to those who desire Christian training in the Christian faith and service and desire to meet or exceed the entrance requirements for the next grade level. In its ministry, Immanuel Lutheran School endeavors to develop each person into a mature, wholesome personality capable to meet their responsibilities to God, to others, to themselves and to their country. Through the school years the children attending Immanuel Lutheran School will be given instruction based upon a curriculum which holds the spiritual growth of the child to be of great importance while maintain the highest possible academic standards in all subjects.

Sexual Harrassment Policy

It is the policy of Immanuel Lutheran School to strictly prohibit any conduct, which constitutes sexual harassment by an employee (worker) or non-employee. The School will take action against any person guilty of such conduct. This policy is based on the Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and related court decisions. Sexual harassment in any form toward an employee (worker) by another employee or a non-employee (e.g. student, parent, vender and visitor) will not be tolerated. Employees (workers) who believe that they have been or are being sexually harassed will inform the harasser that the behavior must stop immediately and, if continued, it will be reported or abusive sexual harassment shall report in confidence the conduct to the school administrator (or pastor of the hosting congregation) who will thoroughly investigate the incident and will present the investigated incident to the appropriate governing board. The board will decide the appropriate action the situation warrants. They could include termination of employment, contact, or enrollment. It is the responsibility of each employee (worker) to respect the rights of other employees and of non-employees.

Supervision

Immanuel Lutheran School is an institution of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Mision Emanuel Luterana. The school is at all times under the supervision and control of the congregations' Board of Education.

The Board of Education consists of one teacher, (selected by the teachers); four laypersons selected by Immanuel voters; one by Mision Emanuel; one parent representative, selected by the School board after consulting the teachers; two pastors (if available), one pastor from Immanuel and a pastor from Mision Emanuel. Other teachers are advisory members. The Board determines school policies, informs the voters of the needs of the school, safeguards the health and safety of the children, and brings the school to the favorable attention of the congregation members and the general public. The board members keep themselves informed on matters of policy and practice by maintaining close contact with school and through reports from the Director and/or Principal. They may visit any classroom while classes are in session after giving the teacher at least 5 minutes notice. A regular report concerning school matters is to be made by the board to Immanuel and Mision Emanuel voters meetings. The voters will have an opportunity to give input to the board at this time.

Student Teacher Ratio

When enrollment must be limited, we will follow Texas State guidelines as to space and student teacher ratio. Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 1 are limited to 22 students Grades 2 through 6 are limited to 20 students Consideration of special cases will be made in the best interest of the individual and the school. Special cases may involve discipline, handicap, special education, etc.

Sign in and out policy

Parents or caretakers will sign in and enter the time their child arrives at school and sign out when picking the child up at the end of the school day.

Discipline Policy

Immanuel Lutheran School Board of Education supports the teachers in their effort to maintain orderly conduct in all classes and activities. Immanuel Lutheran School is privileged to offer this program of Christian education to the community. It is also compelled to deny the privilege of enrollment and continued attendance if severe or chronic discipline problems occur. The general disciplinary procedures provide for teachers to penalize disruptions and distractions that interfere with teaching and learning. Continued attendance will be de denied by suspension or expulsion if disciplinary problems of students cannot be changed to comply with the expectations of the teacher and the school. The behaviors and/or learning of the enrolled student are such that they do not impede (or interfere) with their own learning or the learning of the students in the classroom (school).

Steps for Administration of Discipline Policy

The faculty will handle matters of everyday classroom and playground management with the child or children involved. Discipline methods might include, but are not limited to temporary removal from the classroom or activity, or denial of privileges such as not participating in recess (time out).
If the child's negative behavior persists, the matter will be discussed with the parents.
The Director will determine disciplinary actions that are appropriate if a student's misbehavior continues. Discipline actions may include, but are not limited to, a conference with the child, parents, and teacher, at home suspension, or expulsion.
In cases of severe misbehavior, such as mental and/or physical bullying, are brought directly to the Director or School Board.
A student who misbehaves will receive a “write up” explanation. The parent and student will meet with the teacher to discuss the “write up”. The student will be given the opportunity to apologize, receive forgiveness, and pledge to not repeat the misbehavior. The “write up” must be signed by the parent for the student to continue in school.
If a student receives a third “write up”, there will be an automatic suspension from school with the duration determined by the Director. (#7 Addendum: April 25, 2023)
The decision by the Director or the School Board of suspension or expulsion can be appealed to the Board of Education by written request.
The teachers are to report monthly to the Director any behavior problems with a specific student who continually disrupts the classroom. Basic information about these students and the extent of their disruptions will be shared with the Board of Education monthly for possible Board action.
A student who misbehaves will receive a “write up” explanation. The parent and student will meet with the teacher to discuss the “write up”. The student will be given the opportunity to apologize, receive forgiveness, and pledge to not repeat the misbehavior.
The “write up” must be signed by the parent for the student to continue in school.
If a student receives a third “write up”, there will be an automatic suspension from school with the duration determined by the Director. (#7 Addendum: April 25, 2023)

Health Requirements

Before returning to school after a prolonged absence, due to illness, children must be examined by the family doctor and be given a note from the physician stating that the child is well enough to return to school.

Standard Operational Procedure

Masks are optional, unless there is a need to make them mandatory again.

We will teach and reinforce hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. There will also be sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol available at all times. An increased hand washing schedule will be followed by students and staff.

We will encourage all staff and students to cover coughs, and sneezes with a tissue. If a tissue is not available, then we will teach students to cough or sneeze into their elbow, which is called “the germ trapper”. Then soap and water or sanitizer will be used immediately to clean hands.

If your child is sick, especially if he/she has a fever, do not send them to school. Consult your family doctor before your child returns to school. There will be no penalties if the student is absent due to illness, with a Dr's. excuse.

All students' belongings will be at their desk or designated cubby.

All students must have their own water bottle. The teacher will refill them if needed at scheduled times during the day. The bottles must be taken home everyday to be cleaned.

Visitors to the classrooms will be limited to essential visits only.

Essential Visits
Parents picking up a child early due to illness or Dr's. appointment. Please notify teacher ahead of time.
Non-essential Visits
Dropping off lunch or miscellaneous items. (these items to be dropped off at the office) Students will be released at the west side gate at 11:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. If raining or cold weather, pick-up will be at the front gate.

Should an order by county or state officials to close all schools, due to health related issues, we will use a telework option to continue the school year; therefore tuition will be forth coming as if attending classes in the school grounds.

Dispensing of Medication

If your child needs to have medication during school hours, parent/guardians must fill out an AUTHORIZATON for MEDICINE DISPENSATION / APPLICATION FORM before any medication may be dispensed. Forms are available from the office.

Each medication requires its own form.

All medication (whether prescription or over-the-counter) must be given to the teacher. No medications are to be kept in lunch boxes, desks or backpacks.

Parents are required to fill out a new form each and every time any medication is sent to school, as well as when the dosage or frequency changes.
If a medication has been stopped and restarted, a new form is needed. Copies of the form may be obtained from the office.
Prescription medication must come in the original container. The label must have the name and number of the pharmacy dispensing the medication, student's name, drug name , amount to be given, frequency and duration instructions. It MUST be accompanied by a signed AUTHORIZATION for MEDICATION DISPENSING / APPLICATION FORM and include the times for administration.
Over-the-counter medication, which is to be used as needed , must be in the original container, labeled with the student's name, dosage and frequency. The above-mentioned form MUST also accompany it and a note from the physician stating that he is aware the child is receiving over-the-counter medication.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, may any student self medicate.

Contagious Diseases

Children with contagious diseases should be kept at home until released by the physician. Under NO circumstances should a child with a sore throat, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea, runny nose or fever be sent to school. (Must be without fever for 24 hours before returning back to school.)

Please notify the teacher or church/school office if your child has or has been exposed to a contagious disease.