MISSION STATEMENT:
OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Our Savior's Lutheran School offers a Christ-centered program of academic excellence where each student is cherished as God's child and challenged to do his/her best to the glory of God and in service to others.
Our Savior's Lutheran School carries out this mission by:
- Supporting and assisting Christian parents as they seek to train their children in godly living.
- Nurturing each child through God's Word, drawing him closer to Jesus and equipping him for a life of service and responsible citizenship.
- Providing a setting where children, parents and teachers can experience and share the love of Jesus, deepening their relationship with their Savior and strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship.
- Challenging each child to grow and develop into full spiritual maturity, reaching toward the unique purpose designed for each by his Heavenly Father.
- Providing an excellent education within a Christian context, responsive to the needs of our community and pursuing the highest educational standards of our state.
"ALL FOR JESUS"
FORWARD
Parenthood is a special, God-given position which carries tremendous responsibilities. We at Our Savior's are eager to assist you in fulfilling these responsibilities through an educational program designed to provide guidance and direction for your child's spiritual development along with his mental, physical and social growth.
This Parents' Handbook is intended to help you understand the program of Christian education offered at Our Savior's. Many of the basic proce¬dures and policies of our school are presented in this booklet. Please take time to become familiar with these policies and to discuss them thoroughly with your child. We also suggest that you use this handbook as a guide when sharing information about Our Savior's School with interested friends.
Your Parents' Handbook serves as an open invitation for cooperation between the home and the school. Cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding is most beneficial in the development of a child's positive attitude toward school.
We hope to build on a relationship of trust and understanding so that together, as parents and teachers, we may lead each child to approach his or her full potential as a redeemed child of God.
FACULTY
PRINCIPAL: Mr. John March
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Mrs. Rebecca McCreary: Middle School Science/Math
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Mrs. Angela Schlie: Physical Education/ Fine Arts
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Mr. James Milkins: Middle School Social Studies/Language Arts
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Miss Micaela Martinez: Grade 5
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Mrs. Kim Flory: Grade 4
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Mrs. Cindy Williams: Grade 3
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Miss Betsy Kocsis: Grade 2
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Mrs. Christie Barnes: Grade 1
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Mrs. Bonnie Mueller: Kindergarten
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Mrs. Samantha Abbott: Preschool
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Mrs. MaryAnn Ginnan: Spanish Teacher
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Mrs. Divina Mendoza: Spanish Teacher
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Mrs. Lisa Fijal: System Manager
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Miss Claudia Niemann: Librarian
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Mrs. Susan Walter: School Secretary
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OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
The Rev. Paul Koehn: Pastor
SCHOOL BOARD
Mr. Mark Chaffee: Chairman
Mr. Alan Fijal: Treasurer
Mr. David Gogolla
Mr. Bill Frost
Mr. Tom O'Toole
Mrs. Nancy Neff
CLASS SESSIONS
Preschool
3 year olds- Tuesday, Thursday morning only 8:30-11:30
3-4 year olds- Monday, Wed., Fri. morning only 8:30 – 11:30
3-4 year olds – Monday thru Friday with extended care
8:30- 3:10 (or 5 mornings a week 8:30-11:30)
Kindergarten 8:30- 11:45 or 8:30-3:10
Grades 1-8 8:30-3:10
These sessions include a break in the morning and afternoon or physical education and recreation along with a lunch/recess break.
SNOW DAYS
In case of inclement weather during the winter, listen to announcements about school closings on local radio and television stations. When South Colonie public schools are closed or delayed due to the weather, Our Savior's will also be closed or delayed.
Please note that your own local school district is not required to provide transportation when its own schools are closed due to the weather. There may be times when Our Savior's is in session even though your own district will not provide transportation. Two hour delays will close morning Kindergarten and preschool. Extended School Day Program will be in operation.
School Calendar 2011-2011
| September 7 | Visiting Day |
| September 8 | Classes begin |
| October 14 | Midterms |
| October 10* | Columbus Day -No School |
| November 10 | End of First Quarter |
| November 11* | Veterans Day |
| Nov. 24-25* | Thanksgiving Recess-No School |
| November 30 | Parent Teacher Conference- ½ day |
| December 16 | Midterms |
| Dec. 22 – Jan 2* | Christmas Vacation |
| January 3 | Classes Resumes |
| January 16* | Martin Luther King Day |
| January 27 | End of Second Quarter |
| Feb. 20-24* | Mid- Winter Recess |
| March 9 | Midterms |
| March 23* | Staff Development Day |
| April 5 | End of Third Quarter |
| April 6-13* | Spring Recess |
| April 25 | Parent- Teacher Conference – ½ day |
| May 18 | Midterms |
| May 28* | Memorial Day |
| June 21 | Graduation/Closing Worship |
| June 22 | Last Day of School – ½ day |
BACKGROUND
Our Savior's Lutheran School is one of nearly 1000 elementary schools operated by the churches of the Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod. This system of Christian schools, instituted in America more than one hundred years ago, is the largest program of Protestant elementary schools in the country.
On the local level, Our Savior's Lutheran School was established in 1956 as an effort by Our Savior's Lutheran Church to provide a program of quality Christian education for children in the church and from surround¬ing communities.
From its inception, Our Savior's Lutheran School has been rooted in this Scriptural Truth:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
A major emphasis in Our Savior's Lutheran School is to lead each student to grow in his/her love for God and appreciation for others.
STANDARDS
Our Savior's School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (the Commission on Elementary Schools) and also by the National Lutheran Schools Accredi¬tation Commission. With its small student body, Our Savior's is able to provide a highly personalized approach to instruction.
Our Savior's also fosters a close relationship between the home and the school by encourag¬ing parental involvement in school activities. Realizing the demands for excellence in education, the faculty at Our Savior's is involved in an on-going program of curriculum review and development. State mandated tests consistently reflect the high standards of Our Savior's School.
HOME-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP
In today's highly technological society, communication between parents and teachers is more important than ever. The Our Savior's Lutheran faculty has a number of tools for communicating with parents. Grade books are available online. Teachers' e-mail addresses are published on our school website www.oursaviorsschool.com and in this book. Our website features separate pages for each teacher, where you will find information from philosophy to policy and assignments.
Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled during the year, providing parents with further opportunities to discuss their child's progress. Individual appointments may be made with teachers throughout the year. All parents are urged to become active members of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Providing educational programs designed to help Christian parents, the PTO also gives parents many opportunities for fellowship with the teachers and other parents.
ENROLLMENT
Our Savior's Lutheran School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origins in the administration of its admission policies or other school policies and procedures.
Since Our Savior's is a church-sponsored school with limited enrollment, first consideration will be given to siblings of students currently attending Our Savior's School. Children of members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church will be considered next for enrollment. Within the limitations of facilities and personnel, Our Savior's will also enroll children of the community.
Through the registration fee (all registration fees are non-refundable), students are covered by accident insurance while school is in session. This insurance provides coverage in excess of any family insurance plan. A letter that explains this school insurance will be sent to all parents early in the school year. School related acci¬dents should be promptly reported to the school nurse, and claim forms are available through the school office.
In accordance with local regulations, children entering kindergarten must be five by December 1 of the year in which they enroll. First grade applicants must be six by December 1st.
Certain achievement tests and physical examinations may be required of all children applying for enrollment. All applicants must be approved by the School Board.
DISCIPLINE
Christian discipline is a major objective of Christian education. Specific guidelines which describe the Christian life style are found throughout Scripture. Parents are encouraged to review the following sections of Scripture with their children: Ephesians 4: 1-3, 15, 25-33; Colossians 3: 12-17; Galatians 5:16, 22-26.
Teachers have classroom discipline policies. When an individual policy has been exhausted; students will be referred to the office. Students who are referred to the office, may receive detentions and/or be required to have parent conferences before they return to class.
Students should conduct themselves in a way that honors God. Any student who fails to follow the rules and procedures determined by the staff at OSL will be subject to the consequences of their actions.
Teachers will have their detailed classroom rules and discipline policy available on the website and during Information Night and home visits. The individual classrooms will follow the overall school system which includes the following;
- Infractions of the school rules will result in the issuance of a detention.
- The detention must be signed and returned the following day.
- Detentions can be given for the following but not limited to:
-
- disrespect
- fighting (verbal or other)
- physical contact
- Detentions will be served during lunch.
- After 3 detentions within a quarter a student will be removed from class until a meeting with the parent is held.
ATTENDANCE
In all circumstances where students are not in school, a note from parents/guardian will be required. New York State attendance regulations define excused absences. Students who accumulate 100 hours of unexcused class time may be retained in their current grade.
Lates -Students are expected to be on time for school in the morning and for each class of the day. Students late for the 8:30am class MUST go to the school office for a late slip. For an 8:30am late to be excused there must be a note or phone call from a parent/guardian. Students late to any other class must come with a slip from their previous teacher or be given an unexcused late from the teacher he/she is going to.
After 3 unexcused lates, the student will be issued a detention.
DRESS CODE
Clothing should be modest, clean, and worn appropriately. Students must be covered from shoulders to the knees. Shirts that bear the school logo or are purchased in direct relation to a school activity may be worn. Heads should not be covered in the building.
Elementary: Students' shoes must cover their toes and heels.
Middle School: Students' shoes must be secured to their feet.
Students with repeated clothing issues will be subject to a detention.
CHAPEL
A weekly Chapel service is conducted for all children in the school, giving them an opportunity to worship together as a group. These experiences in corporate worship will promote a responsive, receptive attitude in their daily private worship times. An offering is taken during this weekly service and is used for a variety of mission projects. Parents are always welcome to attend these weekly chapel services generally conducted by pastors from the area.
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES
A portion of the registration fee (registration fees are non-refundable) is used for the purchase and rental of some of the textbooks and workbooks that will be used. Other books are made available through the public school district in which the student resides. We expect each child to take care of the books entrusted to him. Negligent use of books and school property may lead to a pupil assessment for the lost or damaged article. The classroom teacher will send you a list of supplies that you will need to provide for your child.
LUNCH-MILK
Parents should pack a lunch of reasonable proportions so that each child may be expected to eat his/her entire lunch. A hot lunch option will also be available for purchase. These lunches are ordered one month in advance. OSL participates in the federally subsidized milk program and offers milk at a reduced rate. To expedite bookkeeping, children are requested to purchase milk cards at $10.00 that is good for 60 half pints. Milk money should be brought to the school office in a marked envelope.
ACTIVITIES
- School Musicals
- Learning Celebration/ Fine-Arts Festival
- Track and Field Days
- School Band
- School Choir
- Afterschool Activities: Soccer, Chess Club, Drama Club, RFM, Science Club, Spelling Bee
Parents are encouraged to demonstrate their interest and support by attending these special events that involve their children.
FIELD TRIPS
Throughout the school year the students will be taking various field trips to expand their learning experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. A general Field Trip Permission Slip will be issued at the beginning of the school year. Parents may also be requested to provide transportation for some of these field trips.
TELEPHONE USAGE
Students are not allowed to use cell phones under any circumstances during the school day. Any time a student needs to make a phone call, it needs to be from the office, with permission from the teacher and office personnel.
PARENT – TEACHER CONTACT
Parents wishing to contact teachers during the day should anticipate teachers being in class. We can accept messages, but E-mail is the preferred method of contacting teachers.
HEALTH
All pupils entering kindergarten, second, fourth and seventh grades, and all new entrants to Our Savior's must have a medical examination. This examination may be administered by the family physician. Forms for the medical examination and required immunizations are provided by the school or online.
A school nurse is provided by our public school district and is available for part of the school day. Parents should immediately inform the school of special medical recommendations which may affect the child's progress in school, or present danger for other students.
All required immunizations must be completed for every child before the first day of school, or the child will be sent home.
If a student needs to be excused from Physical Education or recess activities a note from a parent needs to be given to the school nurse before the gym class. The school nurse will then fill out a gym note for the student to give to the PE teacher. A student may miss one gym class with a parent written note. A written note from a physician will be needed for any additional request.
TRANSPORTATION
Students in New York State are entitled to transportation through their local public school district if they reside within a 15 mile radius from Our Savior's. We will be happy to provide you with information to contact your district so you may make arrangements for transportation. The city of Albany and the city of Schenectady are exempt from providing transportation outside of their city limits. Students may forfeit their privilege of riding on the bus by disrespectful or unruly behavior. Parental support is needed to develop courteous, considerate behavior on the bus. It is right and courteous for you to contact your bus carrier if your child will not be riding to or from school on a given day.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
After school care is available for children that are registered in Our Savior's Lutheran School. This after school program is offered from 3:10-6:00 pm on days that school is in session.
Our Savior's After School Program consists of supervised study time, recreation and snacks. After school care is $10 per day. A card of 20 days may be bought in advance for $160 ($8 per day) An additional card for a 2nd child in the family may be bought in advance for $150 ($7.50 per day for 2nd child).
HOMEWORK POLICY: (Grades 3-8)
- All homework is to be neat, include the proper heading, and complete before it is turned in. Incomplete work will not be accepted.
- Homework is due at the beginning of each period.
- Any work not turned in at the start of class is considered missing. Students will report to the homework room for their lunch period to begin work on the assignment.
- Homework slips placed in the planner are issued for ALL missing assignments and must be signed by parents.
- Missing work is graded 10% lower for every day it is late. After 5 days a zero will be given.
- Three missing assignments will result in a detention during the lunch period as well as suspension from any extracurricular activities at the discretion of the activity leader, classroom teacher and the principal.
- Three additional missing assignments will result in removal from the activity at the discretion of the activity leader, classroom teacher and principal.
- No long term assignments will be accepted late unless prior arrangements have been made. Long term assignments are posted a minimum of two weeks in advance of the due date on the school website.
PLANNER POLICY FOR GRADE 1-8
Student Expectations
- Organize and maintain a neat and detailed planner
- Write in homework and important information on a daily basis
- Ensure all homework and studying is completed on time
- Have a parent/guardian see your homework once completed and get him/her to sign (full signature) that day
- Remember to take planner home each day and bring it back in the morning
- Have planner out, open and ready for your teacher to see each morning
Parent/Guardian Expectations
- Communicate with your child about his/her school day on a daily basis
- Assist your child with homework or studying when needed
- Do not allow your child's work to become your work
- Get involved in your child's education
- Remain positive about your child's school work and teachers in his/her presence – concerns and questions should be presented to the teacher
- Check your child's planner and homework daily
- Sign (full signature) planner every evening to communicate with faculty that you are aware – students will be held accountable
- Attach any notes or information into the planner on the day it needs to be submitted
Faculty Expectations
- Prepare the student with the skills necessary to complete homework
- Give due dates and details of the assignment
- Teach organizational skills to those students who find it difficult to follow through
- Do not accept untidy planners
- Remind students to get planners signed and motivate them to complete quality homework on time
- Set up classroom routines for planner use
- Sign planners on a daily basis and communicate with parents if not signed at home
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Enrollment: To enter Our Savior's Lutheran Preschool Program a child must:
- Be three (3) or four (4) years of age.
There are exceptions based on individual situations.
- Be independently sufficient in the bathroom. This means that a child can recognize the need to use the restroom, as well as tell the teacher of his/her need to do so. The student should be able to independently handle his/her clothing, use toilet paper, get on and off the toilet, wash his/her hands, and return to the classroom. We are not staffed for changing diapers or pull-ups. While we understand and expect 3 and 4 year olds to have occasional accidents, we want our teachers to be able to teach and interact with your children in a way that allows them to benefit the most. Having them change diapers on a regular basis would distract from this goal.
- Submit an enrollment form, completely filled out and returned with the proper registration fees. (All registration fees are non- refundable)
- Submit at time of enrollment, a certificate of immunization and a recent physical form obtained from a health care provider.
- Submit a copy of a birth certificate.
Early Childhood parents should be aware of and agree to an one month (30 days) probation period, allowing the teacher to make a decision whether the child can assimilate into the classroom.
DRESS CODE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDENTS
Parents should use their best judgment in the way children are dressed. Please don't send your children to school in "good" clothes; preschool children are encouraged to explore their world. Play clothes that can get dirty are the best. Please be sure that all shoes worn to school have a closed toe and some sort of heel/back ankle strap. Time does not permit children to change shoes for recess. Shoes that fit properly increase the safety and comfort that leads to greater exploration.
Last Updated (Friday, 26 August 2011 07:02)