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Wyneken
Memorial Lutheran School |
Click here to go to the Handbook Table of Contents
PREAMBLE
Mindful of
God's will that children be taught His Word diligently in home and in church
(Deuteronomy 6:4-8) and firmly believing that an interparish school will help
parents and our congregations carry out their child-training responsibilities
in a God-pleasing manner in both secular matters and matters of Christ's
Church, we the Board of Christian Education, teachers, principal and the
pastors prayerfully submit the following Parent/Teacher Handbook to give some
specific direction for carrying out our desired goals. May our Lord Jesus be
glorified.
I. THE
PURPOSE OF WYNEKEN MEMORIAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Our Wyneken
School exists:
A) To be a Lutheran School which by definition
means it is Christ-centered;
B) To be parochial, which means the school is
primarily established to serve the members of the Association congregations,
the congregations supporting the school;
C) To, wherever possible, provide outreach to the
surrounding community by enrolling tuition students, so we may follow Christ’s
command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19); and
D) To give all children in attendance the best
Christian and secular education possible.
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I. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES |
V. FAITH AND WORSHIP LIFE |
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Emergency Closing
(Wyneken only) |
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VI. HEALTH AND SAFETY |
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II. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS FOR WYNEKEN
STUDENTS |
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III. CURRICULUM |
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VII. STUDENT SERVICES |
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IV. EVALUATION OF STUDENTS |
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School
hours are 8:00 AM to 2:40 PM for grades 1 to 8, 8:00 AM to 11:30AM for morning
kindergarten, and 11:45 AM to 2:40 PM for afternoon Kindergarten. (note:
there will be no PM kindergarten in 2002-2003).
Wyneken
also has two (2) sessions of Pre-Kindergarten. The 4-year old session meets
each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The 3-year old session meets each Tuesday
and Thursday. Both sessions are 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and are held at Zion
Lutheran Church (Friedheim). Drop-off and pickup of students is made at Zion,
and no bus service is available to or from that location. The drop-off time can
be made as early as 8:50AM. Pickup of children is at the 11:30AM dismissal.
Arrival Procedures: Students are allowed to enter the building at 7:10
AM and no earlier unless otherwise arranged with school personnel. Students who
arrive before 7:30 AM will report to the lunchroom. At 7:30 AM, all students
are then to report to the following locations: K, 1 and 2 to the Kindergarten
room, grades 3 - 5 to the lunchroom, and grades 6 - 8 to the 6th
grade classroom. These students participate in “Early Bird Reading” until 8:00
AM. The exception is for those students in band. Beginning Band (ordinarily
grade 5) meets Monday and Tuesday in the gym, while Advanced Band (usually
grades 6-8) meets on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Departures During School: Departures
during the school day are strongly discouraged. If a student must leave, the
parent or other authorized person must come in the office for the student. The
student is to be signed out in the office by a parent, guardian, or other
authorized individual. We are not permitted to dismiss a student to wait
outside or walk to a particular destination during the school day.
Dismissal/After School Activities:
Student dismissal begins at 2:40 PM, with the arrival of the East Allen bus and
the 1st North Adams bus. At 2:43 PM, students who are “pick-ups” are
permitted to leave the classroom for the gymnasium. Parents are strongly
discouraged from picking students up directly at the classroom. For the safety
of the children, pick-ups are dismissed to the parking lot only when
accompanied by a designated pick-up person, and only after the 2:40PM buses
have departed.
At 2:45PM, the only students
remaining shall be those awaiting the last North
Adams buses and those who are participating in approved after-school
activities. The “late bus” riders from grades Kindergarten to 5 will
participate in a teacher-supervised recess until 3:20PM. Students in grades 6
to 8 will participate in study hall in the 8th grade classroom.
Athletes may be directed to the recess or study hall if so deemed by the staff
or their coaches.
Those people participating in approved after-school activities (such as
athletics, musical lessons, mini 4-H, etc.) will remain with their supervisors,
and then must be promptly picked-up at the conclusion of the activity. All
student athletes must also be picked up at the end of their practice or game,
for the benefit of the child and out of respect for our volunteer coaches.
Childcare, such as latchkey, is not offered at Wyneken.
Absence
Policy: Parents of students who will be
absent from school must call the school
office by 8:00 AM.
Athletics Participation: If a student is absent from school for a half day
(defined as “absent for 3 hours or longer”), that student may not participate
in any athletic activities.
Definition of “Present”: A student is considered "present" if
he/she attends at least three hours of the school day.
Extended Absences/Withdrawals: If a parent withdraws their child during a school
year, the student will not be allowed to reenroll until the beginning of the
next school year, unless the school board grants an exception. The school board
reserves the right at that time to place the student in the grade appropriate
to the child’s skills and abilities. (Resolved, Mar 2000)
Tardiness: Student
tardiness is to be avoided if at all possible. Announcements,
handouts, and special observances may occur at the very start of the day.
Students who miss these may be missing something crucial. Please allow adequate
time for travel in the morning. Tardies will be issued to non-busing students
who arrive after the 8:00 a.m. bell. These students will report to the office
BEFORE going to the classroom to receive a tardy slip. Tardy slips will not
be issued to students who ride the bus.
Vacation Absence: Vacations during the school year are strongly
discouraged.
While students may be able to make up "book work", they can never
make up the intangibles that occur in the class discussions and the teacher's
verbal explanations or instructions. If a family vacations during the school year, arrangements are to be
communicated by the parent to the principal and the teacher prior to the
vacation for approval.
If a student does miss school
days because of vacation, it is unfair to expect
teachers to provide in advance the lessons and assignments. Some teachers may
be able to do this in particular subjects, but do not expect this to be done.
Students are to make up missed work.
The
Kindergarten class may have an aide or some other support personnel if the
enrollment exceeds 22 students. If the class size exceeds 26 students another
session may be initiated. When a combination of lower grade classes reaches a
total of 56 students, a split class may be initiated.
Grades 1 to
8 will have a part-time aide or some other support personnel if the class size
justifies the need and the Board of
Christian Education approves.
In most
cases, schools will be delayed for 1 or 2 hours. However, in an effort to
conduct as many instructional days as possible, a 3-hour delay is possible.
Lunch is served on all delay days. On 3-hour delay days, Morning Prayer is
cancelled or chapel is moved to the following school day.
Please note
that while North Adams schools may call a delay, East Allen schools may not.
East Allen parents are not to send their children on the school bus when
this disparity happens. No childcare provider is available on such days.
Also note
that when East Allen calls a delay and North Adams does not, East Allen parents
are responsible for the delivery of their children. While this is our
expectation, please exercise caution as to the driving conditions when
transporting your children on inclement days.
School
delays or closing will follow North Adams Community Schools (see below for
exceptions). Announcements will be made on WOWO 1190-AM, WBCL 90.3-FM, WZBD
92.7-FM, and television station WPTA-TV Channel 21 between the hours of 6:00 AM
and 6:30 AM or as soon as a decision can be made based on available
information. Information may also be found at the school website’s weather
page: http://www.wyneken.org/delay.htm.
This web page will be updated as soon as possible when delays occur.
Activities: In the event of a closing, all after school activities are cancelled.
Morning Delay or Early Dismissal by East
Allen only: Parents are asked to bring their children to school/pick them
up at school as long as conditions permit your safe travel. When inclement
weather occurs, please stay attentive to the media for delay or dismissal
details. No phone calls will be permitted for early dismissals. Please call the
school if you wish for your child to have an alternate plan of dismissal.
Kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten Closing: AM kindergarten is cancelled when there are
morning delays, but the PM kindergarten will still meet that day.
Pre-Kindergarten is also cancelled for all morning delays.
In case of
an emergency situation at Wyneken that involves only our school, the name
"WYNEKEN" will be specifically used on WOWO 1190-AM, WZBD 92.7-FM,
and WBCL 90.3-FM. This only usually occurs when Wyneken follows East Allen
County Schools’ Spring Break schedule during odd-numbered years. You can also
watch WPTA-TV Channel 21, or view the school website delay page at http://www.wyneken.org/delay.htm.
In cold
weather, students will not be taken outdoors if the wind chill factor is lower
than 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 0 degrees, the teacher may use discretion in
deciding whether to go outside or stay inside. All students are to participate
in regular activities unless excused by a written parent request. Students are
to dress for the weather including adequate gloves and footwear (boots in snowy
weather).
I.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the
responsibility of the Wyneken Board of Christian Education to recommend, and
then implement, school registration and tuition policies to be approved at the
Annual Association Meeting.
II.
PROCEDURES
A.
Registration - Children must be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian.
1. Pre-Registration
a) A
Pre-registration period is held in the spring, usually in March, after the
Board of Christian Education has established the fees for the coming school
year.
b) Incoming
kindergarten students are required to attend North Adams Community Schools
Annual Kindergarten round up.
c) Starting
with grade 1, all new students will be screened per existing policy prior to
admission.
2. General Registration - A general registration
period starting 2 weeks prior to the start of the school year is held for all
students.
3. Special Circumstances - Any special registration
circumstances not addressed in this policy (such as a new member who joins
after registration) will be referred to the Principal and the Wyneken Board of
Christian Education for consideration and resolution.
B. Tuition
and Fees
1. Association Member Fees
a) The cost
of providing Christian Education in our school is no small item. This cost is
borne by the three congregations.
b) Each
congregation is assessed annually with one-half of the operation expense
computed according to the number of communicant members and the other half
according to the number of pupils. This support is paid monthly to the
treasurer of the school association.
All members should contribute to
this support by giving regularly and generously out of response to God’s love
for us through weekly contributions.
2. Non-Association Member Fees.
a)
Non-member tuition costs are fixed annually by the Wyneken Board of Christian
Education. One-half is due September 1 of the given school year and the
remainder by January 1 for grades 1-8. Partial years will be prorated on a
quarterly basis to the nearest quarter. (Resolved, Oct 2000)
b)
Kindergarten tuition cost is one-half the established cost for grades 1-8.
c) All
tuition students are to be declared eligible for enrollment by the Board of
Christian Education.
3. Fulltime Wyneken Teachers
Child(ren) Fees - Children of full
time employed teachers not belonging to the association shall pay 55% of the
established non-association member fees.
C.
Outstanding Fees - Any outstanding monies owed from the previous year such as
lunch, Christmas Card Sales, tuition, etc., must be paid in full prior to
registration.
The Wyneken
Memorial Lutheran School calendar will be adopted after careful consideration
of North Adams Community Schools and East Allen County Schools proposed school
calendars are published. The spring break schedule will alternate between North
Adams and East Allen scheduled spring breaks. Wyneken will follow North Adams
on even-numbered years and East Allen on odd-number years. (Example: 2003 -
East Allen).
Christian
love and concern for our students and their families will be our priority when
dealing with divorced and separated families. We encourage full participation
and communication by both parents, and are ready to assist whenever we can.
A. Separated
Families - No Court Order
Until such time that a court order declares who the
custodial parent or guardian of a child will be, and the school is notified in
writing (in appropriate legal documents), the school will release a child and
provide information concerning the child to either parent without
responsibility for such action. That is to say, the school will assume for all
practical purposes that the parents have joint custody. It will also be the
responsibility of the separated
parents to communicate their activities to one another. This is not the
responsibility of the teacher or principal. The school will not "choose
sides" in any way. The school will continue to send communication and
information to all addresses provided and wil1 communicate with both parents
until a court order declaring custody is made available to school office. It
will be the responsibility of the custodial parent or guardian to provide
necessary documents.
B. Joint
Custody
For purposes of this handbook, joint custody is
defined as the care and keeping of a child for a given length of time. Joint
custody does not refer to a parent who is simply given visitation rights. The
school will recognize joint custody only if the court order affirmatively
specifies joint custody, and does not simply grant visitation rights.
If a court order grants custody to both parents,
both parents may be involved in school affairs, have access to school records
and seek conferences with teachers. The school will communicate with both
parents if the addresses of both parents are provided to the school. It is the
obligation of a parent to provide his or her new address. Children will be
released from school to either parent unless a court order or legal document
restricts such activity. It will be the responsibility of the custodial parent
to provide necessary documents.
C. Non-Custodial
Parents
The following guidelines have been adopted to
assist the school in situations where a non-custodial parent wishes to become
involved in school-related activities of a child, have contact with or take custody
of the child while the child is at school:
1. A non-custodial parent may not take custody of a
child, remove the child from school premises, or have contact with the child
unless the custodial parent or guardian presents either a written court order,
or a written authorization signed by the custodial parent or guardian, which
permits such activity.
2. Report cards, conferences with teachers,
information about school activities, etc., will not be shared with a
non-custodial parent unless the school has written authorization signed by the
custodial parent or guardian or a written court order.
3. Concerning student activities that require
parental consent, the school will accept consent only from the custodial parent
or guardian, unless authority to grant consent is given to the non-custodial
parent by a court order or comparable legal document.
4. When the custodial parent or guardian or a
written court order has given permission for non-custodial parent involvement
in specified activities, it will be the responsibility of the custodial parent
or guardian to provide necessary documents. It will also be the responsibility
of the separated parents to communicate their activities to one another; this
is not the responsibility of the teacher or principal.
D. Protective
Court Order
It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or
guardian to provide legal documents to notify the school of a protective court
order. If additional surveillance or protection of the child is deemed
necessary, it will be the responsibility of the custodial parent or guardian to
make these arrangements with the local police department and notify the school
office. Students will participate in regular activities of the school such as
outdoor recess, field trips, etc. unless the custodial parent or guardian
requests, in writing, that the student remain in the school office. Custodial
parents or guardians may make arrangements to pick-up students from the school office at dismissal time. It is the
responsibility of the custodial parents or guardians to make arrangements with
the school office.
When
truancy becomes apparent at Wyneken, the appropriate authorities will be
notified.
We welcome
parental visits to the classroom. Please call the teacher to arrange such
visits to ensure that time spent visiting is productive and worthwhile. All
visitors must report to the office when they arrive.
If a
student wishes to bring a visitor to school, both the office and
the homeroom teacher must give approval in advance.
II. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS FOR WYNEKEN STUDENTS
1. Gum
chewing is not allowed at Wyneken.
2. Students
are to refer to all staff members and volunteers as "Miss",
"Mrs.", or "Mr."
3. A
substitute teacher is to be accorded the same respect as any Wyneken teacher.
4. Students
attitude towards other students should be: "Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.”
5. Students
are to proceed promptly to class and, having entered the classroom, stay there
except by direction or with permission of the teacher.
6. School
behavior guidelines apply to any time or place involving all school-related
activities (bus, field trips, athletic events, etc).
7. Any
teacher, substitute teacher, or teacher's aide may discipline any student at
Wyneken except for corporal discipline.
8. Students
should walk and talk quietly in the hallways. It is essential that students
walk on the right side of the hallways when moving from class to class.
9. If a
student damages school property or personal property of others, he/she is
responsible for repair or replacement.
In matters
of discipline, the example of our Savior in showing love towards all people is
practiced. Misdeeds cannot go unpunished as our Savior Himself shows us. All
discipline procedures in school should reflect that of Christian love. Parents
can cooperate in this matter by accepting the measure taken by the school and
by encouraging their children to do what is right.
The proper
discipline in any situation is that which uses the Law/Gospel method properly
and appropriately. The Law needs to be used when an individual fails to see and
realize that his actions, attitudes, thoughts, and/or words are in violation to
God's holy will. Upon the realization of the above violation, the Gospel must
then be shared with the individual so that he may be comforted and reassured
his sins are forgiven by God through Christ and also by those individuals
involved in that particular case. This power of God (the sharing of God's love
and forgiveness) serves as the "real" motivation for an individual to
refrain from wrong actions, attitudes, thoughts, and/or words and also to evoke
a God-pleasing response from him in his daily relationship with God and his
fellow man.
The home
has received first priority from God to nurture and admonish His children given
to them. The following procedure is suggested to better inform and involve
parents in the disciplining of their children in cooperation with their school.
1. If discipline is required, the teacher is to
notify the home. At this point the student will receive a Student Discipline
Report Slip. A copy will be sent home and a copy will be placed in the
student’s discipline file where it will remain until he/she graduates from the
eighth grade.
2. When additional discipline is required, a
conference between student, teacher, and principal will be scheduled. The home
will again be notified by sending home a Student Discipline Report Slip, the
child will receive a copy, and a copy will be placed in the student's
discipline file.
3. As a third step, a conference between student,
teacher, principal, pastor, and parent will be scheduled. Again, a copy of the
Student Discipline Report slip will be sent home, the student will receive a
copy, and a copy will be placed in the student's discipline file.
4. As a fourth step, the student will automatically
be expelled from 1-3 days and may return to the classroom when returned to the
school by the parent. The board will also be notified.
5. If another step is needed, the student will be
expelled permanently with board notification.
The above
procedure will be followed under normal circumstances. However, certain
infractions are serious enough in nature to require the implementation of
certain steps without following order. For instance, some indecencies would
immediately call forth the usage of step 4. Examples of such incidence would be
cutting classes, violent and destructive behavior, or outright breaking of the
seventh commandment. The principal and the involved teacher will determine how
the punishment will be implemented.
Hats are
not to be worn in the school building. T-shirts with slogans that show
disrespect to any groups or individuals are not allowed.
Wyneken
requires all children, during their time outside, to wear coats, hats, etc.,
with which they arrived in the morning. Only in case of sudden change in the
weather will there be any exceptions. Parents who do not wish to comply with
this regulation must notify the teachers personally or in writing.
It is
recommended to place identifying marks on all items of clothing that the
children may remove in school.
Shorts may
be worn to school from the start of school in August to October 15th; and from
April 1st to the end of the school year. The guidelines for the wearing of
shorts are as follows:
A. Shorts must be at least fingertip length when a
student is standing with his/her arms down by his/her side.
B. Shorts
must be hemmed with no frayed edges.
C. No
tight fitting shorts are permitted.
Dresses and
skirts must be at least fingertip length. Shirts and blouses must be long
enough to cover the abdomen at all times.
If a
student dresses inappropriately, he/she will be required to change their
clothes. The student will be allowed to call home for a change of clothing or a
change of clothing will be provided for the student. The student will not be
allowed in the classroom until they are wearing acceptable clothing.
The proper
attire for school is left to the discretion of the school administration. It
should be kept in mind, however, the school is a public place and neatness and
decency must always be observed. Any dress or style that does not fit with a Christian
atmosphere or openly disrupts or causes distraction will not be allowed. This
will help create an environment that is both spiritually healthy and good for
proper learning.
There are
certain items that are not allowed. These include, but are not limited to:
1) Unusual hairstyles or hair colors (including all
spiking).
2) All concert t-shirts.
3) All jewelry that reflects anti-Christian, satanic,
or death messages.
4) Any clothing that is sloppy in appearance, or torn.
5) Any clothing that inappropriately exposes one’s
self.
1. The
supervising teacher or teacher’s aide determines and regulates games and
activities.
2. Students
are to have teacher, teacher aide, or parent supervision for playground use.
3. Throwing
sticks, stones, snowballs, or other dangerous objects is strictly forbidden.
4.
Playground activities and games involving
body contact should be carried out with special care in regard to physical
safety and mutual respect.
5. Any
"ball" game should be played away from playground equipment and the
buildings.
6.
Playground equipment is to be used only in the manner for which it was
intended.
III.
CURRICULUM
All
children in grades 5-8 are eligible to participate in band. Band practice is
prior to the start of school.
The purpose
of the band program is to give children the opportunity to learn and develop
the skill of playing a musical instrument. Playing in the band, the child
experiences the pleasure and satisfaction of joining with other children as
they create music for their own, as well as others, enjoyment. It also provides
another avenue by which to serve and glorify our Lord and Savior.
Music can
become a creative force in the child, helping to develop discipline, accuracy,
concentration, and coordination. Through music, a child can grow socially,
learning to work with others as they create music together.
In order
for a child to attain the proficiency necessary to play in the band, it is
urged that children begin instruction in the fifth or sixth grade. However, if
an older child wishes to play an instrument, he/she of course, will be given
that opportunity.
The band
performs at various social, recreational, sporting, and religious functions of
the churches, and community activities. Members also participate in ISSMA
contests as well. The band cannot represent the school well unless all are
present.
Wyneken
presents a music program for the school whenever staffing allows. Our music
program runs from grades K-6 for classroom instruction. There is a special
emphasis on use of recorders in grades 3 and 4.
The
students, teachers, and parents have effectively mastered the use of
computers and have integrated them into their life. Each has effectively used
technology and is able to apply those skills.
Our
students have acquired and possess many skills and abilities. They leave our
school with the ability to use their word processing skills. They have also
acquired excellent reading skills through the use of various phonics, language
arts, and reading enhancement programs. Our students possess the ability to explore
their world on the Internet for the gaining of knowledge and research skills.
Most importantly, students leave our school with a significant appreciation of
God’s gift of technology and its uses in the world. They are able to
independently use technology to complement their learning experiences.
The
blessings of technology at Wyneken are not limited to our students. Technology
helps our teachers to enjoy teaching and to seek new and effective ways to
teach the children God has placed in their care. Teachers use technology to
enhance lessons and available materials. They make their teaching exciting by
complementing and enlivening the class curriculum and presentations through the
effective implementation of technological skills. Not being satisfied to ever
stand still, our teachers live on the edge of exciting new trends in education
and use resources available to grow in that knowledge.
Finally,
our school community grows together as technology skills increase. Parents
learn with their children and thus are able to facilitate parental/child
relationships through the joint use of technology. Our school maintains an
accurate and up to date information exchange with our community through the use
of our Internet site and e-mail. Our parents actively support the purchase,
use, and implementation of technology by Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School. They
help our children to grow together in a God-pleasing way.
To facilitate this vision, Wyneken
maintains a computer lab with network machines throughout the school. Computer
etiquette and behavior rules are explained and posted as needed. Wyneken also
gives supervised access to the Internet to its students. A signed consent form
is required for any student to have Internet access at Wyneken. This form is
distributed in August on registration day.
Wyneken's
curriculum includes religion, the language arts, mathematics, science, social
studies, physical education, outdoor education, and special opportunities in
art, music, computer instruction, and band.
Each child
must have his own Bible (The New King James Version) and hymnal in grades 3-6.
They will need Luther's Small Catechism for grades 7 and 8. These books may be
purchased through the school.
As of
Summer 2000, a written curriculum of Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School is in
development. This is in anticipation of the state and Lutheran accreditation
process, as well as for good educational practice. Most importantly, the
curriculum is Bible-based and Christ-centered.
Explanation
of all the subjects would prove of little value, since they are similar to most
schools except for a very important difference--that every subject is taught
from the Christian point of view.
The aim of
these subjects is to lead the child from knowledge of his sins to grace through
faith in Christ Jesus to a sanctified life under the direction of the Holy
Spirit. One period of the day is devoted specifically to this all-important
matter and in an incidental manner throughout the rest of the day. This may
include:
Bible History - stories from the Old and New Testaments
Catechism - the
fundamental doctrines of the Bible
Memory - Bible
passages, catechism portions, prayers, Psalms, Hymns, etc.
Bible Study - selected portions of the Holy Bible
Church History - particularly the Reformation story, Book of Acts, mission stories,
liturgies, various denominations, etc.
Chapel - the
divine church service especially uses liturgies with sermons geared more
towards children. All parents are sincerely invited to attend and worship with
their children.
Confirmation Instruction - detailed instruction application to life, the
doctrines of the Bible are taught using the Small Catechism. This applies to
grades 7 and 8.
Field trips
offer a wealth of educational experiences. Our students and teachers take
advantage of this opportunity on a regular basis. An additional fee may be
charged for field trips, based mostly on admission fees and bus charges. A
signed permission slip from a parent or guardian is required for the student to
participate in the field trip.
Our Resource Room is directed by a teacher certified in special education who functions as a consultant to the teachers in the implementation of our curriculum. Our emphasis in this program is on maximizing the potential for each student to learn. This is done with an emphasis on assisting the classroom teacher, as well utilizing a "pull-out" program for those students in need of special learning methods. The resource room teacher leads teacher assistance teams in providin