“Christ’s Love in Action”
Student Handbook 2006-07
Mission Statement
Christ-focused
Individually nurtured
Academically-centered
Empowered for servanthood
Everyday
Philosophy
Because we believe that all individuals have been created by God and purchased by Christ, every individual is valued, loved and cared for. Because of Christ’s compassion for us, we aspire to excellence.
Because Christ’s love is modeled and witnessed by the staff everyday, students grow in their knowledge and understanding of Christ’s love for them. Because the law and gospel are demonstrated in all aspects of the
school’s programs, students internalize the message of God’s Word. This intentional, spiritual development in an academic setting allows students to grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom, strengthening their
faith to enter the world as Christian servants.
LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2006-07
CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES
The point of having school rules and guidelines is so that an educational environment can exist in which students are free to effectively and safely grow to reach their potential. One of the purposes of our school is to guide students into being decision makers. WE APPRECIATE POSITIVE BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES AND WILL LOOK TO RECOGNIZE THESE ACTIONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
A student will continually be faced with the decision whether to follow the rules of the school. God has given each of us free will. If a student chooses to disobey a rule, he or she has also chosen to face the consequences for this misbehavior. This handbook outlines what is expected of students and also the consequences that a student can expect should he or she choose to disobey these rules. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY IN RESOLVING ANY STUDENT HANDBOOK ISSUE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ENTIRE STUDENT BODY.
ATTENDANCE
ABSENCE: Parents are asked to call the school before 9 A.M. each day (or part of a day) when a student is absent. The student must then bring a written excuse note to the office upon returning to school. No note means no excused absence. Students have one day for each day absent to make up work. Work due on the first day absent is due on the first day the student returns to school. If a student arrives after 11:30 A.M. or leaves before 11:30 A.M., a half absence will accumulate and impact course credit and honor roll status.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY: Lutheran High School students must be on campus from the beginning of their class until the end of their last class. Exceptions to this policy must be prearranged with the school via written parental request. If the student must leave school during the day, he or she must have written parental permission and must check out with the
office and check back in upon return. With written parental permission, anyone in a first period study hall may come late to
school. Also, a student in eighth period study hall may leave early unless they have extra-curricular activities after school. Late arrival and early dismissal is a privilege and students who are able to do so must have a 2.5 or greater G.P.A. and no more than 3 tardies in theology class per semester. If the student is in academic difficulty or abuses the privilege of late arrival or early dismissal, as stated, the parents will be notified and the privilege will be removed.
NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL: If an LHS student is going to be absent or significantly tardy, a parent must phone the school
before 9:00 A.M. that morning to indicate an absence. Absences or tardies may also be excused by a written note signed by a
parent. Excuse of absence or tardy must be recorded by the office within 24 hours of return to school. A student who is absent 3
or more days within a five day period must have a doctor’s note upon returning to school.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ATTENDANCE: It is important for the academic development of students that they not miss
school any more than absolutely necessary. Since there are usually enough unavoidable absences that come up in the course of a
school year, parents are encouraged to plan trips, doctor appointments, etc. so as not to interrupt school attendance.
Loss of Credit: A student who misses more than 8 unexcused classes or 15 total absences in any given semester may lose credit
for the course. Parents may access attendance records through Edline.
PREARRANGED ABSENCES: In the event of a prearranged absence (a day or longer), the student will request a prearranged
absence form from the school office and have it signed by the parent/guardian, registrar, and teachers. Teachers will
indicate what material the student will miss. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed work. The form must be
returned to the registrar before the first day of the planned absence period.
TARDIES: Tardiness to class is a matter of serious concern and courtesy because it affects not only the tardy student but the
educational process as well. LHS students are permitted three tardies per quarter without incurring any
penalty. After the 4th tardy the student will serve either a detention or will be fined $5.00. Being tardy more than 15 minutes, will be considered an absence.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE: Each LHS student will study the definition of plagiarism and sign a pledge to acknowledge the words and ideas of others.
AFTER SCHOOL: The school day ends at 3:10 P.M. LHS teachers will remain available to students for help until 3:45 P.M. or until they have to attend to coaching duties. Students should go home as soon as possible because the building is not secure after school hours. Students waiting for rides must wait in the lobby and remain in dress code. Students waiting for after school activities must wait with the appropriate faculty member who is responsible for the particular after school event.
ARKANSAS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION: Consult the Activities Handbook for regulations concerning student participation in extra-curricular activities. Students who participate in extra-curricular activities must read and sign the Activities Handbook. Students who participate in interscholastic sports must have a physical examination each year. Proof of insurance is required for participation in interscholastic sports.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Students are not to discuss the use of, use, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at school or during school activities. The purchase of illegal alcohol or drugs may result in expulsion. The selling and/or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs will lead to expulsion and possible criminal prosecution.
Lutheran High reserves the right to require any student to submit to a drug test when there is “reasonable suspicion” that the student has been involved in the use of a controlled substance. Should a student refuse to submit to the test, he or she will be removed from LHS. Should a student test positive, he or she will be required to enroll in and complete a drug rehabilitation/counseling program at parent expense. Upon completion of the program, the student’s further attendance will be reviewed by the principal. Should the student refuse to enroll in a rehabilitation/counseling program after having tested positive, he or she will be removed from LHS permanently.
DRUG EDUCATION AND A DRUG FREE SCHOOL: To help students clearly understand the many dangers of drugs and explain our specific expectations, we will involve the students, parents, and staff in training, random testing, and speakers to support our students and make them fully aware of the dangers of illegal drugs and alcohol use. Random drug searches will be conducted.
CARS: All students driving cars to school must register their vehicles, pay a parking fee in the school office, and park in an assigned parking space. Illegal parking may result in a car being towed. Students must drive slowly in the parking lot and in the adjacent neighborhood or lose the privilege of driving to school. Students are to enter the school building upon arrival and not linger in the parking lot or sit in cars because of safety issues. Students may not go to their cars during the school day unless permission is granted by the office. Students may not drive themselves or others on school sponsored field trips.
CHAPEL/THEOLOGY: Within the weekly schedule time is set aside for students and staff to join together in worship and prayer. It is a time when the school gathers as a community in Christ. The Word of God is shared by Lutheran pastors, DCE’s, staff members, and students. By means of the chapel experience, LHS students and staff are sent out to be servants for the Lord in all that they do.
CHEATING: Cheating is defined as giving or copying answers, tests, homework, or other assignments.
A. The first offense will be dealt with on an individual basis, at the discretion of the teacher. A discipline referral will be sent to the office and will be placed in the student’s file. The teacher will also notify the student’s parents or guardian.
B. In the event of a second offense in any class, the student will be suspended for one day and a conference will be held between the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and administration.
C. Repeated involvement in cheating is considered grounds for expulsion.
CURFEW: School events and activities will end by 11 P.M. in order to comply with city curfew laws.
CURSING/INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE: Cursing, vulgar language, or other inappropriate comments or actions which are disrespectful to teachers or fellow students will result in disciplinary action.
DISCIPLINE: Discipline in each class is handled by the individual teacher. If a student extends a teacher past the point of tolerance, or if the behavior severely infringes on the learning of others, the teacher will remove the student from class. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the administration. Students are responsible for all the school rules whenever they are on campus.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
Students who violate school rules at any time will be warned by teachers and administrators about their behavior. If a student repeats the infraction, the teacher will write a referral which will result in a detention. Detentions are served at the discretion of the administration and have priority over extra-curricular activities. Repeated detentions will result in an in-school suspension which may last up to three days. Teachers will provide work for students who are suspended. Out-of-school suspension or expulsion may result for repeat offenders or more serious violations. Expulsions may be appealed to the LHS Student Affairs Committee of the LHS Board.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Electronic devices are not to be a distraction or a disturbance in the classroom. Violation will result in the confiscation of the equipment which will be released only at the end of the school day after a $5.00 fee has been paid. Electronic equipment, except for calculators and computers, is not to be used in classes or study halls by students. Video games on calculators or other electronic devices are not to be used during school hours. The school is not responsible for any electronic devices placed in lockers or lost at school.
FIRE/TORNADO DRILLS: When the fire alarm sounds, students are to leave the building in an orderly manner and move to the designated area for their class outside. Students should line up so attendance can be checked. All students and staff must be accounted for. When the tornado alarm sounds, students will move to the first floor hallway to the area designated for their class in a quiet, orderly manner and crouch down and cover heads to avoid flying material.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: The administration must approve the distribution or sale of material at the school; any survey, petition, or questionnaire designed to collect information from the community; or any print material, clothing, pictures or art displayed in the building.
GUM/CANDY/FOOD/DRINK: Students are not permitted to chew gum at any time in the school building. This includes before, during, and after school. All food, drink, candy, etc. must be consumed in the commons. Due to the problem of gum clean-up, if a student is caught chewing gum, a fine of $5.00 will be imposed. Water in clear water bottles is permitted in the classroom.
HARRASSMENT: All those in the LHS community have the right to be free from words or actions which denigrate their race, character, abilities, gender, or bodies. The use of demeaning language or gestures will result in disciplinary action.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: The administration will determine whether to close or have a late start in consultation with Christ Lutheran School. Consult local television and radio for announcements.
LOCKERS: Students will be issued a locker and a combination lock at the beginning of the school year. It is the responsibility of students to keep their lockers locked at all times; to put their names in their books and other valuables; to not share their locker combination or bypass the locking mechanism; to not put items on top of lockers or on the floors. Students should leave valuable items or large sums of money in the office. Each student is responsible for keeping his or her locker clean both inside and outside. Damages caused by misuse, tape, stickers, etc. will be charged to the student. A locker cleaning fee of $35.00 will be assessed if lockers are not left clean.
LOST AND FOUND: Articles found in and around the school should be turned in to the office where they may be claimed by their owners. Unclaimed items will be disposed of. Lost textbooks turned in to the office will be returned to students after they pay a $1.00 fine.
LUNCH: Students are to be on time to lunch and use the restrooms by the commons. Students should remain in the commons area until prayer ends the lunch period. Students may use the hallway telephone during lunch. Students not scheduled for lunch should not be in the commons area. Students or parents may pay for lunches by paying on their lunch accounts in the office.
MAKE-UP WORK: Students have one day for each day absent to make up daily work. Tests, quizzes, or work assigned for the first day absent are due the first day back. Field trips, extra-curricular activities, performances, planned absences and appointments do not merit an extra day to turn in work. Students are responsible for all work as if they were in class. Students should see their teachers before or after classes to obtain make-up work. Long term projects are due on the assigned day even if a student is absent.
MEDICATIONS: If a student needs to take any kind of medication during the school day, the medication must be brought to the school office in its original container with a parent note.
OFF-LIMITS: Once students arrive in the morning they are expected to remain in the building unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity. Off-limits is defined as being “anywhere one is not supposed to be at a given time, or not being where one is supposed to be at a given time.” Students must have a hall pass. The parking lot is off-limits once students enter the building. Students must check in the office and receive permission to go to the parking lot.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: Respect for oneself and for others makes kissing, embracing, and other types of public display of intimate behavior inappropriate for school and school activities.
SEARCH: A student’s person, locker, automobile, or other property may be searched while on school grounds if there is cause to believe the student is in violation of city, state, federal law, or school regulations.
SERVICE HOURS: To follow the model of Christ in service to others, each student is to complete 25 hours of service each school year. The hours need to be documented and turned in to the school office. The first 10 hours are to be completed by the end of the first semester. The rest of the hours are to be completed by May 1st. No more that 12.5 hours may be earned at any one service project. Student grades in theology class will be lowered by one letter grade each semester if service hours are not completed and documented in the office.
SHADOWS: Students who are considering coming to LHS are encouraged to “shadow” a current LHS student for a day or a half-day. Shadowing should be arranged by the parent or guardian at least the day before the student comes to LHS. The shadowing student should report to the office upon arrival. Shadowing students should be dressed in dress code and follow the student handbook while on campus.
SMOKING: Students are not to smoke or use tobacco products at school or school activities. Any tobacco products found will be confiscated and parents will be notified. Disciplinary action will be taken.
STEALING: Stealing is a very serious issue and will be dealt with accordingly by contacting parents and police. Stealing may result in the penalty of expulsion. Having possession of another student’s textbook without their permission is stealing.
STUDY HALL: Study Hall is an important class. Students must bring appropriate study materials for the entire period. Study halls are for work and study, not talking, sleeping, card playing, or wasting time. Electronic devices are not permitted in study hall.
STYLE SHEET: LHS students will follow the directions in the LHS Style Sheet form when submitting papers in all classes.
TELEPHONE: A phone is provided for student use in the hallway by the office. Students may not use the office phone. Students are not called out of class for phone calls. Only messages from parents will be delivered to students. Phone calls should be made before school, during lunch, or after school.
VANDALISM: Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses and/or damages. Damage to desks is vandalism. Accidental damage should be reported to the office immediately.
VISITORS: Visitors must report to the office, be cleared by an administrator, and receive a pass. Visitors must follow the student handbook. Disruptions to the educational process should be kept to the minimum.
WEAPONS/FIREWORKS: Fireworks, guns, rifles, knives, or other items which could be considered a weapon are not allowed on campus. This would include paint guns, water guns, mace, pepper spray, or chemicals.
DRESS CODE
CLOTHING: Students may wear pants, skirts, dresses, or shorts to school or school activities. These must be clean, in good condition, and without holes or frays. Belts must be worn if clothing has belt loops. Skirts, shorts, and dresses may not be shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Students will at all times wear a collared shirt with sleeves. Polo-style shirts with squared hems may be worn un-tucked if they are hip length. Button down shirts with uneven hems are to be worn tucked in. Sweaters, college-logo or Lutheran High sweatshirts, or jackets are permissible with a collared shirt underneath. T-shirts are not allowed except on TAG days. The following clothes are not acceptable for school or school activities: any clothing that is too tight or revealing, strapless or spaghetti straps (unless for a dance), pajamas, sweatpants, gym clothes, warm-ups (unless part of a uniform and designated by a LHS coach). Sunglasses and hats are not permitted at school.
SHOES: Shoes should be worn at all times and be in good repair. Beach-style footwear, aqua socks, or house shoes are not permitted.
HAIR: H air should be well-groomed and kept above the eyebrows. Hair for young men should be short enough to be off the collar of a dress shirt. Young men may have neatly trimmed facial hair.
JEWELRY: Jewelry that causes a distraction in the classroom should not be worn. Young women may have pierced ears.
TATTOOS/PIERCINGS: No tattoos or piercings should be visible during school hours or when dressed for extra-curricular activities. A clear spacer may be worn in a piercing if necessary.
TAG DAY: Each Friday of the school year (and semester test days) is a fundraising opportunity for the clubs, extra-curricular activities, and groups on campus. Students may pay up to $2.00 for the privilege of wearing t-shirts and jeans. T-shirts may not have inappropriate messages on them. Jeans may not be frayed, worn, or destroyed. Hats and flip-flops may be worn on Friday. Teachers may ask that hats be removed in the classroom.
DRESS-UP DAYS: On designated school days, about once a month, LHS students will show their respect by dressing-up. Young ladies will wear dresses or dress slacks (no khaki pants). Dresses and blouses may not be revealing. Young men will wear a collared dress shirt and a tie with dress pants (no cargo pants). No shorts are allowed. Attire for special events such as prom will be addressed as those events occur.
DRESS CODE INFRACTIONS: Students who violate the dress code will be placed in in-school suspension and receive zeroes for work missed until proper clothing is delivered. Repeated violations of the dress code will result in a detention or suspension. The administration may ask a LHS student to leave a school-sponsored event even at another school for dress code violations.
ACADEMICS
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND HONORS:
High Honor Roll- a grade average (GPA) of 3.75
Honor Roll- A GPA of 3.5-3.74, with no grade below a B.
Honorable Mention- A GPA of 3.25-3.49, with no grade below a C.
ACADEMIC GUIDANCE: The Academic Advisor is available by appointment for educational planning, interpretations of
standardized test scores, occupational information, etc.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE: Students will be taught what constitutes academic dishonesty and asked to sign a document stating that they will avoid such practices and turn themselves in if they commit such acts.
ACADEMIC WARNING AND ACADEMIC PROBATION: Academic warning status may be given in response to indications
of significant deficiencies in the student’s classroom performance. Students who have earned a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0
at the end of the semester are placed on Academic Probation. Such status restricts the student from participation in
interscholastic sports, and other public representation of the school as designated by the administration. In addition the student
will have a meeting with the Academic Advisor.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT: LHS offers several classes which cover college level material. Advanced Placement (AP) tests are taken at the end of each school year which can give successful students college credit for the courses taken. Students in AP classes must take the AP exam in order to receive a weighted grade. There is an additional cost for Advanced Placement exams.
FINAL EXAM EXEMPTIONS: At the end of each semester, a final evaluation will take place. This may include a semester test,
paper, or project that demonstrates the student’s abilities in the class. LHS students who have a 92% average for the two quarters
may exempt their final. The freshman and sophomore classes may exempt 1 final for each semester. The junior class may
exempt 2 finals for each semester. First semester seniors may be exempt from 2 finals and second semester seniors may exempt
3 finals. All second semester seniors will take their finals the Monday and Tuesday before graduation. Note: Each AP test
taken counts as an exemption.
GRADING SCALE : Score Grade Points
98-100 A+ 4.0 (AP 5.0)
93-97 A 4.0 (5.0)
90-92 A- 3.7 (4.7)
87-89 B+ 3.5 (4.5)
83-86 B 3.3 (4.3)
80-82 B- 3.0 (4.0)
77-79 C+ 2.5
73-76 C 2.3
70-72 C- 2.0
67-69 D+ 1.5
64-66 D 1.3
60-63 D- 1.0
Below 60 F 0.0 AP scores count only for 3.0 or higher
GRADUATION POLICY: Graduates who have fulfilled all of the academic requirements set forth by the LHS Board are
certified by the Academic Advisor to receive a diploma. Seniors who will be no more than one credit short of their graduation
requirement and who enrolled in summer school will be allowed to participate in graduation exercises. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be the two highest ranking graduates after seven semesters and must have attended LHS for 4 consecutive semesters immediately prior to graduation. All students graduating are required to attend school-sponsored graduation activities.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
College Preparatory Diploma – 27 units
Theology/Chapel – 4 units
English – 4 units
Mathematics – 4 units
Social Science – 3.5 units
Science – 3 units
Foreign Language – 2 units of the same language
Fine Arts – 1 unit
Oral Communication -- .5 unit
Health/PE – 1 unit
Electives – 4 units
Basic Diploma – 24 units
Foreign Language – 1 unit only
Electives – 2 units only
Modified Academic Program (MAP) Diploma
Dependant on the student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
ISSUING REPORT CARDS AND TRANSCRIPTS: Full report cards are mailed at the end of each quarter (9 week period). At
the end of each semester (18 weeks) the report card is in the form of an unofficial transcript of the student’s high school grade
record to that point. In addition, interim reports will be mailed at the end of each ½ quarter (4 week period).
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: The National Honor Society is a nationally chartered organization which holds high standards
of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Membership in the National Honor Society is not automatic and involves
much more than good grades. Students in grades 10-12 who have been at LHS for at least one semester and have a 3.30
cumulative grade point average are considered candidates. Students will be evaluated by the faculty on the basis of service,
leadership, and character. Students are expected to maintain the standards of the National Honor Society by keeping at least a
3.0 average, and by being involved in service and in the activities of the organization. We are looking for students who have
shown a willingness to give of their time and talents in an unselfish manner, and have made outstanding contributions to the
school, their church, and their community.
SCHEDULING: Eleventh and twelfth graders will schedule with the Academic Advisor during the month of March and ninth and
tenth graders will schedule during April. No schedules will be changed after the first two weeks of the semester.
COMPUTER USE
COMPUTERS: Computers and the internet will be used for educational purposes. Students will not log on to computers without teacher supervision. Students will not download files or software or log on to chatrooms or personal email sites.
NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Lutheran High School admits students of any race, color, gender, 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, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, staffing, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Lutheran High School
Statement of Agreement
I, (please print student’s name)
have read and agree to abide by the policies of the Lutheran High School Student Handbook.
Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ____________
I, (please print parent’s name) _______________________________________________
have read and agree to abide by the policies of the Lutheran High School Student Handbook and the Parent Handbook.
Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ____________
Please remove this form from the Handbook and return it to the school office.