Abusive Parents

In any case where a parent has verbally or physically abused school staff, students or parents, the safety of the staff and students and the learning environment of the school will be the primary concern of the Principal. With the assistance of the School Board, the Principal will make decisions accordingly.

Abusive Students

All students are expected to conduct themselves according to a Christian code of conduct. The safety and well-being of each child will be the primary concern of the teachers and Principal. Students identified as being abusive toward others will be disciplined and possibly expelled. (see Discipline Policy below)

Accident or Sickness

In the case of any minor accident, first-aid shall be rendered and parents notified if at all possible for further direction. In the case of an accident, which in the opinion of the Principal (or designate) requires immediate medical care, the Principal (or designate) will arrange for the injured student to be taken to the nearest hospital emergency ward. The parents shall be notified of such action as soon as possible. Any cost of the ambulance service and/or medical treatment will be the responsibility of the parent.

We do not have facilities at school to accommodate children who are ill. We may telephone and request someone to pick him/her up. If your child is too ill to go outside at recess or participate in school activities, please keep your child at home that day.

When there is a serious case of sickness or injury, the teacher or secretary will telephone the following people until someone is reached:

1. the family residence
2. the parents work number, mother first, then father (unless otherwise instructed)
3. the emergency number given on the registration form
4. the family doctor
5. the local medical facility

Note: It is crucial that all emergency information at school be kept up to date! Please notify the office of any changes.

Allergy

BSLS has a “Nut-Safe” Policy to ensure the health and safety of our students. There are children in our school who have severe allergies to nuts, eggs and seafood. Even exposure to a tiny amount of this item could be potentially serious and life threatening. We can all play a role in preventing a dangerous and frightening situation at school. The specific child and the family must take responsibility to avoid exposure. However, staff, and other children and their families can also help to make the school environment safer. Your assistance is needed to:

• avoid sending nuts or items containing nuts with your child to school
• avoid sending egg salad sandwiches, or a food predominately with egg
• avoid sending seafood or items containing seafood with your child to school
• avoid sending snacks for the class with egg as an ingredient
• teach your children to understand this very serious situation and the importance of not teasing those with medical conditions.
• discourage your child from sharing their snacks/lunch.
• ensure there is no peanut butter residue on your child’s clothes, hands and face before coming to school.

If a child brings an item to school that is on the list of allergens, they will be asked to eat with a friend in another area of the school. They will also need to wash their hands and the tables they were using. This may be an inconvenience, but please realize how important your assistance is. We would take the same care should your child have such a health care need. Thank you for your cooperation in making Beautiful Savior Lutheran School a safe and happy place for all our students.

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is required of all students. If your child is absent or tardy, please call the school office between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. so that the school is aware of the child’s whereabouts. If your child is late for school (s)he must report to the office to receive a late slip to give to the child’s teacher. If you or your family doctor desires your child to be excused from outdoor or indoor recess or from Physical Education, a note of explanation will be expected as well. Otherwise, all students are expected to participate in the normal, daily activities.

The school office must be informed in advance by the parent if a student must leave the school for an appointment. Such communication may be made by a phone call from the parent or a note signed by the parent turned into the school office as early as possible and before the student is to leave for the appointment. The parent is expected to check in at the office when picking up their child for an appointment or dropping them off at school upon their return.

Students are responsible for all work missed due to illness, appointments, etc. and are expected to get caught up on their own time. Missed tests and assignments will be made up at the discretion of the teacher.

Cell Phones, Cameras, MP3’s, IPods, and Toys

Cell phones have become a standard part of many of our lives. It is very convenient to have a cell phone to make and receive phone calls. In order to ensure that the students remain focused on educational pursuits, cell phones are not to be used during school hours. They are to remain in lockers and turned off. If parents need to reach their child, please call the school office and a message will be passed on to the appropriate person. Cell phones may be turned on and used after the child has been picked up and has left the school property.

MP3 & IPod Use

All electronic devices should not be brought to school. They are expensive and could be lost or broken. The music on the MP3s & IPods are assumed to be monitored by parents, but different parents have different standards. Therefore, if they are at school for a special occasion, they cannot be shared and should not be listened to on breaks or on school property.

Toys & Cameras

Items from home, including toys, trading cards, and cameras are not permitted on school grounds. These can be lost or broken and may cause disruptions among students and their learning environment. Please leave them at home unless there is a particular occasion occurring at school permitting the objects to come to school. A note will come home in advance notifying the parents of the special occasion.

Class Placement Requests

In May of each school year, the school staff determine the class lists for the following September. This is a complex process and we seek parental understanding and support. It is our strong belief that the learning atmosphere in the classroom must be the first consideration in the formation of class groupings. Classes are organized to maximize learning and teaching opportunities for students and teachers. Teachers and administrators make every effort to minimize the potential for negative student interactions. Staff teams strive to create classes that are heterogeneous and balanced in all respects.

The following are all considered when determining class placements:

• student performance
• teacher’s knowledge of social interactions and dynamics between individual students and groups of students, including friendships
• student/teacher match
• placement of students new to our school
• male/female ratio
• approximate equal class size at any grade level

Parents can assist the class formation process by helping their children understand the process that is used to develop class formations and supporting the placements once they have been made. It has been our experience that the vast majority of placements are successful with appropriate support at home and school. Final class placements for returning students will be released on the last day of school in June with the student’s June report card.

Class Size

Beautiful Savior Lutheran School maintains a low student/teacher ratio in commitment to individualized attention and quality instruction. In order to ensure this quality, class size will not exceed 20 students in Kindergarten, and 24 students in the elementary and middle grades.

Classroom Celebrations

During the school year, special celebrations, both sacred and secular, are recognized by our church and society with various types of activities. At times, we will change the regular classroom schedule to include special celebrations which highlight the importance of holidays and special days.

Code of Conduct

Our school expects students, teachers, and parents to be respectful and responsible.

RESPECT: We are to respect God and His name; we are to respect all those in authority and listen to what they say; we are to respect other people, their space, their property, and their reputations; and we are to respect ourselves.

RESPONSIBILITY: We are responsible for our attitudes and our actions, for our possessions, for our school, for each other, and for our jobs. That means we take care of each other and our school, and we take our responsibilities to learn, teach or parent seriously.

Discipline

The word “discipline” comes from the word “disciple”, meaning “follower.” Our disciplinary policy at BSLS is based on our relationship as disciples, or followers, of our Lord Jesus. The standards of classroom behavior are based on the standards God Himself has given us in His Law. It is here, summarized in the 10 Commandments, that we find the command to love and respect God, to respect and honor all those in authority, and to treat others in ways which protect and uphold their well-being, possessions, and reputation. We expect students and staff to love God above all things and to love each other as they would love themselves. Our goal is to teach our students to be self disciplined through clear communication of expectations and fair, consistent consequences.

While the standard for our expectations is God’s Law, the context in which we carry out our daily activities, including our classroom discipline is His Gospel. We recognize our students are children loved by God, redeemed through Christ’s death and resurrection. It is in this context that we are able to help our students recognize their wrong doings, offer them forgiveness and encourage them to live according to God’s desire for our lives. With this understanding, the children are free to learn in a setting, which both upholds high moral standards and allows for a forgiving, safe environment where we can learn to live with each other in a God-pleasing way.

When isolated incidents of misbehavior occur, teachers will deal with them in appropriate ways: reprimands, personal counsel, withholding privileges, or the assignment of appropriate tasks which will help the child understand that the behavior is not acceptable. If a pattern of misconduct develops, parents will be notified immediately. In situations of persistent misbehavior or gross misconduct, the Principal, teacher and parent will be involved in determining an appropriate course of action, including suspension or, in serious cases, expulsion. Beautiful Savior Lutheran School retains the right to use other means of discipline, such as suspension, disciplinary probation and expulsion should a situation arise that warrants such approaches.

If it is deemed that a child is abusing technology in any way, suspension from use of computers and/or the internet would be immediate, for a determined amount of time, during which the responsibility of completing necessary assignments requiring technology will be the responsibility of the student outside of school time and property.

Love and Logic®

The staff at BSLS use Love and Logic® techniques as a means to empower students to think for themselves, take ownership of their own actions, learn from the consequences and take advantage of the opportunities that boost their self-esteem. These factors enable children to handle changes and struggles in a constructive way. Children are taught to problem solve. They have opportunities to have some personal control through the choices they make and at the same time teachers are able to set limits.

A trained Love and Logic® facilitator leads parent sessions at BSLS in September and January of each year so that parents can become familiar with the concepts and apply them at home, allowing for greater consistency. Love and Logic® provides simple and practical techniques to help parents with kids of all ages. A Love and Logic® lending library is available through the Admissions Office.

Love and Logic is a philosophy founded in 1977 by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. More information can be found at www.loveandlogic.com

Responsibilities of Teachers

Put simply, the teacher’s responsibility is to teach so that all students are able to learn. Teachers will be well prepared for their classes. They will also clearly communicate to students what is expected of them and the resulting consequences if students choose not to meet those expectations. The teachers will communicate with the parents and administration concerning the children’s progress, so that as a team, home and school can work together to help the children. To this end, each teacher maintains a blog site that may be accessed from the school website, sends home regular email updates, and visits each family during a “home visit” at least once a year.

Responsibilities of Students

Students are responsible for their own attitudes and actions. Their job at school is to learn and to allow others to learn. For this to happen, students must follow the instruction and correction of their teachers. Our students must remember that they are examples of proper behavior to others, especially younger children, and must take that responsibility seriously.

Responsibilities of Parents

Parents are ultimately responsible for their children, and are crucial in helping their children develop patterns of proper conduct and self-control. They must communicate with the school any concerns they have, and support the teachers and administration in its efforts to guide and, when necessary, correct the students. When on field trips and excursions, parents are also ambassadors and representatives of the school. Parents are an essential part of the school team!

Composting

BSLS participates in a school-wide composting program. Each classroom has a composting pail where compostable food materials can be collected. These containers are emptied into the large composting bins in the playground at the end of each week.

Computers Use Agreement

Students and their parent(s) agree to the terms of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School Computer Contract (below) by signing the Computer Contract form. Students needing to complete assignments or Internet research using any of the school’s computers must be directly supervised by a staff member while doing so. All school computers and Internet access are to be used for school work only (i.e. no personal e-mail, chat rooms, etc.) Food and drinks are not permitted in the technology lab. School owned digital cameras, video recorders, televisions, VCR/DVD players, CD players, etc., may only be used by students for school projects and only with the direct permission of a teacher.

Computer Use Contract

The following expectations apply to the school computer system and networks, including the access to wi-fi available at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School:

As a computer user, I agree to abide by the following code of ethics in all of my computer activities while attending Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. I will use technology in ways consistent with our school philosophy and Christian values and the faith we profess.

I recognize that all computer users have the save privilege to use the equipment; therefore:

• I will not play games or use the computer resources for other non-academic activities unless given permission by the teacher.
• I will not take food or drink into the computer room.
• I will follow all boot and shut down procedures carefully so as not to harm the equipment.
• I will speak quietly so as not to disturb the learning of others
• I will not waste or take supplies such as paper, USB cards, etc.
• I will not vandalize data, computer equipment or any equipment used in conjunction with computers. Vandalism includes any attempt to take, harm or destroy hardware or data of another user or of the networks connected to our school either wilfully or as a result of inappropriate behaviour.
• I will not bring to school and/or use home programs on school computers. I will not take school programs or data disks home for personal use
• I will use technology resources and internet sites only with the teacher’s permission or direction.

I recognize that software is protected by copyright laws; therefore:

• I will not make unauthorized copies of software found on school computers or on the internet, either by copying onto my own USB card or onto other computers through e-mail or bulletin boards.
• I will not use the resources of others without their permission, nor use the work of others and call it my own (plagiarism).

I recognize that the work of all users is valuable; therefore:

• I will protect the privacy of others’ areas by not trying to learn their passwords.
• I will notify the system teacher if I am aware of or suspect that others’ passwords have been discovered or that system security is at risk.
• I will not copy, change, read, or use files in another user’s area without that user’s prior permission.
• I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment.
• I will not use computer systems to disturb or harass other computer users by sending unwanted or hate mail or by other means. Examples include, but are not limited to: degrading or disrupting equipment, software, or system performance; vandalizing the files of others; changing system settings; using obscene or inappropriate file names.
• Teachers may review student files at any time.

I recognize that the internet is to be used for academic purposes only; therefore:

• I will not bring into the school materials inappropriate to the school setting. These include, but are not limited to pornography, hate literature and anarchy literature.

I recognize that the internet is a “network of networks”; therefore:

• Is not administrated by any agency: therefore, for personal safety and security, I will not give out my personal address, surname, photo, or phone number; school name, phone number and address; or those of others.

I understand that violations of this agreement will be dealt with seriously and will result in the immediate suspension of all computer privileges and possible disciplinary action according to the school’s discipline policy or the law. Students and families are responsible for any financial expenses resulting from improper technology use. This includes payment to a technician for time used to correct problems resulting from abuse of computers.

The school administration reserves the right to identify situations not specifically stated above as violations of this policy.

Dress Code

Our students are representatives of the school and the faith for which it stands. We ask parents to assist students in choosing clothing which is both clean and modest, avoiding extremes which tend to attract unfavorable attention to themselves or the school. Slogans and advertising that project a negative message or promote inappropriate products are not suitable for school. Students require a pair of indoor shoes (with soles which do not leave marks on floors) to stay at the school and be worn at all times in the classrooms. Students may not wear hats or outdoor jackets within the school. Students should avoid wallet chains, short shorts, low cut tops, tube tops, tank tops with spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, half shirts (belly tops), torn clothing, chains and t-shirts with obscene, violent, suggestive, offensive language or drug connotations. Students who are wearing inappropriate clothing will be asked to cover up or to return home and dress appropriately.

Field Trips

Beautiful Savior Lutheran School encourages the teachers and students to have a variety of experiences to draw upon for their classroom learning. An information letter outlining the specifics of a field trip is sent home in advance of the event. Parents are asked to contact the teacher in charge of the field trip with any questions they may have. The specific permission form for each individual outing must be signed and returned to the school on or before the due date. Phone calls and email messages from parents will not be ordinarily be acceptable. Students for whom specific written and signed permission from the parent is not received may not be permitted to attend the field trip. Also, students who fail to demonstrate good behaviour will not be eligible to participate in out of school field trips or events. Students in these circumstances would be expected to attend school during the trip or event, subject to the arrangements provided by their teacher and/or the administration.

If your child requires a booster seat, according to the law, please leave your child’s booster seat at their locker. It is the responsibility of the parent to leave a booster seat if required.

Fire Drills / Emergency Evacuation / School Lock Down Drills

The school is required to do several fire drills throughout the school year according to the law. Students must follow the exit procedures exactly as posted and explained in each room. Windows and doors are to be closed upon exiting. Silence and orderly movement is necessary as the building is cleared and attendance is taken. Students may not re-enter the school until permission is granted by the staff.

School Lock Down Drills are scheduled throughout the school year to allow students and staff the opportunity to practice the measures which are to be taken to increase their safety in the event that a dangerous person enters the school. Students will be instructed by their teacher(s) early in the school year about the procedures to follow in the event of a school lock down.

Gymnasium

The gymnasium is closed to all students and children unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or designated adult coach. Only players and coaches are to be present in the gym, unless the team supervisor or coach grants permission for others to observe.

Students may not borrow any gym equipment without the prior approval of a phys. ed. teacher. All borrowed equipment must be returned immediately after use and in good repair.

Homework

Progressively, more homework is expected of the students as they approach the upper grades, and it provides many benefits. Homework can become a tiresome and unwelcome task for parent and student if its value is not understood. The following outline highlights some of the benefits and the ways in which home and school can effectively promote and support homework as an important part of the educational experience.

THE PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK

Homework helps students to

• review skills and practice lessons such as memory work, math questions, spelling words;
• prepare for class such as doing reading assignments, research topics, and studying for quizzes and tests.
• develop good study habits
• learn time management by scheduling time daily for homework
• learn how to stay organized
• be responsible for work assigned
• learn how to manage long term assignments such as projects and reports
• follow directions
• learn to work independently
• read for pleasure
• learn new concepts
• engage in discovery activities that are sometimes designed to be done with parents, giving students opportunities to demonstrate their learning

Homework helps teachers to

• assess a student’s understanding
• assess a student’s ability to work independently
• provide adequate practice of a skill

Homework Expectations

Our experience tells us that good communication between the teacher and the parent is key to managing homework time. Early in the year it is helpful to discuss what kind of homework to expect and the amount expected by your child’s teacher.

Factors that Affect the Amount of Homework

• how well the student uses his/her time in class
• how quickly the student works
• how well the student manages longer term assignments
• how well study time is structured

How Parents Can Help

• Set-up a study area where your child can do homework each day (quiet, comfortable, well lit, with supplies readily available).
• Schedule a daily homework time and consistently follow up on adherence to it. (with the teacher’s help, determine an appropriate amount of time for homework).
• Avoid allowing scheduled activities to alter the amount of homework time.
• Be available for questions.
• Eliminate distractions (TV, stereo, radio, telephone)
• Motivate your child by showing interest in papers brought home, giving words of encouragement, praising and rewarding effort and good work.
• Don’t do your child’s homework. Instead of giving your child the answer you can:
  • Point out resources
  • Help your child think clearly and creatively by making comparisons or talking about related ideas
  • Check your child’s work when they are done
  • Go through directions together
  • Work on the first problem with your child, then let him/her finish on their own.
• Communicate with the teacher if you find your child does not understand a particular concept. Also let the teacher know if homework seems to take longer than you expected, if a family emergency has interfered with your normal homework routine, or if an absence from school is planned, in order for the teacher to give your child the work which will be missed.

Home – School Communication

The home and school are partners in the education of our students. As with any partnership, regular, meaningful and effective communication is essential. We appreciate knowing about major events, medical problems and emotional upsets that affect our students. We also desire to let you know of all that is happening in the school. Please take advantage of any of the following opportunities for communication:

1. Parents call the school office between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. if their child is absent or late.
2. Notes are sent by parents to teachers explaining absences, lateness, or other important information.
3. Teachers contact parents by phone, email or writing concerning the progress of students, or of any special concerns.
4. Parents are notified by the office in the occurrence of accidents or illness.
5. Report Cards are issued three times a year and follow up parent/teacher interviews are scheduled at the end of the first and second terms.
6. At any time, parent or teacher initiated conferences may be held in the afternoons, after students have left the classroom. These should be prearranged if at all possible.
7. Classroom blog sites are maintained throughout the year.
8. Email updates – both the principal and the classroom teacher will send regular updates to parents.

Language

All persons on BSLS campuses are expected to use language respectful of all persons, including God. Children and adults using inappropriate language will be asked to refrain from using the offensive words. If after being asked, a person continues to use foul language, the Principal will use disciplinary discretion and/or ask the person to leave BSLS property.

Lockers

Students will be given lockers to store their outdoor clothing and personal items. No locks are provided and the lockers are to remain unlocked at all times. The teachers and administration reserve the right to search any locker at any time. Anything of value should not be left in lockers, as they are not secure. Such items should be left at home, or given to a teacher or office for safekeeping.

Lost and Found

Any items lost or found should be reported to the school office. Items not claimed by the end of the year will be donated to a charity organization or discarded. To prevent items going lost, please put your child’s name in clothing and other articles. Money and valuables should not be brought to school, but if they are, they should be given to the teacher for safekeeping.

Lunch

All students receive fifty minutes for lunch, beginning at 12:00 noon. Students have 20 minutes to eat their lunch, followed by a 30 minute recess. Students who bring their lunches to school will eat them in their classrooms. (Please see the Allergy Policy information in this handbook). Parents are expected to provide a balanced nutritious lunch for their children every day. Each room has a microwave oven for students’ occasional use.

Students are expected to remain in the assigned seat all through lunch time and may talk quietly until dismissed by the supervising staff member. They are responsible for keeping their individual floor and table space clean. Students must place all waste material into the classroom garbage can after they have been dismissed by the supervising staff member. Staff members are on supervisory duty for the lunch hour. These staff members rotate from one room to the next assisting students and managing students’ behaviour, as required. As well, our grade 7/8 students assist as lunch monitors in the kindergarten to grade 4 classrooms.

Students may leave the school property to go out for lunch only if a dated and signed parental note is provided to the classroom teacher.

Medication

Students should not bring any medication, prescription or over the counter, to school. When students are required to take prescribed medication during school hours, the medication must be kept in the school office. The office will not give students any over the counter medication (for example: aspirin, Tylenol, cough medicine, etc.). If it is absolutely necessary for school staff to administer a prescribed medication, a parent must obtain, fill out and submit a Parental Authorization for Dispensing Prescription Mediation form. This form can be obtained from the school office and must be submitted to the school office once completed. The mediation must be brought to the school office in a container bearing the original pharmacist’s label indicating: Physician’s name, date and number of prescription, type of mediation, child’s name, dosage instructions. Pre-measured doses in pharmacist labelled blister packs are required for frequent and longer-term medication requirements.

Music Programs

At Beautiful Savior Lutheran School, we pride ourselves on our exemplary music program. It begins with the violin music classes and continues with the band. As such, it is extremely important for parents to understand that homework and practice of their instruments are essential. There are many opportunities to the children to perform outside of school and parents must realize that practice as an individual affects the group performance. If it is found that a student is not practicing and doing their homework for their instrument, they may not be allowed to perform with the group on extra-curricular performances.

Parental Concerns

If parents have a concern about something that has happened in their child’s class, we encourage them to immediately arrange a meeting with the teacher involved. If the matter cannot be resolved, a meeting between the principal, teacher and parents will take place to resolve the matter.

Promotion and Retention between Grades

Students who meet basic grade level requirements will be promoted to the next higher grade at the end of the school year. Students who do not meet grade level requirements may be kept back to repeat a year in order to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at the next higher grade level. A student who constantly lives with frustration and a sense of failure because of the difficulty of work may greatly benefit by repeating a year. Factors such as age, social maturity, work habits and ability will be considered before a decision is made. The parents will be informed early on if there is a chance that their child may need to repeat a grade and the school will seek their input in making a decision, which will be in the best interest of the child.

Recess

Students in kindergarten to grade 8 have two 15 minute recesses, one in the morning (10:15 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (2:00 p.m.). They also have one 30 minute recess at the lunch hour (12:20-12:50) Recess is held outdoors during favourable weather and indoors during inclement weather (please see the Weather Policy on p. 22). Staff and/or parent volunteers supervise and monitor lunch and recess periods. Students who need to be excused from recess activity must have a medical note from the doctor. Students may be denied recess time in case of behaviour problems or incomplete school work.

Outdoor physical activity is essential to the well-being of all students, but their safety is paramount when inclement weather arises. Students may be allowed outdoor recess for a maximum of 15 minutes when the wind chill reaches -27°. Indoor recess will be held when the wind chill reaches -30°, based on the forecasts provided by Environment Canada with weather readings observed at The Forks Weather Station. If it is raining, students will have outdoor recess, so please ensure they have appropriate clothing for the weather. Students will not go outside in there is lightning. Current and complete weather conditions at The Forks are available at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.

Safety, good sportsmanship and respect for each other are to be practised at all times. Inappropriate language, fighting (includes play fighting), disrespect towards others, carelessly throwing objects (includes snowballs) and other misbehaviours will be assigned an immediate consequence. Students must respond to the teacher call to signify the end of recess and line up immediately in an orderly fashion in the space assigned for their class.

We often receive requests from parents to keep a child indoors during recesses. Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill these requests and allow students to stay inside during outdoor recess times. To maximize safety for our students, we assign all available supervisors to the playground during outdoor recess times. We cannot allow children to stay indoors inadequately supervised. If your child is too ill to partake in regular activities of the school day, including recess, we ask that you keep your child at home until he or she is fully recovered. This process will assist our school in lowering the possibility of spreading a contagious sickness to other students and staff.

Report Cards

Progress reports for each student are prepared and issued at three intervals during the school year. Student-led conferences are held for all families following the first and second term. Additional conferences may be arranged at any time during the year as is necessary. Report Cards follow the guidelines set forth by Manitoba Education, Citizenship, and Youth.

It is our goal that our report cards contain meaningful information regarding your child's academic and social progress in the classroom. The current grading scheme for Grades K-4 includes three achievement descriptors:

• B (Beginning) - The student meets some of the learning outcomes with assistance
• D (Developing) - The students meets some of the learning outcomes independently
• M (Meeting) - The students meets most of the learning outcomes independently

Grades 5 - 8 use a combination of the above and percentage grades.

Recycling

There is a collection point for recycling ink cartridges and aluminum tabs in the school office. BSLS also employs an extensive recycling program of paper, plastic, glass and aluminum that is collected daily from the classrooms.

The students also collect Campbell soup labels as part of the Campbell’s Labels for Education program, and welcome your contribution to the school office.

School Closure

In case of inclement weather, or other extraordinary circumstances, notice of cancellation of classes will be announced on CJOB 680 AM. The school also has a “Phone Fan Out” system for emergency closure.

School Hours

The school doors open at 8:30 a.m. each morning and classes run from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. We ask that students be in their classes by 8:40 a.m. and should not arrive before 8:30 a.m., unless they are registered in the Before School Care Program. General supervision is not provided before the school opens at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. All students are expected to remain outdoors until 8:30 am when the front doors are unlocked. Classes end at 3:15 p.m. and students are then required to be picked up by 3:30 pm at the front door.

Parents are asked to notify the school concerning who will be picking up the students, or if they will be allowed to walk home. Students who are picked up after 3:30 p.m. must be registered with our After School Care Program. If a parent is going to be late picking up their child and no notice has been given to the front office or the BASC line, the parent will be charged a late fee of $25.00. Students are not permitted to play on the unsupervised playground before 8:30 am nor after 3:15 pm, unless directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

Students must enter and leave the school building by the front door. Students in the Before School program will proceed to their classrooms under the direction of the Before and After School Program staff. Parents are welcome to enter the school building as they drop off or pick up their child/children, but we ask that you help with student independence and not pack your child’s bag, clean lockers, or carry their materials. We also ask that you help your child if necessary (kindergarten) and then leave school premises. The classes begin at 8:45 a.m. and parents are asked to respect the working environment of the students and staff and continue their conversations elsewhere.

At the end of the school day, let’s please all do our part to keep our students safe in a very busy area. Please follow the following rules:

• park on the front street in front of the school or in the back parking lot and meet your child at the school doors or by their locker.
• students not picked up inside the school by a parent will wait at the front doors and watch for their parents
• the drop off loop can be used for drop off and pick up, but not if your child is not at the front doors already. (NO PARKING)
• there is no parking near the crosswalk for obvious safety reasons.
• any student remaining at the front door at 3:30 p.m. will be sent to After School Care and be charged the fees. If the office has been given no notice, the parent will be charged an additional late fee of $25.00.
• students are not allowed to wait and/or play in the unsupervised playground without direct parental supervision

Students are to follow the directions of the supervising staff members. Parents are also asked to respect the rules of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School while they and their children are on school premises. Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., parents are asked to use the front door only. Please do not use the buzzer on the north playground to enter the school unless using the Before and After School Care program.

School Supplies

Parents are asked to ensure that students attend school with all of the items indicated on the School Supply List provided by the beginning of the school year. Items which are lost or used up are to be replaced throughout the school year. Please label according to the directions on each individual supply list.

Staff Room

The Staff Room is reserved for staff of the school to have a private area for their break times. We ask students and parents to respect the staff in the Staff Room and if need be, to knock at the door before entering.

Student Information Updates

Any changes in student information (address, telephone number, emergency contacts) must be reported to the office as soon as possible. It is very important that all medical and emergency contact information be kept up to date, and that the school office is advised of any changes.

Student Services

Students at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School have access to clinician services through a shared services agreement with the Louis Riel School Division. Referrals are made by the school’s teachers and administrator. These services include a psychologist, social worker, and a speech and language pathologist. Due to the fact that these services are performed by personnel not directly employed by Beautiful Savior, parental consent is required for all referrals. Any student, however, at the discretion of the administration may have access to these services on a consultation basis only unless otherwise stated by parents in writing at the onset of the year.

Transportation

Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school and for getting them to school on time. Please be sure to have your child(ren) at the school in enough time that they are organized and in their classroom by 8:45 a.m. The school is willing to help coordinate car pools to assist parents in this task. When you drop off and pick up your children, please park on the street out front or in the parking lot at the back of the school. Please do not park in the drop-off loop at the front door or in the crosswalk.

Visitors

All visitors must report to the school office immediately, at which time they will be asked to sign in and will be provided with a ‘visitor’ tag that must be worn in a manner visible to others. This tag is returned to the office when the visitor is leaving the building. Visitors that must sign in include: parent volunteers, school volunteers, guest speakers, substitute teachers, student teachers and Beautiful Savior Lutheran School graduate alumni.

Visiting Classes

School parents and other interested visitors are welcome to attend and observe any class during the school year. Arrangements for such visits can be made in advance with the Principal.

Volunteer Drivers

For field trips, we often utilize parent and teacher drivers to transport the students.

We want to ensure the safety of the students; therefore, we require the following:

• All people in the vehicle must use their seat belts and/or car seats at all times. If a student undoes the seat belt during the drive, the driver should pull over and stop the vehicle until all children are buckled.
• There are no students to be in the front seat, regardless of whether there is a air bag or not.
• All windows are required to remain shut at all times.
• There is no stopping at any other destinations other than the specified locations on the field trip form.
• There is no picking up/buying any treats or meals for the students in your vehicle
• The driver is expected to drive defensively and within the law.
• The driver is responsible for keeping the children under control. Some ideas are to engage in group driving activities such as singing songs or playing games like “Eye Spy.”
• The driver must carry operator’s insurance. If there is an accident, the driver’s insurance will cover any claims. If there are any additional claims brought against the school, the school’s insurance then becomes effective.
• Drivers must have a photocopy of their valid driver’s license and car registration filed in the office and signed by the school principal prior to going on a field trip. These documents may be completed in August and remain in effect until the end of the school year, as long as the license and registration remain valid.