NON-DISCRIMINATION:
Pilgrim Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, sex and national/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, sex, and national/ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies and other school programs.
STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION:
Pilgrim Lutheran School shall meet the annual requirements for registration with the State of Oregon as long as such standards are not in conflict with God's inspired Word. Pilgrim will meet or exceed the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) standards set forth by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the standards of the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) at the approved level. A review of compliance with these standards will be made annually and presented to the School Board.
CURRICULUM MATERIALS:
All curriculum materials support the school's written objectives and philosphy, reflect educational soundness, are appropriate for the age level, and include a quality of presentation. Religion materials reflect our Christian faith and are taught according to the doctrine and practices of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.
OUTDOOR SCHOOL - GRADE SIX:
Participation in the sixth grade outdoor school program will be a curriculum requirement of Pilgrim Lutheran School. A medical reason for not participating would be an exception.
SEX EDUCATION:
Sex education is taught in relationship to God's plan for families and reproduction within this family unit. When a unit in sex education takes place, parents will be informed sufficiently in advance so as to have adequate time to preview the material if they so choose. Parents will have the option of having their children participate.
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH - DOCTRINE & PRACTICES:
Religion will be taught according to the doctrine and practices of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. Secular subjects are taught in the fear and love of God - related to His will for our lives.
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH - APPLICATION OF LAW & GOSPEL:
The proper application of Law and Gospel will be a vital part of our Christian teaching and learning. The law will be a part of our daily instruction as being necessary in showing us our sin and serving as a guide for living. The Gospel will be a part of our daily instruction as "the power of God unto salvation", (Romans 1:16) and as the motivating force for all that we are and do.
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH - ROLE OF TEACHER:
Pilgrim Lutheran School recognizes that the teacher is not merely a facilitator but is the primary person who is responsible for the instruction, direction, and discipline of the students within the classroom. The school will strive to meet the state benchmarks providing that they do not result in a compromise of our Christian standards.
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH - PROGRAMS OF GRADES 6-8:
The instructional program of grades six, seven, and eight will be that of departmentalization.
ATHLETICS:
The athletic program of Pilgrim Lutheran School provides an opportunity to students and families. It is to be closely coordinated with the physical education program. It is to allow participation of students even if they are not highly skilled. Enjoyment, fellowship, and a positive and enthusiastic approach will be encouraged as important aspects of the athletic program for the development of each student participating.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE:
All software supplied on any computer in the school, whether donated or purchased, must have a licensed individual copy on hand in the form of a CD or floppy disk as manufactured by the software company or as a multi-system license agreement from the manufacturer. All software product licenses must be followed as per the manufacturer's license agreement.
SCHOOL CLOSURE DUE TO WEATHER:
Pilgrim Lutheran School will report all school closures through Parent Reach. A direct phone call will be placed to phone numbers listed on file whenever a closure is necessary. In addition Pilgrim Lutheran School will always close if/when Beaverton Public Schools due to weather conditions.
ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES:
Pilgrim Lutheran School will admit all students (provided they continue to be in good standing, spiritually, academically, emotionally, and meet contractual obligation) for one year on a "first come-first serve" basis according to the enrollment deadline set by the School Board and the following priorities:
1.) All students previously enrolled at Pilgrim Luthern School.
2.) Siblings of students who are currently enrolled at Pilgrim Lutheran School.
3.) New students whose parents are members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
a.) Children of Pilgrim Lutheran Church members who are not currently enrolled would not receive a priority over currently enrolled non-member families.
b.) Children of Pilgrim Lutheran Church members would have a priority over new non-member families who are not yet enrolled.
4.) New students from the community.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Pilgrim Lutheran School adheres strictly to the "cut-off" dates for age as mandated by the Oregon State Department of Education guidelines (section:339.115, page 180-181).
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: PROOF OF AGE
Admission to preschool, kindergarten and first grade requires current immunization records prior to admission.
AUTHORITY FOR ADMISSION OF STUDENTS:
Authority for admission of students rests with the school principal. The principal shall screen all applicants through a personal interview process.
SPECIAL NEEDS OF STUDENTS:
When the principal and faculty determine that they cannot adequately meet a particular child's needs, they will refer the parents and child to other agencies or schools.
CLASS SIZE:
Space is set at 16 children per class in preschool 3 and 18 children in preschool 4, 24 in kindergarten, 22 students in first grade, 24 in second grade and 26 students per class in grades 3-8. In order to determine a heterogeneoues grouping, equalization of class will be implemented as needed. If necessary there shall be no more than two grades per classroom.
PROBATIONARY ADMISSION:
There may be special children whose unique needs we are unable to meet. An assessment will be necessary in order to determine how to best serve the child. Such assessment would occur wheh there is sufficient reason to believe that the student is lacking in one or more of the following areas: academic, emotional, social and physical.
ATTENDANCE:
Excused and non-excused absences will be reported to Pilgrim Lutheran School. Tardiness records will be maintained. Illness absences will follow the Oregon Medical Association guidelines.
IMMUNIZATION:
Pilgrim Lutheran School follow the state immunization policies as set forth in the "Immunization Handbook" of the Health Division-Oregon Department of Human Resources.
HEARING AND VISION SCREENING:
Kindergarten through Eighth grade students are screened annually.
STUDENT TRANSFER:
Transfer students will remain in the same grade unless justification for a different grade level is approved by the School Board.
GRIEVANCE PROCESS:
Pilgrim Lutheran School follows a formal process to resolve grievances whenever resolution between an individual(s) and school staff cannot be reached. Every effort should be made to resolve differences through Christian love. The purpose of a formal process is to resolve grievances at the lowest level possible.
MEDICATION:
Individual prescriptions and over the counter medications are clearly identified with the child's name, stored in the original container, and administered in the school office.
FIRST AID:
All Pilgrim staff members must have current First Aid and CPR certificates.
STUDENT DRESS/GROOMING CODE:
Student dress, jewelry, and make-up should be non-disruptive to learning and reflect a Christian model of modesty and Christian values to members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, parents of Pilgrim Lutheran School and the public.
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOKS:
Pilgrim Lutheran School will establish an ongoing method to communicate information to parents, will review this information annually, and will obtain School Board approval.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
All teachers are encouraged to take classes or workshops to strenghten their teaching qualifications or meet teacher certification standards.
CERTIFICATION:
All teachers shall acquire a state Teacher's Certificate within 18 months of employment. Certificates shall be maintained and renewed according to standards set by the state Department of Education.
FACULTY/STAFF DRESS/GROOMING CODE:
The faculty and staff at Pilgrim Lutheran School are expected to maintain a clean, well groomed,professional appearance so as to reflect a positive image to parents, Pilgrim Lutheran Church members, Pilgrim Lutheran School students, and the public. High standards are expected of faculty and staff to reflect the professional standard desired for the school.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS:
Substitute teachers are required to have a teaching degree and uphold the philosophy of the school. Should a substitute with a teaching degree be unavailable, the principal will use his/her discretion in making necessary arrangements.