Absence
If for any reason a student is absent, the parents should email the teacher or call the school between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and explain the reason for the absence. When the child returns to school, the parents should send a note to the homeroom teacher (grades SK-5) or the advisor (grades 6-8) so that the absence can be recorded.

A student who is absent from school may not participate in any extracurricular activities that same afternoon or evening and may not attend any evening function sponsored by the school.

If a middle school student must leave school during the day, he must check out through the school office. Parents of children in grades SK-4 should pick up their child at the office. Please do not ask your child to wait outside the building to be picked up. This is for the protection of the child. If it is not an emergency, the school will expect advance written notice from the parents of such absences.

A student who returns to school the same day must also check in through the office. If the child is ill, the parents will be contacted before the student is dismissed. Students must be present for at least three hours to receive credit for attendance that day.

Should a child be injured during the school day and the parents are unavailable, the child will be taken to the nearest medical facility or the one indicated by parents.

Parents are encouraged to advise their children of appointments and/or pick-up arrangements before school. Classes will not be interrupted for a message unless it is an emergency.

If a student has missed school due to a communicable disease (chicken pox, mumps, mononucleosis, etc.) a doctor’s release must be sent before the student may be readmitted to school.

Extended Absence
If a student will miss three or more days of school due to a family trip or another prearranged event, the absence must first be approved by the Division Head at least two weeks prior to the extended absence. Such occasion should be handled by written notice from the parents. Every effort should be made to schedule family trips during normal school holidays since making up missed work places an undue hardship upon the student.

If a student misses more than a total of 15 days of school, a conference with the parents will be requested. EXCESSIVE ABSENCES BY ANY STUDENT WILL BE CAUSE FOR REVIEW BY THE HEADMASTER AND DIVISION HEAD BEFORE PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE.

Advisory Program - Middle School
The middle school period is often a time of ongoing change for the students. The beginning of the adolescent years can be full of questions and concerns for each young person. The structure of the academic day is also different from that in lower school. Students need guidance and direction from family and from school, and the main school support person for the student in grades 6-8 at GSL is the student's advisor.

Each teacher serves as an advisor to a small number of students and meets with them at the beginning of each day. It is the advisor who is responsible for having knowledge about each student's performance and participation in all areas of school life from academic work to athletic play and from social conduct to disciplinary concerns. Parents are asked to contact the advisor when they have any questions or concerns in regards to any aspect of their child’s school life. Advisors will also be in regular communication with parents, including the written summary comment at the end of each term.

After School Care Program - Lower and Middle School
All students should leave campus by 3:15 p.m. unless they are enrolled in the After School Care Program or unless they are involved in an after school or enrichment activity which requires their attendance. Any student who remains after school to wait for a carpool must remain in the prescribed areas that are supervised by a faculty member. No student will be allowed to cross the street to meet a carpool unless accompanied by an adult. In order to protect our students, any child who is still on campus after 3:15 p.m. will be placed in the after school program and the parents will be charged for this supervised time. The school is not liable for any harmful action that occurs after school hours if a child is unsupervised. In the interest of preserving good neighborhood relations, students should not walk across the yards of people who live around the school.

Arrival and Dismissal

• Lower School- Front Circle In order to provide for the safest possible circumstances for the students at the school, the following policies and procedures are to be followed by all who bring students to school and all who come to pick them up at the end of the school day.
• Mornings
  • All drivers should remain in their cars while in traffic lines. Those needing to leave their cars must park in a designated parking place.
  • Do not enter the traffic circle via Belvedere. This is an EXIT ONLY.
  • Children are to leave cars only at the front of the Primary Building.
• Afternoons
  • All lower school students who are picked up by cars will be escorted to the front of the Primary Building by their teachers at 3:00 p.m. Students who are walkers or being picked up by an adult are dismissed from the cafeteria.
  • Students may enter cars ONLY in the designated area of the circle, beginning at 3:00 p.m.
  • Students MAY NOT walk to parked cars unless accompanied by an adult. Please do not ask your children to meet you at your car.
  • Lower school children riding in a middle school carpool may go to the Lemaster middle school pickup area.
  • Parking is restricted to designated parking spaces and to legal street parking.
  • The lane at the corner of Belvedere and Peabody is EXIT ONLY.

  Middle School - LeMaster Street

  Parents who need to park should park on the west side of LeMaster, the parking lot or the north side of Linden. Please do not block the steps as this is the main crosswalk.

  Birthdays
  In order to avoid hurt feelings, invitations for a party at home must be given to ALL children if they are to be distributed at school. The school prefers the invitations be distributed by mail and not at school.

  Bus Behavior

  1. Students are to remain fully in the bus. Arms, head, etc. are to be kept within the bus.
  2. Throwing items from the bus is against the law.
  3. Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
  4. All passengers must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the engine is turned off.
  5. Passengers should exit by the front door only.
  6. Students must exit the bus in a careful, courteous manner.
  7. Windows are to be opened and closed only by an adult.
  8. All passengers must pick up trash on seats and floors at the conclusion of each trip.
  9. Passengers are to sit on the seats: no standing or climbing.
  10. Sitting on the front steps is not permitted.
  11. Students should thank the bus driver in a courteous and thoughtful manner after each trip.

  Cafeteria

  1. Enter the cafeteria walking.
  2. Lower school students must raise their hands for permission to leave their seats.
  3. Students in the lower school will sit at assigned tables by grade.
  4. Students are expected to conduct themselves as courteous persons at all times.
  5. All students are asked to be quiet and attentive when the lights are turned off.
  6. All tables must be cleaned and wiped with a wet cloth after lunch and snacks. Paper and trash on the floor must be picked up and thrown away.
  7. No one is to sit, stand, or walk on the tables.
  8. When speaking to one another in the cafeteria, please speak quietly.
  9. No students may be in the kitchen or in the cafeteria itself without adult supervision.
  10. Lower school students should line up quietly to leave the cafeteria. Middle school students should leave the cafeteria quietly.
  11. Students must be courteous and respectful at all times to the cafeteria workers.

  In the Lower School during regular school term when a student cannot abide by these rules, the following action takes place:

  • He/she must eat lunch at the Silent Table.
  • After two times at the Silent Table during a nine weeks period, parents will be notified of the behavioral problems.

  Chapel

  1. Grace-St. Luke’s Church is a very special place, a place set apart for the worship of God. All persons entering the church should do so quietly and without conversation.
  2. Students should refrain from conversation throughout the worship service.
  3. Students should actively participate in the chapel services while maintaining individual religious convictions.
  4. Students are encouraged to take a leadership role in the chapel.
  5. Food, drinks, chewing gum, and similar items may not be brought into the church.
  6. After entering the pews, students should have silent prayer together.
  7. Fourth grade students will be invited to serve as Lower School acolytes. All lower school students who are able to read may volunteer to read in chapel.
  8. All middle school students should be encouraged to take a leadership role in chapel: reader, acolyte, usher, speaker, etc.
  9. Students who acolyte are expected to hang up their vestments after each service and to keep the vesting room neat.
  10. When the church is used for purposes other than chapel services, the same conduct and courtesies are expected.

  Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy The following guidelines have been established for Grace-St. Luke’s to help ensure proper and ethical use of computers and technology at our school:

  1. Student use of technology must be in accord with the school’s expectation for overall student behavior, which is outlined in this handbook.
  2. Students will properly use and care for the equipment. It is unacceptable to intentionally damage the hardware or software or disrupt the functioning of the network. This includes intentionally uploading or creating viruses. Students are to notify the teacher immediately if a security problem is identified.
  3. Students will observe copyright laws. This includes guidelines for use of shareware and freeware. Unless specifically allowed by the licensing agreement, school software may not be copied by students. Students may not bring software from home to use on school machines. Any software must be reviewed by the tech administrators for educational value before being installed on any computer.
  4. While on the GSL campus, students are responsible for their actions in using school technology. This includes responsibility for information viewed, received and sent when using the computers or Internet service. At school, students will not use electronic mail (email) facilities (either sending, receiving or reading mail) or participate in “chat rooms” and other social networking and newsgroup facilities, unless they are specifically directed by and under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
  5. The use of the Internet is restricted to school related projects. It may not be used for personal, commercial, illegal, political, racist, inflammatory, or obscene purposes. Inappropriate language may not be used when using the school technology.
  6. Students will respect the personal data of others. Students will respect the desktop and network security of our equipment. Passwords should not be shared. Students have access to their files only, unless they have been given specific permission by another student to access that person’s work. Teacher files are off limits to students unless specifically designed for students.
  7. Inappropriate use of electronic information can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Violations can lead to prosecution.
  8. Students are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette that include using appropriate language, being polite, and practicing network safety. Students may not reveal their home phone numbers or addresses or those of other students or teachers to other users online.
  9. Any communication by a student (through personal websites, social networking sites, etc.) to or about any member of the school community is treated as though sent from the school and is thereby subject to school discipline policy.
  10. Students are asked not to utilize social networking to communicate with faculty and staff at GSL until they have graduated from the school. Students should not send friend requests to teachers until they have graduated from the eighth grade. Students should not become fans of the Grace-St. Luke’s Alumni Facebook page until they have graduated from the eighth grade at GSL.
  11. The use of technology is a privilege not a right. Violation of the above policies will be dealt with by the technology administrators and/or the Honor Council, Division Heads, and Headmaster. The consequences of a student’s violation of these policies could range from termination of the student’s technology privileges to suspension or expulsion from Grace-St. Luke’s School.

  Daily Schedule
  Senior Kindergarten.....................................8:00 to 2:00 p.m.
  Grades One through Eight................................8:00 to 3:00 p.m.
  After School Care.......................................7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  NOTE: Grades 1-8 will dismiss at 2:15 on Wednesdays.
  Senior Kindergarten will dismiss at 1:45 on Wednesdays.
  On half-days, SK will dismiss at 11:30 and grades 1-8 at noon.

  To obtain full benefit from the academic program, students must have a pattern of regular attendance and punctuality. This is true for every student at Grace-St. Luke’s School from those in the three year old program through the eighth grade. Students who are often late disrupt the morning for the teacher and for the other students who arrived on time. Excessive tardiness and absenteeism also handicap the individual student in his/her progress. Parents should understand tardiness and absenteeism to be serious problems.

  It is the responsibility of parents to see that their children arrive for classes and activities on time. If a pattern of absenteeism or tardiness develops, appropriate action will be taken. Excessive absences will be a factor taken into consideration before promotion to the next grade.

  Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule doctor or dental appointments and other necessary activities on Wednesday afternoons or after school hours. Family trips are to be scheduled during regular school holidays and parents should not expect students to begin a scheduled holiday early nor to extend it.

  Students may arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. All students in the lower school who arrive prior to 7:45 a.m. must go to the cafeteria. Middle school students must go to the cafeteria until 7:30 a.m. at which time they may report to Lassandrello Hall.

  Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School respects the laws of the State of Tennessee regarding attendance.

  Extra Help
  In the middle school, limited time is available during the school day for a student to meet with any middle school teacher in order to receive extra help in a specific subject area. A first attempt should be made to schedule some extra help during the student’s and teacher’s lunch period. Sessions can also be scheduled with the teacher either before 7:45 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. Backwork sessions should be scheduled before any referrals are made to a tutor in any subject area. Tutoring should be reserved as a short-term measure to overcome a specific gap or difficulty.

  A study hall is available to middle school students after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:15-4:30 p.m. A teacher will serve as a resource person and proctor each session. Study hall is regarded as an academic intervention to support students.

  Field Trips or Other School Outings

  • All students must have a permission slip signed by at least one custodial parent to go on a field trip; without this permission, the student will not be permitted to go on the trip.
  • Students must conduct themselves according to the normal expectations of the school while on a field trip, and remember that they represent Grace-St. Luke’s School on these outings.
  • Parents may be occasionally asked to attend a field trip or volunteer to serve as a driver and chaperone. Drivers, please note that when taking children in your private vehicle, your insurance is in effect. A driver information form must be completed by all volunteer drivers.
  • When parents volunteer their time to assist with field trips or other in-school functions, they should respect the circumstances and refrain from inappropriate conversation such as may be appropriate for a teacher/parent conference or in a conference with the headmaster.
  • Classroom field trips and end-of-year class trips are curriculum requirements for students in grades 5 - 8. Families that opt out of the end-of-the-year trip may still be financially responsible for the cost of the trip for their child.

  General Expectations for Student Behavior

  • Lower School Discipline Procedures Classroom teachers handle most disruptive behavior that occurs in the classroom according to their discipline system. Use of time-out or a reduction in privileges is usually effective in handling most situations. Parents are notified if the situation warrants parental support. The Head of the Lower School or Headmaster will become involved if the behavior persists or if the behavior is serious in nature.
  • Middle School Discipline Procedures
    Disruptive behavior (for example, dress code issues, tardiness, unreturned home communication) by students in the middle school will be handled as follows:
    1. Teachers will handle disruptive behavior according to their disciplinary system. Students may be required to report to a teacher at lunch, after school, or before school. Students may be assigned additional work or supplementary responsibilities. Teachers will notify the student’s advisor of any concerns. If a pattern of disruptive behavior develops within the classroom, the teacher will notify parents and seek support to correct the child’s behavior.
    2. Disruptive behavior continuing beyond the above will result in notification to parents from teachers by a Conduct Referral form and a phone call. This form is to be signed by the parents and returned to the Head of the Middle School. Students receiving a Conduct Referral will be required to report to the early care teacher at 7:00 am until 7:45 am in the cafeteria for at least one morning and report to the Head of the Middle School following morning dismissal. Any portion of this minute time missed will be made up at a rate double the missed time the following day. The time a student devotes to an early morning assignment should be viewed as giving back to the school time that was taken from regular teaching and learning to address behavioral issues. A second Conduct Referral will require the child to report for a minimum of 3 morning detentions and write a letter of apology; the third Conduct Referral requires a minimum of 3 morning detentions, a work service duty, a letter of apology, and a parent meeting with the Head of the Middle School.
    3. The parent conference with the Head of the Middle School required of any student receiving three Conduct Referrals in one academic year will be devoted to a review of the student’s situation, growth, and progress. A response to each individual student’s circumstances will be devised along with a plan for monitoring, at an appropriate interval, the improvement in the student’s behavior.
    4. Failure to demonstrate behavioral improvement and disruptive behavior continuing after these steps which initiate a fourth Conduct Referral will result in a probable in-school or out-of-school suspension. Continued disruption will necessitate a discussion concerning the student’s continued attendance at Grace-St. Luke’s School.

    Serious Discipline Offenses for Lower and Middle School Students The following are definitely unacceptable at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School and are grounds for serious disciplinary action, including possible suspension or dismissal:

    1. Disrespect to any adult member of the Grace-St. Luke’s School or Church community.
    2. Any form of racism, ethnic hatred, sexual harassment, homophobic insults, cursing, or other extreme disrespect to another student or adult.
    3. All physical abuse, fighting, verbal abuse, or the reckless endangerment of another member of the community.
    4. The use of alcohol or any illegal chemical substance or the abuse of any drug whether at school or at a school function on or off campus; the possession of any illegal drugs, tobacco or alcohol or of any drug paraphernalia.
    5. A violation or repeated violations of the Honor Code within the Middle School.
    6. Serious vandalism to school property or to the property of others.
    7. The possession of any weapon, firearm, or any object designed to inflict bodily harm.

    Suspension and Dismissal
    The school reserves the right to suspend or to dismiss any student who has demonstrated by his conduct or attitude an unwillingness to live constructively, respectfully, and considerately according to the norms of the school community. Students whose parents or guardians do not uphold the policies and expectations of the school may also be subject to suspension or dismissal.

    A student who is alleged to have placed his/herself in the circumstances of facing possible suspension or dismissal is entitled to due process within the school disciplinary system. This due process assures the following procedure:

    • The student is entitled to know specifically the violation of which he/she is accused.
    • The student is entitled to present his/her own response to the school administration.
    • Parents, principle caregiver, or legal guardian of the student will be notified and have the right to be present as the student offers his/her response.
    • The headmaster will make the final decision regarding suspension or dismissal.

    Suspensions may be in-school or out-of-school. An in-school suspension means the student is assigned a room at the school in which to spend the day completing academic assignments. The student so assigned may not participate in any school events or activities, including athletics, on the day(s) of this in-school suspension. An out-of-school suspension requires the parent to be in charge of the student or make arrangements for the student’s care. Students suspended away from school may make up major tests missed during the suspension period but may not make up assignments or quizzes.

    Suspensions are given to demonstrate the seriousness of the offense and to provide the student and family with the opportunity to consider the presence of the student at Grace-St. Luke’s. Suspensions and dismissals are recorded on the student’s permanent record. The school, in the case of a dismissal, will work with the family to suggest educational alternatives.

    Threats to Self or Others
    Threats to do bodily harm to oneself or others will be taken very seriously at Grace St. Luke’s. Consequences up to and including expulsion may be considered. Any student who expresses such a threat will be removed from classes and seen immediately by the School Psychologist who will notify the student’s parents and the Headmaster. Upon determination of risk by the School Psychologist and the Headmaster, the student will be suspended from school pending an evaluation by an outside psychologist to be chosen by the school. The evaluation will be done at the parents’ expense. The student may return to school upon written notification that the student is not a risk to him/herself or others by the consulting psychologist and at the discretion of the Headmaster. Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School is an educational community. The most significant accomplishments for us are teaching and learning. Students, parents, and teachers are expected to work together toward this end. It is expected that every member of the school community will conduct themselves in such ways as to enable this to occur in the best ways possible.

    Respect for the Community
    The school is a church school and as such expects school relationships to reflect the principles and ideals of the Christian faith. The school is also a part of this larger community in which we all live and work. Behavior at the school is to reflect the standards of good citizenship.

    Not every rule or standard expected of students is included in this handbook. Many of the specific rules will be shared with the students as they prepare to play on the playground or to ride the bus for a field trip. Those listed here are the most important and form a kind of foundation upon which the overall expectations are based.

    1. Students are at all times and in all places expected to conduct themselves in courteous, considerate, and helpful ways.
    2. Each and every member of the GSL community is expected to treat one another with respect.
    3. Every member of the community is expected to exhibit honor and integrity in all situations and under all circumstances.
    4. All members of the Grace-St. Luke’s community are to respect the differences in others while celebrating the many wonderful things we share in common.
    5. All are expected to respect school property and the belongings of others.
    6. Members of the GSL community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is generous, cooperative, loyal, and dedicated.
    7. All members of the school community are expected to keep buildings and grounds clean and in good repair.
    8. At all times and in all places language is expected to be civil, courteous, and appropriate.
    9. Within the halls and classrooms there is to be no rowdiness or rough play, loud talking, or running.
    10. The following are off limits to all students unless a teacher is present: at the Church: office, kitchen, hallways, Trezevant Hall at the School: McClure Hall, gymnasium, teachers’ lounges, conference rooms, resource room, Administration Building, Library, cafeteria, elevator, school corridors after school hours.
    11. Students are expected to address all adults with “ma’am” and “sir” at all times and in all places. Teachers are expected to adhere to this throughout the school year.
    12. Public displays of affection are not appropriate during school time or on school field trips.

    Grading Scale and Reporting Periods

    (Grades 1 and 2)
    E = Work is excellent; highest accomplishment.
    G - Work is good; exceeds the requirements of the task.
    S = Work is satisfactory; the requirements of the tasks have been met.
    N = Work is in need of improvement and does not meet minimum requirements.
    U = Work is unsatisfactory and needs significant improvement.

    (Grades 3-8) A+ = 97-100   B+ = 87-89   C+ = 77-79   D+ = 69    F = 64 and below
    A = 93-96       B = 83-86     C = 73-76     D = 67-68   I = Incomplete
    A- = 90-92      B- = 80-82   C- = 70-72   D- = 65-66
    E = Excellent
    S = Satisfactory
    N = Needs Improvement
    U = Unsatisfactory

    For grades 5-8, Beta Rolls, Honor Rolls and Headmaster’s Lists are awarded at the end of each term and for the year. A student who has all A’s in the academic subjects and satisfactory conduct in all classes is awarded a Headmaster’s List certificate. A student who has A’s and no more than two B’s in academic subjects and satisfactory conduct in all classes is awarded an Honor Roll certificate. A student who has no grade lower than a B in academic subjects and satisfactory conduct in all classes is awarded a Beta Roll certificate.

    Lower School Students in SK-4th receive grades on report cards at the conclusion of each of three terms - fall, winter and spring.

    Middle School Students in grades 5-8 receive grades on report cards at the conclusion of each of three terms - fall, winter, and spring. Seventh and eighth graders may take formal exams at each term’s end. In addition to an exam, term papers or projects may be required once a year in English, science and history. Exam/term paper grades will count as 20% of the term grade. Sixth graders will take cumulative tests in the context of their regular scheduled classes. Cumulative tests for fifth graders will be given only at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

    GSL Website
    Our website is a valuable source of current information at Grace-St. Luke’s. It includes a calendar of activities and other important information. It also has links to faculty websites.

    Harassment Policy
    Any form of harassment, including repeated teasing, bullying, hazing, and sexual harassment is unacceptable and absolutely prohibited. Grace-St. Luke’s will take prompt disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion, whenever it becomes aware of an issue of harassment. All students are expected to refrain from any behavior or conduct which could be interpreted as harassment toward any other student or member of the GSL community whether such communication occurs face-to-face, over the phone, or via the internet.

    Any student who feels that he/she has been the victim of harassment, or his/her parent or guardian, should notify the Headmaster who will investigate the complaint immediately. If cause is found, the disciplinary process will be initiated, and appropriate action taken. Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School complies with the “Handbook for Policies, Procedures, and Forms for Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Child Abuse” of the Diocese of West Tennessee. Copies of this document are available for examination in the school office.

    Health
    The school is required by the State of Tennessee to have on file a health certificate for every student enrolled in PK-8. No student will participate in any school activity until this certificate is on file. Special medical, mental, psychological, social, or emotional needs of students must be made known to the school. If a child becomes ill while in school and is unable to continue with class, the school will notify parents.

    In the case of medical emergency at school, the parents will be notified immediately and the Rescue Squad summoned. Tylenol will not be administered to children by school personnel.

    The school does not have a registered nurse on staff. The school, therefore, cannot accept responsibility for the administration of medicine. If a student must take medication, the following procedures should be followed:

    1. The parents must provide a written notice for the administration of the medication, including the name of the medication, dosage, and the time it is to be taken.
    2. Your physician must provide written orders detailing the diagnosis or type of illness involved, name of the drug, dosage, time of administration, and possible side-effects.
    3. The medication must be brought to the classroom teacher in the lower school, and the Division Head in the middle school in the original container and be appropriately labeled by the physician or pharmacist.
    4. Send in only the amount of medication which will be taken in school.

    Communicable Disease Policy

    1. It is the responsibility of any person in the school community (including students, faculty, staff and personnel of Cafeteria Food Services and Environmental Services) to report immediately to the Headmaster any health condition that may call for special measures to protect the health of other persons. Any case of HTLV-III/LAV (AIDS) or AIDS Related Complex (ARC) or known positive AIDS antibody (carrier) should be so reported.
    2. Whenever the headmaster becomes aware of health conditions affecting a person in the school community that, in the headmaster’s judgment, may call for special measures to protect the health of other persons, the headmaster shall refer the matter for advice to a Health Review Committee consisting of a physician representing the school and one or more other persons on the faculty or Board of Trustees. The school community will be advised of the presence of any HIV+ person as soon as this information has been verified while remaining sensitive to the individual’s needs for confidentiality.
    3. The Health Review Committee shall conduct an inquiry into any matter referred to it. The committee shall seek information and views from, among others, the affected individual, such person’s parents or guardians (if a minor), and such person’s physician. The committee shall also seek advice from the school’s legal counsel and may seek outside medical or other expert advice. The committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Headmaster.
    4. In reaching its recommendation, the committee will consider the particular circumstances of the affected individual, the health risks presented to other persons by the affected individual’s condition in the light of available medical information, alternative possibilities for minimizing exposure of others, legal constraints and all other relevant circumstances. Each situation will be addressed individually.
    5. To the extend desirable, consistent with the protection of the health of other persons, the information obtained by the Health Review Committee, its recommendations and any actions taken by the Headmaster shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed except to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and such other persons as the headmaster may specifically authorize to receive such confidential information in the best interests of the school and the affected individual.
    6. The decision of the Health Review Committee on any health condition within the scope of his policy shall be final.
    7. Students, parents, staff and faculty need accurate information about AIDS - its cause, manifestations, its transmission and prevention. Such information and education will be provided by the school in an appropriate manner.

    Homecoming
    The school recognizes its eighth grade students and their parents at our two homecoming events. Approximately half the class will be recognized in the fall and half in the winter. Students are expected to dress up for this occasion unless they are participating in one of the sporting events that day. Conduct is expected to be appropriate for the occasion.

    Homework
    Homework is an essential part of Grace-St. Luke’s academic program. It not only reinforces the use of new skills introduced at school but also allows a student to pursue a concept creatively and intuitively. The amount of time a child needs to do homework varies from grade to grade and from child to child, but the following chart serves as a guideline for both teachers and students.

    Grade              Time Per Day
    1-2....................20 to 30 minutes
    3-4....................45 minutes to 1 hour
    5-6....................1 to 1 1/2 hours
    7-8....................1 1/2 to 2 hours

    Homework Missed During an Absence
    Following an absence, it is essential that a student consult (each of) his/her teachers the day he/she returns. This is the responsibility of the student. Any work which was missed due to illness or other absence will be due within two days of return to school unless otherwise specified by the teacher. If a student is absent in excess of 5 school days, special arrangements for makeup work will be made.

    If a student is absent due to an at-home suspension, he/she may not make up work or tests missed unless permitted to do so by the appropriate administrator. A zero will be recorded for that work. Trimester examinations are exceptions.

    Honor Code - Middle School
    Since the 1986-87 school year there has been an Honor Code in the middle school. Simply stated, the code affirms that a student will not lie, cheat, or steal. Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on any schoolwork is a violation of the code. Each fall teachers review with students the meaning of the Honor Code in their classes. If a teacher believes that a student has violated the Honor Code, the parents will be informed, then the Honor Council will be called into session. All first offenders will appear before the Honor Council. A student who has committed more than one honor offense will be sent directly to the Head of the Middle School. Suspension from school may result. Honor offenses are recorded on the permanent record. First offenses will normally result in:

    1. a zero on the test, quiz, or paper in question
    2. notification to parents
    3. a letter of apology to the teacher and to the class

    The following pledge will be written on all quizzes, tests, exams, or work which is completed independently:
    “I pledge that I have neither given nor received aid on this.....”
    It is signed by the student.

    Honor Society
    Students in grades seven and eight who have attended Grace-St. Luke’s for at least one year are eligible for induction into the Grace-St. Luke’s Honor Society. The GSL Honor Society is modeled after the National Junior Honor Society program. A faculty committee selects the membership based on the following criteria: scholarship (95 cumulative average for 7th grade students; 90 for eighth grade students), leadership, service, citizenship, and character. A student may be precluded from consideration for induction into the Honor Society if within the current school year he or she has appeared before the Honor Council or received five minor conduct referrals or one serious conduct referral. Once inducted, students must maintain these high standards or be subject to suspension or dismissal from the organization.

    Honors and Awards
    Some Special Annual Awards are:

    • The Middle School Bishop’s Award Given to that middle school student who has demonstrated by his/her service to others his/her understanding of the call to love one’s neighbor as one’s self and to respect the dignity of every human being.
    • The Middle School Headmaster’s Award Given to that member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the philosophy of Grace-St. Luke’s with his/her Christian attitude, responsible conduct, high academic standards, and sense of achievement throughout his/her tenure in the middle school as determined by the middle school faculty.
    • The Lower School Bishop’s Award Given to that lower school student who has demonstrated by his/her service to others his/her understanding of the call to love one’s neighbor as one’s self and to respect the dignity of every human being.
    • The Lower School Headmaster’s Award Given to that lower school student who best exemplifies the philosophy of Grace-St. Luke’s with his/her Christian attitude, responsible conduct, high academic standards, and sense of achievement throughout his/her tenure in the lower school as determined by the lower school faculty.
    • Middle School Faculty Award Given to that middle school student who has shown the most unselfish service, effective support, and outstanding qualities of citizenship.
    • Valedictorian Given to the member of the graduating class who has maintained the highest scholastic average (at least a half point higher) throughout grades seven, and eight.
    • Salutatorian Given to that member of the graduating class who has maintained the second highest scholastic average (at least a half point higher) throughout grades seven and eight.
    • Sportsmanship Award Given to that middle school student who best represents the philosophy of the Grace-St. Luke’s athletic program through his/her positive attitude, loyalty, and dedication to the sports program sponsored by Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School.
    • The Barbara Steele Patterson Writing Award Given to that middle school student who most consistently demonstrates excellence in English expression, creativity, mechanical skills, and originality as fostered through the Grace-St. Luke’s writing curriculum.
    • The Paula Rainey Langschmidt Scholarship Given to that 7th grade student who demonstrates all-around excellence in scholarship, sports, school activities, sportsmanship, conduct and character.
    • The Thomas A. Beazley Citizenship Award Given to that 7th grade student who is of good character, well rounded, and is fully engaged in community life. 
    • The Middle School Thespian Award Given to the member of the graduating class whose participation in dramatic productions has displayed excellence in character and professionalism combined with a positive and supportive attitude.
    • The Middle School Academic Athlete Award Given to the seventh and eighth grade athlete with the highest grade point average and who has played in at least two major sports.
    • The Norman S. Woodmansee Award Given to those members of the graduating class who have shown their talent in athletics and who have given of their hearts, time, and energy into achieving all they can athletically at Grace-St. Luke’s.
    • Alumni Ambassador Award Given by the Alumni Association to the member of the graduating class who has best demonstrated the characteristics necessary to serve as a future alumni leader - a surpassing love for the school and friendship and connectedness with all his/her classmates.

    Incomplete Homework or Tests
    An incomplete is given if a student has not been able to complete the assigned work due to extended illness, family circumstance, etc. An incomplete is not given merely because the student failed to hand in the assigned work on time. At the teacher’s discretion, work may be accepted late with penalty for lateness. However, if a student has had the chance to complete the work and failed to do so, the student receives no credit for that work.

    If the student is given an incomplete on the report card, he has three (3) weeks to complete the work. This period may be extended in cases of long absences (over two weeks), if cleared by the appropriate division coordinator.

    Library
    The Armstrong Library of Grace-St. Luke’s School is open to students and faculty from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while school is in regular session. Books may be borrowed for a two-week period and renewed, if desired. A fine of 10 cents for each school day will be charged for any overdue books. After two written notices to students for overdue books, notices are emailed to the parents. A student may not check out additional books or materials if he/she has a fine or an overdue book.

    If a student loses a book, he/she must pay the full price for replacement. If, after replacement value has been paid, the book is found, the student is welcome and encouraged to return the book to the library, but in no instance can the library make refunds.

    The librarian will assess charges for damaged books depending on the extent of mending required to make it serviceable. All books must be returned and fines paid before a student will be allowed to receive his report card. Students who abuse library privileges may be restricted from use of the facilities.

    Lockers
    Student lockers are the property of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School and therefore are accessible to the school administration at any time. Should students opt to use locks to secure their property within lockers, the administration must be given the combination or a second key.

    Lunch Program
    The school contracts with Sodexo to provide lunches for the school. Meals may be purchased on a daily basis or on the semester meal plan. All arrangements are made directly with Sodexo. Meals are served only when school is in session for the full day. A variety of sandwiches and other a la carte food items are available as well as offerings from the hot plate lunch line.

    Children may bring their own lunches to school as well. Parents should provide nutritional meals that are healthy and appropriate for growing children. The school cafeteria has microwave ovens available. However, young children should not be expected to operate the ovens during the school lunch period. There is simply insufficient time during the lunch period for proper supervision of the younger children. Parents are asked to pack lunch items that do not require heating. Older students should limit the number of items for heating so that the microwave ovens are available to everyone during the lunch period.

    All food and drinks are restricted to the cafeteria (with the exception of kindergarten classes) and then only during lunch time or under special arrangements such as class parties. Soda and candy are not permitted.

    Middle School Mission Statement
    We seek to prepare students for high school through a challenging academic and co-curricular program offered in a safe and supportive environment consistent with the Christian faith in the Episcopal tradition.

    Organizations and Activities –

    • Middle School Student Council The Student Council’s purpose is to represent the student body by providing sound leadership and guidance. The duties of the student government body vary as each year brings new officers and new ideas.
    • Middle School Honor Council The Honor Council promotes the ideals of honor and integrity by enforcing rules and regulations to be followed by all middle school students. Members are appointed by the middle school faculty.
    • Yearbook Staff Any student may apply for membership on the yearbook staff at the discretion of the advisor.
    • Newspaper Staff Any student may apply for membership on the newspaper staff at the discretion of the advisor. The school newspaper, Saints’ Connection, is published three times per year.
    • Grace-St. Luke’s Honor Society Students in grades seven and eight who have attended Grace-St. Luke’s for at least one year are eligible for induction into the Grace-St. Luke’s Honor Society. The GSL Honor Society is modeled after the National Junior Honor Society. A faculty committee selects the membership based on the following criteria: Scholarship ((95 cumulative average for 7th grade students; 90 for eighth grade students), leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Once inducted, students must maintain these high standards or be subject to suspension or dismissal from the Society.
    • Interscholastic Sports Students in grades seven and eight have the opportunity to participate in the following team sports:
      Boys: Football, Basketball, and Baseball
      Girls: Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball
      Tennis, track, and golf are also offered.
      NOTE: All athletes and cheerleaders must maintain a “C” average in order to participate in these activities.

      As a member of the Parochial Athletic Association (PAA) and the Shelby 7 & 8 Athletic leagues we abide by the following guidelines for our coaches, student athletes and spectators. Coaches, players and spectators are expected to abide by an official’s decision. No coach, player or spectator is to use profane language or gestures; exhibit objectionable behavior (i.e. throwing equipment or any other forceful action); verbally abuse an official for any real or imagined unjust decision or judgment; verbally abuse a player, opposing coach, or spectator; or physically touch, push, shove, strike or threaten to strike a player, official, coach or spectator. Abuse of these guidelines may result in suspension from games or a season if the offense is repeated.

    • Publications The yearbook Banner, the school newspaper Saints’ Connection, The Anchor, and Expressions are the four major school publications.

      SPECIAL NOTE: A student may be nominated to run for an office in any club or organization as long as all fees and reenrollment papers for the next school year have been received and processed by the Business Office.

    Parent/Teacher Communication
    Open communication between parents and staff is vital for a positive school experience. In addition to regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences, Grace-St. Luke’s encourages its families and teachers to openly share information regarding a student’s progress at all times of the year. If you have a concern, first contact your child’s teacher. If the issue cannot be resolved, contact the Division Head. Should the issue remain, contact the Headmaster as a last resort. To share information or express concerns about specific classes, tests, grades, or projects, parents are asked to use the following procedure:

    1. Call the school office (278-0200) and leave your name, phone number, and the teacher’s name with whom you wish to speak. The teacher will contact you within one day. Alternately, you may contact the teacher directly via email in which case the teacher will contact you within one day by phone or return email.
    2. If a telephone conversation or email exchange is not sufficient to discuss your concerns, the teacher or the parent may wish to make an appointment at the school.
    3. If further communication is necessary for a clearer understanding of your child’s progress, make an appointment with the Division Head and /or teacher by calling the school office.
    4. Teachers should be called at home only in the event of an emergency which will have an immediate effect on the student’s school day. All other matters should be discussed within the above outlined format.

    Our teachers carefully plan each day’s class activities. In order that they might educate our students in the most meaningful manner, the school asks that parents avoid dropping by their child’s classroom during the day or just prior to the opening of class or dismissal. These seemingly minor interruptions can add up to a substantial reduction in teaching time. Please use the communication system outlined above; you will find our teachers responsive and eager to help in every way.

    Additionally, teachers will post their homepages via the Grace-St. Luke’s website (http://www.gslschool.org) which will include daily homework assignments, due dates for long-term projects, and dates for classroom assessments.

    Playground Expectations

    1. No walking up or down slides at any time.
    2. No standing on swings and no jumping from swings. Only one person on a swing at a time.
    3. Throwing stones, sticks, etc. is not permitted.
    4. Hard baseballs and bats are not permitted on any playground at GSL.
    5. Students may not retrieve balls or other objects from the street without adult supervision.
    6. No climbing on the fences.
    7. No jumping from high playground equipment.
    8. Excessively rowdy conduct, inappropriate language, unkindness to others, disrespect to persons or to equipment are all unacceptable on all playgrounds.
    9. Inform the headmaster or teacher of serious problems on the playground such as presence of strangers, broken equipment, and so on.
    10. All paper, trash, etc. must be disposed of in the proper cans before leaving the playground.

    Promotion and Retention
    Lower School
    For grades 1-4, failure of any two of the following subjects will constitute failure of the grade: math, reading, and language.

    Middle School
    Any student failing two or more major subject areas (English, Reading, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) in the final year average will not be promoted to the next grade level or in the case of eighth grade not receive a diploma. In place of a diploma a certificate of attendance will be awarded. Summer school is presently not offered at Grace-St. Luke’s nor would a two-to-three week summer school course sufficiently fulfill a year’s coursework. Every student will be required to take two years of a foreign language. Exceptions to this will be dealt with on an individual basis following documented evidence of a learning issue that significantly impedes the learning of a foreign language.

    Re-enrollment decisions are usually made each December or January by the Administration. A decision to reenroll a student and to subsequently forward a re-enrollment contract to the parents is based upon a student’s academic record, effort, attitude and behavior over the previous year and upon the willingness of the parents to accept their responsibility in the partnership of education. On occasion, re-enrollment contracts are held until a time (usually in April or May) when an appropriate decision about placement can be made.

    Parents should also understand that the School reserves the right not to offer a reenrollment contract for a child if the parents have been uncooperative or if their actions have in any way undermined the effectiveness of the teachers.

    School Closing Due to Inclement Weather and/or Emergency
    Normally when a weather event occurs after the school day has begun, Grace-St. Luke’s will remain open and will offer its regular After School Care. Parents who wish to pick their children up, however, may do so. Should the school decide to close early, announcements will be through the local television stations (Channel 3,5,13) and radio stations (WMC FM-100 and WRVR 104-FM). We will also make every effort to put the information on the ticker on the website’s home page. It is not necessary to telephone the school under such circumstances. Should the weather event cause uncertainty as to whether or not GSL opens for the school day, please consult the ticker and/or check with the local televisions or radio stations listed above.

    The school will open unless the administration determines that to do so would place the students and the school staff in an unsafe traveling situation. If it has been determined that it would be unsafe to open for regular classes, it should be obvious that it would be unsafe for after school care as well. Every effort will be used to make the decision as early as possible and to do so only when safety issues dictate. The school understands that closing the regular program and after school care places a burden on some of our families who depend on Grace- St. Luke’s for good, safe child care during the working day.

    Emergency
    All students must have a student profile sheet on file in the school office with emergency contacts and phone numbers.

    Tornado, fire, and earthquake drills are held on a regular basis.

    Children cannot leave until they are signed out and will be released only to their parents or authorized emergency adults. Children will not be permitted to leave the campus on their own even if they live within walking distance of the school.

    Children should be picked up as soon as possible.

    At the discretion of the Headmaster and staff, children not picked up by the end of the school day may be transferred to an emergency evacuation shelter. A sign will be posted at the school with the name and location of the shelter.

    Summer Programs and Reading
    Summer should not mark the end of learning. The traditional independent school summer reading program has been broadened at GSL. While reading is essential, it is also important for our students to take advantage of the host of opportunities summer provides for the kind of creative, hands-on, and child-centered education provided during the school year. Each teacher will provide information about the summer assignments for each student and appropriate parent support is appreciated.

    Telephone
    A phone is located in Lassandrello Hall for students to use with teacher permission. The school telephones are not for student use.

    Testing
    As a guideline, we strive to administer assessments to students in a manner that is fair and equitable. Teachers and parents alike should use the test calendar on the website to track various assignments and the due dates. In general, the school will limit assessments to two tests and one quiz on a given day for a student. Weekly spelling and vocabulary quizzes do not count towards that limit.

    The school administers Educational Records Bureau’s Comprehensive Testing Program IV standardized tests to students in grades three through eight in the fall of each year. They are given to ascertain students’ progress from year to year and to help the school evaluate and improve its program. Parents may call the School Psychologist to review test results.

    Visitors
    Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom by appointment and are requested to call the office to schedule a visit.

    Cell Phone Policy
    As with other valuable technologies, the school recommends that students not bring cell phones to school, as they are easily lost or misplaced. However, the school recognizes that some families feel this is a valuable communication tool. Therefore, if a child has a cell phone in school, it must be secured in a safe location and turned off so as not to distract from instruction. The only permissible use is after school. During the school day, students may use the phone in Lassandrello Hall with faculty permission.

    iPods
    The school recommends against bringing iPods or similar devices to school. They must be kept out of sight in a secure location. The only permissible use is before or after school. If a faculty member has a project utilizing the device, it must be put away immediately at the end of class.

    Gum
    Students are not to chew gum in school.