Trinity Lutheran Ministries

About The School
Our Curriculum
Sports Programs
Enrollment/
Registration
Opportunities for Involvement
Staff
FastDirect

About the School

Mission Statement

Provide excellent, Lutheran education
Equip families with God's Word for faithful discipleship
Nurture families in their Christian Living
Share Christ's love with the community

Our Purpose

Trinity Lutheran School is an integral part of the ministry of Trinity Lutheran congregation. The purpose of Trinity Lutheran School is to provide a quality education guided by Christian philosophy and doctrine and serve as a mission outreach of the congregation to the community.

What are the objectives of a Christian education at Trinity Lutheran School?

Appreciate the wonder of God's creation.
Understand God's great and undeserved love in sending Jesus Christ to be our Savior from sin.
Understand that he/she enters God's kingdom of grace through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Grow in a close relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Speak to God in prayer.
Actively use the Bible for personal daily growth.
Recall from memory and understand the six chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism.
Appreciate our Lutheran heritage of worship, liturgy and music.
Lead a responsible Christian life.
Have a desire to tell others of Jesus Christ and His love.
Develop pride in work and a feeling of self-worth.
Develop good character and self-respect.
Respect and get along with people.
Appreciate learning now and in the future.
Master basic skills in math, language arts, science, technology, social studies and research.
Have a positive concept of family life.
Gain information about occupations to help in planning a Christian vocation.
Be a good citizen by understanding and practicing democratic ideas and ideals.
Be aware of the changes that take place in the world.
Examine and use information.
Appreciate culture and beauty in the world.
Practice and learn the ideas of health and safety.
Use leisure time in a God-pleasing manner.
Demonstrate a healthy attitude towards competitive endeavors.
Be a good steward of money, property and other God-given talents.

Class Size & Daily Schedule

Class Size Guidelines

Class size will be limited as follows:

3-Year Preschool
1-16 students – one class
17-19 students – waiting list
20 students – split, two classes

4-Year Preschool
1-19 students – one class
20-22 students – waiting list
23 students – split, two classes

Kindergarten
1-19 students – one class, no aid
20-27 students – one class, 3-hour aid
28 students – split, two classes

Primary (Grades 1-3)
1-24 students – one class
25-28 students – one class, 3-hour aid
29 students – split, two classes

Intermediate (Grades 4-6)
1-26 students – one class, no aid
27-30 students – one class, 3-hour aid
31 students – split, two classes

Junior High (Grades 7-8)
1-30 students – one class, no aid
31 students – split, two classes

The CDS Board will consider recommendations that exceed this policy on a case-by-case basis.
For current class sizes contact the school office.

Last Modified 7/5/05, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Daily Schedule

7:30 to 7:50 a.m. – Arrival – (K-8)
7:50 a.m. – Class begins – (K-8)
2:30 p.m. – Bus – Students dismissed
2:45 p.m. – School dismissed

Preschool I will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Preschool II will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten will meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Toddler Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, or Monday and Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

About FastDirect

Trinity uses a web-based management system for much of our communication with parents and internally within the school. Parents are requested to provide an e-mail address to the school if they have Internet access. This allows parents to log on to the system for many types of information available to the school community.

FastDirect is used to communicate by e-mail between the school and the home. Teacher grade books, mid-term reports, report cards, financial records for tuition, the lunch program, Day care, miscellaneous fees, lunch calendars, teacher bulletin boards, and calendars are all available to Trinity families through FastDirect. All information on FastDirect is password protected.

Tuition

Tuition Schedule and Fees 2009-2010

Registration Fee (Grades K-8) 2009

Enrollment Fee (Grades PS-PK) 2009

Through May 31 | $55
Beginning June 1 | $95
Preschool I and II, Non Co-Op Fee | $25 monthly

Parents Note: With our new FastDirect billing system, your last tuition payment of the year will be slightly less than you previous payments. The FastDirect system will not bill regularly tuition payments in amounts under an even dollar amount; therefore the last payment will be an adjusted payment.

FastDirect: On-line Payments and Contributions

A new option is available for making secure contributions and payments to Trinity Lutheran Church and School. We will be accepting church and school contributions and school and daycare payments on-line. Options will be available for one-time or on-going transactions for credit/debit card accounts or directly from your checking or savings account. Watch for the links on the FastDirect web page at Fastdirect.

By using the FastDirect system, parents can view all their financial accounts online. Each family account statement shows tuition payments and balances, lunch accounts, Day Care and general fees and charges. Monthly statements will be sent only to families who do not have Internet access.

Special Discounts

Families with 2 or more students in Preschool or Pre-Kindergarten will receive a 10% discount on Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten tuition.
Families with 1 or more children enrolled in the day school and a child enrolled in the Preschool program will receive a 10% discount on the youngest child's tuition.
Families with 1 or more children enrolled in the day school and a child enrolled in the Pre-Kindergarten program will pay the day school tuition rate corresponding to the number of children enrolled with no other discounts applied.

Fees

Fees include: Enrollment fees, tuition, day care, lunch, band (optional), birthday books (optional), and field trips, enrichment classes (optional).

Financial Aid

There are two ways in which families are able to obtain financial aid.

Step One: Parents in need of financial assistance must first apply to Building Blocks Scholarship Fund. Parents will be notified through the Eagle Informer when application forms are available.

Step Two: Building Blocks will notify the school and/or the parents of any assistance available. After notification, the parents may, if further assistance is needed, apply to the church for additional aid. A Financial Aid Application is available in the school office. This form must be completed and returned to the principal prior to May 1. It is absolutely necessary to include a copy of the Federal 1040. An application will not be processed until the 1040 is provided. The Financial Assistance Committee will review the application and award financial assistance. The amount of assistance depends on the amount appropriated by the Voters' Assembly's approved annual budget.

Policy Concerning Delinquent Tuition Payment

The Board of Christian Schools takes a consistent and compassionate approach to handling delinquent accounts. The intention is to assist families who may be experiencing financial hardship while being firm and consistent in dealing with families who ignore their financial obligations of Trinity.

Tuition and fees are due on the fifteenth of each month.
At 30 days delinquent the principal will send a letter to the family. Those families who are three months in arrears with tuition payments will receive a personal contact. These families will be asked for a plan to meet their financial obligation. Completion of Fees Reduction Application may be requested at this time.
If a family is four months in arrears, the following steps will be taken.
1. A personal contact will be made by one of the Pastors for delinquent member families.
2. A conference may be requested for the parent, principal, and a BCS member.
3. Enrollment for the remainder of the current school term may be denied by the BCS for any family with delinquent financial obligations.
Report cards will not be issued to families with a delinquent account until payment is received or a repayment plan has been established.
8th grade graduates will not receive a diploma if the family accounts are not paid in full prior to the graduation ceremony. The student may participate in the graduation service, but will receive only a folder during the ceremony.
Family tuition accounts must be current in order for the student athlete to participate in athletics. Parents are able to view their accounts at any time through the FastDirect system. The Administration will inform parents through the FastDirect system if the family account is delinquent and will give a date by which the account must be paid in order for the student athlete to participate.
At the beginning of a school year, any family with a delinquent account must pay the account in full or submit a repayment plan before the first day of school, or admission will be denied.

Long-Term Tuition Delinquent Policy

If tuition and other fees exceed $500.00 and a payment has not been received for three months, the parent(s) will be notified by certified mail that if payment or a payment plan is not mutually adopted, the amount due will be referred to a collection agency.

Last Modified 8/12/09, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Lunch Program

Trinity operates a type 'A' lunch program. The cost is currently $1.75 per lunch (milk included.) Extra milk is $.25. The cost of a school lunch is determined by the cost of the program, therefore, if food or other costs increase, the cost of the school lunch may also increase. Non-payment of lunches will result in losing the privilege of buying a hot lunch. Once the payment has been made, the hot lunch privilege will be reinstated. Trinity's FastDirect system allows parents to log on and view the lunch calendar as well as their lunch account balance. Parents deposit money in the family lunch account in order to pay for their child(ren)'s lunches and milks. It is not necessary to deposit a specific amount or to designate whether the money is for lunch or milk. As the point of service count is taken daily and returned to the school office, deductions are made for lunches and milks consumed by the student. Parents should check the account regularly to be sure that sufficient funds are in the account to cover the lunches and milks consumed by the child(ren) in the family. When the account balance is low, the system generates an e-mail reminder to the parent's e-mail address indicating that payment is due.

How the Lunch Program with the FastDirect system will work:

Each Trinity Family has a lunch account on their financial statement.
All lunch purchases for the family will be entered into their lunch account.
When a teacher logs unto the system in the morning, they will take attendance and lunch count.
A hard copy of the lunch report is printed in the office and taken to the cafeteria.
As the students enter the cafeteria, the point of service count is taken.
Each student's name is marked off on the sheet as they receive their lunch or milk.
The sheet is returned to the office after the last lunch period and Mrs. Morrison makes any changes necessary, i.e. a student may take an additional milk, or a student forgot their lunch and needs a lunch.
After making any necessary changes, Keri will charge each family's account for the meal or milk taken.
The appropriate amount of money for that day is deducted from the family account.

Payments for the lunch accounts may be in cash or a check made payable to Trinity Lutheran School. The lunch payment SHOULD NOT be included with the tuition check. If you have any questions, please call the school office.

Free and Reduced-Price Lunches

The government provides help with the costs of lunches to those who qualify. If you feel you qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, please ask the secretary for an application. Please return the application form to the office as soon as possible. Free or reduced prices will not take effect until the application is approved by the school administrator even if during the previous year the student was eligible. This information is kept confidential.

Last Modified 8/4/06, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Bus Service

Trinity students are allowed the privilege of riding District 7 busses to and from school. If you have any questions about bus service, call Laidlaw at 656-0125, view the District 7 transportation page, or call the district transportation coordinator at 618-655-6011.

Finding the proper bus to school:

Trinity students will ride the public high school bus from the stop closest to his/her home. The bus number, pick-up time, and stop location for your area can be found on the high school web page:

Edwardsville High School
When your student arrives at the high school, he/she will board a shuttle bus, #21, that will take them from the high school to Trinity Lutheran School

Finding the proper bus from school:

Trinity bus student will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m. to board one of two busses that will take them to the public middle school nearest their home. The #18 bus goes to Lincoln Middle School, 145 West Street, and the #46 bus goes to Liberty Middle School, #1 District Drive off Goshen Road.
From the middle school your student will take another bus to his/her home. The bus number, arrival time and stop location for your area can be found on the middle school web sites:

Liberty Middle School
Lincoln Middle School

Bus Conduct

Bus riders are extended the special privilege of transportation to and from school each day. When Trinity children misbehave on the bus, they may be given a misconduct notice by the driver. If a child receives three misconduct notices by the driver he may be suspended for the privilege of riding the bus for an amount of time determined by the principal. Trinity children are expected to follow all Trinity policies while riding the bus.

Missed Connections

If a child misses a connection for his local bus at the high school or middle school he or she should go directly to the school office and tell the secretary. The senior and junior high school secretaries have been very helpful when a crisis has arisen in the past. If you have a problem or complaint about bus service, please call the bus company at 656-0125. If the problem does not reach a satisfactory conclusion contact the school principal for assistance.

Last Modified 8/8/08, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Field Trips

The purpose of field trips at Trinity is to enhance our curriculum. A written, signed parent permission form is required for all trips off of Trinity's property. Teachers will send permission notes home prior to all field trips. The permission notes must be returned to the teacher the day prior to the field trip. If the signed note is not returned, the students will not be permitted to participate in the field trip. It is not acceptable to give verbal permission over the phone. All students must have a notarized emergency waiver on file at the school office. Trinity publishes a Field Trip Brochure that outlines the duties of the teacher, parent drivers and chaperones, and students while participating in a Field Trip. Parents assist on the Field Trip under the direction of the teacher and are advised to be familiar with the guidelines in the brochure.

Permission forms signed by a parent are also required if students attend an out-of town tournament or sports event. Leaving school before final dismissal time for a sporting event requires a note from the parent.

Parent Drivers are required to have working seat belts to accommodate each student passenger, as well as the driver. The number of students that can safely ride in a parent's vehicle is information that should be provided on the Field Trip permission form distributed by the teacher. Adult drivers must also provide the School office with a copy of their Driver's License and current proof of insurance. Vans that accommodate 15 passengers are never permitted to be used for a Trinity Field Trip due to liability.

Please be aware of the new Illinois law that requires safety seats up to the age of 8 or for students who weigh less than 80 lbs.

Teachers

Plan and schedule educational field trips that extend the classroom into the community.
Place students in designated groups.
Provide map, times and detailed itinerary to drivers/chaperones.
Provide emergency sheets in sealed envelopes.
Provide teacher cell # for emergency use.

Parents

Provide a copy of a valid insurance card and driver's license.
Arrive at school on time or early.
Have seat belts pulled out and ready for use.
Children sit in back seat only.
Children must be secured in seat belts while the car is moving.
Distractions should be minimized (no smoking, no eating/drinking, no cell phone conversations except for emergencies).
All drivers travel the same route.
Drive directly to location and back to school.
Supervision of students is a FULL TIME job.
Siblings are discouraged.
Stay with children at all times.
Accompany or stand outside restroom.
NEVER send a child to the restroom alone.
Stay with the plan.
Check watch often and be aware of time during exploratory activities.
Have a working cell phone.
Provide NO food, drink, snacks or gum to students.
Provide cooler for lunches when appropriate.

Students

Make sure your seat belt is fastened securely, if there is a problem, tell the driver.
No candy/gum on trip.
Talk quietly while in the car.
Do not distract the driver.
Always stay with the chaperone
Listen to the docent; he/she is you teacher while on a field trip.
NO RUNNING anywhere.
Be polite to volunteers.
School rules and behaviors apply on field trips.

Drivers

If you are able to drive for this Field Trip please read the following important requirements:

Drivers must provide the office with a copy of a valid driver's license.
Drivers must have no DUIs in the last 36 months and no more than one moving violation in the last six months.
Drivers must show proof of adequate insurance, including minimum liability coverage as required by the State Motor Vehicle Code for all passengers.
Drivers are discouraged from bringing younger children along on the trip.
Drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
Drivers agree to require all passengers under age 8 to be secured in an appropriate child restraint system (includes a booster seat) and those under the age of 16 in a seat belt.
Drivers agree that children over 40 pounds may be in the back seat with only a lap belt if not equipped with a lap-shoulder system.
Drivers agree to comply with all traffic laws.
Drivers agree to receive no reimbursement of expenses from Trinity Lutheran School for driving to or from a school-sponsored event unless mutually agreed upon by the principle or Early Childhood Director.

Driver/Chaperone Checklist

Insurance card and driver's license on file in school office.
Have materials from teacher.
All students secured in seat belts.
If you have carried emergency forms, return them to the office.

Last Modified 8/23/08, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Holiday Calendar and School Closing

Holiday Calendar

August
18 – First day of school – Half Day (7:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
19 – First Day for Preschool II and PreKindergarten
20 – First Day for Preschool I

September
8 – No School – Labor Day

October
1 & 2 – No School – Teacher In-Service LESA
12 – No School – Columbus Day
23 – End of First Quarter
30 – Parent Teacher Conferences

November
11 – No School – Veteran's Day
25 – Half Day – Thanksgiving
26 – No School – Thanksgiving Day
27 – No School – Thanksgiving Holiday

December
21 – Christmas Break begins

January
4 – Classes resume
15 – End of second quarter
18 – No School – Martin Luther King Birthday

February
12 – No School – Teacher In-Service Day
15 – No School – President's Day

March
1-7 – National Lutheran Schools Week
12 – Third quarter ends
29-31 – No School – Easter Break

April
1-5 – No School – Easter Break

May
25 – Last Day – Half Day
26-28 – Emergency Days
31 – Memorial Day

June
1, 2 – Emergency Days

School Closing

If school is going to be closed because of bad weather, parents are encouraged to tune to one the following media outlets:

KMOX 1120 website
KTVI FOX2 website
ECTV 11
KMOV 4 website
KSDK 5 website
www.cancellations.com

When Edwardsville public schools, (District 7) are closed for bad weather, Trinity is also closed. On rare occasions, when the weather is threatening, District 7 may find it necessary to pick up children early. If you have child(ren) who ride the bus, please inform your child(ren) of this possibility so that they will have a place to go in case of early pickup.

Trinity will use School Reach, an automated calling system during the 2009-2010 school year. Parents should be sure that the office has all current phone numbers on file.

Last Modified 8/14/09, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Wellness Policy

Trinity Lutheran School participates in the National School Lunch Program. Under the requirements of the child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, and the Illinois school code, we are required to adopt a Wellness Policy that addresses nutrition guidelines for all foods available during the school day, nutrition education, and physical activity. Implementation and measurement of the Wellness Policy is to include parents, students, school food service personnel, the Board of Christian Schools, the administrator, teachers, and the community. A copy of Trinity's Wellness Policy is available from the school office.

Last Modified 8/4/09, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Dress Code

As a Christian community, Trinity encourages proper dress and grooming. The purpose of the dress code is to promote a positive learning environment in our school and not disrupt the educational activities and processes of the school. It is the responsibility of the parents to work with their child to select appropriate dress which will contribute to the health and safety of the school environment while reflecting the modesty and dignity of the individual in God's sight. The dress code also applies to all school-sponsored functions. We intend that students are dressed comfortably, yet modestly. When making clothing choices, please purchase items that will keep the shoulder, midriff, and waist covered during normal movement and activity throughout the school day. Clothing that is too revealing or requires frequent adjustment is a distraction.

These dress code guidelines were developed through the direction of the school board with the cooperation of parents and teachers:

Clothing with holes, tears, or inappropriate patches will not be allowed.
Clothing and jewelry must be free from inappropriate sayings, pictures, or suggestive messages. This includes clothing that advertises, implies or displays the symbols of drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages as well as clothing that displays or implies profane or obscene language or symbols. This also includes clothing with words of any nature across the individual's bottom.
Clothing that is too tight or revealing is unacceptable.
See-through clothing is not allowed. All pants and shorts should be size appropriate and need to be worn at/or above the hipbone. Belts should be worn when needed to keep pants or shorts at/or above the hipbone.
Shorts and skirts should be longer than fingertip length when the student is standing up and are hanging straight at the student's side.
Belts are to be the proper length tucked into belt loops.
Shirts, blouses, and tee shirts must be size appropriate.
Shirttails must be below the belt line.
Shirts that expose bare midriffs, bare sides or bare backs are not permitted.
Shirt straps need to be at least 2 1/2 inches wide.
Spaghetti strap type tops may only be worn with a shirt over them that meets the 2 1/2 inch wide strap requirement or with a tee shirt underneath.
Halter-tops are not allowed to be worn to school.
Boys' shirts must have sleeves.
Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times and should be covered by other clothing.
Students must wear appropriate shoes.
Heels should be no higher than 2 1/2 inches in height.
Thong-type shoes or flip-flops are not allowed.
Students are expected to have traditional hairstyles and colors.
Make-up is not permitted in grades K-5. Girls in grades 6-8 may apply a modest amount of make-up at home. Make-up should not be brought to school.
For girls, earrings should be of the post variety. Large hoops and dangling earrings are not permitted for safety reasons.
All jewelry must be removed for physical education and when participating in athletic events. Earrings are not permissible for boys.
Tattoos and body piercing, with the exception of girls with pierced ears are not permissible.
Proper outer clothing appropriate for weather conditions needs to be worn when temperatures fall below 60 degrees.

Last Modified 8/12/09, Trinity Lutheran School, Edwardsville, Illinois.

Respect Pledge

A pledge is a commitment made to remind people of the promises God has made to us. Because of what God has done for us through Christ we will want to respond to His love and receive the blessings He has in store for His people. As a member of Trinity Lutheran School Family and PARTNER in the Christian education of children:

I will show RESPECT for God and His Word by
faithfully attending worship and Bible study.
learning, memorizing, and obeying the Word of God as it directs my daily living.
actively supporting the church and school with God-given treasures and sacrificial offerings.
(Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

I will show RESPECT for those in authority by
supporting the philosophy and policies of the school.
cooperating with the teachers, principal and pastors in matters of discipline in a willing and prompt manner.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I will show RESPECT for my classmates and other people by
praying for and with the children, parents and teachers.
instructing my child/student to lead a God-pleasing life by showing love and forgiveness toward others.
(Colossians 3:12-17)

I will show RESPECT for my body and my God-given talents by
modeling Christian values by monitoring TV, music, clothes, food, language and activities for the well being of my child and myself.
providing support and commitment to school and extracurricular activities with my presence and serving where needed.
(I Corinthians 3:16-17)

I will show RESPECT for the learning process and the classroom environment by
providing a Christian atmosphere and environment for learning and homework.
assuming responsibility for my child's completion of homework.
accepting responsibility for my assignments both at school and at home.
providing assistance for spiritual, physical, social, emotional and academic growth of my child enabling my child(ren) to develop their God-given abilities to their potential.
(Proverbs 16:16)

I will show RESPECT for my school and personal property and the property of others by
keeping the school a safe, nurturing Christian environment.
care for the supplies and equipment used inside and outside the facility.
(Philippians 2:4)

Board of Christian Day School

Trinity Lutheran School is a ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church. The Board of Christian Schools is responsible for the operation of the day school under policies adopted by the Voters' Assembly and is responsible for the administration of such policies to the church. The Voters' Assembly elects the Board members. The Board of Christian Schools meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. A list of current board members and their contact information can be found in the School Directory.