School Handbook
Trinity Lutheran Classical School
2023 - 2024
Preschool - 8th Grade
Our Mission
The mission of Trinity Lutheran Classical School, Miles City, Montana, is to provide Christ-centered instruction through a classical curriculum that is challenging, academic, and Bible-based in a caring and nurturing environment.
Goals
The goals of the educational program of Trinity Lutheran Classical School are that each student:
- Daily live in the eternal hope of everlasting life with Jesus Christ
- Remain steadfast in devotion to Christ’s Word and Sacraments
- Maintain a godly and healthy lifestyle
- Be successful in future educational opportunities
- Joyfully serve as a responsible and productive member of society
Notice of Racial Non-Discrimination Policy
Trinity Lutheran Classical School, a Christian learning center, admits students of any race, color, or national or 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, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
The Classical Curriculum
With Christ Jesus at the center, Trinity Lutheran Classical School provides quality education in all academic subjects through a classical methodology and curriculum. Classical education values all branches of learning. Expectations are high and the students are challenged to think broadly, deeply and creatively.
Classical education builds on a pattern of learning that is innate in every human being. The technical name for teaching according to this pattern is called the Trivium, which consists of three phases called the grammar phase, the logic or dialectic phase, and the rhetoric or expressive stage.
GRAMMAR - In the first stage (Preschool – 3rd Grade), when children are most curious, the classical teacher uses songs, poetry, and repetition to build the foundation with the words and facts necessary to learn about various subjects.
LOGIC - In the analytical stage (4th – 6th Grade), children want more than “just the facts.” They also want to understand the reasons why subjects are formulated as they are, so the classical teacher will not only teach a subject’s information, but also the logical reasoning which undergirds that information.
RHETORIC - The expressive stage (7th & 8th Grade) refers to the reasoned and logical articulation of ideas which are original for the student. The goal of a classical education is that children will not only know and understand their subjects well, but they will also be able to explain their knowledge, defend their understanding of that knowledge, and use their knowledge to think creatively about whatever interests them.
The classical curriculum concentrates on the humanities, is teacher directed and is rich in content. It is designed to provide students with the tools for learning and generate within them a love and enthusiasm for learning, as well as the self-discipline to accomplish it.
Religion – God’s revealed Word is the heart of our curriculum. The Holy Bible is the principle textbook. The daily lessons are supplemented with the study of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism which contains a summary and correct exposition and application of those Biblical truths in a simple and learnable format. Memorization of Bible passages and truths is emphasized. In addition, the pastor of Trinity (Headmaster) or the classroom teacher will lead the students each day in a chapel service in which the students and staff are given the opportunity to worship the Triune God and grow in the knowledge and stature of Christ.
Language Arts – Reading, literature, spelling, grammar, handwriting and composition are taught utilizing Spalding’s The Writing Road to Reading and Shurley Grammar. The objective is to help all children learn to speak precisely, spell accurately, write proficiently, and read fluently with comprehension.
Latin – The study of Latin enables the students to gain grammatical discipline, build an understanding in language structure, and enhance their English vocabulary. Song School Latin, and Latin for Children are the primary texts.
Mathematics – Study in this discipline is conducted using Saxon Math. It is an incremental approach that provides students a solid foundation in the language and basic concepts of math.
History – Focusing on Western Civilization, history studies follow a chronological survey: Creation, Egyptian Period, Greek and Roman Period, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and American History. The primary text is The Story of the World written by Susan Wise Bauer and published by Well-Trained Mind.
Geography – A thorough study of the continents and the United States prepares students for a better understanding of the world. The goal is to connect geography with history, culture and the economy of the land. Course content is from the text The Story of the World and additional teaching resources are utilized from Memoria Press.
Science – In the early grammar stage, the students study physical and life sciences. They are then introduced to a general systematic study which includes the scientific method, experiments, and the disciplines of biology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics using materials from Elemental Science.
Music and Art – Students are instructed utilizing the Core Knowledge series. Drawing lessons are the foundation of the art curriculum. In music, children are given many opportunities to sing, play chimes, hear, and appreciate quality music. The students study famous composers, hymns, and learn beginning notation. A chimes choir is offered as an extra-curricular activity to enhance their musical training.
Physical Education – The focus is on health, fitness and learning to cooperate in playing games.
Grading Scale for Kindergarten – 8th Grade
| 99-100 | A+ |
|---|---|
| 95-98 | A |
| 93-94 | A- |
| 91-92 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 86-87 | B- |
| 84-85 | C+ |
| 80-83 | C |
| 78-79 | C- |
| 76-77 | D+ |
| 72-75 | D |
| 70-71 | D- |
| 69 and lower | F |
Preschool Curriculum
The preschool curriculum also seeks to incorporate the classical approach. It understands, as well, that young children seem to learn best through play, repetition and direct encounters with their world using all five senses. In the preschool classroom you will see role-playing, block structures, opportunities for creative expression, sorting, classifying, counting, smelling, tasting and touching. This means the classroom may be a bit noisy and look somewhat chaotic at times but learning is taking place. Our curriculum covers the following areas:
- Spiritual growth and worship
- Language development
- Reading readiness
- Math concepts
- Health, Science and Social Studies
- Physical education/ large muscle development
- Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Arts, crafts and music
Instruction is achieved through both teacher directed group activities and individual, free-choice activities. Concordia Publishing House “Voyages – Exploring God’s Word” curriculum is utilized along with various other teaching supplements.
Enrollment Information
Registrations for enrollment are generally taken in the spring and summer for the following school year. Names can be added to our waiting lists at any time. Any openings that come up through-out the school year will be filled from our waiting lists. All enrollments are handled by the administrative assistant or headmaster. In addition to paying the Non-Refundable registration fee, an enrollment application form must be completed and a copy of your child’s immunization record must be provided before your child may attend our school. K-8th students must also provide a copy of their birth certificate.
Trinity Lutheran Classical School admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. Children are enrolled with first consideration being given to baptized members of Trinity Lutheran Church and those students returning from the previous school year during our registration period and then to those on our waiting list in the order they appear.
A two day preschool program is offered for 3 and 4 year olds. In order to be enrolled, the child must be three on or before September 10th of the current school year. If your child’s birthday falls shortly after this date, exceptions may be made at the teacher’s discretion and with the approval of the Headmaster.
A three day preschool program is also offered for 4 and 5 years olds. The child must be four on or before September 10th. When there are special needs or circumstances a 6 year old may be accepted into the three day program. All such requests are to be made to the Headmaster for approval.
Children ready for grades K through 8 will be placed accordingly.
All children must be toilet trained and generally able to care for their personal needs. It is understood that occasionally accidents may occur.
It is assumed when the child is registered that it is for the full school year. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the program, you do not feel your child is ready for school, or you cannot afford to continue sending them, PLEASE speak to the child’s teacher and/or the headmaster before removing them from the program. There may be something we can do to help with the matter. At least 1 week notice would be greatly appreciated before withdrawing your child from the program. Any tuition paid in advance may be refunded on a pro-rated basis at the discretion of the Headmaster and the Board of Christian Education. Any outstanding balances owed are expected to be paid in full when the student is withdrawn.
Arrival, Dismissal , Attendance and Communication Policies
In order to insure the safety of the children and also allow the teachers their full preparation time, school doors will not be unlocked until 7:45 a.m. Special arrangements may be made with the classroom teacher in the case of family emergencies or when other special circumstances require the child be brought to school earlier. Communication with the classroom teacher during school hours needs to be through the school office (234-4983) as the teachers are not allowed to receive calls or texts on their cell phones.
Parents are responsible for getting their child to and from school safely, and in a timely manner. For your convenience, the alley is ‘One Way’ off of Prairie onto Center. When picking up and dropping off your child, please use the back entrance off the alley or the front entrance on Pearl Street. An adult or student 12 or older, must accompany preschoolers to the classroom door and place them into the direct care of the classroom teacher or aid. All students will only be released into the custody and care of a preauthorized adult or student 12 years or older. Students will remain in the care of school staff until picked up by a proper guardian. The school needs to be notified when someone different will be picking up the child.
Preschool class sessions are 3 hours. Morning classes are from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Afternoon classes are from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Children are to arrive and depart within 10 minutes of these times. Please DO NOT drop off your child earlier than ten minutes before class time or pick them up later than 10 minutes after class ends unless prior arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher.
K-8th school hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Please do not drop off your child before 7:45 a.m. and have them picked-up no later than 3:45 p.m. On Wednesdays, students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. to coincide with public school activities.
K-8th Grade Attendance – Montana State Law requires punctual and regular attendance. If for some reason the student will be absent or late to school, the parents need to contact the school office so that the teacher can be informed. The teacher also needs to be notified in advance for planned absences. Any school work missed, while the student was absent, must be made up. Parents need to contact the teacher to make arrangements for the child’s make-up assignments. Third through Eighth grade students will only be allowed a maximum of two school days for each day absent to complete all make-up assignments. Any work not made up within the allotted days will be given a grade of “zero” unless other arrangements have been made with the student’s teacher. Tardiness in excess of one hour will be counted as one-half day absent. Poor attendance may be used as the primary criteria in evaluating the student’s promotion or retention.
Student Pick-Up Policy
The safety of our students at TLCS is of paramount importance. In order to insure the safety of the children, the classroom teacher is only allowed to place the students into the custody of the person or persons the parents have granted prior permission and of whom the teacher has a copy of his or her picture ID on file in her classroom.
It is the parents’ responsibility to provide TLCS with a copy of the picture ID of every individual they grant permission to pick their child up from school, including the parents themselves. Please limit to five persons. Special permission from the Headmaster is required for any additional persons. If a person shows up to pick-up a child who does not have a picture ID on file with the teacher, the teacher is required to first contact the parents by phone to secure the parents’ verbal permission before allowing the child to be placed in the person’s custody.
Attire, Supplies, and Property
Grades K-8 have a required uniform.
Dress your preschooler in comfortable, washable clothing. Provide appropriate outdoor clothing for the season (jackets, mittens, hats, boots, etc. ) and LABEL all outdoor clothing with your child’s name. It is at the teacher’s discretion as to whether the children will or will not go outside for playtime on any given day due to weather. It may be 10 degrees below 0 and they may go out for a few minutes, so PLEASE dress them for the weather. When the class does go out, the whole class will go; no child shall remain in. Children may wear shorts (but no short shorts) to school when the weather is warm enough, generally in September and again in the spring. Since accidents sometimes occur, please send a spare change of clothing appropriate for all seasons, in a labeled plastic bag that can be kept at school. This is important for all students, as sickness, and rips and tears, as well as bathroom accidents can happen to anyone.
Near the start of school each preschool student will be given a school shirt. On occasion, notes may be sent home asking students to wear their school shirt for a special day or event.
ALL students will need a backpack or book bag. Please label the bag with your child’s name, as we sometimes end up with several identical bags. They should bring their bag with them and take it home each day they attend school. Your child will be provided a basket or cubby in the classroom for their papers and important notices from school. The basket should be checked before leaving class EACH day. PLEASE read and look over your child’s papers carefully.
On the first day, 3 day preschoolers are asked to bring 1 large package of disinfectant wipes and all two day students are asked to bring a box of Kleenex. No other supplies are needed. Your preschool registration fee covers the cost of materials used throughout the school year.
K-8th students will be mailed a supply list prior to the start of school. Please follow the requests and do not add or change items. Our space is limited! Additional supplies may be requested during the year via a note from the teacher.
Students are expected to respect the property belonging to others, as well as to the school. Children are asked not to bring toys from home unless authorized by the teacher for“Show And Tell”. Gum, candy, and money should also be left at home, or in the book bag. The teacher is permitted to temporarily confiscate such personal items that become a distraction or otherwise pose a problem in the classroom.
K - 8th Grade School Uniform Dress Code
The official school uniform consists of Navy Blue slacks or skirts with long or short sleeved Oxford shirt in light blue with school LOGO. It is required to be worn every Wednesday and at all school programs and events. Other approved dress as listed below can be worn during regular school times.
Shirts
Interlock Polo, Mesh Polo, Oxford short or long sleeved (Girls may wear feminine fit)
In colors: light blue, navy, pink, or white MUST HAVE SCHOOL LOGO.
Uniforms are not to be layered with T-shirts, etc., in unapproved colors.
The school will provide one long sleeved Oxford shirt in light blue for each K-8th student. Parents need to provide the teacher with their child’s shirt size on the enrollment form.
Sweaters
Drifter button front cardigan, or zip front cardigan and/or vest in Navy with LOGO
Pants
Plain or pleat front pants, with or without elastic, or plain front corduroy pants in Navy or Black or Tan.
Plain or pleat front shorts, about knee length, or Capris in Navy or Black or Tan.
No jean or cargo shorts or pants. No skin tight pants or leggings worn as pants.
Leggings or tights or shorts are required under skirts, jumpers or dresses in solid colors: light blue, pink, or navy.
Skirts
Pleated or A-line skirt or skorts, knee length or longer, in Navy or Black or Tan.
Dresses
Long or short sleeved polo dresses or jumpers in navy, pink, or light blue. All with LOGO
Accessories
Belts- braided or plain in brown or black
Shoes- Dress shoes are preferred. Tennis shoes, Mary Janes, and Cowboy boots are permitted. All shoes are required to be in solid, dark, colors; brown, black, or navy. (The only exception would be shoes worn at recess and during P.E.)
Ties will be provided by the School when we have dress occasions. They are kept at school.
School uniform items may be purchased anywhere (i.e. Sear’s, J.C. Penney’s, Target, Wal-Mart, and Stitching 4U) as long as colors match the required colors. Our school logo can be added locally at Stitching 4U, 919 Main St. (234-8111).
Business Name: Stitching 4U
Address: 919 Main Street, Miles City, MT
Phone: 406-234-8111
Website: Stitching 4U
The school has available some used TLCS clothing in various sizes ready to pick-out. Parents of K-8th students are welcome to look over the selection and take any items their child can use.
Health Matters
We are interested in the health of every child attending Trinity Lutheran Classical School. Good health habits contribute to their success in school. Cleanliness is important in the prevention of spreading germs, viruses and disease. Clean hands, teeth, hair, bodies and clothing are appreciated. Some factors that can contribute to low achievement and/or behavioral problems are: emotional problems, physical problems, poor nutrition, lack of sufficient rest and sleep, and improper balance of TV viewing or video games to other activities. Our staff will follow the students’ progress in these areas. Any child not maintaining satisfactory health care practices is of concern to us and parents will be consulted as deemed necessary.
Over the years we have had to deal with an occasional incident of head lice, as do many schools and daycares. If you discover that your child is infected, we appreciate knowing ASAP and ask that you keep your child home until they have been cleared by your family doctor or county health department. A signed release is required to return. If an incident of infection does occur, a notice will be sent home informing all parents to check their children.
It is important that the child’s teacher be consulted immediately whenever a problem arises concerning the child at home or at school. This would include such things as a recent or impending change in the child’s living arrangement, a death in the family, exposure to someone with an infectious virus or disease such as Covid-19, discipline problems, or an issue with another student. You may be surprised at how deeply some events, or a few overheard words, can affect your child’s behavior and academic achievement. The better we know your child, the better we can understand and work with their individual needs.
Lunch Policy
Trinity Lutheran Classical School has a “closed campus” during lunch. It is necessary that students in grades K-8 provide their own sack lunches, including eating utensils, i.e. forks and spoons. A microwave and refrigerator are available. Healthy snacks need to be sent daily for an A.M. break. Please do not send sweets, candy or pop. These will be returned home.
Preschool Snacks
It is important that all children get adequate rest and have a good breakfast or lunch before each preschool day. Approximately four times a year, each child will be asked to bring enough snacks and drinks for the entire class for a week. The teacher is in charge of scheduling students to bring snack. Each month, a Snack Calendar will be sent home, so you know when your child’s turn is and how many children to provide for. If you will be unable to provide snack at your scheduled time, please contact your child’s teacher ASAP so other arrangements can be made. Any leftovers will remain at school for use when snack is forgotten by someone, unless specifically requested. Your child may bring a special treat on their birthday, even though they may not be scheduled to bring snack that day.
If you would like to send a special treat for a particular holiday, please speak with your child’s teacher. PLEASE make sure the teacher and teacher’s aide are aware of any food allergies or other health conditions your child may have.
Below is a list of nutritional snacks from which you can choose. Since some children are on restricted sugar diets, we ask that you send from the list. When you are sending juice, please be sure there is no added sugar. Juice will be kept on hand for those who have dairy allergies and cannot drink milk. We also try to keep extra crackers on hand for those allergic to nuts. Please use low-salt food items whenever possible.
Approved Healthy Snacks Include the Following:
Bread/Cereal: Cheerios, crackers, graham crackers, popcorn, rice cakes or bars, and granola bars.
Milk, Meat, Dairy: Slices of lunch meat, cheese slices or sticks, peanut butter, nuts, ice cream
Vegetables/Fruit: Carrot or celery sticks, apples, raisins, fun fruit or roll-ups, banana
Illness
We will not be conducting health screenings before school each day this year. We are depending on parents to seriously and honestly assess their own child’s health condition each day before sending him/her to school. In order to assist us in promoting wellness in our classrooms and protect the health of other children, as well as our staff, please keep your child home if he/she has been sick during the night or in the morning before school is exhibiting any of the following symptoms: stomach ache, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, and/or has a fever of 100 degrees F or higher.
This is of utmost importance, especially in these times of Covid 19 pandemic and the annual cycles of flu. Obviously, if your child has tested positive for the Coronavirus, whether he/she exhibits any symptoms or not, he/she needs to quarantine at home in accordance with the recommended CDC guidelines. The child may return to school once he/she tests negative for the virus and is no longer exhibiting any symptoms. Additionally, if your child has not been fully vaccinated or has never been sick with the virus but has been exposed to a person who has tested positive for the virus, he/she should remain at home in isolation in accordance with the recommendations of the CDC. However, if your child has been exposed to someone who has tested positive to the Coronavirus but is fully vaccinated or has fully recovered from the virus within the past 18 months and exhibits no symptoms of the virus, he/she does not need to quarantine. Please notify the school when your child will be absent for any reason and especially when your child has a communicable disease or other health problem which may be of concern to others. Be advised also that when any child becomes ill during school hours or is found to have a fever of 100 degrees or greater the parents will be called to take him/her home.
Injuries
The staff will take care of very minor injuries (i.e. first aid type). You will be notified of any treatment given. If an emergency arises beyond this, every effort will be made to contact you and/or your contact person, and/or your doctor.
Immunizations
The school is required to have a copy of your child’s immunization record on file. The State of Montana strongly recommends all children be properly vaccinated as per CDC guidelines. However, the State does recognize the right of parents to refuse certain or all vaccinations on moral or religious grounds. A copy of the official form attesting to such refusal, properly signed and notarized, must be kept on file at TLCS. (The form can be downloaded from the State of Montana’s official website. The recommended vaccination schedule can also be found there.)
Discipline Policy
The task of Christian education is to ground the student in the Word of God, so that the student may grow in faith (Romans 10:17) and in service to God and others (1 Peter 2:9), Ephesians 2:10). The primary objective of responsible discipline is to insure that each student may learn in an environment that is safe, productive, and conducive to learning. With this in mind, each student is expected to act in a responsible manner, with proper respect for God’s Word, for the teacher, and for other students in the classroom.
Discipline is expected to be maintained by the classroom teacher in a serious, consistent, fair, and impartial manner. If such discipline does not resolve the behavior problem, the headmaster and parents will be included to help bring about correction, confession, and forgiveness.
School Rules
Behave responsibly: Students will be responsible for their behavior.
Respect Authority: Students will honor and obey the headmaster, teachers, aides, parents and others in authority.
Respect Others: Students will show care and concern for the safety and space of others.
Respect Self: Students will use good health and safety habits. Students will set a Christian example in word and deed.
Respect School Environment: Students will show proper care for the property of the church and school.
Parental Involvement
We recognize that the primary responsibility for your child’s growth in all these areas lies with you, the parents, and most normally occurs within the framework of the home. At the same time, we know that parents desire assistance in these aspects of care and training. We know that we must not be and cannot be a substitute for your capable parenting and wholesome home environment. We do desire to serve and assist you by providing the best possible learning environment to help encourage your child’s social and personal growth.
To keep you involved in your child’s schooling you will get notes and letters from the teacher from time to time. You will also receive the church newsletter, which features a preschool and K-8th article each month highlighting our activities. You are asked to: Look at your child’s papers following each day of school and discuss the day’s activities with them. What did they learn? Check for monthly calendars! Look for notes and notices of upcoming activities and events.
- Let your child help with the selection and preparation of snacks or lunches.
- Help your child in preparing for their day. Are they properly dressed? Do they have what they need? Is there something special happening at the school today?
- We may occasionally ask for a parent volunteer to help in class or to chaperon a class outing.
If your child tells you something shocking about school like, The teacher made us eat dog food or worms!” please don’t be immediately alarmed. Contact the teacher and discuss the matter. You would then find out that while studying a lesson on pets, the children had a snack called “Puppy Chow”, or during the science lesson they had a snack of dirt (cookies and pudding with gummy worms in it). Children’s explanations may sometimes desire further clarification. There is usually a reasonable explanation for most things. We will do our best to answer any questions that you may have.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent –Teacher Conferences will be held twice a year in the fall and spring. You are highly encouraged to attend. See the school calendar in this handbook page 16 for the dates. You will receive notification from your child’s teacher as to the location of the sign-up sheet which is placed near the door, a week or two ahead of time. At the conference Preschool parents will receive a progress report which will evaluate the development of your child. It will cover intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth, but will not compare your child with others in the program. Grades K-8th parents will be given a report card quarterly. The conference will be a time for you to ask questions about progress or grades, homework, and if extra help is needed.
The school staff may identify and inform the parent(s) when they believe that a child has a learning disability or an area of concern that may need to be addressed. This might occur, for instance, if your child has a speech impediment, hearing or sight problem, or possibly ADD or ADHD. If that is the case, you will be encouraged to seek help from area specialists in evaluating your student’s needs. Once a parent has been informed of the concern, it is the parent’s responsibility to seek further consultation and help from DEAP, a specialist or a medical professional.
Trinity Lutheran Classical School Staff
It is our hope that this handbook has given you the information you need to know about our school program. If you have any questions or concerns now or throughout the school year, please feel free to contact the appropriate staff with your concerns. If you have a concern regarding your child’s teacher or any other staff member, please speak to them first. If the matter is not resolved, you may then express your concerns to the Headmaster. The TLCS staff will do its best to resolve all matters in a loving and Christian manner. We look forward to serving your family, in Christ. Lord, Bless this ministry.
A Prayer for the Opening of School
Lord Jesus, You came to the world as a Teacher and invited us to learn from You. Look with favor upon our school, its teachers, pupils and parents. Graciously equip our teachers with true knowledge, competency and a caring spirit that they might stimulate and encourage their students to be eager to learn. Encourage parents to take a genuine interest in their children’s education. Send Your holy angels to protect students and teachers from anything that might harm their bodies and minds. In accordance with Your will grant that each one who begins this school year might complete the term successfully and with thanksgiving to You. Keep all of us mindful of Your teachings, for it is through the knowledge of You as The Christ and our Savior that we reach the goal of eternal life. Amen.
Classical School Updates
Please check the monthly newsletter for recent updates regarding school activities – Thank you!
Download the School Handbook
Click the link to open the School Handbook in Google Docs. In the upper left hand corner go to File. In the drop down menu, select download. Then select the desired file format.
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Contact Information
Trinity Lutheran Classical School
Established August 2008
Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade
221 S Center Ave, Miles City MT 59301
Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Phone: 406-234-4983
Email: trinity@midrivers.com