Revised July 2025
St. John Lutheran School
15671 158th Street Northeast
Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701-4237
(218) 681-7753
schooloffice@stjohntrf.com
www.stjohntrf.com
Dear Parents and Students,
This handbook has been prepared so that you will be better acquainted with all aspects of St. John Lutheran School (SJLS). It has been arranged in such a manner that you will be able to use it as a quick reference for necessary information.
Every school must have standards, regulations, and procedures to help ensure effective operations and orderliness. Because of this, every student should read this handbook and become responsible for the information in it. To fully utilize the information in this handbook, we encourage parents to go through it with their children.
It is our objective to give Christ Jesus all honor and glory for what we do and what is accomplished at our school. Serving Him is an exciting way of life. Be a part of it!
| Mr. Donovan Knutson | (701) 361-9414 | |
| Mr. Brian Kading | Co-Treasurer | (218) 686-8457 |
| Mr. Kyle Jore | (218) 689-8712 | |
| Mr. Josh Skalsky | (218) 686-0280 | |
| Mrs. Susan Halvorson | (218) 686-6602 | |
| Rev. Jeffrey Lytle | Spiritual/Doctrinal Advisor | (218) 235-1797 |
| Mrs. Delores Kading | Principal | (218) 689-1942 |
| Mr. Marvin Kading | Administrator | (218) 689-1942 |
Introduction
School Board Members
Philosophy/Goals of Education
Statement of Faith
Mission Statement
Admission Procedure
Withdrawal Procedure
Billing Policy
Parental Involvement
Fundraisers
Dress Code
Chapel Worship and Devotions
Attendance
Phone
Transportation, Cancellations, and Late Starts
Discipline
Policy on Harassment and Violence
Curriculum
Academic Requirements
The philosophy of education at SJLS rests upon the principles of Holy Scripture. This gives direction as to what we teach and how we teach. Thus, our curriculum and methodology are distinctively Christian.
This Christian philosophy affirms that each subject will be taught from the Biblical principles of that subject because the Word of God is the only source of absolute truth, wisdom, and knowledge. One of our educational objectives is that students learn to reason from the Bible in all aspects of life.<
It is the goal of SJLS to produce students with Christian characteristics of faith, penitence, industry, steadfastness, diligence, patience, liberty of conscience, and Christian, brotherly love. These students should be witnesses of the love of Jesus in their home, church, community, state, and nation.
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
We believe that the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God and is our only rule in matters of faith and practice. We accept the historic Lutheran confessional documents (three ecumenical creeds, Luther’s small and large catechisms, Augsburg Confession, and the other elements of the Book of Concord) as a true exposition of the Word of God, for they have been drawn from Holy Scripture and remain subject to its rule and authority.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:14-17.
We believe in the Triune God: the Father Who created the heavens, earth, and all of nature (including man, who was created in the image of God Himself); the Son Who redeemed us from sin, death, and the devil; His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, suffering and death on the cross for the forgiveness of all our sins, bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and personal return in power and glory; and the Holy Spirit Who creates faith in us, guides, comforts, and sanctifies us.
We believe that all men are sinful by nature. Therefore, God’s redeeming work is necessary for salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by any work of ours. Even our faith we receive as a gift from God.
We believe the Christian possesses the fruits of the faith by the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Both the saved and the lost will be resurrected on the last day—the saved unto eternal life with Christ and the lost unto eternal damnation. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 Born anew through water and the Word, all who believe and are baptized have died to sin and now have new life in Christ, as children and heirs of the heavenly Father. To Him be the glory, both now and forevermore!
SJLS will integrate all learning with faith in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on the cross.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Prospective students, together with their parents, need to fulfill the following steps to enroll at SJLS:
In the event that SJLS can no longer serve the educational needs of a child, the school and parents (or guardians) need to fulfill the following steps:
In order to keep current with our financial obligations, we ask that families pay all tuition and fees promptly. If an account becomes more than 30 days delinquent, a 1½ % monthly finance charge will apply. Unless arrangements are in place and being acted upon, the school board reserves the right to turn any account which becomes more than 45 days delinquent over to a collection agency. Related academic records will be frozen until the balance due is paid.
Parents (or guardians) need to attend all parents’ meetings. The first is the Open House and Orientation, held Thursday evening prior to the first day of school. Parent/teacher conferences occur in the middle of first and third quarter.
We encourage parents to help their children keep up with their academic work by regularly checking to see if they have completed all assignments taken home. Students, starting in third grade, should keep track of their lessons with assignment books. Teachers will sign the assignment books at the end of each day, noting any work that is yet to be completed. We ask that parents commit to holding their children accountable for doing what is required of them at school. Parents should sign the notebook acknowledging they have seen it and that the work has been completed.
Communication between teachers and parents will be done via phone, email, or written notes. Faithfully reading and acknowledging all information received will promote timely communication and full awareness of a child’s progress and events at the school.
We also encourage family involvement in various school programs, the annual science fair, and athletic events. Parents may be asked to help with other aspects of our school such as a summer cleanup. For those who are able, opportunities exist to help with providing hot lunch or helping in the classroom as teacher aides.
Each family is expected to help with school fundraisers. Families may be assigned specific tasks and fundraisers during the year.
If for any reason concerns should arise, parents are Biblically commanded to go directly to the student’s teacher or school administator and seek to resolve such concerns in a Christ-like manner (Matthew 18:15-17). When faced with conflict, we remember Jesus’ words, that we may forgive one another as God has forgiven us. Let us be positive about all aspects of SJLS—especially when mingling with others in the community. In whatever the circumstance, may God be glorified.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly in this section, parents bear the responsibility for a child’s education. God gives parents this essential task (Exodus 12:24-27, 20:3-6; Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 6:4-7; I Samuel 3:13; Job 1:5; Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 10:1; 13:1, 24; 14:26; 15:4-5, 20; 17:6, 21, 25; 20:7, 11; 22:6; 23:12-15, 19, 22-26; 29:15-17; 31:26-28; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17; Acts 2:38-41; 16:30-34; Ephesians 6:1-4; II Timothy 1:5; and II John 1:4). SJLS is here to assist and work with parents in carrying out this God-given task.
We humbly ask that parents and relatives of our students pray for the ministry here at SJLS, each and every day, that our teachers and staff may faithfully fulfill God’s holy purpose. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2.
All students are expected to be involved in fundraisers for our school. Without additional funds from other sources, the entire financial burden for a child’s education would rest upon the parents (or guardians). Through the various fundraisers held during the school year, we strive to keep our tuition costs down We ask that everyone work together to make each fundraiser a success, and we invite any new ideas you can bring to our Boosters’ meetings.
The purpose of the dress code at SJLS is to promote modesty and a sense of decency in all areas of our lives, including how we dress. Our apparel is how we show ourselves to the world. We want it to be obvious that we honor Christ in every aspect. However, we realize that each family will have various ideas on what type of apparel is appropriate, so standards must be followed for consistency. Even as we do this, we realize that we cannot, nor do we desire to, judge another’s faith or spirituality by apparel. We do not want it to become a spiritual issue. Our dress code gives a conservative, traditional look that will be modest and neat and conducive to learning in a classroom enviroment.
Generally, shorts are not allowed. However, an exception may be made for physical education class and for days when the weather is extremely warm in September and May. Skirts should not be shorter than mid-thigh. Also, slits in skirts should not be higher than mid-thigh. As with skirts, shorts for either girls or boys should be no shorter than mid-thigh. Jeans are allowed but must not be torn or ragged. Tops and bottoms must overlap with no bare midriffs at all times.
Guidelines for older girls: Care should be given not to wear low-cut dresses (think of two fingers below the clavicle as a guide), and no backless dresses are allowed. This standard is also for programs and special events at school.
Students are encouraged to dress up for chapel. Dress pants and shirts, dresses or skirts, and blouses are encouraged. Students are free to change into more casual attire afterward for recess or physical education activities.
In all this, we desire that students and their parents present apparel that is modest and neat. This dress code is implemented not to add more rules, but to impress upon our families the importance of modesty and appropriateness in dress.
Please contact the school if you have questions about the dress code. The administration will be the final authority in this matter.
Prayer assembly and devotions are held at 8:30 each Tuesday morning. During these devotions, songs of praise are sung and the monthly Scripture is recited. Students are expected to memorize verses each month. The number of verses depends upon the age and ability of the child. Prayers are offered to God for our students, their families, our country, its leaders, and so forth.
Chapel worship services are held at 8:30 each Thursday, generally led by the pastor. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Students are encouraged to dress up for chapel days, thereby showing special reverence toward God and the public proclamation of His sacred Word. All students and staff are to attend chapel services; all other activities cease during this time.
Students are expected to be in school every day and to be there on time. In case of nonattendance, we ask that parents (or guardians) call the school or send a note of explanation prior to the absence. Whenever students fail to show up for school, unless we have been informed as to why, we become concerned for their safety. Planned absences such as family trips, vacations, significant events, etc., need to be arranged with the teacher to keep students from falling behind in their work. Please try to arrange doctors’ appointments, family events, and so forth at times when they do not interfere with school.
Tardiness is not acceptable. School begins at 8:30 by school clocks. Since it normally takes several minutes to unload bookbags, put away coats and lunch boxes, use the restroom, sharpen pencils, and so forth, children should plan to arrive at the school by 8:15. Unless extenuating circumstances exist (e.g. icy roads), each minute that a student is tardy will cost five minutes of break time.
As mentioned above, parents must notify the school of a child’s absence and give the reason why. Reasons for staying home include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, infectious diseases as diagnosed by a doctor (e.g., pinkeye or chicken pox), and prearranged absences (e.g. family events).
God also tells us, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:5 Regular attendance at Sunday School and Divine Service trains children to dedicate time for gathering together to worship the Lord each week as the communion of saints and body of Christ. Parents set the example for their children in this.
Parents should call students at school only when absolutely necessary. Students are discouraged from using the phone during the day. They must have permission from their teacher to use the phone. Except in emergencies, students will return calls at their teacher’s discretion and only with their teacher’s permission.
Thief River Falls public school provides transportation for those who live in that district. Through the open enrollment policies in public education, bussing is available from other nearby districts as well.
For those who drive their students to school, we ask that you not bring your children before 8:00 a.m., and that you pick them up by 2:45 p.m., unless prearranged with the school.
School cancellations and late starts will be announced on KTRF (1230 A.M. radio) and will usually coincide with the Thief River Falls public school cancellations or delays.
SJLS’s basic concept of discipline is found in Proverbs 4:23, where God tells us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” The responsibility is upon the individual student to voluntarily yield to the Lordship of Christ and allow Him to govern (control and direct) every area of life by the power of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. This results in internal self-government, and the student will then require very little, if any, external government.
For those students who have not yet developed this internal, Christian self-government, we do have rules and procedures for the good governing of our school. The following rules and procedures also serve as a guide for all of our students.
This Standard of Conduct is a joint agreement between SJLS, the parents (or guardians), and the student. Parents and SJLS should together enforce these standards. Noncompliance with any part of the Standard of Conduct may be grounds for appropriate discipline. Discipline could include suspension or expulsion, if deemed best for the entire student body.
Parents (or guardians) should not enroll their children at SJLS with the intent or thought that the school will reform them. Students are to come to school expecting to follow the rules and regulations, not change them to their benefit or convenience.
Most discipline actions are done by the teachers or administration in school. Depending on the age of the child, this discipline may include timeouts, writing sentences, missing recess, staying after school, or other such actions. If the behavior is disruptive, the parents/guardians will be called to remove the student from school for the rest of the day. If the student cannot adapt to school discipline, suspension or expulsion may be necessary.
Griping will not be tolerated. If your child complains about a school policy or discipline, please give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. It is possible that your child does not have all the facts. Call the student’s teacher or administrator for the full story. Realize that the school has a reason for all rules. The primary reason is to provide a Christian environment conducive to the spiritual growth and development of young people who, perhaps, are not yet mature Christians.
It is the policy of SJLS to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence. The school prohibits any form of religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel of SJLS to harass a pupil, teacher, school administrator or other school personnel through conduct or communication of sexual nature or regarding religion and race as defined by this policy. (For purposes of this policy, school personnel include school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and control of SJLS).
It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel of SJLS to inflict, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict religious, racial, or sexual violence upon any pupil, teacher or school administrator or other school personnel.
SJLS will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence, and to discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this policy.
Sexual Harassment
Definition: Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited, to:
Consequences: In-School Suspension and loss of email privilege.
Definition: Racial harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race when the conduct:
Definition: Religious harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct which is related to an individual’s religion when the conduct:
Definition: Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression or force or the threat of which involves the touching of another’s intimate parts or forcing a person to touch any person’s intimate parts. Intimate parts defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 609.341 include the primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast, and the clothing covering these areas. Sexual violence may include, but is not limited, to:
Definition: Racial violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of or in a manner related to race.
Definition: Religious violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of or in a manner reasonably related to religion.
Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence by a pupil, teacher, school administrator or other school personnel of SJLS or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute religious, racial or sexual harassment or violence toward a pupil, teacher, school administrator or other school personnel should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school official designated by this policy. SJLS encourages the party or complainant to use the report form available from the school administrator or school office. Oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting harassment or violence directly to the school administrator. The school administrator is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports of religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence at the school level. Any adult school personnel who receives a report of religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence must inform the school administrator immediately.
Upon the receipt of a report or complaint alleging religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence, the administration of SJLS shall immediately undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may be overseen by the SJLS Board or by a third party designated by the School Board. The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incidents or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, SJLS should consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved, and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the acts and surrounding circumstances.
In addition, SJLS may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, pupil, teachers, school administrators, or other school personnel pending completion of an investigation of alleged religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence.
The investigation will be completed as soon as practical. The SJLS administration shall make a written report upon completion of the investigation. If the complaint involves a school administrator, the report may be filed directly with the School Board. The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy.
Upon receipt of a report, SJLS will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. SJLS action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota and Federal law and SJLS policies.
The result of the SJLS investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported in writing to the complainant to SJLS in accordance with State and Federal law regarding data or records privacy.
SJLS will discipline or take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, school administrator, or other school personnel who retaliates against any person who reports alleged religious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence, or any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such harassment or violence. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.
These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse which may include filing charges with Minnesota Department of Human Rights, initiating civil action or seeking redress under State criminal statutes and/or Federal law.
Under certain circumstances, alleged harassment or violence may also be possible abuse under Minnesota law. If so, the duties of mandatory reporting under Minnesota Statute 626.556 may be applicable.
Nothing in this policy will prohibit SJLS from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged harassment, violence, or abuse.
SJLS uses Christian curriculum in almost all subject areas to ensure that subjects are taught from a Christian perspective. Secular phonics and math books may be used in some of the grades. Students will be challenged academically. Parents can be assured that their children are receiving a strong academic foundation for all future learning.
Students have a traditional teacher-led classroom. In some instances grades will be combined in the social and science areas, computer, and the like. Students will not miss any classes, but some may have them in different sequences. For example, world history may precede American history for some students.
Students can expect to have homework, if assignments are not completed in class. Parents (or guardians) need to encourage their children to do the assignments faithfully. Children should have a quiet place to accomplish them. Please limit television viewing. It is helpful if the whole family limits viewing so as not to be a distraction to the children.
At the high school level, students have various electives. SJLS desires to help all students reach their God-given potential, and will work with individual students to provide special courses above and beyond the basic college entrance requirements. Advanced students also have the opportunity to take courses at the local community college in conjunction with their normal high school curriculum, if they desire.