Extracurricular Activities
Athletics, Student Council, Choirs, Band, Parent Group, Lunch Service, Special Needs
In addition to the complete physical education program, the school holds membership in the Valley Christian Athletic League, which makes possible a complete interscholastic athletic program for boys and girls in grades 4-8. While physical education is compulsory, interscholastic sports are purely voluntary and will require extra time after school. Our sports program includes full schedules in flag football, volleyball, track, basketball, softball, baseball and soccer. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and at least a “C” citizenship grade, display a Christian attitude and have a good discipline record to participate. If a student becomes ineligible, he/she has a two-week opportunity to regain eligibility after which the student is ineligible for the remainder of the quarter.
Student Council
Eight students from grades 7 and 8 make up the Student Council. Members are expected to be in good standing and exhibit exemplary Christian citizenship. The Junior High students and teachers select them.
School Choirs
The Crusader Choir is for grades 6-8. This elective choir is for credit and serves St. Paul’s congregation several times a year in worship services. Children who may not be able to attend services at St. Paul's First Lutheran Church will be discouraged from enrolling in the choirs, since regular attendance on Sundays when the choir is singing is required. Canticle Choir is for grades 3-5. Rehearsals are twice each week during the school day. Since the choir performs several times a year in the church service, children are expected to attend all such services. The Cherub Choir is a new choir for kindergarten and grades 1-2. This new choir is outside of the regular curriculum. The children have two rehearsals each week during the school day.
Hand Bell Choirs
Children in grades 6-8 are eligible to play in our Hand Bell Choirs. They must be able to read music, have a good sense of rhythm, and show a sincere desire to learn. Beginning players will have a chance to progress to the advanced group as their talent develops. The Advanced Bell Choir will be required to play in church and for special occasions. Failure to be in attendance may cause dismissal from the choir. Children in grade 5 may join in the Tone Chimes Choir which is an introduction to the Hand Bell Choir.
Band
Two bands are offered to students in grades 4-8. The Beginner Band is open to anyone in grades 4-8. Its purpose is to begin the training of instrumental playing through a daily band program. The Beginner Band meets every morning from 7:45 – 8:10 AM. A fee is charged for participation in Beginner Band. The Advanced Band is open to anyone in grades 5-8, with one year of experience or participation in the Beginner Band. The Advanced Band meets twice a week during the Jr. High elective period. There is no fee for the Advanced Band. For a fee, individual lessons with our Music Director may be acquired.
Eligibility For Music Programs
Students must stay current on their schoolwork as described in the Late Work policy. Otherwise they will be declared ineligible for the quarter or the school year. Junior High students need to maintain eligibility for one music course elective as part of their Junior High curriculum.
Lunches
Students may bring their own lunches and eat them at the covered lunch tables outside. We also have a catered lunch program that is ordered on a monthly basis. Orders are due by the deadline date published. Because of bookkeeping and food service communication late orders cannot be accepted. Children who come to school without a lunch will be charged $5 for a school lunch. Children will not be permitted to habitually come to school without a lunch. Parents should be reminded that growing children need nutritious lunches, and that poor nutrition is a frequent cause of poor academic achievement. We discourage the bringing of "fast food" lunches on a regular basis.
Parent- Teacher League
The primary responsibility for the education of a child rests with the parents. The school assists the parents in the formal portion of this process. It cannot hope to succeed without the close cooperation of the parents. Parents who see this need and who are genuinely interested in the education of their children will regularly participate in the activities of the P.T.L. Many parents are needed to organize and lead the activities of the PTL. Contact the principal or PTL President if you are interested in taking a lead.
Special Education
St. Paul’s First Lutheran Church has an interest in providing a Christian education for every child. The curriculum and program of education in our school provides the opportunity for children with various abilities and learning styles to succeed. Some children have unique learning difficulties or special needs for which the faculty of St. Paul’s School has not been trained to teach. Enrolling children with these types of special needs at St. Paul’s could result in a learning atmosphere that may not be in the best interests of particular children. Parents with a child having special needs wishing to transfer to St. Paul’s from another school will need to submit detailed records of IEP reports and needs assessments. Primary children enrolled in our school who may show evidence of special needs can receive testing and assessment services from the LAUSD if their residence is within the district.
Study Club
St. Paul’s School offers an after-school Study Club for children who need or desire assistance in completing their daily homework. This program serves to help children develop good work habits, assist them in areas of difficulty, and provide a consistent place and opportunity to complete their assignments. The Study Club is available four days each week Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. An additional fee is charged for this program which can be paid for in weekly increments. Faculty members with the assistance of college and high school students lead the study sessions. Parents may contact their child’s teacher, office personnel, or the Faculty Study Club Supervisor to get more information or sign up for the program.
Tutoring
Some children who have learning difficulties or are behind in particular curriculum areas may be in need of one-on-one attention for completing homework and developing skills. Depending on the help needed and the after school schedule of classroom teachers, temporary tutoring may be available with a teacher. The St. Paul’s Study Club often can accommodate such needs as well. If a child is identified with extensive academic needs, parents may be required to seek and obtain a personal tutor for their child so that the child can meet the academic requirements and experience success.
