Parents-and grandparents-working the Fall Festival kitchen

We believe that the home bears the primary responsibility in the upbringing of a child.  Time, energy, and sacrifice are needed from parents to insure that the proper nurturing of character, formation of God-pleasing values, and development of good habits are realized in a child.  We at First Lutheran are dedicated to providing a school environment where positive spiritual, academic, social, and emotional growth can take place in each child.  We stand committed to helping you fulfill your parental responsibilities within the framework of our school philosophy.

To promote understanding and provide the support needed to make our school the best possible growing environment for your child, we believe that your commitment in the following areas is necessary:

1.  Lutheran Information Class:  For new parents, attend a  one-session class on the Christian faith as it is taught and practiced at First Lutheran.

2.  Parent Service Program:

• Provide 12 hours of parental involvement in some area of service to the school during the year.
• Participate in our Parent Teacher Student League (PTSL) fundraisers.

3.   School Fees: Fulfill financial obligations.

In addition to the above commitments, we encourage all families to strengthen their relationship with God and each other by worshipping at the church of their choice.

Parents who do not fulfill the above commitments forfeit their children’s priority enrollment status.  However, a child will not automatically excluded for enrollment consideration when parents do not fulfill these commitments.

Lutheran Information Class for New Parents

Parents new to First Lutheran are required to attend a one-session information class that outlines our beliefs. While respecting the diverse religious backgrounds from which our students come, we believe that it is essential for parents to have a basic understanding of the Christian faith as it is taught and practiced at First Lutheran Church and School.  Our goal is to establish a foundation in which the home and the school will be able to walk together in the Christian training of their children.  The class is offered several times during the year.

Parent Service Program

Parent involvement is a key ingredient of a good school.  In addition to improved quality of educational environment, parent involvement also helps to keep school fees down. Parents are expected to be involved in the school in two ways: parent service hours and fundraising.

• Parent Service Hours – Parents are expected to provide 12 hours of service to the school during the year.  Prior to the start of the school year, an information form listing service hour opportunities is distributed to parents and returned to the school office.  When parents help the school, its programs, or classroom activities, they fill out a Parent Service Form and return it to the school office.  Parents do not receive credit for service hours for merely attending student-centered activities, such as Back-to-school Night, Christmas programs, Art and Science Fairs, Picnics, etc., unless a specific contribution, like serving refreshments, was provided. One hour per family is credited for attending a regular PTSL business meeting.  Parents who do not fulfill the required hours are billed $15 per uncompleted hour to maintain enrollment eligibility.
  

  Lots of parent help on Grandparents' Day

• Fundraisers – It is with fundraising dollars that specialized equipment, computer hardware and software, playground equipment, field trips, assemblies, and much more are purchased to enhance our students’ education.  Parents are required to submit the fundraising fee prior to the start of the school year.  Profit earned by each family for our school during the year is credited to their account.  If the minimum requirement is met each year, the deposit is returned at the completion of their children’s last year of enrollment.  If the minimum requirement is not met in a given year, the unfulfilled amount is billed during the summer for the next school year.

Our Parent Teacher Student League (PTSL) sponsors the following fundraisers during the year:

• Year-Round Scrip: Many merchants from grocery stores, department stores, and drug stores to movie theaters, record stores, restaurants, gas stations, and airlines provide a way for individuals to earn money for schools year round. One of the easiest ways is to participate in grocery store fundraising.  The three main stores in Southern California that have programs are Albertson’s, Von’s, and Ralph’s.  Relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers can also register to help you meet your fundraising commitment.  Forms are available in the school office
• Magazine Drive: Sponsored by the PTSL in late September through mid October the Magazine Drive brings in a significant percentage of fundraiser dollars. The school retains 50 % of all magazines sold, and each family is credited with 50 % of the total amount of personal sales. Information will be handed out in September.
• Spring Fundraiser: This fundraiser can vary from year to year.
• Fund Run: Students enlist sponsors to contribute to a “run/jog/walk-athon” in May.