School Hours for Kindergarten – 8th
- 8:25 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Monday – Thursday
- 8:25 a.m. – noon on Fridays
Student arrival and departure
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of parents. Families may arrange for their own carpools. Students’ arrival at school should be between 8:05 to 8:20 a.m. Student’s arriving after 8:20am must check in at the school office. Student departure is between 2:45 p.m. and 3pm (12:00-12:15 on Fridays).
Lunch
Hot lunch is available on designated days beginning the second week of school. Students may choose to provide their own lunch or order a hot lunch. Lunch tickets can be purchased at the school office. There is no lunch period on Fridays because school is dismissed at noon.
Prayer Meetings
Faculty and staff meet at 7:55 a.m. each morning for devotions and prayer. We would appreciate your consistent prayers so we can be effective in our ministry to your family.
Art
Students in grades one through six receive art instruction one day each week. Grades seven and eight may select art as an elective. They learn theory and how to use a wide variety of art mediums and methods.
Basic education
We use a variety of curricula based on the scope and sequence regularly reviewed by our teaching staff and leadership. These include but are not limited to: A Beka, BJU Press, Christian Schools International, Growing with Grammar, Handwriting without Tears, Collaborative Classroom (SIPPS) Eureka Math² and Oregon Focus Math.
Bible
Students in grades K-6 use Christian School’s International Bible curricula. Junior high reads scripture and is guided through the process of critical thinking and application.
Chapel
Every other week our students gather for chapel services to worship and Learn together to live like Christ . Our chapel services are primarily led by the Pastoral staff of Good Shepherd Community Church.
Keyboarding
First through sixth grade students attend keyboarding class one day a week. They learn basic typing skills.
Content integration
Elements of godly character, critical thinking and problem solving are integrated across all curricula at all grade levels.
Field Trips
A variety of field trips are scheduled to provide students unique opportunities to learn outside the classroom. A small fee may be charged.
Library
All students learn library and research skills appropriate for their grade level. A typical class session for the primary classes may include book selection, a story read aloud or learning interesting facts about an author’s life. The upper grades receive assistance and instruction in using the library for research. Children are encouraged to check out books to be read at home. We are a community library so entire families are encouraged to use it.
Each Good Shepherd School student/patron should write their assigned patron number on the checkout card each time an item is checked out. The number of books allowed per grade is as follows:
Kindergarten & 1 st grade: one book for classroom use only
2nd grade: two books that may be taken home
3rd -8th grades: three books, one video game/CD/audio tape
Music
Music classes are provided for grades kindergarten through sixth twice weekly. Students learn music appreciation as well as theory, vocal and some instrumental skills. Special programs for K-6 th grade throughout the year encourage involvement in music. Junior high students are given the opportunity to participate on the Worship team for Chapel as an elective.
Physical Education
Students attend physical fitness classes twice a week to help them develop and care for their physical body. Activities range from simple body weight-bearing exercises to running the mile along with a variety of games and activities that help them develop skills for a lifetime of fitness.
Friday Afternoons
Students are dismissed each Friday at noon; thus, there is no lunchtime. Families can use the time as they see fit.
After-School Sports
We organize athletic teams with an emphasis on skill development, participation, and teamwork with a goal of teaching children what it means to be a Christian athlete.
Student Absences and Tardies
If a child is well enough to come to school, they are expected to participate in all activities including physical activities and recess. The exception would be a note or email from the parent or doctor stating otherwise. Please do not send children to school with a communicable disease (for COVID information please contact the office). Please email the school office and their teacher if your child will not be at school.
Good Shepherd School values good attendance and punctuality. The quality of education is compromised by absenteeism and tardiness. Three days of tardy will equal one day of absence. More than 15 absences per year is at an unacceptable range. Absenteeism will affect promotion and re-admittance decisions at the discretion of the principal. We will work with families in extenuating circumstances.
It is the family’s responsibility for students to make up work when students are absent. Teachers are not required to gather the work ahead of the student’s absence. Check with the teacher on their make-up work policy and due dates.