Student and Parent Handbook » General Information

General Information

The buildings are open for use before and after school, but only for necessary purposes (early or late transportation, meetings, practices). Once the school day has started, the Cadet Drive entrances are locked and all students and visitors must enter through the front entrance. The front door is locked during school hours. The activity wing is open from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The academic wing is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. except on A Days when the academic wing is not open until 8:20 a.m.  Students are not permitted to remain in the building after this time unless they are supervised. All after-school and evening activities must be under the supervision of faculty members, club sponsors, and/or team coaches. Parents of students arriving early or staying late because of transportation arrangements should obtain permission from the Dean of Student Success. Failure to behave appropriately results in the cancellation of this privilege. 

The Career Internship Program is a chance for seniors to “test the waters” of an undecided career choice before going into college. The course may be one or two semesters and is designed to provide opportunities for students to explore careers that require additional degrees or certification beyond high school. Students receive hands on work experience that extends far beyond a day of job shadowing.  

Students receive one Core 40/Academic Honors credit per semester for completing a minimum of 70 hours of workplace experience along with additional classroom requirements. Students must be in good standing to participate in the career internship program.

Students are to notify the main office immediately if they have a change of address, phone number or email in order to help in addressing mailings and in case of emergency.  Most school to parent communication occurs via email.
The following information relating to present and former students is considered directory information and may be made public in any of a variety of documents: student name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, honors and awards received, most recent previous school attended, and photographs. Any parent who does not wish directory information to be released should deliver a written statement to the Principal indicating which information is to be restricted.
The Daily Bulletin is the means of publicizing school activities and information from the office. Announcements for printing in the Daily Bulletin must be in the main office before 8:15 a.m. each day and must have the prior approval of a teacher. School administration determines which announcements will be made via the intercom. The bulletin boards post items of general information and approval for items posted should be obtained from the Dean of Student Success.   An announcement should be removed when it has lost its effectiveness. Students may distribute leaflets and other literature in school only with the authorization of the administration who will determine the time and place for such distribution. No publications may be sold on school grounds.
Students should treat all fire, tornado, and lockdown drills (state mandated) as though they were actual emergency situations. Evacuations will be conducted under teacher supervision according to procedures posted in all classrooms. Students are expected to be orderly and silent so that they may be alert for special instructions.
Lost items, if found, should be taken to Student Services. Students who have lost items should check several times at Student Services to see if they have been turned in. Sometimes, they come in days later. Valuables should be left at home. If a student does lose an item, he should report the loss immediately to Student Services. Lost and Found items after a period of time will be cleared out.

Concordia offers Christ-centered educational excellence equipping all students for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ.  The Honors Academy was initiated during the 2014-2015 school year by involving freshmen who desire the opportunity to set themselves apart both through academics and leadership.  The Honors Academy is rooted in the following areas:  academic discovery, leadership developments, creative processing, in depth community service and academic recognition. Click here to see requirements for entry.

The CLHS chapter of the National Honor Society upholds the four pillars of the society: Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. In August, Juniors with a GPA of 3.66 and Seniors with a GPA of 3.50 are invited to submit an application for membership in our chapter. Applications are reviewed by a faculty panel and applicants are evaluated according to their record of leadership, character and service. Those students who meet the basic qualifications for scholarship, leadership, character, and service are invited to join the chapter. The chapter participates in community service projects and enrichment activities throughout the year. Members are expected to be active in our chapter events. Membership dues of $5 per year are expected.
On days when severe weather or other situations makes closing of school necessary, announcements are made over local TV stations (ABC, CBS, NBC), email, and/or text message. When weather appears threatening, tune in to a station for official announcements. Parents should not call the school unless an absolute emergency exists. All announcements are made by television and text message or email. A school closing might be designated an e-learning school day.  Teachers will email students with their e-learning expectations for the day.
Occasionally, weather conditions such as fog, snow or ice, may result in 2 hour delay start to the school day. Announcements are made via television, social media, text and/or email for delay start to the school day. All attempts are made to begin classes at 10:00 AM on 2-hour delay start mornings.
Concordia Lutheran High School believes a safe and healthy environment should be provided in which all children can learn, develop, and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement. As an Indiana accredited non-public school, state law requires that our school have a seclusion and restraint plan. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that all students and staff are safe in school, and that students who may have behavior crises are free from inappropriate use of seclusion or restraint.  Seclusion means the confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student physically is prevented from leaving.  Physical restraint means physical contact between a school employee and a student in which the student unwillingly participates and that involves the use of a manual hold to restrict freedom of movement of all or part of a student's body or to restrict normal access to the student's body. Behavioral interventions for children must ensure all children are treated with dignity and respect. This environment should allow all children to be free from physical or mental abuse, aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health and safety, and any physical seclusion or restraint imposed solely for purposes of discipline or convenience. 
Real-life portrayals of our students are an important aspect in the promotion of Concordia Lutheran High School.  Parents, alumni, donors, future students and the community benefit from sharing the CLHS student life experience.  Therefore, it is the policy of Concordia Lutheran High School that any photographic, video or film image or any verbal or written statement taken of our students is the sole property of Concordia Lutheran High School.  The student portrayals may be used by the high school for the purpose of advertising, publications and other communications without compensation to the student/parents and in any manner as the high school deems appropriate, now and into the future.  Registering for enrollment at Concordia Lutheran High School constitutes compliance with this policy unless otherwise declined.
A student is responsible to care for those textbooks issued to him and is urged to keep them covered and in good condition. If he does not return a textbook, he must pay the cost of replacing it. A fine is charged for books that have excessive wear. Textbooks are to be turned in to the library by the end of the last final of the semester. A $5.00 fine is charged for each late textbook. 
Effective July 1, 2021, schools in Indiana will no longer issue a work permit to students younger than 18 years old. It is now the employer's responsibility to track and report the employment of minors via the Indiana Youth Employment System "YES".
Participation in co-curricular activities enriches a student’s high school life and enables him to make new friends and share interests. Students are encouraged to participate in different areas of the school program, keeping in mind all of their responsibilities. The school administration reserves the right to approve the participation of a student in any school related activity. Following is a list of existing clubs and activities. Students who wish to form a new club should consult with the Student Activities Director, Ms. Betsy Ladwig.
 
Student activities must involve CLHS students only. Exceptions to this rule are made only with the permission of the principal. All monies of clubs and classes are to be deposited with the Student Activities Director.

Dances are scheduled for the enjoyment of all Concordia students. To make the dances more enjoyable for all CLHS students, the Student Council has established the following procedures: 

  • If guests are allowed at the dances, the host CLHS student must complete a guest pass form prior to purchasing the dance ticket.
  • A CLHS student may only bring one (1) guest.
      1. Must be a current high school student OR 
      2. A college student not over the age of 20 
      3. Be prepared to show school ID or driver’s license
      4. Guest must be of opposite gender  
  • Guests and students should dance in a way that is in keeping with Christian philosophy. Couples may only dance close together if facing one another. If guests and students do not adhere to this policy, they will be asked to leave the dance and they will not receive a refund. 
  • Parents will be contacted if student doesn’t arrive within 90 minutes of the start time.
  • The “goodnight rule” means that once a student has left the building, s/he is not permitted to return. Students should remember that dances generally end at 11:00 p.m. and parents must pick them up promptly at that time. 

Dance and Dress Behavior

The dress and behavior stated below is in effect for all dances sponsored by CLHS. 

  • Skirts and dresses must fall to the knee. Dresses must be modest and cover the bust of young women. 
  • Tops must be modest. No tank tops, torn tops or tops which reveal the bust. 
  • Young men must wear a suit jacket or tuxedo to the semi-formal dances (Christmas, Prom, etc.) 
  • The school administration may amend this dress code to fit a “theme dance”. 
  • The “GANG DRESS/BEHAVIOR” rules are in effect for all dances. 
  • Dancing “back to front” or “bump and grind dancing” will not be allowed. Students participating will be asked to leave the dance. 
  • Random testing for alcohol will be done at all CLHS dances and violators will be dealt with according to school policy.  

Concordia is proud of the record its athletic teams have made in the past, and the trophy cases are evidence of some fine teams. Coaches, players and spectators all help to make a successful season. All students receive free admission to all home events by using their free pass through Ticket Spicket.

Eligibility for IHSAA Athletics

In order to be eligible to compete in athletics, a student must have received at least six credits the previous quarter and be currently enrolled in courses yielding at least six credits. Since some courses give partial credits, it is wise for athletes to carry a minimum of six (6) credit classes in order to avoid potential problems. In addition, any student representing Concordia in any extra-class activity shall conduct himself in a manner in keeping with the policies of the school. His behavior shall exhibit Christian conduct. The welfare of the student and the good name of the school are always prime considerations in any matter of eligibility. Since the Indiana High School Athletic Association eligibility rules are very stringent, students who participate in athletics should check with their coach and the athletic director concerning any questions about eligibility.

Spectator Sportsmanship

Concordia Lutheran High School interscholastic athletics provide opportunities for our students and spectators to give visible evidence that Concordia is a school With Christ at the Center. Following these suggestions at pep sessions and athletic events will enable all to enjoy our athletic contests: 

  • Remember that the student spectator represents his school the same as does the athlete. 
  • Recognize that the honor of the Concordia Cadets is more important than any game won by unfair play. 
  • Never boo a player or an official. 
  • Let others know that you do not approve of any abusive remarks from any spectators. 
  • Accept all decisions of officials without question. 
  • Recognize and applaud an exhibition of fine play or good sportsmanship on the part of the visiting team. 
  • Consider all athletic opponents as guests and treat them with all the courtesy due friends and visitors. 
  • Spectators may not leave the building/stadium and then return to the game/event.

REMEMBER – LOSE OR WIN - SPORTSMANSHIP IS IN!