A touchstone for successful education is the cooperation of home and school, and the key to such cooperation is successful communication. Topeka Lutheran School channels the flow of information in a variety of ways.

PARENT TEACHER LEAGUE
Much of the understanding relationship between parents and teachers is due to the efforts of the PTL. The organization holds meetings in August and May and as needed during the school year. PTL volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year. For specific information regarding PTL programs and activities consult your PTL handbook.

FORMAL REPORTS
Report cards are issued quarterly. Kindergarten - second grade cards are unique to each grade. Third - eighth grade cards contain an appraisal of the child's academic work by the letter system-A,B,C,D,F. An evaluation of effort, attitudes, and conduct is also included. Further explanation is given on the card.

A formal conference at school is arranged for the parents after the first quarter (during the second quarter). This allows for questions and discussions related to the report card and all areas of the child's growth and development. Plans for cooperative action are proposed. Time is provided for a conference at the request of the parent or teacher.

A student failing at the end of the third grading period in three (3) of five (5) solid subjects will initiate a letter sent home by the teachers giving the parents notice that only four (4) weeks remain to finish work for promotion or graduation.

INFORMAL REPORTS
Questions and problems that occur between formal contacts should not be disregarded. Notes and telephone calls will relieve much of the concern. Parents are encouraged to consult the teacher personally whenever the situation demands. This should be done at opportune times, preferably after school hours by appointment. Just "dropping in" is discouraged since it often interferes with other responsibilities.

It is important that the teacher be personally informed of any problem. If, after such contact, the problem persists, the parents and teacher, together with the Principal should meet. (Parents will only harm their child and the cause of Christian education if they persist in criticizing teachers among friends and in the presence of their children. The guidelines of Matt. 18 should be followed.)

VISITING SCHOOLS
Parents are welcome to visit classes. However, in the interest of orderliness and continuity in the classroom, we request that anyone desiring to visit classes call the teacher one day in advance and limit their visits to an hour or two at the most. Parents that need to contact their child or teacher for any reason during the school day should do so through the school office so as to reduce disruptions in the classroom.

NEWSLETTER
Each Tuesday a newsletter is emailed to families and posted on the TLS website (http://topekalutheran.org), or is available for pick up after school in the main hallway.  A weekly newsletter may also be mailed to interested parties. This school newsletter contains important announcements, news items, and a calendar of the week's activities.

HOMEWORK
The challenging program at TLS requires that some study be done at home. This is not only necessary for accomplishing our immediate goals, but also a helpful habit for future education, which is becoming more and more demanding. The amount of homework depends on the habits of the student. Parents can help by providing encouragement and a quiet place for study. Providing too much help should be avoided.

If your child is unable to complete his/her assignments, for a legitimate reason, please send an explanatory note so that he may make up the work at a later date. If assignments are consistently burdensome, the teacher will appreciate such information so that the problem may be addressed.  Assignments are posted on the school website by clicking on Classroom/Homework, and your child's specific class.