Curriculum
Course of Study and Accreditation
Trinity Lutheran School offers academic subjects commonly taught at the elementary school level, in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Trinity Lutheran School is accredited by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA) Association, the Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation (WRISA) Association, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). Curriculum requirements will be met by using materials chosen by the faculty and adopted by the School Team.
In keeping with the philosophy of the school, all subjects are to be taught in the light of God’s Word. As the child progresses through the grades, he or she also progresses in the knowledge of Biblical truths. Systematic study of the chief parts of Christian doctrine, prayers, hymns, and Bible verses helps to make religion a part of every child’s life. Every child is encouraged to take part in regular church services, daily devotions, and other expressions of Christian faith. Memory work is incorporated in grades 5K-8.
Curriculum includes:
Religion
Science
Language Arts
Mathematics
Creative Arts
Technology
Social Studies
Physical Education
Physical Education
All students are required to participate in a physical education program unless they have a written excuse from their doctor. When classes are held in the gym, the students must wear shoes for gymnasium use only.
Parent Responsibility for School Materials
Parents are responsible for lost or damaged materials (textbooks, equipment, technology devices, etc.). The replacement may be accomplished through financial reimbursement, repair or physical replacement.
Student Progress Reporting
Trinity Lutheran School offers the opportunity for every student to work to the best of his or her God-given ability. We strive to nurture growth in all areas: academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Report cards are completed and made available quarterly for grades 5K-8. Report cards for Grades 3K - 1st use standards-based reporting.
Daily progress is available for students in Grades 2-8 at any time online through your FACTS Family Portal. The following grading scale is used for Grades 2-8:
Scholastic Conduct and Observation
A+ (99-100) Excellent
A (95-98) Good
A- (93-94)
B+ (91-92)
B (89-90) Good
B- (87-88)
C+ (85-86)
C (79-82) Average
C- (77-78)
D+ (75-76)
D (72-74) Below Average
D- (70-71)
F Failure
I Incomplete
E Exceptional
S Satisfactory
NNeeds Improvement
UUnsatisfactory
Homework/ Study Habits
A primary goal of Trinity is the nurturing of students as disciples of Jesus. Part of this nurturing process is the development of positive attitudes, responsibility, and work habits. Homework may be used to reinforce what is learned during the school day. It is mandatory for a student planner to be used in grades 3-8 where homework and future assignments are recorded daily. Parents offer a great assistance to the school by helping to reinforce good study habits at home. Parents are encouraged to optimize their student’s learning by:
Parents are invited to discuss homework and study habits with the teachers at any time.
Late or Incomplete Work
Students are to come prepared for school each day. Should a student be unprepared for the day's assignments:
Standardized Testing
Trinity tests all students in 5K - Grade 8 using the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test. These computer adaptive tests measures are designed to measure each student’s academic growth over time in the areas of Reading and Math. Students in Grades 5K - 8th will receive MAP testing at least twice per year. The data from the tests informs the teacher’s instruction of the students. Wisconsin’s Forward exam is also provided to students in grades 3-8 each spring.
Field Trips
Trinity Lutheran School – Field Trip & Transportation Policy
Purpose
At Trinity Lutheran School, field trips are an extension of our Christ-centered educational program. They are designed to enhance student learning, support curriculum goals, and provide opportunities for meaningful, real-world experiences. While most trips will be academic in nature, occasional celebratory outings (e.g., end-of-year activities) may also be approved.
All trips, whether academic or celebratory, are conducted with the safety, well-being, and spiritual growth of students as our highest priority.
General Guidelines for Field Trips
1.Administrative Notification & Approval
2.Parent Communication
3.Costs
4.Planning & Arrangements
5.Permission Slips
6.Chaperone Ratios & Supervision
7.Chaperone Requirements
Transportation Policy for Field Trips
Preferred Mode of Transportation
Private Transportation Guidelines
If private vehicles are used:
Safety Commitment
Every transportation choice must prioritize the physical safety and spiritual well-being of our students. No convenience or cost savings will outweigh the need for careful supervision and adherence to safety standards.
Closing Statement Regarding Field Trips
At Trinity, field trips are more than just an excursion. They are opportunities for our students to see God’s hand in the world around them, build community, and strengthen their faith. By following these guidelines, we ensure that each trip is safe, purposeful, and aligned with our mission to help every child Believe, Belong, Blossom, and Build in God’s Kingdom.
Confirmation Instruction
During seventh and eighth grades, our children have the opportunity to prepare for communicant membership in the church through the rite of Confirmation. Students receive in-depth instruction in the chief parts of Christian doctrine as it is taught in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our pastors teach this course two days during the school week as well as on Sunday mornings during the Bible Study hour at Trinity. Luther’s Small Catechism is used as the guide to systematically study the teachings of God’s Word, the Bible.
Students completing this course are invited to affirm their baptismal promises before God and the congregation and become communicant members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for all students following the first quarter grading period. Another consultation may be held in spring with some families. Parents and teachers may request conferences to discuss student progress at any mutually agreed upon time.
Trinity Lutheran School offers academic subjects commonly taught at the elementary school level, in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Trinity Lutheran School is accredited by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA) Association, the Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation (WRISA) Association, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). Curriculum requirements will be met by using materials chosen by the faculty and adopted by the School Team.
In keeping with the philosophy of the school, all subjects are to be taught in the light of God’s Word. As the child progresses through the grades, he or she also progresses in the knowledge of Biblical truths. Systematic study of the chief parts of Christian doctrine, prayers, hymns, and Bible verses helps to make religion a part of every child’s life. Every child is encouraged to take part in regular church services, daily devotions, and other expressions of Christian faith. Memory work is incorporated in grades 5K-8.
Curriculum includes:
Religion
- Bible History
- Catechism
- Hymnology
- Memory Work
Science
- General Science
- Life Science
- Earth Science
- Health
Language Arts
- Reading
- Literature
- Spelling/Penmanship
- Writing Skills/Grammar
Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Algebra
Creative Arts
- Music
- Art
- Theater (Spring Programs)
Technology
- Introduction to Editing
- Word Processing
- Presentation Skills
- Typing Skills
- Digital Citizenship
Social Studies
- Geography
- US History
- Economics
- Worls History
- Citizenship
- Current Events
Physical Education
- Physical Fitness
- Lifetime Sports
- Teamwork Activities
- Health
Physical Education
All students are required to participate in a physical education program unless they have a written excuse from their doctor. When classes are held in the gym, the students must wear shoes for gymnasium use only.
Parent Responsibility for School Materials
Parents are responsible for lost or damaged materials (textbooks, equipment, technology devices, etc.). The replacement may be accomplished through financial reimbursement, repair or physical replacement.
Student Progress Reporting
Trinity Lutheran School offers the opportunity for every student to work to the best of his or her God-given ability. We strive to nurture growth in all areas: academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Report cards are completed and made available quarterly for grades 5K-8. Report cards for Grades 3K - 1st use standards-based reporting.
Daily progress is available for students in Grades 2-8 at any time online through your FACTS Family Portal. The following grading scale is used for Grades 2-8:
Scholastic Conduct and Observation
A+ (99-100) Excellent
A (95-98) Good
A- (93-94)
B+ (91-92)
B (89-90) Good
B- (87-88)
C+ (85-86)
C (79-82) Average
C- (77-78)
D+ (75-76)
D (72-74) Below Average
D- (70-71)
F Failure
I Incomplete
E Exceptional
S Satisfactory
NNeeds Improvement
UUnsatisfactory
Homework/ Study Habits
A primary goal of Trinity is the nurturing of students as disciples of Jesus. Part of this nurturing process is the development of positive attitudes, responsibility, and work habits. Homework may be used to reinforce what is learned during the school day. It is mandatory for a student planner to be used in grades 3-8 where homework and future assignments are recorded daily. Parents offer a great assistance to the school by helping to reinforce good study habits at home. Parents are encouraged to optimize their student’s learning by:
- Checking the daily planner each day.
- Providing a quiet place and time in which work can be completed.
- Discussing good study habits and encouraging the best use of their God-given abilities.
Parents are invited to discuss homework and study habits with the teachers at any time.
Late or Incomplete Work
Students are to come prepared for school each day. Should a student be unprepared for the day's assignments:
- Grades 5K-4: the teacher will contact the parent regarding incomplete work.
- Grades 5-8 will follow the procedures outlined in the 2026-2027 Management Plan.
Standardized Testing
Trinity tests all students in 5K - Grade 8 using the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test. These computer adaptive tests measures are designed to measure each student’s academic growth over time in the areas of Reading and Math. Students in Grades 5K - 8th will receive MAP testing at least twice per year. The data from the tests informs the teacher’s instruction of the students. Wisconsin’s Forward exam is also provided to students in grades 3-8 each spring.
Field Trips
Trinity Lutheran School – Field Trip & Transportation Policy
Purpose
At Trinity Lutheran School, field trips are an extension of our Christ-centered educational program. They are designed to enhance student learning, support curriculum goals, and provide opportunities for meaningful, real-world experiences. While most trips will be academic in nature, occasional celebratory outings (e.g., end-of-year activities) may also be approved.
All trips, whether academic or celebratory, are conducted with the safety, well-being, and spiritual growth of students as our highest priority.
General Guidelines for Field Trips
1.Administrative Notification & Approval
- Teachers must submit a written request (email) to the acting Principal prior to making any arrangements for a field trip.
- Requests should include destination, date, time, transportation mode, learning objectives, estimated costs, and a proposed chaperone plan.
2.Parent Communication
- Approved field trips must be communicated to parents via a written permission slip and an announcement in the Trinity Times and via the school calendar.
- The permission slip will outline the trip’s purpose, date, time, costs, transportation details, and any special instructions.
3.Costs
- Student costs (tickets, entry fees, transportation) are covered through tuition.
- Parents attending as chaperones pay their own costs.
- The acting Principal may allocate school funds to subsidize certain trips at his discretion.
4.Planning & Arrangements
- Teachers (or a designated teacher) make all arrangements for the trip.
- Office personnel are available to assist with bus/transportation scheduling.
5.Permission Slips
- A signed permission slip from at least one parent/guardian is required for each student.
- Completed slips must be retained in school files for one year after the trip.
6.Chaperone Ratios & Supervision
- The teacher proposing the trip will work with the acting Principal to determine an appropriate child-to-adult ratio based on:
- Venue layout and potential hazards
- Whether the venue is open to the public
- Planned activities
- Age of participating students of adequate supervision cannot be secured, the trip may be postponed or cancelled.
7.Chaperone Requirements
- All chaperones must complete a background check and agree to Trinity’s Volunteer & Background Check Policy.
- Chaperones serve as active supervisors, modeling Christian conduct, staying with assigned groups, and ensuring student safety at all times.
- To help the students be fully present for the field trip, cell phone use is to be limited to taking pictures (no posting of pictures to social media while on the trip) and communication related to field trip details.
- Chaperone conduct must align with TLS cell phone and social media policies.
Transportation Policy for Field Trips
Preferred Mode of Transportation
- The preferred method of transportation is via school bus or chartered bus.
Private Transportation Guidelines
If private vehicles are used:
- Driver Requirements:
- Must have current automobile insurance that covers passengers. Drivers of private vehicles must understand and consent to the liabilities of serving in this capacity.
- Must agree to use seat belts for all passengers; the vehicle may not move until all are buckled.
- Passengers age 12 and under must ride in rear seats, especially if the vehicle has air bags.
- May only transport fewer than 10 occupants (including the driver).
- Must be approved by the acting Principal no later than 1 week prior to the trip; drivers who do not meet requirements may not transport students for school events.
- Chaperones who are driving a vehicle are strictly prohibited from using their cell phone while operating the vehicle.
Safety Commitment
Every transportation choice must prioritize the physical safety and spiritual well-being of our students. No convenience or cost savings will outweigh the need for careful supervision and adherence to safety standards.
Closing Statement Regarding Field Trips
At Trinity, field trips are more than just an excursion. They are opportunities for our students to see God’s hand in the world around them, build community, and strengthen their faith. By following these guidelines, we ensure that each trip is safe, purposeful, and aligned with our mission to help every child Believe, Belong, Blossom, and Build in God’s Kingdom.
Confirmation Instruction
During seventh and eighth grades, our children have the opportunity to prepare for communicant membership in the church through the rite of Confirmation. Students receive in-depth instruction in the chief parts of Christian doctrine as it is taught in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our pastors teach this course two days during the school week as well as on Sunday mornings during the Bible Study hour at Trinity. Luther’s Small Catechism is used as the guide to systematically study the teachings of God’s Word, the Bible.
Students completing this course are invited to affirm their baptismal promises before God and the congregation and become communicant members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for all students following the first quarter grading period. Another consultation may be held in spring with some families. Parents and teachers may request conferences to discuss student progress at any mutually agreed upon time.