FAQs about LHN

1. What is Lutheran High North's Mission?

Lutheran High North provides quality academics and meaningful ministry that prepares students for the next level and prepares them to be leaders in their schools, churches, and communities.

2. Where is the best place to find out what is happening at school?

You will be able to get information through several sources – the weekly email newsletter, LHN's school website www.lutheranhighnorth.org ,   the school calendar, notes sent with your monthly billing, and notes in your child's report card envelope. The website calendar will have the athletic games scheduled, and any other important activities scheduled. You will receive an email newsletter once you have set up your email account with Edline.

3. What is normal dismissal time?

School begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.   There will be certain designated Fridays – Project Pride – where school will be dismissed at 2:30. Also, students will occasionally be dismissed at noon for faculty in-service days.

4. What time are practices? Is there transportation to the away games?

You can expect practices to begin at 3:30 and end between 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. (Coaches may set different practice times depending on the sport and the season.)

Normally students travel by LHN bus to the away games.

5. How late can I pick up my child?

On regular school days the building will be open until 6:00 p.m. Our resource center is open and attended by an adult from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Mondays -Thursdays. If your child is here for a school sponsored event (athletic games, concerts), you need to be pick up your child when the event is over. Make advance arrangements with your child.

6. How do I know where my child's game is being played?

A schedule will be sent home before the season begins. You can also check the website, calendar, or ask your child.

7. How do I know if a game is canceled?

Your child should know, and will be able to call you. We hope to know in advance if a game is canceled due to weather or other circumstances. You can also call the school office if you would like to check.   We will try to update the website calendar as often as possible.

8. How do I know if practice is cancelled?

It is best if your child calls to let you know as soon as he/she knows about any practice cancellations.

9. Where do we park for events here at school?

You may use the main school lot. There is additional parking across Alba (west side of building).

10. What is TAPPS?

TAPPS stands for Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. TAPPS exists to “organize, encourage and promote the academic, athletic, and fine arts programs in an effort to foster spirit of fair play, good fellowship, true sportsmanship, and wholesome competition for boys and girls.” Our athletes and fine arts students participate in TAPPS competition.

11. Who do I call when my child is sick?

You must call the school office at 713-880-3131 before 9 a.m. to report any absences. A note signed by the parent must be submitted to the school office when the student returns to school. If a student goes to the doctor, please bring a note from the doctor.

12. How can I get in touch with my student during the day if necessary?

You may call the school office and leave a message for him/her. The school secretaries will make sure that the message gets to your child.

13. What do I do if my child has a doctor's appointment?

Your child needs to bring in a dated, signed note from the doctor. They must sign in and out at the front office.

14. Explain the Tardy system

Students should be prompt to every class, and are expected to be in their rooms before the start of each class. Repeated lateness to class can result in a student losing credit for his/her class.   The student handbook will have specific rules and regulations.

15. Will I get information on how my child is doing before the report card comes out?

If your child has a “C” or below in a given subject halfway through the grading period, a progress report will be mailed to you. You are always welcome to contact the teacher by phone or email if you have any questions regarding your child's progress.

16. Do you print a student directory?

Our student directory will be ready in September. Look for a note from the office.

17. How can I contact my child's teacher if I have any questions or concerns?

You may contact your child's teacher via email - their email addresses will be in the directory, on our website, and in Edline. You may also call the school office and leave a voicemail for them. Teachers check both email and voicemail on a daily basis.

18. What volunteer opportunities are available for parents?

We welcome and encourage parent participation at LHN. There are many areas where parents' time and talents are needed.   GALA (our major fundraiser), working in the concession stand, helping with our annual golf tournament, and chaperoning at events are just a few areas where parent involvement is needed and greatly appreciated. Watch for specific information in your newsletters.  

19. Tell me about College Counseling

Mrs. Mary Heath is our college guidance director. She meets one-on-one with all students during their years at LHN, working hand-in-hand with them on college selection, and making sure all paperwork is in order for their college applications.

20. When are final exams?

Exams are given at the end of each semester – in December and at the end of May. Special information regarding exams will be sent home in newsletters.

21. When will my child take the PLAN, the PSAT, the ACT and the SAT?

The PLAN, a practice ACT, is given in October during the Sophomore year and the PSAT in October of the Junior here at LHN.

SAT and ACT tests should be taken during your child's Junior year. Parents should register for the fall, winter or spring dates. Your child can take the ACT and SAT more than once. Mrs. Christian, our college guidance director, will answer any questions.   

22. What is the school's policy on school sponsored dances?

All students are encouraged to attend our school dances. Students should arrive when the event begins. Our school dances usually end at 11:00 p.m. If a student leaves the dance, he/she is not permitted to return. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are allowed at these events.   All dances are fully chaperoned. Appropriate school behavior is to be followed.

23. Is there a Junior/Senior Prom?

There is a prom in the spring of each year. Prom is for Juniors and Seniors.   Underclassmen may attend if they are the date of a Junior or Senior.

This event is held off-campus at a site to be determined. There is also an “after prom” event called “Project Prom.” This gives the students the opportunity to have fun in a safe, alcohol and drug-free environment. This event is also chaperoned by faculty and parents.

24. What is the school's policy about substance abuse?   Who makes the decisions concerning this?

There is detailed information in the handbook on page 3.   All parents and students are expected to follow the school's policy. Our Dean of Students, Principal and Headmaster make decisions based on the rules stated in the student handbook (page 3).

25. What about Cell Phones?

Students may have cell phones at school, but are allowed to use them only before and after school.

26. Where can I park for school functions planned during the day, for example volunteering?

You may park in the spaces available in the front of the school building. There is also parking across Alba (the side street on the west side of the school).

27. Where should I pick up my child?

All students should be picked up in front of the school building. Parents may form a line in front of the school building. It is very helpful if the first cars pull up to the east side of the parking lot. A diagram outlining parking lot procedures is attached at the end of this packet.

28. How safe is Lutheran High North?

Lutheran High North is by most measures extremely safe. We hear remarks from parents and students alike that they experience a “safe feeling” here at LHN.    Although LHN has always been a safe place, we are not totally immune from problems. If a problem arises, it is dealt with immediately. Keeping valuables at home is a good idea.   We strive to provide an atmosphere of student safety.

29. What is Chapel?

We hold weekly chapel services in the Courtyard every Thursday at 9:13 a.m. Through various themes and topics, our students hear the message of Christ and His forgiveness.      

Chapel services are led by our students and faculty, with local Lutheran pastors often giving the messages. Through its Chapel services, Lutheran High North demonstrates its mission of Meaningful Ministry.

30. Talk about the Cafeteria in general

Lunch can be purchased daily on a cash basis, or the student may bring his/her lunch. Microwaves and snack/drink machines are available for the students' use.   There are three different lunch periods and your son/daughter will be assigned to one of these times. Food available throughout the week includes Pizza, Chick Fil A; Tacos, Quesadillas and Burritos from Taco Bell , Subway sandwiches, ice cream, and other snacks.

31. Tell me about Community Service

LHN believes that service to others is essential for the development of personal growth and faith. This past school year every LHN student participated in “3 Days With Jesus.”

Our students went into the community volunteering their services at places such as local inner-city churches, Star of Hope Mission, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other non-profit service agencies.   Our students truly learn what it means to be a servant.   Our ESLP (Exemplary Student Leadership Program) students, as well as other groups, also perform community service throughout the school year.

32. Probable absences

See pages 2, 3 and 5 of the LHN handbook.

Parents should make every effort to see to it that students miss as little school as possible. We are understanding about scheduled doctor's appointments but such appointments do not allow students to miss tests or turning in of homework. Anytime a student has to miss school, arrangements should be made with the teacher to make up any work.

Parents should also insist that their children stay home when they are sick. Coming to school ill does not do the student any good and puts other students at risk for catching whatever illness the student has.

33. What is “Eligibility”?

Students must be taking a minimum of 5 credits to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.   Students who fail more than one course for a six-week marking period will cause themselves to be ineligible for the next six-week marking period. The student may not practice or play.

Eligibility for extracurricular sports activities takes effect at 8:00 am, 7 calendar days after the end of each grading period.

Students failing more than one credit at the end of the second semester may go to Summer School. If the failure(s) is/are removed and there is not more than one failure remaining, the student will then be eligible at the start of the fall semester.

Please feel free to contact the school office at any time if you have any questions throughout the school year.

We Welcome you to Lutheran High North!