V. SCHOOL POLICES AND PROGRAMS

 

AGENDA PLANNERS

 

Alconbury Elementary School provides Agenda Planners for grades 1 through 6.  The primary grades (1-3) have a planner designed specifically for them as do the intermediate students.  The students use the planners to write down their assignments, what they did in class and/or special events and projects.  The planners also may be used as an additional tool in communicating to the home the work that is being done in the classroom.  The school provides the first planner for every student.  Should a student lose his or her planner, it may be replaced at the purchase price.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Every effort should be made by students, parents, teachers, and administrators to keep absences and tardiness to a minimum.  However, we do recognize that absences from school are sometimes necessary. Parents MUST call the school prior to 0800 hours if a child is going to be absent or late that day.  This procedure is primarily for the child’s protection and allows the parent and the school to ensure that children sent to school arrived.    Please help us prevent the scenario where a missing child goes unnoticed because the parents presume the child is at school and the school presumes the child is at home.

 

Excused absences are granted for illness, family emergencies (e.g. severe illness or death in the family, local hardship situation, etc.), religious observances, family trips, and medical appointments that cannot be arranged during non-school time.  There will be no academic penalty for excused absences.  Students are to stay current with assigned class work and are responsible for the work missed during their absence.  Work missed must be made up in a reasonable amount of time, usually equal to the amount of absence.  When students are sent home because of illness, they must be accompanied by their parent/guardian or an individual designated by the parent/guardian. 

 

Any student who is absent from school for all or part of any day without the knowledge and permission of his/her parent/guardian or school authorities is truant.  Unexcused absences which are excessive and/or which interfere with the student’s educational program may result in administrative action.  A concerted effort will be made to prevent and remedy truancy in the early stages.  School personnel will seek cooperation from parents and assist them in correcting and preventing truancy.  Detention, temporary removal from class, and suspension are disciplinary devices the principal can use in addition to those techniques and procedures used by counselors, teachers, and others to reduce the frequency of unexcused absences.

 

School staff and administrative personnel are responsible for overseeing school/class attendance procedures.  They ensure that school attendance is checked daily and accurate attendance records are maintained for each student.

 

BUS STANDARDS

 

Bus Services:  Daily student bus transportation is a privilege provided for students living off base.  Bus service is available to and from school within the school bus commuting area.  If your student needs transportation, please contact the School Bus Office (SBO) before obtaining housing.  After enrolling your student for school, sponsors with school age dependents living off base must personally register their students at the SBO.  For more information please contact the Alconbury SBO at DSN 268-3891, commercial 01480-82-3891, or visit the office located in the Alconbury High School, Bldg 691. 

 

Late Arrival of School Bus At the Pickup Point.  Sometimes through breakdown or traffic delays, the buses may arrive late at the pickup point.  In most cases it takes some time to get this information to the SBO.  As a general rule, students are advised to remain at the pickup point 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time.  A bus WILL run, but it is uncertain how long it will take the delayed bus to reach your stop.     

 

Bus Transportation for School Delays and Cancellations.  The 423 ABG/CC determines school delays and cancellations when unsafe road conditions exist, etc.  Delays and cancellations are announced through unit recalls and will be posted on the 423 Security Forces Information Hotline, DSN 268-4636 or Commercial 01480-82-4636.  If a two-hour delayed has been declared, students riding the school bus will be picked up two hours after the normal designated time.  For example, if the bus is scheduled to depart the bus stop at 0730 hrs, the bus will depart at 0930 hrs.

 

Only Riders With Bus Passes Allowed.  For safety and security reasons, only students with a valid bus pass may ride on their own bus.  For example, a student that does not ride the daily school bus, spending the night at a friend’s house, wants to ride home on their friends’ bus.  This is not allowed; spending the night/going home with a friend is a private matter and transportation arrangements should be made between sponsors.  Teachers/the school cannot accept letters from sponsors allowing their student to ride on a bus.  Each rider must have a valid school bus pass and only ride on his or her assigned bus.

 

Seat Belts on School Buses:  Our school buses are fully equipped with seat belts and students must comply with British law and DoDDS requirements by wearing their seat belts on the bus.  Please tell your children about this and emphasize that wearing seat belts is for their own safety.  Wearing seat belts contributes to good behavior, discipline, and the overall safety on the bus.

 

Procedures for Lost Child:  When your child does not arrive home at their usual time and you are concerned for their safety, you should:

 

·        Contact your spouse or other family members to see if the child is with them.

·        We suggest you contact neighbors and known friends of your child.

·        If you cannot locate your child, please call the SBO, DSN 268-3891 or 01480-82-3891.

·        If you are unable to contact the SBO, contact the 423 SF Military Police, DSN 268-2400 or commercial 01480-82-2400. 

 

The Alconbury SBO will make every effort to locate your child as quickly as possible.  You will be updated regularly, your assistance and patience will be greatly appreciated.  If you should locate your child before the SBO does, please notify the SBO so they can terminate their efforts.

 

School Bus Behavior:  The school bus is an extension of the school day and for their safety and security, students are expected to behave on the school bus as they do in the classroom.  Sponsors are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children walking to and from the bus stop, waiting at the bus stop, and on the bus.  For the most part, our children are well behaved on the school buses; however, sometimes we have to deal with misbehavior problems.  The Principal works closely with the school bus office and is responsible for this area.  Unacceptable behavior by a student may result in a suspension as outlined in the school bus table of consequences, (except when circumstances indicate that more severe action is required).

 

On or around school buses, students must conduct themselves in accordance with the 10 School Bus Rules:

 

·        Obey the driver or adult

·        Enter and exit the bus safely and always show your bus pass.

·        Stay properly seated and use seatbelts when available.

·        Keep your hands, feet and other body parts to yourself.

·        Do not throw things.

·        Put nothing out of the window.

·        Remain quiet and do not disturb the driver or others.

·        No profanity, indecency, smoking, prohibited items or vandalism.

·        Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.

·        Be responsible. Be safe.

           

School Bus Suspension: Suspension from riding the school bus does not normally include suspension from school.  Criminal and/or illegal acts may require school suspension/expulsion.  If your child is suspended from the bus, the sponsor is responsible for getting the child to and from school.  Infractions listed on the attached School Bus Table of Consequences and any other conduct prejudicial to good order and conduct may draw a suspension.

 

CHANGE OF REGISTRATION INFORMATION

 

It is very important that the school has your correct current address in our file.  This includes a correct military and civilian local address and phone numbers.  It is also very important to have an emergency contact phone number of someone other than the sponsor or spouse on file.  Preferably, this would be a neighbor or someone at your duty station in the event you cannot be reached.  If you have changes in current information, please notify the school as soon as possible in order that corrections can be made.


CULTURAL DIVERSITY

 

Diversity and representation of various customs and cultural experiences provide children with a well-rounded experience based education.  Instruction in the areas of social studies, literature, art, physical education, music and host nation should incorporate knowledge of and respect for various forms of cultural expression.  Rapid change and increasingly frequent contact between diverse cultures necessitates attention to these issues in the elementary school curriculum.  Opportunities to share their cultural heritage and knowledge with class and school populations also enable children to experience and appreciate the varieties of American and host nation cultural traditions.

 

DISMISSAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

 

If a student needs to leave school at any time during the school day, certain procedures must be followed.  If you are aware ahead of time that your child will be leaving school, please send a note to your child’s teacher explaining the reason, time and person picking up the child if it is not you.  At the designated time (even if you have written the note) you must come to the school office to sign out your child and receive a slip to give to the teacher when you pick up your child from the classroom.   Under no circumstances are you to pick up your child without coming first to the office.  The office is accountable for the whereabouts of every student during school time.

 

The school must be notified if someone other than the parent/guardian is picking up your child.  The office will not authorize release of the student unless the parent/guardian has written a note, verbally notified the school, or has the adult designated as an emergency contact.  In such cases, ID will be requested.

 

When returning to school from an appointment, you must sign your child back into school.  Your child will then be given a re-entry permit to turn into his/her teacher.  Please do not return your child directly to the classroom.

 

Children who leave school early after 2 pm will not be logged as absent.  If a child leaves school before 11 am and does not return, he/she will be registered absent for the full day.  If your child leaves school after 11 and does not return, he/she will have a recorded half day absence. 

 

ENTRY DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

 

A child not in the classroom at 8:30 is considered tardy.  If your child is tardy, you must bring the child to the office and sign him/her in.  They will be given a class re-entry permit explaining the reason for being late.  This will be turned in to the teacher.  Students arriving after 9:30 are coded as absent for a half-day. A child leaving prior to 2:00 is coded as absent for a half day.  Mid-day appointments causing a child to miss more than one hour of instructional time get coded as a half-day absence.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN FEDERALLY CONDUCTED EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS   Executive Order 13160: Nondiscrimination

The Executive Order 13160 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, and status as a parent in federally conducted education and training programs.

The Executive Order provides for filing complaints by any individual who believes he or she has been discriminated against in violation of the nondiscrimination provisions of the Executive Order. To this effect, DoDEA is obligated to investigate complaints that allege a violation of the Executive Order. The full text of Executive Order 13160 is at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/13160.htm
The DoDEA Office of Compliance and Assistance will make every attempt to resolve complaints at the lowest possible level.  Be advised that complaints cannot be filed anonymously.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Equal Opportunity or Nondiscrimination, please contact the principal. (Stanley B. Caldwell, Principal, Alconbury Elementary School, Commercial: 44-1480-82-3620 or DSN: 268-3620)

 

FIELD TRIPS (STUDY TRIPS) AND EXCURSIONS

 

School sponsored trips and excursions are those officially approved and authorized trips, which are conducted to support the curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular or athletic programs of the school.  Prior to participating in any such trip, eligible students must provide the appropriate school sponsor with all required documentation and information (i.e. parental permission, power of attorney for emergency medical care, etc.)

 

During registration parents are asked to sign one-time blanket authorizations for their children to participate in field trips throughout the school year.  However, blanket authorizations are limited to the confines of the base only and the parent my choose not to sign it.

 

A “Field Trip Parental Authorization Form” must be completed for each child before any off base trip.  No child may go on a field trip on the basis of a phone call, unless authorized by the Principal. 

Most off-base field trips require specific instructions (lunch, fees, pick-up times, etc.) and permission needs to be requested for each of these trips to insure parents have received all pertinent information to make an informed decision on child participation.

 

Study trips are intended for a specific class, grade level, or group of students.  Transportation for these activities shall be restricted to those students, their teacher sponsors, parents, and any adult chaperones, at least 21 or older.  It is not appropriate for chaperones or trip sponsors to bring toddlers, or other children that are not enrolled in the class on designated class, grade or group trips. 


Chaperones are expected to abide by the following:  No smoking or drinking alcohol at any time during the trip.  Brothers and sisters may not accompany you.  Keep your assigned children in visual and voice contact at all times.  Enforce and follow all park/museum rules.  Ensure assigned children use the bathroom before boarding the bus.  Remember the correct entrance and/or exit and be prepared to meet at the designated area of departure on time.   Report problems of any kind to the teacher-in-charge.

 

GRADING AND REPORTING

 

Report cards are issued every nine weeks.  Parent conferences are scheduled at the end of the first report period and are an important means of communication.  Parents are encouraged to make every effort to attend.  In addition, teachers are available for a conference on most days after school.  If you desire an appointment, please, write a note to the teacher in order that a time convenient to you and the teacher may be determined.  In an emergency you may contact the principal concerning an appointment with a teacher.  Please do not contact the principal concerning a teacher/child problem unless you have talked to the teacher first.  No action can be taken until the teacher is involved.

·        The grading code for major and sub categories in grades K - 3 is as follows:

 

       CD - Consistently Displayed

                 P - Developing/Progressing

                 N - Not Yet Evident

                 X - Not Addressed

 

·        The grading code for major and sub categories in grades 4 - 6 is as follows:

 

                        Major Category                     Subcategory

                        A-Excellent                              P - Participates

                        B-Very Good                           + - Shows Strength

                        C-Good                                    /  - More Participation Needed

                        D-Minimal

                        F-Failing

 

Parents are encouraged to stay in close communication with the teacher, counselor and principal.  Mutual understanding erases many potential difficulties.

 

Mid-term progress reports are only given to students not achieving a satisfactory level during the nine-week marking period.

 

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

 

The school counselor is available at the school to provide information and guidance to students, parents, and staff relative to academic, behavioral, personal and social problems of the students.  The counselor provides a variety of consultative services and participates in the Child Study Committee (CSC) for the purpose of planning educational programs and alternatives for those students who appear to have divergent needs.

 

HEALTH SERVICES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

 

Office Visits and Emergencies:

 

·        Students will be seen immediately for serious injuries.

·        If not an emergency, the students will need a pass from their teacher to visit the nurse.

·        First aid will be administered and the student will be sent back to class or home.

·        If a student is ill and needs to be sent home we will try to contact the parent first.  If unsuccessful, we will call the emergency contact you provided.

 

Medication Policy:

·        The nurse does not administer medications, to include over the counter drugs, except when prescribed for an individual with conditions such as asthma, allergies, heart conditions, ADHD and acute illnesses.

·        Medications will be administered only when the nurse has

-         written permission from parent,

-     written orders from the physician and

                  -     the medication is in a pharmacy labeled container; marked with the student’s name,

name of drug, amount and time to be taken.

 

Health Screening Procedures;

 

·        Ideally, all students should be screened on entry into school and every three years thereafter.

·        Vision and Hearing screening will be done on students that are referred to the nurse by a parent, instructional staff, student or physical form.

 

·        A form explaining the results will be sent home to the parents to inform them if there needs to be a further evaluation or a follow-up exam.

·        Screening will also be done on students that are being evaluated for Special Education Services.  (CSC).

 

Dental Education and Preventive Care:  The primary focus of this program is to coordinate the activities of the classroom teacher and the local military dental clinic to initiate learning experiences that reduces the probability of future dental disorders.  Dental Health Education is taught by the classroom teacher, military dental personnel and the nurse to promote proper dental care.

Head lice school policy:  Alconbury Elementary School has a NO NIT policy. Head lice are elongated insects approximately 1/8 long. The eggs, called nits, are teardrop in shape and are attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp. Nits that are ¼ inch from the scalp or closer are active nits or eggs waiting to hatch. An egg takes about 1 week to hatch. Therefore,  students with active nits are not allowed to attend to school until all nits have been removed.  Nits that are farther down the hair, over ¼ of an inch are hatched eggs and are not considered active infestation, but these nits should be removed as well.

 

This is information is according to the CDC website. If you have any questions please contact the school nurse or local medical facility.

 

Substance Abuse:  The role of the school nurse in school substance abuse programs is threefold:

 

·        Drug abuse prevention and education,

·        Early identification of both users and potential users,

·        Referral to available treatment programs.

 

Drug abuse programs target a range of abused substances to include illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, misused prescription and non-prescription drugs, and other legal substances used for the purposes of altering the mind such as inhalants.

 

·        DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) will be taught to all 5TH Grade Alconbury students by specially trained Military Police.

 

·        The Great American Smoke Out is observed and students participate in this national campaign against smoking by learning the hazards of smoking and making posters for display.

 

Immunization:   Immunization screening is a condition of attendance in DoDDS.  Sponsors will be provided with DoDEA Form 21942.0-M-F1, 07 Jun 06, DoDDS Certificate of Immunization, at the time of registration.  Children will not be allowed to start school without the appropriate immunizations or legal waiver thereto.  Once completed, the form will be kept on file with the child’s school records.  This form is only required at the time of initial enrollment of the child.

 

Prior to enrollment, children are required to have the basic and age appropriate immunizations: Varicella, Hepatitis B, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), and Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT).  They must have at least 3 doses, one of which must be after the fourth birthday.  (Diphtheria and tetanus immunizations are then required every 10 years.  Pertussis is not required after 4 years of age.)  The Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine and Diptheria Toxoids & Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (TDAP) are required of the 11/12 age group. 

 

Medical care:  The school nurse conducts a health appraisal of each child in the school.  This includes visual and auditory screening, weight and measurement checks, dental prophylaxis and scoliosis screening for the upper grades.  This screening is conducted in conjunction with the clinic and any suspected physical abnormalities are reported to the respective parents. 

 

The school nurse will check minor illnesses or accidents occurring during school hours and parents will be notified when necessary.  In case of serious illness or emergency, the clinic will be notified immediately and appropriate action taken as directed by the clinic and/or parent.  It is the policy of this school not to send a child home unless a parent has been notified.

 

This policy makes it imperative that parents ensure the school office has accurate home and duty phone numbers as well as emergency number(s).  The need for an emergency contact other than a spouse cannot be overstressed.

 

HEALTHY SNACKS 

 

Because most classrooms have a morning snack, in 2006, the Alconbury AES Advisory Committee  put together a list of ideas for health drinks and snacks to serve children.  The commissary staff agreed to help out by identifying/marking items suggested as healthy snacks.  Why not look out for them the next time you do the family shopping?  Please work closely with your child’s classroom teacher in regard to snack time and preferred snacks. 

 

Fruits and Vegetables – almost all snacks served to children should be fruits and vegetables.  Do taste test or let kids choose (or vote for) new fruits and vegetables to try.  Fruits can be served whole, sliced, cut in half, cubed or in wedges. Dried fruits are easy!  Vegetables can be served with dips or salad dressings. 

 

Healthy Grains (whole grains that are low in fat and sugars) -  whole wheat or other whole grain should be the first ingredient listed.  Healthy whole grain options include:  English muffins and bagels, pita bread or tortillas, sugarless breakfast cereal, low-fat/low sodium crackers, rice cakes, granola, cereal bars or breadsticks.     Refined grains such as pretzels and goldfish should not be everyday offerings.

 

HOMEWORK

 

·        TEACHERS are responsible for the specific homework policies of their classes.

 

·        STUDENTS are responsible for the completion and return of assigned work.

 

·        PARENTS are responsible for the supervision of students’ homework and studies.

 

Definition:  Homework is defined as assignments to be done outside the classroom to reinforce classroom instruction, increase understanding and retention, transfer and extend classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion and provide curriculum enrichment opportunities.

 

Purpose:  Alconbury Elementary School endorses the use of homework as an instructional tool

as research studies in this area indicate that homework, accompanied by meaningful feedback, enhances student learning.  The school also recognizes young people are more than students and need time for family interaction, play, and work as well as for study.  Therefore, homework should not infringe excessively on the student’s out-of-class time.

 

The purposes of homework include:

 

·        Reinforce learning by having students practice newly taught skills independently or with parental supervision,

·        Extend skills by offering assignments, which encourage the use of higher level thinking skills,

·        Encourage creative thinking by requiring students to integrate many skills and concepts in the completion of assignments,

·        Teach research skills by giving students opportunities to seek information from a variety of sources,

·        Teach responsibility and time management by providing opportunities to apply these principles in the completion of assignments,

·        Provide feedback by informing students of strengths and weaknesses about a concept or skill.

 

Policy:  It is the policy of Alconbury Elementary School to assign homework to all students capable of completing assignments.  Homework assignments will be consistent with the following suggested guidelines per grade level:

 

·        Grade 1 - 3 assignments will not exceed 20-30 minutes a day (special individual assignments as needed)

·        Grade 4 - 6 assignments will not exceed an average of 45-60 minutes a day (special individual assignments as needed)

 

Assigned homework will reinforce instruction accomplished in class; it will not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts of skills.  Homework will not be assigned as a punishment.  Homework will be done outside class time, not during the instructional period.

 

As appropriate to the nature of the assignment, teachers shall evaluate and return homework to students and shall periodically inform students and the parents of the student’s academic progress and their mastery of learning objectives.

 

Students receiving homebound instruction and to those students whose instructional program is governed by individualized educational plans (IEPs) when those plans exclude the prospect of homework are not subject to this policy.

 

Teacher Responsibilities:  It is the teacher’s responsibility to identify the degree to which homework affects the determination of a student’s grades.  The teacher must provide clear, concise directions for the completion of homework and evaluate, review, and return homework in a timely manner. A student’s performance on homework assignments will be included in academic progress discussions with parents and/or the child.

 

Parent Responsibilities  It should be recognized that “homework” may not always be paper and pencil tasks.  Some of the homework in the primary grades will be students reading to parents and parents reading to students, or taking part in host nation activities, or creative art activities.

 

Ways parents can help include:

 

·        Provide a good environment for the student and a consistent time each day for homework to be done.

·        Reinforce desirable study habits by giving praise.

·        Give encouragement and help when needed.

·        Take an interest in the student’s school activities.

·        Guide the student toward independent and effective use of time.

·        Monitor the completion of assigned homework.

 

Student Responsibilities:  Homework is the responsibility of the student.  He/she is expected to complete all assignments in a timely and accurate manner.

 

LUNCH PROGRAM

 

Cafeteria Services:  All students are required to have a lunch each day, whether purchased or prepared at home.  Alconbury Elementary School has a cafeteria, which is operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).  A Class  “A” meal is served each school day.  An ala carte choice and a salad bar are available to students in Grades 3 through 6. A daily menu is posted in the school cafeteria and a monthly menu is printed in the Dragon Tidbits.  A menu for a two month period can be accessed via the AES website.  Students who bring their own lunches from home can purchase milk or juice in the cafeteria.   School meals, ala carte items and drinks may be purchased with cash or through the AAFES ‘PIN’ system.  Parents can register their child at AAFES customer service in the BX and pay money into a meal account and/or ala carte account.  The child is then issued with a PIN number.  At lunchtime, the child purchases the meal by entering the pin number into the register. 

 

Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program: Alconbury Elementary School participates in the Department of Agriculture’s child nutrition program.  This program provides free or reduced price hot lunches to eligible children.  Eligibility is based upon the parent’s income.  Applications are available from the school office.  The School’s Officer will review the application and notify you of his findings within 10 days by mail.  If you are deemed eligible and have established a PIN account, the School’s Officer will contact Customer Service to have your account adjusted accordingly.  Please contact the Schools’ Officer (268-3232) if you need additional information.

 

Cold Lunches: Students may bring a lunch from home.  It is encouraged that children assist in the preparation of their lunch when possible.  Children tend to eat what they like and like what they help make.  Please limit sweets and refrain from sending soda and/or drinks in glass bottles.   Milk and juice may be purchased in the cafeteria or through the PIN system.

 

INFORMATION CENTER

 

The Information Center supports and supplements the AES curriculum and provides recreational reading materials for the students.  Resource Based Learning is one way this is accomplished, along with special activities celebrating reading; author, storyteller and illustrator visits; book fairs; student publications (which may include school newspaper, anthology, Internet homepages.)

 

Materials include books, magazines, DVDs, audio and videotapes, computer software, and on-line access (Internet) which students and faculty use in the Center and in the classroom.  Only books may be checked out and taken home.  Each student is responsible for whatever he/she checks out.  If a student has an overdue book, he/she cannot check out another book or renew any other materials he/she may have out.

 

Students may come into the library at any time during the day in order to work or check out books.   Teachers schedule small groups or whole classes into the Center as appropriate.  We are staffed with a full-time information specialist.  Instruction in care of materials, hardware and software; reading appreciation; author study; and preliminary research is given to primary students.  Resource-based learning, which integrates research and media exploration with classroom curriculum and uses all available resources, is emphasized for Grades 3-6.  Instructional groups and scheduling is custom designed to the project and  needs of the students.

 

Parents are invited to visit the Media Center and volunteer.  We all benefit by sharing our skills and interests.

 

PROMOTION

 

The promotion policy, which governs advancement of pupils through school, is a restatement of the general philosophy of education regarding student progress.  Each student should advance through school at a rate, which is consistent with his/her mental development as determined by standardized testing, social adjustment, physical wellbeing, and general emotional stability.  The process of determining whether a student will be promoted or not is a continual process.  Every teacher who works with the student must evaluate the educational progress of each students during the course of the school year.  The progress, or lack of progress, is communicated to the parent.

 

A placement committee will be established by the principal to recommend the placement of a student being considered for retention, to validate course work or to make other placement adjustments.  The committee will review the progress of students whose placement has been adjusted.  Both the teacher and the Other Than Routine Placement Committee must consider the following factors:

 

·        Chronological age

·        Physical size

·        Social and emotional development

·        Intelligence test scores

·        Achievement test scores

·        Diagnostic reading test scores

·        Teacher evaluation of student’s progress in relation to his/her ability

·        Information concerning past progress from the cumulative record folder

 

In the early spring of each year, the teacher, parent, principal, and the child study committee view all factors concerning student progress before arriving at a decision.

 

SAFE SCHOOLS

 

We want all students to enjoy a safe and secure learning environment

 

·        Free from the threat of fear or physical violence

·        Free from drugs, alcohol, weapons and other prohibited items

·        Free from bullying or intimidation, including free from any type of harassment (including sexual harassment)

·        Free from gang or criminal activity

 

DoDDS locations follow guidance from the Department of Defense and also write rules about student behavior in the schools.  DoDEA regulation 2051.1, Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (August 16, 1996) describes acceptable and unacceptable behavior to students, parents and teachers.  This regulation also explains what happens if a student breaks the rules.  When a student does something that is dangerous to his or her safety, or the safety of others in the school, there is a consequence for that action.  These rules apply to school activities

 

·        While on school property

·        While en route between school and home, including school buses

·        During the lunch period whether on or off campus

·        During or while going to or coming from all school-sponsored events/activities that affect the missions or operations of the school or district including field trips, sporting events, stadium assemblies, and evening school-related activities

 

Hitting or hurting someone, threatening to hurt someone, bringing prohibited items to school (e.g., knives, matches, cigarettes, alcohol or drugs), fighting and bullying are not acceptable behaviors.  Making bomb threats or participating in making bomb threats is a serious matter and grounds for expulsion.  All students must respect the right of others to enjoy a safe school day.  Students who break the rules may be suspended or expelled from school.

 

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

 

The school psychologist provides the following specialized services to students and their families:

 

·        Individual testing

·        Individual family and group counseling

·        Location and referral of additional services needed

·        Seminars and classes on topics of interest.

 

Since the psychologist serves area schools on an itinerant basis, services are not available at the school on a daily basis.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 

Textbooks, workbooks and other instructional supplies are provided by DoDDS.  The proper care of these items should be stressed to help your child develop a feeling of personal responsibility for books or supplies furnished for his/her use. Children who lose or damage schoolbooks or other school property will be held financially accountable. Supplies other than textbooks, workbooks, and those furnished by the school are the responsibility of the parent. Supplies are not a must on the first week of school. The teacher will let each parent know what is required and when those supplies need to be brought in. 

 

The following are supplies you may be asked to provide for your child. However, you may wish to wait before you make any purchases as the teacher my not require some of the items listed.   

 

Pens and pencils                                   Colored pencils                                    Rubber erasers

Supply box                                           Spiral Notebooks                                 Loose leaf paper

Bound Composition book                     Pocket Folders                                     Tissues (1 box)

Child’s Round End Scissors                  Glue (stick or bottle)                             Highlighters

Colored Markers                                  Crayons                                               Paint shirt

Paints (watercolors)                              Backpack  or book bag                       

 

The BX may not have all supplies available at any one time. 

 

STUDENT SCHOOL RECORDS

 

Student records are developed and maintained by DoDDS schools in order to record and store information about students for legitimate educational purposes.  Records include:

 

Student Cumulative Folder.  This folder contains official administrative records such as permanent record cards, standardized group achievement test results, records of honors and activities, progress reports.

 

Student Personal Folder.  This folder contains information on reports from the Case Study Committee such as individual test results, Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), and special action reports.  The Case Study Committee must obtain parental permission prior to initiating any form of student assessment.

 

School Health Records.  This folder could include the standard DoDDS health record, power of attorney for emergency treatment, physical fitness forms for participation in sports, certification of immunization, etc.

 

Parents who have questions regarding school records or who would like to review student school records should contact the counselor or principal.