acs elementary handbook 2009-10

8/14/2019 ACS Elementary Handbook 2009-10

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Table of ContentsTable of Contents....................................................................................................... - 3 -Who We Are .............................................................................................................. - 5 -

Important Numbers ................................................................................................ - 5 -Facilities .................................................................................................................... - 6 -

Elementary Campus ................................................................................................ - 6 -Library ................................................................................................................... - 6 -Computer Lab......................................................................................................... - 6 -

The School Day.......................................................................................................... - 6 -The School Day.......................................................................................................... - 7 -

What We Teach...................................................................................................... - 7 -How We Teach ....................................................................................................... - 7 -How We Assess Learning......................................................................................... - 7 -Text/Workbooks We Use ......................................................................................... - 7 -

First Grade.......................................................................................................... - 8 -Second Grade...................................................................................................... - 8 -Third Grade......................................................................................................... - 8 -Fourth Grade....................................................................................................... - 8 -

Fifth Grade.......................................................................................................... - 8 -Greek A (Beginning/Intermediate) Grades 1-5........................................................ - 8 -Greek B (Advanced) for Grade 1-5 ........................................................................ - 9 -Greek C (Language Arts) for Grades 1-5 ................................................................ - 9 -

General Notes .................................................................................................. - 9 - Arabic................................................................................................................. - 9 -

Student Expectations.................................................................................................. - 9 - Attendance............................................................................................................. - 9 -Tardiness ............................................................................................................... - 9 -Daily Absences ....................................................................................................... - 9 -Extended Absences ................................................................................................. - 9 -Early Dismissal from School ....................................................................................- 10 -Personal Music Players, Roller Blades, Heelys, Skateboards and Cell Phones................- 10 - Emergency Drills....................................................................................................- 10 -

Homework Expectations ............................................................................................- 10 -Discipline and Time-Out Procedures............................................................................- 11 -

Time-Out ..............................................................................................................- 11 -Dress Code............................................................................................................- 12 -

Support Services .......................................................................................................- 12 -ESL.......................................................................................................................- 12 -Optimal Match .......................................................................................................- 12 -

OM Consultation .................................................................................................- 13 -The High Performing Student Program (HPS) ...........................................................- 13 -Counseling Services ...............................................................................................- 13 -ESAS and CASA! ....................................................................................................- 13 -Staying After-School...............................................................................................- 14 -The House System.................................................................................................- 14 -Student Council .....................................................................................................- 14 -Health Services......................................................................................................- 14 -

Lunch Program .........................................................................................................- 15 -Transportation ..........................................................................................................- 15 -

Bus Procedures:.....................................................................................................- 15 -Bus Code of Conduct:.............................................................................................- 16 -

Special Traditions......................................................................................................- 16 -September......................................................................................................- 16 -October ..........................................................................................................- 16 -November.......................................................................................................- 16 -December.......................................................................................................- 16 -February.........................................................................................................- 17 -

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March.............................................................................................................- 17 - April...............................................................................................................- 17 -May ...............................................................................................................- 17 -June...............................................................................................................- 17 -

Role of Parents .........................................................................................................- 17 -PTO......................................................................................................................- 17 -Room Parents........................................................................................................- 18 -Boosters ...............................................................................................................- 18 -Personal Property ..................................................................................................- 18 -Lost & Found.........................................................................................................- 18 -

Vehicles of Communication ........................................................................................- 18 -Report Cards .........................................................................................................- 18 -Conferences ..........................................................................................................- 19 -Student-Led Conferences........................................................................................- 19 -Passports ..............................................................................................................- 19 -Monthly Newsletter ................................................................................................- 19 -Principals Coffees..................................................................................................- 19 -Website ................................................................................................................- 19 -Telephone.............................................................................................................- 20 -School Activities ........................................................................................................- 20 -School Photos........................................................................................................- 20 -Field Trips .............................................................................................................- 20 -Birthday and Holiday Celebrations ...........................................................................- 20 -

Enrollment................................................................................................................- 21 - Admission/Registration...........................................................................................- 21 -Transfers From Our School .....................................................................................- 21 -

Visitors .................................................................................................................- 21 -PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT & INTERNET USE PERMISSION FORM...- 22 -

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Who We AreWe are a group of dedicated professionals who bring unique experiences and expertise to thefield of education. Most of us hold Masters Degrees in one or more fields of Education andcontinue our professional development every year.

The ACS Athens Elementary program relies heavily on the synergy that comes from goodteamwork. Classroom teachers work in tandem with their grade level colleagues and specialsteachers. Your student receives the benefit of teachers using their individual and collectivestrengths to help the student learn quickly and feel successful. Teacher assistants work withthe teachers to help prepare and organize needed materials. There are traditionally twoclassrooms per grade level and three Junior Kindergarten classes.

Important Numbers

Main Campus: 210 639-3200

Elementary School: 210 639-3200, ext. 229/231

Middle School: 210 639-3200, ext. 226/228

Academy: 210 639-3200, ext. 241/222

Admissions: 210 639-3200, ext. 263

Cafeteria: 210 639-3200, ext. 236

Cashiers Office: 210 639-3200, ext. 206

Health Office: 210 639-3200, ext. 217

Transportation: 210 639-3200, ext. 239

Security (after hours): 210 639-3555

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Facilities

Elementary CampusThe Elementary School is located on the west side of the main ACS Athens campus. Shaded

by Mulberry trees, the Elementary Schools main building holds the office, library, computerlab, 1st-5th grade classrooms, music room, art room, cafeteria, P.E. room, mini theater andspecial rooms for ESL and Counseling. The Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten classroomsenjoy their own wing and large grassy playground. The Health Office is located in closeproximity to our classrooms. There is a commitment to ongoing upgrading of facilities toprovide for a better learning environment.The Elementary School sits across the courtyard from the Middle School and Academysspecial facilities, which are sometimes shared. They include the Main Academy Library,Gymnasium, Olympic Sized Swimming Pool, Soccer Field, Tennis Courts and Auditorium.

LibraryThe Elementary Library houses approximately 15,000 print and audio-visual materials. All

new and donated library materials are evaluated on the basis of their literary merit,usefulness in balancing the collection, and value in supporting the curriculum. Our library isfully automated and students use the OPAC check-out system. Students routinely visit thelibrary for formal lessons and to check out materials. Replacement cost will be charged forlost or damaged library materials.

Computer LabThe Elementary Computer Lab is adjacent to the Library and consists of brand new Lenovocomputers. Each computer is networked, internet capable, and supported by the use of anLCD projector and a CD/DVD recorder. Classes attend one session per week during regularlyscheduled times. Additional computer class time is available throughout the week. Studentslearn to use the computer as a tool to enhance their learning with different software

applications and with the use of the internet. The elementary lab is part of the ACS Athensnetwork that runs off our own server. Each classroom has its own computer and manyclassrooms now have interactive boards for further word processing and research.

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The School DayEvery student at ACS Athens has Mathematics, Language Arts (Reading and Writing),Science, Social Studies and Spelling classes daily. Units of study alternate Science andSocial Studies. In addition, each grade level meets with specialist teachers throughout theweek for Art, Music, P.E., Arabic, Greek or English. (Students are supervised on the

playground from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30p.m. (Kindergarten through 5th grade). Junior Kindergarten begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at1:00 p.m. Day Care is provided from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. We ask that all students beearly to school so that they can be ready to learn at 9:00 a.m. sharp!

What We TeachStudents get involved in units of inquiry that are subject-integrated. In addition to masteringthe basic tools for learning (language arts and mathematics), students learn to thinkconceptually, gather facts and acquire knowledge, learn, apply and practice skills, acquireattitudes and take action.

How We TeachThe Elementary School views students as thinkers with important, emerging theories of theworld. Building on students prior knowledge, teachers integrate their curriculum using arange of teaching strategies, and resources. Rather than focusing on isolated and non-contextualized facts, students develop critical thinking skills to become life-long learners andproblem solvers.

How We Assess LearningAs with our teaching strategies, ACS Athens Elementary uses a range a variety of assessmenttools to ascertain a students level of understanding. Students are also involved by learningto give critical feedback to their peers and themselves. Assessment will occur from written

tests to lab reports, and performances to research papers. Report cards are used to assessstudents level of mastery and to provide important anecdotal observations about a studentsprogress and social development. Students take a standardized, norm-referenced test (CTB)every other year in grades 25. Once a year students lead their own conferences using aportfolio of their work during the Student-Led Conferences.

Text/Workbooks We UseTextbooks supplement rather than direct the curriculumat ACS Athens. Students learn beyond typicalrequirements. They strengthen higher level thinkingskills. In addition to the texts listed, teachers frequentlydraw upon primary sources (including guest speakers orperformers), library/media on line resources, computersoftware, trade books and literature to supplement thecurriculum.

Textbooks are provided to all students through their classrooms teachers. All books loaned tostudents will be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of each course. Students whowithdraw from school should return all textbooks before they can clear their records. If astudent fails to return books or if damage beyond normal wear occurs, the student will becharged for the cost of the text.

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FirstGrade

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Language Arts Readers (Silver, Burdett and Ginn) (Modern

Curriculum Press) (Scott Foresman) (Open Court Modern Curriculum Press-Phonics

SecondGrade

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Math-A-Pedia Quest 2000: Exploring Mathematics Modern Curriculum Press- Phonics New Dimensions in the World of Reading, Silver, Burdett and Ginn, Garden Gates,

Gathering Sunbeams, Tail of a Kite Plus many primary/secondary resource materials

ThirdGrade

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Castles of San (Ginn Reader) English Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) HBJ Spelling Workbook HBJ Handwriting Workbook From Sea to Shining Sea (Houghton Mifflin Social Studies) Earth Beneath Your Feet (McGraw/Hill Science) System of the Sky (MacMillan/McGraw Science)

FourthGrade

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Silver Secrets (Ginn Reader) Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) Everyday Spelling (Scott Foresmanan Spelling) States and Regions (Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich) Success with Maps, Level D (Scholastic) Heath Science (Heath) Selected Novels and Poetry Discover the Wonder (Scott Foresman Science)

FifthGrade

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Scott Foresman Spelling English Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) Building a Nation (Scott Foresman) The History of US (Social Studies supplement) Scott Foresman Science Series DAulaires Book of Greek Myths (and many more trade books) Selected Novels and Poetry

GreekA(Beginning/Intermediate)Grades15Accommodates students whose oral skills are inadequate to hold a conversation in Greek withease. Instruction is given in English, but Greek is used as much as possible.

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GreekB(Advanced)forGrade15

Accommodates students who have an adequate level of spoken Greek but need to developtheir oral/reading/writing skills. Instruction is given in Greek. Students are required tocommunicate in Greek.

GreekC

(Language

Arts)

for

Grades

15

Accommodates students for whom Greek is the native language and are fluent speakers andreaders. Instruction is given in Greek. Students are required to communicate fluently inGreek.Students who wish to be moved from one level to another are assessed by a placement testafter teachers recommendation.

General Notes

Students of all levels participate in celebrations of ethnic holidays of Greece, the hostcountry, fourth grade students organize and perform for the OXI Day celebration inOctober, whereas all students of the Greek classes participate in the Greek Independence

Day celebration in March. Throughout the school year, students of all levels becomefamiliar with Greek holidays and customs in different ways through the curriculum.

Arabic

A list is on file in the ES Office; written in Arabic for your review

Student Expectations

AttendanceRegular attendance at school is a key element of academic success. Parents are asked toplan outside activities (dental appointments, family trips, etc.) around the school scheduleand calendar. Students are expected to be in school from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily andattend all classes, on time.

TardinessWe expect students to arrive on time to all of their classes, mostimportantly the morning homeroom. Chronic tardiness sends amessage to children. Show the importance of punctuality bymaking sure your child arrives on time. If your child is late, pleasemake sure he/she or you let the Main Office know before going toclass. If students miss more than two hours of school, it will be

marked off as half a day absence. Students coming to school late forother than health reasons will be marked for unexcused tardiness.

Daily AbsencesIf a student is absent for the day, call Ms. Anny in the Main Office and state the reason forthe absence. We will coordinate homework on an individual basis. For absences of morethan three days, a doctors note is also required. Absences due to health problems or deathin the family are considered excused absences. Pleasure trips or prolongation of trips areconsidered unexcused absences.

Extended AbsencesAn extended absence severely disrupts a students learning program. However weacknowledge that extended absences are sometimes unavoidable. Please let us know well inadvance of any anticipated extended absences (five days or more) by writing a letter to the

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classroom teacher and copied for the Principal. If a family decides to take additional vacationtime, homework is not the responsibility of the teacher to prepare in advance. Please beaware that extended absences could prevent us from making a proper assessment or anyassessment on your childs report card. Many of the homework assignments (many requiringthe students presence for completion) will have to be modified due to missed class time. If achild has accumulated a large numbers of absences, the Principal reserves the right not to

promoter him/her to the next grade level.

Early Dismissal from SchoolA student who must leave school early for a legitimate reason must have a parent note givento the classroom teacher and be picked up from the office by a parent or guardian.

Personal Music Players, Roller Blades, Heelys, Skateboardsand Cell PhonesPersonal music players and cell phones must never be used on campusexcept after school. Failure to respect this policy will result in theconfiscation of the item for an indefinite period of time. For safetyreasons and to ensure the protection of school property, roller blades,heelys, skateboards etc. are not allowed on campus.

Emergency DrillsEvacuation drills are conducted regularly and have undergone a review by the RegionalSecurity Office of the U.S. Embassy. Students are taught to leave the buildings quickly andsafely for any type of campus emergency. Students are expected to:

Be familiar with exit route Respond quickly with full attention and cooperation given to their teacher or

supervisor

Walk quickly and silently

Stay in formation to the left and right sides of the corridor and staircase as theyproceed to the exit

Remain clear of the building as directed by teacher or supervisor Remain quiet once outdoors and cooperate fully with attendance taking procedures

It is imperative that we have your current address and phone number/s (including cellphones) plus the number of someone else to reach in case of an emergency on file. If any ofyour numbers (home, work, emergency) change, please alert us immediatelythrough yourchilds Passport or call the Main Office. Thank you.

Homework ExpectationsIt was on my fifth birthday that my father put his hand on my shoulder

and said, Remember son, if you ever need a helping hand, youll findone at the end of your arm. - Sam Levenson.

Most students at ACS Athens will have homework on a daily basis.Homework is given to strengthen skills taught at school, enrich andextend a concept and help develop solid work habits.Some of the homework assigned may require adult help or guidance.Parents should not do homeworkfortheir children. Parents should takeon the role of a coach or Socrates; encourage and ask deeperquestions!

If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class

work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best forhim/her to telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and what

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homework assignments were given. If it is not possible to get this information, studentsshould ask their teachers about missed work immediately upon their return to school.

If absent from school for an extended period of times (two days or more) the student orhis/her parent or guardian should telephone the school. Assignments should be collectedfrom teachers. They can be delivered by a friend/neighbor, or picked up by parents from the

school.

Students are expected to set goals and work to achieve them. It is important to get the mostout of ones time in every learning situation. Students are asked to maintain a seriousattitude towards their work, think positively, and stick with a plan.

Discipline and Time-Out ProceduresAt ACS Athens Elementary School, we work with students so that they may become self-managers of their attitudes and actions. We discuss our roles in becoming a better studentand a better member of our community. We actively encourage students to be Inquisitive,Good Thinkers, Quality Communicators, Knowledgeable, Risk-Takers, Principled, Caring, Open

Minded, Well Balanced and Reflective. These characteristics are discussed during MorningAssemblies and within the classroom along with our virtues of the month.

Time-OutTime-Out is a school-wide discipline plan that deliberately seeks to extinguish inappropriatebehaviors and allow students to make appropriate choices. The first day of school all parentswill receive a document informing them of the time-out philosophy and procedures.

Positive Decision MakingWe know that by rewarding positive behaviors we encourage the children to repeat thesebehaviors. We are proud of our students when they make appropriate decisions in their

approach to academics, safety, and inter-personal relations. To help them grow we usepositive praise, notes home in the Passport, assemblies, class meetings, and reinforcementfrom adults with which they come in contact. We know that these actions speak volumes tothe children. In some cases we even reinforce behavior with small prizes orawards. Our goal is to find success in each and every child.Procedures When Handling Discipline Problems.

We all have the ability to make either appropriate or inappropriate choices.Part of the learning process involves knowing how to maturely accept theconsequences of our actions, whether positive or negative. If a student doesnot follow the rules, the teacher will administer our Time-Out discipline inwhich students reflect on what they have done. This is not a punishment. Ifthe student chooses not to show progress and has three Time-Outs in one

day, the child is sent to the Principals office. Once sent to the Principal, thefollowing consequences will be imposed:

First Referral: Student meets with the Principal; warning or other consequencecommensurate with the action given at the discretion of the Principal. (Record kept ofall incidents.)

Second Referral: Loss of recess/es and parents notification Third Referral: Meeting with parents and student at school Fourth Referral: In-school suspension Fifth Referral: Staff meeting called to discuss recommendation for expulsion. A

conference will be scheduled with the parents.

Serious Offenses (fighting, possession of weapons, destruction of school orpersonal property, leaving campus without permission, stealing) could result inimmediate suspension or expulsion from the school.

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Parents are asked to take an ACTIVE ROLE in the development of their childs behavior atschool by conferring regularly with their child, their childs teacher, the Counselor or thePrincipal.

Dress Code"Cleanliness, appropriate grooming, and proper dress are important in promoting a positiveatmosphere for school and social conduct. The standards of dress for school should reflectcleanliness and appropriateness.

Students who come to school without proper attention toward personal cleanliness orappropriateness of dress may be sent home to be properly prepared for school or required toprepare themselves for the classroom before entering.

Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner at all times. In particular, thefollowing items are not allowed at school: shorts and skirts that are higher than mid-thighand clothing with obscene or suggestive words or patterns. Torn clothing, halters and shirts

that are deemed too revealing and showing stomach are also not allowed. A studentviolating the dress code will be asked to change clothing.

There will be times when students will be asked to dress up for an occasion such as a fieldtrip or a special day at school. Students should plan to wear special clothing (dresses forgirls, ties or button-down shirts for boys) to the Winter Concert, Spring Concert and Stepping-Up Ceremony (Fifth Grade).

Parents should be sure all clothing and items worn or brought to school are labeled with thechilds name. Please check our Lost & Found periodically located in the cafeteria. We donthave enough space for Jacket Mountains!

Support ServicesESLStudents who are at beginning and intermediate levels of English are required to enroll in theESL program. The ESL teacher works with students during their language learning time onEnglish reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The ESL teacher collaborates with eachstudents homeroom teacher to ensure continuity of learning and skill building. There is anadditional fee for this program due to its small size and individualized attention.

Optimal MatchThe Optimal Match program provides students an equal

opportunity at excelling in the classroom by providingindividualized and small group instruction thatsupplements various learning styles. The process beginswith the student being referred by the classroom teacheror parent. The Child Study Team which consists of theElementary School Principal, the JK-12 Counseling-Psychologist, the Elementary School Counselor, and theOM Specialists work together to determine the programsthat are being offered that would be most beneficial tomeeting the students needs.

A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, whichare administered by non-school-based psychologists, must

be completed prior to enrollment in the OM program.Based on their findings and subsequent report, standards

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are set according to the individual needs of the referred student. Effective strategies aredeveloped by the Optimal Match Specialist and are then shared with all teachers working witheach particular student. Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities areincorporated within the students curriculum in order to complement various learning abilities.

The Optimal Match Specialist provides support and guidance to the classroom teachers in

order to properly support student abilities. Collaboration is established amongst the entireteam and valuable tactics are adopted in order to enable students to maintain success withinthe classroom. Monitor sheets are student assessments that are distributed monthly tovalidate student strengths and to determine areas that need improving. The Monitor Sheetsare kept in the students confidential file. This information provides the program withevidence of student strengths and areas where additional assistance is needed in order forthe student to excel in the classroom.

OMConsultation

OM consultation is performed on a case by case basis. Students that are placed on OMConsultation are monitored by the OM specialist and their classroom teachers. Anobservation of the student is performed through the above mentioned monthly monitor sheet.There are fees for enrollment in either the Optimal Match Program or the OM Consultation.

The High Performing Student Program (HPS)The High Performing Student Program (HPS) has been developed in order to cater for theneeds of students who have exceptional abilities. These students can be referred to theprogram by their teachers and/or parents. Once they have been referred, the student needsto undergo a battery of psycho educational tests in order to assess their areas of strengthand weakness. The purpose of the HPS program is to provide students with adequatechallenge and a ceiling high enough for them to achieve the utmost of their potential. Once achild has been identified, the HPS specialist works closely with the students teacher in orderto differentiate the students curriculum and adjust their learning experience to suit their

individual needs. Students will be offered a variety of services such as mentor programs,small group instruction, individualized projects, consultations, ability grouping and advancedplacement programs.

There are fees for enrollment in the HPS Optimal Match Program.

Counseling ServicesThe Elementary School Counselor works with all students individually and in group settings tohelp them succeed in the Elementary School emotionally, socially and cognitively. If astudent has a challenge, or feels uncertain about some aspect of the Elementary School, theCounselor may be consulted. The Counselor works closely with teachers and parents toresolve any issues students may be faced with. The Counselor also provides school-wide

psycho-educational programs for grades JK-5 on various topics. Some of these topics includethe Anti-Drug and the Anti-Bullying Programs.

In addition the counselor invites parents to discuss a variety of child-related issues once amonth. Parents may contact the counselor at 210 639 3200 ext. 266.

ESAS and CASA!(The Elementary Sports After School and Creative After School

Activities)ACS Athens Elementary believes that participation in a co-curricularactivity is important to a students development.

The ESAS and CASA programs are primarily run by teachers or other professionals.Participating students are asked to make a donation. Parents provide their own

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transportation. Classes typically run once a week from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. We stronglyencourage all ACS Athens students to get involved. Many of the programs culminate with anexciting exhibition of some kind. If there is an activity you would like to suggest or lead,please let us know!

Your childs teacher will distribute information about the program in the first month of school.

A Sample of Past ESAS Activities Offered at ACS Athens:

Basketball Karate; Beginning and Advanced Soccer Swimming (various levels) Tennis

A Sample of Past CASA Activities Offered at ACS Athens:

Ballet Modern Dance

Staying After-SchoolBuses depart campus at 3:40 p.m. All students must leave campus at that time unless theyare staying for an activity supervised by a teacher. Parents must pick up their child(ren) ontime as students are too young to be left unaccompanied.

The House SystemThe House System was started at ACS in 1950 and established in the Elementary School in2007. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-timemember; Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is aconcept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a strongsense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and

permanence for our graduates.

Student CouncilThe Student Council plays a significant role in the life of the Elementary School. StudentCouncil representatives are elected in class three times a year while meetings are held twicea month. Student councils representatives work with faculty and are encouraged to assumethe position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are encouraged to makesuggestions to their representatives concerning the school.

Health ServicesThe health and safety of your child at school is of utmost concern. A

registered nurse on campus administers emergency first aid treatments andcare for sudden illnesses. In addition, several elementary staff membersincluding the PE Teacher are trained and certified in CPR/First Aid.

The nurse also conducts regular vision and lice checks and maintains a health record forevery student. If the child needs to be taken home, the nurse will call you directly. If thestudent is severely injured and we cannot reach anyone at home, the student will be takendirectly to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. Ms. Mary P apalanis, the schoolnurse, can be reached at: 210 639 -3200, ext. 217.

All students are required to have a physical examination by their family physician within thirty(30) days of their enrollment which must be updated yearly. The existing student healthrecord card and procedures are consistent with current stateside practices. Please note the

following:

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Prescription medication will notbe administered by the Health Office to students ofany age unless the medication is provided by the parent and accompanied by a notewhich clearly states the dosage and time the drug should be given as well as thereason it was ordered.

Non-prescription medication may be administered to JK-5th grade students onlywhen parent consent has been obtained by phone on each occasion.

A child recovering from an illness should not return to school until she/he is wellenough to participate in the full, regular school day, including recess, lunch and PEclasses.

Lunch ProgramStudents are offered a complete, balanced hot meal . A menu will be distributed monthly.Each lunch menu (a complete meal) will have a set price and students will be able to buy themeals in advance (using a card system).

The cafeteria is equipped to provide daily lunches and to serve foodfor various events and activities during the year. Proper behavior in thecafeteria means exhibiting good restaurant dining manners. Students

are to proceed in single file through the serving line, and once theyhave received their food, they are to remain seated until they are doneeating. All students are expected to dispose of their own trash and toreturn the trays before leaving the cafeteria.

Many students choose to bring lunches from home. Please be aware that students are notallowedto purchase items from the on-campus kiosk or off-campus taverna while at school.If your child is staying for after-school activities, please have them bring a healthy snack ordrink from home.Several food fundraisers will be scheduled throughout the year during the students lunchesthrough Athletic Boosters (directly supporting Elementary Athletics) or other activities. Wewill let you know of these events in advance.

TransportationBus services are contracted by ACS Athens parents andcover virtually the entire Athens area. Students aretransported by professional drivers and are supervised onthe bus by a monitor. Monitors regularly communicate andcollaborate with the building principals regarding disciplineissues.

Bus Procedures:1. Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time.2. Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop.3. If a student wishes to take a bus other than the one normally assigned, or get off at

a stop other than the one normally assigned, a parent request must be submitted tothe transportation office for approval 48 hours in advance and presented to themonitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only ifspace is available.

4. Change of address resulting in a change of route or bus stop should be presented tothe transportation office in writing two days prior to the change.

5. Failure or considerable delay of the bus in arriving at the scheduled pick-up pointentitles students to secure alternate transportations to the school. The TransportationOfficer will make reimbursement of any costs incurred.

6. Concerns regarding the bus monitor or driver must be registered with theTransportation Officer.

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7. Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat, and allpassengers must comply with these directions.

Students are expected to follow the Bus Code of Conduct to ensure a safe ride foreveryone. Consequences are clearly spelled out for students. Please review thetransportation code of conduct, talk with your child about it, and let transportation know if

there is ever a concern or problem. Making sure your students are feeling safe and happyduring their commute is important to us. Should students not follow the Bus Code ofConduct, they will be first given a warning from the Principal. If the behavior is repeated asecond time, they will be asked not to ride the bus for a week. If the behavior is repeated fora third time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the month. Finally, if the behavior isrepeated for a fourth time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of theschool year. Students safety is a serious issue.

There are no after-school activity buses (ESAS or CASA!) for elementary students.Parents must provide transportation after school on these days. Students need to be pickedup at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to register a concern, call Ms. Leta Meleki at 210639-3200 ext 239.

Bus Code of Conduct:1. Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults and drivers at all

times.2. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed.3. Students must be seated in their assigned seat and quiet at all times.4. Respectful language must be used at all times.5. No weapons/toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time.

Special Traditions

In addition to our curriculum activities, the Elementary School enjoys its own specialtraditions. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of these events. If you would liketo assist with any one of these traditional events (or others that are certain to come upthroughout the year), call the office. Please understand that some of these events aresubject to change.

September

Opening Assembly Back To School Night

October

Picture Days Parent Teacher Conferences United Nations Show Oxi Day Celebration / Taverna Day PTO Halloween Carnival / Pumpkin Patch

November

First Grade Dino Daze Show Thanksgiving Holiday

December

Winter Concert

Report Cards

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February

2nd Grade Food Show 100th Day Celebration

March

5th Grade Play Report Cards/Parent-Teacher Conferences Greek Independence Day

April

Poetry Break FestMay

JK/KG Field Day Spring Concert Third Grade Talent Show Student-Led Conferences Student Art Show Spring Fair

June

Field Day Kindergarten Graduation 5th Grade Stepping-Up Ceremony Volunteer Reception Report Cards

Role of ParentsDue to the rigor of our program, parents need to take an active role in guiding schoolworkand organizational skills. Besides creating a quiet study area, parents can help to foster apositive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about whattranspired during the days classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a dictionary,thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and non-academic computer use can also help.Encourage your children to read for pleasure. Take time to share responses to books andarticles you have read in common. The Home/School Connection is a vital one as it sends aclear message to students that we are all working together for their success. In short, weneed to be on the same team. If you have concerns, or questions, go to the teacher and talkwith them first. Parentsshould seek to resolve problems by conferring with theteacher first. Should there be any further concerns, parents should then contact

the Department Chair and finally the P rincipal.

There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Elementary School; assisting in thelibrary or art room, sewing costumes or building sets for grade level plays, taking photos forthe Yearbook, guest speaking on a topic as a primary resource, helping with Scholastic Books,Bake Sales, ad infinitum! We welcome you to our school as a volunteer. Please contact yourchilds teacher or call the Main Office if you would like to volunteer in any area.

PTOACS Athens has an active and enthusiastic Parent/Teacher Organization. A combined PTOserving all three schools meet monthly after the Principals Coffee and work collaboratively tosupport the respective schools. There are representatives who serve each school. The PTO

organizes social activities for the families at ACS Athens, parent and staff functions, fund-raising events and informational programs. All parents are asked to get involved with the

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PTO in some capacity and attend monthly meetings. Big PTO Events include: Welcome BackBarbeque, Halloween Carnival, Christmas Bazaar, Spring Fair and Campus Beautification.Please get involved!

Room Parents

Each grade level has one or two parents that act as room parents and work closely with theclassroom teacher to arrange various celebrations in the Elementary School throughout theyear. In case of school cancellation, the room parents will be contacted by the pertinentteacher and will be asked to assist in notifying parents according to an existing phone tree.

BoostersAn active and strong branch of the PTO, the Boosters helps raise money and encourageparticipation JK12 in athletic events and programs. Please contact the Athletic Office formore information.

Personal Property

The school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of personal property, and the schooldoes not carry insurance to cover the loss of student property. To avoid the possibility ofloss, students should not bring expensive jewelry, large sums of money, radios, CD players,ipods or other valuable or personal objects to school.

Lost & FoundLabel, label, label!!! And when this fails, check the Lost & Found (locatedin the multi-purpose room) for items that are missing. We will set up aLost & Found table during Winter Break, the Parent/Teacher Conferencesand at the end of the school year. Unclaimed items are given to a charity.Expensive toys, electronics, and valuable items in general should not bebrought to school.

Vehicles of Communication

Report CardsReport cards are distributed to students three times a year, at the end of each trimester.Should parents not receive their childs report card they should contact the Counselor.

ACS Athens will report on each students achievement and progress at the conclusion of each60-day trimester.

A student must be enrolled at least five weeks in order to receive a complete report card.

If a child demonstrates achievement or behavior that would result a 1 rating (Not MeetingStandards: Is not yet demonstrating expected skills and knowledge) parents should expectto be informed. In this way parents are informed. and invited into the intervention processfor their child.

Report cards for the first and third trimester are distributed to students to give to theirparent(s). The third trimester report card is distributed on the last day of school.

Report cards for the second trimester are distributed to parents during parent/teacherconferences.In the event a child leaves ACS Athens prior to the last day of school, the final report cardmay be mailed to the family on the last day of school. Parents should provide the school anaddress.Report cards will not be distributed to families who have outstanding balances with thebusiness office or for those students who have unaccounted for library books or textbooks.

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ConferencesConferences are scheduled three times per year; Parent/Teacher conferences in the fall andspring and Student-Led conferences in the spring. We consider the Parent/TeacherConference the most important means of reporting student progress and sharing informationabout your childs successes and challenges in school. We also encourage you to arrange for

a conference at any time throughout the year to gather more information about your childand how you may be able to help at home. Please make arrangements with the teachers inadvance via the student Passport.

Student-Led ConferencesACS Athens is excited to have Student-Led conferencing during the spring. Student-Ledconferencing is in place with many state-of-the-art schools. Students and teachers jointlyselect the works to be shared and the student directs the conference by sharing theirPortfolio with their parents. Both the student and the parent reflect upon the successesachieved and challenges ahead. Students take ownership of their academic progress whileparents begin or continue an on-going dialogue with their child on schoolwork andassessment.

PassportsEach student Grades JK to 5 is issued a Passport at the beginning of the school year.Students are expected to write down assignments and organize their homework in thesenotebooks DAILY.Teachers will often write special messages for parents in the Passports and parents areencouraged to use the Passport to communicate with the teacher. We also use Passports tomotivate students and ask that you do the same. Students must bring their Passports to andfrom school DAILY. Parents are expected to sign the passport should a message be writtenfrom the teacher so that we know they have seen it. Replacement Passports will be issuedfor 5 Euro (subject to change depending on current prices) available at the Main Office.

Monthly NewsletterEvery month the entire school community JK to 5 publishes The Monthly Muse, anewsletter for parents. The Principal shares highlights from the school and what ishappening in each grade level. Teachers submit news as well from their class.

Principals CoffeesParents are welcome to join the Elementary Principal in a monthlycoffee. Educational innovations are discussed, recent developmentsschool-wide are introduced and upcoming calendar events are explained.Principal Coffees are another form of communication at ACS Athens.

Teachers sometimes conduct lessons as well to parents. Its a wonderfulway to meet other parents. Join us!

Website

The ACS Athens website www.acs.gr can be accessed by parents and students. It containsa variety of useful announcements, the school calendar, our Elementary School Newsletterand upcoming events to name a few. Should there be an announcement for schoolcancellation, for whatever reason, it will be posted in our web site and/or emails will be sentto parents notifying them of the closing of school.

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http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/


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TelephoneThe phone is a quick and personal way of getting in touch with ateacher or staff member. Call Ms. Anny, Elementary School

Administrative Assistant, ext. 229 to leave a message. The

teacher or staff member will return your call as soon as they areable. Please remember that a teachers day is quite full and mayextend into the evening. Therefore, it may take a day to getback to you.

School Activities

School PhotosA photographer comes to the school every fall to photograph students individually and withtheir class. Parents may choose to purchase the photo package, but there is no obligation.See Ms. Anny in the Main Office for more information. We sometimes have volunteers

throughout the year taking publicity shots for school. You may see them in the annualYearbook!

Field TripsDuring the school year, several trips are scheduled which relate to specific subject matterstudied at each grade level. We consider the field trips to be a crucial element of ourcurriculum. Field trips extend the classroom studies allowing students to collect data andapply and connect learning to the real world. We expect all students to attend. There areusually two field trips a year for each grade.

No child is permitted to take a trip without parental permission (given via a permission slipprior to the trip). Students are expected to exhibit good behavior as representatives of ACS

Athens Elementary School. If the teachers and Principal feel that a students behavior and/ordecision-making are questionable, we reserve the right to have him/her remain at schoolduring the trip.

Birthday and Holiday CelebrationsIf your child wants to celebrate their birthday with the class, we ask that youprovide enough treats for the entire class that will be distributed during snackbreak. These celebrations are short (usually celebrated at recess or inthe last fifteen minutes of the school day), as we need to keep allnon-instructional class minutes to a minimum. Teachers must knowwell in advance of any celebrations planned. Cupcakes, cookies orindividually wrapped treats are appropriate.

Only when there is an invitation for every child in class mayinvitations for any party be distributed at school. All others must be mailed.The school cannot be held responsible for handing out party invitations. Please be willing toteach your child discretion for the feelings of those not invited.

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Enrollment

Admission/Registration*See Student Admission Policy for full information

or contact Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management

Junior Kindergarten students mustbe three orfour years old on or before December31st of the year they register at ACS Athens. No exceptions are made. Junior Kindergartenis a two year program.

Kindergarten students mustbe five years old on or before December 31st of the yearthey enter school. No exceptions are made.

Parents registering their child for school must make an appointment to meet with Mr. JohnPapadakis, Director of Enrollment Management, ext. 263. The school carefully reviews thestudents academic history/portfolio (KG to Fifth Grade only) and conducts an informal

assessment and interview before acceptance into the program (JK to Fifth Grade). Parentsshould bring student report card/s and records, samples of student work, if available,passport/s and/or birth certificate and a residence permit with them when registering theirchild(ren).

Transfers From Our SchoolGiven the transient nature of many of our families, it occasionally becomes necessary towithdraw a student from school during the year. If your child is moving to another schoolplease let us know at least one week in advance so that we can efficiently collect andprepare needed transfer materials. Records will be mailed if the request is immediate andurgent. A forwarding address will be requested in either case. The receiving school willreceive student report card/s and records.

If there is anything else we could provide to ensure proper placement and success for yourchild, please let us know.

VisitorsWe make every effort to keep the classroom sacred so that maximum teaching and learningcan take place. Serious work is being done in the classroom and teachers appreciateprofessional space and respect. For that reason, visitors are not allowed in a classroomunless they have aVisitors Pass or have made prior arrangements w ith the teacherand Principal.

Prospective students are invited to visit the school for the day after speaking with thePrincipal and allowing at least one day to make proper arrangements with the teachers. Weseverely limit visitations during the first two weeks and the last two weeks of school.

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PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT &INTERNET USE PERMISSION FORM

(please fill, tear and submit to the E.S. classroom teacher)

As a member of the ACS Athens Community, I have fully read this document,understand the contents, and agree to abide by all of the regulations and policiescontained herein.

I also understand that this document MUST be returned to the homeroom teacherwithin a week. Students who do not submit this signed form will be able toparticipate in After-School Activities (ESAS &/or CASA).

Date:

Parents or Guardians Name (please print):

Students Name (please print):

Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature

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ACS Athens is an IB World SchoolAccredited by the Midd le States Associat ion of Colleges and Schoo ls, U.S.A.

American Community Schools of Athens129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzaki, 152 34 Halandri, Athens, Greece

Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200, Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051www.acs.gr [email protected]

acs elementary handbook 2009-10

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