GradedLower School Handbook

2014 - 2015

Nada Collins Principal

Vance Boisjoli Assistant Principal

2 3

Graded is an American school that serves an international community of learners by inspiring individual excellence in a collaborative setting, fostering intercultural competence, and empowering students to become engaged, ethical citizens in a dynamic world.

Table of Contents

From the Principal........................................................................................................................4 Calendar Dates .........................................................................................................................5Graded at a Glance ................................................................................................................6Language Policy ........................................................................................................................8 Attendance..................................................................................................................................9 In the Classroom........................................................................................................................10Progress and Assessment .......................................................................................................11 Community Norms and Expectations ...................................................................................12After School and Transportation .........................................................................................14 On Campus ..............................................................................................................................15Health and Safety.....................................................................................................................17 Information and Communication Technology .....................................................................18 For Parents ...............................................................................................................................19

Looking for a particular item? Search using the Control/Command + F option.

4 5

Dear parents,

The Elementary School staff works to help each child master basic academic skills appropriate for each grade level and strives to develop the responsibilities necessary for each child to succeed in school.

With the cooperation and collaboration of parents and the school staff your child will benefit best from this educational experience.

This handbook serves as your guide to the expectations Graded School holds for student behavior and academic performance. Please read this guide carefully and thoroughly with your child.

Dear Students,The Graded Lower School provides you with an education which emphasizes the skills you need to succeed in your world now, and the world you are growing into. In and out of class, with your friends of various cultural backgrounds, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the rich and wonderful culture of Brazil .

Your experience at Graded School will be very meaningful to you as you commit yourself to whole-hearted participation in the various aspects of the school… academics, activities and the arts. Your teachers want to help you in your work, your activities, and in your explorations. As you grow you will encounter many new activities with new responsibilities and new knowledge. We hope you will face each new challenge with a sense of wonder and curiosity, with a sense of pride in each accomplishment and a sense of community in each encounter.

Sincerely,

Nada Collins Lower School Principalnada.collins@graded.br

2014-2015 Calendar dates

First SemesterJuly 31 First Day of Classes August 14 Lower School Open HouseSeptember 7 Brazilian Independence Day HolidaySeptember 12 Professional Half DaySeptember 22 No SchoolOctober 10 No SchoolOctober 12 Nossa Senhora Aparecida HolidayOctober 16 -17 Parent-Teacher ConferencesOctober 17 Graded Founders’ DayNovember 2 Finados HolidayNovember 6 Professional Half DayNovember 20 No School: Consciência Negra HolidayNovember 27 No School: ThanksgivingNovember 28 No School: School HolidayDecember 11 Last Student Day

Second SemesterJanuary 22 First Day of ClassesFebruary 16-20 No School: Carnival HolidayMarch 6 No School: Innovate ConferenceApril 3 Good FridayApril 13 Parent-Teacher ConferencesApril 20 No School: School HolidayApril 21 No School: Tiradentes HolidayApril 25 PTA’s Celebration of the WorldMay 1 Brazilian Labor Day HolidayMay 23 Graduation DayJune 4 Corpus Christi HolidayJune 5 No School: School Holiday June 11 Last Student Day (Half Day)

6 7

Graded at A Glance

MissionGraded is an American school that serves an international community of learners by inspiring individual excellence in a collaborative setting, fostering intercultural competence, and empowering students to become engaged, ethical citizens in a dynamic world.

OverviewGraded School, founded in 1920, is an independent school offering an educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for students of all nationalities. It is the oldest and largest American school in Brazil, known in the community for its high quality English-based, college preparatory educational program.

Current enrollment is approximately 1220 students: Preschool: 146 Lower School (grades 1-5): 416 Middle School (grades 6-8): 283 High School (grades 9-12): 375

U.S. & Canada: 37% Brazilian: 42% Latin American (non-Brazilian): 7% Asian: 7% European: 6% Other: 1%

Graded´s educational program includes the best of both the U.S. and Brazilian educational systems and effectively prepares students to enter some of the best universities in the United States, Brazil, and other countries throughout the world. The school has offered a very strong International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program since 1985. Graded’s overall academic program includes a strong college-preparatory curriculum, robust Brazilian Studies, and a series

of standardized tests including MAP, PSAT, ACT, and the SAT.

AccreditationGraded is accredited by AdvancED which requires periodic review and evaluation by an outside team. In the 2012-13 school year, Graded conducted a comprehensive self-study and evaluation visit, and was awarded accreditation for five more years. We are also accredited by the Brazilian Ministério de Educação e Cultura (MEC) and by the International Baccalaureate

Organization (IBO).

Core ValuesLearners at Graded strive to be: Balanced They understand the importance of a well-rounded education that incorporates academics, arts, athletics, and community service.

Communicators They value the importance of clarity in communication across multiple languages and through a variety of digitally collaborative venues.

Critical thinkers They embrace interdisciplinary study and explore multiple perspectives to approach complex problems and to make reasoned decisions.

Curious They actively commit to learning, acquiring the skills necessary for rigorous intellectual inquiry and independent research.

Inclusive They appreciate the strength inherent in diversity and are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities.

Innovative They engage in creative and imaginative thinking that enables them to extend their learning in original and insightful ways.

Reflective They regularly assess their strengths and limitations as learners in a spirit of continuous improvement and personal growth.

Responsible They act with honesty and integrity, have a personal commitment to service, and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the community.

Risk-takers They have the courage to explore new ideas, roles, and strategies as they encounter unfamiliar situations and new challenges.

These core values were generated by stakeholders in the Graded community and further informed by the IB Learner Profile and the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)

8 9

Graded Language Policy In our mission we are committed to “fostering intercultural competence and empowering students to become engaged, ethical citizens in a dynamic world.” To this end, our language philosophy and aims are as follows:

PhilosophyWe believe that language is the primary means of communication, and its acquisition is a lifelong process and a central component of intellectual and personal growth. Proficiency in one language is transferable to other languages, and aids the student in acquiring competence in other curricular areas.

As an expression of culture and identity, the continued development of the mother-tongue language is critical. Language learning promotes internationalism and multicultural understanding and must be fostered in all aspects of the school community.

All teachers must strive to recognize the language needs of all students and work to serve these needs within the context of their subject areas, and outside the classroom as well.

AimsOur language programs aim to enable students to learn and use language effectively, accurately, and confidently, in a variety of contexts and purposes, in both oral and written forms.

We promote the appreciation, understanding, and analysis of literature, and encourage students to explore language as a means to understand differing perspectives of people from other cultures; we emphasize written and oral expression for students to develop their own voice. We aim to develop students’ awareness of the role of language in all subject areas and in other ways of knowing, and to provide opportunities for enjoyment, creativity, and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of language and literature.

Languages offered at GradedThroughout grades 1-12, all students study English language and literature; students also study Portuguese as a first language. All classes except language classes and Brazilian Social Studies are taught in English. Portuguese, Spanish and French are taught as second languages.

Through its IB Diploma Program Graded offers Group I courses in English Literature, English Language and Literature, Portuguese Language and Literature, Spanish Language and Literature. Group II courses are Portuguese B, Spanish B and ab initio, French B and ab initio. Students may take IB language exams at either higher or standard level.

Mother Tongue: Instruction and Language Use

The school provides orientation for tutors outside school who teach language and literature to students wishing to develop mother-tongue competence in languages other than English and Portuguese.

In class we speak the target language (English in an English-medium class, Portuguese in a Portuguese-medium class, Spanish in Spanish class, and French in French class.

In our public spaces we recognize the social importance, educational value and comfort of people speaking their ‘mother tongue’. Thus, in our halls we may hear an array of different languages. In our group interactions we focus on a language of inclusion.

Attendance Daily ScheduleThe Lower School hours for Grades K through 5 are 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Classes will begin at 8:05 a.m. therefore, children should be on campus by 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:15 will be counted as tardy. On Wednesdays we have an early dismissal and the children are dismissed at 2:35 p.m.

Tardiness Please remember that being tardy disrupts your child’s daily educational routine, as well as the teacher and other students in the classroom. It is a parental responsibility to make sure that children arrive at school before classes begin each day.

AbsencesThe administration strongly recommends that parents plan their vacations to begin only after classes have ended and that students are back when classes commence. The school calendar provides ample time for holidays. Attending class is a responsibility which is assumed by the student and his/her parents when registering at Graded. Please send a note explaining why your child was absent when a child must be kept from school.

An absence due to personal illness and/or death in the family shall be considered an “excused absence”, entitling the student to assistance in making up school work.

Brazilian law requires that a child be in school 75% of the school days. The school policy for attendance takes priority over the law.

10 11

In The Classroom HomeworkThe goal of homework is to reinforce what is taught in class. It is the student’s responsibility to do all homework assignments on time. Each grade level will present a homework policy at the beginning of the year.

AgendasStudents in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades will receive the school agenda in August. These agendas are required

for daily assignments and communication with the home. These may not be substituted with personal agendas.

CLASSROOM MATERIALSStudents in grades 4 and 5 will receive a supply list from the classroom teachers outlining the basic items needed to begin school. All other grade levels will have essential materials provided. The individual teachers may send home a request for special items if needed. A note regarding backpacks: We ask that you use the following guidelines: Non-rolling backpack no larger than 41cm tall & 28cm deep (needs to fit in a locker for 5th graders). Backpacks with wheels present a tripping hazard in the halls during transition. Younger students are not required to bring large quantities of items to and from school, and therefore do not require large packs. If you have inadvertently provided a backpack with wheels, the student will be asked to carry it while walking in the hallway.

Textbooks Students are issued textbooks, workbooks, and related materials at no charge. We do expect that Elementary School students will take care of the books and materials, always treating them with care. Lost or damaged books will be the responsibility of the student. Students will have to pay for replacement or repair.

Progress and Assessment

Conferences with Teachers and VisitingSpecific Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in OCTOBER and APRIL. Parents will be notified of the specific dates. We encourage you to arrange a conference with your child’s teacher any time you feel one is necessary. We shall do the same with you. Please keep in mind that most appointments must be after 3:05 p.m. since we cannot schedule them during the school day, except when the teacher may have a planning period.

Please arrange for any conference in advance by calling the Elementary School office. Visits to the classrooms are welcome by appointment. Stopping at the classroom door to discuss a child’s progress can disrupt the class routine and is not an adequate way to gain information.

Report CardsParents are informed of their child’s progress in a report card sent 4 times each year: October, December April and June. Please understand that report cards are not released early.

Interim reports are sent to advise parents of quarter progress if a student is not on target for meeting benchmarks.

Promotion/Retention If a child does not satisfactorily complete the academic work in his/her grade and does not indicate readiness for the next grade, the student may be considered for retention in the current grade level for the following year.

Please note that students not meeting grade level requirements a second time during the elementaryyears may be counseled to seek alternative school options.

12 13

Community Norms and Expectations

Respect Expectations These expectations guide individual, collective, and institutional behavior at Graded.

We work together to better understand our role and responsibilities as global citizens. • Teachers will teach a culturally diverse curriculum, engaging and empowering students to think critically, from

various perspectives. • Classrooms will be safe for risk taking.• We will not prejudge people.• Students and teachers together will establish classroom norms and rules.• We will all make an effort to communicate in both English and Portuguese.• We will act collectively and individually to ensure that our actions are aligned with these expectations

We take responsibility for personal actions and act with fairness, honesty, and integrity.• We will foster open dialogue within the Graded community to promote an environment of trust and understanding.• Property, personal possessions, ideas, and our physical and emotional selves will be safe from harm.• We will demonstrate academic honesty and fairness.

We show respect for ourselves and for others.• We will listen deeply, openly, and effectively to one another. • We will be active, collaborative members of the Graded community.• We will communicate respectfully, using appropriate language.• We will leave our environment better (cleaner, neater, working better) than how we found it.• We will practice the Golden Rule, treating others as we would like to be treated.

We treat everyone equitably and fairly, respecting and embracing the diversity of all, including gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, language, abilities and disabilities.• We will cultivate an appreciation for others.• We will be inclusive in our language and behavior.

We will reflect on our own attitudes and actions in order to continue learning how to meet these expectations.

PROPER CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINETeachers will have clear behavioral expectations posted in classrooms and are expected to share these with all parents. Sometimes a child will be sent to the office with a discipline referral. Prior to sending a child to the office with a discipline referral, teachers should have addressed behavioral concerns within the classroom including problem solving with student. Parents may need to be contacted for support.Referrals to office should be a final step in providing students with appropriate social emotional support. Referrals should reflect major transgressions such as bullying, major noncompliance, threats to others or selves, continuous disruption of learning and repetitive issues that cannot be resolved within the classroom or with parental support. Discipline referrals to an administrator will be made in writing using a discipline referral form and/or posting a behavior event in Veracross. Parents will be notified of a behavioral event through Veracross e-mail.

The staff in the Lower School works thoughtfully in developing a discipline plans for students who need extra support in social skills or emotional regulation. Your cooperation is requested for the most effective implementation.

Respectful language is always to be expected. Profanity is unacceptable at any time. Any form of bullying, verbal, psychological or physical abuse will not be tolerated.

Fighting can begin as a verbal disagreement or playful roughhousing. Students will be assisted in learning to settle differences appropriately and discouraged from roughhousing as a form of play.

Knives, matches, laser pointers, toy guns or any other potentially dangerous objects may not be brought to school. Gum chewing is also not allowed during the school day.

Disciplinary action, when necessary, may be determined by the teacher or administration, depending upon the infraction. Repeated poor choices will be followed by a behavior contract for the student, established at a parent/administrator conference.

Disciplinary Incidents:Any incident that happens outside of school, but still affects the learning environment at school will be handled as a disciplinary incident.

Dress CodeStudent clothing should be tasteful and appropriate. T-shirts with profane or suggestive design or wording are not acceptable. Caps, hats and hoods are not allowed in class or in the cafeteria. Students should always have the midriff covered. Shorts and skirts should be of suitable length for school.

14 15

After School & Transportation

Staying After SchoolElementary School students are not to remain after school unless they are participating in a supervised after-school activity or in a teacher-student tutoring session. Students waiting for siblings or drivers will wait in the elementary office until 4:00 p.m. After 4:00 students will be taken to the front gate.

If the student is not signed up for either of the above options, he/she should be off school grounds by 3:20 p.m.

The school cannot be responsible for the behavior and safe conduct of unsupervised students.

Permission to Leave CampusStudents are to be on campus and not leave the school grounds during the regular school day.

If a parent wishes to take their child off campus during the school day, a Gate Pass should be requested from the Elementary School office. A note from the student’s parents asking that the student be released from school is necessary. Please state the reason for leaving early and how the student is going to travel from school.

TransportationA bus transport system covering 34 routes will pick up and return students to their homes, morning and afternoons. This is an optional service established because of the widely separate residential areas in São Paulo. The bus drivers are screened and licensed and are responsible for the conduct of the students in addition to the safe navigation of the bus. Buses are inspected every school year to ensure safety. Each bus has a monitor to assist and supervise students.

Seven buses leave school at 4:15 and 4 at 6:00 to transport those who participate in after-school activities. The activity buses follow pre-determined routes and do not drop students at their doors, but usually within a 10- block radius of their home. All students are expected to remain seated and wear seat belts on the bus.

Students who do not behave properly are a safety hazard to all who ride the bus. Disciplinary measures will be taken, including the possible removal of the student from the school transportation system.

Students are expected to stay quietly in their seats and follow the instructions of the driver and monitor.

A student wanting to take a bus other than the usual one or wishing to get off the bus at a stop other than a regular stop, or leave the school by private car should bring a signed note from a parent. Changing of plans may not be accepted by a phone call for security reasons.

Car Pick-UpStudents traveling by car are authorized for pick-up and drop-off at the lower car gate on Av. Jose Galante only. Students are supervised at this gate and student exit is monitored. Lower School students are not supervised at any other gates. If students plan to exit at those gates parents are asked to notify a LS administrator and assure compliance with behavioral expectations. Using unsupervised exits may pose a safety risk for your children.

On CampusAuditoriumThe auditorium has a seating capacity of 450. In addition to regular meetings and assemblies of the Elementary and High schools, other school groups at Graded use it in the production of plays and sketches. Sign-up for auditorium use is with the Activities Director. First priority rests with school related academic activities.

When we attend performances, we recognize the work and energy which has gone into the production and act as an audience would anywhere, with manners and respect. Some programs will be of more interest to you than others. All programs, however, represent hard work and good will on someone’s part and will be received with respect by us all. We applaud to show our appreciation. We do not call out, whistle, or leave our seats.

LibraryThe Lower School Library is a modern, inviting facility occupying 570 square meters. It is located at the mezzanine level of the lower school, facing the playground. Benches in the atrium provide a relaxing area for reading.

Inside, books are shelved in a large, open area that is divided into Easy, Fiction and Nonfiction/Reference sections. Special stories are read in a separate, carpeted story room. A multi-purpose room is equipped with tables and chairs, a computer, a projector and screen, a video player and an acoustic partition. This space functions as a classroom, meeting place, mini-theater and presentation hall for the entire Lower School.

Several computer workstations are connected to Internet and the EBSCO Primary and Middle Magazine search with over 100 titles. The print collection totals 13,600 volumes and 34 periodicals, selected with the primary purpose of supporting the curriculum and providing high quality leisure reading for the students. Weekly library classes are scheduled for all Lower School students. In these classes, conducted by the library teachers, literature appreciation and information literacy skills are emphasized.

Regulations for book or CD check-out, return and fines are available at the library. The Lower Library is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

GymnasiumOur gym complex is for everyone’s use. During the day, it is used for physical education classes and recess. Elementary activities will have priority for gym use after school. No students are allowed in the gymnasium unsupervised. Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes are required for gym classes. Jeans are not considered suitable for gym class. Students and parents receive their schedule of physical education classes at the beginning of the school year.

PlaygroundField space and playground equipment is available for recess activities. Recess is a time for relaxation and cooperative play. The school recognizes the need for students to enjoy a time when they can choose activities freely. As in the classroom, the adult supervising is the authority in recess matters. Games should be designed to include all those who wish to play. Games that exclude children are not acceptable. Safe play means no rough play. Hurting others in any way is not acceptable. (See Respect Expectations)

16 17

Lost and FoundLost something? Check in the Elementary School office. If you left something on the bus, you should check with Sr. Celio, the Transportation Supervisor, and your bus driver. If something of yours is missing, please report this to your teacher and/or the Elementary School office immediately.

TelephonePlease understand that we will not allow student use of the school phones unless there is an obvious need. Telephone calls made for forgotten school items or after-school social plans are not emergencies. Social plans must be made at home.

Elementary students are to use office phones only. Cellular phones for elementary children are not to be used at any time in school.

StoreOur school store carries the everyday items you will need for your classes; book covers, pens, pencils, rulers, various types of notebooks, and paper. The store is open daily from 7:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Care of GroundsIt is every student’s obligation to help keep the Graded campus clean and attractive, and to show general respect to colleagues and to the environment, inside and outside the classroom. Please walk only on cemented or tiled walkways. Place litter in trash cans, aluminum cans, plastic items and paper in the appropriate recycling bins.

Regulations for Use of Facilities• Students cannot be on campus after school hours or on non-school days without the company of a

responsible adult.• High school students may not use the Lower School playground and playing facilities.• The use of skateboards, skates, roller blades, and bicycles is not permitted on campus.• During events occurring after school hours or non-school days, participants and spectators are expected

to remain in or near the area where the event takes place.• Dogs and cats are not allowed on campus.• The use of campus facilities by a group or individual must be approved in advance by the Assistant

Principal.• During school hours, students may only go into Lower School areas if they are directly supervised by an

adult.• Rules for the use of the track and field are posted at the track entrances.

Health and Safety School Health ServiceTwo registered nurses are on duty, Monday through Friday, at the infirmary, to treat accidents or illness. If you are hurt or not feeling well, tell your teacher and you will be sent to the infirmary. The nurse will contact parents if there is a need for the child to go home. Students who are required to take medicine (including aspirin) during the day should leave the medicine with the nurse along with a doctor’s note authorizing the medicine and explaining the dosage and time schedule. Teachers are not authorized to give any form of medication, allopathic or homeopathic. The school doctor is available, on a part-time schedule for consultation and periodic check-ups.

Illness or InjuryThe nurse’s office is equipped to provide immediate first aid and to treat minor injuries. In the event of an illness or accident requiring further medical treatment, parents will be notified. The nurse will call the home, office, and/or emergency telephone numbers listed in the student’s file. Parents, or other appointed guardians will be asked to pick up their child at school and arrange for medical treatment. In the event of a serious accident requiring immediate, life-saving measures, appropriate ambulance services will be summoned.

MedicationIf a student needs to receive medication while at school please contact the nurse’s office for details.

ImmunizationStudents are expected to have followed a routine and customary schedule of immunizations throughout their early childhood and later years. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child’s immunization record is up-to-date and the school requires a copy of each student’s vaccination record. Emergency EvacuationIn the event everyone needs to evacuate the school a siren will sound. Walk quickly and quietly (in an orderly and calm manner) directly to the bus parking lot. Each student is to line up in his/her assigned FLEX assembly row and quietly wait for the FLEX assembly row teacher advisor to take attendance and for further instructions.

Emergency LockdownA notice of a “Lockdown” will be made either by public address system or personally, under which circumstances, students are to remain in or enter the nearest classroom and be inconspicuous. Blinds in the classrooms will be drawn, lights turned off, and students will sit on the floor until further notice. Students should remain quiet and calm. An “End of Lockdown” announcement will be made, either by public address system or personally.

18 19

Information and Communincation Technology

Rights and Responsibilities The following guidelines are intended to help high school students understand appropriate use of all Information and Communication Technology at Graded, both school and student owned. The primary use of ICT resources is to further the educational goals of the school.• Students are required to own and maintain a laptop, as defined by the laptop requirements.• Laptops are only to be used for educational purposes in classroom settings.• Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy school technology equipment or materials, the data of another user,

or any of the institutions, or other networks that are connected to the internet is prohibited.• All data created within the school domain and on associated online spaces is governed by the core values and

educational expectations of Graded School. There are occasions when a member of the technology staff may need to access data for security or maintenance reasons.

LARK Guidelines: The following LARK guidelines are designed to provide users with an ethical framework to use digital tools in a way that supports their learning.Legal (Respect and protect intellectual properties)• Abide by copyright laws and “fair use” when using text, images, audio or video and credit is given to all

sources.• Use parenthetical citation and cite sources to create authentic work and avoid plagiarism.• Use Creative Commons licensed media instead of copyrighted media where possible.• Use only legally acquired software, music and other media.• Get permission to record and publish images or video of others.• Use only accounts that have been created by you or for your use and follow the guidelines in the user agreement.Appropriate (Digital footprint)• Access media that is focused on learning and is fitting for the academic environment.• Create content that demonstrates learning, and contributes positively to your digital footprint.• Communicate in collaborative online spaces in a way that represents yourself and the school in a positive

manner and respects others.Responsible (Protect yourself and others)• Use cell phones for educational purposes when requested by teachers.• Keep personal accounts and passwords private and secure.• Share only personal information, images and materials that do not put you at risk.• Find an appropriate way to identify yourself, depending on the situation, when creating content, communicating

and collaborating.Kind (Respect yourself and others)• Respect others when sharing and collaborating in online spaces using electronic devices so as not to engage in

bullying behavior.

Privacy Policy We are committed to protecting the privacy of students and families while still providing opportunities for global sharing and collaboration. Students and teachers will be sharing work in a variety of online spaces. They are expected to treat these spaces as they would a classroom environment, and to act safely by keeping personal information private.

Images or videos of students, or their work, may be used on the school website and on other online platforms, as well as in print media, including teaching and school promotional materials. If parents have concerns about their children’s images or work appearing in online spaces, please contact the appropriate division principal.

For Parents Student Checkout Procedures

• Any student leaving Graded must be properly checked out prior to his or her departure from school. The checkout process is initiated by contacting the appropriate Principal or Counselor. The student is responsible for furnishing a letter signed by his or her parents requesting withdrawal from school.

• No student will be officially checked-out until all school obligations have been cleared. Requests for official transcripts and school records will not be honored until a student has been officially cleared by the Business Office. Copies of unofficial transcripts may be available earlier.

CommunicationGraded makes every effort to include parents in discussions concerning school issues related to our greater community. Through clear and open communication by both parents and school staff we can ensure that all students have the best educational experience possible. There are several ways in which the school will communicate with parents. These include, but are not restricted to:

• Email Correspondence: Parents should establish a reliable email connection and give the email address to the high school office as early in the school year as possible.

• Open House: Early in the school year, parents are invited to attend high school classes, to meet their child’s teachers, and learn more about the program.

• PTA Coffees: Periodically, parents are invited to attend meetings with the Principal or other school members to receive updates on programs and to share questions and concerns. Please consult the school calendar for dates and times.

• Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences are formally scheduled for one full day each semester. Students are highly encouraged to attend the conferences. Alternatively, parents may schedule a conference any time during the school year.

• Open Door: Please know that any member of the school community is welcome to visit the high school office at any time with questions, concerns or comments.

Parent VolunteersIf you would like to help in one of the levels, or in any other area (OLC, library, playground supervision, typing, music, etc.) please contact the Elementary Office or your child’s teacher. The P.T.A. also organizes a parent volunteer list. PTA representatives may be contacted, as well.

PartiesWhile it is often fun to end a project or unit with some festivity or culminating event, frequent (more than once a quarter or so) “parties” in class are discouraged as a general rule unless a very special occasion (e.g., a student leaving, a birthday celebration). Care must be taken not to shortchange valuable instructional time, not to bother neighboring classes with noise and to thoroughly clean up the room following such an event. All special occasion celebrations should be limited to the last 15 minutes of the day.

Birthday Parties: Parents often ask to give Birthday Parties at school. Teachers are asked to remind parents that we cannot do this during the school day, but will celebrate with cake and song during the last 15 minutes of the day. A special birthday ritual is an effective routine for children.

End of Year Parties: (Christmas, Hannukah) can become complex and gift oriented. Grade level and school-wide discussion regarding appropriateness of gifts, secret friends, etc. should be held prior to celebrations. P.T.A.Parents are encouraged to attend the P.T.A. meetings. Please watch for the date and time in the newsletters. These meetings are designed to update parents on all events taking place in school. This is a good time to

20 21

clarify any doubts and contribute suggestions on school-wide endeavors.

Teacher RequestsAll parent requests for class placement made to teachers are to be directed to administrators. Parents can notify administrators by the first Friday in May of the characteristics of their child and any other information that will help us make the best placement for their child. Specific teacher requests will not be accepted. Any requests for specific friends should also be included in notification to administrators. Notification should be done in writing note or e-mail. E-mails should be copied to the appropriate office secretary. Once class lists are completed parent requests will not be considered.

Av. Pres. Giovanni Gronchi, 471005724-002

Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil 55-11-3747-4800

www.graded.br