Early Childhood Handbook 2016-2017

2016-2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Committee Mr. Suheil Sabbagh, Chairman Mr. Constantine Stergides, Vice Chairman Mr. Peter M. Furda, Treasurer Mr. Pascal Apostolides, Secretary Mr. Tim Ananiadis, Member Ms. Suzanne Lawrence, Member Mr. Demetri Paneras, Member

Board of Trustees Members Mr. Artie Gyftopoulos, U.S. Trustee Mr. Nikos Iatropoulos, U.S. Trustee Dr. Saleh S. Jallad, Member Mr. Nicholas Karambelas, Vice Chairman and U.S. Trustee Mr. Aris Kefalogiannis, Member Mr. Nick Larigakis, Member, U.S. Trustee Mr. John Metaxas, Member, U.S. Trustee Captain Robert H. Palm, Member Mr. Iraklis Prokopakis, Member Mr. Mark Wolper, U.S. Trustee

www.acs.gr acs@acs.gr Stefanos Gialamas, Ph.D., President of Schools – gialamas@acs.gr Sophia Moros, Elementary School Principal – moross@acs.gr Ino Korbaki, Elementary School Counselor – korbakii@acs.gr Chryssoula Xiggi, Elementary School Secretary – xiggic@acs.gr

Mission Statement ACS Athens is a student-centered international school, embracing American educational philosophy, principles and values. Through excellence in teaching and diverse educational experiences, ACS Athens challenges all students to realize their unique potential: academically, intellectually, socially and ethically -- to thrive as responsible global citizens.

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Table of Contents Who We Are ………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Early Childhood Program at ACS Athens ……………………………………………

An Overview …………………………………………………………………………………………….

Important Numbers …………………………………………………………………………………..

The JK Program………………………………………………………………………………………….

Daily Program …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Day Care ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The Kindergarten Program………………………………………………………………………..

Daily Program …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Supplies Needed for JK and Kindergarten………………………………………………..

Appropriate Clothing for JK and Kindergarten………………………………………....

Getting Ready for the BIG DAY: JK and Kindergarten Readiness…..………..

Centers ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………..

Reading Center …………………………………………………………………………………………

Math Center ……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Writing Center ………………………………………………………………………………………….

Art Center …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Block Center ……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Music ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Cooking Center …………………………………………………………………………………………

Dramatic Play Center …………………………………………………………………………………

Library ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Science Lab……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Kindergarten Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Science, Foreign Language and Library)……………………………………………………………………

Student Expectations……………………………………………………………………………….

Attendance ……………………………………………………………………..……………………….

Tardiness ……………………………………………………………………………………….………..

Daily Absences ………………………………………………………………………………………….

Extended Absences ……………………………………………………………………………………

Early Dismissal from School …………………………………………………………..…………..

Emergency Drills ……………………………………………………………………………………….

Discipline Procedures…………………………………………………..…………………………….

Dress Code …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Support Services …..…………………………………………………………………………………..

Optimal Learning ………………………………………………………………………………………

OL Consultation ………………………………………………………………………………………..

Counseling Services …………………………………………………………………………………..

ESAS and Institute for Innovation and Creativity ………………………………………….

The House System ……………………………………………………………………………………..

Health Services …………………………………..……………………………………………..………

Transportation …………………………………………………………..………………………………

Bus Procedures …………………………………………………………………………………………

Bus Code of Contact ………………………………………………………………………………….

Special Traditions …………………………………………..………………………………………….

Role of Parents ………………………………………………………………..………………………..

PTO ………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..…

Room Parents …………………………………………………………………………………….…....

Parents Supporting Athletics “Boosters” ………………………………………………………

Personal Property………………………………………………………………………………………

Lost & Found ……………………………………………………………………………………………..

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Vehicles of Communication ……………………………………………………………………….

Report Cards …………………………………………………………………………………………….

Conferences ……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Student-Led Conferences …………………………………………………………………………..

Passports …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Elementary Newsletter ………………………………………………………………………………

Principal’s Coffee ………………………………………………………………………………………

Website ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Telephone/Email………………………………………………………………………………………..

School Activities ……………………………………………………….……………………………….

School Photos …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Field Trips ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Birthday and Holiday Celebrations ………………………………………………………………

Enrollment ………………………………………………………………......……………………………

Admissions/Registration …………………………………………………………………………….

Transfers from Our School …………………………………………………………………………

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

The ACS Athens Elementary program relies heavily on the synergy that comes from good teamwork. Classroom teachers work in tandem with their grade level colleagues and specials teachers. Your child receives the benefit of teachers using their individual and collective strengths to help the student learn quickly and feel successful. Teacher assistants work with the teachers to help prepare and organize needed materials and give additional one – on – one and small group time to students.

The Early Childhood Program at ACS Athens An Overview The American Community School’s Early Childhood Program serves children turning 3 to 5 years old. We believe in educating the “whole child” by focusing on intellectual, social, emotional, physical and creative growth while valuing the rich diversity of culture children bring to the classroom. Experiences and activities are planned to meet the needs of each child at his/her own level and rate of development.

Emphasis is placed on the learning process rather than quick, correct answers. Learning is spontaneous. Children learn from each other and teachers act as facilitators in the learning process.

The arrangement of the classroom encourages play and exploration. Learning centers are designed to develop language and literacy skills at a developmentally appropriate pace. Play and hands-on activities are an integral part of the learning opportunities. Children are free to experience, react, think, grow and change in their own unique ways. Most importantly, we want to make the experience of school a positive one by ensuring a smooth transition from home to school, building social skills and good work habits. A balance between child directed and teacher directed activities is maintained. Most teacher directed activities are open ended, allowing students to work at their own pace and, for the more advanced students, to extend their thinking and achieve more.

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Important Numbers Main Campus: Elementary School: Middle School: Academy:

210-6393-200 210-6070-229/231 210-6070-226/228 210-6070-241/222

Admissions: Arts Academy Athletics Office: Cafeteria: Cashier’s Office: E.S. Counselor: Health Office: Stavros Niarchos Learning Center Security (after hours): Transportation:

210-6070-263/251 210-6070-200 210-6070-327 210-6070-236 210-6070-206 210-6070-266 210-6070-217 210-6070-237 210-6393-555 210-6070-239

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The JK Program For ages 3 & 4 The Junior Kindergarten Program is a two year program from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A Day Care program from 1:00-3:45 p.m. is offered to parents who wish to extend their child’s schedule where a hot lunch is also provided.

English is the language of instruction and each classroom has a teacher and an aide. JK is designed to be a two year program with enrollment starting with children who turn 3 by December 31 of the current school year.

All children must be fully toilet trained in order to attend.

The primary goal of Junior Kindergarten is to recognize and meet the developmental needs of each child and to assist him/her in developing to his/her full potential. Teachers work with all levels of English proficiency from non-speakers to native speakers.

Progress is made on a timetable that is unique to each child.

At any given time, children in this class are at a variety of developmental levels. The classroom teacher along with the classroom aide collaborate to create developmentally appropriate activities via flexible grouping. Teachers serve as facilitators while they create a learning environment that enables children to make choices which enhance their learning process.

The classroom is designed to encourage play and exploration.

Classrooms are structured with centers for Reading, Math, Writing, Art, Music, Cooking, Dramatic Play and Building Blocks. Each center is stocked with stimulating hands-on materials. Children are free to experience, react, think and thus grow and change in their own unique ways. Children visit the library once a week to check out a book.

Greek is also taught as a foreign language once a week. Most importantly, we want to make the experience of school a positive one by ensuring a smooth transition from home to school, building social skills and good work habits.

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Daily Program (subject to change depending on school-wide activities/events)

9:00 to 9:30 9:30 to 10:00 10:00 to 10:30 10:30 to 11:00 11:00 to 12:30 12:30 to 1:00 1:00

Free Exploration Morning Routine Snack Outdoor Play Journals & Center work (see explanation included in this book) Sharing and Story Time Regular program ends and Day Care begins

Day Care 1:00 to 1:30 1:30 to 2:00 2:00 to 2:20 2:20 to 3:20 3:20 to 3:30 3:30 to 3:45

Lunch Recess Hot lunch served inside classroom Quiet Time Free Exploration Story Time Preparations to go home & Dismissal

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Kindergarten Program For ages 5 to 6 Kindergarten is a full day (9:00 to 3:45) serving children who turn 5 by December 31 of the current year. The program offers Language Arts (pre-reading and writing), Math, Science, Social Studies, Greek or Arabic, Music, Art, Technology, Library, and PE. Class sizes are small, usually with a maximum of 20 students per class with an assistant.

Activities vary throughout the day and include listening to and reading unit related stories and information books, discussions, writing stories, cooking, performing science experiments, making graphs, creating artwork, exploring many different media, dramatization, singing, music and movement.

In Kindergarten two letters of the alphabet are introduced each week. Throughout the year students develop reading and writing skills and learn basic math such as numeration, sorting, patterning and measurement, math vocabulary, graphing, addition and subtraction.

Daily Program (Subject to change depending on school-wide activities/events)

9:00 to 9:30 9:30 to 10:45 10:45 to 11:30 11:30 to 1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00-3:30 3:45

Morning Routine Center Work (See detailed explanation included in this booklet) Snack and outdoor playtime Free Exploration, continuation of morning activities or whole group activity Hot lunch served inside classroom/Outdoor play follows Specials classes or whole group activity, Read aloud Student dismissal

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Supplies Needed for JK and Kindergarten • •

• • •

A backpack to hold Student Take-Home Folder (A4 Size), Passport, and Snack A small, nutritious snack to be eaten daily mid-morning. We suggest fruit, cheese, raw vegetables, juice or a sandwich. Please avoid sending high-sugar foods! These foods have been found to impede learning.

Appropriate clothes for outdoor play during hot and cold weather A change of clothes to be kept at school in case of emergency P.E. attire (summer and winter set), sport shoes, water bottle – Kindergarten students only.

Updated yearly physical is needed for children to participate in P.E. and ESAS. Please do NOT bring any toys to school as they may get lost or broken.

Appropriate Clothing for JK & Kindergarten • •

Please dress your child for school in play clothes, as children will be working hard and getting dirty in the process!

Please label your child’s clothing (First and Last name), bags, lunch boxes, and water bottles!

Getting Ready for the BIG DAY: JK and Kindergarten Readiness Starting school is an exciting time for both child and parent as it marks the beginning of a very important stage in a child’s life.

Before your child starts school, make sure he/she can: • • •

Take care of his or her own toilet needs and is fully toilet trained.

Get dressed by him or herself.

Express his or her needs to others.

In order to ease any frustration or anxiety before school starts, we also strongly urge parents to: • • • •

Label all your child’s things (especially jackets, coats, hats, gloves and boots).

Be cheerful and upbeat. The thought of your child going off to school may be tugging at your heartstrings. If you have fears and anxieties of your own, try not to show them.

Make sure your child has a good night’s rest before each and every school day.

Consider walking with your child on the first day to the classroom. Then, as difficult as it may be, SAY GOODBYE and GO; don’t procrastinate or you will make it harder on your child and yourself!

Students must always be on time as the school day begins 9:00 a.m. sharp. Parents must promptly pick up their child(ren) at 1:00 (JK) or 3:45 p.m.(Daycare and Kindergarten).

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Centers Center Work is a big part of the school day. Students circulate from center to center and perform a variety of tasks that increase in level of difficulty or challenge throughout the school year. Some centers are for free exploration only and the student directs the activity.

Teachers direct, facilitate and take notes while observing students in their centers.

Reading Center The Reading Center is a large carpeted area where demonstration and participation in literacy occurs during shared reading time. It is also where students practice reading during free exploration.

Big Books, poems, hanging word picture charts, graphics, chants and songs (all in enlarged print) are easily accessible in this area.

At this center, students acquire literacy appreciation and pre-reading skills. Puppets and pantomime are used for dramatization. Students learn to speak in complete sentences and sequence stories (practicing temporal relations). Students learn to express ideas clearly and build their self-confidence.

Math Center

Math is everywhere!

Some of the supplies found at this center include pattern blocks, cuisinaire rods, unifix cubes, geoboards, beads for stringing, counters, math games, puzzles, and ten frames.

We build a strong foundation of basic mathematical concepts through the use of manipulatives and real life contexts in the classroom (calendar, play, math games). Students’ natural ability to learn through play is harnessed and literature is used to stimulate structured play.

Students work with math manipulatives. The following topics are covered: sorting, patterns, number sense, basic addition and subtraction, measurement, time, introduction to place value, and an introduction to geometry according to their developmental level. We emphasize understanding the basic concepts with concrete objects first and only then move on to teaching the mathematical symbol system. Much learning in math occurs hands-on and, as a result, worksheets are secondary. The teacher keeps anecdotal records of student progress in math.

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Writing Center This center is equipped with writing folders and writing supplies; some of the supplies found at this center include dry-erase boards, lined and unlined paper, pencils, crayons, play-doh, and the alphabet in upper and lower case letters.

Wooden, magnetic, and plastic letters, as well as copies of the alphabet are also available.

Students are encouraged to “write” from the first day of school by drawing their stories, adding more details to elaborate their ideas and communicate more effectively.

Students regularly experiment with letters and sounds, and read or copy some familiar sight words.

Students draw pictures and “write” (from scribble to random lettering to inventive spelling) according to their developmental level.

The teachers work with the student to scribe his/her stories. As appropriate, children are encouraged individually to develop their ideas, add more detail to their pictures, experiment with writing or use the alphabet chart to relate letter sounds to symbols.

Students need to learn the letter sounds and letter symbols to ‘crack’ the reading/writing code.

Teachers provide daily opportunities for them to “have a go” at writing themselves. In this way, they actively think through how to encode their own message in writing and with continual practice get better at it. Copying takes the initiative away from the child and is just passive handwriting practice.

Art Center The Art Center is both an important and fun center for for students! Students are encouraged to dabble in a variety of media. Some of the medias found at this center include: tempera paints, glue, crayons, markers, pastels, scissors, chalk, finger paint, plasticene, paper and fabric. This is one of our most popular centers and students are given the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of materials and processes throughout the day.

Students are encouraged to look carefully at real objects and notice patterns and shapes to help them draw for themselves. Different media and techniques are introduced over the year.

Students are taught to care for materials themselves. At this age the process of making something is often more important than the final product. Experimentation is encouraged.

Kindergarten students additionally attend art class twice a week with an art specialist.

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Block Center The Block Center provides students with opportunities to create, cooperate and communicate. It is designed to allow students to develop coordination, refine motor skills and balance, discover the properties of blocks, develop math concepts (number, size, shape, space and weight), share materials with others, use imagination and creativity, and work together to form something bigger than they could have created alone. It involves the whole child as it develops the physical, intellectual and social aspects of a child.

Music Music allows students to grow into well–rounded individuals. Children express themselves through music, learn to work in teams, learn to share, gain confidence, enhance their co–ordination, attention, memory and intelligence. Music is intrinsic to all cultures, history, geography and language. In music lessons students learn through fun–filled activities.

They sing songs, play movement games, explore instruments and sounds and are introduced to basic musical terms and concepts.

Cooking Center

Dramatic Play Center

We also have a Cooking Center!

At this center, students have the opportunity to explore concepts in Math and Science and to develop their oral language, fine motor skills, and to indulge the senses, naturally.

Students learn about nutrition, measurement and sequencing while following a step-by-step process and developing independence. Emergent reading skills are practiced by reading through recipes and students practice math skills by counting and recognizing numerals.

An essential learning element in the Early Childhood Center is play.

This center includes a housekeeping area, dolls and dollhouse, puppets, and dress-up clothes. This area is used for free play, cooperative learning, and dramatic play.

Play serves an important function in the cognitive, creative, language, social, and physical development of young children (Saracho, 1986). Furthermore, while engaging in some form of play, children learn about problem solving, taking turns, responsibility and caring for materials, negotiating roles, role playing, sharing and developing concentration. In the JK, this center is periodically changed throughout the year transforming into a doctor’s office, a house, a flower shop, etc.

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Library Students visit the library once a week as we know how quickly they can zoom through those books! The librarian reads stories based on themes taught in the classroom. Students are allowed to check out books beginning in JK. The Library is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily. As the Library is fully automated, books may be found using the OPAC system found on the desktop of the Library computers and on the website.

Science Lab Students visit the Science Lab twice a month where they begin to build an understanding of basic concepts and how they connect and apply to the world they live.

Kindergarten Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Science, Foreign Language & Library) Kindergarten students have art, music, and physical education two times a week. They visit the library and computer lab once a week, and the science lab twice a week. Foreign language is taught three times a week. Greek language is offered for native and non-native speakers, whereas Arabic is offered specifically for native speakers.

Student Expectations Attendance Regular attendance at school is a key element of academic success. Parents are asked to plan outside activities (dental appointments, family trips, etc.) around the school schedule and calendar. Students are expected to arrive at school punctually, as classes start from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:45 p.m. daily.

Tardiness We expect students to arrive on time to all of their classes, especially the morning homeroom. Chronic tardiness sends the wrong message to children. Show the importance of punctuality by making sure your child arrives on time.

Daily Absences If a student is absent for the day or part of the day, call the Administrative Assistant in the Elementary Office ext. 229 and state the reason for the absence.

Students may not be taken out of school without parent notification to the Office. For absences of more than three days, a doctor’s note is also required. Absences due to health problems or family loss are considered excused absences. Mini trips or extended vacation are considered unexcused absences.

Extended Absences An extended absence severely disrupts a student’s learning program. However we acknowledge that extended absences are sometimes unavoidable. Please let us know well in advance of any anticipated extended absences (five days or more) by writing a letter to the classroom teacher and 14

a copy given to the Principal. Please be aware that extended absences could prevent us from making a proper assessment or any assessment on your child’s report card. If a child has accumulated a large number of absences, the Principal reserves the right not to promote him/her to the next grade level.

Early Dismissal from School A student who must leave school early for a legitimate reason must have a parent note given to the classroom teacher and be picked up from the classroom by a parent or guardian. In the event that a child is picked up by a parent or other primary caregiver, out of the routine schedule, the office must be notified verbally and/or via email.

Emergency Drills Evacuation drills are conducted regularly and have undergone a review by the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy. Students are taught to leave the buildings quickly and safely for any type of campus emergency.

Students are expected to: •

Be familiar with exit routes.

•

Respond quickly, cooperate and give attention to their teacher or supervisor.

•

Walk quickly and silently.

•

Stay in formation to the left and right sides of the corridor and staircase as they proceed 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 cell phones) plus the number of someone else to reach, on file, in case of an emergency. If any of your numbers (home, work, emergency) change, please alert us immediately through your child’s Passport and call the Main Office.

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Discipline Procedures At ACS Athens Elementary School, we are committed to an ethic rooted in deep caring. It is our philosophy that any disciplinary actions or interventions should be grounded in the idea that the purpose of that intervention should be to hold students accountable for their behavior and ultimately change the behavior rather than administer “punishment”.

In this way, we work with students in a Positive Behavior Support model so that they may become managers of their own attitudes and actions. This is taught and reinforced through the ACS Athens 3R’s: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Ready. We discuss with students how they can become better students and cooperative members of our community through respect (of ourselves, each other, and the world around us), responsibility, and readiness. These characteristics are discussed within the classroom as well as in school-wide assemblies, and reinforced on a daily basis within the context of a school-wide program.

At ACS Athens Elementary School, we believe in restorative justice, meaning that anyone who makes a mistake, creates mischief or causes mayhem should be given the opportunity to “make it right” again. All three require disciplinary measures to give life to a child’s learning.

Mistake: (example: accidently marking a wall with a felt tipped marker) If a child makes a mistake or an inappropriate choice, they will be given the opportunity to do the following: 1. Own it. Accepting responsibility for the action.

2. Fix it. Figuring out a plan for how to make the situation “right”.

3. Learn from it. Within every action and choice, we have an opportunity to learn how to better handle a situation differently in the future.

4. Move on. We recognize that we are not the sum total of our mistakes, and once we own it, fix it, and learn from it, we also have the opportunity to move on from it.

If a student requires intervention from the Principal for serious or repeated mean and/or disruptive behaviors to the learning environment, the following consequences will occur: First Referral: Student meets with the Principal; consequences that are RSVP (reasonable, simple, valuable, and practical) commensurate with the action are given at the discretion of the Principal. (Record kept of all incidents.) Parent is notified.

Second Referral: Parent meets with the teacher and school counselor.

Parents are asked to take an ACTIVE ROLE in the development of their child’s behavior at school by conferring regularly with their child, their child’s teacher, the Counselor, and/or the Principal.

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Dress Code Cleanliness, appropriate grooming, and proper dress are important in promoting a positive atmosphere for school and social conduct. The standards of dress for school should reflect proper hygiene.

Students who come to school without proper attention toward personal cleanliness or appropriateness of dress may be sent home to be properly prepared for school.

A dress code is also encouraged for P.E. classes (applicable to Kindergarten). The P.E. attire includes sports shoes and a P.E. outfit (a winter and a summer set) that must be worn on the days of P.E. and can be purchased at the Elementary Gym. Keep in mind that students will be graded on their readiness for P.E. classes.

There will be times when students will be asked to dress for an occasion such as a field trip or a special day at school. Students should plan to wear special clothing (dresses/skirts for girls, ties or button-down shirts for boys) to school-wide concerts and assemblies.

Parents should be sure all clothing and items worn or brought to school are labeled with the child’s name. Please check our Lost & Found periodically located in the cafeteria. As there is not enough space to store large amounts of unclaimed clothing, it is given to charity throughout the school year.

Support Services Optimal Learning The Optimal Learning (OL) program provides students an equal opportunity at excelling in the classroom by providing individualized and small group instruction that supplements various learning styles. The process begins with the student being referred by the classroom teacher.

The Child Study Team consists of the Elementary School Principal, the PK–12 Counseling Psychologist, the Elementary School Counselor, and the OL Specialist. The team works together to determine a program that would be most beneficial to meeting the student’s needs. Admission to OL is based on program capacity and upon the receipt of current psychoeducational testing.

A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, which are administered at an accredited Testing Center, must be completed prior to enrollment in OL. Based on the findings and subsequent report, standards are set according to the individual needs of the referred student. Effective strategies are developed by the Optimal Learning Specialist and are then shared with all teachers working with each particular student. Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities are incorporated within the student’s curriculum to complement various learning abilities. Specific learning goals are delineated in each student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and are shared with teachers and parents.

The Optimal Learning Specialist provides support and guidance to the classroom teachers to properly support student abilities. Collaboration is established amongst the entire team and valuable tactics are adopted to enable students to maintain success within the classroom.

Progress Reports are updates that are sent to parents every mid – trimester to validate student strengths and to determine areas that need improving. Progress Reports are kept in the student’s 17

confidential file. This information provides the program with evidence of student strengths and areas where additional assistance is needed for the student to excel in the classroom. It also provides an open venue of communication between home and school.

OL Consultation OL Consultation is determined on a case by case basis. Students that are placed in OL Consultation are monitored by the OL Specialist and their teachers. Students in the Consultation Program are observed in their classroom setting for twenty minutes each week, and they receive Progress Reports. There are fees for enrolment in either the Optimal Learning Program or the OL Consultation.

Counseling Services The School Psychologist, Dr. Alessandra Sax-Lane, and the Elementary School Counselor, Ms. Ino Korbaki, work with students individually and/or in groups to assist them in the development of skills for optimizing their strengths. Approaching students holistically will help them overcome emotional, social, and cognitive challenges. The school psychologist and the counselor work closely with parents and teachers to resolve student issues and are involved in the Child Study Team in order to suggest interventions for any special needs students may have.

ESAS and Institute for Innovation and Creativity (The Elementary Sports - After School Program and Elementary School Arts Academy) ACS Athens Elementary believes that participation in a co-curricular activity is important to a student’s development.

The ESAS and Arts Academy programs are primarily run by teachers or other professionals.

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

All ESAS information will be made available on our website at the beginning of each semester.

Registration information on fees and the exact schedule of the activities will be made available online.

For more information call the Athletic Office at 210-6070-327. Updated yearly physical is needed for children to participate in P.E. and ESAS .

A sample of ESAS activities offered at ACS Athens: • Basketball • Soccer • Swimming (Various Levels) • Tennis A sample of past Arts Academy Activities offered at ACS Athens: • Ballet • Modern Dance • Drama • Spanish • Chess For more information contact the Institute for Innovation & Creativity Office at 210-6070-200.

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The House System The House System was started at ACS in 1950 and established in the Elementary School in 2007.

All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-time member; Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our alumni.

Health Services The health and safety of your child at school is of utmost concern. A registered full time nurse and an aide for after school activities on campus administer emergency first aid treatments and care for sudden illnesses. In addition, several elementary staff members including 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 for every student. If the child needs to be taken home, the nurse will call you directly.

If the student is severely injured and we cannot reach anyone at home, the student will be taken directly to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. The School Nurse can be reached at: 210 6070-217.

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. Any students who do not have their physical examination completed will not be allowed to participate in physical education classes or attend school field trips.

Please note the following: Prescription medication will not be administered by the Health Office to students of any age unless the medication is provided by the parent and accompanied by a note which clearly states the dosage and time the drug should be given as well as the reason it was ordered. Non-prescription medication may be administered to JK-5th grade students only when 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 well enough to participate in the full, regular school day, including recess, lunch and PE classes. Students must be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Students cannot attend any ESAS activities or P.E. including swimming without an updated physical examination form.

Transportation Bus services are contracted by ACS Athens parents and cover virtually the entire Athens area.

Students are transported by professional drivers and are supervised on the bus by a monitor. Bus monitors regularly communicate and collaborate with the building principals regarding discipline issues.

Mr. Marios Nikolis, Head of Transportation, can be reached at 210-6070-239.

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Bus Procedures Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time.

Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop.

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 written parent request must be submitted to the transportation office for approval 24 hours in advance and presented to the monitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only if space is available.

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

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

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

Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat and all passengers must comply with these directions.

Students are expected to follow the Bus Code of Conduct to ensure a safe ride for everyone.

Consequences are clearly spelled out for students. Please review the transportation code of conduct, talk with your child about these rules, and let transportation know if there is a concern or problem. Making sure your students are feeling safe and happy during their commute is important to us. Should students not follow the Bus Code of Conduct, they will first be given a warning from the Principal. If the behavior is repeated a second time, they will be asked not to ride the bus for a week. If the behavior is repeated for a third time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the month. Finally, if the behavior is repeated for a fourth time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year. Students’ safety is a serious issue.

There are no after-school activity buses (ESAS or Elementary School Arts Academy) for elementary students. Parents must provide transportation after school on these days. Students need to be picked up at 5:00 p.m.

Bus Code of Conduct • • • • •

Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults and drivers at all times.

No eating or drinking is allowed.

Students must be quiet and seated in their assigned seat at all times.

Respectful language must be used at all times.

No weapons/toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time.

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Special Traditions In addition to our curriculum activities, the Elementary School enjoys its own special traditions.

Parent volunteers are essential to the success of these events. If you would like to assist with any one of these traditional events, or others, contact the classroom teacher. Please understand that some of these events are subject to change.

September •

Opening Assembly

•

First Grade Parent Orientation

•

Back to School BBQ

•

Back To School Night

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

October •

Picture Days

•

Parent Teacher Conferences

•

OXI Day Celebration (Fourth Grade performance)

•

Halloween Carnival / Pumpkin Patch / Halloween Parade

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

November •

Thanksgiving Holiday

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

December •

Winter Concert

•

First Trimester Report Cards

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

February •

100th Day Celebration (JK – 2)

•

Third Grade Wax Museum

•

Valentine’s Party

•

First Grade Exhibition of Learning - Science/Matter Investigations

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

March •

Greek Independence Day Celebration

•

Fourth Grade South America Exhibition

•

Second Trimester Report Cards

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………

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April •

JK/K Field Day

•

Parent Teacher Conferences

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

May •

JK FieldTrip to Attica Park

•

Grades 1 – 5 Field Day

•

Student-Led Conferences

•

Student Art Show

•

Spring Fair

•

Literacy Night

•

Second Grade Nutrition Play

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

June •

Fifth Grade Exhibition of Learning

•

Kindergarten Graduation

•

Fifth Grade Graduation

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Role of Parents Due to the rigor of our program, parents need to take an active role in guiding schoolwork and organizational skills. Besides creating a quiet study area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired during the day’s classes. Having resourceful materials handy 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 and articles you have read in common. The Home/School Connection is a vital one as it sends a clear message to students that we are all working together for their success. In short, we need to be on the same team. If you have concerns or questions, go to the teacher and talk with him or her first.

Should there be any further concerns after consulting with the teacher, the chain of communication is as follows: Principal, and finally, President of ACS Athens.

There are many volunteer opportunities at the Elementary School. Some are assisting in the library or art room, sewing costumes or building sets for grade level plays, taking photos for the Yearbook, being a guest speaker, ad infinitum! We welcome you to our school as a volunteer.

Please contact your child’s teacher or call the Main Office if you would like to volunteer in any area.

PTO ACS Athens has an active and enthusiastic Parent/Teacher Organization. A combined PTO serving all three schools meet monthly after the Principals’ Coffee and work collaboratively to support 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 PTO in some capacity and attend monthly meetings. Big PTO Events include: Welcome Back Barbeque, 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 the classroom teacher to arrange various celebrations in the Elementary School throughout the year.

In case of school cancellation, the room parents will be contacted by the pertinent teacher and will be asked to assist in notifying parents according to an existing phone tree.

Parents Supporting Athletics “Boosters” An active group of parents, the “PSA”, help raise money and encourage participation JK–12 in athletic events and programs. Please contact the Athletic Office for more information.

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Personal Property The school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of personal property, and the school does not carry insurance to cover the loss of student property. To avoid losing personal items, students should not bring expensive jewellery, large sums of money, iPads or other valuable or personal objects to school.

Lost & Found Label, label, label!!! And when this fails, check the Lost & Found located in the multi-purpose room (adjacent to the cafeteria) for items that are missing.

We will set up a Lost & Found table during Winter Break, the Parent/Teacher Conferences and at the end of the school year. Unclaimed items are given to a charity.

Expensive toys, electronics, and valuable items in general should not be brought to school.

Vehicles of Communication Report Cards Report cards are posted on Skyward Family Access three times a year at the end of each trimester.

Parents can view their child’s report card online by entering the Skyward Family Access Report Card program. A letter with useful information regarding Report Card access is sent home at the beginning of each school year.

ACS Athens will report on each student’s achievement and progress at the conclusion of each 60day 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 in a “NY” rating (Is not yet demonstrating expected skills and knowledge) parents should expect to be informed. In this way parents are informed and invited to an “intervention process” for their child. In the event a child leaves ACS Athens prior to the last day of school, the final report card may be mailed to the family on the last day of school. Parents should provide the school an address of the new school.

Conferences Conferences are scheduled three times per year; Parent/Teacher Conferences in the fall, Parent/Teacher Conferences in early spring, and Student-Led Conferences in late spring. We consider the Parent/Teacher Conference the most important means of reporting student progress and sharing information about your child’s 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 child’s learning experience and find out ways you may be able to help at home. Please make arrangements with the teachers in advance via the student Passport.

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Student-Led Conferences ACS Athens is excited to have student-led conferences during the spring. Student-led conferences have been used at many state-of-the-art schools. Students and teachers jointly select finished work to be shared, and the student directs the conference by sharing his/her work with his/her parents. Both the student and the parent reflect upon the successes achieved and challenges ahead. Students take ownership of their academic progress while parents engage in dialogue with their child about schoolwork and assessment.

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

Elementary Newsletter Three times a year we publish The Muse, a newsletter that includes a video overview with the accomplishments and projects of all grade levels which apart from being emailed to parents, is posted on our website. At the beginning of every month JK also publishes a newsletter which is emailed to parents.

Principal’s Coffee Parents are welcome to join the Elementary Principal and Counselor for a monthly coffee meeting. Our Principal’s Coffee serves the purpose of communicating upcoming events and happenings in our Elementary School. The agenda for that day is posted on our webpage for parents to view. Educational innovations are discussed, recent developments school-wide are introduced and upcoming calendar events are explained. Principal Coffees are another form of communication at ACS Athens. It’s a wonderful way to meet other parents. Join us!

Website The ACS Athens website www.acs.gr can be accessed by parents and students. Under the elementary section you will be able to find the following: Principal’s Corner, Faculty and Staff, School Supply Lists, Early Childhood Booklet (JK-K), Student Parent Handbook (1-5), Class Reading Lists, Report Card Legend, Lunch Menu/Costs, School Calendar, Muse Newsletter, Blue and Gold, Photo Gallery and After School Program Links. Should there be an announcement for school cancellation, for whatever reason, it will be posted on our website and/or emails will be sent to parents notifying them of the closing of school.

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Telephone/Email The phone is a quick and personal way of getting in touch with a teacher or staff member. Call the Elementary School Administrative Assistant at 2106070-229 to leave a message. The teacher or staff member will return your call as soon as they are able to do so. Please remember that a teacher’s day is quite full and may extend into the evening. Therefore, it may take a day to get back to you. Teacher/Staff members can always be reached via email.

Emails can be found on our ACS website.

School Activities School Photos A photographer comes to the school every fall to photograph students individually and with their class. Parents may choose to purchase the photo package, but there is no obligation to do so. See the Elementary School Administrative Assistant at the Principal’s Office for more information. We sometimes have volunteers throughout the year taking publicity shots for the school. You may see them in the annual Yearbook!

Field Trips During the school year, field trips are scheduled which relate to specific subject matter studied at each grade level. We consider the field trips to be a crucial element of our curriculum. Field trips extend the classroom studies allowing students to collect data and apply and connect learning to the real world. We expect all students to attend. There are usually two field trips a year for each grade.

No child is permitted to take a trip without parental permission (via a permission slip prior 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 student’s behavior and/or decision-making is questionable, we reserve the right to have him/her remain at school during the trip.

Birthday and Holiday Celebrations If your child wants to celebrate his/her birthday with the class, we ask that you provide enough treats for the entire class. These celebrations are short (usually celebrated at snack time or in the last fifteen minutes of the school day), as we need to keep all non-instructional class minutes to a minimum. Teachers must know well in advance of any celebrations planned. “Nut free” cupcakes, cookies or individually wrapped treats are appropriate. Please be aware of any allergies in your child’s grade level.

Only when there is an invitation for every child in class may invitations for any party be distributed at school. All others must be handled off ACS campus. The school cannot be responsible for handing out party invitations. Please be willing to teach your child discretion for the feelings of those not invited.

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Enrollment Admission/Registration Please see Student Admission Policy at www.acs.gr for detailed information or contact Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management at 210-6070-263 or papadakisj@acs.gr.

Junior Kindergarten students must be three or four years old on or before December 31st of the year they register at ACS Athens. No exceptions will be made. Junior Kindergarten is a two year program.

Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before December 31st of the year they enter school. No exceptions are made.

Parents applying for admission, must first make an appointment to meet with Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management at 210-6070-263. The school carefully reviews the student’s academic history/portfolio (K to Fifth Grade only) and conducts an assessment and interview before acceptance into the program (JK to Fifth Grade). Parents should 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 their child(ren).

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

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

To find out more about our Early Childhood Program, or to schedule a visit, please call Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management at 210-6070-263 For updated information on ACS Athens, check our website at www.acs.gr acs@acs.gr

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Unity I dreamt I stood in a studio, And watched two sculptors there.

The clay they used was a young child’s mind, And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher – the tools she used, Were books, music, and art.

The other, a parent – working with a guiding hand, And a gentle loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled With a touch that was deft and sure.

While the parent labored by her side, And polished and smoothed it o’er.

And when at last, their task was done, They were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had molded into the child, Could neither be sold nor bought.

And each agreed they would have failed If each had worked alone, For behind the teacher stood the school, And behind the parent, the home.

- Author Unknown

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Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, U.S.A. 129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzaki, 152 34 Halandri, Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200, Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051 www.acs.gr v acs@acs.gr

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