2015-2016 Elementary Handbook

2015-2016 Elementary School

Student and Parent

Handbook API S

www.apis.org

Elementary School Student and Parent

Handbook 2015-2016

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Table of

Contents

Principal’s Welcome ·············································································· 05 ABOUT APIS ························································································· 06 Mission Statement ················································································ 06 The Hibiscus Model of APIS Education ················································ 06 Christianity and APIS ············································································· 08 SCHOOL LIFE ······················································································· 08 School Day ····························································································· School Calendar ···················································································· PowerSchool ·························································································· Classroom Blogs ···················································································· School Uniform and Personal Appearance ········································· A Typical Classroom ·············································································· School Lunch ························································································· School Library ························································································ School Nurse ·························································································· School Representative Council ······························································ Closed Campus ······················································································

08 09 10 10 10 13 13 13 13 14 14

ACADEMICS ························································································· 14 Academic Honesty Policy ····································································· Classroom Placement ··········································································· Foreign Language ················································································· Music Class ····························································································· Attendance ···························································································· Tardies (Late Arrivals) ············································································ Homework Policy ·················································································· Making up Missed Work ········································································ Academic Retention ·············································································· Report Cards·················································································· Tests/Assessments······································································· Standardized Testing····································································· Student Progress Reporting··························································

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STUDENT GUIDELINES ······································································ 19 Student Identification Card ·································································· Email ······································································································· Textbooks, Library, and School-Owned Materials/Property ·············· Lost and Found ······················································································

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21 22 25 25 26 26 26 26 27

HEALTH/ EMERGENCY ······································································· 29 Physical Examination and Medical History Requirements ················· Required Immunizations ······································································ Tuberculosis Testing Requirements ····················································· Student Illness ······················································································· Student Need for Medication ······························································· Medical Exemption from Physical Education ······································ Emergency Information ········································································ Emergency Procedures ········································································· Fire Drills ································································································ Inclement Weather ················································································

29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 31

APIS PARENTS ····················································································· 31 Communication with Parents ······························································· Parent Teacher Conferences ································································· Parent Involvement ··············································································· Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines ·························································· Procedure for Parent Concerns ···························································· Picking Up Students ·············································································· Procedure for Early Departure ······························································ Visitor Policy ·························································································· Photography and Videotaping······························································ OTHER ··································································································· Official Transcript Requests ·································································· Letters of Recommendation: Boarding Schools ·································· Withdrawal from APIS Policy ································································ Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledgment Form ··························

31 32 32 32 33 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 36

Asia Pacific International School

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2015-2016

APIS English Language Policy ······························································ Cellular Phone Policy ············································································ APIS Responsible Use Policy ·································································· Extra Curricular Activities ······································································ Field Trips ······························································································· Seasonal Parties ····················································································· Birthday Parties ····················································································· Student Behavior Expectations ···························································· Bullying ·································································································· Disciplinary Actions ··············································································

Message from the School Principal Dear Parents and Students: I am very pleased to welcome you to Asia Pacific International School. APIS is a school founded on excellence and the belief that academic integrity, coupled with purposeful moral principles is the strongest preparation we can provide for your child. At APIS our students are at the heart of all that we do. We take time to get to know them and make every effort to challenge them to be the greatest they can be.

Our mission states, "APIS strives to educate its students, in a loving and caring Christian environment, to become globally enlightened citizens, who are able to bridge the gap between East and West and are ready to welcome the exciting challenges of the New Pacific Century." We take this mission seriously.

It is our goal to educate our students to become independent and confident global citizens guided by Christian values and discipline.

Offering instruction from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, we are an educational family that both nurtures and challenges students.

Elementary students at APIS are exposed to a broad research-based curriculum, including the core subjects as well as specialist classes of art, band, orchestra, chorus, Korean, and physical education.

Leading these small classes, our highly qualified and experienced teachers develop strong relationships with their students and develop individualized learning programs to allow learning to flourish. At the secondary levels, our students are challenged daily by a rigorous, relevant, college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and the arts, with APIS graduates accepted to many of the leading universities and colleges around the world.

While we have attractive, highly functional facilities, enhanced through the use of state-of-the-art technology and resourced with current educational tools, our students are at the heart of all that we do.

Please take some time to read through this handbook to familiarize yourself with the expectations we set for students of APIS. I look forward to serving you and our students here at Asia Pacific International School and I look forward to welcoming you personally to our campus.

Regards,

Bruce Knox Principal

5

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

About APIS APIS Mission Statement APIS strives to educate its students, in a loving and caring Christian environment, to become globally enlightened citizens, who are able to bridge the gap between the East and the West and are ready to welcome the exciting challenges of the New Pacific Century.

The Hibiscus Model of APIS Education The flower hibiscus symbolizes the APIS way of international education. Biologists describe hibiscus as a complete flower. In order for a flower to be considered complete it must have 4 components: sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils. With each of these parts serving a uniquely important function, a complete flower has all of the necessary components to sustain and reproduce itself. Similarly, the four components that we believe make our educational philosophy complete are: APIS Mission, Core Curricular Emphases, Skills and Dispositions, and Key Character Values.

Core Curricular Emphases

APIS MISSION Key Character Values

Skills & Dispositions

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CORE CURRICULAR EMPHASES

SKILLS & DISPOSITIONS

KEY CHARACTER VALUES

Our focus on four curricular emphases (East Asia Emphasis, Emphasis on Performing and Visual Arts, STEM Emphasis, and Spiritual Emphasis) is deliberate in design to address the unique challenges facing the New Pacific Century. We believe certain core knowledge or expertise simply cannot be fully outsourced to machines or to others. They can only be useful and serve a basis for further innovation if we possess the appropriate literacy and fluency in these content areas.

We use the term ESLRs (Expected Schoolwide Learning Results) to describe skills and dispositions we believe are necessary for the New Pacific Century.

Defined into four main categories (Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship as Christians), our ESLRs reach beyond the simple 3-Rs of the conventional education: Read, wRite, and aRithmetic.

Nurturing character values at APIS, we believe, is the most important supporting component because it is the foundation or backbone for the other two supporting components described above. That is, the content area expertise and ESLRs can only take one so far unless they know how to Aspire to the highest standards/goals and to Persevere in the face of obstacles. With Integrity, they will know how to make choices that stand up to one’s faith and the higher moral standards. Spiritually grounded, they will know the meaning and joy of leading a life of calling.

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2015 - 2016

APIS MISSION

APIS mission sets the direction for our educational philosophy by asking “what will the New Pacific Century demand from our leaders?” The New Pacific Century refers to the growing importance of the linkage between the East and the West. Moreover, we recognize the growing importance of the East in terms of economics, politics, and culture. In a loving and caring Christian environment, we strive to educate our students to be the bridge builders between the East and the West.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Christianity and APIS Firmly founded on the Christian faith, APIS seeks to foster the spiritual growth of its members in a loving and caring Christian environment where both Christians and non-Christians can work and learn together.

We believe that an environment where both Christians and non-Christians are working and learning together is highly advantageous for all. Such an environment can, we believe, lead to a spiritual growth that is more robust and enduring than would otherwise be possible in more traditional settings. For the non-Christian student, it amounts to being afforded a unique opportunity to understand the Christian faith, a movement which has been incalculably important in the shaping of world history and culture. We believe that this alone is of tremendous educational value. Lastly, for all students, this model helps equip them to successfully live and work in a very diverse and increasingly close global community.

Christian education at APIS is departmentalized, as opposed to being infused into every part of our curriculum. The chaplain and the Christian Life and Education Department at APIS administers spiritual guidance and Christian education of our students. Any course offerings not led by the Christian Life and Education Department are, by design, identical to those offered in a standard, non-religious context. In other words, the availability and opportunity to access Christian education specialists and programs set APIS apart from other secular schools.

While a plurality of worldviews is acknowledged at the school, APIS does not espouse other religious traditions. Neither have we designed the Christian Life and Education Department to incorporate them in our spiritual life and practice. We do encourage all students and staff to pursue spiritual life and knowledge, but to this end, the school does not endorse or offer as part of our program practices rooted in religious traditions other than Christianity. We see this as essential to maintaining clarity in the theological position of the school.

School Life School Day The school day begins at 8:10 a.m. for all grades. Elementary students (Grades K5-5) are dismissed at 3:35 p.m. with the optional 9th period ending at 4:25 p.m. The school day ends at 3:35 p.m. for all students every Tuesday. Buses depart APIS at 3:45 p.m. every Tuesday.

Elementary lunch period is from 11:00-11:45. The students spend the first 20-25 minutes eating in the cafeteria, and the remainder of time is spent playing outside.

For parents who drive their students to school: Please arrive on time. On-time arrival sets a positive learning tone for the rest of the school day. Equally important, please arrive on time to pick up your student at end of the school day. Immediately following your student’s dismissal from school, teachers have daily responsibilities to grade assignments, record grades, participate in faculty meetings, meet with parents, and prepare for classes. After school supervision is provided only through the After-School activities program. Buses depart APIS from 4:35 p.m., after the After-school activities and optional 9th period, except on Tuesdays, when all students are required to leave campus by 3:45 p.m.

8

The school calendar is distributed to all parents at the beginning of the school year and can be found on the school website. Please note holidays, early dismissal days, and other special events. The school year consists of two semesters, totaling 180 school days. Each semester is divided into two grading periods, or quarters, of approximately nine weeks each.

7/31

New Faculty Reports

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Winter Vacation Ends

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Back to School Night

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All Secondary Retreat

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MAP Testing Elementary

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Global Citizens Program

9/28-10/2

Chuseok Holiday

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Teacher In-Service Samil Day [No School for Students]

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Parent-Teacher Conference

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MS Fall Concert

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Spring Choir Concert

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Teacher In-Service [No School for Students]

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MAP Testing Elementary

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MAP Testing Secondary

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No School – All Off Half Day (Full Day for Faculty) No School for Students (Full Day for Faculty)

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Secondary Christmas Concert

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Elementary Christmas Concert

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End of 2 nd Quarter End of 1st Semester

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High School Graduation

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Memorial Day

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K5 Moving Up Ceremony G5 Moving Up Ceremony

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Middle School Graduation

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Last Day of School End of 4 th Quarter End of 2nd Semester

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Last Day for Faculty

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2015 - 2016

School Calendar

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

PowerSchool PowerSchool (http://portal.apis.seoul.kr/public) is a web-based student information system that facilitates communication among school administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

PowerSchool gives parents and students access to real-time information including attendance and other important information.

On PowerSchool, elementary students and parents can: - Monitor student attendance - Check monthly lunch menu on the "Lunch Menu" tab

Classroom Blogs In the elementary school, our teachers communicate assignments, classroom news and pictures through their classroom blogs. Classroom teachers will advise students and their parents of access details at the start of the school year.

School Uniform and Personal Appearance School Uniform APIS students are required to wear the APIS school uniform. The daily uniform is expected to be worn in its entirety.

All footwear, except for flip-flop sandals, is acceptable for wear as long as it meets the school’s expectations of cleanliness and neatness.

Skirts and shorts must be tailored to within four inches of the top of the student’s knee. Summer and winter uniforms are to be worn as follows: 1. Summer Uniform Elementary School (K5~G5)

Mandatory

Shirt

Pants (Boys) Skirt (Girls)

Middle School (G6~G8)

High School (G9~G12)

Short-sleeved White Shirt

Short-sleeved White Shirt

Short-sleeved White Shirt

Optional: Brown Necktie with Stripes for Boys.

Optional: Brown Necktie with Stripes for Boys.

Optional: Green Necktie with Stripes for Boys.

Light Brown/Brown Ribbon with Stripes or Brown Tie with Stripes for Girls.

Light Brown/Brown Ribbon with Stripes or Brown Tie with Stripes for Girls.

Light Brown/Brown Ribbon with Stripes or Green Tie with Stripes for Girls.

Dark Brown Pants (same of all divisions) or Dark Brown Shorts (K5-G5) Light Brown Plaid Skirt (same for all divisions)

10

Elementary (Girls)

2015 - 2016

Elementary (Boys)

2. Winter Uniform Elementary School (K5~G5) Long-sleeved Striped Shirt

Middle School (G6~G8) Long-sleeved Striped Shirt

High School (G9~G12) Long - sleeved G reen Shirt

Shirt

Boys: Brown Necktie with Stripes

Boys: Brown Necktie with Stripes

Boys: Green Necktie with Stripes

Girls: Brown Necktie with Stripes or Light Brown/ Brown Ribbon with Stripes

Girls: Brown Necktie with Stripes or Light Brown/ Brown Ribbon with Stripes

Girls: Green Necktie with Stripes or Light Brown/ Brown Ribbon with Stripes

Jacket

Green Jacket with APIS pin badge

Green Jacket with APIS pin badge

Green Jacket with APIS pin badge

Mandatory

Pants (Boys) Skirt (Girls)

Khaki Pants Dark Green Plaid Skirt

Mandatory

When an outer coat is worn

APIS Formal Coat or Goose Down Jumper Same for all divisions (If outer coat is to be worn, it must be either APIS formal outer coat or APIS goose down jumper. Non-school outer coats are not to be worn.)

Mandatory

P.E. Uniform

Winter P.E. Uniform with APIS Logo Same for all divisions

Optional

Must be worn in addition to the School Jacket

Same for Middle and High School Khaki V-neck Sweater (APIS pin badge) / Khaki Cardigan (APIS pin badge) / Brown Cardigan (APIS pin badge) or APIS hoodie

Green V-neck Sweater / Green Cardigan or APIS hoodie

During the winter season, the school jacket, shirt, tie and pants/skirt must be worn to the school. To add warmth, students may add the cardigan/sweater or APIS hoodie as an option.

Students may not wear other sweaters, hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, etc. over their uniforms. This includes during transit to school (bus or walking).

11

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Elementary (Boys)

Elementary (Girls)

• The winter uniform can be worn all year round.

• The summer uniform can be worn only from April 1st to October 31st.

• Students should not mix and match uniform items from different seasons. However, they may wear the APIS sweater/cardigan, the APIS jacket, or the APIS Hoodie in addition to the summer uniform.

Students must wear the school uniform unless a special “dress-down” day is announced.

In the event of a dress-down day, students may not wear:

 clothing with holes  see-through clothes  spaghetti-strap dresses  cut-away or revealing shirts or blouses  exaggerated hair styles or coloring  exaggerated body piercing or ornamentation  short skirts or dresses, short shorts  shirts or blouses with writing and/or graphics deemed in poor taste  items that present a safety hazard to self and others (e.g. roller shoes) The physical education uniform is to be worn only on days students have physical education. The only options for student dress on P.E. days are: The school P.E. uniform consisting of uniform shorts or sweatpants and shirt  The P.E. uniform shorts or sweatpants and this year’s retreat T-shirt  The winter P.E. uniform  The APIS hoodie & varsity jackets (high school only) are allowed on top of the full P.E.  uniforms.

Athletic team uniforms may not be worn for P.E. Athletic shoes with socks must be worn with the P.E. uniform. Students are not allowed to wear flip-flop sandals.

Students who violate the uniform policy will be given one warning per semester. If students violate this policy additional times, students may be issued detentions for uniform violations.

For repeated uniform violations, parents may be called to bring the proper uniform to school or the student will be sent home.

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A student’s uniform should fit his or her body. All shorts, skirts and pants must be hemmed at appropriate lengths. Underwear/boxers are not allowed to show. Undergarments, midriff and back should remain covered at all times.

Unusual hairstyles are considered inappropriate. All boys’ hair is to be cut above the eyebrows, above the bottom of the ears and no longer than the bottom of the collar. Hair should appear neat and wellgroomed and the rest of the face should be clean-shaven.

Any visible body piercing is not allowed with the exception of one pair of earrings. Earrings must be modest and not draw unusual attention. Visible tattoos are not allowed during the school days or school-related activities. Makeup should not draw attention and should be applied modestly.

A Typical Classroom Teaching styles and delivery of instruction will, of course, vary from teacher to teacher; however, there are similarities that will be seen in each and every class. At APIS we believe that the typical classroom will be: a safe and caring environment  a place where everyone respects individual differences and the diversity of our cultures  a place where learning experiences are designed to reach students who learn in different ways  a place where students become responsible for themselves  a place where families become more actively involved in the education of their children  a place where we awaken the love of learning in every child 

School Lunch Hot lunch is served daily. Each month’s lunch menu is posted on PowerSchool prior to the start of each month and is posted daily in the cafeteria. The lunch fees are due at the beginning of each semester. All students are required to purchase lunch.

School Library Elementary students visit the Library & Media Center on a regular basis. While in the library, students hear stories, engage in lessons, and have the opportunity to check out materials. The library is also open for students before school, during lunch, and after school. Library hours are 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may check out up to five books for 7 days. APIS books and resources can be searched anytime and anywhere by using the library website with the catalog (www.apislibrary.seoul.kr). For more information on the library, please refer to the Library & Media Center section of our school website.

School Nurse APIS maintains a full-time health services office. Students who are injured or become ill will be

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Personal Appearance APIS students are expected to dress modestly and decently. Students are expected to keep themselves neat and well-groomed. Students are expected to show respect toward themselves and the school by setting high their dress and grooming standards.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

accompanied or directed to Health Services. The school nurse is also available to respond to healthrelated questions. The school is located near several medical clinics, should the need arise for healthrelated care external to APIS.

Student Representative Council The Student Representative Council, which meets weekly, exists to provide an important link among the students, faculty and administration to provide a method of developing democratic leadership and citizenship. Officers are elected each fall by their peers, and serve the entire school year. Students are encouraged to contact their SRC representative or officers to express their views or to give suggestions concerning school programs.

Student Representative Council Officers and homeroom representatives must meet academic and behavioral eligibility rules.

Closed Campus “Closed campus” means students must remain on campus during the entire school day, including after school activities. In order to be checked out of APIS during the school day, students must present a written note to APIS School Office staff explaining the reason for leaving and signed by a parent/guardian.

Academics Academic Honesty Policy Academic honesty is taken very seriously at APIS. Some behaviors are acceptable when students work together and some are not.

Acceptable behaviors Students working together to complete a common task (e.g. group project)  Receiving help from a parent, friend, or tutor provided that the core work is a  representation of the students' own work Properly citing resources used on assignments  Unacceptable behaviors Copying someone’s work and presenting it as one’s own  Copying published materials without citation and proper acknowledgment of the original  author Permitting others to copy one’s own work  Use of unauthorized notes (cheat sheets), guides, electronic devices or anything that gives a  student an unfair advantage during a test or quiz

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We take classroom placement very seriously and spend a considerable amount of time before school begins each year making sure that classrooms are balanced based on several criteria, including, academic strengths, gender, language proficiency, classroom behavior, student needs, quality of work, and so on. Final class lists are posted the first day of school. Requests to change classrooms will not be accepted.

Foreign Language Elementary students will all study Korean.

Japanese and Chinese language instruction is offered as an optional course at no additional cost to our elementary students as an after school, 9th period offering. Once opted to enroll, the class will count as a regular course (not as an extra-curricular activity). The enrolled students will receive a regular quarterly progress report and their assessment data will be included in the report card.

Course Schedule (Full Year) Kindergarten - Grade 2 Japanese and Chinese offered twice a week (Wednesday and Friday) from 3:40 to 4:25 (9th period).

Grade 3 - Grade 5 Japanese and Chinese offered twice a week (Monday and Thursday) from 3:40 to 4:25 (9th period).

Elementary students taking Japanese and Chinese instruction could advance to higher levels at the middle school based on their placement test results.

Music Class Students at APIS begin music at a young age to ensure that each student gains the skills necessary to have a complete musical education. Students in Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 3, and Grade 4 have foundational music where they learn the core fundamentals of music: keeping a steady beat, chanting in rhythm, singing with correct pitches, and participating in many activities geared towards young musical development. The students also explore music by playing Orff instruments: xylophones and percussion. Through Orff, students learn to make connections of sound with notation and work together to build an ensemble.

Grade 2 students are introduced to instrumental training through learning the violin. Children are in small classes and perform regularly in front of each other and the teacher. Students strengthen their note reading by learning music theory which applies directly to their progressing violin skills. Proper string technique, including fingering and bowing, is taught and practiced in each class.

In Grade 5, students have the option of choosing Band, String Orchestra, or Chorus. In these classes students are taught the fundamentals of playing more diverse instruments while learning how to rehearse and perform with others. Music theory and ensemble skills are taught in conjunction with instrumental technique so that students have a balanced musical training. Students perform in two concerts each year. Through every step of our elementary program, all students are involved in music in many ways which contributes to a rich musical education.

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Classroom Placement

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Attendance APIS’ expectation is that all students will attend school each day of the school calendar year.

Furthermore, we expect students to participate fully in each day’s activities. Please do not ask us to keep children in for recess; they need the fresh air and exercise!

A child who is absent for the school day may not participate in any after-school activities that day.

APIS recognizes the need for absence in case of illness or family emergencies. However, all absences remain unexcused until the principal’s office receives an acceptable explanation from the parent.

Parents should call the office to report the student’s absence on the morning of the absence, or as soon as is reasonably possible.

Excused Absences (Verification Within Three Days) A student’s absence shall be excused for the following reasons: 1. Personal illness 2. Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointment 3. Attendance of funeral services for a member of the immediate family a. “Immediate Family” shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, spouse, son/ son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister, or any relative living in the student’s immediate household.

Excused Absences (Prior Administrative Approval) Upon advance written request by the parent/guardian and the approval of the principal or designee, justifiable personal reasons including but not limited to: 1. Observation of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion 2. Attendance at religious retreats

Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Oversleeping, missing ride, etc.

2. Any absence not cleared within three school days following the student’s return to school 3. Extended weekends or family vacations Extenuating circumstances surrounding excessive absences may be reviewed by school administration.

Students diagnosed with communicable diseases must remain out of school until they have fully recovered. Full recovery will be determined by a physician. Should a student’s illness last five or more consecutive days, a physician’s certificate will be required for re-admission to school.

In case of an accident or sudden illness during the school day, the school health service office will make every reasonable effort to contact parents. Parents are responsible for ensuring the office is kept up-to-date with contact information (e.g. home, office, mobile and emergency telephone numbers).

Upon the student’s return to school following an absence, the student must bring a note of explanation written and signed by the parent. The note should be presented to the homeroom teacher.

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Learning time is precious at Asia Pacific International School. We encourage every student to attend school on a regular basis, arrive on time ready to learn, and remain in class until dismissal time.

School begins at 8:10 a.m.

All tardies will be considered unexcused unless we receive notification from the parent. It  is essential that a parent calls the office to report a tardy.

Except for late bus arrival, any student arriving to school after 8:10 a.m. is considered tardy  and must check in at the school office. Arrival after 12:20 p.m. is considered an absence.

Dismissal for any reason other than participation in an official school activity prior to 1:30  p.m. is also considered a half absence.

Multiple tardies are considered a significant issue, which can negatively impact student learning, and will result in administrative involvement.

Homework Policy Homework is assigned to help students understand and develop concepts learned in class. While parents may wish to help students with their homework, they should never do the work for their child.

Student Responsibilities: • Ask questions if the homework assignment is not clear.

• Write down homework assignments in agenda.

• Complete all homework assignments independently.

• Submit original work.

• Complete homework assignments according to the same neatness standards as expected in class.

• Complete and return homework in a timely manner as requested by the teacher.

• Work with the teacher in advance if known circumstances will prevent homework from being completed by the due date.

Parent Responsibilities: • Create a quiet study area at home for the student to do homework and provide the necessary supplies.

• Establish a routine for your child, including time limits for completing homework.

• Provide assistance for your child only if it is requested.

• If assistance is needed, help the student arrive at the answer on his or her own rather than provide the answer.

• Never complete the assignment for your child.

• If the homework appears to be wrong, do not correct the homework for your child. Let him/her get help from their teacher.

• If the homework is consistently too difficult, please inform the teacher.

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2015 - 2016

Tardies (Late Arrivals)

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Homework Guidelines: The number of minutes of homework can vary, but on average students can expect the following Grade Level

Average Number of Minutes Per Day

Grade 1

10-15 minutes

Grade 2

15-20 minutes

Grade 3

20-30 minutes

Grade 4

20-30 minutes

Grade 5

30-40 minutes

* The following chart should be used as a guideline only.

Tutors: Some parents may wish to contract tutors for their children. At APIS we recommend that all tutors work with the school in providing services to the child. Tutors who implement their own “curriculum� should be avoided. Tutors should never be contracted to do homework with the child.

The goal is to assist the child in the areas where he or she needs to improve.

Making up Missed Work Work missed and not made up negatively impacts student learning and grading, so students are encouraged to make every effort to work with their teachers to make up missing assignments and lessons.

Academic Retention The decision to retain a student at the present grade level is among the most serious in the educational life of a student. Young children, due to a multiplicity of factors, are not always best served when retention decisions rely too heavily on purely quantifiable numbers. A number of factors must be taken into consideration prior to the final decision, such as the student’s ability, study habits, physical, social and emotional adjustment, previous retention, and extenuating circumstances (family death, health, divorce, etc.). Most importantly, the decision to retain should be based on the best information available that supports the premise that the student will benefit from retention by becoming more proficient in the minimum skills and competencies expected. When data does not support this, retention may be counterproductive. The final decision to retain a student will be made by the Principal with input from the parents and faculty.

Report Cards Report cards are issued four times a year after the completion of each quarter. At the end of the first and third quarters, parent teacher conferences will be held to discuss each student's academic progress.

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If a student does not receive a report card, it is because he or she has a “hold” placed on distributing the report. Typical reasons for a report card being on hold might be overdue books or fines, not returning textbooks to a teacher, not returning a uniform to the athletic director, etc. Once the student takes care of the reason for the hold, he/she will be issued the report card.

Tests / Assessments APIS teachers are expected to provide students sufficient advanced notice of significant test dates in order to help students/teachers plan effectively and to minimize the possibility of students taking too many tests in a single day. Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns or questions regarding scheduled tests with their teacher.

Standardized Testing The purpose of standardized testing at Asia Pacific International School is to provide additional information to the students, the parents, and the teachers about the child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.

Elementary students from grades 2 to 5 will take a computerized test called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). MAP tests will be administered each year to measure annual academic growth, as well as growth from year to year. The areas of Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics are covered in the MAP tests. Following each testing, parents will receive a report showing the student’s growth.

Student Progress Reporting Elementary students will receive a brief written mid-quarterly progress report in each of the four quarters. This is a quick check with home to report on the student's progress.

Student Guidelines

Student Identification Card At the beginning of the semester, the school office will issue all new students a picture identification card. The card may be used to check out library materials. Students shall immediately report loss or theft of the card to the school office. The card can be replaced at a cost of 8,000 KRW. The plastic case and card costs 2,000 KRW and the lanyard costs 6,000 KRW.

Email APIS students use Google mail. A Google email account will be created for new APIS students at the beginning of the semester. We encourage you to explore and utilize the following useful features of Google:

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“Holds” on Report Cards:

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

For elementary students who have learned how, Google Drive is a file storage system linked to your Google account and accessible via the Internet, so files can be accessed from almost any device. On Google Drive, (Google Documents) files can be shared with people easily. Google Documents is a free web-based program which includes word processing, as well as spreadsheet and presentation software capabilities. One of the biggest advantages of Google Documents is that users can collaborate on-line, creating and editing documents in real time. These documents can be e-mailed among users as well as edited using the web interface. More detailed information can be found on https://support.google. com/drive.

By using Google Sites, websites can be easily created and updated, allowing a variety of information to be displayed, including videos, slideshows, calendars, presentations, attachments, and text. More detailed information can be found on https://support.google.com/sites.

Students are advised to keep all passwords confidential and use email communication appropriately.

Inappropriate use of an APIS email account is grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the APIS discipline policy.

Textbooks, Library, and School-Owned Materials/Property Throughout the year, students will have access to and be assigned materials and property belonging to the school. The student remains personally responsible for the careful and respectful handling and timely return of the materials. Normal wear and tear is expected. Students will be held fully accountable for misuse and abuse. Students are charged a book deposit of 200,000 KRW at the beginning of the school year.

Lost and Found APIS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost items will be placed in the Lost and Found box located in the office. Expensive items that are found will be turned into the office and not placed in the box. When expensive items such as wallets, pocketbooks or special identification cards are lost or stolen, the student should notify the teacher immediately, who in turn, notifies the office. All unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each quarter.

APIS English Language Policy English as the Language of Instruction and Inclusion at APIS English is the language of instruction as well as an essential part of the inclusive and collaborative learning culture at APIS. 1) English is the language of the global community.

- All language is important and should be respected. Our choice of English as the language of instruction reflects its significance and its efficacy as a linguistic medium to bridge the gap between the East and the West. While English is not the only possible language to serve this purpose, we chose English because our school was founded espousing its importance as a global language. This choice is also what motivated many of our parents to enroll their children at APIS.

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2) English is a deliberate choice at APIS to develop an inclusive and collaborative social and learning environment - Since English is a common language spoken by all members of APIS, we promote the use of English to create an inclusive social environment.

- Languages carry with them powerful and pervasive cultural legacies. Languages, for example, dictate attitudes about hierarchies and power distances in relationships as well as the transmitter/ receiver orientation in communication (i.e., who bears the burden of clear communication).

- For our community, we believe English is the most suitable language in promoting collaboration, a free flow of ideas, creativity, and learning.

- By making a deliberate choice to adopt English as a language of instruction and inclusion, APIS is choosing to shape our tradition and organizational culture.

Expectations Students are required to speak English during all times at school, including classroom and hallways, and during recess periods.

Exceptions 1. During foreign language courses and Korean Enrichment programs, and when communicating with faculty members teaching foreign languages.

2. Communicating at the Nurse’s office.

3. Communicating with non-English speaking staff members.

4. Exceptions are made for students whose English ability is developing (EAL) and for students in grades K and 1.

5. When directed by faculty as a part of a learning event.

Consequences for repeated offences Should a student consistently choose not to follow the APIS English Language Policy and they are able to do so, the principal will schedule a meeting with the student and the student’s parent to address the matter.

Cellular Phone Policy No cellular phones may be used during class unless a teacher gives special permission. Students may bring the cellular phone to school for security reasons, but the phone must be turned off and

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- At the same time, we fully recognize the importance of providing continued support to improve the fluency of the students’ native languages as it is critical in developing linguistic proficiency.

For Korean (which is the host country language and is one of the three foreign language areas of instruction that we offer at APIS), we have made a concerted effort to meet the linguistic development needs of the native speakers.

- In communicating with our faculty and parents about the importance of native language development, we are cautious and mindful about sending a clear message to our students and parents that our choice of English as the instructional language at APIS is not meant to discourage the use and learning of native languages at home or outside of school. With this shared understanding of language acquisition and partnership with parents about fostering native language development at home, the English focus at APIS is intended to support the multilingualism in our students.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

stored the entire time a student is in class. The student may use their cellular phones once school is dismissed either at 3:35 p.m. or after 9th period.

Consequences: First offense: The cell phone is taken away by the teacher. The student may pick up the  phone at the end of class.

Second offense: The cell phone is taken away and turned into the office. The phone may be  picked up by the student at the end of the day.

Third offense: The cell phone is taken away and turned into the office. The parents are  called to pick up the cell phone and conference with school administration.

APIS Responsible Use Policy The guidelines below apply to any and all digital devices students may be using in school. Including: smart-phones, mp3 players, laptops, tablets, etc.

Technology Use Guidelines APIS uses Information Technology as one way of enhancing its mission to teach the skills, knowledge and behaviors students will need as responsible citizens in the global community. The school's technology infrastructure and network provides extraordinary opportunities to enhance student learning with a variety of technology tools and services. To ensure these resources are always available, it is imperative that all members of the learning community use technology in a manner consistent with our educational mission.

Access to the school network and the Internet is a privilege that is tied to responsibilities. The following guidelines are intended to help individual technology users understand responsible use.

The school may restrict, suspend, or terminate any user's access to the school's technology systems and network for not respecting these guidelines.

I. Technology Maintenance Each user is responsible for his/her own use of technology and should treat and use technology responsibly and appropriately. Computers and computer accessories are sophisticated devices that require care and gentle treatment to function properly; if you mistreat your device it will likely run poorly or malfunction.

A. Externally Users are responsible at all times for taking care of their own equipment including their  laptop, charger, and any other school issued devices and are strongly cautioned about leaving them unsupervised.

Users are responsible for taking care of audio/visual equipment when in their possession.  Users are responsible for using laptops/tablets only on tables free of food and drink.  Users are cautioned about how they utilize their equipment during daily activities like  eating, drinking, walking and traveling.

B. Internally All attempts should be made for keeping an organized desktop and file management  system.

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communication.

C. Damage Each technology user must be responsible for keeping their laptop in working order.  When not provided by the school, users are strongly advised to purchase an appropriately  designed protective bag and/or hard shell case for the laptop to protect it from damage.

II. Ethical use of Technology Students may use digital devices in supervised areas deemed appropriate by school administration.

A. Software In order to maintain the functioning of the school's network, and to minimize APIS staff time on unnecessary repairs, technology users may not install software on APIS devices without appropriate authorization.

B. Internet As a mission driven school, the Internet should be used to promote the instructional mission of APIS. The following activities show responsible use of the Internet: Researching  Communicating  Web-based learning applications  Responsible social networking  Educational learning networks  The following activities demonstrate responsible use if part of an assigned activity or during breaks and lunch or study hall: Listening to music  Watching movies or videos  Instant messaging, chatting, or social networking  Educational use of online games  Downloading media from the Internet  Unacceptable Use: Online gaming and downloading music/videos/software from the Internet unless explicitly  instructed to do so by the teacher.

The Internet provides access to information (e.g. pornographic materials, vulgarity,  gambling, militant/extremist material, hate speech, etc.) that is inconsistent with APIS's mission. Users may not access, store, share, or display such information.

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.

C. Communication Tools Each teacher will have specific policies regarding the use of technology in their classrooms.  These will include both hand-held’s (smart-phones etc.) and your laptop/tablet. These policies must be respected at all times.

The primary purpose of APIS (Google) Mail is for school related communication that 

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Students should make regular backups of their school-work.  Students should strive to maintain appropriate bandwidth for school-related work and 

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

serves the teaching and learning at APIS.

Students may not send an email to (or "spam") a class, an entire grade level, or any group 

within the school. Such communications should be processed through a faculty member and/or posted in school announcements.

The primary purpose of APIS Google Docs is for school related sharing and collaboration  that serves the teaching and learning at APIS. Students may not share a document with a class, an entire grade level, or any group within  the school without the express permission of a faculty member.

Students may use age appropriate social networks to communicate responsibly with peers.  D. Monitored Use: E-mail and other uses of electronic communication systems by students shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use of educational or administrative purposes.

III. Being a Good Digital Citizen The way we use technology tools to communicate information has a powerful effect on our learning community. Responsible use will lead to better, more effective learning while irresponsible use will diminish it. A strong respect for the principles of digital citizenship is essential for us to live our mission at APIS. A. Digital Rights and Responsibilities All digital communication should include the sender’s name.  Forgery or attempted forgery of email messages or other electronic documents is  prohibited.

Reading, deleting, copying, or modifying any electronic documents of other users is  prohibited.

All research used in an academic work must be properly cited, including information from  the Internet.

There should be no copyright law violations with regard to software or Internet-based  information. Copyright information is available in the library.

B. Privacy & Security In order to respect the privacy of community members, technology users may not use  another person's ID or password.

Accessing other people's accounts in any form, is not allowed.  C. Digital Etiquette Any online communication should be something you could say in person: this includes  emails, instant messages, digital images/videos, or web postings.

Use networks responsibly; only use those networks which you have legal access to.  Be aware that anything posted on the Internet is permanent.  D. Communication Derogatory, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate e-mail exchanges, instant messages,  digital images, or web postings are considered cyber-bullying and are prohibited.

Any form of cyber-bullying will be dealt with swiftly and may carry severe consequences. 

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Deliberate attempts to violate APIS's Responsible Use Policy, compromise, degrade, or 

disrupt system performance may result in restricted use of digital devices at school or other appropriate consequences.

APIS may limit, suspend or revoke a student's access to the school's technology systems or  the network upon violation of the Responsible Use Policy.

Independent access to the Internet is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate  and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Students will be responsible for their actions on the Internet and will be held accountable  according to the APIS Code of Conduct and the laws of Korea. APIS will assume no liability in the case of illegal activity on the part of a student.

V: Disciplinary Action First violation will result in loss of Internet access for an indefinite period of time and 

possible suspension from school.

A second violation will mean additional disciplinary action. Depending on the severity  of the violation, this may result in permanent loss of access to both the Internet and the Intranet, as well as suspension from school, in accordance with the APIS Discipline Policy.

Students and their families will be liable for any financial damages resulting from misuse  of the Internet at APIS. When applicable, the police may be involved.

APIS may limit, suspend or revoke a student's access to the school's technology systems or the network upon violation of the Responsible Use Policy.

Extracurricular Activities APIS offers a variety of extracurricular activities to elementary students throughout the school year. Extracurricular activities vary depending on teacher strengths, interests, availability and other factors. Sign-up forms are distributed three times a year. Transportation is available for after-school activities at an additional cost. Activity fees vary and are indicated on the sign-up sheet.

All students who are not enrolled in after-school activities are expected to leave campus when school is dismissed by 3:35 p.m. They are not permitted to remain on campus unsupervised.

Field Trips Educational field trips are a great way for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real life experiences. Field trips are approved provided that they are educational in nature and are easily connected to the APIS standards. Prior to each field trip, the teachers will complete a detailed packet of information that clearly describes how the excursion is connected to classroom learning.

Every effort is made to ensure that the students do not go on the same field trips from year to year.

Of course, parents are responsible for the entrance/admission fees for the students, lunch, and transportation fees when applicable. Students must ride to and from the trip in school-provided transportation or the permission slips are not valid.

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IV: Consequences

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Seasonal Parties APIS understands the importance of celebrating certain seasonal events, but an excess of these celebrations takes away from valuable instruction time. It is APIS school policy to have a maximum of three seasonal parties per school year. Room mothers must arrange the details of these parties with the classroom teacher or homeroom teacher. Celebrations that are linked to the curriculum (i.e. 100th day of school, culture days) are not considered seasonal parties.

Birthday Parties Birthdays are very important to elementary students, but as with seasonal parties, instruction time must be taken into account. Classroom teachers can choose to celebrate birthdays in a variety of ways and the decision is theirs solely. Parents may bring in a reasonable snack to share for a student birthday provided that the classroom teacher has approved.

Student Behavior Expectations APIS fosters a positive school climate where all students have the right to learn. Students are expected to understand and respect: school community agreements  the rights of the teacher to teach the class and be free from distractions  other students’ right to learn and be free from bullying and harassment  individual differences and the diversity of our cultures  All students are expected to maintain high behavior standards where self-discipline is practiced as a norm. This behavior applies both inside and outside the classroom, regardless of whether or not an adult is present.

Bullying Bullying is defined as intentional, one-sided, repeated hurtful acts, words, or other behavior committed against another student. It is hurting or threatening to hurt another person, excluding others by leaving them out of a group of friends, or spreading gossip or rumors about another student. Teasing, saying mean things, and name calling can also be a form of bullying if repeatedly done. APIS is a respectful and tolerant school and is one in which students include others in play, build each other up with words and actions, and listen to each other to understand differences.

Here are some examples of physical, emotional or social bullying, in three escalating levels.

Level 1 examples Making threatening gestures  Teasing publicly about clothes, looks, and so on  Insulting gestures  Ignoring someone and excluding them from a group with the intent to cause sadness 

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Level 3 examples Making graphic threats verbally or through e-mail or text messaging  Physical harm, such as hitting, kicking, pinching, and/or other acts to inflict pain or  intimidation

Practicing extortion  Destroying personal property  Harassing — or writing graffiti — with bias against race, color, ethnicity, and so on  Enforcing total group exclusion against someone by threatening others if they don’t comply 

Consequences of Bullying Bullying is not tolerated in any form at Asia Pacific International School. If students are caught bullying, the following consequences apply: Level 1 Offense: Student reviews bullying policy with classroom teacher. Teacher completes  a Discipline Referral Form and adds to student file in the office. Parents of the victim and the bully will be notified.

Level 2 Offense: Student reviews bullying policy with the Principal. Student calls parents  at home to explain his/her poor choices/behavior. Principal completes a Discipline Referral Form and adds to student’s file. Parents of the victim and the bully will be notified.

Level 3 Offense: Principal calls parents at home to explain student’s poor choices/behavior.  Principal completes a Discipline Referral Form and adds to student’s file. A meeting is scheduled with the student, parents, teacher, and Principal.

Students who have been bullied will be supported by: a. Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor or other staff member of their choice. b. Being offered support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.

Student who have bullied will be helped by: a. Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor or other staff member of their choice. b. Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior. c. Developing a plan to make amends for the incident. d. Conferencing with parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.

Disciplinary Actions Warning: For minor discipline issues, teachers will give verbal warnings to students. If the teacher feels it necessary, he/she may fill out a discipline referral and report the student to the office. The Principal or designee will conference with the student and review the discipline policy.

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Level 2 examples Verbal abuse and swearing  Threatening physical harm  Defacing school work or other personal property  Harassing phone calls, e-mails, text messages, or social media posts about the student  Insulting size, intelligence, athletic ability, race, color, religion, ethnicity, and so on  Posting slander in public places such as writing derogatory comments about someone  Playing mean tricks to embarrass someone 

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Detention: Teachers may ask students to stay during lunch or after school in the case of

repeated minor discipline issues or a major offense. If a student has consistent problems with completing homework or class work, teachers may require the student to stay in at recess and lunch.

Suspension: In the case of major offenses, the Principal may suspend the student from school for a determined period of time.

In-School Suspension (ISS): Students are separated from their classmates and spend the day  working on an individual project. In some cases, if specifically requested by the teacher, students may work on classroom activities during the ISS. Out-of-School Suspension (OSS): Should the major offense be severe or repeated behavior,  an out of school suspension is issued. Students are required to stay with their parents at home or in their place of business. Students who receive an OSS will not be allowed to make up tests, quizzes, projects or homework given during their suspension.

Expulsion: Students not deemed fit for continued enrollment by reason of extraordinary misbehavior, including a single, major misbehavior episode, may at the sole discretion of the Principal, in consultation with the Director, become subject to immediate expulsion from school. Expelled students will not be considered for readmission.

The following list is an example of offenses. This list is not all-inclusive and should not be taken as such. Consequences for these offenses can range from a verbal warning to expulsion.

Examples of Minor Offenses: Disturbing or disrupting class  Running in hallways  Gum chewing  Eating or drinking in class   Violating the school uniform policy  Arriving tardy to class Examples of Major Offenses: Repeated minor offenses  Excessive tardies or absences  Cheating  Refusal to speak English  Disrespect/disobedience to teacher  Skipping or cutting class  Leaving school without signing out with the office  Lying to school personnel  Swearing or abusive language  Damage to school property  Bullying or fighting  Harassment of any form  Stealing or extortion  Possessing contraband (including, but not limited to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons,  fireworks, inappropriate printed materials)

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Physical Examination and Medical History Requirements All newly enrolled students are required to submit the APIS medical history form prior to student’s first day of enrollment. Immunization records indicating up to date vaccinations must be on file in Health Services. Medical history will be provided directly by a parent using APIS’s standard medical history form.

Required Immunizations Prior to the first day of enrollment at APIS, students must be fully immunized against the following: diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis (DTP), measles / mumps / rubella (MMR), polio, hepatitis B, and any immunizations required by law. All students must have current and up-to-date immunizations in order to participate in school.

Returning students should also contact Health Services to ensure their immunization record is upto-date, especially for the following: • Elementary students: diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis (DTP), measles / mumps / rubella (MMR), polio, hepatitis B • Students 14 to 16 years of age : booster vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis All students who begin the school year in August have until the end of October to be compliant with their immunizations. The school nurse will contact parents soon after the beginning of the school year to address issues of compliance where immunizations may be missing.

Tuberculosis Testing Requirements In addition to the immunizations above, a TB test (Mantoux or PPD) is required of each student prior to the first day of enrollment. If the TB test is positive, certification by a physician of a negative chest x-ray is required.

Student Illness A student who is diagnosed to have a communicable or contagious disease should be kept at home until fully recovered. A doctor’s certificate is needed in order to return to school. We also believe that if a student is sick, they should stay home. A student should stay home if they show any of the following symptoms: Fever of over 100.4°F (38°C) - A student may return to school once they have been fever free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

Experienced vomiting or diarrhea in the previous 24 hours  Severe coughing causing “croupy” sounds  Severe wheezing or respiratory distress  Yellowish tint to the skin or eyes (jaundice)  Red, inflamed, swollen or discharging eyes (not related to allergies)  Unusual spots or rashes of unknown origin 

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Health/ Emergency

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Infected areas of skin with yellow crusty areas  Severe headache, stomachache, and/or vomiting  Unusual behavior (crankiness, listlessness, crying more than usual, obvious general  discomfort)

Student Need for Medication Students may not self-medicate while on school property.

Administration of any medication to any student, whether the medication be over-the-counter or prescription, requires written permission from parent. Medications will be administered only under the following conditions: Parents must furnish a written statement from the physician regarding any prescription  medication to be administered. Physician’s written statement must include prescribed dosage and administration time.

Parents must provide written inventory as to amount and type of medication (prescription  or non-prescription). The note must include expressed permission in writing to administer said medication.

Only the school nurse or another person designated by the principal is permitted to  administer medication.

Medical Exemption from Physical Education Students must provide a doctor’s note to be exempted and excused from physical education class. At the discretion of the administration, students who wish to be exempt from PE and related activities due to medical reasons will be required to obtain an excuse note from the doctor.

Emergency Information APIS requires current emergency medical and contact information for every student. APIS maintains an Emergency Medical Card on file for this purpose. Required up-to-date information includes name and contact telephone numbers (home, cell phone and workplace) of both parents and telephone numbers (home and workplace) of two persons responsible for their student when neither parent can be reached.

Emergency Procedures What are those air raid sirens? National emergencies?

The nation of Korea is very security conscious and holds occasional air-raid drills, often on the 15th of the month. If you are not in school when the air raid siren sounds, you should go indoors and follow the directions of the Korean authorities.

In the unlikely event that school has to be closed due to a national emergency, students using the school buses would normally be sent home as usual. Those not using the bus would be dismissed to walk home or would be allowed to call home. APIS works closely with the U.S. embassy to keep evacuation plans up-to-date. We do not expect emergencies; however, we must plan for them as remote as their possibility might be.

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If students are in school when an emergency happens, APIS will NOT attempt to transport students home. For a period of time the students will be kept at school awaiting the arrival of parents to pick their students up. (Please note: we will only release your students to whom you have designated on your emergency information sheet).

If students are at home when an emergency happens, the APIS buses will not run. Students should NOT report to school. Every effort will be made to communicate with parents.

Students should not return to school until they are so advised.

Fire Drills Directions for fire evacuation are posted in each classroom. Teachers will guide students quickly and quietly to assigned exits. Several fire drills will be conducted throughout the school year.

Inclement Weather A school day may be cancelled in the event of extraordinary environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, and yellow dust. Such events rarely occur, but should they occur, the school will make every reasonable effort to contact parents by 6:30 a.m. that morning via a text message. An announcement will also appear on PowerSchool.

APIS Parents Communication with Parents Communication between the home and school is one of the many keys to success for the students. At APIS we encourage an open line of communication. In the elementary division we use both classroom blogs and PowerSchool. All parents will be given information on how to access PowerSchool.

Teacher – Parent The elementary school uses a number of methods to communicate with parents. Report cards and progress reports are sent home quarterly. Each homeroom class has its own blog where teachers provide weekly updates on class and school activities. Emails and phone calls will be used for communication with individual students and families. The teacher may also write a note in the student agenda, call the parent on the phone or arrange a personal meeting with the parent on campus. Translation will be provided for parents that do not speak English or do not feel comfortable speaking in English.

School – Parent A monthly newsletter, the APIS Update, containing news relevant to all families is posted on the website.

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In cases of emergency, APIS will utilize radio and television resources as well as posting all information on our website (www.apis.org). We will additionally attempt to utilize email and cellular phone contacts for parents.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Parent – Teacher There are several ways to communicate with teachers, such as writing notes in the agenda, phone calls, e-mail and personal meetings. If a parent needs to speak with a teacher, the best way is to make an appointment through the school office. Parents are not allowed to enter the classrooms when class is in session as it is very difficult for teachers to give parents their full attention should a parent just “drop in.”

Parent Teacher Conferences Conferences are held in October and March. The students are to attend these conferences with their parents. The students are the leaders of these conferences. Students, their parent(s) and the teachers will examine the student’s successes, goals and areas in need of improvement. All conferences are conducted in English. An interpreter will be provided for parents upon request.

Parent Involvement All outstanding schools count on positive parent participation. Parent involvement is held in high esteem at Asia Pacific International School. The following is a general illustration of possible parent volunteer opportunities at APIS. Throughout the school year, there may also be additional events and activities that are not included on the list. We have a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) which will be looking for volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities requiring yearly commitment: Regular classroom helper  Library parent  Room parent or “Room Mother”  Volunteer opportunities requiring task commitment: Fund-raising events, book fair, cultural events  School-sponsored events  Volunteer opportunities requiring a one-time commitment: Seasonal classroom celebrations  Field trip chaperone  Guest speakers  Assisting one of the fundraisers or school events 

Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines Teachers frequently request that parents attend classroom field trips to assist as chaperones. Following are guidelines for parents when they chaperone a school-sponsored field trip.

Since field trips involve a large group of children, always try to think in terms of “What if  every child did this?” Insist on respectful, responsible, and safe behavior at all times.

It is easy for grown-ups to socialize and forget that they are the most helpful when they 

help supervise the students and reinforce expectations. The trip is far more enjoyable if the

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teacher.

There is often a tendency for a parent to hover around his/her own child. Parent chaperones  are the most helpful when assisting with all the students and not just their own child.

Procedure for Parent Concerns Asia Pacific International School is committed to open communication and problem solving. When conflicts and/or concerns arise, parents are asked to go directly to the faculty member and attempt to resolve the concern. Both parties should be open to hearing the other’s point of view. For those parents with limited English-speaking abilities, a translator will be provided. Most of the time, resolution can be reached at this step. If the faculty member and parent cannot successfully resolve the concern, then either party may request that the Principal help with the problem-solving. Our goal is to maintain open and positive communication between home and school so that our students can be successful learners.

Picking Up Students It is the parents’ responsibility to see that their children are picked at 3:35 pm if they do not attend after-school activities. The school does not provide after-school child care. The teachers and administration are busy in meetings and after-school activities and it is impossible to supervise students and keep them safe. All students are required to be collected from school on Tuesdays no later than 3:45 p.m.

Procedure for Early Departure To maintain a safe and secure environment, students at APIS may not leave school grounds during the school day without a parent or guardian picking them up from the office. Parents or guardians who need to have a student leave campus during the school day must send written permission with the child to the teacher. The teacher will then dismiss the student at the appropriate time and send him/her to the office where the parent will be waiting.

Visitor Policy Parents and adult community members are permitted to visit the school. APIS’ students’ school-age friends who are not APIS students may not visit school at any time during the school day. Parents and adult community members who wish to visit for any reason must contact the school office prior to arrival. Visitors, upon arrival at school, must check in and obtain a Visitor Pass. The pass must be displayed at all times and returned to the office upon departure.

Photography and Videotaping From time to time, APIS uses photographs and video footage of our students in school publications for school related purpose. Should you have concerns with the use of your student's picture, please contact the Principal in writing.

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adults share the job of setting limits as needed.

If a particular child does not respond to parent requests, the parent should inform the 

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Other Official Transcript Requests A form to request an official transcript is available from the school office. Cost per official transcript is 2,000 KRW. Official transcripts require at least 48 hours for preparation.

Letters of Recommendation: Boarding Schools All letters of recommendation requests must be submitted directly to the school office. They are not to be submitted directly to teachers. The principal will disseminate all recommendation requests to teachers. Recommendation forms, particularly of the boarding school variety, are typically openended and labor intensive. In order to respect the time of the teachers, please allow two weeks for completion of these forms. APIS reserves the right to limit the number of recommendations provided for any one student.

Withdrawal from APIS Policy Parents are expected to make a good faith effort to contact APIS within two weeks of intention to withdraw their student. This lead time allows reasonable time to prepare the student’s transcript and other records. Official student transcripts will be mailed directly by APIS to the student’s receiving school. Official transcripts cannot be transmitted to any receiving school by a parent or any other third party.

The student is required to submit a completed check-out form as a condition of withdrawal. All obligations including full payment of outstanding fees and tuition must be met before school records will be released. Refunds will only be made in accordance with the school’s tuition and fees refund policy.

Non-refundable Fees: · Application procedure fees · Registration fees · The USD portion of the tuition · Any payment made with the installment plan When tuition and fees are paid in full, refunds will be made in accordance with the following schedule:

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Date of Withdrawal

Refund of Tuition (KRW Portion Only) & Bus Fees

Until 7/31/2015

80% of the annual tuition and 90% of bus fees

8/1/2015 ~ 8/14/2015

75% of the annual tuition and 80% of bus fees

8/15/2015 ~ 9/18/2015

70% of the annual tuition and 70% of bus fees

9/19/2015 ~ 10/16/2015

60% of the annual tuition and 60% of bus fees

10/17/2015 ~ 12/18/2015

40% of the annual tuition and 40% of bus fees

12/19/2015 ~ 3/11/2016

20% of the annual tuition and 20% of bus fees

3/12/2016 ~ 6/10/2016

0% of the annual tuition and bus fees

* The above schedule applies only to the tuition & fees paid in full. * The USD portion of the tuition is NOT subject to refund or discount. * No refunds will be given in the event of a large-scale withdrawal due to a major disaster such as war, civil strife, labor unrest, or a natural disaster.

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Withdrawal Refund Schedule

Asia Pacific International School Elementary School Academic Year 2015-2016

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form

Please complete and return the following form to your classroom teacher.

Student’s Name (please print)

Grade Parent’s Name (please print) Our signatures indicate that we understand and agree to abide by all policies and school agreements set forth in the Asia Pacific International School Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook.

Student's Signature Date Parent's Signature Date

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges

아시아퍼시픽 국제외국인학교 139-724 서울특별시 노원구 57 월계로 45가길 Tel : (02) 907-2747 Fax : (02) 907-2742

Asia Pacific International School

57 Wolgye-ro 45ga-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 139-724, Korea Tel : +82-(0)2-907-2747 Fax : +82-(0)2-907-2742