ECEC Parent Handbook 2019-2020

Chapel School ECEC Early Childhood Education Center Handbook for Parents and Students 2019-2020

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ECEC HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 2019-2020

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Table of Contents Table of Contents

2

Guiding Statements

3

Child Welfare and Protection at Chapel School

4

Gate Hours

5

School Attendance Expectations

6

Academic Program

7

Curriculum Highlights

8

Assessment and Grading Policy

11

Behavior Expectations

12

School Communication

12

Parents as Partners

14

Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Dismissal Procedures and Authorizations

15

Health Procedures

18

Procedures for Birthdays

19

General Procedures and Other Authorizations

20

Uniforms Pre I - 6th grade

22

Accreditation, Affiliations and Governance

23

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Guiding Statements Mission Statement

In a caring and academically challenging environment, Chapel provides an American-style education to an international student body. Through Christian values, students learn to make informed decisions, to own responsibility for personal actions and community needs, and to respect life and cultural diversity.

Shared Vision Statement

Engage. Challenge. Support. Care. Prepare students for life.

Motto

“Faith in Education.�

Introduction The experiences of early education are milestones in the life of the child and his family. It is during this phase of life that children should be free to observe, imitate, create, discover, and make mistakes in order to learn.

Through these experiences they learn how to be creative, cooperative, responsible, to take risks and build empathy for others. Fluency in these dispositions will provide a strong foundation for children to become active, happy and successful adults.

Chapel School is committed to providing a rich learning environment as well as differentiated support for our students. Only by looking at each child as unique, can we ensure that individual learning paces are respected and that all children are given opportunities to truly consolidate understandings about the world around them.

School Phone (011) 2101-7400 / ECEC Office Email ececoffice@chapelschool.com ECEC Principal Ms. Conchita Kennedy

Superintendent Ms. Lucy Nunes

ECEC HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 2019-2020

Brazilian Program Director Ms. Daniela Gattai

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Child Welfare and Protection at Chapel School Policy Statement

Chapel School believes that because children can be vulnerable to different forms of abuse, great care must be taken in ensuring that all our students are protected and advocated for. To guide us in this most important mission we refer to international recommendations from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children as well as Brazilian laws stated in the Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. At Chapel school, all adults are responsible for not only protecting all children enrolled, but also working towards their ultimate wellbeing. To do this, we will take all measures necessary.

Foundational Beliefs

Our core child protection beliefs are based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) These beliefs are rooted in the natural rights of the child and include: • • •

all adults are responsible for preventing abuse, children cannot consent to abuse, and children have a right to agency and to voice their opinion.

The Guiding Principles of Child Welfare and Protection at Chapel School The guiding principles of Child Protection and Wellbeing at Chapel School The duty to protect and advocate for children takes precedence over all other duties. We will spare no efforts in order to keep children safe both at school and elsewhere. This includes working with all children that may be at risk or have been affected, ensuring the continuity of education delivery and providing support services, always taking actions that are truly in the best interest of the child. We will take into account the child’s wishes, whenever possible in making decisions. We also recognize that the ultimate decision lies with parents and/or guardians and will work with them closely, unless to do so might jeopardise the welfare of a child. When needed we will work across agencies and go beyond institutional boundaries to protect and advocate for the wellbeing of children.

Procedures for all Adults to Ensure the Safety and Wellbeing of our Students The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount and so we would like to remind our community of some important procedures that must be followed on our campus. Please know that these procedures are in accordance with both international and local child protection guidelines and are meant to assure an environment where students can feel safe. We kindly ask that you follow our procedures and also make sure that any staff you authorize to come on campus, follow them as well.

Designated Adult Visitor Bathrooms: There are designated bathrooms for parents/adult visitors on our campus. These are located in the outside covered area next to the auditorium, behind the mural. Please observe that all adults who are not Chapel School employees must use those restrooms in the covered area and no other. The bathrooms in the gymnasium are only for students use since children and teenagers change clothes for sports in there.

Watching sports practices and games: Only parents and authorized family members may remain in the sports facilities areas and/or watch practices and games. All others, including family employees must remain with their vehicles.

Approaching Students and Others on our Campus: Adults must be respectful and non threatening when approaching any child or adult on our campus. All issues and/or concerns that arise here with any child other

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than your own, must be taken respectfully to a supervising adult and/or school administration immediately so we may handle it swiftly and appropriately.

Driving and Parking on Campus: At Chapel we are blessed to have an ample drop off and pick up area for our community. Together we can keep these times safe and smooth for all. Upon entering our gates, please stay calm and pay close attention to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Never use your cell phones while driving and always stay within the 10 kilometres per hour speed limit. Be considerate of others, park only in designated areas and drop your children off in the correct sections. Always follow the directions from our helpful security personnel.

Gate Hours Students learn best when they feel secure and tranquil in their school environment. For this reason, campus safety and reducing distractions are of the highest priority. Chapel School continually reviews our procedures and consults with specialized teams to make sure we are taking all actions to prevent any possible incidents or disruptions to learning.

Only Chapel teachers and staff are allowed free access to campus during school hours. Parents who wish to enter campus during school hours are welcome to schedule an appointment with the teachers, counselors or principals. Campus will be open during special family events and parent workshops.

Chapel School Gate Hours on Regular School Days Morning • •

Gates open at 6:30 a.m. for High School student's drop off.

Gates close at 8:15 a.m. - all vehicles must leave campus.

Afternoon 3:10 student pick up • • •

Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for student pick up (hallways remain closed); Hallway doors open at 3:05 p.m; Gates close at 3:40 p.m. - all vehicles must leave campus.

4:30 student pick up (After School Activities Dismissal) • •

Gates open at 4:15 p.m. for student pick up.

Gates close at 4:45 p.m. - all vehicles must leave campus (exceptions made on game days).

6:30 student pick up (High School Teams Practice Dismissal) • •

Gates open at 6:15 p.m. for student pick up.

Gates close at 6:45 p.m.- all vehicles must leave campus (exceptions made on game days).

Early Dismissal Days (Students are Dismissed at 12 p.m.)

• • •

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. for student pick up; Hallway doors open at 11:55 a.m; Gates close at 12:30 p.m. - all vehicles must leave campus.

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School Events Parking Procedures Parents/adult visitors must follow these important parking procedures during school hours. If you will stay on campus for an event during school hours you will receive a “Yellow Event Parking Sign” which should be placed on your car’s dashboard as you drive in to school.

In the event of having the “Yellow Parking Event Sign” our security personnel will automatically direct you to an appropriate parking spot.

Please remember that: • • •

No parking is allowed in any of the lanes of the street in front of the main building after 8:15am and before 2:30pm. This area is used as a patio for student transit, activities and recreation.

In case your car is left parked inappropriately, the event will be interrupted and you will be kindly asked to move your car.

Parking spaces during events are available on the exit ramp and next to the tennis court. Security guards will also direct you to other spaces if needed.

School Attendance Expectations Families should make every effort to ensure their child maintains appropriate school attendance and on-time arrivals. The school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Any arrival after the start of the school day is documented as a late arrival, and any student leaving before 3:10 p.m, will be documented as an early dismissal.

Please be reminded that Brazilian law states that students between the ages of 4 and 17 are required to attend school or classes full–time. By law, the school is required report excessive unexcused absences or tardiness to "Conselho Tutelar". It is also worth noting that we are required to report attendance information on students’ report cards and official transcripts.

Students are expected to attend school regularly and punctually to promote an easier adaptation to school routines and healthy study habits. Students are expected to arrive at school and be in the classroom ready to learn by 8am. Frequent or extended absences for leisure purposes are considered unexcused absences.

Families should use the school calendar to plan for trips and holidays on non-instructional days.

Punctuality is extremely important, both at the beginning and at the end of the day. If you are late in the morning, the group instruction will be disturbed as your child arrives. If you are late for pick up, the teacher is unable to perform/attend after school duties/tasks/meetings.

In order to receive credit on a Chapel School international transcript for any subject, a student must be in attendance at least 85% of the days that the class meets during the academic year. In case a student’s unexcused absences result in attendance below 85%, his/her yearly academic progression is jeopardized.

Excused Absences/Tardies • •

If a child is sick or has a medical appointment, the absence or tardy is considered excused. A medical certificate should be provided to the ECEC Office to excuse the absence.

Appointments for documentation (passports, visas) and/or legal proceedings are also considered excused.

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Unexcused Absences/Tardies • • •

Travel for leisure purposes or purposes other than stated in the above “Excused Absences/Tardies” section are not excused.

Tardies due to traffic will not be excused.

Any student who misses more than 50% of a school day will be documented as absent.

Obtaining a Pass for Tardies Over 10 Minutes

Students arriving at school after 8:10 a.m. must go to the ECEC office to obtain a tardy pass. This pass must be presented to the teacher/ class assistant upon entering the classroom. The teacher/ class assistant will redirect the student to the office in case he/ she does not have a pass.

Academic Program A typical day in Chapel School’s ECEC is filled with routines that support the development of social-emotional, cognitive and physical well-being. In ECEC, the day begins with a warm welcome, followed by teaching practices in which children learn by exploring, doing, and sharing.

In the physical domain, care is taken including with how children eat and move. Chapel’s nutrition department works with great care and rigor in the preparation of nutritious and varied foods to teach children to enjoy different flavors. Children are also exposed to healthy living in Physical Education classes which engage them in self-awareness activities. Children learn to identify their physical strengths, be proud of their physical abilities and feel confident when playing collaborative games with friends. Playtime, includes both free and directed activities which are carefully thought out to provide opportunities to develop movement, balance, and other fine and gross motor skills. We know that children who are physically active will be more likely to take risks, explore their environment and be creative.

Our pedagogical direction is rooted in social interaction and play which lead to creativity, a sense of belonging and learning. Social interaction and play are strongly connected to cognitive competence and some direct benefits include self-regulation, memory development, divergent thinking, problem solving as, language development as well as specific content knowledge.

School Hours

Class begins punctually at 8:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday. After 8:00 a.m. students are late. Class ends at 3:10 p.m.

ECEC Classes

The ECEC buildings hold three Pre I classes (3-year-olds), three Pre II classes (4-year-olds), and three Kindergarten classes (5year-olds). Each class is equipped with a full kitchen and a half bathroom, with two independent stalls. Each classroom is staffed with a full-time teacher and a full-time class assistant.

Class Size

There is a maximum of 18 students per class, with the exception of the two Preschool I classes on the first floor which holds 16 students in each class.

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Placement

Placement of students into classrooms is a complex process. Chapel staff takes into consideration development of the whole child in order to promote balanced classrooms.

During this process Chapel staff studies and observes the academic level, social, behavioural and emotional needs, nationality, primary language, and other factors to create balanced classrooms. Students are placed in groups in which they will continue to build-on their social-emotional competencies and will be academically challenged each day.

At Chapel parent request for teachers and/or friends are not accepted.

School Readiness

Students are expected to be toilet trained before entering Chapel. Chapel staff is aware that occasional accidents are part of the physical development of preschoolers. Each student needs a complete change of clothes to remain at school for such occasions. If a student has daily, and constant accidents, Chapel staff will request that the student remains home until fully toilet trained.

At Chapel the use of strollers, diapers, pacifiers or baby bottles are not accepted.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. Regular classes are suspended for these days and ECEC students should remain home. The conferences take place over a two-day period, with each individual conference lasting 30 minutes. Throughout the school year parents may also request a meeting with their child's teachers, as necessary.

Instructional Practices

Chapel staff uses research-based instructional strategies to support student learning. We strive to provide developmentally appropriate practices to all our students. This means that special attention is placed on individualizing and differentiating instruction to meet each student where his/her development is in each area.

When you visit an ECEC classroom you may see students in Learning Areas, in Guided Reading groups, in small groups, or in whole group instruction.

Curriculum Highlights In the ECEC, students are encouraged to become actively involved with their own learning, through the use of a variety of strategies such as imaginative play, interest areas, play acting, small and large group activities, and outdoor explorations. Our curriculum is based on international standards for early childhood learning and focuses on the development of the whole child. Parents receive a Curriculum Overview at the beginning of every school-year, in order to share and bring awareness of the learning happening in school.

Responsive Classroom and Morning Meetings The Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting takes place every day with children participating actively. These meetings build and foster a strong sense of community, and children develop both socially and academically.

Every morning the class gathers for the morning prayer, followed by a greeting, a sharing activity, a group activity and a morning message, which leads children into their daily schedule. Children also engage in daily math routines, such as counting the days on the calendar, organizing and presenting the schedule for the day, completing the weather graph, and taking attendance.

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Responsive Classroom Practices • Morning Meeting/Greeting - gathering as a whole class each morning to greet one another, share news, and warm up for the day ahead • Rule Creation - helping students create classroom rules to ensure an environment that allows all class members to meet their learning goals • Interactive Modeling - teaching children to notice and internalize expected behaviors through a unique modeling technique • Positive Teacher Language - using words and tone as a tool to promote children's active learning, sense of community, and self-discipline • Logical Consequences - responding to misbehavior in a way that allows children to fix and learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity • Guided Discovery - introducing classroom materials using a format that encourages independence, creativity, and responsibility • Academic Choice - increasing student learning by allowing students teacher-structured choices in their work • Classroom Organization - setting up the physical room in ways that encourage students' independence, cooperation, and productivity Working with Families - creating avenues for hearing parents' insights and helping them understand the school's teaching approaches • Collaborative Problem Solving - using conferencing, role playing, and other strategies to resolve problems with students.

Five Criteria For Positive Discipline • Is Kind and Firm at the same time. (Respectful and encouraging) • Helps children feel a sense of Belonging and Significance. (Connection) • Is Effective Long-Term. (Punishment works short term, but has negative long-term results.)

• Teaches valuable Social and Life Skills for good character. (Respect, concern for others, problemsolving, accountability, contribution, cooperation) • Invites children to discover how Capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.

Social-Emotional Development - Caring & Sharing Meetings (Preschool II and Kindergarten) We know that social and ethical development go hand in hand with students’ academic success, and that at Chapel, social-emotional development is as important as the academic development. Our school culture is characterized by fairness, helpfulness, and respect, where students learn to feel safe taking risks and exploring ideas with no fear of making mistakes. In the “Caring & Sharing Meetings”, through the use of cooperative learning structures, students will experience working with a multi-age group in pairs, in groups, and as a class.

The social skills emphasized by this curriculum are both developmentally appropriate. Skills that will be developed include talking and listening to one another, explaining one's thinking, using prompts to add to another person’s thinking, and appreciating and respecting one another’s ideas. Listening and reaching an agreement will also be a focus of interest, and students will be able to consider different points of view, support their own reasoning, ask questions, and dig deeper into the content of what they are learning.

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The All About Preschoolers Curriculum (Preschool I) The Creative Curriculum (Preschool II and Kindergarten) These award-winning curriculum are research-based and developmentally appropriate. They are fully aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, which uses exploration and discovery as a way of learning. The Creative Curriculum and the All About Preschoolers Curriculum support children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills while exploring interdisciplinary studies that include, language, math, social studies, science, music, arts, and physical education integrated activities.

Everyday Math Program Math concepts are taught through playful and engaging hands-on experiences using real world examples, manipulatives, games, and other tools. Through the essential processing skills of problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making connections, and representing, children learn mathematics content and build reasoning skills.

Being A Writer Program (Kindergarten) The Being A Writer Program begins in Kindergarten, and through collaborative practices children listen to stories and discuss good writing. They share their thinking and listen to the thinking of others, and are introduced to developmentally appropriate writing conventions. Children develop both socially and academically as they build their knowledge and love for writing.

Religious Instruction While exploring the areas of Scripture, Doctrine, Spirituality, and Community, through the stories of the Bible and songs students learn to respect life, share, and care for others.

Visual Arts Visual Arts education is based on elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value, shape, and space. During classes, students are exposed to different techniques and materials that provide opportunities to create their projects in various mediums (painting, sculpture, drawing and collage). In addition, the Chapel Art Collection and The Chapel Art Show are used to further enrich classes. The Chapel Art Collection allows students to appreciate and learn from the real art in which they are surrounded. During the Chapel Art Show students participate in guided tours and workshops as well as go to art exhibits outside of Chapel.

Music Music education at Chapel is rooted in the philosophy of learning as a process whereby students have the opportunity to develop his or her musical abilities by exploring elements and movement. Children have multiple opportunities to learn about the history of music and enjoy to different genres, composers, musicians and performers.

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Physical Education Playtime activities and exercises, whether free or directed, are carefully thought out to provide opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills.

Technology Using a computer is explored while Kindergarten students engage in educational games aligned to the curriculum. Additionally, each classroom teacher uses an interactive white board during instruction. A set of iPads is also available to all ECEC students and are used to support Language, Literacy and Math differentiation.

Assessment and Grading Policy Assessment and Academic Testing

Chapel School uses research-based, developmentally appropriate tools to determine what a student knows and is able to do in relationship to our content standards, developmental benchmarks, and language acquisition. Assessment is ongoing and continuous, beginning in Preschool I.

The Gold Assessment

Gold is an authentic observational assessment system for all areas of development and learning. This system recognizes that young children’s development is uneven, that it changes rapidly, and that development and learning are interrelated and overlapping. It is grounded in 38 research-based objectives for development and learning, and is used to guide and differentiate instruction, to collect learning evidence and to report on children’s progress.

Differentiation

Every student in the ECEC develops at his/her own pace. The schedule and routines allow for flexibility in the day dependent upon each individual child. It is also understood that the needs of these children are changing constantly from day to day, as new milestones are reached and new challenges are introduced.

Individual Child Report

Students receive a developmental Individual Child Report every trimester. This report is a fair and accurate reflection of the child’s development and learning.

Tutoring

Tutoring can only be recommended to a student through a Child Study Meeting (CST). The teacher will request a CST during the year if she feels the student may need tutoring. Once the school has made the recommendation the Student Support Specialist will be notified, to ensure that we are closely following your child’s development.

At Chapel teachers are NOT permitted to tutor students in their homeroom class.

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Behavior Expectations When students demonstrate behaviors or act in a manner that significantly falls below the expected standards, the incident will be investigated and reviewed by administration. Parents will be contacted when necessary.

Responsive Classroom and Positive Discipline strategies help prevent serious behavior problems. However, if a student engages in serious or extreme behaviors; in-school suspension may be a consequence and repeated offences could result in expulsion. Such behaviors could include; vandalism, disrespect of authority, fighting, repeated violation of school rules, disregard of other’s rights, stealing (out of the developmental norm), or any other offense that is not specifically listed but is considered by the Administration to be serious.

School Communication •

Most communication is emailed through PlusPortals, Chapel’s Student Information System.

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Agendas are not used by classroom teachers to communicate about students eating, sleeping, and bathroom habits. If there is something unusual with any of the above parents will be contacted immediately.

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Parents must refer all inquiries to the teacher. Class assistants are not trained nor expected to discuss students development and learning with parents.

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Student’s emergency and medical information must be updated on PlusPortals, Chapel’s Student Information System. On the parent landing page click on the “Forms” tab and edit the information as necessary.

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When parents need to speak to the teacher, they should call, e-mail or send a note through the student's agenda requesting a meeting. Parents must refrain from having a personal and confidential conversation about their child at the classroom's door during arrival or dismissal time.

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Envelopes from one parent to another will not be sent through the students agendas/ folders. Students agendas are strictly used as a communication tool between the school and family only. Teachers will return the envelope and request that the parent personally delivers it. Chapel staff will not take responsibility for envelopes left in agendas containing any valuable item. Parents must refrain from sending it to school.

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Parents who have a concern regarding their child must follow the Chapel Elementary/ ECEC Parent Communication Flow Chart on the next page.

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Focus on Learning Plans, Child Study Team Meetings (CST) and Student Support If a teacher or a parent has a concern regarding a student’s achievement in any area of development, a Focus on Learning Plan is created by the classroom teacher based on assessment data and observations. A Child Study Team Meeting (CST) may be called if teachers or parents feel that a child needs additional strategies in place to assure academic or behavior success. The team includes parents, the student’s teacher(s), the principal, the Student Support Specialist, outside specialists (if applicable), and any other person whose feedback might be beneficial. The objective of such meetings is to gather information and devise an action plan to address the concerns.

The Student Support Office has staff that support students and teachers. If a student is diagnosed with a learning disability, the Student Support Specialist may develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for the student.

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Parents as Partners There are many ways that Chapel School promotes partnerships with parents.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Mission: To work voluntarily in

conjunction with the school representatives on specific social and sports events, to welcome families, to help decide on parent talks, to support the school decisions, and to foster positive school to home communications.

If you are interested in joining the PTA please contact Ms. Cida Gregorio, secretary to the Superintendent at cgregorio@chapelschool.com.

Parent Talks: Throughout the year Chapel staff will hold informational sessions for parents. Sessions have

included topics such as internet safety, how to read with your child, standardized testing, and how to help your child make friends. Parent talk invitations are sent by email or as a flier. The school encourages parents to participate in these talks as they directly support their child’s learning, as well as Chapel’s Mission and Vision.

ECEC parents are also invited to: • • • • • • •

Parent Orientation (July) Parent Teacher Conferences (November and April) Halloween Afternoon Snack (October) Christmas Recitals (December) International Week Parent Presentation (March) Mother's Day Celebration (May) Kindergarten Parents - Kindergarten End-of-Year Ceremony (June)

Adaptation Parent

The first weeks of school are a period of adjustment to all students: new classroom, new teacher, and perhaps, new school. We are sensitive to the different needs that students may present and will accommodate to make their adaptation as stress free as possible. Here are some guidelines:

Preschool I Parent

On the first day, parents may come into the classroom with their child. We will have activities set out, so that adults can interact with children as they get accustomed to the new people and new surroundings. We will have at least 3 adults in the room for the first few days, depending on each classroom's needs. As children start to feel more comfortable, parents are asked to leave for periods of time. In our experience, after the third day, most children have adapted quite well and parents can leave without much trouble. In case your child becomes very distressed, we will contact you immediately, so that you may come and pick up your child earlier on those first few days. Sometimes this time proves to be more challenging for the parents than for the children, so brace yourselves!

• •

During the first 4 days of school all Pre I students will be in the adaptation process.

All Pre I parents will have a badge and a designated location to wait for their child.

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•All

Pre I parents will have access to the Elementary School library only (if wearing a badge), and should avoid circulating on campus. Instructional disruption and commotion needs to be avoided to secure student's learning and safety.

•Parents should only remain in the ECEC building if requested by an ECEC staff member.

•All Pre I parents will be given a Wi-Fi code and password to login into Chapel's Guest Wi-Fi during the adaptation process.

Preschool II and Kindergarten Parents

As this is usually not the first school experience for most Pre II and Kindergarten children, there is no formal adaptation procedure. Instead, we work with the needs of each child and will make arrangements for parents to stay nearby for short periods of time, as necessary. As a rule, even if there are some tears, those subside fairly quickly after parents leave and the daily routine begins. Remember, they are with 17 other children that are experiencing the same and there is comfort in that. In addition, our staff is highly qualified and trained to handle this situation, and will use their expertise to make sure your child adapts to the classroom in no time.

We will contact you immediately, if we feel that the best for your child is to be picked up earlier during the first few days of school.

Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Dismissal Procedures and Authorizations THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY

Drop-Off • • • • • • •

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• •

ECEC parents should arrive at school between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. to assure an on time arrival for their child.

ECEC parents, as they enter the school, should take LANE 3. An assistant will be at the drop-off zone to assist your child out of the car. Assistants are not able to take students to their classrooms.

Pre I students should be walked to their classroom by the parent / responsible adult.

Pre II students should walk down the ramp that heads to the Pre II hall.

Kindergarten students should walk up the ramp that heads to the Kindergarten hall.

In case the student is not able to walk to the classroom alone, the parent/ responsible adult is expected to take the child to the classroom.

Parents who need to walk their child to the classroom must park in a designated parking area, and leave campus at 8:15 a.m. Consult with the security guards upon entering school about the designated parking areas.

Class assistants arrive at 7:30 a.m. and open the classroom door to welcome students. If you choose to use the early drop-off system, refrain from being in the hallway after you have dropped your child off. At 7:45 a.m. class teachers will join the group, and the classroom's door will close at 8:00 a.m. for the morning prayer.

Students that arrive after 8:00 a.m. need to wait with the class assistant outside the classroom, until the morning prayer is over.

Students are considered late after 8:00 a.m.

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Pick-Up • •

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• • • • • • •

Parents/ Authorized adults will stand in line and wait for their turn to sign out and pick up their child.

Students will only be dismissed to adults who have been previously authorized by their parents in the Emergency and Authorization Form, through an e-mail or note on student's agenda. Phone calls are not accepted as a tool to dismiss students to unauthorized adults.

If an unauthorized adult comes to pick up a student, the student will remain in the classroom while the teacher or office assistant contacts the parents. The student will only be dismissed when the teacher receives an e-mail from the parents.

Any adult picking up a child may be asked to present a photo identification.

Each student needs to be signed out by the person picking them up.

ECEC hallways open for pick-up at 3:05 p.m.

All students in the ECEC are ready for pick-up at 3:10 p.m.

ECEC parents should park in a designated parking area. Consult with the security guards upon entering school about the designated parking areas.

Parents pick-up their child at their ECEC classroom door. Parents should remain outside of the classroom at this time. If you need to speak to the teacher, please call or e-mail to make an appointment.

At this time the teacher will be busy assuring that all students are safely dismissed.

If you have children in other school divisions we request that you pick-up your ECEC child first, and then follow the elementary school pick-up procedure.

At 3:20 pm parents will hear a signal of three sounds of a whistle. At this time parents must return to their cars with their children and start their cars.

At 3:25 pm the elementary crosswalk will be closed for crossing.

All drivers will be directed by our security guards to exit the school.

When the lanes have cleared the elementary crosswalk will reopen.

After signing out any student he/ she should be under constant adult supervision.

At no time a student should be left playing on school campus.

Early Dismissal Procedure •

• • •

Parents should notify the classroom teacher about their child’s early dismissal through the student’s agenda or by e-mailing the classroom teacher. In the case of an e-mail, it should be mailed through the parents e-mail address. Teacher and classroom assistant will have the student ready to go and packed up by the time assigned.

Parent or authorized adult should go to the ECEC/ES office to pick up an “Early Dismissal Pass” with the secretary before picking up the student.

Student will only be dismissed by the teacher or classroom assistant to an authorized person who holds a signed “Early Dismissal Pass”.

The “Early Dismissal Pass” will be requested by the security guards at the Exit gate to certify student’s safety.

ECEC Students Who Have After School Activities •

•

In order to maintain a safe dismissal procedure for all students, children that participate in After School Activities will not be changed into their activity outfit by the classroom teacher / assistant. If this is the case the parent or authorized adult should pick-up the student.

At dismissal time, students in any After School Activity, upon parent request, will be escorted to the location by the classroom assistant.

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• • •

For your child’s safety, authorized adults need to pick-up their children at the site of the after school activity, as soon as the after school activity has finished.

ECEC students are not be allowed to be at Chapel without supervision.

Students must leave Chapel when their activities are over.

ECEC Students on the Field or the Playground After School • • • • •

Students in After School Activities should be the only students on the field.

The authorized adult who signed out the student needs to remain in eyesight of the child and be responsible for the child's well-being.

Children will not be allowed back into the school building once they have been dismissed. If a student needs to return to the building, the authorized adult must accompany the student.

Students and adults should only cross the drive at the elementary crosswalk.

Playgrounds should not be used after 3:15 p.m.

ECEC Students Who Are Not Picked-up by 3:20 p.m.

• •

• • • •

Students are taken to the ECEC Art Room in the Pre I Building (Ground Floor) and supervised by two classroom assistants until 4 p.m.

An assistant will be at the door dismissing students to authorized adults on the Emergency Form.

Students will also be dismissed according to written authorizations in their agenda or if an email has been received.

Only Chapel School staff and students are allowed into the Art Room during this time.

Students may read/look at books quietly.

Students who are not picked up by 4:00 p.m. are taken to the reception.

All students must be picked up by an authorized adult by 4 p.m., if not in a supervised After School Activity.

Authorization Procedure for your child to be picked up from school (Chapel School Authorization Form) • •

• • •

• •

Parents fill out the Authorization Form listing all authorized persons (driver, nanny, relative, friend), other than the parents, who may pick-up the child this year. Please include full name.

The parent(s) will notify the school in writing in the event a person who is not listed on the form will pickup the child. Parents must provide this person’s full name and identification document number. No authorization by phone calls or fax will be accepted.

If the parent(s) is(are) unable to provide the written authorization, the school will call the emergency contact to pick-up the child.

If there is an issue regarding the authorized pick-up person the school will make every effort to contact parents for clarification.

If an unauthorized adult comes to pick up a student, the student will remain in the classroom while the teacher or office assistant contacts the parents. The student will be dismissed when the teacher receives an e-mail from the parents.

Please note that if a parent does not routinely come to school to pick up the child, a picture ID may be required.

In the event there is a change in personnel (nanny, driver), parents must update the information immediately on PlusPortals, Chapel’s Student Information System. On the parent landing page find the “Forms” tab and edit the information as necessary.

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Security Guards •

• •

School guards may stop and inspect each car that enters school grounds. Only those cars that were previously authorized by a sticker or have a scheduled appointment at school will be allowed to enter the premises.

Personal body-guards are not allowed on school grounds. They may remain outside the school gates during school hours.

Personal body-guards that intend to accompany a class during a field trip are required to inform the school to obtain permission prior to departure.

Gate Security

In order to control the presence of outsiders on campus, security personnel maintain the gates closed. Cars of Chapel families are issued stickers, which should be displayed on the driver’s side of the front window. All cars without these stickers will be obliged to obtain a pass, which will be returned to the guard upon leaving the campus. All visitors on campus must sign in and are issued an identifying ID/badge.

Health Procedures Chapel employs two full-time nurses who are on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In case a student does not feel well or incurs an injury, Chapel staff will take the child to the nurse's office. The nurse will evaluate the student’s condition and will notify the parent if needed.

Our policy is to over communicate with parents. Students are taken to the nurse for many different reasons: a fever, an insect bite, a bump on the knee, a sore throat, to name a few. Our aim is to attend to our student's needs and make sure that they are being assisted by a health professional.

Emergencies

Parents are notified of any emergency right away. In case the parent is not located, the school will notify the person(s) listed on the emergency form (this needs to be a person(s) other than the parents).

Medication

The school nurses are the only people authorized to administer medication to students. Parents must hand any medication their child may need directly to the school nurse.

Parents are urged to use common sense when the student is sick. Parents should not send a sick child to school, as this presents a risk to all other students and adults in the environment. Parents must always communicate with the school in case their child is diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Procedures for Head Lice

Although this condition is not uncommon among school aged children, there are effective steps we can take to prevent proliferation. We have a detailed protocol for containment here at school and we ask for everyone’s careful attention at home too.

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Protocol for containment for head lice/nits at school: •

For cases of head lice/nits, parents should inform the school nurse immediately, as soon as the case is diagnosed, for preventive measures to be applied;

•

If the student has siblings in school, their heads will be checked by the nurse;

•

All students in the same room as the student will also be checked by the nurse;

•

If head lice/nits are detected at school, the parents will be notified by phone, by the nurse, and the student should immediately leave school and begin treatment;

•

The student will stop by the nurse when he/she returns to school so he/she can return to school environment.

Protocol for containment for head lice/nits at home: •

Watch for excessive scratching and check your child’s head daily. If you notice the presence of any lice or their egg nits, keep your child at home, consult your doctor about treatment and inform the school.

•

During the period when lice and/or nits are evident, your child should also avoid playdates, participating in other group activities and should not be sent to school.

•

Treatment is most effective when repeated at least twice, with an interval of two days and students should only return to school or to group activities when they are completely clear of lice and/or nits.

Procedures for Birthdays Birthdays are celebrated at school only with the teacher and classmates. This is so that we can avoid difficult situations and hurt feelings of students whose parents cannot be present at school. Siblings and close relatives in school are not invited as they have different schedules and disruption to instructional time must be kept to a minimum.

Please communicate to the teacher through agenda or e-mail about when you wish to send a small cake and candle to school. The teacher will arrange an appropriate time for the celebration according to the classroom’s schedule.

Party Invitations

Party invitations for a birthday party outside of school may only be distributed in school if ALL students (both boys and girls) in the classroom receive an invitation. It is hurtful when a student is left out when invitations are distributed. For birthday parties in which only all the girls or all the boys, or only some students are invited, the school will not hand out the invitations. Please personally call, email, or mail invitations to parents if only some students are invited to a party.

Parents must hand birthday invitations to the teacher at least one week in advance to allow for their timely distribution, otherwise, they will not be handed out. Party favors will not be distributed by the school and birthday parties cannot be held on school grounds.

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Transportation to Parties

Transportation vehicles to a party outside of school must have permission to enter campus, and will only be approved to enter the campus if the whole homeroom class or all girls or all boys in the homeroom class are invited. Chapel encourages families to invite all students in the homeroom to parties.

Parents must contact the ES or ECEC office to communicate the date, time and request the “Request Form Party Transportation” to be filled-out by parents and approved by Chapel's administration. This information should be delivered to the office at least one week in advance. In addition, parents of students using the transportation must authorize their child to ride the vehicle. The authorization must be in advance and in writing.

No transportation will be allowed on school’s premises if it is not in accordance to the Brazilian transit and safety laws.

General Procedures and Other Authorizations Image Use

As per the school's contract.

PlusPortals and School Calendar

A link to the School Calendar is located under School Announcements on PlusPortals. PlusPortals provides an interface for teachers and parents to communicate. If you do not have your PlusPortals account set up: • •

Check your email, including SPAM box to see if you have received an email with the set up instructions or send an email to ececoffice@chapelschool.com requesting Plus Portal assistance.

Access to PlusPortals is via www.chapelschool.com, Parent & Student Login (top right corner of website), or https://plusportals.com/ChapelSchool.

American and Brazilian National Anthem

Every Friday, after the second bell rings at 8 a.m. the Brazilian National Anthem will play school-wide. At this time students rise the Brazilian flag on the black top, and facing the field. When the anthem plays all students and adults on campus should rise, stand at attention, and face the flag. If you are transitioning buildings, walking or talking when the anthem begins to play, you should stop, remain in silence or join in singing. Latecomers will not enter the classroom until after the anthem is completed. There should be no disturbance while the anthem plays.

Additionally, every last Friday of the month the American National Anthem will be played right after the Brazilian National Anthem.

Casual Dress Day

The last Friday of each month is casual dress day. Students may come to school out of uniform. However, to encourage a safe environment the following dress code must be observed: The following is not allowed:

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• • • • • • • • •

High heels LED shoes Sport cleats with studs Open toed shoes (sandals/flip-flops) Costumes Midriffs showing Spaghetti strapped tops Underwear showing Short shorts or skirts (Skirts cannot be more than one palm and shorts two palms above the knees, and measured when the student is sitting down.)

Toys, and Other Valuable Items

Students may bring one toy to school each Friday for Toy Day. Electronic toys (iPhone, iPad, Laptop, Computer, Nintendo Video Games), weapon like toys such as swords or play guns, make-up and nail polish are not allowed. Game cards and trading cards should not be brought to school. The toy brought to school needs to fit in the student’s backpack.

Scooters, skates, skate boards and other sports apparel in this category are nor allowed on campus, unless unless requested for a special project by a teacher, and authorized by the ECEC office.

Backpacks that can be used as a scooter should be used as a school backpack only, while on campus.

Nutrition

All meals provided to the students are prepared at school following rigorous health standards. Students in the ECEC receive a snack in the morning, lunch, and another snack in the afternoon. The nutritionist will accommodate special dietary needs upon written doctor request. The school has an industrial type kitchen that includes a special oven for “fried tasting” baked foods. This means that the majority of menu items are baked, not fried.

Transportation

The school does not provide transportation for the students. A list of van service providers is available in the Accounting Office. Parents are responsible for making arrangements with the van service provider. Private drivers are responsible for the safety of the student after the student has been picked-up.

Lost and Found • •

All items should be clearly and permanently marked with the students first and last names.

In the event that an item is lost, please look for it in the trunk in the Elementary School corridor.

The school is not responsible for misplaced or lost items.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on campus unless requested for a special project by a teacher, and authorized by the ECEC office.

Scholarship and Fees

Parents (or companies) must pay student fees at regularly determined intervals. Those in need of scholarship aid should apply for assistance in writing to the school superintendent for the subsequent academic

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semesters. Scholarships are granted on a semester, not yearly basis. Scholarship aid is based on financial need and adequate scholastic performance. Available funds are limited.

Uniforms Pre I - 6th grade Listed below is the uniform code that must to be followed by all students each day, with the exception of the last Friday of the month which is Casual Day. Clothing with any visible brand logos, text, or graphics is not permitted on regular school days.

Religious Celebration Attire

Students are required to wear social uniform for all religious celebrations at Chapel.

Official School Pictures Attire (Individual and Group Photos for Yearbook) Students are required to wear social uniform for official school pictures.

Pants/ Shorts/ Skirts • • • • • • •

Navy blue social pants Navy blue gym sweatpants with the school logo Navy blue social bermuda shorts with the school logo Navy blue gym shorts with the school logo Navy blue legging with the school logo Navy blue cycling shorts with the school logo Navy blue skirt with the school logo

Shirts • • • •

White long sleeve polo shirt with the school logo White short sleeve polo shirt with the school logo White long sleeve gym t-shirt with the school logo White short sleeve gym t-shirt with the school logo

Jackets/ Sweatshirts • • •

Chapel zipped jacket with the school logo Chapel sweatshirt with the school logo Solid navy blue, black, or white coat

Dress •

Navy blue and white polka dot dress with the school logo.

Shoes and Socks

Shoes may be any color, but must be appropriate for running, playing on the playground and for playing sports. Socks or tights should be white.

• • • • •

No sandals/ open toe shoes or flip flops No rain/ winter boots No high heels No Crocs No LED shoes

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No wheels No sport cleats with studs

• •

Other

Any previous bought Chapel uniform.

On Physical Education (PE) days students should always wear a simple headband and / or long hair should be tied back.

Accreditation, Affiliations and Governance In order to issue diplomas that are valid in both the United States and Brazil, Chapel School undergoes an indepth review process on a regular basis. These reviews certify Chapel is meeting all the formal requirements of academic excellence, curriculum, and facilities for accreditation. Chapel is accredited by the following bodies:

International Baccalaureate

http://www.ibo.org/school/ 000153/

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

http://www.neasc.org

Brazilian Ministry of Education

http:/portal.mec.goc.br

National Catholic Education Association

http://www.ncea.org

Association of American School in South America (AASSA)

http://www.aaassa.com

Association of American Schools in Brazil

No web page

Governance Chapel is maintained by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and is governed by a Governing Board appointed by the Provincial of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

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