ES Parent Manual 2013 - 2014

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT POLICY HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 02 03

Introduction and Disclaimer TASIS Mission Statement People to Contact

100

Definition of TASIS Student

200 201 202 203 204

Instructional Policies Instructional Aims Instructional Assumptions Homework Promotion

300 301 302 303

Learning Support Policies Learning and Instruction Support Team Learning and Support Center Emotional and Behavioral Support

400 401 402 403 404

Behavioral Policies Behavioral Aims Behavioral Assumptions Student Expectations Teacher Expectations

500

After-School Program

600 601 602 603 604 605 606

Communications Policies Person-to-Person Communications School Directories Classroom Visits School-to-Family Communications Family Participation Gifts

700

Dress and Grooming Policies

800 801 802 803

Attendance Policies General Guidelines Drop-off, Pick-up and Shuttle Snow Days

900 901 902

Re-enrollment and Withdrawal Re-enrollment Withdrawal

1000 1001 1002 1003 1004 1005

Health Policies Illness at School Medications Head Lice First Aid Allergies

1100 1101 1102 1103

Electronic Media Policies Movies Student Electronics Ethical Use

1200

Fees

1201 1202

Tuition and Fees Damages and Fines

1300 1301 1302 1303 1304

Miscellaneous Lost and Found Lunch Birthdays Emergencies

01

INTRODUCTION AND DISCLAIMER

This Parent Policy Handbook will answer many questions you may have about TASIS Elementary School policies, procedures, and practices. Our policies have their foundation in the TASIS Mission Statement and the TASIS Paideia. Some sections are introduced with an italicized reference to the Mission or Paideia.

This Handbook has numbers for each policy. This allows us to add or modify policies as needed. Each policy is grouped with similar policies.

This Handbook is not a contract guaranteeing a child’s placement in the school for any length of time.

Both the family and the School have the right to end our association at any time. If any Elementary School policies conflict with the law, then the law will be followed.

The Elementary School may change the policies in this Handbook at any time. We will announce these changes through the regular communication channels. The most current version of a policy will be used.

If you are unsure of the current policy, please contact the Head of the Elementary School.

02

TASIS MISSION STATEMENT

TASIS is a family of international schools that welcomes young people from all nationalities to an educational community which fosters a passion for excellence along with mutual respect and understanding. Consistent with the vision of its founder, M. Crist Fleming, TASIS is committed to transmitting the heritage of Western civilization and world cultures: the creations, achievements, traditions, and ideals from the past that offer purpose in the present and hope for the future. Seeking to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the love of wisdom, and promoting the skills of lifelong learning, an appreciation for beauty, and the development of character, each school combines a challenging academic program with opportunities for artistic endeavor, physical activity, and service to others. Believing in the worth of each individual and the importance of enduring relationships, TASIS seeks to embody and instill the values of personal responsibility, civility, compassion, justice and truth.

03

PEOPLE TO CONTACT

Please contact the following people directly with concerns or questions. The Elementary School telephone numbers are 091 986 5460 for Hadsall/Aurora and 091 986 5493 for Focolare. The receptionists will be on duty from 7:45 - 16:00 Monday through Friday when school is in session.

Otherwise, leave a message.

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Email addresses for TASIS employees are first name(.)last name@tasis.ch (i.e. john.hancock@tasis.ch). Please do not expect teachers to check emails during instructional hours.

Charles Skipper

Headmaster

Nyman Brooks

Head of the Elementary School

Sara Soncina

Assistant Head of the Elementary School

Guia Berera

Director of the Italian Section

Camilia Tara

Hadsall Secretary

Shireen Merli

Focolare Secretary

Giulia Giobbio

After-School Activities Coordinator

Hermione Fadlon Alessia Riva

Learning Support

Pamela Waters

School Counselor

Adele McLeod Nancy Loiselle Lynn Payette

School Nurses

100

DEFINITION OF A TASIS STUDENT

According to the TASIS SA Board of Directors, a mission-appropriate TASIS student: • • • • • •

has average or above average intellectual ability, is well-motivated, possess a positive attitude, and manifests a good work ethic, is committed to participating fully in the life of the School, seeks and would benefit from a college-preparatory program, is committed to learning or perfecting his or her English language skills (whether native or non-native speakers), and is committed to being a good citizen, in sympathy with the program.

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200

INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES

“Seeking to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the love of wisdom, and promoting the skills of lifelong learning, an appreciation for beauty, and the development of character, TASIS combines a challenging academic program with opportunities for artistic endeavor, physical activity, and service to others.”

TASIS Mission Statement The policies in this section give guidance on how teachers, students and parents can support student learning.

201

INSTRUCTIONAL AIMS

TASIS Elementary School exists so day students who possess normal intellectual capacity and who are enrolled during the regular school year will attain the traditional virtues of civilization and be prepared for a successful transition to Middle School.

The aims listed below are not in hierarchical order. TASIS elementary students will •

• • • • • • •

achieve age-appropriate mastery of the liberal arts such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, calculating, problem solving, observing, inquiring, and become proficient in the languages of instruction. acquire a shared, coherent, cumulative, content-specific (Core Knowledge) body of knowledge rooted primarily in the Western tradition. show courtesy and respect, treating others with cordial dignity. develop appropriate independence, friendships, and family values. become physically fit, skilled in movement and in the manipulation of objects, and develop healthy habits of living. balance academic endeavors, artistic endeavors, and service to others. respect the religious beliefs and observances of others. learn to identify truth, goodness, and beauty and achieve these in what they create.

Currently our explicitly approved curriculum includes, but is not limited to, Core Knowledge, SRA-Reading Mastery, and Singapore Math.

202

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSUMPTIONS

TASIS Elementary School and parents are partners in our children’s education. Each has a distinct and complementary role to play. In defining its role, the Elementary School is guided by the following five assumptions: Fall 2013 v 3

•

All children have a natural inclination toward learning. This is a defining characteristic of all human beings, regardless of individual academic strengths and weaknesses.

•

School is a place of instruction. We do many things at school, but a school’s defining purpose is instruction. We socialize at school. We eat at school. We play and make friends at school. These activities are all commendable and some are even means to instructional ends. However, remove the instructional aspect of school and you no longer have a school: a social club or summer camp perhaps, but not a school. All activities that occur during the instructional day, all requests for school funds, and all demands on school time and resources will be weighed against their instructional value and the degree to which they advance the TASIS Mission and Paideia.

•

Teachers control instruction in their classrooms, not the student, not the parent, and not even the school head. The school sets policy and curriculum expectations, but effective classroom management and instruction are the teacher’s responsibility.

Activities and support from parents or outside persons to a classroom are under the teacher’s control. Parents are welcome to visit classrooms. Please do so at the teachers’ invitation and with the teachers’ consent. Your presence must not disrupt classroom instruction. (See policy 503)

•

Accountability rests with the person in control. From the time the first student arrives in the morning until the last child climbs into his car in the afternoon, elementary school teachers are engaged in instruction. During those hours, teachers are responsible for the safety of each child as well as for the moral, emotional, and academic progress of each child. (See policy 702)

•

Accountability is determined by measurement. At TASIS we measure student academic progress, both formally and informally. We use progress monitoring in reading and math. We track student behavior and discipline. We follow Board-approved budgets.

We plan according to school-approved calendars and schedules. We coach, correct, and improve each other based upon measurement.

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203

HOMEWORK

Instruction takes place at school. However, homework can be an effective way for students to enrich knowledge or practice skills learned at school.

Homework Guidelines for the School: •

Approximately 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night is appropriate. The typical first grader might have 10 minutes each night or 50 minutes per week. An average fifth grader might have roughly 50 minutes per night or roughly four hours per week.

•

Homework should not be assigned over extended breaks.

Homework Guidelines for the Family: •

Families should provide predictable homework routines, a quiet space, and an adult to help.

•

Students are expected to make up homework missed during their absences. If the School has excused an absence, students may make up homework for full credit. If the absence is unexcused, the teacher may allow students to make up homework for partial credit.

(See policy 701)

•

In addition to school-assigned homework, families should provide time for daily reading.

We encourage teachers and parents to exhaust the Core Knowledge reading list before moving to other readings. Classroom teachers and the school librarian can recommend literature that matches your child’s skill level and maturity.

•

TV and video games should be limited.

•

The School may provide remedial help for struggling students at the recommendation of the Learning and Instructional Support Team (LIST) and with the approval of the Head of the Elementary School. (See policy 300)

•

Parents, please know that teachers may not accept employment or compensation for services that constitute a conflict of interest with their regular teaching duties nor may teachers accept employment or compensation outside of their TASIS contract without receiving permission from the Head of the Elementary School. If your child needs extra tutoring, please contact the TASIS Tutoring Coordinator at tutoring@tasis.ch.

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204

PROMOTION

Promotion from one grade to the next is based on two considerations: • A child’s age, developmental progress, social maturity, work habits, independence, and self-confidence.

• A child’s academic progress, acquired skills, and basic preparation to assure reasonable success at the next grade level.

In every case, our goal is to assure that each child is successful and happy at the next grade level.

This is consistent with the school’s philosophy. When promotion may be in question, parents are notified and consulted as soon as possible.

300

LEARNING SUPPORT

Some students need more extensive individualized attention. The Elementary School primarily uses a mainstream support model. At TASIS such individualized instruction is designed for remediation and the return of that student to an integrated mainstream program within a designated time frame. If you have concerns about your child’s progress, please raise these with your child’s classroom teacher first. (See policy 501) Additional fees for these services are prorated based on the type and level of service and the number of hours of instruction the student receives per week.

Services for students with learning differences are determined on an individual basis using multiple sources of information such as: school records; an up-to-date (within three years) psycho-educational evaluation; past Individual Education Plans; and interviews with former teachers, the student, and the parents, etc. All students who receive Learning Support Center (LSC, see below) services must have diagnosed learning differences documented by full psycho-educational evaluations.

A student’s acceptance and continued placement at TASIS is contingent, in part, upon full disclosure during the admissions process. Failure to disclose fully information regarding a student’s learning differences may jeopardize the student’s current and future placement at TASIS.

301

LEARNING and INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM

The Elementary School uses a team approach to address learning issues. Parents are important partners on that team. The Learning and Instructional Support Team (LIST) reviews student information, creates individual student learning plans, and makes recommendations for further assessment and services.

ES LIST members include:

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1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Elementary School Head Learning Support Center Teacher School Counselor Teachers and other specialists as needed Parents as appropriate

Purposes and roles of the LIST: • • • • • • • •

302

Review referred students to determine the courses of action.

Recommend psycho-educational evaluations or other assessments (speech/language, occupational therapy, etc) when appropriate.

Use student assessment and documentation to determine appropriate program options, modifications, and accommodations.

Build relationships with local agencies that can provide assessments and outside services for TASIS students.

Improve screening procedures for students who have diagnosable disabilities.

Advise and support the Admissions Office in reviewing files of prospective students (improving identification of and support for students with learning differences).

Advise and support the Administrative Team and Academic Committee in policy and practice regarding service to students with learning differences.

Consult with parents and support classroom teachers in implementing modifications and accommodations for students with learning differences.

LEARNING SUPPORT CENTER

The Learning Support Center (LSC) consists of the personnel and physical resources needed to create and implement individual student learning plans. These activities include such things as: • • • • •

providing remedial direct instruction in various academic skills, providing accommodations for tests, administering various screening tests, training and advising regular teachers and administration, supporting TASIS subject course content through small group and individual tutorials.

TASIS also recognizes the need for the continuing education, coaching, and re-training of its teaching faculty to improve their ability to meet students’ needs. From time-to-time the LSC will advise and coach teachers on how to improve their instruction. The LSC will also keep a small but current professional development library on the following topics: learning differences, study skills, learning styles, classroom management, behavior management, individualized instruction, alternative assessment, differentiating between EAL needs vs. Learning Differences, and more.

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303

EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT

In addition to the LSC, the TASIS School Counselor supports students with short-term social, emotional, and behavioral issues. The Counselor, along with the classroom teacher and other relevant individuals, assesses the needs of the student and designs appropriate interventions (i.e. individual counseling, classroom management strategies, parent training). If those interventions are unsuccessful, the student is referred for evaluation and/or outside services.

TASIS does not have the resources or facilities to support students with extensive or ongoing psychological needs or exceptional learning differences.

400

BEHAVIORAL POLICIES

“We teach good manners by modeling them. We strive for courteous behavior at all times, even under stress.”

TASIS Paideia “TASIS seeks to embody and instill the values of personal responsibility, civility, compassion, justice and truth.”

TASIS Mission Statement The policies in this section describe TASIS Elementary School’s aims and expectations regarding student decorum and its approach to teaching good behavior.

401

BEHAVIORAL AIMS

The purpose of education is everywhere and always the same: The cultivation of intellectual and moral virtue.

The cultivation of intellectual virtue consists of students acquiring a body of knowledge and learning how to think well. The cultivation of moral virtue consists of students learning to desire well and act well (Adler, 1977). To these ends, schools must define which knowledge is worth teaching, which liberal arts skills are worth developing, which desires and behaviors are ennobling and edifying, and which teaching methodologies effectively lead students to these ends. Also to these ends, students must open themselves to instruction and adopt behavior that advances their learning and the learning of others.

All members of the TASIS community are responsible for creating such an environment.

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402

BEHAVIORAL ASSUMPTIONS

To help their students learn, TASIS Elementary teachers and staff will embrace several widely validated, common sense assumptions (See Keys to Classroom Management, by Glen Latham).

•

Behavior is heavily influenced by a person’s immediate environment. Since teachers control the learning and playing environment at school, it follows that they are responsible for teaching good moral behavior to children while at school.

•

Behavior ultimately responds better to positive consequences than to negative.

•

Whether a behavior has been punished or reinforced is revealed only by the course of the child’s future behavior. What is punishing or reinforcing to one child may not be so for another. Hence, what adults do in the name of punishment or reinforcement sometimes has an effect opposite to that which they intended and is ineffective. Therefore, flexibility and creativity is warranted.

403

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

All members of the TASIS community – students, parents, and staff – can expect an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and nurturing; is free of disruption and harassment; and is supportive of learning. Misbehavior that is frequent, intense, of long duration, disrupting to other’s learning, or creates an unsafe, harassing, or threatening environment, could result in a student’s removal from the classroom or from the school either temporarily or permanently.

Students shall: •

practice good manners, treating all within the TASIS community with cordial dignity and respect.

•

use appropriate language.

•

respect the legitimate authority of whatever teacher is supervising them at the moment and follow his or her directions the first time given.

•

keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.

•

strive for excellence and beauty in all they do.

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Students shall not: •

bully. “A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.” (Olweus, 1993)

•

engage in any acts that are violent, intimidating, harassing, lewd, or aggressive.

•

be disruptive.

•

damage or take the property of others.

•

possess a weapon at school.

•

engage in any illegal activity.

404

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS

Elementary-age children are more dependent than older children. Therefore, the relationship of teachers to children is more parent-like. Instructional interaction is also more continuous, intimate, and encompasses a greater range of learning and behavior skills. Every adult that interacts with a TASIS Elementary School child during the instructional day will: •

Model high ethical behavior. They will adopt “that system of regimen that they prescribe to others” (Hippocrates).

•

Communicate and assert expectations clearly and often. Students will know exactly what standards of behavior are expected of them. Teachers will always maintain a respectful demeanor. Using sarcasm or shame is not appropriate. Limit the number of their general classroom rules to just a few rooted in the principles of Love and Logic and Positive Discipline.

•

Ignore age appropriate, inconsequential and non-disruptive misbehavior. To do otherwise could be more disruptive than the misbehavior itself.

•

Selectively and frequently reinforce appropriate behavior. The majority of students behave well most of the time. Ironically, poorly behaving children often receive the most attention. Highlighting such behavior is often ineffective. Teachers will have students practice common classroom routines until they are automatic. When a student responds correctly, factual statements that explicitly identify and recognize the correct behavior are usually more effective than general praise, bribery, or flattery.

•

Stop and redirect inappropriate and disruptive misbehavior. Teachers will not allow students to disrupt the learning of others or engage in behaviors that are potentially dangerous or damaging to themselves or others.

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•

Apply due process and appropriate consequences. Students are entitled to due process, which, at minimum, includes allowing students a fair hearing. Appropriate consequences are reasonable, proportional, and relevant. A teacher’s job is to teach, not to debate, shame, flatter, or punish.

•

Refer to a school administrator. Misbehavior that is extreme, frequent, intense, of long duration, disrupting to other’s learning, or creates an unsafe, harassing, or threatening environment, may be referred to a school administrator and could result in a student’s removal from the classroom or from the School either temporarily or permanently.

500

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM AF

Our goals for the ES After-School Program (ASP) are to encourage new interests and supplement our academic program. These extracurricular activities are fun and stress-free. They let children get some exercise and make friends outside of school. Each activity is a great way to nurture a natural talent or discover a new unknown interest. The activities and offerings change each term based on student interest and enrollment.

Detailed current information on application, tuition, offerings, and schedules are on the TASIS website under Academics / Elementary / After-School Program.

600

COMMUNICATION POLICIES

“We teach good manners by modeling them. We strive for courteous behavior at all times, even under stress.”

TASIS Paideia TASIS Elementary will use various lines of formal and informal communication. The following policies may help to prevent confusion.

601

PERSON-TO-PERSON COMMUNICATIONS

We encourage parents and teachers to build relationships based upon frequent, informal, ad hoc, positive, two-way communication. Each party has an equal responsibility to establish such relationships. Please take advantage of email, telephone, notes, and face-to-face encounters before and after school.

In all communities, misunderstandings and differences of opinion occur between people.

Communication at TASIS Elementary School will be positively framed and undertaken in good faith by all parties. It is important that we model for our children the behavior we wish them to master.

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If you have a concern, do the following: •

Avoid gossip. Venting to someone who cannot fix the problem is probably gossip.

•

Identify the person who can best address the problem. In many cases this is the classroom teacher.

•

Seek resolution with this person first. Usually, this will resolve the issue.

•

Not resolved? Go to the Head of the Elementary School. Do not be surprised or offended if the first question he asks you is, “What did the teacher say when you raised this issue with her before you brought it to me?”

•

Still not resolved? Go to the Headmaster. Do not be surprised or offended if the first question he asks you is, “What did the Head of the Elementary School say when you raised this issue with him before you brought it to me?”

602

SCHOOL DIRECTORIES

Information in TASIS directories should not be used for solicitations or commercial purposes or shared with anyone outside of the School community without the expressed consent of the individuals who originally provided the information to the School.

Parents can find this directory on Veracross. Please check to ensure that your own information is entered correctly. Information can be edited and you can change your privacy settings within Veracross as well. Please refer to Policy 504 for more information.

603

CLASSROOM VISITS

Parents are welcome to visit the classroom. Out of courtesy, please contact the teacher at least 24 hours before your planned visit. Parents can contribute much to a classroom presentation.

Work it out with the teacher in advance what role you will play. For example, as well intentioned as it may be, please do not drop-in unannounced with a tray of cupcakes to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you are merely there to observe, please be as unobtrusive as possible. Do not engage the teacher or any of the students in conversation or distract from instruction in any way. If you must talk to the teacher, please make an appointment to do so at a time when her attention is not occupied with instructing or supervising children. Ultimately, the Head of the Elementary School or the Headmaster decide who may and may not be present on the Elementary School grounds or School-sponsored events.

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604

SCHOOL-TO-FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS

We encourage and welcome communication. TASIS Elementary School communicates through various channels. In order to maintain good patron relations and learning environment, nonTASIS sponsored solicitation of any type are prohibited at the Elementary School or in its publications. The Head of the Elementary School or his designee will approve all information that is displayed on school bulletin boards or distributed broadly to parents.

•

Veracross. This integrated software system is the primary way that the School interacts with parents. Veracross includes information pertaining to a child’s class schedule, homework, and updates or notices from classroom teachers. It also contains a School directory.

•

Report Cards. These will be issued each term to all students’ families. A report card is not a reward or punishment for academic performance. Nor is it a measurement of a child’s worth. It is a snapshot of what a child has accomplished in a narrow set of skills and knowledge. Parents can download report cards at the end of each semester. These are posted on Veracross for a limited time. Past records can be requested from the ES Secretaries.

•

Midterm Improvement Notices. Teachers will notify the parents of students that are in danger of failing. This will include any student who, after a number of weeks, is earning the equivalent of C- or less, or any student the teacher believes is struggling academically. The teacher will notify parents in a way that is timely enough for the student to make improvements.

•

Weekly School-wide email. The Elementary School sends out a weekly email with information of TASIS-sponsored activities and events.

•

Class Pages. Each teacher maintains a class webpage. This contains current information about upcoming class events, homework, tests, and other announcements unique to a specific class. Links to each page are found on Veracross.

•

Monthly Head of School Letter. This letter will address issues of a broader nature rather than operational issues.

•

Morning Meetings. These are mainly intended for children. However, parents are welcome when space allows. These meetings focus largely on virtue or on student accomplishments.

•

Monthly Head of Elementary School Coffees. These are generally held at Casa Fleming in the morning, immediately following the start of the school day. This is a forum wherein the Head of the Elementary School can highlight important issues or for parents to raise questions that are of general interest or make suggestions directly to the Head of the Elementary School on how the School can realize its ends more fully.

•

Parent Conference Day. These will be scheduled once per term. However, parents and teachers should feel comfortable contacting one another anytime as needed.

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605

FAMILY PARTICIPATION

In order to capture its entrepreneurial potential through an “American” style of leadership, the Head of the Elementary School will put into place mechanisms for meaningful participation and collaboration in decision-making. Generally speaking: •

those who have little interest or expertise in a particular issue will be shielded or excluded from that issue.

•

those who have great interest, but little expertise in a particular issue will generally be kept informed of decisions.

•

those who have great expertise in an issue, but have little interest may be consulted in decisions.

•

those who have both great interest and great expertise with an issue AND have demonstrated clearly that they support the TASIS Mission, Paideia and Aims may be included more fully.

Since ultimate accountability for the operational success of the Elementary School rests with the Head of the Elementary School, the decision to either include or not include anyone within the Elementary School community in any decision rests entirely with the Head of the Elementary School. Moreover, the Head of the Elementary School and the Headmaster reserve the power to modify or rescind any decision that affects the school by any person or committee affiliated with the Elementary School.

Class Parents: These parent volunteers support and enrich children’s experiences within the individual classrooms under the supervision of the classroom teacher. They also organize and sponsor major Elementary School-wide events such as the Fall Festival. This organization raises funds to support class activities and provide staff gifts. (See policy 506.)

Parent Advisory Group: This is a small group of parents, usually about a half-dozen, annually selected by the TASIS Parent Association and the Head of the Elementary School. They meet monthly with the Head of the Elementary School and report back to the TASIS Parent Association. The purpose of this group is to open dialogue and channel information between parents and the School. Parents who serve on this committee are selected based upon their interest, their ability to engage in civil dialogue, and their demonstrated support of the School’s Aims, Mission, and Paideia.

TASIS Parent Association: This is an independent, non-profit organization of parents, and is not formally affiliated with TASIS. Fall 2013 v 3

The mission of this organization is to support and enhance the school program at all levels; welcome new families, and promote a spirit of community by offering assistance, information, and friendship; and encourage parental support and participation to enrich the educational experiences of our children. The TPA raises funds to support various programs within the School.

606

GIFTS

Teachers will not accept gifts from parents of greater total value than CHF 500 per year. These gifts will be distributed by and through the Class Parent organization, with the advice and consent of the Head of the Elementary School.

If teachers encounter parents whose generosity exceeds this and who wish to donate above this amount, they will direct these parents to contribute through the TASIS Foundation.

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700

DRESS AND GROOMING POLICIES

“Courtesy keeps us – teachers and students, adults and children – happy, purposeful and poised, able to show the respect for one another we ought to feel, and quick to treat one another with cordial dignity. Courtesy is the necessary ground for our communal and scholarly lives.”

TASIS Paideia Our TASIS Paideia cites courtesy as a fundamental part of TASIS culture. “Courtesy is the ritual by which we avoid hurting other people’s feelings by satisfying our own ego,” according to Lord Kenneth Clark. It is through this lens that parents should read and interpret the following school uniform and grooming guidelines when selecting clothing and accessories for their children.

We hope to create an environment wherein children from all over the world and from differing socio-economic situations can focus on their studies, feel comfortable, and learn together. Uniforms and conservative styles of dress and grooming help cut out the “noise” and distraction of fashion and social class. It is a way of showing courtesy to one another.

Uniforms equalize and help support group identity and common purpose. Parents, please consider modesty, safety, and homogeneity when selecting shoes, a jacket, or an accessory not specifically described in detail in the policy. Clothing must be clean and in good repair. When in doubt, err on the side of courtesy. The Head of the Elementary School is the final judge of what is and is not appropriate.

Girls Uniform Items Tops Polo shirt Blouse Turtleneck

Red or white w/TASIS logo Red or white Red or white

Bottoms Skirt, skort or jumper Slacks, cords, Bermuda shorts

Navy Navy

Other Sweater Vest Shoes Sleeveless dress

Obtain from school supplier Long or short sleeve

Tailored. No jeans, leggings, tabs, stripes, or large pockets

Navy w/TASIS logo, zipped or cardigan Navy w/TASIS logo Per activity Red w/TASIS logo

Obtain from school supplier Obtain from school supplier (see shoes below) Obtain from school supplier

Boys Uniform Items Tops Polo shirt Dress shirt

Red or white w/TASIS logo Red or white Fall 2013 v 3

Obtain from school supplier

Short sleeve shirt Turtleneck

Red or white Red or white

Bottoms Slacks, cords, Bermuda shorts

Navy Navy

Other Sweater Vest Shoes

Warmer months

Tailored. No jeans, large pockets, tabs, stripes

Navy w/TASIS logo, zipped or cardigan Navy w/TASIS logo Per activity

Obtain from school supplier Obtain from school supplier (see below)

P.E. Boys and Girls Shorts or Sweat pants T-shirt Track suit

Navy Grey w/ TASIS logo Navy sweat pants, sweat shirt, or light jacket w/TASIS logo

Sneakers/athletic shoes

No logos of any kind Obtain from school supplier Obtain from school supplier Non-marking soles, no slip-ons

Shoes must be conservative, safe, appropriate for the activity, and not distracting. Black or brown leather-top dress shoes and sneakers are acceptable for most daily Elementary School activities. Sandals, open-toed shoes, dress shoes with slippery soles, loose laces, and high heels present safety hazards and are not appropriate. Boots of all kinds are only acceptable to protect from weather, not as fashion statements. Provide low-cut shoes instead. Sneakers with distracting flashing lights, or other distracting characteristics are also not appropriate.

Socks and stockings: Girls may wear socks or tights that are dark blue, black, or white. Boys too may wear dark blue, black, or white socks. Bright colors and patterns should be avoided.

Hats and headgear worn for style and comfort rather than for religious or medical reasons should be removed inside.

Accessories should be conservative, safe, and not create a distraction.

• Large-looped earrings or dangling jewelry are distracting and a safety concern.

• Precious jewelry – leave it home.

• Many piercings in one ear or piercings on other parts of the face or body – don’t do it.

• Other clothing may be worn over uniforms only when required by weather conditions.

Hair and Makeup styles should be subtle to the degree of being almost unnoticeable and should require little or no distracting maintenance during the day. Hair must be a color found naturally within the human species.

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800

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Simply being present is the most basic requirement for academic success. These policies describe what “being present” means at TASIS Elementary School.

801

GENERAL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

Absences and tardies disrupt the learning process for your child and other children in the class.

Please know that participation in class is a vital aspect of learning and assessment. Reduction of class requirements cannot be expected for extended absences. Prolonged absences may result in a lower grade as there is no way to duplicate the activities of some classes while the student is absent. Students are expected to attend class, on time, every school day, unless excused by the school for legitimate reasons.

Family travel or holidays will generally not be considered a legitimate reason for being absent. Legitimate reasons include such things as: • Sickness.

• Family emergencies.

• Dangerous road conditions.

• Significant family events such as funerals or weddings, etc.

Please keep the following points in mind: • Contact the Building Receptionist and your child’s Homeroom Teacher via email as soon as you know your child is going to be absent or tardy. Please give a reason for the absence or delay. (See policy 03.)

• The School, not the parents, excuses students’ absences.

• If your child is absent for a legitimate unforeseen reason, please make arrangements with your child’s teacher to make up the work as soon as possible.

• If you foresee that your child will be absent from school for a period of time longer than three days, please submit a written request to the Head of the Elementary School and the teacher for pre-approval of the extended absence.

• The Head of the Elementary School will review the request, along with the student’s academic performance. If he finds that the proposed extended absence is legitimate and will not adversely impact the student’s education, the administrator shall approve the extended absences as “excused.” In this case, you should make a plan with the teacher that will allow your child to make up the missed work for full credit. If this cannot be done in advance, please do this as soon as possible after your return.

• If the Head of the Elementary School finds that the extended absences are not legitimate Fall 2013 v 3

or will adversely impact the student’s education, the administrator shall deny the request and will inform the parent and the child’s work may not be made up for full credit.

• A child who is chronically absent or tardy may need to repeat the year or be invited to leave the school.

802 and

DROP-OFF, PICK-UP, and SHUTTLE

For your child’s safety, please drop off and pick up your child within the times listed in this policy. Unfortunately, we cannot provide adult supervision outside of these specific times.

Elementary-aged children who are left on campus unsupervised and outside the hours listed here pose a safety and disruption concern for themselves and others.

Children may not be left unsupervised. If the parent is present on campus, the responsibility for the child’s supervision reverts to the parents.

If you are going to be late or if your child will be going home with someone else, please email the ES secretaries by 12:00 noon at essecretary@tasis.ch.

AM Drop-Off Times Hadsall/Aurora: 7:50 – 8:10 AM in order to begin class at 8:15 AM Focolare: 7:50 – 8:25 AM in order to begin class at 8:30 AM. PM Pick-Up Times (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) Focolare: 15:40 – 15:55 2nd and 3rd Grades: 15:35 4th and 5th Grades: 15:45 Wednesdays Focolare: 14:50 – 15:05 2nd and 3rd Grades: 14:45 4th and 5th Grades: 14:55 If your child must leave school outside of these hours, please inform the teacher and the building receptionist.

Shuttle Service If your child is a shuttle rider and there is a change in plans as to whether your child will be taking the shuttle that day, email the TASIS Shuttle Coordinator by 12:00 noon at shuttle@tasis.ch.

TASIS will not place your child into the care of another adult without the parent or guardian’s written permission.

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Plan ahead! Please avoid last minute changes in your child’s pick-up routine. Such changes pose a safety issue for the children and undue distraction at the busiest time of the day for teachers, secretaries, and shuttle personnel.

Note: All requests for changes made after 12:00 noon may not be honored.

Note: Children who are not met in the afternoon at the shuttle stop at the appointed time two times may forfeit the privilege of riding the shuttle.

803

SNOW POLICY

Given TASIS’s large number of boarding students, classes in the Middle and High Schools will continue during inclement weather. Since most ES teachers live within walking distance of campus, you can assume that the ES will remain open as well and will close only under the most extreme circumstances. However, weather and road conditions can vary dramatically across the region. Therefore: •

Parents decide whether it is wise to risk transporting their children to school. The School will respect the parents’ decisions.

•

Students who arrive late, leave early, or miss an entire day due to inclement weather will be excused.

•

Teachers will work with students to cover missed material or make-up assignments.

The Elementary School will generally follow the lead of the public Scuola Elementare della Collina d'Oro, closing if transportation becomes too treacherous. News of a school closing will be posted on the main TASIS website calendar as soon as a decision is made.

900

RE-ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY

These policies describe re-enrollment and withdrawal practices.

901

RE-ENROLLMENT POLICY

Re-enrollment for the following year is not automatic. In February, families will receive a reinvitation letter indicating the likely status of their child’s enrollment for the following year.

TASIS reserves the right to rescind an offer of re-enrollment for academic and/or disciplinary reasons. The School also reserves the right to dismiss, at any time, a student who does not meet TASIS’s definition of a mission-appropriate student (See policy 100). If, in the School’s judgment, a student’s conduct on or away from campus indicates that he or she is consistently

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out of sympathy with the ideals, objective and program of the school, parents will be required to withdraw the student at once, even though there may be no indication of a specific rule.

If TASIS believes that it can no longer meet the needs of the child or the family, it will give advance notice of the possibility of non-renewal.

902

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Please inform the Elementary School as soon as possible if you desire to withdraw your child from school.

There will be no refund if a student withdraws or is expelled from school. If you fail to pay all tuition, fines, and fees, the Business Office may place a hold on your child’s report cards and records. The Business Office may also direct the Elementary School to withhold services. If this occurs, your child will not be allowed to attend class until the discrepancy is resolved with Business Office. Do not contact the Elementary School secretary or Head of School about settling such accounts. Direct all such questions to the Business Office.

No reduction of fees will be granted in respect of a student’s absence from school.

1000

HEALTH POLICIES

“TASIS recognizes the importance of teaching fitness and healthy habits of living.”

TASIS Paideia The policies in this section address sickness and injury at school. The role of the school nurse is to support student well-being and academic success. The school nurse is the primary point of contact for all school health issues or concerns. The school nurse provides direct services to the entire school population, both boarding and day. Direct all health health-related questions or concerns to the school nurse.

Parents must submit all required School health forms. These must be complete, accurate, and signed by the appropriate person. This includes the Consent to Treat form. Failure to do this may result in the child not being allowed to attend school until they are completed.

1001

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

When children are feverish, vomiting, coughing excessively, have runny noses or eyes or any condition that you know or suspect is contagious, do not bring them to school.

If during the course of the school day, your child becomes ill or complains of an ailment that is interfering with learning, the school secretary may call you. It is the School’s sole discretion to Fall 2013 v 3

decide whether a child is too ill to be at school or poses a threat of infection to other children. If you receive a telephone call asking you to pick up your child, please make arrangements for taking the child out of school immediately.

In the event of a serious communicable illness at school, the school nurse will take the lead in monitoring and advising parents, teachers and administrators of what actions will be taken

1002

MEDICATIONS

Prescription Medications: Dispensing prescription medication is not a typical function of a day school. Whenever possible, prescription medication should be administered by parents at home. If your child must take medication during school hours, contact the school nurse, not the teachers or ES school secretary. It is up to the nurse to approve or disapprove such medication on the Elementary School campus. The school nurse may designate an employee to dispense the medication and will provide that employee with adequate instruction or training on how to dispense it safely.

The school nurse will monitor these procedures. These procedures may be decided on a case-bycase basis.

Students that the nurses clear to carry and self-administer prescription medication during the school day will need to provide the school nurse with the following: •

A doctor’s note.

•

The medication in the original container.

•

A signed release form.

Students with asthma may carry an inhaler only if they meet the standards above.

Non-prescription Medications: Students may request non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or cough syrup, etc. The school nurses will designate who will dispense the medication and how. Generally speaking school personnel must receive permission EACH TIME an elementary school student requests such treatment.

The Elementary School does not administer "natural remedies," herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, or homeopathic medicines.

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603 1003

HEAD LICE

Head lice are commonly occurring pests. Occasionally a student will arrive at school with head lice. Allow us to dispel some commonly held misconceptions: •

It is false that head lice are the result of parental neglect or poor hygiene. Clean children get head lice.

•

It is false that a school building can become infested with lice. Lice infest people, not buildings. Lice are extremely fragile creatures and cannot live long without direct human contact. Hence, normal classroom cleaning is sufficient to control lice in the physical school building itself.

•

It is false that lice are easily spread from child to child. In fact, they can only be spread by physical contact. Children are more susceptible to infestation than are adults due to their habit of sharing hats, scarves, and other clothing.

•

It is false that preemptive screening or prophylactic treatment has any proven medical value in controlling the spread of lice at school.

Almost all schools will occasionally have a child arrive with lice. When this occurs, the School will take the following measures: •

Teachers will remind children not to share hats, combs, brushes, etc.

•

The child identified with lice will be treated with dignity and with sensitivity to the child’s privacy.

•

The child will be sent home with guidelines on how to treat lice.

•

The child may return to school when the parent has assured the school that proper treatment has been fully administered.

•

The families of other children in the particular classroom will be notified that someone in the classroom came to school with lice.

We ask that you do the following: •

Remind your children not to share hats, combs, etc. with other children.

•

Refrain from speculating or trying to identify which child in the class may have been infested.

•

Remind children not to shun, tease, or embarrass classmates that have been infested.

•

Check your own child for lice.

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•

If your child is infested, faithfully and thoroughly administer the proper treatment before returning him or her to school.

•

Return your child to school as soon after treatment as possible.

1004

FIRST AID

Elementary School staff will handle common playground bumps and scrapes. The nurses in the TASIS health clinic are on call to assist or advise the Elementary School staff regarding injuries or illnesses beyond the normal training of a typical teacher. The TASIS nurses have provided the following guidelines to the Elementary School staff: In case of illness or injury Assess the situation and treat accordingly with reference to the first aid booklet.

•

Minor skin abrasions are to be cleansed with soap and water and a Band-Aid applied if necessary.

•

Bumps and bruises: apply ice to the area for 15 minutes and reassess.

•

Head bumps and bruises: apply ice and notify the parents of the incident.

•

Bee stings: apply ice to area and check for allergic reaction.

•

Upset stomach or headache: contact parent to pick up student.

First Aid Kits and reference booklets are available in all classrooms and office.

In an emergency situation where a student is unconscious or unable to breathe contact immediately: * Ambulance @ 0144 * Parents/Guardian As the ES students are all day students they have their own physician, but if a physician is required the following doctors are available: Dr. Liguori @ 091 993 2110 (office); 079 428 4535 (cell) Dr. Martella @ 091 923 4400 (office); 079 661 3009 (cell)

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1005

ALLERGIES

Some Elementary School students have serious allergies to food, insect stings, etc., and require a special diet and treatment for possible allergic reactions. Parents must provide the school nurses with written notice of such conditions and treatment protocols in case of a reaction.

It is important that parents inform the school nurse of these protocols. The nurses will ensure that proper protocols are put into place.

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1100

ELECTRONIC MEDIA POLICIES

“TASIS supports and promotes traditional family values. TASIS expects its teachers and administrators to assume in loco parentis responsibility for students, to model traditional moral character and to respect the ethos of the School as expounded in this Paideia.”

TASIS Paideia The policies in this section define the proper use of electronic media in our community.

Teachers and students may use computers, calculators, stereos, TVs, and other electronic media in the classroom so long as the use supports the instructional aims of the School, is a productive use of class time, is not distracting to the student, and does not disrupt other students. Teachers and administrators will not allow students to use electronic devices at school that do not have a clear instructional purpose.

1101

STUDENT ELECTRONICS

Students are generally encouraged to leave all electronic devices at home. These include, but are not limited to, phones, cameras, recording devices, lasers, CD players, portable stereos, radios, broadcasting devices, MP-3 players, tablet computers, and electronic games. Children may use none of these during school hours without permission from the Head of the Elementary School.

Some parents desire their children to keep cell phones for safety reasons. The School will allow this so long as these remain invisible and inaudible during school hours.

Students may use assistive technology as a part of their school-approved learning plan.

Students may not: •

use any electronic device in a way that disrupts, distracts, or creates a safety hazard.

•

use any electronic device to commit academic fraud or dishonesty.

•

use an electronic device at school to access, display, or play lewd, suggestive, or offensive materials or music including images, text, or lyrics.

•

capture the image or words of any other student without the subject’s permission.

•

be in possession of any phone, camera, PDA, or any device that is capable of capturing an image in any area of the school where there is an expectation of privacy, such as a restroom or locker room.

•

transmit or post on the Internet the voice, name, or image of any other TASIS student while on campus or off without the expressed consent of the subject’s parent.

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•

use an electronic device at any time, either on or off campus, in a manner that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, bullied, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.

•

Violating these policies may result in discipline up to and including expulsion from TASIS.

If a student violates this policy, the teacher may confiscate the device. She will inform the parent.

It then becomes the parent’s responsibility to retrieve it as soon as possible. Neither the School nor the teacher will be responsible for safeguarding expensive devices that students bring to school against the School’s advice or use in violation of this policy.

1102 POLICY

ELEMENTARY REPSONSIBLE USE

We strive to provide our students with the best opportunities and tools for learning. We see technology as one of those tools with great potential to facilitate information fluency, creative expression, and collaboration. We want our students to be proficient consumers and producers of information, but we also want them to be safe, legal, and responsible. While at school, the TASIS network has Internet filters and security measures in place to prevent inappropriate materials from getting through, though no filter can catch everything. For students using Schoolprovided devices outside of TASIS, we cannot offer such filtering. Additionally, there is no expectation of privacy when using School-provided devices, accounts, or applications.

Students should embrace the following responsibilities, whether on or off campus: •

Respect Yourself: Offline or online, what you choose to say is a reflection of yourself.

Do your best to choose appropriate words and images, check your spelling and grammar, and leave a positive impression with your audience.

•

Protect Yourself: Make sure the information, images and materials you post online will not put you or your family at risk. Do not publish personally identifiable information.

Protect your passwords and don’t let others use your online accounts. Avoid any inappropriate websites, images and videos. Tell an adult if any websites, messages or behaviors make you feel uncomfortable. If you are not sure what to do, ask an adult.

•

Respect Others: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Try to be as clear as possible in your messages while using polite and appropriate language. Don’t be rude or mean to other people or try to steal their passwords. Remember that all email can be read

by TASIS adults. Don’t write anything you would be afraid to show your parents or teachers. Get permission from your teachers to use personal devices while at school.

•

Protect Others: You can help stop bullying by not being a bully. If you observe mean or hurtful messages about other people, report the situation to an adult as soon as you can.

Protect the private information of others, including phone numbers, home addresses, Skype names, and other contact details.

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•

Respect Intellectual Property: A lot of the information, images, and videos you will use for school projects and personal learning will come from the Internet. Remember that these works were created by other people and you must give them credit. Write as much as possible in your own words and keep a list of your sources for all information, images, and videos you use. Although it is easy to download movies, games and software from the Internet for free, it is important that creators and artists are paid for their work.

Ask your parents for help to legally purchase digital media.

•

Protect Physical Property: Be careful when using technology equipment. Avoid dropping equipment by always carrying it with two hands and never leaving it on the floor or on the edge of a desk. Keep food and drink away from equipment. Wash your hands before using any devices. Tell your teacher right away if something is damaged or not working.

Any in-school or out-of-school computer use, whether on a School-issued device or otherwise, that has a detrimental impact on the School community is prohibited and may be grounds for disciplinary action. By signing the admissions agreement, every student and his or her legal guardian agree to uphold the responsibilities listed above. If a student violates the responsibilities above, disciplinary actions may result. (see Policy 403)

1200

FEES

The policies in this section are about fees and fines.

1201

TUITION AND FEES

Payments are due on time. There will be no refund if a student withdraws or is expelled from school. If you fail to pay all tuition, fines, and fees, the Business Office may place a hold on your child’s report cards and records. The Business Office may also direct the Elementary School to withhold services. If this occurs, your child will not be allowed to attend class until the discrepancy is resolved with Business Office. Do not contact the Elementary School secretary or Head of School about settling such accounts. Direct all such questions to the Business Office.

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1202

DAMAGES AND FINES

DAMAGES

Parents must show proof of liability insurance coverage. The School reserves the right to invoice parents for damages or losses deemed by the school to be the responsibility of the student that is outside normal wear and tear. Parents are responsible to make their own insurance company intervene to cover damages.

Again, the School reserves the right to withhold services for non-payment of tuition, fees, damages and fines.

1300

MISCELLANEOUS

The policies in this section are about other miscellaneous topics.

MISCELLANEOUSOTHER POLICIES 1301

LOST AND FOUND

It is inevitable that children will lose clothes and personal items.

Children should leave valuable items at home including family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, clothing, money, and electronics. Parents should tag all clothing with the child’s name.

The office will keep unclaimed personal items for a time. You are free to search through the Lost and Found basket anytime, located in the Focolare and Hadsall offices. However, every week or two, all unclaimed items in the Lost and Found basket will be turned over to charity.

1302

FOOD

No outside food of any kind may be served to ES students on campus during school hours without receiving prior permission from the Head of the Elementary School.

The School will provide a lunch that is fresh, balanced, attractive, tasty, and appeals to a broad crosssection of our culturally diverse student population.

Teachers will encourage children to be adventuresome and eat a variety of foods. They will model good manners and eating habits and will encourage children to follow their example. However, teachers will

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not force children to eat foods that the children do not like. The School cannot create a menu that meets the unique expectations of each and every individual family.

The School will attempt to accommodate students that have food-related health issues or food allergies or who have religiously prescribed diets. Parents must inform the school of these specific issues.

1303

BIRTHDAYS

You can commemorate children’s birthdays by donating a book to the school library in their name. A commemorative nameplate will be placed in the book with your child’s name on it.

Also, please be sensitive and extend invitations to your children’s private birthday parties in a way that does not hurt the feelings of the children who are not invited. Please extend those invitations outside of school hours and away from school.

1304

EMERGENCIES

In the event of an emergency such as a fire, a natural disaster, an accident, a campus security threat, etc., PLEASE DO NOT come to the TASIS campus. Your presence may interfere with the speedy arrival and work of police, firefighters, and other first responders. Hence, it may contribute to the threat and endanger the safety of your children. Your children will be sheltered and kept safe. Meanwhile, the school will give you updates through telephone, email, and the TASIS website of how and where you can be reunited.

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