Acs Elementary Handbook 2009-10

The Premier International School in Greece since 1945

Stefanos Gialamas, Ph.D. President of Schools Dina Pappas Elementary School Principal [email protected] Anny Kalfa Elementary School Administrative Secretary [email protected]

129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave. & Kazantzaki St. 152 34 Halandri Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200 Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051 www.acs.gr [email protected]

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

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Table of Contents Table of Contents....................................................................................................... - 3 Who We Are .............................................................................................................. - 5 Important Numbers ................................................................................................ - 5 Facilities .................................................................................................................... - 6 Elementary Campus ................................................................................................ - 6 Library ................................................................................................................... - 6 Computer Lab......................................................................................................... - 6 The School Day.......................................................................................................... - 6 The School Day.......................................................................................................... - 7 What We Teach ...................................................................................................... - 7 How We Teach ....................................................................................................... - 7 How We Assess Learning......................................................................................... - 7 Text/Workbooks We Use ......................................................................................... - 7 First Grade.......................................................................................................... - 8 Second Grade...................................................................................................... - 8 Third Grade......................................................................................................... - 8 Fourth Grade....................................................................................................... - 8 Fifth Grade.......................................................................................................... - 8 Greek A (Beginning/Intermediate) Grades 1-5........................................................ - 8 Greek B (Advanced) for Grade 1-5 ........................................................................ - 9 Greek C (Language Arts) for Grades 1-5 ................................................................ - 9 General Notes .................................................................................................. - 9 Arabic................................................................................................................. - 9 Student Expectations.................................................................................................. - 9 Attendance............................................................................................................. - 9 Tardiness ............................................................................................................... - 9 Daily Absences ....................................................................................................... - 9 Extended Absences ................................................................................................. - 9 Early Dismissal from School ....................................................................................- 10 Personal Music Players, Roller Blades, Heelys, Skateboards and Cell Phones................- 10 Emergency Drills....................................................................................................- 10 Homework Expectations ............................................................................................- 10 Discipline and Time-Out Procedures............................................................................- 11 Time-Out ..............................................................................................................- 11 Dress Code............................................................................................................- 12 Support Services .......................................................................................................- 12 ESL.......................................................................................................................- 12 Optimal Match .......................................................................................................- 12 OM Consultation .................................................................................................- 13 The High Performing Student Program (HPS) ...........................................................- 13 Counseling Services ...............................................................................................- 13 ESAS and CASA! ....................................................................................................- 13 Staying After-School...............................................................................................- 14 The House System .................................................................................................- 14 Student Council .....................................................................................................- 14 Health Services......................................................................................................- 14 Lunch Program .........................................................................................................- 15 Transportation ..........................................................................................................- 15 Bus Procedures:.....................................................................................................- 15 Bus Code of Conduct:.............................................................................................- 16 Special Traditions......................................................................................................- 16 September......................................................................................................- 16 October ..........................................................................................................- 16 November.......................................................................................................- 16 December.......................................................................................................- 16 February.........................................................................................................- 17 -3-

March.............................................................................................................- 17 April ...............................................................................................................- 17 May ...............................................................................................................- 17 June...............................................................................................................- 17 Role of Parents .........................................................................................................- 17 PTO......................................................................................................................- 17 Room Parents........................................................................................................- 18 Boosters ...............................................................................................................- 18 Personal Property ..................................................................................................- 18 Lost & Found.........................................................................................................- 18 Vehicles of Communication ........................................................................................- 18 Report Cards .........................................................................................................- 18 Conferences ..........................................................................................................- 19 Student-Led Conferences........................................................................................- 19 Passports ..............................................................................................................- 19 Monthly Newsletter ................................................................................................- 19 Principal’s Coffees ..................................................................................................- 19 Website ................................................................................................................- 19 Telephone.............................................................................................................- 20 School Activities ........................................................................................................- 20 School Photos........................................................................................................- 20 Field Trips .............................................................................................................- 20 Birthday and Holiday Celebrations ...........................................................................- 20 Enrollment................................................................................................................- 21 Admission/Registration ...........................................................................................- 21 Transfers From Our School .....................................................................................- 21 Visitors .................................................................................................................- 21 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT & INTERNET USE PERMISSION FORM ...- 22 -

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Who We Are We are a group of dedicated professionals who bring unique experiences and expertise to the field of education. Most of us hold Masters Degrees in one or more fields of Education and continue our professional development every year. The ACS Athens Elementary program relies heavily on the synergy that comes from good teamwork. Classroom teachers work in tandem with their grade level colleagues and specials teachers. Your student receives the benefit of teachers using their individual and collective strengths to help the student learn quickly and feel successful. Teacher assistants work with the teachers to help prepare and organize needed materials. There are traditionally two classrooms per grade level and three Junior Kindergarten classes.

Important Numbers Main Campus:

210 639-3200

Elementary School:

210 639-3200, ext. 229/231

Middle School:

210 639-3200, ext. 226/228

Academy:

210 639-3200, ext. 241/222

Admissions:

210 639-3200, ext. 263

Cafeteria:

210 639-3200, ext. 236

Cashier’s Office:

210 639-3200, ext. 206

Health Office:

210 639-3200, ext. 217

Transportation:

210 639-3200, ext. 239

Security (after hours):

210 639-3555

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Facilities Elementary Campus The Elementary School is located on the west side of the main ACS Athens campus. Shaded by Mulberry trees, the Elementary School’s main building holds the office, library, computer lab, 1st-5th grade classrooms, music room, art room, cafeteria, P.E. room, mini theater and special rooms for ESL and Counseling. The Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms enjoy their own wing and large grassy playground. The Health Office is located in close proximity to our classrooms. There is a commitment to ongoing upgrading of facilities to provide for a better learning environment. The Elementary School sits across the courtyard from the Middle School and Academy’s special facilities, which are sometimes shared. They include the Main Academy Library, Gymnasium, Olympic Sized Swimming Pool, Soccer Field, Tennis Courts and Auditorium.

Library The Elementary Library houses approximately 15,000 print and audio-visual materials. All new and donated library materials are evaluated on the basis of their literary merit, usefulness in balancing the collection, and value in supporting the curriculum. Our library is fully automated and students use the OPAC check-out system. Students routinely visit the library for formal lessons and to check out materials. Replacement cost will be charged for lost or damaged library materials.

Computer Lab The Elementary Computer Lab is adjacent to the Library and consists of brand new Lenovo computers. Each computer is networked, internet capable, and supported by the use of an LCD projector and a CD/DVD recorder. Classes attend one session per week during regularly scheduled times. Additional computer class time is available throughout the week. Students learn to use the computer as a tool to enhance their learning with different software applications and with the use of the internet. The elementary lab is part of the ACS Athens network that runs off our own server. Each classroom has its own computer and many classrooms now have interactive boards for further word processing and research.

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The School Day Every student at ACS Athens has Mathematics, Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Science, Social Studies and Spelling classes daily. Units of study alternate Science and Social Studies. In addition, each grade level meets with specialist teachers throughout the week for Art, Music, P.E., Arabic, Greek or English. (Students are supervised on the playground from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. (Kindergarten through 5th grade). Junior Kindergarten begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. Day Care is provided from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. We ask that all students be early to school so that they can be ready to learn at 9:00 a.m. sharp!

What We Teach Students get involved in units of inquiry that are subject-integrated. In addition to mastering the basic tools for learning (language arts and mathematics), students learn to think conceptually, gather facts and acquire knowledge, learn, apply and practice skills, acquire attitudes and take action.

How We Teach The Elementary School views students as thinkers with important, emerging theories of the world. Building on students’ prior knowledge, teachers integrate their curriculum using a range of teaching strategies, and resources. Rather than focusing on isolated and noncontextualized facts, students develop critical thinking skills to become life-long learners and problem solvers.

How We Assess Learning As with our teaching strategies, ACS Athens Elementary uses a range a variety of assessment tools to ascertain a student’s level of understanding. Students are also involved by learning to give critical feedback to their peers and themselves. Assessment will occur from written tests to lab reports, and performances to research papers. Report cards are used to assess students’ level of mastery and to provide important anecdotal observations about a student’s progress and social development. Students take a standardized, norm-referenced test (CTB) every other year in grades 2–5. Once a year students lead their own conferences using a portfolio of their work during the Student-Led Conferences.

Text/Workbooks We Use Textbooks supplement rather than direct the curriculum at ACS Athens. Students learn beyond typical requirements. They strengthen higher level thinking skills. In addition to the texts listed, teachers frequently draw upon primary sources (including guest speakers or performers), library/media on line resources, computer software, trade books and literature to supplement the curriculum. Textbooks are provided to all students through their classrooms teachers. All books loaned to students will be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of each course. Students who withdraw from school should return all textbooks before they can clear their records. If a student fails to return books or if damage beyond normal wear occurs, the student will be charged for the cost of the text.

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First Grade  • • •

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Language Arts Readers (Silver, Burdett and Ginn) (Modern Curriculum Press) (Scott Foresman) (Open Court Modern Curriculum Press-Phonics

Second Grade  • • • • • • •

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Math-A-Pedia Quest 2000: Exploring Mathematics Modern Curriculum Press- Phonics New Dimensions in the World of Reading, Silver, Burdett and Ginn, Garden Gates, Gathering Sunbeams, Tail of a Kite Plus many primary/secondary resource materials

Third Grade  • • • • • • • • •

 

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Castles of San (Ginn Reader) English Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) HBJ Spelling Workbook HBJ Handwriting Workbook From Sea to Shining Sea (Houghton Mifflin Social Studies) Earth Beneath Your Feet (McGraw/Hill Science) System of the Sky (MacMillan/McGraw Science)

Fourth Grade  • • • • • • • • • •

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Investigations in Number, Data and Space Silver Secrets (Ginn Reader) Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) Everyday Spelling (Scott Foresmanan Spelling) States and Regions (Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich) Success with Maps, Level D (Scholastic) Heath Science (Heath) Selected Novels and Poetry Discover the Wonder (Scott Foresman Science)

Fifth Grade  • • • • • • • •

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math Scott Foresman Spelling English Language Skills and Use (Scott Foresman) Building a Nation (Scott Foresman) The History of US (Social Studies supplement) Scott Foresman Science Series D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths (and many more trade books) Selected Novels and Poetry

Greek A (Beginning/Intermediate) Grades 1‐5  Accommodates students whose oral skills are inadequate to hold a conversation in Greek with ease. Instruction is given in English, but Greek is used as much as possible.

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Greek B (Advanced) for Grade 1‐5 

 

Accommodates students who have an adequate level of spoken Greek but need to develop their oral/reading/writing skills. Instruction is given in Greek. Students are required to communicate in Greek.

Greek C (Language Arts) for Grades 1‐5  Accommodates students for whom Greek is the native language and are fluent speakers and readers. Instruction is given in Greek. Students are required to communicate fluently in Greek. Students who wish to be moved from one level to another are assessed by a placement test after teachers’ recommendation.

General Notes Students of all levels participate in celebrations of ethnic holidays of Greece, the host country, fourth grade students organize and perform for the OXI Day celebration in October, whereas all students of the Greek classes participate in the Greek Independence Day celebration in March. Throughout the school year, students of all levels become familiar with Greek holidays and customs in different ways through the curriculum.

Arabic  A list is on file in the ES Office; written in Arabic for your review

Student Expectations Attendance Regular attendance at school is a key element of academic success. Parents are asked to plan outside activities (dental appointments, family trips, etc.) around the school schedule and calendar. Students are expected to be in school from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily and attend all classes, on time.

Tardiness We expect students to arrive on time to all of their classes, most importantly the morning homeroom. Chronic tardiness sends a message to children. Show the importance of punctuality by making sure your child arrives on time. If your child is late, please make sure he/she or you let the Main Office know before going to class. If students miss more than two hours of school, it will be marked off as half a day absence. Students coming to school late for other than health reasons will be marked for unexcused tardiness.

Daily Absences If a student is absent for the day, call Ms. Anny in the Main Office and state the reason for the absence. We will coordinate homework on an individual basis. For absences of more than three days, a doctor’s note is also required. Absences due to health problems or death in the family are considered excused absences. Pleasure trips or prolongation of trips are considered unexcused absences.

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

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classroom teacher and copied for the Principal. If a family decides to take additional vacation time, homework is not the responsibility of the teacher to prepare in advance. Please be aware that extended absences could prevent us from making a proper assessment or any assessment on your child’s report card. Many of the homework assignments (many requiring the student’s presence for completion) will have to be modified due to missed class time. If a child has accumulated a large numbers of absences, the Principal reserves the right not to promoter him/her to the next grade level.

Early Dismissal from School A student who must leave school early for a legitimate reason must have a parent note given to the classroom teacher and be picked up from the office by a parent or guardian.

Personal Music Players, Roller Blades, Heelys, Skateboards and Cell Phones Personal music players and cell phones must never be used on campus except after school. Failure to respect this policy will result in the confiscation of the item for an indefinite period of time. For safety reasons and to ensure the protection of school property, roller blades, heelys, skateboards etc. are not allowed on campus.

Emergency Drills Evacuation drills are conducted regularly and have undergone a review by the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy. Students are taught to leave the buildings quickly and safely for any type of campus emergency. Students are expected to: • Be familiar with exit route • Respond quickly with full attention and cooperation given to their teacher or supervisor • Walk quickly and silently • Stay in formation to the left and right sides of the corridor and staircase as they proceed to the exit • Remain clear of the building as directed by teacher or supervisor • Remain quiet once outdoors and cooperate fully with attendance taking procedures It is imperative that we have your current address and phone number/s (including cell phones) plus the number of someone else to reach in case of an emergency on file. If any of your numbers (home, work, emergency) change, please alert us immediately through your child’s Passport or call the Main Office. Thank you.

Homework Expectations It was on my fifth birthday that my father put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Remember son, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.” - Sam Levenson. Most students at ACS Athens will have homework on a daily basis. Homework is given to strengthen skills taught at school, enrich and extend a concept and help develop solid work habits. Some of the homework assigned may require adult help or guidance. Parents should not do homework for their children. Parents should take on the role of a “coach” or Socrates; encourage and ask deeper questions! If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best for him/her to telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and what

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homework assignments were given. If it is not possible to get this information, students should ask their teachers about missed work immediately upon their return to school. If absent from school for an extended period of times (two days or more) the student or his/her parent or guardian should telephone the school. Assignments should be collected from teachers. They can be delivered by a friend/neighbor, or picked up by parents from the school. Students are expected to set goals and work to achieve them. It is important to get the most out of one’s time in every learning situation. Students are asked to maintain a serious attitude towards their work, think positively, and stick with a plan.

Discipline and Time-Out Procedures At ACS Athens Elementary School, we work with students so that they may become selfmanagers of their attitudes and actions. We discuss our roles in becoming a better student and a better member of our community. We actively encourage students to be Inquisitive, Good Thinkers, Quality Communicators, Knowledgeable, Risk-Takers, Principled, Caring, Open Minded, Well Balanced and Reflective. These characteristics are discussed during Morning Assemblies and within the classroom along with our virtues of the month.

Time-Out Time-Out is a school-wide discipline plan that deliberately seeks to extinguish inappropriate behaviors and allow students to make appropriate choices. The first day of school all parents will receive a document informing them of the time-out philosophy and procedures.

Positive Decision Making We know that by rewarding positive behaviors we encourage the children to repeat these behaviors. We are proud of our students when they make appropriate decisions in their approach to academics, safety, and inter-personal relations. To help them grow we use positive praise, notes home in the Passport, assemblies, class meetings, and reinforcement from adults with which they come in contact. We know that these actions speak volumes to the children. In some cases we even reinforce behavior with small prizes or awards. Our goal is to find success in each and every child. Procedures When Handling Discipline Problems. We all have the ability to make either appropriate or inappropriate choices. Part of the learning process involves knowing how to maturely accept the consequences of our actions, whether positive or negative. If a student does not follow the rules, the teacher will administer our Time-Out discipline in which students reflect on what they have done. This is not a punishment. If the student chooses not to show progress and has three Time-Outs in one day, the child is sent to the Principal’s office. Once sent to the Principal, the following consequences will be imposed: • • • • • •

First Referral: Student meets with the Principal; warning or other consequence commensurate with the action given at the discretion of the Principal. (Record kept of all incidents.) Second Referral: Loss of recess/es and parents notification Third Referral: Meeting with parents and student at school Fourth Referral: In-school suspension Fifth Referral: Staff meeting called to discuss recommendation for expulsion. A conference will be scheduled with the parents. Serious Offenses (fighting, possession of weapons, destruction of school or personal property, leaving campus without permission, stealing) could result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the school.

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

Dress Code "Cleanliness, appropriate grooming, and proper dress are important in promoting a positive atmosphere for school and social conduct. The standards of dress for school should reflect cleanliness and appropriateness. Students who come to school without proper attention toward personal cleanliness or appropriateness of dress may be sent home to be properly prepared for school or required to prepare themselves for the classroom before entering.” “Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner at all times. In particular, the following items are not allowed at school: shorts and skirts that are higher than mid-thigh and clothing with obscene or suggestive words or patterns. Torn clothing, halters and shirts that are deemed too revealing and showing stomach are also not allowed. A student violating the dress code will be asked to change clothing.” There will be times when students will be asked to dress up for an occasion such as a field trip or a special day at school. Students should plan to wear special clothing (dresses for girls, ties or button-down shirts for boys) to the Winter Concert, Spring Concert and SteppingUp Ceremony (Fifth Grade). Parents should be sure all clothing and items worn or brought to school are labeled with the child’s name. Please check our Lost & Found periodically located in the cafeteria. We don’t have enough space for ‘Jacket Mountains’!

Support Services ESL Students who are at beginning and intermediate levels of English are required to enroll in the ESL program. The ESL teacher works with students during their language learning time on English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The ESL teacher collaborates with each student’s homeroom teacher to ensure continuity of learning and skill building. There is an additional fee for this program due to its small size and individualized attention.

Optimal Match The Optimal Match program provides students an equal opportunity at excelling in the classroom by providing individualized and small group instruction that supplements various learning styles. The process begins with the student being referred by the classroom teacher or parent. The Child Study Team which consists of the Elementary School Principal, the JK-12 CounselingPsychologist, the Elementary School Counselor, and the OM Specialists work together to determine the programs that are being offered that would be most beneficial to meeting the student’s needs. A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, which are administered by non-school-based psychologists, must be completed prior to enrollment in the OM program. Based on their findings and subsequent report, standards

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are set according to the individual needs of the referred student. Effective strategies are developed by the Optimal Match Specialist and are then shared with all teachers working with each particular student. Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities are incorporated within the student’s curriculum in order to complement various learning abilities. The Optimal Match Specialist provides support and guidance to the classroom teachers in order to properly support student abilities. Collaboration is established amongst the entire team and valuable tactics are adopted in order to enable students to maintain success within the classroom. Monitor sheets are student assessments that are distributed monthly to validate student strengths and to determine areas that need improving. The Monitor Sheets are kept in the student’s confidential file. This information provides the program with evidence of student strengths and areas where additional assistance is needed in order for the student to excel in the classroom.

OM Consultation  OM consultation is performed on a case by case basis. Students that are placed on OM Consultation are monitored by the OM specialist and their classroom teachers. An observation of the student is performed through the above mentioned monthly monitor sheet. There are fees for enrollment in either the Optimal Match Program or the OM Consultation.

The High Performing Student Program (HPS) The High Performing Student Program (HPS) has been developed in order to cater for the needs of students who have exceptional abilities. These students can be referred to the program by their teachers and/or parents. Once they have been referred, the student needs to undergo a battery of psycho educational tests in order to assess their areas of strength and weakness. The purpose of the HPS program is to provide students with adequate challenge and a ceiling high enough for them to achieve the utmost of their potential. Once a child has been identified, the HPS specialist works closely with the student’s teacher in order to differentiate the student’s curriculum and adjust their learning experience to suit their individual needs. Students will be offered a variety of services such as mentor programs, small group instruction, individualized projects, consultations, ability grouping and advanced placement programs. There are fees for enrollment in the HPS Optimal Match Program.

Counseling Services The Elementary School Counselor works with all students individually and in group settings to help them succeed in the Elementary School emotionally, socially and cognitively. If a student has a challenge, or feels uncertain about some aspect of the Elementary School, the Counselor may be consulted. The Counselor works closely with teachers and parents to resolve any issues students may be faced with. The Counselor also provides school-wide psycho-educational programs for grades JK-5 on various topics. Some of these topics include the Anti-Drug and the Anti-Bullying Programs. In addition the counselor invites parents to discuss a variety of child-related issues once a month. Parents may contact the counselor at 210 639 3200 ext. 266.

ESAS and CASA! (The Elementary Sports After School and Creative After School Activities) ACS Athens Elementary believes that participation in a co-curricular activity is important to a student’s development. The ESAS and CASA programs are primarily run by teachers or other professionals. Participating students are asked to make a donation. Parents provide their own

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transportation. Classes typically run once a week from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. We strongly encourage all ACS Athens students to get involved. Many of the programs culminate with an exciting exhibition of some kind. If there is an activity you would like to suggest or lead, please let us know! Your child’s teacher will distribute information about the program in the first month of school. A Sample of Past ESAS Activities Offered at ACS Athens: • Basketball • Karate; Beginning and Advanced • Soccer • Swimming (various levels) • Tennis A Sample of Past CASA Activities Offered at ACS Athens: • Ballet • Modern Dance

Staying After-School Buses depart campus at 3:40 p.m. All students must leave campus at that time unless they are staying for an activity supervised by a teacher. Parents must pick up their child(ren) on time as students are too young to be left unaccompanied.

The House System The House System was started at ACS in 1950 and established in the Elementary School in 2007. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-time member; Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates.

Student Council The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of the Elementary School. Student Council representatives are elected in class three times a year while meetings are held twice a month. Student council’s representatives work with faculty and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are encouraged to make suggestions to their representatives concerning the school.

Health Services The health and safety of your child at school is of utmost concern. A registered nurse on campus administers emergency first aid treatments and care for sudden illnesses. In addition, several elementary staff members including the PE Teacher are trained and certified in CPR/First Aid. The nurse also conducts regular vision and lice checks and maintains a health record for every student. If the child needs to be taken home, the nurse will call you directly. If the student is severely injured and we cannot reach anyone at home, the student will be taken directly to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. Ms. Mary Papalanis, the school nurse, can be reached at: 210 639-3200, ext. 217. All students are required to have a physical examination by their family physician within thirty (30) days of their enrollment which must be updated yearly. The existing student health record card and procedures are consistent with current stateside practices. Please note the following:

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•

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Prescription medication will not be administered by the Health Office to students of any age unless the medication is provided by the parent and accompanied by a note which clearly states the dosage and time the drug should be given as well as the reason it was ordered. Non-prescription medication may be administered to JK-5th grade students only when parent consent has been obtained by phone on each occasion. A child recovering from an illness should not return to school until she/he is well enough to participate in the full, regular school day, including recess, lunch and PE classes.

Lunch Program Students are offered a complete, balanced hot meal. A menu will be distributed monthly. Each lunch menu (a complete meal) will have a set price and students will be able to buy the meals in advance (using a card system). The cafeteria is equipped to provide daily lunches and to serve food for various events and activities during the year. Proper behavior in the cafeteria means exhibiting good restaurant dining manners. Students are to proceed in single file through the serving line, and once they have received their food, they are to remain seated until they are done eating. All students are expected to dispose of their own trash and to return the trays before leaving the cafeteria. Many students choose to bring lunches from home. Please be aware that students are not allowed to purchase items from the on-campus kiosk or off-campus taverna while at school. If your child is staying for after-school activities, please have them bring a healthy snack or drink from home. Several food fundraisers will be scheduled throughout the year during the students’ lunches through Athletic Boosters (directly supporting Elementary Athletics) or other activities. We will let you know of these events in advance.

Transportation Bus services are contracted by ACS Athens parents and cover virtually the entire Athens area. Students are transported by professional drivers and are supervised on the bus by a monitor. Monitors regularly communicate and collaborate with the building principals regarding discipline issues.

Bus Procedures: 1. Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time. 2. Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop. 3. If a student wishes to take a bus other than the one normally assigned, or get off at a stop other than the one normally assigned, a parent request must be submitted to the transportation office for approval 48 hours in advance and presented to the monitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only if space is available. 4. Change of address resulting in a change of route or bus stop should be presented to the transportation office in writing two days prior to the change. 5. Failure or considerable delay of the bus in arriving at the scheduled pick-up point entitles students to secure alternate transportations to the school. The Transportation Officer will make reimbursement of any costs incurred. 6. Concerns regarding the bus monitor or driver must be registered with the Transportation Officer.

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7. Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat, and all passengers must comply with these directions. Students are expected to follow the Bus Code of Conduct to ensure a safe ride for everyone. Consequences are clearly spelled out for students. Please review the transportation code of conduct, talk with your child about it, and let transportation know if there is ever a concern or problem. Making sure your students are feeling safe and happy during their commute is important to us. Should students not follow the Bus Code of Conduct, they will be first given a warning from the Principal. If the behavior is repeated a second time, they will be asked not to ride the bus for a week. If the behavior is repeated for a third time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the month. Finally, if the behavior is repeated for a fourth time, they will not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year. Students’ safety is a serious issue. There are no after-school activity buses (ESAS or CASA!) for elementary students. Parents must provide transportation after school on these days. Students need to be picked up at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to register a concern, call Ms. Leta Meleki at 210 639-3200 ext 239.

Bus Code of Conduct: 1. Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults and drivers at all times. 2. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed. 3. Students must be seated in their assigned seat and quiet at all times. 4. Respectful language must be used at all times. 5. No weapons/toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time.

Special Traditions In addition to our curriculum activities, the Elementary School enjoys its own special traditions. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of these events. If you would like to assist with any one of these traditional events (or others that are certain to come up throughout the year), call the office. Please understand that some of these events are subject to change.

September • •

Opening Assembly Back To School Night

October • • • • •

Picture Days Parent Teacher Conferences United Nations Show Oxi Day Celebration / Taverna Day PTO Halloween Carnival / Pumpkin Patch

November • •

First Grade Dino Daze Show Thanksgiving Holiday

December • •

Winter Concert Report Cards

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February • •

2nd Grade Food Show 100th Day Celebration

March • • •

5th Grade Play Report Cards/Parent-Teacher Conferences Greek Independence Day

April •

Poetry Break Fest

May • • • • • •

JK/KG Field Day Spring Concert Third Grade Talent Show Student-Led Conferences Student Art Show Spring Fair

June • • • • •

Field Day Kindergarten Graduation 5th Grade Stepping-Up Ceremony Volunteer Reception Report Cards

Role of Parents Due to the rigor of our program, parents need to take an active role in guiding schoolwork and organizational skills. Besides creating a quiet study area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired during the day’s classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and non-academic computer use can also help. Encourage your children to read for pleasure. Take time to share responses to books and articles you have read in common. The Home/School Connection is a vital one as it sends a clear message to students that we are all working together for their success. In short, we need to be on the same team. If you have concerns, or questions, go to the teacher and talk with them first. Parents should seek to resolve problems by conferring with the teacher first. Should there be any further concerns, parents should then contact the Department Chair and finally the Principal. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Elementary School; assisting in the library or art room, sewing costumes or building sets for grade level plays, taking photos for the Yearbook, guest speaking on a topic as a primary resource, helping with Scholastic Books, Bake Sales, ad infinitum! We welcome you to our school as a volunteer. Please contact your child’s teacher or call the Main Office if you would like to volunteer in any area.

PTO ACS Athens has an active and enthusiastic Parent/Teacher Organization. A combined PTO serving all three schools meet monthly after the Principals’ Coffee and work collaboratively to support the respective schools. There are representatives who serve each school. The PTO organizes social activities for the families at ACS Athens, parent and staff functions, fundraising events and informational programs. All parents are asked to get involved with the

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PTO in some capacity and attend monthly meetings. Big PTO Events include: Welcome Back Barbeque, Halloween Carnival, Christmas Bazaar, Spring Fair and Campus Beautification. Please get involved!

Room Parents Each grade level has one or two parents that act as room parents and work closely with the classroom teacher to arrange various celebrations in the Elementary School throughout the year. In case of school cancellation, the room parents will be contacted by the pertinent teacher and will be asked to assist in notifying parents according to an existing phone tree.

Boosters An active and strong branch of the PTO, the Boosters helps raise money and encourage participation JK–12 in athletic events and programs. Please contact the Athletic Office for more information.

Personal Property The school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of personal property, and the school does not carry insurance to cover the loss of student property. To avoid the possibility of loss, students should not bring expensive jewelry, large sums of money, radios, CD players, ipods or other valuable or personal objects to school.

Lost & Found Label, label, label!!! And when this fails, check the Lost & Found (located in the multi-purpose room) for items that are missing. We will set up a Lost & Found table during Winter Break, the Parent/Teacher Conferences and at the end of the school year. Unclaimed items are given to a charity. Expensive toys, electronics, and valuable items in general should not be brought to school.

Vehicles of Communication Report Cards Report cards are distributed to students three times a year, at the end of each trimester. Should parents not receive their child’s report card they should contact the Counselor. ACS Athens will report on each student’s achievement and progress at the conclusion of each 60-day trimester. A student must be enrolled at least five weeks in order to receive a complete report card. If a child demonstrates achievement or behavior that would result a “1” rating (“Not Meeting Standards: Is not yet demonstrating expected skills and knowledge”) parents should expect to be informed. In this way parents are informed. and invited into the “intervention process” for their child. Report cards for the first and third trimester are distributed to students to give to their parent(s). The third trimester report card is distributed on the last day of school. Report cards for the second trimester are distributed to parents during parent/teacher conferences. In the event a child leaves ACS Athens prior to the last day of school, the final report card may be mailed to the family on the last day of school. Parents should provide the school an address. Report cards will not be distributed to families who have outstanding balances with the business office or for those students who have unaccounted for library books or textbooks.

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Conferences Conferences are scheduled three times per year; Parent/Teacher conferences in the fall and spring and Student-Led conferences in the spring. We consider the Parent/Teacher Conference the most important means of reporting student progress and sharing information about your child’s successes and challenges in school. We also encourage you to arrange for a conference at any time throughout the year to gather more information about your child and how you may be able to help at home. Please make arrangements with the teachers in advance via the student Passport.

Student-Led Conferences ACS Athens is excited to have Student-Led conferencing during the spring. Student-Led conferencing is in place with many state-of-the-art schools. Students and teachers jointly select the works to be shared and the student directs the conference by sharing their Portfolio with their parents. Both the student and the parent reflect upon the successes achieved and challenges ahead. Students take ownership of their academic progress while parents begin or continue an on-going dialogue with their child on schoolwork and assessment.

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

Monthly Newsletter Every month the entire school community JK to 5 publishes The Monthly Muse, a newsletter for parents. The Principal shares highlights from the school and what is happening in each grade level. Teachers submit news as well from their class.

Principal’s Coffees Parents are welcome to join the Elementary Principal in a monthly coffee. Educational innovations are discussed, recent developments school-wide are introduced and upcoming calendar events are explained. Principal Coffees are another form of communication at ACS Athens. Teachers sometimes conduct lessons as well to parents. It’s a wonderful way to meet other parents. Join us!

Website The ACS Athens website www.acs.gr can be accessed by parents and students. It contains a variety of useful announcements, the school calendar, our Elementary School Newsletter and upcoming events to name a few. Should there be an announcement for school cancellation, for whatever reason, it will be posted in our web site and/or emails will be sent to parents notifying them of the closing of school.

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Telephone The phone is a quick and personal way of getting in touch with a teacher or staff member. Call Ms. Anny, Elementary School Administrative Assistant, ext. 229 to leave a message. The teacher or staff member will return your call as soon as they are able. Please remember that a teacher’s day is quite full and may extend into the evening. Therefore, it may take a day to get back to you.

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

Field Trips During the school year, several trips are scheduled which relate to specific subject matter studied at each grade level. We consider the field trips to be a crucial element of our curriculum. Field trips extend the classroom studies allowing students to collect data and apply and connect learning to the real world. We expect all students to attend. There are usually two field trips a year for each grade. No child is permitted to take a trip without parental permission (given via a permission slip prior to the trip). Students are expected to exhibit good behavior as representatives of ACS Athens Elementary School. If the teachers and Principal feel that a student’s behavior and/or decision-making are questionable, we reserve the right to have him/her remain at school during the trip.

Birthday and Holiday Celebrations If your child wants to celebrate their birthday with the class, we ask that you provide enough treats for the entire class that will be distributed during snack break. These celebrations are short (usually celebrated at recess or in the last fifteen minutes of the school day), as we need to keep all non-instructional class minutes to a minimum. Teachers must know well in advance of any celebrations planned. Cupcakes, cookies or individually wrapped treats are appropriate. Only when there is an invitation for every child in class may invitations for any party be distributed at school. All others must be mailed. The school cannot be held responsible for handing out party invitations. Please be willing to teach your child discretion for the feelings of those not invited.

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Enrollment Admission/Registration *See Student Admission Policy for full information or contact Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management Junior Kindergarten students must be three or four years old on or before December 31st of the year they register at ACS Athens. No exceptions are made. Junior Kindergarten is a two year program. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before December 31st of the year they enter school. No exceptions are made. Parents registering their child for school must make an appointment to meet with Mr. John Papadakis, Director of Enrollment Management, ext. 263. The school carefully reviews the student’s academic history/portfolio (KG to Fifth Grade only) and conducts an informal assessment and interview before acceptance into the program (JK to Fifth Grade). Parents should bring student report card/s and records, samples of student work, if available, passport/s and/or birth certificate and a residence permit with them when registering their child(ren).

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

Visitors We make every effort to keep the classroom sacred so that maximum teaching and learning can take place. Serious work is being done in the classroom and teachers appreciate professional space and respect. For that reason, visitors are not allowed in a classroom unless they have a Visitors Pass or have made prior arrangements with the teacher and Principal. Prospective students are invited to visit the school for the day after speaking with the Principal and allowing at least one day to make proper arrangements with the teachers. We severely limit visitations during the first two weeks and the last two weeks of school.

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PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT & INTERNET USE PERMISSION FORM (please fill, tear and submit to the E.S. classroom teacher)



As a member of the ACS Athens Community, I have fully read this document, understand the contents, and agree to abide by all of the regulations and policies contained herein. I also understand that this document MUST be returned to the homeroom teacher within a week. Students who do not submit this signed form will be able to participate in After-School Activities (ESAS &/or CASA).

Date:



Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (please print): Student’s Name (please print):

Parent or Guardian Signature





Student Signature

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ACS Athens is an IB World School Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, U.S.A. American Community Schools of Athens 129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzaki, 152 34 Halandri, Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200, Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051 www.acs.gr ™ [email protected]

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