ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INFORMATION

Invitations and Parties

Birthday party invitations may be distributed at school only under the following terms:

- Invitations are given to the teacher at least two (2) days in advance

- Everyone in the section is invited, or all girls or all boys are invited

- At least two (2) extra invitations are included so that no one is left out

If your child is only inviting a few friends, invitations may not be distributed at school. Please be sure that you follow this rule so that feelings are not hurt.

If your child is celebrating his/her birthday, you may send in a special treat for the class that will be served during snack time. The treat should be something that is already cut (i.e. brownies or cupcakes). No balloons or other decorations are permitted. All teachers have special activities that take place in class when appropriate. Be assured that the special day will be acknowledged.

Cafeteria

Please be assured that all students are well supervised during snack and lunch times. Several teachers and aides are on supervision duty at all times. Parents are not to visit their children during the school day and especially at lunchtime. This only upsets other children whose parents do not show up and is counterproductive to the school’s efforts in teaching children to eat and care for themselves during snack and mealtime.

All children must remain in the cantina for at least 10 minutes before dismissed for recess. This ensures the child that they are not missing any recess time and can eat without rushing.

If your child brings his or her lunch to school it must be brought to school in the morning and kept in the classroom until lunchtime. NO lunchboxes may be delivered to school at lunchtime.

Snacks

All students are encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast so that they come to school ready to learn. Please send healthy snacks to school with your child or talk about what is appropriate to buy in the cantina.

After-School Activities

All students in elementary school are eligible and encouraged to join our after-school program with the exception of Kinder 4 and Kinder 5 students.

After-school clubs run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. After-school sports schedules vary. Please consult the Elementary Office or PE Department for exact times. NO students are permitted to stay after school unless they are involved in an after-school activity or sport. Note: Students must be picked up at promptly when the activity ends.

School Dismissal and Pick-up

Please make certain that your child is picked up from school at the appropriate dismissal time. Kinder 4 and Kinder 5 students MUST be picked up at their respective classrooms. Please keep in mind that young children get very upset if they are not picked up on time. However, please rest assured that if you are late for some reason your child will be supervised until you arrive. Kindly call the office if you will be late.

No students of any grade level are permitted to go home with another student unless the parent has sent in a written permission form beforehand. Students are not permitted to make calls from the Elementary Office at dismissal time to make their social plans. All students are told to go home first and then make their plans with their parents.

Student Behavior

Elementary students are expected to follow the ASA student behavior code. In addition, all classrooms have rules that students are expected to follow. If rules are repeatedly not followed, a student will be sent to the Principal’s office and parents will be contacted. Repeat offenders will lose certain ASA privileges that may include being able to participate in after-school activities, etc.

Tardies

Students who arrive at school after 8:00 am (after 12:30 p.m. for Kinder 4 afternoon session) are required to get a Late Pass from the Elementary Office in order to enter their classrooms. If a student is late three times he/she will receive a letter from the Principal. The letter will state that if the student continues to arrive late to school, he or she may be sent home for the day the next time it happens. Please be reminded that students who arrive late interrupt valuable classroom instruction that begins promptly on time.

Kinder 5 Promotion Ceremony

Following the completion of Kinder 5, students receive their Promotion Certificates at a ceremony that is held in the school library the day before school ends at the end of the school year, early in the morning. The ceremony usually consists of a video of the children at work and play throughout the school year; songs sung by the children and the presentation of certificates by the Principal. Following the ceremony, students and their parents gather by the Kinder 5 classrooms for a small reception. Progress Reports are distributed at that time.

Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony

Following the completion of Grade 5, students receive a Certificate of Promotion awarded for completion of the elementary program at ASA. The ceremony takes place in the Library at the end of the school year, usually at 2:00 p.m. A series of certificates and medals are awarded at this ceremony. All award recipients are chosen by the fifth grade team of teachers with final approval by the elementary principal. Award categories include creativity, good citizenship, most improved academically, and academic achievement among others. In addition, the school awards the All-Around-Excellent-Student award and the Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the President of the United States of America. These awards are given in recognition of the qualities that we value and encourage at ASA. Not only do the recipients of these awards earn good grades but they are also respectful, responsible and honest individuals, hard workers, caring and involved classmates, problem-solvers, and international friends throughout the school year. Award, medals and certificates are presented by the fifth grade team of teachers and the principal. Following the ceremony, a reception is held in the cafeteria.