PATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT, PARENT HANDBOOK

SY 2007- 08

 

WELCOME!

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Dear Parents:

    Welcome to Patch Elementary School!  We value you as a partner in your child's education and look forward to working with you this school year. I am very proud of our school, the teachers and support personnel, and especially, our students. Please take every opportunity to become involved in our school and in your child's education. A partnership between families and schools is essential to ensure a quality education for children.

    We have a very active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School Advisory Committee (SAC). I invite you to join the PTA, attend the SAC meetings, and become one of the many volunteers who share their energy, time, and interests with the children at Patch. With your positive support, you should find that this will be a rich educational experience for your child.

    Patch ES is filled with many opportunities for learning. Activity-centered learning is offered in core subjects, as well as a host of enrichment activities. Technology is an integral part of the children's daily instructional program. Please read our weekly newsletter, The Stallion, and check out our Web site at: http://www.patch-es.eu.dodea.edu/ to be informed of all of the activities that will be taking place this year.

We look forward to seeing you in the school soon.

 

Robert Allen

Principal

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT SCHOOLS

 

CHAIN OF COMMAND

 WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

 

If parents have questions or concerns regarding a teacher’s actions, policies, their child’s behavior or academic progress, they should contact the person who can most readily and accurately address their inquiry, i.e., the specific teacher involved.  If a parent calls an administrator before talking with the classroom teacher, the administrator will refer them back to the classroom teacher.  If the teacher is unable to satisfactorily address the problem, the parent may contact an administrator and schedule a joint conference with the parent, teacher and administrator.

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PATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOOL

Chain of Command

 

 TEACHERS, SPECIALISTS

 

 RONALD LATHROP, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

 

ROBERT ALLEN, PRINCIPAL

 

Mil: 430-5200

CIV: 0711-680-5200

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BAVARIA DISTRICT OFFICE

 

MICHAEL J. THOMPSON, SUPERINTENDENT

MIL: 468-7429

CIV: 0981-183429

 

STUTTGART CHAIN OF COMMAND (MILITARY/ DODDS)

 

JOYCE KENNEDY, SCHOOLS’ OFFICER

430-7465

 

   USAG-STUTTGART

COL RICHARD M. PASTORE JR.

421-1300

 

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 ALEXANDER M. PATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  TELEPHONE NUMBERS/ADDRESSES

 

SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 

School Office:

DSN 430-5200
CIVILIAN: 0711/680-5200
FAX:  0711/687-7134

 

Nurse's Office: 430-4030

Counselor: 430-4598

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SCHOOL ADDRESSES

 

Military Address:

Alexander M. Patch Elementary School

Unit 30401

APO AE 09107

 

Civilian Address:

Alexander M. Patch Amerikanische Grundshule

Katzenbachstrasse Bldg. 2387

Kurmaerker Kaserne

70569 Stuttgart

 

World Wide Web Site: http://www.patch-es.eu.dodea.edu/

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SCHOOL HOURS

 

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Classes begin: 8:00 a.m.

Student dismissal: 2:30 p.m.

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LUNCH AND RECESS

Kindergarten:  11:30-12:15 p.m.

Grade 1 & Suhr:  11:40-12:25 p.m.

Grade 4:  11:50-12:35 p.m.

Grade 5:  12:00-12:45 p.m.

Grade 3: 12:10-12:55 p.m.

Grade 2: 12:20-1:05 p.m.

Multi-Age:  12:30-1:15 p.m.

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SCHOOL BOUNDARIES

 

The Stuttgart Garrison Commander and the Bavaria District Superintendent established the boundaries for Patch Elementary School. These boundaries include both the Patch and outlying communities surrounding Patch. Feeder zones established with Böblingen Elementary/Middle School and Robinson Barracks Elementary/Middle School are utilized to balance enrollments or offset overflow.  All exceptions to the feeder plan require the approval of the District Superintendent.

 

Attendance at Patch is based upon the home address of the child. Questions or concerns regarding school boundaries, especially within the outlying communities, may be addressed to the school principal, the base housing officer, the school bus office, or the USAG-Stuttgart School’s Officer.

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SCHOOL OVERVIEW/ACCREDITATION

 

 

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

 

The Department of Defense operates schools worldwide for children of military sponsors, Department of Defense civilians, and State Department personnel. The headquarters for the Department of Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA) is located in Arlington, VA.

Patch Elementary lies within the boundaries of the Bavaria District, which is part of DoDDS-Europe.

 

Patch Elementary was opened in 1979. It provides instruction to about 500 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.  There are approximately 45 staff members at Patch Elementary School.  This number includes two administrators, gradelevel teachers, specialists, clerical and technical personnel. The school is located on Patch Barracks, building number 2387.

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ACCREDITATION

 

Patch Elementary is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges  (NCA). The NCA is the largest accrediting organization geographically and collectively in the United States. Patch is proud to be a member of the NCA and strives continuously to exceed the high standards and expectations of the periodic organizational evaluations.

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SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

 

Each DoDEA school must develop a Continuous School Progress Plan or CSP.  Each school’s CSP is unique to the individual school and is developed based on the needs of the particular school. The CSP is an integral part of each school’s NCA accreditation.

 

The Patch Elementary School CSP goals are 1) All students will improve their writing across the curriculum and 2) All students will improve their math skills across the curriculum.  This year, we will select specific interventions and strategies aligned to each of our goals.  We welcome parent participation in the CSP process.  Please stop by or call to inquire on how you can contribute.  These goals were developed after a review of student performance on several assessments that included standardized tests in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
 

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PATCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

 We will provide a standards-based curricular environment that develops life-long learners and promotes highest student achievement in partnership with our community.

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VISION STATEMENT

 

 

 I believe in myself.  I can succeed.

 

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY

COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

 

Goal 1 – Highest Student Achievement

All students will meet or exceed challenging standards in academic content so that they are prepared for continuous learning and productive citizenship.

 

Outcome A:  Student Performance and Assessment

All students will achieve or exceed proficiency levels aligned to clearly defined program and curricular performance standards.  Individual student progress will be continuously measured using multiple internal and external performance-based assessments.

 

Outcome B:  Opportunities to Learn and Citizenship

All students will have access to varied and challenging learning opportunities and appropriate interventions and/or modifications to ensure continuous learning and productive citizenship.

 

Goal 2 – Performance-Driven, Efficient Management Systems

DoDEA will use a performance driven management system that operates in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner; places resource allocation and decision-making at the lowest operational level; and facilitates a safe environment conducive to optimum student achievement.

 

Outcome A:  Resource Allocation/academic and Student Support Services

An annual budget plan will be designed and implemented at all levels in direct support of the Community Strategic Plan.  All appropriate operational levels will have the resources, authority, and accountability to ensure equitable student access to programs and support services necessary to achieve or exceed individual education standards.

 

Outcome B:  Facilities and Equipment

All levels will participate in the development and implementation of an equitable plan to identify and schedule maintenance, life-cycle replacement, and upgrades to facilities, equipment, technology, and materials that support an environment conducive to learning.

 

Outcome C:  Safe Environment

All schools will have safe, well-managed, and disciplined environments conducive to learning.

 

 

Goal 3:  Motivated, High Performing, Diverse Workforce

The DoDEA workforce will be motivated, diverse, and committed to continuous professional growth and development resulting in exemplary performance and optimum student achievement.

 

 

Outcome A:  Personnel Management Practices

Administrators at all levels will continually recruit, hire, support, evaluate, and recognize personnel in order to retain a highly motivated and committed workforce, who reflect the diversity of the school community, in support of student achievement.

 

Outcome B: Continuous Professional Development and Training

Personnel at all levels will participate in continuous professional development and training to support standards, which enhance job performance.

 

Goal 4:  Network of Partnerships Promoting Achievement

Every level of DoDEA will develop, promote, and maintain a network of partnerships to enhance optimum student achievement.

 

Outcome A:  Partnerships

All levels of the organization will develop, promote, and maintain a network of meaningful partnerships and alliances to enhance social, emotional, and academic growth and to maximize resources.

 

Outcome B:  Communication System

All levels of the organization will develop and implement a multimedia communication plan to enhance dialogue and promote trust among staff, parents, students, and the community.

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SCHOOL POLICIES

 

ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES

 

The DoDDS educational program is organized on the premise that all students will attend school regularly and punctually. In an effort to verify the safe arrival of PES students to school, the following procedures have been implemented:

 

1.   It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to call the school every time a student is absent. Absences such must be reported to the school office before 0830 by calling DSN: 430-5200 or Civilian: 0711-680-5200.

2.   Teachers must receive as much notice as possible before a planned family trip so that they can schedule appropriate makeup assignments. 

3.   Following any absence the parent or guardian will provide the teacher with a written explanation of the absence.

 

The following types of absences are excused:

1.   Illness or injury

2.   Family emergency

3.   Medical or dental appointment (after school appointments are preferable)

4.   Family trips (trips outside normal school days are preferable)

5.   Religious obligations

 

For the safety and security of PES students, children who arrive late (after 8:15) or depart early for medical, dental or family appointments, must be signed in/out by a parent or guardian. This must be done in the school office. Children will not be allowed to leave school grounds without a parent or guardian. A valid ID card is required when signing out a student. Advance notice, if possible, with the time of pickup should be sent to the child's teacher. Students will be called to the office at the time he/she is signed out by a parent.

 

TARDINESS

 

Students arriving at school after 8:05 a.m. are considered tardy. Students who arrive after 8:15 a.m. must be signed in to school in the school office by a parent or guardian. Repeated tardiness will be addressed with the parents by the school administration.

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MAKE-UP WORK DURING FAMILY TRIPS

 

Because our instructional program is based on the premise that children learn best from interactive activities within the classroom, it is imperative that absences be minimized. Since classroom activities can involve simulations, demonstrations and cooperative group projects, family trips during school days, as well as early withdrawal of students before the completion of the school day, are strongly discouraged. Please make every effort to schedule appointments and travel so that they do not interfere with your child’s school program.

 

In the event that a family trip must be scheduled during school, the same principles that guide our instructional program will determine the make-up work given. Any testing missed will be made up after the student returns to school. The family trip may then become the springboard that students will utilize to make cross-curricular connections. Depending on the student's grade placement, he/she may be asked to complete missed class assignments and/or any of the following assignments during an absence:

 

Journal Writing

Write a daily report explaining the day's itinerary. The entry will need to also include weather conditions, a description of the hotel, town, natural scenery and places of special interest. Postcards or pictures can be added to supplement the writing.

 

Math Connection

Using data collected during the trip (i.e. daily temperatures, local population, altitude, miles or kilometers traveled), compose story problems that involve the data.

 

Reading

Continue reading library books, newspapers, magazines and content area books to maintain reading skills.

 

Social Studies

Create a map of the places visited that includes bordering countries and bodies of water.

Outline the land areas in green and the bodies of water in blue. Major cities as well as capital cities need to be included. Mountains, hills and special land features should be added as appropriate. Add a color-coded map key that includes all symbols used.

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BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS

 

Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, skateboards and “Heeleys” are prohibited on school grounds. A high concentration of pedestrians and automobiles within the school environment is not conducive to such recreational devices.

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BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

 

The school provides textbooks, workbooks and most instructional materials. The proper care and use of these items are the responsibility of the student. Lost or damaged schoolbooks or other school property will be charged to the student's sponsor. Payment must be made through the school supply office with check or money order made out to the U. S. Treasury. Students are also responsible for furnishing their own pencils, paper, crayons, and other similar items requested by individual teachers. School supply lists may be obtained from the school office.

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CELL PHONES

 

Student possession and use of cell phones is not permitted unless the principal has granted prior approval.  Parents must provide, in writing, to the principal the reason(s) why it is necessary for their child to have a cell phone with them at school.  The principal will provide written approval/disapproval to the parents.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS

 

It is of vital importance that all school registration information be kept up-to-date. ANY CHANGES IN ADDRESS, HOME PHONE, OR DUTY PHONE MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY.  An emergency contact number of a friend or neighbor must also be supplied. In the event of an emergency, the school will make every effort to contact parents, guardians, or emergency contact person from numbers supplied.

 

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SCHOOL RULES

  

BE SAFE  and  BE KIND

 

Follow directions the first time they are given                 

No fighting

Call others by their given name                                      

Hats are not to be worn in the building

Walk at all times in the hallways                        

Weapons and toy weapons are not permitted at school and in    classrooms       

 

NBC

 

No Body Contact

 

FOUL

 

Fouls are unacceptable verbal conduct

 

*Bringing up the past                 *Bossing

*Getting Even                           *Threats

*Not Listening                           *Put Downs

*Blaming                                  *Name-Calling

*Making Excuses for Your Behavior

 

ON THE PLAYGROUND

 

No throwing of sticks, stones, snowballs, or other objects

Use playground equipment in a safe manner (i.e. no standing on swings, jumping from swings, hanging upside down, or climbing up slides)

Do not play on equipment when wet or icy

Follow the playground monitors’ instructions

Show respect to all adults on the playground

No fighting, wrestling, tackling, football type contact games, or chasing “tag” games

No rudeness or bad language

Remain on playground at all times unless excused by a monitor

 

IN THE CAFETERIA

 

Follow directions the first time they are given

Speak quietly

Stay Seated

Clean Up

Walk to and from the playground

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DISCIPLINE

 

Discipline in our school is a cooperative undertaking between the student, the teacher, the parent and the administration.  A high standard of conduct is expected of all students.  We believe that all of our students can behave appropriately in the classroom.  We will not accept behavior from a student that prevents us from teaching or stops any other student from learning.  We believe that all students have the right to learn in a safe and orderly environment.  The esteem and integrity of the student is very important to the discipline process.

 

 

IN THE CLASSROOM

 

Each teacher will develop a classroom management plan that clearly states classroom rules and procedures.  A copy of this plan will be provided to parents.  Teachers will use a variety of disciplinary actions to enforce classroom rules and procedures.

 

Most disciplinary actions are minor in nature and can be resolved by the classroom teacher’s management plan.   When an action occurs that requires administrative intervention, the action may range from a verbal warning to suspension.

All disciplinary actions will be considered on an individual basis and will consider the seriousness of the offense, the child’s age, and the number of repetitions.    

 

The following types of misconduct will lead to disciplinary action by the teacher or administration:

 

• Anything that could cause injury to others.

• Anything that disrupts the learning of others.

• Destruction of community and personal property.

• Disobeying and disrespectful behavior towards school adults.

• Using inappropriate language.

 

Consequences for not following the rules may result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

 

·         A verbal reprimand

·         Loss of recess

·         A note to parents from the teacher or from the administration

·         Student may be asked to write a letter of apology

·         After school detention

·         Suspension from school

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SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

 

Suspension from school may be the consequence for a major infraction, such as, but not limited to, physical violence toward a student or school official, fighting, bringing a dangerous object or weapon to school, playing with matches or fire in any form, activating a fire alarm, insubordination, use of profanity or vulgarity, and other serious acts of inappropriate behavior.  Each decision to suspend a student will be examined individually and the consequences applied according to the merits of the case.  Suspensions may be appealed to the Bavaria District Superintendent.  Students who are suspended are permitted to make up class work and earn grades for this work. 

 

If a student’s behavior is deemed serious enough for the principal to recommend expulsion, a Disciplinary Committee composed of the School’s Officer, a School Counselor, a teacher, a parent, and the assistant principal will convene and advise the principal.   Appeals to the Principal’s decision can be made to the Bavaria District Superintendent’s Office.     

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DRESS CODE

 

General guidelines for appropriate dress at Patch Elementary School includes:

·         No clothing displaying profanity or controlled substances.

·         Shorts, dresses, skirts should be fingertip length.

·         No bare mid-rifts.

·         No “sagging”.

·         Hats are removed indoors.

·         Shoes should be laced and tied.

·         The personal appearance of students may be in the style of the day, yet appropriate for a serious learning environment.

·         Special costumes may be worn when approved by the teacher or administration.

·         Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

·         Tennis shoes or other appropriate shoes are required for physical education.

·          Snowsuits, snow boots, raincoats or umbrellas, should be worn/used as the weather conditions dictate.

·         Cleanliness, to a degree consistent with maintenance of good physical health, is mandatory.

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DOGS

 

As a rule, dogs and other pets are not allowed to be in school.  There may be exceptions when there is a sound curricular basis for having live animals in the classroom.

Dogs are not permitted on school grounds.  Compliance with this policy will ensure our children’s safety.

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EARLY WITHDRAWAL, PROMOTIONS

 

Students PCSing may withdraw in a promotion status no sooner than twenty school days before the end of the school year. DoDEA policy limits early withdrawal with promotion to students who are PCSing.  Students who leave school early for a family trip or vacation will be recorded as absent and their final progress reports will be held until the end of the school year.

The school office must receive advance notice of any intention to withdraw for a PCS prior to the end of the school year.  Two weeks notice is needed for the preparation of school records for pickup by parents at the date of withdrawal.

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ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, GAMES AND PLAYERS, TOYS

 

Students are not to bring electronic equipment and/or games or any type of toys to school or on study trips. The school cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

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ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

 

Any child who is five years old by October 31 of the current school year and is presently in the district is allowed to attend a DoDDS-Europe kindergarten. However, it is not mandatory to attend kindergarten. Children must be six years old by October 31 of the current school year to attend a DoDDS first grade. At the time of enrollment, the following documents and forms are required:

 

1.       Passport or birth certificate of child.

2.       Immunization record.             

3.       Copy of Sponsor' s orders.

4.       Valid ID card of sponsor or sponsor's spouse.

5.       If the student is transferring from another school, any information from  the previous school should also be presented.

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GRADING POLICY

 

Student progress for students in Kindergarten through grade 3 will be reported using the Early Childhood Progress Report.  The developmental codes are explained on the progress report.

 

Grades 4 and 5 will use letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) for Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Health. Separate marking codes, as explained on the progress report, will be used for Music, Art, Physical Education, Host Nation, and Life Skills. 

 

Grades are a product of both measurable achievement and a teacher’s professional opinion regarding the quality of student work.  Conduct, considered separate and independent of achievement and ability, should not be used in determining an academic grade.

 

DoDDS Approved Grade Point Values:

 

                                                Mark                    Grade point

                                                A=90-100%                  4

                                                B=80-90%                    3

                                                C=70-80%                    2

                                                D=60-70%                    1

                                                F=59% or Below

 

Principal’s Honor Roll

 

Students in grades 4 and 5 who have all A’s on their quarterly progress report will receive a Principal’s Honor Roll certificate.   

  

Honor Roll

 

Students in grades 4 and 5 who have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and above, based on the grades that they have on their quarterly Progress Reports, will receive an Honor Roll certificate. Students may have a letter grade of C if it is offset by a letter grade of A. No student with a D may be on the honor roll.

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GRADE READJUSTMENT AND RETENTION

 

When parents or teachers request a grade readjustment or retention, a meeting must first be held that includes the parent, classroom teacher, and counselor.  At this meeting an intervention plan should be developed to address the concerns regarding the student’s placement.  If the intervention plan is not successful and retention or grade readjustment is still being considered, the Placement Committee must meet. The Placement Committee consists of the counselor, assistant principal, parents, classroom teacher(s) and other educational specialists, as appropriate.  The Placement Committee makes a recommendation to the principal regarding the student’s placement.  The principal will take the recommendation into consideration, as well as examining the academic, social and emotional factors, to determine final placement of the student. 

 

Documentation for possible retention must be started at the end of first semester (late January).  A plan for improvement must be written at that time, and reviewed by late April.  If retention is still being considered after the April review, the child’s name must be submitted to the School Counselor by May 1 so that a Placement Committee Meeting can be conducted before the end of the school year.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

 

ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS - First aid is administered at school whenever needed. If the injury or illness cannot be treated on site, the parents will be contacted.  Please make sure your emergency contact list is always updated.  Parents are responsible for transporting sick or injured children as quickly as possible.  More information may be found on the Nurse’s link of the PES Website at http://www.patch-es.eu.dodea.edu/

  

MEDICATION - THE PARENTS MUST BRING ALL MEDICATIONS TO THE SCHOOL NURSE’S OFFICE

Routine medications are only administered through the nurse's office if there are written orders from the student's doctor and a written request from the child's parents to administer medications.  This form can be obtained from the school nurse or the clinic physician. All medication must be in a pharmacy labeled bottle with the following information:

 

1.       Student's name

2.       Time(s) to be taken

3.       Name of medication

4.       Amount of dosage

 

HEALTH EXCLUSION - Children are excused from school for the following reasons:

 

1.       Nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, marked drowsiness.

2.       100 degree temperature or above.

3.       Acute cold, sore throat, persistent cough and runny nose.

4.       Red, swollen, inflamed or discharging eyes.

5.       Ear ache

6.      Acute skin rash, weeping skin lesions, swollen glands.

7.   Pediculosis  (lice).

 

Please do not send a sick child to school. Any child who has been sick overnight or has a fever runs the risk of infecting others in the classroom.  Children should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE - Children who have had a communicable disease must have a doctor's clearance before returning to school.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS- DoDDS requires that all children entering school have the following immunizations: measles, mumps, rubella, diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, haemoplalus influenza, variella vaccine and hepatitis A & B. The local military clinic is responsible for screening and administering immunizations. Students cannot enroll without these immunizations.

CHRONIC ILLNESSES - Parents are requested to inform the school of any chronic conditions, such as physical disability, heart condition, epilepsy, etc., at the time of enrollment.

 

MEDICATIONS FOR STUDY TRIPS - Parents are responsible for making sure that their child's medication(s) is available in the school health room.  The school nurse will send medication with the child's teacher on study trips and the teacher sponsoring the trip will administer the medication.

 

Universal Precautions in the School Setting

What are universal precautions?

Universal precautions are infection control guidelines designed to protect workers from exposure to diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids.

The Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have developed the strategy of "Universal Precautions" to prevent contact with patient blood and body fluids. Universal precautions stress that all patients should be assumed to be infectious for blood-borne diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis B.

Universal precautions should be applied to all body fluids when it is difficult to identify the specific body fluid or when body fluids are visibly contaminated with blood.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne Pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Guidelines for Handling of General Body Fluids in the School Setting:

·         Avoid direct skin contact with body fluids by using gloves

·         Avoid contact with diapers and soiled clothing without the use of gloves

·         Use of effective hand washing is required

·         Dispose of all soiled contents in plastic bags

·         Use freshly mixed household bleach and water solution for cleaning

·         Mix as needed: 1 part bleach and 10 parts cold water

·         Keep mixture out of direct light

·         Label clearly and dispose and store in a secure area.

                   

 Emergency First-Aid:

·         Provide a barrier: Latex gloves/plastic bags

·         Clean area being treated Hydrogen peroxide

·        Cover areas being treated Bandages/paper towels

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HOMEWORK

 

Homework is defined as assignments to be done outside the classroom to reinforce classroom instruction, increase understanding and retention, transfer and extend classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion, and curriculum enrichment. 

 

The burden that homework places on a student will be considered when such assignments are made. In instances, where multiple teachers assign homework to students, a system should be developed to insure that the amount of homework does not place an unreasonable burden on the student.

 

As appropriate to the nature of the assignment, teachers shall evaluate and return the homework assignments to the students and shall periodically inform students and their parents of the student’s academic progress and mastery of learning objectives.

 

It is DoDDS policy to assign homework, as appropriate, to all students capable of completing assignments independently.  Homework assignments shall be designed to meet the needs and abilities of individual students. Using a maximum of four nights each week, the following time guidelines are recommended in the DoDDS Homework Policy Statement, DS Administrative Instruction 2000.9, July 1993:

·         Six and seven years old  - 15 minutes

·         Eight and nine years old - 30 minutes

·         Ten and eleven years old- no more than 1 hour

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RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION

 

It is the policy of DoDEA that the standards of religious expression and activity in DoDEA will be based  “ Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools “ issued by the S.S. Secretary of Education on February 7, 2003; and published in the Federal register Volume 68, Number 40.  The Department of Education has posted this guidance on the Website at www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html.

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SMOKING POLICY

 

Students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco products during the school day on or off school property, on school operated buses, school chartered buses, or when participating in school in school-sponsored or school-supervised activities on or off campus. Violation of this policy will result in suspension from school.

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TESTING

 

The Terra Nova standardized achievement tests are administered each March in grades 3 through 5. These are  norm-referenced tests.  Scored results are mailed to parent as soon as they are received. In April and May criterion referenced testing is conduct in 4^th grade in the areas of Math and Language Arts.  Parents receive advance notice through the school newsletter regarding testing dates and information. Questions concerning standardized tests should be directed to the school counselors. 

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WEAPONS

 

Students are not allowed to bring potentially dangerous objects to school.  When observed, the items will be taken and returned only to the sponsor.  School officials are required to report any incident involving weapons at school to the local military police.  Weapons can be defined as any object that might be used to readily inflict bodily harm.  A list of prohibited items is found in USAREUR Reg. 190-6 and USAFE Reg. 125-17.  The list includes, but is not limited to, guns, club-type weapons, weapons made from razor blades, knives or ice picks, and blank cartridge pistols.  Authentic appearing replicas of a firearms that are displayed openly, brandished, or carried in the presence of other persons in a manner likely to make a reasonable person fear for their safety are considered weapons.  Bringing a lethal weapon to school is grounds for expulsion.

 

All incidents involving a weapon will be brought to a Disciplinary Hearing Committee.  This is a committee comprised of school and community personnel.  It will hear the case and make a recommendation for discipline to the school principal.  

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BUS TRANSPORTATION

 

Bus transportation to and from school is a privilege, not a right. The school bus is an extension of the school and, as such, is subject to the same standards of behavior and discipline as the school building. Every option available to the school administration and the command will be exercised to protect the children' s safety and well being while on the school bus.

Your support in reviewing the following standards of conduct will help ensure the safety of your child and others riding the bus. Students will:

 

1.   Be seated while the bus is moving.

2.   Not consume beverages or foods on the bus.

3.   Not throw items on or from the bus.

4.   Not lean or reach out windows, or otherwise extend any part of the body outside the bus.

5.   Not commit acts that distract the bus driver, annoy other passengers, or are unsafe.

6.   Respond to the directives of the bus driver.

 

All questions concerning bus transportation should be referred to the School Bus Office at DSN 430-8493/97 or CIV 680-8493/97.

 

IF YOUR CHILD MISSES THE BUS

 

Patch Elementary School procedures are:

 

1.   We will call you at home, if no answer;

2.   We will call you at your office or duty station.

3.   If we cannot reach you there, We will call your emergency contact.

4.   If neither sponsor nor emergency contact can be reached, the office will

      notify the Military Police, who will take care of the child until your arrival.

 

When the school informs you that your child has missed the bus, you have the following options:

 

1. You may pick your child up at school.

2. You may give your child permission to ride home on the duty bus.

3. If 1 and 2 are not agreeable, your child will be taken to the Military Police station.

 

IF YOUR CHILD IS MISSING AFTER SCHOOL

 

Please keep in mind the unpredictable traffic in the Stuttgart area. Busses may be delayed due to heavy traffic. You should allow 15-20 minutes for delay before you become alarmed. In case your child does not arrive home on the assigned bus, we suggest the following:

 

1.   Call the school to ensure your child did not miss the bus. We will check the school building to ensure your child did not stay after school. Should your child's teacher want him/her to stay after school, you will be notified by the teacher well before school is dismissed. 

2.   Call the School Bus office to see about delays. Be sure to know your child' s bus number. The School Bus Office can be reached at (DSN ) 430-8493/97 or (Civ) 0711-680-8493/97.  

3.   Call the Military Police at DSN 430-5261/5262or CIV 0711-729-2856. You can give the most accurate description of your child. 

 

PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FOUND.

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PROCEDURES

 

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

 

School begins at 8:00 a.m.. Students not riding a bus should not arrive at school before 7:45 a.m.. An adult must accompany non-bused kindergarten students to school.  Staff supervision of students begins at 7:45 a.m..  Patch Elementary is not liable or responsible for students on school property before 7:45 a.m..

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CHILD FIND

 

Child Find, a joint program between DoDDS and the military has been developed to identify and offer early intervention for children with special needs three years of age or older. Contact the school office for additional information.

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EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS, DRILLS

 

Procedures for emergency evacuation in case of fire, bomb threats, or security issues are practiced through out the school year.

 

Fire drills are held weekly during the first month of school and monthly for the remainder of the school year.  Each semester a bomb threat drill is conducted.  In the event of a fire or bomb threat, students would be evacuated to the Patch Theater and Community Club.  If early dismissal were required, the contract  bus company would be notified and students would board the buses by the Patch Theater and/or Community Club. In the event of an early dismissal due to an emergency, parents could pick up their children at the Theater or Community Center.  They would be required to check with those in charge before leaving with a child in order to maintain accountability for all students.

 

LOCKDOWN DRILLS

 

Each semester we are required to conduct a “lockdown drill”.  This drill is designed to protect students and staff in the event of an intruder entering the building.

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LOST AND FOUND

 

Found items are put in the hallway cabinet located to the left as the children walk out to the playground.   Small items, or items of value  (i.e. glasses, jewelry, and wallets) are turned into the office and may be claimed there. Please check first with the driver for items lost on the bus, then contact the School Bus Office at (DSN) 430-8493-8497or (CIV) 680-8493-8497 if it is not found.

 

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LUNCH PROGRAM

 

Students may bring a sack lunch or purchase a hot lunches provided by AAFES.  Students may purchase hot lunches through the Auto-Payment Plan by opening an account at the AAFES customer service desk on Panzer Kaserne. Parents deposit money into the meal account that is then accessed by their child at the school using a PIN number.  Each child must have his/her own account. Once the account is active, money can added to the account at AAFES cashiers’ desk or at the school cafeteria.  Parents who do not wish to participate in the Auto-Payment Plan may still pay cash for their child’s meals. Monthly lunch menu's, supplied by AAFES, are sent home before the first of each month.

 

Applications for the reduced fee or free lunch program may be obtained from ACS. Eligibility should be established before opening a student meal account. In order to receive free or reduced lunches, students must participate in Auto-Pay Plan.

 

Patch Elementary is a closed campus. Students are required to eat lunch at school unless a parent or guardian checks them out and in each day through the school office.

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NEWSLETTER

 

The school newsletter is published at the end of each week. The Stallion features upcoming school events, news items, interesting articles pertinent to education and/or student achievement, and information regarding school activities. Articles for The Stallion must be submitted to the school office by Thursday of each week to be included in the next newsletter.

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PROGRESS REPORTS, CONFERENCES

 

To keep parents informed of student progress, the school sends home progress reports every nine weeks.  At the end of the first marking period in November, parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for all students.  One day is provided at the end of the both the second and third marking periods for conferences as needed or requested. Conference dates are shown on the school calendar.

 

Conferences between parents and teachers are highly encouraged. The teacher or the parent may request conferences by phone or note. Detailed conferences about student conduct or performance should not be held at such public gatherings as PTA or SAC meetings.

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RECESS

 

The daily recess period is considered an integral part of the school program and each child is expected to participate unless instructed by a doctor to do otherwise. Children are not sent outside during inclement weather; however, parents are urged to ensure that children wear suitable, warm clothing during winter to include gloves, hats, and waterproof footwear. 

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SCHOOL VISITATION

 

ALL VISITORS MUST SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE.  A VISITOR'S PASS IS REQUIRED WHILE VISITING A CLASSROOM OR ANY OTHER SCHOOL AREA.

 

With a concern for security and the safety issue of all students, all visitors to DoD schools are required to sign in at the office and obtain a visitor’s badge to be worn at all times while in the school.  This is a requirement throughout the DoDDS system.  You are encouraged to visit your child’s classroom and the school.  In order to keep classroom visits from becoming a hindrance to classroom routine, please be aware of the following procedures:

1.   While parents may visit their child’s classroom to observe, it is necessary that you prearrange your visit with the teacher at a mutually agreed upon time so as to not interfere with instructional time.  Teachers cannot be expected to stop teaching to have a conference with a parent after school has started.  Instructional time is lost when a teacher must leave the classroom and stop teaching to a have a conference with an individual parent during class time

2.    If a parent desires a conference, the teacher will schedule one during his/her planning period or before or after instructional hours.  In this way, valuable instructional time will not be lost for the class, and the teacher can focus his/her attention on the students and their learning.  This applies to our much-appreciated volunteers also.

3.    Parents wishing to drop something off for their child should leave the item in the school office, and the child will come to retrieve it without causing an interruption to the class.

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SNOW DAYS, SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

 

PLEASE LISTEN TO AFN FM 102.3 FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSINGS OR DELAYED OPENINGS. THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE BEGINNING AT 6:00 a.m.   The announcement will indicate whether school is closed or if there is a delayed opening.  When there is a delayed opening, students who walk to school should report at the delayed start time, i.e.: with a two hour delay, students would report at 10:05 a.m..  If buses do not run, school will be cancelled for all students attending Stuttgart area schools.

 

In the event weather conditions become bad during the school day and early dismissal is required, children living in post housing will be dismissed to walk home. Buses will pick up their riders and deliver them home. Parents should make arrangements for an alternate location in case of an early dismissal. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF EARLY DISMISSAL WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON AFN.

 

If weather conditions become so severe that off post students cannot be bused home, teachers will be responsible for the supervision of these students at school.

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SPORTS/ACTIVITIES

 

After school activities/athletics for elementary school age students are the responsibility of Youth Services, rather than DoDDS.  DoDDS does not have authority, nor does it receive funding, to initiate such services.

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TELEPHONE CALLS

 

Students are requested not to use the office telephones except in the case of an emergency, or when deemed necessary by the teacher. Parents are requested not to call the office to have messages delivered to students unless it is an emergency.  It is our intention to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum.  Arrangements for after school should be made between parents and their children before the children come to school in the morning.

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EDUCATIONAL AND CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

 

The curriculum at Patch Elementary School is based on the curricular standards established by the Department of Defense Educational Activity; http://www.dodea.edu/curriculum/index.cfm.  A copy of the curricular standards for each grade level is available to all parents.  These standards are the basis for instruction within all DoDEA schools.  The adopted textbooks were chosen to support these standards and have been adopted worldwide by DoDEA.  The following is a listing of the adopted DoDEA textbooks:

 

·         Art:  Harcourt-Brace: “Art Express”

·         Health: Harcourt: “Health and Fitness”

·         Mathematics:  McGraw-Hill “Math”

·         Music: McGraw-Hill: “Share the Music”

·         Reading and Language Arts: Scholastic’s “Literacy Place”

·         Science:  Grades K-5: Scott-Foresman

• Social Studies: McGraw Hill  “Adventures in Time and Place”

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MATHEMATICS

 

Mathematics instruction is based on the DODEA Mathematics Standards.   The curriculum focuses on computation, problem solving, graphing, geometry and written communication in the area of mathematics.

 

        READING/LANGUAGE ARTS

 

The language arts portion of the DoDDS curriculum consists of an Integrated Reading and Language Arts Program, which emphasizes the following criterion:

 

• Grade level expectancies for reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

• A single scope and sequence of reading skills.

• Integration of subject materials from all curriculums.

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SCIENCE

 

The science series are used for a “hands-on” approach to science. Classroom labs and study trips round out the science curriculum. 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

Living in a global community is the underling theme of the Social Studies curriculum. Homes, neighborhoods, communities and cultures are explored. Map and globe skills are emphasized, as well as, an understanding of how the past has shaped the present world.

 

ART

 

Creating and appreciating art introduces children to a realm of delights that can last a lifetime. Students learn that art comes in various forms such as painting, sculpture and architecture. Students learn about the use of lines in artwork, mass in sculpture, depth in painting, and how light affects all.

 

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  MUSIC

 

The rudiments of music theory and appreciation are taught.   School chorus is offered after school as an extra curricular activity.

 

HOST NATION

 

Our Host Nation Program focuses on learning about the customs, history and culture of Germany. It is not intended to be a foreign language program, although some conversational German is taught.   The main goal of the program is to enable children to become informed and responsible global citizens.  The children benefit from activities and experiences that focus on Communication, Culture, Communities, Comparisons, and Connections of Germany with the rest of the world.

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