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

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