Andersen MS: Policies and Procedures

For safety reasons, all visitors and volunteers must report to the school’s front office immediately upon entering the school. A visitor/volunteer is someone who is not a school employee or enrolled student and enters the school during operating hours. The school administration has the final determination on visitors/volunteers authorized to be at the school. When visiting, visitors/volunteers may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the front office. All visitors will receive an appropriate visitor’s badge, which is to be displayed conspicuously at all times while on school grounds. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor/volunteer can access a different location within the school. Upon finishing their visit, visitors/volunteers must check out at the front office, return the visitor’s badge, and exit the school. Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction. Approval by school personnel is required for this type of visitation.

Learn more about volunteering at your school's Get Involved page.

DoDEA school administrators, in partnership with sponsors/family members, students, and military leaders, promote communication through the establishment of advisory committees to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school advisory committees.

Learn more about SAC's at your school's Get Involved page.

Proof of Eligibility: The sponsor does not need to be present at registration, as long as the parent or other adult registering the child has all the necessary paperwork, in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, “Eligibility Requirements for Education of Elementary and Secondary School-Age Dependents in Overseas Areas,” September 20, 2006, as amended, and DoD Instruction 1342.26, “Eligibility Requirements for Minor Dependents to Attend Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS),” March 4, 1997. 

The following documents are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Proof of age;
2. Medical records, including information on medical conditions, medications, and all dates and types of immunizations;
3. Official documents to support eligibility (e.g., letter of employment, contract, permanent change of station [PCS] orders, etc.); and
4. Proof of on-base residence (applies to students enrolling in DoD domestic schools).

Contact the registrar at your child’s school to update your child’s information or visit your school's registration page for more information on enrollment. 

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

1. Personal illness;
2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
5. Religious holiday;
6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoDEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day.  Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

More about DoDEA Attendance Policy (dodea.edu/attendance)

The Principal may authorize an accelerated withdrawal of a student who must withdraw from school 20 or less instructional days prior to the end of a semester, in accordance with Section 3.1.d, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01, “High School Graduation Requirements and Policy,” [TBD]. Accelerated withdrawal will only be considered if the parent/sponsor presents PCS orders. The parent or sponsor must present verification of the date required for the student to depart from the school (e.g., PCS orders). All of the conditions of an accelerated study program outlined by the student’s teachers must be met prior to withdrawal in order for grades to be assigned and credit to be granted. Students who withdraw prior to the 20-day limitation of the accelerated withdrawal policy will receive “withdrawal” grades rather than final grades. In this case, the sponsor/parent should notify the school two weeks prior to the date of withdrawal.

DoDEA accepts the official courses, grades and earned credits of middle school (grades 7–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who transfer to a DoDEA school from other DoDEA schools or who earn course credits in an accredited non-DoD system (public or private), correspondence, online, and/or home-school program. The accreditation for the sending school or school system must be from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting associations, one of the U.S. state education agencies, or by a public- or state-supported system of accreditation for public or private education programs in a foreign nation, in accordance with Section 4.7, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01. Please contact your child’s school for questions regarding course credit transfer process and approval.

Policy Reference:  DoDI 1342.29, “Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children,” January 31, 2017

Policy Reference:  DoDEA Procedural Guide 15-PGED-002, Graduation Requirements and Policy – Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children,” February 4, 2016

At the beginning of each course or grade level, every DoDEA teacher shall make available information regarding grading policy and course requirements to parents and students. This information will be provided to parents and students by the end of the first month of the school year or by the end of the first month of the semester in the case of a semester course.

If any student demonstrates unsatisfactory progress or achievement, teachers must notify parents with enough time to correct the deficiency. Notification must occur as soon as unsatisfactory achievement is evident, and not later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period.

Timely and accurate reporting of student progress shall be accomplished for students in grades 4–12, using the approved DoDEA Electronic Gradebook (EGB) System. All assignments (e.g., quizzes, tests, examinations, homework, speeches, etc.) that are used to assess and report student progress shall be promptly evaluated and/or graded, posted in the EGB, and returned to the student. The normal period of evaluation and posting should be no longer than ten calendar days from the day the assignment is collected, with reasonable exceptions for large projects. At a minimum, one assignment or grade should be recorded per week in the EGB System. To create an account and access the EGB System, please visit Gradespeed (dodea.gradespeed.net) for instructions.

A traditional letter grading system will be used for grades 4–12 report marks.

For purposes of calculating a student’s high school GPA, the following scales shall be used:

Homework is one means of developing the necessary skills of independent study and learning for present and future use. Homework promotes organizational skills and a sense of responsibility. It is also an opportunity for parents to become actively involved in their child's learning and for each child to reach his/her full potential. Through homework, students are given the opportunity to complete additional practice and application to strengthen skills; to expand and/or enrich regular class work; to complete work started in class; to make up work due to absence.

Teachers may assign homework as determined necessary to enhance student learning that is taking place in the classroom. Each child works at his/her own pace, so the amount of time needed to complete specific assignments may vary. The types of homework may vary to enable the student to have experience/practice in reading, writing, computational skills, and other subject areas during a given week. Frequency and length of assignments will be grade appropriate. At a very minimum, a child should read or be read to 15-20 minutes nightly

Students are responsible for ensuring that they:

• Understand the homework assignment.
• Take home all books and materials needed to do the assignment.
• Complete the homework in the assigned format and turn it in when it is due.
• Participate actively and cooperatively in the evaluation of their homework when appropriate.

Parents are encouraged to provide an environment which fosters the development of life-long learning skills.

This includes:

• A quiet place to work.
• Necessary materials.
• A regular study time.
• Review the student planner.
• Encouragement and praise.

Students are expected to actively participate in the educational process, including school-sponsored activities in and outside of the classroom, as deemed appropriate.  Students should bring to the attention of a school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

Students shall:

1. Comply with policies, procedures and standards for student behavior; 
2. Refrain from conduct or behavior that is disruptive; 
3. Respect the rights and human dignity of other students and all school employees;
4. Attend school and classes regularly, and punctually and make a conscious effort in all classes; 
5. Participate in and take advantage of educational opportunities provided by DoDEA schools; and
6. Assist school employees in operating a safe school by abiding by the laws of the United States, the local military installation, the host nation, and DoDEA policies, regulations, and procedures.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 17, 2012.  Please refer to your school’s Web site or school handbook for specific dress code policy.

Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, sponsors/parents/guardians, teachers, and the military command and school communities in general, in accordance with Enclosure 2 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 17, 2012.  Student behavioral management consists of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors.  Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff with courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students with courtesy, fairness, and respect.  All students will be disciplined in a fair and appropriate manner.  School administrators shall operate and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning.  School administration will ensure prompt investigation and response to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members. 

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2051.1, “Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” March 23, 2012, as amended, discipline shall be progressively and fairly administered.  Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, conferences, detention, time-out, alternative in-school placements, school service programs, community service and counseling programs.  Other behavior management techniques will be considered prior to resorting to more formal disciplinary actions that remove a student from school for a suspension (short or long term).  Long-term suspension or expulsion following a first offense may be considered when a student poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others (e.g., offenses involving firearms or other weapons, fighting or violence, or the possession, use, or sale of drugs).  Additional rules and procedures can be reviewed in DoDEA Regulation 2051.1.

In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. DoDEA implemented a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.

Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.

In DoDEA schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to ensure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.

DoDEA's Bullying Awareness and Prevention Program (dodea.edu/StopBullying)

Some items prohibited at school include, but are not limited to the following:

• Toys and electronic games
• cell phones or other portable communication devices
• iPods or MP3 players
• skateboards, scooters, roller blades, roller skates, wheelies or skate shoes
• stink bombs
• chewing gum or betel nut
• cigarette lighters and matches
• tobacco products; e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff
• firecrackers
• weapons and/or ammo (real or pretend)
• laser light pointers

Each student, together with the student’s parent or guardian (if applicable), shall acknowledge and sign Form 700, “Use of DoDEA Internet and Use of Information Technology Resources,” before he or she is assigned a user account. In accordance with Enclosure 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 6600.01, “Computer Access and Internet Policy,” February 16, 2010, the following are required of all students:

1. Students shall use DoDEA information technology (IT) resources, including computers, electronic mail, and internet access, only in support of education and for research consistent with the educational objectives of DoDEA; 
2. Students shall respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to, and use of, DoDEA’s IT resources; 
3. Students shall be polite in all electronic communication;
4. Students shall use courteous and respectful language and/or images in their messages to others;
5. Students shall not swear, use vulgarities, or use harsh, abusive, sexual, or disrespectful language and/or images;
6. Students who misuse DoDEA IT resources are subject to disciplinary measures; and
7. Students’ accounts will be deactivated upon transition out of a DoDEA school.

The signed agreement (Form 700) is to be retained in the administrative office at the student’s school for the duration of the student’s enrollment. A copy will be provided to the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent or guardian.

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged.  The only acceptable form of social media communication between parents/teachers/students is through official school social media.

Student transportation is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, during the mid-day and for return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day.  DoDEA principals are responsible for monitoring student loading/unloading zones when students are coming and going from school sites, including administering discipline.  A school bus or any device operating to provide student transportation will function as an extension of the school.  The walking distance for students in grade 6 and below should not exceed one mile from the student’s primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  Students in grades 7–12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods.  In locations having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6–8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7–12.  

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal.  No other transportation between the assigned bus stop and the school will be charged to commuting transportation unless stated in a special education student’s IEP and/or required by Section 504 guidelines.  “Curb-to-curb” only applies to students with disabilities who require such service as documented in the student’s IEP.  DoDEA District Superintendents, in coordination with the District Logistics Chief and the supporting military installation commanders, will establish a commuting area to determine eligibility for transportation of dependent students.

CELL PHONES

It is recognized that cell phones have become a parent's tool to help to monitor their children's whereabouts. During the school day student's cell phones should be in silent or manner mode. Interruption of classroom routines due to cell phone use could result in the phone being brought to the office for a parent to pick up. This includes students making outgoing calls, playing games, sending texts. Should a student need to contact a parent the school has phones for student use.

Eligibility Rules for Interscholastic Athletic Competitions

School administrators, athletic directors, and coaches shall ensure that the eligibility rules are observed in all DoDDS interscholastic athletic competitions in accordance with in DoDEA Manual 2740.1 and the Far East Programs Procedural Guide (FEPPG) - 1 Dec 2020

Student Travel Eligibility

DoDEA Manual 2740.1 and the Pacific Area Interscholastic Athletics Program Manual provide a uniform interscholastic athletic program and guidance on student travel eligibility. This policy extends to both academic and athletic events.

Athletic Contests: Students must participate in ten days of practice prior to competing in any athletic contest. Athletes participating in consecutive athletic seasons are exempt from the 10-practice rule as long as 10 days have not passed between active participation in the preceding sports season. Students transferring from another school may begin participating in contests immediately if the 10-day practice requirement has been met.

Far East Tournaments: Students may participate in the Far East Tournament if they have been a member of the team/activity for at least one-half of the season. Before departure for any Far East event another parent/player meeting will occur to review the Code-of- Conduct and to discuss expectations while attending the event. Players whose parents do not attend this meeting will not travel to the Far East event and/or participate in any games at the event.

Attendance Prior to Events: Students who do not attend school will not be permitted to participate in or attend any school- sponsored event that same school day, which includes a practice or game. Principals are authorized to make exceptions to this policy. (DoDEA Administrators’ Manual – 1005.1).

PARKING AND STUDENT DROP-OFF / PICK-UP POLICY

The main school student drop-off/pick-up area is located in the main parking lot in front of the school. Vehicles may not be left unattended in the drop-off zone and violators may be ticketed. Traffic through the parking lot is one-way, and exits to the right onto Plumeria. We encourage parents to come early to avoid the traffic.

There is no stopping, parking, or unloading permitted in either lane on Plumeria, adjacent to the school, between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking in the bus lane is prohibited at all times and violators may be ticketed or towed.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures:

• Never drop-off students while stopped in the middle of passing traffic lanes.
• Pay attention to the teachers and the students performing crosswalk guard duty, and follow their commands.
• Drive forward all the way to the end of loading/unloading zone or to the car parked in front of you.
• Make sure your children have their things prepared in advance for unloading. This will help us to speed up the process.
• As soon as you are parked and are between LOADING/UNLOADING ZONE signs, quickly load/unload students.
• Do not block the pedestrian crosswalk.
• Load/unload the students on the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Please yield to the vehicles passing on your left when you are pulling out after the drop-off.

Parental Involvement

Research demonstrates that parent involvement is essential for student success. Although you may not become involved in all committees and support organizations in the school, we encourage you to support the following activities:

• Share in the Continuous School Improvement decision-making process (CSI Leadership Team, Tuesday Faculty Meetings, and CSI Second Cup of Coffee forum)
• Join PTO and participate in meetings and activities.
• Have lunch at school with your child regularly.
• Volunteer in your child's classroom.
• Establish a daily study time at home (even when there's no homework).
• Join the faculty on the first Wednesday of the month for our School Improvement Leadership Team meetings.
• Stay informed of school events and activities by reading the School newsletter and your child's classroom newsletter.
• Communicate frequently with your child's teacher.
• Prepare for and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure your child has a well-balanced breakfast and comes to school with completed homework, lunch money and school supplies.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are held at the end of the first grading period, and during this time, report cards are distributed to parents. Conferences to discuss concerns, questions, and student progress may be scheduled at any time during the school year. Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher as soon as questions arise. Requests for conferences may also be left at the school office for delivery to the teacher.

Parental Complaints and Concerns

The channel for the resolution of parental complaints/concerns is as follows:

1. Parents are encouraged to meet first with teachers to resolve issues.
2. If an issue cannot be resolved, the parent should then call an administrator for further advice and consultation.
3. Our counselors are an excellent resource with whom to discuss student issues. We request, though, that you direct any teacher concerns directly to an administrator.

School Newsletter

Andersen Elementary School Newsletter is published every other Friday throughout the school year. The school office will email the newsletter to all parents whose correct email address is on file in the school office. The school newsletter is emailed in a PDF format. Your computer will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in order to view the newsletter. You can obtain this program (if you do not already have it installed on your system) on the Internet for free. If you are unable to or have difficulty opening the newsletter, the office will print a copy for you. The purpose of our school newsletter is to inform our parents, teachers and general military support of upcoming events and activities taking place in our educational system. Please keep an accurate email address on file in the school office.

Standard Uniform:

All students of DoDEA Guam Schools wear a standard uniform (click on link for additional information) consisting of a navy blue, black, gray, or white top and khaki, tan, black, or navy blue bottoms, shorts or skorts. No denim or jeans. Uniform Sweatshirt/Sweater/Jacket Color options: navy blue, white, gray, or black. No logos, designs, tags, brands, or emblems.The uniform may be purchased at the Navy or Army and Air Force Exchanges or through several local vendors. 

Guidelines For Physical Education Attire:

Middle and High School Students are required to dress in accordance with the following Physical Education (PE) uniform requirements:

• Tops: “Guam Physical Education” T-shirt or *plain navy blue, gray, or white t-shirt
• Bottoms: Navy blue “Guam Physical Education” or plain navy blue athletic shorts ending no higher than 3 inches above the top of the knee
• Shoes: Athletic shoes

Guam Physical Education uniforms are available at both the NEX and AAFES Exchanges. These may be sold during welcome back to school events.
*NOTE: Plain (No visible logos, designs, brands, emblems, or tags) Navy blue, white, and gray t-shirts and Navy blue athletic shorts may be substituted for “Guam Physical Education” attire.

Prohibited Items:

• Clothing with zippers and/or buttons
• Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
• Leggings or tights
• Boots, sandals, or flip flops
• Jewelry that may cause injury (Dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.)

Student attire and personal grooming are the responsibility of the students and their parents and must be appropriate for school and classroom instruction. Students’ attire and appearance must not be a distraction to the educational process. Students’ grooming and personal hygiene should be clean and free from strong odors. In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy social and academic climate appropriate for the school and all school-related activities, additional dress guidelines were adopted. These guidelines shall apply to all students at school and to all school activities, whether on campus or off-campus.

• Clothing must be free of excessive dirt. Students shall not wear torn, frayed or ripped clothing.
• Hair styles must not detract from the educational process. Chopsticks and other hair ornaments that can be used as weapons or deemed harmful to others are not allowed.
• Students wearing skirts or skorts should ensure that the length of the skirt is not shorter than three inches above the top of the knee.
• Bare feet are prohibited. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be appropriate for outdoor activities. Flip-flops, “zories,” or house slippers are not allowed. Shoes must always have a back strap. If gym shoes are worn into the school building, the soles must be cleaned of dirt to protect the carpets. All types of shoes that have roll-ers attached to the soles are not allowed on school grounds.
• Students shall not wear bandannas, caps, hats, or sunglasses inside the school building or buses. However, these items may be worn outdoors with permission from the teacher and demonstrated as a need or requirement for class.
• Parental support and cooperation in enforcing this dress code are highly encouraged. Students violating the dress code may be given immediate consequences. Parents of students who are not in compliance with this dress code will be contacted and asked to correct the dress and/or grooming of their children. Alternatively, students will be sent to the nurse’s office to get clean uniform to wear for the day. If their sizes are not available at the nurse’s office, they will be provided the appropriate uniform by the AMS PTO. Clothes provided to the students by the school or by the PTO must be returned cleaned and ironed, or purchased for $1.00 per item.