Aviano ES: Policies and Procedures

For safety reasons, all visitors and volunteers must report to the school’s front office immediately upon entering the school.

Due to COVID-19, schools are currently minimizing volunteers/visitors in the classroom.

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.

The school staff is charged with accounting for the presence of students at all times. Students are not allowed to leave the campus or base installation for any reason without administrative permission. Due to security requirements, it is critical that students who leave campus for any reason during school hours must be signed out at the Main Office. No phone calls or notes will be accepted (other than the lunch-time exceptions explained below).

Dependents that are eighteen years old or older are not exempt from this policy.

Students are also required to sign back in at the office when they return during the school day after having been signed out.

• NOTE: Leaving campus without being signed out by a parent/sponsor will result in an unexcused absence or truancy.
• When students are sent home because they are ill, they are to be signed out and accompanied by their sponsor or an individual designated and authorized by their sponsor.

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/StudentServices/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.

The acceleration request must be initiated at least four weeks before the final school day. The Europe South District Office establishes the dates for acceleration. Students must be in attendance for the entire acceleration day.

Orders and a letter indicating the student's last day in school should be brought to the registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to take the acceleration form to teachers and complete the required work and examinations before departure.

• Three (3) days prior to the acceleration date, students will receive a clearance form from the Registrar, which must be completed by teachers and other staff members before departure and returned to the Registrar.
• Payment for books or other items must be made before clearance can be completed.
  • Parents must call ahead to arrange for records pick up.

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:

For grades K–3, achievement codes rather than letter grades will be used.

Your Community School Meals Program

The DoDEA School Meals Program is dedicated to building student health and academic achievement in our communities. Daily access to nutritious foods is the foundation for students to reach their full potential.

• Our program provides parents convenience and reduces stress by providing budget friendly meals that are nutritious, too!
• School meals served during SY21-22 are free to all students in accordance with USDA guidance.
• Our program is a participant of the USDA National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program ensuring the high standards of nutrition of served to your student.

Visit your school's School Meals Program page for more information and the latest school menus.

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;
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;
7. Properly maintain school property and use school property and equipment for educationally authorized purposes;
8. Promptly bring to the attention of a DoDEA school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others and to cooperate with school threat assessment procedures; and
9. Promptly report to the DoDEA School Principal, or another DoDEA school employee, incidents or complaints, including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or non-sexual harassment, based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or status as a sponsor, parent or legal guardian; intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyberbullying), or retaliation against persons who report or participate in the investigation of such incidents herein.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Please refer to your school’s Web site or school handbook for specific dress code policy.

DoDEA AI 5205.02, Volume 1, DODEA FORCE PROTECTION PROGRAM: ANTITERRORISM, February 11, 2019

3.2.c. (2) (FOUO). DoDEA does not have an organic capability for surveillance detection or counter surveillance as identified in Volume 1 of DoD Instruction O-2000.16 and DoD Instruction 2000.26. DoDEA relies upon the installation commanders to provide this function. As such, it is not practical to integrate counter-surveillance, surveillance detection, or counterintelligence (CI) in accordance with DoD Instruction 5240.26, and other intelligence capabilities at any DoDEA operating locations.

3.15.c. DoDEA Bus Security Attendants Program. Bus Security Attendants are specially- selected, task trained adults who are assigned to ride on designated buses that transport DoDEA students on daily commutes (home-to-school and return runs). Bus Security Attendants perform four (4) tasks: pre-run bus security inspections, en-route surveillance detection, pre-attack recognition, and en-route security emergency response and management.

DoDEA PROCEDURAL GUIDE 5760.01-01 SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING

PROCEDURES, August 24, 2016, Section 4: Serious Incident Report Matrix, Table 6. Security Incidents, Force Protection Issues: Requires reporting of Force Protection Issues such as suspected surveillance which constitutes a threat or potential threat to students, staff or operations – if in doubt – report it! See table below:

Report: Suspected surveillance or other suspicious activity constituting a threat or potential threat to students, staff, or operations; or any incident that has the potential to compromise existing security measures and procedures.

Be alert to signs of intelligence gathering, surveillance, collecting materials for attack, and rehearsals:

• Taking photos or videos of potential targets
• Writing notes or sketching
• Showing abnormal attention to details of security measures
• People loitering in the same general area without a recognizable legitimate reason
• Certain civilian vehicles that seem to appear repeatedly
• Utility and construction workers that do not appear to be performing a specific job
• Electronic audio and video devices in unusual places

Surveillance may be conducted over a long period of time and employ various methods:

• Stationary surveillance: a common method in which operatives observe from a fixed location.
• Moving surveillance: conducted on foot or in vehicles.
• Technical surveillance: uses electronic means to record or gain access to security information.
• Casual questioning: used to elicit security information from approachable personnel.

Description of personnel:

• Gender, Race, Height, Weight, Clothing, Accent/dialect, Tattoos, Scars, Disabilities, Peculiarities

Description of Vehicle:

• Make, model, style, color, license plate

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 DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. 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 Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021, 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 Administrative Instruction 1347.01.

It is DoDEA policy that discipline be maintained consistently and appropriately. We encourage students to grow in self-control, develop a sense of regard for fellow students, and have pride in their school community. Students have the responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights of other people. Along with staff, students share the responsibility of developing a caring climate within the school that is conducive to productive learning.

• Show respect for the learning of others by not displaying disruptive behavior.
• Protect others and self from danger and injury.
• Demonstrate respect for school property.
• Obey all school adults promptly.
• Use appropriate language.
• Wear appropriate attire to school.
• Take responsibility for own actions.
• Bring no items that could cause physical harm to oneself or others.
• Toys and other entertainment items (electronic or otherwise) brought from home are prohibited in classrooms,common areas or on the bus or playground.

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 enforces a no weapons policy. Students and parents are hereby notified that possession of weapons (see 'Weapons' section below) or replicas of weapons can result in expulsion from school.

In addition to weapons, students are not allowed to bring knives, matches, lighters or other dangerous objects to school. Toys, electronic devices, trading cards, chains, (even on wallets or keys) CD's and water guns should not be brought, as they tend to distract children from their learning tasks. Possession of tobacco in any form and alcohol will not be tolerated. Gum is not allowed in school. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have any doubt about bringing an article to school, consult the school office. Nuisance items, which are dangerous to the safety of others or have the potential to cause damage to personal or school property such as fireworks, smoke & stink bombs, eggs and shaving cream will be confiscated and not returned. When appropriate these items will be given to the Security Police. Prohibited items will be confiscated and released only to the sponsor.

It should be noted that possession or use of a weapon or prohibited items on DoD property is a crime and will be reported to security officials. Disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion. DoDEA supports a no tolerance policy for weapon possession.

In order to progressively provide disciplinary responses, the Europe South & West District puts the following matrix in place to be followed by administrators:

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.

Aviano Elementary School follows the Base dress code. Students are expected to dress cleanly, neatly and in a way that is appropriate for the learning environment and which will not distract themselves or others. Students are expected to wear socks, tennis shoes and clothing that will not restrict movement in Physical Education classes. Student safety is utmost in the minds of Aviano staff. Thongs (flip-flops), sandals without straps, elevator shoes and shoes without covered toes are discouraged. Students wearing these types of shoes will not be allowed on playground equipment. Heelies are not safe in the school environment and are not to be worn to school.

Tank tops, halter tops and spaghetti strapped shirts are not appropriate school attire. Students are also expected to wear shorts that are of appropriate length. A basic rule of thumb would be shorts that are below the finger tips when arms are held to the side.

The dress code prohibits students from wearing clothes that may reasonably be defined as gang-related apparel. This is apparel that, if worn or displayed on a site/school campus, could easily be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. Any attire/paraphernalia/symbol that displays a logo or other message relating to alcohol; tobacco, drug, or gangs may not be worn. Students must wear clothing that covers the body. Should students come to school dressed inappropriately, please note that the nurse's office does not stock or supply extra clothing.

It is important that all children feel safe at school. We encourage students to develop self-control and a sense of respect for themselves and their fellow students as well as have pride in their school community. Students have the responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights of other people.

It is important that discipline is appropriate; therefore, circumstances are considered before consequences are determined. Consequences range from talking to the teacher, talking to an administrator, calling the parents, losing privileges within the school, serving detention, to suspension or expulsion. We do our best to match consequences with the misbehavior, the frequency of previous occurrences, and the age of the child. Teachers maintain classroom management plans that assist students to avoid misconduct, and we follow school-wide expectations. Students are responsible for respecting public and personal property, obeying school expectations, and accepting reasonable and appropriate consequences if their responsibilities are not fulfilled.

Every effort will be made to help a student who experiences difficulty adjusting to school life. Parents will be informed, and conferences will be held. However, more serious action will be taken if a student persistently violates school rules or commits a serious breach of conduct.Matches, bullets, firecrackers, caps or other explosive devices, knives, slingshots, cap guns, water pistols or other play guns, itching powder, or any other objects likely to be dangerous, cause misconduct, or cause anxiety in other students may not be brought to school. Drugs or any gang related clothing or paraphernalia are forbidden. Any such items brought to school will be confiscated. Students who bring such articles or participate in their use or misuse, regardless of ownership, face suspension and possible expulsion.One consequence for misbehavior is in-school suspension. The school administrator may also suspend a child from school for a period of time, normally not to exceed ten days. The administrator will inform parents of the reasons for in-school and out-of-school suspension, the length of suspension, and the conditions for reinstatement. Fighting, throwing inappropriate objects, abusive language, sexual harassment, and name-calling with racial or ethnic overtones will usually result in immediate suspension. The superintendent and the Commanding Officer are notified of all suspensions.A parent must accompany the child to school on the morning following a suspension. At this time a conference will be held with an administrator to ensure that the child fully understands the expectations to be followed.

Visitation to our school by parents is highly encouraged. All visitors (including parents and volunteers) are required to report to the office to obtain a visitor's pass before going to a classroom. AES is required to implement Random Anti-Terrorism Measures (RAM) periodically, please have your I.D. card with you when coming to the school. At AES, teachers and staff are committed to maintaining a school environment that is conducive for optimum student learning. Please support us in our efforts to make classroom interruption minimum. Please return all visitor/volunteer badges upon exiting the school.

Schools shall allow equal access to school facilities being used for student sponsored non-curriculum related activities, if a school allows any such group access to its facilities.

Study trips are an extension of classroom learning and will occur between October 1st and May 31st. All
students are invited and expected to participate. Parents can volunteer to supervise students on the
trip and need to devote full time to students assigned to them. It is not appropriate for family members
(i.e. siblings) to participate in, travel with, or join the group at their destination.

Home - School Students 

DoDEA recognizes that home-schooling is a sponsor’s right and may be a legitimate alternative form of education for the sponsor’s dependents. Home-school students who are eligible to enroll in DoDEA Europe and DoDEA-Pacific on a space-required basis and DoDEA-Americas students on a tuition-free basis are eligible to utilize DoDEA auxiliary services without being required either to enroll in or register for a minimum number of courses offered by the school. Eligible DoD home-school students using or receiving auxiliary services must meet the same eligibility and standards of conduct requirements applicable to students enrolled in the DoDEA school who use or receive the same auxiliary services. Any student, including eligible DoD dependent home-school students, who has not met the graduation requirements to earn a DoDEA diploma may not receive DoDEA commencement regalia, the DoDEA diploma, nor walk to participate in a DoDEA commencement ceremony. (DoDEA Directive Type Memorandum 16-E-001) 

SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC)

This is one way for parents to get involved in their child’s education. The School Advisory Committee advises the principal on the operation of the school and makes recommendations regarding curricular< and budgetary matters. The Department of Defense encourages professional employees and family participation in the formation and operation of overseas local School Advisory Committees (SAC). Members of the committee (parents and teachers) are elected from the local community. A SAC is composed of an equal number of locally elected parents and full-time professional employees of the school. SAC meetings are held quarterly at the school. All meetings are held regularly and open to the public. Times, dates and agendas are announced. Anyone may place an item on the agenda, but agenda items need to be submitted at least one week prior to the announced meeting. For more information, please contact the SAC Chairperson or local school.

PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (PTA)

The PTA is an organization of parents, teachers, and students who are concerned and involved in the enhancement of the students’ learning experiences and development. The organization provides both financial and volunteer support for school programs. The PTA also provides materials and programs to assist parents in dealing with youth development concerns. Meetings are held monthly and will be announced through the school bulletin and other base information media. Contact our Aviano PTA president for further information or to volunteer.

The Aviano Community will occasionally have a Town Hall meeting, where community concerns are addressed. We will include the dates and times for these events in our weekly newsletters.

The School and PTA will put on family fun nights throughout the school year. Some of these activities include; Open House, Art Night, Literacy Night, Family Movie Night, Family BINGO Night, and others. Be sure to read the weekly newsletters for upcoming events/activities.

Video Surveillance

There are several CCTV video surveillance cameras placed throughout our school complex to support< student/visitor movement and activities.

School Resource Officer 

We have one School Resource Officer on campus between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00pm to support emergency response and student activities.