Dahlgren School: Policies and Procedures

For the protection of students and staff, all visitors must report to the school’s front office immediately upon arriving at the school.  A visitor is any person (to include parents, sponsors, and legal guardians) not enrolled or assigned to the school requesting entry to the building.

Visitors must provide authorized identification to gain access to the DoDEA school.  The visitor will be issued a visitor badge that must be displayed above the waist while on DoDEA school property.  The school administrator has the final determination on visitors authorized to be at the school.  While on DoDEA school property, visitors may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the school’s front office. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor can access a different location within the school.  When leaving the school, visitors must sign out and return the visitor's badge to the school’s front office. 

Classroom Observations

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 the school administrator 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 school boards 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 boards.

Learn more about School Boards 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/StudentServices/Attendance)

Please call the front office within 30 minutes of the start time when you know your child will be absent or tardy.

Appointments or Illness

Students will not be released from school on the basis of a telephone call. Parents must sign-out and sign-in their children when taking them to appointments and back to school. When students are sent home because of illness, they are to be accompanied by their parent(s) or authorized guardian/emergency contact.

Absence Notification

Parents are asked to call the front office when they know their child will be absent. The sponsor must provide the front office with a written explanation of each absence when the child returns to school. The sponsor's note, by itself, does not constitute an excused absence.

Parents will be informed of unexcused absences. Students will be required to make up all missed school assignments. Parents are strongly encouraged to work closely with their child's teachers to ensure all class assignments are completed in a timely manner.

Release of Students Policy

During the school day, students will be released only to a parent or to the person listed as the emergency contact on the registration form. The only exceptions will be:

1. A signed note is received from the sponsor designating another adult to pick up the student or
2. A military unit has designated someone to pick up the student when parents and emergency contacts could not be reached.

Students arriving to school late or being dismissed early from school are signed in and out through the front office. The time and reason for being absent from school is noted for accountability.

Students arriving at school after the instructional day begins are considered tardy. If you know that your child will be late arriving to school, please make certain that a note is sent explaining why they are tardy. A student who is tardy should report to the office for a late slip before going to his/her classroom. A signed appointment slip from the dentist or doctor may be used in lieu of a note from parents. Parents should come in to the office to sign in their child; or a signed note is requested from parents.

Students who are tardy due to government transportation are excused and will not need to obtain a late slip from the office. A tardy not properly reported by the parent or guardian is unexcused unless circumstances warrant otherwise. The classroom teacher will report students who are frequently tardy to the administration. Parents may be contacted if it is noted that a student has numerous unexcused tardies.

Students with more than 5 unexcused tardies and/or early dismissals and students with more than 7 unexcused absences may be referred to the Student Support Team (SST) and then to the Command if the problem is not resolved.

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.

Student Records

Parents may review their child's cumulative school records at any time, with the assistance of school personnel. School records may not be removed from the main office.

Change in Student Information

It is imperative we maintain accurate, up-to-date information on each student enrolled in our school. We request parents to notify us immediately if there is a change in any of the following information:

• Home address
• Home telephone number
• Work telephone number
• Emergency contact name and/or telephone number
• Rotation date
• Mailing address
• Student health concerns/allergies
• Student's Last Name
• Email Address

We are legally required to maintain current orders or extension to orders in order to enroll or re-enroll all students.

Court Orders

Parents and/or guardians must supply the school with a copy of any type of court order that may affect the student (e.g., who is allowed to visit the child, who has legal custody, etc.). These orders will be maintained in the student's cumulative file. If any changes take place during the school year with the court order, the school must be notified immediately. Teachers will be notified of any restrictions that affect students in their classes.

Power of Attorney

If you will be TDY or on any type of leave while your child(ren) is/are attending school, please be sure to obtain a special power of attorney to be used in case of emergency, and inform the teacher and school office of the name, address, and telephone number of the person taking care of your child. In addition, please notify the School Nurse, so they will know whom to contact in case of emergency. The School Registrar will keep a copy of the power of attorney in your child's cumulative file for emergency situations.

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.

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 the DoDEA SIS Gradebook 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.

Questions and Concerns

Parents who have questions and/or concerns are requested to resolve it at the most appropriate and immediate level. For typical classroom matters, the following procedures should apply in order as needed:

• Step 1- The parent discusses the matter with the teacher.
• Step 2- The parent and teacher meet with the principal if the matter is not resolved in step 1.
• Step 3- Those matters which cannot be resolved at the school level are referred to the Community Superintendent's Office.

These procedures follow the correct chain-of-command/line of authority from teacher to principal to superintendent and focus on resolution at the lowest level. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate resolution of problems. Prompt action can frequently prevent complications and more serious problems later on.

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.

The honor roll will be published after each nine-week grading period. Honor roll certificates will be presented to students at the quarterly awards ceremony. To earn an honor roll certificate, students must be enrolled at Dahlgren School for the entire nine week grading period or as determined by the Principal.

To be eligible for the Distinguished Honor Roll, students must have achieved no grade lower than an A- in all courses for the entire grading period. To be eligible for the A/B Honor Roll, students must have achieved at least one A- or above grade, and no grade lower than a B- in all courses for the entire grading period.

The DoDEA School Meals Program (SMP) supports academic achievement by providing nutritious meals to your students through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  

• The School Meals Program is a budget friendly and convenient program for parents that can save time, energy, money and reduce stress.  
• Households must reapply every school year for free and reduced-price meals, beginning no earlier than July 1st.
• All meals must be paid for in advance or at the point of sale.
• A best practice is to fund your child’s account every pay day through the next pay day.

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.

Emergency school closure occurs when unforeseen circumstances such as broken water pipes, flooding, loss of power,severe weather, etc., warrant closure to be initiated during non-school hours. The decision to close the school is made through input from the administrators, our superintendent, and the Commander. An announcement of the closure will be broadcast on TV and/or radio, DNS, and through the base command units.

The DoDEA Notification System (DNS) allows for each school to contact all of their parents and/or staff with one phone message through an automatic dialing system. At the District level it allows a message to be sent to all parents and/or staff in the same method. This allows greater security and sharing of information with parents and staff. There is a Point of Contact (POC) at each location that has the necessary codes to access the system.

There are situations in which school may be canceled during school hours. Once again, this decision is made by the individuals stated above. Once the decision has been made to release students, staff members will alert all classrooms.Students who ride the bus will be released to board the bus at a set time. For those students who walk, ride a bike, or are picked up, they may be released once their parent/guardian has been contacted and agree with that process. If we are unable to reach a student's parent/guardian by the time teachers are released, the teacher will bring them to the office and the office staff will assist in contacting the parent. For these emergencies STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN BEING NOTIFIED. As stated before,please ensure all contact numbers are updated at all times with both your child's teacher and the school office.

In accordance with our antiterrorism/force protection plan, the school will be evacuated unless otherwise determined by the command and our district office. In cases where the school has to evacuate the premises due to any safety concerns,the students and staff will evacuate to designated locations away from the threat. If we have to leave the school area and/or send students home we will make every effort to contact each sponsor. During the time of any evacuation, all students will remain with their teachers. If information is received from our district office or from the Command Post to send students home, the school will then release the student(s) to the parent/guardian provided proper identification has been presented. We appreciate your cooperation during times such as these. Again, it is imperative that the school has updated contact information in case of any type of emergency. Please contact the school office to ensure all contact numbers are updated and current.

School security is a national concern. Throughout the United States, youth crime and violence threaten to undermine the safety of our students' learning environment. Since the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) represents a cross-section of Americana, all partners in our community education process must understand and support the principles underlying a safe and secure learning environment as applied to creating a safe school. The underlying principles all relate to student rights to a safe and secure learning environment free from the threat or fear of physical violence; free from drugs, alcohol, weapons and other prohibited items; free from hazing, bullying or intimidation; and free from gang or criminal activity.

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) follows guidance for the Department of Defense and also issues instructions and policies concerning our schools. DoDEA Regulation 2051.1, Disciplinary Rules and Procedures outlines student conduct expectations and disciplinary consequences that may be invoked when the conduct of a student poses an immediate threat to his/her safety or the safety of others in the school. These student conduct expectations apply to student conduct that is:

• related to a school activity while on school property
• while en route between school and home, to include school buses
• during lunch period
• during or while going to or coming from all school-sponsored events/activities that affect the missions or operations of the school or district including field trips, sporting events, stadium assemblies, and evening school-related activities.

Violence, threats of violence, prohibited items, gang or criminal behavior, and bullying or intimidation will not be tolerated. Perpetrating a bomb threat or complicity in the act is grounds for expulsion. Additionally, local military regulations and laws may authorize criminal prosecution for such actions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all community education partners - students, parents, military leaders, administrators, faculty and staff - to understand the serious nature of actions violating the principle student freedoms and the scope of authority over infractions as outlined in The DoDEA Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. The administration at each school is responsible for the management of student behavior.

Emergency Planning and Crisis Response (dodea.edu/Offices/Security/crisis-response.cfm)

We do not run by the closures and time statements for King George County Schools.

In case of snow or hazardous weather conditions, Dahlgren School will, as a general rule, be open when the base is open, and closed when the base is closed. The school may also be closed if personnel cannot safely make it to the base due to the weather conditions immediately outside of the Dahlgren area.  There may also be occasions when the school has a delayed opening. “Everbridge” will be used to call, text and email each family in regard to delayed openings or closures. Please ensure that your email and telephone numbers are up to date in the school office. Home phones and cell phones can be placed in the contact information for this system.

If it is announced that the base will close early the school will also dismiss early. Please update your emergency contact information regularly. Arrangements should be made ahead of time for those children living off base to be picked up early and to ensure that younger children whose parents both work have a safe place to go during such school weather closings.

Call the following 24-hour alert telephone number for the status of the base (540) 653-3224. When an emergency, winter, tropical or severe storm develops overnight the information is updated by 7:30 am. Emergency information can also be found on the base website and Dahlgren’s Facebook page.

The DoDEA Americas Mid-Atlantic District New York/ Virginia is not a part of King George County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg County, or any of the other counties surrounding Dahlgren. Therefore, announcements pertaining to these school systems do not affect Dahlgren School. In addition, announcements from OPM with respect to Washington, DC area Federal Offices DO NOT pertain to Dahlgren School.

Note: In case school is closed temporarily because of an epidemic, snow, or for other necessary cause, the District Superintendent may require such loss of time to be made up within the school term or may extend the school term.

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.

The primary objective of school discipline is to maintain a safe and orderly environment that positively affects academic achievement. Discipline provides an opportunity for students to understand that inappropriate behavior results in appropriate consequences. These consequences are designed to keep the students academically involved. Exclusion from learning opportunities is a final disciplinary option. We believe it is imperative to provide students with feedback for their disruptive behavior and allow for planning to avoid future incidents of behavior.

Classroom Discipline

Each teacher has and enforces a classroom discipline plan. The steps of action are:

1. Teacher counsels student
2. Teacher and student conference
3. Teacher contacts the parent
4. Student may be  referred to the counselor
5. Teacher and counselor may meet to develop behavior interventions
6. Administration, teacher and counselor meet with parent and student

(Conferences, detentions, suspensions, or referrals are possible at any time depending on the disruptive behavior.)

Prohibited Items

Some items prohibited at school include, but list is not all inclusive:

• Toys, electronics and other related toys, cards and games
• portable communications devices
• all audio devices including iPods and MP3 players
• skateboards, scooters, roller blades, roller skates or heelys
• chewing gum
• cigarette lighters and matches
• tobacco products; e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff
• fireworks of any type
• weapons and/or ammo (real or pretend)
• laser light pointers
• any device that disrupts the classroom environment

Cell phones may be brought to school but must be turned off and stored in the backpack or locker during the school day.  In cases of emergency, students may contact their parents by using the phone if the school office.

DoDEA Schools provide a warm and nurturing environment for students. Classroom instruction, student assignments, assessments, and homework are standards based. The focus is on ensuring that all students master DoDEA standards through differentiated instruction and best practices. Classroom instruction is developmental and engaging so students are successful. Instructional time is protected to maximize learning opportunities. It is imperative that students are on time and remain in school throughout the day to capitalize on all opportunities.

Animals or Pets

Per DoDEA regulation, before an animal or pet can be brought in to the school for any reason (to include bringing in pets when there are no classes in session), the animal or pet owner must first have written approval from the Principal. Animals that could cause injury or harm to any person, WILL NOT be brought to school. The pet owner will provide a copy of the Veterinarian certificate for the Principal and School Nurse prior to bringing the animal or pet into the school. A copy of this certificate must be kept in the classroom at all times and a copy retained by the School Nurse in an animal/pet veterinary clearance file. In addition, a copy will also be kept on file in the school office. Animals are visitors at our school, not residents. If your child has any animal allergies, please notify our School Nurse in the school Health Office.

Water Bottles

Students are allowed to use personal water containers (plastic only, please) in classrooms and other instructional areas as appropriate. Staff and administrators have the right and responsibility to check the contents of all water containers. Water bottles should be clearly marked with the student's name and teacher.

No food or drinks will be allowed in the hallways, playgrounds, or stage area.

Birthday Celebrations

Teachers typically acknowledge students' birthdays but do not hold parties for each student. If parents would like to acknowledge a student's birthday in the classroom it is suggested that they bring non-food items (pencils, erasers, etc.) or healthy pre-packaged treats, which would be distributed after lunch services. Homemade treats are not allowed due to health and allergy concerns of students. Please do not bring birthday invitations, flowers, balloons, or other gifts to the school.

Deliveries

To avoid interruption of instructional time, flowers or other gifts will not be delivered to students. If we should receive a delivery for a student, we will notify the student's parent and hold it in the office until the end of the school day for the parent to pick up.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem will be incorporated into the morning announcements. Participation is not mandatory, but all students are expected to show respect.

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.

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.

Use of Equipment

Parents should be aware that not all playground equipment is appropriate for all children who may use the playground. Parents and supervisors should look for posted signs indicating the appropriate age of the users and direct children to equipment appropriate for their age. Toddlers and preschool-age children require more attentive supervision than older children; however, one should not rely on supervision alone to prevent injuries.

Because all playgrounds present some challenge and because children can be expected to use equipment in unintended and unanticipated ways, adult supervision is highly recommended. A playground should allow children to develop gradually and test their skills by providing a series of graduated challenges. The challenges presented should be appropriate for age related abilities and should be ones that children can perceive and choose to undertake. Toddlers, preschool- and school-age children differ dramatically, not only in physical size and ability, but also in the intellectual and social skills.

Our playgrounds are closed to the public when school is in session.The playground equipment is appropriate for children attending the school. We also ask that all children be supervised at all times. Safety shall always be the prime consideration when children are playing. Any situation or activity that poses a hazard will be stopped. Children are expected to use our playground equipment for the purpose it was intended. Consequences of breaking the playground rules may lead to restriction of playground activities or stronger disciplinary action if the behavior is severe or persistent.

1. Children should play in a safe and friendly manner. Children may not throw objects (sticks, rocks, dirt, etc.), call others names, argue, or play in a manner that is too rough. "Play fighting" typically results in real fighting and is prohibited. The school will not support "hitting back". When two children fight at school, both will be considered wrong. Adults are present in all school situations and should be used as a means of intervention before a fight occurs.
2. Children should play only in designated areas and obtain permission from the playground supervisor in order to leave for any reason.
3. Walk to the playground on the sidewalk in an orderly, quiet manner. This is necessary because you will pass classrooms that are in session. Use only "whisper" voices until you get to the playground. Students must use the sidewalks around our building for safety purposes and to save our grass. We want to keep our school campus looking great!

Playground Behavior Expectations

• Be willing to try new things
• Use encouraging word if someone finds an activity hard
• Walk quietly and orderly as they exit and enter the building
• Include everyone in play
• Apologize for accidents
• Show good sportsmanship
• Actively engage in play and activities
• Line up quickly and quietly
• Take turns and share
• Take care of equipment and clean up when play is over
• Stay in approved areas
• Leave sticks, rocks, mulch, and dirt on the ground
• Wear proper shoes

Children's use of the playgrounds after school hours is only permitted under the supervision of parents.

Teachers

To avoid disrupting instructional time, only emergency messages will be delivered to teachers in classrooms. All other messages will be placed in teachers' boxes or sent to the teacher via email, which they may be able to receive during the "Specials" period or at lunch.

To ensure the teacher receives the message, please call by 10:00 a.m. to allow the school office ample time to send the message. In addition, the school intercom system will not be used to deliver messages to students or to check your child out of the classroom unless there is an emergency approved by an administrator.

Students

Due to classroom transitions throughout the school day, it is not always possible to relay phone messages to students. To avoid disrupting instructional time, only emergency messages will be delivered directly to classrooms. All other messages will be sent to the homeroom teacher via email. The school office cannot guarantee delivery of phone messages to students received after 1:00 p.m. Please provide your child with transportation/pick-up instructions prior to start of school.

Academics are not restricted to the classroom, but take place in the community as well. Therefore, study trips may be ongoing throughout the school year. A letter from your child's teacher, to include the date, time, and destination of the study trip, will be sent home the week prior to the planned trip. At various times during the school year, classes may take study trips as part of the instructional program. Study trips are considered part of the instructional day. Children MUST HAVE A PERMISSION SLIP SIGNED BY THE PARENT before they go on any trip leaving the school. If a parent does not want to send their child on a study trip, the teacher will make alternate arrangements for the child to attend another class for the period of the study trip or parents may elect to keep their child at home. Parents may attend the study trip with the child in these instances. Chaperones may not bring siblings/infants on a study trip. As an invited chaperone, one's responsibility must be to help supervise all the students in the classroom.

Guidelines for Chaperones

1. All chaperones pay their way (entrance fees, transportation, if not DoDEA funded bus, etc.).
2. Other younger/preschool age children in the family will not be allowed to accompany parents on a trip, as they tend to distract parents and students alike.
3. Children from other classrooms will not be allowed to accompany their brothers/sisters on a study trip.
4. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CHAPERONES TO SMOKE OR DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT ANY TIME DURING A STUDY TRIP.
5. Chaperones are required to accompany the class to and from the trip. Following the bus in their private vehicle is not close supervision.
6. Chaperones may not transport their student or any other student to and from the study trip. Students are required to ride the bus to and from the study trip. Under no circumstances may a child be checked out from the study trip(with the exception of a bona fide emergency). The child MUST return to the school and then he/she may be checked out at that time.
7. Chaperones must have an approved volunteer application on file prior to attending a field trip as a chaperone. Please allow 5 business days for processing of all volunteer request forms.

One of the advantages of attending Dahlgren School is that students may ride bicycles, scooters and skateboards to school. Once a student is on school grounds, he or she must dismount and walk a bike/scooter or carry a skateboard. Riding on school grounds is not allowed.

Use of Equipment

Playgrounds are located in the rear of the school. The playground equipment is appropriate for children attending the school. Signs are posted on both sides of the playground indicating the appropriate age of the users. Dahlgren School staff supervises students when they are on the equipment during school hours. When school is in session, our playground is closed to the public.

After school, we ask that all children be supervised at all times. Safety shall always be the prime consideration when children are playing.

1. Children should play in a safe and friendly manner. Children may not throw objects (sticks, rocks, dirt, etc.), call others names, argue, or play in a manner that is too rough. "Play fighting" typically results in real fighting and is prohibited. The school will not support "hitting back". When two children fight at school, both will be considered wrong. Adults are present in all school situations and should be used as a means of intervention before a fight occurs.
2. Children should play only in designated areas and obtain permission from the playground monitors in order to leave for any reason.
3. Children should walk to the playground in an orderly, quiet manner. This is necessary to avoid disturbing other classrooms that may be in session.

Arrival/Departure Procedures During Normal School Hours

In the morning:

• Elementary students will enter the building at the door of each individual classroom beginning at 8:25am. Students arriving after 8:30 are considered tardy and should report to the office with a parent entering through the front door. 
• Middle School students will enter through the front door at 8:25. Students arriving after 8:30 are considered tardy. Late students may bring a note to the office from the parent. 

In the Afternoon:

• Elementary student departure will be at 3:15pm. Students will exit through their individual classrooms and a parent or guardian must be there to pick them up. Students who are 8 years old and above may exit the building on their own. 
• Middle School student departure will be at 3:15pm. Students will exit through the front door. 

If your student needs to be released from school during the school day, please report to the office to sign your child out. The teacher will be called and the student will be released to the office.

Pets are not allowed in or on the grounds surrounding the Dahlgren School anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. If an event or practice is taking place on the playground or Joy Park before or after school the time is extended to also cover that event. This includes animals on a leash.

Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., all school rules are expected to be followed while within this area:

A: Sampson Road: from Dahlgren Road to the Circle. (This includes both sides of the street, up to and including the sidewalks, the first 25 feet of any unpaved lot thereon and the street itself.)

B: Joy Park: from the back of the school building, crossing “School House Road”, the playground equipment and grounds up to the Pavilion.

DoDEA Schools Dress Code

EFFECTIVE DATE JULY 1, 2023

Students MUST wear:

• Tops with sleeves
• Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
• Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
  • Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
  • Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed

Students CANNOT wear clothing with:

• Language or images promoting violence
• Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
• Derogatory speech/imagery targeting groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law
• Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head

* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress

* DoDEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoDEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

As in the military, Dahlgren School has a chain of command. Parents who have a question or concern should attempt to resolve it at the most appropriate and immediate level to find a solution.

• Classroom teacher
• Guidance counselor, Mrs. Nielsen (if appropriate)
• Lead Administrator– Mrs. Riccio
• Community Superintendent – Mrs. Balilo
• District Superintendent – Mr. Wofford

The suggested procedures follow the line of authority from teacher, to the lead administrator, to the Community Superintendent's Office and then, if desired, to the District Superintendent’s Office. All efforts are made to focus on resolution at the lowest and most immediate level. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate resolution of any problem or concern. Prompt action can frequently prevent complications and more serious problems to occur.

Daily attendance at school is important. Students should not be absent other than for illness or emergency. When a child must be absent from school, it is necessary that the parent call or email dsattendance@dodea.edu the school office on the day of the absence and provide a reason/type of illness. The parent must also send a note upon the child’s return indicating the dates and reason for the absence. If the absence is due to what has been suspected to be a communicable disease, the child must bring a Medical Certificate permitting return to school. Students who return to school without a note must secure a temporary admission slip from the secretary in the office admitting the child to class until a note from home is provided. 

For an anticipated absence, please send a note or e-mail to the office ahead of time. An email to the teacher does not get entered into the official attendance records. Should illness or other unexpected needs require that a child be absent, please notify the school in the morning of the occurrence. We will attempt to follow up on any absentees whose parents have been unable to notify us. If no one can be reached at home, the active duty sponsor will also be contacted.

School attendance is important and in order to receive the best education, students need to be present. DoDEA has implemented a system-wide attendance policy for students in DoDEA schools throughout the world. This policy is consistent with those found in many public schools throughout the United States. School attendance has been identified as a serious issue for children throughout the country and military children are no exception.

DoDEA's attendance policy provides specific guidance on attendance and identifies support services for students at-risk for not fulfilling the grade or course requirements. Regular school attendance correlates directly with success in academic work, improves social interaction with adults and peers and provides opportunities for important communication between teachers and students.

Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must report to the office for a tardy slip. A parent is required to accompany the child to the office at the time of their late arrival. Any student arriving at their homeroom without a late slip from the office will be sent to the office to receive one. Students who do not report to the office for a tardy slip after attendance has been submitted will remain marked as “absent”. Unexcused tardiness to homeroom or to classes will be investigated and handled by the individual teacher involved. Examples of “excused tardy” are: medical or dental appointments, vehicle failure, or at the discretion of the principal.

When it is necessary for students to accompany their parents on a long term of absence, trip or vacation due to military leave availability during the school year, it is required that contact be made with the Principal to meet and discuss the effect of a long term absence on your child’s educational progress. This meeting should take place a minimum of one week prior to the anticipated absence. It is also recommended that assignments be requested before departure and the following procedure be followed:

1. Each case will be handled on an individual basis by the principal. A written note from the parent must be provided to the office with the dates that the child will miss school at least two weeks prior to departure. The teacher will then be notified and if indicated a meeting will be set. When possible work will be sent with the child.
2. The student must submit completed makeup work within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the teacher, after returning to school. This responsibility rests with the student.
3. No absences for “vacation” purposes will be extended unless an agreement is prearranged with the student, parent, teacher and principal. All absences, even if arranged prior to departure, will be unexcused and count against attendance.
4. Parents must be aware that the regulations regarding absenteeism counts and notification of Command will still be required. Excessive absences resulting in educational impact may affect the ability of their child being ready for the next grade level.

• Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. Students are not to be on school grounds prior to 8:25 a.m.
• Students are not to loiter on the front stairs of the school or in the front “yard” portion of the grounds.
• On wet or cold days please plan your child’s arrival time accordingly as they will not be permitted in the building prior to 8:25 when adequate supervision is available.
• All necessary books, papers, homework, and other appropriate school materials should be in the student’s possession when he or she arrives and departs the school.
• Students will be held accountable for any lost, damaged or marred schoolbooks and property.
• Students found cheating, forging signatures or assignments for themselves or others, or submitting plagiarized work will be subject to disciplinary and academic penalties.
• Playground Safety Rules are as follows:
• No tackle games are allowed. No running through the playground equipment. Keep your hands and feet to yourselves!
• All playground equipment will be used as it is intended by the age group for which it is designed. There will be no climbing up slides, hanging upside down on bars, or leaping from platforms to exterior portions of the equipment.
• Throwing snow or snowballs, rocks or any other objects that may cause injury is prohibited.
• Fighting or physically violent games are prohibited.
• Injuries are to be reported immediately to the staff on duty on the playground.
• Cellular phones are allowed but must be kept out of sight and are not to be turned on or used while on school property during the school day. Any violations will result in the device being confiscated by school personnel and held in the office until a parent comes to pick it up. Dahlgren School will not be held liable for loss, theft, or damage to any of these devices.
• Chewing gum and candy are not allowed on school grounds. If cough drops are necessary, a prescription from a doctor must be presented with the drops and left with the nurse.
• Bicycle/Scooter riders may approach the school only by the paths through Joy Park. Bike/Scooter riders will dismount their bikes/scooters when on school grounds. The sidewalks in front of and beside the school are school grounds. There will be no riding of bicycles or scooters on the sidewalks that pass by the Information Center/Kindergarten arrival areas or the sidewalk that runs from the sidewalk in front of the school past the Chapel Annex. Bikes and scooters must be walked at all crosswalks. Violations of this rule will result in disciplinary action being taken. Loss of the “ride” privilege may result from repeated offenses.
• Skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on school grounds at any time. Shoes with “built in” wheels are not authorized on school grounds during school hours.
• Do not leave trash, litter or paper of any kind on the school grounds. Trash receptacles are provided.
• Students are required to walk quietly in hallways and outside near classroom windows.
• Toys are not allowed on school grounds unless approved by the child’s teacher as part of a classroom exercise or demonstration. This includes all electronic games and entertainment mechanisms (i.e. Game consoles, etc.). These items will be confiscated and parents notified to come to the office for removal from the premises. Dahlgren School is not liable if these items are lost, stolen or damaged.
• “In school” class parties may only be held for significant occasions, as determined by the teacher and administration, and must be set up with the classroom teacher in advance so as not to impact educational time.  We do not do birthday celebrations or graduations at the school.
• Passing out individual invitations and/or birthday gifts or acknowledgments should be done outside the classroom setting and off of school grounds.
• The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco products, illegal or controlled substances or possession of drug paraphernalia is not allowed in the school building or on school grounds at any time. Violations will result in suspension from school and will be reported to Base Security as appropriate.
• Gambling, in any form, is against school policy.
• Abusive, profane, vulgar language, obscene gestures, and threats or threatening behavior, are expressly forbidden. Violations will be reported to the principal for disciplinary action including suspension.
• All parents and visitors must use the front entrance and check in with the office prior to going anywhere else on school grounds including the hours before and after official school hours.

The PTO is here to promote the welfare of the children in our school; to bring home and school into a closer working relationship and to build a strong partnership among all involved in educating the student. Dahlgren School PTO membership is open to Dahlgren School parents and staff. 

PTO sponsors a variety of activities for the benefit of the children such as reading programs, school pictures, book fairs, guest speakers, pep rallies, fund raisers for special events, and assemblies. They also help coordinate the school volunteers who are so valuable to our teachers and students. 

The PTO is administered by a parent elected board which meets each month. Meetings are open to all parents and teachers. We hope all teachers and parents join the association and support its activities. 

Dahlgren School does not have a school meals program.  Students attending Dahlgren School must bring in a lunch from home to eat in the lunchroom. We are unable to heat up any meals for the students.

Dahlgren School offers a half-day Pre-Kindergarten program for all students who will be age four by 01 September of the year during which they will begin school. 

The program is five days per week. Class begins at 12:30 p.m. and students are to be picked up promptly at dismissal time at 3:15 p.m.. It is very important that you note these arrival and departure times so your child can be properly cared for always.

1. Pre-K children begin actual classroom instruction after students in K-8 begin in order to facilitate teacher/parent visits.
2. If your child attends the CDC Pre-K program, you are responsible for coordinating their pick-up and delivery to the center. 
3. If your child has a change in his or her after-school plans, or will be picked up by anyone other than the parent; you will need to notify the Pre-kindergarten teacher, and the office with a note, email, or phone call. Persons picking up your child must sign them out in the school office.