Faith MS: 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:

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 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.

The purpose of the dress code is to ensure the safety of students, minimize disruptions and distractions that can be caused by inappropriate attire, and promote a united and orderly learning environment; while ensuring that students are permitted their right to freedom of speech.

Face Coverings: Face coverings are required while in school when social distancing cannot be achieved and when directed by school officials.

• Face covering must be a solid color. 
• Can wear Faith Middle School's Mask. 
• No gaiter face coverings.

Bottom Wear

• Colors: KHAKI, NAVY BLUE, BROWN, GRAY, and BLACK;
• Style: Slacks, Shorts, skorts, skirts and Capri pants similar to chino or docker style
• Fabric: cotton/polyester/corduroy.
• No blue jeans, athletic clothing, spandex, nylon, leggings
• No jegging.
• Fit: Bottoms must be the proper size and worn at the waist.
• Belts are optional; however, office provided rope belts are mandatory for sagging pants.
• No tight, revealing, see-through clothing.
• Skirts, shorts, and skorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the center of the knee.
• Naturally occurring logos and designs of less than two inches are acceptable. (Size of a quarter)
• Tights are permitted under dresses, shirts, and shorts.  Must be solid black.
• No slides, flipflops or shoes/sandals with no back.  All shoes must have a backing. 

Shirts/Tops

• Tops must be a solid, non-see-through fabric in grade level colors. Grade level colors are:    6th grade – green; 7th grade – blue; 8th grade – red.
• Style: pullover polo or dress shirts (button down) with a collar. Short or long sleeves are required.
• Clothing must be the correct size for all shirts/tops
• Shirts must remain tucked into the waistband.
• Undershirts of a solid color with long or short sleeves may be worn underneath the approved shirt.
• Logos: may have natural logo that is no larger than two inches square. (Size of a quarter)

Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Vests

These items must not have a hood and may not be worn in place of approved shirts. They must follow shirt and logo guidelines. Fleece pullovers with partial or full zippers are acceptable. Only grade level color or black is acceptable. Faith sports jackets are acceptable.

Coats, Light Jackets, Raincoats

These items may only to be worn to and from school. Faith sports jackets are acceptable.

Accessories

• Accessories must maintain the spirit and intent of the dress code and must not be distractive to the learning environment.
• Small piercings are allowed in the ear and must be appropriate for the school environment.
• Facial piercing such as nose, eyebrow or lip are allowed if the piercing is a small stud due to safety.
• The wearing of large earrings during P.E. class is not authorized due to safety concerns.
• Tattoos must be covered.
• No indication of membership in gangs is authorized.
• Hats, caps, sweatbands, bandannas, winter scares are not authorized inside the school.
• Final administrative approval if teacher provides a written referral or distracting accessories.

Spirit Wear (Promoting FMS)

Spirit wear highly encouraged but will remain within the intent of the Dress Code. Approved respective school athletic uniforms are permitted when approved by the administration. *With administration approval, Faith Middle School and/or Fort Benning CYSS Spirit, Club and Team Shirts can be worn ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT where the participants are ACTIVELY part of the activity/event for that particular day. *Every Friday Faith Middle School and Fort Benning CYSS Shirts of ANY Spirit, Club or Team may be worn. *The principal has the authority to declare special dress days at his or her discretion and may approve student clothing that the dress code standards described above (such as suit coats, argyle sweater vests and similar high standard dress items) on a exceeds case by case basis.

*Faith Middle School uniform attire can be worn on any day at any time.

Lost and Found

All articles found at school are to be turned to the office, or the classroom her. Items, such as jewelry or money, must be turned into the school office to be claimed. Unclaimed articles will be donated to charity, after a reasonable amount of time. Students may check the lost and found area in the Cafeteria for lunch boxes, articles of clothing, and other items.

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)

When hurricanes, snow or other severe weather conditions occur, it is sometimes necessary to cancel school, delay the opening of school, or dismiss classes early.

Before the School Day Begins

If it becomes necessary to cancel school due to inclement weather parents will be notified through our AdHoc system as well as listen to local radio or TV stations in the morning for information about school cancellation for the day.

After the School Day Has Begun

Once the school day has begun, every effort will be made to keep school in session for the entire day. Many of our children have two working parents, and we understand the problems that early dismissal might cause.

The decision to close school during the day is announced as soon as possible through our AdHoc system as well as on local radio and TV. It is important for parents to stay tuned to a local station if they suspect possible school closings.

Under the best conditions, it takes approximately two hours from the time an early dismissal decision is made until the last bus leaves a school. Children who ride a bus home from school, can expect to start arriving home any time from thirty minutes to over two hours after the dismissal decision is made. It is important for parents to discuss the possibility of an early closing due to inclement weather with their children. Establishing a plan for such occasions will help to eliminate confusion and worry for the child and will provide assurance for the parent and the school that the child is safe and secure.

The contact information on record with the school will be used for notifications. Please inform the school whenever your contact information changes.

Note: Your child's school may also notify you of important announcements using the AdHoc notification system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scooters and Skateboards

The use of scooters and skateboards anywhere on campus is prohibited at all times. If a scooter or skateboard comes to school, it will be confiscated for the day and MUST be carried off campus at the end of the day. If a student is caught riding their scooter or skateboard on campus, it will be confiscated and turned into the office. Parents may be notified. Signs are posted throughout the campus to remind the students of this policy.

Skate Shoes

Skate shoes are strictly prohibited anywhere on campus. While these shoes, with retractable wheels ("wheelies"), maybe a lot of fun, they present a serious safety concern at school. Students should not wear these types of shoes to school at any time, for any reason. Failure to follow this policy will result in a phone call to the parents requesting another pair of shoes, and/or the wheels being removed and kept in the main office for pickup.

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.

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.

Arrival Procedures

• For safety reasons, students walking or arriving by car to school should not arrive on the school grounds prior to the beginning of the school day.
• Students arriving before the designated time may be sent home. Students are not supervised prior to the start of school nor after school is dismissed. Parents are responsible for seeking alternate arrangements for their children before and after school. The school will not be responsible for students' care before or after school.

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

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

Dismissal Procedures/Early Pick-up at the End of the School Day

• No student checkout during the last 30 minutes of the school day except for extenuating circumstances approved by the principal.
• Phone requests changing how students are dismissed will not be accepted during the last 30-minutes of the school day. This will help to ensure that all students get home safely.
• Students who are not picked up at dismissal will be held for 15 minutes. The holding area will be in the front office waiting area.
• For students who are not picked up at dismissal time, parents will have to walk in and sign their students out. After 15 minutes, office staff will start calling parents of students who have not yet been picked up