Grafenwoehr ES: 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 advisory committees to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school advisory committees.

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

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

The following documents are necessary to complete the registration process:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 students have the Right to a discrimination-free learning environment in which no individual, on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or status as a parent, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination in a DoDEA-conducted or -sponsored education or training program or activity, pursuant to Executive Order 13160, DoD and DoDEA policy, and Federal law.

Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff as expected within the code of conduct, to include courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students as expected within the code of conduct in this Issuance, to include courtesy, fairness, and 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.

The School Bus Office (SBO) is responsible for issuing bus passes, bus safety training and coordination of bus services. You may contact the SBO with questions by calling 476-2864 Ext. 7418 or 09662-83-2864 Ext. 7418. Riding school buses is a privilege that may be suspended or revoked if the student does not behave in a safe and proper manner. Parents are responsible for maintaining and emphasizing necessary control over their children as they ride on the bus. The administration and the SBO resolve issues involving student behavior. Corrective actions range from letters of warning to suspension of bus riding privileges. The School Bus Office investigates issues related to buses or bus drivers with the contractor. Parents and students are responsible for thoroughly reading DoDEA regulation 2051. 1 of the student school bus behavior management policy. This regulation is also available as a link on the school website.

Bus Safety Rules:

• Comply with the Behavior Standards for School Bus Students
• Board and exit the bus in an orderly, safe manner
• Present bus pass when boarding the bus and upon demand
•  Remain seated while on the bus
• Talk with other passengers in a normal voice
• Keep all parts of the body inside the bus windows
• Keep aisles, steps, and empty seats free from obstruction
• Remain fully and properly clothed
• Treat the driver and fellow students with respect
• Promptly comply with the bus driver's or monitor's instructions
• Treat the bus and other private property with care

**Riding school buses is a privilege that may be suspended or revoked if a student does not behave in a safe and proper manner in accordance with DoDEA behavior expectations, which is in accordance with Section 7 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021.

A detailed plan for the evacuation of children from the buildings in the event of fire or other emergencies has been developed and will be in effect the first day of school. Regular drills are held weekly the first four weeks of school and monthly thereafter. In the event that children cannot return to their classroom, alternate indoor shelters will be assigned. Children may not be able to get to their outdoor clothing. Therefore, in the event of an extended stay outside of the school building, emergency shelters will be utilized. Should children not be able to return to the building within a reasonable time, it will be necessary to transport them to their homes. Every effort will be made to notify parents that they are on their way. The responsibility for this decision will rest with the school administrator in consultation with community military authorities and the availability of transportation. In the event of an emergency evacuation, please do not instruct your child to leave school and "come right home." Your child is safer with a teacher rather than alone on the streets. Dismissal will be in an orderly fashion under the supervision of teachers and administrators. If you come to take your child, speak to the teacher personally at the time of the pickup. Failure on your part to do so may cause undo worry on the part of the teacher and the school authorities.

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged, other than official school social media communication.

This is one way for parents to get involved in their child’s education.  Please consult your child’s school to find the schedule for School Advisory Committee (DoDEA-Europe and DoDEA-Pacific) or School Board meetings (DoDEA-Americas).

The following items are not allowed at school, other items maybe added at a later date.

• Any Weapon or Toy Weapon of any kind, including Guns, Knives, Razor Blades, etc.
• Matches or lighters
• Fireworks

The following items are discouraged at school:

• Trading cards, to include, but not limited to, Yu-Gi-Oh Pokemon cards, etc.
• Toys or other novelty items
• Gum – Candy
• Electronic items to include but not limited to cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, etc.
• In-line skates, skateboards, scooters, heelies
• Cell Phones-Students may bring cell phones to school, but they must be powered off in their backpack during school hours.

If these items are brought to school, the school will not be responsible for the loss, theft ,or damage to the item(s). If these items become a disruption a teacher / staff member may confiscate them and return to a parent.

Children and parents should check the lost and found area whenever anything is lost. Items such as watches, glasses, and money are usually turned in to the office. The lost and found will be thoroughly emptied out at the end of each quarter. Unclaimed clothing articles will be donated to charity. Unclaimed eyeglasses will be turned over to the medical clinic at the end of the school year. 

Proper labeling reduces conflict and makes items easily identifiable. Students should not bring large sums of money, expensive jewelry, computer games, toys, or portable electronic devices, or cell phones to school. No items of monetary or sentimental value should be brought to school. The school cannot be responsible for lost, broken, or stolen articles.
 

Management of DoDEA student behavior is a responsibility shared by DoDEA students, sponsors/parents/legal guardians, teachers, and the military and school communities and consists of teaching and reinforcing positive DoDEA student attitudes and behaviors. Discipline should be progressively, equitably and fairly administered, is sequential and preplanned, and normally occurs in a hierarchy of consequences for repeated offenses of the same behavior. 

The Europe East District has implemented a one-hour early release each Thursday for Grafenwoehr-complex schools. School will be dismissed at 1:30 pm. Buses will run their normal routes and parents should pick up students in the appropriate locations each Thursday promptly at 1:30 pm.

Students are to arrive no earlier than 0755, ten minutes before the first bell.  Students are not permitted in school buildings before school hours unless they are under direct supervision for a special activity.  Supervision of students does not begin until 0800 hrs. Parents will be notified if their child continues to arrive at school too early. Should the problem persist, the chain of command will be notified.

Students who do not ride the bus to school are expected to wait under the front overhang until the doors are opened. STAR behavior is expected. Students are not to play on the playground, as there is no supervision. This is for the safety of all students.

Dropping Off Students

Parents may drop off students in front of the school building on Shiloh Street. This is a 3 minute drop off area only; parents should not leave their vehicles. You may not park on the street in front of the school. You may also drop off students in the Chapel parking lot. Parents who need to enter the building before school starts must park in one of the parking lots across the street from the school. 

Dismissal

Any changes to your student’s normal after-school routine need to be made in writing to the student’s classroom teacher. In the note indicate when you will come to take your child.  Please come to the main office to sign your child out of school. To diminish interruptions to the classroom, parents are requested to wait at the office while the child is called to the office. Students will not be dismissed from school unless the office staff or the teacher has been notified.  We cannot call students from class after 1415, parents must wait until dismissal time. The office will notify the student’s teacher to send the student as a parent pick up. 

Please do not send end of day changes via email to the teacher or office staff after 11:00 a.m. Emails  may be blocked or redirected as spam and will not reach the intended recipient. If you have not received a confirmation email from your child’s teacher or the office, please call to confirm. Dismissal changes will not be accepted after 2:00 p.m.

Time is set aside for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance daily and at all school – wide assembled activities. Students have the right to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to salute the American flag, but may decline to do so as long as they respect the rights of others. Students have a responsibility to show proper respect for those who wish to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, in flag salutes, and/or in patriotic ceremonies, and to respect the customs and flags of all nations. Parents are welcome to listen outside the building and/or request a video from the administrative team. Any student who is being recorded must have a current media release on file and videos will only be shared via student.dodea.edu account or directly to the parent’s mobile phone. 
 

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to call the school every time a student is absent. If you know that your child will be absent from school on a particular day, please send a note to the teacher in advance. If the absence is going to be for an extended period of time, such as emergency leave, illness, or family leave, please contact the teacher to see if it would be helpful to take any school work along. Please note that approval from the school nurse or health clinic may be required for your student to return to school. Assignments missed during an absence should be completed promptly upon return. Should you feel that your child needs to stay home because of illness, please call the school that morning and send a note as soon as he/she can return to school. You may notify the school using the attendance email box at GrafES.Attendance@eu.dodea.edu or calling the office at DSN (314)545-2061, CIV +49 (0) 6111-43-545-2061. Please do not use this email for messages unrelated to absences.

Homework is tasks required outside of class time for the successful completion of the goals and objective of the curriculum.

Philosophy

At Grafenwoehr Elementary School, many educational approaches are used to assist children in their learning. The assigning, reviewing, and evaluating of homework is an integral tool used by teachers in the educational process. Homework encourages students to be self-disciplined, independent, and responsible. Homework increases students’ academic achievement. Assignments are carefully selected to supplement classroom instruction. Homework cannot be measured by the time required for its completion since different students will spend different amounts of time to complete the same assignment. Quality of homework assignments is considered to be more important than quantity and successful completion of these assignments reinforces the concepts taught in the classroom. Parental support for the value of and completion of homework is essential for students’ success in the educational process.

Homework assignments are for:

Practice: to provide students with opportunities to apply recent learning or to reinforce newly acquired skills.
Continuation: to allow students to complete classroom work.
Preparation: to allow students to obtain background information so they are prepared for the following day’s discussion.
Extension: to provide opportunities to extend a concept or skill learned to a new situation. The principle focus of extension homework is production rather than reproduction.
Creativity: to integrate many skills and concepts in producing a project.

Students are:

Responsible for completing the assignment legibly, neatly, on time, and according to instruction.
Responsible for asking for assistance and/or clarification regarding homework assignments.
Responsible for having the necessary materials both in class and at home for completion of assignments.
Responsible for obtaining and completing assignments missed due to absence.

Parents should:

Expect homework based on the discretion of the teacher and the performance of the student, as assigned on an individual basis. If nightly homework takes an inordinate amount of time, communicate your concerns with the teacher. Parents may also send a note stating they stopped the homework due to excessive time or lack of understanding.
Provide your child with an environment and the necessary tools that promote good study habits.
Encourage your child to work independently while offering assistance. Daily leisure reading should be supported.
Enrich your child’s learning through your support and encouragement.
Please check with your child’s teacher for his / her homework policy.
 

Students are expected to follow the rules expected by the monitors on duty. Routines and procedures may vary upon grade level in the cafeteria. 

Responsibly – clean up, Respect yourself, others, and the environment – hands and feet to yourself. Use STAR behavior: Safety – walk and stand quietly in line, Try your best – be polite, Act Raise your hand if your need something or have a question.

• Face forward. 
• Talk quietly with your neighbor sitting next to you so that everyone enjoys his or her meal.
• Stay in your seat. 
• Food is for eating and nutrition, not for playing with or throwing.
• Do not share food
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself. 
• Stay off the equipment in the cafeteria.
• Quietly line up 
• Severe offenses will result in an alternate seat for lunch and the school may contact parents.

A variety of after school clubs and activities may be offered, dependent upon availability of volunteers and sufficient student interest.  Participation may be limited. Some special-activity clubs may incur a fee. Information and sign-up sheets for all after school clubs will be sent home twice a year: a fall sign up and a winter/spring sign up. Parents and students should carefully consider all club offerings and meeting times for the school year when signing up to participate.

Parents are responsible for transporting their child home from all after school activities. Students will be dismissed by the school sign in the bus area or in the front of the school. The front office may be closed when your child’s activity is over. Please wait outside for your child. If a child is not picked up on time, he/she may be deselected from the after school activity.

Students may ride bicycles to school; however, parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s safety. Students are expected to follow all safety rules, using sidewalks and staying off the grass. Bicycles must be walked and skateboards must be carried while on campus. Bicycles and skateboards should be locked and must be stored in the designated area during the school day; they are not to be brought into the building. The school may not be held responsible for stolen bicycles or skateboards. In-line skates, scooters, and heelies are not allowed at school.

Military Police Driver and Vehicle Requirements and the Installation Traffic Code for the U.S. Forces in Germany Army in Europe Regulation 190-1 5-7. BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS c. Safety Equipment.

(4) Bicycle operators and passengers on U.S. Forces installations must wear an approved helmet properly fastened under the chin. Helmets must meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation Standards, the Institut für Zweiradsicherheit e.V., or the Economic Commission of Europe for bicycle helmets.

In the interest of the safety of the children attending this school, the administration has established a "Closed Campus Policy." Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds on their own during the school day. The school cannot be responsible for students who violate school rules and leave school grounds without first receiving permission from the school authorities. Only in special cases, and with parental permission, are children allowed to leave school grounds during the school day. In all cases, their sponsors or their delegated representative (emergency contact on file) must sign out students leaving school. Also, non-GES students are not allowed to use the playground / facility during the school day. Students are not permitted to play on the playground during after school hours (2:40-3:30) if their parent/guardian is not present on the school grounds. The school playground is officially closed at 3:45 P.M. Our closed campus is for the safety of our students.

Any changes to your student’s normal after-school routine need to be made in writing to the student’s classroom teacher. In the note indicate when you will come to take your child.  Please come to the main office to sign your child out of school. To diminish interruptions to the classroom, parents are requested to wait at the office while the child is called to the office. Students will not be dismissed from school unless the office staff or the teacher has been notified.  We cannot call students from class after 2:15, parents must wait until dismissal time. The office will notify the student’s teacher to send the student as a parent pick up.

Please do not send end of day changes via email to the teacher or office staff after 11:00 a.m. Emails  may be blocked or redirected as spam and will not reach the intended recipient. If, you have not received a confirmation email from you child’s teacher or the office, please call to confirm. Dismissal changes will not be accepted after 2:00 p.m.

It is important that the school have your correct contact information on file. This includes both military and civilian current local addresses and phone numbers. Parents provide duty, home, and emergency contact phone numbers at registration, but these may change. It is essential that emergency information be kept up to date, especially when sponsors receive new duty assignments, spouses change jobs, families move to permanent quarters, telephone numbers change, baby-sitters are changed, or the emergency contact moves away. The school should be informed if parents will be in the field, deployed, or traveling, and have left their children with someone else for an extended period of time. A note providing the name, unit, duty phone, quarters address, and home phone of the person(s) responsible for the child in the parents’ absence should be sent to the school office and the teacher. Alternate duty phone numbers are not an acceptable emergency contact. Failure to provide emergency contacts may result in notification to the chain of command.

Please let your child’s teacher know in advance of such trips.  Assignments may be given to the child before leaving so that it can be taken on the trip. Steps should be taken to ensure that the child does not fall behind. Please plan travel to coincide with the school calendar as much as possible. These are unexcused absences. 

Delayed Start

If road conditions are hazardous, school bus transportation may be delayed two hours or canceled. If school buses are delayed two hours:

• Buses will pick up students two hours later than the usual time.
• Students may not arrive prior to 1010.
• They will be tardy after 1020

If school bus transportation is canceled, there will be no school that day for all students.

The decision to delay or cancel bus transportation is made by the Garrison Commander. Late opening or cancellation is announced on AFN, ATHOC, and/or ASPEN. You may also check the following - IMCOM Europe Road Conditions (army.mil) .

Early Closing

School may be closed early for a number of reasons, to include an accumulation of ice or snow during the day or failure of the heating, electrical, or plumbing systems. Early closing will most likely occur between 1000 and 1300 hours and will be announced on AFN as well as sent by email. If there is early closure, all after school activities and clubs will be cancelled.

School Liaison Officer (SLO). The USAG-G SLO provides information and assistance to schools, parents, students, and commands. Contact can be made through the Headquarters at 526-9042 or 09641-70-526-0942.  SLO services include information and referral, children and youth programs, home and host nation schooling, command support for education, student advocacy and transition information to and from OCONUS.

Students eat in the multipurpose room. Hot lunch is provided by AAFES, which has been appointed the “School Food Authority.” The lunch menu is also available at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program/

Unannounced changes may occur due to lack of supplies. Students may purchase complete lunches, an additional entrée (lunch plus à only for students in grades 4 and 5), juice, extra milk, and other healthy items. Please check your student’s lunch account.  Accounts may be set up to purchase lunch only or lunch and extras.  Extras may also be purchased with cash.

Please check with your child’s teacher for the lunch schedule. 

Due to the necessity for maximum security for our youngsters, students will not be allowed off the school grounds during the lunch period unless parents sign them out and accompany them.

Because sugar can impede students’ learning, we respectfully request parents ensure that candy and sodas are not brought to school. Milk or juice may be purchased for sack lunches. Any further questions about the meal programs should be directed to AAFES at 09641-925635.

Cafeteria SAFETY RULES & PROCEDURES include:

1. Use STAR behavior: Safety – walk and stand quietly in line, Try your best – be polite, Act responsibly – clean up, Respect yourself, others, and the environment – hands and feet to yourself.
2. Raise your hand if your need something or have a question.
3. Face forward.
4. Talk quietly with your neighbor sitting next to you so that everyone enjoys his or her meal.
5. Stay in your seat.
6. Food is for eating and nutrition, not for playing with or throwing.
7. Do not share food
8. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
9. Stay off the equipment in the cafeteria.
10. Quietly line up
11. Severe offenses will result in an alternate seat for lunch and the school may contact parents.

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.

Grafenwoehr Elementary School PTA is an integral facet of our school. The PTA board meets monthly. Times and locations will always be announced prior to the meetings. PTA coordinates fundraisers such as school photos, T-shirt sales, and a book fair. PTA uses the money from these activities to sponsor special projects and purchase materials for the school.

We urge you to become an active member of Grafenwoehr Elementary School PTA. Dues for membership are collected each year, and may be paid at any PTA meeting. Board members are selected each spring and assume their duties in May. Other parents are also needed to chair and facilitate a number of standing committees such as membership, T-shirt sales, school pictures, fundraisers, teacher appreciation week, field day, book fair, etc. Grafenwoehr Elementary School PTA is affiliated with the European Congress of American Parents, Teachers, and Students (ECAPTS). Become an active part of Grafenwoehr Elementary School – join PTA.

At Grafenwoehr Elementary School, we believe all children should be safe. As part of STAR, playing includes, but not limited to:

1. Use STAR behavior: Safety – use equipment properly, Try your best –  sportsmanship: play fair, Act responsibly – take care of equipment, Respect yourself,       others, and the environment – hands and feet to yourself.
2. Walk to the playground area.>;o?
3. Go down the slide seated, one at a time. There should be no standing or walking on the slides.
4. Climb on each area of the equipment one at a time.
5. Run in areas away from the crowd and not on climbing equipment.
6. Do not climb or jump over the fence.
7. Sit on the swings and do not twist, spin or jump off.
8. Play soccer, basketball, softball, kickball, and Frisbee in areas away from the crowd.
9. No snowballs! Snow stays on the ground. Snowmen may be made with adult supervision.
10. Keeping hands and feet to oneself.

Students who do not play safely may be redirected to another area.

New students will start school one day following registration if all required paperwork has been completed by 1000 hours. This will enable the teaching staff to prepare desks, chairs, textbooks, and other materials.  If paperwork is completed after 1000 the student will start 2 days after registration.

Parents should request to see a counselor at the time of registration if their child has any special needs.

The following information is needed to register pupils in school at any time:

• Copy of the sponsor's current orders - including dependents name(s)
• Up-to-date immunizations
• Copy of birth certificate and current passport
• Sponsor or spouse (with military ID card) must sign the registration forms required by DoDEA

A child will not be allowed to start school unless immunized against the following or if any of the following are missing: Diphtheria, Pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B series, chicken pox (or history of disease), hepatitis A series and Haemophilus influenza (Hib), Varicella series and TB test within the last five years.  Immunizations must be current for a student to be able to start school.

These excursions are primarily used to enrich the regular classroom instruction and to participate in Host Nation cultural activities.

Permission slips for participation in study trips are sent home by the teacher and must be signed by a parent and returned to the school. Failure to return the signed permission slip in a timely manner may mean that the child will be unable to participate in the trip.  Please understand that study trips are only authorized for children attending Grafenwoehr Elementary School. If you agree to chaperone a class on a study trip, please make arrangements for other children in the family to be cared for outside the school. Preschool children or brother/sisters from other classrooms will not be allowed to accompany you on the study trips.

If a student has shown patterns of poor behavior, poor self-control, and/or the inability to follow adult directions, he/she may not be allowed to participate in the study trip or a parent may be required to chaperone to ensure the students participation on the trip. If the parent is unavailable, alternate activities may be planned for the student to remain at school.

A newly released Army Europe Regulation (AER-608-18-1) assists parents in identifying what the command expectations are regarding supervision of their dependent children. You can find the new Regulation at the following link www.aepubs.eur.army.mil

This AER identifies inadequate supervision as “A type of child neglect characterized by the absence or inattention of the parent, guardian, foster parent, or other caregiver that results in injury to the child, in the child being unable to care for himself or herself, or in injury or serious threat of injury to another person because the child’s behavior was not properly monitored.

Army Community Services (ACS) under which the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) falls has partnered with Child and Youth Services to clearly outline for families stationed on Army installations in Europe the level of supervision required for children at various stages of development.  The new AER contains a handy chart so parents can quickly answer questions such as “ Am I allowed to leave my fifth grader home alone after school until I get there?” “Is it okay to leave my high school student home alone while I go for a weekend trip?” And “Can my 6^th grader babysit my toddler?

KISS and ROLL Lane

Parents, our drop off line at the front of the school is for a quick departure. If you or your child may need a longer time to say goodbyes, gather belongings, or get mentally prepared for the school day, we encourage you to park the car elsewhere to complete your routine. We want to ensure that we have a free flowing traffic for all parents and ensure that our students can embark from cars safely.

Thank you for making this morning transition smoother for all families, including your own.

Afternoon Pick-up 

Parents, please be advised that during the morning and afternoon pick up there is no standing or parking allowed in the Kiss and Roll or along the road as indicated by the posted NO Parking signs. If your student is not available to pick up when you arrive, please drive around, and reenter the Kiss and Roll or park in the parking lot across the stand come and meet them at the front gate.  At no time should a student be let out or picked up in the street.   

The afternoon release is staggered based on the following schedule. 

· Kindergarten -2:25 pm 

· 1^st Grade -2:30 pm 

· 2^nd Grade -2:35 pm 

· 3^rd Grade -2:40 pm 

· 4-5^th Grade -2:45 pm 

Please arrive as close to the release time and not earlier. 

Beginning Monday, March 14, students will be asked to wait inside the gate for release until their name is called. If the student has not been released, you will need to circle around until they are available.  

Our staff that is on duty during Kiss and Roll is there to keep our students safe and we ask that you follow their guidance and respect their decisions if you are asked to move.  

Thank you so much for your support! 

Thank you for your understanding. Please let the GES front staff know if you have any question regarding the proper pick-up arrangement procedures for your student.

Grafenwoehr ES Front Office

(0)611143 545-2061

Parents having disciplinary concerns about a student other than their own at school may speak to the administration, the teacher, or counselor. Parents may NEVER question other students at the school regarding disciplinary actions.

The Four School-Wide Rules are:

S afety

T ry my best

A ct responsibly

R espect myself, others, and the environment

When suspension from school is the consequence for any offenses of the above, the suspension will be for one half or more days, depending on the seriousness and frequency of the offense. When a suspension has previously occurred, the consequences will be increased if additional offenses occur. Students who are suspended over ten days - even if cumulative over the school year - will be sent before the disciplinary committee. The student will be expected to make up any work missed during the suspension.

The sponsor is responsible for his/her dependents' actions. When serious incidents occur, sponsors will be notified. Additionally, we have the obligation to keep the military authorities, including the Garrison Commander, informed of serious misbehavior. When children are suspended from school for any amount of time, the Office of the Bavaria Superintendent, Base Commander, Unit Commander, and School's Officer will be notified.

Administrative actions that may be taken by the Army Civilian Misconduct Action Authorities in cases of misconduct are identified in USAREUR Regulation 27-9, Misconduct by Civilians, dated September 1990. Administrative actions range from counseling to the suspension of logistic support privileges and/or removal from the host country, depending on the gravity of the misconduct. Civilian employees and their family members as well as military family members are subject to these actions.

For disciplinary infractions involving DoDEA students occurring on school grounds during the school day or while participating in DoDEA-sponsored activities, suspension or expulsion may result. Your attention in this matter is appreciated. If you have additional concerns, please contact the school principal or your Military/Security Police.