Humphreys West 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you plan to be out of the country while your children are attending school, please be sure to obtain a special power of attorney to be used in case of emergency. Please inform the teacher, Main Office, and the school nurse of the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) taking care of your child in writing. This is an extremely important requirement.

Arrival:

Students begin entering the school building at 7:10 A.M. The school bell will ring at 7:30 A.M., at which time the students should be lined up in front of their classroom. Students will be considered tardy at 7:35 A.M. Tardy students should go through the Main Office to record their late arrival.

Children living within walking distance of the school should leave home in time to arrive at the school at approximately 7:10 A.M. Supervision is provided prior to the beginning of the school day starting at 7:10 A.M. Parents who bring their children to school will not be permitted to drop them off before 7:10 A.M. The instructional day ends at 1:50 P.M. on Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and 12:50 P.M. on Tuesday.

Dismissal:

Buses

Students must be registered with the Student Transportation Office (STO) to ride the bus. Upon registration, the student will be assigned a bus number and route and issued a bus pass. Please communicate the bus number with the student’s teacher. Students will not be permitted to ride any other bus without prior approval through the STO. These requests must be made directly to the STO not the school.

Walkers, Bike Riders, and Parent Pick Up

Students leaving school either on foot or on bicycle should be picked up in the school courtyard near the flagpole and basketball court. Students will be released out the side of the building to the possession of their parent or guardian.

If a student is being picked up via car, please park your vehicle in a designated parking space and walk to the pick-up point to receive your student. Parking long curbs will not be permitted as it presents a hazard and blocks the fire lane. Anyone parked along a curb in the parking lot will be asked to move their car immediately.

Kiss-N-Drop

Students must be registered to use the Kiss-N-Drop Lane. Once registered, the student will be assigned a number. To access the Kiss-n-Drop Drop Off and Pick-Up location, drive up Forward March Street from Tropic Lightning Avenue. Please do not enter from Taro Avenue to avoid blocking the busses. Follow the flow of traffic to the farthest entrance on the left. Keep your car to the right-hand side when dropping off and picking up. Do not exit your vehicle at any time. Parking is not permitted in the Kiss-N-Drop Lane.

At drop off, pull all the way up to the school doors before allowing your student(s) to exit the vehicle. After dropping off, please proceed out of the Kiss-n-Drop Lane by turning right onto Forward March Street.

At pick-up, please have your student(s)' number placard prominently placed in the right-hand side of your windshield. Upon picking up your student, please do not proceed into the left-hand lane to exit. Please wait patiently for the cars in front of you to exit the Kiss-n-Drop Lane first.

Any changes in a student’s normal transportation home at the dismissal of school must be communicated to both via e-mail or note to the teacher and by phone call to the Main Office. All changes should be submitted no less than 30 minutes before dismissal – 1:20 P.M. on Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and 12:20 P.M. on Tue. Any changes made after that time may result in the inability of the Main Office to notify the teacher before dismissal.

In addition, in order to ensure the safety of our students, parents and guardians will not be permitted to pull a student from the bus line last minute. Students designated as bus riders with no communication received by the teacher to change the mode of transportation at dismissal will be placed on the bus until the student is signed out at the Main Office.

It is the expectation that parents and guardians will pick students up on time at the close of the school day. The school day at HWES ends at 1:50 P.M. on MWThF and 12:50 P.M. on Tu. For safety and liability reasons, the Main Office is not an appropriate plan for after school care for a student.

If a student designated for parent pick up or Kiss-N-Drop is not picked up, the teacher will bring the student to the Main Office. The Main Office will contact the parents/guardians. If we are unable to reach the sponsor, spouse, or guardian, we will call the first local emergency contact on the student’s list. If the student is not picked up by 3:00 P.M on MWThF or 2:00 P.M. on Tu., the Military Police (MPs) will be notified.

Our students may ride bicycles to and from school, but not on school campus. They must wear the appropriate safety equipment. Bicycles must be registered on Camp Humphreys and should be secured with a lock in the racks upon arrival at school and remain locked until it is time to return home. Bicycles may be barred from school at any time when it becomes a nuisance, is operated in an unsafe manner, or is found unregistered and/or unlocked.

The boundaries of the school campus include the bus lane, the courtyard, playgrounds, basketball court, soccer field, pavilion, Kiss-n-drop lane, and all sidewalks to the immediate adjacent to the exterior of the building. Skateboards, Roller-Skates, and Roller-Blades are not allowed at school at any time.

If a student is not home from school at the normal time, or within 15 minutes, usually one of two things has happened:

• The buses are late. Please, call school Bus Transportation Office, 755-1230, to check.
• The student has gone home with a friend without telling the parent.
• Weather delay.

Please contact the Main Office, as soon as possible, as well as any friends with whom your son/daughter plays. The school never authorizes a bus rider to take a different bus or walk home. Please encourage your child to never go anywhere else until reporting home first. Also, please instruct your child to memorize his/her phone number and address.

USAG-H Command Policy #28 31JUL19

Humphreys West Elementary School abides by the same community standards for child supervision as the military. Sponsors and parents are ultimately responsible for the health, welfare, and safety of their children at all times. Sponsors and parents must use good judgment and consider the physical, emotional, and psychological maturity of their child when determining the level of supervision the child requires.

The child supervision matrix (Appendix B) operates as a tool to avoid instances of child neglect and serves as a guideline on the appropriate level of adult supervision for children. The matrix serves to define the minimum community standards for military affiliated personnel living both on and off post.

Students are expected to be properly attired when in attendance at school since the morale and school spirit can directly relate to the emphasis placed on being well dressed. A child who is “dressed to come to work” generally has the attitude that school is a place of important business. The weather at Camp Humphreys can change at a moment’s notice. It can be warm and sunny one minute and wet and cold the next. Since students are outside most days, they should come dressed for variable weather conditions.

Generally, the attire of elementary students does not require the same level of monitoring as that of secondary students. Elementary students are free to dress casually and comfortably, however, there are safety and sanitary considerations which create the need for dress guidelines. In short, it is important that students dress for safety and success. The following is not considered safe and/or successful attire for the school setting:

• Clothing worn as an outer garment, which was manufactured, to be worn as an undergarment is not considered successful attire (this does not include t-shirts).
• Clothing with obscene, slanderous, or lascivious words or drawings is not considered successful attire.
• Flip-flops are not considered safe attire. This does not include sandals or footwear in which the heel of the foot is secured.
• Bare feet are not considered safe and sanitary school attire.
• Appearing without a shirt is not considered safe and/or successful school attire.
• Tank tops, and halter-tops are not considered successful school attire.
• Swimwear is not considered safe and successful school attire.
• Clothing that depicts or symbolizes extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities is not considered successful school attire.
• Sweat clothing and athletic shoes should be worn on PE Days.
• Students should not wear any type of top that leaves the midriff exposed; any clothing with profanity or vulgarities; any clothing advertising alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, or pictures/logos related to such items.
• Clothing should be of the proper size and fit for the student.
• Walking shorts, skorts, and skirts are to be an acceptable length, rule—with hands at the side; fingertips should reach the bottom of the hem.
• Hats and caps are to be removed upon entering the school building. This includes the hood portion of shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets.
• Spaghetti Strap Shirts and dresses with straps smaller than 2 inches in width (approximately 3 finger widths) are prohibited.

Cold Weather Guidelines

Outdoor recess is cancelled only in extreme weather conditions. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Jackets and coats must have functioning zippers and/or buttons. Dressing your child in layers is highly recommended.

The following parameters are evidence-based and are used to determine if a child is ready for outdoor play:

• At 50 degrees (F) and lower, all students must have a jacket.
• At 40 degrees (F) and lower, all students must have a winter weight jacket or coat. A fleece and/or hoodie are not considered winter weight.
• At 32 degrees (F) and lower, all students must have gloves, hats, or hoods, and be wearing socks. Socks should be high enough so that there is no exposed skin. Shoes should adequately insulate the feet from the cold pavement or snow. Ballet style slippers are not recommended in snowy or wet weather.

Footwear Guidelines

In order to ensure all students are kept safe, appropriate footwear is required. Shoes should also be suitable to wear in any weather. Shoes deemed inappropriate include, but are not limited to:

• Flip flops, any footwear without toe and/or heel.
• Stocking feet and bare feet.
• Shoes with a heel higher than 1 inch.
• Heelys (with or without the wheels).

If dress and appearance guidelines are not followed, the parent will be called to bring a change of clothing to school. Also, put your child(ren)’s name on everything that belongs to them (inside coats, jackets, hats, and everything else—even lunch boxes / bags and book bags). We want them to be able to identify their belongings. Tennis shoes must be worn for Physical Education.

A lost and found area is designated near the cafeteria to store lost items for a limited period of time. Teachers will encourage students to check the lost and found area before school, during lunch, or after school. Small items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, bus passes and IDs are kept in the Main Office. At the close of each semester, unclaimed clothing and other items are donated to charitable organizations.

In case of inclement weather (snow, ice, or any emergency conditions), tune in to AFN radio, Facebook and/or TV for school closing announcements. The Installation Commander will make the decision to cancel, delay or release school early, based on the road conditions in consultation with the District Superintendent. After making a decision, the Superintendent will inform the principal, who in turn informs the staff. The Installation Commander provides AFN with information for broadcast on the current road conditions and the status of school operations along with the school start times.

During green road conditions, the school will operate normal hours. Amber road conditions could result in either a normal or delayed school start. Typically, during red or black road conditions, there would be no school. However, if the road conditions change while the busses are enroute, the students will be brought to school until they can safely return to their homes. If children are at school when road conditions change and there is a decision to close school early, before releasing children and busses, the elementary school will contact parents or the emergency contact to ensure someone will be home to care for those children who fall under the Area III Child Supervision Policy. It is imperative that parents and/or guardians ensure that schools have up-to-date emergency contact information on each student.

In the early springtime, levels of yellow dust in the air can sometimes become elevated. The administration, in consultation with health professionals, the military and local environmental agencies, will determine if outdoor activity should be limited or suspended.

There are many ways that you can stay informed:

• Classroom Teacher (email, phone, classroom newsletter).
• Osprey Nest Newsletter.
• Humphreys West Elementary School Webpage.
• Facebook:
  1. DODEA Humphreys West Elementary School.
  2. Humphreys West Elementary School PTSO.
• Main Office.

The Osprey Nest Newsletter is published weekly via e-mail during the school year. It contains a great deal of information and is the best way to keep informed about the school. Weekly school lunch menus for the cafeteria will be emailed on Fridays. If you do not receive these documents, please contact the Main Office to ensure your e-mail address is correct in our student database.

Parent notes are a frequent method of home-to-school communication. Conferences requested by parents are desirable and can be arranged by direct written or oral communication. It is important to confer frequently with the teacher.

Most of the communication from the school is sent via email. Please ensure that the e-mail addresses provided to the school are ones that are checked frequently. However, some communication may be sent home with students. It is imperative that parents also check their child’s backpack/folder often for such communication.

The Osprey Nest Newsletter

The Osprey Nest is the school newsletter for HWES that will be sent electronically to staff, sponsors, and designated community members on a regular basis. This newsletter does not replace teacher or grade level newsletters. Rather the Osprey Update includes school-level information such as calendar dates, articles on events that have occurred, and upcoming activities. The newsletter will be distributed via electronic mail and posted on the school Facebook page.

Classroom Teacher

While each teacher does have a direct line, it is respectfully requested that calls during the school day be directed through the Main Office to minimize classroom interruptions. Calls will not be transferred to the classroom during the school day. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but the general practice will be passing a message on via email.

It is appropriate to share the celebration of special holidays with students by doing extra class activities. Examples would be Chuseok, Lunar New Year, the December holiday season, or end of the year. Classroom birthday celebrations will be held at the discretion of the teacher. Please contact your student’s teacher if you are interested in celebrating a birthday in the classroom.

A 20-minute recess period will follow immediately either before or after lunch. Students in all grade levels will have recess (in the event of inclement weather recess will be inside). Recess is a semi-structured period of time when children play together. Recess monitors (or classroom teachers) will correct student play when it becomes unsafe, rough, or discourteous.

Extra Recess (K-1)

Teachers sometimes like to consider "extra recess" for students throughout the year. Extra recess should not be scheduled during any of the lunch periods. Physical education classes have priority for the playground and hardtop areas. Extra recess is coordinated across the grade level, supported by the grade level chair, and shared at grade level chair meetings.

Indoor Recess

If the temperature is below 0° F (based on actual temperature and windchill) or it is raining outside, students will be kept indoors for recess. Additionally, due to poor air pollution caused by fine dust in South Korea, students are kept indoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the local area measures at 150 or more.

Eligibility Rules for Interscholastic Athletic Competitions

School administrators, athletic directors, and coaches shall ensure that the eligibility rules are observed in all DoDEA interscholastic athletic competitions in accordance with in DoDEA Manual 2740.1 and the Far East Programs Procedural Guide (FEPPG) - 15 May 2023

Student Travel Eligibility

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

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

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

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