Feltwell 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.

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. 

Children who walk or are dropped off at school by their parents should arrive no earlier than 0820. Adult supervision is not available prior to that time, and we don't want your child to start their school day as a victim of an avoidable accident or fight.

Children are dismissed at 1500 hours, and must report home before continuing with neighborhood activities. Since supervision of your child at school is not available after 1500, please be prompt in picking up your child. When a child's after-school transportation plan is changed for any reason, parents should notify the child's teacher as soon in advance as possible with a written note and current contact information. If such a note is not provided, the child will be sent home according to his/her regular after-school plan.

Other circumstances in which written notification needs to be provided to the teacher include:

• If your child is to be picked up from school prior to dismissal time, please state the approximate time of pickup, so that the teacher can see that your child has homework and needed supplies. If you also call the office just prior to pickup, the office staff will see that your child is waiting in the office when you arrive.
• If your child normally walks home or rides the bus, but you plan to pick him/her up instead - The teacher needs a note with instructions to not board your child on the bus or release him/her to walk home.

Late Arrival

For security purposes, parents are required to escort their children to the office and sign them in when arriving late students arriving after 8:30 AM will receive a late pass to give to their teacher for admission into class.

It is the responsibility of parents to notify the school before 9:00 AM any time your child will be/is absent.The DoDEA educational program is organized on the assumption that students will attend school regularly and punctually. Students may not leave the classroom or school grounds without permission. Regular attendance at school is critically important. The purpose of this action is to ensure the safety of the child, establish patterns of good attendance, and to ensure that students and educational programs have an opportunity to be successful. Children who are taught at home and school that punctuality and attendance are behaviors expected of responsible citizens not only do better in school, but also learn a life skill that serves them well in later years in the adult world. Attendance is taken each morning and entered into a computer program by 0900 hours daily. At that time, if a reported absence is unexcused, the office will call the parents that morning to make certain that the student is fine and accounted for. For any absence, a signed, written note from the parent of the student is needed to consider the absence "excused", without a note from the parent, the child's absence is recorded as "unexcused" by DoDEA'S regulation:

• Illness or injury to the student.
  Family emergency such as severe illness, injury or death.
• Medical or dental appointments (please schedule after hours, as much as possible).
• Meeting religious obligations.
  
  To report your child's absences please e-mail the attendance office by 9:00 AM.

Students are expected to come to school clean, neatly groomed and dressed in clothing that is appropriate for the activities and weather conditions of the day. In cooler weather we strongly suggest that children wear "layered" clothing that can be put on or removed as the weather changes. Clothing should cover the shoulders and midriff areas (i.e. no spaghetti straps), and should not contain messages or pictures that might be interpreted as violent, profane, or suggestive of age-inappropriate activities. The school administration will contact parents to come to the school with a change of clothing if a child comes to school dressed in such a manner.

Please be sure that all removable items of clothing such as sweaters, jackets, hats and gloves, as well as personal property such as back packs and lunch boxes are clearly marked in permanent marker with your child's first and last name.

Shower shoes, flip-flops, spiked heels, skate shoes (such as Heelys), and any other shoes that could be considered unsafe when worn in the school environment (i.e. P.E., recess, outdoor play structure steps...) are also considered inappropriate.

Hats or head coverings are not authorized in classrooms or assembly areas. Exceptions may be made for religious coverings. If a student is asked to remove headgear and cooperates with the instruction, no further action is necessary. Final decisions on the appropriateness of garments will be made by the principal. 

The Presidential Academic Awards are presented to students in grade 5 only (the school's exiting grade level), who have met rigorous academic requirements in two categories:

• Gold - A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for Grades 4-5, and have scored at or above the 85th percentile in Reading or Math on the Terra Nova or other standardized test.
• Silver - A student must have displayed exceptional drive and determination in the pursuit of academic excellence and not have qualified for a gold award.

Children need to be taught the importance of practicing good traffic safety habits while in England. For some children, this will be their first experience in a foreign country, and traffic practices here differ from those in the US. In the U.S., school buses have the right of way over other vehicles, and all traffic must stop when the bus is loading or unloading passengers. Such is not the case here in the UK. It is imperative that all children understand this and do not try to cross the road in front of or behind a stopped bus. They must wait until they have a clear view of traffic from both ways before doing so. In the UK, children ride British coaches that look very much like tour buses. Parents of bus riders should wait for their children on the side of the street that children are loaded and unloaded from the bus. Fatal accidents have resulted from an excited child running across the street greet his/her mother or father. Local laws require mandatory seat belt usage while on school buses.

PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN. Talk with your children about the importance of bus safety and avoiding rough play while waiting for the bus and while riding on the bus. Remind your children to stand back at least three giant steps from the curb or edge of the road while waiting for the bus. Parents who are waiting for children at the bus stop should wait on the same side of the road that their children enter and exit the bus. Remind your children to look right, then left, then right one last time before crossing the street. On occasion, the buses run late due to traffic, so children should remain at. the bus stops until 20-30 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time. Children need to listen to the bus driver at all times and follow all the safety measures that he/she has put in place. Finally, students should never interfere with the duties of security personnel or attempt to touch any of their equipment.

DON'T FORGET BUS PASSES ARE REQUIRED. Students must register with their respective school bus offices in order to reserve a seat. Students must have a valid bus pass, or they will not be allowed to ride on the bus. Bus drivers are required to ensure that all students on the bus are carrying a valid bus pass. The Feltwell bus office can be reached at 226-7013.

CHECK OUT THE BEHAVIOR STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL BUS STUDENTS (Appendix A). It is up to each and every parent to ensure that their children are complying with the bus safety policies and procedures. As you already know, driving on the UK roads is dangerous without any disruption from children choosing to not follow the bus rules. The combination of narrow roads, fog and darkness are unfortunately the perfect combination for dangerous driving conditions. Since our children's safety is our top priority, we will be enforcing strict misconduct penalties for disobedient bus behavior (see DoDEA Europe Bus Discipline Matrix - Appendix B). Parent concerns related to instances of misconduct on the school bus should be addressed with the school. Please help us in keeping your children and our community children safe!

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 school.