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Table of Contents

I. ACA Core Beliefs and Parameters 3 II. Welcome Letter to Parents and Students 5 III. 2012 - 2013 School Calendar 6 IV. Standards of Practice for all ACA Educators 8

V. Code of Conduct 9 VI. Policies and Procedures A. Parent and Visitor Access to the Campus 10 B. Leaving School Grounds 10 C. Playground and Telephone Use 10 D. Respect for Support Staff 11 E. Prayer Time 11 F. Curriculum 11 G. Homework 12 H. Textbooks 13 I. Assessments 13 J. Grades and Reporting Frequency 13 K. Grading Policy and Scale 14 L. Academic Probation / Retention 14 M. Payment of Tuition Fees 15 N. Attendance and Absences 15 O. Tardiness at the start of the Day 16 P. Discipline Policy 17 Q. Detention Policy – Lunch or After School 18 R. Dress Code for Elementary Students 18 VII. Support Services A. Counseling Department 19 B. The Learning Center Program 19 C. Language Enrichment Program (ESL) 20 D. Arabic as a Foreign Language / Special Religion Program 20 E. Library / Media Services 21 F. Field Trips 22 G. Lost and Found 22 H. Lunch / Recess / Cafeteria 22 I. Bus Services 23 J. Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences 23 VIII. Student Recognition and Self-Governance A. ACA Rising Stars 24 B. Junior Student Council 24 IX. Appendix 1 - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

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Welcome to the American Creativity Academy Elementary Boys’ Campus

As returning principals, we are thrilled to begin another exciting year of learning with our wonderful students. Both of us adhere to the philosophy of learning as a life-long endeavor and the elementary years serve as the foundation to inspire students along that journey. We are proud to adhere to our school’s mission statement of “delivering a standards based American curriculum within an environment in which Islamic values are respected and practiced.” We also dedicate ourselves to leading a team that will prepare your child to become a citizen ready to meet the future challenges of Kuwait, the region and the global community. As principals, we recognize that one of our most important responsibilities is to provide qualified and highly motivated teachers to provide the best education possible to our students. We take this responsibility very seriously as we guide and mentor our newest teachers with the necessary tools needed to succeed. We also believe that the link between school and home is a critical component to a child’s success at school. Therefore, we and our teachers offer a variety of means to communicate effectively; Edline, classroom newsletters, communication books, email, phone, etc. We both have an open door policy and welcome you to visit with us at anytime to share any thoughts or concerns. As a new goal for this year, we are putting in place a series of Cross Campus Collaboration meetings between the boys’ and girls’ campuses in order to ensure a more uniform delivery of subject matter and create assessments used on both sites. We are pleased to begin this collaboration process as we recognize the positive impact this teaming will have on student achievement. Another goal for this year is to increase the sense of ‘community’ between the many members of the elementary staff and students. Both campuses recognize and honor positive student behavior in a variety of ways (Character Counts, Student of the Week, RisingStars) as well as individual classroom recognition programs. Emphasizing respect for one’s self, others and our school property will also permeate the daily lives of the children and adults on campus. To ensure that we are nurturing the ‘whole child’, we offer a wide variety of extracurricular events; after school clubs, international week, reading week, sports day, and more. Please make sure to check our calendars to stay informed about our events throughout the year. We anticipate a year filled with many celebrations, challenges, new friendships and wonderful learning opportunities for our students and for us! It truly is a pleasure to work with your child and we pledge to take our job very seriously.

Together, for the children!

Ms. Karen and Mr. Jeffrey

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S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 01 New Year – No School / Classes

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 – 23 Mid-Year exams 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 23 End of Second Quarter 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 24 The Birthday of the Prophet (PBUH)

27 28 29 30 31 27 Third Quarter begins 30 100th Day of School

FEBRUARY

S M T W T F S 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 07 Second Quarter Report Cards go home 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 – 28 No School - Winter Break 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 & 26 National Day/Liberation Day

MARCH

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3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 Classes resume 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 Third Quarter Progress Reports go home / on Edline 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

APRIL S M T W T F S 04 Third Quarter Ends 1 2 3 4 5 6 07-11 Spring Break 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Classes resume/ Fourth Quarter Begins

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 Third Quarter Report Cards go home 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 Parent/Teacher Conferences (4-8 p.m.) – Students noon dismissal 28 29 30 25 Parent/Teacher Conference Day (8-2:00PM) No Students

MAY

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 09 Fourth Quarter Progress Reports go home / on Edline 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 – 30 Senior Exams

JUNE

S M T W T F S 28 – 06 High School Exams 1 03 – 06 High School Graduation(s)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 05 Islamic Holiday (Isra’a and Miraj) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 Quarter Four Ends/ Reports Go Home

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 12 - 13 Reporting Issues Resolved / Last Day for Faculty 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 16 Last Day for Administration

30 20 Last Day for Non-Academic Staff

(*) Islamic holiday dates are subject to lunar calendar and may change. The official announcement will be made in local newspapers. Activities/details to be announced: Sports Day, Reading Week, International Day, etc.



Parameters

ACA is a private proprietary institution, subject to Kuwait law, and licensed by the Ministry of Education, Department of Private Education.

Islamic Values are respected and practiced.

ACA adheres to MSA/CIS accreditation standards.

ACA separates students by gender after KG 2

The primary language of instruction is English.

The curriculum is aligned with American standards modified to meet the needs of

English language learners.

The school’s priority is the academic program of instruction from pre-K (3 years of age) through grade 12.

Any new or existing program must be consistent with the strategic plan, its

benefits justifying costs, with provisions to include facilities, resources, staff, and professional development.

The Board of Trustees [BOT] approves all policies affecting the school’s operation.

ACA strives to recruit, experienced, qualified and certified staff.

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Student use of the telephone must be approved by the office or at the request of a teacher. Students are NOT allowed to bring mobile telephones to school as per Ministry of Education regulations. If a student is found to have a mobile telephone at school, it will be held by a Principal until a parent comes in for a conference.

D. RESPECT FOR OUR SUPPORT STAFF

Our support staff (security, maintenance and office staff) is hired to maintain a clean, safe and secure environment for your child. If you have any concerns with the way they are doing their job you are requested to bring this concern to a principal or assistant principal.

E. PRAYER TIME

Muslim students in grades three through five pray the Duhur prayer during school hours. Parents who prefer that their child NOT pray at school must send a note to the principal in order for the child to be excused from prayer.

F. CURRICULUM

The elementary school’s role is to give each child a firm foundation in beginning subjects and the confidence to excel through new experiences. The core curriculum objectives are clearly defined for each subject area, building on skills mastered at each grade level.

Teachers provide for individual, as well as small and large group instruction based upon the needs of the students. Elementary teachers attempt to relate students’ cultural experiences to those in the content areas being studied, so that connections can be made in understanding new concepts.

Text and workbooks are utilized to reinforce the content area skills being taught in the classroom. Additional resource materials, supplied by the school and teachers, enhance the curriculum as supplementary materials.

The Elementary grades emphasize English skills, reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Special areas of instruction include English as a Second Language (ESL) for students needing additional support, physical education, art, computer and library skills.

The Arabic staff provides programs in Arabic, Islam, Life Skills, and Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL), Special Religion.


G. HOMEWORK

Homework is the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned activities to practice, reinforce or apply newly-acquired skills and knowledge and to learn the necessary skills of independent study.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK Homework can: Provide additional practice, increasing the amount of time students are actively engaged in

learning and extending time on a specific task Be useful to teachers for monitoring student progress and diagnosing student learning

problems Be an effective way to increase personal responsibility and individual accountability Facilitate rapid movement through curriculum:students augment class time with outside

study freeing teachers to introduce new material more quickly. Lead to increased communication between parents, child and the school and encourage

parent awareness of student learning Contribute to student and parent understanding that the school holds high expectations of

students.

*As a general rule NO homework will be assigned on weekends and holidays except under special circumstances. Students need to have time to be with their families, to relax, and to play.

Homework Tips for Parents: Time – Have a set time for your child to do homework daily. Establish a homework routine.

Homework will become more consistent if it is done at the same time each day. Length of Time – Set a fixed length of time for homework. This will get your child in the habit

of not rushing through the work to watch TV or play. Students need to realize that their job is being a student.

Place – Set up a regular place for your child to do his/her homework. It should be a quiet organized place, preferably in the child’s own room. It should have a desk, chair, lamp, pencil sharpener, pen and pencils, erasers, paper, dictionary, ruler and any other supplies often used. This helps your child to be organized and to be able to complete the assignment without wasting time looking for needed supplies.

No Interruptions – Once homework time has begun, don’t allow interruptions. Time on Task – If necessary, set a timer to help your child budget his/her time in relation to the

task. He/she needs to organize this time effectively. Parents – should be available and supportive when help is requested. No Homework Tonight – When there is a night that “no homework” is assigned, have your

child review material for upcoming tests, or work on projects assigned for a later date. Reading silently or to another person in the house during this “set time” for homework is also good use of the designated homework time. Don’t let a “no homework” excuse be an option for playtime. Maintain that daily time or the routine may be broken.

Homework Assignment/Communicaton Book: Each student will be given a Homework Assignment/Communication Book. This book provides a source for the student to develop responsibility, organizational, and study skills. The student’s recording of homework as well as projected assignments reinforces these skills. The daily section is to be signed by the parent each night indicating the homework has been reviewed and completed by the student. NO HOMEWORK is written in the space if none is assigned for that day.


Teachers may also communicate in writing with parents through the use of this book. Please feel free to write regular messages to your child’s teachers in the “Notes” section as well.

H. Textbooks:

Textbooks are provided, on a loan basis, to all students. We expect them to be returned in reasonable condition. If a textbook is lost, the student will be able to purchase a replacement book, and a second book will be issued. If the textbook is found at a later date, return the book and your receipt to the school for a refund.

Censoring: The Ministry of Private Education has approved our textbooks, library books, videos, and all other academic materials for use in the Academy.

I. ASSESSMENTS ACA defines assessment as any or all methods used to evaluate our students’ performance and learning. The following represents some of the testing tools that may be used by ACA to assess their students.

* Commercially / teacher generated tests * ITBS Test * Essays, journals, speeches, plays, etc. * Admission Test * AFL Admission Test * W-RAT/IRI * Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test * Woodcock-Johnson Tests *Authentic Assesment *Project Portfolios

J. GRADES and REPORTING FREQUENCY

Progress Reports will be sent out for all students at the middle of each quarter in grades 1-5. Teachers may send a progress report home more frequently to report positive news or to keep you informed of trouble areas. Mid-quarter progress reports are not considered permanent legal transcripts. Only the Report Card at the end of each quarter is considered a legal document.

At the end of each quarter, a Report Card will be issued. The report card, like the progress report, is to keep parents informed of the students’ performance and effort.

K. GRADING POLICY and SCALE


The grading policy for subject areas: Art, Computer, PE and Life Skills (except in Grade 5) will be S (Satisfactory), N (Needs Improvement), or U (Unsatisfactory) grade. Grade 5 is to receive A, B, C, D, or F grades in all subject areas in accordance with the grading scale used by the Elementary School.

Grade weights to be used by the Elementary English subject teachers in Grades 4 and 5 only are as follows:

Daily Work 45% Homework 10% Tests / Quizzes 45%

Grades 1-3 will weigh all work equally. Daily work assignments, tests, quizzes, and homework will be added together in a subject with equal value for each category.

Grade 1 students will receive a letter grade for the academic subject areas which is equivalent to the following grading scale: 100% - 90% VG Very Good 89% - 80% G Good 79% - 70% S Satisfactory 69% - 60% N Needs Improvement 59% - below U Unsatisfactory

For Grades 2 through 5 the following grading scale for academic subjects will be used:

A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 A 93-97 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66 A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

F Below 60 Students have two weeks to make-up missed evaluations for excused absences. Exceptions may be granted by the principal.

L. ACADEMIC PROBATION / RETENTION

For a student to be successful at the Middle and High school levels he/she must first be successful in the elementary curriculum. It is the policy of ACA to monitor and measure the academic growth of all students. If there is evidence that a student is not progressing in a positive manner, the student may be placed on Academic Probation. Academic Probation will be considered as a means to assist a student to realize that school work must be improved in order to succeed.

At the end of each quarter, the administration and teachers will review the academic progress of all students. Students found to have… A grade point average of less than 2.0 on a 4.0 reporting scale (Grades 4-5 students),

will be placed on Academic Probation. Emphasis will be placed on the four core English subject areas (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies), Arabic and Islam, with Language Arts being weighted heavily.

An unsatisfactory performance (Grades 1-3 students) will be placed on Academic

Probation. Emphasis will be placed on the four core English subject areas (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies), Arabic and Islam, with Language Arts being weighted heavily.


Academic Probation alerts parents and student that they are in danger of failing the grade level. A letter from the principal notifies parents if their child is placed on Academic Probation. Conferences with the parents and students are requested by the principal and/or members of the Child Study Team to determine an appropriate plan of action for the student.

If the student fails to show improvement in the four core subject areas, the student may be a)retained in that same grade level at the end of the year, b)and/or outside testing may be required before the family is allowed to re-enroll the student, c)retained or blocked from re-enrolling if probation continues for two consecuted quarters. Grade point averages for Academic Probation are calculated using the following scale: VG or A = 4.0

G or B = 3.0 S or C = 2.0 N or D = 1.0 U or F = 0.0

Any student on Academic Probation for 2 quarters will be at risk of being retained at the current grade level. Parents will be asked to attend a conference with the teacher, counselor, specialists involved, and the principal to discuss recommendations in this situation. The principal has the final decision, which will be made at the end of the second quarter. He / She shall approve promotions or retentions.

M. PAYMENT OF TUITION FEES

ACA reserves the right to withhold a report card due to tuition fees and/or library book fines not being paid. Once payment has been made the report card will be given to the family.

N. ATTENDANCE and ABSENCES

We expect students to attend school on a regular basis. This is crucial for them to satisfactorily complete their work and be an active participant in their classes. When a student is absent from class the student loses the benefit of instruction, as well as discussions, which take place during that absence. The attendance policy at ACA states that “Students will attend school regularly and not have more than 10 total absences in a semester without a certified medical excuse.” The School does not authorize student absences during school days or before or after holidays for recreational, personal or family trips. Families should plan their vacation and trips in accordance with the school calendar that is given to them on Registration Day. A student may be retained at the same grade level the following year if there are absences that exceed the school policy.

When a student is absent, due to medical reasons, (dental, orthodontia, illness) please have the doctor’s office provide a written excuse. The parent is to notify the school Clinic if the child is going to be absent for two (2) days or more. Medical appointments should be made after school hours whenever possible. If an absence is for an extended period of time, the doctor’s note and parent note will be kept as part of the student’s medical record in the school Clinic.


If your child is going to miss three or more days of school, due to illness, you must notify the teacher through the office. Preparation may then be made for someone to come to school to pick up the child’s assignments and books for missed work. Please allow the teachers at least 24 hours notice to make the necessary preparations. A student is usually given the same number of days to make up assignments as he/she missed school due to illness. Should a student become ill at school, the school nurse or doctor will determine the course of action to be taken. The clinic will inform the parents, classroom teacher, and administration if a student is to be sent home.

Students who are injured at school will be taken to the hospital in case they need stitches, X-ray, or any further treatment. The nurse will inform parents and school administration before departing for the hospital.

It is imperative that the school has the correct home, mobile, and work telephone numbers so that a parent can be notified in cases of illness or injury. Parents planning to be out of the country should leave the name and phone number of a responsible relative or neighbor who can be contacted in these cases.

Please keep your child home if he/she has a fever, is vomiting, or has a rash. A child with conjunctivitis (pink eye) is not allowed to attend school and must remain out of school until seen by a medical doctor. Pink eye is highly contagious. If you suspect your child has this, please see a doctor immediately. Criteria to use as a guideline for keeping a child at home are:

Sore throat and swollen gland Diarrhea within the last 24 hours Undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions Earache or drainage from the eyes Fever within the last 24 hours Vomiting within the last 24 hours Head Lice or Lice nits (eggs)

Please send a note to the office when he/she returns to school after an absence of one or two days. If you require your child to be excused for an extended length of time you must obtain prior written approval from the Principal by means of a written request. A copy of the request and the approval are sent to the registrar and become part of the student’s file. The school will follow up with the parents if the student is absent beyond the time approved.

O. TARDINESS at the START of the DAY

All students are expected to be at school when the bell rings each morning. This time varies depending on which campus the student attends school. You will be informed as to the starting and ending times of school for your child. If the child arrives after that starting time, s/he will have to present a note from the school office giving her/him permission to enter the classroom. If a child arrives at school after 11:00 A.M. then the student will be counted absent for the day. Please note that students are expected to be at school no later than 7:05 at the Boys’ Campus and 7:15 at the Girls’ Campus for morning line-up and announcements.


P. DISCIPLINE POLICY

In the Elementary School emphasis is placed on children knowing and understanding ACA and classroom standards of behavior. We believe that good discipline provides for positive direction for everyone and maintains the optimum learning environment for all. Standards for behavior are based upon respect for authority, self and others, a sense of responsibility, and honesty. Review the Code of Conduct in the front of this handbook. Inappropriate behavior is behavior that interferes with the safety of a student or the learning process. This includes the learning environment of that student as well as the other students. Teachers together with students will establish their own classroom expectations and standards. They may use an Assertive Discipline Plan for their classroom management of behavior. Parents will be informed of the homeroom teacher’s discipline plan at orientation and/or Parent Night held in the first quarter of the school year.

Children unable to follow those standards will first be counseled by the classroom teacher.

On the second offense, the student may lose a recess period or have a consequence set by the teacher. On the third infraction of the rule, the teacher will communicate with the parents by note in the

Homework Assignment/Communication Book, by telephone or through a behavior slip. Either teacher or parents may initiate a parent conference at this time. For behavior of a very serious nature, parents will be contacted on the first infraction.

If inappropriate behavior continues, the teacher may refer the student to the counselor, assistant

principal or the principal. Some form of consequence will be given and a form of action will be taken.

If the child continues to have behavioral difficulties at school, the principal, counselor and teachers

will meet to establish a case study and to make suggestions for further disciplinary action in the form of a disciplinary contract.

Parents will then be asked to attend a meeting with the counselor, Principal and teacher(s) to discuss

which action will be the most effective in dealing with the child.

In the case of a student causing injury to another student or practicing unsafe behavior, an immediate referral will be made to the Principal. Some indicators of inappropriate behavior at the elementary level may include, but are not limited to, the following:

o Lying / Stealing/ Inapproperiate language o Absence from a class without a valid excuse o Disruptive behavior in classrooms, hallways, play areas, buses o Cheating on daily class work or tests o Fighting or bullying or hitting (beating) other students o Destruction of or defacing school or personal property o Late arrival to class without permission o Disrespect shown to a staff member o Forgery of a required signature o Failure to follow oral or written directions of a staff member

It is important that parents and the school work together as a team to ensure that students develop appropriate behaviors while in school. If there is any problem involving your child or difficulties at home or in the family that may affect your child’s behavior, please let us know so that we can work with you and your child during a difficult time.


Q. Detention Policy – Lunch or After School

o The teacher may assign detention during a recess period and the student will be required to sit during play time.

o The principal or assistant principal may assign lunch detention in the office. Students will eat lunch in the office.

o After School Detention may be assigned by the Assistant Principal/Principal from 2:30 until 3:15 (Boys’ Campus) or from 2:45 until 3:30 (Girls’ Campus.) After school detention will be operated four (4) days a week, Sunday through Wednesday

o Parents will either be telephoned or a letter/note will be sent if After-School Detention has been assigned.

R. DRESS CODE for ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Students are required to adhere to the school’s mandatory dress code as follows:

Girls’ Dress Code:

o All ACA students must purchase the mandatory School Uniforms which must also meet the dress code for length and looseness.

o Elementary girls may wear the sweat pants daily. o No jean jackets are allowed. o Hijab, headscarf, or bandanas in plain navy blue, black, or white. o Jewelry or accessories must be small in size. o No open-toed shoes (sandals), flip-flops, Crocs, or roller-blade shoes.

Tennis shoes should not have cleats. Boys’ Dress Code:

o All ACA students must purchase the mandatory School Uniforms which must meet the dress code for length and looseness. However, because of this year’s difficulties with adequate sizes, the boys’ campus will allow boys to be dressed in white dress or polo style shirts with blue slacks.

o Tennis, sneakers or regular shoes (blue, black, or white). No crocs, flip flops or shoes with cleats.

Please note that our Dress Code is enforced. When sending your son or daughter to school in tennis shoes please be sure the shoes do not have cleats on the soles of the shoes. This type of tennis shoe will not be allowed.


Support Services

A. Counseling Department

The Counseling Department at ACA is dedicated to providing academic, social and emotional guidance and counseling services to our students and their families. In addition, comprehensive college and career development counseling is provided to our High School students. Our goal is to assist in the development of the whole child so that our students can effectively meet the academic, social and emotional challenges that they are faced with every day.

ACA’s Counseling Department includes a dedicated counselor for each division of the school and is comprised of professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The Counseling Department operates within the guidelines of the Kuwait Ministry of Private Education.

The counseling process may include:

o Formal and informal observations o Formal and informal interviews with students, parents and teachers o Child Study Team Meetings o Educational testing at ACA o Recommendation and referral for outside testing

Students may be referred to the Counseling Department by teachers, parents, administration and other school personnel, or they may come to see the counselor on their own. Upon referral, the counselor will assess the needs of the student and take whatever action is deemed necessary. This assessment may be formal or informal in nature and could include any of the standardized testing tools available to our department. Counselors may organize and facilitate Child Study Team meetings and will coordinate follow-up on any recommended action.

The counselor may contact parents to request their involvement in the process and/or inform them of the action being taken to meet their child’s needs. If the need for further testing is determined, a recommendation will be discussed with parents and the counselor will prepare the necessary documentation for referral.

The counseling experience is intended to be a positive one. Helping students to establish good behavior patterns is an important objective of our school. Teachers and administrators will handle the initial stages of the discipline process. Counselors may intervene when necessary with a focus on promoting acceptable behavior.

With your support, the ACA Counseling Department will meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students while helping to build strong bonds of respect, cooperation and communication between teachers, administrators, students and parents.

B. The Learning Center Program; Grades 3-5

The objective of the Learning Center at the American Creativity Academy is to provide assistance to elementary students, currently enrolled, who have been identified by teachers as needing additional assistance in the curriculum. Students eligible to receive services are (a) those demonstrating pervasive academic difficulties (i.e.,difficulties in many areas of the English curriculum) and (b) those demonstrating the need for remedial assistance in one specific content area (e.g.,telling time, math facts, reading charts, maps, phonics, sight words). This is not a


program for meeting the needs of ESL students. ESL will deliver that program. For students in grades 1& 2.

It is the policy of ACA not to accept students with special needs. ACA is not a special needs school. However, throughout the school year elementary students may be identified by teachers as having difficulty with the curriculum and may require modified instruction. The Learning Center is one resource for helping in modified instruction. The Learning Center will attempt to meet the needs of these children to the best or their ability. Child Study Team (CST) involvement will be required for those students who are presenting pervasive academic difficulties and showing minimal success in the Learning Center or modified instruction. These students may be referred to outside professionals for evaluation. If the student is deemed to require intensive remedial assistance, a meeting with the parents will be held to discuss other placement options.

C. English as a Second Language

ACA policy states that English proficiency is a requirement for admission. However because our students live in an Arabic environment where family ties and local culture are extremely important, their English may not keep up with the demands of the curriculum unless all teachers use ESL techniques and are sensitive to the ESL needs of their students. There are two ESL Specialists assigned to assist students in grades one and two who are experiencing academic difficulty due to weak English skills. All teachers have access to ESL training and guidance.

D. Arabic as a Foreign Language Program (AFL) and Special Religion Program (SR)

These programs are available for those students whose first language is not Arabic and therefore require assistance in acquiring the Arabic language and in understanding the Koran in the English language. To participate in this program the students are assessed at the beginning of the academic year and must obtain MOE approval.

E. Library / Media Services

The library is a wonderful place to encourage reading for pleasure or to do school research. We encourage the use of our school library by students and parents during school hours. Students are expected to work or read quietly while in the library. Eating and drinking in the library is not permitted. Books may be checked out for use with the exception of Reference materials. Students are responsible for any materials checked out by them. Lost materials must be replaced and a fine will be charged for something lost. Overdue books or lost books will result in the withholding of a child’s report card until the replacement fee is paid.


Computer Use: The students will be able to access the Internet for research at school in the library or in the Computer Labs. We encourage students in learning how to access information for learning and communicating with “pen pals” in other schools. The classrooms also contain computers and the teacher may allow the use of the Internet during special class times.

Please keep in mind that while we will monitor the Internet access and do our best to filler questionable sites, we cannot guarantee that a student will not access a web site considered inappropriate for school use. Any inappropriate use will result in elimination of this right to any individual student, and may result in disciplinary action as well. The Assistant Principal or Principal will deem what is unacceptable use of the Internet and his/her decision is final.

Netiquette must be followed in using the Internet. Netiquette includes, but is not limited to the following:

o Individuals are responsible for all materials sent and received. o Use of appropriate language, as determined by staff and general Internet rules, is

expected of students using the Internet. o The user is not permitted to reveal their personal address or phone number, or that of

other students, while online.

Elementary students do not usually cause mischief when using the Internet; however we do have specific areas of concern that will result in loss of privileges.

General violations include:

Intentional visitation of sites which are not curriculum related Attempts to break into anyone’s computer, files or programs Accessing any server with intent to damage, change, or destroy Accessing a computer to retrieve other students’ work Live chats on any chat line E-Mail violations include: Messages that may cause harm to a person or property Messages that are offensive, crude, or indecent Messages which do not identify the sender Messages which insult, slander or harass Messages which annoy or abuse another person Messages considered to be a threat to another

You are asked to discuss these with your child prior to signing the agreement (Appendix 1) to allow your child to use the Internet.


F. FIELD TRIPS

Students are taken on field trips during the school year to reinforce what is being learned in the classroom. Teachers will send a written Field Trip Permission form to you for your signature before your child is allowed to leave school with the class on a Field Trip. Verbal permission is not accepted. Occasionally, parents will be asked to join the class to provide supervision with the teacher. Please leave small children at home if you plan to join a class for a Field Trip. Make this time special for you and your child. Parents are requested to provide their own transportation on field trips as per Ministry requirements.

Please note: A) if a student does not return the signed permission slip to go along on a field trip, prior to the field trip day, the student will remain at school under the supervision of another teacher. Telephone calls home and voice permissions are not acceptable. B) Going on a field trip is earned- it’s a privilege to those students who live by our ACA code of conduct. Students who continually make inappropriate decisions and ignore our code will not be allowed to join their peers on the field trip.

G. Lost and Found

The Lost and Found areas at each school are where you may find your child’s lost sweater, coat, lunch box, or other items left in the cafeteria or on the playground. Please check these areas if your child is missing something. The Lost and Found area is located between the Administration Building and the Clinic on the Boys’ Campus; and outside of the elementary computer lab on the Girls’ Campus.

H. Lunch / Recess / Cafeteria

Students will have a lunch period and recess times as per the schedule. Students are expected to keep their eating area neat and clean up after themselves. They should show respect to each other, the environment and follow school rules. Soft drinks of any kind (Coke, 7-UP etc.) and chocolate or candy are not allowed at school or in a child’s lunch box. An adult will take them away. Fruit and fruit juices as well as water are better choices and much better nutritionally. A healthy snack at this time for your child will provide the necessary energy he/she needs to work better in the classroom. Suggestions for nutritional items might be your child’s favorite fruit, a sandwich made of Zatar and mint, or cheese of some type, raw vegetables such as carrot sticks, or a hamburger, nuts, cheese pie, etc. Chips and cookies are discouraged in the Elementary schools.


I. Bus Services ACA shall provide bus transportation for a fee to its students who

apply for transportation to and from school. ACA makes every effort to ensure students safety while being transported on a school bus. In keeping with this rule of safety, procedures will be in place to ensure that student safety is kept as a priority. ACA does not own school buses and must subcontract the busing service for its students.

In addition to the responsibilities of the transportation company, our students must abide by the guidelines provided. Use of the school bus service is defined as a privilege, and the Academy reserves the right to suspend or revoke at any time if a student fails to abide by the stated rules of conduct.

School Transportation Discipline Policy:

First Offense – A letter from the transportation supervisor will be sent home to the parents stating the problem. A copy of the letter is forwarded to the school assistant principal/principal. Second Offense – The student is brought to the Principal’s office and a letter is written from the Principal to the parents stating the continuing misbehavior and possible revokation of the bus privileges.

Third Offense – The student is suspended from the school bus for a certain length of time determined by the school assistant principal / principal. The bus fee is not relinquished due to the student being removed from the bus transportation.

J. PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES

Parents may sign up for Parent Conferences at a date designated after the first quarter and third quarter, to review the progress of the child with the teachers. In addition, you may schedule a conference with your child’s teacher at any time during the school year. To make such an appointment, contact your child’s teacher by note, or by leaving a telephone message or email with the receptionist for the teacher to contact you. Your child’s teacher may choose to have a student directed conference, at which time the child will conduct the conference with you and the teacher. This involves the child showing you her/his successes and areas of concern, and encourages the child to take responsibility for his academic progress.

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Appendix 1

ACA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT A. For Parents

Elementary students have access to a variety of technological tools, including the use of the Internet for research and educational purposes. Our goal is to provide safe services to students. The American Creativity Academy has made every effort, through filtering devices to eliminate inappropriate material, language, and pictures. No filtering device is 100 % effective. Please be aware that it is possible that inappropriate material may slip past the filtering device, in which case the student must report it immediately to the classroom instructor who will report the incident to the technology department so the site can be added to the filtering device. To qualify to use computers and the Internet, ACA students and parents must agree to abide by the rules set forth in the district acceptable use policy.

B. Acceptable Use by the Student:

1. Use appropriate and polite language in electronic mail. 2. Respect the work of others. Work only on files that belong to you. 3. Use the computer equipment responsibly. Report any damage immediately. 4. Do not give out personal information on the Internet. 5. Visit websites under the direction of your teacher. 6. Close any sites that make you feel uncomfortable. Report it to the teacher immediately. 7. Ask your teacher about copyrighted or appropriateness of material before you download anything from the

Internet.

C. My Promise to Follow the Rules My parents and I have reviewed and discussed ACA’s Acceptable Use Policy. I understand the importance of being polite, respectful, honest and obeying all of the rules in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that I should not give out personal information about myself or my family on the Internet. I also understand that the Internet is for electronic information resources that are to be used for educational purposes. If I break the rules of the acceptable use policy, I understand that my computer usage can be suspended, or that other disciplinary action can be taken. I promise to follow the rules. Student’s Name (please print):_______________________________________________________ Class: ______________ Homeroom Teacher’s Name: ______________________________________________________ Student’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________

D. For the Parent or Legal Guardian

As the parent of my elementary age student, I have read, understand and discussed the American Creativity Academy’s Acceptable Use Policy with my child. I understand the use of the school’s electronic services is for educational purposes. I recognize that the school has initiated reasonable safeguards to filter and monitor inappropriate materials. I understand that while the school has also taken steps to restrict access on the Internet to inappropriate information and sites, it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials. I further recognize that if my child does not abide by the rules of acceptable use, he/she may be disciplined.

Parent’s Name (please print):_______________________________ E-mail: ____________________________

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________________________

Documents

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