Kindergarten, Maamoura Branch PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK...

1 | Parent-Student Handbook Academic Year 2017 – 2018

Kindergarten, Maamoura Branch

PARENT – STUDENT HANDBOOK

Academic Year 2017 – 2018


TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Directory 4

Welcome Letter 5

School Calendar 6

SECTION ONE: NEED TO KNOW

School Vision 8

School Mission 8

Our Values 9

School Hours 10

End of Day Procedure 10

School Timings 10

Reservation for the Next Academic Year 10

New Admission 11

Withdrawal from School 11

Early Dismissal 11

Transferring Classrooms 11

Transportation 11

English Spoken in English 12

School Attire 12

Parents/Teachers Meeting 12

Transfers 13

Communication with Parents 13

School Website 13

Health and Safety 13

School Cafeteria 14

Lost and Found Items 14

Extracurricular Activities 14

In-school Activities 15

Sports Day 15

Book Fair 15

Bake Sale 15

Qatar National Day 15

Other Activities 15

Parties, Treats & Gifts 15

SECTION TWO - CURRICULUM

Common Core 17


Curriculum Books 17

KG1 Overview 18/19

KG2 Overview 20/21

Supplies 22

Assessments 22

Quizzes 22

Study Guide 22

Promotion Criteria 22

Examination Rules 23

Progress Report 23

Report Cards 23

Grading 23

Homework 23

Classwork 23

SECTION THREE - DISCIPLINE PROTOCOL

Discipline Protocol 25

Grooming 25

Gum 26

Mobile Phone Policy 26

Electronic Gadgets 26

Bullying / Harassment 26

Discrimination / Discriminatory Remarks 26

Warning Letters 26

UNDERTAKING 27


School Directory

P.O. Box 22978

Main Bldg. Telephone Numbers: +974 4455 1278; +974 4466 3241

Main Bldg. Fax No.: +974 4455 1281

KG Maamoura: +974 4462 6156

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.americanacademy.sch.qa

http://www.americanacademy.sch.qa/


WELCOME TO OUR KINDERGARTEN

Dear Parents & Students, On behalf of the staff at American Academy Kindergarten, Maamoura Branch, I am happy to welcome you to the 2017 – 2018 school year! We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in order to be successful in school, the children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for the children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities. We urge you to guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she: 1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience. 2) Completes all homework assignments given by teachers. 3) Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills. 4) Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life. 5) Inform you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject. 6) Knows that you expect him/her to succeed in school and go on to college. 7) Follow all the school rules and regulations. It is very important that you and your child are fully informed regarding standards related to appropriate behavior for a safe and productive school year. This Parent’s Guide has been put together to familiarize you with our Kindergarten’s policies, rules and regulations. We would like you to please read it carefully and sign the last page and return it back to your child’s Homeroom teacher by no later than Sunday, October 15, 2017. If you have any concerns, complaints or suggestions please email the Admin on [email protected] or call us on school phone no: 44626156. I am looking forward to working with all of you as we plan together for a productive new school year. We are privileged to be a part of this school family, and we thank you for your support. Kind regards, Randa Araki Coordinator


Section 1

NEED TO KNOW


Section 1: NEED TO KNOW

The American Academy School was founded in 2000 and is under the

supervision and guidance of the Ministry of Education. It follows internationally

enriched American curriculum, serving a multicultural student body. It comprises

of Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and High School.

SCHOOL VISION:

The American Academy School aims to be a center of academic excellence

dedicated to producing leaders and global citizens of the future.

SCHOOL MISSION:

To meet modern education standards and to enforce the highest moral values

aiming at developing student’s potential through different teaching methods that

help them acquire self-confidence and individuality in a multi-cultural

environment.


Our Values

Honesty; Respect; Gratitude; Compassion; Responsibility

At American Academy School, we endeavor to instill good values in every child.

The true worth of a person is based on the virtues he/she possesses.

Honesty: Students should know that they should be truthful to themselves and

others. Students display honesty by doing their homework, completing their

projects and assignments in the stipulated time.

Respect: It is important that students know to respect others irrespective of their

religion, caste, creed, color, race, opinion and lifestyle. They should learn to treat

others the way they expect to be treated themselves.

Gratitude: Students should know the good things that happen to them and not

take anything for granted. Showing appreciation to others, being thankful to

others goes a long way to be good human beings.

Compassion: American Academy School students need to be compassionate

to the needs of others. Students can display compassion by helping new

students feel welcome, by respecting their opinions and ideas. Students can

display compassion by helping a classmate understand the homework - not

allowing the classmate to copy the work, but by explaining the work so he/she is

better able to succeed on the test or quiz.

Responsibility: Every student takes ownership for their behavior, asks for help

when needed and helps others in need. Students take the responsibility to come

to school on time, be organized and be prepared to learn.

It is very important that every American Academy School student and staff

member adheres to and displays the American Academy School values. This will

ensure a positive and a healthy climate in school.


SCHOOL HOURS:

School gate opens at 6:30am. THE GATE WILL CLOSE AT 8:00am. In the

afternoon the gate opens at 12:30pm and closes at 1:30pm. Students should be

in school by latest 7:30am. All students must go directly to their classrooms.

Under no circumstances should any child be left outside the school premises by

the parents.

END OF THE DAY PROCEDURE:

Any student who is still in school at 1:15pm must be collected from the TV room,

from the Duty Staff. There will be no supervision after 2:00pm. If you are late

then please call the office on Phone no: 44626156.

School Timings: (Sunday to Thursday)

KG1:

Free

Activity

07:15-

08:00

1st period

08:00-

08:45

Break

08:45-

09:45

2nd period

09:45-

10:30

3rd period

10:30-

11:15

Break

11:15-

11:30

4th period

11:30-

12:15

KG2:

Free

Activity

07:15-

08:00

1st

period

08:00-

08:45

2nd

period

08:45-

09:30

Break

09:30-

10:00

3rd

period

10:00-

10:45

4th

period

10:45-

11:30

Break

11:30-

11:50

5th

period

11:50-

12:30

RESERVATION FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR:

The school will send the Retainer Fee Forms in the beginning of April every year.

If your child will continue with us, please respond to our letter and pay the

Retainer Fee which is non-refundable but will be deducted from the first semester

tuition fee. This will ensure that a seat is reserved for your child for the new

academic year.


NEW ADMISSION:

Admission is open to students of all nationalities subject to availability of seats.

Students taking in new admission will undergo entrance examinations in English

and Math. Based on the results and the record of the previous school, the school

reserves the right to either admit or reject the student.

Annual fee structure will be posted on the school website.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL:

Students withdrawing from American Academy School need to provide a written

letter to the Principal of the school. To secure a progress report/ report card and

a reference letter from the school, students must settle all the outstanding

balance and other liabilities. No monetary refund.

EARLY DISMISSAL:

Students who want to leave the school during school hours need to take

permission from the Principal and parent/guardian. Students must obtain written

permission signed by the parent or guardian before leaving campus prior to the

regular dismissal time. Students who are ill will be checked by the school nurse

and she will call the parents if necessary as well as administer medication upon

approval. The parent/guardian should fill in the “Early Dismissal Form” at the

reception. Parents must not send their child/children to school if he/she feels

sick.

TRANSFERRING CLASSROOMS:

Each classroom has its own list of students. This list is to be treated as final.

Parents are not permitted to transfer their child/children to classrooms as per

their desire.

TRANSPORTATION:

The school has no transportation facility. The parents must arrange for their

child/children transportation. The school is not responsible for buses or any other

private transportation. The school will not accept any complaints regarding this

issue.

If parents send a new driver, colleague, relative or friend to the school to collect

his/her child, then the said person must please pass by the reception desk with

their Qatar ID.


ENGLISH SPOKEN IN SCHOOL:

At American Academy School, English is the language of instruction in most

classes, English should be the only language spoken in the school premises.

The exception is in Arabic and Islamic Studies class. Although students obviously

feel more comfortable speaking in their first language, this will not help them in

becoming more competent in speaking and functioning in English. This certainly

must be one of the objectives that non-native English speakers have in choosing

to attend American Academy School.

SCHOOL ATTIRE:

The students are expected to adhere to the complete school uniform.

Boys and Girls

KG1 & KG2

Red polo shirt

Checkered full pants

Black Shoes

P.E.

Red t-shirt

Navy blue gym tracks

Sports shoes

(white or black only)

Winter Uniform

Full School Uniform +

Navy blue school jacket

PARENT/TEACHERS MEETINGS:

There are two Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) throughout the year (one during

the first semester and the other during the second semester). The purpose is to

discuss the student’s progress. Parents will be notified before these meetings,

and are kindly requested to attend. Parents are given 5 minutes with each

teacher.

However, if there are any requests or queries before/ after these meetings,

parents may call for an appointment with the teacher. Parents are requested not

to ask teachers for their personal numbers.


TRANSFERS:

If a student is transferred to another school, then parents must please submit a

letter from the new school in order to collect any documents or report cards.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS:

It is imperative that the school is in contact with the parents when the need arises.

School communicates with the parents through memos, emails, SMS, phone

calls, Academic/ Behavior Reports.

Any meetings regarding discipline and/or academic issues either for teachers or

principal, appointments must be booked in advance. It is forbidden for parents to

enter classrooms or staffrooms to talk to any teacher or any staff member.

Parents are requested to send an email to

[email protected] for any requests, complaints or

suggestions and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Parents/Teacher

meeting will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

In case a parent exhibits inappropriate behavior towards any teacher or

employee in the school, the student’s file will have a report of the incident and it

will be automatically sent to the Ministry of Education or any other authorized

department to deal with the issue.

SCHOOL WEBSITE:

In order to have information about the Main Premises, parents can visit the

school website: http://www.americanacademy.sch.qa

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

In order to safeguard the students and to keep the environment safe, the

following items are banned from American Academy School: toys, fireworks,

matches, cigarette lighters, stink bombs, water pistols, skateboards, electronic

games, gadgets, and weapons of any kind, any smoking equipment, drugs and

sport equipment. If a student brings these or similar items to school, they may be

confiscated and kept in the principal’s office until a meeting is held with parents.

At American Academy School we promote healthy food for a healthy mind.

Please ensure that children carry healthy food to school. Fizzy drinks, chips,

chewing gum, chocolate and fast food are strictly prohibited.

mailto:[email protected]


Parents must advise/remind/inform their child or children to avoid running,

fighting, climbing the fence, and/or touching any electrical wires. Students must

not play outside the school gate at the end of the day. The school will not be

responsible for any accident that may happen outside the school gate in the

morning or at the end of the day.

SCHOOL CAFETERIA:

The school has a very small selection of cafeteria items available for purchase,

e.g. biscuits, juice and water, all items are QR1 or QR2 only. Parents are

responsible for a sandwich and fruit for both the breakfast break time and snack

time, as well as their child’s water bottle.

Students are responsible for cleaning up all their food and trash within the

designated eating areas.

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS:

There is a designated place for students to retrieve the items that have been lost

by them.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

• Physical Education: As part of keeping oneself fit and for the overall

development of the children, students are encouraged to participate

actively in Physical Education. Children who are unable to participate in

Physical Education, should get a medical report from their doctors stating

the reason for non-participation.

• Field Trips: Students get the opportunity to go out on educational and fun

trips every semester. The teachers arrange and supervise the conduct of

such outings only after having made adequate arrangements and

precautions. Prior written permission from the parents is required,

however, the parents reserve the right whether or not to send their children

for such outings.


IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: The school arranges in school activities for all students. This is to give importance to the overall development of the students. Parents will be informed in advance. SPORTS DAY:

The school organizes a sports day once a year. Teachers are expected to

cooperate with the management and encourage students to participate.

BOOK FAIR:

The school organizes a book fair every year. This gives the opportunity to the

students and the teachers to take a tour of the books available. The teachers

help the students in making conscious decision to buy appropriate books and

other educational material. Students should be encouraged to read.

BAKE SALE:

The school organizes a bake sale every year. This gives the opportunity to the

students and the teachers to enjoy a sumptuous and nutritious variety of food.

QATAR NATIONAL DAY:

The school also celebrates Qatar National Day with our students and teachers.

On this occasion, students and teachers can wear their Qatar National dress and

enjoy traditional activities.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

The school arranges several activities throughout the year.

PARTIES, TREATS & GIFTS:

Celebration of birthday parties or any private parties are NOT permitted on the

school premises. Parents are requested not to give gifts to the teachers. You

can show your appreciation by means of flowers or cards ONLY.


Section 2

CURRICULUM


SECTION 2: CURRICULUM

COMMON CORE:

The Common Core Curriculum prepares the students for success because

today’s students are preparing to enter a world of competition. In order to ensure

that the students are able to face the world after school, the common core

standards establish clear, consistent guidelines for what every student should

know and should be able to do in Math and English Language Arts from

Kindergarten through Grade 12.

The Common Core focuses on critical thinking, problem solving and analytical

skills which students will need to be successful.

CURRICULUM BOOKS:

The students are requested to follow the books prescribed by the curriculum

followed by the school.

For all KG2 Students:

It is compulsory for the students to attend the homeroom period during which

children will practice writing in their “morning” books and “handwriting” books.


September

Fine Motor and Cognitive skills

Development

• Tracing

• Coloring

• Clay molding

• Mirror image for letters

• Lower case letters( a to d)

• Songs and Rhymes

• Good morning to you

• Twinkle, twinkle, little

star

• Nelly the Elephant

Mathematics:

• Pre writing patterns

• Counting numbers from

0-10

• Tracing and writing

numbers from (0-2)

• Identify the circle shapes

and color red

Social Studies

• What is family: naming

different members of a

family

• What a family does

together

• Play together

• Share together

• Eat together

October


Development

• Coloring

• Mirror image

• Tracing and writing lower

case letters(e to l)

• Matching letters to the

correct pictures


• I’m a little teapot

• Incey wincey spider

• The wheels on the bus

• Rain, rain go away

Mathematics:


(0-14)


numbers from (3-6)

• Shapes and colors

• Identify triangle shape

and color yellow

Social Studies:

• Travel by land

• Travel by air

• Travel by sea

• Emergency transport

November


Development

• Coloring

• Mirror image


case letters(m to t)


correct pictures


• Round and round the

garden

• Ring around the roses

• Sally the camel

• Baa, baa! Black sheep

Mathematics:


(0-18)


numbers from (7-10)


• Red and yellow

Social Studies:

Healthy and unhealthy food

• Learning about different

kinds of healthy food.

Learning how junk food is not

good for you.

KG1 OVERVIEW A.Y. 2017-2018


December


Development

• Tracing

• Coloring

• Clay Molding

• Mirror image for letters


case letters (u to x)


• If you’re happy and you

know it

Mathematics:


0-20


numbers from (0-10)


• Identify the oval shape

and color blue

Social Studies:

• Farm Animals

• Naming the different

animals that live in a zoo

January


Development

• Coloring

• Mirror image


case letters (y to z)


correct pictures


• Head shoulders knees and

toes.

• One, Two, three, four and

five once I’ve got a fish.

Mathematics:


0-22


numbers from (0-10)


• Identify the rectangle

shape and colors red,

yellow and blue.

Social Studies:

• Living thing

• What living things need

• Non-living things

• What are Non-living

things


September

Language Arts:

Writing: unit 1 : write the uppercase

and lower case from (Aa to Hh)

*Students will write their names

*phonics (Aa-Zz) alphafriends

Mathematics:

*Go math volume 1

Chapter 1 : Represent, Count, and

Write Numbers 0-5

Ways to make 5

Understand 0 and identify it.

*writing numbers from (0-8)

Science:

*Body Parts

*Farm Animals and Zoo Animals

Social Studies:

*Family

October

Language Arts:

Writing: unit 1 : write the uppercase

and lower case from (Aa to Xx)



Mathematics:

*Go math volume 1

Chapter 2: Compare numbers to 5

Chapter 2: same number, Greater

and Less than.

Chapter 3: Represent, Count, and

Write Numbers 6 to 10


* write from 0-20

Science:

*body parts

* Animals Sounds

* the five Senses

Social Studies:

*Family

*Transport

November

Language Arts:

Writing: volume 1 unit 1 completing

sentences



(write from Aa-Zz)

Spelling and Vocabulary:

*Sight words: I , like

*Initial sound(Mm)

Grammar: Action verbs

Mathematics:

*Go math volume 1&2

Chapter 4: Represent and compare

numbers to 10.

Chapter 5: Addition

* number name (zero and one)


*write from 0-35

Science:

* the five Senses

Social Studies:

*Transport

*Good manners

KG2 OVERVIEW A.Y. 2017-2018


December

Language Arts:

Writing: volume 1 unit1: complete the

sentences

-Capitalized word at the beginning of

a sentence




*Initial sound : (Aa, Cc, Mm, Tt)

* sight words: (the, and, see, we, a)

Grammar:

*Nouns for people, Animals, and

things

Mathematics:

*Go math volume 2

Chapter 6: subtraction

Chapter 7: Represent, count, and

write 11 to 19


*Number name: (zero to five)

Science:

*Four seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter,

and Spring

Social Studies:

*Our needs and wants(water, food,

air, shelter)

January

Language Arts:

Writing: write the at- family words

*write the vowels


* Introduce the five vowels ( a, e, I, o,

u)


*Initial sound : (Aa, Cc, Nn, Pp, Tt, )

*Five vowels : short (a)

* The at family(cat, bat, hat, mat, sat,

rat, and fat)

* sight words: (come, me, my, with)

Grammar:

* volume 1 : unit 3; Sentence Part :

Subject

Mathematics:

*Go math volume 2

Chapter 8: Represent, Count and

write 20 and Beyond.

- Count by ones and tens


*Number name: (zero to five)

Science:

*Living and Non-living things

Social Studies:

* Community helper (teacher, Doctor,

vet, etc….

Additional Notes:

➢ All homework will be

submitted every Monday,

Wednesday, and Sunday.

➢ Spelling test every Thursday

( dictation words will be

given)

➢ Morning book and

handwriting practice will be

given every day


SUPPLIES:

• KG1 & KG2

Kindly check the welcome letters that we send with the children during

the first week of school and note the following:

1. All the supply items that you will send to school MUST be labeled

with your child’s name and to be used by him/her in class

throughout the year.

2. All the work sheets & revision sheets will be kept in the relevant

subject folder that you provide, and will be sent home at the end of

every month.

3. All students must have their own school diary. There is room for

teachers’ remarks and notes to the parents, and for parent’s notes

and requests to the teacher as well.

ASSESSMENTS:

An Assessment is an effective tool to evaluate a student's performance.

Semester assessments are conducted twice a year- January and May. The

semester exams are over 100 marks and are for two periods. (The given date

is subject to change, parents will be notified.)

QUIZZES:

Quizzes start in the second semester. Research shows that the more students

are tested the more knowledge they retain. Hence, quizzes help in increasing

student’s performance and boost their efficiency. Teachers are able to assess

the students understanding of the concepts taught in class. The quizzes are

over 10 marks and it is for duration of 15 minutes.

STUDY GUIDE:

Study Guide will be provided a week prior to the assessments.

PROMOTION CRITERIA:

a) A student has to write the semester exams on the stipulated dates.

b) A student must have completed his/her homework as well as assignments

on time.


c) A student must have completed his/her classwork on time and must have

participated in class.

d) A student should attain a minimum grade of 50%.

e) Students must have at least 85% attendance from the date of the opening

of the school for the new academic year.

EXAMINATION RULES:

Students must be present for the tests. The school will not give any make-up

exam unless a medical report from the Hamad Hospital has been submitted and

approved by the Coordinator.

PROGRESS REPORT:

Are supplied on the parent’s written request.

REPORT CARDS:

Report cards are provided twice a year, at the end of each semester

assessment. On the stipulated dates, parents/ authorized persons are

requested to collect the report cards from the school. Report Cards will not be

e-mailed.

GRADING:

Evaluating the student’s performance depend on a continuous assessment

system. Everything the student does is graded and added to his/her end of

semester exam grade. We believe, as most of the American schools do, that

this is the best way to give a clear picture about the student’s performance

throughout the school year.

The grading for all subjects includes behavior, classwork, homework, quizzes,

and final assessments.

HOMEWORK:

Homework gets issued as follows:

KG1: Monday & Thursday

KG2: Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday

To be returned back the following school day

CLASSWORK:


It is imperative that the students work with their teachers in class solving

worksheets or completing any given assignment.

Section 3

DISCIPLINE

PROTOCOL


Section 3: DISCIPLINE PROTOCOL:

The disciplinary policies listed below are to be followed.

Discipline is the training that develops self-control, orderliness, efficiency and

character. Basic to all discipline is the principle of respect – respect for one’s

self, for others and for all children.

• Students are expected at all times to behave obediently and respectfully

towards the teachers and other staff members in school.

• They are to show gentleness and courtesy towards their fellow students.

Screaming and noisy behavior is not allowed.

• Parents are expected to co-operate with the school by enforcing self-

control and discipline by maintaining a positive encouragement to their

child/children’s academic progress.

In order to maintain discipline, the academic coordinator in consultation with the

staff, reserves the right to cancel the registration of the student whose conduct

and progress is unsatisfactory.

Students who are not at the school by 8am, and are therefore late, will not be

allowed onto the premises unless prior arrangements have been made with the

office before gate closing time.

Students who are absent from school, must please provide a doctor’s note.

Students that need to leave early during the school hours must be signed out in

the office.

Please note: The school gate will not open between 12:00pm and 12:25pm,

unless in case of an emergency, then permission must be taken from the

coordinator.

GROOMING:


• Students should attend school in full school uniform. In case the uniform is

ruined or damaged, etc. students will be asked to acquire a new one.

• Girls with medium/long length hair are expected to have their hair tied at

all times.

• Boys must always have their hair cut short.

GUM:

Chewing gum is NOT Permitted in the school premises.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY:

Mobile phones and personal listening devices are strictly prohibited. If a student brings or uses his/her mobile or any personal listening device to school, it will be confiscated till end of the academic year.

ELECTRONIC GADGETS:

Students are prohibited from bringing any electronic gadgets to school eg.

IPad, iPod etc.

BULLYING / HARRASMENT:

Successful schools are built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. ANY action that causes a person to feel threatened, belittled, afraid, ashamed, angry, or hurt will be deemed to be harassment. It is not acceptable to pick on each other, call someone inappropriate names, push and shove, hide things, or tease someone. Behavior of this nature is considered bullying and will not be tolerated. Bullying and harassment are considered major infractions of the discipline code. Five steps to stop bullying/harassment:

1. Tell the person to stop. Keep calm. Walk away. Do not laugh or play along. 2. Ignore it and walk away, if it happens again. 3. If it happens a third time, ask an adult for help. 4. Help others. 5. Tell someone.

DISCRIMINATION/ DISCRIMINATORY REMARKS

The American Academy School welcomes students from all nationalities. It gives

equal opportunities to students irrespective of gender, religion or color. One of our

values is respect, hence we forbid students from using any kind of discriminatory

remarks towards their fellow mates, teachers or anyone.


WARNING LETTERS A warning letter is a form of communication between the school and the parent.

Students may receive a warning letter if he/she causes an infraction or struggling

academically. Parents are required to sign the warning letter and return it the

following day.

I hereby read, understood and accepted all the school rules and regulations

mentioned in this handbook. I agree to maintain involvement with my child’s education

to the best of my ability. If any obstacle or extenuating circumstances hinder or prevent

me from my full commitment, I will be held liable for any action my son or daughter may

cause. These rules and regulation are as per the School Policy and from the Ministry of

Education and Higher Education.

Student’s Name: ______________________________________Grade: ___________ Parent’s Name Date: ___________ ________________________________ Parent’s Signature

Kindergarten, Maamoura Branch PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK...

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