DoDEA Mission

Bavaria District Mission Statement

At Schweinfurt Elementary School we have implemented the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan  (CSP) to help students reach their fullest potential.  Important goals include:

Promoting Highest Student Achievement

• Reading on Grade Level

• Mastery of Math Facts

• Literacy Practice

• Problem Solving Strategies

A Network of Partnerships Promoting Achievement

• School Advisory Committee (SAC)

• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

• Reading at Home / Reading Starts with Us

• Checking Homework

• Parent/Teacher Communication (notes, phone calls, e-mail, newsletters)

Daily School Schedule:

0715 - 0745 Breakfast
0800 - Students enter buildings
0805 - School Day Begins
          (Sure Start begins at 0820)

1045 - 1120 - Kindergarten Lunch
1055 - 1130 - Lunch Grade 1
1125 - 1200 - Lunch Grade 2 
1140 - 1215 - Lunch Grade 4
1200 - 1235 - Lunch Grade 5
1215 - 1255 - Lunch Grade 3

1420 - Dismissal for all Grades
1430 - Buses Depart

Website: http://www.schw-es-eu.dodea.edu

Main Office.............DSN 354-6518
                               CIV 09721-81 893
                               HOURS: 0730-1630

School Nurse...........DSN 354-6446
                                CIV 09721-80 6171
                                HOURS: 0740-1450

School Counselors
            Grades K-2: 09721-96 6790
            Grades 3-5:  DSN 354-6623
                                CIV 09721-81 895

CSC Office.............DSN 354-6356
                               CIV 09721-966 356

School Bus Office ...DSN 354–6236 or
                                         354-6677
                               CIV 09721-81 355
                                HOURS:  0730-1630

AAFES.................. 09721-808 847 or
Cafeteria Manager   09721-803 279

School's Officer
Damon McGibboney...DSN 354-6090

Inclement Weather

For questions regarding school closures or delayed start due to inclement weather please call:

Schools may have a two-hour delay, in which case classes for all students (both bus and walkers) will begin at 1000 hours.  See the SES Transportation Page for links to Websites that update weather conditions and school closures during the winter months.

Communication / Newsletters

Ongoing communication between school and home is important.  We encourage parents to keep teachers informed of special situations which may impact their child’s learning.  Whenever questions or concerns arise, please contact the teacher or other appropriate school staff member (nurse, counselor, administrator, etc.) to assist in clarifying any issues. 

Parent Newsletters and bulletins are sent home frequently in an effort to keep parents and sponsors informed about school events. Starting this year, most communiqués will be sent electronically.  The SES PTA also sends home frequent information regarding special programs of interst to parents. We suggest that you check the SES Web site on a regular basis. The calendar and information about our Continuous School Improvement plan are updated frequently.
 

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Admission Requirements

Children five years of age by October 31 of this school year may be enrolled in kindergarten.  Those six years of age by October 31 may enter first grade.  Parents enrolling students during the school year are requested to bring the following documents: school reports or report cards from the last school attended, social security number, immunization records, and a copy of the sponsor's current orders.  A birth certificate or other verification of birth date is required for new enrollees in kindergarten or first grade.  Children must be three years old to be eligible to receive pre-school for children with disabilities (PSCD) services, and four years old to enter Sure Start. They must also meet the requirements of the program.

There is a mandatory immunization policy for children attending DoDEA schools. A child will not be allowed to start school without proof of the following immunizations:

For further information on immunizations, please check the following DoDEA link or contact the school nurse. http://www.dodea.edu/parents/immunizations.cfm

Attendance

Students are to attend school regularly and arrive on time.  If your child will be late or absent, you must notify the school office before 0830. This is a EUCOM/DoDDS-E policy.

Students should not arrive more than five minutes before the start of the school day.  Upon arrival they should proceed to the designated waiting areas which are supervised by staff members.

Supervision is not provided for students on campus before 0750 or after 1430 unless they are at breakfast or participating in an after-school club or activity.

Absences

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to call the school every time a student is absent. If the absence is to be considered excused, a signed note from a parent is required upon returning to school.

Excused absences will be granted for illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, and family trips.  
An excused absence is one for which the student will be given make-up privileges and credit. 

Make-up Work

Students are expected to make-up assignments missed due to absences. 

Family trips are viewed to be sound educational activities. As such, these absences are considered excused with all make-up privileges. 

Parents are encouraged to request assignments if they know that their child will be absent for an extended period. 
 

Registration

Please ensure that your children are re-registered each year.  Instructions and packets for registration can be obtained at the front office. A copy of the sponsor's current orders must be presented with the registration form(s) to determine eligibility for space availability or space required enrollment.

Registration is held each year in the spring for returning students.  If the sponsor's orders are more than three (3) years old when the student registers, a copy of extension orders or a Confirmation of Status form is required.  Registration forms are also accepted throughout the summer from 830 - 1500 hours.  Students do not begin attendance until schedules have been developed and teachers have been notified.  This will usually be the following day if the student is registered by 1100 hours.

Home Schooling

USAREUR requires all sponsors with dependents taught through a home schooling program to register with the MILCOM School's Officer regardless of whether the child attends a private school, German school, or is home schooled.

Homework Policy

Homework is "an assignment to be done outside the classroom to reinforce classroom instruction, increase understanding and retention, transfer and extend classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion, and provide curriculum enrichment.”

Students are responsible for completing assignments according to instructions and for asking for assistance and/or clarification regarding assignments.  Students should have the necessary materials bothe in class and at home for completion of assignments.

Parents should provide students with an environment and necessary tools that promote good study habits. We encourage parents to work closely with their children on all homework assignments.  Doing so gives parents the opportunity to work with their children on activities centered on learning.  Parental involvement in homework not only ensures its accurate completion but also demonstrates parental commitment to the value of education.

Late Arrivals / Tardiness

The school day starts at 0800 and ends at 1420.  A note stating the reason for the tardiness, the date, and a parent signature  must verify any tardiness.

If your child arrives at school after the day has begun, please take your him/her to the Main Office to obtain an admission slip.

Leaving School Early  / Changes in the Daily Routine

Written instructions to the student’s teacher are required when there will be a change in the student’s schedule.  Due to force protection regulations, telephonic requests cannot be used to authorize a changed routine for your child or for someone other than the sponsor to pick up the child.

If a child must leave school early,  go to the office to check him/her out.  Please refrain from checking children out early unless absolutely necessary.  It is important to avoid disruptions to the classroom.  Please try to schedule appointments after the school day whenever possible.  Pulling students out of school early is just as disruptive as being tardy.  Students need to complete the day so they can have their homework and understand their assignments.

Truancy/Skipping School

All students enrolled in DoDDS schools must attend classes regularly and punctually in order to remain enrolled.

Leaving school or not attending school without parent or staff permission is considered truancy and is subject to disciplinary action.

Visitors / Visitor Parking

All visitors must sign in and out at the school's main office.  A visitor's pass from the office is required of anyone who visits our school.  Students who wish to bring visitors to school must get advanced permission from their classroom teacher and an administrator.  There should be a valid purpose for the visit.  Siblings will not be brought to school as visitors.

After 0800, volunteers may park in available spaces in the staff parking lot.  Please be aware that parking in the Commissary lot is for Commissary patrons only.

Withdrawal from School

We ask that parents (other than in emergency situations) notify the Main Office at least five working days in advance in order to have their child's records ready for pick up.  A copy of the sponsor's PCS orders must be filed in the main office at this time. Records will be ready at 1430 on the child's last day of school.

Students withdrawing from school early due to a PCS will receive credit for the school year providing that the withdrawal date is no earlier than 20 school days before the end of the first or second semester. A student must be present at least 20 dazs in a quarter in order to receive a progress report for that quarter.

Bus Transportation  

• Riding school buses is a privilege, not a right!

• That privilege may be suspended or revoked for inappropriate behavior

• Students must be registered with the School Bus Office (SBO) and must have a valid bus pass whenever they board their assigned bus.

• A copy of the rules for bus students is given to each bus rider. 

Students will be expected to ride the bus home daily unless written notification is given to the teacher and the office.

The School  Bus Office is responsible for routing and scheduling of buses. Inquires about bus routes or delays in bus arrival should be directed to the SBO at 09721/81355  or DSN 354-6236

Bus Rules

DoDEA Behavior Standards for School Bus Students

Students will conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner and comply with the DoDEA behavior standards for school bus students.  On or around school buses, students must conduct themselves in accordance with the following school bus rules:

1. Obey the driver or adult.
2. Enter and exit the bus safely and always show your bus pass.
3. Stay properly seated and use seatbelts when available.
4. Keep your hands, feet, and other body parts to yourself.
5. Do not throw things.
6. Put nothing out the window.
7. Remain quiet and do not disturb the driver or others.
8. No profanity, indecency, smoking, prohibited items, or vandalism will be tolerated.
9. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.
10. Be responsible; be safe.

Community Dress Code

Schweinfurt Elementary School seeks to maintain and promote an orderly and effective learning environment for students. The community dress code  is mandatory.  Each student is expected to wear the prescribed clothing components while attending Schweinfurt Elementary School.

Clothing will be clean, neat, serviceable, and worn properly for the general, personal health and safety of the student.  In support of the community dress code, bandanas will not be allowed at school.  Pants, skirts, and shorts will be worn at the waist.  A belt is required only if the clothing cannot otherwise be worn at the waist.

Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be expected to change.  Their parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing.

School personnel will enforce the dress code and take the necessary disciplinary action when students are not in compliance with this policy.

Newly enrolled students are required to obtain  school dress code items within the first two weeks of school.

During cold weather, children must wear enough warm clothing so they can remain outside for at least 20 minutes each day during recess periods. Please note: for those new to Germany, the winter can bring low temperatures for many weeks.

The PTA offers a variety of sweatshirts, long_-sleeved T-shirts, and short-sleeved T-shirts with the school logo.  These items can be purchased for a nominal fee and are appropriate school wear. Items of clothing should be free of any logo other than the school logo.

A complete copy of the Dress Code Policy is maintained at each school and the offices of the Schools’ Liaison Officer.  The Web site is: http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil/sites/newcomers/school.asp.

Lost & Found

Please mark all clothing so items may be reclaimed at the Lost and Found Box in the cafeteria/MPR or the front office.

New Student Sponsorship

Schweinfurt Elementary has implemented a Student Sponsorship Program in order to acquaint new students and their parents with our school.  A student sponsor will be assigned to the new student and guide him/her around for the first couple of weeks at our school.

Study Trips

• Students are encouraged to participate in study trips.
• Students are expected to adhere to all school rules while on study trips.
• Parents are needed to chaperone study trips. Chaperone requirements are one chaperone for every five students for grades K-3 and one chaperone for every seven students in grades 4-5.
• If the required number of chaperones has not been met, the trip will be canceled.
• Parent chaperones may not bring siblings or other children on study trips.

System-Wide Testing

DoDDS administers system-wide standardized tests to all students in grades 3-11 in March.  DoDEA assesses various curricular areas including math, language arts, science, and social studies. Standardized tests given at SES include the NAEP, Terra Nova,  DRA (reading), and SRI (reading). Students are expected to be in attendance during testing periods. Parents must provide a written request to excuse their child from participating in any system-wide assessment.

Reading Counts!

Throughout SES, the students are reading books at their appropriate independent reading levels.  Over 6,000 library books are color-coded to let students know at a glance the reading level of both fiction and non-fiction books.  (See the chart below for lexile level color codes.)

Students take an assessment called the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) early in the year to determine their reading level.  In the pre-kindergarten through the early part of first grade this assessment is not given, but the Reading Counts program is still used as an oral reading activity.  The SRI assessment is re-administered close to the end of the first semester and again at the end of the year to measure growth in reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Students may take a test on each book they read in the Reading Counts program.  Come visit the multipurpose room and watch as your child's brick advances on the Reading Counts Castle as he/she amasses Reading counts points.   Our castle helps to promote the DoDEA language arts standard that students in grades 3-5 will read a minimum of 25-30 chapter books a year.  Since books for younger children are usually designed to be read in a much shorter time frame, their standards indicate that students will be able to independently or with assistance read four or more books every day.

With our school emphasis on reading, we strongly encourage parents to utilize books as rewards and reading time as treasured family time as well as independent enjoyment. It is recommended that students read for a minimum of 30 minutes daily up to grade 2.  Students in grades 3-5 should read for at least 30-60 minutes a day.  Books in the library are coded according to the following  Lexile levels.:

For more information on Lexile framework for reading, please visit:  www.lexile.com
For more information on Scholastic Reading Inventory please visit: www.scholastic.com/sri

Technology 

All students are required to abide by the DoDEA Internet Access Agreement which establishes guidelines for appropriate usage.  All students must sign the Internet Access Agreement included in the registration packet before they are allowed to use the Internet. Additionally, all students will receive information about Internet safety as part of the I-Safe Program, an ongoing educational safety initiative mandated by Congress.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled at the end of the first quarter and periodically thereafter.  It is very important to attend these meetings with your child's teacher(s).  The military supports DoDDS and considers the school the sponsor's place of duty on conference days. You will find the scheduled dates on the calendar in this handbook. 

Progress Reports

• Progress Reports (Report Cards)  are issued at the end of each quarter.
• The first quarterly Progress Reports will be issued to parents at the first Parent-Teacher conference in November.
• The other three Progress Reports will be hand carried home by the students.

Assessment Reports: In addition to the Terra Nova assessment reports that parents of students in grades 3-5 receive in May, students in many grades will receive reports about their progress in Reading Counts (indicating the number of books read and tests of comprehension on those books) and the  Scholastic Reading Inventory (indicating the child's appropriate independent reading level).

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Honor Roll Guidelines for 4th and 5th Grade Students

"A" or Principal's  Honor Roll: 
All "A’s" are required in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

"A/B" Honor Roll:
All "A’s" and/or "B’s" are required in Reading, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math.

Graduation
DoDDS does not recognize or authorize any graduations except from grade 12.  Schools MAY NOT HAVE ceremonies which "graduate" students from any other grade - to include PSCD, Sure Start, and Kindergarten.

Wilbur Awards

Students in grades K - 5 are eligible to receive "WILBUR" awards.  These awards for reading improvement are given monthly.  Recipients are recognized by the principal and information specialist for their reading gains.

Retention
 
Students who do not satisfactorily complete the requirements for promotion may be considered for retention.  The Student Placement Committee will contact parents and discuss their concerns about the child's present level of functioning and whether or not progress can be made at the next grade level.

Health Services

The school nurse serves as a health consultant and is a liaison between the community, the school, the military medical officers, and the parents. 

The nurse maintains and up-dates information in the student’s school health records.

Medication that must be taken at school due to medical conditions must follow these guidelines:

•  A doctor must prescribe the medication for the student.
•  The student or parent must also present a permission slip signed by both physician and parent in order for the  medication to be administered at school.
•  All medication must be brought to the nurse's office by an adult. It must be in a pharmacy labeled container with the name of the student, the amount and time it is to be taken.

If your child has had any of the following symptoms within the last 24 hours, please do not send him/her to school:

• A temperature higher than 100 degrees
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Continual Coughing
• Pain
• Pink Eye

Generally, if the student is too ill to participate in recess or outdoor activities, the student should stay at home.

DoDEA criteria for re-admittance to school requires that a child has been free for 24 hours after school exclusion from (a) temperature 100 degrees or higher, (b) significant nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, and (c) signs of chicken pox, lice, impetigo, conjunctivitis, ringworm, or scabies.

Several routine screening programs are conducted during the school year.  The screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, dental, and scoliosis.  Not all screenings are for all grade levels.

Each classroom is equipped with a First-Aid kit for minor injuries.  In the event that your child is injured or becomes ill at school, every effort will be made to contact a sponsor. 

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact numbers are extremely important in these times of heightened force protection. Please immediately provide the school's main office with two emergency contact numbers and any changes in phone numbers.

It is essential that emergency contact information be kept up to date.  Please keep the school informed of all current home, duty, spouse's work number, and emergency phone numbers. 

If parents cannot be reached, the Emergency Contact Person will be notified. If this is also unsuccessful the sponsor’s military unit will be contacted for assistance.

The school should be informed if parents will be in the field or traveling and have left their child in the care of someone else (in loco parentis).

In the unlikely event that students need to remain at school due to inclement weather or other reasons in which access to  Askren Manor and SES has been prohibited, the school needs information regarding where each child is to walk, or who will meet the child at school until access to Askren Manor and SES becomes available.  Alternate destination forms are to be completed (indicating whether a child is to walk or who will meet the child at the school) as part of the registration process.

Behavior Management

• Student conduct that interferes with learning or with teacher instruction is unacceptable.
   
• Students, parents, community, and the school share the responsibility for creating the best possible learning environment.
   
• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for others and school property. 
   
• Parents will be held accountable for the actions of their student. 
   
• School administrators, in concert with the student and the parent, will address all misconduct actions that fall within their purview and refer students to the MILCOM if continuous misconduct requiring community service, suspension, and/or expulsion occurs.

The 3 "Be's" of SES  

BE RESPECTFUL:  Treat others as you wish to be treated. Obey all adults in charge the first time Keep hands, feet, and objects to self Speak in an appropriate manner to all people   BE RESPONSIBLE:  Employ self-control; know that your words and actions affect others. Move in a safe, quiet manner at all times and respect other people's space Treat school property with care Before you touch other's belongings, ask for the owner's permission Clean up your space after all activities    BE READY:  Attentive behavior will allow teachers to teach and students to learn. Produce your best work every day Come to school prepared to work and learn (with supplies and your assigned work) Be attentive so you always know what to do next and where to go Be punctual throughout the entire school day Consequences for not following the 3 "B's" Verbal  reminder to student with positive intervention Notice of inappropriate behavior - verbal communication with parents 30-minute detention 60-minute detention Principal referral - conference with student and sponsor; possible suspension School liaison officer referral - community service

 Behavioral Expectations for Students at SES

All staff members contribute to Schweinfurt Elementary School's friendly, inviting environment.  We set the tone through our actions and attitudes. We will demonstrate our continuous support and encouragement of students in four important ways.

1. We will  teach students the expectations for responsible behavior in all school environments by relating student actions to our guidelines for success.  That is, we will encourage students to be respectful, to be responsible, and to be ready.
    
2. We will provide positive feedback to students when they are meeting expectations and following the guidelines for success.
    
3. We will view minor misbehaviors as teaching opportunities and will respond calmly and consistently with corrections or consequences.
    
4. We will work collaboratively to solve behavior problems that are chronic or severe in nature.
   

Classroom Rules

Classroom rules are posted in each room and shared with parents at the beginning of the school year.  Students are expected to become familiar with and follow these rules.

Normal school policies for student behavior apply to all school sponsored activities.  Inappropriate behavior may also result in the loss of the privilege of attending future school activities.

Classroom Celebrations Guidelines

Any special classroom celebration (i.e. student birthday or holiday celebration) will be held during the last hour of the day (any time after one o'clock).  Parents will be advised regarding individual teacher's guidelines for special celebrations and events.

Playground Expectations

• Line up quickly and quietly once the whistle blows / bell rings.
• Students need to stay in the designated playground areas.
• Play fighting / wrestling chasing, and tagging others is not allowed.
• Students are not to be on playground equipment without adult supervision
• Students are not to use equipment when lining up for morning entry or when being dismissed in the afternoon.

Playground rules apply to all playground areas and include all play equipment. The physical education teacher reviews rules of various playground games with the students throughout the course of the year.

Expectations in the Cafeteria

•  Follow directions of all adults.
•  Clean up after yourself - recycle items on trays and in lunchboxes.
•  Stay in your seat.
• No cutting in line.
•  All drinks, food, and utensils remain in the cafeteria.
•  Speak softly.
•  Raise your hand for help and to return cafeteria tray.

Detention

Detention is a consequence for repeated or more severe rule violations.

Detention can also be issued for failure to complete assigned academic work. 
Parents receive at least twenty-four hours notice of the detention.  A parent signature verifies receipt of a detention.

Suspensions
A suspension is issued only when all other interventions have been exhausted or in the case of a serious infraction.  Suspensions are issued by school administrators and may be either 'in school' suspension or home suspension.

Expulsions

Expulsion is the removal of a pupil from school for the remainder of a semester or school year.  In cases of repeated serious infractions or a very severe infraction such as drugs or weapons possession, expulsion is an option. Authority to expel lies within the purview of the District Superintendent.

Causes which may result in suspension or expulsion:

• Physical, sexual, and/or verbal abuse (violence)
• Weapons (real or replica)
• Drugs
• Vandalizing school property (including pulling a fire alarm)
• Willful disobedience toward any school authority
• Theft and/or extortion of money or property from others