PARENT HANDBOOK St. Kitts International Academy

September 2017 Version 2.0

Table of Contents Mission Statement............................. 2 Timetable ............................................13Goals ................................................. 2 Homework...........................................13Hours of Operation …………………. 2 Lunches, Snacks & Water............... 14Student Drop-off .............................. 2 Hot Lunch.......................................... 14Student Pick-up................................ 3 Snack ................................................. 14Attendance ...................................... 3 School Bus ........................................ 14Tuition Policy...................................... 8 Electronics at School ........................15Payments............................................ 8 Toys .................................................... 15

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School/ Parent Partnering................. 9 Birthday Traditions........................... 16Academic Issues.............................. 9 SKI Academy in the Home ............. 17Plagiarizing ………………………….....9 Student Records................................ 11Student Health ................................... 11 1. Parent as the Teacher......................................... 18Code of Behaviour........................... 11 2. Creating a “prepared environment at home”..18Code of Conduct............................. 13 3. Activities .............................................................. 18Dress Code ………............................ 14 Mission Statement: The St. Kitts International Academy aims to provide a carefully planned, comfortable, safe and stimulating environment which will help the child develop within themselves the foundation of habits, attitudes, skills and ideas that are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning. The primary purpose is to prepare students to become responsible and compassionate citizens striving for their best in academic excellence.

GoalsTo promote the highest standards of academic achievement for all students To assist each child in the development of personal autonomyTo demonstrate and encourage the use of effective, positive communication skillsTo nurture the development of self-discipline, self-control, self confidence and positive self esteem within each childTo guide each child toward constructive decision-making and behavioural choices that demonstrates respect for self and others

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To foster the joy of learning in each child

Hours of Operation 8:30am - 9:00am Student Drop off 9:00am - 12:00pm Class Hours 12:00pm - 12:40pm Lunch and Playground 12:40pm - 3:30pm Class Hours 3:30pm Pick-up 3:30pm - 4:30pm Afterschool Program

Student Drop-offChildren should be dropped off at the front gate in the mornings no earlier than 8:30AM. Security officers will check student identification and direct them to the lunchroom where students will drop off their school bags and lunches before supervised playground time until 8:50am. At this time, homeroom teachers will collect their class. Classes start promptly at 9:00AM. Punctuality is a form of courtesy and shows respect for your child’s teacher, your child’s classmates and the school’s policy. Late arrivals disrupt the class and students who miss a great deal of time are more likely to have difficulty keeping up with their work. On some occasions lateness and absences are unavoidable. However, if habitual lateness and absenteeism becomes a problem, parents will be consulted to discuss strategies that will support everyone involved.

Student Pick-upStudents are to be picked up by 3:30PM with the exception of those participating in the afterschool program. Student remaining after 3:30PM will wait at the gate with security. Children remaining for the afterschool program must be picked by 4:30PM after which time a late fee of $10.00EC per 10 minutes will be charged.

Attendance

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It is important that students report to class promptly each day. If your child will be out of school or late arriving for school, please notify us by 8:30AM by emailing your child’s teacher or calling the school. For absences greater than one day in length the school should be notified each day of the absence. The school will solicit cooperation from parents in the matter of punctuality and attendance, in particular, concerning lengthy absences due to medical reasons and family vacations scheduled during the school calendar. Please refer to the attendance policy below for much greater detail.

Dear SKI Academy Families, It is our belief at SKI Academy that there is a clear and positive correlation between student learning and consistent and prompt attendance in class. Much of what is presented in class is sequential. Therefore, learning requires a continuity of attendance and effort. We also strongly believe that what occurs in class is vital to student learning. The richness of class discussions, the exchange of ideas with peers and teachers, the opportunity to defend one’s ideas, the viewing of films and videos, mean that even if students make up the missed work, they have forever lost an opportunity for increased learning and skill development. In addition, a great deal of work in class is done cooperatively and a lack of attendance makes it difficult, if not impossible, for peers to successfully complete the work required. The lack of consistent attendance means that students will not get the full benefit of the subject matter being disseminated. Additionally, tardy arrives to class disrupts the teacher in their lesson and interrupts the learning of the other students in class. With this in mind, SKI Academy is introducing a new Attendance Policy starting in 2017-18 school year with the goal of improving school attendance and reducing unexcused absences and tardiness.

SKI Academy Attendance Policy1. In order for a child to successfully complete the academic school year, it is compulsory that they attend school for at least 90% of the instructional days. Over the past two years we have encountered a disconcerting increase in the instances whereby families have determine that extending holidays or taking vacations mid-term, or even removing their child from school for subjective reasons have been considered a 'norm'. By putting in place a more rigid attendance policy, we hope to communicate to our families that we are taking the education of

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their children seriously and that we expect them to do so as well. The vast majority of schools employ some attendance policy which defines an important aspect of student success as measurable comprehension and application of the curriculum outcomes and it is determined that a student can only achieve these outcomes by being a regular attendee and participant in their learning. In many school districts across the globe, both parents and the school are also legally responsible to ensure school aged children are regularly attending class. Using the 2017-18 school calendar (seven weeks school holiday, six long weekends, nine weeks summer break), 90% attendance would mean that the students would be expected to be in class for 152 days – or put another way - 42% of the year spent in class learning. It is not an unreasonable expectation that schools require children to be in attendance for this amount of time to earn promotion (pending successful effort and scores). Any time a student is absent from school, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform the school. This can be done by contacting Ms. Berry, school secretary, or by informing the homeroom teacher who will relay the information to administration. In the event that our staff does not hear from a parent concerning an absent student, we will attempt to make contact with the parents at the telephone numbers listed on the student record. This procedure helps to ensure the safety of your student if he or she does not arrive at school. If we are unable to contact anyone, the absence is recorded as unexcused unless we receive a note within two days of the child's return to school.

2. A student may be retained at grade level if they do meet the 90% attendance policy. To be promoted to the next grade level a student must:1. Receive a passing mark (50% or higher) in each subject (considerations are made for ELS learners and those

who receive accommodations)2. Receive instruction for at least 90% of the time established by the school calendar in any given school year.

It is a universal assumption that students are required to successfully meet a set of outcomes and expectations before being promoted to the next grade level. Regular attendance at school is critical for the student’s learning. Where, in the principal’s judgment and based on communications with the students teachers, a student’s frequent absences from school are jeopardizing his or her success, school staff will meet with the student and the

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parents to explain the potential consequences of the absences and discuss steps to be taken to improve attendance. Every effort will be made to ensure students successfully complete the requirements for promotion, but adhering to the 90% attendance rule is the responsibility of the family.

3. Punctual Arrival to School. Punctuality is one of the most important skills that a person can learn. It is a skill that directly correlates to an individual’s success in many facets of life. Parents are required to have students at school, ready and prepared for their 8:50am classes each day. Late arrival (tardiness) results in interruptions to the learning process – not only for the tardy student but for the other students in the class as well. Additionally, the tardy student misses important instruction. A student who is tardy three (3) times will receive an unexcused absence on their student attendance record. The same holds true for students who leave the school early without an acceptable excuse for being absent.

4. What constitutes an Excused and Unexcused absence? Whenever a student is absent from school, it will be recorded in the school attendance register. All absences, whether excused or not, require that the student catch up on the work that was missed. The school can make efforts, but is not obligated to, provide make-up work for unexcused absences.

An Excused Absence is as follows:1. Personal illness of the student or when attendance in school would endanger the health of the student or the health of others. Upon the student’s return to school, appropriate medical documentation may be required within three days of the absence2. Serious illness or death in student’s immediate family necessitating the absence. In the case of serious illness, students may be required to present medical documentation to validate the absences as an excused absence within three days of the student’s return to school.3. Court order by a governmental agency mandating the student’s absence from school4. Special or recognized religious holidays observed by the faith of the student5. Weather or environmental conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to the student’s health or safety

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6. To attend a healthcare appointment. Parents are requested to make every effort to book appointments outside of regular school hours, where possible.7. Other absences to be determined by, and at the discretion of, the school

An Unexcused Absence is as follows: Failure to attend school, with or without the knowledge of the parent/legal guardian, for reasons other than those specifically outlined as excused absences.Parents/Guardians can make a formal request for absences other that illness, unpredictable emergencies, dental or medical appointments, or religious observations by completing the Request for Excused Absence form available in the school secretary’s office.5. The Effect of Absences on Grade: Final student course grades shall not be penalized because of absences if the following conditions are met: 1) Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons2) Make-up work for excused absences is completed satisfactorily3) In the instances where the above conditions are not met, penalties and consequences are to be determined and imposed by the administration

6. Personal Family Holiday: Family holidays that take place during regular school days will not be considered an Unexcused Absence unless it is determined to be an exceptional circumstance by the administration. Where a principal considers that the holiday is appropriate during the school term, the school will record the absence as leave. Where the principal does not believe the holiday is appropriate, any resulting absences would be considered unjustified and would impact the 90% attendance rule. It is expected that families who plan holidays do so within the allotted 15 weeks of holiday time throughout the year. Some example of unjustified family holidays are: holidays taken for the convenience of parents; personal reasons; shopping trips; and vacations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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The following outlines only a few of the ways in which our SKI parents can make sure their children understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality:

taking an interest in their education - ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities

discussing any problems they may have at school and letting their teacher or Principal know about anything serious

not letting them take time off school for minor ailments - particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By putting this policy in place, we expect that families will commit to following the school calendar and join us in upholding a higher standard of expectations in learning and attendance.

Tuition Policy School fees: Please refer to the School Fees section on our web site for our current fee structure.

PaymentsSKI Academy relies on the timely and regular payment of tuition fees by families. In order to ensure the continued financial stability of SKI Academy, the following policies regarding payments are in place:

1. In order to guarantee a classroom placement, tuition payments must be made prior to the beginning of the school year and before each and every semester/term. 2018-19 Deadlines for Tuition Payments:Prior to September 3rd, 2018 for term 1 startPrior to December 7th, 2018 for term 2 startPrior to April 5th, 2019 for term 3 start

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If payment is not received, your child will not be able to attend SKI Academy.

2. Tuition is at a reduced cost for local families. In order to qualify for this reduction, at least one parent, as well as the student applicant, must hold a valid passport from St. Kitts and Nevis. Passport holders from CARICOM countries are not considered to be ‘local’. Expatriate are all applicants who are not St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders, and will be charged the non-local or expatriate tuition rate.

Please note that SKI Academy will no longer be accepting cash payments. All school purchases will now be paid by cheque at the school, billed to the student account, or paid for by making a deposit into the SKI Academy account at ScotiaBank.

Tuition payment can be made at the school using local cheques. You may also make payments by going to any Scotiabank and depositing the money directly to our bank account, 1762-14, in the name of St. Kitts International Academy. Please ask the bank for a receipt to send to the school and we will update your account with us. The school will send monthly invoices/receipts to each family that has an outstanding balance in the beginning of each month. The monthly invoices will include all additional charges such as for hot lunch, bus service and the after school program that were incurred over the previous month. SKI Academy endeavors to provide most of the necessary supplies for your child, but from time to time there are extraneous materials (calculators, math sets, poster boards…) that families will be responsible for purchasing.

School/ Parent PartneringSt. Kitts International Academy realizes that the partnership between home and school is instrumental in helping a child develop his or her full potential. We are therefore committed to open communication, mutual respect and a commitment to work closely with you with a shared vision for the realization of our goals. Two Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled during the school year, in October and May. You may schedule additional conferences at anytime. However, during class time the teacher’s 100% attention must be with the class, so if you would like

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to speak to the teacher for just a minute, arrange to meet in advance outside class time. School notices will be sent to all parents via email. Our web site will be updated weekly with any notices to parents. It is the parent’s responsibility to check the web site to ensure they are abreast of all activities happening at our school. We find the easiest and most reliable form of communication is through email. All staff emails are provided on our website on each teacher’s class page. You can also telephone the school at 466-1026 or by the school cell at 662-9876. Up to date information is always available on our web site: www.skiacademy.net

Academic IssuesAll academic issues should start with the student’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will advise you of their email address at the beginning of the school year and they can also be found on the class page of our website. If the issue is not resolved, the parent should contact the principal, Mr. Joel Andrea at joelandrea@skiacademy.net.

PlagiarismSKI Academy strives to create an environment of academic integrity wherein all students are expected to produce original works with appropriate identification of the sources of information. Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense and SKI Academy maintains an educational environment in which plagiarism will not be tolerated.Definition: Plagiarism is presenting the ideas or statements of another without crediting the original source. Even if it is unintentional, plagiarism is theft. Plagiarized sources include but are not limited to the written word. Others possible sources are: pictures, photographs, music, internet sources, works of art, and the spoken word.

Guidelines for maintaining Academic Integrity:The faculty will:1. Instruct students in the definition of plagiarism and on the methods of properly citing sources2. Use age-appropriate bibliographic methodology

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3. Utilize instructional strategies for prevention4. Monitor incremental progress of the completion of the projects when appropriate

Students will:1. Demonstrate an understanding of academic integrity by not plagiarizing2. Properly cite sources and use appropriate bibliographic methodology3. Provide further clarification of the submitted assignment upon request4. Provide all original sources for the assignment upon request

Teachers will utilize a plagiarism checker to scan for paraphrased works, as this is also an act plagiarism if it is not your own ideas, thoughts, and/or opinions on a topic. Simply put- reference your research. Give credit where credit is due. Someday we will be referencing you.But, if you choose to plagiarize intentionally or otherwise these are the consequences:① Your first offense will be marked out of 75% and the assignment is redone and submitted within two days. If not resubmitted a zero is given.② Your second offense will be given a zero. You will be sent to after school detention daily until the assignment is redone and submitted.③ If, and we hope your lessons have been learned before this occurs, on your third offense you will meet with the principal to discuss options for your future.

RecordsStudent records are strictly confidential. Parents are permitted to review and inspect their child’s records at anytime. School records may be released to authorized personnel ONLY with the signed, written and dated request from that child’s legal parent/guardian.

Student Health

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If a student becomes ill or injured during school hours, he/she will be brought to the school office and parents/guardians will be notified to pick up their child. Please do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present: fever, rash, cough, any discharge of discoloured or profuse amounts of mucus from the nose, diarrhea, vomiting or a sore throat. If your child shows any signs of illness he/she should be kept at home. Please report any incident of contagious disease to the school so we can alert staff and other parents to watch for symptoms. A doctor’s note may be required before a student is admitted back to the school; this allows the school to confidently make decisions that are in keeping with the general health needs of the entire school population. Medication may be administered at the school with consent from the parent/guardian. Medication must be given to the child’s teacher and must not be put in a child’s backpack or lunch box. Please ensure the school is kept up to date with emergency contacts. We must have a way of contacting you in case of an emergency. SKI Academy has the final decision with regards to whether a child can attend school based on their health. If a student exhibits health symptoms that prevent them from being an active learner, or if contagions are believed to be present, parents may be called to collect their child for continued treatment at home. Parents/Guardians are expected to follow along with the decisions made by the school as they are made for the good of the school; individual concern as sometimes superseded by the needs of the school as a whole.

Code of BehaviourTo ‘discipline” literally means to educate or train. We encourage the growth of self-discipline within the child. We have a well-planned program for discipline and the first rule of conduct is to explain the discipline program to each child. All children are taught respect and acceptance of themselves and everyone around them. In our classrooms there are four basic rules: Follow the teacher’s directions; the teacher is the leader of the room Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself Show respect for everyone in the school, including their property Support one another and lend a helping hand

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As the children follow the classroom rules they will be given supportive feedback in a number of different forms to encourage the good behaviour. If a child is not following the rules, this is the order of the consequences implemented to correct the behaviour: Verbal Warning Reflection Time Out Email home to the parents Recess or lunch detention Referral to the Office for parent, teacher and principal meeting to be held to develop an individual discipline plan for the student In School Suspension Out of School Suspension (one day, three days, five days) Expulsion

Again, we believe that communication between home and school is the most efficient way to handle any discipline problem. We feel it is important that parents/guardians are kept informed of their child’s performance. In the case of a student who continues to exhibit poor behaviour, we may request a conference with the parents/guardians, teacher, principal and student. Any acts that are physical in nature may skip the hierarchy of consequences and an out of school suspension may be assigned. Discipline will be age appropriate and we do not administer corporal punishment at this school.

Code of ConductThe school’s Code of Conduct is a guiding document for the expectations throughout the school. It offers general statements on behaviour for all areas and a copy is posted on the “Forms” page of our website under Code of Conduct. Specific expectations are in place for student conduct in the classroom, in the cafeteria and elsewhere in the school.

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Timetable A copy of the timetable for each class is posted on the class page of our website. Please note the days for their Physical Education, as they should be prepared for these classes each week. Students must wear sneakers for Physical Education and we recommend bringing an extra shirt to change into when necessary. You will be notified of any additional sport and/or activity options for your child to enroll in during their Physical Education program at the beginning of the term when they are available. Each class is 40 minutes in length. HomeworkHomework is usually assigned daily and is posted on each teacher’s class page on our website. Students are responsible for completion of their assigned homework. If homework is not completed as assigned, the teacher will notify the parents to rectify the situation. The amount of time students are expected to be working on completing their homework assignments is quantified by their grade level: Grades 1-2: Approximately 15 min / night Grades 3-4: Approximately 30 min /night Grades 5-6: Approximately 45 min /night Grades 7-8: Approximately 60 min / nightThese times will change depending on the work assigned and the individual teacher requirements.

Dress Code SKI Academy Dress Code Policy

The purpose of SKI Academy's Student Dress Code Policy is to clearly define acceptable student attire. The objective of the policy is to promote an atmosphere for academic success while recognizing significant freedom of student choice and expression. While our goal is to maintain consistency throughout the district, it is important to note that the following policy may be supplemented by specific building rules.

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1. The length and style of hair (both facial and head) and jewelry shall be limited if it constitutes a health or safety hazard or if it is harmful to the building or equipment. In both cases, the student may be required to wear some type of protective covering or remove jewelry.

2. No exposed midriffs will be permitted. Shirts must cover the midriff on all sides.3. No exposed cleavage will be permitted.4. Straps such as those found on tank tops, muscle shirts, halter tops, tube tops and/or spaghetti strap tops

are not permitted. Tops that expose the back or parts of undergarments are not permitted.5. All clothing must conceal undergarments. Shirts that reveal undergarments, whether due to the

transparency, length, or lack of coverage of the shirt, are not permitted. Pants must be worn at the waist and completely cover the buttocks area. Pants may not be worn in such a way as to expose undergarments or skin around the midsection.

6. The bottom hem or edge of shorts, skirts and dresses may be no shorter than three inches above the top of the knee when standing.

7. Any article of clothing with a printed message, word, or phrase may not contain profanity, obscenity, or the promotion of any illegal activity or violence. Likewise, any article of clothing with a picture or graphic may not be obscene or promote any illegal activity or violence; or apparel with emblems, printing, etc., that creates animosity between groups and/or individuals; also any article of clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, or weapons. Students wearing any article of clothing that is deemed inappropriate, offensive or a distraction to the educational environment by a staff member will be required to change.

8. The length and style of accessories will be limited if they constitute a health or safety hazard or if they are harmful to the building or equipment. In both cases, the student may be required to remove the accessory.

9. If a student wears a hoodie, it must have a full frontal zipper so that he school uniform shirt can be seen at all times.

10. Students who do not follow the Dress Code may be asked to change clothes or remove accessories. If the student does not have appropriate alternative clothing at school, it may be necessary for parents to bring appropriate attire or to accompany students home to change. The school may also provide appropriate clean clothing if necessary and available.

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11.First Offense: Student required to change, warning issued, and contact with parents.12.Second Offense: Student required to change, phone contact with parents, possible suspension.13.Subsequent Offenses: Continued violations of the dress code policy will result in further disciplinary action

including, but not limited to further suspension from school.

Lunches, Snacks & Water Hot Lunch: We offer a healthy hot lunch option five days a week at a cost of $15.00EC per day. This includes a main dish, optional fruit plate and a drink. The menu will change each term and is located on the home page of our website. Children always have the option to bring in their own packed lunch. An Ital, veggie option is available as well; please refer to the same webpage for further details of the menu selections.

Snack: All students are required to bring a healthy morning snack to school with them each day. Students who bring in junk food items such as chips, cookies, candy or other non-nutritious items will have their parents contacted. Healthy snacks provide the mid-morning boost that students need to continue to staff focuses and active in an out of class. Unhealthy snacks are merely empty calories that create further fatigue over the long run.

Water: Students are required to bring in a full water bottle to school daily. Water coolers are located in all buildings for children to re-fill their bottles throughout the day.

School Bus We offer a school bus service for both mornings and afternoons. Space is limited and as such registering for this service if required and will be provided on a ‘first come first served’ basis. We offer two bus runs in the morning and two bus runs in the afternoon. Each bus is equipped with 29 seats total with 22 of them equipped with seatbelts. Our Grade 1 and Grade 2 students will be given the first priority in the 22 seat belt seats as an extra pre-caution our school makes. Details of times and bus stops will be advised to parents at the start of each

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year and the schedule can be found on the homepage of our website. Students coming from Nevis should contact the school for information related to transportation accommodations. Proper student conduct on the bus is expected and students, who act in ways that jeopardize the safety of others or distract the driver due to excessive noise or being out of seat, will be disciplined up to and including being removed from the bus list. Before his occurs, parents will be informed in advance and transportation arrangements will be made by parents / guardians.

Electronics at School SKI Academy recognizes that there are appropriate times and places for the proper utilization of electronics in the school environment. It is also expected that technology be used as a tool, not as a toy. Personal technology is only to be used at school with teacher approval and for educational purposes only. Students bringing cell phones to school are to use them only after they have been dismissed for the day or with the permission of a teacher. Phones, tablets, or other personal devices are to remain in the students’ backpack or locker. Students bringing in computers or any form of technology to school are fully responsible for their care. Students who are caught using their electronics without permission from a teacher will: 1st Offence: Be reminded that the action is inappropriate and unacceptable and the electronic will be put away in its proper place 2nd Offence: The device will be confiscated for the day 3rd Offence: The device is confiscated for the day and parents can pick up directly from the office 4th Offence: The device is confiscated and parents can pick up from the office after one week. The student will also face further disciplinary measures as befitting

Toys

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We discourage children from bringing their own toys to school. Any toys brought to school will be kept in the child’s bag during school hours and will not be allowed in the classroom. If toys are taken out during school hours without prior approval from the teacher they will be confiscated and returned at dismissal or directly to a parent.

Birthday TraditionsWe discourage parents from bringing in celebratory items for their children as they are a distraction from the daily learning that is required. Student birthdays will be recognized at the end of the month during an in-class activity time/party. Parents wishing to bring in anything for the celebration of a student’s birthday should contact the teacher in advance to inquire about any student allergies and coordinate an appropriate time.

Birthday Celebration Policy – SKI Academy 2017-18

* Note: The following information does not, ever, imply that it is intended that parents provide birthday celebrations at SKI Academy. In fact, it is preferred that you help your child celebrate their milestones in the comfort of your own home. But for those that are interested, the following changes are in effect.At SKI Academy, we recognize the significance of a child’s birthday and the potential positive effect this can have, especially when surrounded by friends and classmates. But we wish to remind you that our attentions remain focused on academics and not celebrations; birthday celebrations in the school have recently become distractive to the learning process and have brought about the following policy changes: - Student birthdays will be celebrated in the last 10-15 minutes of the last period of the day (or another part of the day as predetermined by the homeroom teacher)- SKI Academy is not a birthday party venue, so please refrain from brining in the following items: ~ Treat bags ~ Decorations ~ Party favours ~ Pizzas or other meal-like food items ~ Pops, soda or other nutritionally void beverages

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- A small cake to share or a small cupcake for each child is permissible, but please act in accordance to the school’s desire to maintain a food wellness strategy Please know that we are not trying to take the fun out of birthdays. Classroom teachers will continue to recognize children on their special day in special ways. We have provided the list below as other choices for honoring your children on their special day:

Donate a book to the school library or classroom in honor of your child’s birthday with his/her name inside. Have your child bring their favorite book to share and the teacher or child will read it to the class. Donate a ball or jump rope (new or used) to the classroom for recess. Provide each student in class with a colorful pencil, stickers or eraser.

Thanks in advance for your flexibility and for caring about the health of our students. St. Kitts International Academy in the Home

A healthy school is enhanced by the active participation and dedication of its parents. Continuity is an ultimate goal and is important because we like to think that the education of your child does not end when the last bell sounds. Here are some suggestions for applying our philosophies in your home: 1. Parent as the Teacher:• You are your child’s first and most important teacher.• When your child expresses a desire to do something, for example cooking or mentoring a sibling, show him/her how to do it in a way that they will be able to repeat it alone. • Affirm the positive in their actions and encourage them to keep up the good work. • Present your child with real work. This will help build their character, self-esteem and intellect. Your child will attempt to model themselves based on your actions so it’s important to model behaviours you would like to see your child acquire.• Disciplinary measures at home should follow the disciplinary measures taken at school. Parents are encouraged to use positive reinforcement to help students develop the confidence required to correct

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mistakes and move forward in their learning. Punitive discipline in the form of lashings or other corporal punishments can have a negative effect in that is detrimental to the student development of the coping strategies needed to clear hurdles and create positive self discovery practices and values.

2. Creating a “prepared environment at home”: • Establish order. Create a daily routine that your child can depend upon. Set times for play, meals, homework, and bedtime and keep to them whenever possible. Allow flexibility, but try to hold to them as much as possible so your child knows what to expect. • Have a place for everything. Have a place to complete homework and to store their schoolwork. Have a designated area for them to place the items they need to bring to school each day. Allow them to care for their clothes and to keep order to their drawers and closets. Keep their toys to a minimum and allow them to organize the toys in their allotted space.

3. Activities: • Allow your child to pack his/her own lunch. Make good, healthy food that they enjoy available for them. • Have plenty of paper, coloured pencils and books available for your child to work with and to allow your child to be creative. We encourage you to use this handbook as a guideline for the benefit of your child and our communication with each other. Please bookmark our website, www.skiacademy.net to keep you up to date on information, pictures and events happening at the school. We ask you to complete the parent signature form provided to you and return it to your child’s teacher during the first two weeks of school. St. Kitts International Academy - “Where the sky’s the limit. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

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