academy international elementary school prevention/drug ... families may choose the french immersion...
TRANSCRIPT
8550 Charity Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 234-4000
FAX: 234-4099
Web: http://www.asd20.org/aie
Parent/Student
Handbook and Calendar
2012-2013
Academy International
Elementary School
Academy International
Elementary School
Peggy Healer
Principal
Ryan Capp
Assistant Principal
Table of Contents
OUR MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
Academy District 20 Mission Statement .................................. 1
AIES Mission Statement ........................................................... 1
IBPYP Philosophy .................................................................... 1
SCHOOL HOURS .................................................................. 2
AIES SPIRIT
AIES School Song .................................................................... 2
School Colors and Mascot ........................................................ 2
Junior United Nations: Our Student Leadership Body ............ 2
AIES CURRICULUM
Academic Core Curriculum ...................................................... 2
Integrated Specials and FLES ................................................... 2
Technology and Information Literacy Skills ............................ 3
Field Trips ................................................................................. 3
AIES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Counselor .................................................................................. 3
Bully Prevention/Drug Education Programs ............................ 3
Special Education ...................................................................... 3
Student Intervention Team ........................................................ 3
Talented and Gifted ................................................................... 4
Speech/Language Pathologist ................................................... 4
Social Worker ........................................................................... 4
School Psychologist .................................................................. 4
School Nurse ............................................................................ 4
Reading Support ........................................................................ 4
ESL ........................................................................................... 4
PARENTS: PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
PTO ........................................................................................... 4
SAC ........................................................................................... 4
Volunteers ................................................................................. 5
AIES INFORMATION: Practices and Procedures
Arrival/Departure (Buses, Traffic, Walking) ............................ 5
Attendance (Absences, Checking Students Out During the
School Day, Tardies, Truancy) ........................................... 6
Bicycles ..................................................................................... 7
Cell Phones ............................................................................... 7
Child Abuse and Neglect .......................................................... 7
Classroom Supplies ................................................................... 7
Discipline .................................................................................. 7
Dress Standards ......................................................................... 7
Emergency Drills ...................................................................... 8
Forbidden Items ........................................................................ 8
Health and Safety (Accident/Illness at School, Emergency
Care at School, Immunizations, Medications, Screening Ser-
vices) .................................................................................. 8
Home/School Communication/20Alert .................................... 9
Homework Policy ..................................................................... 9
Inclement Weather ................................................................... 9
Lost and Found ......................................................................... 9
Lunches ..................................................................................... 9
Office Telephone ...................................................................... 9
Parties ...................................................................................... 10
Pets .......................................................................................... 10
Recess/Supervision ................................................................. 10
Report Cards ........................................................................... 10
School Pictures ........................................................................ 10
Student Placement ................................................................... 10
Table of Contents
DISTRICT PROCEDURES
Emergency Closing ................................................................. 10
School Cancellation ................................................................ 11
Two Hour Delayed Start ......................................................... 11
Storm - Early Release ............................................................. 11
Public Concerns and Complaints ............................................ 12
ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL STAFF 2011-2012 ........ 12
CALENDARS ................................................................... 13-22
DISTRICT HANDBOOK of STUDENT RIGHTS and
RESPONSIBILITIES and DISTRICT POLICIES
District Policies ....................................................................... 23
FREQUENTLY USED
EDUCATIONAL ACRONYMS
ALP Advanced Learning Plan
DAC District Accountability Committee
ELP English Learning Plan
ET/IL Education Technology/Information Literacy
FLES Foreign Language in Elementary School
IB International Baccalaureate
IEP Individual Education Plan (Special Education)
ILP Individualized Learning Plan (generally for reading)
PoI Program of Inquiry
PTO Parent/Teacher Organization
PYP Primary Years Programme
RtI Response to Intervention
SAC School Accountability Committee
SIT Student Intervention Team
SpEd Special Education
TAG Talented and Gifted
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The mission of Academy School District 20 is to educate every student in a safe and nurturing environment and to provide comprehensive, challenging curricular and
extracurricular opportunities that meet the unique needs of every individual by expanding interests, enhancing abilities, and equipping every student with the knowledge,
skills, and character essential to being a responsible citizen of our community, our nation, and the world.
Academy International Elementary School
Mission Statement
Academy International Elementary, a dynamic International Baccalaureate World School, educates every student to be a principled, lifelong learner through a rigorous,
inquiry-based curriculum integrating national and international standards of excellence. In a safe and nurturing environment, we challenge our students to make reflec-
tive, meaningful contributions to our diverse global society.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Philosophy
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students ages 3-12 (In District 20, PYP culminates at fifth grade). The PYP is a uniquely international program,
focusing on the total growth of the developing child. The curriculum framework provides for social, emotional, physical, and cultural needs, in addition to academics.
Eight fundamental concepts, expressed as key questions, propel the process of inquiry. They are broad in scope and are intended to define clusters of ideas. These pow-
erful ideas drive the Units of Inquiry, designed by teachers and students, that lie at the heart of the curriculum model.
The outcome of the Primary Years Programme are learners who are: Inquirers, Thinkers, Communicators, Risk-takers, Knowledgeable, Principled, Caring, Open-
minded, Balanced, and Reflective.
Central to the program are the following:
Key Concepts: Form, Function, Causation, Change, Connection, Perspective, Responsibility, Reflection
Transdisciplinary Skills: Thinking, Communication, Social, Research, Self-management
Attitudes: Appreciation, Commitment, Confidence, Cooperation, Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Independence, Integrity, Respect, Tolerance
Action: Choose, Act, Reflect
Knowledge: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, Sharing the Planet
Academy School District 20
Mission Statement
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SCHOOL HOURS
1st-5th Grade - 8:20 AM - 3:20 PM
Full Day Kindergarten - 8:20 AM - 3:20 PM
AM Kindergarten - 8:20 AM - 11:20 AM
PM Kindergarten - 12:20 PM - 3:20 PM
AIES SPIRIT
ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SONG
We’ll go as far as we can go, we see as far as we can see.
We’ll learn as much as we can learn, we’ll be the best that we can be.
Chorus:
We’re Academy International, the world is at our feet.
We will go forth to serve, when our time here is complete.
We will stand as one in might and mind, we’ll give our all.
We’re Academy, (Academy) International
Vs.2 The future lies before us, as far ahead as we can see.
We celebrate the importance, and beauty of diversity.
Vs. 3 We now prepare to go forward, to be the best that we can be. As we
encourage each other, to be the best that we can be.
SCHOOL COLORS AND MASCOT
The Academy International School colors are forest green, navy blue and gold.
Many students enjoy using sprit wear on Fridays or showing school spirit by wear-
ing green and navy blue. Academy International’s mascot is a Lynx.
JUNIOR UNITED NATIONS
Each classroom, grades two through five, selects a country to research and two Jr.
U.N. representatives. The Jr. U.N. meets before school, and delagates will receive
a schedule. The purpose is to provide leadership experiences and to be of service
to Academy International students, staff, and community.
AIES CURRICULUM
ACADEMIC CORE CURRICULUM
The core curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade levels includes language
arts, mathematics, social studies, French FLES, and science. There are District
scope and sequence documents for each grade level and each subject area. In addi-
tion, IB has a framework for each curricular area. As a school, we combine the two
in our comprehensive curriculum, which meets both District and State Standards.
INTEGRATED SPECIALS AND FLES
Non-core curriculum is comprised of physical education, music, art, library, and
technology classes. There are scope and sequence documents for these areas as
well as district and state standards. Assemblies, lunch, recess, and students’ pass-
ing times are considered non-core.
Students in all grades will receive instruction in French, targeted at each of the es-
sential world language skills appropriate for their cognitive development level:
listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. This will be offered
through FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School program), 1/2 hour
classes, four days per week, of instruction for K-5 students. Beginning in first
grade, families may choose the French Immersion Program which provides math,
science and some social studies instruction in French for grades 1-5.
The physical education program supports each student’s physical development by
teaching important skills for wellness and fitness. Skills taught in physical educa-
tion also support learning in all aspects of the school program. For the safety of
your child, please try to have him/her wear sneakers on the days of PE class. Stu-
dents must have a note from their parents for a one or two day excuse from PE
class for health reasons. A longer period of time requires a written note from a
doctor. Before or after-school intramurals are offered during the year at specific
times as determined by the physical education teacher.
The fine arts program provides students in grades K-5 the opportunity to receive
instruction in art concepts and techniques throughout the year from the art teacher.
The concepts are integrated with grade level curriculum.
K-5 students receive general/vocal music instruction in a Kodaly/Orff based pro-
gram. Students play mallet percussion and recorders, singing, dancing and per-
forming American Folk, Ethnic and World musics. This process also includes ex-
tensive use of literature and poetry. AIES performance groups may include: AIES
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Handbells (fourth and/or fifth) and AIES Singers (fourth and fifth grade vocal
choir). In addition, there are individual grade-level performances by first, second
and third grades.
TECHNOLOGY and INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS
Students in all grades will receive computer and information litera-
cy skills instruction in the classroom, Computer Lab and Library
weekly. During these classes, they will learn vocabulary, key-
boarding, research skills and more, enhanced by Internet access.
They will also enjoy opportunities to appreciate literature and to
check out books for pleasure reading. These skills are integrated
throughout the classroom curriculum. AIES supports students in
the development of 21st Century Skills, characterized by Digital-Age Literacy, In-
ventive Thinking, Effective Communication, and High Productivity.
FIELD TRIPS (K-5)
Field trips help the school make use of community and regional resources that are
directly related to the curriculum. They are planned to coincide with units of study
and to provide practical and concrete learning experiences. Field trips are taken on
district buses and are carefully planned and supervised. Parent permission for stu-
dent participation on field trips is required, and fees are charged to help cover trans-
portation and entrance costs. District transportation guidelines must be followed.
AIES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student growth and progress is monitored closely and a variety of services are
available to students who demonstrate the need for additional support, whether
through remediation or academic extensions.
Counselor
The most formative school years are during the elementary grades. Children build a
foundation for lifelong learning, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. As chil-
dren progress through elementary school, they move from childhood to preteen
stages, changing from being self-focused to developing an awareness of others.
They begin learning how to cooperate, solve problems, develop responsibility, and
form friendships. The elementary school counselor is trained in understanding child
development and in offering comprehensive programs to enhance success at school.
Guidance activities are conducted on a regular and planned basis for all students
throughout the year. The curriculum includes study skills, social skills, conflict
resolution, decision making, personal responsibility, coping abilities, and drug pre-
vention education. Throughout the elementary years, some children need addition-
al assistance for specific concerns. The counselor offers both individual and small
group counseling. Counseling sessions give students the opportunity to discuss
problems, learn new skills, consider alternative behaviors and consequences, and
take responsibility for their choices. The counselor may also refer families to out-
side resources.
Elementary counselors support students through observations, assessments, inter-
vention plans, parenting education, teacher and parent consultations, and crisis
management and follow-up. Counseling services are delivered through collabora-
tion among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are
advocates for children. The goal is for every student to reach his or her educational,
personal, and social potential. Parents have the right to refuse counseling services
for their child. If parents do not want their child to access counseling services, they
simply need to write a letter indicating that preference. It is the parent’s responsi-
bility to renew this information at transition points in the child’s education. Refus-
ing counseling services will not exclude students from meeting with a counselor for
concerns about academics or the classroom curricular component.
Bully Prevention/Drug Education Programs
AIES has adopted a comprehensive Bully prevention curriculum that is adminis-
tered school-wide. It is integrated closely with the IB philosophy, Learner Profile
and Attitudes. The selected curriculum is Bullyproofing Your School. This pro-
gram teaches students skills and strategies to encourage positive peer interactions
through role playing, modeling and classroom discussions. Preventive drug educa-
tion is also an essential part of the K-5 curriculum.
Special Education
The Special Education Resource Teacher provides specifically designed instruction
to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Specially designed instruction
means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of a child with a disability, the content,
methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the child that
result from the child’s disability and to ensure access of the child to the general
curriculum so that the child can meet the educational standards.
Student Intervention Team
The Student Intervention Team provides a problem solving approach within the
Response to Intervention Process to support student’s academic and/or behavior
needs. The team representatives are a variety of educational staff including teach-
ers, specialists, administrators, parents, and students, when deemed appropriate.
The team analyzes data and monitors progress of interventions in place, making
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adjustments when necessary.
Talented and Gifted
AIES has two Talented and Gifted Specialists (one full time and one part time).
These teachers provide extension classes for those students that classroom teachers
feel need additional challenge in grades K-3. Students who are formally identified
as TAG students in grades 4 & 5 work with the TAG teachers to meet their educa-
tional needs. The TAG teachers support teachers by providing information on dif-
ferentiation strategies and techniques that can be tailored to the needs of their stu-
dents.
Speech/Language Pathologist
The Speech/Language Pathologist provides evaluation and appropriate interven-
tion and/or consultation services to students experiencing delayed or disordered
communication skills that interfere with academic or social achievement. Specific
speech/language needs could include: speech/articulation, receptive and/or expres-
sive language, voice, fluency, and auditory processing.
Social Worker
The school social worker is available to provide diagnostic evaluations and services
in the areas of social/emotional development as part of the Special Education refer-
ral process. Also, the school social worker serves as a link between the school,
community, and family.
School Psychologist
A school psychologist is available to provide diagnostic evaluations relating to in-
tellectual ability, academic proficiency, and psychological and emotional develop-
ment. The school psychologist actively participates in selected Student Interven-
tion Team meetings to evaluate the strengths and needs of students and formulate
meaningful interventions.
School Nurse
AIES is assigned a School Nurse by the District. He/She is an itinerant and is in
the building on a limited basis, but is always within contact. Parents are encour-
aged to communicate with the District School Nurse regarding significant health
concerns on their child to determine if specific health plans need to occur for
school. Parents also need to provide the school with updated immunization records
and any evidence of contagious disease.
Reading Support
AIES has a Reading Support team dedicated to providing students who are reading
below grade level expectations with appropriate reading interventions. Services
focus on the Five Components of Reading and interventions are targeted to specific
student needs. Student needs are met through small group pull-out interventions,
and in some cases, through support in the classroom.
ESL (English Second Language)
An ESL teacher is available to promote a safe, encouraging learning environment
for all English language learners. The ESL teacher also supports the students and
their classroom teachers in developing appropriate learning goals and monitoring
their English Language Plans. Implementation of research-based methods by our
highly qualified instructor contributes to measurable growth in listening, speaking,
reading and writing as well as in all content areas.
PARENTS: PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
PTO
AIES has a very active Parent Teacher Organization. Membership drives occur
every fall. Parents sponsor many fund raising activities and special events that con-
tribute to community spirit. The PTO Board meets regularly and all parents are
encouraged to attend these open meetings. Meeting places and times are provided
in the electronic parent newsletter.
PTO Board Officers
Christina Jones President
Alexia Bastiaansen 1st Vice President
Sue Garcia 2nd Vice President
Diane Eid Secretary
Krista Whitcomb Treasurer
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
The School Accountability Committee is made up of an established group of rep-
resentatives, made up of volunteer parents, teachers, a community member, and
administration who function as a communication link between the school and the
community. Members are asked to remain active for a two year period. While not a
policy making group, the Committee directs the development and implementation
of the annual school improvement plan. The SAC also serves as a sounding board
for ideas related to new and ongoing school policies and programs.
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VOLUNTEERS We believe that students learn best when parents work in partnership with the
school. You can be a source of special skills, personal attention, and an extra pair
of hands when you become a parent volunteer. Volunteers can help with:
classroom routines field trip chaperones
clerical tasks tutors
classroom speakers Field Day
library assistance members of PTO, SAC or other committees
Kiss and Drop International Tour, etc.
Chess Team Coaches
The job and hours are up to you and the classroom teacher. Volunteers are re-
quired to attend a training session yearly and to undergo various levels of
background checks for the safety of students. For our children’s safety, we re-
quire that all volunteers and guests sign in at the office and wear a name badge.
This includes lunch visitors, as well as parents on the playground. Due to liability,
preschool children are not allowed on the playground during school hours, or dur-
ing your volunteer time.
AIES INFORMATION: Practices and Procedures
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Classes begin promptly at 8:20 a.m. STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT IN SCHOOL
SPONSORED ACTIVITIES MAY NOT BE DROPPED OFF PRIOR TO
8:10, as supervision is not available until then. Children should enter the building
only when the teacher or staff member on duty invites them to do so. At 3:20, stu-
dents should exit through the same door where their line enters in the morning.
Parents are requested to wait outside the entry/exit door when picking children up
after school. At the end of the day, it is requested that students leave school
grounds immediately unless they are involved in a school sponsored activity or are
reporting to Champions, the on-site before and after school child care program. If
parents have a meeting with a staff member, children are requested to wait either in
the office or right outside the classroom.
Buses
Parents expect safe, efficient bus service. However, it remains the parents’ respon-
sibility to extend full cooperation in seeing that their child obeys the bus regula-
tions and practices and all recommended safety procedures. To enhance safety on
school buses, video and audio recording devices have been installed and may be in
operation at any time.
Transportation to school is not a legal responsibility of the school district; rather it
is furnished to eligible pupils at the expense of the taxpayers in the district and it is
expected that the privilege will be appreciated by those who benefit from it. Will-
ful violation of these rules by any pupil shall be sufficient cause for a pupil to be
deprived of the privilege of being transported.
1. Do not straggle from the bus stop to the bus.
2. Stay off the road.
3. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter
the bus.
4. Outside of a regular conversation, classroom conduct is to be ob-
served by students. Any pupil who is guilty of unbecoming conduct,
or using inappropriate language, of abusing the driver or students for-
feits the privilege to ride the bus!
5. Pupils must keep their hands off other children and not trip or push
them in any way. HORSEPLAY IS NOT PERMITTED AROUND
OR ON THE SCHOOL BUS.
6. No sharp instruments shall be carried where they might cause damage
or injury to another pupil or property.
7. Pupils shall keep the bus clean and free from waste paper. Nothing is
to be thrown from the bus.
8. Property of other children is to be left alone.
9. Damage to the bus must be paid for by the individual responsible for
causing it.
10. Absolute quiet is expected when approaching a railroad crossing.
11. In case of a road emergency, children are to remain in the bus until
otherwise instructed by the driver.
12. If for any reason a child is expected to ride a bus other than the one
assigned, a note from the parents must accompany the request for a
bus pass. Bus passes are issued in the school office.
6
Traffic
We expect all students to consistently follow all traffic rules, such as crossing at
corners, using the crosswalks, and looking both ways before crossing a street or
driveway. When students arrive by car, they need to stay in the car until it stops at
the Kiss & Drop zone. When being picked up in the Kiss & Drop zone, students
need to stay behind the yellow line until an adult escorts them to their vehicle.
Parents should not use the Staff parking lot, or the bus loading/unloading zone
for dropping off/picking up students. Do not drop students off at school be-
fore 8:10 a.m., as there is no adult supervision before then. Students should be
picked up from school promptly at 3:20 p.m.
Walking To and From School
Start early enough so you arrive five to ten minutes before the tardy
bell rings, without rushing.
Walk on the sidewalk. If there’s no sidewalk, use the left-side, facing
on-coming traffic.
Never accept a ride or a gift from a stranger.
Don’t go to a friend’s house after school unless Mom or Dad has sent
a note that says it’s okay. Go directly home after school before you
start to play.
ATTENDANCE
Absences/Excuses
We believe that attendance is a key factor in student achievement, however, when
absences do occur, they will be treated as either excused or unexcused. Please call
the office at 234-4000 or fill out an absence form at our Web site -
www.asd20.org/aie, then click on Attendance to report an absence.
Excused absences: a. Absences approved by the principal or his/her designee.
b. Absences due to temporary illness or injury.
c. Absences for an extended period of time due to physical, mental, or
emotional disabilities.
d. Absences for religious observances.
e. Absences for a work study program under the supervision of the stu-
dent’s school.
f. Absences for school approved activities.
Unexcused absences are defined as follows:
a. Absences without a written or telephone message from the student’s
parent, guardian, or legal custodian explaining the absence.
b. Absences as a result of the student’s failure to remain at his or her
assigned school for the entire school day or throughout the entire time
of a scheduled class period unless dismissed earlier by proper authori-
ty.
c. Extended absences with or without the knowledge and approval of the
parent, guardian, or legal custodian but without the approval of the
principal or his/her designee.
Repeated unexcused absences shall result in referral to the principal or the initiation
of judicial proceedings to compel attendance and may be grounds for suspension
and/or expulsion.
Checking Students Out During The School Day If you need to take your child out of school during the day, come to the office, sign
the register, and the secretary will send for your child. To protect our children,
they are not allowed to leave the building without checking out through the Main
Office.
How Do Absences Affect School Work?
We feel it is important that instruction occurs, so that assignments can be complet-
ed; therefore class assignments are generally not provided to students in advance
for pre-planned absences. Students who have been absent are responsible for find-
ing out what assignments were missed and will receive assistance from the teacher
before completing them. Students will be given an extra school day for each day
missed to complete make up work. Long term assignments will be handled on an
individual basis by the classroom teacher.
Tardies/Truancy
Students who arrive late miss valuable class time and interrupt the education-
al setting of the classroom, affecting other students as well. Late students
should be checked into the office by a parent to receive a tardy slip before going to
the classroom. Excessive tardies shall constitute disruptive behavior and may re-
sult in administrative consequences.
If a student is absent without a signed parental excuse, or if the student leaves
school or class without permission of the teacher or administrator in charge, the
student shall be considered truant. A “habitual truant” shall be defined as a student
who has attained the age of seven years, is a registered student in Academy District
7
Twenty, and has four unexcused absences from class or school in any one month or
ten unexcused absences from class or school during any school year.
When a student becomes “habitually truant” the school may require a meeting be-
tween the student’s parent/guardian and appropriate school personnel to review and
evaluate the reasons for the student being habitually truant. Such meeting shall be
arranged by appropriate administrative personnel and held no later than ten school
days after the student’s fourth unexcused absence in a month or tenth unexcused
absence in a year. Details regarding this information can be found in Policy JHB.
BICYCLES
Third through fifth grade students may use bicycles as transportation to school.
Students in Kindergarten through second grade may ride bicycles as transportation
when accompanied by a parent. Student’s bicycles are not to be in the parking lot
at any time during school hours. Once bikes are in the racks, they are not to be
removed until the student is ready to go home. When arriving and departing school
grounds, students are to walk their bicycles on sidewalks and through crosswalks.
Each student is responsible for locking his/her bike. It is recommended that a rec-
ord be kept of the bike’s description and serial number, in case of theft. All stu-
dents are strongly encouraged to wear bicycle helmets. The school is not responsi-
ble for lost or stolen bicycles.
CELL PHONES
We recognize that some of our families rely on cell phones for communication.
If your child has a cell phone, we ask that it remain in his/her backpack for the
duration of the school day. Students who are found using their cell phones during
class time will be required to turn the phone in to the classroom teacher, who will
contact parents to request that they come in to retrieve the phone. Please note that
the Colorado Department of Education requires that all cell phones (staff and
student alike) be shut off during TCAP testing (these tests are administered in
Grades 3-5).
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
A Colorado Statute (19 10-102 to 115) requires the reporting of suspected child
abuse or neglect to the appropriate county department or local law enforcement
agency. It is the intent that, as a result of such reports, protective social services
shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard and
enhance the welfare of such children.
CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Classroom supply lists are prepared at the end of the school year. Families who
need supply lists can pick them up in the school office at any time. Supplies may
need to be supplemented/replaced throughout the year.
DISCIPLINE
Each classroom and specials teacher establishes his/her classroom rules, expecta-
tions, and consequences in the beginning of the year. These expectations support
the IB Attitudes ( tolerance, respect, integrity, independence, enthusiasm, empathy,
curiosity, creativity, confidence, commitment, and appreciation) and Learner Pro-
file. These are posted in classrooms and shared with students and parents.
The school environment needs to be a place that is safe and orderly, where students
respect their teachers, themselves, and their classmates. Students are expected to
meet defined behavioral standards in classrooms, throughout the school building,
and on school property. The administration may become involved in the discipline
of a student. Infractions of school rules may result in the loss of recess time, or
removal of a student from the classroom, cafeteria, or playground. Repeated in-
fractions or those of a severe or serious nature may result in suspension from the
classroom for a full day. Continuing concerns may result in suspension or expul-
sion from school or more. Reasons for suspension or expulsion include continued
willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority, willful
destruction or defacing of school property, behavior which is detrimental to the
welfare, safety, or morals of other students or of school personnel, and violations of
a serious nature (drugs, weapons, etc.). Fighting and bullying behavior will not be
tolerated. Parents will be contacted regarding these disciplinary actions.
DRESS STANDARDS
We encourage our students to dress appropriately and in a manner that reflects
pride in themselves and their school. We feel that the prime responsibility in dress
belongs with parents and children. Per district policy, students are requested to ad-
here to the following guidelines:
1. Short shorts, halters, spaghetti straps, and other extreme styles are
not permitted.
2. Clothing that advertises alcohol or drugs is not permitted.
3. Hats and caps (for both boys and girls) are not permitted to be worn in
the school, unless allowed as a privilege for a charitable donation.
4. Dress appropriately for PE activities (to include sneakers), as sched-
uled.
5. Weather conditions should determine a child’s wearing apparel.
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EMERGENCY DRILLS
AIES practices Fire, Lockdown, and Tornado Drills in compliance with District
Safety Absolutes. Students and staff practice the quickest routines to maximize
student safety. Whenever a class practices for an emergency, children stay with the
responsible staff member in the assigned location until administration indicates
they may return to class. Visitors/Volunteers should report to office staff, if not
working directly with students. This will ensure their safety and allow us to
be accountable for all who are present in the building. Volunteers working
with students should follow the evacuation procedures for the room in which
they are located and join a class that is supervised by a staff member.
FORBIDDEN ITEMS
The following items are forbidden at school: knives, weapons of any kind, tobacco
products, drugs, alcohol, matches, lighters, skateboards, sneaker skates (e.g.
“Heelies”), water guns, baseballs (hardballs), bats, any type of toy weapon, elec-
tronic handheld items (walkmans, I-pods, etc.), personal toys (unless specifically
allowed by the teacher). These items, plus anything else which may cause prob-
lems of control at school, will be taken. Any facsimile of weapons used in a man-
ner to threaten children or adults could be grounds for expulsion. Students are
asked not to bring personal property, other than requested school supplies to
school. AIES is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. There will be no
costumes unless pre-approved by teacher and administration.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Accident or Illness at School
The information on the student emergency card will be used in the event your child
becomes ill or an accident occurs at school. (If your child has a specific health
problem, please inform the office and School Nurse, as well as the teacher.) Any
head injury will be reported to parents, as will any injury of consequence. We
make a practice of calling parents when children become ill at school, so please be
sure we have up-to-date contact information for you and for Emergency Contacts.
Students must be fever-free for 24 hours before they are allowed back in
school. A child who has thrown up must also wait 24 hours before returning
to school.
Emergency Care at School
If a child is injured or becomes ill at school, he/she will be sent to the office. Our
school does not have a full-time nurse. Office personnel must handle these needs
in addition to their regular duties. If your child has a specific health problem that
needs special follow-up and attention, please inform the office, as well as the teach-
er.
Immunizations
The Colorado Revised Statute requires immunization of all students unless parents
declare an exemption due to medical, religious, or personal beliefs.
* If a medical exemption is taken, a doctor’s signature is required.
* If a personal exemption is taken, the parent/guardian must contact the
School Nurse and explain the reason for the personal exemption. This
includes providing a brief written explanation that will be attached to
the child’s immunization card.
* Any child who does not have a record of immunizations due to an
exemption will be excluded from school when contagious diseases are
reported.
The following immunizations are required.
1. Two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
2. Five Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis or Tetanus-Diphtheria
3. Four Polio
4. At least the first of the 3 shot series of Hepatitis B
5. A plan filled out by your physician/health care provider for the re-
maining two Hepatitis B immunizations.
6. One Varicella (chicken pox)
Medications
Academy District Twenty requires the signature of a health care provider with
prescriptive authority, as well as that of a parent/guardian, for medications to
be given at school. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medi-
cations, including cough drops, Tylenol, etc.
Please remember the following:
If at all possible, arrange for medication to be given outside of school hours.
If medications must be given at school please follow this protocol:
1. Complete and sign the Permission to Administer Medication Form
2. Have your health care provider with prescriptive authority sign the
form
3. Prescription medications must come in the original container which
is labeled with the following: child’s name, name of medication, dos-
age, time to administer, date medicine is to be stopped, physician’s
name and phone number, pharmacy name, phone number
9
4. All over-the-counter medications, including cough drops and Tylenol,
must come in the original package and must be labeled with the
child’s name.
5. Medications must be transported to and from the school by an adult.
Screening Services
Vision and hearing tests are provided for all children in K - 5, for children new to
the District, and for any child with a suspected deficiency. If a deficiency is found,
parents are contacted and advised to arrange for a more complete examination.
HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION/20ALERT
Our aim is to have open home-school communication at AIES. Parents are encour-
aged to contact the school with needs and concerns. The administration or teachers
may be contacted by note, email, or telephone. If parents call during class time, the
office will give the teacher a note to return the call or offer to put the call through
to voicemail.
If parents wish to conference with a teacher, it is best to schedule an appointment.
Because of planning and teaching commitments, teachers find it difficult to have
drop-in parent conferences before and after school and during teaching time. We
appreciate your consideration in arranging parent conferences in advance.
Teachers communicate with parents in a variety of ways to include electronic
newsletters, email, wikis, and blogs. We encourage parents to check their parent
portal at https://mycampus.asd20.org/campus/portal/academy20.jsp in order to re-
ceive the most up-to-date information about school events and classes.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is a natural extension of what children learn during the school day. It is
intended to give children practice with newly learned skills or concepts, preparation
for upcoming classroom events and discussions, application of previously learned
skills and concepts, or creative opportunities to integrate skills and concepts.
Homework that extends learning for children has a clear purpose, is sufficiently
varied to allow for differentiated learning, and provides timely and appropriate
feedback to the student.
Homework policy and procedures will be shared with parents and students by the
teachers at the beginning of school. Generally, you can expect to have homework
on a regular basis, starting with 10 minutes in Kindergarten and increasing by 10
minutes per grade level. Teachers will also assign a certain amount of required
reading.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
AIES has a red flag that will be raised during inclement weather.
When this flag is raised before school, students will line up inside
the building. If the red flag is raised after school, students will
be retained in classrooms until parents sign them out from the
classroom teacher and as weather related circumstances are
deemed safe enough to release walkers, we will do so according-
ly. Bus students will report to the gym and be led to buses as
they arrive.
LOST AND FOUND
We strongly recommend that you place your child’s name in all articles of clothing
(boots, jackets, gloves, caps, etc. ). These are the items which are most susceptible
to being lost or misplaced. Marking items makes identifying property possible and
increases the likelihood items will be returned to the child. This request also ap-
plies to lunch containers and water bottles. If lost and found items are not claimed
or labeled, these items will be donated to charities at Winter Break, Spring Break,
and the end of the school year.
LUNCHES
Hot lunch and milk and juice are available to all students. Payment may be made
on-line or you may send the money with your child. Monthly menus will be sent
home with each student. Current lunch prices are:
Lunch, daily $ 2.00
Milk & juice, daily $ .60
THESE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
If you bring your lunch, you may purchase milk or juice separately. Free or reduced
priced lunches are available to qualified families. Lunch may be purchased daily,
or you may purchase a lunch account that can be added to as needed. To put mon-
ey in your child’s account just log in at www.payforit.net/login.aspx..
OFFICE TELEPHONE
Students are asked to use the office telephone only in cases of emergency. Ar-
rangements for visits to friends after school are not considered to be emergencies.
All after school arrangements should be taken care of prior to coming to school.
Telephone calls from parents to students during school hours should be kept to a
10
minimum to reduce classroom interruptions. Telephone calls to teachers during
school hours will, typically, be directed to voicemail.
PARTIES
Given the nature of Academy International School, the staff will provide a multi-
cultural focus to school-wide celebrations. Refreshments are
planned in advance by teachers and assisting parents. The teach-
er must be consulted prior to any party plans and classroom aller-
gies must be considered. If parents wish to bring refreshments to
the classroom for a birthday they should check with the class-
room teacher for information regarding special precautions for allergies.
“Surprise” parties for teachers or students are not permitted. We encourage par-
ents not to send flowers or balloon bouquets to school as this is a disruption of
learning time. Due to liability issues, younger siblings may not accompany parents
or students to classroom parties. Party invitations are not to be distributed at
school.
PETS
For safety reasons animals, including leashed pets, should not be brought to the
school grounds unless they are part of an authorized program. You may bring
your pet dog or cat or other animal to school for “show and tell” as long as prior
arrangements are made with the teacher and administration. School buses are not to
be used to bring and pick up the pet(s).
RECESS/SUPERVISION Children should always be dressed appropriately for the weather, as it is our belief
and practice that students benefit from outdoor physical activity. Administration
monitors the weather for possible extreme conditions (cold/wet) under which it
would not be advisable to send children out, taking temperature and wind chill fac-
tor into account, and carefully determines whether recess must be held indoors.
Staff members rotate supervisory responsibilities on the playground. They are not
to release students to adults who access the playground without an office pass.
They are also encouraged to approach any adult on the playground who is not iden-
tified by a Visitor’s Pass.
REPORT CARDS
A report card showing your child’s progress will be issued at the end of each quar-
ter. Reporting to parents on a regular basis provides an opportunity to review stu-
dents’ learning strengths and needs.
AIES report cards are standards-based. This provides additional information about
students’ progress toward attaining the State and Core Standards.
Conferences are planned in the fall and spring in all District #20 schools. Parent/
teacher conferences are scheduled for the end of the first quarter, while spring con-
ferences are student led. These conferences are scheduled during the year to better
acquaint you and your child with his/her progress in learning.
A 20Alert inviting parents to schedule appointments on ALEC
will be sent prior to conference times. A conference helps a
student better understand himself/herself and to know what the
teacher expects. It is a team effort directed toward making your
child’s educational experience more successful. If an additional
conference seems necessary, either the teacher or parent can
arrange for one.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Individual school pictures are taken early in the school year. Parents are welcome
to bring preschool children for their picture before the school day begins. Re-takes
will be available as needed. Group classroom pictures are also taken each Spring.
STUDENT PLACEMENT
At the end of each school year, classroom teachers at each grade level provide valu-
able information to teachers of the next grade level about individual student learn-
ing needs. Parents may also complete an information sheet about the student’s
needs. Please note that this is not a teacher request form. This form is available
in the school office. The principal and assistant principal use this information,
along with input from teachers, support staff, and parents, to make a student place-
ment decision.
DISTRICT PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY CLOSING
The Superintendent or his designee is empowered to close the schools, to delay
their start, or to dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather or other
emergencies which threaten the safety, health, or welfare of students or staff mem-
bers. Every available resource will be used to help with the decision to cancel
school because of inclement weather or unsafe road conditions. Parents are asked
to help with the decision as far as their own children are concerned. If a parent
decides that it is too hazardous to send his/her child to school, that child should be
11
kept at home. The child will not be penalized for the absence and will be given
ample opportunity to make up missed assignments.
If, at any time during the day, in the parent’s judgment, the weather is bad enough
that he/she or the child’s designated emergency contact wants to come to school
and pick up his/her child, principals will release the student. The school will main-
tain a log of children who are released early and to whom they were released.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION
If the decision is made to cancel school, local radio and television stations will be
asked to announce that the District will be closed. Please be aware that parents will
also receive notification of such closures/dismissals through 20Alert. This is an-
other reason we highly recommend that you sign up for 20Alert at
www.asd20.org/20alert.
TWO HOUR DELAYED START If adverse weather conditions appear to be developing during the early morning
hours, the Superintendent may delay the start of school for two hours.
The procedure will be as follows:
1. Local stations will be informed by 6:00 a.m. that the starting time for
District Twenty schools will be delayed by two hours.
2. The decision relative to whether schools will be open or closed will
be made prior to 8:00 a.m.
3. If the decision is to hold school, the two hour delayed start will be
honored and no additional announcements will be made. Half–day
kindergarten sessions will also adopt a delayed start schedule:
A.M. session: 10:20-12:20
P.M. session: 1:25-3:20
STORM - EARLY RELEASE If School District Twenty is in session when a storm develops, a decision may be
made to send students home early. Local media stations will announce early dis-
missal times.
1. Be sure your child understands what he/she should do on an early
storm release day.
2. Each teacher will have a sign out sheet. Parents must sign for all stu-
dents leaving with them. EACH CHILD MUST BE ACCOUNTED
FOR BEFORE BEING RELEASED.
3. Children who have permission to walk home will be allowed to leave
at the designated time. Those who are not walkers will be held until
their parents, or someone who has been authorized to pick them up,
comes for them.
Please be watchful of 20Alert messages regarding these circumstances.
PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
It is the intent of the District to foster open communications between the Board of
Education and its employees and members of the community. The District is com-
mitted to maintaining and/or improving the quality of the operation of the District.
This policy shall apply to all public concerns and complaints except those included
in Policy 8112 (KEC), Public Concerns/Complaints About Instructional Resources.
It is the belief of the District that comprehensive and speedy analysis and response
to suggestions or complaints is paramount. It is also the belief of the Board of Edu-
cation that suggestions or complaints are best responded to at the lowest possible
level and that each patron be assured an opportunity for orderly presentation and
review of a suggestion or complaint without fear of reprisal.
The following procedures for filing suggestions and informal and formal com-
plaints are intended to increase communication and resolve conflicts respectfully
and equitably. Policies regarding Equal Educational Opportunities for students and
student complaint forms can be accessed at JB-R, JB, and JB-E.
The intent is to move in an orderly but expeditious fashion from the lowest level of
potential solution of the problem to the Superintendent's office, and if necessary,
ultimately to the Board of Education.
In each and every case, the lowest level should be interpreted as the person who is
directly involved and can with the most ease expeditiously address the issue.
Orderly progression from the initial level shall allow each subsequent level of su-
pervision the opportunity for solution of the issue. Typical examples of such order-
ly progression are as follows:
Teacher
Principal or Assistant Principal
Central Office Supervisor
Superintendent’s Office
Board of Education
12
DISTRICT POLICIES
A comprehensive listing of District Policies is available at http://www.asd20.org/
education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectionid=780&linkid=nav-menu-
container-4-886.
13
Academy International Staff 2011-2012
PRINCIPAL: Peggy Healer
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Ryan Capp
OFFICE STAFF: Karen Stowe, Principal’s Secretary
Tonya Rathe, Secretary
Stacy Allen, Bookkeeper
Laura Caton, Secretary
Shari Underwood, Lunchroom Clerk
IB COORDINATOR: Diane Jensen
PRE-SCHOOL PYP LIAISON: Mary Smithey
SUPPORT STAFF:
COUNSELOR: Teresa Stegall
SPED: Ann Purtscher
SPEECH: Robin Mourning
READING: Rebecca Peterson
TAG: Bethany Stegman, Lucy Westenburg
LIBRARY: Cathy Post
SCHOOL NURSE: TBH
PSYCHOLOGIST: Kendra Boyer-Evers
SOCIAL WORKER: Larry Williams
INSTRUCTIONAL PARAS: Dina Burwell, Sheri Carstensen, Mary
Correia, Jan Goyden, Cindy Hamann,
Debbie Page, Angela Rogers,
Debbie Watson
French Immersion: Laura Dolloff, Julie
Haverluk, Isabelle Hoang
Technology: Donna Mulder
CROSSING GUARDS: Tracie Berg, Debbie Bishton, Julie Haverluk
PLAYGROUND MONITORS: Tracie Berg, Leah Gilliland, Diane Iovino
CUSTODIANS: A.M.: Benida Tomlinson, Gina Abercrombie
P.M.: Gloria Raspaldo
SPECIALS: FLES: Heidi Brady, Sophie Dassonville
ART: Henriette Angoulvant
MUSIC: Marcia Cole
PE: Brenda Schmucker and Justin Conroy
TECHNOLOGY: Cathy Gruber
ACADEMIC SUPPORT: Bethany Stegman, Judith Panah
ESL: Andrew Fowler
GRADE LEVEL TEACHERS:
KINDERGARTEN:
FULL DAY 1: Mary Smithey
FULL DAY 2: Gini Gigliotti
FULL DAY 3: Alison Simmons
A.M. 1: Debbie Barra
P.M. 1: Debbie Barra
FIRST GRADE:
TRADITIONAL 1A: Brooke Coté
TRADITIONAL 1B: Simon Ellis
FRENCH IMMERSION 1A: Valérie Noël
FRENCH IMMERSION 1B: Virginie Cedotal
SECOND GRADE:
TRADITIONAL 2A: Kristy Crouch
TRADITIONAL 2B: Peggy Kinney
FRENCH IMMERSION 2A: Beatrice Gonzalez
FRENCH IMMERSION 2B: Carolyn Brown
THIRD GRADE:
TRADITIONAL 3A: Kathy Wooldridge
TRADITIONAL 3B: Celeste Puccio
FRENCH IMMERSION 3A: Chelsea East
FRENCH IMMERSION 3B: Sarah Stennett
FOURTH GRADE:
TRADITIONAL 4A: Janice Theda
TRADITIONAL 4B: Andi McGeorge
FRENCH IMMERSION 4A: Tana Tornquist
FRENCH IMMERSION 4B: Wanda Lepillez
FIFTH GRADE:
TRADITIONAL 5A: Dan Ferrante
TRADITIONAL 5B: Michelle Tucker
FRENCH IMMERSION 5A: Lisa Johnson
14
August 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13
Ice Cream Social
3:30-5:30
14 15
First Day of School
16 17 18
19 20
21
K-2 Back to School
6:00-8:00 PM
22 23
Student Testing Day
by Appt.
3-5 Back to School
6:00-8:00 PM
24
Student Testing Day
by Appt.
25
26 27 28 29 30
PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
31
15
September 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
Labor Day
No School
4
Prof. Development
No School
5 6 7
Skate City Family
Night 4-6 PM
8
9 10
Reading Olympics
11
Reading Olympics
12
Reading Olympics
13
Reading Olympics
14
Reading Olympics
Family Dance
6-8 PM
15
16 17 18 19
5th Grade Hosts
Teachers’ Lunch
20 21
Field Day
All Day
22
23 24 25 26 27
PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
28 29
16
October 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
30 1 2 3 Dining Night-Noodles
and Co.
4 5 6
7 8
Book Fair
9 Book Fair
10
Book Fair
11 Book Fair
Prof Dev. No School
12
Book Fair
Prof Dev. No School
13
14 15 Book Fair
16
Book Fair
17 Book Fair
Parent Conferences
Evening
18
Book Fair
Parent Conferences
No School
19 No School
20
21 22 23 24 25 PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
26 27
28 29 30 31 Crazy Hair Day
17
November 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 Volksmarch
3
4 5 6 7 8 9 Dining Night—
Pizza Time
10
11 12 Veteran’s Day
Assembly
13 14 4th Grade Hosts
Teachers’ Lunch
15
16 17
18 19 Thanksgiving Break
No School
20
Thanksgiving Break
No School
21 Thanksgiving Break
No School
22
Thanksgiving Break
No School
23 Thanksgiving Break
No School
24
25 26 27 28 29 PTO Meeting
6:30 PM
30
18
December 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4 5 6 Barnes & Noble
Book Fair
9 AM-10 PM
7 B&N Online
Book Fair
8 B&N Online
Book Fair
9 B&N Online
Book Fair
10 B&N Online
Book Fair
11 B&N Online
Book Fair
12 13 14 Skate City Family
Night 4-6 PM
15
16 17 18
Staff Appreciation
Cookie Event
19 20
Winter Vacation
No School
21
Winter Vacation
No School
22
23 24 Winter Vacation
No School
25 Winter Vacation
No School
26 Winter Vacation
No School
27 Winter Vacation
No School
28 Winter Vacation
No School
29
19
Januar y 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
30 31 Winter Vacation
No School
1 Winter Vacation
No School
2
Prof. Development
No School
3 Prof. Development
No School
4 Prof. Development
No School
5
6 7 School Resumes
8 9 10 11 Dining Night-
Pizza Time
12
13 14 15 16 3rd Grade Hosts
Teachers’ Lunch
Vision & Hearing
17 18 19
20 21 MLK Holiday
No School
22 23 24 25 26
27 28 PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
29 30 31
20
February 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 Skate City Family
Night 4-6 PM
9
10 11 12 13 14 Lynx Laps
All Day
15 16
17 18 President’s Day
No School
19 20
2nd Grade Hosts
Teachers’ Lunch
21 PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
22 23
24 25 Approximate TCAP
Dates 25Feb-14 Mar.
26 27 28
21
March 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 Approx. TCAP Dates
25 Feb-14 Mar
5 6 Dining Out—Noodles
& Co.
7 8 9
10 11 Book Fair
12 Book Fair
13
Book Fair
14 Book Fair
PTO Meeting
6:30 PM
15 Book Fair
Prof Development
No School
16
17 18 Book Fair
19 Book Fair
20
Book Fair
Parent Conferences
Evening
21
Book Fair
Parent Conferences
No School
22 No School
23
24 25 Spring Break
No School
26 Spring Break
No School
27 Spring Break
No School
28
Spring Break
No School
29
Spring Break
No School
30
22
Apri l 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
31 1 2 3 4 5
Science Fair
6
7 8 9 10 1st Grade Hosts
Teachers’ Lunch
Spring Pictures
11 12
Skate City 4-6 PM
13
14 15 16 17 18
PTO Meeting and
Elections 8:30 AM
19
Professional
Development
No School
20
21 22 23 24 25
Student Testing by
Appointment
No School
26
Student Testing by
Appointment
No School
27
28 29 30
23
May 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
International Tour
Day
4
5 6 7 8 Kinder Hosts Teach-
ers’ Lunch
9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16
PTO Meeting
8:30 AM
17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27
Memorial Day
No School
28 29 30 Tentative Last Day