Student Parent Handbook Livret du Règlement Intérieur Parents/Elèves

Transcription

1 Student Parent Handbook Livret du Règlement Intérieur Parents/Elèves

2 LETTER FROM THE HEAD August 2014 Dear Students and Parents, I am delighted to welcome all of our students and their families to the school year. Whether you are new to Awty or returning to our school, we are committed to making this year an enjoyable and productive one for everyone. The purpose of this Handbook is to provide useful information that will enable you to take full advantage of the many resources and special opportunities we have created. As an international school with students from around the world, Awty is a complex school. Therefore, it is important that students and their families become familiar with the unique features that characterize our academic programs and school life. We expect that all students and parents will read this Handbook and abide by the school s rules and policies. If you do not find answers to any questions you have regarding the school or its policies, please do not hesitate to contact your division administrator or myself. The Awty International School is a stimulating international and cosmopolitan organization which prides itself on instilling strong character and universal values. We have found a high correlation between the effort a student demonstrates in class, on assignments, in sports and the arts, and in other activities and the recognition that student receives from his or her teacher, coach, or sponsor. We also expect courteous, respectful behavior among our students and between students and adults. Once again, welcome to the school year at Awty. Together we can work toward achieving our ambitious Vision and Mission as described on the next page. Lisa A. H. Darling Head of School 1

3 Vision Statement A world-class international school, on a welcoming campus, with a unique school spirit, which challenges and inspires all of our students to achieve their ultimate potential. Mission Statement The Awty International School provides a challenging education, leading to either the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate. Within a friendly and nurturing environment, which encourages learning and the pursuit of excellence, Awty celebrates linguistic, cultural and international diversity and seeks to maximize the potential in all of our students as they grow to become responsible world citizens. BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Awty International School is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for hiring, evaluating, supervising and supporting the Head of School; establishing major school policies; developing and overseeing the strategic plan; ensuring the school s fiscal health; and fundraising. The Board of Trustees delegates day to day operations of the school to the Head of School. The Awty Parent and Personnel Association President serves as a trustee. All other trustees are nominated, oriented and evaluated by the Board s Committee on Trustees. The following individuals will serve as trustees for the academic year: Mark Schroeder, Chair of the Board of Trustees Lisa A. H. Darling, Head of School Karen Joyce Marie, Secretary Nabeel Amudi, Vice Chairman and Treasurer Ali Clear Alattar, President Alumni Association Sujiro Seam, General Consul of France Jean Francois Genay, représentative of Mission Laïque Francaise Francoise Djerejian Colin Fulton Ed Harris Brian Hendry Niloufar Molavi Jill Munk Johan Pfeiffer David Powers Jay Pryor Mark Watts 2

4 STUDENT PARENT HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Student Parent Handbook has been written to help you and your child(ren) gain the greatest possible benefit from his or her school experience. Please refer to it often to guide your understanding of important school policies and procedures. At the same time, we know that no set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at school. The policies and procedures set forth in this handbook are intended to apply under normal circumstances. However, from time to time, there may be situations that require immediate or nonstandard responses. This handbook does not limit the school s authority to deviate from the normal policies and procedures to deal with individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the school, taking into consideration the best interests of our institution, its students, faculty, employees, and school community. Additionally, the school s failure to enforce any of the policies or procedures does not preclude it from doing so in the future. The policies and procedures in this handbook may be revised or updated periodically, even during the school year. You will be advised of any changes either by or by mail. Because the well-being of our school and everyone in our community is of the utmost importance, compliance with this handbook is a condition of enrollment at Awty International School. Accordingly, any violation of the school s policies or procedures by either the student or parent(s) may result in, at the school s sole discretion, disciplinary action up to and including immediate expulsion of a student or non-renewal of a student s enrollment contract for future academic years. In keeping with Awty's vision and mission, all students and parents are expected to take pride in being a member of The Awty International School Community. Any actions by students or parents that are considered to reflect poorly on the school, harm the school's reputation, or negatively impact the school, may result in, at the sole discretion of the Head of School, disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal from the school or non-renewal of a student's enrollment contract for future academic years. The Board shall be informed of any such decision. It is important that every student and parent understand the rights and responsibilities that apply to him or her. Please read and discuss relevant parts of this handbook with your student(s). When you have done so, please sign this acknowledgement form and return it to the Primary School or Secondary School office. Any student or parent with a question about any handbook material should feel free to speak with the Division Heads or the Head of School. The Handbook is found on the Awty website under School Publications (directly to the left on the Home page). Then, under General please click on Student Parent Handbook to access the document. The French translation follows the English version. We have read and understand the Awty International School Student Parent Handbook and pledge our family s abidance by and cooperative support of the school s policies and procedures. Name of student: (Please print CLEARLY) Last name First name Grade: Teacher: Signature of student: 3

5 Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Second Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 4

6 FAMILY HONOR CODE Honor is a fundamental attribute of character. It is a virtue that calls for loyalty and courage, truthfulness and self-respect, justice and generosity. Its underlying principle is truth, and the purpose of the Honor Code is to establish in each student the basic attributes of honesty. As a student of The Awty International School, I acknowledge this purpose and pledge on my honor to present myself and all that I do honestly and fairly. Name of Student: (Please print CLEARLY) Last name First name Student signature: Date: Grade: Teacher: Parent(s) signature: Date: *********************************************************************************************************** Students and parents are asked to review and discuss these principles before signing and returning the Honor Code to the Division Office. A signed copy of the Honor Code must be on file at school for all students. 5

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL The Awty School, founded as a Preschool in 1956 by Mrs. Kathleen Awty, grew in size and enrollment until 1975 when an Upper School was added. The French School of Houston joined with the Awty School in 1978 and together, with special thanks to the Mission Laïque Française (a French non-profit association) for financial support, they moved to the school's current site. The school was renamed The Awty International School in March of Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (I.S.A.S.) and the Council of International Schools (C.I.S.), as well as by the French Ministry of Education (M.E.N.), The Awty International School is unique among Houston's private schools. Like many of them, it is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory day school offering programs from Preschool through 12th Grade. However, its multi-national student body and strong language programs provide a multi-cultural experience not available elsewhere. The School has two sections: French and International. In addition, there are second language options, English/French or English/Spanish, from pre-kindergarten to the fifth grade. The French Bilingual Section follows closely the curriculum laid down by the French Ministry of Education for French schools abroad. The official French curriculum at The Awty International School is followed at all accredited French schools throughout the world. Students in the French Bilingual Section prepare for the French Baccalaureate. This diploma is awarded to students based upon their results in examinations at the end of Première (11th grade) and Terminale (12th grade). Teachers in the French Bilingual Section at Awty are certified by the Ministry or have had experience teaching in French schools. They are often supplied by the Mission Laïque Française. The International Section curriculum is to a large extent American through the 10th Grade, and is based on best practices at American schools both in the U.S. and abroad. At all levels there is a strong emphasis on the study of a second language to fluency. The curriculum in the humanities makes use of themes, approaches and materials which reflect the diversity of nationalities and cultures of our students. All International Section students in the 11th and 12th Grade levels follow the curriculum of the I.B. proper and prepare for the I.B. Diploma by sitting for examinations at the end of 12th Grade. Though at most levels both sections have their own programs, there are many bridges between them. All children in the Early Childhood Division (PK3-K/Petite Section Maternelle-Grande Section) follow a dual language program, alternating instructional days in French/English or Spanish/English. Children in the Lower School (Grades 1-5/CP-CM2) spend a great deal of time in their primary language, but with a heavy dose of their second language. 6

8 STUDENT HANDBOOK No set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at school. The policies and procedures set forth in this handbook are intended to apply under normal circumstances. However, from time to time, there may be situations that require immediate or nonstandard responses. This handbook does not limit the school s authority to deviate from the normal policies and procedures to deal with individual circumstances as they arise in the manner deemed most appropriate by the school, taking into consideration the best interests of our institution, its students, faculty, employees, and school community. Additionally, the school s failure to enforce any of the policies or procedures does not preclude it from doing so in the future. The policies and procedures in this handbook may be revised or updated periodically, even during the school year. You will be advised of any changes either by or by mail. Because the well-being of our school and everyone in our community is of the utmost importance, compliance with this handbook is a condition of enrollment at Awty International School. In keeping with Awty's vision and mission, all students and parents are expected to take pride in being a member of The Awty International School Community. Any actions by students or parents that are considered to reflect poorly on the school, harm the school's reputation, or negatively impact the school, may result in, at the sole discretion of the Head of School, disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal from the school or non-renewal of a student's enrollment contract for future academic years. The Board shall be informed of any such decision. CAMPUS VISITORS CAMPUS SAFETY To ensure a safe environment for our families, the school has implemented a tag reading system at the east and west main campus entrances. Parents will either use their current HECTRA tag used for the toll roads (which will require parents to give their Hectra tag code to the school) or an Awty coded sticker. This will enable parents to pull up to the entrance and the security arm will automatically raise. In addition, all visitors to campus must register with the receptionist and be given a name badge before proceeding to their destination. Those who are on the Approved Volunteer List will wear a volunteer name badge stating their name and the date of their visit. Those who are not on the list will wear a parent name badge stating their name and the date of their visit. This policy will be strictly enforced by our staff and faculty to ensure the safety of all of our students. See the Volunteers section for more information. STUDENT VISITORS Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school. All prospective students should be directed to the Admissions Office to schedule campus visits. 7

9 Alumni and former students in good standing with the school are welcome to visit the school for a day with permission from the appropriate Division Office. Arrangements can be made by contacting the appropriate Division Office in advance of the visit. SAFETY DRILLS AND FIRE ALARMS The school will periodically conduct safety drills for disaster and fire preparedness. All people on campus during these drills must participate. Fire alarms are only to be pulled in an emergency. Pulling an alarm in any other circumstance will result in disciplinary action. SMOKE FREE CAMPUS Please remember the entire campus is "smoke-free." Smoking is prohibited both inside and outside of the buildings. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, Sections , the school has an asbestos management plan in place, which is available for review in the Maintenance Office. The asbestos is located in the transit wall panels, located in the administrative offices of the main building only. The school is required to comply with regulations relating to schools. CAMPUS PREPAREDNESS The school is committed to providing an innovative, challenging education in a safe environment. To that end, campus preparedness plans have been developed to address both day-to-day safety issues, as well as emergency situations. The school utilizes several methods to contact parents in the case of an emergency: An emergency notification to all parents, faculty and staff. A broadcast telephone message service. Emergency notices posted on the school website at Local news media will also be notified by the school and will be key sources of information. Listen to radio station 740 AM, or one of the network TV stations. Awty will NOT follow any other ISD or private school in regards to announcements of school closings. Awty will assess its own situation, always keeping in mind the safety of our students as paramount. For reasons of both personal and student safety, parents should always check local media, e- mail, voic , and/or the school website before traveling to the campus. VOLUNTEERS 8

10 All volunteers who have contact with students must complete the Awty Volunteer Program before volunteering at the school. The following steps are required: 1. Submit a completed volunteer application from which authorizes Awty to perform background checks on potential volunteers. The application requires private information which is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. We understand concerns about sharing such personal information but it is required of all volunteers. 2. Abuse prevention training is required of all volunteers but is also available to any parent who would like to participate. Live training is offered once per year at the beginning of the school year. The training is also available on-demand online in four, forty-minute sessions. The approved volunteer list is maintained by the school and all faculty, staff, and parent organizations (APPA, Booster Club, Dad s Club) have access. DRIVING AND PARKING ON CAMPUS Please help us keep our community, especially the children, safe by respecting the following guidelines when driving and parking on campus: Drive slowly and prudently on campus. The speed limit is 5 miles per hour Visitors must park in spaces marked Visitor Parking Only Handicap parking spaces require a valid, state-issued handicap parking placard displayed in the car Parking on campus is at your own risk. Do not leave valuables in your car. The school is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or their contents. Repeat parking offenders will be towed at the owner s expense. Cell phone use, including texting, is prohibited while driving on campus and in carpool Obey all posted signs and agents of the school The parking lot behind the Kay Awty Center Preschool building is for faculty and staff only. This lot may not be used for student drop-off or parent parking. Any violation of these rules may result in loss of driving privileges on school property. CAMERAS ON CAMPUS The Awty International School uses video surveillance cameras on campus which may or may not be monitored at any time. Images from video surveillance cameras will be recorded and maintained for not more than 14 days. While the School s video surveillance camera system is primarily for property protection purposes, it may also be used for disciplinary purposes, policy enforcement, legal proceedings, or investigations. Viewing and other use of the monitoring equipment and recordings shall be limited to those individuals authorized by the Head of School at his or her sole discretion. Unauthorized use or misuse of the School s video surveillance camera system is grounds for disciplinary action. PETS ON CAMPUS Pets are not allowed on the campus of the Awty International School. Service animals are permitted on campus in accordance with and as defined by applicable federal and Texas state 9

11 law. Anyone with questions regarding service animals on campus should contact their division head. At the School s sole discretion, police and search animals may be permitted on campus. BUS SERVICE The Awty International School contracts with AFC Transportation to provide bus service to and from school. In a city as large as Houston, the buses must pick-up and drop-off students at designated bus stops rather than each rider's home. To schedule your student(s) for one of the bus routes, please register your child on the Awty website by completing the "Bus Registration Form. Please note: To be eligible to ride the bus, PK3 and PK4 students must have a sibling in at least 3rd grade or higher riding the same bus. Students must be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled departure time, and the person designated to pick them up must be at the same stop in the afternoon at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to drop students off. Under no circumstances will students be left unsupervised at the bus stops. If a parent or guardian is not there to pick them up, the child(ren) will be returned by bus to the school. BUS SAFETY The opportunity for a child to ride the bus is a privilege, not a right. The School provides no bus monitors so it is important that students observe the following rules for their safety. Please review these rules with your student(s) and make sure they understand them. Always remain seated with the seat belt properly fastened when the bus is in motion. Wait for complete stop before entering or exiting. Enter or exit the bus at the front door only, except in case of an emergency. Be on time at designated stops. Passengers will be loaded and unloaded at these stops. Buses will not wait for tardy pupils. Obey the driver's instructions to ensure safety. Stay off the roadway while waiting for the bus. Cross at least 15 feet in front of the bus; never in rear of the bus. Do not leave the bus without the driver's consent. No unauthorized stops will be made. Keep feet out of aisles, off seats or back of seats. Keep head, arms and hands inside bus. Behave politely and quietly. Fighting, pushing or shoving will not be tolerated. The driver must not be distracted while bus is in motion. Smoking, eating or drinking is not allowed on the bus. No animals, weapons or other materials which could be dangerous to passenger safety will be allowed on board. Parents are responsible for supervision of bus stops prior to the arrival of the bus. Should your student(s) not respect these rules, a letter of warning will be sent home. Students may be suspended from riding the school bus when such action is deemed necessary by the Head of School or his or her designee. Under these circumstances, bus fees will not be refunded. ATTENDANCE 10

12 Families are strongly discouraged from planning absences for vacations or other avoidable circumstances. If extraordinary circumstances require that a student miss school, a parent or guardian must send a note through the cahier de communication or the planned absence form available on the Awty website. A parent or guardian should notify the appropriate Division Office of a student s unplanned absence by 8.30 am the morning of the absence, whenever possible. Students who are absent may obtain assignments if their parents or guardian contact the Division/Section Office before 11:00 am and pick up the assignments after 2:00 pm. Please refer to the Primary or Secondary Handbooks for specific attendance policies and procedures in each division. FOOD SERVICE DINING ON CAMPUS SAGE Dining Services manages the school s food service program. SAGE provides a variety of healthy, fresh food selections for students. As part of the Spice of Life, SAGE has introduced the Spotlight Nutrition program to teach students about making healthy choices. Questions, concerns and suggestions about the food service program can be addressed to Tim Morgan (tmorgan@awty.org) with Sage Dining. Lunch and snack service is required but appears on student tuition bills as a separate fee. EATING AREAS All food must be stored and eaten in designated areas. Students in all divisions must eat at their assigned lunch time and under proper supervision. Other than in Preschool, no food or drinks of any kind are allowed to be consumed in the halls or in classes, except with the permission of a faculty or staff member. Students bringing food to school should use containers no larger than a school lunch tray (15½ x 9½ ) due to space constraints. PARENTS AND VISITORS FOR LUNCH Due to space constraints, we are unable to accommodate parents and visitors for on-campus lunch with students. ALLERGENS AT SCHOOL Awty International School tries to maintain a nut free, peanut free environment on the main campus. Due to the prevalence of food allergies, especially peanut allergies, please do not include peanut butter, peanut products, or other nut butter or nut products as part of a student s lunch or snack. The school may prohibit certain other foods from being brought on campus or to certain locations on campus. 11

13 Parents and students are responsible for protecting the student against exposure to allergens. If a student has a severe allergy, it should be documented with the Health Clinic via a doctor s written report. Students with food allergies are encouraged to keep a bag of safe snacks in their classrooms or lockers to allow the student to participate with their classmates on special occasions such as birthday parties. SCHOOL HEALTH CLINIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Health Clinic is located in the lower school building and is open on Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm when school is in session. Please note for security and confidentially reasons the maintenance or security department is unable to unlock the clinic doors after hours. Admission to the infirmary requires a signed note from a teacher or staff member, even during breaks or lunch time, unless it is an emergency. For your convenience an after-hours mailbox is located outside the clinic door for completed forms. This mailbox is checked daily for incoming mail. Please do not place medications in the mailbox. If you have questions regarding items dropped in the mailbox you may call the clinic at (713) ext or IMMUNIZATIONS The Awty International School complies with immunization requirements outlined by the Texas Department of Health-Immunization Division. Each student must be vaccinated or file an approved exemption as set forth by the State of Texas. All immunizations or exemption documents must arrive into the clinic prior to the first day of school. Failure to do so may result in a student being excluded from school. Students will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until their immunization records are up to date. INSURANCE The school provides student accident insurance, which covers enrolled students participating in official school activities. This insurance is meant to supplement parents' medical insurance coverage, and does not cover all medical costs. The school does not and cannot assume the responsibility of parents in making sure they have medical coverage for their families. Should your child be injured while at school, you may obtain the appropriate form(s) the clinic. These forms must be filed with the school s accident insurance carrier by the parent and/ or guardian within 90 days of the accident or as otherwise required by the school s insurance carrier. EMERGENCY MEDICAL RELEASE Parents must complete a Emergency Medical Release Form each school year. This form is located on the school s website at under services then drop down to the clinic section. 12

14 If a student is injured or becomes seriously ill, and the school is not able to contact a parent or guardian, the student will be taken to a hospital for medical treatment. All health problems, allergies to medications, foods or other sources, or medications taken by the student should be documented on this form. The Emergency Release section should include your preference of hospital in the Houston area. The Medication Administration section includes a list of available over-the-counter medications maintained by the school Health Clinic. Please check those medications you wish your student to have while at school or at school-related activities. With parental permission, the school may dispense these medications when appropriate after an initial evaluation of your student s symptoms. Changes in the information provided should be reported immediately to the School Nurse. MEDICAL HEALTH RECORD New students must complete the entire Medical Health Record form. A U.S. physician must complete the physical examination as well as the sections for Vision, Hearing, Diabetes Screening, and Spinal Screenings. Returning students must complete the appropriate sections for their grade level. Please review the form carefully to determine what sections you need to complete. We recommend physician appointments be made early to avoid delay in returning the form to the Health Clinic. MEDICAL SCREENING The school provides all students with the following required medical screening in compliance with regulations set forth by the State of Texas: Grades PK4/Moyenne Section, K/Grande Section, 1 st /CP, 3 rd /CE2, 5 th /CM2 and 7 th /5EME receive vision and hearing screening; Grades 1 st /CP, 3 rd /CE2, 5 th /CM2, and 7 th /5EME receive screening for Acanthosis Nigricans (diabetes). This test is a visual inspection of the skin located in the nape of the neck; and Grades 6 th /6EME and 9 th /3EME receive screening for scoliosis of the spine. GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING STUDENTS HOME To avoid endangering the health of other students or putting your own student s health at risk, please apply the following guidelines: Parents can help curtail the possibilities of epidemics by daily inspection of their student. Because of the contagious nature of many illnesses, please consider the child s physical complaints before sending a child to school. Students may not return to school unless they have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications. Fever may indicate an early sign of infection. Normal body temperature is 98.6F/37C orally or 99.7 F/37.6C rectally. If your child's temperature should rise above 100.4F/38C 12 hours before the start of school, your child should remain at home. 13

15 If a student is on antibiotics, he or she may not return to school until they have been on the medication for 24 hours as well as fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours. A student with head lice (pediculosis) may not return to school until one medicated shampoo or lotion treatment has been administered. Students complaining of itching or irritation of the scalp should be examined for head lice. Classroom teachers will report all suspected cases to the Health Clinic and students will be inspected unless their parents have a written request for exclusion from inspection on file with the Health Clinic. The school nurse or clinic staff will inspect students for re-admission following exclusion for head lice infestation. A letter will be sent home if a student has head lice in your student s class without identifying the infected child. If a student vomits and/or has diarrhea during the night, do not send him or her to school the next day even if he or she feels better. Stomach viruses usually last hours and your child will feel better soon after that. An ear infection can be very painful. If your student complains of pain in one or both ears during the night or in the morning before school, keep him or her home and consult with your physician. Frequent coughing can interfere with a student s learning as well as the learning of other students. If a student has a cough with cold or a cough with nasal congestion, keep him or her home and consult with your physician. Thick, green or yellow nasal discharge could indicate a sign of an infection. If a student presents these symptoms, keep him or her home and consult with your physician. If your student wakes with one or both eyes crusted over, has yellow or clear watery drainage from one or both eyes, has red irritated eyes, or has itchy weeping eyes, keep him or her home and consult your physician. Conjunctivitis or pink eye is very contagious. If a student misses two consecutive days due to illness, the parents or guardian should notify the Health Clinic, explaining the nature of the illness by the end of the second day. The school reserves the right to, in its sole discretion, require any family to submit a physician s report indicating the student is no longer contagious and/or is healthy enough to attend school prior to returning to school. If a student is recovering from surgery or other type of procedure that requires pain medication more than Tylenol or Advil (like a narcotic), the student should not be at school. EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL A student may return to school after being excluded for communicable disease by submitting a physician s note stating that the student does not currently have signs or symptoms of a communicable disease or that the disease is not communicable in a childcare or school setting). The criteria for exclusion and re-admission for communicable conditions are listed below:): Amebiasis exclude until treatment is initiated Campylobacteriosis exclude until after diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea suppressing medications and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; 14

16 Chickenpox exclude until lesions become dry or if lesions are not vesicular, until 24 hours have passed with no new lesions occurring; Common cold exclude until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications;conjunctivitis, bacterial and/or viral exclude until permission and/or permit is issued by a physician or local health authority or until symptom free; Fever exclude until fever free for 24 hours without use of fever suppressing medications; Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) exclude until fever fever free for 24 hours without use of fever suppressing medications; Gastroenteritis, viral exclude until diarrhea s free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea suppressing medications Giardiasis exclude until diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea suppressing medications; Hepatitis A exclude until one week after onset of illness; Infections (wounds, skin, and soft tissue)--exclude until drainage from wounds or skin and soft tissue infections is contained and maintained in a clean dry bandage; restrict from situations that could result in the infected area becoming exposed, wet, soiled, or otherwise compromised; Infectious mononucleosis exclude until physician decides or fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; Influenza exclude until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; Measles (rubeola) exclude until four days after rash onset or in the case of an outbreak, unimmunized children should also be excluded for at least two weeks after the onset of the last; Meningitis, bacterial exclude until written permission and/or permit is issued by a physician or local health authority Meningitis, viral exclude until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; Mumps exclude until five days after the onset of swelling; Pertussis (whooping cough) exclude until completion of five days of antibiotic therapy Ringworm none, if infected area can be completely covered by clothing or a bandage, otherwise exclude until treatment has begun; Rubella (German measles) exclude until seven days after rash onset or in the case of an outbreak, unimmunized children should be excluded until at least three weeks after the onset of the last rash; Salmonellosis exclude until diarrhea free without the use of diarrhea suppressing medications and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; Scabies exclude until treatment has begun; Shigellosis exclude until diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea suppressing medications and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; Streptococcal sore throat and scarlet fever exclude until 24 hours from time antibiotic treatment was begun and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications; andtuberculosis, pulmonary exclude until antibiotic treatment has begun and a physician s certificate or health permit obtained. ATTENDANCE Any students not attending school during the school day due to illness or injury may not attend special school events (including holiday parties) or extracurricular activities. ILLNESS AT SCHOOL 15

17 If a student becomes ill during the day, the school nurse will check the child and, if necessary, call a parent or emergency contact indicated on your Emergency Release Form to pick up the student. If parents or emergency contact cannot be reached and the student s condition necessitates immediate medical attention, the child will be taken to the hospital. FLU The Awty International School will follow governmental guidelines for handling flu pandemics or outbreaks, including coordination with local and state health and education authorities. MEDICATIONS The Health Clinic staff will administer all prescription and non-prescription medications to students, if they have a current Permission to Administer Medication forms on file with the Health Clinic. This form must be renewed each school year for each medication or when there are any changes to the medication administration. For your convenience these forms are available in the Health Clinic or on the school s website. Notes in the cahiers are not acceptable for administration of medication. Any medication required while on field trips will be administered by designated faculty and staff. Students may not have any medications in their possession, including backpacks, lockers and cars, while at school or school-sponsored activities, unless written authorization from a U.S. physician is on file with the Health Clinic (i.e., Epinephrine pen, asthma inhaler and diabetes medications). Students may not administer any medications to themselves or to others. The Health Clinic will not administer homeopathic, foreign, or experimental medications and, at the school nurse s sole discretion, may refuse to administer any medication All medications will be kept in the Health Clinic. Any unused portions of medications not claimed two weeks after the end of the scheduled treatment or one week after school closes for the summer will be destroyed. PRESCRIPTIONS All prescribed medications should be brought to the Health Clinic by a parent or guardian. Please do not send any medication with your student or in his or her lunch box or backpack. Medications arriving to school in this manner will not be administered. Health Clinic staff, under the direction of the school nurse, will administer prescription medications prescribed by a licensed U.S. physician or dentist, if the student has a current Permission to Administer Medication form for each medication on file with the Health Clinic. Prescription medication must be in the original container(s), correctly labeled with the student's name, medication name and directions concerning dosage and time for medication administration. Expired medications or medications indicating a different dosage on the package than one requested by will not be administered. 16

18 Prescription medication must be from a recognized U.S. pharmacy and prescribed by a U.S. physician or dentist. Your pharmacist, physician or dentist may be able to give you an extra container (properly labeled) for the prescription medication that needs to be administered at school. If a student has an allergy requiring an epinephrine pen, his or her parent must deliver an Epi-pen to the Clinic where it will remain until the end of the school year. Under no circumstances will pain medications containing narcotics or controlled substances be administered by the school. NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION The Health Clinic has the following non-prescription medications available during school hours for students with current Permission to Administer Medication forms on file: Tylenol (Children's liquid, Junior chewable and Adult strength tablets) Ibuprofen (Adult dose Advil/Motrin tablets) Children's Motrin liquid Benadryl (Children's Benadryl liquid and adult tablets) Neosporin Cream Calamine Lotion Tums (chewable) children over 12 years Cough Drops (e.g. Halls cough drops) If your child needs a non-prescription medication that is not available through the Health Clinic, the following guidelines apply: Please do not send non-prescription medication with your student or in his or her lunch box or backpack. Medications arriving to school in this manner will not be administered. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container, appropriately labeled with the student's name and grade. The clinic staff, under the direction of the School Nurse, will administer non-prescription medication according to the directions on the medication label. A Permission to Administer Medication form requires a physician signature if the nonprescription medication is to be administered for more than 15 consecutive days. SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS All students who have special medical needs such as asthma, diabetes or food allergies are required to have an Action Plan signed by their treating physician and parent on file in the Health Clinic. These forms are available to download online at A parent or guardian and the treating physician must complete and sign a new Action Plan at the beginning of each school year. Parents are responsible to bring into the Health Clinic all the necessary medications and medical equipment to care for the student while attending school. All Action Plans, medical supplies and medications including Epi-Pens, diabetic supplies and inhalers must be delivered to the Health Clinic prior to or on the first day of school. Life-saving 17

19 medications such as Epi-pens, inhalers, or diabetic supplies must not be expired and must be restocked by the parent or guardian. Students will not be permitted to attend field trips or schoolsponsored events with expired or missing medications. SCHOOL COUNSELORS The school s counselors collaborate with the pedagogical team and parents to promote the academic and emotional success of our students. This department is staffed by three counselors. The International Section counselors are licensed by the state of Texas in their respective mental health disciplines: Penny Cleveland, LCSW, is the counselor for students in the Primary School, International Section and Louise Dreyfus, LPC is the counselor for the Secondary School, International Section. Throughout the year, the counselors provide services of observation and consultation for students, faculty, and parents. They offer parent education, character education, and special programs that prepare students for the challenges of life. Referrals to the Counselors can be made by Division Heads, teachers, and parents. Students are welcome to visit them with an appointment and may also request to speak with them through the division office. Information about psycho-educational evaluations and professional recommendations for reasonable accommodations is coordinated by the counselors. When additional assessment or services are required, our counselors can provide families with resource suggestions in the community. COMMUNICATIONS The Awty International School is a diverse institution embracing over 70 nationalities and over 20 language groups among its teachers, parents and students making clear communications channels a necessity. To avoid confusion or misinformation, please rely on the following sources of information: AWTY WEBSITE Awty s website is the school s primary form of communication with parents. The Parent Portal Parents allows parents access to current calendars, news alerts events, directories, online forms, and more. To access this portal, you will use the same user name and password use to access My Backpack. If you have login or password problems, please contact your child s division assistant: Primary School: Julie Loisel, ext Middle School: Lamis Boz, ext Upper School: Marie-Hélène Nguyen, ext MY BACKPACK My Backpack allows parents convenience and private access to their student s schedule, attendance information, and term grades over a secure, password-protected Internet connection. Student invoices are also posted in My Backpack on the 15th of every month. My Backpack can 18

20 be accessed through the parent portal or by using the Quicklinks menu on the home page of the Awty website. For new parents, your user name and password will be sent to you once enrollment has been completed. AWTY NOTES This weekly electronic communication is ed to all parents and it is also posted to the website each Friday during the school year, beginning in August. To ensure you receive the Awty Notes, please provide your current information to the school by updating your profile in My Backpack or you may contact the Business Office at MASS Awty frequently communicates a variety of important information, including emergency information, to families via mass . To ensure you receive s from Awty, please be sure to provide a current address by updating your profile in My Backpack, or you may send it to the Business Office at tdeleon@awty.org. SOCIAL MEDIA Awty is now on FACEBOOK (The Awty International School) and TWITTER (awtyintlschool) and regularly posts news and event information. SCHOOL DIRECTORY A searchable online student directory is available through My Backpack. The school also has online parent, staff and faculty directories which can be accessed through the Parent Portal. Directories are provided to parents for educational and school-related purposes only. Awty does not condone the use of these directories for any other purpose. Parents must refrain from using the directories for commercial, business or philanthropic purposes. COMMUNICATING WITH FRENCH AGENCIES The Head of School and Proviseur act as the liaison between families and French education agencies, including Mission Laïque Française and the French Ministry of Education. The school will communicate relevant information from French agencies to families. If you have questions or concerns to communicate to French officials, please make an appointment with the Head of School or Proviseur so they can communicate on your behalf as requested by these agencies. THE ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT The Advancement Department s role is to foster the support of the Awty community in order to help The Awty International School accomplish its goals and objectives. Tuition does not cover the cost of operating the school and providing the one of a kind education available to Awty students. The Advancement Department works toward filling the gap in the budget. Parents financial support of the school is deeply appreciated. If you would like to make a donation or hold a fundraiser for the school, please contact the Advancement Department (713-19