ELEM Parent Student Handbook2015-2016

PAN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BAHIA
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015-2016
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Pan American School of Bahia. This handbook is designed to familiarize you
with the school’s mission and philosophy as well as all requirements and policies. Your
understanding of these policies will guide you in complying with them and ensuring that
students demonstrate the kind of academic and social behavior that is expected of them.
Our handbook reflects what our expectations are for the community we serve. Remember that
the handbook is a living document. This means information is periodically updated and
modified. Our goal is that each student will meet with success in our school and its programs.
This success is to be demonstrated through classroom achievement, participation in our athletic
and extracurricular programs and personal involvement in our service learning projects that
help students grow as individuals within both our local and international communities.
Whether you are new to the school or a returning family, please, carefully read the entire
Handbook with your child(ren). When you have finished reading it, please sign the last pages
and return them to the Elementary office. If there is more than one student in your family,
please make a copy of the last page or stop by any of the offices for additional copies. This is
important to do together as it reminds all of us of our personal responsibilities.
IMPORTANT, parents who do NOT wish to have their child’s photo or samples of their child’s
work appear on the school web page can ask the school to keep their child anonymous.
Please also note the request for updated contact information at the end of this booklet. It is
vitally important that the school has the most recent phone numbers (both home and cellular)
as well as current email addresses of parents to help us stay in communication with you
throughout the year. If this information changes at any time, please contact the Elementary
office and let us know the changes.
If reading this manual does not answer all of your questions, be sure to see us for further
clarification. Accept our sincerest wishes for a most memorable and successful school year!
The PASB Administration, Faculty and Staff look forward to an outstanding school year and a
close relationship with every family and student.
The Administrative Team
Dr. William F. Johnston, Superintendent
Mr. Richard R. Alix, Elementary Principal
At the Pan American School of Bahia, there are many people here to help you as a student
and to help your parents to know and understand our values, curriculum and activities.
The following plan is based on the understanding that whenever a question, issue or problem
arises, the solution is to first go to the source. In any situation, it is best to go to the person
directly concerned in order to ensure that you:




gain first-hand information
get the complete story
achieve a quick response
support the concept of open sharing of information as an aid to assisting your child’s
learning
In general, if it involves your child’s day-to-day education, classroom activities, relationships or
requirements you should first contact your child’s teacher, either personally or in writing
(email).
The following issues should be addressed directly to your child’s teacher:
TEACHER
 subject or course information
 class materials
 homework
 student behavior
 project or research requirements
 student progress
 classroom and school relationships





questions about general day-to-day
routines and expectations
teaching or classroom procedures
missing items
field trips and excursions
enrichment activities
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Elementary School Counselor, Ms. Fernanda Melo (3368-8406)


School Relationships
Emotional, Social, Adjustment Issues / Family Conflict
ATHLETIC COORDINATOR
Ms. Consuelo Souza

Sports competition, coaching, team trips, team issues
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or if you
require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the Principal or
Coordinator, with the knowledge of the teacher concerned.
PRINCIPAL / COORDINATORS
Elementary School Principal, Mr. Richard Alix
Brazilian Program Coordinator, Ms. Bianca Begrow
Student Support Services Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Wagner
In addition to the above, you may wish to consult the Principal directly on matters of:




scheduling
broad issues involving school-related
policies
communication and information
relating to a specific division of
school and its operation
student report cards



tutoring / extra help (Coordinators)
school trips
issues related directly to the
responsibilities of the particular
Principal or Coordinator
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or if you
require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the appropriate person
listed below, with the knowledge of the principal.
SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. William. Johnston

Whole-school issues or concerns such as security and application of school policies
ADMISSIONS
Ms. Paula Oliveira Terres
HEALTH

BILLING/FINANCIAL AID
Ms. Millena Rezende
Ms. Priscila Dominguez, nurse
CAFETERIA
BUSINESS MANAGER
Ms. Marina Skelton, Business Manager
Ms. Marina Skelton



finances
school buildings and facilities
(including maintenance, safety &
security)
accounts and finances
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or if you
require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the Superintendent,
with the knowledge of the Business Manager.
In summary, as depicted below, there are two main points of contact. We trust that in
following this contact guide you will receive timely and appropriate attention to your questions
and concerns, and that the resultant open communication will assist in ensuring that ours is an
effective, efficient and friendly learning community.
Educational Issues
Financial Issues
Teachers
Business Manager
Principal/Coordinator
Superintendent
Superintendent
GENERAL COMMUNICATION POINTS
1. Students should make their classroom teacher their first point of contact.
2. Parents are encouraged to make maximum use of the sources such as the Parent-Student
Handbook, Parent Information meetings, and PTA meetings in order to be well informed on
school matters.
3. We encourage open dialogue between parents and teachers. Since teachers have busy
schedules, we ask that you make an appointment through the Elementary School secretary
to meet with your child’s teacher rather than arriving without an appointment and finding
the teacher has prior commitments.
Important Phone Numbers:
Dial (+55-71) if you are calling outside of Brazil
PASB Receptionist
3368-8400
Ms. Virginia Prates
Superintendent:
3368-8401
Dr. William F. Johnston
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
3368-8401
Ms. Sabrina Amorim
Elementary Principal
3368-8406
Mr. Richard Alix
Elem Prin. Secretary
3368-8406
Ms. Renata Giannotti
Secondary Principal
3368-8404
Mr. Adam Zalba
Sec. Prin. Secretary
3368-8404
Ms. Eliana Gomes
Braz. Program Coordinator
3368-8442
Ms. Bianca Begrow
Braz. Program Secretary
3368-8442
Ms. Roberta Rodrigues
Student Support Services Coordinator
3368-8406
Ms. Jennifer Wagner
Business Manager
3368-8401
Ms. Marina Skelton
Nurse’s Office
3368-8421
Priscila Dominguez
Athletic Coordinator
3368-8423
Ms. Consuelo Souza
Adm. & Outreach Coord.
3368-8401
Ms. Paula Oliveira Terres
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
PASB communicates with parents through the use of school notices, the NewsFlash,
PowerSchool, Edmodo, students’ progress reports and report cards, scheduled conferences
between school personnel and parents, parent coffees, the Superintendent´s Breakfast, Parent
Academies and question/answer forums at PTO meetings.
The Board of Trustees recognizes the need for proper communication between and among
students, parents, teachers, administration and the Board. The following general procedures
are recommended to achieve this objective:
1. When the problem concerns your son or daughter and his/her work in school, the best
person to see is the classroom teacher. An appointment to see a teacher (grades 1-5) may
2.
3.
4.
5.
be made by calling the Elementary School Principal’s Office or emailing the teacher directly.
Problems of a personal nature or questions about a student’s program, his overall potential
and progress may also be discussed with the counselor.
Problems that cannot be resolved through a conference with the teacher, counselor, or
area coordinators and questions of a more general nature concerning the operation of the
school may be discussed with the principal. Appointments may be made by calling the
Elementary School Office.
Problems that have not been resolved after conferences with the teacher and principal may
be taken to the Superintendent, who will also be happy to discuss any questions relating to
the school’s operation and policies. An appointment may be made by calling the
Superintendent´s Administrative Assistant.
The Superintendent is the executive officer of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for
the organization, operation and administration of the total school program. Therefore, he
provides the channel of communication between the Board and the public. Questions
about school policy should be directed to the Superintendent for reply or action. Individual
members of the Board do not involve themselves directly in administrative matters
involving students, teachers and school administrators.
Requests for changes in school policy and appeals of decisions made by the Superintendent
may be addressed to the Board. All communications to the Board should be in writing and
should be addressed to the President, Board of Trustees. Only the Board of Trustees, acting
as a whole, in a regular or special meeting will make decisions about school policy.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Parent-Student Handbook undergoes revisions and changes periodically to meet the
growing demands of being supportive of students and reflective of their needs. You may find
the Parent-Student Handbook on the school’s web site: (http://pasb.com.br) The direct link to
the handbook is: http://pasb.com.br/pdf/ELEM%20Parent%20Student%20Handbook20152016.pdf
General Information
PASB Mission Statement
The Pan American School of Bahia (PASB) prepares students to face challenges as confident,
principled global citizens. Our outstanding American and Brazilian programs, offered in a safe,
nurturing environment, empower students to reach their fullest potential.
PASB Core Values
The spirit of community is greatly strengthened by shared values and common goals. Joining
our school community means accepting and supporting the following ethical principles:
Kindness
Acting in a compassionate and caring manner; practicing courtesy and
forgiveness while valuing diversity.
Integrity
Being consistently honest, principled and trustworthy.
Respect
Valuing diversity and the rights and opinions of others while treating them and
one´s environment with dignity.
Leadership
Embracing challenges with flexibility and creativity, persevering to positively
influence change.
Responsible Being accountable to self, community, and the environment, managing resources
Stewardship effectively to build a sustainable future.
Collaboration Working together constructively to achieve a common mission, objective or goal.
PASB Beliefs: As an International School Community…
1. We believe that each student is a valued individual with unique intellectual, social, creative,
emotional and physical qualities.
2. We believe that students learn best in a nurturing multi-cultural community where
achievements are recognized.
3. We believe that students become life-long learners when they take charge of their own
education and communicate effectively.
4. We believe that highly qualified teachers and administrators who continuously develop and
demonstrate their expertise are the foundation on which quality educational programs are
built.
5. We believe that a curriculum should challenge and inspire, creating authentic learning
experiences that require students to synthesize new constructs and realities.
6. We believe that an actively involved school community positively impacts learning.
7. We believe that everyone has the right to a physically and emotionally safe environment.
8. We believe that learning environments should empower students to be principled risktakers.
School History
The Pan American School of Bahia (PASB) was established by American families, residents of
Salvador, who wished to provide their children with an education similar to that available in the
United States. The School's objective was to offer an American and Brazilian curriculum to
American, Brazilian and third national children, regardless of race or creed.
The school was inaugurated on Monday, August 6, 1960 at 10:00 a.m. in the presence of the
then Governor of the State of Bahia, General Juracy Magalhaes, who presided over the
ceremony, and Mr. James Flanagan, American Consul in Salvador. The school occupied the
Pimenta da Cunha mansion located at 12 Campo Grande, no longer in existence. The first
student body was composed of sixty pupils, ninety percent of whom were Americans. The first
graduating class included one student!
Throughout its 50+ years of existence, PASB has aimed to offer a quality educational
opportunity for the Brazilian, American, and international communities of Salvador. The school
community reflects an ever expanding profile with families of differing cultural, ethnic and
socio-economic backgrounds. As the only international school in the city of Salvador, the school
plays an important part of the lives of our community members. As such, PASB enjoys a
positive relationship with the local community, as well as, other educational organizations in
the city of Salvador and the state of Bahia.
The mission and vision statements reflect the views of all school stakeholders from students,
faculty and staff and school administration to the PTA and parent attendees of the
superintendent breakfasts and members of the Board of Trustees. PASB is accredited by the
North East Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and will have its next accreditation
review in 2016.
Educational Program / Accreditation
The Pan American School of Bahia offers an American curriculum delivered through American
methodological and pedagogical practices. As an American school, we are accredited by an
American accreditation agency. To serve our Brazilian student population, the curriculum
incorporates the educational requirements of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, allowing
students to earn both an American and Brazilian diploma. PASB is also recognized by the
United States Department of Education, is a member of the Association of American Schools of
Brazil (AASB), the Association of American Schools of South America (AASSA), the Council for
International Schools (CIS), and also the Association for the Advancement of International
Education (AAIE).
PASB includes an early childhood program (grades PreK3 through Kindergarten) housed in
PASBinha, across the street from the main campus, an elementary school (1st through 5th
grade), a middle school (grades 6 through 8) and a four-year high school program (grades 9
through 12). At all levels, our curriculum encourages students to question, to discover, and to
form and defend their own ideas. Children develop through active involvement with subject
matter and according to their own pace and abilities. Our commitment is to help children
discover the very best of who they can be as they grow and learn.
Elementary School Program
Our Elementary School is for grades 1-5, based on the U.S. Common-Core curriculum. Every
effort is made to ensure that students new to our school are appropriately placed after a
review of their educational experience prior to arrival. Our core academic program is based on
the U.S. Common Core curriculum and also includes Portuguese language instruction, or
Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages (PSOL), Brazilian Social Studies (BSS) for grades 4
and 5, as well as physical education, art, music and library. Technology is integrated into the
day to day learning of our students. English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) is provided
based on testing on entry. Additionally, we provide learning support for students who have
specific academic needs through our Student Support Services.
Administration
The Board of Trustees of the Pan American School of Bahia governs the operation of the school.
A team of administrators consisting of a school Superintendent, Early Childhood Coordinator,
Elementary and Secondary School Principals, a Brazilian Studies Coordinator, Curriculum
Coordinator and Student Support Services Coordinator perform the day-to-day academic
administration of the school.
Faculty
The faculty is comprised of U.S., Brazilian and other international educators, many of whom
have worked in various schools throughout the world. The faculty is pedagogically and
methodologically prepared to provide a fully integrated U.S. and Brazilian curriculum. The
school also maintains three school counselors (one for elementary, one for the middle school,
and one for high school), learning specialists in the elementary school and secondary school,
ESOL and PSOL specialists in the elementary and the secondary school, a library-media
specialist, physical education, art and technology specialists and a full-time nurse.
Student Body
Although the student population at the Pan American School of Bahia is predominantly
Brazilian, another twenty nationalities are represented within the school. The student
population is made up of approximately 700 students PreK-3 through 12th grade.
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent-Teacher Association is an organization whose goal is to integrate all aspects of the
PASB community. All parents are encouraged to become active members of this organization
and to participate in the varied activities held during the school year.
School Day
The school calendar consists of 200 days including a number of academic, cultural and sporting
events held on Saturdays fulfilling both Brazilian and U.S. requirements. Classes begin promptly
at 7:45 A.M. and end at 2:30 PM for Grades 1 - 12, Monday through Friday.
A morning break and an afternoon lunch period are scheduled for all students. After-school
activities, competitive sports and reinforcement, enrichment and recuperation sessions are
available between 2:40 to 5:00 PM.
Students who share transportation with others staying for scheduled “after school activities”,
and not participating in the scheduled activities are expected to be in the library studying or in
the front gate area doing homework or reading. Students may NOT run around the campus
during the after school time and will not be allowed to stay on campus, if they do not follow
this expectation.
School Nurse
The school maintains a qualified nurse on campus at all times during school hours in order to
meet the needs of ill or injured students. Parents will be contacted if their child is unable to
return to class due to illness or injury. In the event of an emergency, the school will contact
emergency medical personnel and inform parents immediately.
If a student requires dispensation of medication throughout the day, parents should contact the
school nurse for complete instructions regarding such procedures.
Emergency Medical Need
In the event of emergency medical need for any student beyond what can be provided by the
school nurse, the student will be taken by ambulance or other arranged school transportation
to the nearest medical facility or the clinic/hospital of the parent’s choice. The student’s
parent(s) will be contacted. The parent or guardian is responsible for all medical coverage
costs.
Canteen
The school provides meal services through a contracted outside agency. Snack schedules and
lunchtime will be determined by the administration. Once a schedule has been established,
students may purchase canteen items only during their designated times. Students purchase
snacks and lunch through an account; the canteen does not accept money directly from
students. Students may also bring their lunch from home. Microwave ovens and refrigerators
are available for student use.
The canteen is open to students during regularly scheduled breaks, elementary lunch time, and
from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. Students may not purchase canteen items during class time or passing
time and must be consumed in the canteen area. Students may not take food or drinks into the
school buildings, playgrounds, gyms areas or fields.
Destination Imagination
The purpose of Destination Imagination is to provide students at the Pan American School of Bahia
(PASB) the opportunity to explore ideas using the creative processes encouraged through this after
school activity. DI is a school sponsored activity and, as such, must follow all guidelines defined for field
trips in the PASB Administrative Policy manual (2014). Students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate
and teams of no more than 7 students will be organized based on the number of school personnel
willing and able to sponsor the activity. Students must meet the academic guidelines outlined in the
PASB Administrative Policy Manual during the entire period in which they participate in DI, and
Principals will determine student eligibility in relation to them. Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to
participate in area Destination Imagination competitions. Parents may serve as co-sponsors but, in all
cases, each team must have a school staff member as a primary sponsor. More information is available
regarding rules and procedures for competitions.
Library and Policies for Library Use
PASB provides a computerized, internet-linked library of over 21,000 volumes as well as a wide
variety of periodicals and newspapers.
Students should use their time in the library appropriately. The library is a place for research,
exploration and study. Users are asked to maintain appropriate conduct and refrain from loud
talk or rowdy activity. No one is allowed to eat, drink, or chew gum in the library.
Students who visit the library outside of their regular classes will need a pass signed by their
teachers. Students should come to the library prepared to use their time efficiently. If a
student is disruptive, she/he will be asked to leave.
All materials will be checked out at the front desk (even if a student/teacher only needs to
make a quick photocopy). Library books are checked out for a period of up to two weeks.
There is a limit of checked out books per student based on grade level. Reference books,
current periodicals, and newspapers may not be taken from the library for any reason.
Students are asked to return library books by the due date. If books are needed for a longer
period of time, they may be renewed. Any unreturned materials will be considered lost at the
end of the semester. Students responsible for lost books or other materials will be charged the
current list price of the item, plus shipping and handling charges. If not already paid, the
amount will be added to the monthly tuition bill. If the item is returned to the library at a later
date, the amount paid will be reimbursed.
Students are financially responsible for returned materials damaged beyond repair. Students
will be charged the current list price, plus shipping and handling charges. An identical item,
pending librarian’s approval, can also replace the damaged material.
Textbook Distribution and Responsibility
The school provides students with books and other materials that are the property of the
institution. At the beginning of each semester, teachers will distribute these textbooks and
materials depending on the grade level. The identification number, condition of the book, and
materials will be recorded and signed by the student acknowledging the condition, if the book
is to be in the student’s full time possession. Students have the responsibility of exhibiting
responsible care of the textbook and/or materials and returning in the same condition as
received. At the end of the semester, if a book has been abused (pages torn, water damage or
graffiti), the damages will be reported to the principal and students are expected to settle all
fines with the business office. Students whose materials are left unattended on tables, on the
floor, in the hallway, or the library, etc., are not showing the appropriate respect for school
materials and the expectations for students at PASB.
Loss or Damage of School Material
Students who lose or permit their books or materials and/or furniture and installations to be
damaged (including locks and lockers) will be responsible for repair or replacement costs.
Students will be assessed the replacement costs as well as an administrative charge to cover
shipping charges, to be added to their family’s school billing. Students will not be issued report
cards until they have either returned all textbooks and materials distributed by their
teacher(s) or reimbursed the school for lost or missing materials.
Lost and Found
Students who have lost an item are encouraged to check with the principal´s office to see if it
has been found. Books, supplies, and personal items that are found around the campus are
picked up by the school maintenance staff or others and turned into the office. All students’
personal belongings should be labeled for identification purposes. Items that are not claimed
within a few days are placed in a box at the entrance to school and, by the end of the semester,
those note claimed will be donated to a charitable organization within the community. Please
be reminded that PASB does not accept responsibility for any lost or stolen items. Please work
together – parent and child – to secure personal belongings.
Open House
Each year at the beginning of the academic year, parents are invited to an “Open House”. At
this time, parents are introduced to the curriculum and methodology utilized by teachers in
their respective disciplines. This is not the time to discuss the progress of individual students.
Parents are encouraged to maintain email contact with their child’s teacher and will have the
opportunity to discuss student progress at the Parent-Teacher Conferences after the
completion of 1st and 3rd quarters.
5th Grade Moving-On Ceremony
Following the successful completion of grade 5, students receive their promotion certificates
for entry into 6th grade. This ceremony is held at the school a few days prior to the end of the
final term. Students who have not met all the promotion requirements will not be allowed to
participate in this ceremony. The ceremony usually consists of a slide show or video of student
involvement during the school year and a presentation of certificates by the Principal.
Following the ceremony, students and their parents gather at the school canteen for a small
reception. Parents may choose to have the event professionally videotaped and/or
photographed at their own expense with advance notice to the Principal.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement in a child’s education is vitally important to student success. We encourage
parents to be involved in our school so you can be the difference for your child. We believe that
school personnel and families must work as a team to ensure the child’s academic success.
Parents should attend scheduled conferences with their child(ren)’s teachers and request
conferences if they have specific concerns or questions regarding their academic or social
progress. Parents may not interrupt the classroom activity or teacher’s daily planning
time. Parents are requested to schedule meetings with teachers in advance. Parents are
encouraged to:



Support your child’s education
- Read and review all paperwork that is sent home from school
- Encourage your child to read at least 15 minutes per day
- Review/check the completion of all classes and homework assignments
- Monitor and limit the television/video games viewed by your child
- Communicate with the teacher on a regular basis
- Report any concerns to the teacher, School Counselor and/or Principal.
- Facilitate discussion and show interest in what your child is learning
Volunteer as a Classroom Helper
Join our Parent/Teacher Association (PTA)
VISITING STUDENTS
Only those students currently enrolled at PASB are permitted to attend classes. Parents should
request permission in advance from the Principal for a visiting student to remain on campus
during break and lunchtime, but are not allowed to attend classes.
LANGUAGE USE
The goal of PASB is to have students who are functionally bilingual in all academic
areas. English is the official language of instruction in all subjects except Brazilian Social Studies
and Portuguese. Students are expected to respond and interact in the language of
instruction. Students are also encouraged to use English outside the classroom. Use of English
while outside the classroom serves to reinforce and help build English skills for all students for
whom English is not their native language.
ATTENDANCE
School Attendance is critical to your child’s success. Being present and actively engaged in
learning each day is critical to each student moving through the academic program and learning
how to be informed citizens in a global society.
School begins promptly at 7:45 AM. All students arriving after 7:45 AM are considered tardy.
Late arrivals are excused if the tardy arrival is due to medical appointments or illness. Parents
must send an email to the classroom teacher and the Elementary School assistant, Ms. Renata
Giannotti ([email protected]) in order for a tardy arrival to be excused.
The principal will schedule a family meeting for 6 or more tardies each semester for children in
grades 1-2. Students in grades 3-5 will have a “make-up” time during the recess period for
each tardy arrival.
All Absences
 All absences, whether approved or unapproved, count towards the 75% daily
attendance requirement.
 Students are responsible to submit any work on the due date that was assigned prior to
an absence except for extenuating circumstances such as an extremely serious medical
condition.



School examinations, such as tests or final semester examinations, will not be given
early to any student under any circumstance.
Students who have not reported to class are officially considered “absent” and subject
to disciplinary consequences if determined to not have proper authorization.
Students who are absent during the school day will not be eligible to participate in any
afterschool or school sponsored activity on that day including all sports and
extracurricular activities.
TO REPORT AN ABSENCE
 Contact the Elementary Office at 55 71 3368-8406 between 8:00-9:00 AM to report your
child’s absence, or email the ES School Assistant ([email protected]) to report
the absence.
.
ABSENCES OTHER THAN ILLNESS
Absences other than illness require notification as soon as the dates are known. We
encourage parents to limit the time away from school during normal school days and hours.
 One week prior notification is recommended to both the Principal and the teacher. All
students should complete the Advance Absence form to receive assignments to be
completed while away.
o The teacher and principal will determine if 60% or 100% credit may be earned
for all assignments.
EARLY SCHOOL EXITS
Any student who needs to leave school early (medical appointments or other urgent personal
matters) will be permitted to do so only with parental permission by a written request signed
by a parent or a written email from a parent account. Early school exits for health reasons must
have the approval of the school nurse. No student will be allowed to leave early for any reason
without written parental permission and the authorization of the staff of the Elementary
Office. The student and/or parent is responsible for showing their exit permission slip to the
school guard upon departure from the campus. This form is completed at the time of pick-up.
TUTORING
When students need additional assistance to meet the academic expectations in their classes,
they should first seek this assistance through their homeroom teacher or Portuguese
teacher. If students need assistance beyond what can be offered from the classroom teacher
between 2:30 and 3:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, parents may ask for recommendations of
outside tutors through the Student Support Services Coordinator.
Parents are advised that teachers may not receive remuneration for tutoring their own
students. All paid tutoring of students must be done after regular school hours (after 3:30 p.m.)
and may not be conducted on campus. It is the responsibility of the parents to handle all
payment arrangements directly with the tutor.
SCHOOL LIABILITY INSURANCE / EMERGENCY MEDICAL NEED
In the event of emergency medical need for any student beyond what can be provided by the
school nurse, the student will be taken by ambulance or other arranged school transportation
to the nearest medical facility or the clinic/hospital of the parent’s choice and the student’s
parent(s) will be contacted. The parent or guardian is responsible for all medical coverage
costs.
DROPPING OFF / PICKING UP / PARKING
Please drive with caution at all times to ensure student safety. All students need to be picked
within 15 minutes of dismissal time unless they are participating in after-school
activities. Parents and drivers may enter school grounds, but must wait for students in the
public area at the main gate. Only parents are allowed in the canteen area in the morning and
all non-students and non-school personnel should be off-campus by 8:15. Students may not
leave the school with someone other their parent or designated guardian without advance
written communication to the school office. Any organization of play dates or trips to parties
and other locations must be arranged prior to arriving at school. Students will not be allowed
to use the school phones to arrange for such activities.
Students who register to participate in an after-school activity or who are actively involved in an
extracurricular or after-school activity, tutoring, reinforcement, enrichment or recuperation
must be in a classroom or in a supervised activity while on campus. Students not involved in the
above mentioned activities may be in the library to study or are required to remain in the area
inside the main gate area doing homework or reading until transportation arrives.
DRESS CODE
All clothing is expected to be clean, appropriate and conductive to all school activities, including
Physical Education.
1. Clothes:
 Official school uniforms, available in the PTA store, are required at PASB
 Uniforms may not be altered or “decorated”.
 A student cannot dress or wear/use emblems, insignias, badges, or any other
symbols where the effect thereof is to distract the attention of others or otherwise
offend, cause disruption, or interference with the operation of the school.
2. Shoes:
 NO flip flops, sandals, crocs, “chinelos”, rubber sandals, high heeled or platform-type
shoes
 Students must use tennis shoes (without soccer cleats).
3. Hats or sunglasses may not be worn in the buildings.
4. The Principal and/or staff will determine if a student’s dress is disruptive to the learning
environment
5. Any exceptions to the dress code, such as for medical reasons, must be approved in
advance by the Principal before the start of school at 7:45 am. Students who have a
valid, approved medical reason for wearing a sandal must report to the nurse for her
approval. These students must still wear a regular or athletic shoe on the non-injured
foot.
GUM / CANDY/ TOYS/ ELECTRONICS / MONEY / VALUABLES
 No gum
 No soda
 No excessive amounts of candy
 No toys from home without teacher permission. (No toy ‘badeblades’, skateboards or
laser pens are permitted)
 Electronic devices (e.g. iPod, Gameboys, Tamagotvhi’s, DS, cameras,
cellphones) must be turned off during school hours—7:45-2:30. Cellphones may
be used, with classroom teacher or classroom assistant permission to
access electronic instructional resources. If used at other times or for any
other purpose, these items will be turned in to the office by staff members and
returned at the end of the day. Parents will be notified if the electronic device is
interrupting instruction.
 Elementary students should not bring excessive amounts of money or items of great
value to the school. All personal possessions should be appropriately labeled with the
child’s name.
PASB will not be responsible for money or personal possessions lost or stolen on school
grounds.
HOMEWORK
Homework is defined as “assignments to be done outside the classroom to
reinforce classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion and provide
curriculum enrichment opportunities.” Homework is a natural, independent
extension of what has already been taught within the classroom. The purposes of
homework assignments are:





To provide reinforcement of concepts and mastery of skills learned in class.
To develop student’s self-discipline, independence, and responsibility.
To provide enrichment, extension, and opportunities for independent study.
To involve the parents and the children in the learning process.
Homework is not given as punishment.
The suggested amount of homework is:
Grade
Total Hours (Range)
1
10 minutes daily and special individual ones as needed
2
20 minutes daily and special individual ones as needed
3
30 minutes daily and special individual ones as needed
4
40 minutes daily and special individual ones as needed
APPROPRIATE COMPUTER USE
The opportunity to use school technology resources entails an obligation on the part of
elementary students to use these resources, including school computers, in an appropriate
manner. Abuse or improper use of school technology will result in the loss of privileges
regarding its use and/or disciplinary sanctions. All students and parents will be required to sign
the form on our technology use policy at the end of this handbook.
LOST & FOUND
Students who have lost an item can retrieve this item in the “Lost and Found Box” located near
the school front main gate. Books, supplies, and personal items that are found around the
campus are picked up by the school maintenance staff or anyone else finding them. All
students’ personal belongings should be labeled for identification purposes. Items that are not
claimed by the end of the semester are usually donated to a charitable organization within the
community. Please be reminded that PASB does not accept responsibility for any lost or stolen
items. Please work together – parent and child – to secure personal belongings.
PARENTAL COMMUNICATION
A weekly newsletter is made available on the school’s website and sent to parents as the
NewsFlash. The newsletter contains articles about school programs and also announcements of
upcoming events and activities. The newsletter is published every Friday afternoon or the last
school day of the week.
The elementary office contacts parents via either telephone or e-mail. Parents are asked to be
sure to leave contact information with the elementary office and update this information as
needed.
All messages to students should be sent to the Elementary Office and will only be delivered
during class time in the case of emergencies. All other messages will be delivered before the
end of the school day.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Although the school shares the understanding that a birthday is an important event for a young
child, birthday celebrations cannot be permitted to interfere with the school’s educational
program. As such, parents are asked to cooperate in respecting certain rules and procedures
regarding birthday celebrations. When transportation is involved, classroom teachers must turn
in all permission slips to Security before noon on the day of the party.
In-School Parties:
 Such parties must be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher.
 Celebrations may only take place only during morning break.
 School parties should only include a cake and or small snack.
Out-of-School Parties:
 Inform the classroom teacher one week in advance.











Inform Mr. Luciano Santos, PASB Security, one week in advance.
Written invitations may be distributed in school but must include either all students or
all boys or all girls in the class or grade.
Completed invitations must be given to the classroom teacher at least two (2) days in
advance.
The parent responsible for the party’s organization must make sure that parents know
that for every student who will use other than his/her normal transportation, the parent
must notify the Elementary office by email or written note.
Children may not be dismissed from school for a party prior to regular 2:30 p.m.
dismissal.
A child attending an after-school, off-campus party will generally not participate in afterschool activities.
Transportation arranged by the parents must depart from the school campus by no later
than 2:45 p.m.
Students must leave school in their school uniform. Transportation should not wait for
students to change clothes.
If a parent has indicated on the consent form that their child will ride the bus, that child
must ride the bus and may not go with another parent.
Any last minute changes to the arrangements defined on the consent form must be
made, by email or written note, by the parent through the school receptionist or the
Elementary Office.
The school accepts no responsibility or liability for the party other than providing
student names for the invitations, collecting forms, and escorting students to the front
reception area.
CONDUCT / CITIZENSHIP
PASB is committed to sustaining a safe, orderly and respectful environment. We expect all of
our students to learn and embrace our Core Values. Our school Discipline Policy serves to
ensure that every student is able to focus on their learning and achieve optimal academic
success.
Bullying / Cyber-Bullying
Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean, hurtful or aggressive
things to another person who has a hard time defending him or herself.
Cyber-bullying is when a student is harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or threatened using
electronic communications. This can be done using the Internet, interactive and digital
technologies, computer or mobile phones and can take many forms including instant messages,
email, blog posts, apps and websites such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Snapchat.
Procedures / Rules
 Obey all staff members
 Exhibit self-control at all times: NO Physical contact/ violence/profanity/racism
 Walk at all times. Running is permitted ONLY in the grassy fields.
 Respect all members of the school community


Respect school property and the property of others
Students must be issued a pass to visit the front office, the nurse’s office, the
counselor’s office, the library during class time, recess or lunch.
Positive Incentives include
 Personal pride in demonstrating our Core Values
 Weekly recognition of appropriate student conduct
 Assemblies where students are recognized for good citizenship
Discipline Consequences
 Loss of recess privileges
 Student conference with teacher and/or principal/counselor
 Parent conference with teacher and/or principal/counselor
 Suspension from school
SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL
In-school Suspension
In-school suspension is assigned for serious situations of disrespect toward the school
community. The date and class periods of the suspension will be set by the Elementary
Principal. Parents may be required to meet with the Principal before the date of the in-school
suspension.
The student must report to the Principal at the start of the school day and will remain under the
supervision of the Principal or his designees for the suspension periods as determined by the
Principal. Students under in-school suspension will not attend regular classes. The student is
expected to complete all assignments submitted by teachers for that day. Academic credit will
be awarded based upon the quality of work produced during the day; the student will retain
the right to recover any examinations or projects missed during the in-school suspension.
Students may not participate in after-school activities on the day of the suspension.
Out-of-School Suspension
Out-of-school suspension is assigned for extremely serious situations of disrespect toward the
school community.
During an out-of school suspension the student is not permitted to enter the school campus or
to participate in any school related activities such as fieldtrips, etc. The date(s) of the out-ofschool suspension will be determined by the Principal.
Students in out-of-school suspension may only recover missed work to a maximum of 60%
credit at the discretion of the individual teacher and with the prior approval of the Principal.
The date(s) of the out-of-school suspension will be determined by the Principal.
A parent must conference with the Principal and their child prior to the student’s readmission
to classes after a suspension.
Standardized Testing
Students are administered a number of standardized tests throughout the year to assess their
currently levels of performance in reading, language, writing and mathematics, as well as
Portuguese language (grade 5 only). Test results are made available to parents and you are
encouraged to discuss your child’s performance on these tests with your child’s teacher.
Class lists
Students are grouped, heterogeneously in classes each year based on their development at the
end of each grade in grades K-5. Students will not move as a class from one year to the next, as
happens in some school systems. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s learning needs
with his/her current teacher throughout the year so that we are partners in your child’s
development. Requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. Students are grouped based
on multiple sources of data and then the principal is responsible for assigning teachers to the
class. Class lists will be made available the first day of school ONLY. After the first two weeks of
school, parental requests based on extreme circumstances for class changes, will be considered
by the principal, but not guaranteed.
Procedures for Classroom Reassignment Requests:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The parent meets with the classroom teacher to express concerns and explore solutions.
If the parent-teacher meeting does not resolve the concern, the parent, teacher, counselor, and principal
meet to gather information justifying a classroom change.
During a two-week review process, the counselor and the principal:
 Conduct classroom observations;
 Review Mathematics Performance;
 The principal administers a new DRA 2 assessment;
 The counselor meets with the student
The counselor, parent, teacher (optional), and principal meet to review findings.
Come learn together:
The overall philosophy of the PASB elementary educational program is to assist and support
students in displaying positive self-discipline. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a
responsible, respectful, and honest manner at all times. We believe that any disciplinary action
must be preceded by clear and gentle communication and implemented in a fair, firm, and
consistent manner. The collaborative role of school and parents is critical to any child’s
successful learning and to being a contributing and respected member of the school
environment and the greater community.