skolkovo-kind-handbook

CONTENTS Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………......………2 Mission statement and aims……………………………..……………………….......……...……….3 Kindergarten routines…………………………….…………………………………………..…………4 Daily routine…………………………………….……………………………………………......………….…4 Year calendar…………………………………………………………………………………...………………5 School supplies………………………..…………………………………………………………....………….6 Attendance policy…………………………………………………………………………………………….7 Arrival and departure procedures…………………………………………………………………..10 Communication………………………………………………………………………………………….......11 Adaptation……………………………………………………………………………………………………..12 Curriculum…………………………………………………………………………………………………...14 Timetables………….......……………………………………………………………………………………..16 Teachers………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16 Homework……………………………………………………………………………………………………..16 Reports…………………………...……………………………………………………………………………..17 Assemblies……………………………………………………………………………………………………..17 Health and physical development……………………………………………………………………18 Swimming lessons………………………………………………………………………………………….19 Parents Club…………………………………………………………………………………………………..21 Concerts and celebrations for parents……………………………………………………………..22 Regulations…………………………………………………………………………………………………...23

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

INTRODUCTION Dear parents and pupils, Welcome to Atlantic International School. We are delighted that you have chosen to place your child within the Atlantic family and we look forward to working in partnership with you for the best possible education for your child.

We aim to create a family atmosphere where each child is encouraged to develop their potential whilst becoming confident, responsible and independent members of our community.

We hope that your child will be very happy here and that the information contained in this handbook is useful and answers some of the many questions that may arise.

The staff always welcome the opportunity to talk to you if you have a query, and your child’s class teacher should always be your first port of call should you require advice or assistance.

Although we try to give you the most up to date information in this booklet, occasionally situations do arise when changes are necessary. Please use the school website for up-to-date information.

Atlantic International School Administration

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of The AIS of Moscow is to provide the students with a strong curricular programme based on developmentally appropriate practices in a challenging and supporting environment.

Our Objectives At the AIS we consider our main tasks to be:  To give our students a quality education, ensuring a deep knowledge of school subjects and a high level of proficiency in English and Russian languages and mathematics  Discover the individuality in each child, reveal his creative and physical potential and develop existing talents  Take care of health and psychological well –being of children  to help them adept to society, understand their inner world and teach them how to cope with life’s difficulties  To train each individual, to be self-confident in his knowledge and future world citizen

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

KINDERGARTEN ROUTINES Our kindergarten is open from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. from Monday till Friday.

First lesson starts at 9 a.m., school day finishes at 6 p.m. Please, bring your child before school day begins.

Every child in the kindergarten follows the approved schedule of the day done in accordance with the physiological and psychological characteristics of children in each age group.

DAILY ROUTINE Time 9:00 9:15 9:20 9:45 10:25 10:35 11:00 12:10 12:15 12:45 1:00 3:00 3:05 3:15 3:30 4:50 5:20 6:00

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PRE-NURSERY&NURSERY Circle time Bathroom routines Breakfast Lessons 1&2 Bathroom time Morning snacks Outdoor activity Bathroom routines Lunch time Story time Nap time “Wake up” gymnastics Bathroom routines Afternoon snacks Lessons/creative & sport activities Dinner Outdoor activity Good bye time

Time 9:00 9:15 9:20 9:40 10:30 10:40 11:00 12:10 12:40 12:50 1:05 3:00 3:05 3:15 3:30 4:55 5:20 6:00

RECEPTION Circle time Bathroom routines Breakfast Lessons 1&2 Bathroom time Morning snacks Outdoor activity Lesson 3 Lunch time Story time Nap time “Wake up” gymnastics Bathroom routines Afternoon snacks Lessons/creative & sport activities Dinner Outdoor activity Good bye time

ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

YEAR CALENDAR «Atlantic» Kindergarten Holidays 2011/2012 Autumn Break Winter Break Spring Break Summer holidays

October,31st, 2011 - November, 3rd, 2011 December, 23rd , 2011 – January, 9th, 2012 March 26 – 30th , 2012 June,1st – August, 31st, 2012

kindergarten is open kindergarten is closed kindergarten is open summer kindergarten is open

State holidays 2011/2012 November,4th, 2011, Friday

National Unity Day

February,23rd , 2012, Thursday March,8th , 2012, Thursday

Motherland Defender’s Day

April,30th , May, 1st , 2012, Monday, Tuesday Saturday, April,28th 2012 working day May, 9th , 2012, Wednesday

Spring and Labour Day

June, 11th and 12th Monday, Tuesday Saturday, June,9th 2012 working day

Russia Day

International Women's Day

Victory Day

kindergarten is closed kindergarten is closed kindergarten is closed kindergarten is closed

kindergarten is closed kindergarten is closed

On State Holidays the school is closed.

Break time is for children to reflect on what they have learned. It is a necessary part of a learning process.

Anyway, if your child needs to be looked after during autumn and spring breaks, we are happy to inform you that a mixed playgroup is organized in our kindergarten.

It will be open on week days. Please, ask your class teacher for an application form to fill in for the playgroup.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

SCHOOL SUPPLIES List of necessary things we would ask you to bring: 

indoor shoes

For outside play  comfortable clothing for the season and the weather so that a child could move freely and stay outside during all outside playtime (about 1 hour) For P.E.     

t-shirt shorts sport shoes with straps or hooks&loops socks sports suit

For dancing classes  dancing suit  dancing shoes For nap time  pajamas  socks For swimming lessons      

backpack bathing cap swim suit swimming goggles towel rubber sandals

In case of emergency  extra clothes Please, dress your child in the morning according to the weather.

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ATTENDANCE POLICY Introduction Regular attendance at school is essential to ensure uninterrupted progress and to enable children to reach their potential. The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure that a regular pattern is maintained.

Absence is an important issue that is treated seriously. When attendance becomes a problem the school cannot guarantee successful progress in the program.

However each case is different and the school acknowledges that no one standard response will be appropriate in every case. It is essential that parents keep the school fully informed of any matters that may affect their child’s attendance.

We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school. To this end the school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, where each member of the school community feels happy and secure.

Parental Responsibility Throughout this policy the term ‘parent’ represents one parent, both parents or guardian with whom the child resides. Punctuality is stressed as lateness impacts on learning not only for the individual, but the class as a whole.

When a child is unwell, parents should contact the school before 9.30am on the first day of absence informing the school of the reason for absence.

Parent and guardians should:  encourage good attendance and punctuality;  inform the school by 9.30am on the first day of their child’s absence;  notify in advance for planned absences (such as family holidays during term time, special occasions);  it is strongly recommended that parents should take holidays during breaktime as to not interfere with educational process.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

School Responsibility The school is responsible for recording pupil attendance twice a day in the attendance register, once at the start of the morning session (9.00am) and once at the start of the afternoon session (12.45pm).

As a school we will ensure that:  pupils are registered accurately and efficiently;  a first day absence response telephone call is made to a pupil’s home address after 9.30am;  school attendance statistics are reported;  the importance of good attendance and punctuality is emphasised to the children and their parents throughout the school year.

Pupils will be encouraged to:  attend school regularly;  arrive at school on time;  try to achieve a 100% attendance certificate each term;

Procedures Children are expected to attend every session that the school is open during the academic year unless there is a good reason for absence. There are two types of absence:  Authorised  Unauthorised The following circumstances are considered as unauthorized and appropriate reasons for the issuing of Responsibility Notices:  Excessive holidays during term  Excessive delayed return from extended holidays  Persistent lateness after morning attendance has been taken A pupil has to be absent from school in one of these circumstances for at least 10 sessions or remain on sick leave for 10 consecutive days or at least 14 days in any term before the issuing of a Responsibility Notice can be considered.

The purpose of Responsibility Notice is to inform parents that their child's frequent absences or lateness may result in difficulties in learning and adaptation.

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Reporting Absence If a child is absent, parents should contact the school by 9.30am on the first day stating a reason for absence. Contact may be made in person, by telephone or via a written, signed note. This reason will be recorded in the register and the school will decide whether the absence can be authorised. If parents fail to make contact with the school on the first day of absence, a member of the staff will contact the child’s home by telephone. If contact is made, the reason is recorded in the absence book. In the case that contact cannot be made, the school stuff will continue to attempt to make contact for the remainder of the school day, including contacting other close family members listed on the contact form. If contact cannot be made, a letter will be sent home reminding parents of absence protocol and requesting that parents contact the school office with a reason for absence and to ensure contact details are current.

Punctuality School begins at 9.00am, register is closed at 9.10 and children arriving at school after the start of the school session will be marked late. This will be marked in the class register.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES. Arrival and Departure Procedures Children can arrive from 8.00am - 8:45am and must be in class ready for registration at 8.55am sharp as lessons commence at 9.00am. If for some reason a child is brought to kindergarten later, please ensure that s/he does not interrupt the lesson. In case of lateness, parents will have to change their children themselves as all the staff will be busy with the class, and quietly lead the child into the class and close the class door promptly. It will help the morning routine enormously if parents do not enter the class and leave the cloakroom as soon as their child is in class.

Please ensure that you or your designated guardian collects your child from a member of staff at the end of each day from the designated pick up point. Those children using the school bus service will be collected by the bus monitor and safely taken home.

Please collect your child promptly at the end of each day. If for some reason you have been delayed, please telephone the school so that we are aware and can inform your child to avoid any worrying. If you are unable to collect your child, please inform the school at your earliest convenience as to who will be collecting your child.

Teachers will not release a child to an unauthorised guardian. If a parent wishes their child to be collected by a different person then the parents must complete a form and provide a photograph of the person who is collecting the child

Pickup Points All children from Pre-Nursery to Reception are to be collected from their cloakrooms or from the playground. It will help the end of school routine enormously if parents do not enter the classroom and collect their child promptly. If for some reason parents want to collect their child later than they appear on the school premises, they must make sure their child does not see them. Otherwise a child as well as parents and the teachers will be confused under whose authority s/he is at the moment. For children’s safety reasons we must avoid this kind of ambiguity.

Teachers expect that after parents claimed that they have come to collect their child and the child sees them parents accept the responsibility for the child fully.

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

COMMUNICATION We aim to keep all parents fully informed about events or developments at AIS. The school newsletter is sent out monthly. Parents should check school folders on a daily basis. Inside each child’s book folder is a reading record diary where parents and teachers can write messages. Teachers need to inform parents of upcoming events by sending out letters in those folders. Every time a child reads in class the reading record diary will be signed by the class teacher. The parents will countersign the diary every time their child reads at home.

Class teachers are happy to discuss concerns parents may have about their child but are unable to do so during teaching time. Parents are asked not to contact class teachers in the morning for a lengthy chat as teachers and pupils are always anxious to begin their daily work. Office staff will gladly arrange for parents to make an appointment with class teachers to discuss any concerns parents may have.

There are 2 semesters in the school calendar. Parents will receive reports at the end of each semester and there are two formal Parent Teacher Consultations held each year.

Health Regular daily attendance is expected but sometimes absence is unavoidable through sickness. Please inform the school if your child is unable to attend. Please telephone or email as early as possible and leave a message for the class teacher.

Please advise us of any medical problems your child may have when there is an allergy to materials or food. Please ensure that the nurse has your medical card.

If your child becomes unwell and the class teacher feels that s/he is not well enough to participate in lessons you will be telephoned immediately to collect your child. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the parents to collect their unwell child and the school cannot provide a driver in such circumstances.

Medication can only be administered with written consent and directions from the parents. The school employs a full-time qualified nurse who deals with day-today matters such as cuts/bruises and children who feel unwell whilst at school. If your child has had to visit the nurse due to a minor injury or feeling slightly unwell you will be informed of the incident. In case of serious injury or emergency the emergency services will be contacted and the parents informed.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

ADAPTATION The child’s adaptation to the kindergarten.

Information for parents.

Day 1 – The child comes to the kindergarten together with a parent to get acquainted with a new environment, new people, if possible s/he spends a short while in the group of peers.

Day 2-10 – The child is left in the class with the teachers and other children for 2-3 hours without a parent and then goes for outdoor activity from 11.15 till 12.00 and lunch till 12.30 Starting from the 2nd week in kindergarten the child remains for the whole study day on his/her own.

Please, part with your child at the doors of the class. By doing so you will help your child understand that in the class s/he should stay on his/her own and eventually the adaptation period will go smoother.

Any questions regarding a change of the schedule during adaptation period should be discussed with the methodologist and psychologist of the school.

The conditions of successful adaptation:  One of the main factors is your positive attitude towards the kindergarten. If you believe it to be the best place on Earth for your child so will your child. S/he will feel it subconciously;  Don’t be nervous and do not show you are worried before leaving your child at the kindergarten;  You should prepare your child to temporarily part with you and explain to him/her that this is only because s/he is growing up;  Try to tune your child as positively as possible to his entering the kindergarten (this is the result of positive child-parent emotional contact);  Reveal to your child some “secrets” of communication skills both with children and adults;  You can give to your child a book or a toy as a “piece of home”;

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

 Find out the timetable of the kindergarten beforehand and implement it at home as a part of a daily routine;  Bring your child to kindergarten only if s/he is absolutely healthy;  Plan your working and leisure time so that you would have the opportunity NOT to leave your child in the kindergarten for the full day during the first month (according to the adaptation schedule);  Child’s adaptation will start only when s/he stays in kindergarten all by him/herself (the presence of parents on the kindergarten grounds will only elongate the adaptation period);  Do not discuss issues you consider to be problematic about the kindergarten in front of your child;  It is of utter importance to keep telling your child consistently that you love him/her as much as you did before.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

CURRICULUM The Cambridge Educational System AIS are accredited by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The Cambridge Curriculum sets out the stages and core subjects your child will be taught throughout their school life. The Cambridge Curriculum is a framework based on the UK National Curriculum to ensure that teaching and learning is balanced and consistent. Programmes of study for young learners are based on the UK National Curriculum (UNC) for Early Years and Foundation Stage and logically linked to the Cambridge Curriculum. It sets out:  the subjects taught  the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject  standards or attainment targets in each subject that teachers can use to measure your child's progress and plan their future learning  how your child's progress is assessed and reported CIE organises the curriculum into distinct categories for assessment. Five categories of the assessment we currently use at AIS Stage

Age*

Year Group

Key Stage

Assessment

EY

2

Pre-Nursery

Early Years

Internal Assessment

EY

3

Nursery

Early Years

Internal Assessment

F

4

Reception

Foundation

Internal Assessment

1

5

Year 1

Primary school

Internal Assessments

1

6

Year 2

Primary school

Internal Assessments

2

7

Year 3

Primary school

Primary progression tests

2

8

Year 4

Primary school

Primary progression tests

2

9

Year 5

Primary school

Primary progression tests

2

10

Year 6

Primary school

Cambridge Checkpoint tests

3

11

Year 7

Secondary school

Lower secondary progression tests

3

12

Year 8

Secondary school

Lower secondary progression tests

3

13

Year 9

Secondary school

Cambridge Checkpoint tests

4

14

Year 10

Secondary school

IGCSE practice exams

4

15

Year 11

Secondary school

IGCSE final exams

* Age of child as of 1st September of current academic year

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

AIS Kindergarten Programme Age* 2 y.o.

3 y.o.

4 y.o.

Level Pre-Nursery Nursery Reception

Programme UNC**, Early Years, 22-36 months UNC, Early Years, 30 -50 months UNC, Foundation Stage, 40 - 60+ months

* Age of child as of 1st September of current academic year **UK National Curriculum

Early Years Foundation Stage: Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception The UK National Curriculum (UNC) Early Years and Foundation Stage framework covers all 6 areas of a child’s complete development: Personal, Social and emotional development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Problem solving, Reasoning and Numeracy; Knowledge and Understanding of the world; Physical Development and Creative Development.

AIS kindergarten programme is progressive and flexible, it helps us develop successful students.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

TIMETABLES The curriculum is reflected in the timetable. The timetable is put together in English for a one week period. The lessons in the international programme are taught in English. For Russian-speaking children there is literacy and maths in Russian.

Communication during daily routines (breakfast, lunch, outdoor playtime etc.) happens in English. In the morning greater emphasis is placed on intellectual development, while during the afternoon more attention is given to the development of children’s creativity and emotions.

Your class timetable will be available for you before the beginning of the academic year in the secretary’s office.

TEACHERS In Atlantic kindergarten there are two teachers in each class: an English speaking and a Russian speaking teacher with good knowledge of English. Both teachers have a degree in teaching, specialization and experience in the early childhood education. There is also an assistant caregiver in each class.

You can see your teachers every day either in the morning or in the afternoon and discuss any issues before the school day.

There are other specialists working in our kindergarten: a medical nurse, a psychologist, a speech therapist, a music teacher, a dancing teacher, an art teacher and a physical education teacher. You can see them and talk about your child’s progress any time by prior appointment.

HOMEWORK Every child in the kindergarten has a personal folder which s/he must bring to school every day.

The folder contains worksheets completed during the lessons, which should be left at home. Once a week a teacher may give a review worksheet, a child can do on his/her own. The parents’ role is to remind your child to finish the task and give it to the teacher on time. Such tasks help a child to get used to doing homework and as a result contribute to easier adaptation to junior school when homework must be done every day.

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The following time spans are suggested as a guideline for weekly homework.

Nursery: Reception:

Reading only as appropriate.

Up to 10 minutes, four times per week.

REPORTS Reports are given twice a year in the form of a detailed description of a child’s performance during the first and the second semesters. Reports are given at the end of December and at the end of May in English stating a child’s progress on the international and Russian curricula.

We hold parent-teacher meetings twice a year, in late October and late March.

You may discuss any concerns with your child’s teacher, the psychologist or the head teacher at any time by prior arrangement.

ASSEMBLIES Weekly assemblies help to provide interdisciplinary links, deepen children’s understanding of other cultures, teach children tolerance. By studying amusing traditions and celebrating festivals from different countries, children begin to appreciate the diversity of the world we live in and see the reasons to be proud of their own country.

Different assemblies take place every Friday. They are a whole school wide event where children show others their achievements, crafts, poems and songs they have learned during the week. Assemblies are for the children only. On one hand, assemblies are a mini celebration, and on other hand, they are also a lesson.

List of assemblies you can find on www.atlanticschool.ru

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT â„–

ACTIVITY

1

morning gymnastics

2

physical education

3 4

swimming sports club individual lessons for 7 promoting key skills P.E. break (between 8 lessons) 9 outdside activity games 10 physical activity in a gym 11 PE amusement fitness days for children and parents 12 Father’s day Sports day

TIME Physical education every day 9.00-9.10 2 times a week according to the timetable once a week once a week

DURATION

2-3 times a week

12-15 min

every day

3-5 min

2-3 times a week 2-3 times a week once a month according to the timetable of events February May Health parents wish and doctor's recommendation every day

15-30 min 10-15 min 20-30 min

every day

2-3 min

every day

1-2 min

2-3days a week

5-10 min 20-30 min

6-10 min 15-30 min 45 min 30min

40-60min

1

corrective gymnastics

2

6

finger gymnastics speech therapy gymnastics eye gymnastics gymnastics after nap time valeology lessons

7

sun baths

every 2 months Preventive work every day

8

room airing

every day

9 10

breathing fresh air breathing gymnastics

every day every day

during outside play according to the outside temperature during outside play 2-3 min

11

rubdown with towel

every day after nap-time

1-2 min

12

feet-baths

every day before nap-time

1-3 min

13

self-massage

3 4 5

18

every day

since 5 ages

10-15 min 3-5 min

1-2 min

ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

SWIMMING LESSONS. Children attend the swimming pool once a week for a swimming lesson. The aim of this lesson is to teach children to swim. We follow the swimming curriculum of Russian kindergartens for children aged 3-6.

The swimming pool is located in a modern fitness club that is fully equipped for children. There is a qualified swimming instructor who is certified to teach children swimming.

Children travel to the swimming pool by the school bus supervised by their teachers, who also help them to change and dry their hair thoroughly.

We ask parents to provide their child with necessary equipment for swimming lessons. If a child lacks necessary equipment the kindergarten cannot provide it, therefore the child will not be able to participate in the swimming class.

The list of the necessary equipment for swimming is mentioned in 1.2 School Supplies and detailed description is provided below.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

PARENTS CLUB In our kindergarten operates Parents Club. Parents come to Parent Club meetings not only to discuss pressing problems in their children’s upbringing and education, to learn a lot about how to communicate and influence their children, ask our psychologist for an advice, but also to meet parents of other children who their child sees and plays every day with. Parents Club meetings are held once a month.

We welcome all our parents to take an active part in the Parents Club’s meetings. This is a good opportunity for you not only to learn about modern approaches in psychology and pedagogy but also to find out more about your child’s life in the kindergarten and beyond.

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012

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ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

REGULATIONS  Bring children before 9 a.m.

Beginning the day in a routine manner helps the child to perform better in school: it’s hard to understand what a movie is about if you watch it from the middle. Coming with your child on time will also teach him/her to be a punctual person.  In the morning part with your child in the locker room, in the evening wait for him/her there.

The classroom is a place with its own rules. For a child it is a special place where s/he feels himself independent and grown-up. It is very important that parents should stay out of the classroom.  The toys brought from home should be stored in a locker and taken out only when teacher allows.

Younger children often need toys from home, especially during their adaptation period.

The older and more independent the child becomes the less s/he needs them. However, older children often want to show their favourite toys to their friends. The teacher will find a special time for this without hindering the educational process.  Do not allow your children to bring expensive things (cell phones, expensive toys, money, valuable jewelry etc.)  Children should not bring sweets, chocolates, soda or bubblegum to kindergarten.

We try our best to teach children healthy habits and many children are allergic to such products.  Inform the teacher if you cannot collect your child before 8 p.m.

We will wait for you, but please give notice.  Kids who are ill must stay at home untill they recover fully.

If your child is unwell, has a fever, a cough, nausea, etc. attending kindergarten will not do them any good. The illness may progress, and a sick child can infect other children.

Should your child feel unwell when s/he is in school your teacher will call you immediately. Your child will stay in the nurse’s room until you come to collect him/her.  Dress your child according to the weather.

Every day children spend about two hours outside. A child dressed in a proper way feels comfortable and can move actively during outside playtime.  If you do not have an opportunity to discuss your concerns with the teacher in

person, you may contact her by her personal e-mail or through the school secretary on the phone (495) 661 86 91 (m. Dubrovka) and (499) 745 62 61 or (903) 281 2720 (m. Rechnoj Vokzal)

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PARENTS HANDBOOK 2011-2012