2012-2013 Elementary Handbook by Asia Pacific International School

Elementary School Student and Parent

Handbook 2012-2013

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Table of

Contents

Principal’s Welcome ·············································································· 05 ABOUT APIS ························································································· 06 Mission Statement ················································································ 06 Core-Emphases of APIS Education ······················································· 06 Christianity and APIS ············································································· 07 SCHOOL LIFE ······················································································· 07 School Agreements ··············································································· 07 School Day ····························································································· 07 School Calendar ···················································································· 08 PowerSchool ·························································································· 09 School Uniform and Personal Appearance ········································· 09 A Typical Classroom ·············································································· 12 School Lunch ························································································· 12 School Library ························································································ 12 School Nurse ·························································································· 12 Closed Campus ······················································································ 13 ACADEMICS ························································································· 13 Academic Honesty Policy ····································································· 13 Classroom Placement ··········································································· 14 Foreign Language ················································································· 14 Music Class ····························································································· 14 Attendance ···························································································· 14 Tardies (Late Arrivals) ············································································ 15 Homework Policy ·················································································· 16 Making up Missed Work ········································································ 17 Academic Retention ·············································································· 17 STUDENT GUIDELINES ······································································ 17 Student Identification Card ·································································· 17 Email ······································································································· 17 Textbooks, Library, and School-Owned Materials/Property ·············· 18 Lost and Found ······················································································ 18 APIS English Language Policy ······························································ 18

Extra-Curricular Activities ····································································· 20 Field Trips ······························································································· 20 Seasonal Parties ····················································································· 20 Birthday Parties ····················································································· 21 Student Behavior Expectations ···························································· 21 Bullying ·································································································· 21 Disciplinary Actions ·············································································· 22 HEALTH/ EMERGENCY ······································································· 23 Physical Examination and Medical History Requirements ················· 23 Required Immunizations ······································································ 24 Tuberculosis Testing Requirements ····················································· 24 Student Illness ······················································································· 24 Student Need for Medication ······························································· 24 Excused from P.E. ··················································································· 24 Emergency Information ········································································ 25 Fire Drills ································································································ 25 Inclement Weather ················································································ 25 APIS PARENTS ····················································································· 25 Communication with Parents ······························································· 25 Parent Involvement ··············································································· 26 Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines ·························································· 26 Procedure for Parent Concerns ···························································· 26 Picking Up Students ·············································································· 27 Procedure for Early Departure ······························································ 27 Visitor Policy ·························································································· 27 OTHER ··································································································· 27 Official Transcript Requests ·································································· 27 Letters of Recommendation: Boarding Schools ·································· 27 Withdrawal from APIS Policy ································································ 27 Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledge Form ································· 29

Asia Pacific International School

Computer Use Policy ············································································· 19

2012-2013

Cellular Phone Policy ············································································ 19

Message from the Elementary School Principal Dear Parents and Students: It is my pleasure to welcome you to Asia Pacific International School. APIS is a school founded on excellence and the belief that academic integrity, coupled with purposeful moral principles is the strongest preparation we can provide for your child. We also know that there are skills each child must possess when they graduate from elementary school that are imperative for them to be successful in middle school, high school and university. Our goals for each of our elementary students are that they become great readers and writers; mathematicians who are able to explain math; young scientists who know how to investigate for solutions; and social scientists aware of the world around them. These abilities, coupled with a strong foundation in the arts and the ability to use the latest technology will provide them a positive sense of self and the skills needed to move into the 21st century. Our curriculum has been aligned from pre-school to grade 5 through the establishment of clear standards and benchmarks for each grade. Faculty operate as a team to ensure a consistent delivery of programs. Together with the support of specialist teachers in art, Korean, library, music and physical education, we offer what we believe is the best quality of education possible. Our staff members are experienced educators hired because they have already distinguished themselves as teachers and are committed to our educational beliefs. They bring with them a wealth of educational knowledge and practices that create an energy among staff that we believe is unique. Parents are an essential part of our community and we honor that you have entrusted us with your most precious gift. I encourage you to spend time reading this handbook as it contains important information concerning the school year. As well, I suggest regular visits to our school website with its many links to curriculum standards and benchmarks, school activities and our calendar. I invite you to communicate with us by phone or email and I look forward to personally greeting you at APIS. Sincerely Stephen W. Massiah Elementary School Principal

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

About APIS APIS Mission Statement APIS strives to educate its students, in a loving and caring Christian environment, to become globally enlightened citizens, who are able to bridge the gap between the East and the West and are ready to welcome the exciting challenges of the new Pacific Century.

Core-Emphases of APIS Education Education for the 21st century must accomplish and go beyond the traditional expectations of graduating students with exceptional literacy and numeracy skills. We believe our four areas of emphases are critical building blocks for providing each child with a truly international and distinctive education that will prepare them well for the New Pacific Century.

Area Emphasis on building "East Asian Competencies" APIS offers a rigorous, US-style Pre-K-12 curriculum with an added emphasis on the East Asian culture and civilization to help our students gain the competitive edge necessary to take on the challenges of the new Pacific Century. Hence, at APIS, our foreign language emphasis is currently on three major East Asian languages: Chinese, Japanese and Korean. As part of the Enrichment Program, our students will also be immersed in Korean literature, history, and culture. We encourage our students to go beyond English which is our language of instruction and acquire proficiencies in at least two East Asian languages.

Curricular Emphasis on Science, Math and Computer Education Technology is a main driver of economic as well as social changes in this era of globalization. In our state-of-the-art classrooms and science labs, we take advantage of our superb ITinfrastructure in every possible aspect of the learning experience to provide an innovative and up-to-date education in science, math and computers. The ultimate aim of our curricular emphasis is to develop our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potential to become future leaders in a world where keeping up with the latest changes in science and technology is of the utmost importance.

Co-Curricular Emphasis on Performing Arts Program The APIS education philosophy is anchored in our commitment to help our students nurture their unique talents and aid in their own personal growth. APIS is committed to establishing an extensive Honors Performing Arts Program (with a particular emphasis on music). We offer instruction in a wide range of musical instruments taught by a truly exceptional group of faculty members in purpose built music rooms and practice studios, to help our students further develop and explore their talents.

Spiritual Emphasis: A Loving and Caring Educational Environment Rooted in the Christian Faith With its foundation deeply rooted in the Christian faith, APIS strives to provide a truly loving and caring Christian environment where students of Christian faith and students from all religious and cultural backgrounds can be nurtured together to achieve the highest possible level of intellectual and personal development.

Firmly founded on the Christian faith, APIS seeks to foster the spiritual growth of its members in a loving and caring Christian environment where both Christians and non-Christians can work and learn together. We believe that an environment where both Christians and non-Christians are working and learning together is highly advantageous for all. Such an environment can, we believe, lead to a spiritual growth that is more robust and enduring than would otherwise be possible in more traditional settings. For the non-Christian student, it amounts to being afforded a unique opportunity to understand the Christian faith, a movement which has been incalculably important in the shaping of world history and culture. We believe that this alone is of tremendous educational value. Lastly, for all students, this model helps equip them to successfully live and work in a very diverse and increasingly close global community. Christian education at APIS is departmentalized, as opposed to being infused into every part of our curriculum. The Chaplain and the Spiritual Life and Education department at APIS administers to spiritual guidance and Christian education of our students. Any course offerings not led by the Spiritual Life and Education department are, by design, identical to those offered in a standard, nonreligious context. In other words, the availability and opportunity to access Christian education specialists and programs set APIS apart from other secular schools. While a plurality of worldviews is acknowledged at the school, APIS does not espouse other religious traditions. Neither have we designed the Spiritual Life & Education department to incorporate them in our spiritual life and practice. We do encourage all students and staff to pursue spiritual life and knowledge, but to this end, the school does not endorse or offer as part of our program practices rooted in religious traditions other than Christianity. This we see as essential to maintaining clarity in the theological position of the school.

School Life School Agreements The following three school agreements govern students at all times: Practice mutual respect  Be an attentive listener  Use appreciations only (No put-downs)  Classroom teachers will also have their own specific routines and expectations.

School Day The school day begins at 8:10 a.m. for all grades. The elementary school (grades K4-5) is dismissed at 3:30 p.m. There are two Elementary lunch periods; one begins at 11:00-11:50, and the other from 12:20-1:05. The students spend the first 20-25 minutes eating in the cafeteria, and the remainder of time is spent playing outside. A word to parents who drive their students to school: Please arrive on time. On time arrival sets a positive learning tone for the rest of the school day. Equally important, please arrive on time to pick up your student at end of the school day. Immediately following your student’s dismissal from school, teachers have daily responsibilities to grade assignments, record grades, participate in faculty meetings, meet with parents, and prepare for classes. After school supervision is provided only through the After-School activities program. Students waiting for pick-up or the late bus after the completion of an activities program are expected to wait in the school library.

2012 - 2013

Christianity and APIS

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

School Calendar The school calendar is distributed to all parents at the beginning of the school year and can be found on the school website. Extra copies are available in the school office. Please note holidays, early dismissal days, and other special events. The school year consists of two semesters, totaling 180 school days. Each semester is divided into two grading periods, or quarters, of approximately nine weeks each. 52 Wolgye-ro 45 ga-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul Tel: 82-2-907-2747 Fax: 82-2-907-2771

2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR AUGUST ‘12 S

SEPTEMBER ‘12 T

01 06 7-9 11 13 15 23 29-31

3-7 10-17 14

1 2

New Faculty Reports Returning Faculty Reports Faculty Retreat New Student Orientation First Day of School Independence Day Holiday Back to School Night & Convocation Service All Secondary Retreat

01 21-25 28-2/1

MAP Testing Elementary MAP Testing Secondary Teacher in Service [No School for Student]

9-11 28

New Year’s Day MAP Testing Elementary MAP Testing Secondary

Lunar New Year Holiday Teacher in Service [No School for Students]

OCTOBER ‘12 S

Chuseok Holiday Foundation Day End of 1st Quarter KORCOS [No School for Students]

01 22 25-29 29

Samil Day End of 3rd Quarter Spring Break Good Friday

FEBRUARY ‘13 T

MARCH ‘13 T

9-10 22-23

NOVEMBER ‘12 T

1-5 03 19 26

JANUARY ‘13 S

Parent-Teacher Conference Thanksgiving Holiday

12-13

Parent-Teacher Conference

22-26

MAP Testing Secondary

APRIL ‘13 S

DECEMBER ‘12 T

End of 2nd Quarter End of 1st Semester Christmas Day

03 05 17

Teacher in Service [No School for Students] Children’s Day Buddha’s Birthday

20-24

MAP Testing Elementary

1 2

01 05 06 07

No School – All Off Half Day (Full Day for Faculty)

No School for Students (Full Day for Faculty)

High School Graduation Middle School Graduation All School Spirit Day End of 4th Quarter End of 2nd Semester Last Day of School Last Day for Faculty

MAY ‘13 W

JUNE ‘13 S

1 9

PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that facilitates communication among school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. All teachers will use PowerSchool (http://portal.apis. seoul.kr/public) to post school newsletters and news from the principal. PowerSchool gives parents and students access to real-time information including attendance and other important information. In the elementary school, our teachers communicate assignments, classroom news and pictures through their classroom blogs. On PowerSchool, students and parents can: - Email questions to teachers - Read news from the principal - Read monthly newsletters from the school - Check monthly lunch menu At the beginning of the semester, a letter will be sent out to parents on how to access PowerSchool with instructions on how to create an account. Students will also be given their own IDs and passwords along with detailed instruction on how to use PowerSchool.

School Uniform and Personal Appearance School Uniform APIS has a school uniform and students are required to wear it. The daily uniform is expected to be worn in its entirety. All footwear, except for flip-flop sandals, is acceptable for wear as long as it meets the school’s expectations of cleanliness and neatness. Skirts and shorts must be tailored to within four inches of the top of the student’s knee. Summer and Winter Uniforms are to be worn as follows: 1. Summer Uniform Elementary School (K3~G5)

Mandatory

Shirt

Pants (Boys) Skirt (Girls)

Middle School (G6~G8)

High School (G9~G12)

Short-sleeved White Shirt

Optional: Brown Necktie with Stripes for boys.

Optional: Green Necktie with Stripes for boys.

Brown Ribbon with Stripes or Brown Tie with Stripes for girls.

Brown Ribbon with Stripes or Green Tie with Stripes for girls.

Dark Brown Pants (same for all divisions) Light Brown Plaid Skirt (same for all divisions)

• The official summer uniform can be worn optionally during the following seasons: - The start of school year to October 31st - April 1st to the end of school year • S tudents should not mix match other uniform items from different seasons. However, they may wear the APIS sweater/cardigan or the APIS jacket or the grey PTO Hoodie in addition to the summer uniform.

2012 - 2013

PowerSchool

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Elementary (Boys)

Elementary (Girls)

2. Winter Uniform

Shirt Mandatory Jacket

Elementary School (K3~G5) Long-sleeved Striped Shirt

Middle School (G6~G8) Long-sleeved Striped Shirt

High School (G9~G12) Long - sleeved G reen Shirt

Boys: Brown Necktie with Stripes

Boys: Green Necktie with Stripes

Girls: Brown Necktie with Stripes or Brown Ribbon with Stripes

Girls: Green Necktie with Stripes or Brown Ribbon with Stripes

Green Jacket with APIS pin badge

Pants (Boys) Skirt (Girls) Optional (must be worn in addition to the School Jacket)

Dark Khaki Pants Dark Green Plaid Skirt

Sweater (Boys)

Green V-neck Sweater

Khaki V-neck Sweater (APIS pin badge)

Brown Cardigan (APIS pin badge)

Cardigan (Girls)

Green Cardigan

Khaki Cardigan (APIS pin badge)

Brown Cardigan (APIS pin badge)

Mandatory (when an outer coat is worn)

APIS Formal Coat or Goose Down Jumper

Same for all divisions (If outer coat is to be worn, it must be either APIS formal outer coat or APIS goose down jumper. Non-school outer coats are not to be worn.)

Mandatory

P.E. Uniform for all divisions

Winter P.E. Uniform with APIS Logo (School approved shirts/PTO Hoodies allowed)

During the winter season, school jacket, shirt, tie and pants/skirt must be worn to the school. To add warmth, students may add cardigan/sweater as an option. Students may not wear other sweaters, hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, etc. over their uniforms. This includes during transit to school (bus or walking).

Elementary (Girls)

Students must wear the school uniform unless a special “dress-down” day is announced. In the event of a dress-down day, students may not wear:

 clothing with holes  see-through clothes  spaghetti-strap dresses  cut-away or revealing shirts or blouses  exaggerated hair styles or coloring  exaggerated body piercing or ornamentation  short skirts or dresses, short shorts  hip hop-style clothing  shirts or blouses with writing and/or graphics deemed in poor taste  items that present a safety hazard to self and others (e.g. roller shoes) The physical education uniform is to be worn only on days students have physical education. The only options for student dress on P.E. days are: The School P.E. Uniform consisting of uniform shorts or sweatpants and shirt  The P.E. Uniform Shorts or sweatpants and this year’s Retreat T-shirt  The winter P.E. Uniform  The PTO hoodie over the above options  Athletic team uniforms may not be worn for P.E. Athletic shoes with socks must be worn with the P.E. uniform. Students are not allowed to wear flip-flop sandals. Students who violate the uniform policy will be given one verbal warning per semester. If students violate this policy for a second time, the parents will be called to bring the proper uniform to school or the student will be sent home. Additionally, students may be issued after school detentions for uniform violations.

Personal Appearance APIS students are expected to dress modestly and decently. Students are expected to keep themselves neat and well-groomed. Students are expected to show respect toward themselves and the school by setting high their dress and grooming standards. A student’s uniform should fit his or her body. All shorts, skirts and pants must be hemmed at

2012 - 2013

Elementary (Boys)

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

appropriate lengths. If the student is asked to raise her/his shirt by a teacher or principal and her/ his underwear/boxers show, a dress code violation may be given. Undergarments, midriff and back should remain covered at all times. Unusual hairstyles are considered inappropriate. All boys’ hair is to be cut above the eyebrows, above the bottom of the ears and no longer than the bottom of the collar. Hair should appear neat and wellgroomed and the rest of the face should be clean-shaven. Any visible body piercing is not allowed with the exception of one pair of earrings. Earrings must be modest and not draw unusual attention. Visible tattoos are not allowed during the school days or school related activities. For girls, makeup should not draw attention and should be applied modestly.

A Typical Classroom Teaching styles and delivery of instruction will of course vary from teacher to teacher; however, there are similarities that will be seen in each and every class. At APIS we believe that the typical classroom will be: a safe and caring environment  a place where everyone respects individual differences and the diversity of our cultures  a place where learning experiences are designed to reach students who learn in different ways  where students become responsible for themselves  families become more actively involved in the education of their children  a place where we awaken the love of learning in every child 

School Lunch Hot lunch is served daily. Each month’s lunch menu is posted on PowerSchool prior to the start of each month and is posted daily in the cafeteria. The lunch fees are due at the beginning of each semester. All students are required to purchase lunch.

School Library Students in pre-kindergarten through grade five visit the Library & Media Center on a regular basis. While in the library, students hear stories, engage in lessons, and have the opportunity to check out materials. The library is also open for students before school, during lunch, and after school. Library hours are 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may check out up to five books for 7 days. APIS books and resources can be searched anytime and anywhere by using the library website (www.apislibrary.seoul.kr). For more information on the library, please refer to the Library & Media Center section of our school website.

School Nurse APIS maintains a full-time health services office. Students who are injured or become ill will be accompanied or directed to the Health Services. The school nurse is also available to respond to health-related questions. The school is located near several medical clinics, should the need arise for health-related care external to APIS.

“Closed campus” means students must remain on campus during the entire school day, including after school activities.

Academics Academic Honesty Policy Academic honesty is taken very seriously at APIS. Some behaviors are acceptable when students work together and some are not.

Acceptable behaviors Students working together to complete a common task (e.g. group project)  Receiving help from a parent, friend, or tutor provided that the core work is a  representation of the students own work Properly citing resources used on assignments  Unacceptable behaviors Copying someone’s work and presenting it as one’s own  Copying published materials without citation and proper acknowledgment of the original  author Permitting others to copy one’s own work  Use  of unauthorized notes (cheat sheets), guides, electronic devices or anything that gives a student an unfair advantage during a test or quiz

Consequences for Unacceptable Behaviors First Offense: Both the student who is copying and the student permitting work to be copied will receive  a zero for the assignment, test, quiz, or project.

The student caught cheating or using unauthorized materials during a test or quiz will be  given a zero

The teacher will formally inform parents of the student’s academic dishonesty 

Second Offense: Both the student who is copying and the student permitting work to be copied will receive  a zero for the assignment, test, quiz, or project. The student caught cheating or using unauthorized materials during a test or quiz will be  given a zero. Offenders will be reported to the principal.  The principal will review academic honesty policy with the student and notify the student’s  parents. The student may be suspended from school (OSS) for one day 

Third Offense: Both the student who is copying and the student permitting work to be copied will receive  a zero for the assignment, test, quiz, or project.

The student caught cheating or using unauthorized materials during a test or quiz will be  given a zero.

2012 - 2013

Closed Campus

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

The student will meet with the principal, reporting teacher and parents to discuss the  incident and review consequences.

The student will receive a failing grade in the course 

Classroom Placement We take classroom placement very seriously and spend a considerable amount of time before school begins each year making sure that classrooms are balanced based on several criteria, including, academic strengths, gender, language proficiency, classroom behavior, student needs, quality of work, and so on. Final class lists are posted the first day of school. Requests to change classrooms will not be accepted.

Foreign Language Students from grades K4 to grade 5 will all study Korean.

Music Class Students at APIS begin music at a young age to ensure that each student gains the skills necessary to have a complete musical education. Starting in the primary grades, the kindergarten and first grade classes have General Music. Students learn the fundamentals of music: keeping a steady beat, chanting in rhythm, singing with correct pitches, and participating in many activities geared towards young musical development. The children explore and enjoy music in many ways. Second graders begin instrumental training by learning the violin. Students are in small classes and perform regularly in front of each other and the teacher. Children strengthen their note reading by learning music theory which applies directly to their progressing violin skills. All third grade students learn to play the recorder and sing in the elementary chorus as well. Students expand their musical k nowledge by practicing music theor y, lea r n i ng proper voc a l a nd recorder tech n ique, a nd si ng i ng or play i ng i n ha r mony. In Grades 4 and 5, students have the option of choosing Chorus, Beginning Band, or Beginning String Orchestra. In these classes students are taught the fundamentals of playing more diverse instruments while learning how to perform with others, thus creating a music ensemble. Through each step of our elementary music program, all students are involved in music in many ways which contributes to a rich musical education.

Attendance APIS’ expectation is that all students will attend school each day of the school calendar year. Furthermore, we expect students to participate fully in each day’s activities. If your child is well enough to attend school, he/she is well enough to go to recess. Please do not ask us to keep children in for recess; they need the fresh air and exercise! A child who is absent for the school day may not participate in any after-school activities that day. APIS recognizes the need for absence in case of illness or family emergencies. However, all absences remain unexcused until the principal’s office receives an acceptable explanation from the parent. Parents should call the office to report the student’s absence on the morning of the absence, or as soon as is reasonably possible.

1. Personal illness 2. Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointment 3. Attendance of funeral services for a member of the immediate family a. “Immediate Family” shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, spouse, son/son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister, or any relative living in the student’s immediate household. Excused Absences (Prior Administrative Approval) Upon advance written request by the parent/guardian and the approval of the principal or designee, justifiable personal reasons including but not limited to: 1. Observation of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion 2. Attendance at religious retreats Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Oversleeping, missing ride, etc. 2. Any absence not cleared within three school days following the student’s return to school 3. Extended weekends or family vacations Extenuating circumstances surrounding excessive absences may be reviewed by school administration. Students diagnosed with communicable diseases must remain out of school until they have fully recovered. Full recovery will be determined by a physician. Should a student’s illness last five or more consecutive days, a physician’s certificate will be required for re-admission to school. In case of an accident or sudden illness during the school day, the school health service office will make every reasonable effort to contact parents. Please be certain the office is informed of your most current contact information (e.g. home, office, mobile and emergency telephone numbers). Upon the student’s return to school following an absence, the student must bring a note of explanation written and signed by the parent. The note should be presented to the homeroom teacher.

Tardies (Late Arrivals) Learning time is precious at Asia Pacific International School. We encourage every student to attend school on a regular basis, arrive on time ready to learn, and remain in class until dismissal time. School begins at 8:10 a.m. All tardies will be considered unexcused unless we receive notification from the parent. It 

is essential that a parent calls the office to report a tardy. Except for late bus arrival, any student arriving to school after 8:10 a.m. is considered tardy  and must check in at the school office. Arrival after 12:20 p.m. is considered an absence. Dismissal for any reason other than participation in an official school activity prior to 1:30  p.m. is also considered a half absence. Multiple tardies are considered a significant issue and will result in the involvement of administration.

2012 - 2013

Excused Absences (Verification Within Three Days) A student’s absence shall be excused for the following reasons:

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Homework Policy Homework is assigned to help students understand and develop concepts learned in class. While parents may wish to help students with their homework, they should never do the work for their child.

Student Responsibilities: Ask questions if the homework assignment is not clear. Write down homework assignments in agenda. Complete all homework assignments independently. Do not copy assignments from friends or allow others to copy from you. Complete homework assignments according to the same neatness standards as expected in class. Complete and return homework in a timely manner as requested by the teacher. Work with the teacher in advance if known circumstances prevent the student from completing the homework on time.

Parent Responsibilities: Create a quiet study area at home for the student to do homework and provide the necessary supplies. Establish a routine for your child, including time limits for completing homework. Provide assistance for your child only if it is requested. If assistance is needed, help the student arrive at the answer on his or her own rather than provide the answer. Never complete the assignment for your child. If the homework appears to be wrong, do not correct the homework for your child. Let him/her get help from their teacher. Should the student get upset, angry or frustrated, stop working with him/her. If the homework is consistently too difficult, please inform the teacher.

Homework Guidelines: The number of minutes of homework can vary, but on average students can expect the following Grade Level

Average Number of Minutes Per Day

Grade 1

10-15 minutes

Grade 2

15-20 minutes

Grade 3

20-30 minutes

Grade 4

20-30 minutes

Grade 5

30-40 minutes

* The following chart should be used as a guideline only.

Tutors: Some parents may wish to contract tutors for their children. At APIS we recommend that all tutors work with the school in providing services to the child. Tutors who implement their own â&#x20AC;&#x153;curriculumâ&#x20AC;? should be avoided. Tutors should never be contracted to do homework with the child. The goal is to remediate the child in the areas where he or she needs to improve.

Once your child returns to school after an excused absence, she/he is given one day for each day absent to make up missed work and assignments. Work missed and not made up negatively impacts student learning and grading, so students are encouraged to make every effort to work with their teachers to make up missing assignments and lessons. Given the importance of your child attending classes, and given the demands of their classroom duties, our faculty will not be expected to prepare assignments and/or lessons in advance.

Academic Retention The decision to retain a student at the present grade level is among the most serious in the educational life of a student. Young children, due to a multiplicity of factors, are not always best served when retention decisions rely too heavily on purely quantifiable numbers. A number of factors must be taken into consideration prior to the final decision, such as the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability, study habits, physical, social and emotional adjustment, previous retention, and extenuating circumstances (family death, health, divorce, etc.). Most importantly, the decision to retain should be based on the best information available that supports the premise that the student will benefit from retention by becoming more proficient in the minimum skills and competencies expected. When data does not support this, retention may be counterproductive. The final decision to retain a student will be made by the division principal with input from the parents and faculty.

Student Guidelines

Student Identification Card At the beginning of the semester, the school office will issue all new students a picture identification card. The card may be used to check out library materials. Students shall immediately report loss or theft of the card to the school office. The card can be replaced at a cost of 8,000 KRW. The plastic case costs 1,000 KRW and the lanyard costs 6,000 KRW.

Email APIS students use Google mail. A Google email account will be created for new APIS students at the beginning of the semester. We encourage you to explore and utilize the following useful features of Google: For elementary students who have learned how, Google Drive is a file storage system linked to your Google account and accessible via the Internet, so you can access your files from almost any device. On Google Drive, you can share files (Google Documents) with people easily. Google Documents is a free web-based program which includes word processing, as well as spreadsheet and presentation software capabilities. One of the biggest advantages of Google Documents is that users can collaborate on-line, creating and editing documents in real time. These documents can be e-mailed among users as well as edited using the web interface. More detailed information can be found on https://support.google.com/drive. On Google Sites, you can easily create and update your own site. Google Sites allows you to display a variety of information in one placeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including videos, slideshows, calendars, presentations, attachments, and textâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and share it for viewing or editing with a small group, an entire organization, or the world. More detailed information can be found on https://support.google.com/sites.

2012 - 2013

Making up Missed Work

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Textbooks, Library, and School-Owned Materials/Property Throughout the year, students will have access to and be assigned materials and property belonging to the school. The student remains personally responsible for the careful and respectful handling and timely return of the materials. Normal wear and tear is expected. Students will be held fully accountable for misuse and abuse. Students are charged a book deposit of 200,000 KRW at the beginning of the school year.

Lost and Found APIS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Students are not permitted to bring non-school related items to school, such as electronic games, cameras, mp3 players etc, as they are often misplaced. Lost items will be placed in the Lost and Found box located in the office. Expensive items that are found will be turned into the office and not placed in the box. When expensive items such as wallets, pocketbooks or special identification cards are lost or stolen, the student should notify the teacher immediately, who in turn, notifies the office. All unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each quarter.

APIS English Language Policy English as the Language of Instruction and Inclusion at APIS English is the language of instruction as well as an essential part of the inclusive and collaborative learning culture at APIS. 1) English is the language of the global community. - All language is important and should be respected. Our choice of English as the language of instruction merely reflects its significance and its efficacy as a linguistic medium to bridge the gap between the East and the West. While English is not the only possible language to serve this purpose, we chose English because our school was founded espousing its importance as a global language. This choice is also what motivated many of our parents to enroll their children at APIS. - At the same time, we fully recognize the importance of providing continued support to improve the fluency of the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; native languages as it is critical in developing linguistic proficiency. For Korean (which is the host country language and is one of the three foreign language areas of instruction that we offer at APIS), we have made a concerted effort to meet the linguistic development needs of the native speakers. - In communicating with our faculty and parents about the importance of native language development, we are cautious and mindful about sending a clear message to our students and parents that our choice of English as the instructional language at APIS is not meant to discourage the use and learning of native languages at home or outside of school. With this shared understanding of language acquisition and partnership with parents about fostering native language development at home, the English focus at APIS is intended to support the additive multilingualism in our students. 2) English is a deliberate choice at APIS to develop an inclusive and collaborative social and learning environment - Since English is a common language spoken by all members of APIS, we promote the use of English to create an inclusive social environment.

Expectations Students are required to speak English during all times at school, including classroom and hallways, and during recess periods.

Exceptions 1. During foreign language courses and Korean Enrichment programs, and when communicating with faculty members teaching foreign languages. 2. Communicating at the Nurse’s office. 3. Communicating with non-English speaking staff members. 4. Exceptions are made for students whose English ability is developing (EAL) and for students in grades K and 1.

Consequences for repeated offences Should a student consistently choose not to follow the APIS English Language Policy and they are able to do so, the principal will schedule a meeting with the student and the student’s parent to come up with a solution.

Cellular Phone Policy No cellular phones may be used during class unless a teacher gives special permission. Students may bring the cellular phone to school for security reasons, but the phone must be turned off and stored the entire time a student is in class. The student may use their cellular phones once school is dismissed at 3:30 p.m.

Consequences: First offense: The cell phone is taken away by the teacher. The student may pick up the  phone at the end of class.

Second offense: The cell phone is taken away and turned into the office. The phone may be 

picked up by the student at the end of the day. Third offense: The cell phone is taken away and turned into the office. The parents are  called to pick up the cell phone and conference with school administration.

Computer Use Policy Computers are one of many tools at APIS that can greatly facilitate learning. Students are given many opportunities to use computers and are encouraged to utilize technology for assignments, reports, projects, or any other school related endeavors. However, students are expected to show respect, responsibility, and safety when using computers at APIS.

2012 - 2013

- Languages carry with them powerful and pervasive cultural legacies. Languages, for example, dictate attitudes about hierarchies and power distances in relationships as well as the transmitter/ receiver orientation in communication (i.e., who bears the burden of clear communication). - For our community, we believe English is the most suitable language in promoting collaboration, a free flow of ideas, creativity, and learning. - By making a deliberate choice to adopt English as a language of instruction and inclusion, APIS is choosing to shape our tradition and organizational culture.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

The following policies apply to every APIS computer and computer technology user:  School computers and related technology are to be used only for school and education

related purposes. Computer software copyrights and licensing agreements must be honored.  Students must not degrade the performance capacity of any computer or computer related  technology. All documents must be stored only in the user’s assigned folder.  Students are not permitted to access any file or folder not belonging to him/her.  Gum, candy, food, and drink are not allowed when students use a computer anywhere in  the school. Students may not download any file from the Internet without formal permission from the  teacher. Students must not load any program onto a school computer without explicit permission  from the teacher. Students must not alter desktop settings of school computers.  Students must not make any changes to the computer’s interface or operating system.  Students will be obliged to respect any additional computer and computer related-use regulation set forth by the teacher.

Extra-Curricular Activities APIS offers a variety of extra-curricular activities to students in grades K-5 throughout the school year. Extra-curricular activities vary depending on teacher strengths, interests, availability and other factors. Sign-up forms are generally distributed three times a year. Transportation is available for after school activities at an additional cost. Activity fees vary and are indicated on the sign-up sheet. All students who are not enrolled in after-school activities are expected to leave campus when school is dismissed by 3:40 p.m. They are not permitted to remain on campus unsupervised.

Field Trips Educational field trips are a great way for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real life experiences. Field trips are approved provided that they are educational in nature and are easily connected to the APIS standards. Prior to each field trip, the teachers will complete a detailed packet of information that clearly describes how the excursion is connected to classroom learning. Every effort is made to ensure that the students do not go on the same field trips from year to year. Of course, parents are responsible for the entrance/admission fees for the students, lunch, and transportation fees when applicable. Students must ride to and from the trip in school-provided transportation or the permission slips are not valid.

Seasonal Parties APIS understands the importance of celebrating certain seasonal events, but an excess of these celebrations takes away from valuable instruction time. It is APIS school policy to have a maximum of three seasonal parties per school year. Room mothers must arrange the details of these parties with the classroom teacher or homeroom teacher.

Birthday Parties Birthdays are very important to elementary school students, but as with seasonal parties, instruction time must be taken into account. Classroom teachers can choose to celebrate birthdays in a variety of ways and the decision is theirs solely. Parents may bring in a reasonable snack to share for a student birthday provided that the classroom teacher has approved.

Student Behavior Expectations APIS fosters a positive school climate where all students have the right to learn. Students are expected to understand and respect: school community agreements  the rights of the teacher to teach the class and be free from distractions  other students’ right to learn and be free from bullying and harassment  individual differences and the diversity of our cultures  All students are expected to maintain high behavior standards where self-discipline is practiced as a norm. This behavior applies both inside and outside the classroom, regardless of whether or not an adult is present.

Bullying “Bullying is defined as intentional, one-sided, repeated hurtful acts, words, or other behavior committed against another student. It is hurting or threatening to hurt another person, excluding others by leaving them out of a group of friends, or spreading gossip or rumors about another student. Teasing, saying mean things, and name calling are also forms of bullying. A respectful and tolerant school is one in which students include others in play, build each other up with words and actions, and listen to each other to understand differences.” Here are some examples of physical, emotional or social bullying, in three escalating levels.

Level 1 Making threatening gestures.  Teasing publicly about clothes, looks, and so on.  Holding nose or other insulting gestures.  Ignoring someone and excluding them from a group with the intent to cause sadness.  Level 2 Verbal abuse and swearing.  Threatening physical harm.  Defacing school work or other personal property.  Harassing phone calls, e-mails, or text messages about the student  Insulting size, intelligence, athletic ability, race, color, religion, ethnicity, and so on.  Posting slander in public places such as writing derogatory comments about someone in  the school bathroom. Playing mean tricks to embarrass someone. 

2012 - 2013

Celebrations that are linked to the curriculum (i.e. 100th day of school, culture days) are not considered seasonal parties.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Level 3 Making graphic threats verbally or through e-mail or text messaging.  Physical harm, such as hitting, kicking, pinching, and/or other acts to inflict pain or  intimidation.

Practicing extortion such as taking lunch money.  Destroying personal property.  Harassing — or writing graffiti — with bias against race, color, ethnicity, and so on.  Enforcing total group exclusion against someone by threatening others if they don’t  comply.

Consequences of Bullying Bullying is not tolerated in any form at Asia Pacific International School. If students are caught bullying, the following consequences apply: First Offense: Student reviews bullying policy with classroom teacher. Teacher completes a 

Discipline Referral Form and adds to student file in the office. Parents of the victim will be notified. Second Offense: Student reviews bullying policy with the principal. Student calls parents  at home to explain his/her poor choices/behavior. Principal completes a Discipline Referral Form and adds to student’s file. Parents of the victim will be notified. Third Offense: Principal calls parents at home to explain student’s poor choices/behavior.  Principal completes a Discipline Referral Form and adds to student’s file. A meeting is scheduled with the teacher, parents, student, and principal.

Students who have been bullied will be supported by: a. Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor or other staff member of their choice. b. Being offered support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.

Student who have bullied will be helped by: a. Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor or other staff member of their choice. b. Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior. c. Developing a plan to make amends for the incident. d. Conferencing with parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.

Disciplinary Actions Warning: For minor discipline issues, teachers will give verbal warnings to students. If the

teacher feels it necessary, he/she may fill out a discipline referral and report the student to the office. The principal will conference with the student and review the discipline policy.

Detention: Teachers may ask students to stay during lunch or after school in the case of repeated minor discipline issues or a major offense. If a student has consistent problems with completing homework or class work, teachers may require the student to stay in at recess and lunch.

Suspension: In the case of major offenses, the principal may suspend the student from school for a determined period of time.

working on an individual project. In some cases, if specifically requested by the teacher, students may work on classroom activities during the ISS. Out of School Suspension (OSS): Should the major offense be severe or repeated behavior,  an out of school suspension is issued. Students are required to stay with their parents at home or in their place of business. Students who receive an OSS will not be allowed to make up tests, quizzes, projects or homework given during their suspension.

Expulsion: Students not deemed fit for continued enrollment by reason of extraordinary

misbehavior, including a single, major misbehavior episode, may at the sole discretion of the Principal, in consultation with the Director, become subject to immediate expulsion from school. Expelled students will not be considered for readmission. The following list is an example of offenses. This list is not all-inclusive and should not be taken as such. Consequences for these offenses can range from a verbal warning to expulsion.

Minor Offenses: Disturbing or disrupting class  Running in hallways  Gum chewing  Eating or drinking in class   Violating the school uniform policy  Arriving tardy to class Major Offenses: Repeated minor offenses  Excessive tardies or absences  Cheating  Refusal to speak English  Disrespect/disobedience to teacher  Skipping or cutting class  Leaving school without signing out with the office  Lying to school personnel  Swearing or abusive language  Damage to school property  Bullying or fighting  Harassment of any form  Stealing or extortion  Possessing contraband (including, but not limited to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons,  fireworks, inappropriate printed materials)

Health/ Emergency Physical Examination and Medical History Requirements All newly enrolled students are required to submit the APIS medical history form prior to student’s first day of enrollment. Immunization records indicating up to date vaccinations must be on file in Health Services. Medical history will be provided directly by a parent using APIS’s standard Medical History Form.

2012 - 2013

In-School Suspension (ISS): Students are separated from their classmates and spend the day 

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Required Immunizations Prior to the first day of enrollment at APIS, students must be fully immunized against the following: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and any immunizations required by law.

Tuberculosis Testing Requirements In addition to the immunizations above, a TB test (Mantoux or PPD) is required of each student prior to the first day of enrollment. If the TB test is positive, certification by a physician of a negative chest x-ray is required.

Student Illness A student who is diagnosed to have a communicable or contagious disease should be kept at home until fully recovered. A doctor’s certificate is needed in order to return to school. We also believe that if a student is sick, they should stay home. A student should stay home if they show any of the following symptoms: Fever of over 100.4°F (38°C)  Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool)  Severe coughing causing “croupy” sounds  Severe wheezing or respiratory distress  Yellowish tint to the skin or eyes (jaundice)  Tearing, irritation, and redness of eyelid lining  Unusual spots or rashes of unknown origin  Infected areas of skin with yellow crusty areas  Severe headache, stomachache, and/or vomiting  Unusual behavior (crankiness, listlessness, crying more than usual, obvious general  discomfort)

Student Need for Medication Students may not self-medicate while on school property. Administration of any medication to any student, whether the medication be over-the-counter or prescription, requires written permission from parent. Medications will be administered only under the following conditions: Parents must furnish a written statement from the physician regarding any prescription  medication to be administered. Physician’s written statement must include prescribed dosage and administration time. Parents must provide written inventory as to amount and type of medication (prescription  or non-prescription). The note must include expressed permission in writing to administer said medication. Only the school nurse or another person designated by the principal is permitted to  administer medication.

Excused from P.E. Students are required to participate in physical education classes. These classes teach healthy lifestyle and keep our students in shape. Should a student need to miss P.E. class for a medical reason, a doctor’s note must be turned into the P.E. teacher to excuse the student from class.

APIS requires current emergency medical and contact information for every student. APIS maintains an Emergency Medical Card on file for this purpose. Required up-to-date information includes name and contact telephone numbers (home, handphone and workplace) of both parents and telephone numbers (home and workplace) of two persons responsible for their student when neither parent can be reached.

Fire Drills Directions for fire evacuation are posted in each classroom. Teachers will guide students quickly and quietly to assigned exits. Several fire drills will be conducted throughout the school year.

Inclement Weather A school day may be cancelled in the event of extraordinary environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, and yellow dust. Such events rarely occur, but should they occur, the school will make every reasonable effort to contact parents by 6:30 a.m. that morning via a text message. An announcement will also appear on PowerSchool.

APIS Parents Communication with Parents Communication between the home and school is one of the many keys to success for the students. At APIS we encourage an open line of communication. In the elementary division we use both classroom blogs and PowerSchool. All school-wide notices are posted in PowerSchool. All parents will be given information on how to access PowerSchool.

Teacher – Parent The elementary school uses a number of methods to communicate with parents. Report cards and progress reports are sent home quarterly. Each homeroom class has its own blog where teachers provide weekly updates on class and school activities. Emails and phone calls will be used for communication with individual students and families. Also the teacher may write a note in the student agenda, call the parent on the phone or arrange a personal meeting with the parent on campus. Translation will be provided for the parents that do not speak English or do not feel comfortable speaking in English.

Student – Led Conferences Conferences are held in October and April. The students are the leaders of these conferences by presenting to their parents their successes, goals and areas in need of improvement. All conferences are conducted in English. An interpreter will be provided for parents upon request.

School – Parent A monthly newsletter for parents is sent home containing news from the principal about areas relevant to all families. It is posted on PowerSchool.

2012 - 2013

Emergency Information

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

Parent – Teacher There are several ways to communicate with your child’s teacher, such as writing notes in the agenda, phone calls, e-mail and personal meetings. If a parent needs to speak with a teacher, the best way is to make an appointment through the school office. Parents are not allowed to enter the classrooms when class is in session as it is very difficult for teachers to give parents their full attention should a parent just “drop in.”

Parent Involvement All outstanding schools count on positive parent participation. Parent involvement is held in high esteem at Asia Pacific International School. The following is a general illustration of possible parent volunteer opportunities at APIS. Throughout the school year, there may also be additional events and activities that are not included on the list. We have a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) which will be looking for volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities requiring yearly commitment: Regular classroom helper  Library parent  Room parent or “Room Mother”  Volunteer opportunities requiring task commitment: Fund-raising events, book fair, cultural events  School-sponsored events  Volunteer opportunities requiring a one-time commitment: Seasonal classroom celebrations  Field Trip chaperone  Guest speakers  Assisting one of the fundraisers or school events 

Field Trip Chaperone Guidelines Teachers frequently request that parents attend classroom field trips to assist as chaperones. Following are guidelines for parents when they chaperone a school-sponsored field trip. Since field trips involve a large group of children, always try to think in terms of “What if  every child did this?” Insist on respectful, responsible, and safe behavior at all times. It is easy for grown-ups to socialize and forget that they are the most helpful when they  help supervise the students and reinforce expectations. The trip is far more enjoyable if the adults share the job of setting limits as needed. If a particular child does not respond to parent requests, the parent should inform the  teacher. There is often a tendency for a parent to hover around his/her own child. Parent chaperones  are the most helpful when assisting with all the students and not just their own child.

Procedure for Parent Concerns Asia Pacific International School is committed to open communication and problem solving. When conflicts and/or concerns arise parents are asked to go directly to the faculty member and attempt to resolve the concern. Both parties should be open to hearing the other’s point of view. For those

Picking Up Students It is the parents’ responsibility to see that their children are picked at 3:30 pm if they do not go home on an APIS school bus. The school does not provide after-school child care. The teachers and administration are busy in meetings and after school activities and it is impossible to supervise students and keep them safe.

Procedure for Early Departure To maintain a safe and secure environment, students at APIS may not leave school grounds during the school day without a parent or guardian picking them up from the office. Parents or guardians who need to have a student leave campus during the school day must send written permission with the child to the teacher. The teacher will then dismiss the student at the appropriate time and send him/her to the office where the parent will be waiting.

Visitor Policy Parents and adult community members are permitted to visit the school. APIS’ students’ school-age friends who are not APIS students may not visit school at any time during the school day. Parents and adult community members who wish to visit for any reason must contact the school office prior to arrival. Visitors, upon arrival at school, must check in and obtain a Visitor Pass. The pass must be displayed at all times and returned to the office upon departure.

Other Official Transcript Requests A form to request an official transcript is available from the school office. Cost per official transcript is 2,000 KRW. Official transcripts require at least 48 hours for preparation.

Letters of Recommendation: Boarding Schools All letters of recommendation requests must be submitted directly to the school office. They are not to be submitted directly to teachers. The principal will disseminate all recommendation requests to teachers. Recommendation forms, particularly of the boarding school variety, are typically openended and labor intensive. In order to respect the time of the teachers, please allow two weeks for completion of these forms. APIS reserves the right to limit the number of recommendations provided for any one student.

Withdrawal from APIS Policy Parents are expected to make a good faith effort to contact APIS within two weeks of intention to withdraw their student. This lead time allows reasonable time to prepare the student’s transcript and other records. Official student transcripts will be mailed directly by APIS to the student’s receiving

2012 - 2013

parents with limited English-speaking abilities, a translator will be provided. Most of the time, resolution can be reached at this step. If the faculty member and parent cannot successfully resolve the concern, then either party may request that the principal help with the problem-solving. Our goal is to maintain open and positive communication between home and school so that our students can be successful learners.

Elementary School Student and Parent Handbook

school. Official transcripts cannot be transmitted to any receiving school by a parent or any other third party. The student is required to submit a completed check out form as a condition of withdrawal. All obligations including full payment of outstanding fees and tuition must be met before school records will be released. Refunds will only be made in accordance with the school’s tuition and fees refund policy

Non-refundable Fees: · Application procedure fees · Registration fees · New student fees · The USD portion of the tuition · Any payment made with the installment plan When tuition and fees are paid in full, refunds will be made in accordance with the following schedule:

Withdrawal Refund Schedule Date of Withdrawal

Refund of Tuition (KRW Portion Only) & Bus Fees

Until 7/31/2012

80% of the annual tuition and 90% of bus fees

8/1/2012 ~ 8/12/2012

75% of the annual tuition and 80% of bus fees

8/13/2012 ~ 9/21/2012

70% of the annual tuition and 70% of bus fees

9/22/2012 ~ 10/19/2012

60% of the annual tuition and 60% of bus fees

10/20/2012 ~ 12/21/2012

40% of the annual tuition and 40% of bus fees

12/22/2012 ~ 3/22/2013

20% of the annual tuition and 20% of bus fees

3/23/2013 ~ 6/7/2013

0% of the annual tuition and bus fees

* The above schedule applies only to the tuition & fees paid in full. * The USD portion of the tuition is NOT subject to refund. * No refunds will be given in the event of a large scale withdrawal due to a major disaster such as war, civil strife, labor unrest, or a natural disaster.

Asia Pacific International School Elementary School Academic Year 2012-2013

Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form

Please complete, cut out, and return the following form to the Office.

Student’s Name (please print)

Grade

Parent’s Name (please print)

Our Signatures indicate that we have received, read, understand, and agree to abide by all policies and school agreements set forth in the Asia Pacific International School Elementary School Parent/ Student Handbook.

Student’s Signature Date

Parent’s Signature Date