Elementary School Family Handbook

The Elementary School faculty and staff are committed to upholding the mission, vision, and values of the American Embassy School by:

• Fostering intellectual growth while ensuring physical, social, and emotional safety and development.
• Empowering students to achieve and make meaningful contributions, supporting their transitions within and beyond AES.
• Providing service-learning opportunities to instill a service ethic and environmental stewardship.
• Building strong relationships with students and parents to enhance learning and well-being.
• Enhancing student learning through research, reflection, and innovation.
• Maintaining transparent and collaborative decision-making.

Students are expected to be in class when school is in session. The experience and support that students receive in the classroom are essential to their academic and social development.

• Students must be in attendance at least 90% of the instructional days each semester.
• Students who have not been in attendance for the required number of days will not receive progress indicators on the report cards for the semester. Any exception to this policy requires extenuating circumstances and prior approval from the ES (Principal).
• If your child will be absent for any reason please inform the Elementary office by calling ext. 3401/3405 before 9:00 a.m. otherwise, we will reach out to the parents/guardians of absent students.
• Attendance information (absences and tardiness) will be recorded on semester reports and shared with any school requesting records or references for admissions.

 

Tardy Policy

• Students are expected to be in class by 8:25 a.m. and ready to begin the day by 8:30 a.m.
• Students will be marked tardy in our student information system when they arrive after 8:30 a.m.
• When students arrive on or after 8:45 am, parents must collect a pass from the ES Office.
• All tardies and absences are recorded and reported on the end-of-semester report card.

 

Leaving School Early:

If you need to take your child out of school during the school day please inform your child’s teacher by either email or written note as soon as possible. You will need to collect a Gate Pass from the ES office before you leave campus with your child. The security guard will not allow the student to leave campus without the Gate Pass.

If there is a change in the original pick-up plan for your student, please notify your child’s teacher and the Elementary School Office at least two hours prior to dismissal.

It is our belief that everyone in our community is responsible for their actions and decisions. It is our expectation that all community members contribute to a respectful, kind, and safe environment on campus. Our faculty and staff provide ongoing instruction and support to students to develop understanding and ownership of these values. As each person learns to meet their needs within the social context of a classroom or in life, mistakes will occur. Mistakes are not seen as failures but as opportunities to problem solve and to learn a new way to meet one’s needs without compromising someone else’s needs.

Our ultimate goal is to help students learn and grow. The Elementary School faculty and staff are dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment where students are encouraged to exhibit respectful and responsible behavior. We believe in recognizing and reinforcing positive actions, creating a culture of kindness, safety, and mutual respect. Through proactive guidance and support, we aim to help every student thrive both academically and socially.

There are behaviors that will require the Elementary faculty or administration to assign consequences. We do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to student behavior and each situation will be addressed based upon the specific circumstances and information available. There are behaviors that may require immediate and significant consequences. and emotionally.

 

These behaviors may include but are not limited to:

• Behaviors or language that comprises the physical or emotional safety of other community members
• Harassment and bullying
• Purposeful damage or destruction of school property or the individual property of others
• Behaviors that limit other students’ access to learning
• Obscene or inappropriate language
• Behaviors or language that promotes or implies discrimination, racism, or other prejudices based upon gender identity, ethnicity, culture, or family structure
• Any behaviors that are defined as inappropriate in the AES Child Safeguarding Policy.

 

The consequences that may be assigned for the first incident of these behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Parent Meetings
• Loss of privileges
• Suspension for a portion of a day, a full day, or multiple days.

All children eat in the cafeteria with their classmates and students are encouraged to eat a balanced lunch each day. The school cafeteria provides hot lunches, a salad bar and sandwiches. Those wishing to join the school lunch program may deposit a fixed amount for a semester or the entire year at the Business Office. Parents of children who bring their own lunch may purchase additional food items before school from the Tiger Kiosk. Weekly menus are available on my.aes.ac.in or in the cafeteria.

We encourage sharing special celebrations such as national or religious holidays and birthdays with your child’s classmates at school.

Please discuss the upcoming event in advance with your child’s teacher. If you are planning a party outside of school that will not include all classmates, invitations cannot be distributed at school. Treats should be easy to serve (ie. cupcakes).

Students should not bring cellphones to school. AES is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. However we do recognize that there are times when students, outside of school hours, might require the use of their cell phone.

Students are expected to wear clothing that is respectful to themselves and those around them.

• Clothing with inappropriate messages, QR codes that lead to developmentally inappropriate content, or advertisements for alcohol or tobacco are not permitted.
• Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. However, shoes with cleats or spikes are not allowed during the school day.
• Tennis shoes or other rubber-soled shoes are required for physical education (PE).
• Students may bring PE shoes and change before class.

Please be sure that your child’s name is permanently affixed to his/her belongings. Teachers are not responsible for lost belongings.

 

Our school counselors and our educational psychologist support the social and emotional life of our students. Our counselors promote problem-solving, conflict resolution and collaborative group skills through consulting with teachers, teaching classroom-based lessons, and working with individuals and small groups. Our counselors and psychologists are always available to meet with parents regarding their child’s academic, social and emotional needs.

The aim of the elementary school curriculum is the development of the whole child. Students are engaged in a balanced curriculum focused on skills and concepts in academics, arts, athletics, collaboration with peers, and service. We also strive to develop a connection and understanding of our host country through our Indian Studies program. All curricular programs are designed around standards in order to provide students with consistent, clear, and research-based learning progressions. Standards are founded in scholarly research from the US and internationally. They provide teachers with a consistent progression of measurable, real-world learning goals on which to base instruction.

Literacy

Our balanced literacy approach is characterized by meaningful, authentic experiences designed to engage and motivate students in the development of reading and writing. Students learn concepts and skills guided by the Common Core progression and develop habits to become proficient and lifelong readers and writers. The elementary school literacy program offers focused instruction in reading, writing, language, word study, speaking and listening and also integrates literacy instruction and practice throughout the learning day and across content areas.

Mathematics

Our mathematics program is a Common Core standards-based curriculum that provides a strong focus on interconnected concepts at each grade level.

As such, students develop conceptual understanding, computational skills and fluency focusing on application. To develop a conceptual understanding, students at all grade levels use a concrete, hands-on approach with a variety of manipulatives. Once students have a visual framework for concepts, teachers gradually remove the concrete supports to focus on the numbers and symbols of mathematics, or the abstract.

Students practice computational skills to develop flexibility, speed, and accuracy with calculations. Application of these concepts and skills by students in authentic problem solving requires mathematical skill and understanding.

Science

Learning in science leads to life’s innovations and creations that make for a better future for us all. For this reason, AES uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to develop knowledge and understanding in three dimensions; practices in science and engineering, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Units engage students in each of the three science domains: life sciences, physical sciences, and Earth and space sciences. Each unit will integrate knowledge about and build understanding of engineering, technology, and/or the applications of science.

Social Studies

Our concept-based program prepares students for civic life as active participants in a global society. Concepts focus on understanding the relationships among people, places, and history to remind students that we are all connected. Our program encourages inquiry in which students develop evidence-based arguments and share their findings in a variety of ways to diverse audiences. The Elementary School aims to develop a deeper understanding about what it means to be a global citizen while focusing on the habits and skills we need for a more collaborative and peaceful world.

Music

Students explore music through active participation in singing, playing instruments, creative movement and rhythmic speech. The music curriculum draws upon the creativity inherent in each child-musician, and seeks to foster the capacity to be an independent music maker. Our music curriculum is based on a sequential, spiraling model building on the child’s knowledge of musical elements, connecting prior knowledge to new learning.

Art

The Elementary Art Program guides children in developing skills with materials in five areas: drawing, painting, printmaking, clay work, and multimedia. The students view, discuss and are inspired by artwork from various artists, time periods, and cultures. Children are encouraged to respond creatively in designing and completing their art projects while incorporating art skills and concepts that grow in complexity each year.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program in the elementary school is dynamic and progressive.

Learning opportunities enables individuals to understand, develop, and practice skills and behaviors which are necessary for leading a safe, healthy and physically active lifestyle that promotes overall mind/body wellness.

Indian Studies

Our Indian Studies program seeks to foster an understanding and appreciation of India and

its culture. Studies teachers have created theme-based units to enhance awareness about the rich diversity and varied traditions of India through active engagement and hands-on activities. Through the study of India, which includes Hindi vocabulary as well as geographical and historical concepts, each student develops a strengthened understanding of their role as a global citizen and responsible human being.

World Language

The World Language program in the elementary school focuses on oral fluency in English, Spanish, or French language. Lessons are taught in the target language. While the primary focus of our program is to build oral fluency, students also have opportunities to develop early reading and writing skills. In addition students gain an understanding of the cultures where the target language is spoken.

The balanced, authentic and intentional integration of technology empowers students and faculty and is a driver of innovation at AES. It provides opportunities for voice, choice, collaboration, critical thinking and content creation across grade levels and content areas.

Parents/Guardians must identify two emergency contact persons in the event of an emergency when the parent/guardian cannot be reached. Each emergency contact person must be located in Delhi and listed in your child’s record in our student information system, PowerSchool. An emergency contact is usually a friend or relative designated by the parent. You can log into PowerSchool or contact the ES Office, esoffice@aes.ac.in, to learn who is listed as your child’s emergency contact and also to update your emergency contact information.

The AES Elementary School English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides support for students acquiring English in Grades 1-5.

The sheltered immersion model is based on the belief that English Language Learners (ELLs) are an important part of our school community and that their needs are best met in the mainstream classroom with its language-rich environment.

It is a collaborative program between the grade-level teachers and the EAL specialists to help ELLs learn English at the same time they learn the academic content.

Direct support is provided in the grade-level classrooms, as well as in World Language English and Beginner English classes.

Indirect support occurs via co-planning and in-service training for teachers. As students progress through the language proficiency levels, EAL support is gradually released.

Guided by the mission of the American Embassy School, the Elementary School provides an American curriculum that will:

• Establish a firm foundation in the core curriculum of reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science;
• Enrich the curriculum through age-appropriate participation in subjects including physical education, art, Indian studies, world language and music;
• Enable students to gain an understanding and appreciation of India and the cultural diversity found in the AES student body;
• Offer an environment that celebrates and promotes maximum growth and development of children;
• Instill an interest in and an eagerness for learning permitting children to realize their fullest potential;
• Recognize and respond to the individual intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional and social developmental patterns of children;
• Identify and support all learning needs;
• Develop a program of active, child-centered learning based on a progression from concrete to more abstract thinking; and,
• offer opportunities through service learning for students to develop personal and social responsibility for family, school, and the local community.

The Health Office is open Monday- Friday 7am – 5pm and Saturday 8am-3 pm. Additionally, we open whenever there is a student activity on or off campus requiring nurse support. The Health Office can be contacted on ext 3700 or by email at nurses@aes.ac.in.

We believe in:

1. Appropriate and timely communication to students, parents, teachers, and administration.

2. Providing quick response to the first aid and medical needs of students and staff and obtaining medical assistance from outside clinics when appropriate.

3. Providing knowledgeable and appropriate medical/nursing treatments.

4. Contributing to and promoting a healthy and safe school environment.

5. Providing care in a calm, professional, and caring manner.

6. Teaching health promotion and illness prevention strategies.

7. Maintaining appropriate supplies for daily and emergency use.

8. Establishing and maintaining cooperative and collaborative relations with counselors, teachers, and parents for promotion of students’ interests and emotional well-being.

9. Honoring cultural diversity.

Students who need to go to the Health Office during the school day must obtain permission from their teacher. Students should be in the Health Office for no longer than 20 minutes, unless they are waiting for transport home.

Parent Communication

You will receive an email notification every time your student visits the Health Office. If your student needs to be picked up from school or we feel it necessary to speak with you further, we will contact you by phone. In order to prepare for emergencies and the unexpected, parents must complete and submit a temporary guardianship form when out of Delhi, even if only overnight.

If you are informed by the Health Office that your child will need to go home, please make sure that you are either en route or have arranged transport within 30 minutes of receiving this information.

When to Stay at Home

To prevent the spread of contagious disease and to enable a student to receive the rest needed for recovery, students should not come to school if he/she has any of the following:

• Cough/cold/flu-like symptoms

• More than 2 episodes of diarrhea and/or vomiting

• Fever of over 100°F

• Body rash - unless you have a note from a medical practitioner stating otherwise

• Likely/diagnosis of contagious illness such as chickenpox, mumps, measles, COVID-19, Active TB, or any other communicable disease (contact Health Office for specific return date)

NOTE: Students should be fever/diarrhea/vomit-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school.

Nurses are available over the phone to discuss your child’s specific case if you require clarification.

Medications

All medications that may be required for Elementary Students need to be looked after by the Health Office. If a parent or guardian would like the nurse to administer medication to a student (such as antibiotics, cold medicine, inhalers, or Epipens), please send the medication to the Health Office in its original container, and complete the online Medication Permission Form which can be found in your PowerSchool Account under “Share Medical Information”.

Student Health Records

Please provide any relevant health information at the time of admission, such as asthma, allergies, disabilities, chronic illnesses, medication requirements, or physical activity concerns. The Health Services Coordinator will work directly with parents of students with severe health concerns to develop an Emergency Care Plan for their child. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the Health Office staff of changes in the student’s health status. During the year, you may be asked to update your child’s/children’s health data for class trips. We realize that this is inconvenient, but it is important that chaperones for each event have the most recent emergency contact and health information, as some information may have changed since you last submitted a form.

Immunization History

All students must be up to date with their immunizations:

Required vaccinations for AES are Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), and Hepatitis B. The rabies pre-exposure series is a requirement for the grade 5 Ranthambore trip.

Recommended vaccines are Varicella, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, and dengue (if eligible). We also recommend annual influenza & COVID-19 vaccines.

Most of these vaccines are readily available in Healthcare Centers around Delhi state. Please make sure that you update the Health Office when your child has any new immunizations.

Physical Examination

A Physical & TB Examination form must be completed by a licensed practitioner and submitted within three months before admission into the Elementary School and for all students transitioning into grade 1.

BCG (TB) vaccinations are recommended but not required for AES and can only be administered up to a certain age. As part of this examination, all students are questioned and examined for signs of active TB. If they are clear:

• With BCG (TB) vaccination - no further action is required (please provide the date of vaccination to the Health Office

• No BCG (TB) vaccination– They will require a negative PPD Mantoux skin test or a QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test

Note - a Chest X-ray is required if the student has previously tested positive on either of these tests

Local Medical Providers

We have developed relationships with various hospitals and doctors in Delhi based upon positive experiences from within our AES community.

We have ‘Medical Providers’ and ‘Mental Health Providers” lists which will be available to you at the New Student Orientation or anytime from the Health Office.

Epipens

Epipens are not available in India. If your student requires an Epipen, please bring a supply from your home country.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide an environment that maximizes the safety of our students and protects those who have allergies.

• All staff dealing with students are Epipen trained

• Students are encouraged to wash their hands before and after eating

• We actively discourage sharing of food and snacks between students

• Emergency Care Plans are developed for all students with severe allergies

At AES, children are actively engaged in rich learning experiences for seven (7) hours every school day. Based on educational research and our professional and personal experience, the Elementary School adopted a practice of home learning: reading, passion and play. At AES, we believe that after school and on weekends our students should:

Read

Reading is important. There is an expectation that children read or are read to for at least 20 minutes each and every day beyond the school day.

There is strong research to support the importance of daily, regular reading. It doesn’t matter what language your child reads or is read to in - as long as there is reading happening. Research shows a direct link between children who read at least 20 minutes independently every day in English and/or in their home language and overall academic success. Research also supports the benefits associated with being read to by an adult or other fluent reader.

Play

Research in education, psychology and sociology identifies a strong correlation between solid family bonds and academic success.

Spend time with family

Play is important. Research shows play - unstructured play or organized team play - fosters social development, creativity and persistence, and also helps kids consolidate and strengthen learning.

Use their imagination, find and develop their passions, and have a choice in what they pursue.

Research on 21st Century learning shows that passion pursuit is key to innovation, creativity and problem solving.

Nightly worksheets are not a regular part of our homework practice in the Elementary School. However, on occasion students may be asked to complete work at home that was initiated at school, such as class projects, interviews, etc

Other days of the week

Prek 3, 4& KG:  8:30 am to 3:25 pm

Grade 1 - 5: 8.30 am to 3:35 pm

 

Wednesdays

Prek 3, 4& KG:  8:30 am to 2:25 pm

Grade 1 - 5: 8.30 am to 2:30 pm

To prevent spread of contagious disease and to enable a student to receive the rest needed for recovery, please do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the following:

Possible or diagnosed contagious illness such as chickenpox, mumps, measles, strep-throat, or any other infectious disease.

Following such an illness, the health office staff may request medical clearance from a clinician before a student may return to school.

The AES Sood Library houses over 30,000 titles available to AES students, families and teachers. The elementary library exists to provide both the atmosphere and a diversity of high quality materials that will foster in each child a lifelong love of learning. The library curriculum promotes inquiry through information literacy instruction that enhances and reinforces classroom content. The library offers an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books.

Students, families and teachers access the Library Catalog at aesindia.follettdestiny.com.

Additional resources and access to our databases can be located at the Library & Makerspace site which is also linked to the ES grade-level launch pads. (https://sites.google.com/aes.ac.in/librarymakerspace/home)

• Students may borrow books before school, after school and during the school day.

• Students in Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5 visit the library each six-day rotation.

• After dismissal at 3:35 p.m. and on Saturday mornings, students must be accompanied by

and supervised by an adult when they visit the library.

• Parents & guardians are welcome in our ES Library space outside of school hours.

The Learning Support Department provides additional help for students’ academic learning differences. A formal referral process provides the teacher and parents an opportunity for input into decisions for children with learning needs. Parents are invited to meet with their child’s teachers and a counselor if they have concerns about their child’s learning needs or performance.

All children eat in the cafeteria with their classmates and students are encouraged to eat a balanced lunch each day. The school cafeteria provides hot lunches, a salad bar and sandwiches.

Those wishing to join the school lunch program may deposit a fixed amount for a semester or the entire year at the Business Office. Parents of children who bring their own lunch may purchase additional food items before school from the Tiger Kiosk. Weekly menus are available on aes.ac.in/myaes or in the cafeteria.

Items that are misplaced on campus may be found in the Lost and Found location in the P.E. building, near Gate #5.

Students are not allowed to carry medicines and self-administer medication while at school. Medication must be given by our Health Office staff. If you would like the nurse to administer daily or emergency medication to a student (such as antibiotics, cold medicine, inhalers, Epipens), you must provide the Health Office with the medication in its original container, the prescription and a completed Medication Permission Form provided by the Health Office.

The Health Office has a limited supply of over-the-counter medications that can be given to the student without calling you first, if you have already signed the New Student Health Form. This permission can be changed at any time the parent wishes to do so.

Please do not send the following things to school:

Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, roller blades or bikes. They may not be used on campus at any time, including weekends.

• Valuable items that could get lost or stolen.
• Balls, racquets, jump ropes and other play equipment (these are provided by the school for recess).

The carrying of offensive and/or dangerous weapons or toys (guns, knives, etc.) into the AES campus or while participating in AES sponsored activities is prohibited.

All parents of AES students are automatically members of the PSA is to provide a continuing channel of communication between parents and school to promote an atmosphere of goodwill and cooperation in support of the school’s mission statement.

The PSA provides venues for parents, teachers and students to interact (AES Gala, International Food Fair, Cultural Extravaganza (Diwali), Faculty and Staff Appreciation) and venues for the expression of views on matters of interest.

This school year, the ES will have one PSA Representative per grade level and will no longer have room parents. The Grade Level Representative will assist teachers with classroom activities and communication or will identify other grade level parent volunteers to help on an ad hoc basis.

We believe that each child is a unique individual and will develop at his/her own rate.

We aim to foster curious, responsible and caring global citizens. Early childhood is an important stage of development when students learn to communicate, socialize, work and negotiate with others through purposeful play and play-based experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

Pre-kindergarten Program

Our multiage Pre-Kindergarten program offers an outstanding educational program that allows each student to grow and be challenged at their individual level of readiness. Pre-Kindergarten students learn important social and emotional skills as well as early math, literacy and science concepts. They also attend daily specialist classes which include art, music, physical education, Indian studies and library.

Our nurturing, hands-on and project-based approach is rooted in play and inquiry. Our program takes its inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy and is grounded in the Creative Curriculum.

We believe that play is essential to a child’s academic, social and emotional development.

Cultivating students with strong social and emotional skills is an important focus of our work. We encourage a socially collaborative environment where students are viewed as thinkers who explore, make choices and make mistakes as part of the learning process.

We believe that children thrive in an environment that is warm, caring and rich with resources and opportunities.

Our teachers design experiences that are aligned with our students’ interests and that allow our students to begin to develop a base in academics, the arts, and physical education.

Some fundamental principles of Reggio Emilia that we hold:

• Children are capable of constructing their own learning and they are driven by their interests to investigate, understand and to find out more.
• Our program focuses on social collaboration. Our students learn about themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others.
• Communication is a process. Our students ask questions, play, investigate and discover new things using language.
• The environment is the third teacher and is recognised for its potential to inspire children. Our Pre-Kindergarten environment is filled with natural light and open spaces free from clutter, where every material is considered for its purpose.
• The role of each of our teachers is to observe our students, listen to their questions and their stories, understand what interests them and then provide them with opportunities to explore these interests further.
• Our Pre-kindergarten teachers document and display children’s thoughts and their progression of thinking. Our teachers make our students’ thinking visible in a variety of ways which may include photographs, scribing children’s thoughts and explanations, drawings and sculptures.

Our Creative Curriculum units follow a two-year cycle. In year one, the unit studies are centered around the topics of Balls, Buildings, Trees, Clothes, and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In year two, the topics are Signs, Insects, Sand, Tubes and Tunnels, and Simple Machines. Literacy and Cognitive skills are embedded in these units of study in order to provide a developmentally appropriate framework for academic success.

Pre-Kindergarten is a full day program with an early release during the month of August for students in Pre-K 3. Prior to admission, Pre-Kindergarten students must turn 3 or 4 years old prior to August 31 of the current school year.

We communicate student progress in both formal and informal ways. Semester report cards and two Student Led Conferences are used to report and discuss your child’s academic, social and emotional progress. Informal conferences and telephone conferences are encouraged whenever teachers or parents have concerns. The principal, assistant principal, and the guidance counselor are always available for conferences. We encourage regular home and school contact and suggest you begin your discussion with the person most closely related to the subject. Please feel free to call or visit the Elementary School office and share your suggestions or concerns with us.

The AES elementary school is well equipped with a wide variety of iPads, computers, digital cameras, software and Internet services that are freely available to all students. We work to match these advanced tools with appropriate teaching methods and rich curricular content to provide experiences that enhance student learning, encourage collaboration and facilitate the creation and sharing of products both locally and globally. In order to promote responsible digital citizenship and the responsible use of information technology resources, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines.

Responsible Use Guidelines:

• Students’ use of technology resources should reflect our AES school values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring. Students will model responsible citizenship in digital spaces by respecting the rights, property and privacy of others and by always being respectful of other people’s identities, passwords, projects, and property.
• Students will be responsible users of all AES technology resources and treat those resources with care and respect.
• Students will be responsible users of the internet at all times and follow safe usage practices.
• Students will use all technology resources in the ES for school related projects and may use these resources before or after school hours with teacher approval and supervision.
• Students who choose not to follow these guidelines may lose their right to use the school’s technology resources and/or experience other consequences.

The Banyan Tree Song

Large, twisting trunk, Connecting earth and sky, Branches reaching mountains and sea, Nurture, grow, and live as time passes by, Connecting life between you and me.

Chorus:

Children of the world unite ‘round the banyan tree, Circle round the tree of life,

Honesty, respect, caring, responsibility, Connecting life between you and me.

At AES we see the light in one another, Teacher, parent, sister, and brother, Learning about our world,Growing day by day, Caring for the earth together.

Chorus:

Children of the world unite ‘round the banyan tree, Circle round the tree of life,

Honesty, respect, caring, responsibility, Connecting life between you and me.

Connecting life between you and me.

Connecting life---- between---- you and me.-------------

(Written by Skye Sanford, former AES ES Music Teacher)

AES provides all stationery and school supplies for elementary school students. Supplies are communal so your children should leave any personal stationery items at home. Occasionally teachers may request household items for special projects. Children should bring a book bag to school that is clearly marked with their name on it.

The Elementary School follows a six-day letter rotation schedule (A– F).

• Our six day rotation allows an average of two specialist classes per day.
• Letter days are posted around the Elementary School campus and noted on the school-wide activities calendar.
• Since AES does not have a PE uniform, students should dress in comfortable and flexible clothing, including to participate in physical activity with a physical education (PE) class.
• Students must wear a swimsuit during swim units.

• Students have a short break at mid-morning to eat a small snack.
• Students should bring a drink and a healthy snack (fruit, crackers). Candy, chocolate, potato chips, etc., and carbonated drinks are not permitted.
• Please send a water bottle to school with your child EVERY DAY clearly marked with your child’s name. Students can refill their water bottle with reverse osmosis (RO) water on campus.
• Elementary students are not permitted to buy snacks at the Tiger Kiosk during the school day.
• If a student in your child’s class has a nut allergy, your child may not be able to bring snacks that contain nuts.

The Elementary School Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) helps our students to develop their speaking and listening school through individual or small group lessons. The SLP will work with students that are identified with a need in the areas of fluency, articulation, voice, and language.

Adult supervision of Elementary School play areas is provided daily from 8:00- 8:30 am.

Students should not arrive on campus before 8:00 am.

Please note that our playgrounds are for the exclusive use of our students daily from 8:30 – 3:35 pm. Therefore parents/younger siblings/visitors are not allowed on the playgrounds during the school day.

After dismissal at 3:35 pm, students must be involved in an after-school activity, fully supervised by a parent or leave campus.

• Students are not allowed to play unattended nor are they permitted to use any playground facilities unless supervised.
• Students must be supervised by a parent. Supervision by a domestic helper alone is not permitted.
• Elementary students are not allowed to roam the campus on their own at any time.
• You must let your child’s teacher know, in advance, if your child’s dismissal routine changes at any time.
• Please be prompt in picking up your child after school. If you or your designee is delayed, please inform the school.
• Children that are not picked-up on time will be taken to the Elementary School Office.

The goals of the AES ES technology program are to enable students to:

• Select, and then effectively and creatively use, the best technology tool for the job
• Gather, organize, and analyze information critically and efficiently
• Set goals, assess, reflect and share their learning by making their thinking visible.
• Communicate and present information effectively
• Build relationships with a wider collaborative community
• Use technology mindfully
• Enhance visual / artistic communication skills through design and composition
• Develop an awareness of the integral role that technology plays in our daily lives.

 

As educators we will accomplish these goals by:

• Integrating technology into the curriculum where appropriate
• Sharing the responsibility for the appropriate integration of technology Evaluating our ES technology program on an ongoing basis
• Ensuring that all students are provided with opportunities to learn basic technology skills
• Teaching and modeling the responsible and ethical use of technology

 

Providing opportunities:

1. To gather, analyze, organize and present information using technology 
2. To use technology for solving problems, thinking critically and making thinking visible
3. For independent and collaborative uses of technology
4. For visual/artistics communication through effective design and composition.

In support of our philosophy, program and goals we follow the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S).

The American Embassy School has arranged with a private local company to provide air-conditioned bus transportation to and from school for AES students. Please contact our transportation department for more information. You must either send a note or an email to your child’s teacher if your child is to go home on a different bus or if they will be picked up at school or go home with a friend. Without such authorization, your child will be sent home on their regular bus.

Bus Riding Guidelines

Getting children to and from school safely each day is a serious responsibility.

It is essential for all bus riders to follow these guidelines for the safety of all riders. Please make your children aware of the guidelines below in order to make our bus service as safe as possible.

Riders will:

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early

• Stay off the road while waiting for the bus

• Avoid walking directly in front of the bus

• Be careful getting on and off and finding a seat

• Be seated quickly and remain seated throughout the trip

• Fasten seat belts while riding the bus

• Not distract the bus driver

• Keep all body parts inside the bus while riding

• Not throw anything inside or outside of the bus

• Always use appropriate language and speak in reasonable tones inside the bus

• Practice safe, appropriate behavior and set an example for younger students

• Be respectful and responsible toward others

• Listen to and follow the instructions of the Bus Monitor and other adults

Parents/Guardians must designate a Temporary Caregiver anytime the parents/guardians are absent from Delhi. The temporary guardian is a person chosen by the parents/guardians to be responsible for their child’s health and welfare while outside of Delhi. If a parent/guardian is absent for more than two consecutive school days, they must complete a Temporary Caregiver form in Powerschool.

This form must be submitted prior to parent travel. The expectation is that the student will be staying at the same residence as the Temporary Caregiver. If you will be traveling or out of India without your child for more than 9 consecutive school days. You must meet with the ES principal prior to your travel, in addition to completing the Temporary Caregiver form.

Parents

• Parents may escort visitors onto the AES campus.
• Such escorted guests/visitors must sign in at the gate, leave a photo ID with the guard, wear a Visitor’s Badge while on campus and be escorted at all times by the sponsoring adult while on campus.
• Domestic staff, including maids, ayahs and drivers may enter the campus only with a parent and must be escorted by a parent at all times. To ensure uniform application of security procedures, guards at all gates are instructed to confirm with the Elementary School Office before allowing entry to anyone other than a parent.
• Do not share your ID card with anyone for any purpose.

Students

From time to time we receive requests for a child, usually a friend or relative, to attend school with one of our students. Parents of ES students are required to submit a written request at least three days in advance to the ES Principal or Assistant Principal. The Principals will check the suitability of the dates with the classroom teacher. Students who have previously attended AES (alumni) are allowed to attend one full day of school. Other guests may attend school for a half-day. (ie. until lunch/recess or from the end of lunch/recess until dismissal).

ES refers to Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 5)

MS refers to Middle School (Grades 6-8)

HS refers to High School (Grades 9-12).

ASIAC (MS): American Schools in India Activities Conference. Team sports open to all MS students. Students commit to a team sport, academic or cultural team for the season and train two or three times a week. Teams are usually picked a couple of weeks before the culminating tournament/meet with the American schools in Mumbai and Chennai. Tournaments/meets are hosted between the three schools in rotation.

Auxy Gym: The smaller gym located above the main gym and accessed by the steps just inside the entrance of the PEC (Physical Education Center).

Banyan Tree: Large, old tree on the ES playground.

BTSN: Back to School Night - Orientation session for parents at the beginning of the school year. Following a general introduction (in the HOP for MS, the theatre for ES & HS), parents move to classrooms for a brief overview from each of their child’s teachers. ES parents go directly to their children’s classrooms and/or EAL teachers.

BCR: Board Conference Room. Meeting room in the administration hallway on the bottom floor of the Middle School building, across from Reception, often used for meetings.

Breezeway (HS): Enclosed cafe at ground level of the main high school building.

Common Core State Standards: An education initiative in the US that details what K-12 students should know in English Language Arts and Mathematics at the end of each grade.

Community Garden: Small circular amphitheatre located by Gate 2, constructed to commemorate AES’s 60th Anniversary.

Diwali: Indian holiday in October or November. Sahaliyan (the Indian parent association) organizes a fun event for the community to enjoy the spirit of this holiday.

EAL: English as an Additional Language. This is a program that supports non-native English speakers.

ES Greens: Grassed area near ES office and library.

ES Plaza: Concrete area between the pool and the ES Greens.

Friday Night Lights: A community evening combining sports and socializing where students and parents cheer on the MS and HS athletes and those competing in academic and cultural teams. With great food available, it’s a fun night for everyone.

Holi: Indian holiday of color celebrated in Spring. Sahaliyan (the Indian parent association) organizes a fun event for students and parents to enjoy the spirit of this holiday. People throw powdered colors on each other in a safe and fun environment.

HOP: Hall of Peace. The large hall next to the MS Office used for meetings, assemblies, table tennis and community events.

HSCR: HS Faculty Lounge High School Conference Room. Located in the H.S. Office across from the Breezeway.

IFF: International Food Fair. One of the PSA’s biggest events of the year, IFF showcases the wonderful diversity at AES. Nations come together to build community by sharing delicious food, customs and traditions.

IPOP (ES): After-school activities for elementary students in Grades 1-5. Activities run on a quarterly basis. Some of these activities require an extra fee. Registration is done online each quarter.37

The Tiger Kiosk: School-run snack bar located on the ground floor of the Physical Education Building. Near the Elementary School.

KG: Kindergarten

KPSA: Korean Parent School Association

Leadership Seminars (ES/MS): These seminars are held twice a semester. They are opportunities for students to spend time thinking about and developing their leadership skills.

MAP: Measures of Academic Progress is an adaptive computer-based assessment. Students in Grades 2-9 are assessed twice a year in the areas of language usage, math and reading. AES uses the data to better understand how to help students and as a standardized source of information for parents.

MESAC: Middle East South Asia Conference. Students in Grade 8-12 compete in Junior Varsity and Varsity sports, cultural, and academic teams. Tournaments/meets are hosted in Delhi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Oman.

Minicourses (HS): All HS students select from a list of exciting adventures within India. They all travel for one week in March in small, cross-grade-level groups of 12-20 to explore and experience the delights of our host country. These trips have either a cultural, service or outdoor adventure focus.

MPR (ES): Multi-purpose rooms are located on the second (MPR 1) and third floors (MPR 2) of the ES Peepal building.

Minicourses (HS): All HS students select from a list of exciting adventures within India. They all travel for one week in March in small, cross-grade-level groups of 12-20 to explore and experience the delights of our host country. These trips have either a cultural, service or outdoor adventure focus.

MSCR (MS): Middle School Conference Room located adjacent to the MS Office.

MS Field: Sports field located at the entrance to school via Gate 2. Many sports practices as well as social and community events occur here. The school tennis courts can be found behind this field.

MS Office: Next to the HOP, on the first floor of the MS building once you have gone up the stairs from the main admin area.

NGSS (HS): Next Generation Science Standards for K-12, rich in content and practice in science One-to-One iPad Program: Every student is issued an ipad in Grades 2- 8 and in the HS, every student is issued a laptop.

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences: Held twice a year, an opportunity for parents to have individual time slots with each of their child’s teachers to discuss progress and set goals. MS and HS held in the gym, ES held in classrooms.

PEC: Physical Education Center – located next to Gate 5. This building houses two gymnasiums, two dance studios, a fitness room and rooftop play space.

PowerSchool: The school’s student information system, as well as homework and grade reporting systems for MS/HS students. It is accessible with a personal password that is provided for each community member by the school.

Pre-K: Pre-Kindergarten, 3 & 4 year old program.

PSA: Parent School Association

The Rocks: Climbing area and hang-out zone for MS kids at lunch and after school.

Saheliyan: Indian Parents social group

Semesters: The school year is divided into two semesters. The first runs from August through December and the second from January to May.39

Service: Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve is the school motto which suggests community service is a high priority at AES. Involvement occurs throughout the school, and is evident in a variety of service club opportunities available in the MS and HS.

Spirit: Building a community within the school, between students, teachers and parents. There is a PSA spirit committee that organizes refreshments at sports events and spirit wear (AES t-shirts, etc.) for sale. Helping out with Spirit events is a great way to get involved in the school.

SBGR: Standards Based Grading and Reporting is a system that communicates where a child is in their learning journey in relation to the student’s mastery of academic standards. It seeks to improve feedback to parents about their child’s academic learning, learning habits, areas of strength and areas for growth.

Student Portraits: A professional photographer takes individual portraits which parents can choose to purchase.

Super Saturday: Like Friday Night Lights, a community social event when students and parents can cheer on the MS and HS athletes and cultural/performing arts groups who compete and exhibit in different events. With great food available from the Spirit Team, it’s a fun Saturday for everyone.

Tiger’s Den: The school-run café that is open to all members of the community. HS students can also purchase lunch here. An excellent menu with many veg and non-veg choices, as well as hot and cold drinks. A great place to meet friends and hang out.

Tiger Tales: School-wide communications which is updated and published weekly. The one-stop place to find out all that is happening at AES, with individual sections for ES, MS, HS, Athletics/Activities and the Community.

Tiger Turf: The main athletics field located behind the theatre and the high school. Most outdoor sports practices and competitions occur here. The field is floodlit for night-time games and practices.

Visiting Artists Series: AES invites performing artists to come and work with students in areas such as art, music, dance, poetry, etc. Parents and others get the chance to enjoy the artists’ work in events usually held in the theatre at the end of the workshops.