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Parent/Student Handbook |
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Dear Byrd Parents and Students, A warm welcome to our new school year for all of new parents as well as those returning students for another instructional year of excellence for all Richard E. Byrd Elementary School students. We ask that our parents take time to read the contents of our School Year 2007-2008 Parent-Student Handbook and to discuss the contents with their child prior to the first day of school on Monday, August 27. If, after reviewing the information, you have any questions or concerns about the information contained in the Parent-Student Handbook, please contact the school office at 242-4816, or E-mail me at: jim.fisher@pac.dodea.edu or byes.principal@pac.dodea.edu official school website: www.byrd-es.pac.dodea.edu Our goal as your child's teacher is to provide the finest educational program available within the DODEA system. To accomplish this, we also need active parent involvement with your child's instructional program. Parent involvement is a key and essential component in any child's learning. To achieve this end, there are many ways to be involved in your child's educational program. Here are just a few possible ways: assisting with homework or school projects, reading aloud to your child at home, joining the PTO or SAC, or volunteering your time at school. With your help in your child's learning, we intend to make SY 2007- 2008 the one of the best learning experiences ever. Should you wish further information about this school year's events and activities or any other possible changes for this year, please call the school or plan to attend our Open House- Back to School Night held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 in the school cafeteria from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Jim Fisher PrincipalAugust 8 , 2007 “Together We Will Make A Difference… Whatever It Takes!” |
ABSENCES : A student must bring a written excuse to school from his/her parents stating the reasons and dates of absence or tardiness, even if a phone call is made. If you know in advance that the student will be absent, please notify the teacher the day prior. Please note in the section below on attendance what constitutes an excused absence. If the student is absent for more than two days, the parents should call the school office. Arrangements must be made to complete make-up work the day the student returns to school. Teachers may require a make-up test. It is the student's responsibility to ask the teacher for the make-up work. The basic rule for time allowed to make-up work is that students will have as many days to make-up work as they were absent. Sponsors of students who are ill or in the hospital for an extended period of time can call the office 242-4815 and request assignments or contact your child's classroom teacher directly. Please see "COMFLEACT YOKOSUKA INSTRUCTION 1755.8A" regarding the command policy for School Attendance at the back of this handbook.
ACCREDITATION : Richard E. Byrd Elementary School is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This means the quality educational program is insured through annual reports to the Association headquarters and an on-site inspection and evaluation every five years. Our last on-site evaluation was April, 2001. A report is on file in our main office. The next scheduled on-site visit will be during SY 2006-2007.
Richard E. Byrd Elementary School encourages parent and teacher involvement on its School Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee, which functions in accordance with DoD Instruction 5105.49, is:
The committee is composed of two (2) parents and two (2) teachers who are voting members as well as the principal and base commander or his representative. The principal and base commander act in an advisory capacity. The committee is elected by parents and teachers. The election is conducted by 15 October. Meetings are held at least quarterly, are announced in the parent newsletter, and are open to the public. While the committee has only advisory responsibility, its opinion is highly valued and is considered a valuable indicator of community feeling and support.
ATTENDANCE: School attendance at a DoDDS school, a local school, or an acceptable formal home-school alternative, is a requirement for children within the responsibilities of COMFLEACT YOKOSUKA. Detailed descriptions of these alternative educational programs along with base definitions of what constitutes an excused absence from school, is contained in COMFLEACTINST 1755.8A. This instruction is reprinted near the end of this handbook for your reference.
Children may be excused from school only for specific reasons. Excused absences from school include:
Parents are reminder that children should not be kept out of school for shopping, piano lessons, commercial enterprises or for baby-sitting younger brothers and sisters, etc. Excessive unexcused absence may be reported to the command or family advocacy office in accordance with COMFLEACTINST 1755.8a. Following any absence not approved in advance, a student must bring a written notice to school from his/her parents stating the reasons and dates of the absence. Parent support and concern in minimizing absence will let the child know that school is important. Please schedule routine dental and medical check up appointments after school hours as much as possible.
Subject: SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR COMMAND SPONSORED SCHOOL AGE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD) DEPENDENTS
Ref.: (a) DODINST 1342.6-M-L (b) NAVHOSPYOKOINST 6320.57A (c) COMFLEACTINST 1750.5G
1. Purpose. To provide school attendance policy for school age dependents in the Yokosuka/Yokohama area covered by the Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. Government and the Government of Japan and served by the Fleet Activities, Yokosuka .
2. Cancellation. COMFLEACTINST 1755.8 3. Background. Reference (a) provides policy and procedures for the administrative and logistic responsibilities for the DoD Dependents School (DoDDS) system. In accordance with reference (a), installation commanders will ”encourage all educable eligible dependents who have not completed high school to attend either DoDDS or regular program of formal instruction in the local school system, enroll in a tuition school, or enroll in an independent study program by correspondence.”
3. Additionally, reference (b) specifies that “failure to supply a child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, and education...” constitutes harm to that child and is defined as neglect. DoDDS provides comparable accredited U.S. education during an overseas tour. A minimum standard of school attendance by dependents of school age is considered essential to maintain a wholesome overseas environment for such dependents. Repeated unexcused absence from school I.E., truancy or excessive parent sanctioned non-medical absence, by school age dependents has a negative impact and seriously detracts from the student’s development and command efforts to provide a wholesome overseas community life.
4. Procedures a. Sponsors are required to provide an approved educational opportunity for their family member children by enrolling them in the appropriate DoDDS system or in a private or parochial school that has been certified by the Educational Ministry of the Government of Japan, or enrolling them in an independent study program by correspondence or ensuring they participate in a formalized Home School Program. Additionally, sponsors are strongly encouraged to submit home schooled children for annual standardized testing.”
b. Exceptions to the above requirement are children who: (1) Have not attained the age to attend DoDDS; that is, five years of age by 31 October of the year to be enrolled; (2) Have graduated from high school; (3) Have reached their 17th birthday, provided their sponsor has consented in writing to their disenrollment; otherwise, they must remain enrolled until they have reached their 18th birthday. Disenrollment requests will not be accepted from non-sponsor parents or guardians. (4) Have been suspended or expelled from the appropriate DoDDS system.
c. It is recognized that from time to time dependent children may be excused from school. Legitimate absence from school falls into the following categories: (1) Personal illness; (2) Serious illness of some member of the immediate family requiring the child’s presence at home; (3) Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled after school hours; (4) Death in the immediate family; and (5) Other reasons as approved by the school principal 5. Action
(1) As installation commander, COMFLEACT Yokosuka will encourage and support acceptable standards of school attendance within his area of jurisdiction, COMFLEACT Yokosuka will provide a Chair for Youth Concerns Council meeting aboard DoDDS and a School Liaison Officer. When either the sponsor or the sponsor’s command requests the student receive counseling, the student may be referred to the Family Service Center (FSC) for evaluation and counseling, and as necessary, further referral.
(2) COMFLEACT Yokosuka recognizes the viability of private, parochial and formalized Home School Programs and encourages sponsors electing these alternatives to network or form organizations for their mutual benefit. b. Parent Command (1) Commanding Officers/Officers in Charge must ensure all command sponsored dependent children are enrolled in a DoD private, or parochial school or participating in a formal Home School Program. (2) Command should counsel sponsors that excessive periods away from school at the sponsor’s direction is a form of neglect and could be a basis for initiation of the descreening process.
(3) Commands are requested to carefully screen leave requests, especially when leave is out of area (i.e., COT or EML) and may result in dependents missing school for extended periods.
(4) Command must ensure sponsors fulfill their parental responsibilities for schooling their children and take action to eliminate chronic truancy including descreening of sponsor and/or dependents as appropriate. c. Yokosuka/Yokohama Area DoDDS. When a DoDDS principal determines that a DoDDS student is absent for longer than one week without prior school authorization or is flagrantly truant (i.e., chronic unexcused absence), the principal will notify the sponsor in writing. If this notification fails to correct the truancy problem, the principal will notify the sponsor’s command for appropriate action, to include considering, as a last resort, descreening of ponsor and/or dependent(s).
d. Sponsor (1) In each case, the primary responsibility for attendance of dependent children in a formal educational program rests with the sponsor. When the sponsor elects to not enroll dependent children in the local DoDDS system (i.e., Byrd Elementary, Sullivans Elementary or Kinnick High School), the sponsor will notify his or her parent command of the alternative institution of form of education chosen. (2) As the DoDDS system requires the sponsor’s signature to enroll a student , only disenrollment request from the sponsor will be accepted. (3) Sponsors are advised that chronic truancy may result in command descreening or administrative redress as outlined in reference (c), to include referral to the Civilian Administrative Forum. (4) When the sponsor is deployed or temporarily away, the spouse or guardian must make decisions in the best interests of the dependent child(ren). The sponsor, however, is still responsible for the actions of the spouse or guardian. 6. Addressees are requested to give widest possible dissemination of this information and submit recommendations for revision to COMFEACT Yokosuka, Code 100.
M. R. RICE Distribution: COMFLEACTINST 5215.2D List I, II, Case 1
COMFLEACTS SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN AND CURFEW POLICY
Whether a dog bite, a near accident because a child was in the street, or a curious child injured in the kitchen, we are reminded daily that the world is a dangerous place obligating us to do everything we can to protect our children. As such, parents and guardians are responsible for appropriate and adequate supervision of their minor family members at all times, whether on or off base. This policy applies to all military members, civilian employees and their family members assigned to or visiting Fleet Activities, Yokosuka , and Negishi and Ikego Housing Areas. Any minor violating the curfew policy will be detained by base security until his or her sponsor, guardian, or a representative of the sponsor’s command comes to assume custody. Violations may provide a basis for referral to Family Advocacy and / or revocation of command sponsorship for the family. The following policy applies to all minors:
Age of Child |
Left Unattended in Quarters |
Left Alone Overnight (2330-0530) |
Left in Playground Unsupervised |
Left In Car Unsupervised |
0-5 |
NO |
NO |
NO |
NO |
6-9 |
NO |
NO |
YES* |
NO |
10-15 |
YES |
NO |
YES |
YES |
16+ |
YES |
YES** |
YES |
YES |
* Adult within hearing or visual contact
* * With access to adult supervision
Children less than 12 years of age will not baby sit other children, including their siblings. Baby-sitters under the age of 16 may supervise until 24:00 but are not allowed to sit all night or essentially all night. In addition, all children under the age of 18, unless accompanied or supervised by their parent or designated adult guardian, will remain off the streets and out of public areas from 22:00 to 05:30 daily. However, curfew hours on Friday, Saturday and holidays are extended to 24:00 to 05:30 only for high school seniors. Organizers of special events that may result in children returning during restricted hours will inform base security of such events.
Personality, environment, developmental progress and maturity levels are factors parents must use to determine when children are ready to accomplish activities with little or no supervision. Parents should assess their children’s maturity and, if necessary, raise the minimum age limits outlined above.
Parents who have questions about this policy may contact the Family Service Center Director at 243-6716.
J. M. Wylie
COMFLEACT YOKOSUKA INSTRUCTION 1755.8A [School Attendance]
BICYCLES : Riding of bicycles is not allowed on school grounds. It is recommended that students who ride bikes to school have them registered with shore patrol. Bicycles should be dismounted before reaching the school crosswalks and walked to the bicycle rack area. Bikes should be locked to the bike rack while classes are in session. The school is not responsible for bicycle security.
BOOKS : Textbooks and workbooks are furnished for the students. Books must be returned before the student’s withdrawal from school. Students are expected to take care of school supplies. When textbooks or library books are lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the student will be charged as follows:
New book . . . . . . . . . . . Full list price
In good condition . . . . ¾ of list price
In fair condition . . . . . ½ of list price
In poor condition . . . . . ¼ of list price
BUS PROGRAM : Buses are run by DoDDS-J Student Transportation Office (STO) in Yokosuka . You may call for information at 243-9566(DSN) or 046-816-9566 (commercial).
Bus Conduct: Pupils' behavior on the bus is the responsibility of the parents. The school will supervise the loading and unloading of the bus while in the school area. After the buses leave the school area, they are under the supervision of the OIC, CFAY, and Yokohama Detachment. Problems connected with the buses are to be referred directly to the Student Transportation Officer (STO), 242-9566.
Bus Rules: The following actions by students are prohibited:
BYRD SCHOOL STAFF : As required by directives of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, all staff members are qualified by experience and training for the positions they hold. The qualifications include a bachelor's degree, professional education courses, college courses in the subject areas taught, a current teaching certificate, and actual teaching experience.
Our staff make up is quite diverse. Staff members come to our school from all sections of the United States . Most members have traveled and worked in various parts of the world. Their wide background and training provide enriching experiences to benefit your children.
You will find the staff available for your assistance and information as well as willing and capable to provide a high quality of education.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS and EMERGENCY CONTACT: It is very important that the school be kept informed of any changes of address or new telephone numbers. Make sure the school has your home , duty , and emergency contact telephone numbers. If a student will be staying with friends due to parents traveling, hospitalization, etc., a note from home notifying the school of the proxy's name, address, and phone number and dates involved will be required. We highly recommend your obtaining a “Power of Attorney” whenever your child is in someone else's care for 24 hours or more. Please be sure the name and telephone numbers (home and duty) of your emergency contact person are always kept up to date at school. We want to make sure medical treatment is not delayed because the parents or emergency contact personnel could not be contacted.
Solutions to concerns, conflicts and disagreements should be made at the most immediate level before referring the issue to the next level of responsibility. The chart below provides the chain of command for conflict resolution within DoDDS schools.
Parents and Community Members/R.E. Byrd School |
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Teachers |
Counselors |
Nurses/Psychologists |
Specialists/Support Staff |
Principal/R.E. Byrd School/Telephone: 242-4815 |
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District Superintendent/Japan; Unit 5072; APO AP 96328-5072; Telephone: 225-3940 |
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Pacific Area Director/Unit 35007; APO AP 96376-5007; Telephone: 644-5878 |
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Director DoDEA; 4040 N. Fairfax Drive; Arlington, VA 22203-1635; Telephone: 703-696-4462 |
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CHILD FIND: On-going efforts are made by DoDDS to locate children, ages 3-21, who have handicapping conditions and need individualized and appropriate special education. If you have questions or concerns about your child, contact our school Child Study committee (CSC) chairperson or counselor.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FIELD TRIPS:
1. The teacher is always in complete charge of all aspects of the trip.
2. Parent volunteers will assist the teacher in accomplishing this responsibility and report to the teacher any potential or real problems. Parent volunteers are an extension of the teacher, i.e. each student will respond with respect and to the direction of the chaperone. Since parent volunteers will have supervisory duties, younger brothers or sisters will not be able to go along on the trip.
3. Parent volunteers are requested to keep in mind that all children should be treated the same and that their own child may not have any special privileges.
4. A thorough review of expected behavior will be discussed with students and chaperones. Reminders will be made as needed.
5. Boarding of the busses will be in a quiet, systematic and orderly manner from the rear of the bus forward. While on the bus, students will remain in their seats the entire time for the duration of the trip. They are to remain in their seats until they are notified by the teacher or chaperon to depart the bus.
6. In case of significant misbehavior, a parent volunteer will be assigned to take the student back to the school or bus. A parent may be required to accompany the child on future field trips or the student may remain at school to ensure the safety of the student or other students on the trip.
7. While on the bus, there will be no eating or gum chewing unless the teacher has indicated to the contrary. Walkman type of radios, tapes, or CD players may not be used without permission from the teacher.
8. Bus windows will be kept closed at all times unless the teacher authorizes windows to be opened. If students are allowed to open windows, they are not to put their arms or their hands out the window at any time. Discarding of anything out the window is forbidden.
9. While on the field trip, students will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects favorably with the goals and values of our school.
10. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen property.
CONFERENCES : Scheduled conferences with parents are conducted at least twice per year, required at the end of the first quarter for all students and after the third quarter when either the teacher or parent requests a conference. Other conferences, as needed, may be initiated by either the parent or the teacher throughout the year. Your child's education should be the result of a team approach with you and your child's teachers. Do not hesitate to call the school office if a conference is desired. Regular teacher-parent communication will ensure the best educational program for your child.
CURRICULUM : DoDEA/DoDDS has adopted exact and achievable curriculum standards. Curriculum content standards specify what students should know and be able to do. These standards are developed by professional organizations for each discipline. The standards are used to select textbooks and other materials for use in various subject areas in DoDEA schools. The standards are our curriculum. The textbooks and other supplementary materials are tools for teaching the curriculum.
DRESS : Dress and grooming should be clean, neat and appropriate for school and should conform to the occasion, weather and community mores (Present CFAY Dress Code guidelines will used as the basic guidelines for all decision making regarding the enforcement of the school dress code). It is requested that coats, jackets, sweaters, umbrellas, etc. be marked with your child's name.
DISCIPLINE : Students are expected to maintain standards of behavior, which will bring credit to themselves and their families, show recognition and consideration of the rights of others and contribute to a healthy and profitable educational atmosphere. To meet these goals, the following general rules are established for students:
• Behave in a manner that does not disrupt the learning of others.
• Follow directions of school adult personnel at all times
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
• Practice good safety habits. Help prevent injuries and accidents.
• Do not disrupt school activities or harm school or personal property.
• Do not bring candy, gum or toys to school.
When disruption to the learning environment does occur, teachers will counsel individual students. If the disruption continues, teachers will contact parents to assist in resolving the problem. If the problem behavior cannot be resolved after several parent contacts/conferences, the teacher will make a discipline referral to the administration.
Continued misconduct may result in suspension from school for one or more days depending on the seriousness of the offense and / or command notification.
Students are subject to immediate suspension from school for fighting on the first offense. The parents will be required to accompany the student to the school following the suspension.
EMERGENCY CONDITIONS and PLAN: It is important that every family have an emergency plan in case school is canceled without prior notice. Please be sure your child knows your own home and duty phone numbers and the name, address, and telephone number of one or more people they may contact in an emergency when their parents cannot be located. Also, be sure your child knows the location and telephone number of parents who work outside the home. In the event of an emergency, the school will coordinate with security, the OIC office and AFN for contacting parents.
In case of a typhoon, snow or other possible emergency conditions, please listen to American Forces Network (AFN) radio/television for information about possible school closure. The following plan for Typhoons is normally followed:
The following procedures may occur when Base Authorities determine that we are in TCOR Condition 1 . However, announcements will be made on AFN and assumptions should not be made on actions until the official announcement is made by the military command and it is communicated on AFN radio and/or television.
If TCOR Condition 1 is called during class hours, students will return home after coordination with base command officials. If in effect at 6:00 A.M. or earlier, school will be canceled until it is safe to resume classes. Occasionally, it may be possible to have a delayed opening of school. For example, if the all clear is expected to be announced at 8 or 9 A.m. school may be delayed two hours or three hours depending on conditions, and the bus routes would run two or three hours later than the normal times. This would always be announced on AFN before the regular bus schedule begins. The military commander determines school closure, not DODDS school officials . When a decision is made, AFN is contacted to broadcast the information regarding school closings or delayed openings. AFN will always have the most recent information. Please tune in to AFN radio or the television information channels before calling school for information to avoid tying up the phone lines.
EVACUATION : In the interest of student safety, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School is required by DODEA regulations and policies to hold practice evacuation drills at regular intervals throughout the school year in order to be prepared in case of an actual fire, earthquake, bomb threat, or other types of emergencies.
OTHER EMERGENCIES : From time to time, there may be other emergencies such as local Host Nation concerns, water shortages, inclement weather, snow, etc. that may affect the school's instructional program. We ask that if this occurs, please listen to AFN radio and television first for current information and instructions before contacting the school office.
HEALTH : Our school has the services of a School Health Aide. A child with a minor injury receives immediate first aid. In situations that warrant a telephone call home, parents will be contacted whenever a child is injured. Parents will be requested to come and take a child home whenever he/she becomes ill at school. Parents must come into the school office and sign the student out if he/she leaves early for illness, injury or medical appointment. In the event of a more serious injury, you will be notified immediately and an ambulance will be requested from the medical facilities to transport your child to the hospital. It is for this very important reason, we must always have your current telephone number and that of an EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON. The school is not permitted to administer medication including aspirin and Tylenol with the exception made for medication prescribed by a physician. If medication must be taken at school by a child, the parent must first sign a “hold-harmless letter” authorizing our nurse to administer the medication. The medication must be given to our School Health Aide in a pharmacy labeled bottle marked with the student's name, time to be taken, amount to be taken, and the name of the drug. Students are not permitted to carry their medication including inhalers for asthma (allowable with a doctor's specific instructions and the child can demonstrate proper control, security and use of the inhaler). Parents are requested to see our School Health Aide each year to update medical records and whenever changes occur during the school year.
HOMEWORK : Homework is frequently given in grades 1-5. These assignments are to:
- complete work begun during class time,
- be an extension and/or review of class lessons, or
- practice in related skills.
Our goals in assigning homework are to:
Parent involvement in the homework process is important. Please ensure that your child has an appropriate atmosphere for accomplishing the homework. Some children may need help in getting started. Check the child's work after completion. Is it neat? Does his/her name appear on the paper? It is a good idea for this home study time to become a daily routine. If the child says he/she doesn't have any homework or finishes quickly have him/her use the time to read. Normally, the following times are the DODEA homework time guidelines and are also considered appropriate:
Grades K-2 10-20 minutes daily
Grades 3- 5 30-45 minutes daily
Here a few parental tips regarding assisting your child with their homework:
Students in grades four and five are eligible for the Honor Roll. Awards' assemblies are held at the end of each quarter. The fourth quarter Awards' Assembly is held on the last day of school. The criteria are based upon DoDEA's Grading Scale:
A = 90-100% B = 80-89%
Certificates are awarded each quarter. End of the year awards include certificates and pins for those who qualify.
Principal's Honor Roll -All A's
Honor Roll -All A's and/or B's (No “C” Grade)
Academic Recognition -All A's and/or B's (1 “C” Grade)
Ineligible If: “/” in Art , PE , Music, Host Nation
LIBRARY : The Richard E. Byrd School Information Center is a state of the art facility with books, periodicals, computer programs, and computers. All of our computers are on the Internet. We have facilities to digitize photographs, scan images, and produce desktop publications.
Access to the collection is automated. Book searches and circulation are all done through computers. The facility is a modern, comfortable air-conditioned area centrally located within the school.
The Information Center is presently not staffed full time. Hours of operation begin before school starts until well after school dismisses each day. The Information Center is an open facility for individual students, small groups and whole classes to use. Parents may also check out books in their children's names to use for 'Read Aloud' activities at home.
We are very proud of our Information Center . It is designed to support and supplement the classroom instructional program. It provides a learning environment that not only increases learning by expanded reading, but also stimulates research and learning by the use of various audiovisual equipment, computer, Internet, and project activities.
JAPANESE CULTURE: Each student in grades K-5 receives general instruction from a qualified Japanese teacher concerning the culture, history, geography, arts, crafts, and language of Japan .
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT SCHOOL: Interested applicants should apply for all Byrd school positions at the school office. HRO at Yokosuka does not service DoDDS schools for applications for positions in the schools. There are a number of job opportunities at school. Applications for these positions are continuous and ongoing. This means we do not wait for an opening to develop and then advertise the position. When an opening occurs we consult with our personnel office for a current list of qualified applicants already on file and make a selection from that list. Contact the school office for applications. Positions include:
Classroom Teachers Applications are evaluated by our Central Office in Arlington , Virginia . One may apply on line at www.dodea.edu. Professional teaching positions require a bachelor’s degree, at least 18 semester hours of professional education courses, and student teaching. In the case of specialist positions, additional course work is required in the specialist area such as Talented and Gifted education, English as a Second Language, Counseling, Special Education, etc. These teachers must be fully qualified to receive a DoDDS professional education certificate.
Paraprofessional aides Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten aides must have a high school diploma. Experience in working with children in job or volunteer capacities is a selection factor. Special Education aides are required to have additional qualifications. See the school office for specific job qualifications. Aide positions are rated at the GS 4 levels.
School Nurse Applicants for school nurse must have a RN or school nurse credential or specified college credit and training in that field. Contact the school for specific requirements. The school nurse is paid on the professional educator salary schedule.
Clerical Positions School secretary and supply technicians can be either GS or Local National Positions. When they are GS positions they require a high school diploma and skills and experience appropriate to the positions. They are at the GS 4, 5, and 6 levels.
Substitute Teachers There is a continuing need for substitute teachers. A high school diploma plus the equivalent of one year of college is the requirement. Pay is approximately $ 85 per day.
GS (Civil Service) schedule and professional educator positions require the applicants to be American citizens, and preference is given to SOFA sponsored personnel. Application for local national positions such as our culture teacher and school secretary must be made through the Japanese sections of the HRO office in Yokosuka and coordinated with the Japanese labor office.
Volunteer Aide Positions These aides are not employees of DoDDS, but are paid from PTO funds raised at the Yokosuka Schools’ Bazaar. Therefore they are not required to be U.S. Citizens. Most of these aides are parents of our students. Individuals interested in one of these positions should submit a brief resume summarizing education, training and work experience, particularly experiences working with children, to the school office. These aides perform supervision of children in the cafeteria and playground, in addition to teacher aide functions such as duplication of materials, preparation of bulletin boards, etc.
Lunchroom Monitor Positions These positions are included as additional tasks for our GS Teacher Aides. One may also apply via a special application in GS. Most positions are 1 hour per day. Applications are available in the school office. Monitors assist with supervision in the lunchroom and on the school playground.
LOST AND FOUND : The Lost and Found is supervised by the office. Parents are welcome to come to school any time to check the lost and found collection. Each year we have a large number of unclaimed articles. As the collection increases, unclaimed articles will be donated to orphanages or other charities. The Lost and Found items rack is located in the school cafeteria for clothing and rucksack items but for smaller personal items, such as glasses, wallets, keys, etc. will be held in the school office for pick-up.
LUNCH : Lunch is provided at school by the Navy Exchange system. Students have the option of buying the lunch provided, bringing one from home, or leaving our school campus to go home. Students may not leave the campus to have lunch at the community center without their parents' (or some adult appointed by their parents) permission/supervision. The school must be notified. Please call the school office for questions on this policy. Please coordinate with your child's teacher to let them know if your child will be going home for lunch on a regular basis.
Students are urged use lunch coupons , but can use cash as well. Lunch coupons may be purchased at the Negishi Navy Exchange. Price: $2.05. Milk: White-$.35 & Chocolate-$.45. For parents desiring to order a lunch the price will be $3.30. Please write your child's name in ink on the coupons as soon as they are purchased. If lost, we can return them to the rightful owner.
LUNCHTIME RULES: Students who eat lunch at school should be made aware of, and expected to comply with, the following lunch rules:
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS: If family needs to get in touch with their child after the school day begins, please contact the school office as soon as possible, preferably before lunch, whenever possible, to send messages regarding after school schedules so that we can minimize disruption to classroom instruction. Messages for teachers are normally placed in the teacher's mailbox and are picked up by the teacher at lunch or at the end of the school day. Emergencies sometime develop that require last minute changes. We will do our best to accommodate last minute changes. Whenever possible, please make plans in advance so we can avoid classroom interruptions.
MONEY / SECURITY : Children should not to bring large amounts of money to school unless it is needed for a special reason. Occasionally, it is necessary for children to pay small fees such as field trip admission fees. Please see that your child brings the correct change. Students should not bring more money to school than is needed. Teachers are unable to take responsibility for securing money, watches, jewelry, etc.
PARENT-COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER : The Parent-Community Newsletter: “Penguin Profiles” is published monthly . The Newsletter is sent to your home with your child. It is also mailed electronically. Postings of the latest newsletter may also be found on the school's Intranet Website. If you are not receiving the Newsletter on a regular basis, please call the school for assistance in receiving an additional copy of the Newsletter.
PETS : Children are not allowed to bring pets or animals to school unless they have been cleared and certified as being healthy by the local military veterinarian clinic and are for a specific educational purpose other than “a show and tell” activity. The School Health Aide has the necessary paperwork for this purpose; however, the school principal has the final determination in allowing any pets in the school facilities.
PICKING UP CHILDREN: When it becomes necessary for a student to leave school during the school day, parents are required to come to the office and sign the child out. The secretary will send for the child when the parent arrives. Parents should not go to their child's classroom without authorization from the office. These rules are necessary for the security and safety of all children and to prevent unnecessary interruption of instruction. Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated. Please send in a note to the teacher explaining your child's absence if they miss half the school day or more, or if the teacher is not informed of the absence.
PLAYGROUND RULES: Students should be made aware of and expected to follow the following playground rules:
PRIVACY ACT: The school maintains the confidentiality of its students' records. Records are only released to the sponsor or authorized parental representative. Addresses and other personal information will not be released without the specific parental authorization.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO ): Richard E. Byrd Elementary School has a PTO, which usually meets monthly. The PTO organizes fundraising activities and sponsors many educational programs at the school. The meetings will be announced in the newsletter. We urge all of our parents to become an active PTO member and help your PTO support the school program.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES: The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Staff at Richard E. Byrd Elementary School includes a half-time Speech Language Specialist (SLP), half-time Learning Disabilities Teacher (LI), itinerant Counselor, itinerant School Psychologist, and on-site Health Office Aide.
Teachers and parents may make referrals to the Child Study Committee (CSC) in anytime during the school year if they choose to do so. Health referrals may be made directly to the Health Office Aide. All other referrals are made through the school administration, Counselor or Case Study Committee (CSC). In order to implement the Department of Defense Dependent Schools” (DoDDS) compliance with Public Law 94-142, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School has established a Case Study Committee (CSC) for the purpose of developing and implementing appropriate programs and services for exceptional children and youth.
It is the responsibility of the Case Study Committee (CSC) to accept referrals from the classroom teachers and parents, to set up evaluation procedures, and to prepare an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for the student who is diagnosed as exceptional, according to the definition of Public Law 94-142 and DoDDS implementing instructions.
REGISTRATION : Registration must be completed prior to entering any classroom setting. Normally, if the registration takes place after 2:30 P.M. , the child will start classes the school day following the completion of the registration process. We ask that our parents give the teacher as much advanced notification as possible, usually one day preparation. The reason for this request is to allow the teacher to review the child's past school records, prepare appropriate materials, and prepare for a successful and welcoming first day of school. However, the final decision of the exact beginning of any new student rests with the school principal and will be determined based upon individual family needs and on a case by case basis.
REPORT CARDS : Report cards are issued at the end of each marking period, (nine weeks). Students withdrawing before the end of a quarter will be issued a report card and if they have been enrolled for 20 days or more of that marking period.
SAFETY : Health and Safety for your child are our first concerns. Every effort will be made to ensure children's safety at school. Students are to be instructed not to walk in our parking lot at anytime. Please do not drive cars into the parking lot for the purpose of dropping off or picking up children. Cars backing out of parking spaces make this a dangerous area for children on foot.
Knives, matches, firecrackers, hard balls, lighters, slingshots, or any unsafe items are not to be brought to school under any circumstances. Pets are not permitted in school unless prior permission is obtained from the child/s teacher and the proper forms submitted and verified by the command veterinarian. (Also see WEAPONS)
SAFETY PATROL: Student Safety Patrol members are usually on duty before and after school each day. They are supervised by security police , the teacher sponsor , and the school administration. Vehicle operators should watch for and follow directions of safety patrol members in the school zone are.
or safety reasons, students are not to be on the grounds in the morning before 7:35 AM . School personnel are not on supervision duty on the playground before this time. After school, students are to leave the school grounds after being dismissed by their teacher. They should not remain at school to play on the school playground without parent supervision. Students, nine years old and younger, may not come back to the playground after school hours without parent supervision. (See base policy on supervision of children at the back of this handbook.)
SCHOOL RECORDS: You may examine your child's school permanent records by making an appointment at the school office. Please contact the counselor or school principal if you desire to review your child's school records.
MAINTENANCE , COLLECTION, AND DISSEMINATION OF STUDENT RECORDSRights: It is the right of students to expect the school to maintain an accurate and confidential academic record for each student enrolled.
Responsibilities : Students and parents have the responsibility for periodically reviewing the student record in order to determine the validity of the contents.
SCHOOL YEAR: The school year consists of a minimum 175 instructional days. There are two semesters with two reporting periods of nine weeks each. Instructional days in the DoDDS school calendar (see inside front cover) allows us to meet the minimum school year of 175 days even though school may be canceled for teacher training days or inclement weather.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS: To further meet the needs of our students, teachers trained in art, gifted education (GE), ESL, and learning disabilities are included on our staff. . Counseling personnel are included on our staff on an itinerant basis from our sister school, Ikego Elementary School , located in Zushi City .
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND : Money generated from various fundraisers will go into the student activity fund. Requests for approval for expenditure of funds are presented to the fund council. This is a committee of 3 or more teachers and the principal. At the end of each school year, an outside agency must audit the student activity account. The results of the yearly audit are then submitted to the appropriate DoDDS' officials for review. This fund is separate from the PTO fund.
STUDENT COUNCIL: Byrd Elementary School has an on-going Student Council program. Students are voted into office by their peers. Student Council Representatives are from grades 2-5. The Byrd School Student Council program is designed to (1) strengthen student self-esteem, (2) enhance positive school climate, (3) develop student leadership skills, (4) involve students in practical, positive decision-making, and (5) promote appreciation of our democratic values.
STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
I. INTRODUCTION Student involvement in the educational process is a basic right. Active involvement of students in their education, including planning and evaluation, fosters a spirit of inquiry in which students may freely express their own views and listen to and evaluate the opinions of others. Basic to this document is the concept of mutual respect between faculty and students. The school staff, parents, or sponsor’s installation commanders, and students have the opportunity to develop to their full potential under a democratic system. These guidelines have been developed in order to provide an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all students.
ACCESS TO LEARNING
RIGHTS TO AN EDUCATION
Rights : All students are entitled to an educational program comparable to those offered in public schools in the United States .
Responsibilities : Students, regardless of age, have the responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner, which does not violate the rights of other people. It is the responsibility of students to attempt to complete the courses of study necessary for the programs they have agreed to pursue.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
FREE EXPRESSION- ORAL, WRITTEN, SYMBOLIC Rights:
Students have a right to free inquiry and free expression of ideas.
Responsibilities: Students are responsible for the content of their expression and for assuring that such expression does not interfere with the freedom of others to express themselves.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Rights : Students have a right to participate with school officials and parents in the development and dissemination of written policies concerning student dress and appearance.
Responsibilities : Student dress and appearance are the responsibility of students and their parents, both of whom should assure that neither dress nor appearance poses a health, sanitation, or safety hazard to the student or causes disruption to the educational process.
STUDENT GOVERNANCE
STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND INVOLVEMENT
Rights : Students have the right to establish and participate in a student government that provides a representative system.
Responsibilities : Students have the responsibility for assuring that school-sponsored activities in which they participate are school related and meet the conditions agreed upon by student committees and the school officials.
SCHOOL PROPERTY AND USE OF FACILITIES
Rights : Students have the right to the use of school facilities, equipment, and services for student planned activities scheduled in consonance with the school activity program.
Responsibilities : Students have the responsibility for adherence to reasonable regulations governing the conditions for such use.
OFF – CAMPUS EVENTS
Rights : Students have a right to attend and participate in school-sponsored off-campus events and to participate along with school officials in determining the conditions under which those events take place.
Responsibilities : Students at school-sponsored off-campus events have the responsibility for acting in accordance with school rules, installation regulations, and customs of the host nation.
ANTIDISCRIMINATION
Rights: The rights of students to participate fully in classroom instruction and in school activities shall not be abridged or impaired because of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.
Responsibilities: Students have the responsibility for fostering good human relations within the school by practicing courtesy and tolerance in their dealings with each other and members of the school staff.
STUDY/FIELD TRIPS : All classes will participate in school study trips from time to time to selected sites within an hour or so drive of the school. While most of the trips are fun for students, each is selected carefully for its educational value and all students are expected to attend. If a parent does not want his or her child to go on a field trip for some reason, the child will be required to attend school and will be given appropriate schoolwork to accomplish. Written approval for participation in off-base trips is required and parent chaperones are frequently requested by the sponsoring teacher. We appreciate the support we receive from parent volunteers, however, for safety reasons, parents may not bring younger siblings (brothers and/or sisters) when assisting the teacher in supervising a field trip. (See Code of Conduct for Field Trips.)
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN: Children under 6 years of age (kindergarten students) should be accompanied to school by a parent or adult, or another responsible student at least 12 years of age. If someone other than a parent will pick up kindergarten children at the end of their school day, the parent should send in a note authorizing this. We cannot release students to unauthorized personnel.
he base has a policy on supervision of children that all parents should be aware of. It includes information on what age children can be left unsupervised in quarters, or on playgrounds, etc. and for how long. This policy letter is reproduced at the back of this handbook for your reference. (COMFLEACTS SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN AND CURFEW POLICY)
SUPPLIES : : Common school supplies, such as pencils, pens, ruler, notebooks, etc., are the parents' responsibility and should be sent with the child on his/her first day in the classroom. The supply lists are on the last page of this handbook.
KINDERGARTEN
1 bx Crayons 1 pr Scissors 5 ea Large pencils w/o erasers 2 ea Glue Sticks 1 ea School Box 2 ea Rolls of Paper Towels 1 ea Large Box of Tissues 1 ea Wet Wipes, Large Container 1 ea Antibacterial Liquid Soap 1 bx Large Baggies, Zip-Locked
GRADE ONE 1 pkg Pencils (12 or greater)* 1 ea Pencil Sharpener 1 ea Large Pink Eraser 1 bx Crayons (24/box) 1 box Crayola Markers (classic colors, thick) 2 ea White Board Markers (black)* 1 pr Scissors (Fiskars or similar—pointed tip) 1 btl Liquid glue 2 ea Glue Sticks 1 ea Plastic Box that will fit all items not marked with a (*) (Plastic Shoebox )* 4 ea Folders with pockets and brads (metal prongs in center) (PLAIN-no design)* 1 ea PLAIN folder with pockets for homework (PLAIN)* 2 ea Spiral notebooks (One subject only)* 1 ea Roll of Paper Towels* 1 bx Tissues* Boys: Ziploc bags (quart size) and 1 box of wipes Girls: Ziploc bags(gallon size) and I bottle of liquid hand soap *PLEASE DO NOT LABEL THESE ITEMS. THEY WILL BE SHARED, OR WILL BE LABELED AT SCHOOL ACCORDING TO SUBJECT CONTENT.
GRADE TWO 1 ea Yen 100 Plastic Binder 3 ea #2 Pencils 1 ea Roll of Paper Towels 1 ea Antibacterial Liquid Soap 1 pr Scissors, Pointed 1 ea Large Eraser 1 bx Crayola Markers, Classic 8 colors (NOT BOLD, UNSCENTED) 1 bx Crayons, 16 Colors 1 bx Colored Pencils, 10 colors 1 bx Tissues (Large Box) 1 ea Pencil Box or Case 1 ea Homework Folder w/Pockets) 2 ea Large Washable Glue Sticks 1 bx Wet Wipes 1 ea Writing Pad (Student’s choice) 5 ea Folders, 3 prong 2 pkgs Paper PLEASE DO NOT PUT NAMES ON THESE SUPPLIES
GRADE THREE Many #2 Pencils 1 ea Roll of Paper Towels 2 pr Scissors, Pointed Many Large Erasers that fit pencil tops 1 bx Crayola Classic Markers, 8 Colors 1 bx Crayons, 16 Colors 1 bx Colored Pencils, 10 Colors 1 bx Tissues (Large Box) 1 ea Pencil Box or Case big enough to hold all supplies 4 ea Glue Sticks, Large Washable 1 bx Wet Wipes 4 ea Writing Pads (Student’s Choice) 1 ea Spiral Notebook (One Subject) 1 bx Baggies, Large Zip Lock PLEASE DO NOT PUT NAMES ON SUPPLIES
GRADE FOUR 3 ea #2 Pencils 1 bx Colored Pencils 1 ea Eraser 1 pr Scissors, Pointed 1 bx Crayons, 16 Colors Unscented 2 pkgs Loose Leaf Paper, Lined (College rule if available) 1 bx Tissues, Large (Boys only) 6 ea Pocket Folders 1 ea Assignment Tablet (Steno Type) 1 ea Elmer’s Glue
GRADE FIVE _ 3 ea #2 Pencils (not mechanical) 1 pr Scissors, Pointed 1 ea Eraser 1 ea Ballpoint Pen (Blue or Black) 1 bx Crayons, 16 Colors unscented 1 bx Colored Pencils or Magic Markers 1 ea Ruler, 1 inches (metric and inch) 2 ea Tissues (Large Box) 1 btl Elmer’s Glue (or equivalent) 1 ea Assignment Pad 5 ea Pocket Folders 1 ea Red Pen 1 ea Pencil Box or Case 2 ea Meade Composition Notebooks 5 ea Notebooks, Spiral (One Subject) 1 ea Antibacterial Hand Soap
TARDINESS: The beginning of the school day is one of the important educational times of the day. All children should arrive on time each day. Notes from parents are required whenever the child is tardy. Please time your child’s departure from home so they arrive between 7:35 and 7:45 A.M. Students who arrive late will report first to the school Health Aide for a late admit slip. Repeated late arrivals will be reported to parents. Parents may not be aware that their children are taking a longer time than necessary to arrive at school on time.
TELEPHONE USE/MESSAGES: Students are not permitted to use the telephone without permission from a teacher or the office during the school day. We do require students to call home if they unexpectedly need to remain after school. Please make sure your child knows his/her after school instructions before leaving home in the morning to minimize personal calls made to and from the school.
VISITORS: Parents are welcome to visit classes, but are requested to sign in the school office prior to visiting any classroom. Visits by Host Nation groups or individuals must be approved by the principal and arranged in advance to avoid interruption of instruction. These activities are usually coordinated with the base OIC for entrance onto the base and sufficient advance notice is required to secure approval and coordination.
VOLUNTEERS : There are many opportunities for volunteer participation at Richard E. Byrd School . Volunteers are always needed and welcome and they are a very important part of the school program. They assist teachers in many ways. Tasks include details such as clerical work, tutoring, working with small groups of children in reading and math, helping to prepare materials, checking papers, helping on the school playground, doing library work, assisting in the health room, etc. Educational research clearly reflects that when parents are involved in school in any capacity, their children do better in school.
We welcome your participation and involvement at school. Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office for more information. Note: beginning this school year 2006-2007, all community members wishing to volunteer in the school MUST complete a DODEA required Volunteer Application that includes a BASIC BACKGROUND SECURITY CHECK as part of the school volunteer program. This required cannot be waived. Any questions, please contact the principal for assistance.
A SCHOOL VOLUNTEER IS SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL . . . .
Here are some tips to help you be an effective volunteer.
DO Remember that each child is a unique individual, with his/her own particular rate and style of learning.
DON'T Assume that all children learn in the same way, at the same pace, or react in the same manner.
DO Work with the teacher in reinforcing philosophies and methods practiced in the classroom.
DON'T Always expect your personal philosophy to be met, as it may not meet the needs of the child.
DO Feel free to ask questions about assigned duties.
DON'T Try to carry out an activity for which you are unsure.
DO Use ingenuity and bring a "fresh approach" to your task.
DON'T Bore children and yourself with constant repetition.
DO Correct, in a friendly manner, children who are disobeying rules.
DON'T Always wait for the teacher to step in.
DO Maintain eye contact and listen to the individual children in your group.
DON'T Reject, by any word or look, a child who may have some problem or handicap.
DO Respect the privacy of the children, the teacher, and the class.
DON'T Compare children or discuss them outside of school.
DO Have fun working with youngsters.
DON'T Ever forget that your help is important and appreciated!
WEAPONS POLICY - ZERO TOLERANCE : Weapons of any type including, but not limited to, handguns, rifles, pellet guns, BB guns, knives, swords, and authentic looking replicas of weapons, are not permitted at school. The possession of any dangerous weapon or authentic looking replica will be reported to the security police and the weapons will be confiscated by them. It can also result in school disciplinary action with possible suspension or permanent expulsion, depending on circumstances. While pellet guns are legal in Japan and can be purchased off base without a license, possession by SOFA status personnel on or off base is a violation of base regulations. Occasionally, children will bring a knife or some other questionable item from home without parent knowledge, to show their friends. To avoid unpleasant consequences that are required by base and DoDEA regulations when a questionable item is brought to school, please discuss this important issue with your children. Please keep such items locked up and unavailable to children.
WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS: Parents are requested to advise the school at least ten days prior to the date of withdrawal with one copy of their PCS Orders in order to permit all records to be completed before departure. Before a student will be cleared, all books and school property must be returned. Payment must be made for any school property missing or damaged. Parents are requested to pick up and sign for the school records. Records will be mailed to the new school only if the request includes the parent signature authorizing the release of student records. Children whose parents are transferring on PCS orders within 20 days of the end of the school year (May 15, 2007) will be promoted to the next higher grade level. Students leaving early on family vacations and returning to Richard E. Byrd School will not have report cards prepared early and can pick them up in the office after the close of the regular school year on June 15, 2007.
