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American United School of Kuwait<br />

… A Better Choice<br />

<strong>Elementary</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> / Student <strong>Handbook</strong>


American United School of Kuwait<br />

Mailing Address:<br />

P.O. Box: 3323,<br />

Safat, 13034,<br />

Kuwait<br />

Physical Address:<br />

Sabah Al Salem Area, Block 1,<br />

Intersection of 6th Ring Road & Fahaheel Expressway,<br />

Kuwait<br />

Website:<br />

www.auskuwait.com<br />

Telephone Number:<br />

(+965) 25530100<br />

Telephone Number:<br />

(+965) 25530115<br />

2


Table of Contents<br />

Calendar At-a-Glance ………………………………………………………………….. 4<br />

Mission & Vision Statements ………………………………………………………. 5<br />

Attendance Procedures & Information ……………………………………… 6<br />

Home School Communication …………………………………………………… 7<br />

Special Programs & Services…………………………………………………………. 9<br />

Study Trips ………………………………………………………………………………….. 10<br />

Healthy & Safety Procedures ……………………………………………………. 10<br />

General Information ………………………………………………………………….. 11<br />

Dress Code Guidelines ………………………………………………………………… 12<br />

Educational Resources ……………………………………………………………….. 14<br />

Homework Guidelines ………………………………………………………………… <strong>16</strong><br />

Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………… <strong>17</strong><br />

Transportation …………………………………………………………………………… 19<br />

Visitors ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 20<br />

3


4


AMERICAN UNITED SCHOOL OF KUWAIT<br />

OUR MISSION<br />

American United School is a co-educational private school, combining 21st century digital<br />

technology and traditional student-centered learning practices to ensure that students achieve<br />

academic success and social growth.<br />

OUR VISION<br />

Our vision at AUS is to provide an outstanding American education that enables students to be<br />

inspired lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.<br />

5


ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES & INFORMATION<br />

Developing good attendance patterns can help instill responsibility in your child for future success.<br />

For a satisfactory completion of a year’s academic work:<br />

All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are sick or there is a<br />

family emergency. All other absences are considered unexcused.<br />

We encourage you to try and schedule any appointments for after school hours or during<br />

holiday time.<br />

Families should make every effort to use holiday time for planning trips out of town, or out<br />

of the country during the academic school year.<br />

Your child’s success is dependent on receiving instruction from the classroom teacher.<br />

AUS SCHOOL HOURS<br />

Breakfast: 7:00 –7:30am<br />

Pre-K: 7:30 am -1:00pm<br />

Kindergarten - Fifth Grade: 7:30am -2:45pm<br />

REAL Program: 3:30 -4:30pm<br />

1. Procedure for Absences: <strong>Parent</strong>s call (2553 0100) or email (a.hasan@aus.edu.kw) the<br />

<strong>Elementary</strong> Office on the day of their child’s absence. It is also acceptable to send a note<br />

with the child when he/she returns to school.<br />

2. Extended Absences due to Illness: If a student will be absent for an extended period of time<br />

due to illness or injury, we encourage parents to communicate with AUS as soon as possible.<br />

If a student misses three or more consecutive days due to illness, a student must bring a<br />

note from a doctor indicating the nature of the illness. This will be kept on file with the<br />

School Nurse.<br />

3. Absences and Homework: In the event of an absence for more than one day, student work<br />

can be collected by calling the <strong>Elementary</strong> School Receptionist (2553 0100). Requests made<br />

by 10:00 am will allow time for the classroom teacher to prepare and collect the necessary<br />

homework materials for the student.<br />

4. Late Arrivals: Students who arrive at school after 7:40am are considered Tardy. Students<br />

must stop at the Main Reception desk to receive a pass, before entering class.<br />

5. Excessive Absences: Students who show a pattern of frequent absences will be monitored<br />

by the school counselor. Students who are absent more than 10% of the school year are<br />

considered to be At Risk for Academic Progress. These students may be referred to the<br />

Student Success Team (SST). The student’s academic progress will be reviewed to determine<br />

if the child will receive academic credit for the year.<br />

6. Extended Absences for Emergencies – Sometimes a family emergency necessitates an<br />

absence from school due to travel. <strong>Parent</strong>s should notify the school one week in advance of<br />

travel. All make-up work is the student’s responsibility.<br />

7. Leaving School Early – If a child must leave school early, parents must sign-out the student<br />

at the Main Reception desk. Students leaving school before 11:00am will be considered<br />

absent for that day.<br />

6


HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION<br />

AUS views communication as an essential component in the successful education of all students.<br />

We are committed to maintaining an effective two-way communication with parents and stakeholders<br />

as a defining feature of our school. The staff at AUS strives to use all tools available to<br />

communicate with parents in the most effective and timely manner possible. It is imperative that<br />

parents and guardians provide school staff with current.<br />

1. School Web Page: The school maintains an internet web page to keep the community<br />

informed of important information and can be accessed at: www.aus.edu.kw<br />

2. School Office: You are welcome to call the school office at (965) 2553-0100 between<br />

7:30a.m. and 3:30 p.m.<br />

3. Teacher Contact: Your student’s teacher will provide contact information. All teachers’<br />

emails are available on the AUS website. <strong>Parent</strong>s are welcome to schedule appointments<br />

with teachers at any time during the school year. This can be done phone voicemail, or<br />

school email. AUS holds <strong>Parent</strong>/Teacher Conferences twice a year to provide an opportunity<br />

for teachers to meet with parents in a comfortable format to discuss how students are<br />

performing at school (see <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher conference section below). Teachers are unable to<br />

meet with parents without prior notice or planning. Teachers have supervision duties before,<br />

during and after school as well as previously scheduled parent appointments at these times.<br />

These scheduled duties are critical to maintain student safety.<br />

4. <strong>Parent</strong> Portal: The American United School of Kuwait employs a mass communication<br />

system, called Plus Portals, to send messages to parents and guardians. This system is used<br />

to inform parents in a timely manner of meetings, events and emergency situations.<br />

5. Principal Updates: The <strong>Elementary</strong> Principal sends timely Updates through the <strong>Parent</strong><br />

Portal, directly to parents’ email accounts. These updates include reminders about<br />

important school events, changes in the calendar, or other timely news.<br />

6. Teacher Newsletters: Effective, consistent and proactive teacher/parent communication is a<br />

key factor for a positive parent-teacher relationship. We believe success is fostered in<br />

school when students feel that the important people in their life are working together.<br />

Hence, our staff works diligently to keep parents informed about what is happening in their<br />

student’s classroom. Newsletters with important information about classroom activities are<br />

sent via email to parents or posted on Edmodo.<br />

7. Edmodo: AUS uses an on-line networking application for teachers and students, employed<br />

by many teachers to post their weekly newsletters, homework assignments and class<br />

activities and discussions. Many students use this interactive format to complete<br />

assignments and quizzes. It is also allows students and parents to network with classmates<br />

and the teacher. If your child’s teacher uses Edmodo he/she will coordinate directly with<br />

parents.<br />

7


8. <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher Conferences: School-wide <strong>Parent</strong>-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice<br />

a year at the school, at the end of the first and third quarter. During this time, teachers will<br />

share with parent’s information about the activities and areas of study in the classroom and<br />

the student’s progress. We invite parents to keep in close contact with the teacher<br />

throughout the year concerning the progress of their student’s work. If, at any time you have<br />

any concerns, please schedule an appointment with the teacher.<br />

9. Progress Reports (Report Cards): Student progress reports will be sent four times per year<br />

at the end of each marking period. Grades are based on results of class assignments,<br />

assessments, and each child’s ability to meet grade level standards according to the<br />

Common Core Standards. <strong>Parent</strong>s are expected to review grades with children and provide<br />

encouragement. <strong>Parent</strong> conferences will be held at the end of the first and third quarter<br />

marking periods. During parent conferences, teachers will report on each child’s strengths<br />

and improvement targets. <strong>Parent</strong>s and teachers together will plan how to help each child<br />

reach their improvement targets.<br />

10. Classroom Viewing Camera: As a parent of a Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten child,<br />

parents can view their child’s classroom at fixed hours of the day. <strong>Parent</strong>s will be asked to<br />

sign a confidentiality form before having access to the classroom video cameras. This is not<br />

an internet based system, but an app for your phone. Once you agree to these terms and<br />

conditions, you will be provided with the login information and manual for use.<br />

11. <strong>Parent</strong> Teacher Student Organization (PTSO): AUS has a Pre-K – Grade 8 PTSO. The mission<br />

of the PTSO is to enhance the learning experiences of our children through engaging in<br />

support activities and facilitating communication between parents, teachers, and school<br />

administration. The purpose of the PTSO is:<br />

to promote cooperation among parents, administration, staff, and students in order<br />

to encourage a friendly atmosphere on the school that is open to the rights and<br />

suggestions of all<br />

to promote an open forum between parents and the school<br />

to support efforts of volunteers for the benefit of students and the school<br />

to promote public relations through community involvement in the school<br />

The PTSO meets once per month. Information about meetings can be found on the school<br />

website under “About Us” tab.<br />

8


SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE<br />

In addition to the regular classroom instruction, several additional programs and services are<br />

available to the students. They are as follows:<br />

School Counselor: The elementary school counselor will provide classroom support<br />

and conduct small group and individual counseling sessions to meet the social and<br />

academic needs of all students.<br />

School Psychologist: The Counseling Department offers psycho-educational support<br />

services provided by a licensed and credentialed school psychologist. Support<br />

services include indirect and direct support services for school staff, students and<br />

parents. Indirect services are provided through consultation/collaboration and<br />

community outreach. Direct services include individualized assessment, individual<br />

and small group counseling, and crisis response. Individualized assessment may lead<br />

to more individualized educational planning to address specific academic, learning,<br />

and behavioral/emotional needs in order to help students be successful in school and<br />

their life. These specialized services are available for students in Pre-KG through 8 th<br />

grade<br />

ESL Support Services: AUS supports students who are new to learning English.<br />

Students who are identified as qualifying for ELL services have individual program<br />

goals. ELL staff members collaborate with regular teachers regarding the objectives,<br />

skills, and content that are being covered in class. They work with ELL students in<br />

small groups or one-to-one depending on each student’s need.<br />

Student Success Team (SST): The Student Success Team is a team that is designed to<br />

offer assistance and suggestions for teachers, support staff, and parents, regarding<br />

struggling students. The SST process is an ideal means of bringing together teachers<br />

and specialists in order to develop individual plans for improvement.<br />

9


STUDY TRIPS (FIELD TRIPS)<br />

Study trips are an important and enriching part of the educational program at AUS. Students are<br />

encouraged to participate in these curriculum-center activities coordinated to enhance learning.<br />

Cost of study trips is included in a student’s tuition. However, <strong>Parent</strong>al permission is required and<br />

will be provided in advance of the trip. Students and staff are expected to follow the Dress Code<br />

policy. Exemplary behavior by all participants is expected at all times.<br />

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES<br />

1. Illness<br />

Children who have had a temperature or who have been ill with vomiting and/or diarrhea within<br />

24 hours may still be contagious and should remain at home. If your child is taking antibiotics for<br />

strep throat, bronchitis, bacterial pink eye or another bacterial infection, he/she may return to<br />

school after 24 hours of the start of the medication. Viral pink eye may be contagious for 5-7<br />

days, therefore all suspected cases of pink eye must be diagnosed by a physician. Students will<br />

need a note from their parent to be excused from participation in PE. If more than three days is<br />

needed, please provide the office with a doctor’s note.<br />

2. Accidents<br />

If your child is injured at school we will make him/her comfortable and then call you immediately<br />

if a serious injury has occurred. If the child’s parent or guardian cannot be reached, we will<br />

attempt to contact an emergency number that you listed on the emergency contact. For this<br />

reason, we request that parents inform us immediately if there is a change in contact<br />

information.<br />

3. Fire Drills and Emergency Procedures<br />

Fire drills and emergency procedures are necessary for the safety of students and staff.<br />

Emergency safety drills will be held throughout the year.<br />

4. AUS Front Entry Driveway/ AUS Eastside and Westside Entrances<br />

Student safety and an orderly drop-off is paramount. Students will use the AUS eastside and<br />

Westside entrance for drop-off and pick-up. Parking and leaving cars in the drive-through lanes is<br />

not permitted. The gates of the campus will only be open from 7:00 - 7:45 am. Please<br />

demonstrate respect for the staff on duty during these times and follow their directions to<br />

ensure student safety. Please read “Transportation” section on p.24 for more details.<br />

5. Cell Phones<br />

Student cell phones are not allowed on the AUS <strong>Elementary</strong> campus. If students are seen with a<br />

non-preapproved cell phones, they may be confiscated.<br />

6. Smoking<br />

AUS is a smoke-free campus.<br />

10


GENERAL INFORMATION<br />

1. The Meal Plan:<br />

Breakfast and Lunch<br />

Breakfast, snack and lunch is included in a student’s tuition. Students may bring healthy<br />

breakfast or lunch from home or choose to eat a meal from the school’s cafe. All food must<br />

be eaten in the cafe or teacher designated areas. Students are also not allowed to share<br />

their meals with other students. All students must be at school between 7:00 - 7:30a.m. to<br />

eat breakfast.<br />

Snacks<br />

Healthy, active, and well-nourished children are more likely to be prepared and motivated to<br />

learn. AUS will provide a daily snack to all students. Students may elect to bring their own<br />

healthy snack to eat at school. Examples of healthy snacks include: trail mix, vegetables,<br />

fruits, cheese and crackers, graham crackers, nutrition bars, low-fat yogurt, etc. Students<br />

should not bring soda, candy, chips, or other items with a high-caloric content.<br />

2. Party Policy<br />

Extensive parties and celebrations are not permitted unless it is a school-wide event and/or<br />

otherwise specified by administration.<br />

Guidelines as follows:<br />

Who: The birthday student’s classmates and two additional adult guest are permitted to attend.<br />

Siblings, relatives and friends from other classes and grade are not permitted to attend any<br />

celebrations.<br />

When: Please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange for birthday celebrations no less than<br />

1 week in advance. Birthday celebrations will be limited to 20 minutes ONLY in length, during<br />

students’ scheduled lunch break.<br />

Where: In the classroom or school cafeteria (at teacher’s discretion)<br />

What: Cupcakes are preferred to cake (Note: We cannot provide plates, forks or cutting knife.)<br />

Provide teacher with food ingredients to allow additional planning for food restrictions and allergies.<br />

No additional food and/or catering is permitted.<br />

Party favors are not permitted and will regretfully be sent returned back home with student if sent.<br />

How: Due to safety regulations, we will not light sparklers. Basic birthday cake candles are allowed.<br />

Note: Video recording is not allowed. Photos can be taken of the birthday student and friends with<br />

the students’ knowledge and consent.<br />

3. Lost and Found<br />

All items of clothing (jackets, coats, sweaters, etc.) should be marked with your child’s name<br />

on the inside of the item so they may be identified. The school has a “lost and found” box<br />

and hanging rack at the main reception where items may be claimed by children or parents.<br />

11


DRESS CODE GUIDELINES<br />

1. Girls<br />

School uniform pieces only.<br />

Jackets, sweaters, socks, tights or leggings should match colors within the uniform.<br />

No makeup.<br />

Shoes should be closed toe athletic shoes of any color that lace or Velcro closed or black<br />

shoes with rubber soles suitable for running. Examples of acceptable shoes are shown<br />

below. Please do not wear cleats or shoes with studs.<br />

No sandals or open toe shoes per school policy. Please do not wear cleats or shoes with<br />

studs. Examples are shown below. Students have difficulty running in the shoes below,<br />

as they slip off or do not provide good traction.<br />

2. Boys<br />

School uniform pieces only.<br />

Jackets, sweaters, socks should match colors within the uniform.<br />

Shoes should be closed toe athletic shoes of any color that lace or Velcro closed or black<br />

shoes with rubber soles suitable for running. Examples are shown below.<br />

No sandals or open toe shoes per school policy. Please do not wear cleats or shoes with<br />

studs. Examples are shown below.<br />

12


3. Backpacks/Bags<br />

Students will use only the AUS provided backpack and string bags. Identifying tags for each<br />

backpack will be provided.<br />

4. P.E. Kit<br />

For <strong>Elementary</strong> students, PE kit may be worn at any time but should also be worn on PE<br />

days. <strong>Elementary</strong> students will not be changing at school for PE, unless it is a swimming unit.<br />

A schedule will be posted on the website and your child’s teacher will notify you of PE days.<br />

5. Dress Code during Study Trips<br />

Students should wear their AUS blazer, long pants or skirts, and gray or blue shirt on study<br />

trips. AUS students should not wear their PE kit on study trips (unless specified by the<br />

teacher).<br />

13


EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES<br />

1. Textbooks<br />

Each classroom contains a class set of textbooks for use in the classroom. All students have<br />

eBook versions on the tablets for use at home.<br />

2. Library Books<br />

The AUS Information Center provides print and on-line materials including books, videos,<br />

databases, and periodicals for students.<br />

Books - Students in Kindergarten through 5th grades can check out one or two books<br />

at a time from our Information Center collection. When working on special projects<br />

or doing research, more books may be allowed. The loan period is one week.<br />

Overdue Book Policy:<br />

1 - 4 weeks overdue: Verbal reminder<br />

More than 4 weeks overdue: A list of the book(s) the student has out, along with an<br />

attached "I Forgot" slip is sent home with the student.<br />

More than 6 weeks overdue: The book is considered lost. A "Fine Assessment" is<br />

attached and sent home with the student.<br />

Digital School Library Collection & Resources allow students and educators the<br />

support necessary to augment the standards-based learning curriculum. It is yet<br />

another exemplar of the outstanding institutional commitment to individual<br />

education.<br />

The loan period for eBooks varies according to availability and the licensing rights of<br />

the providers. Some are limited to a period of two weeks for one person at a time,<br />

while others are unlimited.<br />

Playaways: are limited to one checkout per student. The loan period is two weeks.<br />

3. Tablets<br />

The 1:1 tablet program for students that provides digital resources and textbooks will be<br />

used each day to allow accessibility to the best educational opportunities available for each<br />

student. They must be returned fully-charged each morning. Tablets will be turned-in to<br />

school in June.<br />

Should the table be damaged, a simple report must be completed by the parents and AUS<br />

staff members for a replacement tablet. <strong>Parent</strong>s are responsible for lost tablets. AUS<br />

carefully monitors tablet use.<br />

4. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)<br />

Every student at AUS is required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). An AUP is an<br />

agreement on behalf of the student with the school to do only what is deemed acceptable<br />

14


when using the Internet. It is a contract that both students and parents must sign in order<br />

for students to be allowed to use AUS computer equipment.<br />

WHY DOES AUS HAVE AN AUP?<br />

Many people use the AUS network and school computers. Our staff strives to make sure that<br />

everyone feels comfortable and safe using the network. Staff members also want to ensure<br />

that computers and printers are in working order for everyone to use.<br />

WHY DO I HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I DO ON THE AUS NETWORK?<br />

Using the internet in school is a privilege that comes with responsibility. The AUS network,<br />

web pages, and email accounts are NOT private. AUS staff members are able to monitor<br />

everything that takes place on school computers. This means adults can read whatever<br />

students write and they can also track web pages that have been accessed. Teaching<br />

students to use networks responsibly is an important part of the AUS philosophy.<br />

WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT DOES NOT FOLLOW THE RULES IN THE AUP?<br />

AUS enforces consequences for students who use the Internet in unacceptable ways. Just<br />

like when someone breaks a school or classroom rule, there are consequences for students<br />

who do not follow the rules of the Acceptable Use Policy.<br />

15


ELEMENTARY HOMEWORK GUIDELINES<br />

Homework is a time to reinforce skills learned in the classroom. Homework enables children to<br />

learn good study habits. Below is a description of what homework should look like at each<br />

elementary grade.<br />

Nightly<br />

Homework<br />

Pre-K<br />

Reading/English Language Arts<br />

Math<br />

All students should be read to, for a minimum of 20 minutes each evening.<br />

Arabic<br />

1 time per week<br />

for all students<br />

Time spent each evening<br />

on homework for<br />

students who are<br />

meeting grade level<br />

expectations.<br />

Nightly family reading.<br />

Kindergarten<br />

Homework is differentiated based upon each student's needs. All students should read,<br />

or be read to, for a minimum of 20 minutes each evening.<br />

1 time per week<br />

for all students<br />

Approximately 15<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 20 minutes reading.<br />

Subject Areas<br />

1st Grade<br />

2nd Grade<br />

3rd Grade<br />

4th Grade<br />

IXL - computer based<br />

English Language Arts<br />

5 identified<br />

skills/week. Practice<br />

to mastery - 15<br />

minutes.<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No<br />

more than 30 minutes.<br />

Other<br />

Spelling<br />

Phonics<br />

Spelling<br />

Spelling<br />

Spelling/<br />

Vocabulary<br />

IXL - computer based<br />

math<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No more<br />

than 30 minutes.<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No more<br />

than 30 minutes.<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No more<br />

than 30 minutes.<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No more<br />

than 30 minutes.<br />

Saxon Math<br />

Reinforcement<br />

Worksheet<br />

Homework Practice - 5<br />

minutes<br />

Homework Practice - 5<br />

minutes<br />

Homework Practice - 5<br />

minutes<br />

Homework Practice -10-<br />

20 minutes<br />

2-3 times per<br />

week<br />

2-3 times per<br />

week<br />

2-3 times per<br />

week<br />

2-3 times per<br />

week<br />

Approximately 25<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 20 minutes reading.<br />

Approximately 30<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 30 minutes reading.<br />

Approximately 40<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 30 minutes reading.<br />

Approximately 50<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 30 minutes reading.<br />

5th Grade<br />

Assigned skill - 15<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No<br />

more than 30 minutes.<br />

Spelling/<br />

Vocabulary<br />

Assigned skill - 20<br />

minutes minimum or<br />

until mastery. No more<br />

than 35 minutes.<br />

Homework Practice - 20-<br />

30 minutes<br />

3-4 times per<br />

week<br />

Approximately 60<br />

minutes of homework<br />

plus 30 minutes reading.<br />

* All students will have occasional science and social studies assignments to be completed at home.<br />

Most reading will come from Raz-Kids.<br />

<strong>16</strong>


AUS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT/<br />

STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSBILITIES<br />

1. Positive Behavior Expectations<br />

AUS believes in continuously working to improve our teaching and learning environment. Our<br />

classroom and students have high expectations, measurable goals and quality learning tools<br />

where informed data drives decisions. We take pride in being a school where students take<br />

ownership of their actions, behavior and learning.<br />

In our efforts to create an environment that encourages all students to achieve their personal<br />

best in academics, life and social skills, we have implemented a school-wide positive behavior<br />

plan. Students learn and practice appropriate behavior throughout the school day.<br />

AUS Students know how to R.O.C.K.!<br />

R-espectful:<br />

Respect the personal rights and property of others, including school materials and equipment<br />

and work to keep school grounds clean and safe.<br />

O-rganized:<br />

Attend school daily and arrive to class on time, ready to learn.<br />

C-ooperative: Take responsibility for your own learning and contribute to the learning of others by<br />

participating In class lessons. Respond quickly and in a positive manner to the direction or<br />

request of any staff member and/or adults on campus. Respect and follow the school’s<br />

uniform policy.<br />

K-ind:<br />

Demonstrate compassion and kindness to others at all times. Speak politely to everyone, use<br />

appropriate language, and demonstrate good sportsmanship in the classroom and on the<br />

playground.<br />

In the classrooms, teachers use the ROCK system to outline students’ expectations to carry<br />

out their work throughout the day. The acronym for ROCK is reviewed before every<br />

lesson/activity to remind students what is expected of them and how these expectations are<br />

to be carried out.<br />

<strong>17</strong>


2. AUS Student Rights & Responsibilities<br />

1. I have the right to be heard… I have the responsibility to listen, to speak in an appropriate manner and<br />

to demonstrate respect when others are speaking.<br />

2. I have the right to learn… I have the responsibility to allow others to learn.<br />

3. I have the right to feel safe… I have the responsibility to ensure the safety of others.<br />

4. I have the right to an education… I have the responsibility to be on time, attend class and attempt to<br />

do my best in all subjects at all times.<br />

5. I have the right to positive emotional support… I have the responsibility to create a positive<br />

environment for others.<br />

6. I have the right to be treated fairly and with respect… I have the responsibility to treat others<br />

with respect, fairness, civility, and tolerance<br />

7. I have the right to personal dignity and privacy… I have the responsibility to be respectful and<br />

tolerant of all others regardless of the ethnicity, language, religion or nationality.<br />

18


DROP OFF / PICK UP AND TRANSPORTATION<br />

Safety, efficiency and an orderly transition remain our primary concern. Providing transportation to<br />

school is the responsibility of parent/s or guardian/s.<br />

1. Student Drop Off and Pick Up<br />

The AUS car line is a critical piece of organization that ensures each student arrives and<br />

departs school is a safe and organized manner. Families who pick-up or drop-off their child<br />

from school are required to use the car line. As the school becomes increasingly larger with<br />

student enrollment we cannot afford to risk student safety. Respect towards the security<br />

and staff enforcing this procedure is require of all AUS students’ parents, and caregivers. Any<br />

disrespectful treatment of staff or security can result in expulsion.<br />

Parking and leaving cars in the drive-through lanes is not permitted. The gates of the campus<br />

will only be open from 7:00 -7:45 am and 2:40-3:00 pm. Please demonstrate respect for the<br />

staff on duty during these times and follow their directions for to ensure student safety.<br />

East Entrance Drop Off & Pickup Car Line<br />

Families with elementary students only are to use the east wing drop off and pickup line.<br />

West Entrance Drop Off & Pickup Car Line<br />

Families with both elementary and middle school students are to use the west entrance<br />

drop off and pick up line.<br />

2. AUS Bus Transportation<br />

Transportation to and from school is available at AUS. Arrangements for bussing can be<br />

made via the school website (www.aus.edu.kw). Please note that transportation is only<br />

provided to certain areas within Kuwait. These are listed under the tab for Bus<br />

Transportation found under “Join Us”.<br />

Eight Basic Bus Rules<br />

1. Morning bus pick up rules:<br />

Bus waiting time for your child is only 5 minute. When the bus arrive to your residence, if your child is not<br />

in the bus within 5 minutes time, the bus will depart without your child. It is parent’s responsibility to bring<br />

him or her to school.<br />

2. Afternoon bus drop off:<br />

When the bus arrive to your residence at the schedule time of arrival, from PK-GR 5 an adult should be<br />

waiting outside to great the child, if there no adult the bus will wait 5 minute, after that time the bus will<br />

depart with your child to finish the route and then bring your child back to school. It is parent’s<br />

responsibility to pick up their child from school.<br />

3. No "rough housing" of any kind -- pushing, loud noises, fighting, profanity, and throwing of anything is<br />

strictly forbidden.<br />

4. All riders must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door is opened.<br />

5. NO arms, legs, lunch boxes or any other objects should be out any window of the bus for any reason.<br />

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6. Students are expected to line up at the bus stop and wait until the bus stops fully before approaching to<br />

load. Additionally, departure off the bus should be carried out in an orderly and controlled, safe and<br />

patient manner.<br />

7. All students are expected to demonstrate RESPONSIBILITY, CONSIDERATION, and RESPECT for others and<br />

for property while on the buses.<br />

8. Follow ALL directions from the bus monitor (Teacher) and bus driver -- NO EXCEPTIONS!<br />

Consequences for Bus Misbehavior<br />

Any infractions of the rules have consequences. The ultimate consequence is that a student<br />

may be forbidden from riding the school bus. No one wants that to ever happen. The<br />

importance of proper and safe riding behavior must be understood and respected.<br />

Serious Behavior Concerns<br />

If serious behavior concerns are occurring on the bus, the student will see the transportation<br />

coordinator. <strong>Parent</strong>s will be notified. If bus misbehavior is chronic, a student may be denied<br />

riding privileges, up to the remainder of the school year. Certain acts or behavior constitute<br />

grounds for suspension or possible expulsion from school as an additional consequence.<br />

Severe misbehavior on the school bus includes, but is not limited to:<br />

Defiance of the valid authority of the driver or monitor. The adult in charge is the<br />

final authority in all matters regarding safe operation of the vehicle.<br />

Smoking of any type (including the lighting of a match or lighter).<br />

Fighting (striking another student with hands, feet, or object), "play fighting," or<br />

"horseplay."<br />

Possession or use of firecrackers or explosives of any type (or any other dangerous or<br />

damaging items of no practical purpose on the bus).<br />

Vandalism or property damage of any type.<br />

The school needs your cooperation and the cooperation of each rider in the enforcement of these<br />

rules. Their main purpose is to allow the driver to devote his or her full attention to driving, not<br />

discipline. Please help us have safe buses.<br />

VISITORS<br />

Any visitor to the AUS campus is to enter to the front eastside entrance security building. All visitors<br />

are required to present a photo identification in exchange for a school visitor badge. The photo<br />

identification will be kept with the security team until the visitors departs campus and returns the<br />

visitor’s badge. In addition to a photo ID, visitors will be required to give any details regarding their<br />

campus visit. Those wishing to visit the registration or finance office are welcome at any time<br />

without an appointment. Visitors wishing to see a teacher or administrator or anyone form our HR<br />

department are seen by appointment only.<br />

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