Elementary Student Parent Handbook 16-17 (1)

American United School of Kuwait
… A Better Choice
Elementary Parent / Student Handbook

American United School of Kuwait
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box: 3323,
Safat, 13034,
Kuwait
Physical Address:
Jassem Mohammad AlKharafi Road
Sabah Al Salem Area, Block 1,
Intersection of 6th Ring Road & Fahaheel Expressway,
Kuwait
Website:
www.auskuwait.com
Telephone Number:
(+965) 25530100
Telephone Number:
(+965) 25530115
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Table of Contents
Calendar At-a-Glance ………………………………….……………………………….. 4
Mission, Vision Statements & Guiding Principles …………………………. 5
Attendance Procedures & Information ………………………………………… 6
Home School Communication ……………………………………………………… 7
Special Programs & Services………..…………………………………………………. 9
Study Trips ………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Healthy & Safety Procedures ………….…………………………………………. 10
Nutrition Guidelines ………………………………………………………………….. 11
Dress Code Guidelines ………………………………………………………………… 13
Educational Resources ……………………………………………………………….. 15
Homework Guidelines ………………………………………………………………… 17
Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………… 19
Transportation …………………………………………………………………………… 21
Visitors ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
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AMERICAN UNITED SCHOOL OF KUWAIT
OUR MISSION
American United School is a co-educational private school, combining 21st century digital
technology and traditional student-centered learning practices to ensure that students achieve
academic success and social growth.
OUR VISION
Our vision at AUS is to provide an outstanding American education that enables students to be
inspired lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
LEARNING – ANYPLACE, ANYTIME
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
At AUS we believe learning is not confined to a classroom or a campus—it should be available
wherever and whenever the learner needs it.
At AUS we continually demonstrate how to be a caring community of learners— our
students, teachers, staff and families are committed to educating the whole child
Our School community acknowledges and recognizes the personal, cultural and social value
of each individual
Technology is an integral part of students’ lives, expectations, and the future – this cannot
be ignored but rather explored with a deep sense of intellectual inquiry
AUS is dedicated to the future global success for this planet which depends on having a
diverse, well-educated workforce and citizenry.
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ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES & INFORMATION
Developing good attendance patterns can help instill responsibility in your child for future success.
For a satisfactory completion of a year’s academic work:
All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are sick or there is a
family emergency. All other absences are considered unexcused.
We encourage you to try and schedule any appointments for after school hours or during
holiday time.
Families should make every effort to use holiday time for planning trips out of town, or out
of the country during the academic school year.
Your child’s success is dependent on receiving instruction from the classroom teacher.
AUS SCHOOL HOURS
Breakfast: 7:00am –7:30am
Pre-K: 7:30am -1:00pm
Kindergarten - Fifth Grade: 7:30am -2:45pm
REAL Program: 3:30pm -4:30pm
1. Procedure for Absences: Parents call (2553 0100) or email (a.hasan@aus.edu.kw) the
Elementary Office on the day of their child’s absence. It is also acceptable to send a note
with the child when he/she returns to school.
2. Extended Absences due to Illness: If a student will be absent for an extended period of time
due to illness or injury, we encourage parents to communicate with AUS as soon as possible.
If a student misses three or more consecutive days due to illness, a student must bring a
note from a doctor indicating the nature of the illness. This will be kept on file with the
School Nurse.
3. Absences and Homework: In the event of an absence for more than one day, student work
can be collected by calling the Elementary School Receptionist (2553 0100). Requests made
by 10:00 am will allow time for the classroom teacher to prepare and collect the necessary
homework materials for the student.
4. Late Arrivals: Students who arrive at school after 7:40am are considered Tardy. Students
must stop at the Main Reception desk to receive a pass, before entering class.
5. Excessive Absences: Students who show a pattern of frequent absences will be monitored
by the school counselor. Students who are absent more than 10% of the school year are
considered to be At Risk for Academic Progress. These students may be referred to the
Student Success Team (SST). The student’s academic progress will be reviewed to determine
if the child will receive academic credit for the year.
6. Extended Absences for Emergencies – Sometimes a family emergency necessitates an
absence from school due to travel. Parents should notify the school one week in advance of
travel. All make-up work is the student’s responsibility.
7. Leaving School Early – If a child must leave school early, parents must sign-out the student
at the Main Reception desk. Students leaving school before 11:00am will be considered
absent for that day.
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HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
AUS views communication as an essential component in the successful education of all students.
We are committed to maintaining an effective two-way communication with parents and stakeholders
as a defining feature of our school. The staff at AUS strives to use all tools available to
communicate with parents in the most effective and timely manner possible. It is imperative that
parents and guardians provide school staff with current.
1. School Web Page: The school maintains an internet web page to keep the community
informed of important information and can be accessed at: www.aus.edu.kw
2. School Office: You are welcome to call the school office at (965) 2553-0100 ext: 3016
between 8:00am - 3:30pm
3. Teacher Contact: Your student’s teacher will provide contact information. All teachers’
emails are available on the AUS website. Parents are welcome to schedule appointments
with teachers at any time during the school year. This can be done via phone voicemail, or
school email. AUS holds Parent/Teacher Conferences twice a year to provide an opportunity
for teachers to meet with parents in a comfortable format to discuss how students are
performing at school (see Parent-Teacher conference section below). Teachers are unable to
meet with parents without prior notice or planning. Teachers have supervision duties before,
during and after school as well as previously scheduled parent appointments at these times.
These scheduled duties are critical to maintain student safety.
4. Parent Portal: The American United School of Kuwait employs a mass communication
system, called Plus Portals, to send messages to parents and guardians. This system is used
to inform parents in a timely manner of meetings, events and emergency situations.
5. Principal Updates: The Elementary Principal sends timely Updates through the Parent
Portal, directly to parents’ email accounts. These updates include reminders about
important school events, changes in the calendar, or other timely news.
6. Teacher Newsletters: Effective, consistent and proactive teacher/parent communication is a
key factor for a positive parent-teacher relationship. We believe success is fostered in
school when students feel that the important people in their lives are working together.
Hence, our staff works diligently to keep parents informed about what is happening in their
student’s classroom. Newsletters with important information about classroom activities are
sent via email to parents or posted on the Google Classroom webpage.
7. Parent-Teacher Conferences: School-wide Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice
a year at the school, at the end of the first and third quarter. During this time, teachers will
share with parents the information about the activities and areas of study in the classroom
and the student’s progress. Parents will have an opportunity to sign –up for an appointment
time prior to the conference day. We invite parents to keep in close contact with the teacher
throughout the year concerning the progress of their student’s work. If, at any time you have
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any concerns, please schedule an appointment with the teacher. Please give teachers 24
hours advanced notice for a conference. Walk-in conferences before or after school are not
possible without prior arrangements as teachers
8. Progress Reports (Report Cards): Student progress reports will be sent four times per year at
the end of each marking period. The elementary division has a standards based reporting
system that measure a student’s performance against the grade level standards in each
subject area. Parents are expected to review grades with children and provide
encouragement. Parent conferences will be held at the end of the first and third quarter
marking periods. During parent conferences, teachers will report on each child’s strengths
and areas for improvement. Together, parents and teachers plan how to help each child
reach their identified areas for growth.
9. Classroom Viewing Camera: As a parent of a Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten child,
parents can view their child’s classroom at fixed hours of the day. Parents will be asked to
sign a confidentiality form before having access to the classroom video cameras. This is not
an internet based system, but an app for your phone. Once you agree to these terms and
conditions, you will be provided with the login information and manual for use.
10. Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO): AUS has a Pre-K – Grade 10 PTSO. The mission
of the PTSO is to enhance the learning experiences of our children through engaging in
support activities and facilitating communication between parents, teachers, and school
administration. The purpose of the PTSO is:
to promote cooperation among parents, administration, staff, and students in order
to encourage a friendly atmosphere on the school that is open to the rights and
suggestions of all
to promote an open forum between parents and the school
to support efforts of volunteers for the benefit of students and the school
to promote public relations through community involvement in the school
The PTSO meets once per month. Information about meetings can be found on the school
website.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE
In addition to the regular classroom instruction, several additional programs and services are
available to the students. They are as follows:
School Counselor: The Elementary School Counselor will provide classroom support
and conduct small group and individual counseling sessions to meet the social and
academic needs of all students.
School Psychologist: The Counseling Department offers psycho-educational support
services provided by a licensed and credentialed school psychologist. Support
services include indirect and direct support services for school staff, students and
parents. Indirect services are provided through consultation/collaboration and
community outreach. Direct services include individualized assessment, individual
and small group counseling, and crisis response. Individualized assessment may lead
to more individualized educational planning to address specific academic, learning,
and behavioral/emotional needs in order to help students be successful in school and
their life. These specialized services are available for students in Pre-KG through 10 th
grade.
ELL Support Services: AUS supports students who are new to learning English.
Students who are identified as qualifying for ELL services have individual program
goals. ELL staff members collaborate with regular teachers regarding the objectives,
skills, and content that are being covered in class. They work with ELL students in
small groups or one-to-one depending on each student’s need.
Student Success Team (SST): The Student Success Team is a team that is designed to
offer assistance and suggestions for teachers, support staff, and parents, regarding
struggling students. The SST process is an ideal means of bringing together teachers
and specialists in order to develop individual plans for improvement.
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STUDY TRIPS (FIELD TRIPS)
Study trips are an important and enriching part of the educational program at AUS. Students are
encouraged to participate in these curriculum-center activities coordinated to enhance learning.
Cost of study trips is included in a student’s tuition. However, Parental permission is required and
will be provided in advance of the trip. Students and staff are expected to wear their formal
uniform attire, not P.E. uniforms. Exemplary behavior by all participants is expected at all times.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
1. Illness
Children who have had a temperature or who have been ill with vomiting and/or diarrhea within
24 hours may still be contagious and should remain at home. If your child is taking antibiotics for
strep throat, bronchitis, bacterial pink eye or another bacterial infection, he/she may return to
school after 24 hours of the start of the medication. Viral pink eye may be contagious for 5-7
days, therefore all suspected cases of pink eye must be diagnosed by a physician. Students will
need a note from their parent to be excused from participation in PE. If more than three days is
needed, please provide the office with a doctor’s note.
2. Accidents
If your child is injured at school we will make him/her comfortable and then call you immediately
if a serious injury has occurred. If the child’s parent or guardian cannot be reached, we will
attempt to contact an emergency number that you listed on the emergency contact. For this
reason, we request that parents inform us immediately if there is a change in contact
information.
3. Fire Drills and Emergency Procedures
Fire drills and emergency procedures are necessary for the safety of students and staff.
Emergency safety drills will be held throughout the year.
4. AUS Front Entry Driveway/ AUS Eastside and Westside Entrances
Student safety and an orderly drop-off is paramount. Students will use the AUS eastside and
Westside entrance for drop-off and pick-up. Parking and leaving cars in the drive-through lanes is
not permitted. The gates of the campus will only be open from 7:00am - 7:45 am. Please
demonstrate respect for the staff on duty during these times and follow their directions to
ensure student safety. Please read “Transportation” section on p.24 for more details.
5. Cell Phones
Student cell phones are not allowed on the AUS Elementary campus. If students are seen with a
non-preapproved cell phone, they may be confiscated.
6. Smoking
AUS is a smoke-free campus.
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NUTRITION GUIDLINES
1. AUS Nutrition Mission
The AUS School’s “Eating Right Now” program makes healthy eating an important part of the
school culture both in the cafeteria and at home.
With each meal comes the opportunity to support one of our schools’ core mission for
education: to promote the health and well-being of our communities locally and globally, as
well as prepare our students to be outstanding, innovative, and diverse public health
leaders.
Nutritious and appealing school meals can also guide students toward a lifelong relationship
with healthy food. At AUS, our menu always offers a number of vegetarian options as well as
fresh fruit and low-fat vegetable side dishes. Our main goal is providing students with an
understanding of how food can be both healthy and delicious, so that these eating habits
will continue throughout their lives. The food choices are environmentally, ethically, and
healthfully sound, serving such foods as nutrient–dense leafy greens and fresh herbs. Our
diversity encourages traditional as well as ethnic dishes to promote diverse diets.
AUS has a number of nutrition goals that include, but are not limited to, fresh fruits and
vegetables served every day, salad bars, and healthful living instructional pedagogy so
students can also learn about the impact and significance of healthy “Eating Right Now!”
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast, snack and lunch is included in a student’s tuition. In grades 1-5 students have an
option of a hot meal or a sandwich for lunch each day. Students may bring a healthy
breakfast or lunch from home or choose to eat a meal from the school’s cafeteria. All food
must be eaten in the cafeteria or teacher designated areas. Students are also not allowed to
share their meals with other students.
Snacks
Healthy, active, and well-nourished children are more likely to be prepared and motivated to
learn. AUS will provide a daily snack to all students. Students may elect to bring their own
healthy snack to eat at school. Examples of healthy snacks include: trail mix, vegetables,
fruits, cheese and crackers, graham crackers, nutrition bars, low-fat yogurt, etc.
Note: Students should not bring soda, candy, chips, or other items with a sugar or highcaloric
content for snack or lunch. Unhealthy foods will be returned home with the student.
If you are unsure what may or may not be considered appropriate please consult with our
school nurse, Manar AlSharawi 255-30100 ext: 3013.
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2. Party Policy
Extensive parties and celebrations are not permitted unless it is a school-wide event and/or
otherwise specified by administration. Students are permitted to celebrate birthdays with
their classmates using the guidelines below.
Birthday Celebration Guidelines:
Who: The birthday student’s classmates and two additional adult guest are permitted to attend.
Siblings, relatives and friends from other classes and grades are not permitted to attend any
celebrations.
When: Please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange for birthday celebrations no less than
1 week in advance. Birthday celebrations will be limited to 20 minutes ONLY in length, during
students’ scheduled lunch break.
Where: In the classroom or school cafeteria (at teacher’s discretion)
What: Cupcakes are preferred to cake (Note: We cannot provide plates, forks or cutting knife)
Provide teacher with food ingredients to allow additional planning for food restrictions and allergies.
No additional food and/or catering is permitted.
Party favors are not permitted and will regretfully be returned back home with student if sent.
How: Due to safety regulations, we will not light sparklers. Basic birthday cake candles are allowed.
Note: Video recording is not allowed. Photos can be taken of the birthday student and friends with
the students’ knowledge and consent.
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DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
1. Girls
School uniform pieces only.
Jackets, sweaters, socks, tights or leggings should match colors within the uniform.
No makeup.
Shoes should be closed toe athletic shoes of any color that lace or velcro closed, or black
shoes with rubber soles suitable for running. Examples of acceptable shoes are shown
below.
NO sandals or open toe shoes per school policy. Please DO NOT wear cleats or shoes
with studs. Examples are shown below. Students have difficulty running in the shoes
below, as they slip off or do not provide good traction.
2. Boys
School uniform pieces only.
Jackets, sweaters, socks should match colors within the uniform.
Shoes should be closed toe athletic shoes of any color that lace or velcro closed, or black
shoes with rubber soles suitable for running. Examples of acceptable shoes are shown
below.
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NO sandals or open toe shoes per school policy. Please DO NOT wear cleats or shoes
with studs. Examples are shown below. Students have difficulty running in the shoes
below, as they slip off or do not provide good traction.
3. Backpacks/Bags
Students will use only the AUS provided backpack and string bags. Identifying tags for each
backpack will be provided.
4. P.E. Kit
For Elementary students, PE kit may be worn at any time but should also be worn on PE
days. Elementary students will not be changing at school for PE, unless it is a swimming unit.
A schedule will be posted on the website and your child’s teacher will notify you of PE days.
5. Dress Code during Study Trips
Students should wear their AUS blazer, long pants or skirts, and gray or blue shirt on study
trips. AUS students should not wear their PE kit on study trips (unless specified by the
teacher).
6. Lost and Found
All items of clothing (jackets, coats, sweaters, etc.) should be marked with your child’s name
on the inside of the item so they may be identified. The school has a “lost and found” box
and hanging rack at the main reception where items may be claimed by children or parents.
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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
1. Textbooks
Each classroom contains a class set of textbooks for use in the classroom. All students have
eBook versions on their tablets for use at home.
2. Library Books
The AUS Information Center provides print and on-line materials including books, videos,
databases, and periodicals for students.
Books:
Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade can check out one or two books at a
time from our Information Center collection. When working on special projects or
doing research, more books may be allowed. The loan period is one week.
Overdue Book Policy:
1 - 4 weeks overdue: Verbal reminder
More than 4 weeks overdue: A list of the book(s) the student has out, along with an
attached "I Forgot" slip is sent home with the student.
More than 6 weeks overdue: The book is considered lost. A "Fine Assessment" is
attached and sent home with the student.
Digital School Library Collection & Resources:
Allow students and educators the support necessary to augment the standards-based
learning curriculum. It is yet another example of the outstanding institutional
commitment to individual education.
The loan period for eBooks varies according to availability and the licensing rights of
the providers. Some are limited to a period of two weeks for one person at a time,
while others are unlimited.
Playaways:
Limited to one checkout per student. The loan period is two weeks.
3. Tablets
The 1:1 tablet program for students that provides digital resources and textbooks will be
used each day to allow accessibility to the best educational opportunities available for each
student. They must be returned fully-charged each morning. Tablets will be turned-in to
school in June.
Should the table be damaged, a simple report must be completed by the parents and AUS
staff members for a replacement tablet. Parents are responsible for lost tablets. AUS
carefully monitors tablet use.
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4. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Every student at AUS is required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). An AUP is an
agreement on behalf of the student with the school to do only what is deemed acceptable
when using the Internet. It is a contract that both students and parents must sign in order
for students to be allowed to use AUS computer equipment.
Why does AUS have an AUP?
Many people use the AUS network and school computers. Our staff strives to make sure that
everyone feels comfortable and safe using the network. Staff members also want to ensure
that computers and printers are in working order for everyone to use.
Why do I have to be responsible for what I do on the AUS network?
Using the internet in school is a privilege that comes with responsibility. The AUS network,
web pages, and email accounts are NOT private. AUS staff members are able to monitor
everything that takes place on school computers. This means adults can read whatever
students write and they can also track web pages that have been accessed. Teaching
students to use networks responsibly is an important part of the AUS philosophy.
What happens if a student does not follow the rules of the AUP?
AUS enforces consequences for students who use the Internet in unacceptable ways. Just
like when someone breaks a school or classroom rule, there are consequences for students
who do not follow the rules of the Acceptable Use Policy.
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ELEMENTARY HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Homework Guidelines
The purpose of homework at AUS is for students to practice and apply skills independently that
they have already learned in the classroom. Homework is assigned weekly by the classroom
teacher, Arabic teacher, and Islamic teacher. Our homework turnaround time for completion and
submission is planned so that students have an opportunity to build time management skills.
Parents have responsibility to guide their child in planning out their weekly schedules between
homework and personal activities and events.
Note: If your child is doing homework daily and exceeding the maximum suggest minutes for his/her
grade please contact the teacher.
Elementary Homework Schedule
Grade Description Daily Max.
Pre-K
Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Ongoing Due: None
Suggested weekly reading is 30-50 minutes per week with an adult.
Students should be discussing stories they are reading with an adults,
making predictions, asking and answering questions about the text.
Arabic
Islamic
None
None
15 minutes
daily
Kindergarten Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Thursday
Students have 1 week to complete 3 Math and 3 Reading assignments
from the homework grid.
In addition students should read 4 books a week. This can be
completed independently (at their level) or with a parent or guardian.
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: None Due: None
1st Grade Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Sunday Homework Due: Following Sunday
Each week students will be given a grid of review activities to
complete. Students will need to complete one reading, one math, one
writing, and one choice activity by the end of the week.
Additionally, students are expected to read two Razkids books per
week.
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Following Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: Monday Due: Following Monday
2nd Grade Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Following Sunday
Students are given a BINGO sheet with different choices of
20 minutes
daily
20 minutes
daily
20 minutes
daily
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3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
assignments.
Students must complete one assignment (total of 5 for the week)
from each column.
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Following Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Following Sunday
Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Thursday
Students are assigned about 40 minutes of Math per week. IXL Math
activities are assigned weekly (over 7 days).
Students are assigned 4 choice board Spelling/Vocabulary activities
weekly and Spelling City practice weekly.
Students are assigned 1 Reading choice board activities weekly.
Additionally, students are assigned 80 minutes per week of Razkids
reading (over weekly over 7 day).
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Following Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Following Sunday
Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Thursday
Students are assigned 120 minutes per week of Razkids reading (over
7 days) weekly.
Math assignments are about 90 minutes per week including IXL and
assigned work.
Long term projects are assigned from time to time that are 3-4 weeks
in length with weekly parts of the larger project due.
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Following Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Following Sunday
Homeroom
Homework Assigned: Sunday Due: Thursday
Students are assigned 120 minutes per week of Raz Kids reading
weekly (7 days). Alternating nonfiction and fiction weekly.
Summary assignment weekly
Review of assessment material will be assigned weekly.
Assigned IXL lessons at the beginning of the week, mastered at 90% or
above by Thursday. Review of assessment material will also be
assigned weekly.
Arabic
Homework Assigned: Thursday Due: Following Thursday
Islamic
Homework Assigned: Monday Due: Following Monday
45 minutes
daily
45 minutes
daily
45 minutes
daily
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AUS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT/
STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSBILITIES
1. Positive Behavior Expectations
AUS believes in continuously working to improve our teaching and learning environment. Our
classroom and students have high expectations, measurable goals and quality learning tools
where informed data drives decisions. We take pride in being a school where students take
ownership of their actions, behavior and learning.
In our efforts to create an environment that encourages all students to achieve their personal
best in academics, life and social skills, we have implemented a school-wide positive behavior
plan. Students learn and practice appropriate behavior throughout the school day.
AUS Students know how to R.O.C.K!
R-espectful:
Respect the personal rights and property of others, including school materials and equipment
and work to keep school grounds clean and safe.
O-rganized:
Attend school daily and arrive to class on time, ready to learn.
C-ooperative: Take responsibility for your own learning and contribute to the learning of others by
participating in class lessons. Respond quickly and in a positive manner to the direction or
request of any staff member and/or adults on campus. Respect and follow the school’s
uniform policy.
K-ind:
Demonstrate compassion and kindness to others at all times. Speak politely to everyone, use
appropriate language, and demonstrate good sportsmanship in the classroom and on the
playground.
In the classrooms, teachers use the ROCK system to outline students’ expectations to carry
out their work throughout the day. The acronym for ROCK is reviewed before every
lesson/activity to remind students what is expected of them and how these expectations are
to be carried out.
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2. AUS Student Rights & Responsibilities
1. I have the right to be heard… I have the responsibility to listen, to speak in an appropriate manner and
to demonstrate respect when others are speaking.
2. I have the right to learn… I have the responsibility to allow others to learn.
3. I have the right to feel safe… I have the responsibility to ensure the safety of others.
4. I have the right to an education… I have the responsibility to be on time, attend class and attempt to
do my best in all subjects at all times.
5. I have the right to positive emotional support… I have the responsibility to create a positive
environment for others.
6. I have the right to be treated fairly and with respect… I have the responsibility to treat others
with respect, fairness, civility, and tolerance
7. I have the right to personal dignity and privacy… I have the responsibility to be respectful and
tolerant of all others regardless of the ethnicity, language, religion or nationality.
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DROP OFF / PICK UP AND TRANSPORTATION
Safety, efficiency and an orderly transition remain our primary concern. Providing transportation to
school is the responsibility of parent/s or guardian/s.
1. Student Drop Off and Pick Up
The AUS car line is a critical piece of organization that ensures each student arrives and
departs school in a safe and organized manner. Families who pick-up or drop-off their child
from school are required to use the car line. As the school becomes increasingly larger with
student enrollment we cannot afford to risk student safety. Respect towards the security
and staff enforcing this procedure is required of all AUS students’ parents, and caregivers.
Any disrespectful treatment of staff or security can result in expulsion.
Parking and leaving cars in the drive-through lanes is not permitted. The gates of the campus
will only be open from 7:00am -7:45am and 2:40pm-3:00pm. Please demonstrate respect for
the staff on duty during these times and follow their directions for to ensure student safety.
East Entrance Drop Off & Pickup Car Line (Gate 9)
Families with elementary students only are to use the east wing drop off and pickup line.
West Entrance Drop Off & Pickup Car Line (Gate 3)
Families with both Elementary and Middle school students are to use the west entrance
drop off and pick up line.
2. AUS Bus Transportation
Transportation to and from school is available at AUS. Arrangements for bussing can be
made via the school website (www.aus.edu.kw). Please note that transportation is only
provided to certain areas within Kuwait. These are listed under the tab for Bus
Transportation found under “Join Us”.
Eight Basic Bus Rules
1. Morning bus pick up rules:
Bus waiting time for your child is only 5 minute. When the bus arrives to your residence,
if your child is not on the bus within 5 minutes time, the bus will depart without your
child. It is the parent’s responsibility to bring him or her to school.
2. Afternoon bus drop off:
When the bus arrives to your residence at the scheduled afternoon drop off time, for
students in grades PK-GR 5, an adult should be waiting outside to greet the child. If
there are no adults present, the bus will wait an additional 5 minutes, after which, the
bus will depart with your child to finish the drop off route. After the completion of the
route, your child will be returned to the school. At this point, it is the parent’s
responsibility to pick up their child from the school.
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3. No "rough housing" of any kind is allowed on the bus -- pushing, loud noises, fighting,
profanity, and throwing of anything is strictly prohibited.
4. All riders must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door is
opened.
5. NO arms, legs, lunch boxes or any other objects should be out any window of the bus for
any reason.
6. Students are expected to line up at the bus stop and wait until the bus stops fully before
approaching to load. Additionally, departure off the bus should be carried out in an
orderly and controlled, safe and patient manner.
7. All students are expected to demonstrate RESPONSIBILITY, CONSIDERATION, and
RESPECT for others and for property while on the buses.
8. Follow ALL directions from the bus monitor (teacher) and bus driver -- NO EXCEPTIONS!
Consequences for Bus Misbehavior
Any infractions of the rules have consequences. The ultimate consequence is that a student
may be forbidden from riding the school bus. No one wants that to ever happen. The
importance of proper and safe riding behavior must be understood and respected.
Serious Behavior Concerns
If serious behavior concerns are occurring on the bus, the student will see the transportation
coordinator. Parents will be notified. If bus misbehavior is chronic, a student may be denied
riding privileges, up to the remainder of the school year. Certain acts or behavior constitute
grounds for suspension or possible expulsion from school as an additional consequence.
Severe misbehavior on the school bus includes, but is not limited to:
Defiance of the valid authority of the driver or monitor. The adult in charge is the
final authority in all matters regarding safe operation of the vehicle.
Smoking of any type (including the lighting of a match or lighter).
Fighting (striking another student with hands, feet, or object), "play fighting," or
"horseplay."
Possession or use of firecrackers or explosives of any type (or any other dangerous or
damaging items of no practical purpose on the bus).
Vandalism or property damage of any type.
The school needs your cooperation and the cooperation of each rider in the enforcement of these
rules. Their main purpose is to allow the driver to devote his or her full attention to driving, not
discipline. Please help us have safe buses.
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VISITORS
Any visitor to the AUS campus is to enter to the front eastside entrance security building. All visitors
are required to present a photo identification in exchange for a school visitor badge. The photo
identification will be kept with the security team until the visitors departs campus and returns the
visitor’s badge. In addition to a photo ID, visitors will be required to give any details regarding their
campus visit. Those wishing to visit the registration or finance office are welcome at any time
without an appointment. Visitors wishing to see a teacher or administrator or anyone form our HR
department are seen by appointment only.
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