All Saints’ Episcopal Day School

Parent Handbook Revised 2016

209 West 27th Street Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 472-8866 Fax (512) 477-5215 [email protected]

School Mission

The Mission of All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is to encourage spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development in children through a nurturing and guiding relationship with teachers and family; and to provide a developmentally balanced curriculum that fosters a love of learning and a teaching of Christian values and traditions.

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School admits any child, regardless of race, color, national, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School admits every child so long as an appropriate curriculum can be provided and so that each child can reap the greatest benefit possible.

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is a school where parents and visitors are welcome. We believe that a quality environment for children is one, which not only permits, but also encourages parents’ consistent involvement.

All visitors during school hours, including parents, must sign in at the School. Please see the Visitor Policy on page 4.

CONTENTS

Philosophy Statement ...... 1 School Session & Hours...... 2 Before and After School Care ...... 3 After School Enrichment...... 3 Visitor Policy...... 4 Cell Phone Use Policy and Correspondence ...... 4 Curriculum...... 5 Enrichment ...... 6 Class Sizes ...... 7 Admissions and Class Placement ...... 7 Tuition Payment ...... 9 Withdrawal ...... 9 Tuition Assistance ...... 9 School Closing & Delays ...... 10 Inclement Weather...... 10 Evacuation Procedure ...... 10 Drop Off & Late Pick-Up Procedures ...... 10 Health & Welfare & Safety ...... 11 Immunizations...... 11 When Your Child Should Stay Home...... 11 Dispensing Medications Procedure...... 11 Injury or Illness at School, Food Allergies ...... 12 Accident Report/Safety/Welfare...... 12 Weapons & Smoking ...... 12 Asbestos ...... 13 Discipline & Behavior...... 13 Parent/Teacher Communication/Grievances ...... 13 Parent Participation ...... 14 Field Trips ...... 14 Parties and Birthday Celebrations ...... 15 Preparing Your Child For School...... 16 Clothing/Backpacks/Labeling ...... 16 Food...... 17 Toys ...... 17 Fund-raising Events...... 17 Research ...... 17 Screenings...... 18 Solicitations ...... 18 Amendments...... 18 Appendix ...... 19 Discipline and Guidance...... 20 Animals at School, Water Activities/Pest Control ...... 21 Classroom Party Suggestions...…………...... 22

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

WE VALUE AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT THAT

• offers a traditional balanced curriculum • incorporates innovative learning activities within a structured environment • challenges and motivates students to learn • prepares students for success in all area schools • includes regular Episcopal Chapel services

WE VALUE A STUDENT-CENTERED PROGRAM THAT

• accommodates a variety of learning styles • encourages independence and responsibility • respects, supports, and nurtures each child • recommends appropriate educational options when necessary

WE VALUE SPIRITUALITY THAT

• accepts each person as a unique child of God • develops self discipline, responsibility, and integrity • encourages service to others and recognizes those less fortunate

WE VALUE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY THAT

• includes many races and creeds • provides for economic diversity • fosters open communication

1

SCHOOL SESSION AND HOURS

The school year runs from late August to mid-May. See the attached calendar for the current school year. The School will maintain a sign-in and sign-out log for each child coming and going from the School throughout the day.

Class Hours

Orange Room Yellow Room Green Room (Pre-KII/Kindergarten) (Pre-K) (Pre-K) 8:45am - 1:45pm 8:45am - 1:45pm 8:45am - 1:45pm Monday - Friday Monday - Friday Monday - Friday

Red and Blue Door Rooms (Three Year Olds) Half Day 8:45am - 11:45am (M – F only) Full Day 8:45am – 1:45pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday OR Monday - Friday

Optional Extended Hours

Before School Care After School Care Optional extended hours 7:45am - 8:45am 11:45am – 1:45 (3’s) may also be selected on an Monday - Friday 1:45pm - 5:30pm (all) as needed or drop-in basis. Monday - Friday

Students must be securely buckled in their seats before the driver pulls away from the curb. Arrival Pick-up

Arrival for all Classes 3’s Classes, Half Day 11:45am 8:45am - 9:00am All other Classes 1:45pm After School Care 5:30pm

A late pick-up fee of $10 for the first 10 minutes will be assessed to any parent picking up his/her child after the 11:45am, 1:45pm, and 5:30pm scheduled times.

2

BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

Additional classes offered for all students consist of Before School Care and After School Care.

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE is offered from 7:45 am to 8:45 am. Children must be brought onto the playground and signed in by either the child’s parent or the Staff on duty. All ages of children will be grouped together during this program. In the event of inclement weather, parents and students will enter this program through the red double doors on University Avenue; students will work and play inside one of the classrooms until school begins at 8:45 am. Students arriving at 8:35am will not be charged.

Students may drop-in for Before School Care occasionally if not registered on a monthly basis.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE is offered on a drop-in basis from 11:45 am to 1:45 pm for 3 year olds. Children should bring a nutritious lunch from home. The School provides water for all students who stay for lunch. Children who stay until 1:45 pm do not nap. Students participate in a variety of classroom activities as well as outdoor play.

FULL AFTER SCHOOL CARE is also offered until 5:30 pm for all ages. Students will enter the program at 1:45 pm. Children in the Red and Blue Rooms are encouraged to rest or nap and may bring a small blanket and/or pillow for resting. The School provides a cot for each child. An afternoon snack is served with water. Activities will include outdoor play, art activities, stories, and indoor play.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

The Green Room (Pre-K), Yellow Room (Pre-K), and Orange Room (Pre- KII/Kindergarten) students may also enroll in the optional After School Enrichment Classes. Cooking, Drama, Science, Art and Yoga are offered and meet from 1:45pm until 3:15pm. Please refer to the schedules and fee information for more details.

3

VISITOR POLICY

ALL PERSONS VISITING ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL OF AUSTIN ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN IN ON THE CLIPBOARD LOCATED ON THE CABINET AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE.

Visitors and parents visiting the School are asked to park in a space in the Church parking lot. Parking in the carpool lane by the curb adjacent to the playground is prohibited as is any space marked ASEDS Staff or Clergy.

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING THE SCHOOL AND YOUR CHILD'S CLASS. 1. Enter only through the red double doors on University Avenue. These doors will be opened from 8:45am until 9:00am. After 9:00am the doors will be locked. There is a doorbell to ring to gain entry. 2. If you would like to walk your child to his/her class, please enter only through the red double doors on the University Avenue side of the School. 3. Please do not enter the classrooms through the playground doors during school hours. If you need to deliver something to your child's class during the day, please use our University Avenue entrance and enter your child's classroom via the hallway.

CELL PHONE FREE ZONE It is against the law to talk on your cell phone in a school zone. You are required to turn off your phone as you enter the parking lot and keep it off. We encourage you to demonstrate to your child that he/she is your first priority when you are on campus. Your child, the Teachers and Assistants enjoy getting to say "hello" or "good-bye" to you in the carpool lines and in the School building.

CORRESPONDENCE You are welcome to call the School for information or to express concern at any time during the school day. The Office number is 512-472-8866. If the Head or Office Staff is in conference or in a classroom, the recorder will take your message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The FAX number is 512- 477-5215. You could also email the Head at [email protected] Written correspondence should be sent to: All Saints’ Episcopal Day School 209 West 27th Street Austin, Texas 78705

4

CURRICULUM

The Red and Blue Room Classes (Three year olds) at All Saints’ learn through experimentation with a wide variety of materials and through directed instruction by the Teacher. Concepts are taught through a thematic approach with topics taken primarily from science and social studies. Music, literature, and art are integrated into each unit. Language development and math concepts are included in every area of the program. Outdoor play, rhythm activities, and movement are also important parts of our curriculum. The amount of directed instruction increases with the readiness of the individual child. The basic philosophy of the program for the 3’s is a sensory approach: manipulative-type toys, art exploration, and music are used. The day consists of small and large group instruction, free play, age appropriate art, outside play, and a snack. The Green and Yellow Room Classes (Pre-K) program offers a unique opportunity for fours. The class studies broad topic areas that permit the teacher to work creatively with the class while teaching academic foundations in a subtle format. This is viewed as a year of social learning and adjustment wherein the child is being prepared for the essential work habits and listening skills that lie ahead. As the class grows developmentally, a more structured, academic program is introduced which helps the class transition into a more structured way of learning while keeping the education content fun, creative, and exciting. Children in the Pre-K class are introduced to the upper and lowercase letters and the sounds of the letters, as well as basic math concepts. While the majority of students completing Pre-K I go directly to Kindergarten, some are recommended for Pre-K II instead. The Orange Room is a multi-age classroom that includes Pre-KII and Kindergarten students. The Pre-KII year is offered as a year of "time" for children whose developmental level suggests that another year of carefully balanced play and learning will benefit them. Work habits, listening skills, and completion of tasks are viewed as essential in this stimulating environment. As this is honored, the child bridges the world of play with a carefully introduced offering of math concepts and of phonics (letters and their sounds). Exposure to such concepts helps provide a firm foundation for the math and reading skills necessary for success in Kindergarten. The curriculum for Kindergarten students focuses primarily on language arts and mathematics with a desire to let each child proceed at his or her individual pace. In addition, special theme study units are interspersed which enable the class to alter the traditional format of study and add to the spontaneity and creativity in the class. The Kindergarten program includes work in phonics, beginning reading, handwriting, and basic mathematic tools such as addition, subtraction, and sets.

5

ENRICHMENT

Music A Music Teacher conducts a class one time each week for each group of children, from three years old through Kindergarten. These classes include children's songs, Chapel songs, listening activities, movement and musical instrument awareness. The curriculum is then reinforced throughout the week in the classrooms.

Visual arts Varying art and craft projects are a consistent part of the daily classroom curriculum. Works of art are readily displayed and some are also retained throughout the year in preparation for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

All Saints’ acknowledges the difference between project art and creative arts, and provides for expression of both in the classroom. While a hands-on process is viewed as integral part of a child's needs in art, seasonal and holiday craft projects are also viewed as meaningful and satisfying. Each class regularly provides open-ended materials for individual artistic expression and the product is determined in its entirety by the child rather than the Teacher.

Spanish All Saints’ introduces experiences in the Spanish language to each of the classes at least twice a week. The Teachers use varied activities of music, stories, poems, games, and discussions. The children learn to appreciate a language that will be an important part of their future learning years.

Movement Students attend a movement class once each week. In addition to the fun they experience while exercising to music, students are taught the importance of regular exercise, rest, and good nutrition.

Chapel Chapel services are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15am in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and occasionally in All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Parents and visitors are always welcome. The service lasts for approximately twenty minutes and consists of a child-oriented message, time to sing and pray, as well as hear and act out Bible stories.

6

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZES

Orange Room - 20 Yellow Room (Pre-K) - 16 Green Room (Pre-K) - 16 Red and Blue Rooms (3’s) - 13

Few exceptions to enlarge a class will be made. All Saints’ strives to achieve the best possible student-teacher ratio by providing an Assistant for each class.

ADMISSIONS AND CLASS PLACEMENT

Children may be pre-registered for entrance as early as parents wish. Such pre-registration will be honored subject to the following: 1. Students already in attendance during the regular August to May session will have first priority. 2. Siblings of active students will be given second priority 3. Children of active communicants of All Saints’ Episcopal Church will be given third priority. 4. Children whose families have been closely involved with All Saints’ will be given fourth priority.

A non-refundable application fee will be charged for each child applying for admission to the School. This fee must accompany the completed application form. A non-refundable deposit must accompany a signed contract in order to secure a child's place in a class.

Re-enrollment contracts for the following year must be returned by the deadline stated and be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit. A signed contract and accompanying fee not received by the deadline will result in the student being placed in the Waiting Pool for the upcoming school year. A currently enrolled student will have priority over other students in the Waiting Pool should a space become available.

A child must be the appropriate class age as of September 1 in order for that child to be placed in that class. Placement of a child is subject to the space availability of the class. All children must be toilet trained upon entrance to the School. All Saints’ does not have facility or available staff to change diapers. However, it is recognized that young children will have occasional toilet "accidents."

7

If a child is experiencing chronic toileting accidents, one of the following courses of action will result: • a reduction in the number of hours of attendance in the program • a call to the parent to come to the School and change the child's soiled clothing • the withdrawal of the child from the program until toilet trained

Once accepted, a child's placement is determined by a number of factors. These factors include the age of the child, the need for a boy/girl balance within each classroom, the previous Teacher's assessment if any, and the Head's assessment. Once a child is accepted into the School, it is the intention of All Saints’ Episcopal Day School to reserve a place for the child from year to year, unless the School determines other educational options would better serve the child.

Advancement into the next level of the program is subject to the child's readiness for the advancement. If, however, during the school year, the Head recommends testing or counseling of a student, and, if that recommendation is not honored, or if a behavioral problem becomes extreme, the School reserves the right to ask that child to be removed from the program.

All Saints’ understands that children cannot and should not be placed in a "cookie- cutter-like" fashion and sets forth guidelines as a means to help begin to identify the potentially right class for your child. All Saints’ recognizes that a parent can offer invaluable assistance in the assessment of one's child and strives to work with each parent together with an evaluation by the Head and Faculty to find the "just- right" place for your child. However, the final decision for placement of the child is the responsibility of the School.

TUITION PAYMENT

Tuition is due on the first of each month and considered late after the tenth of each month. The School uses Smart Tuition, a tuition management service provider. All payments will be made directly to Smart Tuition. Yearly tuition may be paid in annual, semi-annual, or monthly payments. Monthly payments are for parent convenience and do not reflect the number of class days during a given

8 month. Smart Tuition charges a late fee for payments received after the first of each month.

If payments are more than a month overdue the parents will be requested to submit to the Board of Trustees a valid reason for the delayed payment. If such is not forthcoming, parents will be asked to withdraw their child(ren) from the School.

WITHDRAWAL

All Saints’ reserves the right to insist upon the withdrawal of any student whose presence or their parents’ presence in the School is considered to be detrimental to the other students or contrary to the School's best interest. In any case in which the School requires the withdrawal of the student, the contract will be considered terminated and the balance due on the account from the date of the student's withdrawal to the end of the school year will be terminated. Parents who voluntarily withdraw their child during the school year are financially obligated to continue payment until a replacement is found in the class from which the student was withdrawn.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School offers a limited amount of Tuition Assistance. Application for this assistance may be made through the Head's Office.

9

SCHOOL CLOSINGS & DELAYS

Inclement Weather All Saints’ is closed on any day that the Austin Independent School District is closed because of bad weather. In the event that AISD schools open late due to inclement weather, All Saints’ will also open late. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Information about the School’s closure will be e- mailed to parents. AISD closures and late openings are announced on local television station broadcasts.

Evacuation Procedure In case of fire, or danger of fire or explosion, the Staff's first responsibility is to evacuate the children to a designated safe area. Emergency exit plans are posted and evacuation procedures are practiced. An Emergency Procedures notebook is kept in the Office and in each classroom.

In the event of an emergency evacuation of the Day School building, students from All Saints’ will be evacuated to a safe location. Parents will be contacted by e-mail or phone for the pickup location.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP

Children should not be brought to School earlier than scheduled. Please use the playground entrance for drop-off and pick-up. Teachers or Assistants will bring your child to your car at pick-up time. Please do not get out of your car as this impedes the flow of traffic. You are welcome to drop off and pick up your child from his/her classroom. However, please be sure to park in one of the available spaces in the lot and not at the curbside of the playground.

If someone other than the parent or guardian is planning to pick up your child, a note listing the driver’s name along with your signature must be provided. Drivers not originally listed on the transportation section of the admissions form will be asked to show a photo id.

Parents are responsible for organizing and maintaining their own carpools. The adult picking up the children is responsible for each child (this includes knowing who rides with them daily). If any changes are made in pick-up arrangements, the School must be contacted before carpool. A late pick-up fee of $10 for the first ten minutes will be charged after the scheduled pick-up time has passed.

10

HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY

Immunizations Each child must have a Statement of Good Health and an updated record of immunizations from a physician or health personnel on file in the School Office before the school year begins. From the Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Dept.: Any child whose parent is unable to produce an immunization card by the first day of school will not be allowed to enter school until such card arrives. Students not immunized because of medical contraindications and/or reasons of conscience, including religious belief are not fully protected against vaccine preventable diseases. The School is required to maintain an up-to-date list of students with exemptions, so they can be excluded from attending school if an outbreak occurs. In compliance with state law, All Saints’ requires a vision and hearing screening for all children who are four years old or older, or are new to the Day School.

When Your Child Should Stay Home Send your child to School only when he/she is well enough to participate in all school activities. All Saints’ does not have provisions to keep children inside while the class goes outdoors. Notify the Office if your child will miss school. If your child has been exposed to a communicable disease, notify the Office. A child should not come to school if he or she: • Has any contagious disease ! Has lice • Has sore or discharging eyes ! Shows signs of extreme fatigue • Has had a temperature of 100.4 or more within the last 24 hours A child must be free of fever (without Tylenol), diarrhea, or vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.

Dispensing Medications Procedure Permission to administer any medication must be on file in the School Office. By law we must observe the following regulations: Prescription medications must be in the original container labeled with the child's name, date, directions, and the physician's name. The School will not administer medications after the expiration date. Non-prescription medications must be labeled with the child's name and the date the medication was brought to the School. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container. The School will only administer it according to label directions if approved in writing by health personnel or the child's parent. Medications should not be sent in a child's lunch box. All medication must be given to the Head or the Administrative Assistant.

11

Food Allergies It is the family's responsibility to (1) notify the School of the child's allergies; (2) work with the School to develop a Food Allergy Action Plan; and (3) provide the School with written medical documentation, instruction, and medication as directed by a physician, using the Food Allergy Action Plan as a guide. While the School will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the student's specific allergy needs, the School does not guarantee that the student will be completely protected from exposure from any specific allergen.

If a child becomes ill or injured while at school, the Staff will provide appropriate first aid. If the illness or injury is not life threatening, the parents will be contacted to come for the child. If the illness or injury is life threatening, the Staff procedure is as follows: • provide adequate first aid measures • call 911 assistance (parents are responsible for EMS fee) • notify parents • contact the child's physician if the parent cannot be located • accompany the child to the hospital if the parent is not present (with the previously executed health release form) to insure emergency treatment

Accident Report The School maintains an Accident Report File.

Safety and Welfare All efforts are made continually to provide a safe, healthy, and wholesome environment for the children at All Saints’. With a typical daily teacher/child ratio of no more than 1:12, there is increased opportunity for supervision and awareness for each child in our care. And yet, even with consistent supervision and care, accidents and oversights can occur in such a setting.

Weapons (Texas Penal Code Section 46) The possession of a weapon by any adult or student will not be permitted on the School campus, playground, parking lot or any affiliated leased, rented or remote location. Exception is made only for security personnel and law enforcement personnel.

Smoking Smoking or use of tobacco products is not permitted by any adult or student on the School campus. This includes classrooms, offices, lounges, lavatories and campus grounds and parking lots.

12

Asbestos After an inspection, no asbestos has been found in the Day School. By law, we are required to inform parents that the School has prepared a management plan complying with federal law and that the plan has been approved by the Texas Department of Health.

DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR

The school day is structured in such a way as to encourage appropriate behavior at all times. Teachers are expected to handle any disciplinary problems in a positive manner. Under no circumstances will a child be spanked or slapped. All Saints’ will address with concern any behavior that is defined as a detriment to the equal rights, the well-being and/or best interest of the group and its individuals. When there is a concern, it is defined in the early stages. The Teacher and parents must exchange information regarding the concerns with the awareness of the Head. When a disruptive or intrusive problem continues after two visits between the Teacher and the child's parents, the Head will be included in a conference. In that setting, the child's best interest will continue to be the focus as a firm decision is made regarding his/her parents' and the School's mutual commitment to help the child. Often a consultant (a third party) is recommended to aid in the solution. See the Discipline and Guidance page in the Appendix for additional information.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Effective communication between parents and the Teacher is essential to each child's adjustment to and contentment with All Saints’. Parent Orientation is held for the parents in each grade level before school begins. Parent-Teacher Conferences are required in the fall and spring. Conference schedules are sent out in advance of the conferences.

Parents needing to speak to the Teacher during the school day should call the Office or e-mail the Teacher (see the basic School information sheet for e-mail addresses). Please, no text messages. Teachers do not have their cell phones on during school hours. The Teacher will respond as soon as possible. Although the Faculty arrives daily at 8:05 to help prepare the classroom and materials for instruction, the time between 8:05 and 8:45 is also reserved for conferences with parents.

13

Please use all of these opportunities to express your concerns to the Teacher. Throughout the year, Teachers welcome and encourage you to join with them in watching and enjoying your child's progress. Share with the Teacher any activities and events outside the School that may be affecting your child. Teachers will be happy to arrange times for discussions with parents as the need arises. Conversations between parents and Teachers are confidential.

If a parent has a grievance with a Teacher and it cannot be resolved, then the parent should contact the Head of School. If the concern still cannot be resolved, then the parent and Head of School will contact the Reverend Mike Adams, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

If a parent has a grievance with the Head of School and it cannot be resolved, then the parent should contact the Reverend Mike Adams, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Head compiles a monthly newsletter of information for parents. Please check your child's backpack or book bag for it and other reminders in a Monday Packet. Teachers send most information through emails.

PARENT PARTICIPATION One of the strengths of All Saints’ is the strong degree of parental involvement. Parents must complete Safeguarding God’s Children before volunteering or visiting in the classrooms at the School. The following is a partial list of specific areas in which parents are encouraged to participate. All parents are encouraged to use these opportunities to enjoy their child's preschool years:

Meet/Greet Breakfast Book Fair Episcopal Schools Sunday Christmas and Easter Chapels Classroom Parties Kindergarten Graduation Field Trips Child's Birthday Blessing Classroom Special Projects Fall or Spring Festival

FIELD TRIPS Classes may take field trips during the year. They are an extension of the Day School program and a valuable and enjoyable experience. Designated parents will drive on each outing and accompany the class. Notice of upcoming field trips will

14 be posted in classrooms and sent home at least one week prior to the outing. A request for parent drivers will be made at that time. Our admission forms include permission to travel with the class. (Swimming field trips are not allowed.) The School requires that parents comply with federal and state safety regulations. Therefore, parents must leave their child's passenger seat at School on the day of a field trip. A student without the proper car or booster seat MUST ride with his/her own parents on a field trip. Field trip drivers must have completed the Safeguarding God’s Children training and provided the School with a copy of their driver’s license, liability insurance card, driving record, and signed Transportation Training Form.

The following safety guidelines will be followed on Field Trips: • seat belt for each child, vehicle windows closed and all doors locked • designated lead car carries necessary field trip equipment and forms • reasonable number of children in each car with proper adult supervision • each student wears an All Saints’ color-coded t-shirt • copy of the driver's license, liability insurance, and driving record on file • chaperones must stay with their assigned group of students and with the teacher; chaperones will limit their conversations with other chaperones • drivers/chaperones may not bring their other children with them; their supervision requires 100 % of their attention

PARTIES AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Each class has several parties throughout the year. These parties usually carry a holiday theme and are well received when the food and the party plans are within reason. Please consult with your child's Teacher and Class Representative regarding party details and work together to provide an appropriate party within the School setting. Swimming parties are not allowed. Siblings are not allowed to attend classroom parties.

BIRTHDAYS

Sharing a birthday with God is a very important part of a child's life on the Chapel Day that is nearest the child's birthday. The birthday child will be blessed during the Chapel service. Children whose birthdays are during the summer months are encouraged to select a day to celebrate their “un-birthday” or half-birthday. This day should be coordinated with the child's Teacher.

15

Children may also celebrate their birthdays during class at All Saints’. Consulting with the Teacher first, parents may bring a special treat such as a small cupcake, a small muffin, or a frozen fruit bar to be served after lunch. No party favors, balloons or games are allowed.

The School recognizes that birthdays are special occasions for young children. Please do not send birthday party invitations for out-of-school parties to School. These need to be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service or email and not sent to the School. Invitations often get lost and feelings are often hurt, so please, no party arrangements through School cubbies mail. Parents also need to be sensitive to all children and make alternative arrangements for transporting children to parties after school. Do not use All Saints’ as a meeting place for carpools to parties. Children are very sensitive and this will avoid any hurt feelings. Parents are NOT required to invite all the students in the class to their child’s birthday party.

All Saints’ also has a “Birthday Book” program in which parents are encouraged to enhance the School's Library through a book donation commemorating a child's birthday. Parents contribute $20 per child. The School purchases an appropriate and needed book, which is presented to the Library on the child's day of celebration. After the book is read to the child’s class, the Librarian places a bookplate with the child's name and birth date inside the cover. The birthday book then becomes a permanent part of the School Library.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL

It is important that children coming to the Day School for the first time have some preparation for this new environment. Join us for the walk-through in August and see the classroom. Come meet your child's Teacher before school starts during the time and days offered by the School.

CLOTHING/BACKPACKS/ LABELING

Children should be dressed appropriately for art activities, active play and current weather conditions. Label all removable clothing as well as other personal property like lunch boxes or backpacks. One complete set of extra clothing, including underwear, socks and shoes, should be labeled and kept at School for emergencies. Because of the mulch and sand on the playground, closed toes

16 shoes are mandatory. For the safety of your child, only athletic-type tennis shoes that tie, Velcro or zip should be worn in the classroom and on the playground. No cowboy, rain or hiking boots; sandals; dress shoes; Crocs; or slip-on shoes (that come off easily when a child runs) are allowed. Each child must also bring a tote bag or regular size backpack to School on a daily basis to carry home artwork and School communications. Rolling backpacks are NOT allowed. FOOD

We serve water with a mid-morning, nutritious snack brought from home. The School provides a snack for students in the After School Care Program and After School Enrichment Classes. We encourage parents to pack nutritious lunches. Candy, sodas, chocolate covered granola bars, yogurt and other foods high in sugar (17 or more grams per serving) are not permitted.

TOYS

Children should not bring toys from home to School.

FUND-RAISING EVENTS

As with any non-profit organization, fund-raising events at All Saints’ play a part in closing the gap between the expenses and the revenue generated by tuition. The Board of Trustees and the All Saints’ Association of Parents (ASAP) have several events and activities that help generate the funds for Classroom Assistants, Enrichment Teachers, Library books, tuition assistance and continuing education for the Faculty. Such activities and events may include: Book Fair, Silent Auction and Annual Fund. All Saints’ Episcopal Day School appreciates and recognizes all donations. All donations to the Day School are tax deductible to the extent the law allows. Donations to the School will remain anonymous if so requested by the donor.

RESEARCH

All Saints’ cooperates with the Departments of Education, Home Economics, Psychology, Physical and Health Education and Speech at the University of Texas in their research programs. All research or observations conducted at the School 17 are approved in advance by the Head. Regulations require that parents give permission whenever their children are involved in research.

VISION/HEARING & SPEECH SCREENING

For parent convenience, All Saints’ schedules yearly screenings for vision, hearing and speech. These early screenings can detect potential problems or a need for further evaluation. These screenings are non-threatening and performed during the school day at All Saints’. Regulations require that parents give written permission prior to the screening process. Parents are responsible for the cost of these screenings. Parents may also use their family physician to complete these required screenings.

SOLICITATIONS

The home and e-mail addresses published in the Student Directory are to be used for School related communication only. They are not to be used by parents for business solicitations.

AMENDMENTS

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School reserves the right to amend these regulations by omitting from or adding to them as may be necessary to maintain the standards of the School and to ensure the safety and welfare of the children.

18

Appendix

19

DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE

Discipline will be: • individualized and consistent for each child • appropriate for the child’s level of understanding • directed towards teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control

The School Staff may use only positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include at least the following: • using praise and encouragement of appropriate behavior rather than focusing only on unacceptable behavior • reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements • redirecting behavior using positive statements • using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age

There will be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited: • corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment • punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training • pinching, shaking or biting a child • hitting a child with a hand or instrument • putting anything in or on a child’s mouth • humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child • subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language • placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed • requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age

20

Animals at School

Some of the Teachers choose to have small animals in their classrooms. When a pet is added to the classroom, parents will be notified in advance. Students are allowed to observe the Teacher and/or Classroom Assistant feed the animals during class hours. Students are not allowed to touch the animals or help with the cleaning of the cages or aquariums. The Faculty is required to practice good hygiene and hand washing after handling or coming in contact with the animal cages and aquariums. Occasionally, hamsters are placed in a closed, plastic exercise ball and students are allowed to watch the hamsters roll the ball on the rug. Information is shared with students about how to properly care for pets. Students are asked about the pets that they have in their own homes and what they do to help their parents take care of the pets.

If a child wants to bring his/her pet to the classroom for, the Teacher must be told in advance so the parents of the students in that class can be notified. Documentation of the pet’s vaccinations must be provided prior to the visit.

Water Activities

The School may schedule Splash Days during the year. Students are allowed to play in sprinklers and small wading pools (less than 12 inches of water). Parents are notified in advance about this special activity. Sensory tables in the classroom and on the playground are filled with water periodically and students are invited to use a variety toys to pour and measure the water or to conduct sink/float experiments with objects.

Pest Control

An operator licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture completes Pest control for the School. The School will post a Notice of Pest Control Treatment sign in an area of common access 48 hours prior to any pest treatment.

21

Classroom Party Suggestions

The All Saints’ Faculty and students enjoy celebrations throughout the school year for holidays and special events. Below are some suggestions and party “formula” ideas to help parent volunteers plan these events with ease and meet classroom expectations.

Common Classroom Parties • Halloween • Christmas • Valentine’s Day • End of school year

General Classroom Party Formula • Typically 1 hour • 2-3 craft stations • Snack and/or special treat • Holiday Story by parent volunteer • Song or Dance • Take-away gift

Classroom Craft Stations • Have a parent volunteer at each craft table • Plan out how much time each station needs so students get to do all stations • Craft examples: o Decorate pumpkins o Put together an ornament o Use puffy sticker kits for seasonal craft o Paint a wooden figurine o Seasonal cookie decorating • Minimize using glue so crafts can go home same day • If having goodie bag take-aways, get a size that will also accommodate craft items • If item is messy (e.g., decorated gingerbread cookies) bring Ziplocs to put item in and write student names on bags • Could bring plastic tablecloths for stations to help with quick cleanup (optional)

End of Year Party Ideas (visit with the Teacher before final plans are made) • Typically 3-5 hours • Could be at an off-site location such as a family home, park or other fun spot • Students should bring sack lunches or a group lunch can be provided (e.g., chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pizza) • Communication on pick-up options/needs must be clear to parents • Activities can be on a slightly larger scale such as water slides, outside games (NO swimming is allowed) • Take-away gift (optional) • No alcoholic beverages should be served to anyone in attendance

22

Affiliations and Associations

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, an organization recognized by the Commissioner of Education. SAES is recognized as an accrediting organization by the National Association of Independent Schools and the Texas Education Agency.

The School also holds current memberships in the following professional groups: • National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) • Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) • Association of Austin Area Episcopal Schools (AAAES) • Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) • Independent School Management (ISM)

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) no longer licenses schools with students ages three and older that are accredited by associations that are approved by the Texas Education Agency. Consequently, the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (our accrediting association) has elevated its standards to include those safety standards required by DFPS.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and sat him before them and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converts and become like children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18: 1 - 4