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AHIS KG Student & Parent Handbook Bahrain AY 2016-2017

Al Hekma International School

KG STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017

1“Dedicating our Lives and Hearts to Building Confident and Motivated Life-long Learners”


Our Motto is “Dedicating our Lives and Hearts to Building Confident and Motivated Life-long Learners.”

Mission: To provide students with a balanced international standards education with emphasis on developing their social, global and cultural skills. Al Hekma strives to build accountable, confident and motivated lifelong learners. Vision : Our vision focuses on instilling the values of hospitality, global citizenship and tolerance towards others. Our objective is to offer an educational program that is comprehensive and balanced with emphasis on social and cultural appreciation, academic skills development, and accountability. We strive to create an environment that nurtures high self-esteem, intrinsic motivation, low-anxiety, and a sense of belonging.

ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AHIS is currently accredited by the MSA (Middle States Accreditation), AdvancED (North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement) and QQA(Qualifications and Quality Assurance of Education and Training). AHIS is a member of NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools), AAIE (Association for the Advancement of International Education), NBOA (National Business Officers Associates), NAIS (National Association of International Schools), ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), and PTC (Principal Training Center).



Table of Contents2016-2017Introduction

President’s Welcome Letter 5Principal’s Welcome Letter 6Where to go for help 7School Contact Information (Telephone, Land address, Email address, Web address) 7

SECTION I IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTSEntrance Requirements 8Registration and Payment Information 8Parental Involvement 9Working together 9Parents as Role Models 9Parent Teacher Association 10Communication and Reporting 10Gifts 11Student Information Data 11Contact Hours and Parent Meetings 11Grading Guidelines 11Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences 11Homework 11Weekly Agendas 12Parent Conferences 12Promotion and Retention 12Remedial classes 12

SECTION II CURRICULUM RELATED INFORMATIONAcademic Programs 12Awards 12Computer Access, Acceptable Use and Code of Conduct 13Activities 13Physical Education 13Textbooks 13

SECTION III GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTSAttendance 14Tardy Policy 14Leaving and Returning to School 15Incomplete work 15



Student Conduct 15-16Rules and Regulations 16Citizenship and Sportsmanship 16Entering and Leaving Class 16Bullying and Taunting Behaviors 16Distribution of Published Materials/Documents 17School Materials 17Use of School Name 17Non-School Materials 17Approval Required 17Posters 17Dress and Grooming 17-18Birthdays 18Toys 18Field Trips 18Bahrain National Anthem 18Safety 18-19Drills: Fire, and Other Emergencies 19Emergency Medical Treatment Information 19School Facilities 19Cafeteria Services 19Library 20Teaching Resources 20Electronic Devices on Campus 20Lost and Found 20Vandalism 20Transportation on Buses or Other School Vehicles 20Videotaping/Photography of Students 20Visitors to the School 21Students Drop off/ Pick up 21Do’s and Don’ts 21After-school club 22





PRESIDENT’S WELCOME LETTER

Dear Parents and Students,

On behalf of the administration and faculty, it gives me great pleasure to welcome parents and students to AHIS KG. Our school’s commitment to our children has become a tradition in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This year, we are complimenting our excellent educational standards with:

• A serene, beautiful and educationally captivating environment • Tenured and experienced teachers • Academic support • Standardized testing • Extra-curricular activities / clubs • Student involvement

Our goals are attainable! We prepare our students for higher educational institutions. We provide an excellent quality of education in a positive learning environment. We teach good citizenship to help strengthen the student’s identity and ability to participate in society. We stress moral and behavioral discipline. We maintain high standards through constant improvement of teaching methods.

We anticipate your full cooperation and appreciation of our school to implement the many programs supported by the enthusiasm and the ever relentless efforts of our qualified staff. The academic future of your children is very important to us. We shall save no efforts in paving the way for them to excel and be prepared for higher education armed with proper knowledge.

I sincerely thank all the parents and friends who support us with kind words, simple visits, and warm thoughts. Here at Al Hekma International School we are honored to have you as part of our family!

Dr. Mona R. Al-Zayani

President

Al Hekma International School



PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME LETTER

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to school year 2016–2017! For this year to be successful, we must all work together: students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members. Education at Al Hekma KG is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. The administration and staff believe that every student is a unique and special individual who can learn. We believe it is our responsibility as educators to nurture and develop every student’s maximum potential. This includes the academic, physical, social, and emotional development. We are committed to providing lessons and activities that will assist you/your children in making self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions when solving problems that you may encounter in our multicultural, ever-changing world.

The KG Parent Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into three sections:

Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues.

Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION—providing information to students and their parents about the courses we provide, and other activities;

Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety procedures, student conduct, the dress code, discipline, transportation and the campus environment.

Both students and parents must be familiar with the KG Code of Conduct, which is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. Please be aware that the student handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

I strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you have questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the Supervisor or the Principal. Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment and consent forms so that we have a record.

Ultimately, each student will gain from school according to the effort he/she applies. To increase the degree of educational success, it is important that teachers, parents, and administrators communicate openly and frequently. By working together, we can make Al Hekma KG an excellent place to learn.

Opening day traditionally marks the beginning of a new year.

We're looking forward to a great year!



WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

When do I call one of my son’s/ daughter’s teacher(s)?

Contact your child’s teacher through the school switchboard/reception when you have questions about his/ her academic performance, grade on report card, issues regarding classroom activities, homework or class work. You need to leave a message and the teachers will try to contact you as soon as possible.

Important: Parents are not allowed to communicate with students other than their own children. If they have any complaints against any student, they are encouraged to contact the student affairs dept or principal at the school to discuss their concerns. Under no circumstances are parents allowed to take matters into their own hands and address students or parents of other students. Such communication must be done through the school administrators.

Which school administrator do I see when I have a question about….?

Contact Mr. Marcos, Principal, when you have a question about school policies, accreditation, discipline, teachers, rules and regulations.

Contact Mrs. Rima Kaissi, Director of Development and Curriculum, when you have questions regarding programs offered on campus or when you want to suggest ideas to develop the school.

Contact Mrs. Rana Thikrallah, Assistant Principal, when you have questions regarding discipline, your child’s behavior at school, academic program, academic progress and probation, performance in class, weekly agendas, trips, activities, report cards, academic concerns, school policies and procedures.

Contact Mrs. Sakina Butaki, KG Supervisor, when you have questions regarding discipline, your child’s behavior at school, trips, activities, attendance, school policies and procedures.

Contact Ms. Amal Thani, Transportation Supervisor, when you have questions regarding transportation.

Contact Ms. Amaal, Accountant, when you have questions regarding tuition fees and payments.

Contact Ms. Maya Sabah, the Elementary & KG Librarian, when you have questions regarding books borrowed from the library.

SCHOOL CONTACT NUMBERS

Tel: 17 620820 - 17 623999 - Fax: 17 624800 - P.O. Box: 26489 - Kingdom of Bahrain, Email: [email protected] - Website: www.alhekma.com



SECTION I

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS This section of the Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To attend Al Hekma KG, parents must provide a record showing • Your child’s birth certificate • A copy of your child’s passport and CPR card • Previous school records, if any • Your child’s immunization record • 4 passport photos • A copy of both parents’ CPR card and passport

Registration and Payment Information

1. The parent agrees to pay the registration, testing and interview fees and the student will be required to sit for an entrance exam. There is a chance the student will be placed on a waiting list.

2. If the student is placed on the waiting list the testing fees will not be refunded even if the registration is not confirmed.

3. If the student is accepted, and the parent chose not to continue the enrollment process (written notice must be given), the fees of the tests, interview and application will not be refunded. If the parent chose to register the student, they agree to pay the registration fees. When the registration fees are paid, it will not be refunded even if the student did not start school. The parent also agrees to pay a seat booking fee after the registration is paid and it will be deducted from the tuition fees.

4. If the student is registered and a seat booking fee is paid and the student does not attend school up to 1 week from the start of school, the school will terminate the enrollment and fees paid will not be refunded. Parents must notify the administration in writing of any delays in their children starting school in order to secure their seats.

5. If the student is rejected, the testing and application fees are not refunded.6. The parent agrees that if the required documents are not provided in due time, then the registration will be

cancelled and the fees will not be refunded.7. The school reserves the right to terminate the registration or expel a student if he/she does not abide by the

school rules and regulations.8. Tuition fees are non-refundable whether the student attended or not. If cancellation of enrollment takes place,

fees paid will not be refunded. Cancellation of enrollment must be submitted in writing.9. If the student withdraws from AHIS, a full semester written notice must be given and a full semester fees will

be payable.10. Any student who left the school, graduated, dismissed, or withdrew – is not allowed to re-apply. He/She should

submit a re-entry application carrying his/her previous number.11. Students are only allowed to submit one application form per year. 12. If the parents fail to pay school fees in a timely manner, the school will have the right to suspend the child from

attending school and no report cards, transcripts or statements will be issued until students balance is zero. Transportation services will be suspended as well in this case. The student will not be allowed to attend



graduation ceremonies if all the due fees are not paid and he/she will be forbidden to sit for the examinations. If the parent does not pay on time, there will be a fine of 7.5% open for increase according to the delay in payment. In the case of a bouncing cheque, a fine is added to the value of the cheque, and the cheque issuer will bear the consequences.

13. If a student needs to travel – The Administration should be informed in writing prior to the student’s departure from school. If the student is absent due to sickness, a medical report needs to be submitted.

14. Unexcused absence by any student, affecting their academic performance will be the responsibility of the parents and not the school. 15% unexcused absenteeism will result in zero credits for the subject.

15. School uniform is mandatory. Otherwise, the student will be sent home and will not be accepted until he/she abides by this rule.

16. Uniforms – (daily and sports) – are sold at the school. Anything similar to them or tailored outside the school is not accepted in order to maintain uniformity.

17. A Disciplinary System is applied for morning delays.18. Expensive items are not allowed in the school i.e. jewelry, cellular phones, pagers …… etc. In case of loss or

damage, the School Administration is not responsible. Cellular phones will be confiscated and returned at the end of the year.

19. The school has the right to withdraw any student from any activity if the rules and regulations are not followed. If the school decides to expel any student for any reason, no school fees will be refunded.

20. Fees will not be refunded to parents until they have no outstanding amounts in their account at the school and there are no deposited cheques or any unpaid bills.

21. Any refunds will be processed in the name of the person or company that fully paid the fees.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT WORKING TOGETHER Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

Encouraging your child to see the importance of education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities that the KG provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed.

Attending scheduled parent / teacher conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed. Participating in our Al Hekma International School parent teacher organization.

We encourage each parent to communicate with the school on important matters concerning their children in order to ensure their progress. The following procedures were planned to benefit the students and parents in their communication process:

PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS Parents are the most important teachers and role models for our students. How a parent speaks, drives his/her automobile, and interacts with school personnel sets an important example for our students and larger community.



Parent leadership and ambassadorship when within the school and the Bahrain community helps us to maintain a high profile as we recruit new students and staff.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

Al Hekma International school KG parents can apply to become members of the Parent Teacher Association. The purpose of the association is to serve the school’s best interests by supporting the school’s mission, programs and activities. The school needs parent participation in all aspects of school life. Parents are encouraged to be involved.

The Parent Teacher Association: • Promotes positive school spirit • Nurtures positive parent to parent and school to parent communication • Helps with classroom and administrative needs on an invitation basis • Raises funds in coordination with school wide development policies and programs

COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING

The school will:• Schedule quarterly parent-teacher meetings • Respond in as timely a fashion to parent phone calls, emails and notes • Provide reports that indicate a student’s progress and performance • Publish written and on-line communications that outline important school news • Provide opportunities for parent education on issues related to child development, teaching and learning

We ask that parents:• Take advantage of the scheduled parent-teacher meetings to follow- up on their child’s (ren’s) performance

and progress at school. • Inform the school before 7:30 a.m. when an illness or emergency keeps students from arriving to school on

time. • Read progress reports and discuss them constructively with their child (ren). • Use the AHIS website as a resource for timely information and accessing the weekly agenda, read school

mobile phone SMSs and publications and participate as actively as possible in AHIS meetings and activities.

• Contact the school for appointments to meet with teachers or administration. Please remember that teachers might not receive messages until the end of the day.

• Pay all school fees. (They must be paid in full prior to student’s receiving report cards)• Be prompt to drop off your child in the morning (No earlier than 7:00 am and no later than 7:40am as gates

are closed before and after these timings).• Be Punctual to pick up your child from school as parents will be charges for lateness.

Communication Tools: When students are falling behind in class, are not completing homework, or are demonstrating inappropriate



behaviors the teacher will:

1. Contact Registration, in writing, for a phone conference. (Registration will translate to parents who do not speak English).

2. All calls and contacts are documented for future follow up if problems arise.

The weekly agenda is posted on the school's website every Thursday afternoon. This becomes an important communication link with parents.

If you want to send a letter to the teachers or a note, please write this on the school / home communication notebook in your child’s file or use the E-Communication software. If it is urgent, let the receptionist know that you sent a memo and that you would like an immediate response.

There will be parent-teacher meetings at the end of Terms 1 - 3 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. These dates will be highlighted in the school’s academic calendar. We advise all parents to attend these meetings and discuss the performance of their children in school.

In case of urgent matters, parents can contact the school and schedule a meeting from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The office staff is not equipped to hand deliver messages to students unless they are of an emergency

status. We appreciate your planning ahead and communicating through the home / school communication sheet

regarding any change in pick-up arrangements, etc., prior to the day concerned. Unless the school is notified in writing or by a phone call prior to 12 noon, bus children will be sent home on the bus. Children will not be allowed to travel with people other than their designated pick up person unless notified in writing or by a phone call prior to 12 noon.

GIFTS

We want to model for children that showing appreciation and honoring people we love comes from the heart. However, in an effort to honor teachers and staff, we don’t want to create an uncomfortable situation for any employee, child or parent. Try to keep things as simple as possible; less is really more! Handmade items such as notes, drawings, group crafts and photos are always appreciated. We want to convey the message that gifts are about thoughtful expressions of appreciation, not monetary value.

STUDENT INFORMATION DATA We ask parents to update the registration department with any information regarding students such as change in the telephone numbers/emails or address.

CONTACT HOURS You can contact the school from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Tel: 17 620820 / 17 623999 Fax: 17 624800

GRADING GUIDELINES

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES Report cards/progress reports with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at the completion of each quarter. Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course. Questions about your



child’s report should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the parent may request a conference with the Academic Controller, or Director of Student Services. Progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within 5 school days.

HOMEWORK

• Homework shall not be assigned as punishment. • No homework is to be given unless the concept has been taught. • Students are expected to complete their homework on a regular basis. Teachers will provide quick feedback

and follow-up if the student does not complete homework. Some homework tips that can help you:

• Have a set time for homework each night, for example, one hour play time when they reach home and then homework.

• If your child has trouble doing the homework, let the teacher know by writing a note on the page or on the school / home communication book.

• Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis through a weekly agenda posted on the school’s website every Thursday.

WEEKLY AGENDAS The weekly agenda is posted on the school's website every Thursday afternoon. Parents will be given their usernames and passwords to access the weekly agenda that states all their class work and homework assignments for the following week.

PARENT CONFERENCES Parents and teachers are encouraged to establish and maintain frequent communication about student progress. A student or parent who wants information or wants to raise a question or concern is encouraged to talk with the appropriate teacher.

SECTION II

CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. This section includes information on activities, other school-related organizations, and awards and honors.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Our curriculum is designed for Preschool through Grade 12. This means that each grade is dependent on what was taught in the grade before it. We provide flexibility on how teachers approach their instruction. They teach to the curriculum and use tests, quizzes, class-work, homework, and projects to monitor student progress.

AWARDS Students are motivated and encouraged to keep high standards and grades. Students in Preschool, KG1 and KG2 will be awarded the following awards and certificates of achievement:



• Perfect Attendance awards will be given to students who attend every day in the school year. No perfect attendance award will be given to those students who enroll late.

• Star Of The Week award will be given to students who show an improvement or demonstrate excellence in the following:

1- Mastery of new concepts2- Retention of learnt facts3- Working towards their full potential 4- Level of focus in the class5- Organization of work and self presentation of written work6- Contribution to class discussion7- Rising to meet challenges8- Achieving beyond expectations9- Outstanding homework and school work.

COMPUTER ACCESS, ACCEPTABLE USE, AND CODE OF CONDUCT Only students who are under direct supervision of designated Al Hekma employees are permitted to use a school computer or to access any local network.

ACTIVITIES Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Our student activities are a mix between co-curricular, speech, art, music and language. We expect all subjects to be involved with school-wide projects. These projects are designed to allow students to show-case their talents, and for teachers to reward students with co-curricular opportunities. This year’s activities include:

• The International Day • The National day • The Gergaoun (The very exciting mid-

Ramadan celebration). • Reading and writing Week • Science Week • Art Exhibition • Hat Day

• Clash Day• Sport Day • Haj Activity• 100 Days • Math week • Environmental week/PE Science activity • Mother’s & Father’s Days• Career day• Jalabia Day

Because of the preparation for each of these, we expect that the maximum amount of direct relationship to curriculum and learning be integrated. These activities are scheduled in advance to allow you to plan your year.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Participation in physical education classes is required as in any other subject. All students will perform to the best of their abilities:

• Physical education students will be required to dress in appropriate gym clothing.



• Physical education classes are times for physical training and enjoyment. • Students will remain with or under the supervision of the physical education instructor and assistant the

entire class period.

TEXTBOOKS Students purchase their textbooks from the school and dates to receive textbooks will be posted on AHIS online calendar.

SECTION III

GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information regarding school operations and requirements. Included are provisions such as student health and safety issues; fees; the school’s expectations for student conduct use of facilities, such as the cafeteria, library, and transportation services.

ATTENDANCE When a student is absent for any reason, please notify the registration office before 7:30 AM on the morning of

the absence at 17 620820 or 17 623999 - Fax: 17 624800. When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note, signed by the parent, which describes the reason for the absence.

Parents may pick up children for health care appointments during the school day by following the sign-out procedure in the registration office. If the child goes to the doctor for a health care appointment and returns with a note from a professional, the child is not considered absent for the day. Notes from the professional must be submitted to ensure that the student is coded properly for attendance purposes.

Any absence from school represents an educational loss to the student. Field trips are scheduled as part of the educational process. A student not attending school on a field trip day will be given an unexcused absence unless the student returns with a note from a doctor that the student was ill. Excused absences are defined as illnesses, urgent medical appointments, or a death in the family.

AHIS strongly discourage any absences due to activities such as family trips or routine appointments. Teachers will be happy to mark any work completed at home due to illness or other absence. Punctual, regular attendance to the school is crucial for the educational process. Every school day is an important one.

Student supervision begins at 7:00 a.m. Students are not allowed to arrive earlier than 7:00 a.m. due to lack of supervision at this time. After 7:40 a.m. gates are closed and students are only allowed to enter the school through the main entrance.



TARDY POLICY

Students who are LATE to classes present three major problems that must be dealt with in the school: • They disrupt the teacher and other students. • They disrupt their own educational program. • They do not learn to respect time and develop the self-discipline required to respect time.

LEAVING AND RETURNING TO SCHOOL

1. When a student leaves school for any reason, the parent must come inside to the admissions office, and physically sign the student out. This must be done, regardless of whether or not a note or phone call was made or given. Students should remain in reception while waiting to be picked up.

2. If it is determined that a student needs to go home, a parent must be contacted. If a student leaves school for any reason other than illness, a written request from parents must be submitted to the admissions office giving the exact time the student should be released and the necessity of the absence. The student will then wait in the department until they are signed out by their parents.

3. If a student returns to school the same day after leaving, parents must notify the admission office. Any time a student comes to school late, no matter what period, parents must sign in at the admissions office or with a Supervisor.

INCOMPLETE WORK 1. Students will be required to do all work listed on the agenda. 2. If a student is absent they may complete the work at home and send to school to be corrected.

STUDENT CONDUCT

We believe in educating the whole child. This means that beyond academic subjects we have a commitment for developing our students in art, music, sport activities, and much more. Part of educating the whole child is teaching him/her the way he/she is expected to act and behave. Al Hekma KG is in the business of creating future leaders of Bahrain. This means we must develop self-motivated learners. This must be taught and mastered with a strong behavioral management program.

• No student has the right to interfere with another student’s right to learn. • No student has the right to interfere with the teacher’s right to teach. • No person has the right to steal another person’s dignity. • All students will be held accountable for time management. • All students will be held accountable for positive work ethic behaviors. (Homework completion, quality as

well as quantity.)

These beliefs can be stated differently: • No student has the right to interfere with a family’s educational investment. • No student has the right to interfere with the school’s educational investment. • All people in this school should feel safe from mental, physical and psychological abuse.



• We will all collaborate to teach time management skills. • We will all collaborate to teach work ethic, work management, effective values, independence and

responsibility, both personal and group.

The following will require the teacher to inform the parent: • Damaging workbooks or library books • Not doing homework or class work • Sleeping in class • Speaking Arabic in English classes • Speaking English in Arabic classes • Physically abusing another child • Disruptions in class• Talking excessively • Causing a disturbance

RULES AND REGULATIONS A primary goal of the KG is to guide and teach its student body to demonstrate self-discipline simultaneously with their academic excellence. The school will make every effort to assist students in the achievement of this goal. It is the policy of the school that students enrolled in the school shall, while on or around the school grounds or anywhere while in school uniform conduct themselves in a manner which will bring credit to themselves and the school. When people work and live in a small, confined space such as the school campus or classroom, some rules are established to guarantee the welfare and safety of all. Guidelines are designed to help promote reasonable order and good citizenship of each student. If the rules of good conduct are not followed, in the first instance, the teacher will try to resolve the issue. If the behavior is repetitive, the Supervisor will be called on for help. If the parents are required to come to the school for a conference, the Academic controller and Director of Student Affairs will become involved. Any such meetings will be documented and these documents placed in the student’s file.

CITIZENSHIP AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Students of Al Hekma International School are expected to show the highest characteristics of citizenship and sportsmanship at all times and in all places involving school activities. Students are reminded that whether they are spectators or participants, in or out of uniform, they represent not only themselves, but their school, parents, and community as well. Any improper action may bring discredit to the entire community.

ENTERING AND LEAVING CLASS

• Upon arrival at school each morning, students will go immediately to their classes where activities, games and toys are waiting for them.



• Students entering a class room late must do so without disturbing the other children. • Students are asked to line up in single file to move from one place to another.

BULLYING OR TAUNTING BEHAVIOR

Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Bullying behaviors may include any action that creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student such as:

• Repeated teasing, ridicule, name-calling, or repeating harmful gossip or rumors • Threats, theft, or damage or reasonable fear of damage of one’s property • Physical or harmful intimidation of any kind

A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action.

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS OR DOCUMENTS

SCHOOL MATERIALS School publications distributed to students include the canteen menu, monthly newsletter, calendar of events, student handbook, and yearbook. All school publications are under the supervision of the Principal.

USE OF SCHOOL NAME The name Al Hekma International School, or any variation thereof, may not be used for any event, social, athletic, or political, nor may anything be published under the name of the school without the expressed permission of the President or Principal of the school.

NON-SCHOOL MATERIALS Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on school campus by a student or a non-student, and or parent without the approval of the Principal and must be in accordance with campus regulations.

APPROVAL REQUIRED All material intended for distribution must be submitted to the Principal for review and approval. POSTERS



The Principal must first approve signs and posters a student wishes to display. Posters displayed without authorization will be removed. Any student who posts printed material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action. At no time should any sign be posted on school property advertising personal dances, birthday parties, etc.

DRESS AND GROOMING All students must be dressed and groomed in a manner conducive to a good learning environment.

• All students are expected to dress in school uniform according to the students’ schedule. • Students are not to wear their school uniform for P.E. days as the school provides students with P.E. track

suits that should be worn on these days. • Clothing worn during school hours should be clean and ironed. • If special occasion or activities warrant special attire, students will be notified in advance by school

administration (i.e. casual days: even though it is a casual dress day, students are to remember that they are coming to school, thus, shorts, sleeveless shirts and revealing clothing are not acceptable for both boys and girl).

• Slipper/ flip flops and high heel foot wear is not allowed in school. • Expensive Jewelry is not recommended to be worn in school as the school will bear not responsibility of its

loss. • Any oversized medallion which has a religious or symbolic connotation is not to be worn to school. • T-shirts or sweat shirts with obscene prints or messages, print that implies obscenity, are not to be worn in

the school. • Caps/hats are not to be worn in classrooms or the administration area. • Boys are not allowed to grow their hair longer than three fingers below the hair line. • Girls' hair must be tied back if it is long. • Students are not allowed to wear make-up to school.

BIRTHDAYS Birthday parties for KG students will take place at 8.25-8:45am or from 11.00- 11:20am.Cakes and other party items need to be left at reception half an hour before the celebration is due to begin. Children, with the help of their teachers have 20 minutes to celebrate. No clowns or other party organizers will be allowed in school. Parents may attend if they wish. Gifts for the children will not be handed out until the end of the day.

Please notify the Supervisor (Mrs. Sakina Butaki) or your child’s teacher at least two days before the event by a phone message or through a note on the parent/teacher communication book.

Please note that no photo taking is allowed in school. The supervisor will attend with you the birthday party and take pictures of your child. Pictures will be put on your personal flash memory.

TOYS Children are not to bring toys to school. They are a distraction to the education process and can cause great distress to your child if they get broken. Toys that are found at school will be sent home with a note asking you not to allow your child to bring them to school again. Toys brought a second time will be confiscated and can be collected at the end of the Term or at the Parent Teacher conference.

FIELD TRIPS



At least three field trips each year are scheduled for each grade level. These trips are scheduled with an educational purpose in mind. Students who exhibit unacceptable behavior at school and / or have received excessive disciplinary referrals may be restricted from going on field trips. No student is to be removed from class for any activity or any occasion, including a field trip without written permission from the Principal, or Director of Registration and academic controller. Each student must have a field trip permission form signed on file in the school office in the beginning of the school year before he/she can participate in class trips. These trips are an essential part of the school program and attendance is required. Responsibilities of teachers and coaches: 1) the teacher / supervisor will be held responsible for the conduct of the pupils who make the trips. 2) The teacher / supervisor must make sure that all students have permission slips, signed by parents, before they will be allowed to go on any school trips. 3) The supervisor will submit a list of students going on the field trip or athletic event to the admission office and Academic controller prior to departing campus.

BAHRAIN NATIONAL ANTHEM Students in the KG are expected to stand in silence when the Bahrain National Anthem is played each morning.

SAFETY Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority at Al Hekma international school. Although the school has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. A student should:

• Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk. • Follow the behavioral standards in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for

behavior and safety set by the Principal, teachers, bus drivers or assistants. • Know emergency evacuation routes and signals. • Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, and other employees who are overseeing the welfare of

students. DRILLS: FIRE, AND OTHER EMERGENCIES (Evacuate Building)

• The teacher should take their belongings and class clipboard and proceed to the door. • The students should follow the teacher. • The teacher leads students out of the building according to the diagram that is laminated and place on the

classroom wall. If normal route is obstructed, alternate route has been suggested. • All teachers will lead students to the designated area under at the front of the school or in the playground. • Teachers line students up by class. • Call roll using the roll on the class clipboard. • Teachers do not leave or allow anyone else to leave the designated area until the all-clear signal is given be

the Principal or her designee. • Everyone in the building must observe the evacuation.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND INFORMATION

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency treatment, and information about allergies to



medication, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore parents are required each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date.

SCHOOL FACILITIES As part of their educational program, students shall be taught to respect and properly care for the school grounds and school property including: facilities, equipment and instructional supplies. Student pride will help preserve the appearance and surrounding of the school. Careless use of the school property is evidence of poor citizenship and lack of self-discipline.

CAFETERIA SERVICES Al Hekma International School provides a healthy pre-planned menu of meals and snacks for students. There is a fee assigned for this service. A menu is sent home to notify parent of the meals. Children bring money and order at the beginning of break. Parents may provide their children with healthy food for lunch if they wish.

• Food and drinks are to be consumed in the playground during breaks or in the classroom if the weather requires it.

• Students must take their food and drink with them when they go to break. Once outside, students are not to re-enter the school building unless accompanied by an assistant.

• Students are expected to do their part in keeping the playground area in good order by:

Asking all children to deposit all lunch litter in bins provided;

Leaving the table and floor in good condition for others.

LIBRARY The KG and Elementary library is located next to cafeteria. This library has English, Arabic, and French books as well as DVD’s, CD’s, videos and cassettes. We are adding to our collection on an ongoing basis. Teachers are encouraged to take their classes to choose books to borrow. Students are responsible for books checked out in their name. No food or drink will be allowed in the library. The library is open from 7 AM to 3 PM, Sunday through Thursday and has an electronic management system which will allows us to track books and student use thoroughly.

TEACHING RESOURCES All teachers are supported with up-to-date teaching resources and technical support to deliver the best quality of education to students.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON CAMPUS Students are not permitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, CD players, tape recorders, camcorders, DVD players, cameras, or electronic devices, or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the Principal. Cell phones are not permitted. Teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the Principal’s office. The Principal will return the item at the end of the semester.



LOST AND FOUND Lost articles in KG are taken to the supervisor’s office where they can be claimed by the owner. A box of “found” items is kept in the supervisor’s office and can be viewed at any convenient time by parents or students for claiming.

VANDALISM To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and in the coming years—littering, defacing, or damaging school property will not be tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause.

TRANSPORTATION ON BUSES AND OTHER SCHOOL VEHICLES Students are subject to the following standards when they are on Al Hekma International school transportation. Any student who violates these standards of conduct while on school transportation may be denied transportation services and will be disciplined. The following rules will apply to student conduct on school transportation:

• Students are expected to follow the buss assistant’s directions at all times. • Younger students will be helped on and off the bus by the bus attendant. • Keep books, feet and other objects out of the aisle. • Do not deface the bus and / or its equipment. • Do not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw

objects within or out of the bus.

VIDEOTAPING OF STUDENTS For safety purposes, video/audio equipment will be used to monitor common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used. The principal will review the tapes routinely. Reviews may involve discipline issues and these will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL Parents and others are welcome to visit the KG. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time visits to individual classrooms during instructional times are not permitted as that would interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment. All visitors (parents and students) are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitted.

STUDENT DROP OFF / PICK UP Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school provides supervision beginning at 7 AM. Students should not be dropped off prior to 7 AM. It is important that parents pick up their children no later than 1:15 PM.

Do’s



• Show good citizenship attitude towards one another. • Participate in all school activities. • Show positive attitude towards your studies. • Speak to your teachers, floor supervisors and administration in case of problems, accidents or inquiries. • Report a fight, accident or damage in school. • Show respect to the entire AHIS community (teachers, staff, janitors, bus drivers, bus attendants, students,

etc.). • Come to class prepared to learn. • Represent your school in the best way possible around each other and during events where people other than

the AHIS community are present. • Maintain clean bathrooms and facilities. • Take responsibility for your actions. • Respect the privacy of others. • Voice your opinion in a civilized manner.

Don’ts

• Come to school after 8:30 am. • Wear slippers or flip flips to school. • Wear expensive jewelry to school. • Eat or drink in areas that are not designated. • Wear hats in classrooms or the administration area. • Leave your books or lunch boxes unattended in hallways, playgrounds or bathrooms. • Shout or make noise in hallways when classrooms are in session. • Deface school property. • Bully each other. • Bring cellular phone, mp3 players or cameras to school as they are valuable and a distraction to your

learning process. • Chew gum. • Use bad language, racist remarks or foul jokes. • Joke physically (pushing and nudging).

Students and parents are expected to comply with the content of this handbook as it highlights the guidelines that will assist and assure the delivery of an excellent education and exceptional conduct.

KG Club! Club members will participate in fun educational activities; program meets the supervision expectations of all parent(s) who want enrichment for their child.KG Club will take place once a week and the fees are 20 BD per month; the payments must be made before the session start date.We plan clubs based on children’s interests, educator's skills and community events. These may include ‘French Club’, ‘Writers Club’, ‘Zumba Club’, ‘Reading Club’ and many other clubs.Most programs will divide children into groups based on their age.


