RUSVMPreparatorySchoolParent-StudentHandbook

St.Kitts:RUSVMPreparatorySchoolWestFarmPOBox334St.Kitts,WestIndiesPhone:869.465.4161x401-x1207orx401-1133Fax:869.465.2800Emailkrjames@rossvet.edu.kn

USAddress:RUSVMPreparatorySchool VetCampus,RossUniversity630USHighway1NorthBrunswickNewJersey08902-3311

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IntroductionThishandbookisintendedforbothnewandreturningstudentsandtheirfamilies.Theprepschoolwantstoespeciallywelcomenewparentsandstudents.Wehopethattheinformationofferedhereinwillprovideyouwithadequatedetailsabouttheprepschool,itsgoalsandobjectives,andtheoverallprogram.Althoughreturningfamiliesmayalreadybeacquaintedwithmostoftheinformationinthishandbook,somechangeshavebeenmadeandyouareaskedtoreviewit.

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TableofContentsWelcome..................................................................................................................................................................................4 BriefHistoryandOverview.............................................................................................................................................5 Mission......................................................................................................................................................................................6 Beliefs........................................................................................................................................................................................7Goals..........................................................................................................................................................................................8Strategies.................................................................................................................................................................................9 Parameters............................................................................................................................................................................10AdmissionsPolicy..............................................................................................................................................................11 EnrollmentPriorities........................................................................................................................................................12SchoolFacultyandStructure........................................................................................................................................14 ManagementTeam......................................................................................................................14 Administration..............................................................................................................................15 Teachers...........................................................................................................................................16 FacultyMembers..........................................................................................................................18 HealthServices.............................................................................................................................18 SchoolStructure...........................................................................................................................19 AcademicProgram......................................................................................................................20 ProgressReport/ReportCards..............................................................................................21 standardizedtesting...................................................................................................................22 CoreCurricula...............................................................................................................................22 Homeworkpolicies.....................................................................................................................26 ParentConferences.....................................................................................................................27ParentInformationandProcedures..........................................................................................................................28 SchoolHours,Illness,Calendar..............................................................................................29 AfterSchoolProgramAttendance,EarlyDismiss..........................................................30 Absences,Lunch...........................................................................................................................31 FieldTripsEmergencyInformation....................................................................................32 BirthdayCelebrations................................................................................................................33StudentInformationandProcedures........................................................................................................................34 CodeofConduct............................................................................................................................35 BehaviorProgram.......................................................................................................................36TechnologyGuidelines.....................................................................................................................................................37DressRegulations,LeavingCampus,Electronics/Phone................................................................................38Appendix................................................................................................................................................................................40 Calendar...........................................................................................................................................40 EnrollmentForms........................................................................................................................41 IntakeforChildreninDaycare/Preschool........................................................................42 StudentMedicalInformation..................................................................................................46 StudentreleaseForm.................................................................................................................47 ExclusionPeriodsforIllness...................................................................................................48 SchoolFieldTripPermissionSlip.........................................................................................49 DaycareandPreschoolNotes.................................................................................................50 TechnologyAgreementForm.................................................................................................51 HandbookandInternet/WebsitePostingAgreement...............................................52 AcceptableusepolicyandparentpermissionForm....................................................53 StudentSupplyLists...................................................................................................................54

RUSVMPreparatorySchoolExitSurvey............................................................................60

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Superintendent’sWelcomeDearParents,IamexcitedtowelcomeyoutothisschoolyearatRossPrep!Wehaveadedicatedandcaringstaffthatwillensurethatourstudentshaveachallengingandexcitinginstructionalprogram.Wewillcontinuetoprovideasafe,nurturingandrespectfulenvironmentwhereourstaffandstudentsworktogethertobringoutthebestineachother.AtRossPrepwetakeourroleseriouslyforcreatingpathwaystolearningthatbringouttheuniquegiftsineachofourlearners.Westrivetoengageourstudentsinacademics,drama,art,Spanish,informationtechnology,musicandphysicaleducation.Creatingastrongbondbetweenhomeandschoolwillenableallofourstudentstobesuccessful.Ibelievethatcommunicationisacrucialpartoftheschool/homepartnership.Howyoucanhelpyourchildathome:

• Talktoyourchildaboutschoolandreinforcethatsuccessinschoolisimportant.• Provideadedicatedtimeandlocationforyourchildtodohomework,andreadwiththemoften.• Ensureyourchildisontimetoschooleverydayandhasminimalabsences.• Ensureyourchildhasanutritiousbreakfastbeforeschoolandbringsahealthysnack/lunchto

school.• ReadtheParent/StudentHandbookwithyourchildtobecomefamiliarwithschoolpolicies.• Establishopencommunicationwithyourchild’steacher.• ParticipateinschoolactivitiesandthePTA.• VisittheRossPrepwebsiteoftenforupdatesandinformation.

Thisyear,aseveryyear,RossPrepcommitsitselftoprovidingtheverybesteducationalexperiencepossibletoourlearners.Ourfocusremainsoncontinuousimprovementandefficientcommunication.Pleasebeanactivepartnerandbecomeengagedinyourchild’sacademicandsocialgrowth.Workingtogetherwecannotfail!Haveameaningfulandproductiveschoolyear!

Sincerely,

KristaL.James

Superintendent,RUSVMPreparatorySchool

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BriefHistoryandOverviewoftheRUSVMPrepSchoolTheRUSVMPrepSchoolislocatedonthecampusoftheRossUniversitySchoolofVeterinaryMedicinenearWestFarmontheCaribbeanislandofSt.Kitts.Theprepschoolwasfoundedin2000inresponsetotheneedforfacultyofRUSVMtohaveaschoolwithanAmericancurriculumfortheirchildren.ThefirstyearsevenstudentsmetwithateacherintheFacultyLoungewhileathree-roombuildingwasbeingconstructed.Uponmovingintothenewbuilding,childrenweredividedbetweenthethreeroomswithdaycarethroughkindergarteninoneroom,grades1-4inanotherandgrades5-8inanother.Teacherswerepaid$5.00perhourandtherewasnosetcurriculum.Morestudentsregistered,moreteacherswerehired,andmoreroomswereassignedtotheprepschooltohousethegrowingstudentbody.Duringthe2005-2006schoolyearthereweresomanystudentsingrades6-8thatwecreatedamiddleschoolinwhatwasoncethevetschool’sFacultyMediaCenter.Wehiredtwoteachersforthemiddleschool,onetoteachmathandscienceandonetoteachlanguageartsandsocialstudies.Atthattimewealsoaskedtheshopcrewforthevetschooltomoveoutoftheirspacesowecouldconvertittoahighschoolforstudentswhowereenrolledinaccreditedonlineprograms.Inthesummerof2007,weconvertedoneofthemiddleschoolroomsintoalibraryinordertogetthelibrarybooksandshelvesoutofthefirstandsecondgraderoomwherewehadanexpandingstudentbodyandneedformorespace.Astheneedformorespaceincreased,wethenmovedintothevetschoolstaffloungetocreateaspecificdaycarearea.InJanuary2009anewfacilitywascompletedtohousetheprepschoolandwemovedintoourcurrentbuildingmidwaybetweenthemaincampusandthestudentresidences.AdministrationworkedcloselywithprofessionalsfromtheCarolMorganSchoolinSantoDomingotodevelopastateoftheartcurriculumandlibrarysystem.Curriculumspecialists,JudiFentonandMaryLane,camemultipletimestodoin-serviceswiththeteachersandassistindevelopingthecurriculumandstandardsforallsubjectsandgradelevels.CMSLibrarian,LauraTalonesetupthelibraryandtrainedpersonneltokeepthingsmovingsmoothly.Themovewasmadetostandardsbasedgrading,usingaWebGraderprogram,andallteachersweretrainedtousethesystem.IowaTestsofBasicSkills(ITBS)wasusedforstandardizedtestingtomeasurestudentachievementforfiveyearsbeforemovingtoMeasuresofAcademicProgress(MAP).ThestudentswhohavereturnedtotheUSandEnglandhavedoneexceptionallywellacademicallyandsocially.ThestudentpopulationissomewhattransientinthatmanyofthestudentsarechildrenofveterinarymedicinestudentswhoareontheislandforjustovertwoyearsbeforereturningtotheUSfortheirclinicalyear.Newvetstudentsarriveandleavethreetimesayear(January,May,September)consequentlytheprepschoollosesandgainsstudentsatthosetimes.Thecurrentenrollmentisabout70studentswithmorethantwo-dozenethnicities.ThisincludeschildrenofRossUniversitySchoolofVeterinaryMedicinefaculty,students,andstaff,andchildrenfromvariousentitiesoftheSt.Kittsexpatriatecommunity.TeachersholdcurrentUScredentialscertifyingthemtoteachthegradelevelstowhichtheyareassigned.Theyincludespousesofthevetschool,directhiresthroughtheInternationalSchoolsServices,andmembersofthecommunity.Acalendarisdevelopedforeachschoolyearwith170academicdays.SchoolisheldonUSandKittitianholidaysexceptforSt.KittsIndependenceDay(September19).OntheAmericanThanksgiving,studentscook,settables,andserveahugeThanksgivinglunchfortheirfamiliesandinvitedguests.Attheendofthe170academicdays,SummerCampbeginsandcontinuesthroughtheendofthesummer.SummerCampisoptionalandparentsmaychoosetheweeksthattheirchildrenwillattend.RUSVMPrepSchoolhasbeenaproudpartnerofthechildrenandfamiliesofRossUniversitySchoolofVeterinaryMedicinefor12years.Welookforwardtocontinuethisstrongtraditionformanymore.

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RUSVMPreparatorySchoolEducatingStudentsforaBetterFuture

OurMission:“TheRossUniversitySchoolofVeterinaryMedicine(RUSVM)PreparatorySchoolprovidesanenrichedUScurriculumforchildrenoffacultyandstudentsofRUSVM,taughtbyhighly-qualifiedanddedicatedteacherswhomotivateandinspireallstudentstocontinuousinquiry,providingthemwiththeskills,courage,optimism,andintegritytopursuetheirdreamsandenhancethelivesofothers.”

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OurBeliefs:Webelievethat...• Allindividualshaveequalintrinsicworth.• Allindividualswillberespectfulandresponsiblefortheiractions.• Ourdiversitypromotesfairnessandcompassion.• Ourparents,students,andteacherssharetheresponsibilityforeducation,understandingthat successbuildsself-esteem,whichmotivatesfurthersuccess.• Theschoolclimateencourageshonesty,consistency,andperseverance.• Weallshareresponsibilityforourglobalcommunityandenvironment.

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OurGoals:• Provideawell-roundedprogramofinstructionusingthebesteducationalpractices appropriatetothecultural,intellectual,andsocialneedsofourstudents.• Provideeducationalresourcesforasafe,challenging,tolerant,andsupportiveenvironmentin whichstudentsareencouragedtoactivelyparticipate.• Fosterasenseofindependentthinking,self-discipline,skillfulcommunication,andself- reliance.• Orientstudentstotheworldoftechnologyandmedia,developingfamiliarity,competence, andawarenessofthetoolstheywillutilizeastheycontinuetheirlearningprocess.• ProvideopportunitiesforfamiliesandfriendsofRUSVMPrepSchooltostrengthen communitybondsthrougharangeofinclusiveactivitiesandprograms.• Haveallofourstudentschoosetodemonstratesocialresponsibilitythroughactive involvementinservingthecommunity.

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OurStrategies:

• Strategy1–PhilosophyandMission• “Wewillensuretheexistenceofanupdatedmissionstatementsupportedbyalistofcorevalues

andbeliefsthatreflecttheschoolcommunityweserve.”

• Strategy2–GovernanceandLeadership• “Wewillensurethatgovernanceandleadershipsupportaschoolenvironmentwhereteaching

andlearningwillthrive.”

• Strategy3–SchoolImprovementPlanning• “Wewillensurethatschoolimprovementplanningisacollaborativeeffortcloselyalignedwith

school’smissionandoperationalpriorities.”

• Strategy4-Finances• “Wewillinsistthatfinancialresourcesandsoundbusinesspracticespromoteconfidencein• allsectorsofschooloperations.”

• Strategy5–Facilities• “Wewillensurethatschoolfacilitiesandtheschool’sphysicalenvironmentmeetthehigh

standardsrequiredtosupportaqualityschoolprogram.”

• Strategy6–SchoolClimateandOrganizations• “Wewillensurethatallschoolpersonnelunderstandandarecommittedtotheschoolscore

values(beliefs)andwillconsistentlymodelbehaviorthatdemonstratesthatcommitment.”

• Strategy7–HealthandSafety• “Wewillensurethatupdatedpoliciesandproceduressupporttheschool’scommitmentin

providingahealthyandsafeleaningenvironment.”

• Strategy8–EducationalProgram• “Wewillprovideanupdated,writtencurriculumthatwillreflectwhatisunderstoodabout

research-basedinstructionandlearningtheoryandthatisunderstoodandcommunicatedtothewidestaudiencethatincludesparents,etc.”

• Strategy9–AssessingStudentLearning• “Wewillensurethatallstudentlearningissupportedbyassessmentevidenceandprogressively

measured.”

• Strategy10–StudentServices• “Wewillensurethatwrittenpoliciesandprocedurescommunicatetheschool’scommitmentto

providestudentservicesthatareageanddevelopmentallyappropriate.”

• Strategy11–StudentLifeandStudentActivities• “Wewillensurethatabalanced,age-appropriate,properlyfundedactivitiesprogrambeinplace

andsupportedbyleadership,teachersandparents.”

• Strategy12–InformationResourcesandTechnology• “Wewillensureandsustainaforward-thinkinginformationresourceprogram,includingmaking

availablethetechnologytosupportthatprogram.”

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OurParameters:

• Wewillacceptnonewprogramorserviceunless:1. Itisconsistentwiththeschool’splan;2. Itsbenefitsclearlyjustifycosts;3. Itincludesprovisionsforstaffdevelopmentandprogramevaluation;4. Ithassufficientfundsforeffectiveimplementation.

• Wewillretainnoprogramorserviceunless:

1. Itsbenefitscontinuetojustifycosts;2. Itmakesanoptimalcontributiontoachievingmission.

• Wewillalwaysinsistonahighstandardofperformancebyfaculty,staff,andstudents.

• Wewillnottolerateanybehaviorthatdiminishesthedignityorself-worthofanyindividualor

group.

• Wewillmanagetheschoolconsistentwithrequirements.

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AdmissionsPolicy

AdmissionsPolicy,Procedures,andEntranceRequirementsPotentialparentsmaymeetwiththesuperintendenttotourtheschoolandhavetheirquestionsanswerediftheyareonisland.TheParent-StudentHandbookisonlineoritcanbeemaileduponrequest.Theadmissionsprocessiscompleteonlywhentheapplicationandalltherequireddocumentshavebeenprovidedtotheschool.Thefollowingmustbereceivedforeachapplicant:• Completedapplication• Copyoffirsttwopagesofpassport• Copyofbirthcertificate• Officialschoolrecordsfrompreviousyears(ifapplicable)• Completedmedicalform• CopyofImmunizationrecord• Studentreleaseform• SignedstatementfromparentsandstudentsthattheyhavereadthecurrentParent-StudentHandbook

• MapofdirectionstofamilyhomeinSt.Kitts• TechnologyAgreementForm(Gr.5andup)• AcceptusePolicy+ParentPermissionForm(PreKandup)

AgePolicyAnagepolicyisessentialinordertoensurethatstudentswhoentereachgradearephysically,mentally,socially,andemotionallyprepared.ItalsoensurestheywillbeintheappropriategradelevelwhentheytransfertoanotherAmericanorinternationalschool.AstudentfromadulyaccreditedschoolwithaUScurriculumwillbeplacedinthegradedeemedappropriatebythatstudent’sschoolrecords.Theagepolicyiseffectivewhenthereisaquestionastoplacementfornewstudents.Level AgeDaycareBirthto18monthspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearPreschool 18monthsto2yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearPreschool2 3yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearPre-Kindergarten 4yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearKindergarten 5yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeOne 6yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeTwo 7yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeThree 8yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeFour 9yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeFive 10yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeSix 11yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeSeven 12yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearGradeEight 13yearspriortoSeptember30ofthatschoolyearThesuperintendentmayusediscretionwhenreviewingindividualcasesinregardtoadmissionsandgradelevelplacement.

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EnrollmentPrioritiesEnrollmentwillbelimitedattheprepschoolbasedonclasssize,spaceandpersonnel.

Prioritywillbegiventostudentsasdescribedbelow.

Daycare/Preschool/Pre-KindergartenPriorityI AllchildrenandlegaldependentsoffacultyandstudentsofRossUniversityinone-parentfamiliesorwhenbothparentsareRossvetstudentsorfacultymemberswillbeaccepted.

PriorityII ChildrenandlegaldependentsoffacultyandstudentsofRossUniversityintwo-parentfamilieswhereoneparentisnotastudentorfacultymemberatRoss.

PriorityIII ChildrenandlegaldependentsofstaffmembersofRossUniversity,aslongastheyhaveaforeignpassportandprovidingtheiracceptancewouldenhancetheoverallschoolenvironment.

PriorityIVOtherchildrenasdeterminedbythesuperintendent.KindergartenthroughGrade8andonlineHSstudentsPriorityI AllchildrenandlegaldependentsoffacultyandstudentsofRossUniversitywillbeacceptedprovidingthechilddoesnothavechallengesthatcannotbemetattheprepschool.Thesuperintendentwillmakethefinaldecision.

PriorityII ChildrenandlegaldependentsofstaffmembersofRossUniversitywillbeconsideredaslongastheyhaveaforeignpassportandprovidingtheiracceptancewouldenhancetheoverallschoolenvironment.

PriorityIII ChildrennotconnectedtoRossUniversitywhocansatisfactorilydemonstratetheneedforaUScurriculum.DocumentationcouldincluderecordsshowingthestudenthascomefromanAmericanSchooland/orinformationstatingtheywillbetransferringtoaschoolwithaNorthAmericancurriculum.Acceptanceistotallyatthediscretionofthesuperintendentandwillbedependentuponspace,teachers,gradelevel,welfareofthestudentpopulation,andanyotherfactorsdeemedappropriate.Siblingsofcurrentlyenrolledstudentswillbeconsideredfirstwithinthiscategory.Newapplicantstransferringfromarecognizedinternationalschoolwillhavethenextprioritywithinthiscategory.

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ClassSizeEveryeffortismadetokeepclasssizesreasonablewithnomorethan16childrenperclass.WaitListWhenagradelevelisfilled,awaitlistisestablished.Asvacanciesoccur,studentsareplacedinclassesaccordingtothepriorityconsiderationslistedabove.Whenspacelimitationsindicatethattherearemorecandidatesinanyonecategorymentionedabovethanspacesavailable,thenadmissionswillbebasedonafirstcome,firstservebasis.Thedatetheoriginalapplicationwasreceivedwillbeused.Beingonawaitlistisnotaguaranteeofacceptance.PlacementTestStudentsingrades1-8comingfromaccreditedUSschoolsorotherrecognizedAmericancurriculumschoolswillbeadmittedbaseduponofficialrecordsfromthepreviousschoolwhichshowthestudenthasbeensucceedingatorabovegradelevel.RUSVMPrepSchoolwillgenerallyhonorthegradeplacementoftheseschools.Entranceexamsmayberequiredifthepreviousgraderesultsaremarginal.Applicantsmayberequiredtocompleteplacementtests.Theplacementtestsincludeassessmentinmathematics,writtenexpression,andreading.Studentsareexpectedtoscoreatorabovegradelevelinalloftheaboveareasinordertobegrantedregularadmission.Insomeinstancesachildmaybeadmittedonaprovisionalstatus.Aspartoftheadmissionsprocess,aninterviewwiththestudentandparentswillbeconductedandrecordsfromthepreviousschoolwillbereviewed.Achildwillbedeniedadmissionifheorshehasaspecificlearningorbehavioraldisabilitythatcannotbeadequatelyaddressedbytheschool.Decisionsaremadeatthediscretionofthesuperintendent.StudentswithSpecialNeedsOnlystudentswhohavebeenidentifiedashavingamildlearningdisability,and/orchildrenidentifiedashavingADHDwhoareonasuccessfulmodificationplanorunderthecareofaphysician(ifprescribedmedication),areeligibleforplacementintheschool.Theschooldoesnothavetheresourcestosuccessfullyadministeraprogramforchildrenwithmoreseriousdisabilities.Decisionsaremadeatthediscretionofthesuperintendent.Studentswhoareadmittedtotheprepschoolwithspecialneedsorwithacademicdelaysarerequiredtohaveapsycho-educationalassessmentonfile,conductedbyalicensedschoolpsychologistwithinthelasttwoyears.Oncetheassessmentresultsarereceived,adeterminationwillbemadeastowhetherornotthechildcanbeservedintheprogram.EnglishLanguageLearners(ELL)ChildrenwillbeadmittedwithnopriorknowledgeofEnglishaslongasitisdeterminedtheywillbesuccessfulintheprogram.ThestandardsbasedgradingsystemwillbeusedforthesestudentsaswithEnglishspeakers,thusanumberofstandardswillnotbemetinitiallybythenon-Englishspeaker.ChildrenhavebecomehighlysuccessfulinEnglishastheresultofthesmallclasssizesandthetotalimmersionintoanEnglishspeakingenvironment.Thehigherthegradelevel,themoredifficultitmaybefornon-Englishspeakingstudentstomeettheschoolstandardsprovidedattheprepschool.

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SchoolFacultyandStructureManagementTeamTheManagementTeamsetspolicyfortheschool.Itconsistsofthesuperintendent,thevetschoolaccountant,oneparentwhoisaRUSVMstudentorspouse,oneparentwhoisaRUSVMfaculty,staffmemberorspouse,andoneotherparent.Thetermofserviceisoneyear.Eachvetschoolsemester(threetimesayear),anewappointeereplacesamemberwhosetermisending.Thisprovidescontinuityasonememberleavesandanewonejoins.Whenavacancyoccurswithinaspecificterm,anewindividualwillbeappointedtofinishthatterm.Thatmembermayormaynotbeappointedtoasubsequentterm.TheTeammeetsatleastonceasemester.

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Administration:Asuperintendentwhoisresponsiblefortheorganization,operation,andoverallmanagementofthetotalschoolprogramadministerstheschool.Thereisalsoanassistanttothesuperintendent,aheadteacher,adirectorofthedaycare/preschool,andanexecutiveassistant.

ProfileofaRUSVMPrepSchoolAdministratorARUSVMPrepSchoolAdministrator:

• Isaknowledgeableandwell-informedprofessionaleducationalleader.

• Supportsandenhancesthephilosophy,vision,beliefs,values,andmissionofourschool.

• Respectsandsupportstheprepschool’srichculturaldiversity.

• Isareflectiveandcontinuouslearnerwhodemonstratesapassionforlearning.

• Supportsteachingmodelsthatareadoptedschool-wide.

• Understandstheschool’spoliciesandworkstomanagefiscalresourceswell.

• Isaninstructionalleaderwhofacilitatesaprogramwithhighacademicstandardsandclearly definedlearninggoals.

• Isateamplayerandsharesresponsibilityandleadershipforaccomplishingthegoalsand

prioritiesoftheRUSVMPrepSchool.

• SupportsandenhancestheRUSVMPrepSchoolStudent,Teacher,andParentProfiles.

• Encouragesdifferentiatedteachingstrategiesforthediversestudentpopulation.

• Activelyevaluatesandsupervisesstaffandprograms.

• Facilitatesthedesignofactionplansforimprovement.

• Maintainsappropriatestandardsofbehavior,mutualrespect,andsafetyoncampusandatall schoolrelatedactivities.

• Isvisibleandavailable.

• Takesresponsibilityforkeepingstudents,faculty,andcommunitywell-informed.

• Makeswell-informedandappropriatedecisions.

• Isagoodlistenerandeffectiveproblemsolver.

• Seekstomakeworkmeaningfulandachievable

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Teachers:Theprepschoolemploysapproximately18fullandparttimeteachersandteacherassistants.TeachersingradesK-8areUScertifiedandhavecomewithabroadvarietyofprofessionalexperiences.TeachershavebeentrainedinTRIBESandincorporateTRIBESactivitiesintotheirclassrooms.TheyhavealsobeentrainedtoadministertheMeasuresofAcademicProgress(MAP).

ProfileofaRUSVMPrepSchoolTeacherARUSVMPrepSchoolTeacher:• Activelyworkstobeanaccomplishedteacher.• Isuptodateregardingcurriculumcontent.• Supportsandparticipatesincurriculumdevelopment.• Usesavarietyofteachingmethods,techniques,andstrategiescreatinganenvironmentthatispositiveforstudentlearningandinvolvement.• Monitorsstudents’understandingofthecurriculumandadjustsinstruction,materials,orassessmentstomeetdevelopmentalandacademicneedsofdiverselearners.• Planseffectiveandvariedassessmentofstudentlearningandkeepsaccuraterecordsofstudentprogress.• Demonstratescompetenceinusingtechnology.• Maintainsappropriatestandardsofbehavior,mutualrespect,andsafetybothinandoutoftheclassroom.• Encouragescriticalthinkingandproblemsolvingthroughprompts,questioning,andapplication.• Evaluates,triesinnovativeapproaches,andrefinesinstructionalstrategiestoincreasestudentlearningandconfidencetolearn.• Communicateslearninggoals,highstandards,andexpectationsofqualitytostudents.• Promotesconfidenceandperseveranceinthestudentthatstimulateincreasedpersonalstudentresponsibilityforachievingthegoalsofthecurriculum.• Demonstratesappreciationforandsensitivitytodiversityamongindividualsanddifferentiatesforstudentswithspecialneeds.• IsateamplayerandsharesresponsibilityforaccomplishingthegoalsandprioritiesoftheRUSVMPrepSchool.• Isareflectiveandcontinuouslearner.

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• Contributestotheschoolcommunityinatleastoneformalwaybeyondtheclassroomthatdoesnotincludeastipend.• Takesresponsibilityforreadingandrespondinginatimelymannertoinformationdistributedbytheadministration.• Communicateswithcolleaguestoexploreconnectionsandensurethatthereisconsistencyinthewaythecurriculumistaught.• Isconstructiveandcooperativeininteractionswithadministrator,teachers,parents,andstudents,andisreceptivetotheircontributions.• Demonstratesapositiveattitude,flexibility,andenthusiasmforsubjectstaught.• Activelyworkstoplanclasstimetomaximizelearningandenjoyment.• PromotescommunityservicewithinandbeyondtheRosscommunity.SupportStaffThevetschoolsuppliesaccounting,IT,security,housekeeping,purchasing,andgroundsandfacilitiesmaintenanceservicesfortheprepschool.

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0BHealth Services RUSVMhasnursesoncampusfrom7:30amto3:00pmeachdayandservicesareprovidedforprepschoolstudents.Afirst-aidkitisintheschoolandtakenonfieldtrips.Ifmedicalattentionisrequired,everyeffortismadetonotifyparentsandthestudentistakentothenurse.Ifparentsareoffislandornotavailable,awrittendocumentmustbeprovidedtonameaguardianwhomayauthorizeemergencymedicalcareifrequired.

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SchoolStructure:Daycare/PreschoolAfulldaydaycare/preschoolisscheduledforvetstudentsandfacultywhoneedasafeandsecureenvironmentfortheirbabiesandtoddlerswhiletheyareinclassesandlabs.ChildrenotherthanthosefromtheRUSVMcommunityaregenerallynotacceptedatthedaycare/preschoollevel.Childrenmaybedroppedoffat7:30amandpickedupat3:10pm.Inpreschool,emphasisisonvisualmotorskillsandsocialdevelopment.Childrenareexposedtonumerousappropriatereadinessskillstopreparethemfortheacademicsthatwillfollow.Theyspendtimeonprojectsandactivitiesinsidetheclassroomandoutintheplayarea.Pre-Kindergarten&KindergartenEmphasisatthislevelisonreadingreadinessskills,handsonmath,andsocialskillsdevelopment.Thereisanadagethatonelearnseverythingoneneedstoknowinkindergartenandtheprepschoolprogramdefinitelyprepareschildrenforlife.ElementarySchoolTheelementaryschoolconsistsofgradesonethroughsix.Classesareself-containedwithaclassroomteacherorteachers.Specialiststeachart,music,healthandfitness,library,andtechnology.TheFourBlocksapproachisusedtoteachLanguageArts,whileEverydayMathisusedforteachingmath.MiddleSchoolThemiddleschoolincludesgradessevenandeight.Inadditiontocoresubjectteachers,therearespecialistsforart,music,healthandfitness,library,andtechnology.Middleschoolstudentsareheavilyinvolvedincommunityserviceprojects.HighSchoolAhighschoolprogramisnotoffered.However,whenastudentneedsaUShighschooleducation,parentsmayselectandfundanonlineprogramfromanaccreditedschoolintheUSandtheirstudentsareallowedtoattendtheprepschool.Studentsfollowtheguidelinesoftheschoolandparticipateinthevariousactivitiesthatareappropriateforthem.

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AcademicProgram:TheacademicprogramattheRUSVMPrepSchool,basedonanenrichedUnitedStatescurriculum,isdesignedtodevelopastudent’sawarenessoftheinternationalenvironmentinwhichtheylive.Theacademicyearisdividedintothreesemesters.CourseofStudyTeachersuseandfollowtheguidelinesprovidedforthecurriculuminthepreparationoftheirwrittenlessonplans.Therearespecificstandardslistedforeachsubjectandgradelevel,andthegradingsystemisbasedonthesestandards.FourThemesforaGlobalCurriculumFrameworkParents,educators,andbusinessleadersworldwidewereaskedtogivefeedbackabouttheabilitiestheybelievedyoungpeoplegraduatingfromhighschoolshouldpossess.Ideally,theyagreedgraduateswouldbe:• Criticalthinkersandproblemsolvers• Responsible,productivecitizens• Self-directedlearners• EffectivecommunicatorsBecauseoftheimportanceoftheseglobalthemestoallareasoflearning,theRUSVMPrepSchoolhaspurposelywovenelementsofthefourthemesintothemission,goals,standards,andbenchmarksofthecurricula.StudentAssessmentStandardsbasedgradingisutilizedbytheRUSVMPrepSchool.Standardsareclearlystatedforeachsubjectateachgradelevel.Studentsareassignedanumberthatindicateswheretheyareinmeetingeachstandardasfollows:1=BelowStandard(acceptableatthebeginningoftheyear)2=ApproachesStandard(expectedduringtheacademicschoolyear)3=MeetsStandard(thegoalforallstudentsattheendoftheyear)4=ExceedsStandards(usedinrareinstanceswhenastudentdemonstratesabilitysignificantlybeyondthestatedstandard)Standardsarestatedforeachspecificgradelevel.Studentsareexpectedtomeetthesestandardsbytheendoftheschoolyear.Therefore,studentsareexpectedtogetonesandtwosinthebeginningoftheschoolyearandthreesbytheendoftheyear.Foursaregivenonlywhenstudentshavesurpassedthestandardandarerarelygiven.Throughtheuseofassessmentandevaluation,teachersareabletomonitorstudentprogress,identifyandmeetindividualstudentneeds,andenhanceinstructionintheclassroom.Assessmentandevaluationaredefinedasfollows:• Assessmentdeterminesstudentknowledgeorlearningprogressatonespecifictime.• Evaluationassignsaranking,grade,orscoretostudentlearning.Itisimportantforteacherstoengageinongoingassessmentoftheirteachingmethodsandofstudentlearning.Specifically,theyendeavorto:

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• Usemultipleteachingmethodsandsystematicallygatherdataaboutstudentunderstandingandability.

• Analyzeassessmentdatatoguideteaching.

• Guidestudentsinself-assessment.

• Usestudentdata,observationsofteaching,andinteractionswithcolleaguestoreflectonandimproveteachingpractice.

• Usestudentdata,observationsofteaching,andinteractionswithcolleaguestoreportstudentachievementandlearningopportunitiesforstudents,teachers,parents,policymakersandthegeneralpublic.

Assessmentwillbeconsistentwithgoals.• Assessmenttaskswillbeauthenticandvalid.

• Assessmentswillbefair.Theywillassessonlywhathasbeentaughtintheprogram.

• Assessmentswillbeweightedaccordingtotheimportanceofthelearningoutcomesbeingassessed.Large-scaleassessmentwillbestatisticallysound.

• Theinferencesmadefromassessmentsaboutstudentachievementandopportunitytolearnwillbesound.Datawillbeusedtomakeinstructionaldecisions.

ProgressReportsAtanytimeduringtheschoolyear,ifastudent’sprogressisnotsatisfactory,theteacherwillcontacttheparentsandaskthemtocomeintoworktogethertodevelopaplanofactionthatwillpromotesuccessforthestudent.ReportCardsRUSVMusesawebbasedreportingsystemwithstandardsbasedgrading.ReportcardsareissuedattheendofeachtrimesterTeacherskeepaccuraterecordstosupportthegradesgiventotheirstudents.Parentsarerequestedtosignthereportcardsandreturnthemwithinthreedays.Althoughwedoourbesttoaccommodateparents,unlessthereisanemergencyorspecialcircumstance,ourpolicyisthatreportcardswillnotbeissuedbeforethelastdayofschoolforthesereasons:• Ouracademicprogramcontinuesthroughthelastdayoftheschoolyear.• Oursystemissetuptofinishclassesandturngradesinataspecifictimeeachtrimester.

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StandardizedTestingStandardizedtestingisdoneseveraltimeseachyearforstudentsingrades3-8.TheMeasuresofAcademicProgress(MAP)iscurrentlyused.Parentsmaymeetwiththesuperintendenttoreviewtheresults.EverydayMathematicsEverydayMathematicsisacomprehensivepre-kindergartenthrough6thgrademathematicscurriculumdevelopedbytheUniversityofChicagoSchoolMathematicsProject.CoreCurriculaLanguageArtsReading,writing,speaking,andlisteningremainthecornerstonesofelementaryinstructionandanecessaryrequisiteinmiddleschoolforallsubjects.Theimportanceofthelanguageartsforschoolandworksuccesshasmadethisareaoneofthemostresearched,andoftenoneofthemostcontroversial,ofalldisciplines.Recently,withtheglobaleconomydemandinghighlevelsofliteracy,publicattentionhasbeensharplyfocusedoneducation,inparticularlanguageartsinstruction.RUSVMPrepSchoolemphasizestheinterrelatednessofallformsofcommunicationandtheimportanceoftheprocessesinvolved.Ithasadoptedanintegratedlanguageartsinstructionalprogramwiththefollowingparameters:

• Readingandwritingmustbetaughttogether.• Reading,writing,speaking,andlisteningmustbeintegrated.• Studentsshouldwriteforavarietyofpurposesandaudiences.• Thewritingprocessshouldincludepre-writing,drafting,revising,andediting.

MathematicsTheprepschool’smathematicscurriculumisgroundedinthephilosophyoflearningdescribedbelow.

1. Thereisamathematicianwithineachofus.• Thismathematiciancanbeaccessed.• Studentsshouldexperiencemathematicsinawaythatisbothunderstandableand challenging.• Allstudentsshouldlearntorecognize,respect,andnurturethemathematicianwithinthem.2. Experiencewithmodelsformathconceptshelpsusunderstand,invent,andrememberimportantmathideas.

• Throughtheuseofmanipulativematerials,models,sketchesanddiagrams,studentsdevelopanunderstandingofmathematicalconceptsandprocesses.Thiscreatesmeaningfulmentalimagesthathelpthemretainandrecallinformation.

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3. Learningmathematicsisasocialactivity.• Theprocessofexamininganddiscussingourthoughtscanrevealcontradictions,insights, inconsistencies,andconnectionsthatmightotherwisegounnoticed.

• Welearnwhenwequestion,explain,andlistentoideas.• Mathdiscussionscanbefascinating,instructive,revealthevarietyofwaysinwhicha mathematicalsituationcanbeapproached,andbroadentheunderstandingofthoseengaged indiscussion.

4. Learningmathematicsisanongoingprocessofknowledgeconstruction.• Weconstructnewunderstandingeachtimeweconsideranideafromadifferentpointof view.

• Thecyclicalstructureofthecurriculum,inwhichideasresurfaceregularlyinnewcontexts,is basedonaconstructivistviewoflearning.

• Theimportanceofcontinuallylookingfornewperspectivesisemphasizedalongwith “mastery”ofanyoneideaandmemorizationofprocedures.

5. Disequilibriumstimulatesnewlearning.• Wedevelopdeepandbroadknowledgewhenweallowtimeforconfusiontobeprocessed.• Concreteexperiences,socialinteractions,andreflectionprovidethestudentwith perspectivesthatmaycontradicttheirpresentpointsofview.

• Learningoccursasaresultofthestudents’effortstoreformulatetheirconceptions.Itis importantthatstudentsviewtheirstruggleswithproblemsasevidencethatlearningis“in progress.”

6. Mathematicsisafascinatingworldofitsown.• Theworldofmathematicsprovidesarichandengagingcontextfordevelopingan understandingofwhatitmeanstothinkmathematically–tograpplewithdifficultproblems, toquestionandchallengeideas,andtoconjectureandgeneralizeaboutrelationships.

• Asstudentsexploretheworldofmathematics,theybuildconfidenceinthemselvesand developasenseofthepowerandbeautyofmathematics.

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ScienceScienceistaughtusingahands-ondiscoveryandevaluationapproachthroughclassroomdiscussionsandtheconductionofexperimentswheneverpossible.TheRUSVMPrepSchoolscienceprogramisgroundedinthephilosophyoflearningdescribedbelow:

1. Scienceisforallstudents.• Allstudentsshouldhavetheopportunitytoattainhighlevelsofscientificliteracy.• Allstudentscanachieveanunderstandingofscience.

2. Learningscienceisanactiveprocess.• Learningscienceispersonalandsocial.• Hands-onactivitiesarenotenough–studentsalsomusthave“minds-on”experiencestoexploreopen-endedquestions.• Inlearningscience,studentsmustdescribeobjectsandevents,askquestions,acquireknowledge,constructexplanationsofnaturalphenomena,testthoseexplanations,andcommunicatetheirideastoothers.

3. Lesscontentismore.• Thesuccessofascienceprogramisnotdeterminedbyhowmuchcontentcanbecoveredbystudentsinagivenyearorbythememorizationofscientifictermsorfacts.• Itisbetterthatstudentsexperienceafewconceptsandprinciplesandtheirapplicationsin-depthwiththegoalofstudentsinternalizingandapplyingthemthroughouttheirlives.

4. Thepredominantobjectiveofourscienceprogramistopresentstudentswiththewonderofscienceandjoyofexplorationthroughinquiry.Toacquireknowledgeinthedifferentsciences,includinghealth,studentsexperiencethefollowingprocessskills:• Observing• Collecting,measuring,andclassifyingdata• Experimentingandmakingmodels• Predicting,interpretingandinferring• Identifyingandcontrollingvariables• Recognizingspaceandtimerelationships• Communicatingresults

Finally,weparticularlystrivetofosterstudents’understandingandappreciationofthenaturalworldbyintegratingsciencewithotherfieldsofstudy.

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SocialStudiesThegoalofthesocialstudiesprogramatRUSVMPrepSchoolistopreparestudentstodemonstrateresponsibilityandleadershipascitizensofaglobalsociety.Inadditiontoastudyofhistoryandgeography,weendeavortoimparttoourstudentsknowledgeof:

• Cultures• Governments• Socialsystems• Politicalsystems• Economicsystems• Comparativereligions

Wheneverpossible,wefocusuponourhostcountryandtheWestIndiesregion.TechnologyMaccomputersareutilizedattheRUSVMPrepSchool.Studentsworkwithcomputersthroughouttheschoolyearinaprogramthatincludesuseoftheoperatingsystem,keyboarding,subjectbasedsoftware,wordprocessing,andpublishingsoftware.Teachersutilizecomputerswithintheirclassrooms.LibraryScienceDuringthelibraryperiod,variousbooksarediscussedandcheckedouttothestudents.Studentsarepresentedwithastorytimefeaturingbooksfromthelibraryshelves.Studentsfrequentlyworkonspecialprojects,whichcorrelatewithregularclassroomunitsofstudyandlearnhowtousethelibraryeffectively,developanappreciationofliterature,andconductresearchinconjunctionwithacademicclasses.MusicInmusicclass,studentssing,playpercussion,andparticipateinavarietyofactivitiestodevelopandstrengthenmusicalskills.Studentsaregiventheopportunitytoexperiencemusicoftodayandyesterday.Throughthis,theylearntoappreciatedifferenttypesofmusic,andtoenjoythemusicofothercultures.ArtStudentsareencouragedtoexpressthemselvesthroughtheirartworkastheyuseavarietyofartmedia.Studentsareinstructedinartappreciationandarthistoryaspartofthetotalartprogram.Theartteacherdesignstheprogramtocoincidewithcurrentactivitiesincoresubjectsateachgradelevel.HealthandFitnessThegoalofthehealthandfitnessprogramistocreatehealthy,physicallyeducatedindividualswhoareintrinsicallymotivatedtobeinvolvedinhealthenhancingdecisionsandphysicalactivitythroughtheirlifetime.

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PhysicalEducationDressStudentswhocometoclasswithouttheappropriateclothingwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateintheactivitiesplannedfortheclassthatdayandwillreceiveazerofortheday.Repeatedexampleswillresultinareducedgrade.Grades5-8mustwearthefollowing:

• Shortsorsweatpantswithelasticordrawstringwaistbands• Teeshirts• Good,sturdysportsshoes

HomeworkPolicyHomeworkattheprepschoolwillnotbe“busywork”innature.Itwillreflectinstructionofthatparticulardayorterm.Directionsforhomeworkwillbeclearlyspelledoutandparentswillknowwhatisexpected.Familiescanplanthebesttimeforgettingtheworkdoneandstillhavetimetoparticipateinfamilyoutings,routinesandactivities.

Homeworkassignmentsmayinclude:weeklyassignments;longrangeprojects(suchasbookreportsorresearchpapers);drill(assigneddailyorasneeded);absencemake-upwork;reviewstudy(oftenfollowedbyatest);andstudyingfortests.

Homeworkvariesfromgradeleveltogradelevel.Followingareguidelinesfortheamountoftimeitisexpectedthatstudentsshouldspendontheirhomework.Ifyourchildisspendingasignificantlydifferentamountoftimeonhomeworkthanwhatislisted,letusknowandtherequirementsmaybeevaluated.Ifyoubelieveyourchildshouldbedoingmorehomeworkthanisbeingassigned,wewillbehappytoworkwithyoutodevelopwaysyourchildcanenhancethehomeworkexperienceinapositiveway.

Grade HomeworkperDayK-Grade1 (20minutes)Parentsshouldreadwiththeirchildreneachdayandtalktothemabout schoolandlearning.Grade2 (30minutes)Amaximumof10minutesof“homework”maybesenthometoaugment the20minutesparentsarereadingwiththeirchildren.Grade3 (35minutes)Amaximumof15minutesof“homework”maybesenthometoaugment the20minutesparentsarereadingwiththeirchildren.Grade4 (40minutes)Amaximumof20minutesof“homework”maybesenthometoaugment the20minutesparentsarereadingwiththeirchildren.Grade5 (45minutes)Grade6 (50minutes) Grades7-8 (60minutes)

ReadingResearchshowsthatthereisastrongcorrelationwiththeloveofreadingandsuccessinschoolthroughoutelementaryschool,middleschool,highschool,andcollegeanduniversity.Readingencouragespositivesocialskillsandfewerproblemswithdelinquency,drugabuse,andothersignificantbehavioralandsocial-emotionaldifficulties.Consideringthis,strongemphasiswillbeplacedon“readingforfun”attheprepschool.Parentswillbeaskedtotakepartinavarietyofreadingemphasisstrategies.

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ParentConferencesParentsarewelcomeattheRUSVMPrepSchool.Ifaparentwishestoarrangeaconferencewithteachersoramemberofadministration,theyarerequestedtocallinadvancesoamutuallyconvenienttimecanbearranged.Regularparent-teacherconferencesmaybescheduledandwillbelistedintheschoolcalendar.Parentalinvolvementisimportant,andparentsareencouragedtoscheduleanappointmentwiththeirchildren’steacheranytimetheyhavequestionsorconcerns.

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ParentInformationandProcedures

ProfileofaRUSVMPrepSchoolParent

RUSVMPrepSchoolParents:

• Understandandsupporttheschool’sMissionandBeliefs.

• Arepositiverolemodelsandlifelonglearners.

• SeektounderstandHowardGardner’stheoryofmultipleintelligencesandhowitappliestotheirchild.

• Recognizethedignityofeachindividualandworkwiththeschoolandtheirchildrentoembraceculturaldiversity.

• Sendtheirchildtoschoolreadytolearn,ontime,andwithattentiontotheirphysical/mentalhealthincludingsupportofnutritiousmeals.

• Takeanactiveinterestinwhatishappeningintheirchild’sclassroom.

• Areawareoftheirchild’sacademicstrengthsandcelebratethem.

• Areawareoftheirchild’schallengesandproblemareasandhelpseeksolutionstoboth.

• Readallwrittencommunicationsenthome.

• Aresupportiveoftheschoolguidelinesandrules.

• SchedulevacationsandtimeoffislandduringtheregularlyscheduledRossbreakssothattheirchildrendonotmissschool.

• Provideaquietspaceathomeforreadinganddailyacademictime

• Developandmaintaintheirchildren’sfirstlanguageifEnglishisasecondlanguage.

• Areavailableathomeworktimeforquestions.

• Worktorealizethebalancebetweenhelpingextendlearningviahomeworkandlettingthechilddotheworkindependently.

• Areinvolvedintheschoolandtaketimetosharethatinterestbycommunicatingwithteachers,administration,PTA,andothersviaparentteacherconferences,etc.

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SchoolHoursArrivalSchoolbeginsat8:00am.Studentsmayarriveoncampusat,butnotbefore,7:30am.Studentswillgotothelibrarywiththeirteacherasagroupforassemblyafewminutesbefore8:00am.Thedoorwillbeclosedatthattimeandstudentsarrivinglatewillbeaskedtowaitquietlyinthehallway.Beingpunctualisanimportantingredienttosuccessinschoolandinlife.Theverybeginningofthedaysetsthepacefortheremainderofthedayandparentsareencouragedtohavetheirchildrenatschoolontime.DismissalTheschooldayattheRUSVMPrepSchoolendsat3:10pm.Childrenindaycare/preschoolmayremainoncampusuntil5pm.Therewillbeamonthlysignupsheetpostedinyourchild’sclassroomtoensureappropriatestaffing.Studentsinkindergartenthrough8thgrademayremainforafterschoolactivitiesandclubsbutmustbepickedupbefore5:00pm.IllnessNotifytheteacherifyourchildisillonaschooldayandwillnotbeinattendance.Childrenwithcoldsandcommunicableillnessesshouldbekepthomefortheirbestinterestaswellasthatoftheotherstudents.SeedocumentonExclusionPeriodsforIllnessatthebackofthishandbook.Ifachildhasanongoingmedicalconditionthatmaybeinterpretedascontagiousbutdoesnotmeetthecriteriaofacommunicableillnessasperourpolicy(e.g.allergies),anotesignedbyapediatriciandetailingsymptomswillberequiredandplacedonrecord.IfachildgetssickorinjuredduringtheschooldayeveryattemptwillbemadetocontactparentsandareferralwillbemadetotheRUSVMnurse.CalendarAschoolcalendarisprovidedintheappendix.Parentsareaskedtoputacopyofthecalendarinaprominentplaceathomeandrefertoitfrequentlysonoimportanteventswillbeoverlooked.Attimesallelementsinvolvedincarryingoutplanscannotbecontrolledandthingsmaycomeupthatarenotonthecalendarorplansmaychange.Everyeffortwillbemadetocontactparentsandkeepallindividualsinformedwhenthishappens.

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AfterSchoolProgramTheRUSVMPrepSchooloffersanafterschoolprogramdesignedspecificallyforthechildrenofparentswhoareinclassesorlabsintheafternoon,from3:10pm-5:00pm.ChildrenintheAfterSchoolProgrammuststaywiththeteacherincharge.Atnotimemaychildrenremainatschoolafter5:00pmunlesstheirparentsaresupervisingthem.Ifstudentsplantoleavecampuswithanyoneotherthanaparent,theparentsmustgivepermissiondirectlytotheteacherinchargeortoanadministrator.Pleasedonotaskyourchildrentomeetyouanywhereotherthanattheprepschool.Wewillattempttoofferavarietyofactivitiesafterschoolthatstudentsmaysignupforincludingvarioussports,arts,andmusiclessons.Insomeinstances,theremaybeafeethatgoesdirectlytothepersonofferingtheactivity.IfchildreninDaycarethroughPreschoolwillremainbeyond3:10pleaseensuretheyaresigneduponthemonthlysigninsheetinthechild’sroom.Ifsomeoneotherthantheparentispickingupachildfromthisroom,theyshouldonlydosoastheyareleavingcampus.Nooneotherthanthechild’sparentmaytakeDaycarethoughPre-Kchildrenoutsidetoplayafterschool.SchoolAttendanceResearchindicatesthatachildgainsmostwhenheorsheisinattendanceatschoolonadailybasisandinteractswithotherstudentsduringthelearningprocess.Regularattendanceisimportanttosuccessinschoolandestablishesgoodworkhabitsandself-discipline.Schoolpolicyrequiresstudentstoattendallscheduledclasseseachdayunlessthereisavalidreasonfortheabsence.Ifyourchildwillnotbeinschool,pleasenotifytheteacherassoonaspossible.Keepingchildrenoutofschoolforreasonsotherthanillnessisstronglydiscouraged.Vacationsandtimeoffislandshouldbearrangedduringtheweekswhenschoolisnotinsession.EarlyDismissalIfitisnecessaryforastudenttoleaveearlytheparentmustarrangethiswithschooladministrationorthestudentmustbringawrittenrequestfromtheparentorguardiantoschool.Thefollowinginformationshouldbeincludedwiththerequest:

1. Studentname2. Timeofdismissal3. Timeofreturn4. Reasonforrequest5. Signatureofparent/guardian

Weaskthatyoumakemedicalanddentalappointmentsafterschoolhours,onweekends,oronmid-semesterbreakdayswheneverpossible.

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StudentAbsencesParentsmustnotifytheschoolinwritingatleastfiveschooldaysinadvanceofastudentexpectingtobeabsentforanextendedperiodoftime(morethantwodays).Makeupworkwillbeassignedatthattime.Allmake-upworkistobecompletedpriortothestudent’sreturntoschool.Whenastudenthasmissedschooltheteacherwilldeterminewhat,ifany,workneedstobemadeup.Deadlineswillbegivenandparentsareencouragedtoworkcloselywiththeirchildreningettingtheworkcompletedandturnedinwithinatimelymanner.DrinksandSnacksStudentswillhaveasnackbreakinthemorning.Duringthistimestudentsareallowedsnacksbroughtfromhome.Parentsareencouragedtosendhealthysnacks(fruit,crackers,granolabars,etc.).LunchStudentsshouldbringapackedlunchtoschool.PizzaisavailablefromDomino’sonFridayforEC$5perslice.SunscreenParentsareaskedtomakesurestudentshavesunscreenavailableandencouragetheirchildrentouseitwhentheyareinthesun.Parent-TeacherAssociationThePTAistheofficialorganizationofschoolvolunteers.ThePTAprovidesvolunteeropportunitiestoteachersandparentsandservesasanadvocategrouptosupportstudentsandstaff.ThePTAworkscloselywiththesuperintendentoftheprepschool.FormoreinformationyoucanalsovisitthePTAFacebookpagebysearchingfor“RossPrepPTA.”LibraryLibraryclassesarescheduledforstudents.Parentsareencouragedtovisitthelibrarywiththeirchildren.Childrenmustbecloselysupervisedinthelibraryandshouldnotbeallowedtopulllibrarybooksfromtheshelves.Booksmaybecheckedoutforoneweekandmustbereturnedontime.Chargeswillbemadeforbooksthatarelostordamaged,includingshippingandcustomscost.

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FieldTripsFieldtripsofferanopportunitytoenhanceandreinforcewhatisbeingtaughtintheclassroom.Parentsareencouragedtoallowtheirchildrentoparticipateinfieldtripsbecauseoftheaddedvaluetheybringtotheeducationalexperience.RulesandProceduresThefollowingrulesandprocedureswillbefollowedwithfieldtrips.

• Parentswillbenotifiedoftheproposedtriponeweekormorebeforethedateoftheproposedtripwheneverpossible.

• Apermissionformwillbesentoutwithnotificationofthefieldtripthatmustbesignedandreturnedtotheschoolatleastthedaybeforethefieldtrip.

• Alltripswillmeetthesafetyandsecurityregulationsestablishedbytheschool.

SafetyandSecurityRegulationsforRUSVMPrepSchoolFieldTrips• Afirstaidkitwillbetakenonallfieldtrips.

• Atleasttwocellphoneswillbetakenoneveryfieldtripandthesuperintendentandexecutiveassistantwillknowthenumbersofthosephones.

• Allvehiclesusedwillbeingoodworkingorder.

• Allstudentsridinginprivatecarswilluseseatbelts.

• Aminimumof2adultsisrequiredforeveryfieldtripregardlessofclass,grade,ornumberofstudents.

• Forpreschooltrips,theratioisoneadultforeverythreechildren.Whenthetripistoaswimmingpoolorbeach,therewillbeoneadultforeverytwochildren.

• Forchildrenfrompre-kindergartenthrough4thgradetheratioisoneadultforeveryfourchildren.

• Forstudentsfrom5thgradethrough8thgradetheratioisoneadultforeverysixstudents.EmergencyInformationInmostsituations,inthecaseofanemergency(hurricaneorothernaturaldisaster/threat/fire)theprepschoolwillfollowtheRUSVMresponseinregardtocontinuingwithclassesorcancelingschool.Theremaybetimes,however,whenitisdeterminedthatthechildrenshouldstayathomeevenifthevetschoolremainsopen.Parentswillbenotified.Itisessentialfortheschooltobeabletocontactaparentorguardianincaseofemergency;therefore,itisimperativethatwehavebothofficeandhomephonenumbersorthenumberofadesignatedneighbororfriendaswellasacellphonethatcanbeusedfortexting.Amaptoyourhomeshouldalsobeonfilewithus.Changesofaddressorphonenumbersshouldbereportedtotheschoolimmediatelyfollowingthechange.

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Ifparentsaregoingtobeoffislandandsomeoneelseistoberesponsibleforthechildren,thesuperintendentshouldbenotifiedinadvanceevenifitisonlyforadayortwo.

Ifsomeoneotherthantheparentisgoingtopickupachildatschool,whetherduringanormaloremergencysituation,theteacherinchargemustbenotified.Itispreferredthat,whenpossible,thisisdoneinwriting.BirthdayCelebrationsAtschoolInordertoencouragehealthyeatingchoices,theschoolwillprovidemuffinsforeachstudentandhis/herclass.Parentsareaskednottobringinspecialrefreshments.Pleasesavethosespecialtreatsforhome.AthomeWebelieveitisimportantthatallchildrenbewelcomed,includedandappreciated.Therefore,invitationstopartiesmaynotbedistributedatschool(before,during,orafter)unlesseverychildinthatstudent’sclassreceivesaninvitation.

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StudentInformationandProcedures

ProfileofaRUSVMPrepSchoolStudent

TheRUSVMPrepSchooleducationprogramisdesignedtonurturestudentswho:

• Arecompetentintheapplicationoftheskillsofreading,writing,listening,andspeakinginEnglish.

• Demonstratecompetencyinquantitative,scientific,andtechnologicalliteracy.

• Areabletofindandaccessinformationefficientlyandeffectively.

• Evaluateinformationcriticallyandcompetently,anduseinformationaccurately,creatively,

andresponsibly.

• Exhibitandpracticesensitivitytoenvironmentalpreservation.

• Demonstratetheabilitytosolveproblemsandthinkcritically.

• Demonstrateanunderstandingofhistoryanditsrelationshiptotheworldtoday.

• Understandandvaluetheskillsofparticipatinginademocraticsociety.

• Understandwellnessanditsimplicationforahealthylifestyle.

• Expressthemselvescreativelyandrespondwithsensitivitytothecreativeworksofothers.

• Understandthepersonalrewardsofcommunityservice.

• Canlivesuccessfullyinamulticultural,globalsocietybyexercisingtolerance,understandingandopenmindedness.

• Sustainandenhanceself-esteemthroughintegrity,responsibility,andself-knowledge.

• Demonstrateanactivedesiretolearnandunderstandtheworld.

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StudentCodeofConduct:

AttheRUSVMPrepSchoolweendeavortofosteranatmosphereofkindnessandmutualrespect.Wearecommittedtoprovidingaprogramdesignedtodevelopcompetent,self-directed,socialinteractioninanatmosphereofmutualrespectandcooperation.Ultimately,wearestrivingtogiveourstudentstheskillsandcharactervaluestobuildcoreethicssuchasresponsibility,honesty,caring,consideration,compassion,integrityandrespect.Webelievethateducationismorethanacademics,andthatwemustprovidetheskillsandprocessesstudentsneedtobringtogetherthemindandtheheart.Thus,theschoolhasadoptedfouragreementstoguidethebehavioranddevelopmentofourstudentsonadailybasis.Thesefouragreementsprovidethegroundworkforbuildingasafelearningenvironmentwherestudentsfeelincluded,valued,andaccepted.Theagreementsarehonoredbystudents,teachers,andadministratorsthroughouttheirtimetogether.AttentiveListeningAttentivelisteningmeanspayingattentiontoanother’sexpressionofideasandfeelings,lettingothersknowtheyhavebeenheardandcheckingforunderstanding.Itmeans,“listeningwithyourheartaswellasyourhead.”Appreciation/NoPut-DownsThistwo-foldagreementisimportant.Itmeanstreatingeachotherkindlyandstatingappreciationforuniquequalitiesandhelpfulcontributions.Italsomeansavoidingnegativeremarks,name-calling,hurtfulgesturesandbehaviors.RighttoPassTherighttopassisusedduringgroupsharingactivitiesandisdesignedtobuildcommunityandapositiveenvironmentforlearning.Researchhasshownthatvoluntaryparticipationenhanceslearning,thusthisagreementisimportantforbuildingalearningenvironmentthatfeelssafeandcomfortableforeachstudent.MutualRespectThisagreementhelpspeopleyoungandoldrespectthepersonalfeelingsofothersphysicalspace,belongings,culturaldifferences,uniquenessandspecialcontributions.Asuccessfulinstructionalprogramisdirectlyrelatedtoresponsiblebehaviorandattitude.Educationreliesonanenvironmentofhonestyandtrust.Studentsareexpectedtobehaveinanhonestandtrustworthymanneratalltimes.Honestyinschoolworkrequiresthatstudentsdotheirownworkandalwaysgivecreditforanyideas,language,orthoughtswhicharenottheirown.RUSVMPrepSchoolregardsactsofdishonestyasunacceptableandseriousviolationsofacademichonesty.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

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Plagiarism• Takingitemssuchasideas,writing,art,music,etc.andpresentingitasyourown(false

assumptionofauthorship).• Workpresentedthatincludesunauthorizedassistancefromotherpeople,unauthorizeduseof

sources,orfailuretociteappropriatedocumentation.Cheating

• Copyinghomework• Copyingtestanswers• Usingnotesduringatest

Studentssuspectedofdishonestactswillbesentimmediatelytothesuperintendent.Ifitisdeterminedthatastudentviolatedthespiritorletterofthispolicy,thesestepswillbetaken: FirstOffense Teacherwillassignagradeof0fortheassignmentortest. Parentandstudentconferencewiththesuperintendent. Letterinstudentfile. SecondOffense Teacherwillassignagradeof0fortheassignmentortest.

Superintendent,student,andteacherwilldeterminecourseof actionwhichcouldbeadministrativewithdrawal.

BehaviorProgramforPreschool–6thGrade:

GeneralRules1. Workandplaysafely.2. Showrespectformyself,others,andproperty.3. Helpmakeourschoolagoodplacetolearn.

CommunityAgreements

1. Appreciation,NoPutDowns2. MutualRespect3. AttentiveListening4. RighttoPass

PlaygroundExpectations

1. Walk;don’trun,onsidewalksandstairs.2. Respectproperty.3. Keephandsandfeettoyourself.4. Useplaygroundequipmentappropriatelyandsafely.5. Followdirections,guidelines,andteacherinstructions.6. Reportproblemstoteacher.7. Useappropriatelanguage.

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LunchExpectations1. Eatfoodonlyindesignatedareas.2. Becourteoustoothers.3. Keepyoureatingareaclean.4. Placeallwasteinthetrashbin

ConsequencesFirstOffence–WarningSecondOffence–5minutesonthebenchThirdOffense–TakentoclassroomteacherFourthOffense–TakentosuperintendentStudentwillbesentdirectlytothesuperintendentforextremebehaviorssuchassevereendangermentofanotherpersonorproperty.StudentComputerNetworkUseComputernetworkuseoffersvast,diverseanduniqueresourcestostudents.AccesstoemailandtheInternetenablesuserstoexplorethousandsoflibraries,databases,andbulletinboardswhileexchangingmessageswithInternetusersthroughouttheworld.TheuserandparentofastudentuserareadvisedthatmaterialaccessibleviatheInternetmaycontainitemsthatareillegal,defamatory,inaccurate,orpotentiallyoffensive.TheintentistomakeRUSVMPrepSchool’scomputernetworkandInternetaccessavailabletofurtheroureducationalgoalsandobjectives.TechnologyGuidelinesStudentswillbetaughtappropriateuseofthenetworkandemail.Accessatourschoolisaprivilege,notaright.Accessentailsresponsibility.Individualusersareresponsiblefortheirbehaviorandareexpectedtocomplywithschoolstandards.Teacherswillsharethesesameguidelinesandreportmisusetothesuperintendent.Ruleswillbereviewedtomaintainsystemintegrityandensurethatthesystemisbeingusedresponsibly.Withinreason,freedomofspeechandaccesstoinformationwillbehonored.Studentsareheldresponsibleforseekingappropriatematerialsandavoidingthosethatarepotentiallyoffensive.Userswill:

• Displayonlymessagesandpicturesthatarenotdeemedoffensive.• Avoiduseofobsceneorvulgarlanguage.• Protectcomputers,computersystems,andcomputernetwork.• Avoidharassing,insultingorattackingothers.• Keepinformationaboutpeersconfidential(notshareaddresses,phonenumbers,etc.).• Respectcopyrightlaws.• Useonlytheirpersonalaccounts,passwords,andfolders.• Conserveresources(bandwidth,filespace,paper,ink).• Usechatroomsonlywithspecificpermissionfromtheteacherforthatoccasion.• Accessonlyappropriatesites.

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• Userswillnot:• Downloadsoftwareunlessauthorizedbythetechnologyteachertodoso.• Distributeanymaterialinamannerthatcouldcausecongestiononthenetwork.• Employthenetworkforcommercial,politicalorprofit-makingpurposes.

Violationsmayresultinalossofaccesstocomputersandnetworkaswellasotherdisciplinaryactiondeemedappropriatebythesuperintendent.Studentsmusttreattheschoolcomputerswithcareandrespect.Parentswillberesponsibleforrepairorreplacementwhenmisused.GeneralDressRegulationAppropriatedressandgroomingisexpectedinanefforttoprovideasafe,orderly,andpositiveenvironment.Studentsareexpectedtocometoschoolinappropriateattireforclassroomlearning.

1. RUSVMPrepSchooldressrequiresaprepschoolshirtandkhakipants,skirtormoderateshorts.2. Hatsandotherbelongingswithprofanityoradvertisementsoftobacco,alcohol,orviolenceareprohibited.

3. Hatsmaynotbeworninsidetheschoolbuilding.4. Studentsarediscouragedfromwearingjewelrytoschool.5. Studentsarediscouragedfromdyeinghairdistractingandunnaturalcolors.6. Ifstudentsarenotdressedappropriatelyforschool,theywillbeaskedtochangeclothing.

LeavingCampusStudentsmaynotleavecampusduringschoolhoursexceptonofficialschooloutingsorwiththeirparentsorguardiansunlesswrittenpermissionhasbeengiventotheschoolbytheparent.Ifyoutakeyourchildfromschoolduringschoolhours,thechildmustbepickedupattheprepschoolandsignedoutproperly.LostandFoundFoundarticlesshouldbegiventotheexecutiveassistant.Phones,iPods,andElectronicGamesStudentsmaybringhandheldelectronicdevicestoschoolonlywithpermissionfromtheirhomeroomteacher.Theymaynotbeusedinanyclasswithoutspecificpermissionfromtheteacherofthatparticularclass.

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DrugandAlcoholFreeRossUniversityofVeterinaryMedicineisadrugfreecampus.Thisincludesallformsoftobacco,alcohol,andnon-prescriptiondrugsinthebuildingand/oranywhereonthegrounds.Prescribedmedicationwillnotbeacceptedintheprepschoolwithoutcompletewrittenandsignedinstructionsfromtheparent.Medicationwillbekeptinasecureplace,outofthereachofpupils.Unlessotherwiseindicatedallmedicationtobeadministeredinschoolwillbekeptinalockedmedicinecabinet.Ifparentssendprescribeddrugstoschool,theymustbegivendirectlytotheexecutiveassistantorclassroomteacheralongwithwritteninstructionsforuse.Schoolstaffwillnotdisposeofmedicines.Dateexpiredmedicinesorthosenolongerrequiredfortreatmentwillbereturnedtotheparentforsafedisposal.Studentswillnotbegivenanon-prescribedmedicineunlessthereisspecificpriorwrittenpermissionfromtheparents.Allstaffwillbemadeawareoftheprocedurestobefollowedintheeventofanemergency.

VisitorsStudentswishingtobringaguesttoschoolmustobtainpermissionfromthesuperintendentonedayormorepriortothevisitationday.Permissionwillbegranteddependentontheschoolscheduleandactivitiesonthatday.LockersStudentsinPre-Kthrough8thgradeareassignedlockersforstoringtheirbelongings.Thenamelabelsonthelockersarenottobewrittenordrawnonorremoved.Studentsingrades5–8mustprovidealock.Valuablesshouldnotbeleftinlockers.Theschoolwillnotberesponsibleforlostorstolenitems.PhoneCallsStudentsarediscouragedfrommakingphonecallsatschool.Ifitisnecessarytodoso,itmustbeduringlunchbreak,recess,orafterschoolandwithpermissionfromtheteacher.TextbooksTheRUSVMPrepSchoolprovidestextbooksandworkbookstostudents.Thesebooksmustbereturnedattheendoftheschoolyear.Studentsareresponsibleforkeepingbooksingoodcondition;chargeswillbemadefordamagedandlostbooks,includingshippingandcustomscost.

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RUSVM Preparatory School Calendar

2016-2017 School Year

2016September3&4(Sat.&Sun) TeacherOrientation/PreparationDaysSeptember4,Sunday BacktoSchoolParentMeeting(2:00pm)September5,Monday FirstOfficialDayforStudentsSeptember13-15,Tues.–Thurs. MAPTesting(Grades3-8)September16,Friday St.KittsDay–schoolcelebrationSeptember19,Monday St.KittsIndependenceDay–NOSCHOOLSeptember23,Friday InternationalDayofPeaceCelebrationOctober3–7 ParentConferencesOctober10–14 SpiritWeekOctober24,Monday Mid-SemesterBreak–NOSCHOOLOctober31,Monday HalloweenParadeinschool TruckorTreat(5-6pm)November24,Thursday Thanksgiving–FamilyLunchCelebrationNovember25,Friday EndofFirstTrimesterDecember9,Friday HolidaysAroundtheWorldDecember9,Friday Holidayscelebration/LastDaybeforeWinterBreak

2017January9,Monday SchoolResumesFebruary6-10 ParentConferencesFebruary27,Monday Mid-SemesterBreak–NOSCHOOLMarch6,Monday Startof6weekRead-A-ThonMarch10,Friday EndofSecondTrimesterApril3–5 ArtShowApril14,Friday FamilyReadingNightApril20,Thursday EarthDayCelebration/LastDaybeforeSpringBreakMay8,Monday SchoolResumesMay12,Friday ‘MeatballwithMom’–Mother’sDayCelebration(11:30–12:30)May25&26 ScienceFairMay30–June1(Tues.–Thurs) MAPTesting–grades3-8June16,Monday ‘PizzawithPops’–Father’sDayCelebration(11:30–12:30)June22,Thursday 8thGradeGraduationJune23,Friday FieldDay/LastDayofSchool

2017SummerCampJune26,Monday Mid-SemesterBreak–NOSCHOOLJune27,Tuesday FirstWeekofSummerCampJuly3,Monday SecondWeekofSummerCampJuly10,Monday ThirdWeekofSummerCampJuly17,Monday FourthWeekofSummerCampJuly24Monday FifthWeekofSummerCampJuly31,Monday SixthWeekofSummerCampAugust7,Monday SeventhWeekofSummerCampAugust14,Monday EighthWeekofSummerCampAugust17,Thursday LastDayofSummerCamp

2017-2018SchoolYearSeptember2&3(Sat.&Sun.) TeacherOrientation/PreparationDaysSeptember4,Monday FirstDayofSchool

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Enrollment Form

_________________________________ _______________________________________CurrentDate AnticipatedEnrollmentDateNameofChild__________________________________________________________________________________________________________NameofParents________________________________________________________________________________________________________BirthDateofChild___________________AgeofChild_________________SexofChild____________________________________AnticipatedGradeLevel_________________________Emailaddress_____________________________________________________Address–Permanent__________________________________________________________________________________________________Address–St.Kitts______________________________________________________________________________________________________Telephone–Permanent_______________________________Telephone–St.Kitts_______________________________________SchoolsorDaycarechildhasattendedwithdates:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Languagesspokenathome________________________________________________Otherlanguagesspoken_______________Listuniquefeaturesofthischildordescribespecialconsiderations:_____________________________________________Listanyknownallergiesofthischild________________________________________________________________________________

• Schoolrecords,ifany,shouldbeprovidedalongwiththisapplication.• HealthrecordsmustbeonfileatRossaswell.Childrenmustbeimmunized(ageappropriate)withthe

following:DPT,DTorTd–Diphtheria,Tetanus,Pertussis(WhoopingCough) Minimumof4dosesPolio Minimumof4dosesMeasles/Rubella/Mumps Minimumof2doses

(2dosesplusoneafter15months)• Evidenceofboosterdosesofdiphtheria/tetanusif10yearshaslapsedsincethelastdosewasadministered.• Ahistoryofhavingthediseaseofmeaslesand/ormumpswillbeacceptedonlyifconfirmedbyaphysicianand

submittedinwritingatthetimeofenrollment.Ahistoryofrubellawillbeacceptedonlyifconfirmedbylaboratoryevidenceofrubellaimmunityandsubmittedinwritingatthetimeofenrollment.Medicalreasonsfornonimmunization(MMR)shouldbebroughttotheattentionofthenurseandthesuperintendentofRUSVMPrepSchool.

I/wearecommittedtoworkinginpartnershipwithteachers,administrationandstudentsoftheRUSVMPrepSchool._____________________________________________ ______________________________________________Parent/Guardian Parent/Guardian

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IntakeforChildreninDaycare/Preschool

Byprovidingcompleteinformationaboutyourchildyouwillbeassistingstaffincreatingapositiveexperienceforyourchildwhileinourcare.Listanyinformationaboutyourchild’shabits,abilitiesorpersonalitythatyoufeelwillbehelpfultothestaffwhilecaringforyourchild.

Birthdate(mm/dd/yy) FirstDayofAttendance __________________________ ___________________________Child’sName(Last,first) NicknameorNameweshoulduse____________________________________________ _________________________________________________Parent1Name Parent2Name_______________________________________ _________________________________________________PermanentAddress___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________LocalAddress___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HomePhone Parent1CellPhone Parent2CellPhone_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________________

Health

Note:Healthconditionsthatmayaffectthecareofthechildmustberecorded,includingfrequentcolds,earinfections,colic,etc.(describe).Thisinformationwillbesharedwithallindividualswhoprovidecareforthechild.

Pleaseturnpageoverforcontinuationofintakeforchildindaycare/preschool

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Meals

CurrentFeedingSchedule Howlonghasthisschedulebeenineffect?_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________FoodType(formula,strained,junior,table,milktype)Pleasespecify___________________________________________________________________________________________________Doeschildfeedself?Wheneatingischildheldinlap?Placedinhighchair?Other(describe)?___________________ ______________________________________________________________________________SpecialFeedingIssues? FoodAllergies(Specify) FavoriteFoods RefusedFoods____________________ ____________________ _________________ ____________________Sleep

CurrentSleepSchedule Lengthoftimeonthisschedule___________________________________________________ __________________________________________Fallsasleepeasily(yesorno) Mooduponawakening(describe)_________________________ ______________________________________________________________________Sleepposition(back,side,orstomach)Note:Childrenunderoneyearoldmustbeplacedontheirbacksunlesswehaveawrittenstatementfromthechild’sphysician.___________________________________________________________________________________________________Diapering/ToiletingDiaperType PlasticPantsUsed? FrequentDiaperRash? Lotions/Powder/SalveUsed__________________ ________________ ___________________ __________________________________ToiletTrainingAttempted? Ifyes,describeroutine______________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Typeoftoiletseatusedathomeifany(pottychair,specialtoilseat,regulartoiletseat,none)___________________________________________________________________________________________________Doesyourchildhaveregularbowelmovements?Howoftenorhowmanytimesaday?___________________________________________________________________________________________________Describetoiletingissues___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pleaseturnpageoverforcontinuationofintakeforchildindaycare/preschool

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VerbalCommunication

Whatlanguageorlanguagesarespokenathome? Agechildbegantalking?___________________________________________________________ __________________________________Childspeaksinwordsonlyorsentences? Specialwordsusedtodescribeitemsorissues?_________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Comforting

Doeschildhavea“fussy”time? Ifyes,when? Howdoyouhandleit?__________________________ ___________________ _________________________________________________

Howischildcomforted(held,sungto,rocked,readto,other?)___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Self-Expression

Whatcausesyourchildtofeelangryorfrustrated?___________________________________________________________________________________________________Whatfrightensyourchildandhowisitshown?___________________________________________________________________________________________________Howdoesyourchildexpressfeelingsofhappiness,enjoyment,satisfaction,etc.?___________________________________________________________________________________________________Additionalcommentsorthingsyouwouldlikeustoknowaboutyourchild’sself-expression.___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pleaseturnpageoverforcontinuationofintakeforchildindaycare/preschool

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PhysicalandSocialDevelopment

________________ ________________ __________ _______________ ___________________ ____________

Childsitsupalone?Pullsup? Crawls? Walksholdingon? Walkswithoutsupport? Walks/Runs

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wholivesinthechild’shome?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatholidaysdoyoucelebrate?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Isyourchildusedtoplayingwithotherchildren?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arethereanyissuesyourchildhaswhenplayingwithothers?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additionalcommentsorinformationthatwouldbehelpfultousaboutyourchild’sphysicalandsocialdevelopment

Miscellaneous

Child’sINDOORfavoritetoysandactivities___________________________________________________________________________________________________Child’sOUTDOORfavoritetoysandactivities___________________________________________________________________________________________________

OtherinformationinANYAREAaboutyourchildthatwouldbebeneficialtous.___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ ____________________

SignatureofParentorGuardian Date

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RUSVMPreparatorySchoolStudentMedicalInformation

StudentName___________________________________________________DateofBirth_____________________________Medicalconditions,problems,allergies,etc.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________EmergencyContactInformationParent1__________________________________________________________________________(Student/Faculty/Other)PhoneNumber(Day)_______________________(Evening)_____________________(Cell)________________________EmailAddress________________________________________________________________________________________________Parent2__________________________________________________________________________(Student/Faculty/Other)PhoneNumber(Day)_______________________(Evening)_____________________(Cell)________________________EmailAddress________________________________________________________________________________________________Persontocontactifaparentcannotbereached__________________________________________________________PhoneNumber(Day)_______________________(Evening)_____________________(Cell)________________________EmailAddress__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________Parent/GuardianSignature Date__________________________________________________ ___________________________________Parent/GuardianSignature Date

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StudentReleaseForm

Pleaselistpersonswhoareauthorizedtopickupyourchildintheeventyouareunabletodoso.Child’sName:________________________________________________________________________________________________1. EmergencyPerson___________________________________________________________________________________

HomePhone________________________________CellPhone____________________________________________Relationship__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. EmergencyPerson___________________________________________________________________________________

HomePhone________________________________ CellPhone___________________________________________

Relationship__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. EmergencyPerson___________________________________________________________________________________

HomePhone________________________________ CellPhone___________________________________________Relationship__________________________________________________________________________________________

v YoumayupdatethisfileatanytimewithheExecutiveAssistant.

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Childrenwithflu,coldsandotherillnessesshouldremainhomefortheirowncomfortandforthegoodofothers.ForDaycareandPreschoolchildren,inparticular,pleasekeepyouchildhomeifthereisanyindicationofillness.

RUSVMPreparatorySchoolExclusionPeriodsforIllnesses

Itiswidelyrecognizedthateducationandhealthgohandinhandimpactingonchildren’scurrentandfuturewellbeing.Oneoftheschool’sprioritiesistoensureourstudents’healthdoesnothaveanegativeimpactupontheireducation.

Ifitisdeterminedthatachildisilland/oruncomfortable,ifthechild’shealthstatusisinquestion,orifitisbelievedthechildmayhaveanegativeeffectonthewellbeingofothers,wewillcontactparentstocomeandtakethechildhome.Illness InfectiousPeriod ExclusionPeriod

ColdsandFlu Runnynoseand/orcoughing/notacting“likeself” Childrenmayreturnwhensymptomfree.Pyrexia HighTemperature

Thismaybethefirstsignofaninfectiousillness.Childwithahightemperaturewillusuallynotfeelwell.

Childrenshouldbekepthomewithhightemperatureuntilthetemperatureisinthenormalrangeandchildisfeelinggood.

Diarrhea Diarrheacanbeinfectiousandiseasilytransferableinadaycareenvironment.

Mayreturn1dayfollowingcommencementofcorrecttreatment

Conjunctivitis Bothviralandbacterialinfectionsarecontagiousfromonset.Easilytransmittedviahands.

Unlessotherwisestatedbyschoolpersonnel,childrenshouldbeexcludedandreferredformedicalevaluation.Studentsmayreturnoncetreatmenthascommenced.

ChickenPox Fromthedaybeforetherashappearsuntilallthespotsaredry. Fromappearanceofrashtowhenthespotsarealldry(5-7days)

Measles Fromafewdaysbeforeuntil4daysaftertheappearanceoftherash. 4daysfollowingappearanceofrash. Mumps Fromafewdaysbeforebecomingunwelluntilswellinggoesdown. Oneweekfrombecomingunwell.Rubella Oneweekbeforeandatleast4daysaftertherashfirstappears. Twoweeksfrombecomingunwell.

Importanttoinformschoolassoonasacaseisconfirmed.

WhoopingCough

Fromthefirstsignsoftheillnessuntilabout6weeksaftercoughingfirststart.Ifanantibioticisgiven,theinfectiousperiodisupto5daysafterbeginningthecourseiftreatment.

Untilcoughingboutsstop–maybeupto6weeks.Seekmedicalattentionifboutsareprolonged.Ifantibioticsareprescribed,thecourseoftreatmentmustbecompletedbeforereturntoschool.

Meningitis Bacterial:2-10daysfromtheonsetofsymptomsViral:Fromtheonsetofsymptoms–21days

Shouldbeexcludeduntilbacteriologicalexaminationisclear.

Impetigo Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Untilallspotshavehealed.HeadLice Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Untiltreatmenthasbeencarriedoutsuccessfully.Verrucae Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Exclusionfrombarefootorstockingactivitiesuntil

certifiedfreefrominfection.RingwormofFeet Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Exclusionfrombarefootorstockingfootactivities

untilcertifiedfreefrominfection.Ringworm Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Untiladequatetreatmentinstituted.Scabies Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Mayreturn1dayfollowingcommencementofcorrect

treatment.Threadworm Fromappearanceuntilsuccessfultreatment. Mayreturn1dayfollowingcommencementofcorrect

treatment.Thislistisnotexhaustive.

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RUSVMPreparatorySchoolFieldTripPermissionSlipHazardsandrisksinherentinextracurricularandenrichmentactivitiesmaybeexacerbatedwhenlivingin the Caribbean and these conditions may change over time or be difficult to anticipate. Theseconditionsmaypresent challenges to prep school faculty, parents, and students, including lack of orvaryingqualityofmedicalcare;unsafe travelor transportation;andriskof injury fromtheactivities,animals,vehicles,conditionoffacilitiesandterrain,waterandotherconditions.Withthisinmind,wewanttoassureyouthatwewilldoeverythingpossibletoensurethesafetyofprepschoolstudents.Nostudentwillbeallowedtoleavecampuswithoutapermissionslipsignedbyparentorguardian.Date______________NameofStudent________________________________________________Grade__________________NameofParent _________________________________________________________________________________________ActivityorFieldTrip:________________________________________________________________________________________Inconsiderationofpermittingthestudenttoparticipateinextracurricularandenrichmentprograms,theUndersignedacknowledgesandagreestothefollowing:

1. ThestudentisregularlyenrolledintheRUSVMPrepSchoolandwillbeparticipatinginextracurricularandenrichmentactivitiesassociatedwiththeprepschool.

2. TheUndersignedistheparentorlegalguardianofthestudentandlegallyauthorizedtosignthisReleaseandWaiverofLiabilitytopermitthestudenttoparticipateintheextracurricularandenrichmentactivities.

3. RUSVMPrepSchoolisresponsibleforplanningandsupervisingtheextracurricularandenrichmentactivitiesandwillmakeeveryefforttoguaranteethesafetyofstudents.

4. TheUndersignedassuresRUSVMPrepSchoolthatthestudentiscoveredbyappropriatemedicaland/oraccidentinsurance,andtheUndersignedisfullyresponsibleforobtainingandmanaginganymedicaltreatmentorcareandevacuationfromSt.Kitts,ifany.

5. TheUndersignedauthorizesRUSVMPrepSchool,initssolediscretion,tochangeanyitineraryoranyplannedextracurricularorenrichmentprogramforanyreason.

6. TheUndersignedandthestudentagreethatthestudentwillfollowallrulesorregulationsoftheprepschoolforextracurricularandenrichmentactivities,andthestudentwillobeyinstructionsanddirectionsoftheprepschoolstaffandanyoneassistingthemfortheseactivities.Intheeventthatthestudentfailstodoso,RUSVMPrepSchoolmayexpelthestudentfromtheactivityortheprepschoolattheUndersigned’ssolecostandexpense.

____________________________________________________ _______________________________Parent/Guardian Date

____________________________________________________ ________________________________Parent/Guardian Date

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RUSVM Preparatory School Daycare and Preschool Notes

Name_______________________________________________________ Date_______________________________________

ActivitiesandDevelopment_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comments(Behaviorandinteractions)___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HappySadFeistyPlayfulBusyTearySillyOrneryExcitableSassyTired

Diaper/Toileting

Time___________________________________________________________________________________

Dry,Wet,BM___________________________________________________________________________________

Child’sNeeds DiapersWipesOther______________________________________________________

Naptime:Isleptfrom____________________________________________to________________________________________

ForsnackIate: All Most Some Little None

ForlunchIate:All Most Some Little None

Note:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Teacher

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Technology Agreement Form Students in grades 5 and up are issued an educational tool and should be used in that capacity only. Failure to comply with the Student Computer Acceptable Use Policy and these guidelines will result in loss of take-home privileges. Before a student is granted permission to take their assigned technology device home, he/she and his/her parent or guardian must sign the attached permission form. Before the technology is assigned to a student, the parents or guardians must assume financial responsibility for the equipment by signing the attached Technology Agreement Form. The approximate replacement cost of the technology is $500 US. If the technology has a failure of an internal part, repairs are at no cost. If the technology assigned to your child is lost, stolen or damaged through negligence, vandalism, or failure to follow the proper care guidelines, then you are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. When the student takes technology home, it must be returned to the school on the next school day. Failure to return the equipment on time may result in loss of the privilege of taking the equipment home again. It is expected that the equipment will be returned to school for use during the school day. All technology is the property of the RUSVM Preparatory School. RUSVM Preparatory reserves the right to demand the immediate return of the equipment at any time. The student who has signed the agreement should only use the technology. If you, as the parent/guardian, would rather that the technology NOT be brought home, please inform the school by checking the appropriate box on the permission form and we will honor this request.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I agree to the guidelines and procedures outlined on this form and agree to take full responsibility (including financial) for the laptop. _____ I give permission for my child to sign out a technology device for use at home.

_____ I decline permission for my child to sign out a technology device for use at home.

Student Name: ______________________________________ Parent Name: ______________________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________________________________

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RUSVM Parent – Student Handbook and Internet/Website Posting Agreement

Parent – Student Handbook Agreement: I have read the RUSVM Prep School Parent – Student Handbook and agree to abide by the guidelines and principles states therein. _________________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian Date

_________________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian Date

_________________________________ __________________ Student (Grades PreK and up) Date Internet/Website Posting Agreement

As an educational community, we have always been proud to share our students’ learning success with you, their parents, as well as the Ross community. This means posting images and copies of work samples on our website, in our newsletters, in marketing materials and within RUSVM publications.

Our website is a tool to communicate with school families, teachers, prospective students and the larger community. To enhance this experience we often use photos, videos or student work to show student involvement in various activities and projects. Your child’s safety, though, is a top priority for us. We do not, therefore, believe in posting student’s names anywhere on the website.

( ) I give permission to RUSVM Prep School to include my child’s image and/or work on the website and in other publications. I understand that posting on the Internet can be seen throughout the world by anyone with access to the World Wide Web, and, therefore, for security, my child’s name will not be posted.

_________________________________ __________________

Parent/Guardian Date

_________________________________ __________________

Parent/Guardian Date

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AcceptableUsePolicyandParentPermissionFormParents/Guardians:StudentsinPreKandupwillusetheInternetinsupervisedsettings.Pleasereadthiswithyourchildsothattheymayunderstandit.Youandyourchildshouldsignthebottomportionofthisformandreturnittoschoolassoonaspossible.StudentswillnotbepermittedtousetheInternetunlessthisdocumentissignedandonfileintheoffice.StudentAgreementInthedigitalage,weallhavemanyopportunities.Withtheseopportunitiescomesresponsibility.Belowisalistofguidelinesthatyouareaskedtofollowatalltimeswhileoncampus.Theseguidelinesapplytothefollowingareas:computer,Internet,networks,cellphonesandInternetactivitiessuchasblogging,postingandvideoconferencing.Thenetworkisprovidedforstudentstoconductresearchandcompleteassignments.Studentsareresponsibleforgoodbehaviorthroughoutcampusandschooldayandthisincludesactingconsiderateandresponsiblewhileusingelectronicsdevicesofallkinds.Accessisaprivilege–notaright.Allfilesoncomputersarelikelockers:networkadministratorsmayreviewfilesandcommunicationstoinsurethatusersareusingthesystemresponsibly.Whileusingelectroniccommunicationtools:

• IwillusetechnologytoolsappropriatelyandonlywhenIhavepermissionfrommyteacher.• IwilltakecareofthecomputerthatIamusingbyfollowingdirections.Iwillnotdamage,modifyortrespass

inothersfiles.• IwillfollowdirectionsandonlyusetheInternetsitesthatmyteacherhasdirectedmetouse.Iwillnotaccess

socialnetworksitesorsitesthatcontaininappropriatematerialandlanguage.• Iwillnotbypasslocalsiterestrictionsbyusingotherwebsites.• Iwillprotectmyselfandmyfriendsbynevergivingmyname,phonenumber,pictureoraddressorthatofmy

friendstoanyoneonline.Iwillneverpostnames,phonenumbers,picturesorvideosofothers.• Iwillnotusetechnologytoengageincheatingorplagiarism.• Iwillnotusetechnologytoharass,intimidateorthreatenanyone,nordisrupttheoperationoftheschool.IfI

ambeingbulliedorharassed,Iwilltellmyparentsofschoolofficial.

StudentAgreement:AsauseroftheRossPrepSchoolcomputernetwork,Ihavereadandagreetocomplywiththeabove.Iunderstandthatbyviolatinganyoftherulesabove,Iamsubjecttoschooldisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingthelossofusingcomputertechnologyoncampus.IunderstandthatsomematerialsontheInternetmaybeobjectionable,butIacceptresponsibilityforusinggoodjudgmentwhenselecting,sharingorexploringinformationandmedia.WhenIamnotsure,Iwillseekguidancefromteachers.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________ Grade:____________________

StudentSignature:___________________________________________________

Parent/GuardianAgreement:Allstudentsareprovidedwithaccesstoschoolcomputerresources.Igrantpermissionformychildtousetheseresourcesasoutlinesinthisdocumenttohonorallschoolrulesandrestrictions.Iunderstandthattispolicyencompassesuseofallcommunicationdeviceswhileoncampus.Iunderstandthatsomematerialsontheinternetmaybeobjectionable,butIacceptresponsibilityforguidanceofInternetuse–settingandconveyingstandardsformychildtofollowwhenselection,sharingorexploringinformationandmedia.ParentSignature:___________________________________________________ Date:_________________________________

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StudentSuppliesList

Daycare/Preschool

1. Smallblanketandpillowfornaptime

2. Reusablewaterbottlewithtightseal

3. BoxofBand-aids(plainwithoutcharacterspreferred)

4. Changeofclothesand2pairsofsocks(inziplockbagwithchild’snameonit)

5. Diapers&wipes(ifyourchildisnotpottytrained)

6. Sunscreen

7. Bib

8. Lunchbagwithnameonit(sendasnack,lunchanddrinkeachday)

9. Backpack

10. Shoeswithoutlaces(slipon,Velcro,etc)

11. Socksdaily

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Preschool2

1. Smallblanketandpillowfornaptime

2. Reusablewaterbottlewithtightseal

3. BoxofBand-aids(plainwithoutcharacterspreferred)

4. Changeofclothesand2pairsofsocks(inziplockbagwithchild’snameonit)

5. Sunscreen

6. Lunchbagwithnameonit(sendasnack,lunchanddrinkeachday)

Pleasesendappropriatecutlerydaily

NOTE:Thisclassroomdoesnothaveaccesstoamicrowaveorarefrigerator

7. Backpack(needstobelargeenoughtoholdafolder)

8. Shoeswithoutlaces(slipon,Velcro,etc)

9. Socksdaily

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Pre-KandKindergarten

1. BoxofBand-Aids(plainwithoutcharacterspreferred)

2. Reusablewaterbottlewithtightseal

3. Changeofclothesand2pairsofsocks(inziplockbagwithchild’snameonit)

4. Sunscreen

5. Lunchbag

6. Backpack(needstobelargeenoughtoholdafolder)

7. Boxof8markers

8. Boxofcrayons(24)

9. 2–Twopockedfolders(plainwithnopicturespreferred)

10. Socksdaily

57

1st–2ndGrade

1. 1packofcrayons(24)

2. 1packofwashablemarkers(12ormore,fatorthin)

3. 1packofcoloredpencils(12ormore)

4. 24pencils

5. 5largeerasers

6. Penciltoperasers(optional)

7. 2smallhandheldpencilsharpenersthatcollecttheshavings

8. 1pairofscissors(childsize)

9. 1rulerwithcentimetersandinches

10. Reusablewaterbottlewithtightseal

11. 1supplybox

12. 3–Twopocketfolders

13. 4marbleprimarycompositionnotebooks

14. 1bottleofElmer’sglue

15. 4highlighters

16. Sunscreen

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3rd–4thGrade

1. 6–2pocketfolders(1ofeach:red,yellow,blue,orange–ifpossibleand2ofanydesign)

2. 2compositionnotebooks

3. 24pencils

4. 5erasers

5. 2packsofwiderulelooseleafpaper

6. 1packofcoloredpencilsorcrayons

7. 1packofmarkers

8. 1bottleofElmer’sglue

9. 4highlighters

10. 1rulerwithcentimetersandinches

11. Socksdaily

12. Sunscreen

13. ChangeofclothesdailyforPE&aplasticbag&deodoranttokeepinlocker

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5th–8thGrade

1. 4–1½inchbinders(oneforeachcoresubject)Nolargebindersplease!

2. 5–Twopocketfolders

3. 4packsofcollegerulelooseleafpaper

4. 48pencils

5. 1packofcoloredpencilsandpencilcase

6. 5whiteerasers

7. 4highlighters

8. Sunscreen

9. Socksdaily

10. ChangeofclothesdailyforPE&aplasticbag&deodoranttokeepinlocker

11. Aflashdriveifpossible:veryuseful

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RUSVMPrepSchoolExitSurvey

1. Whathaveyouenjoyedorappreciatedmostaboutyourchild’sexperienceattheprepschool?2. Whatdoyoufeelaretheprepschool’sstrengths?

3. Whatdoyoufeelneedsthemostattentionattheprepschooltomakeitabetterschool?

4. WhataresomechallengesyouhaveexperiencedinyourtimeatthePrepSchool?

5. Isthereanythingelseyouwouldliketoshare?Signature/Date