Policies & Procedures

To search all DoDEA Issuances, visit the Office of DoDEA Policy webpage. For school policies and procedures, use the search field below. 

General Information

The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments, has developed an interstate compact that addresses the educational transition issues of children of active duty military-connected families. Currently, all 50 states, DoDEA and the District of Columbia participate in this interstate compact, which provides uniform policy for resolving the educational challenges experienced by military-connected children as they transition between school systems.

We encourage all of our families preparing to transition, to, from or within a DoDEA and/or stateside school system to engage with the School Liaison (SLO) from the sending and receiving locations. The SLO is the local contact for schools and has valuable information about school calendars, hybrid learning, early enrollment, student services, how to manage quarantine requirements and more.

“Call your SLO before you go”
In order to prepare records for your students school transition.

A directory of School Liaisons is updated annually and can be found at: https://www.dodea.edu/education/partnership-and-resources 

The Compact ensures that mobile children of military families are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children. States participating in the Compact work to coordinate graduation requirements, transfer of records, course placement, unique learning needs, assessments and other administrative policies.

For additional information or transition support, please contact hq.partnership@dodea.edu or call the Partnership office at 571-372-6026. 

If the principal permits a school to operate a limited open forum by maintaining a practice of allowing any single non-curriculum-related student group access to school facilities, the principal shall ensure that all of such student groups (including activities of religious nature) are permitted equal access to meet on school premises and use school facilities during non-instructional time. Access to groups may be denied if the principal determines that a student or student group has or is likely to substantially interfere with good order or discipline or violate any Federal, state, or local law, or DoD or DoDEA regulation/policy.

For the protection of students and staff, all visitors must report to the school’s front office immediately upon arriving at the school. A visitor is any person (to include parents, sponsors, and legal guardians) not enrolled or assigned to the school requesting entry to the building.

Visitors must provide authorized identification to gain access to the DoDEA school. The visitor will be issued a visitor badge that must be displayed above the waist while on DoDEA school property. The school administrator has the final determination on visitors authorized to be at the school. While on DoDEA school property, visitors may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the school’s front office. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor can access a different location within the school. When leaving the school, visitors must sign out and return the visitor's badge to the school’s front office.

Classroom Observations

Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction. Approval by the school administrator is required for this type of visitation.

DoDEA school administrators, in partnership with sponsors/family members, students, and military leaders, promote communication through the establishment of school boards to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school boards.

School Liaisons serve as the primary point of contact for PK-12th grade school-related matters. The School Liaison Program offers an array of services and resources to support students, parents, installation leadership, schools and the surrounding community. They inform parents about local schools, graduation requirements, afterschool programs, homeschooling and much more. By working together with these stakeholders, the School Liaison Program builds a support network to provide the best possible education experience for military-connected children and youth worldwide.

The School Liaisons Program goals are to:

  • Identify barriers to academic success and develop solutions
  • Promote parental involvement and educate local communities and schools regarding the needs of military children
  • Develop and coordinate partnerships in education
  • Provide students, parents, and school personnel with the tools they need to overcome obstacles to education that stem from the military lifestyle

The School Liaison:

  • Serves as the primary point of contact for school-related matters
  • Represents, informs, and assists Command
  • Assists military families with educational issues
  • Coordinates with local school systems
  • Forges partnerships between the military, community and schools

School Liaisons are located at each installation to provide information as well as build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges of military families. School Liaisons are also an initial contact for participation in the Youth Sponsorship Program which builds resilience in youth and eases transition. School Liaison support is free of charge and open to all Department of Defense identification card holders, educators who serve military students and community partners involved with PK-12 education. For more information on the School Liaison Program visit School Liaisons & Military Youth | Military OneSource

To find a School Liaison in your community use this link School Liaison Contacts MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Whether you're planning a move to your next installation or want to know more about your current duty station, MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, one of many free resources from Military OneSource, is the place to get answers. Use it to find installation overviews, contacts for programs and services, check-in procedures, and community information for installations worldwide.

 

Enrollment

Eligibility categories to enroll in a DoDEA school include space required, space available, tuition-free and tuition-paying with requirements differing by geographic location in accordance with public law and DoDEA policy. Sponsors must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1344.01, “Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements for DoDEA Schools.” 

Eligibility requirements by geographic location:  
Section 3:  DoDEA Schools in Europe, Pacific (Excluding Guam), and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Section 4:  DoDEA Americas Schools in the Contiguous United States
Section 5:  DoDEA Americas Schools in Guam and Puerto Rico

Additional information about student eligibility and registration can be found on the DoDEA website: Registration Process – Eligibility and Enrollment

Kindergarten and grade 1 placements are determined by minimum age requirements, in accordance with Enclosure 2 of DoDEA Regulation 2000.03, “Student Grade Level Placement,” March 2, 2010. A student who will reach his or her fifth birthday on or before September 1 of the school year is eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten in DoDEA. In addition, a student who will reach his or her sixth birthday on or before September 1 of the school year is eligible to enroll in grade 1 in DoDEA. Placement in grades 2–8 is predicated upon completion of the preceding year. Students entering a DoDEA school (kindergarten through grade 8) from a non-American or host nation school will be placed in the grade level corresponding to their ages, assuming yearly progression from grades 1–8.

Grade-level status (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12) will be determined by the number of course credit units earned by the student, in accordance with Section 2 of DoDEA Regulation 2000.3, “Student Grade Level Placement,” March 2, 2010. Students entering grade 9 must have successfully completed grade 8 and/or been previously enrolled in grade 9 and earned less than 6 credits. Students entering grade 10 must have successfully completed grade 9 and earned a minimum of 6 course credits. Students entering grade 11 must have successfully completed grade 10 and earned a minimum of 12 course credits. Students entering grade 12 must have successfully completed grade 11 and earned a minimum of 19 course credits.

In accordance with DoDI 1342.29, “Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children,” January 31, 2019, for students transitioning from a sending school system to a DoDEA school, at the time of transition and regardless of the age of the student, the DoDEA school shall enroll the transitioning student in the same grade level as the student’s grade level (i.e. in kindergarten through grade 12) in the sending state’s local educational agency. For kindergarten, the student must have been enrolled in and attended kindergarten class in order to assure continued attendance in kindergarten in a DoDEA school. Students who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the sending school system will be eligible for enrollment in the next higher grade level in the DoDEA school, regardless of the student’s age.

All DoDEA students, including students with disabilities, English language learners (ELLs), and students with accommodation plans, should be afforded the opportunity to participate in the standard DoDEA secondary curriculum, as appropriate, based upon their individual circumstances.

Student records and transcripts may be requested from several different sources, depending upon the student’s last date of attendance or graduation date. Parents/sponsors of current and prospective elementary/middle/high school students should contact the school’s registrar directly for assistance. For further information, please visit the DoDEA Transcripts. You may also consult with the counseling department at your child’s school for issues regarding student records.

An English language learner (ELL) is a student whose first language is not English and is in the process of acquiring English as an additional language. In accordance with DoDEA Regulation 2440.1, DoDEA’s English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program is designed to teach ELLs to acquire English language and literacy proficiency through content. The ESOL Program builds students’ social, cultural, and academic skills so that identified ELLs succeed in an English language academic environment that provides equitable access to college- and career-ready opportunities as their English-speaking peers.

The ESOL Program involves teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, and study skills at the appropriate developmental and English language proficiency levels. This is accomplished by teaching language through a standards-based, high-quality academic content that pursues the student’s orientation within the United States culture. The ESOL Program’s instruction can be delivered in a variety of settings and program configurations. The scope and amount of ESOL instruction provided is determined by the student’s age, grade level, academic needs, and an English language proficiency evaluation. DoDEA’s ELLs may receive instruction both through the ESOL Program and within the main classroom setting.

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

  1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
  2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
  3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
  4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

  1. Personal illness;
  2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
  3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
  4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
  5. Religious holiday;
  6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
  7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
  8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
  9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoDEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day. Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

The Principal may authorize an accelerated withdrawal of a student who must withdraw from school 20 or less instructional days prior to the end of a semester, in accordance with Section 3.1.d, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01, “High School Graduation Requirements and Policy,” [TBD]. Accelerated withdrawal will only be considered if the parent/sponsor presents PCS orders. The parent or sponsor must present verification of the date required for the student to depart from the school (e.g., PCS orders). All of the conditions of an accelerated study program outlined by the student’s teachers must be met prior to withdrawal in order for grades to be assigned and credit to be granted. Students who withdraw prior to the 20-day limitation of the accelerated withdrawal policy will receive “withdrawal” grades rather than final grades. In this case, the sponsor/parent should notify the school two weeks prior to the date of withdrawal.

DoDEA recognizes that home schooling is a sponsor’s right and may be a legitimate alternative form of education for the sponsor’s dependent(s). Home-school students who are eligible to enroll in a DoDEA-Europe, DoDEA-Pacific and DoDEA-Americas school are eligible to utilize DoDEA auxiliary services without being required to either enroll in or register for a minimum number of courses offered by the school. Eligible DoD home-school students using or receiving auxiliary services must meet the same eligibility and standards of conduct requirements applicable to students enrolled in the DoDEA school who use or receive the same auxiliary services. Any student, including eligible DoD dependent home-school students, who has not met the graduation requirements to earn a DoDEA diploma may not receive DoDEA commencement regalia, the DoDEA diploma, nor participate (walk) in a DoDEA commencement ceremony.

Student Records

Parents may review their child's cumulative school records at any time, with the assistance of school personnel. School records may not be removed from the main office.

Change in Student Information

It is imperative we maintain accurate, up-to-date information on each student enrolled in our school. We request parents to notify us immediately if there is a change in any of the following information:

  • Home address
  • Home telephone number
  • Work telephone number
  • Emergency contact name and/or telephone number
  • Rotation date
  • Mailing address
  • Student health concerns/allergies
  • Student's Last Name
  • Email Address

We are legally required to maintain current orders or extension to orders in order to enroll or re-enroll all students.

Court Orders

Parents and/or guardians must supply the school with a copy of any type of court order that may affect the student (e.g., who is allowed to visit the child, who has legal custody, etc.). These orders will be maintained in the student's cumulative file. If any changes take place during the school year with the court order, the school must be notified immediately. Teachers will be notified of any restrictions that affect students in their classes.

Power of Attorney

If you will be TDY or on any type of leave while your child(ren) is/are attending school, please be sure to obtain a special power of attorney to be used in case of emergency, and inform the teacher and school office of the name, address, and telephone number of the person taking care of your child. In addition, please notify the School Nurse, so they will know whom to contact in case of emergency. The School Registrar will keep a copy of the power of attorney in your child's cumulative file for emergency situations.

Please call the front office within 30 minutes of the start time when you know your child will be absent or tardy.

Appointments or Illness

Students will not be released from school on the basis of a telephone call. Parents must sign-out and sign-in their children when taking them to appointments and back to school. When students are sent home because of illness, they are to be accompanied by their parent(s) or authorized guardian/emergency contact.

Absence Notification

Parents are asked to call the front office when they know their child will be absent. The sponsor must provide the front office with a written explanation of each absence when the child returns to school. The sponsor's note, by itself, does not constitute an excused absence.

Parents will be informed of unexcused absences. Students will be required to make up all missed school assignments. Parents are strongly encouraged to work closely with their child's teachers to ensure all class assignments are completed in a timely manner.

Release of Students Policy

During the school day, students will be released only to a parent or to the person listed as the emergency contact on the registration form. The only exceptions will be:

  1. A signed note is received from the sponsor designating another adult to pick up the student or
  2. A military unit has designated someone to pick up the student when parents and emergency contacts could not be reached.

Students arriving to school late or being dismissed early from school are signed in and out through the front office. The time and reason for being absent from school is noted for accountability.

Students arriving at school after the instructional day begins are considered tardy. If you know that your child will be late arriving to school, please make certain that a note is sent explaining why they are tardy. A student who is tardy should report to the office for a late slip before going to his/her classroom. A signed appointment slip from the dentist or doctor may be used in lieu of a note from parents. Parents should come in to the office to sign in their child; or a signed note is requested from parents.

Students who are tardy due to government transportation are excused and will not need to obtain a late slip from the office. A tardy not properly reported by the parent or guardian is unexcused unless circumstances warrant otherwise. The classroom teacher will report students who are frequently tardy to the administration. Parents may be contacted if it is noted that a student has numerous unexcused tardies.

Students with more than 5 unexcused tardies and/or early dismissals and students with more than 7 unexcused absences may be referred to the Student Support Team (SST) and then to the Command if the problem is not resolved.

A healthcare provider administering an injection into a boy's arm

Students who enroll in DoDEA schools are required to meet specific immunization requirements (DoDEA Regulation 2942.01, "School Health Services," September 2, 2016). These requirements represent the minimum and do not necessarily reflect the optimal immunization status for a student. Acceptable forms of official proof of immunization status may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Yellow international immunization records;
  2. State agency-generated immunization certificates;
  3. School-generated immunization certificates; and
  4. Physician, clinic or hospital-generated immunization records.

It is the responsibility of the sponsor/parent/guardian to provide their child's most current immunization record at the time of enrollment and when immunizations are updated. Parents of incoming students are allowed up to 30 days from the date of enrollment to obtain documentation of any missing required immunization(s). If the missing required immunization is a series, then the first dose of the series must be administered, and documentation must be provided to the school within the required 30 days. Students who have immunization(s) due during the school year will have 10 calendar days from the due date to receive their vaccine(s) and to submit documentation to the school. The due date of a vaccine is on the date the student reaches the minimum recommended age for vaccine administration.

DoDEA Immunization Requirements SY 24-25

STUDENTS IN NON-COMPLIANCE AFTER 10 DAYS MAY BE DISENROLLED UNTIL PROOF OF COMPLIANCE OR APPROVED EXEMPTION IS PROVIDED.

A waiver for immunization exemption may be granted for medical or religious reasons. Philosophical exemptions are not permitted. The applicable DoD Command must provide guidance on the waiver process.

A statement from the child’s health care provider is required if an immunization cannot be administered because of a chronic medical condition wherein the vaccine is permanently contraindicated or because of natural immunity. The statement must document the reason why the child is exempt. This request for immunization exemption from specific vaccines due to vaccine contraindications or natural immunity must be completed and submitted to the school at the beginning of the child’s enrollment or when a vaccine is due. Request for exemption only needs to be completed one time for the duration of the child’s enrollment at the school.

If an immunization is not administered because of a parent’s religious beliefs, the parent must submit an exemption request in writing, stating that he or she objects to the vaccination based upon religious beliefs. The immunization waiver request must be completed and submitted to the school at the beginning of every school year. For students arriving after the school year has started, this request/written statement must be submitted at the initial enrollment and at the beginning of every school year.

During a documented outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease (as determined by local DoD medical authorities), a student who is attending a DoDEA school program under an immunization waiver for that vaccine will be excluded from attending. This is for his or her protection and the safety of the other children and staff. The exclusion will remain in place until such time that the DoD Command determines that the outbreak is over and that it is safe for the student to return to school.

DoDEA Immunization Requirements

High School Graduation

This information identifies DoDEA's high school graduation requirements. Students who plan to pursue college athletics should also visit the NCAA Eligibility site to ensure their course taking aligns with NCAA eligibility requirements. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is now formally recognized as part of DoDEA's secondary education policy. Please consult with the school counselor for further guidance or questions regarding graduation requirements.

Requirements

DoDEA graduation requirements differ depending on the year a student enters 9th grade. The requirements are identified below on three separate color-coded documents dated to correspond to the year of initial entry into 9th grade. These documents are intended to help students and parents to determine the number of credits and the distribution of credits by subject area required to receive a DoDEA standard diploma or an honors diploma. Please consult with your school counselor for further guidance or questions.

In which year did your student enter the 9th grade for the first time?

 
School Year 2020-21, Class of 2024

Entering 9th grade in school year 2020-21

 
School Year 2021-22, Class of 2025

Entering 9th grade in school year 2021-22

 
School Year 2022-23, Class of 2026

Entering 9th grade in school year 2022-23

 
School Year 2023-24, Class of 2027

Entering 9th grade in school year 2023-24

 
School Year 2024-25, Class of 2028

Entering 9th grade in school year 2024-25

DoDEA accepts the official courses, grades and earned credits of middle school (grades 7–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who transfer to a DoDEA school from other DoDEA schools or who earn course credits in an accredited non-DoD system (public or private), correspondence, online, and/or home-school program. The accreditation for the sending school or school system must be from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting associations, one of the U.S. state education agencies, or by a public- or state-supported system of accreditation for public or private education programs in a foreign nation, in accordance with Section 4.7, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01. Please contact your child’s school for questions regarding course credit transfer process and approval.

Report Card and Testing Information

At the beginning of each course or grade level, every DoDEA teacher shall make available information regarding grading policy and course requirements to parents and students. This information will be provided to parents and students by the end of the first month of the school year or by the end of the first month of the semester in the case of a semester course.

If any student demonstrates unsatisfactory progress or achievement, teachers must notify parents with enough time to correct the deficiency. Notification must occur as soon as unsatisfactory achievement is evident, and not later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period.

Timely and accurate reporting of student progress shall be accomplished for students in grades 4–12, using the approved DoDEA Electronic Gradebook (EGB) System. All assignments (e.g., quizzes, tests, examinations, homework, speeches, etc.) that are used to assess and report student progress shall be promptly evaluated and/or graded, posted in the EGB, and returned to the student. The normal period of evaluation and posting should be no longer than ten calendar days from the day the assignment is collected, with reasonable exceptions for large projects. At a minimum, one assignment or grade should be recorded per week in the EGB System. To create an account and access the EGB System, please visit the DoDEA SIS Gradebook for instructions.

A traditional letter grading system will be used for grades 4–12 report marks.

Grade Numerical Range Description

A

90 – 100

Excellent: Outstanding level of performance

B

80 – 89

Good: High level of performance

C

70 – 79

Average: Acceptable level of performance

D

60 – 69

Poor: Minimal level of performance

F (failing)

0 – 59

Failing (No credit awarded)

For purposes of calculating a student’s high school GPA, the following scales shall be used:

Unweighted Standard Scale Weighted Advanced Placement (with AP exam)

4.0

5.0

3.0

4.0

2.0

3.0

1.0

2.0

0

0

In accordance with the policies and procedures in DoDEA Regulation 1377.01, “Student Progress Reports,” September 4, 2018, it is DoDEA policy to issue a progress report every 9 weeks for any student present or enrolled for at least 20 instructional days or more in a marking period. Any written comments by teachers on progress reports should be stated objectively. The comments should be based on evidence about the student and should not represent opinions that cannot be supported by evidence

Achievement codes will be given at the end of the second, third and fourth marking periods for students in grades K–1. Grades will be given at the end of each of the four marking periods for students in grades 2–12. Achievement codes or grades on report cards will be determined by the degree to which students are achieving established program objectives or standards. For students in grades K–12, unsatisfactory achievement of program objectives or standards will be reported to parents during each marking period as soon as evident, but no later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period to allow sufficient time for a student to correct the problem.

All DoDEA schools should encourage parents to meet with their child’s teacher for parent-teacher conferences. Parent-Teacher Conferences  allow parents the opportunity to ask questions about their child’s classes or progress in school. Parent-teacher conferences are also a great way to discuss how parents and teachers can work together to help students perform at their best in school. Parents/sponsors who plan to attend a parent-teacher conference scheduled by the teacher or school should inquire on the amount of time allowed before attending. If more time is required or the parent/sponsor wants to meet with the teacher again, the parent/sponsor should notify the teacher at the end of the conference. Please contact your child’s school for details regarding scheduling of parent-teacher conferences. DoDEA encourages all communication to take place through official school email accounts.

Questions and Concerns

Parents who have questions and/or concerns are requested to resolve it at the most appropriate and immediate level. For typical classroom matters, the following procedures should apply in order as needed:

  • Step 1- The parent discusses the matter with the teacher.
  • Step 2- The parent and teacher meet with the principal if the matter is not resolved in step 1.
  • Step 3- Those matters which cannot be resolved at the school level are referred to the Community Superintendent's Office.

These procedures follow the correct chain-of-command/line of authority from teacher to principal to superintendent and focus on resolution at the lowest level. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate resolution of problems. Prompt action can frequently prevent complications and more serious problems later on.

All DoDEA students in grades or programs identified for system-wide assessments shall be included in the DoDEA Comprehensive Assessment System (DoDEA-CAS), in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1301.01, “Comprehensive Assessment System,” October 4, 2018. Students who have been identified as having disabilities or are ELLs shall participate using either the standard DoDEA assessments, with or without reasonable and appropriate accommodations, or through the use of the appropriate DoDEA alternate assessment, as per their Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 Accommodation Plan, or English Learner Plan. All assessments selected for use within DoDEA shall:

  1. Align to clearly defined standards and objectives within the content domain being tested
  2. Be valid and reliable and controlled for bias
  3. Be one of several criteria used for making major decisions about student performance/achievement.

The results of each assessment shall be used as one component of the DoDEA-CAS for major decisions concerning a student’s future learning activities within the classroom setting.

For more information about the DoDEA-CAS, including the testing administration matrix, test descriptions, and testing calendar, please refer to: dodea.edu/assessments.

Homework is one means of developing the necessary skills of independent study and learning for present and future use. Homework promotes organizational skills and a sense of responsibility. It is also an opportunity for parents to become actively involved in their child's learning and for each child to reach his/her full potential. Through homework, students are given the opportunity to complete additional practice and application to strengthen skills; to expand and/or enrich regular class work; to complete work started in class; to make up work due to absence.

Teachers may assign homework as determined necessary to enhance student learning that is taking place in the classroom. Each child works at his/her own pace, so the amount of time needed to complete specific assignments may vary. The types of homework may vary to enable the student to have experience/practice in reading, writing, computational skills, and other subject areas during a given week. Frequency and length of assignments will be grade appropriate. At a very minimum, a child should read or be read to 15-20 minutes nightly

Students are responsible for ensuring that they:

  • Understand the homework assignment.
  • Take home all books and materials needed to do the assignment.
  • Complete the homework in the assigned format and turn it in when it is due.
  • Participate actively and cooperatively in the evaluation of their homework when appropriate.

Parents are encouraged to provide an environment which fosters the development of life-long learning skills.

This includes:

  • A quiet place to work.
  • Necessary materials.
  • A regular study time.
  • Review the student planner.
  • Encouragement and praise.

Special Education

The purpose of special education is to enable students to successfully develop to their fullest potential by providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).Special education is specially designed instruction, support and services provided to students with an identified disability who require an instructional program that meets their unique learning needs. The purpose of special education is to enable these students to successfully develop to their fullest potential by providing FAPE in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as implemented by DoD Manual (DoDM) 1342.12, “Implementation of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents,” June 17, 2015.

In DoDEA, special education and related services are available to eligible students, ages 3 through 21 years of age. To be eligible for special education:

  1. The child must have an identified disability;
  2. The disability must adversely (negatively) affect the child's educational performance; and
  3. The child must require a specially designed instructional program.

If found eligible for special education and related services, DoDEA students are provided FAPE in accordance with an IEP, with services delivered in the least restrictive environment and with procedural safeguards, in accordance with the requirements of DoDM 1342.12.

Please contact your child’s school to discuss your concerns if you suspect your child may have a disability and be in need of special education services. The Case Study Committee chairperson will provide you with specific details relating to the evaluation process and can explain eligibility requirements further.

Apart from special education, a student with a disability, or who has a record of a disability, or is regarded as having a disability, shall not be excluded from participating in, or be denied the benefits of, any DoDEA education program or activity or be subjected to discrimination based solely on a disability. In accordance with DoDEA Administrative instruction 2500.14, “Nondiscrimination and 504 Accommodation on the Basis of Disability in DoDEA Conducted Education Programs and Activities,” April 29, 2009, as amended, students with disabilities shall be provided a FAPE and shall participate with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. This means that a student with a disability that does not require specialized instruction may be eligible for accommodations to ensure participation in school programs and activities. Please contact your child’s school for specific details.

Reporting Abuse Neglect Suicide Risk and Threats

In accordance with the policy in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1356.01, “Family Advocacy Program Process for Reporting Incidents of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect,” November 5, 2018, all DoDEA personnel will participate in the identification and reporting of incidents of child abuse and neglect. School personnel shall report all suspected or alleged child abuse to the local Family and Advocacy Program (FAP) office, child welfare service agency (if available) and their immediate supervisor within 24 hours. All employees shall cooperate with the FAP process. The DoD FAP provides for the identification, treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

In order to prevent violence, suicide and other harmful acts among children and adults in schools, the need for reliable ways to identify persons who may require assistance is a critical step. All DoDEA employees must notify the DoDEA school administrator when a DoDEA student has made any statement or engaged in actions that may indicate threat of harm towards self or others.

Any indication of student suicidality must be immediately reported to the DoDEA school administrator. The DoDEA student who exhibits suicidal ideation or behavior, or who makes a statement or engages in actions that may indicate self-harm or suicidal thoughts, shall be immediately assessed to obtain specific information to determine the risk level. The results of that assessment shall be communicated to the DoDEA school administrator and documented. Regardless of the level of risk reported, in all cases, a DoDEA school administrator or designated member of the Case Management Team must directly notify parents or legal guardians of the concern. For additional assistance in this process, please contact the district school psychology instructional systems specialist.

If a parent or legal guardian disagrees with school recommendations for evaluation of a student’s dangerousness to self, or refuses to take parental or legal guardian responsibility for the safety of their child, the DoDEA school administrator must inform the parent or legal guardian that DoDEA policy requires that school personnel protect the safety and health of the students. Parent or legal guardian refusal to address identified medical needs may necessitate a report to the local FAP office and local Child Protective services if neglect is suspected, as outlined in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1356.01.

When a DoDEA student makes an explicit or implicit threat, or if the student’s behavior indicates that a threat is serious and reasonably likely to be acted upon, the DoDEA school administrator shall take action based on the level of the threat. Certain types of serious threats require immediate notification to local law enforcement entities without regard to the level of threat yielded. The DoDEA school administrator shall immediately report the following student behaviors to the local law enforcement entity:

  1. A threat that involves stalking of any person on a school bus, on school property or at a school-sponsored activity;
  2. Threats to bomb, burn, kill, or harm school personnel; and
  3. Threats of death or bodily injury to a person or members of his or her family or threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property.

The DoDEA school administrator shall also immediately report any act that may constitute a criminal offense to the parents or legal guardians of minor students involved in the act and shall report that the incident has been reported to local law enforcement, as required by Federal, state, or local law. The DoDEA school administrator may report other threats to the local law enforcement entity, as necessary and appropriate. The DoDEA school administrator shall inform the parents or legal guardians that they may contact local law enforcement for further information, as necessary and appropriate.

School Counseling Services

DoDEA school counselors provide comprehensive counseling programs to all students in grades K–12, in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 2946.1, “School Counseling Services,” July 13, 2009, and DoDEA Manual 2946.2, “Department of Defense Education Activity School Counseling Services,” January 1, 2006. Counseling programs are designed to foster a foundation for lifelong learning by removing barriers to students’ academic success. Early identification and intervention of students’ academic and social/emotional needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and promoting academic growth. School counselors provide direct and indirect student services and curricular activities to increase the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for students to achieve their potential academically, socially, emotionally, and physically for life, college, and career readiness.

Elementary school counseling programs are crucial in supporting students’ attitudes and personal views toward school, self, peers, and social groups. In elementary grades, school counseling programs support and provide education on prevention and intervention services, promoting positive academic skills, career awareness, and social-emotional development — skills students need to be competent and confident learners.

Secondary school counseling programs are designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of students in grades 6–12, while preparing them for high school and beyond. College and career exploration and planning are emphasized at the secondary level. As middle school students learn to manage more independence and responsibilities, school counseling programs are designed to connect learning to practical application in life and work, support personal/social skills, and foster effective learning/study skills.

High school counseling programs are designed to foster student preparation and readiness for successful college and career pathways after high school. All secondary students create and manage a four- to six-year plan with their counselor. The four- to six-year plan is managed in SchooLinks and is designed to teach students how to create and attain their graduation, college, and career goals, while taking into account their interests, aptitudes, and graduation requirements.

Please contact your school counselor for additional information regarding the school counseling program.

DoDEA school psychologists provide a range of services designed to support students’ learning, growth, and development. They are experts in student mental health and learning/behavior, and they partner with various stakeholders throughout the school and community to support students’ academic and emotional needs. School psychology programs are designed to foster safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between the school, home, and community. School psychologists aim to improve academic achievement, support diverse learners, promote positive behaviors and safe school climates, and strengthen school-family partnerships. Core functions of school psychologists include mental health interventions, behavior management, crisis intervention and response, assessment, and consultation and collaboration.

Please contact your school psychologist for additional information regarding the DoDEA School Psychology Program.

School Health Services

'Health Services School Nurse'

DoDEA School Health Services aims to optimize learning by fostering student wellness. The school nurse serves as the health service expert, providing health care to students/staff and implementing interventions that address both actual and potential health and safety conditions. The school nurse collaborates with the school administrator to promote the health and academic success of students and serves as the liaison between the school, community, and health care systems. This collaborative effort creates opportunities to build capacity for students' self-care, resilience, and learning.

The school nurse's responsibilities include:

  1. Providing leadership in promoting personal and environmental health and safety by managing communicable diseases, monitoring immunizations, and providing consultation and health-related education to students and staff to promote school health and academic success;
  2. Providing quality health care and intervening with actual and potential health problems through health screenings, health assessments, and nursing interventions, including the development of health care and emergency care plans to enable students to safely and fully participate in school;
  3. Providing case management services to direct care for students with chronic health conditions in order to ensure their safety and increase their access to the educational program; and
  4. Collaborating with school and community-based resources to reduce health-related barriers to student learning, improve access to health care and develop school-community partnerships to support academic achievement and student success.

As a general rule, the parent or sponsor will be notified by the school administrator or school nurse if a child has:

  1. Any illness or injury that causes concern or inability to participate in school activities;
  2. Eye, ear, or teeth injuries;
  3. Head injury;
  4. Second- or third-degree burns;
  5. Severe pain;
  6. Sprains or possible fractures;
  7. Temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit;
  8. Vomiting or diarrhea; and
  9. Wounds that may require stitches.
A girl having her temperature checked by a healthcare professional

Do not send your child to school if he or she is ill. Staying home to get the proper rest, nutrition, and parental care is for your child's benefit as well as for the benefit of the other children in the school who may be unnecessarily exposed to a contagious illness. The following are examples of when a student should remain home:

  1. A temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The student must be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours (a complete school day) before returning to school.
  2. Actively vomiting or has diarrhea.
  3. An illness which presents with contagious symptoms.
  4. Other symptoms interfering with learning or participation, such as abdominal pain; ear ache; itchy, painful eyes; light-sensitivity; or profuse exudate from the eyes necessitating frequent wiping.
  5. Severe uncontrolled coughing or wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing, and coughing lasting longer than five to seven days.
  6. Episodes of vomiting in the past 24 hours. A student must remain home until vomiting resolves (no further vomiting for 24 hours).
  7. Frequent, loose or watery stools compared to the student's normal pattern; not caused by diet or medication. A student must remain home if a) he/she looks or acts ill; b) he/she has diarrhea with temperature elevation of 100°F or greater; and c) he/she has diarrhea and vomiting.
  8. Blister-like lesions (impetigo, including streptococci, staphylococcus, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infections) that develop into pustules with weeping and crusting. A student must be medically evaluated, remain home for at least 24 hours after initiation of medical treatment and remain home until determined not infectious by a medical provider. Lesions must be covered for school attendance.
  9. Ringworm lesions must be covered for school attendance.
  10. Thick discharge from eye, necessitating frequent wiping and may be accompanied by pain, redness to the white part of the eye and light sensitivity. Student must remain at home until symptoms clear or completion of 24 hours of medical provider-prescribed ophthalmic treatment.
  11. Measles, mumps, rubella, (German measles), chicken pox, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. A student must remain home until determined to be not infectious by a medical care provider.

If your child becomes ill during the school day, the school nurse will contact you to pick up your child. To return to school, your child must be without symptoms for 24 hours and fever-free without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.

Medicine syrup photo

When medication must be administered during the school day, it must be delivered to the school nurse in the original container and properly labeled by the pharmacy or primary care manager/provider, stating the name of the student, the medication, dosage, route, time of administration, and current date of issue. Contact the school nurse for the required Medication Consent Form. This form must be filled out and signed by the prescribing state licensed medical provider and also signed by the sponsor/parent/guardian. The sponsor/parent/guardian needs to bring the signed form and the medication to the school nurse. If the school nurse is not present, the signed form and medication must be presented to the school principal, acting principal, or health aide for safekeeping. It is acceptable for parents to bring in self-purchased over-the-counter medication to be kept in the health office for their child's use at school, but the medication must be accompanied by a physician's prescription and signed parental consent form.

In some rare situations, students are allowed to keep their rescue or emergency medicine with them while in school or at school-related activities. The prescribing primary care manager must provide a written statement that the student must be in control of his or her medication due to a life-threatening medical condition. The parent must provide written consent for the medication to stay with the student. See the school nurse to obtain the appropriate form for medications to be administered during school hours or for a student to self-carry emergency medication.

Supplement A - DoDEA Form 6000.01: Medication During School Day and School-Sponsored Activities

Supplement D - DoDEA Form 6000.01: Student Retention of Medication

A girl being seen by a doctor

Please inform the school nurse of any medical condition and health concerns your child may have to better serve and protect your child's welfare in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 2720.1, "First Aid and Emergency Care," September 8, 2003.

Food allergies (including peanut/nut allergies) are a significant health concern within the school environment. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening reactions. Ensuring a safe environment for all students and visitors is a primary focus for the school administration and staff. In an attempt to raise awareness and limit unnecessary exposure during school hours, the following steps have been implemented to address food allergies:

  1. Notify the school nurse of ANY allergy to food, drug, insects, etc., that your child may have;
  2. Provide the school nurse with medication/doctor's orders/emergency care plan/parent permission form;
  3. Teach children at home about their food allergies and the importance of not sharing any food with others in school or elsewhere; and
  4. Notify the classroom teacher about your child's allergens and check with the classroom teacher prior to bringing in any food for classroom celebrations.
Applying bandages to a child's arm

School personnel will administer first aid as efficiently as possible to the dependent student when needed to treat minor injury or illness, in accordance with the DoDEA Regulation 2720.1, "First Aid and Emergency Care," September 8, 2003. In accordance with Section 6 of DoDEA Regulation 2720.1, should a student sustain a more serious illness or injury, the school nurse will make a judgment call based on nursing assessment to determine if the student needs emergency medical care requiring a response by an emergency medical team (EMT) and possible transportation for treatment at a health care facility. If a student needs emergency medical care requiring an ambulance, the school will make reasonable efforts to contact the sponsor/parent/guardian or emergency contact. In the absence of a parent, a school administrator or designee may accompany the student to the medical treatment facility.

The EMT, health care facility, or attending health care provider(s) may be non-U.S. or non-military facilities or providers, especially if the dependent student is located overseas. Treatment decisions will be made exclusively by the health care provider(s) if the nature of the dependent student's injury or illness requires immediate health care, in accordance with their standard operating procedures regarding the delivery of emergency care for the dependent student.

It is very important for the school to have a current address, home phone number, mobile phone numbers, duty phone number, and the phone number of another adult to act as emergency contact in case parents cannot be contacted.

Contact your school nurse for additional information regarding the DoDEA School Health Services Program.

The DoDEA School Meals Program (SMP) supports academic achievement by providing nutritious meals to your students through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

  • The School Meals Program is a budget friendly and convenient program for parents that can save time, energy, money and reduce stress.
  • Households must reapply every school year for free and reduced-price meals, beginning no earlier than July 1st.
  • All meals must be paid for in advance or at the point of sale.
  • A best practice is to fund your child’s account every pay day through the next pay day.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students are expected to actively participate in the educational process, including school-sponsored activities in and outside of the classroom, as deemed appropriate. Students should bring to the attention of a school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

Students shall:

  1. Comply with policies, procedures and standards for student behavior;
  2. Refrain from conduct or behavior that is disruptive;
  3. Respect the rights and human dignity of other students and all school employees;
  4. Attend school and classes regularly, and punctually and make a conscious effort in all classes;
  5. Participate in and take advantage of educational opportunities provided by DoDEA schools;
  6. Assist school employees in operating a safe school by abiding by the laws of the United States, the local military installation, the host nation, and DoDEA policies, regulations, and procedures;
  7. Properly maintain school property and use school property and equipment for educationally authorized purposes;
  8. Promptly bring to the attention of a DoDEA school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others and to cooperate with school threat assessment procedures; and
  9. Promptly report to the DoDEA School Principal, or another DoDEA school employee, incidents or complaints, including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or non-sexual harassment, based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or status as a sponsor, parent or legal guardian; intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyberbullying), or retaliation against persons who report or participate in the investigation of such incidents herein.

No DoDEA student shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be subjected to, or be permitted to subject others to discrimination in any DoDEA-conducted education and training programs and activities on the basis of their race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or status as a parent, which is commonly known as their protected class, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1443.01, Volume 1, “Civil Rights Program and Compliance,” November 16, 2022.

Although DoDEA cannot guarantee every student a learning and activities environment free from annoyances, petty slights, or minor offenses, DoDEA is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free from unlawful discrimination and will not tolerate incidents of discriminatory unequal treatment, hostile environments (including those created by sexual assault and sexual harassment [discussed in greater detail below under “Student Conduct and Discipline”]), or impermissible disparate impact based on a student’s protected class, or retaliation against anyone because they have made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation related to an allegation of discrimination.

Students are responsible for their own scholastic integrity.  Any suspicion or evidence of forging, cheating, or plagiarizing the work of others may result in a school discipline, to include exclusion in accordance with DoDEA AI 1347.01, Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.

According to Section 3.6 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021, students may observe religious practice in school, such as celebration of religious holidays, engaging in private prayer, saying grace before meals, and wearing yarmulkes and head scarves, as long as the practice does not violate student standards or cause substantial disruption. Students may engage in independent religious discussion to the same degree that they may engage in other types of permissible speech. The freedom to engage in religious expression in school does not include the right to compel other students to participate in religious practices or discussion. Students may express their beliefs about religion in the form of homework, artwork, presentations, and other written and oral assignments, free from discrimination by school faculty or other students based on the religious content of their submissions. Such assignments and submissions shall be assessed by curricular standards or other relevant instructional criteria in accordance with Section 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01.

In accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1443.01, Volume 1, “Executive Order 13160 Administration: Compliance Requirements and Appeals,” February 22, 2019, all high school students, and middle school students in some cases, are provided the opportunity to participate in the Interscholastic Athletic Program without unlawful discrimination based on their race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, status as a parent, or other factors unrelated to that participation. There are equitable uniform eligibility policies for participants in all athletic programs. Please refer to your regional Interscholastic Athletics Program policy for details relating to your school. For DoDEA-Americas schools, please consult your state of residence athletic policies and the school athletic director for specifics regarding state regulations and requirements.

Students

The need for an interactive, reciprocal, and cooperative relationship between student, parent, and educator is recognized. This relationship should be as follows:

Staff members are expected to

  • Exhibit an attitude of respect for students and fellow workers.
  • Practice fair and impartial treatment of all students at all times.
  • Develop and maintain a good working relationship with students.
  • Work cooperatively with other staff members, parents, and students and treat them with respect and courtesy.
  • Consistently enforce school rules and policies with fairness and steadiness in the classroom and throughout the school.
  • Be responsible for establishing an atmosphere of proper school behavior by modeling and setting guidelines for such behavior.
  • Communicate with school personnel, students, and parents in a responsible and professional manner, without abusive language or physical violence.
  • Respond within a reasonable time period to a parent’s request for a conference regarding student behavior or class progress.

Parents are expected to:

  • Read and become thoroughly familiar with this document.
  • Parents cannot excuse their children from compliance of the rules, and guidelines explained in the document. For example, parents cannot excuse their children for not wearing the school uniform.
  • Be aware of and support compliance with the rules and policies established by this document.
  • Be responsible for their child’s daily attendance on time and promptly communicate and explain, in writing, an absence or tardiness to the school.
  • The school is not responsible for students who willfully fail to report to class.
  • Be responsible for the deliberate misconduct of their child.
  • Be responsible by ensuring that the student is in compliance with the dress code before he/she departs for school. If a student fails to report to school wearing the uniform as prescribed by school policy, the parent may be summoned to school to either pick the student up or ensure that the student is in full uniform.
  • Understand that the rules must be enforced to provide a safe, sound learning environment.
  • Support and cooperate with the school administration in the implementation and enforcement of school procedures and rules.
  • Report to school when summoned by staff or administrators, particularly in cases that demand urgent attention.

Students are expected to:

  • Treat all students, parents, faculty, staff, and other adults with respect and courtesy.
  • Attend all classes daily and arrive on time.
  • Come to class prepared with appropriate working materials, books, and supplies.
  • Be respectful of all individuals and property.
  • Refrain from making profane or defamatory statements. Vulgar or profane language will not be accepted in the classroom or school environment.
  • Conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Develop a sense of responsibility for their actions, such as being on time with homework/make-up work.
  • Communicate with others in the school environment in a responsible, honest, and non-threatening manner without abusive language or physical violence.
  • Be aware of and conform to class, school, and system-wide rules and regulations.
  • Follow directions from all school personnel without delay and in a cooperative manner.
  • Respect the property of others by not engaging in vandalism or theft.
  • Respect the rights and privacy of others by not engaging in unacceptable physical contact such as public display of affection, bullying, hitting, pushing, or harassment of any kind.
  • Take pride in themselves, their school, their culture, and their country.

Being a student in Antilles High School is not only a distinct privilege, but it also entails many responsibilities. Students must recognize the fact that the foremost purpose for which they come to school is to get an education. As part of that journey, they could also have many other great experiences which rely entirely upon those choices made by them during their time as students at Antilles High School.

Locus Parentis - Staff and Student Interaction

Every student is under the jurisdiction of the school’s administrators, teachers, educational technicians, aides, office staff, nurse, substitute teachers, kitchen and custodial workers. Insolent/rude behavior to any adult at Antilles High School will result in swift and stern disciplinary action.

Image showing dress code and location of armpit and mid-thigh

Students MUST wear:

  • Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
  • Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
  • Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
    • Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
    • Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed

Students CANNOT wear clothing with:

  • Language or images promoting violence
  • Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
  • Derogatory speech/imagery targeting groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law
  • Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head

* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress

* DoDEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoDEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

Philosophical Basis

One of education's basic purposes is to prepare students for responsible self-expression in a democratic society. The rights of citizens in our democratic society to freedom of speech are protected under the United States Constitution. Full opportunity should be provided for students to inquire, question, and exchange ideas. They should be encouraged to participate in discussions in which many points of view, including those, which are controversial, are freely and respectfully expressed. However, the right to freedom of speech may not infringe upon the rights of others or disturb the educational process.

Rights

  1. The Pledge of Allegiance is a statement of American ideals, and every student shall be protected in his/her right to affirm self identity with these ideals; however, students who, because of religious or other deep personal convictions, do not wish to participate in the salute to the flag shall maintain an attitude of respect while others recite the Pledge. Administrators and staff reserve the right to call a meeting with the student sponsor to discuss the reasons for refusing to stand for the pledge.
  2. Students have the right to be free from proselytizing by religious and political groups.
  3. Students have the right to refrain from any activity that violates the precepts of their religion.

Responsibilities

  1. Students have the responsibility to act in a manner, which preserves the dignity of the occasion.
  2. Students have the responsibility to respect the religious beliefs of others.
  3. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of others, who have differing viewpoints, and to express themselves on those issues with which they disagree in a manner which does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the orderly educational process of the school.
  4. To safeguard books, materials, monies, and/or other personal valuables. The school cannot be responsible for student valuables

School Security

General, non-individualized searches of school property (e.g., desks, lockers, storage spaces, and school computers, including data and internet access records), may be conducted by the principal on a periodic or random basis. The school affords students and parents adequate prior notice of its general search policy through the issuance referenced above and this handbook. The search shall be conducted by the principal in the presence of another school employee who will serve as a witness. General searches of school spaces and property may be conducted in cooperation with the appropriate installation authorities or military police, including dogs trained to detect the presence of contraband. Evidence found during a general search, or a dog sniff, that alerts authorities to potential contraband may provide reasonable suspicion sufficient to conduct an individualized search.

Individualized, reasonable suspicion or targeted searches may be conducted by a principal of a student’s personal belongings (including bags, personalized electronic mobile devices (PEMD) and the interior of student vehicles on school property) and in a student’s desk, locker, storage space, school computer, or other property of the school when there is reasonable suspicion to believe the student possesses a prohibited item. Targeted searches may be conducted whenever the student is involved in a school-sponsored or school-supervised activity or event so long as there is reasonable suspicion to conduct the search.

A targeted search of a student’s person shall only be conducted under exigent circumstances. When possible, a targeted search of the student’s person shall be conducted in a private room, or non-public area, and by a school official of the same sex as the student. Reasonable efforts to locate the student and to notify the parent shall be made prior to a targeted search or as soon as is practicable under the circumstances.

srp-k12-student-parent-handout-2021.pdf preview

DoDEA has implemented action-based standard response protocols (i.e., hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter) that can be performed during any emergency incident.

Hold Used when there is a need to remain in a classroom or area, even during class transitioning. Can be used for such events as a medical emergency, unruly students in the hallway, or whenever an incident requires all students and staff to remain in their current positions.

  • Students will clear the hallways and remain in a room or area until the “All Clear” is announced.
  • Teachers will close and lock the doors to rooms or areas (if possible).
  • Teachers will account for students and adults.
  • Classroom activities will continue uninterrupted.

Secure (lockout) Directed when there is a threat or hazard outside the school. Whether it is due to violence or criminal activity or a dangerous animal on the playground, a lockout uses the security of the physical facility as a protective measure.

  • No students allowed outside of buildings and/or portable classrooms (no P.E., recess, etc.).
  • All building exterior doors are closed and locked.
  • Where possible, classroom activities will continue uninterrupted. place.

Lockdown Directed when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. From serious altercations to intruders to active shooter situations, lockdown uses classroom security to protect students and staff from the threat.

  • All students stay in place with a teacher or staff member.
  • Students and teachers remain in locked classrooms, locating “safe zones” within each classroom.
  • No one enters or exits the school, except law enforcement or incident response personnel.

Evacuation Implemented when there is a need to move students from one facility to another.

  • Officials conducting or supervising evacuation will vary based on the school and incident taking place.
  • Students will proceed to designated evacuation area. If separated from their class, students should join any evacuation line and identify themselves to the teacher in their group after arriving at the evacuation site.

Shelter Shelter is called when the need for personal protection is necessary. This may include events such as a tornado, earthquake or hazardous material spill.

  • Shelter strategies may include evacuate to a shelter area, seal the room or drop and cover.
  • Schools will identify potential shelter situations and designate specific responses, as appropriate.


The Standard Response Protocols are incorporated into the school’s Emergency Action Plan. For more information on the Standard Response Protocols and how they apply within DoDEA, refer to DoDEA Administrative Instruction 5205.02, Volume 6, “DoDEA Force Protection Program: Standard Response Protocols,” 27 June 2023.-

Emergency school closure occurs when unforeseen circumstances such as broken water pipes, flooding, loss of power,severe weather, etc., warrant closure to be initiated during non-school hours. The decision to close the school is made through input from the administrators, our superintendent, and the Commander. An announcement of the closure will be broadcast on TV and/or radio, DNS, and through the base command units.

The DoDEA Notification System (DNS) allows for each school to contact all of their parents and/or staff with one phone message through an automatic dialing system. At the District level it allows a message to be sent to all parents and/or staff in the same method. This allows greater security and sharing of information with parents and staff. There is a Point of Contact (POC) at each location that has the necessary codes to access the system.

There are situations in which school may be canceled during school hours. Once again, this decision is made by the individuals stated above. Once the decision has been made to release students, staff members will alert all classrooms.Students who ride the bus will be released to board the bus at a set time. For those students who walk, ride a bike, or are picked up, they may be released once their parent/guardian has been contacted and agree with that process. If we are unable to reach a student's parent/guardian by the time teachers are released, the teacher will bring them to the office and the office staff will assist in contacting the parent. For these emergencies STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN BEING NOTIFIED. As stated before,please ensure all contact numbers are updated at all times with both your child's teacher and the school office.

In accordance with our antiterrorism/force protection plan, the school will be evacuated unless otherwise determined by the command and our district office. In cases where the school has to evacuate the premises due to any safety concerns, the students and staff will evacuate to designated locations away from the threat. If we have to leave the school area and/or send students home we will make every effort to contact each sponsor. During the time of any evacuation, all students will remain with their teachers. If information is received from our district office or from the Command Post to send students home, the school will then release the student(s) to the parent/guardian provided proper identification has been presented. We appreciate your cooperation during times such as these. Again, it is imperative that the school has updated contact information in case of any type of emergency. Please contact the school office to ensure all contact numbers are updated and current.

School security is a national concern. Throughout the United States, youth crime and violence threaten to undermine the safety of our students' learning environment. Since the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) represents a cross-section of Americana, all partners in our community education process must understand and support the principles underlying a safe and secure learning environment as applied to creating a safe school. The underlying principles all relate to student rights to a safe and secure learning environment free from the threat or fear of physical violence; free from drugs, alcohol, weapons and other prohibited items; free from hazing, bullying or intimidation; and free from gang or criminal activity.

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) follows guidance for the Department of Defense and also issues instructions and policies concerning our schools. DoDEA Regulation 1347.01 “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures, Change 1” outlines student conduct expectations and disciplinary consequences that may be invoked when the conduct of a student poses an immediate threat to his/her safety or the safety of others in the school. These student conduct expectations apply to student conduct that is:

  • related to a school activity while on school property
  • while en route between school and home, to include school buses
  • during lunch period
  • during or while going to or coming from all school-sponsored events/activities that affect the missions or operations of the school or district including field trips, sporting events, stadium assemblies, and evening school-related activities.

Violence, threats of violence, prohibited items, gang or criminal behavior, and bullying or intimidation will not be tolerated. Perpetrating a bomb threat or complicity in the act is grounds for expulsion. Additionally, local military regulations and laws may authorize criminal prosecution for such actions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all community education partners - students, parents, military leaders, administrators, faculty and staff - to understand the serious nature of actions violating the principle student freedoms and the scope of authority over infractions as outlined in The DoDEA Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. The administration at each school is responsible for the management of student behavior.

Emergency Planning and Crisis Response

When hurricanes or other severe weather conditions occur, it is sometimes necessary to cancel school, delay the opening of school, or dismiss classes early.

Hurricane season is June through November.

Listen to local radio and watch the Weather Channel on television for up-to-date information and instructions. Actions taken during hurricane conditions will be in accordance with the Emergency Plan put out by the Military Command.

Hurricane Procedures - During School Hours

All students and staff will report for school unless notified otherwise. The Commanding Officer and the coordinating district office determine cancellation of school. If it is determined that the normal schedule must be interrupted, the following will occur.

After the School Day Has Begun

The District Superintendent will contact each school.

Before the School Day Begins

An announcement will be made over Radio and TV. The announcement will clearly state whether students are to report to school for the day. The announcement will also include a statement regarding the work status of military and civilian government workers, including teaching staff.

Student Conduct and Discipline

The primary objective of school discipline is to maintain a safe and orderly environment that positively affects academic achievement. Discipline provides an opportunity for students to understand that inappropriate behavior results in appropriate consequences. These consequences are designed to keep the students academically involved. Exclusion from learning opportunities is a final disciplinary option. We believe it is imperative to provide students with feedback for their disruptive behavior and allow for planning to avoid future incidents of behavior.

Classroom Discipline

Each teacher has and enforces a classroom discipline plan. The steps of action are:

  1. Teacher counsels student
  2. Teacher and student conference
  3. Teacher contacts the parent
  4. Student may be referred to the counselor
  5. Teacher and counselor may meet to develop behavior interventions
  6. Administration, teacher and counselor meet with parent and student

(Conferences, detentions, suspensions, or referrals are possible at any time depending on the disruptive behavior.)

Prohibited Items

Some items prohibited at school include, but list is not all inclusive:

  • Toys, electronics and other related toys, cards and games
  • portable communications devices
  • all audio devices including iPods and MP3 players
  • skateboards, scooters, roller blades, roller skates or heelys
  • chewing gum
  • cigarette lighters and matches
  • tobacco products; e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff
  • fireworks of any type
  • weapons and/or ammo (real or pretend)
  • laser light pointers
  • any device that disrupts the classroom environment

Cell phones may be brought to school but must be turned off and stored in the backpack or locker during the school day. In cases of emergency, students may contact their parents by using the phone in the school office.

Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, sponsors/parents/guardians, teachers, and the military command and school communities in general, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Student behavioral management consists of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors. Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff with courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students with courtesy, fairness, and respect. All students will be disciplined in a fair and appropriate manner. School administrators shall operate and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. School administration will ensure prompt investigation and response to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members.

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021, discipline shall be progressively and fairly administered. Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, conferences, detention, time-out, alternative in-school placements, school service programs, community service and counseling programs. Other behavior management techniques will be considered prior to resorting to more formal disciplinary actions that remove a student from school for a suspension (short or long term). Long-term suspension or expulsion following a first offense may be considered when a student poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others (e.g., offenses involving firearms or other weapons, fighting or violence, or the possession, use, or sale of drugs). Additional rules and procedures can be reviewed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01.

DoDEA does not allow any form of sexual harassment, sexual assault, problematic sexual behavior in children and youth (PSB-CY) and other related abusive misconduct of, or by, employees, students, or anyone participating in DoDEA-conducted/sponsored education, training programs, and activities, committed both on and off DoDEA premises.

All DoDEA students are responsible for not committing acts of sexual harassment, sexual assault, PSB-CY, and other related abusive misconduct, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1443.02, “Prohibited Sexual, Sex-Based, and Other Related Abusive Misconduct Reporting and Response,” February 21, 2019 (DoDEA AI 1443.02, and for cooperating with any investigations and resolution of complaints made in accordance with this Issuance. Students who violate this policy are subject to discipline in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021.

The right to be free from other related abusive misconduct includes physical and/or emotional misconduct that does not qualify as sexual assault or sexual harassment, but that is still intended to make a student feel pressured, uncomfortable, physically threatened, in pain, embarrassed, or offended. It also includes the right to be free from an adult, or another student, trying to exploit their position of authority or influence over a student to force or manipulate them into an inappropriate personal and/or sexual relationship, even if the student does not think it is harmful. DoDEA does not recognize sexual or romantic interactions between any student and a DoDEA employee or volunteer to ever be consensual, even if the student is of the lawful age of consent.

Students who are experiencing sexual assault, sexual harassment, PSB-CY, or other related abusive misconduct should report it, in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1443.02, “Prohibited Sexual, Sex-Based, and Other Related Abusive Misconduct Reporting and Response,” February 21, 2019.

It is extremely important that a student not suffer in silence or be allowed to be exploited or manipulated into an inappropriate relationship. If such is happening to a student personally, or to someone they know, the student should let an adult know about it right away. The student may tell someone he/she feels comfortable with and trusts, such as their parent, teacher, nurse, or coach, or go directly to the school principal or program director, at any time. When a DoDEA employee or volunteer becomes aware of a violation of this DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1443.02, they are required to report it to their school principal or program director, with the possible exception of certain disclosures made during confidential communications not otherwise subject to mandatory reporting requirements in accordance with Issuance.

Students may visit DoDEA’s Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention to learn more.

DoDEA Schools provide a warm and nurturing environment for students. Classroom instruction, student assignments, assessments, and homework are standards based. The focus is on ensuring that all students master DoDEA standards through differentiated instruction and best practices. Classroom instruction is developmental and engaging so students are successful. Instructional time is protected to maximize learning opportunities. It is imperative that students are on time and remain in school throughout the day to capitalize on all opportunities.

Animals or Pets

Per DoDEA regulation, before an animal or pet can be brought in to the school for any reason (to include bringing in pets when there are no classes in session), the animal or pet owner must first have written approval from the Principal. Animals that could cause injury or harm to any person, WILL NOT be brought to school. The pet owner will provide a copy of the Veterinarian certificate for the Principal and School Nurse prior to bringing the animal or pet into the school. A copy of this certificate must be kept in the classroom at all times and a copy retained by the School Nurse in an animal/pet veterinary clearance file. In addition, a copy will also be kept on file in the school office. Animals are visitors at our school, not residents. If your child has any animal allergies, please notify the School Nurse.

Water Bottles

Students are allowed to use personal water containers (plastic only, please) in classrooms and other instructional areas as appropriate. Staff and administrators have the right and responsibility to check the contents of all water containers. Water bottles should be clearly marked with the student's name.

No food or drinks will be allowed in the hallways, playgrounds, or stage area.

Birthday Celebrations

Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or other gifts to the school for birthdays. Students may bring birthday invitations at the teacher's discretion to school, only if there is an invitation for each child in the classroom. Classroom teachers will determine an appropriate time for distribution.

Deliveries

To avoid interruption of instructional time, flowers or other gifts will not be delivered to students. If we should receive a delivery for a student, we will notify the student's parent and hold it in the office until the end of the school day for the parent to pick up.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem will be incorporated into the morning announcements. Participation is not mandatory, but all students are expected to show respect.

In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. DoDEA implemented a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.

Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.

In DoDEA schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to ensure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.

Technology

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged. The only acceptable form of social media communication between parents/teachers/students is through official school social media.

Each student, together with the student’s parent or guardian (if applicable), shall acknowledge and sign Form 700, “Use of DoDEA Internet and Use of Information Technology Resources,” before he or she is assigned a user account. In accordance with Enclosure 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 6600.01, “Computer Access and Internet Policy,” February 16, 2010, the following are required of all students:

  1. Students shall use DoDEA information technology (IT) resources, including computers, electronic mail, and internet access, only in support of education and for research consistent with the educational objectives of DoDEA;
  2. Students shall respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to, and use of, DoDEA’s IT resources;
  3. Students shall be polite in all electronic communication;
  4. Students shall use courteous and respectful language and/or images in their messages to others;
  5. Students shall not swear, use vulgarities, or use harsh, abusive, sexual, or disrespectful language and/or images;
  6. Students who misuse DoDEA IT resources are subject to disciplinary measures; and
  7. Students’ accounts will be deactivated upon transition out of a DoDEA school.

The signed agreement (Form 700) is to be retained in the administrative office at the student’s school for the duration of the student’s enrollment. A copy will be provided to the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent or guardian.

Student Transportation

Student transportation is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, during the mid-day and for return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day. DoDEA principals are responsible for monitoring student loading/unloading zones when students are coming and going from school sites, including administering discipline. A school bus or any device operating to provide student transportation will function as an extension of the school. The walking distance for students in grade 6 and below should not exceed one mile from the student’s primary residence to the school or designated bus stop. Students in grades 7–12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop. These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods. In locations having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6–8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7–12.

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal. No other transportation between the assigned bus stop and the school will be charged to commuting transportation unless stated in a special education student’s IEP and/or required by Section 504 guidelines. “Curb-to-curb” only applies to students with disabilities who require such service as documented in the student’s IEP. DoDEA District Superintendents, in coordination with the District Logistics Chief and the supporting military installation commanders, will establish a commuting area to determine eligibility for transportation of dependent students.

Per DoDEA AI 1347.01 and 4500.02:

Riding school buses is a PRIVILEGE that may be suspended or revoked if a student does not behave in a safe and proper manner. The time students spend going to and from school is an extension of their school day. School buses are an extension of the school campus. As such, principals are equally as responsible for discipline on school buses as they are on school campuses. Principals may take disciplinary action for school bus misconduct consistent with Attachment 2 or may process them in accordance with procedures available for other school discipline. Nothing in this handbook precludes the principal from exercising appropriate discipline, including suspending the student from school or from school related activities, for misconduct on school buses.

All students are expected to adhere to the bus rider rules outlined on the Student Transportation page.

School Procedures

Teachers

To avoid disrupting instructional time, only emergency messages will be delivered to teachers in classrooms. All other messages will be sent to the teacher via email, which they may be able to receive during their planning period or at lunch.

To ensure the teacher receives the message, please call by 10:00 a.m. to allow the school office ample time to send the message. In addition, the school intercom system will not be used to deliver messages to students or to check your child out of the classroom unless there is an emergency approved by an administrator.

Students

Due to classroom transitions throughout the school day, it is not always possible to relay phone messages to students. To avoid disrupting instructional time, only emergency messages will be delivered directly to classrooms. All other messages will be sent to the child's teacher via email. The school office cannot guarantee delivery of phone messages to students received after 1:00 p.m. Please provide your child with transportation/pick-up instructions prior to start of school.

  • Cutting the lunch line will result in being sent to the end of the line, with increased consequences for repeat offenders.
  • When there are two lunch lines, students may not move from one to the other. If a student wants items from the other lunch line, they must make that line.

Academics are not restricted to the classroom, but take place in the community as well. Therefore, study trips may be ongoing throughout the school year. A letter from your child's teacher, to include the date, time, and destination of the study trip, will be sent home the week prior to the planned trip. At various times during the school year, classes may take study trips as part of the instructional program. Study trips are considered part of the instructional day. Children MUST HAVE A PERMISSION SLIP SIGNED BY THE PARENT before they go on any trip leaving the school. If a parent does not want to send their child on a study trip, the teacher will make alternate arrangements for the child to attend another class for the period of the study trip or parents may elect to keep their child at home. Parents may attend the study trip with the child in these instances. Chaperones may not bring siblings/infants on a study trip. As an invited chaperone, one's responsibility must be to help supervise all the students in the classroom.

Guidelines for Chaperones

  1. All chaperones pay their way (entrance fees, transportation, if not DoDEA funded bus, etc.).
  2. Other younger/preschool age children in the family will not be allowed to accompany parents on a trip, as they tend to distract parents and students alike.
  3. Children from other classrooms will not be allowed to accompany their brothers/sisters on a study trip.
  4. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CHAPERONES TO SMOKE OR DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT ANY TIME DURING A STUDY TRIP.
  5. Chaperones are required to accompany the class to and from the trip. Following the bus in their private vehicle is not close supervision.
  6. Chaperones may not transport their student or any other student to and from the study trip. Students are required to ride the bus to and from the study trip. Under no circumstances may a child be checked out from the study trip(with the exception of a bona fide emergency). The child MUST return to the school and then he/she may be checked out at that time.
  7. Chaperones must have an approved volunteer application on file prior to attending a field trip as a chaperone. Please allow 5 business days for processing of all volunteer request forms.

A. INTERIM REPORTS
Progress reports are given to students with a D or F average biweekly by their teacher(s) during each academic term. These reports will be sent via email to sponsors. It is the students’ responsibility to take this report to the sponsor. Parents are invited to arrange a conference with the teachers after receiving this report. Quarterly Report Cards will be sent to the address on record.

B. SCHEDULE CHANGES
After serious discussions with their parents and guidance counselor, students are expected to choose their courses carefully during the course selection process. NO COURSE CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE SELECTION PROCESS. In some cases, administration will be the determining body if a course change is approved.

C. FINAL SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

  1. A final semester examination may be required of all students in all classes. This exam may count for 10%-20% of the student’s semester average. The format of the exam may vary at the discretion of the teacher.
  2. Exemptions from final exams include Grades 9-12. Students may be exempt if they maintain an average (each quarter at the teachers’ discretion. Students with excessive absences, truancy, disciplinary problems, or suspension, forfeit the right to be considered for this privilege.
  3. Excused absences from a final or semester examination are granted ONLY when one of the following conditions is met:
    1. medical certificate from a licensed physician certifying illness;
    2. A death in the family;
    3. A certifiable permanent change of station;
    4. PRIOR approval by the Principal

D. INCOMPLETE GRADES
Students may receive an (I) for an incomplete grade pending completion of assigned work. This may occur due to extended illness or other excusable extreme circumstances. Incomplete grades must be removed in two weeks.

E. TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Transcripts needed for transfer, military use, scholarship consideration, college application or prospective employment information may be requested 24 hours in advance from the guidance office. A legal sponsor written request is required.

F. CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM
Antilles High School expects all students to abide by ethical academic standards. Academic dishonesty including plagiarism, cheating, or copying the work of another, using technology for illicit purposes, or any unauthorized communication between students for the purpose of gaining advantage during an examination is strictly prohibited. These expectations apply to all school-related tests, quizzes, reports, class assignments, and projects, both in and out of class. In an online environment, plagiarism and cheating are one of the greatest concerns regarding student achievement. Whether intentional or not, the use of other people's work is a violation of the DoDEA's Antilles High School policy of Academic Integrity and can result in severe consequences.

Students are encouraged to work with their peers through the use of interactive technologies such as Instant Messaging, Discussion Boards, and DoDEA Student Google Applications as needed. However, note that any obvious signs of cheating or copying will result in an administrative referral and a zero for the assignment. Any suspicion or evidence of forging, cheating, or plagiarizing the work of others will be investigated. Any student who is in violation will receive disciplinary action from the administration.

Antilles High School has identified the following acts of cheating:

  1. Peeking onto someone else's paper, computer screen or verbally telling someone answers.
  2. Copying from a paper or technology device during a test (crib sheet).
  3. Stealing an answer key, an examination or assignment material.
  4. Plagiarism
  5. Obtaining the questions or answers to a test prior to the test.
  6. Forging signatures and documents.
  7. Giving answers of an assignment to others.
  8. Use of electronic device(s) or social media to copy or aid an in completing an assignment without prior approval from the teacher.

A. Philosophical Basis

Students possess the right of privacy of persons as well as freedom from unreasonable search and seizure of property as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The school has an inalienable responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all its students and staff members. School administrators and officials may search students when they have a reasonable suspicion or suspect that students are:

  1. Are concealing a weapon, a controlled substance or are in possession of stolen property
  2. Are suspected of engaging in illegal or any other prohibited activity (i.e., smoking prescription medication)
  3. Administrators have reasonable suspicion that a search of their persona and belongings is warranted to ensure the safety of the school.
  4. Administrators and school officials may conduct searches of students and their property on school grounds and adjacent areas, parking areas, athletic fields, nearby housing, Antilles Elementary School, and Antilles Middle School.
  5. During field trips, Administrators and school officials may conduct searches in any location as long as the students are under the responsibility of the school.
  6. Random searches may be conducted, as long as these are not aimed at one student or small group of students in particular.

B. Rights

Students have the right to privacy of their personal possessions unless a School Administrator or Official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is concealing material possessions which are prohibited by law, pose a real danger to the school or is in possession of stolen property.

C. Responsibilities

  1. Students have the responsibility not to carry or conceal any such items or material that is prohibited by law or would detract from the educational process.
  2. Students are responsible for the contents stored within their lockers. Unsecured personal property will not be the responsibility of the school.

D. SCHOOL GROUNDS

Since Antilles High School is located on a Military Reservation, military law permits search of persons, vehicles, personal property, and Federal property as posted at the entrance gates to Fort Buchanan. The school bus is considered school grounds, as well as any area within a 100-yard radius of any building or DoDEA-PR facility. The following areas are off-limits for students during school hours: all housing areas, Antilles Elementary School, Antilles Middle School, all athletic fields, all parking areas, and the woods behind the school.

Arrival Time:

Our school day begins at 7:35 AM every day. Please be sure to have your child/children here on time. Students who are consistently tardy are at a clear disadvantage and usually arrive feeling frantic and unprepared. All students who arrive after 7:35AM must go straight to their classroom and notify their teacher to mark them tardy instead of absent. If your child is sick please provide the doctor's note or report the absence by 9:30AM by calling the student attendance clerk at 787-707-2203. Please make sure you review the pre-screening process at home with your child prior to sending them to school. Document is here.

Students’ drop-off time is after 7:15 am. Students will arrive via buses or car drop-off (after 7:10 am). Bus riders will be dropped off at the front of the school. Car riders will be dropped off at the front of the school (not making double lanes) or by the JROTC drop-off station.

Breakfast begins at 7:15 am and ends at 7:30. If the student is planning to have breakfast at school, they should arrive at 7:15, and go directly to the cafeteria, keeping physical distance and following the direction arrows on the floor. As soon as the students finish eating breakfast, they will go to their first period classroom.

Students who are not having breakfast will line up outside their first period classroom until 7:35 to start classes. Students must carry their personal items at all times. Teachers will be at 7:35 am outside their classrooms. Students will clean their hands with hand sanitizer from the pumping stations before entering each classroom. No students should be in the hallways after 7:35 am.


Dismissal Time:

Dismissal time at Antilles High School will be 2:25 p.m. The students will exit the building in three different groups to allow for proper physical distancing. Each classroom has been assigned a number from 1-3. The groups will dismiss as follows:

  • Group 1 & 2 - 2:25pm
  • Group 3 & Walkers - 2:28pm

Car riders will be picked up at the JROTC side drop-off and pick-up station, and buses will be in front of the school. ALL students are expected to leave the installation immediately at the end of the school day. Students will not be allowed to walk to shopping areas.

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to success in school. The responsibility to attend school regularly rests on the student and legal sponsor.

A. Classification of Absences

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

  1. Personal illness
  2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment
  3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family
  4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative
  5. Religious holiday
  6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm
  7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with School administration.
  8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days.
  9. Pandemic event (i.e. connectivity, illness) Approval will be considered by Antilles High School administration with a written parent excuse.

NOTE - Family trips for extended periods of time (more than 2 school days) are strongly discouraged during the academic school year. These usually have a harmful effect on the students’ academic performance regardless of any efforts to make up work by the student or the teacher.

B. Return from Absence

  1. On the day of return, the sponsor/guardian must send an email with a valid explanation of the absence to the registrar at alicia.ramos@dodea.edu .
  2. A physician must certify absences for illness of more than three days. The school nurse may evaluate the student the morning of his/her return before releasing the student to the first class. Failure to submit the proper notes for absences will be considered truancy.
  3. Students absent are responsible for all missed schoolwork and assignments.
  4. All students have up to two days upon return to school after an absence to make up work from an excused absence.
  5. Students with unexcused absences may receive zero credit for exams or worked missed.
  6. In order to participate in an extracurricular activity (i.e., Sports and club activities), a student must be present at school from the beginning of the day on which the activity takes place, unless the principal grants a written waiver for just cause in specific cases.
  7. It is exclusively the responsibility of the student to seek all make up work after an absence, not the teachers’ duty. Once the period to get make up work has expired teachers are not obligated to provide students the chance to make up work and can give them zero credit for the work missed.

Click HERE for more information on DoDEA’s Attendance Program.

C. Early Dismissal

Sponsor requests for early dismissal must be presented in writing. Early dismissals will NOT be granted over the phone.

  1. Sponsor picking up student must come to the main office, present a photo ID and sign out the student.
  2. No student will be released to someone other than the sponsor or parent/guardian or emergency contact person on file.

D. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Students withdrawing from school should:

  1. The sponsor of the student must request and complete withdrawal documents. This must be done three weeks ahead of the withdrawal date.
  2. Steps students will take at withdrawal time:
    1. For clearance, take the clearance form to each teacher during the day. This includes library/media center, nurse, coaches, cafeteria, school pictures and JROTC.
    2. At the end of the day, the student will take the completed form to the school office. If requested in advance, the parents can receive interim grades to take with them.
    • NOTE: Sponsors must pay for lunch fees and any other debt before final clearance and records are given.
  3. Parents can request an official copy of student records to hand deliver or mail to the receiving school. The receiving school or university can request official transcripts.

A. BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

The DoD Puerto Rico Student Behavior Policy (DoDEA Regulation 1347.01) and this Student Handbook defines the rights we all adhere to.

The Policy and this Handbook establish the procedures and disciplinary action imposed for student violations.

Zero Tolerance means that every infraction will be investigated quickly and decisively. If punishment is warranted, it will be administered quickly and be consistent with the rules and policies of the school district.

B. OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Refer to DoDEA-PR Student Behavior Policy (DoDEA Regulation 1347.01)

Students who are assigned an out-of-school suspension must make up their work to earn credit within two days. If the suspended student fails to make up the work, he or she will be graded accordingly.

Loss of Class Time

  1. Students who miss contact time with a teacher due to ISS or out of school suspension are responsible for the learning missed.

Any student who misses an excessive amount of instructional time or has a sizable number of absences, and as a result fails to complete work and assignments will be referred to the Administration for review and possible loss of credit from the class. The decision to grant credit in these cases remains at the administration’s discretion.

C. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES/WEAPONS

Any student found in possession or use of illegal substances (drugs or weapons, including pocketknives) is subject to both the DoDEA-PR Student Behavior Policy, the jurisdiction of the Military Police on Fort Buchanan, and the Juvenile Review Board. The administration of Antilles High School will summarily recommend the expulsion of any student caught in possession of weapons, drugs or illegal substances while on the installation.

D. TOBACCO AND SMOKING

Smoking is strictly prohibited on school grounds and adjacent areas, to include the parking areas, athletic fields, nearby housing and other schools (AES and AMS). Smoking is also prohibited in school functions and sponsored activities.

Refer to the DoEA-PR Student Behavior Policy.

Reference Policy: Student Dress Code (DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 17, 2012)

Students will use the school uniform, which consists of an official AHS shirt, khaki bottoms, PE shirt, PE shorts and appropriate closed shoes. For students not wearing the uniform or those changing the uniform, the sponsor will be called to bring the official uniform.

SPECIAL NOTE: Parents cannot excuse students from wearing the specified uniform.

A. SHIRTS

  1. Official, unaltered, collared, short-sleeved black polo shirts with AHS Logo only.
    1. School uniforms can be bought from Uniforms Outlet Store. They are currently offering the following services: 1) Order by phone 2) Curbside pickup. They can be contacted at 787-722-3103
  2. The senior class can wear their senior shirt and senior jacket everyday.
  3. If a shirt is worn under the uniform shirt (no long sleeves shirts will be worn under the uniform shirt), it must be white or black only.
  4. No other color will be admitted. Students will be asked to remove any other color under shirt and it may be confiscated.
  5. Undershirts must be tucked inside pants, shorts, or skirts and sleeves cannot be showing (no long sleeve undershirts).

B. Other Shirts & Jerseys

  1. Class shirts or jerseys may be worn ONLY ON FRIDAYS. Only the approved school shirts are permitted.
  2. **Seniors apparel can be worn every day.
  3. Students' clubs and organizations shirts will need authorization to set (1) day of the week to be worn.

C. SLACKS

  1. Pants must be worn at the waistline (above the hips). They may not have holes.
  2. Tailored* plain khaki** colored slacks (Dockers, Chinos, Old Navy, etc.) Excessively tight (i.e., skinny jeans) or loose pants are not permitted.
  3. Underclothing or skin must not be showing between the waistline and the school shirt.

D. SHORTS

  1. Tailored* plain khaki** colored shorts worn at the waistline (above the hips).
  2. Length must be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee.
  3. Undergarments or skin must not be showing.

*Tailored means not baggy, oversized, skin tight or cargo pants.
**Khaki refers to a Brown tone and NOT white or green tones.

E. SWEATERS AND JACKETS

  1. Students should wear the official school jacket sold by the Uniform Outlet.
  2. Senior class may wear their class jackets.
  3. Other approved jackets and/or sweaters are solid black with no logos, color patterns, and images.
  4. No hoodies are to be worn over the head.

F. SHOES

  1. Closed toe shoes or sneakers are the only accepted footwear. Slippers or CROC style shoes are not allowed.

G. HEAD GEAR/SUNGLASSES

  1. Any type of garment or accessory covering the head will not be permitted on school grounds at any time, to include hoods on jackets. This includes bandanas, scarves, caps or hats.
  2. Once inside the building, dark, non-prescription sunglasses are prohibited.

NON-COMPLIANCE WILL RESULT:

  • Parent phone call to bring the student the proper uniform.
  • Repeat offenders will receive consequences determined by Admin.
  • Non-approved accessories will be confiscated and only returned to the sponsor. The school is NOT responsible for lost items while in possession of the school.
  1. All school-sponsored activities must be approved in advance by the Student Government and Principal and be placed on the school calendar. The request must be submitted using the Activity Request Google form to the Student Government. The request must follow the Student Government submission process.
  2. All fund-raising activities require the approval of the Student Government and Principal. The request must be submitted using the Fundraising Request Google Form. All funds must be deposited into the student account immediately following the activity. The unauthorized selling of ANY product for personal profit is prohibited at school and/or at ALL school sponsored events. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Initial Academic Eligibility

To participate in extracurricular activities requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have no failing grade. Eligibility will be determined for each sports season:

  1. Fall Season: GPA from the previous semester and have no F.
    • Incoming 9th grade students are automatically eligible for the fall season ONLY
  2. Winter Season: 1st Quarter GPA and have no F.
  3. Spring Season: Initial check for a 2.0 will be two weeks prior to the first competition/activity of the season for that sport. 3rd quarter grades will be used for the first two weeks after Spring Break.

Initial Academically Eligible Athletes / Students

  1. Students/Athletes will be monitored weekly throughout the year/season, and they must maintain a 2.0 GPA and have no F.
  2. Students/Athletes who have below a 2.0 are ineligible from 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday to 7:30am the following Thursday. (Evidence of grade and GPA improvement will be taking in consideration to be eligible again)
  3. Grades during the period of monitoring will be cumulative from the beginning of each quarter.
  4. Students declared ineligible may practice but are not authorized to participate in club activities, class activities, scrimmages, competition, be in school uniform at a scheduled event, travel with the team to any away event or sit on the bench in a managerial position to keep stats or support the team.
  5. The student/athlete who has been identified as being ineligible three times during the season (sports)/year will be dropped from the team.

Initial Academically Ineligible Athletes

  1. Athlete does not meet the 2.0 GPA or have no F requirement for the particular season in question, they will be ineligible for the first competition/activity. Athletes are allowed to practice after 4:00pm (to allow academic support) but may not be in uniform or travel at any time with the team.
  2. Initial ineligibly is their “first strike” of the season for athletic eligibility. Including previous quarter or semester grading and GPA. Every week ineligibility will be another “strike”. After three strikes the student/athlete should be dismiss from the team/club.
  3. The athlete’s eligibility will be checked by the coaches on the Thursday after the first competition and each week after as all other athletes.

Procedures for Monitoring Academic Eligibility

  1. All school coaches must complete grade checks on Thursday.
  2. A student declared ineligible with below a 2.0 on the Thursday grade check will be ineligible from 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday to 7:30am the following Thursday. (Evidence of grade and GPA improvement will be taking in consideration to be eligible again)
  3. Winter Sports – initial check is 1st quarter grades. For the first two weeks of second semester, please use quarter grades or semester grades to determine eligibility.
  4. Spring Sports – 3rd quarter grades will be used to determine eligibility.
  5. Schools will provide intervention support services to students who have been identified as having academic difficulty. Examples of these support services include, but are not limited to monitoring sessions, tutoring, before and after school study halls/instruction.

Eligibility Violations

  1. Activities sponsors, and coaches shall not enter athletes/students in any competition/activity unless they are eligible.

Attendance Requirements

  1. A student cannot be absent from school and attend practice/club or organization meetings except for an excused absence.
  2. Students are required to be in school the full day of a weekday game/ club or organization activity. The only exception is for a medical appointment.
  3. School Suspensions: any student suspended from school is not eligible, at the minimum, for the next scheduled competition/activity.

The DoDEA-PR operates under 10 USC 2164 which states, “In case of a military installation located in a Commonwealth…that an education program may be considered appropriate…only if the program is conducted in the English language.” In keeping with this law instruction in classes will be conducted in English. With the following exceptions:

  1. Teachers are expected to follow the guidelines established by DoDEA English as a Second Language (ESL) Manual 2440.2 with ESL students. This manual states, “Although English is the language of instruction in the classroom, students are encouraged to continue to develop proficiency in their first language as they acquire English.” This manual also states, teachers may encourage the use of dual languages in the classroom (pg. 34).
  2. In language classes other than English, full use of the language being studied is appropriate.
  3. In keeping with each teacher and student’s first amendment rights, non-instructional conversations between teachers, students, or teachers and students in classrooms or on campus may be in the language of choice.

District policy for the use of a second is that when a student’s home language is used during instruction, the teacher will explain in English what was said to the whole class with the exception of one-to-one or small group assistance. Assembly programs, meetings, publications, and customer relations will be conducted in English with translations as appropriate. Cultural events, culture classes and performances may be exempt from this policy.

*DoDEA Manual 2440.2 is based on educational research and the following:

  • Memorandum from Former President William J. Clinton, June 17, 1997 that directed agencies to take appropriate action against discrimination in education programs…conducted by the Federal Government. Currently, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 generally prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin – in educational programs that receives Federal financial assistance. However, these laws do not apply to comparable education programs… conducted by the Federal Government. I believe it is essential that the Federal Government hold itself to the same principles of nondiscrimination in educational opportunities that now apply to educational programs.

DoD Directive 1342.20, which states, DoDEA shall provide programs designed to meet the special needs of individuals of limited English-speaking ability.

If you have any questions concerning policies, procedures, and programs please do not hesitate to call at 787-707-2301 or stop by to discuss your concern.

Students/Teachers will bring their assigned school-issued computer to the library. There will be no lending of iPads, computers or headphones. The Information Center will be open for check-out on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays with prior holds/reserves via our online catalog, Destiny Discover. No shelf browsing allowed.

The Information Specialist will be available for collaboration and lessons with students and teachers in their classrooms. This is the preferred Teacher/IS collaboration option. Teachers must request/ coordinate/ schedule using the IC Class Collaboration Request form. (Link will be provided to the Faculty when school starts.)

Classes, partial classes, or individual students may visit the Information Center in staggered intervals, allowing ample time to sanitize heavily touched surfaces. They must request/ coordinate/ schedule/ sign in library visits using the appropriate Google form (IC Class Collaboration Request form or IC Visitors Log form.) (Link will be provided to Faculty and students when school starts.)

Visitors (students and/or teachers) will only sit on the designated chairs and will clean the surface used with disinfectant wipes before leaving the library. Once they choose a seat, they must remain in that same seat during their library visit. Chairs/tables may not be moved to accommodate big groups. Students showing improper behavior in the IC will be sent to their classes or Administrative Office at the librarian's discretion. Students are also subject to further disciplinary action for misconduct.

A. CELLULAR PHONES & COMMUNICATION DEVICES

  1. Students who have cellular phones or any other type of communication device must keep them concealed while in class or any educational activity. These devices MAY NOT BE USED IN THE SCHOOL AT ANY TIME.
  2. The Staff and Faculty of AHS may confiscate any cell phone or device that is activated or used in class and will turn in to the office. Confiscated items may ONLY be retrieved by the student's parent or sponsor from Administration.
  3. Antilles High School and/or any of its employees WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for cell phones or communications devices that are lost while in the possession of the school, or in cases where the cell phones are taken or stolen from students.
  4. Parents and family members MAY NOT CALL students at their cell phones during school hours. If a parent needs to contact a student, he/she must call the main office at (787) 707-2301. Also, if a student needs to contact his or her parents, they may use the office phone with permission from office staff.

B. CAMPUS

Any area within a 100-yard radius of any building or DoDEA-PR facility is considered
school grounds and part of the campus. Areas considered part of the school and subject to its jurisdiction are the adjacent parking areas, the athletic fields, and the other schools.

The school bus is considered part of the school grounds, so once a student enters a bus is considered to be on campus. School grounds are "off limits" after school hours or when school is not in session, unless authorized by a school official. Students are not allowed to leave school grounds after arrival in the morning until school is dismissed in the afternoon. ALL students should leave campus at the conclusion of the school day.

C. COMPUTER USE & DoDEA Accounts

DoDEA Account Use

(Reference: FORM 700A Internet Agreement and Consent to Use Information Technology Resources Terms and Conditions)

  1. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of others, who have differing viewpoints, and to express themselves on those issues with which they disagree in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the orderly educational process of the school. Cyberbullying, discrimination, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at AHS.
  2. Students will not publish on-line using DoDEA IT resources (including communications and social media resources) the name, photograph, home address, or telephone number of another student, faculty, or any other person.
  3. Students will be polite; use courteous, respectful, school appropriate language, in the use of the DoDEA network. This includes Google Mail, Hangouts, Chat, Google Meet chats, Google Classroom, Schoology Discussion Boards, and any other DoDEA platform. Use these tools for course topics, not as a personal chat during live sessions.
  4. During any school correspondence (messages, google hangouts, emails, etc) students should not use profanity, use vulgarities (To include sexual, harsh, abusive, or disrespectful language.) Consider the tone of your message. Jokes, sarcasm, and excessive use of emoji’s or acronyms can be misunderstood in online communication.
  5. Students will not access or transmit images of nudity or sexual acts, or any criminal activity or the intent to commit any of the above.
  6. Students will not engage in activities that are illegal under or forbidden by, Federal, state, or host nation laws or regulations, or installations, or DoD or DoDEA regulations, including the Terms and Conditions agreement while using DoDEA’s IT resources (Student Internet Agreement).

D. FIRE ALARM

Willful activation of the fire alarm or calling a false report of an event that could affect health, safety, and welfare of individuals (e.g., “bomb threat”) is a Group III Criminal Offense in accordance with the DoDEA-PR Student Behavior Policy. Any student who willfully activates a fire alarm causing a major disruption to the educational process and other complications may be recommended for expulsion from AHS. Furthermore, a false report results in an inquiry or serious incident, legal action may be taken against the offender.

E. GUESTS

Students are not permitted to bring guests to school during the instructional school day.

F. GYM & JROTC PROCEDURES

Physical Education and JROTC classes will be held at the gym or in outdoor spaces if weather permits.

Students will not change their clothes for PE, JROTC class.

All After-school activities, including sports, are canceled until further notice.

G. PASSES

  1. Information Center Passes: Classes, partial classes, or individual students may visit the Information Center in staggered intervals, allowing ample time to sanitize heavily touched surfaces. They must request/coordinate/schedule/sign in library visits using the appropriate Google form (IC Class Collaboration Request form or IC Visitors Log form.) (Link will be provided to Faculty and students when school starts.)
  2. Bathroom Passes: Bathroom breaks must occur during the class period to be monitored for social distancing. All students must sign out using the classroom sign-out sheets. Students must take the bathroom pass with them to hang outside the bathroom to ensure the capacity is continuously monitored from the outside.

H. ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Electronic devices of any size, such as IPad’s, personal gaming devices, or any other similar recording/entertaining devices ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS at any time.
If any of these items are brought to school they are subject to be confiscated and Antilles High School or any of its employees, who will not be responsible for any of these items while in their possession. Any items that are confiscated may ONLY be retrieved by the student's parent or sponsor from the Assistant Principal. Furthermore, AHS will not conduct searches for these items if they are lost or stolen in school.

I. SCHOOL AWARDS

Various awards are presented during and at the end of the school year for the purpose of recognizing excellence in academics and stimulating others to perform at a higher level.

Awards will not be given to students with poor conduct and/or poor attendance records. Poor conduct is considered as an established pattern of violations to school or DoDEA regulations that has warranted numerous interventions from school administrators.

J. TEACHER-PARENT CONFERENCE

Meetings and conferences with teachers are encouraged in the best spirit of enhancing the partnership between the school and the home. These may be scheduled in advance by the parent by calling the office or the teacher, and they can be held before and after school. These conferences will be conducted virtually due to COVID 19 protocols.

K. TELEPHONE USE

The office telephone is for school business and may be used by students ONLY with permission from office personnel in the case of an emergency.

L. TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks will be distributed by the teachers. They will be issued free of charge to students upon receipt of a signed form accepting responsibility for their care and return to the school. Textbooks must be returned to the teacher at the end of the school year.

M. VALUABLES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

The school will not be responsible for stolen personal belongings, particularly those that are forbidden in school grounds (cell phones, communication devices, iPads, smart watches, etc). Students should keep money with them and not in book bags, books, desks, or lockers. During Physical Education class (PE), students are REQUIRED to lock their personal belongings in the school provided lockers in each of the locker rooms.

N. VEHICLES

Student parking is located behind the school, near the JROTC building. Student vehicles should only be parked in the area designated for students. Students may not park in the teacher assigned parking spaces, front of school, or grass areas. Violators are subject to being towed or ticketed by Military Police. Students should not be in their cars during school times. Disciplinary actions will be implemented. Students need to be on time in class taking in consideration the distance from the parking lot.

O. VANDALISM
Payment for destroyed property by replacing, cleaning, or repainting will be at the student and sponsors’ own expense. Also, disciplinary action will be enforced as per Parent Student Handbook. Willful destruction of Government property will be reported to the Military Police.

Chain of Concern
Help us resolve issues at the lowest possible level!

Most issues can be resolved at the level they occur. Our staff is ready to listen and assist our parents and students in order member strengthen our Chain of Concern (Begin at the lowest level (1) to the highest level (6)).

6. Address the Board at a regular meeting
5. Talk with a school board member
4. Talk with the superintendent
3. Talk with the assistant superintendent
2. Talk with the principal
1. Talk with the teacher or other staff member where your concern began

DoDEA – PR District

The District Superintendent's mission is to ensure that academic learning takes place in a safe and secure environment free of violence, drugs, and fear.

Safe Schools Record

DoDEA-PR has a historical "safe schools" record with no significant incidences related to firearms, weapons or other dangerous devices, drugs, or gang-related violence.


ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING

Bullying Applicable to all students

Bullying is a Critical Issue for School Bullying is a critical issue for school safety*. It is defined as intentional, repeated harmful acts, words or other behavior such as name-calling, threatening and/or shunning committed by one or more children against another.

  1. Physical bullying includes punching, poking, strangling, hair pulling, beating, biting and excessive tickling.
  2. Verbal bullying includes such acts as hurtful name-calling, teasing and gossip.
  3. Emotional bullying includes rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, defaming, humiliating, blackmailing, rating/ranking of personal characteristics such as race, disability, ethnicity, or perceived sexual orientation, manipulating friendships, isolating, and ostracizing and peer pressure.
  4. Sexual bullying includes many of the actions listed above as well as exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual propositioning, sexual harassment and abuse involving actual physical contact and sexual assault.

All reports of bullying will be investigated and resolved expeditiously and the administrator will determine what plan of action is required to avoid perpetuating bullying, which may include suspension or expulsion.


ZERO TOLERANCE FOR WEAPONS

Applicable to all students

Weapons: are items carried, presented, or used in the presence of other persons in a manner likely to make reasonable persons fear for their safety. They include, but are not limited to, guns, look-alike (replica) guns, knives, razors, box or carpet cutters, slingshots, nun-chucks, and flailing instrument such as a fighting chain or heavy studded or chain belt, objects designed to project a missile, explosives, mace, pepper spray, or any other similar propellant, or any other object concealed, displayed, brandished in a manner that reasonably provokes fear. (Definition from DoDEA 2051.1.)

Offenders are immediately referred to an administrator. The administrator will use “reasonable” Zero Tolerance in determining the consequence for the offense and referred all criminal offenses to the military policy and or appropriate security agency. A student who brings a firearm to school must be considered for expulsion because of federal law: Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994


ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THREATS

Applicable to all students

Any student who makes comments or threats about harming people will be immediately referred to the Principal, who will assume the threat is serious, and the following will occur:

  1. Student will be referred to the school psychologist or other appropriate staff member for a preliminary interview.
  2. If an imminent danger is perceived, the Military Police will be notified.
  3. Parents will be called for an immediate conference.
  4. Student will be re-admitted only after the principal is satisfied with the results of the foregoing action.
  5. School services, such as, a behavior modification plan and or counseling services may be required for school re-admittance.
  6. Acts of violence and threatening behavior are punishable by suspension or expulsion.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL

Applicable to all students

Drugs and/or Alcohol includes intoxicants, mind-altering inhalants, and controlled substances. These offenses will be reported to the military police and/or appropriate security agency.

  1. Students found to be distributing drugs on school grounds or at school sponsored events will be recommended for suspension or expulsion from school.
  2. A mandatory expulsion recommendation will be required for all offenses.
  3. Students' possession and/or use of illegal drugs/alcohol on school grounds or at school-
  4. Sponsored events will be recommended for suspension or expulsion from school.
  5. A mandatory expulsion recommendation will be required for all offenses.

Zero tolerance is applicable to students with special needs, as determined by the student’s Case Study Committee.

**All consequences are at the discretion of the school administrator and/or the Disciplinary Committee.

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