ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014
PROTOCOL
Dear Parents
We would like to thank you for sending your daughter to ADP. I, Mrs Robinson, will be the staff liaison for ADP this year and together with Mrs Hayes-Hill, will be aiming to create and improve a safe learning environment for your daughter Herewith is an information document that explains the functioning of the ADP. I hope that you will find it helpful.
AIM and VISION
The Academic Development Programme of DGHS is a facility that provides a venue and an environment in which learners can do homework and study after school. An adult is present to check homework, motivate learners and monitor their co-curricular involvement. To ensure that the girls do homework to the best of their ability and use their time wisely, the learners are encouraged to complete their written homework, do online research, study for tests and read their library books during this time in a controlled setting.
Talking
Girls will be allowed to ask questions and talk to their neighbours quietly. ADP does not take the form of a prep room where silence has to be maintained at all times, but is rather a place for learning and motivation. This may take the form of questions, intellectual games, reading or even group study and assistance. Tablets are available for learners to use to do research for projects and orals, or to play some of the educational games which are loaded onto them. Educational videos may also be used to prompt conversations and debate. No girl will be allowed to shout, sing, or otherwise disrupt the learning atmosphere during ADP time.
HOMEWORK
Homework is one of the chief aims of ADP. The girls are encouraged to do their homework and finish it before being fetched. Every girl requires a homework book which may be checked and signed by the ADP supervisor. Homework facilitation is available to the girls who may ask questions of their peers or of the supervisor. Once the girl has finished her homework, she may read a book, partake in an educational game, change a library book, do research on the computers or watch an educational video (on the days when this is provided). Homework books will only be signed if all the homework is complete If you do not wish for this to be done, please communicate this to the ADP supervisor in writing.
BREAKS
Learners are required to report to the ADP venue by within 10 minutes of the final bell. They are expected to have visited the bathroom and, if necessary, to have had a drink or snack before going into the venue. Eating and drinking will not be allowed in the ADP venue
They will be expected to work quietlyon their homework from 2.50pm to 3.50pm when they will be given a 15 minute break. During the break they may purchase food at the tuckshop and or chat with friends. Girls may continue to work in the ADP room during breaks should they wish.
TIMES
ADP runs from 14.45 till 17.30 Monday to Thursday and 14.05 till 5.00 on Fridays. On arrival outside the school, parents who wish to do so, may contact ADP via cellphone to ask that their daughter come to the gate. The number to call/SMS is 071 421 3971.
Parents are to contact the ADP supervisor if they are going to be late to collect their daughters. The supervisor will not be permitted to transport any learners home and is also not responsible for learners after closing time. If you are late to collect your daughter and the supervisor is not able to contact either you or the emergency person you have listed on your registration form, the Principal will be contacted for her decision on how to proceed. In extreme cases, learners may be taken down to the Umbilo Police Station in Doedar Road, Glenwood.
CELLPHONES
Learners are allowed to have their cellphones on their person but may not take phone calls during ADP time. They must ask for permission to make a call to parents ONLY and this must be done outside the venue so that they do not disturb other learners. They may not use their phones to chat to friends, play games or go on social network sites during ADP time. They may use their phones during the break outside the venue. If a call comes through from a parent, the learner may request permission to take the call and this must be done outside the room. In emergencies only, the ADP phone is available for learners to use.
FEES
There is a once-off Registration Fee of R150 per learner. This is held by the school until such time as the learner leaves. Parents are advised to apply for a refund of this fee which will be done on condition that the learner’s ADP account is fully paid up. A daily charge of R22.00 will be levied (to a maximum of R275 per month). Account will be sent out once a month and payment of such should be made promptly to the school.
We look forward to your daughter’s participation in the Academic Development Programme and trust it will be of benefit to her.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Linda Robinson
031 274 2708 (9.30-2.30)
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