Nanjing Echo International School

Primary Department

Parents’ Handbook

School Year 2015-2016

WELCOME

Dear NEIS Parents,

Welcome to the NEIS family!

We hope that our school will not only be a stimulating learning environment for your children, but also serve as their second home.

This handbook aims to equip NEIS parents with information regarding the school’s policies, as well as how we can work together to best educate your children.

If you have any questions regarding this handbook’s contents, do let us know.

We hope to see you often at NEIS.

Mrs. Erlynn Grace Cabanayan

Primary Department Principal

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE SCHOOL …………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Philosophy

Vision

Mission

Goals

Curriculum

Monthly Themes and Sub-themes

Calendar

Time Table for Academic and Extra-Curricular Classes

POLICIES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

School Uniform

Attendance

Code of Discipline

Health and Safety School

Supplies and Belongings

School Maintenance

School Bus Service

STANDARDS ………………………………………………………………………………………………..………….….. 20

Assessment

Grading System

Mandatory ESL Class

Meetings and Open Class

COMMUNICATIONS …………………………………………………………………………………………………22

Contacting Teachers

Announcements

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ……………………………………………………………………………………………23

Partnership with the School as Learning Support

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ……………………………………………………………………………………………23

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Our PHILOSOPHY
Our goals for educating our primary learners are:
  • To develop holistic learners who are independent and caring individuals, protectors of the environment and have a great sense of diversity and respect for others.
  • To inspire these learners to develop a love for learning, establishing the foundation for lifelong learning.
  • To discover their individual capabilities and purposes.
  • To make learning for children a meaningful experience by providing a curriculum imbued with developmentally appropriate practices such as play-based activities, literature-based instruction, cooperative learning and discovery learning.
Our VISION
The ideas we envision for our primary students are for these learners to:
  • Become responsible citizens
  • Be creative
  • Be well-rounded individuals
  • Possess integrity
Our MISSION
We aim to provide our Primary Learners with a holistic and stimulating learning environment through/by:
  • activities that enhance their potential
  • teaching them to become critical thinkers through systematic problem solving
  • creative thinking
  • an interest and appreciation for literature using meaningful literacy experiences and instruction
  • meaningful interaction with others to build sensitivity and compassion
  • performance arts, constructive play and sports activities where they can feel free to express themselves.
Our GOAL

Our goal is to provide a learning environment responsive to the children’s needs and interests. We aim to provide and encourage children to take on new tasks, to enhance their cognitive and physical abilities, as well as nurture them spiritually, emotionally and socially.

Our CURRICULUM

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum covers themes and sub-themes relevant to the child's life in order to make learning stimulating and intellectually engaging. Our Literature-based Reading Program increases their competencies in core subject areas such as English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The Four-Pronged Approach in Reading Instruction is implemented in order to instill the love for reading and the love for learning.

Music, movement, arts and values are integrated in all subject areas so as to encourage holistic development, good character and the pursuit of ideals.

Our curriculum provides young learners with an enjoyable learning environment that adopts various learning approaches designed to encourage active student participation.

Afternoon classes help our young learners to develop multiple intelligences. These classes include kiddie hour (art and cooking) physical education, dance, performance arts, music and choir, taekwondo, computer, zoology and gardening.

Most importantly, NEIS has adopted the American Common Core State Standards in providing the most relevant knowledge and skills that our young learners need to become globally competitive and academically successful.

Our Monthly Themes and Sub-Themes

September: My Self and My School

-Parts of the Body, 5 Senses, Feelings, Places and Friends in School, School Rules

October:We Belong to Different Families

-Family Members, Role of each Member, Parts and Rooms in the House, Different Houses

November:Places and People in My Community

-Community Helpers, Different Places in the Community, Tools and Transportation used by the Helpers

December:Let’s Celebrate Christmas

-Christmas Around the World

January:Our Solar System

-The Sun and the 8 Planets, The Earth, Phases of Moon, Review for Fall Semester Assessment

March:Around We Go!

- Review on School Rules and Manners, Different Transportation on Land, Water and Air

April:Things that Grow: Plants Around Us

-Living things and Non-Living Things, Seed Cycle, Parts of a Plant, Go Grow Glow Foods

May:Things that Grow: Our Animal Friends

-Animals in the Farm and its Produce, Pet Animals, Animals in the Desert, Jungle, Water and Zoo

-Mother and their offspring, Butterfly Life Cycle, Frog Life Cycle

June:Diversity

-Children Around the World

July:We’ve Made it!

-Review for Spring Assessment, Recognition Day and Graduation Ceremony

NEIS Primary School Calendar 2015-2016

August / February / ME AND MY FRIENDS
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13
9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 17 Teachers' Orientation/Workshop
16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 18 New Students Entry Test/Orientation
23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 28-31 Teachers' Orientation/Workshop / 28 / 29 / 19 First Day of School
30 / 31 / 7
September / MY SELF AND MY SCHOOL / March / AROUND WE GO!
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 1- New Students Orientation / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 1- 100th Day in School
6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 2- First Day of School / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 17- Saint Patrick's Day, Green Color Day
13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 25- Mooncake Festival Activity Day / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 25- Easter Activity Day
20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 26-27 Zhongqiujie Holiday / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26
27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 30- Open Class / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31
October / MY FAMILY / April / SPRING TIME IS HERE!
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 1-7 National Holiday / 1 / 2 / 1- Crazy Hair Activity Day
4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 8- Orange Color Day / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 4-5 Qingming
11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 9- Field Trip / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 8- Field Trip
18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 23- Walk-a-thon / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 15- D.E.A.R. Day & Purple Color Day
25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 30- UN Day / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 22- Art Exhibit
29 NEIS Sport Day
November / MY COMMUNITY / May / ANIMALS
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 9-13 Parent-Teacher Conference / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 1-3 Labor Holiday
8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 23-27 Career Awareness Week / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 12- Open Class
15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 26- Thanksgiving / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 20- Academic Olympics & Merit Store
22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 27- Merit Store / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 27- Yellow Color Day
29 / 30 / 29 / 30 / 31
December / CHRISTMAS / June / DIVERSITY
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 18- Christmas Program / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 6-8- Review Week
6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 22- Red Color Day / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 9-12 Duanwu Holiday
13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 23- Pajama Activity Day and Christmas Party / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 13-17- Assessment Week
20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 24-27 Christmas Holiday / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 20-23- Cultural Experience & Diversity Week
27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 28-30 Review Week / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 24- Field Trip
31- Field Trip / 29- Recognition Day and Moving Up Day
January / THE SOLAR SYSTEM / July
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 1 New Year Holiday, Mountain Hiking(Voluntary) / 1 / 2 / 1 Last day of Spring Semester, Merit Store
3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 4-8 Assessment Week / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / and LBRP Award
10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 14- Blue Color Day / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 2 Summer Vacation
17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 15 Last day of Fall Semester, Merit Store / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23
24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / and LBRP Award / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30
31 / 16 Winter Vacation

Time Table for Academic and Extra-Curricular Classes

Pre-Kindergarten Level

Periods / Time / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
1 / 8:30-8:50
(20 mins) / Collective Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / Collective Circle Time
2 / 8:55- 9:40
(45 mins) / LBRP
Storytelling / LBRP
Retelling the story / LBRP
-Activities / LBRP
-Activities / LBRP
-Values Formation
3 / 9:45- 10:20
(35 mins) / English / English / English / English / English
Recess / 10:20-10:40
(20 mins) / Snack & Quiet Play Time
4 / 10:45-11:20
(35 mins) / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics
5 / 11:25-11:45 / Student of the Week / Quiet Time / Quiet Time / Quiet Time / Quiet Time
Recess / 11:50-12:15
12:16-12:55 / Lunch Time,
Outdoor/indoor Play,
Library
6 / 1:00-1:45
(45 mins) / Social Studies/
Science / Gardening / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science
7 / 1:50- 2:30
(40 mins) / Kiddie Hour
Art/ Cooking / Social Studies/
Science / Performance Arts / P.E / P.E
Recess / 2:30-2:40)
(10 mins) / Snack Time
8 / 2:45-3:25
(40 mins) / Kiddie Hour
Art/ Cooking / P.E. / Music & Choir / Computer / Life Study/ Zoology

Time Table for Academic Classes and Extra-Curricular Classes

Kindergarten Level

Periods / Time / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
1 / 8:30-8:50
(20 mins) / Collective Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / HRT & Circle Time / Collective Circle Time
2 / 8:55- 9:40
(45 mins) / LBRP
Storytelling / LBRP
Retelling the story / LBRP
-Activities / LBRP
-Activities / LBRP
-Values Formation
3 / 9:45- 10:20
(35 mins) / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics / Mathematics
Recess / 10:20-10:40
(20 mins) / Snack & Quiet Play Time
4 / 10:45-11:20
(35 mins) / English / English / English / English / English
5 / 11:25-11:45 / Student of the Week / Quiet Time / Quiet Time / Quiet Time / Quiet Time
Recess / 11:50-12:15
12:16-12:55 / Lunch Time,
Outdoor/indoor Play,
Library
6 / 1:00-1:45
(45 mins) / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science / Social Studies/
Science
7 / 1:50- 2:30
(40 mins) / P.E. / Computer / P.E. / Kiddie Hour
Art/ Cooking / Life Study/ Zoology
Recess / 2:30-2:40)
(10 mins) / Snack time
8 / 2:45-3:25
(40 mins) / Gardening / Music & Choir / Performance Arts / Kiddie Hour
Art/ Cooking / P.E.

POLICIES

School Uniform

All students are required to purchase and wear the school uniform. These must be worn at all times unless other instructions are given (example: field trips, special activity days). Layers may be worn underneath the uniform in cold weather. Extra jackets/cardigans/sweaters/vests that are not part of the uniform should not be worn, except for coming and going to school. Our classrooms have both heat and air (in the rare case of a power outage, exceptions will be made). Leggings and stockings in neutral colors or with simple prints would be the best options to pair for girls’ uniform.

Please be aware of your child’s class schedule. They should only wear the P.E. uniform on days that they have this class. Demerits will be given to students who do not wear the appropriate uniform.

Please be reminded that Primary students are not allowed to wear flashy or expensive jewelry and accessories to school.Simplicity in one’s appearance is highly encouraged. Polished nails are not allowed as well.

Attendance

All Primary studentsshould come on time. Student attendance is checked by the homeroom teacher each day at the beginning of the class. An attendance record is maintained to monitor tardiness and absences.

A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives at least fifteen (15) minutes later than the scheduled start of the class. Three (3) instances of tardiness will mean a one-day absence. When a student commits five (5) consecutive instances of tardiness, his/her parents will be called to discuss and resolve the student’s tardiness. In the event of adverse weather conditions, students who live far from the school may have reasonable excuse for being late.

On the school day following a tardiness or an absence from class, the student must present a letter of excuse written and signed by his/her parents or guardian. The letter, which should signify the reason for the child’s tardiness or absence, must be duly noted by the homeroom teacher. In the event of a long-term absence due to illness, the student must present a proper medical certificate from his/her attending doctor.

If a student leaves early 3 or more times in a semester, it will be counted as a 1-day absence.

TRAVELLING WITH THE FAMILY

In situations such as travelling with family, a maximum of 5 school daysfrom class is permitted if travelling within the country and a maximum of 10 school days if travelling abroad. Teachers will provide the student assignments related to the travel and thus the child’s absence will be considered“at distant learning” and will not be counted against their attendance.

An application form must be filled-out in advance at least 1 week before the trip and must be submitted to the principal. In the case the parent was not able to submit the form before the deadline, the student will be marked with an unexcused absence.

Furthermore, parents will not be approved for an Excused Absence for Travelling with the Family if the travel period occurs during assessment week.

ABSENCE DUE TO FAMILY MATTERS

Attending to important family matters or urgent family matters are considered as an excused absence.

A maximum 3 school days excused absence will be granted if the student is attending a relative’s wedding or grandparent’s 60th, 70th, or 80th birthday.

A maximum of 5 school days excused absence will be granted if the student isattending a relative’s wake, funeral and mourning regarding a family member or relative’s passing.

CANCELATION OF CLASSES

In rare situations NEIS may cancel classes. Situations include but are not limited to, flooding, heavy snow,or certain high index pollutioncircumstances. In such cases, the school will make an announcement in advance via our websites ( or ).

ABSENCE DURING ASSESSMENT WEEK

Depending on each subject teacher, a student may take his/her exam before the planned leave of absence from school. If the student cannot take the exam early and returnedafter the scheduled week of assessment, 5 points will be deducted from the total score. If the exam was taken after the 5 day grace period, 10 points from the total score will be deducted.

CODE OF DISCIPLINE

NEIS is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students, the purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for maintaining a safe school setting.

All faculty members will comply with these guidelines ensuring a safe environment for learning.

  1. Life Study Program

In the Life Study Program students learn important principles and values. Life study lessons encourage and promote positive behavior; it is here that our respect program is reinforced. Life study promotes the following principles:

  • Friendship (Let’s get along)
  • Voice Choice (proper use of voice indoors and outdoors)
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Following the rules
  • Appropriate and Inappropriate Tattling and Telling
  • Not Bullying
  • Respect for others
  • Getting along with others – using kind words and actions
  • Listening
  • Sharing
  • Being quick to forgive others
  • Making a promise – good behavior pledge

The values that are taught within this class apply to all other classes also. Students are expected to conform to the principles presented.

  1. Disciplinary procedure for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

The concept of discipline is required to consistently promote positive behavior. Our disciplinary foundation helps students to understand boundaries that must be maintained. NEIS applies a demerit and detention system. Listed below are reasons why a student may receive a demerit or detention.

  • Reasons for Demerits or Sad faces

The discipline system includes the use of demerits (for Kindergarten Level) and sad faces (for Pre-Kindergarten Level). A student may receive a demerit / sad face for the following reasons:

Minor Reasons include:

Not listening to instructions

Distracting others

Breaking Toys

Running during class time

Not following classroom rules

Pushing other students

Disobedience

  • Reasons for Detention

Three sad faces or demerits will result in a detention.A detention involves the student missing recess – this is a 45-minute period after lunch before the start of afternoon classes. Detention will involve completing worksheets set by the homeroom teacher and helping to tidy the classroom. It is a period time whereby the student will reflect upon their actions.

Major Reasons include:

Disobedience

Major misconduct

  1. Major misconduct

A “major misconduct” is defined as a form of aggressive behavior that is directed at an individual(s) intended to cause fear, distress/harm to another person's body, feelings and/or self-esteem.

Actions associated with “major misconduct”include but are not limited to:

1.Intimidation of others (Bullying)

2.Behavior that produces a detrimental effect on the physical, social or emotional well-being of a student/students

3.The deliberate exclusion of a student(s) from activities and privileges

4.Abusive language including name calling or verbal attacks

5.Any form of violent behavior such as:

Kicking other students

Scratching other students

Fighting with other students

Hitting the students

Spitting or biting

  1. Preventative measures against misconduct

Any form of misconduct is expressly forbidden and will not be tolerated therefore the following steps are put into action:

1st Occasion – and/or according to the severity of the offence which may constitute further disciplinary action:

  • Encourage students to talk to each other and resolve the matter
  • A single day detention will be issued to the student involved
  • Merits to be taken away (Homeroom teacher’s discretion regarding the amount)
  • A warning will be issued to the student involved regarding the consequences of further offense.
  • The Homeroom Teacher will communicate (verbally & in writing) and collaborate with the parents of the student involved.

e.g. not listening, not obeying, playing in class, pushing, lying, taking things without permission/ stealing

2nd Occasion - and/or according to the severity of the offence which may constitute further disciplinary action:

  • Encourage the students to talk to each other and resolve the matter
  • Merits to be taken away (Homeroom teacher’s discretion regarding the amount)
  • A three day detention will be issued to the student involved
  • A warning will be issued to the student involved regarding the consequences of further offenses.
  • The Homeroom Teacher will communicate (verbally & in writing) and collaborate with the parents of the student involved.

e.g. hitting, scratching, spitting, kicking, biting

3rd Occasion - and/or according to the severity of the offence (this may constitute further disciplinary action):

  • Encourage the students to talk to each other and resolve the matter
  • Merits to be taken away (Homeroom teacher’s discretion regarding the amount)
  • A weeks detention will be issued to the student involved
  • A final warning will be issued to the student involved regarding the consequences of further offenses.
  • The Homeroom Teacher will communicate (verbally & in writing) and collaborate with the parents of the student involved.
  • The principal of the Primary Department will be notified and a meeting will be scheduled with both sets of parents and the teacher responsible for issuing the detention.

e.g. fighting , bullying