Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
I.
II.
Elementary School Staff
2
XI. Computer Labs
9
Academic & Support Staff
Administrators
School Address/Phone Numbers
2
2
2
General Information
2
XII. Strategic Plan
Mission Statement
Objectives
Parameters
Strategies
9
10
10
10
10
School Hours
Absence Policy
Security
Transportation
Lunch
Names on Belongings
Use of Telephone
After-School Arrangement
Birthday Celebrations
Admissions and Transfers
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
XIII. Parent/Teacher Association
10
XIV. School Organization
10
XV. School Facilities
11
XVI. History of Schutz School
11
XVII. Regulations for Acceptable Use
11
III. Elementary School Basics
4
IV. Elementary School Curriculum
5
V.
6
6
6
Assessment and Grading
Report Cards
Homework
VI. Communication
Passports
Open House
Parent Conferences
7
7
7
7
VII. Code of Conduct
Behavior Expectations
Elementary School Rules
Sexual Harassment/Bullying
7
7
7
8
VIII. Special Events
8
Concert Dress
Fall Festival
Winter Program
Sports Day
Falcon Day
8
8
9
9
9
IX. Field Trips
9
X.
9
Library Services
1
Yearly Information
Quick things to know about ES
Academic Year Calendar
Phone Extensions
I.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
Welcome to our Elementary School at Schutz
American School! Our Elementary School
serves students in grades Prek 3 (age 3) to
Grade 5 with approximate class sizes of
between 18 and 20 students. We take great
pride in the caliber of our outstanding faculty
and staff, who are experienced and
committed to providing an excellent inquirybased program for their students.
At Schutz, our Elementary School is
characterized by its stimulating and
supportive family environment. Each
classroom is a community of learners in
which students learn to respect each other as
they participate in many collaborative
experiences. Elementary School children are
challenged to work together and to learn from
each other.
Parental involvement is integral to our work
together and we strive to build a strong
parent-school relationship. We work in close
partnership with our parents to give every
student the care and attention they need to
ensure each child’s success in our school.
Ongoing communication from the classroom
teacher and administration serve to inform
and update parents on important matters in
the classroom and in the School.
I. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF
Academic and Support Staff
Please refer to the Staff tab on the Schutz
American School Website.
Administrators
Head of School
Assistant Head of School
Principal Prek-Grade 12
Curriculum Coordinator /
Assistant Principal
School Counselor/Psychologist
Athletic Director
Mr. Nathan Walker
Mr. Massimo Laterza
Mrs. Randa Shoeb
Ms. Amanda Sunderman
Ms. Samarie Rodriguez
Mr. James Forkum
School Address/Phone Numbers
Schutz Address:
School Numbers:
2
51 Sharia Mohatat Schutz
Alexandria, Egypt 21111
(203) 576-2005 or 574-1435
Elementary School Number: (203) 574-3561 (Direct Line)
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
The gate opens each morning Sunday through
Thursday at 7:45 a.m. The bell for students to enter
school rings at 8:10 a.m. and classes begin at 8:15
a.m.
The pre-kindergarten program for 3 and 4 year olds
dismisses at 1:30 p.m.
Kindergarten through Grade 5 students are
dismissed at 3:00 p.m. With the exception of afterschool tutoring or special programs, Elementary
School students are not permitted to remain on
campus after school hours. Elementary School
students are expected to be picked up by 3:15 p.m.
Absence Policy
We are committed to providing our students with
an education that has students actively involved
with their learning. Each student is an important
member of the classroom learning team and
therefore it is extremely valuable for each
student to arrive punctually and be in school
each day.
It is important to remember that student attendance
is necessary for continuity in learning.
Circumstances such as illness, family obligations,
or a death in the family will be viewed as excused
absences. A written note of explanation is
required for all planned absences. If your child
has an unplanned absence, please call the
Elementary School office by 8:30 a.m.
Depending upon the circumstances, the teachers
may provide some material for out-of-school work,
but please remember this process is limited in light
of the in-school activity-based interaction and
learning.
Tardiness
Punctuality is an important life skill. Students are
permitted on campus beginning at 7:45 a.m. The
first bell rings at 8:10 a.m., which is the signal for
students to line up and report to their classrooms.
Classroom instruction begins at 8:15 a.m. Students
arriving late should report directly to their
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
classroom. The teacher will notify the office to
record a “tardy” for that student.
Security
Security guards are on duty at school gates during
all school hours. They help keep the campus safe
by knowing all personnel, students, drivers,
nannies, and families. They are at the gate at all
times to check the purpose of each visitor and to
see that each child is met by the correct driver.
Transportation
Schutz buses, company vans, parent-hired drivers
and parents deliver students to school. A bus
service is provided for a limited number of
students for an additional fee. There is a bus
monitor on buses in the mornings and in the
afternoons. Some smaller vans may not have
monitors. To ensure the safety of your child, any
change in your normal transportation schedule
should be made known to the teacher, preferably in
written form, or by calling the office. Teachers will
report changes to the office. Changes made by
parent phone call should be done before 2:30
p.m. to ensure notification can be shared with
security. Our security guards will not allow any
student to leave with another person unless parent
notification about a change has been received in
the office.
Lunch
Each day, students should bring a healthy snack
and lunch in a closed container such as a bag or
box. Students should also bring water in a thermos
or a bottle. These bottles can be refilled at school
from the bottled water supply. Students in grades
four and five will have the option of purchasing a
school lunch from the cafeteria.
Physical Education
Physical Education is offered two or three days per
week, depending on the grade level. The PE
uniform can be purchased from the Finance Office
and should be worn to all PE classes. Athletic
shoes are required. Students may wish to consider
leaving a pair of athletic shoes at school for this
purpose. During the first six weeks of school,
students will use the pool for physical education
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time – a minimum of once per week. On those
days, bathing suits, flip-flops, sunscreen, and
towels are required.
After School Activities Program (Grades K-5)
Schutz offers a variety of after-school activities for
students. These activities are organized in three
six-week sessions throughout the school year.
Activities are supervised by Schutz staff members
for a nominal fee to cover the cost of materials and
utilities. Activities taught by outside instructors are
offered for an additional charge paid to the
instructor.
Names on all Belongings
It is essential that all items brought to school are
clearly labeled. Most especially: school bags, lunch
boxes, water bottles, towels, hats, and jackets
should be clearly marked with your child’s
name. Misplaced items can then be returned to the
owners. Unlabeled items will be deposited in the
school Lost and Found area.
Use of Telephones by Students
Students must accept responsibility for bringing
work, materials, and lunches to school. Therefore,
use of the school telephone to call home for
forgotten items to be delivered is not permitted.
We ask that you help us. Please do not send
forgotten items with drivers during the day. When
this happens, drivers and parents are accepting
responsibility rather than the student. When
students forget materials, they learn to accept the
logical consequences - a necessary part of growing
up.
Personal cell phones are allowed for “to and from
school” emergencies. Cell phones must be turned
off and left in the backpacks during the school day.
Alternative After School Arrangements
In the interests of safety, please send a note to the
teacher if a student is to have alternative
arrangements for after school. School telephones
cannot be used to make after school arrangements.
Please do not call the office for these arrangements
unless they are of an emergency nature. If a
teacher wishes to have a student remain after
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
school, you will receive a telephone call from the
secretary or teacher.
Birthday Celebrations
If you wish, you may bring a small snack to share
with your child’s class on the occasion of his/her
birthday. We ask that it be kept as simple as
possible such as: cupcakes, cookies, and juice.
Please notify the teacher of your plans a few
days before the event. If your snack requires
plates, spoons/forks, or napkins, we appreciate
having those items sent as well. Check with your
classroom teacher regarding any student allergies.
If you plan a home party for your child, please
hand out invitations at school only if there is one
for every child in the class. It is very upsetting for
children to be left out of these special
arrangements. If everyone in the class is not
invited, please make arrangements for invitations
to be sent outside of school.
Admissions and Transfers
We are often asked, “What does it mean to be an
American school?” It means many things and
American schools are not all alike. Schutz is not
obligated to use standard, state approved
instructional plans; we set our own curriculum. We
do not have government-approved exams; we
decide which exams to use.
Schutz American School is accredited by the
European Council of International Schools and the
New England Association of Schools and
Colleges. This means we have voluntarily asked
two agencies-one American and one European- to
evaluate and approve our program. When Schutz
students transfer or graduate they are treated as any
students who come from a school in the United
States and Europe.
Schutz is university preparatory and American in
its academic program, social activities, and
thinking. We prepare students for entrance into
universities in the United States. Students are
regularly accepted into Egyptian, American, and
other universities worldwide. Therefore, it is
essential to plan ahead and develop the skills that
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will be applicable in any post-secondary facility.
Acceptance of students at Schutz is based on the
availability of space to students with academic
capability. At least one parent must be fluent in
English. Priority is given to expatriates because
fewer options are available to them.
For students entering Schutz in grade two or
above, complete school records must accompany
the admission application. The Admissions
Committee will determine grade level placement
based on previous school attendance, scores on
entry testing, and the age of the student.
Transferees from local schools are accepted on a
space available basis. Every effort is made to
accept students who best fit our school and whose
needs can be met with existing staff and resources.
Egyptian students transferring from local schools
must be proficient enough in English to participate
successfully at their grade level. This is essential,
because our goal is to prepare our graduates for
entry into American universities.
If there are students unable or unwilling to be a
part of the regular program, we cannot accept them
or we cannot keep them as students. While we
value our student’s individual learning styles, all
students are expected to make normal academic
progress in our regular classrooms in order to
remain at Schutz.
III.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BASICS
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
Family participation in school activities
and communication with your child’s
teachers are strongly encouraged.
Conferences among teachers, parents, and
students ensure full participation in the
learning process.
English is the language of instruction at
Schutz and so it is vitally important for
students to master it. Students are
expected to use English in class and are
encouraged to use English on campus.
Constant practice will develop greater
comfort and fluency in the language.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
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IV.
Schutz celebrates diversity and
emphasizes tolerance. The dynamic
variety of cultural, linguistic, and
religious backgrounds represented in our
student body is an important asset to the
school community.
Schutz teaches independence and
personal responsibility. Students learn to
set measurable, achievable goals, to be
responsible for their belongings and for
their actions, and to become confident in
their abilities. We stress understanding,
critical thinking and problem solving. We
want the students to enjoy education and
become life long learners.
At Schutz, students play an active role in
the learning process. Each student is an
important member of the classroom
learning team, and it is very important
that everyone be in class, on time, every
day.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
Schutz is a school where enthusiasm for learning
and being a member of a respectful and caring
family community are readily apparent. Our
close-knit, family oriented learning environment,
along with a robust, well-rounded curriculum,
provide students with a balance of intellectual,
social, emotional, and physical growth.
Academics: A stimulating, supportive
academic environment
The Elementary School program is designed
to establish a firm foundation that prepares
students with the skills they need to learn and
grow through their Middle and High School
years, ultimately preparing them for college
and life. Our aim is to provide a stimulating
and supportive educational experience that
has high expectations for both academic
achievement, and behavior, in an engaging
and supportive environment. A dynamic
curriculum, where students are encouraged to
think independently, coupled with a
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commitment to meet the needs of each child,
makes Elementary School an inspiring place
for learning.
Our curriculum is an eclectic mix of best
practices from the world’s leading
educational systems designed to help children
to become independent thinkers and lifelong
learners. The language-based work forms the
core of the curriculum at the Elementary
School with a heavy emphasis on reading and
writing skills. Math is considered a core
understanding for logical processes. Social
studies, science, and health are integrated and
enriched by language arts activities.
Beyond the classroom, a talented group of
specialist teachers provide lessons in music,
art, computer, physical education, library,
and Arabic. Computers are integrated into the
curriculum wherever possible. The
Elementary School Library is an integral part
of our academic program and supports our
school wide emphasis on fostering a love of
reading in our students. Depending upon the
needs of the students, teachers adjust and
modify their programs to accommodate
various learning styles.
As learners in the 21st century, it is important
to prepare students for an ever-changing
future that requires creativity, problemsolving abilities, and persistence. Our
learning philosophy encourages children to
explore their world, challenges them to think
critically, promotes creativity, and strives for
continuous growth in an environment in
which children experience the excitement of
learning. Our inquiry-based approach to
learning seeks to cultivate these qualities in
our young students. Our standards are high
and each child is challenged to progress at
his/her level of readiness, with a gradual
increase of responsibility as the child ages.
Our character education program gives our
students the tools that will help them develop
as moral, civic, well behaved, and successful
members of the community.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
V.
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
Assessment
Our clearly defined ongoing assessment program
is designed to ensure that we meet the individual
needs of every child so that each one meets his or
her full potential.
Report Cards
Report Cards are issued, in written form, four
times per year at the end of each quarter.
Achievement and progress are measured through
continuous evaluation of class work, discussion
participation, homework, projects, written tests,
oral tests and other means of measurement that
help the teacher check for learning. The grading
system varies at each level to reflect a
developmentally appropriate evaluation system.
Students begin earning letter grades in grade two.
Probation Policy
The probation policy applies to students in grade
five. The policy reinforces the importance of
maintaining an acceptable academic standing at
Schutz American School. Students who are in
danger of not advancing to the next level will be
assigned to academic probation; this applies to
any student who receives a grade below C- in
any two courses. Students on probation will only
be removed from probation when they have no
more than one grade below C- at the end of the
quarter. Students on probation will not be
allowed to participate in non-academic after
school programs. They are to leave campus by
3:15 unless staying for academic assistance with
a teacher.
Promotion and Retention
Students in grades Prek to Grade 4 are promoted
based on successful completion of academic
requirements. A student may be retained if they
do not meet minimum expectations. In grade
five, any student who remains on academic
probation for the duration of the academic year
may be required to repeat the grade level.
A student in grade five who receives an “F”
grade in a full year course for two or more
quarters will be determined to have failed that
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course. A student who fails two or more courses
during the fifth grade will not be promoted to the
following grade.
A student in grade five who has failed two or
more classes may be promoted if they show
marked academic improvement in the fourth
quarter. Improvement is defined as earning a Cor above in all failing classes and not being
placed on academic probation, based on fourth
quarter grades. Elementary School students will
only be retained once at a given grade level.
Students in grades pre-kindergarten to grade four
who are not making adequate academic progress
or do not meet minimum standards will be
evaluated for retention. This evaluation will
include a review of data from all relevant
teachers and close monitoring of academic
growth over the course of the year. The Head of
School makes this decision in consultation with
the principal, teachers, and parents. A student
will only be retained if it is determined to be in
their best interest.
Honor Roll
Students are recognized for their outstanding
achievement. Grade five students who meet the
required standards are placed on the Honor Roll
each semester:
Highest Honor-GPA of 4.0 or above
High Honor-GPA of 3.7 or above
Honor-GPA of 3.3 or above
Homework
Homework is given for a number of reasons,
some of which are:
1) To reinforce lessons taught during class
2) To complete assignments
3) To help students develop study habits
4) To give students extra practice in areas
of need
5) To establish a reading habit
On the average, the following guidelines are
recommended
Kindergarten
10-20 minutes daily
Grades 1-2
30-45 minutes daily
Grades 3-4
30-60 minutes daily
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
Grade 5
60-75 minutes daily
parents to meet all of their children’s
teachers.
VI. COMMUNICATION
Passports
Passports are devices that the students use to
record homework assignments, notes from the
teacher, and other important information. They
may be folders, notebooks or pouches depending
on the grade level. Your child will take the
passport home everyday, and it is important for
you to read the passport daily in order to stay
informed about what is happening in school.
Students must bring the passport back to school
everyday.
Passports are also a good place for you to write
notes to your child’s teacher and to ask questions
or make comments regarding important matters
concerning your child. We encourage
communication between home and school. This
is one important way of confirming our
partnership with you in the education of your
child.
We encourage you to use the passports to inform
your child’s teacher of any significant changes at
home that may affect your child at school. Please
let it be YOU with whom we communicate
about your child. Please do not send verbal
messages with your drivers, nannies, or maids.
They are important people in many of your lives;
we do not feel that they are a substitute for YOU.
Learning Community Management System
All parents are expected to sign up for the school
learning community management system so that
they can monitor their student’s progress on an
ongoing basis.
Open House
Every year in September, the school hosts an
Open House evening. Teachers will explain
the curriculum and class expectations. It is
very important that parents attend in order to
understand the American style of education
offered at Schutz. It is an opportunity for
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Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Twice during the academic year, a
conference will be scheduled for parents to
meet with their child’s teacher. This is a good
opportunity for you to find out how your
child is progressing in all areas of his/her
education. Conferences provide you with an
opportunity to see your child’s strengths and
to discuss the focus areas for growth. Toward
the end of the fourth quarter there is a student
led conference where children explain their
work to their parents. There are no regular
classes held on Student Led Conference day.
VII. CODE OF CONDUCT
Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to show respect for
themselves and others, and to be responsible for
their work and their behavior. Classroom rules and
consequences are established in the first weeks of
school. These rules embrace the expectations of
respect and responsibility. The school
environment must be a safe place emotionally
and physically. Verbal put downs and
aggressive behavior are not acceptable. Parental
support of the school behavior expectations and
school rules will help us achieve our learning
goals. The discipline process must be a learning
growth process. Students learn to make correct
choices when they understand that
inappropriate behaviors are not acceptable.
They must learn how to take responsibility for
their behaviors and accept the consequences.
Elementary School Rules
The rules for Elementary School are posted on
each floor. They are:
1.
Be respectful to your teachers and other
students.
2.
Speak English at all times.
3.
Respect school property.
4.
Always walk quietly in the hallways.
5.
Use your “indoor” voice when in the
building.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
6.
7.
8.
Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
Be kind to other students.
Be responsible: bring the things you
need with you.
Students must be responsible and accountable
for their behaviors and accept the
consequences. Each teacher implements a
system that helps to develop character and
build responsibility.
If there are problems on the playground,
several options will be explored to assist
students to achieve appropriate behavior:

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

The student might sit out for the rest of
the break period. If the misbehavior
occurs toward the end of the period,
she/he will sit out the next break.
The student might sit out for both
recess and lunch (depending upon when
the misbehavior occurred).
The student sits out for more than one
day during his/her free periods. The
parents are notified by note in the
passport, email, or by telephone.
For continued or serious problems a
parent/teacher/principal conference is
arranged. A behavior contract may be
initiated and monitored by the teacher
and the principal.
Character Traits
The school embraces the development of good
character. All traits are reviewed each year and
encouraged each day. The 9 Character Traits at
Schutz are:
Friendliness
Good Manners
Responsibility
Caring
Citizenship
Respect
Trustworthiness
Fairness
Perseverance
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Sexual Harassment/Bullying
Sexual harassment and/or bullying are
unacceptable behaviors. Whether verbal or
physical, behaviors which demean, threaten, or
harm others violate the Schutz school
standards for tolerance and mutual respect.
Students who are harassed or bullied are
encouraged to report such incidents to the
appropriate school personnel (teacher or
principal). Parents who suspect that their child
is a victim of these behaviors should also
contact the school. The teacher or the principal
will deal with students guilty of harassment or
bullying on an individual basis.
VIII. SPECIAL EVENTS
There are often special events on campus such as
plays, music productions, and social activities.
Families should arrive on time for the start of the
event and leave promptly at the end of the event. It
is expected that parents will accompany their
children during these special events. Please do
not drop your children off at the campus to attend
functions without your supervision. During
special event activities the campus is not open
for recreational use.
Concert Dress
When students perform in musical presentations,
“concert dress” is required. White shirts, ties (if
possible), long black trousers and dress shoes are
appropriate for boys. For girls, white blouses,
black skirts or slacks and dress shoes are required.
On some occasions, special costumes will be
required. Shorts, jeans, casual t-shirts, and sneakers
are not allowed when concerts are performed.
Fall Festival
This is usually celebrated the first week in
November. We encourage everyone to dress up in
costumes and come to school for a late
afternoon/early evening of food, games, prizes and
good fun. This is truly a family event. Plan to bring
your children to this exciting event.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
Winter/Spring Program
Elementary School children participate in two
main musical & art showcases during the year in
December and May. Parents are invited.
Sports Day
Students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 are
organized into cross-graded teams for a day of
games and sports events. Students wear team
colors and participate in individual and team
activities. The day exemplifies the sense of family
that we promote. The date, usually during the last
few weeks of school, will be announced with a
letter home providing all the details.
Falcon Day
This is a special program. held in June prior to the
summer holidays. There is a short musical concert
and then awards are presented. Parents are invited
to share the joy of another year of growth.
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Students will be required to pay for lost
books before receiving the final report card.
XI. COMPUTER LABS
Students in Elementary School grades are
introduced to computers in their classrooms and in
the Elementary School Lab. It is the expectation
that computers are used for educational purposes.
XII.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Schutz American School utilizes the strategic
planning process to define the educational
focus of the institution. This document is the
guide for the faculty and staff as well as the
rest of the school community. The framework
of the strategic plan provides our direction
through the year 2019 and is outlined below.
We believe that:
IX. FIELD TRIPS
Teachers may take their classes on trips off campus
to enrich the classroom program. Invitations from
parents to visit places of work (factory, laboratory,
etc.) are welcome. Ordinarily, the school will
provide travel and admission expenses, and the
student will pay for food and other miscellaneous
items.
X. LIBRARY SERVICES
The libraries are open Sunday to Thursday from
7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for reading, research and
study. Students are expected to:
 Behave in a manner that does not disturb
other library users. Conversation should be
related to reading or research needs, and
voice level should be low.
 Return borrowed materials on time, or
recheck them.
 Be responsible for materials used or
borrowed, and return them in the condition
in which they were loaned.
 Leave all food and drink outside the library.
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Family is foundational for shaping the
individual.
Every individual has immeasurable intrinsic
worth.
Every individual has the potential and
responsibility to contribute.
Every individual is responsible for his/her
choices.
Respect for self and others is essential to any
community.
Any community is enriched by its diversity
and strengthened by its ability to unite for a
common cause.
Creativity and perseverance lead to success.
Learning how to learn in a changing world is
an essential life-long process.
Integrity is vital for a community to thrive.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
Mission Statement
We will:
The mission of the Schutz American School
family is to empower all our students with
the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
fulfill their life-long aspirations and to act to
better their communities.
1- Identify, develop, and utilize
methodologies, technologies, and
facilities that engage and refresh our
approach in order to achieve our mission
and strategic objectives.
Objectives
By 2019:
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All students will demonstrate a
consistent willingness to make a
positive and lasting impact on their
communities.
All students will believe and exhibit
that learning is an ideal with great
intrinsic value and is essential to
fulfill their aspirations.
All students will create an inclusive
environment that achieves unity,
embraces human differences, and
respects identities.
Parameters
We will not:
3- Attract and retain innovative staff who
will contribute to our mission, core
values, and strategic objectives.
XIII. PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a support
organization for the school. All parents are
welcome to attend any meetings. The PTA
sponsors family, educational, cultural and fundraising events. Meetings are generally held once a
month. Check the school for meeting dates and
special events. We encourage all parents to become
involved.
XIV. SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Accept any new program or service unless it
contributes directly to our mission statement,
objectives and is consistent with our core
values.
Accept any new program or service unless it
is accompanied by the staff development
needed.
Tolerate any behavior which diminishes the
dignity of any person or group.
Strategies
In order to achieve the mission and
objectives, these strategies have been
adopted.
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2- With pride and passion, effectively
communicate, educate, and ensure that
our current and prospective Schutz family
comprehend and commit to our mission,
core values, and strategic objectives.
The Governing Body of the School, The Schutz
Board of Trustees, is a twelve member, selfperpetuating group of men and women of the
community who are vitally interested in the well
being of the school and its value in the city of
Alexandria. There is a student representative, a
PTA representative, and a faculty representative on
the Board. Meeting times are announced and
anyone may attend.
The Head of School is responsible for the overall
day-to-day operation of both campuses. The Head
of School is assisted by the Assistant Head of
School, the Prek-Grade 12 Principal, and the
academic and administrative staff.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
The faculty of the school consists of professionally
qualified teachers coming from various
backgrounds. Most teachers are hired directly from
the United States. They bring with them the most
current and effective educational methods. One of
the benefits for children is to have experience in
learning from a diverse group of teachers as well
as learning, playing, and working with peers from
all parts of our global community.
A group of dedicated support staff assists the
faculty to make the entire Schutz School operation
run smoothly.
Our student body represents about 20 or more
different countries.
Schutz strives to be an open community where
continuous communication is encouraged among
all segments of the school community: students,
teachers, staff, parents, and board members.
School Facilities
The School is located on two adjoining campuses,
Pattee Campus and Schutz Campus. The Walters
Hall and the Villa are found on Pattee Campus.
Walters Hall houses the pre-kindergarten through
Grade 5 classes. It has thirteen classrooms and
facilities for meetings, art, technology, library,
music, ESL, and exercise. The Villa contains the
offices for finance, public relations, development,
Board Room, and the Head of School.
The Schutz Campus facility comprises an
auditorium, pool, basketball court, volleyball court,
tennis court, and Roy, Meloy and Lorimer Halls.
Roy Hall, the original Schutz building, houses the
dining room/kitchen complex, staff housing
facilities, personnel, and the central maintenance
office. Meloy Hall contains classrooms for Grade 6
to Grade 12 students, the Middle School/High
School Library, technology center, Physical and
Life Science Labs, as well as some staff housing
facilities. Lorimer Hall contains a large auditorium,
drama facilities, and the Middle School classrooms
(grades 6-8). Other facilities around the campus
include additional classroom space, a health clinic,
art room, small canteen, and the physical education
office.
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XV.
HISTORY OF SCHUTZ SCHOOL
Where did the name “Schutz” come? In German,
the word means “protection” - a good name for an
educational institution. The school, as well as the
district location in Alexandria, carries the name of
one of the rich landowners who lived here a
hundred years ago. Mr. Schutz was a local
businessman of Dutch origin. The tram. stop for
the area is called Schutz and the main street is
Schutz Station Street - Sharia Mohatat Schutz, in
Arabic. The school’s number on that street is “51”.
The street intersecting at the corner of the school
grounds is American Mission Street.
The American Mission in Egypt established the
school in 1924 for the children of missionaries
working in Egypt, the Sudan, and Ethiopia. In
time, other American groups came to the city.
Schutz became independent. It operates as a
private non-sectarian school for all students
requiring an English language, pre-university
education. The school is self-supporting with most
of its income from tuition. The Office of Overseas
Schools of the US Department of State gives a
very small annual grant to the school. Schutz is
accredited by the New England Association of
Schools and Colleges and by the European Council
of International Schools.
We hope that you and all students enjoy the
“Schutz Experience”.
Regulations for Acceptable Use
Information for Students &
Parents/Guardians
The purpose of Schutz American School’s
Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) is to prevent
unauthorized access and other unlawful activities
by users online, and unauthorized disclosure of or
access to sensitive information. As used in this
policy, “user” includes anyone using the computers,
equipment, or “network,” which includes but is not
limited to the Internet, email, chat rooms and other
forms of direct electronic communications
provided by the school.
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
The school reserves the right to monitor users'
online activities and to access, review, copy, and
store or delete any electronic communication or
files and disclose them to others as it deems
necessary. Users should have no expectation of
privacy regarding their use of school property,
school network and/or school Internet access or
school files.
Acceptable Uses of the Schutz American School
Network
Each year the school must verify that students
using the network(s) and/or have signed the form
acknowledging the Acceptable Use Policy. Students
must have their parents or guardians sign this form
and the school must keep it on file. Once signed
that permission/acknowledgement form remains
in effect until revoked by the parent, or the student
loses the privilege of using the school’s network
due to violation of this policy or is no longer a
student. By using the network, users have
agreed to this policy. Even without signature, all
users must follow this policy and report any misuse
of the network to a teacher, supervisor or other
appropriate administrator. If a user is uncertain
about whether a particular use is acceptable or
appropriate, he or she should consult a teacher,
supervisor or other appropriate administrator.
School Network Access
Access to the network is available to staff and students
as a source of information and a vehicle of
communication. Students will be able to access the
Internet through their teachers. Individual student
accounts may be issued to students as authorized.
 Equity Opportunity – The Internet shall be
available to all students within the school and
its instructional programs.
 Making Internet access available to students
carries with it the potential that some students
might encounter information that may not be
appropriate for students. Because information
on the Internet appears, disappears, and
changes, it is not always possible to predict or
control what students may locate.
 The smooth operation of the network relies
upon the proper conduct of the users who
must adhere to strict guidelines which require
efficient, ethical and legal utilization of
network resources.
Online Etiquette
The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken
away for violation of Board policy or regulations. It is
the user’s responsibility to abide by the policies and
procedures of this network.
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 Users should adhere to online protocol.
1. Respect all copyright and license
agreements.
2. Cite all quotes, references, and
sources.
3. Apply the same privacy, ethical, and
educational considerations utilized
in other forms of communication.
Unacceptable Uses of the School Network
The school reserves the right to take immediate
action regarding activities (1) that create security
and/or safety issues for the school, students,
employees, network or computer resources, or (2)
that expend school resources on content the school
determines lacks legitimate educational
content/purpose, or (3) other activities as
determined by administrators as inappropriate.
These are examples of inappropriate activity on the
school network
 Violating any law or ordinance, such as:
Accessing or transmitting pornography of
any kind, obscene depictions, harmful
materials, materials that encourage others
to violate the law, confidential information
or copyrighted materials;
 Criminal activities that can be punished
under law;
 Selling or purchasing illegal items or
substances;
 Obtaining and/or using anonymous email
sites; spamming; spreading viruses;
 Causing harm to others or damage to their
property, such as:
1. Using profane, abusive, or impolite
language; threatening, harassing,
or making damaging or false
statements about others or
accessing, transmitting, or
downloading offensive, harassing,
or disparaging materials;
2. Deleting, copying, modifying, or
forging other users' names, emails,
files, or data; disguising one's
identity, impersonating other
users, or sending anonymous
email;
3. Damaging computer equipment,
files, data or the network in any
way, including intentionally
accessing, transmitting or
downloading computer viruses or
other harmful files or programs,
or disrupting any computer
system performance;
Schutz American School Elementary School Handbook 2014-2015
4.
Using any school computer to
pursue “hacking,” internal or
external to the school, or
attempting to access information
protected by privacy laws; or
5. Accessing, transmitting or
downloading large files.
 Engaging in uses that jeopardize access or
lead to unauthorized access into others’
accounts or other computer networks,
such as:
1. Using another’s account
password(s) or identifier(s);
2. Interfering with other users'
ability to access their account(s);
or
3. Disclosing anyone’s password to
others or allowing them to use
another’s account(s).
 Using the network for Commercial
purposes:
1. Using the network for personal
financial gain;
2. Using the network for personal
advertising, promotion, or
financial gain; or
3. Conducting for-profit business
activities.
Student Internet Safety
1. When using the Internet, students shall not
reveal personal information about
themselves or other persons.
2. Students shall not meet in person anyone
they have met only on the Internet; and
3. Students must abide by all laws, this
Acceptable Use Policy and all other
applicable school policies.
Penalties for Improper Use
The use of the school equipment and school
network is a privilege, not a right, and misuse will
result in the restriction or cancellation of those
privileges. Misuse may also lead to disciplinary
and/or legal action including suspension, expulsion
(based on building “Student Code of Conduct”
Policy), or criminal prosecution by government
authorities. The school will attempt to tailor any
disciplinary action to the specific issues related to
each violation.
Disclaimer
Schutz American School makes no guarantees
about the quality of the services provided and is
not responsible for any claims, losses, damages,
costs, or other obligations arising from use of the
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network or accounts. Any additional charges a user
accrues due to the use of the school network are to
be borne by the user. Schutz American School also
denies any responsibility for the accuracy or
quality of the information obtained through user
access. Any statement, accessible on the computer
network or the Internet, is understood to be the
author's individual point of view and not that of the
school, or employees.