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A TRANSITION GUIDE FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF TEGUCIGALPA October 2017

INDEX

Mission and Vision……………………………………………………

AST Profile………………………………………………………………..

Application Process…………………………………………………..

Admission Information and Nursery Admission.……….

Post-Admission Checklist..……………………………………...

Document Checklists Preschool……………………………………..…….………

Elementary School……………………….…….……….

Middle/High School………………………….………...

Special Services Information……..………………….…….…...

Directory……………………………………………………….….……..

12-14

Frequently Asked Questions……..………………….….……...

15-20

The American School of Tegucigalpa Mrs. Liliana Jenkins, Superintendent Telephone Numbers: 2239-3333 2239-3160 2239-3603 2239-3602 Vonage: (305) 394-9034 www.amschool.org

info@amschool.org

MISSION: The American School of Tegucigalpa (AST) is a student-centered, college-preparatory institution that fosters globally responsible citizens and leaders by offering a rigorous international education that promotes core values in a safe, innovative, and collaborative environment.

VISION: To be the leading innovative educational institution that prepares responsible global citizens, leaders, and life-long learners.

Additional information about our mission and vision, as well as our five-year strategic and master plans, can be obtained from the resources below. The American School of Tegucigalpa

www.amschool.org

Mrs. Liliana Jenkins, Superintendent

ljenkins@amschool.org

Mrs. AnahĂ Paredes, Curriculum Director

aparedes@amschool.org

AST PROFILE SCHOOL YEAR 2017-2018

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY • Founded in 1946, AST is proud to have more than 70 years of excellence in serving students from nations all over the world. • English is the primary language of instruction. • Three diplomas are available to graduates. The Honduran Bachillerato Diploma, the High School Diploma, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and certificates (optional). • Spanish as a second language is offered to international students. • Last year, the student population was 1,129 students. Approximately 4% are American, 94% Honduran, and 2% of other nationalities. The teacher to student ratio is 25:2 in the pre- and elementary schools. The ratios are 20:1 in the middle and high schools. • AST’s facilities include 90 classrooms, 5 science labs, and 4 thirty-terminal computer labs. State-of-the-art technology provides the faculty and student-body with the latest in educational advancements. • Facilities and technology in The Jefferson Valle Media Center serve a pre-school through high school population of more than 1,100 students. • AST is accredited by AdvancEd and International Baccalaureate. The Honduran Ministry of Education grants the Honduran Bachillerato Diploma to students who earn additional credits and 160 hours of community service (Trabajo Educativo Social/TES).

APPLICATION PROCESS

CONTACT ADMISSIONS     

Request an admissions/information packet Email: info@amschool.org Telephone: (504) 2239-3333 ext. 712 Fax: (504) 2239-6162 Vonage: (305) 394-9034

SCHEDULE A TOUR  Advancement Director, Vicky Diaz  devo@amschool.org  +(504) 2239-3333 ext. 721

US EMBASSY STUDENTS  Please contact the CLO to arrange appointments, meetings, and tours.

HONDURAN STUDENTS • General admission is open from March 1 – March 31. • Applications are available in the Superintendent’s Office beginning March 1. • Application Fee is L.500.00 (non-reimbursable) to be paid in the Business Office. • The Admissions Committee reviews all applications. • The following may be required: Admissions/Business Office interview Student evaluation Contact with previous school

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  Applications are accepted throughout the school year.

IMPORTANT ADMISSION INFORMATION

 AST reserves the right to decline any application not deemed appropriate for our institution.  Parents will be notified of acceptance by phone (local) or by email (international).  For local admissions open enrollment is from March 1-31.  Office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 am- 3:00 pm (except on holidays).  The school has limited staff during the month of July.  New students are assigned a buddy to help them during the transition.  International students are tested for Spanish placement purposes.  Please make sure that the Admissions Office has your updated contact info at all times.

NURSERY ADMISSION

PRIORITY OF ADMISSION 1. 2. 3. 4.

Siblings of current students attending AST. Children of AST alumni. Children of current teachers at AST. Families with no prior link to AST.

REQUIREMENTS  Student must be completely “potty trained” prior to admission.  Age requirements: Nursery: 3-years-old on/before August 30 of the current year. Pre-kinder: 4-years-old on/before August 30 of the current year. Kinder: 5-years-old on/before August 30 of the current year.  If you feel that your child is a candidate for special services, please contact our pre-school principal.

POST-ADMISSION CHECKLIST All students

ADMISSIONS  Submit all required documents to the administration secretary (see school-level checklists)

BUSINESS OFFICE  Contact the treasurer in the Business Office for all payment transactions.  Tuition, “Eagle Card” identification (not applicable for pre-school), Car sticker  Contact the general services coordinator in the Business Office for transportation information.  Contact the superintendent’s assistant to complete an AST Safety Regulations document

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL  Contact the middle/high school counselors for evaluation exams. Plans of study and school schedules will be provided as soon as possible provided all pertinent previous year documents are complete and turned in before your child begins at AST.  Contact the Schoology and PowerSchool coordinator through the Middle School or High School Office to set up an account.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  Please travel with all school records and documentation (see school-level checklists). Documents can be faxed or emailed to our administration secretary.

UNIFORMS and SUPPLIES  Contact your grade-level secretary for a list of supplies needed. Supplies are available at the school store, Eagle Supplies.  Purchase uniform tops, PE uniforms, house shirts, and material for uniform pants and jumpers in the school store.

ORIENTATION  Contact the administration secretary for the August orientation date and time. Contact the pre-school or elementary school principals or the middle school or high school counselors to schedule a private orientation.

PRE-SCHOOL CHECKLIST

DOCUMENTATION  Original birth certificate for Honduran students. Copy of passport or other proof of citizenship for other nationalities.  Two passport photos (1.5”x 1.5”)  Vaccination records  A letter from the child’s pediatrician stating that the child has no mental or physical impediments that might impair his/her ability to successfully attend AST, and that vaccinations are up-to-date.  Parents’ identification documents  Driver’s/nanny’s identification documents

AST PAPERWORK  A passing grade in the Admissions Test administered by AST.

ELEMENTARY CHECKLIST

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL CHECKLIST

DOCUMENTATION  Original birth certificate for Honduran students. Copy of passport or other proof of citizenship for other nationalities.  Two passport photos (1.5”x 1.5”)  Vaccination records  The following documents from previous school  Most recent report card and official school transcripts from grades 9up.  Conduct report  Standardized test scores (if available). Students are given an admissions exam; in some cases, the score on a recent standardized test may be substituted for this requirement.  Statement from the previous school’s business office stating that all fees have been paid  Parents’ identification documents  Driver’s/ nanny’s identification documents

HONDURAN BACCALUREATE DEGREE STUDENTS  The Ministry of Education of Honduras requires a transfer permit from S.A.C.E.  Students must provide a “Certificación de Estudios” for grades 7-12 from previous school(s).

SPECIAL SERVICES

AREAS OF SERVICE  Student assessment  Special support for students in grades N-K  Special reading/writing support for students in grades 1-5  Reading, writing, and math remediation for students with mild learning disabilities in grades 1-6  Organizational/study skills and academic support for students diagnosed with attention difficulties and/or learning disabilities in grades 6-12  Accommodations (504 Plan) in the regular classroom for students diagnosed with attention and/or learning problems in grades N-12  Speech and language services

DIRECTORY

Tel: 2239-3333 HIGH SCHOOL Maria Francisca Motz

Principal

mmotz@amschool.org

ext. 726

Blake Swanson

Assistant Principal

bswanson@amschool.org

ext. 745

Daniel Dobbe

IB / Student Services (6-12)

ddobbe@amschool.org

ext. 727

Angélica Lezama

Secretary

alezama@amschool.org

ext. 717

Yolanda Aviles

Counselor

yavles@amschool.org

ext. 750

Marisabel Figueroa

Counselor

mfigueroa@amschool.org

ext. 752

Patricia Girón

Counseling Secretary

pgiron@amschool.org

ext. 741

Carlos Corrales

Activities Coordinator

ccorrales@amschool.org

ext. 724

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT Wilmer Miralda

Athletic Director

miraldaw@amschool.org

ext.760

Rony Martinez

Sports Assistant

rmartinez@Amschool.Org

TBA

Alina Fernandez

Administrative Assistant

afernandez@amschool.org

TBA

Carlos Santos

Basketball Coordinator

csantos@amschool.org

N/A

Oscar Diaz

Soccer Coordinator

odiaz@amschool.org

N/A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MY CHILD DOES NOT SPEAK SPANISH, WHAT TYPE OF ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SUPPORT WILL BE PROVIDED? Our “Buddy System” is a social program that pairs a new student with a socially mature classmate to help the newcomer “learn the ropes.” Please contact either the school principal or counselors to discuss your student’s individual needs to effectively pair your student. Academically, AST offers Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) classes at all levels. New students are assessed to determine their abilities and the best placement. In the elementary school, there is one-on-one assistance available.

HOW ARE STUDENTS PLACED IN MATH AND READING CLASSES? MATH: Middle/High School students provide either standardized MAP scores or they complete the tests at AST in September to determine math placement. HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVES: Counselors work with each student to create a schedule that meets the student’s goals.

HOW WILL MY CHILD KNOW WHERE TO GO ON THE FIRST DAY IF HE/SHE DOESN’T HAVE A SCHEDULE? MIDDLE SCHOOL: Students who transfer to our school before the first day will attend orientation prior to school beginning. If your child joins us once the school year has already started, the middle school principal will meet with your child. The middle school counselor is available to check-up on the new student and address concerns. HIGH SCHOOL: Students meet with their designated high school counselor for an orientation. At that meeting the student will work together to build a schedule and all other concerns will be addressed.

WHAT ARE SCHOOLOGY and POWERSCHOOL? Schoology and PowerSchool are two management systems used by staff, students, and parents to share content, track grades and attendance, and view upcoming assignments. Schoology is only used in the middle and high schools.

HOW DOES MY CHILD GET A STUDENT ID? Our student id is called an “Eagle Card.” It is issued at the Technology Center located next to the ES

Library. First, new students go to the Technology Center to have a photo taken. The Eagle Card will be available after one business day in the Center. Lost cards can be replaced for a fee of L.50.00 paid to the Business Office before another Eagle Card is issued. Please contact the Business Office (Ext. 716) immediately if your Eagle Card is lost or stolen.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DAY LIKE? Classes are held from 7:30 am- 2:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Lunch times vary depending on special events and grade-level. Buses depart at 2:40 PM. After-school activities are scheduled until 4:00 PM. There is an Embassy bus that leaves the school at 4PM. The school year consists of 184 school days. The administration will publish a school calendar at the beginning of each year including events and holidays. Parents and students are also able to access school calendars on the Schoology and PowerSchool apps, as well as the password-protected calendar on the website. Contact the Development Office for the password. ASTâ€™s digital magazine, The Eagle Courier, is sent via email every month informing parents about school events. Contact Mr. JosĂŠ Manuel Mendoza (Ext. 730) jmendoza@amschool.org to update your email address.

DO PARENTS OR CAREGIVERS NEED SCHOOL IDENTIFICATION TO ENTER CAMPUS? Parents and caregivers are not issued school identification. They may be asked for picture identification when entering the gate if they are not in a registered vehicle.

WHAT IS THE WINDSHIELD STICKER REQUIRED FOR CARS? A vehicle sticker for entrance to campus is purchased and issued at the Business Office. Each elementary through high school family is allowed up to four stickers. Pre-school is only allowed up to two stickers. At the time of purchase, you must bring the car registration and the vehicle being registered. If a parent uses another car (without a sticker) he/she would be treated as a visitor and will be asked for identification. Our security regulations require that any family using drivers, bodyguards, nannies, or other employees to pick up children must complete a security form from the Administration Office. As part of the certification process, all of the employees mentioned above must provide the school with an updated police background check every 6 months. An updated security clearance list is given to our guards at the front and rear gates. Identification is checked if you or your caregiver needs access to campus during regular school hours.

WHERE DO I PICK UP MY CHILD IF HE/SHE DOES NOT TAKE THE BUS? Parents purchase a parking lot sticker from the transportation coordinator in the Business Office. Parking stickers allow access either to the front gate by the traffic circle to pick up pre-school students and siblings, or to the rear gate for elementary, middle, and high school pick-up. For traffic and safety reasons, access to the front gate is denied to vehicles with rear gate stickers. PRE-SCHOOL: Parents or parent-approved individuals use the front entrance of the school to pick up their children. Due to pedestrian traffic and safety concerns, parents are not allowed to enter the building to pick up students. If you have a child in pre-school and siblings in elementary school, you will be allowed to pick up all your children at the front of the school.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Students are escorted to the rear parking lot by their teacher or assistant and delivered to parents or authorized individuals. If a student has a sibling in pre-school, the elementary student is escorted to the front entrance of elementary school for pick-up. MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL: Students walk to the rear parking lot for pick-up by parents or authorized individuals. If a student has a sibling in pre-school, he/she may wait in the pre-school area for pickup.

HOW WILL MY CHILD KNOW WHICH BUS TO GET ON AT THE END OF THE DAY? It is important that new families contact the head of general services at the Business Office as soon as possible. Please bring the names of your children, grade-levels, and your address. Because streets are not named and labeled in the traditional fashion, it is helpful to also bring a map or “pindrop” to your residence. Transportation will determine which bus route will best suit your needs and provide you with the name and phone number of the driver and the assistant. The assistant, also called the “nanny,” can answer questions, phone calls, and deal with emergencies that might arise en route. At first, your child will be escorted to the bus, but quickly he/she will be able to recognize the correct bus and personnel. For security reasons, the buses are not numbered. PRE-SCHOOL/ELEMENTARY: Office secretaries coordinate with the transportation office and teachers to share bus assignments. Teachers or assistants escort your child to the bus where he/she is greeted by the bus’ nanny. MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL: Prior to the first day, the transportation office will provide the name and number of the driver and assistant to the student’s family. It is the parents’ responsibility to share this information with the student. AST recommends the student carry the driver’s information in his/her backpack for easy reference.

DO I HAVE TO RE-REGISTER MY CHILD FOR THE BUS EVERY YEAR? Yes. You can do this at the end of the school year during re-registration.

WHAT SECURITY MEASURES DOES THE SCHOOL UTILIZE? The school has two entrances manned by Intercon security guards. AST is a closed campus from 7:45 am - 2:30 pm to ensure that there are limited distractions to the students and staff. A sticker, a special pass, or prior authorization is required for access. Visitors are detained at the gate while the guard notifies the staff member responsible for the visitor. The guest must present picture identification before they are issued a guest badge. During school hours, all cars must exit with their windows lowered to verify that students are not leaving campus unauthorized. Students authorized to leave campus must have a signed dismissal slip from their school principal. WHAT EMERGENCY SUPPORT DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE? Por Salud, a local medical health center, provides a doctor and a nurse on our campus during school hours, as well as during after-school activities. Rescate Médico Móvil provides ambulance services in the case of emergencies.

During special events hosted at the school, especially those with large crowds, an ambulance service is hired to remain on campus during the event. We also have natural disaster drills several times a year to practice evacuation procedures. Embassy families: Contact the RSO for information concerning school and Embassy emergencies.

HOW DOES THE CHILD PURCHASE FOOD AT THE DINING HALL? ARE MENUS AVAILABLE? Elementary/middle school students can use cash or Eagle Cards to purchase food at the cafeteria. High school students can use Eagle Cards, cash, or debit cards. Lunch menus can be viewed on the webpage under Dining Hall.

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE MADE FOR FOOD ALLERGIES? Parents must include food allergies on the medical forms completed during the admissions process. This form is shared with and reviewed by the school’s medical staff and student’s teachers. Our dining hall does its best to label packages clearly, but it cannot be held responsible for what the child purchases or eats. If the child has allergies, you should inform the dining hall manager.

HOW DOES ONE PUT MONEY INTO THE EAGLE CARD ACCOUNT? Payments to the Eagle Card can be made at the bookstore or the dining hall. Cash, credit, or debit may be used.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT PAYING TUITION? Tuition fees are managed by the treasurer in the Business Office. Tuition is paid within the first 10 days of the month. Payments can be deposited at any Ficohsa, BAC or Banco Atlántida agency, through online banking, or on major credit cards. Contact the Business Office for more information.

WHAT IS EDUCATION REINFORCEMENT? Middle school students have a one-hour period on Thursdays to work on incomplete assignments, missed tests, homework, etc. It is similar to a study hall.

WHAT IS CHARACTER EDUCATION AND SOLIDARITY CLUB? Character education is an elementary through middle school program that implements hands-on activities, campaigns, and lectures dealing with core values. Solidarity Club is one of AST’s many social responsibility clubs. Participants serve our general services crew by hosting events to help individual crewmembers and families.

WHAT SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED? HOW DO I GET UNIFORMS? The administrative office will provide a list of required supplies for pre- through middle school. The PTO orders the supplies and will prepare bags for each grade level available for purchase at the end of June. Students may purchase supplies elsewhere if preferred.

Polo shirts, PE uniforms, and house shirts can be purchased at Eagle Supplies. Material for pants and jumpers can be purchased by-the-yard. Mr. Leonidas Cáceres is the recommended tailor. He can be reached at (504) 9664-5966. He uses the required pattern for AST uniforms. You may use another tailor, but be sure that the correct pattern/style is used. The supply store is open during summer vacation on Monday-Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. Contact pto@amschool.org or call (504) 2235-3929 ext. 729 for more information regarding the PTO store.

ARE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN SPANISH OR ENGLISH? AST offers a wide variety of after school activities. Some AST teachers serve as afterschool activity advisors, in which case the programs are in English and possibly Spanish. Our after school leagues and extra-curricular activities are taught by both Spanish-speaking or bilingual instructors. They understand English and will communicate effectively with your child.

IF MY CHILD IS HELD AFTER SCHOOL, HOW AM I NOTIFIED THAT HE/SHE WILL NOT BE RETURNING HOME AT THE REGULAR TIME? ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Students will contact their parents from the office by email before 11 am or by phone after 11 am. For this reason, it is imperative that the school has up-to-date contact information for parents and care-givers. MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL: Students are sent to the office where the secretary will call the parents. For this reason, it is imperative that the school has up-to-date contact information for parents and caregivers.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE ROOM MOTHERS? Typically “room mothers” are introduced at the open house in the middle of August or can be reached through the classroom teacher. Room mothers usually form a “WhatsApp” chat for each homeroom or grade-level. While the “WhatsApp” chat is not controlled or approved of by AST, it can be an informative and useful tool to keep in touch or up-to-date on social aspects of the school year. If you choose not to participate in the WhatsApp conversation, you may want to contact the room mother and the teacher to ensure that you are getting news about special classroom events.

HOW DO WE CONTACT THE PTO? On the first day of school, the PTO hosts a “Meet and Greet” immediately after children are dropped at school. It is a great way to meet PTO members and other parents. You can also reach the PTO at pto@amschool.org or Eagle Supplies at (504) 2239-3333 ext 729.

WHAT ARE “HOUSES” AND HOW DO THEY FUNCTION? “Houses” is a recently new program established as a way for students and teachers throughout the school to get to know each other and form bonds through team-building that will last throughout their AST careers. There are twelve houses and each student is assigned house-membership for his/her entire tenure at AST. Siblings are assigned to the same house. Every Thursday, staff and students dress in their house shirts. During Thursday house meetings, team-building activities

promote communication and collaboration. Once a year, houses from elementary to high school meet for a mentoring opportunity.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES? In physical education class, the teacher instructs the students on basic skills and concepts that pertain to different physical activities and sports. The student is tested on such skills. Sports activity is an activity where they learn about sports.

WHAT AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS ARE AVAILABLE? At AST we like to develop our students’ athletic skills and team spirit start at an early stage. Eagle TOTS starts in Kinder. Eagle League is an intramural league for grades 1-4. Teams practice and scrimmage in preparation for the end-of-season tournament. All student athletes play against teams of the same age group and category. At the end of the season, participation is celebrated with a medal presentation to all athletes. In 5th and 6th grades, student athletes participate in the Eagle Cup. Just like in Eagle League, teams are formed by gender and age group. They practice and compete in a tournament at season’s close. The athletes are awarded first and second place medals. These leagues offer three sports: basketball, soccer, and volleyball. In competitive sports, our “Eagles” compete in progressive leagues, ABSH (American Bilingual Schools of Honduras) and AASCA (Association of American Schools of Central America). The athletes must try-out for positions on these teams to participate in practices, scrimmages, and in some cases travel opportunities with ABSH or AASCA to represent AST. Follow us on:

@americanschool

ast_news / ast_eagles_athletics

www.amschool.org Ast_news ast_eagles_athletics /

@amschool.org