APPLE HILL ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK

2011-2012 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Classes begin on the Tuesday following Labor Day.  The first day of class is also Orientation Day.  Check your letter from the Academy for the time of your Orientation.  The year concludes in May.  Whenever logical, the Academy follows the Rockwood School District Holiday schedule.    

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PURPOSE

Apple Hill Academy Is The Highly Respected, Intimate, Private Preschool Dedicated To Providing Supreme Excellence In Early Childhood Education.  The young child is masterfully enriched through exciting academic, creative, physical, and social experiences.  Every child has the right to enter modern Kindergarten confidently prepared to achieve success.  Outstanding teachers, through unique, well-planned activities, lovingly educate each Apple Hill Academy student toward this goal.    

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CURRICULUM

       SELF-ESTEEM grows through positive reinforcement and the pride of success. 

     READING READINESS includes letter recognition and formation, phonics, rhymes, sight words, words, and word families.  All are pursued enabling each child to achieve their fullest potential and the life-long love of reading, of learning.

     MATH READINESS featuring number recognition, number concepts, formation, shapes, measurement, spatial relations, patterning, addition, subtraction, and set work. Mathematics is integrated into the curriculum on a daily basis.

     Early LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT is instrumental for strong communication skills.  Emphasis includes discussion, listening, vocabulary, dictation, questioning, and interpretation of stories and songs.  SPANISH is taught to all age levels.

     SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, both natural and physical, begins with curiosity.  With guidance, this interest expands into observation, comparison, classification, analysis, prediction, and experimentation.  The thrill of discovery at an early age promotes a healthy environmental respect, advanced levels of cognitive development, and fosters complex mathematical reasoning. 

     Units incorporating HISTORY and GEOGRAPHY are appropriately presented. 

     TECHNOLOGY is in our children's future. COMPUTERS are used to reinforce and expand traditional readiness concepts and to enhance reasoning skills.

     FINE MOTOR SKILLS are emphasized at an early age.  Children fashion their arts and crafts, with completion equating perfection.

     Daily SELF-EXPRESSION by means of ARTS, CRAFTS, MUSIC, and DRAMA, allows each child to explore and create, establishing individual character.

     GROSS MOTOR SKILLS are developed through indoor and outdoor play, drama, music, and dance.

     SOCIALIZATION is the key to a young child's enjoyment of school.  Apple Hill Academy encourages warm, loving, and cooperative relationships.

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FACILITY

Apple Hill Academy is designed and built EXCLUSIVELY to create the perfect PRESCHOOL environment.  Located on an ACRE-AND-A-HALF picturesque, lake front lot; this serene, NEIGHBORHOOD SETTING adds to the security and comfort of our students.  Each of SEVEN CLASSROOMS is age appropriately equipped and has an attached child height sink and kiddie commode.  OBSERVATION WINDOWS are strategically placed for parent viewing.  In keeping with today's technological requirements the Academy has a state of the art COMPUTER CENTER.  The UNIQUE GYMNASIUM provides for large motor activities when weather prohibits the use of the LARGE DECK or DUEL PLAYGROUNDS.    

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APPLE HILL HISTORY

The Academy opened its doors in Wildwood, September 1991.  Children currently attending Apple Hill reside in approximately ten postal districts across West St. Louis.  Apple Hill Academy opened its doors at the prestigious Pierside Lane location in 1997.  Graduates of Apple Hill now attend a variety of public, private, and parochial schools.     

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STAFF

The Staff of Apple Hill Academy is our finest and most important resource.  The Director and teachers hold Bachelor's or Master's Degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education or other specialty related fields.  Strong teaching experience, a positive attitude, a loving nature, creative technique, and a progressive teaching philosophy are also required.    

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 ADMISSIONS

Apple Hill Academy admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available at the school.    

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WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

All notes, checks, book orders, etc., sent to Apple Hill must be pinned to the outside of your child's school bag.  Communications sent home will be placed inside the school bag.  School bags must be emptied after each class because notes are frequently dated and the children need to have their masterpieces praised.  

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INSTRUCTIONAL THEME UNIT TEACHING APPROACH

Simply stated, all relevant developmental and readiness areas are addressed within the context of entertaining, age appropriate, academically based monthly themes.  These themes are in the content areas of science, social studies, and language arts.  The Instructional Theme Unit Approach addresses not only the obvious reading and math readiness concepts but also gives children a much broader knowledge of self and environment.  Future learning is much more easily related to, understood, and retained.  This approach, when combining developmental and academic readiness, is the most enjoyable, effective method of Early Childhood Education. 

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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION CARD

A white vehicle identification card will be furnished to each Apple Hill Academy family.  This card must be visible upon each pick-up.  Drivers without the I.D. card must park and come in the front door to retrieve their children in order to avoid a traffic jam.  If your family needs a second card the request must be made in writing.  Notify the office immediately if you loose your card.  A new card number will then be issued to you.

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CAR POOLING

We encourage parents to form car pools.  We will be happy to supply names and phone numbers of interested persons in your neighborhood.  For a child to participate in a car pool, a signed list of all alternative drivers and children must be left in the school office by each party involved.  The driving schedule must also be submitted.  When car pools change, the office must again be notified in writing.  This policy is for the protection of the children and the efficiency of dismissal.  Car pool drivers will be issued a florescent vehicle identification card with their number to use when picking-up their car pool group.  Car pool drop-off and pick-up is at the cul-de-sac designated for the youngest child in the car pool.   

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ARRIVAL

Children may enter the building five minutes prior to their class starting time.

*All Classes -School will begin promptly.  Please have your child on the premises by the appointed time.  Children will be removed from their cars at 9:10-9:20 and 12:25-12:35.  Pull your car up to the designated drop-off site.  Place your vehicle gear in PARK.  Assist your child in removing their SEAT BELT and place their BELONGINGS in their hand.  An Apple Hill Academy teacher will open the car door and escort your child to the school door where another teacher will then assist your child.  For safety reasons, children will be taken from the RIGHT SIDE of the vehicles only.  Please, just short chats with the teachers at this time: we want our full attention on the children, and, other moms and children are waiting for their turn. Late children must be brought in by the front door.

*Pre Kindergarten Classes:  Northeast (Entry) Cul-De-Sac - Drivers should slowly (5 mph) turn into the school lot keeping sharply to the right, turning right again to circle the parking lot, take the inside lane.  Please, be courteous to other parents.  At the end of the parking loop STOP.  Next, parents dropping-off PK children must cut across the drive in front of the school (following the arrows). Pulling up closely to the curb next to the building, you will be heading back toward the school lot entrance.  Make sure to  keep the drive open.  Move slowly (5 mph), pulling up until your car is adjacent to the porch on the Northeast cul-de-sac. 

*Three Year Old Classes, Four Year Old Classes, and Pre Kindergartners who are arriving with younger children:  Southwest Cul-De-Sac  - Drivers should slowly (5 mph) turn into the school lot keeping sharply to the right, turning right to circle the parking lot, take the outside lane.  Please, be courteous to other parents.  At the end of the parking loop very slowly (5 mph) pull ahead to the left circling the southwest cul-de-sac.  Stop when your car has rounded the cul-de-sac.  To exit move ahead slowly (5 mph) being aware of crossing traffic. 

*Lunch Bunch for Afternoon Students – arrive between 11:55-12:05 at the entry cul-de-sac, Monday through Thursday. We will take the children into the school.

*Parent Escorted Children - Please hold your child's hand.   Park in the designated parking areas only; never along the building.  Enter through the front door.

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DISMISSAL

*All Classes - Children will be escorted to their designated vehicles between 11:55 and 12:05, and between 3:10 and 3:20.  Children are to be picked up at the same door through which they arrived (see Car Pooling if different children are being picked-up).  Circle the parking lot in a slow (5 mph) and careful manner, coping the arrival procedure.  Hold the VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION CARD OUTSIDE YOUR CAR WINDOW.  Place the vehicle gear in PARK, unlock the car, and remove any obstructions.  A teacher will escort your child or children to the RIGHT SIDE of your vehicle.  Quickly indicate where you would like each child placed.  The teacher will open and close the car doors.  Parents should assist small children.  We request that you then, very carefully, pull-up a few car lengths, put your vehicle in PARK, and SECURE ALL PASSENGERS IN THEIR PROPER SEAT RESTRAINTS, prior to leaving the school grounds.  Remember that this is the law.  If there is any type of situation requiring that you be stopped for more than a short time, please pull into a parking place so other cars can get by.  Once again, please, only short visits with the teachers at this time.  The use of cellular phones at this time must be avoided.  

*Lunch Bunch -  The children will be brought to your car between 1:10 and 1:20 at the first or entry cul-de-sac (Pre-K side).

*Late Pick-Up - Any child being picked-up after 12:05, 1:20, or 3:20 will need to be picked-up in the office.  There is a $1.00 per minute per child late pick-up charge. In an emergency, be sure to notify the Academy concerning any delay picking-up a child. 

Please notify us in writing if anyone other than normal should pick-up your child!  This includes going home with a classmate.  WE CANNOT ALLOW A CHILD TO LEAVE WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED DRIVER!

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SUPPLIES
 

Apple Hill Academy will furnish all school supplies and materials.

Each child needs to bring a roomy SCHOOL BAG WITH THEIR FIRST AND LAST NAMES VERY CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE.

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CLOTHING

Please use common sense when dressing your child.  PRESCHOOL CAN BE MESSY.  CLOTHES CAN BE RUINED.  Gym shoes and play clothes are strongly suggested; as requested by all of our teachers.  Clothes should be weather appropriate.  It is recommended that all outerwear, including mittens and hats, be labeled.  Mittens are preferred over gloves.  Sandals, snow boots, and western boots are awkward and unsafe.  Overalls and belts are hard to get off in a bathroom emergency.  Jewelry is frequently broken or lost. 

All children enrolled in the Three Year Old Preschool Classes are required to store at school one complete SET OF NAME LABELED CLOTHING in a zip lock bag.  Also, we request that YOU FURNISH ANY NECESSARY PULL-UPS, DIAPERS, AND DIAPER WIPES.

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ABSENCES

Call the Academy if your child will not be in attendance due to health or vacation. 

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MEDICAL INFORMATION
 

We will miss your child but they MUST STAY HOME FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

     1.  Extreme fatigue (perhaps, let them sleep late)

     2.  Fever within the past 24 hours*

     3.  Rash or hives

     4.  Bad cough or thick nasal discharge

     5.  Stomachache or diarrhea

     6.  Earache or sore throat

     7.  Vomitting within the past 24 hours

* Children must be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

 Please notify the school immediately if your child has an infectious disease so that we may notify the other parents and if necessary, disinfect the school.  Your pediatrician will tell you when your child is no longer contagious.

NO MEDICATION will be administered at Apple Hill Academy by school personnel.  No medication can be sent to school.  This includes cough lozenges, eye drops, and ointments.

 MEDICAL EXAMINATION

 Each student is required to have a completed ANNUAL STUDENT HEALTH FORM, signed by the child's physician, upon entering Apple Hill Academy.  This medical examination form is provided by the school.  Please make note that laws requiring various immunizations are constantly changing and that Apple Hill Academy will comply with these regulations.  These forms should be completd and turned in before the school year begins in order for your child to attend school.

 MEDICAL EMERGENCY

 When a Preschooler becomes ill or injured at school and should be sent home, first the parents, then the persons listed on the admission form will be called.  Please help us keep our emergency information up to date by informing us when changes occur.

 In the event of a major medical emergency, the parents, then the persons listed on the medical examination form will be contacted along with the child's physician or dentist.  The emergency care given will be consistent with the care needed and is to be of an emergency nature only.  Cost of medical attention and ambulance are the responsibility of the parents.

 It is essential for the welfare of the child that the school be informed and given appropriate emergency phone numbers when the parents are out of town.

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CONFERENCES

Two formal Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled for all Preschool and Pre Kindergarten parents.  It is very important that you participate.  Please approach the conference with a relaxed, positive attitude.  We care for your child and always want the best for them.  Each child develops differently.  Children should never be compared.  Parents should never discuss other children. 

Dialogue between parents and teachers is encouraged throughout the school year.  Informal talks can be very helpful and informative.  Our teachers will notify you if they have concerns about your child.  We feel that working together we can overcome almost any obstacle.  When you wish to confer with a teacher please call or drop-in and leave a message with the office.  The teacher will contact you as soon as possible.  Please do not interrupt the class in session!  Time is valuable and we feel this is unfair to all of the children.

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SCHOOL POLICIES

BEHAVIOR

 The Faculty and Director of Apple Hill Academy will use the philosophy of positive reinforcement which utilizes praise, reward, encouragement, and redirection to promote and achieve desired behavior. 

 Apple Hill Academy expects courtesy, consideration and respect for others at all times.  Disruptive behavior which interferes with the learning, enjoyment, or well-being of other children cannot be allowed. 

 If a child chooses not to grow, learn, work, or play within these guidelines, separation may be the necessary course of action.  A parent, faculty, and Director conference may also be necessary.  If the situation persists, dismissal will result.  Apple Hill Academy will confidentially require that the child, in the best interest of that child and the other students, attend another school better suited to his or her needs.

 FAMILY PARTICIPATION

 School is a child's second home.  It is only natural that parents, siblings, and grandparents are welcomed.  There are many formal and informal events planned throughout the school year to encourage family bonding within Apple Hill Academy.

 OPTIONAL SERVICES AND EVENTS

 During the school year various services or events will be offered AT YOUR OPTION TO PARTICIPATE.  Some of these services or events will require a fee.  Parents will be given prior notice of all optional services and events.

 TOYS 

ALL PERSONAL TOYS MUST BE LEFT AT HOME!  They cause distraction  and personal items are easily lost or broken at school.  Apple Hill Academy cannot be responsible for them.  Teacher requested items that enhance study units are the only exception to this rule.

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SNOW DAYS AND EARLY DISMISSAL

Apple Hill Academy will not meet when the Rockwood (R-6) District is closed due to bad weather.  This includes closings during the school day.  School closing announcements can heard on local radio stations and local television stations when weather is threatening.  In any event, use your own discretion in bringing children to school on snow or ice days and during any inclement weather.

 If early school dismissal is necessary for any reason including weather, designated telephone moms will attempt to relay the message to each parent as quickly as possible.  Children must be picked-up immediately.

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SNACK

School provided snacks will cover a large variety of primarily nutritious foods.  This is also a learning experience.  After great consideration the conclusion drawn is that iced water is the "beverage" to be served.  It is not exciting, but we know all the children will drink it, there will be no allergies, and they do not need the sugar in school "punches" or "juices."  Special diets and severe allergies may require a parent to furnish their child's snack.

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BIRTHDAYS

Please notify the teacher when you wish to celebrate your child's birthday or early summer birthday.  This would be a nice day to attend school with your preschooler or come in, if you like, to serve the treat.  Let your child pick the treat as this is their special day.  Due to health considerations, please send commercially prepared treats, as frequently recommended by the County Board of Health.   No balloons, please. 

To avoid hurt feelings, send party invitations to school only if the entire class is being invited.  Please write a name on each envelope so we are certain we distribute them properly.  A class directory will be distributed to each parent for mailing and telephoning purposes.

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