We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the handbook to ensure you have access to important information, policies, and resources.Please note that this handbook may be updated at any time based on the needs of the school. Any changes will be communicated to families.
DAILY LIFE
Daily life at Schutz American School is dynamic, engaging, and rooted in our commitment to holistic education. From the moment students arrive on campus, they are welcomed into a supportive and inclusive community where they are encouraged to explore their passions and take ownership of their learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Classrooms buzz with inquiry-based discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities that connect learning to real-world applications. Beyond academics, students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, service projects, fostering creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Our diverse and caring faculty prioritize student well-being and creating a safe and nurturing environment where every individual feels valued. At Schutz, each day is an opportunity for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to succeed and make an impact in a global society.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
To ensure a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal process, middle and high school students should use the main gate when entering and leaving the school. Elementary students should use the gate near the elementary playground. Middle and high school students who have younger siblings in elementary may use the elementary gate to escort their siblings to school. Students who ride the bus will enter and exit through the back parking lot. We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to help maintain a safe and orderly environment for all students.
SCHOOL ABSENCES AND PUNCTUALITY
Punctuality and regular attendance are essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. Arriving on time helps students establish a routine, maximizes learning time, and minimizes disruptions for both the teacher and classmates. Consistent attendance is equally important, as it allows students to stay on track with their learning and fully engage in the school community. Being on time and attending school regularly also encourages responsibility and respect for others’ time.
Educators understand that emergencies, such as unforeseen family crises or natural disasters, can significantly impact a student’s ability to attend school and complete work. In such cases, students will not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control. Open communication with the school in these situations is encouraged so that appropriate support can be provided. If a student will be absent, parents are asked to notify the school as soon as possible to ensure accurate attendance records and to help teachers provide any necessary catch-up work.
Guidelines for Different Grade Levels:
- Middle and High School Students:
- Students are responsible for communicating with their teachers as soon as they are able to regarding their situation.
- They should work with their teachers to develop a plan for completing missed assignments or assessments within a reasonable timeframe.
- Early Childhood and Elementary School Students:
- Parents are responsible for notifying the school and their child’s teacher about the emergency.
- Parents will collaborate with teachers to ensure their child receives the necessary support and materials to catch up on missed work.
Educator Support:
- Teachers will provide flexibility and understanding while helping students recover academically from an emergency.
- Assignments and tests will be adjusted as necessary, with a focus on ensuring students can demonstrate their learning without undue stress.
School related absences:
School-related absences, such as participation in Model United Nations (MUN), school sporting events, or other school functions, are valuable opportunities for students to develop skills and represent the school community. However, these absences also require careful planning to ensure students remain responsible for their learning and academic progress.
Expectations for Students:
- Plan Ahead:
Students are expected to notify their teachers of anticipated absences well in advance. This allows teachers to provide any necessary resources, assignments, or instructions to keep the student on track. - Communicate with Teachers:
Students should schedule conferences with their teachers before their absence to and within three days upon return:- Understand upcoming lessons or activities they will miss.
- Receive guidance on assignments and deadlines.
- Clarify expectations for any make-up work.
- Stay Organized:
It is the student’s responsibility to:- Complete assignments by their due dates or make alternative arrangements if necessary.
- Follow up on missed lessons or materials promptly upon returning to school.
- Leverage Available Resources:
Students are encouraged to use tools such as Google Classroom, class notes, or recorded lessons (if available) to stay updated on what they missed.
Brief Absences (1-4 days):
In the event of a short illness, students are responsible for taking ownership of their learning and ensuring that missed work is completed.
- Student Responsibility:
It is the student’s responsibility to proactively reach out to their teachers upon returning to school to gather information about missed assignments, lessons, and any additional instructions. - Collaboration with Teachers:
Teachers will work with students to determine appropriate deadlines for completing missed work, but students are expected to manage their time effectively and prioritize catching up. - Use of Resources:
Students should utilize available resources, such as Google Classroom, peer notes, or teacher-provided materials, to stay up to date on missed content.
Longer Excused Absences (5 or More Days):
For extended absences due to circumstances such as a death in the family, prolonged illness, sporting competitions, and religious commitments students will be given the opportunity to complete missed work in a way that supports their academic progress while accounting for their situation.
Guidelines for Students:
- Communication with the School:
Students or their families should inform the school as soon as possible about the reason for the extended absence and maintain ongoing communication, if needed. - Completion of Missed Work:
- Students are responsible for working with their teachers to develop a plan for completing assignments and tests missed during their absence.
- The assignments and tests provided will be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the ones missed.
- Deadlines and Flexibility:
Teachers will set reasonable deadlines for the completion of missed work. Students are expected to meet these deadlines to the best of their ability, and extensions may be considered based on individual circumstances. - Full Credit for Satisfactory Work:
Students will receive full credit for work that is completed satisfactorily within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Unexcused Absences (e.g., Family Holidays):
Unexcused absences, such as family holidays, require proactive communication and collaboration among the parent, student, and teacher to minimize the impact on the student’s learning. Parents are encouraged to inform the school in advance of any planned absences so that teachers can provide guidance on missed work and help the student stay on track. It is important for all students to be present when classes are in session to maximize their learning opportunities and maintain consistency in their academic progress. Regular attendance ensures that students stay engaged and benefit from the full educational experience.
Guidelines for Unexcused Absences:
- Family Responsibility:
- Families must inform the school as soon as an unexcused absence is planned or known.
- Parents should take the initiative to coordinate with the school to understand the implications of the absence and the required steps for maintaining the student’s progress.
- Collaboration on Assignments:
- The parent, student, and teacher must work together to determine appropriate work that the student can complete during or after the absence.
- Teachers may provide resources or assignments, but it is the student’s responsibility to complete the work and stay up to date.
- Accountability for Missed Content:
- Students should plan to catch up on any missed lessons or assignments promptly upon their return to school.
- Teachers will support students by providing guidance but are not obligated to re-teach missed content.
TARDIES FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Rationale:
The purpose of this policy is to promote consistency in attendance while ensuring students are supported in improving their habits without excluding them from learning.
Timeline:
Tardies and thus consequences reset each semester. However, please note if students are consistently taking advantage of the reset, then administration has the discretion to escalate consequences quicker.
What is a Tardy?
A student is considered tardy if they are not in class and ready to work by the start of class. One second late? Tardy. Ten minutes late? Tardy. Walking in the door when class starts? Tardy. Students must be in class and ready to work when the scheduled class time begins.
Detentions:
Lunch detention: Will occur during school lunch on designated detention days. Students assigned lunch detention will be notified of the date they are expected to attend. Students will be given the opportunity to work on schoolwork or sit quietly. If a student does not follow the expectations of lunch detention, the student may choose between completing assigned school community service or serving an after-school detention.
After-school detention: Will occur from 3:00–4:00 on designated detention days. Students and their parents/guardians will be notified of the date the student is expected to attend. Students will be given the opportunity to work on schoolwork or sit quietly. If a student does not follow the expectations of after-school detention, the student may choose between completing assigned school community service or serving two additional after-school detentions.
In-school suspensions:
Students will be given work to do for their classes if appropriate by teachers.
If students do not follow the guidelines set for In-school suspension, the parents will be contacted. Parents have the choice to keep the student in school by completing community service (cleaning tables, doing dishes and so on). If parents do not agree to this then the child will be sent home.
If an in-school suspension must occur a meeting with the parent will be held each time.
Above and Beyond:
If students go above the allocated unexcused absences, then a meeting with the parent-student-principal-head of school and assistant principal will be held. During this meeting students will be placed on an attendance contract.
If students go above the allocated unexcused tardies, then a meeting with the parent-student-principal and assistant principal will be held. During this meeting students will be placed on an attendance contract.
Tardy to School:
Tardy to Class:
DRESS EXPECTATIONS
At Schutz American School, we encourage students to dress in a way that reflects our high standards as learners and shows respect for Egyptian culture and our school community.
General Guidelines:
- Clothing should be appropriate for a school setting and conducive to a focused learning environment.
- Items such as short-shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, low-cut pants, and shirts with inappropriate language or imagery are not acceptable.
- Clothing, accessories, tattoos, piercings, or grooming that disrupts the learning environment will be addressed by the administration.
- Footwear: Students must wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes that fit securely to the foot. Sandals, slides, flip-flops, Crocs/clogs, slippers, and other open or loose-fitting footwear are not permitted.
Corrective Action:
If a student’s attire is found to be inappropriate:
- The student will be asked to change into suitable clothing.
- If necessary, the student may be sent home to change and will be welcomed back to class once appropriately dressed.
Our aim is to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and focused learning environment for all students while honoring the cultural sensitivities of our community.
HEALTHY LUNCH AND SNACKS
Providing students with healthy snacks and lunches is essential for supporting their overall well-being and academic success. Nutritious meals help students maintain focus, energy, and concentration throughout the school day, contributing to better learning outcomes and improved behavior. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins fuels both the body and mind, helping students to stay alert and engaged. We encourage parents to pack well-balanced snacks and lunches that promote healthy eating habits and avoid processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. By working together to provide nutritious options, we can help students develop lifelong healthy eating habits and create a more productive and positive learning environment.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, DEVICES, AND PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY
At Schutz American School, technology is an important tool for learning, creativity, communication, and collaboration. We want students to develop the skills and judgment needed to use technology responsibly and effectively. At the same time, we recognize that personal devices can become a distraction from learning and from meaningful interactions with others.
Be Empowered
Use technology to strengthen your skills, deepen your knowledge, create, collaborate, and demonstrate your learning in meaningful ways. Technology should enhance learning rather than distract from it.
Be Kind and Respectful
Use technology in ways that contribute positively to our school community. Communicate respectfully, provide constructive feedback, and use digital platforms to encourage and support others. The same expectations for respectful behavior that apply in person also apply online.
Be Smart and Safe
Use technology responsibly and in ways that protect your privacy, personal information, and security. Ask for help when you are unsure and report inappropriate, unsafe, or concerning content or activity to a teacher, trusted adult, or the IT Department.
The school uses web filtering and other safeguards to support appropriate technology use on the school network. Students should report content they believe has been incorrectly blocked as well as content they believe is inappropriate or unsafe.
Be Careful and Responsible
Students are expected to care for school-owned and personal devices and use the school network responsibly. Damage, technical concerns, or suspected security issues should be reported promptly.
Technology use is subject to all expectations, rules, and policies outlined in the Student Handbook. The school uses the ISTE Standards for Students to help guide responsible, effective, and purposeful technology use.
Technology at SAS
Schutz provides a 1:1 device program for Elementary School students:
- PK–Grade 1: School-issued iPads
- Grades 2–5: School-issued Chromebooks
- Grades 6–12: Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)
Upon entering Middle School, students are expected to follow the Bring Your Own Technology Policy.
Grades 6–12: Yondr Pouches and Personal Devices
To support focused learning, meaningful student interaction, and a classroom environment with fewer digital distractions, all students in Grades 6–12 will be issued a Yondr pouch at the beginning of the school year.
Students are expected to bring their Yondr pouch to school each day. Upon arrival at school, students must place their cell phone and personal wearable technology, including smartwatches and similar communication-enabled devices, inside the pouch and secure it according to school procedures. Devices will remain secured during the school day and may be accessed at the end of the school day.
The purpose of the Yondr pouch is not to remove technology from learning. Students will continue to use laptops, Chromebooks, and other school-approved technology when it supports instruction. Rather, the Yondr system is designed to reduce the distractions created by personal communication devices so students can be fully present, engage with their teachers and peers, and focus on learning.
Students are responsible for the care of their assigned Yondr pouch. Attempts to bypass, damage, tamper with, or misuse the pouch, or failure to place a phone or wearable technology in the pouch as required, will be addressed as a violation of school expectations and may result in disciplinary consequences and/or responsibility for replacement costs.
Parents who need to contact their child during the school day should contact the school office. The school will ensure that important or urgent messages reach the student.
Student Filming, Recording, and Privacy
Schutz is committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of students and staff. Students may not photograph, film, or make audio or video recordings of another person on campus without that person’s explicit permission.
Unauthorized recording or photography is considered a serious violation of school expectations. Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include confiscation of the device, parent contact, loss of permission to bring a personal device to school for a designated period, and other appropriate disciplinary action.
When unauthorized images or recordings have been created, the school may require them to be deleted following parent contact and under appropriate staff and/or parent supervision.
Community Partner, Volunteer, and Visitor Media Policy
Community partners, volunteers, and visitors participating in school activities or field trips must receive appropriate consent before photographing, filming, recording, sharing, or publicly posting media that identifies students or staff.
Written parent or guardian consent must be obtained before photographs, videos, or other identifiable student media are used publicly, including on social media, websites, or promotional materials. Staff members must similarly provide consent for public use of their image.
Failure to follow these expectations may result in restrictions on participation in future school activities.
Our goal is to create a school environment in which technology serves learning while students remain present, connected, responsible, and respectful members of the Schutz community.
HEALTH OFFICE
The Health Office at Schutz American School operates to ensure the health and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff. Below are the essential details and guidelines for the Health Office.
Operating Hours
- Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Contact Information:
- Phone: Ext 115
- Email: nurse@schutzschool.edu.eg
Services and Philosophy
The medical staff in the Health Office provide professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate care. They focus on promoting health and well-being while addressing medical needs promptly and effectively.
Our Beliefs:
- Timely communication with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
- Prompt response to first aid and medical needs, with external medical assistance obtained when necessary.
- Providing knowledgeable and appropriate medical treatments.
- Contributing to a healthy and safe school environment.
- Delivering care in a calm, professional, and empathetic manner.
- Educating on health promotion and illness prevention strategies.
- Maintaining adequate supplies for daily and emergency use.
- Collaborating with counselors, teachers, and parents to support students’ emotional well-being.
- Respecting and honoring cultural diversity.
Student Access to the Health Office
- During Class Time: Students must obtain permission from their teacher before visiting the Health Office.
- Return to Class: Students will receive a note from the Health Office when returning to class.
Parent Communication
- If a child needs to be picked up or further discussion is necessary, the Health Office will contact parents by phone.
- Temporary Guardianship Form: Parents must submit this form when out of the city to prepare for emergencies.
- If a child needs to go home, parents must arrange transport within 30 minutes of notification.
When to Stay Home
Students should not attend school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Cough, cold, or flu-like symptoms
- More than 2 episodes of diarrhea or vomiting
- Fever over 100°F
- Body rash (without a medical note stating it is non-contagious)
- Likely or confirmed contagious illnesses (e.g., chickenpox, mumps, measles, COVID-19, active TB)
Note: Students must be free of fever, diarrhea, or vomiting for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
Medications
- Self-Administration: High school students may keep and self-administer over-the-counter medications in daily amounts. Alternatively, the Health Office can manage medications.
- Prescribed Medications: Must be stored in the Health Office with a completed Medication Permission Form, available on PowerSchool under “Share Medical Information.”
- Inhalers and EpiPens: Students may carry these, but a backup must be provided to the Health Office.
Student Health Information
- Parents must provide relevant health information at admission, including allergies, chronic illnesses, medication needs, or physical activity restrictions.
- Parents of students with specific health concerns will meet with the Health Services Coordinator to create an Emergency Care Plan.
- Health data must be updated as needed, especially for class trips.
Immunization Requirements
- All students must be up to date with immunizations and provide a record to the Health Office.
- Required Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Hepatitis B.
- Rabies Vaccine: Required for students participating in mini-course trips outside of Alexandria.
- Recommended Vaccinations: Varicella, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue (if applicable), Meningococcal, Influenza (annual), and COVID-19 (annual).
- Parents must inform the Health Office of updated immunization dates.
The Health Office is committed to supporting the Schutz community with professionalism, care, and a focus on well-being.
PARENT VISITS AND CAMPUS ACCESS POLICY
At Schutz, we deeply value our partnership with parents and guardians and appreciate your involvement in our school community. To help us maintain a safe, focused, and productive learning environment, we kindly ask that all parents and visitors schedule appointments in advance when wishing to meet with teachers, administrators, or staff members.
Unscheduled visits, including walking through campus or dropping into classrooms, can disrupt the learning process and may inadvertently affect the focus and comfort of not only your own child but all students. To minimize disruption and uphold the integrity of our learning spaces, parents who arrive without a scheduled appointment and are found around classes without a specific reason to be on campus will politely be invited to leave and return after making an appointment through the division secretary
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create the best possible environment for all students.
TUITION AND ENROLLMENT POLICY
Schutz American School requires that all tuition and fees be paid in full by the stated deadlines. The school reserves the right to unenroll any student whose financial obligations remain unpaid. Students with outstanding balances may not be permitted to attend classes, receive report cards, or participate in school activities until the account is settled.
BUS SERVICE
At Schutz American School, we are pleased to offer a convenient and safe bus service for a limited number of students for an additional fee. This service is designed to ensure that students arrive at school and return home comfortably and securely.
Key Features of Our Bus Service:
- Safety First: A dedicated monitor is present on all buses during morning and afternoon routes to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students.
- Clear Communication: To avoid confusion, any changes to your child’s usual transportation schedule should be promptly communicated to the bus monitor or driver.
Bus Schedule:
- Buses depart promptly at 3:20 p.m. each school day.
- Students are expected to arrive on time to ensure a smooth and efficient departure.
Contact Information:
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in the bus service or have any questions, please contact the SAS main office or email your divisional Administrative Assistant.
