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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.

NON-DISCRIMINATION & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY STATEMENT

Schutz American School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students and families. We believe that every member of our community deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Schutz American School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment applies to all aspects of school life, including admissions, academic programs, student activities, and school policies.

At Schutz American School, Schutz is Family. We work in partnership with families to create a community where students feel safe, supported, and valued, and where diversity is respected. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind is not tolerated, and all members of the school community are expected to contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture

At Schutz American School, the safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where all students feel protected, valued, and supported. Our comprehensive child protection policies and procedures are designed to ensure the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every student, aligning with international standards and best practices.

We believe that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with parents, educators, and the broader community to promote a culture of safety, respect, and transparency. All staff members undergo regular training on child protection, equipping them to recognize and respond appropriately to any concerns.

Students participate in child protection lessons throughout the school year to develop the skills and knowledge needed to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.

For detailed information about our child protection policies, procedures, and resources, parents are encouraged to refer to the Child Protection Handbook. Together, we can create a safe and empowering environment where all students can thrive.

Schutz American School’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program is designed to support students’ holistic development and align with the school’s mission of nurturing confident, responsible global citizens. The program is guided by best practices from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL), and International School Counselor Association (ISCA) frameworks.

In the Elementary School, SEL instruction is primarily delivered through the Second Step curriculum, which focuses on core competencies such as emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and relationship skills. Bullying prevention is also addressed through Second Step, alongside the use of Big Bad Boo, helping students understand the impact of unkind behavior and equipping them with strategies to respond safely and respectfully.

Child protection education in the Elementary School is implemented through the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Child Protection Curriculum and is delivered by the Elementary School Principal. This ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand personal safety, distinguish between safe and unsafe situations, and develop self-advocacy skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.

At the Middle and High School levels, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is delivered through the School-Connect curriculum during Advisory periods. School-Connect is an evidence-based program designed to support students’ social, emotional, and academic development by building skills such as self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, responsible decision-making, and resilience. The program aligns with international school counseling standards and supports the school’s mission of fostering students’ overall well-being and success.

Overall, Schutz’s SEL framework is intentionally structured to provide continuity across grade levels, promote student well-being, and foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.

Rationale

At Schutz American School, expectations for student behavior are rooted in our Core Values. Our ultimate goal is to nurture internationally minded individuals who embody integrity, compassion, responsibility, respect, and resilience. Together, we strive to cultivate a community where every member takes meaningful action to contribute positively to our shared environment.

Both positive behaviors and behavior concerns will be documented in Toddle. This provides consistent information across the school, allows us to recognize positive behavior, and helps us identify patterns when students may need additional support.

Moving Between Levels of Support

Students may move between levels of support depending on their needs. Three documented behavior concerns within a two-week period will prompt a Student of Concern review.

At this meeting, the Vice Principal, Principal, and Learning Support Coordinator will review the concerns, identify patterns, and consider the strategies that have already been tried. The team will then determine the appropriate next steps for the individual student.

If targeted support is not needed, the student will return to Tier 1. The team will provide strategies for both the student and teacher, and the student’s progress will continue to be monitored.

If targeted support is needed, the student will remain at Tier 2. The team will identify appropriate interventions and monitor the student’s progress.

  • If the student responds positively to the interventions, the student may return to Tier 1.

  • If the student continues to need targeted support, the student will remain at Tier 2, and interventions may be adjusted.

  • If the student does not respond to Tier 2 interventions, the team may recommend moving to Tier 3, which provides more individualized and intensive support in collaboration with the Head of School.

The process for triggering a Student of Concern review is consistent for all students. However, the support provided and movement between tiers will be based on each student’s individual needs and response to intervention.

At Schutz American School, we believe that open, respectful, and timely communication between families and the school is essential to supporting student learning, well-being, and success. Strong partnerships are built when parents, teachers, and school leaders communicate directly, collaboratively, and with a shared focus on what is best for students.

Communicating with Teachers

For questions or concerns related to your child’s academics, behavior, social-emotional well-being, or classroom experience, your child’s teacher should always be the first point of contact.

Parents may communicate with teachers through:

  • Email
  • Toddle Messenger

Teachers will respond to parent communication within 24 hours during the school week, Sunday through Thursday. Please be patient as our teachers balance their responsibility to communicate with families with their primary responsibility of teaching and supporting students throughout the school day. Teachers will do their best to respond as soon as possible.

Messages received outside of school hours, on weekends, or during school holidays may be answered on the next school day. For urgent matters related to student safety or immediate school operations, parents should contact the school office directly.

Our Commitment to Resolving Concerns

At Schutz, we believe that open communication and collaboration between parents and school staff are essential for a positive educational experience. Our teachers and school leaders are committed to addressing concerns with professionalism, empathy, respect, and efficiency.

We value parental input and will work toward fair and constructive solutions that support the well-being and success of our students. Whenever possible, concerns should be addressed directly with the person closest to the situation before being escalated to the next level.

Communication and Concern Resolution Process

To ensure concerns are addressed effectively and by the appropriate person, families should follow the communication process below:

  1. Classroom Teacher
    The classroom or subject-area teacher is the first point of contact for concerns related to academics, classroom behavior, assignments, assessment, peer interactions, or other classroom matters. Parents and teachers should first work together to understand the concern and seek a resolution.
  2. Principal or Assistant Principal
    If the concern cannot be resolved at the classroom level, or if the matter involves a broader divisional concern, parents may contact the appropriate Elementary or Secondary Principal or Assistant Principal. They will review the concern and work with the parent, teacher, and/or student to determine appropriate next steps.
  3. Head of School
    If the concern remains unresolved after working with the Principal, or if the matter involves a broader school-wide issue, parents may contact the Head of School. The Head of School will review the concern, the steps already taken, and work toward an appropriate resolution.
  4. Formal Grievance to the Board of Trustees
    If a concern remains unresolved after the involvement of the Head of School, parents have the right to submit a formal grievance to the Board of Trustees. The grievance must be submitted in writing and should clearly describe the concern and the steps previously taken to resolve the matter. The Board will review the grievance in accordance with school policies and governance procedures.

Working Together

We ask all members of the Schutz community to approach communication with respect, patience, and a willingness to work collaboratively. Direct communication with the appropriate person helps prevent misunderstandings and allows concerns to be addressed promptly and effectively.

Our shared goal is always the same: to create the best possible learning experience for every Schutz student.



Sports – After School Activities – Travel

After-School Programs
SAS offers a variety of after-school activities designed for all students to explore their interests and develop new skills.

  • A list of current activities is routinely emailed to parents.
  • All activities are supervised by SAS staff members for a nominal fee to cover materials and utilities.
  • Activities led by outside instructors are available for an additional charge payable directly to the instructor.
  • Specific activities are determined annually based on student interest and instructor availability.

Athletics
At SAS, we believe that athletics serve as a positive and powerful motivator for students to excel in all aspects of school life. Participation in athletics supports the growth of students into healthy, well-rounded, and socially well-adjusted individuals.

Through athletics, students develop essential life skills such as:

  • Commitment
  • Determination
  • Teamwork

These skills empower students to achieve success not only in sports but also in their academic and personal lives. We encourage students to take advantage of the athletic opportunities offered to enhance their overall school experience. SAS provides excellent sports facilities to ensure safe and spirited participation.

Trips
SAS offers a variety of opportunities for students to travel and represent the school at academic, sporting, and organizational events.

  • Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and discipline while on trips, as they are ambassadors of SAS and our core values.
  • All school rules and behavior expectations remain in effect during any school-sponsored trip, just as they would on campus.
  • Participation in trips is considered a privilege and can be revoked if behavior standards are not met.

Behavior Expectations on Trips:

  • Students who fail to meet behavior expectations may lose the privilege to participate in future trips.
  • In cases of serious misconduct, students may be required to return home at the family’s expense.

The Athletic and Activities Office organizes all trips and works diligently to keep costs reasonable while balancing the logistics required for national or international events. Nearly all trips are funded directly by families.

The After School Activities program at Schutz is divided into four seasons, each consisting of six weeks:

  • Two seasons take place before winter break.
  • Two seasons take place after winter break.

Program Details:

  • Teaching staff will provide activities based on student interest, ensuring opportunities for all students to participate.
  • These activities will be free of charge for families.
  • Additionally, Schutz will employ outside coaches and vendors to offer a variety of activities on a pay-per-play basis, providing families with additional options.

This structure ensures a diverse range of activities for students, fostering their interests, talents, and growth outside the classroom.

Travel and Hosting Expectations

When applicable, students will have the privilege of traveling with a group of students and teacher sponsors for a variety of activities outside Egypt, including destinations in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean region, and Europe.

Student Expectations While Traveling:

  • Students represent SAS, Alexandria, and Egypt as a whole and are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior at all times.
  • Students must show respect to host families, host schools, and event organizers.
  • Students and parents must sign and adhere to contracts outlining the expectations and rules for participation.
  • Failure to comply with these rules may result in restriction from future events.

 

Eligibility to Participate in Activities:

  • Students on Mandatory Academic Intervention (MAI) are not eligible to participate in activities.
  • Eligibility will be determined at the time of tryouts for an activity and will remain in effect for the duration of the season.

Consequences for Dropping Out of an Activity:
If a student withdraws from an activity for personal or academic reasons (e.g., probation) after the season has begun, the consequences may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Paying for any costs incurred by the school on the student’s behalf.
  2. Being suspended from participating in the activity for a defined period or up to one year.

The final decision will be made case-by-case by a committee consisting of:

  • The coach(es)
  • The Athletics Director
  • An administrator

By upholding these expectations, students and families help ensure the success and integrity of SAS’s travel programs while fostering positive relationships with our broader school community.

Special Events and Activity Attendance

SAS often hosts special events on campus, such as plays, music productions, and social activities.

Expectations for Students During Events:

  • Students are expected to arrive on time for the start of the event and remain until the event concludes.
  • During these activities, the campus is not open for recreational use.
  • Students who come to school during these events are expected to participate only in the scheduled activity.

Attendance Requirement for Participation:

  • To participate in any school activity, students must have been in full attendance at school on the day immediately prior to the event.
    • Example: A student must attend school on Thursday to participate in a Thursday evening or weekend activity.

By following these guidelines, students help maintain a positive and organized environment during school events.

 

Off-Campus Trips

Teachers may organize off-campus trips to enrich the classroom learning experience and provide students with meaningful, real-world connections to their studies.

  • Invitations from parents to visit places of work, such as factories, laboratories, or similar locations, are welcomed and encouraged.

These opportunities help foster valuable learning experiences and strengthen community partnerships.

 

Fine Arts Performances and Showcases

When students participate in a concert, performance, or showcase, the school will provide sufficient notice to ensure parents are informed of the appropriate dress code.

  • On some occasions, special costumes may be required.
  • Parents will receive advance communication regarding any specific attire or costume expectations to allow adequate preparation.

These performances offer students the opportunity to showcase their talents and hard work while fostering creativity and school pride.

 

Dances

School dances are primarily for Schutz American School students, but guests may be invited on a limited basis under the following guidelines.

General Information:

  • All dances held on campus will begin at 8:00 PM and end no later than 11:00 PM.
  • The gate will close at 9:00 PM, and no one will be allowed to enter after that time.

General Guidelines for School Dances

Ticket Sales & Guests:

  • Tickets will be sold in advance only, on the front porch during the lunch hour in the week leading up to the dance.
  • The advisor(s) of the sponsoring group will maintain a master list of tickets sold to students and their guests.
  • Guest tickets:
    • Must be purchased in advance; no guest tickets will be sold at the gate.
    • A maximum of 75 guest tickets will be sold, with no more than 3 tickets per student.
    • Guests must be between the stated grade level and no older than 18 years of age.
    • Exceptions include students over 18 attending local secondary schools (with valid identification) or SAS alumni.
  • Host students are responsible for informing their guests of the gate closure rule and all other school conduct regulations (e.g., no smoking, no drinking, no fighting).

Arrival, Departure & Conduct:

  • Guests must arrive with and depart with their host.
  • Once a student or guest has left campus, they will not be allowed to re-enter.
  • Gate Closure: The gate will close one hour after the dance begins (9:00 PM).
  • All school rules will apply for the duration of the event.
  • Permitted Areas:
    • Students may use the ground floor of the auditorium, the reception area, and the bathrooms off the covered court.
    • Students must request permission from a chaperone to access any other areas of the campus.
    • Students found in restricted areas without permission may be asked to leave the dance.

Responsibilities of Dance Sponsors:

  • Members of the sponsoring group are responsible for:
    • Setting up and cleaning up the facilities.
    • Arranging any equipment or special needs ahead of time (including music selection).
  • Members of the sponsoring group are expected to be present throughout the event.
  • The sponsoring group’s advisor(s) will provide supervision, ensuring there are no fewer than two adult supervisors present at all times.

These guidelines ensure that all dances are safe, enjoyable, and organized, fostering a positive experience for students, guests, and staff.

Expectations for Proper Bus Conduct

At SAS, students are representatives of the school community at all times, including while on the bus. Proper behavior is essential to ensure safety, respect, and a positive experience for all passengers. To ensure a safe and comfortable bus ride, students are expected to follow bus etiquette and guidelines, including remaining in their assigned seat with their seatbelt fastened, keeping the bus clean, listening to instructions, and speaking at a volume that allows the driver to stay focused.

Please follow and respect the rules outlined below:

  1. Seating and Movement:
    • Take your seat immediately upon entering the bus.
    • Do not move from your seat during the trip. You may be assigned a specific seat and are expected to remain there for the entire journey.
    • For safety reasons, do not stand up or change seats, even when the bus is not moving.
  2. Food, Drinks, and Tobacco:
    • Eating, drinking, and using tobacco products are strictly prohibited on the bus.
  3. Noise and Language:
    • Keep your voices low at all times to avoid distracting the driver.
    • Use respectful language and maintain a positive atmosphere on the bus.
  4. Kindness and Respect:
    • As part of the SAS family, all students must treat one another with kindness and respect.
    • Older students are encouraged to be helpful to younger students.
    • Keep your hands, feet, and belongings to yourself at all times.
  5. Windows and Safety:
    • Ask permission from the bus monitor before opening or closing any windows.
    • Keep your hands, head, and any objects inside the bus at all times.
  6. Entering and Exiting the Bus:
    • Wait for the driver to come to a complete stop and open the door before entering or leaving the bus.
  7. Special Safety Rule at Railways:
    • Remain absolutely silent when the bus approaches or crosses railway tracks to ensure the driver can focus.

By following these expectations, we can ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students during bus trips. Failure to comply with these rules may result in appropriate consequences.

To ensure the safety and well-being of students participating in athletic or academic tournaments and events in Alexandria, Cairo, or other nearby areas, Schutz American School has established the following travel policy:

1. Transportation Safety

  • All student travel will be on a licensed and insured bus or approved school vehicle.
  • A security guard will accompany all local trips, regardless of the event when possible.
  • Students must remain seated at all times during transit and are required to wear seatbelts.
  • Bus departure and return times will be scheduled based on trip and time of day, efforts will be made to not travel very early in the morning and to avoid driving in the dark when possible. 

2. Overnight Stays

  • For events in Cairo with early morning start times, students may travel the afternoon before if the departure time is too early and stay at a pre-approved hotel, vetted by school administration for safety, cleanliness, and proximity to the event location.
  • Overnight travel is permitted only for students in Grade 3 and above, with a preference for participation beginning in Grade 4 and higher.
  • For return trips: if a flight arrives back in Cairo after dark, students will stay at an approved hotel overnight and return to Alexandria the following morning to ensure daytime travel only.
  • If students must leave before the end of the school day to avoid nighttime travel, appropriate notification and arrangements will be made with teachers and administrators.
  • Students will be chaperoned by Schutz staff, with supervision ratios as follows:
    • 1 adult per 8 students for local trips
    • 1 adult per 7 students for overseas trips
  • Separate chaperones will be assigned for boys and girls during overnight stays as needed.

3. Supervision and Conduct

  • Chaperones are responsible for the supervision of students at all times—during travel, at the hotel, and during the event.
  • Students are expected to follow the Schutz Code of Conduct throughout the trip.
  • A curfew will be established and enforced by chaperones on overnight trips.
  • Students will be assigned to rooms based on gender and age, with no mixed-gender rooming permitted.
  • There will always be a minimum of two chaperones per trip regardless of the number of the students.

4. Medical and Emergency Preparedness

  • A first aid kit will be available on all trips.
  • The lead chaperone will carry a physical list of emergency contacts and student medical information, including allergies, medications, and insurance details.
  • Chaperones will have mobile phones and established communication plans in case of emergency.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, the nearest appropriate medical facility will be used, and the school will be notified immediately.

5. Parent Communication and Permissions

  • All students must submit a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian prior to departure.
  • Parents and administrators will be informed in advance of the itinerary, packing list, hotel details, contact numbers, and travel times.
  • A WhatsApp group will be created for each trip to ensure clear and timely communication; all administrators will be included in the group.
  • The lead chaperone will be responsible for the majority of the communication, when necessary the athletic director or an administrator will step in. 
  • Any changes to the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances will be communicated to families as quickly as possible.
  • Communication about events will be communicated to parents as soon as the event is confirmed. 

This policy reflects Schutz’s ongoing commitment to student safety, responsible supervision, and transparent communication during off-campus travel. All staff participating in school-sponsored travel will receive these guidelines in advance.

Get in Touch

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Address : 51 Schutz St. P.O. Box 1000, Alexandria, Egypt
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