2007-2008 School Hours

Students are to arrive at CES no earlier than 0755—supervision is not available prior to this time or immediately following classes at 1425 hours. Students enter the classroom when the first bell rings which gives them 5 minutes to get settled.

First Bell - 0800 hrs
Classes Begin - 0805hrs
Classes End - 1425 hrs

School Mascot

Cummings Elementary School’s emblem features our mascot—the Siberian Swan. Lake Ogawara and Shimoda Park are both popular layover points on the swans’ migratory path. The Swan Festival at Shimoda Park in March celebrates their extended stay in the local area.

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School Motto

The motto of Cummings Elementary School is: We Choose to Care

School Pride

Students may participate in a variety of programs to help instill pride in the school community. The Student Council organizes Spirit Days on which students are encouraged to show their spirit by wearing a hat or a certain color, or creating unusual designs to wear on designated activity days.

School Store

The Cummings School School store (run by our PTO) sells school supplies, clothing and other items that are personalized for the school. Items vary depending on availability, but typically include pencils, rulers, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, ect.

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The Five Freedoms of Cummings ES

As a student at CES, you should have the freedom to:

1. Enjoy learning
   
2. Share your uniqueness
   
3. Feel good about yourself
   
4. Explore with friends
   
5. Discover the joy of growing up

Three Community Rules

The following rules are for all of us—parents, teachers, and students—to share:

1. Work with and serve each other.
   
2. Learn and grow together.
   
3. Have fun along the way

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Academic Programs at CES

Students attend classes in Japanese Culture (Host Nation), music, and physical education as part of their regular curriculum. Special programs at CES also include Talented and Gifted (TAG) classes.

Activities

Study Trips

Study trips are taken by students to enrich and expand learning. Costs to students are generally limited to entrance fees, food, and personal requirements. A parental permission slip is required for each student to participate in each study trip.

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Student Council

The Cummings Student Council has four main officers and one representative from each classroom in grades 3 through 6. Members participate in selected projects for community and school service. Last year's projects included bake sales, Cookie Caper, Valentine "Candy Grams", program ushers, recycling, and international "Save the Children" projects. The Student Council also assisted with the school's annual "Field Day" in May.

Technology

Between the Information Center and the Computer Lab, students have access to over seventy-five Pentium-class computers. Each classroom also contains three to eight computer stations. Students also have Internet access with teacher supervision. Special interest will be directed to introducing and merging student learning with technology.

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Homework Policy

Homework includes all school-directed educational experiences occurring outside of school hours. The most beneficial homework is that which strengthens and reinforces understanding and/or provides enrichment. It may not always be in the form of paper and pencil tasks.

The type and amount of homework is dependent on student needs. Generally speaking, homework should be assigned to begin with no more than twenty minutes per night for Grade 1 and rising to no more than one hour per night for Grade 6. Guidelines are as follows:

Grade 1-2 10-20 minutes daily, total
Grade 3 20-30 minutes daily, total
Grade 4-6 40-60 minutes daily, total

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Lunch Program

LUNCH OPTIONS: Cummings has a hot lunch program for students wishing to buy lunch. This is provided by AAFES. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk from the cafeteria. Students may go home for lunch provided this is pre-arranged between parent and teacher. Students leaving the school for lunch must sign in/out at the office.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM: The CES lunch program is operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). AAFES sets the menu and the price. Monthly menus are distributed with the Parent Newsletter. If you need more information, contact the Cummings ES cafeteria staff at 222-8764.

PRICE OF LUNCH: At present, the price is $2.05 for a student lunch, $3.30 for adult visitors, and 35¢ for milk and 50¢ for juice by itself. Prices are subject to change.

Visit the AAFES Lunch webpage.

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Recess

If students are well enough to come to school, they'll be considered well enough to go outside at recess unless the parents send a doctor's note to school recommending that the child stay indoors. Students should be dressed appropriately for Misawa's changeable weather.

Winter weather can be very unpredictable, and families who have spent a winter in Misawa already know the importance of putting layers of clothing on their children so that adjustments can be made throughout the day. During the long months of winter, students will continue to go outside for their recess and play time. However, when the wind chill factor drops the temperature to –5 degrees, we do not allow the students to go outside for recess. Instead, we stay in the school gym for a shortened recess schedule. Please help your child remain aware of weather conditions and to bring the proper clothing to school that will allow them to be comfortable and able to enjoy their recess time.

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