SECTION 3: INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
Code of Conduct
Students are expected to follow the USP Code of Conduct, with the ultimate goal of providing a positive learning climate. Our disciplinary approach is rooted in the USP golden rules. We expect from our students: camaraderie, responsibility, compassion, communication and courage.
Detention Policy
Detention, applied as close as possible to the day of the breach of discipline, allows the school to provide timely support to the student to assist them to achieve the desired behavior and to help the student to catch up on any work missed as a result of the breach.
USP Bus Safety Regulations
All discipline policies and regulations are in effect while riding the bus as well as attending school. By riding the bus, it is implied that all students and parents understand these rules and will abide by them.
Anti-Bullying Policy
At USP we believe that everyone has the right to learn and develop in a safe, nurturing environment, where anti-social and bullying behavior is not tolerated. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all of our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.
Safeguarding Policy
At USP, we promote a safe and welcoming environment in which each person is valued, cared for and protected. Child abuse and neglect are violations of a child’s human rights and are obstacles to physical, emotional, and cognitive development of the child.
Inclusion Policy
USP is committed to offering an optimal learning environment for each child’s growth and development and is open to boys and girls of any race, religion, or nationality. Diversity is valued as a rich resource, which supports the learning of all.
Dress Code for students
USP’s uniform is a means of showing identity and pride in our school to the wider community. Observing how students wear their uniform often gives others lasting impressions of our school. Students who present themselves well will earn respect for themselves and the school because they have shown respect and pride in their appearance.
Attendance Policy
Our educational program is based on the assumption that students will attend school regularly, in accordance with the School calendar and the daily schedule. The purpose of the attendance policy is to encourage regular and consistent attendance and punctuality in school by all students.
Educational Technology
At USP, students and faculty use technology to facilitate authentic learning in every phase of our teaching and learning process. Learning in a rapidly changing landscape requires high levels of information fluency, media literacy and technology integration.
Information Technology Policy
At USP, students and faculty use technology to facilitate authentic learning in every phase of our teaching and learning process. Learning in a rapidly changing landscape requires high levels of information fluency, media literacy and technology integration.
USP Communication Policy
USP is committed to using communication processes and techniques that aim to build a positive learning environment for students, teachers, staff and parents in order to inspire and educate all students to succeed in becoming productive and valued citizens.
Students Records
Accurate records will be kept for each student. The students files will be maintained in the school after the departure of the student from school and may be provided upon request to the parent.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring in school premises is not permitted. Staff must not tutor their own students. USP will provide extracurricular help whenever necessary.
Birthday Policy
USP recognizes that birthdays are a special day for our students and parents. We request that birthday celebrations are kept simple, ensuring that parties and celebrations do not disrupt the instructional day or interfere with the health and safety of our students.
Drop off/Pick Up Procedures
Drop off and pick up areas will be designated in the parking lot. Student drop off and pick up will be supervised by USP staff at all times. Students will be directed to their respective areas as they arrive and departure. Payment, times and trip details must be coordinated directly with the school bus company.
Early Dismissal or Pick Up Procedures
Our student’s security and safety are our upmost priority. In an effort to protect our students, parents must let us know, in advance, who has permission to pick up their child(ren) at school.
Visitors at USP
The School Administration assures all visitors a warm, friendly and professional welcome to United School of Panama, whatever the purpose of your visit. As an educational institution, we have a legal duty to care for the health, safety, security and wellbeing of our students and staff as stated in the USP Child Protection Policy.
Student Health
A nurse and/or medical personnel is always available during the school day. The school must be notified of any and all prescription medications used by students. Parents must notify the school in writing, so that the appropriate arrangements can be made with the nurse for their proper administration.
Lost and Found
The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures for handling lost and found articles. In this policy, “lost property” means any unattended, abandoned, misplaced, or forgotten item, which is found within/inside the premises/boundaries of the School.
Emergency Response Plan
The safety and security of all USP students and staff is a top priority. Our emergency response plan contains detailed guidance for emergency evacuations, drills, and necessary procedures to keep all community members safe.