To maintain a focused, safe, and age-appropriate learning environment, students in Lower School are not permitted to bring personal technology devices to school. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Cell phones

• Smart watches

• iPads or tablets

• Laptops or handheld gaming devices

• AirPods or Bluetooth headphones

Rationale

At Arundel Christian School, we believe that young students grow best through hands-on learning, collaborative interaction, and minimal distraction. Personal technology can interfere with these goals and may introduce unnecessary social or behavioral challenges in the classroom.

Enforcement

If a student brings a restricted device to school:

• The device will be collected by a staff member and held in the school office.

• A parent or guardian will be required to retrieve the item.

• Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action and a parent conference.

Students who need to communicate with their families during the school day must do so through the front office. We appreciate your support in helping us create a developmentally appropriate and distraction-free learning space for our students.

Clear and consistent communication between school and home is essential to your child’s success at Arundel Christian School. In Lower School, we use the following official platforms to keep families informed and connected:

Official Communication Platforms

• Gradelink
  Our student information system where families can view grades, assignments, attendance, and school-wide announcements.

• ClassDojo
  Used for daily classroom updates, behavior tracking, and direct communication with your child’s teacher. Please ensure you are connected to your child’s class and check regularly.

• Phone Calls
  When needed, teachers or administrators may call to discuss important or urgent matters regarding your child.

General Communication Guidelines

• Email is the best way to contact your child’s teacher. Teachers are not able to leave the classroom during the school day to answer phone calls. They will respond to emails during school hours or as soon as they are able.

• If a matter cannot be resolved via email, the teacher will schedule a phone call or in-person meeting. A department director may also be included as appropriate.

• Please do not approach teachers or staff during drop-off, pick-up, or in informal settings (such as the parking lot) to discuss student matters. For the privacy and professionalism of all students, we ask that communication be handled through formal channels.

• ACS faculty and staff do not share personal cell phone numbers with families. All school-related communication will take place through the platforms listed above.

Expectations for Families

• Families are expected to spend approximately 30 minutes each evening supporting their child’s learning, which includes reviewing homework, behavior reports, and school communication.
  
  

• Respectful communication is required. The use of profanity, threats, or aggressive language toward ACS staff will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the school community.
  
  

• When addressing concerns, we encourage the use of “I” statements to promote clarity, understanding, and productive dialogue.