It is our desire at ECA to work closely with parents, so we have established some clear expectations to help foster respectful communication, including these guidelines for parents to follow when on campus.
- Remember that parents must always check in with the guard at the main gate, receive a visitor’s sticker, which must be worn at all times while on campus, and check in with the receptionist.
Parent participation in their child’s process is highly valued at ECA. The ECA Handbook states in Section IV Parents, C. Participation, 4. Family Involvement at ECA:
Since all families agree to be actively involved in the educational process when they enroll their children in ECA, parents are encouraged to invest in ECA in multiple ways. Some possibilities are attending class and school events including parent workshops, volunteering in the library or with other school processes, serving on committees or as substitutes, special speakers, or consultants, attending class prayer and integration activities, and supporting ECA staff. Parents may also have lunch with their child on campus.
To have lunch on campus with their child, parents need to follow these guidelines:
- Email the homeroom teacher (Elem) or assistant (MS/HS) at least the day before to ensure that the day works, to confirm the time and so that the student can be prepared (it is at the teacher’s discretion to say yes or no).
- Eat within the allotted time so that your child can go to recess with the class
- Only bring food for your child
- Sit with your child in the designated location, as indicated by the classroom teacher aide/homeroom teacher.
Options for authorized places where parents can wait for a child or for a meeting, (after checking in with the receptionist):
- Outside the reception area, on the benches
- Fountain area (after checking in with the receptionist)
- Room A-105 when it is not being used by ECA staff and students
Where parents may not be:
- Student bathrooms
- Classroom, hallways, and/or offices unaccompanied
Different opportunities will be publicized throughout the year for parents to connect with ECA to enhance their child’s learning experience.
We especially appreciate efforts to help our foreign missionary staff feel welcome, supported, and loved here in Colombia. Parents can help in practical ways like:
✓ Picking up from and taking them to the airport
✓ Escorting them to medical or legal appointments
✓ Hosting them as they learn Spanish and/or about Colombia
✓ Celebrating birthdays
✓ Supporting them with special physical or logistical needs
Thank you for investing in your children’s educational experience by participating in events on campus.