HAS Parent-Student Handbook

The Hartford American School Parent-Student Handbook provides parents and students with important information about our school’s policies, procedures, and expectations. Inside, you will find guidelines that ensure a safe, nurturing, and academically focused environment for all our students. Please review this handbook carefully, as it will help you understand the roles and responsibilities that contribute to a successful school experience for your child.

Code of Ethics

All private schools and kindergartens in the State of Qatar must abide by this charter.
The Arabic version is the main reference for this charter.

Students well-being

At Hartford American School, the well-being of students is a top priority, and all staff members contribute to creating a nurturing environment. This collective effort from Kindergarten through the high school stage involves various roles within the school community, including teachers, social workers, administrators, and support staff.

The responsibilities of our dedicated school staff address a wide range of issues, such as behavior management, attendance concerns, and social adjustment challenges. Together, they work collaboratively to provide support to the students’ well-being.

School staff engage with students through individual interactions, classroom interventions, and school-wide initiatives, fostering an atmosphere of care and support. Furthermore, they establish partnerships with external support services and agencies, ensuring that students who require assistance in their personal lives receive the help they need. In this way, the entire school community works together to promote the well-being of every student.

Child Protection Policy

At HARTFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL (HAS), staff and management are committed to protecting our students. We recognize that all members of the school community have a role to play in promoting a safe and stimulating environment in order to achieve our goals of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being and the health of students.

Health and Safety Policy

At HARTFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL (HAS), the health, safety, and welfare of our students, staff, and parents are of paramount importance. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have introduced enhanced cleaning procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all the children in our care. We also work closely with the authorities in Qatar and approved cleaning partners on an ongoing basis, so you can rest assured that our operational practices ensure a school environment that is safe and secure for your child.  

Our school’s healthcare facility is located on the main floor ready to provide quality medical service to our students and staff. 

The school nurse promotes and maintains optimal student health by

  • Providing first aid and arranging for assessment and assistance to any child who gets ill or injured at the school. In addition, the school nurse is ready to provide on-spot help for any student who shows a significant change in behavior, whether due to a physical or social/emotional cause.
  • Communicating with parents and guardians when further medical care or attention may be needed and making referrals as appropriate.
  • Educating the school staff about health cases that might affect the students and/or staff.
  • Collaborating with other school professionals, parents/guardians, and the student’s health care team, as needed, to foster maximal student success.
  • Any child needs medications to be administered at school, contacting the nurse is mandatory in order to complete and sign the medication consent form. 
  • Whenever possible, medication should be given at home before or after school.  All medication, both prescription and non-prescription, that must be taken at school require both medical orders and parents’ permission. 
  • Medications must be brought to school by the parent or an authorized adult.  Medication must be in its original prescription bottle or sealed box.
  • The nurse must get a copy of the child’s up-to-date immunization records and be informed of any allergies/medical needs your child has before their first joining date.
  • Filling the Medical Declaration Form upon registration and submit to the school nurse, this document is also available at the school clinic.

Essential measurements of our ‘prevent and respond’ strategy include

  • Requirements for students/staff who are ill to stay at home.
  • Wearing masks as stipulated by the government.
  • Robust hand and respiratory hygiene.
  • Enhanced cleaning arrangements.
  • Active engagement with MOPH as required.
  • Consideration of how to reduce contacts and keep the social distancing in the school.
  • Reduce students’ gathering to the maximum by avoiding contact between groups.
  • Arranging classrooms with forward-facing desks, keep distance off 1.5 to 2 meters between students.
  • Maintaining staff distancing as much as possible

Complaint Form

This form is provided by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for parents and guardians to raise concerns regarding schools or kindergartens. Please complete all required fields, select the relevant category of the issue, and provide a detailed summary of your complaint to ensure a thorough review and resolution.

Communication Channels

At Hartford American School, we value clear and efficient communication with our parent community. To ensure that you receive the right information at the right time, we use a variety of communication channels, each designed for a specific purpose.

The school follows the Ministry of Education and higher education institute and Ministry of Health regulations.