HAS Parent-Student Handbook

The Hartford American School Parent-Student Handbook provides essential information about our school’s policies, procedures, and expectations for parents and students. Inside, you will find guidelines designed to create a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment for all students. We encourage you to review this handbook thoroughly, 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 are required to adhere to this charter.
The Arabic version is the main reference for this charter.

Students well-being

At Hartford American School, students’ well-being is our top priority, and every staff member plays a vital role in fostering a nurturing environment. This collaborative effort spans from kindergarten through high school, involving teachers, social workers, administrators, and support staff.

Our dedicated staff addresses a variety of concerns, including behavior management, attendance issues, and social adjustment challenges. Together, they work to provide comprehensive support for the well-being of our students.

Staff members engage with students through individual interactions, classroom interventions, and school-wide initiatives, cultivating an atmosphere of care and support. Additionally, we establish partnerships with external support services and agencies to ensure that students in need of personal assistance receive the help they require. Through this collective effort, our entire school community is committed to promoting 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 express concerns regarding schools or kindergartens. Please complete all required fields, select the appropriate category for your issue, and provide a detailed summary of your complaint to facilitate a thorough review and resolution.

Communication Channels

At Hartford American School, we prioritize clear and effective communication with our parent community. To ensure you receive the appropriate information at the right time, we utilize a variety of communication channels, each tailored for specific purposes.

Other Policies

The School adheres to the regulations set for the by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education as well as the Ministry of Heath.