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| Parents' Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) |
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Will my child(ren) get basically the same education whether attending Joan K. Mendel ES or Yokota West ES?
Yes. Although each school is proud of particular characteristics that make it unique, both schools share the same curriculum. Additionally, core offerings, special subjects, and special education programs are similar, so you can rest assured that there is an excellent school ready to serve your family wherever your housing assignment may be. |
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What are the school hours?
During the school year, classes are in session 8:00 a.m. - 2:10 p.m., and the office is open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
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What about lunch?
Joan K. Mendel ES has a modern cafeteria where students can purchase a hot lunch provided by AAFES (external site: http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/Default.asp) or enjoy a lunch brought from home. Students in Kindergarten through grade 5 remain at school during the lunch/recess period. |
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Is there any demographic information available about the school?
Yes. Please review these graphs for information about: enrollment, home language, student race, & sponsor rank. |
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How will my child(ren) get to school?
Most Joan K. Mendel ES students walk to school or ride their bikes since Joan K. Mendel ES is centrally located in the community it serves. Many parents enjoy walking to school with their children (especially parents of Kindergartners). There are student and adult volunteer crossing guards in place at major intersections. There are a few special circumstances which require bus transportation, but if your housing assignment is on the east side, walking to school is both a safe and convenient for your child(ren). |
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Will my child(ren) have access to computers?
Yes. DoDEA and Joan K. Mendel ES have embraced educational uses of technology across the curriculum. Each classroom has at least 5 student workstations, and there are 3 fully equipped computer labs available for student use. Two of the computer labs are outfitted with desktop computers while the third is a mobile computing lab that consists of 20 notebook computers. All computers are connected to the DoDDS Pacific Network which provides filtered Internet access. |
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What school supplies will my child(ren) need?
Please click here for the suggested school supply list. |
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Is Joan K. Mendel ES accredited like most schools in the U.S.?
Yes. Joan K. Mendel Elementary School is fully accredited by the North Central Association, Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and its parent organization, AdvancED. (External Site: http://www.advanc-ed.org) |
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What is the dress code?
The dress code can be found on page 23 of the handbook. |
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Are there opportunities to volunteer at school?
Yes. Parents are strongly encouraged to be a part of our educational programs. Some share their special talents and experiences as they relate to specific areas of the curriculum or help supervise study trips and other special events. Others help with the preparation of teaching aids or assist with the correcting of student work. We always welcome volunteers to assist on the playground during recess or clerical help in the office, in the Media Center, and Nurse’s office. Please contact our PTO volunteer coordinator or main office for more information. |
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What if I want to "home school" my children or send them to a non-DODDS school?
DoDEA neither encourages nor discourages families from home schooling or enrolling their children in non-DoDDS schools. However, in accordance with the requirements of USFJ I 36-3106 Accounting for School Age Children, all families with school age children must either register their children at the appropriate DoDDS school or formally declare their option with the 374th School Liaison Officer (building 316 room 212). An information packet (including USFJ I 36-3106 and the necessary forms) is available by clicking here.
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