What happens in US schools?

Your child is in school on average 8 hours per day Monday through Friday. A lot happens during this time. The information below is a highlight of what your child will experience, outside of academics. 

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills are common in US schools. They are designed to train your child on what to do if there is an emergency. Children will be notified of the alert via chimes, announcements, or push notifications to their teachers. Emergency personnel will respond accordingly, including police, fire, and medical services. Begin to familiarize your child with these first responders so they are not afraid, should they encounter them. Drills are held on a monthly basis. 

• Active ShooterLinks to an external site.
• Active shooter drills are held in daycares and K-12. They are meant to prepare students and administrators for worst case scenarios. Children may be asked to hide and be quiet for extended periods of time. 
• In 2021, there were 93 school shootings with casualties. It’s important to talk to your children about active shooters in their school. See more info here: Run. Hide. Fight.Links to an external site.
• Bomb
• A bomb threat is when someone notifies the school that there is an explosive device inside or if a suspicious package is found. Your child will be led by the teachers to a designated area far away from the school. 
• LockdownLinks to an external site.
• A lockdown occurs when there is an active threat inside or around the school. Children will be asked to remain quiet and hidden for an extended period of time. During this time, no one may enter or exit the school, no exceptions. 
• FireLinks to an external site.
• A fire drill is practice for a real fire. A teacher will lead students to a designated area. Students must remain calm and quiet, as the situation is handled by first responders. No one is allowed to reenter the building prior to the “all clear” being given by the fire department. 
• Weather related drills 
• Depending on your location, there may be weather related drills. This includes tornadoesLinks to an external site.and earthquakesLinks to an external site..
  

Educational Assemblies

As a way to engage students, schools opt for assemblies. Students will be gathered together to watch videos, performances, or interact with each other to learn about different topics. Below is a list of common assemblies in the US. 

• Reproductive/sex ed
• Students will learn how to keep themselves safe dating and engaging in sexual activity. This includes topics such as rape, peer pressure, sexually transmitted diseases and infections, and pregnancy. 
• Drugs/Alcohol 
• Students will learn about temptations around drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products. The goal of the assembly is to educate kids on the dangers of using illicit substances. 
• Other
• Topics may include anti-bullying, stewardship, ways to get involved in your community, magic shows, and gatherings around specific holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter). 
  

Special Education

15% of US school-aged children have Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). 

• The school will evaluate your child for learning disabilities or behavioral issues.
• A trained team of specialists will create an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for your child. This plan outlines what steps they will take to ensure your child is learning and staying on track. 
• IEPs allow your child to have accommodations and accessible education for the ways they learn. 
• IEPs require work from the parent(s). Meetings must be attended with administrators. 
• If your child does not qualify for an IEP, they may be eligible for a 504 plan. The plans include changes to learning environments, such as the addition of headphones, if your child has a hard time concentrating or listening. 
  

English Second Language (ESL)

• Most districts offer ESL courses to students. 
• Your child will be evaluated and/or tested for English language needs prior to being placed in an ESL program. 
• The same content is taught to students in ESL courses, just at a different speed with emphasis on the English language. 
• Keep in mind that if you have children who haven’t started school yet, they will most likely be placed in ESL courses (if available) to learn English.
  

Health & Hygiene 

• Showering
• Hygiene is imperative to your child’s educational experience. Be sure to have your child shower regularly. 
• Deodorant 
• Apply deodorant prior to school and reapply as needed. Your child will be moving a lot during the day, and body odor smells are frowned upon.  
• Deodorant costs around $6 USD per tube. 
• Feminine hygiene
• Pads and tampons are not typically provided by schools. Have your child pack necessary items in their backpacks for the day.
• These products cost between $10-15 USD. 
• Sickness/injury
• The school may ask that you keep your child at home when they are sick. 
• Children with fevers will be immediately sent home by the school nurse. Students must be fever free for at least 24 hours prior to returning. A doctor’s note may be required for their return as well. School district rules vary. 
• If your child is injured during the day, the school nurse will evaluate the situation and notify you if they need to be picked up. 
  

Sports/Clubs/Activities

• Most public schools offer sports for males and females starting in middle school through high school. 
• Practices typically take place directly before or after school.
  • Transportation is not always provided. 
• Their competitions/games are against other local schools. 
• There may be a “pay to playLinks to an external site.” fee that will be charged per child.
• Clubs vary from service and religion based, to academic based, such as graphic design, sewing, etc. Your local district will have a list of clubs on their website.
• School dances tend to start in middle school. These are usually ticketed events held in the school or at a local restaurant/banquet hall. 
• Prom starts in high school. These are formal dances (dresses & suits/tuxes required). They are ticketed events that can be costly. 
  

Parental Involvement

• You may be required to drop off and pick up your children if there is not a bus available. 
• Most schools are locked during the day. Be sure to bring a photo-ID and stop in the school office prior to walking into the building. 
• Bullying is common in US schools. If your child is experiencing this, empathize with them and contact the teacher. 
• Teachers and administrators are there for your children. If you have questions regarding progress, bullying, learning outcomes, etc., be sure to communicate that with them.