AF Amistad High School Family Handbook 2017-2018 | 9 Withdrawing from AFAHS is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. To that end, AFAHS has an “exit interview” process in which the school will discuss with the family all of the pros and cons of withdrawal. Scholars must meet with an administrator of AFAHS before they can be withdrawn. The school will not release transcript information to a receiving school without the requisite paperwork filed at AFAHS following an exit interview. Daily Hours AFAHS school hours are from 7:35 am-3:26 pm Monday-Thursday and 7:35 am to 1:00 pm Friday. Students are required to arrive at school on time (by 7:35 am at the latest) and to remain in school until dismissal at 3:26 pm (Monday-Thursday) or 1:00 pm (Friday). It is critical that parents send the strong message to your child that school is extremely important. More information can be found in the School Culture section under Attendance. School doors open at 7:25 am daily. Scholars should not arrive prior to that time as supervision is not available. Please note that the office will be unable to accept phone calls from 7:15-7:45am during arrival and from 3:15-3:45pm Monday-Thursday and 12:45-1:15pm on Fridays during dismissal. Also, if your child requires an early dismissal, you must notify the office before 3:00pm Monday- Thursday, and before 12:30pm on Fridays. Afterschool activities such as tutoring centers and clubs operate from 3:30 to 4:35 pm (Monday – Thursday). Due to staff Professional Development, these activities do not operate on Fridays. Some students may be required to stay after school (typically up to 4:35 pm, but longer in some cases) to serve detention, participate in homework club, or make up missed assignments. The school officially closes at 4:40 pm Monday-Thursday and 2:10 pm on Friday. At this time, all students are required to leave the building, or move to the “waiting room” in the vestibule facing Dixwell Avenue unless they are participating in approved athletic practices or games. The vestibule is open until 5:00 pm Monday – Thursday and 2:30 pm on Fridays for those serving Detention. It is imperative that all scholars have a plan for transportation, as the school will not make exceptions under any circumstances to this policy. School Calendar and Closings Please see the school calendar located inside the front cover. Please note that AFAHS does not exactly follow the calendar of New Haven or Bridgeport Public Schools, nor the schedule of other Amistad, Elm City, Greenfield or AF Bridgeport schools. School Closure Policy Because we believe maximizing instructional time is critical to closing the “achievement gap,” Achievement First schools will only close under extreme circumstances. In such circumstances,