New Family Orientation
Are you new?
Welcome to ASFG!
Many of the questions you may have can very likely be answered in our school's Parent/Student Handbook that all ASFG families receive at the beginning of each school year. We recommend that you take a close look at this document as it describes many policies and procedures that are important for our school.
Throughout the school year ASFG offers a series of workshops and events that may help in the adjustment to your new home. Among these workshops and events are:
New Student Orientation |
Usually held before school starts, this orientation is hosted within each school section (elementary, middle and high school). On this day, new students learn about their day-to-day schedules, classes, teachers, lockers, etc. They get to know other new students, as well as a few of our veteran students. They meet their principal, assistant principal and counselor, and they are taken on a tour around campus. |
Cultural Adaptation Presentations for New International Families |
Usually presented by our school's counselors in the months of August or September, the topics covered during this presentation are as diverse as culture shock, driving in Guadalajara, and purchasing your child's PE uniform. We know that coming to a new country is not easy and that encountering new people, new food, a new city, and a new language, can prove to be very challenging. We want to be able to provide you with a support system that can help you through these challenging times. |
New Parent Welcome |
All new parents are invited to attend this Parent Welcome hosted by our Director General. Usually held in September, the New Parent Welcome gives parents a chance to meet the school administration and learn about the school's history, governance, and what it offers students. It is also a chance for families to meet other new families. |
3rd Culture Kids Presentation for New International Parents |
A third-culture kid is an individual who, having spent a significant part of their developmental years in a culture other than their parents' home culture, develops a sense of relationship to all the cultures, while not having full ownership of any. In February, the counselors meet with new international parents and talk about specific characteristics of third-culture kids and most importantly, what parents can do to better help them adapt. |
Below, we have collected some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we hear from new families. If you still have unanswered questions after looking at the handbook, website,and our FAQs, please feel free to contact your child's section office for information.
We would like to know if your family is having a difficult time adjusting to ASFG. The school's Admissions Office (admissions@asfg.edu.mx) is a contact for putting new families in touch with veteran families from the Parents Association. Please let us know if you need additional support.
How does the school communicate with parents?
Formal communication is through various means. We suggest routinely checking your personal email account and the school webpage, as they contain a wealth of information including the school calendar and the dates of up-coming events. The Director General and principals send monthly newsletters which are posted in both languages. Middle and high school teachers use PowerSchool to update information about grades. Also, teachers have their own webpages that students and parents can consult. If you do not yet have access to a computer, please feel free to use the resources located in each library. Connexion is a school magazine published various times a year that informs and reviews different school events and highlights essays written by members of our staff. Section Open Houses and parent-teacher conference dates provide additional opportunities to learn about the school and your child's education. Report cards and Progress Reports are issued various times a year depending on the section.
How do parents communicate with the school?
Parents are encouraged to always address issues/problems in a respectful manner directly with the corresponding school authorities beginning with the classroom teacher and then with the counselor, assistant principal or principal. To make appointments with your children's teachers, contact the section office as they have a record of teachers' scheduled meeting times. If you are not receiving email messages from the school, again contact the section office to verify that your correct email address is in our data base.
What is the ASFG extracurricular program like?
Our school has a very active extracurricular program after school with over 600 students participating in approximately thirty different activities. Extracurricular team sports include basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, swimming, and track and field, among others. You can find a complete list at here or here. There are also a variety of other extracurricular activities such as Drama club, language classes, and Robotics class, among others. The PE and Sports Office can help answer your questions about both programs, their contact information is: +52 33 3648 2499.
Where can I buy the PE uniform?
While participating in physical education classes, students in grades pre-first through eighth grade are required to wear the ASFG PE uniform which consists of the ASFG official pants or shorts and official ASFG T-shirt.
For detailed information, please contact the PE and Sports Office +52 33 3648 2499.
How can I arrange for bus transportation?
ASFG provides bus transportation the families who required the service. If you wish to have bus transportation for your child, you will have to arrange the service directly with our Security Office and make the corresponding payments at the ASFG cashier. The bus route is determined by their customer, and it changes each school year. The cost of the service also depends on the frequency requested.
What food services are available at ASFG?
Early childhood students bring their own healthy snack from home each day. For those who stay in childcare, a small snack is provided. Elementary, Middle and High school students may bring food from home or purchase food during their recesses from one of our two cafeterias.
Food services are supervised by the Parents' Association. Detailed information including a monthly menu calendar, price list for standard menu items, after school meals and pre-paid cards.
What is ASOMEX?
The Association of American Schools in Mexico is the oldest of the many regional school associations throughout the world. ASOMEX is made up of 18 member schools throughout Mexico with a total enrollment of approximately 15,500 students and 1,250 teachers and administrators. The purpose of the Association of American Schools in Mexico is to provide a collective means of serving the needs and interests of the member schools through a spirit of sharing ideas, programs, facilities, and experiences, as well as the sharing of resources and information. Cultural, academic, and sporting events are planned for each school year to which students at member schools are invited. These are held on the campus of the different ASOMEX schools. When you hear that ASFG will be having their ASOMEX week, it means the time has arrived for an annual tournament. We host many teams from other schools in Mexico each year. To see more about ASOMEX, go to www.asomex.org.
How do I join the Parents Association?
Any parent with a child in the American School is welcome to join the Parents Association. An annual voluntary fee is charged at the time of re-enrollment. Elections are held every two years to elect the governing board. All parents are encouraged to participate in the Parents Association. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the association, feel free to contact the Director General's office.
What does the PA do?
The Parent's Association is very involved with the school, working in conjunction with the administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Throughout the year various projects are organized with the help of the Parents Association:
- Halloween
- Children's Day
- Teachers' Day
- Christmas Posada
- Adopt a New Teacher Program
- ASOMEX
- Section Grants
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