CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a CCA?

  We have developed an elective Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme Monday through Friday from 3:35 to 4:30 pm. The British International School of Houston offers a wide range of opportunities for student participation from the Early Years Foundation Stage through the IB Programme. The development of young people takes place both inside and outside the classroom, and a rich selection of co-curricular activities extends your child's learning experience each term.
• Why do we have CCAs?

  At the British International School Houston, we believe that a school’s role is to nurture confident, knowledgeable, independent young people, who understand that their actions can make a difference to their school as well as local and global communities. In addition to outstanding academic outcomes based on our gold standard curricula, we provide opportunities for all students to enrich their lives and the lives of others.
• What times do CCAs run?

  CCAs run Monday through Friday from 3:35 to 4:30 pm. CCAs are optional for students.
• What activities can you sign up for?

  The British International School of Houston hosts a wide selection of activities including basketball, soccer, Lego, robotics, tennis, gymnastics, fencing, Karate, and dance.
• How do I log into SchoolsBuddy?

  Log into SchoolsBuddy using your iSAMs Parent Portal login credentials. Alternatively, you can download the app. If you cannot remember your Parent Portal password, please email Dr. Eaton at gary.eaton@houston.nae.school, who will be able to reset this for you. If you are new to our school, you should receive your iSAMs Parent Portal in your pack.
• How are the CCAs allocated?

  SchoolsBuddy is an automated system. Sign up is not first come first served. After the sign-up period has closed, the system automatically allocates students to their chosen CCA.
  
  If a CCA is full, you'll be allocated your second choice or your third choice. Students who were previously waitlisted and did not enrol in their first choice in Block 2 are given preference in Block 3.
• Why is there a deadline?

  Once we close the sign-up period, SchoolsBuddy allocates students to their chosen clubs. After this deadline, clubs will become full and further choices and changes become limited. To enrol after the cut-off date, choices are added on a manual basis and not by SchoolsBuddy.
  
  Please allow your child time to adjust to their new schedule and remember their choices before the new block starts.
• When will I know which CCA my child is allocated?

  These approvals will show in your SchoolsBuddy homepage. We'll also send you a confirmation email.
• How do I pay for a CCA?

  Payment is made online through SchoolsBuddy. After all the CCAs are allocated, you'll receive an email to make payment. To make payment, there's a fees section on the SchoolsBuddy homepage.
  
  Payment is made with a credit or debit card. We're not able to accept any other form of payment.
• Can I make changes to my chosen CCAs?

  You can change your CCA choices prior to the cut-off date only.
  
  It's not advisable to change a CCA mid-block. This causes the student's, teacher's, and provider's schedules to change. Transport must also be changed, if using the bus. It's recommended that a student becomes accustomed to a routine and develops their skills within each CCA.
• How does my child know which CCAs they're attending?

  On your SchoolsBuddy homepage, there's a calendar – you're also able to import this calendar into Google or Outlook. Day by day, this displays the CCAs your child has been approved for and the corresponding room locations. It's advisable to print this and give it to your child to keep as a reference or display in your home. Your child's class teacher will also have their CCA schedule.
• What happens if it rains and my child's CCA is outdoors?

  When it rains or is too hot, we'll try to move all activities inside – space permitting.
  
  If the CCA is cancelled, we'll send you a text message and email prior to pick up.
• Where do I pick up my child after CCAs?

  SIGN OUT POLICY

  Primary Students are to be collected in the Boma. Safety is top priority at the British International School of Houston After-school Programme. Therefore, no child enrolled in this program will be released from the programme without parent or guardian signature.

  LATE PICK-UP POLICY

  Any students who are not signed out/collected from the Boma by 4:45 pm will be taken to BIS Houston Kids and a $15 charge will be applied to your SchoolsBuddy account. Primary Swim team students can be collected from the pool. Parents will receive a notification that their child has been taken to BIS Houston Kids through email, text, or a phone call.

• What happens if my child cannot attend their CCA?

  If your child is not attending their CCA as usual please email your class teacher and CCA@houston.nae.school or text/call the CCA direct line at 832-206-9090.
  
  If your child rides the bus, it's very important to contact Louise Skerry at bus@houston.nae.school to confirm bus transport.

  If you require further help using SchoolsBuddy, please refer to their 'help' section.