Welcome New Families!
Congratulations and Welcome!
We're thrilled to welcome your family to the Universal School community. This guide will help you prepare for a successful start — from enrollment essentials to your child's first day and beyond.
School Uniforms
Our signature forest green and amber uniform reflects our identity and fosters unity. Here's everything you need to know — from approved vendors to daily requirements and grooming standards.
Where to Buy — Approved Vendors
Al-Mokhtar Uniforms
Official primary supplier for all Universal School uniform items, including daily wear, PE kits, and seasonal pieces.
Cedar School Wear
Authorized retailer offering full uniform sets, custom embroidery, and alteration services for all grade levels.
SchoolKit Online
Convenient online ordering with delivery to school or home. Ideal for busy families or those ordering replacement items.
What You Need
Daily Uniform
Required Daily- Forest green polo shirt with school crest
- Khaki trousers or skirt (knee-length)
- Black or dark brown belt (simple design)
- Black closed-toe shoes (no trainers)
- White or black plain socks
PE Uniform
Physical Education Days- School-branded amber/green sports t-shirt
- Dark green athletic shorts or track pants
- White athletic trainers (clean, sports-appropriate)
- White athletic socks
Seasonal Options
Cold Weather- School-branded forest green V-neck sweater
- School-branded fleece-lined zip jacket
- Plain white or green undershirt (optional, for warmth)
- School scarf (optional, available from vendors)
Uniform Standards & Grooming
-
Neat & Clean Appearance Uniforms must be clean, pressed, and free of stains or tears. Shirts tucked in at all times during school hours.
-
Proper Fit Clothing should fit properly — not overly tight, baggy, or oversized. Consistent sizing maintains a unified look.
-
Closed-Toe Shoes Only Black leather or leather-look shoes for daily wear. No sandals, flip-flops, or open-toe footwear permitted on campus.
-
Hair & Grooming Hair should be clean and well-groomed. Extreme styles and unnatural colors are not permitted. Long hair must be tied back during PE and lab sessions.
-
Accessories & Jewelry Minimal jewelry allowed (small studs, watches). No large earrings, heavy chains, or distracting accessories during school hours.
-
No Modifications Uniform items may not be altered, customized, or decorated. No rolled sleeves, cut hems, or added patches or pins beyond school-issued ones.
Our uniform is more than clothing — it represents belonging, equality, and the shared identity that connects every student across 68 years of Universal School history.
- Label all items clearly with your child's name
- Buy one size up for growing children
- Order early — popular sizes sell out fast in August
- Check the school's lost-and-found before replacing items
- Casual dress days are announced periodically via K12NET
Get Your Uniform Sorted Early
Don't wait until the last week before school starts. Contact our approved vendors now, or reach out to admissions if you have questions about sizing, requirements, or dress code policies.
School Supplies
Set your child up for success with the right materials. Browse grade-specific supply lists, find approved stores, and learn our labeling requirements — so nothing gets lost.
Supply Lists by Grade Level
Writing & Drawing
6 items- 2 HB pencils (thick, triangular grip)
- 1 Box of 24 wax crayons
- 1 Box of 12 colored pencils
- 1 Set of 8 washable markers
- 1 Large eraser (white, non-smudge)
- 1 Pencil sharpener with container
Notebooks & Folders
4 items- 3 Large-ruled exercise books (100 pages)
- 1 Blank sketch pad (A4 size)
- 2 Plastic folders with pockets (assorted colors)
- 1 Communication folder (for parent-teacher notes)
Arts & Crafts
5 items- 1 Washable finger paint set (6 colors)
- 1 Child-safe scissors (rounded tip)
- 2 Glue sticks (large, washable)
- 1 Play dough set (4 colors)
- 1 Art smock or old large t-shirt
Personal Items
4 items- 1 Backpack (medium, age-appropriate)
- 1 Reusable water bottle (labeled)
- 1 Snack box / lunch container (labeled)
- 1 Change of clothes in zip bag (for accidents)
Writing Essentials
7 items- 4HB pencils
- 2Blue ballpoint pens
- 1Red correction pen
- 1Box of 24 colored pencils
- 2Erasers & 1 sharpener
- 130cm ruler (clear plastic)
- 1Pencil case (medium)
Notebooks & Organization
5 items- 6Small-ruled exercise books (200 pages)
- 2Squared math notebooks (200 pages)
- 1A4 binder with dividers
- 3Colored folders (for Arabic, English, French)
- 1Homework planner/agenda
Core Supplies
8 items- 8Exercise books (200 pages, small-ruled)
- 3Graph/squared notebooks (for math & science)
- 1Geometry set (protractor, compass, set square)
- 1Scientific calculator (basic)
Organization & Tech
5 items- 1A4 binder with subject dividers
- 1Homework planner/agenda
- 1USB flash drive (8GB+)
- 3Highlighters (assorted colors)
Subject-Specific Materials
6 items- 10Exercise books (one per subject, 200 pages)
- 1Advanced geometry set
- 1Scientific calculator (Casio fx-82 or equivalent)
- 1Lab notebook (for science, hardcover)
- 1English–Arabic / French–Arabic dictionaries
- 1USB flash drive (16GB+)
General & Personal
5 items- 1Sturdy backpack
- 1Pencil case with full writing set
- 1Homework planner
- 1Water bottle (labeled)
- 4Highlighters (assorted)
Advanced Materials
7 items- 12Exercise books (subject-specific)
- 1Advanced scientific/graphing calculator
- 1Laptop or tablet (recommended for OSSD)
- 1Lab coat (for science labs)
- 1USB flash drive (32GB+)
- 1Bilingual dictionaries
- 1Business notebook (Entrepreneurship Track only)
Organization
4 items- 1Academic planner
- 2A4 binders with dividers
- 1Document portfolio folder
- 5Highlighters & sticky notes set
Where to Buy Supplies
Lebanon's largest bookstore with comprehensive school supply sections. Multiple branches across the country with reliable stock.
Specialized in quality stationery, art materials, and scientific instruments. Best source for geometry sets, lab equipment, and specialty calculators.
Order pre-bundled school supply kits online and get them delivered to your door. Great for busy families — includes grade-specific packages.
Labeling Requirements
Everything must be labeled with your child's full name — no exceptions. Unlabeled items cannot be returned if lost.
With hundreds of students carrying similar items, labeling is the single most effective way to prevent loss and ensure belongings are returned quickly. Please label all items before the first day of school.
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Lunch container
- All notebooks
- Pencil case
- Uniform items
- Sweater / jacket
- Electronic devices
Permanent Marker
The quickest and most reliable method. Use a fine-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on tags, inside covers, and directly on plastic items.
Best for Most ItemsAdhesive Name Labels
Pre-printed waterproof stickers with your child's name. Available from stationery shops or online. Ideal for smooth surfaces, bottles, and notebooks.
Great for SuppliesIron-On Labels
Heat-applied labels for clothing and fabric items. Perfect for uniforms, PE kits, sweaters, and backpack straps. Survives washing.
Best for ClothingBag Tags & Key Rings
Clip-on name tags for backpacks, lunch bags, and PE bags. Easy to attach and visually identifiable at a glance.
Best for Bags
Shop Early, Start Strong
Download your grade-specific supply list, shop at approved vendors, and label everything before the first day. Questions? We're here to help.
Technology & K12NET
Your K12NET parent portal is your central hub for everything happening in your child's academic life — from real-time grades and attendance to direct teacher communication.
Your Parent Portal Provides
Schedule & Attendance
View your child's daily class schedule, track attendance records in real-time, and receive instant notifications for absences or tardiness.
Grades & Progress
Access all grades, report cards, and detailed progress reports the moment teachers post them. Track academic growth across all subjects and terms.
Teacher Communications
Message teachers directly through the secure portal. Receive homework assignments, project updates, and individual feedback on your child's progress.
School Announcements
Stay informed with official school announcements, policy updates, emergency notifications, and important reminders — all in one centralized feed.
Event Calendar
Never miss a school event, parent-teacher conference, exam date, or holiday. The integrated calendar syncs with your personal devices for seamless planning.
Billing & Payments
View invoices, payment history, and outstanding balances. Manage tuition payments and optional service fees directly through the portal.
How to Access K12NET
Check Your Email for Activation Link
After enrollment confirmation, you'll receive an activation email from K12NET at the address you provided during registration. Check your inbox and spam folder.
Create Your Password
Click the activation link and follow the on-screen instructions to set a secure password. Choose something memorable but strong — at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Log In & Explore Your Dashboard
Access the portal at your school's K12NET URL. Browse your child's schedule, grades, and attendance. Familiarize yourself with the messaging system and notification settings.
Download the Mobile App (Optional)
For on-the-go access, download the K12NET mobile app. Get push notifications for grades, attendance, and school announcements directly on your phone.
K12NET keeps us connected to our daughter's school life in a way that wasn't possible before. Seeing grades posted in real-time and messaging teachers directly has made us feel like true partners in her education.
Stay connected wherever you are. Receive instant push notifications, check grades, view the calendar, and message teachers — all from your smartphone.
Important: Check Your Portal Regularly!
K12NET is the primary channel for school-to-parent communication. Teachers post updates, assignments, grades, and important information daily. We recommend checking the portal at least once every day to stay fully informed about your child's progress and school activities.
- Daily grade updates
- Homework postings
- Behavior notes
- Event reminders
- Emergency alerts
Activate Your K12NET Portal Today
Haven't received your activation email yet? Contact the IT support desk or admissions office — we'll get you connected within 24 hours.
Communication Channels
Clear, timely communication is the foundation of our parent partnership. Here's how to reach us, when to use each channel, and what response times to expect.
Primary Communication Methods
K12NET Portal
Official school communications hub — grades, attendance, announcements, teacher messages, and event calendar all in one place.
WhatsApp Groups
Quick parent-to-parent networking, non-urgent questions, and community coordination. Class-level groups organized by homeroom.
Detailed teacher and administration communication. Best for longer questions, formal requests, documentation, and follow-up conversations.
Phone
Reserved for urgent and time-sensitive matters — illness, emergencies, same-day absences, and immediate safety concerns.
Expected Response Times
Teacher Emails & Portal Messages
Teachers respond to emails and K12NET messages within 1–2 business days. Complex matters may require additional time for research and consultation with colleagues.
Urgent & Emergency Matters
For urgent or emergency situations, call the school office directly during school hours. The front desk is staffed continuously from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and will connect you immediately.
What to Use When
Your first stop every day. Check for official updates, new grades, attendance notifications, and school-wide announcements.
- Grade updates
- Attendance
- School events
- Homework
- Billing info
Connect with other parents, ask quick non-urgent questions, coordinate carpools, and stay in the loop on community matters.
- Parent questions
- Carpooling
- Social events
- Quick logistics
Best for detailed conversations with teachers, academic concerns requiring explanation, formal requests, and matters needing documentation.
- Academic concerns
- Meeting requests
- Documentation
Call the main office for time-sensitive situations that cannot wait for email or portal responses. Always the right choice for safety concerns.
- Absences
- Emergencies
- Early pickup
- Safety issues
- K12NET — Your daily habit. Grades, schedule, attendance, announcements. Check every morning.
- WhatsApp — Parent community. Quick questions, coordination, social. Not for official school business.
- Email — Detailed discussions with teachers. Allow 24–48 hours for a response on business days.
- Phone — Urgent only. Absences, illness, emergencies, same-day schedule changes. Immediate response.
The K12NET portal completely changed how we stay involved. We can see grades the moment they're posted, message teachers at our convenience, and never miss an announcement. It feels like the school is always within reach.
- Be respectful and constructive in all messages
- Allow teachers adequate response time before following up
- Keep WhatsApp groups on-topic and school-related
- Use the portal for official matters, not WhatsApp
- Contact administration for concerns beyond classroom level
Key Contacts
We're Always Here to Help
Good communication is a two-way street. Set up your K12NET portal, join your class WhatsApp group, and save our contact details — you'll never feel out of the loop.
Important Policies to Know
Understanding our core policies ensures a smooth experience for your family. These guidelines protect every student's learning environment, health, and safety.
Attendance Policy
Core Requirements
- Daily attendance is mandatory for all students from KG through Grade 12
- Attendance is recorded every period via K12NET — parents can track in real-time
- Students must attend a minimum of 80% of school days per year
Reporting Absences
- Call the school office before 8:00 AM on the day of absence
- Submit a written note via K12NET upon your child's return
- Provide advance written notice for planned absences (travel, appointments)
Tardiness Policy
Arrival Requirements
- School starts promptly at 8:00 AM — students should arrive by 7:45 AM
- Gates close at 8:00 AM — late arrivals must check in at the main office
- A late slip is issued before the student enters class
Habitual Tardiness
- Pattern of tardiness triggers a parent meeting with administration
- School counselor works with families to address underlying causes
- Tardiness is recorded on K12NET and visible to parents in real-time
Illness Policy
When to Keep Your Child Home
- Fever — Keep home until fever-free for a full 24 hours without medication
- Vomiting or diarrhea — Must be symptom-free for 24 hours
- Persistent cough, runny nose, or other contagious symptoms
- Undiagnosed rash or eye infection — until cleared by a doctor
Communicable Diseases
- Notify the school immediately if your child is diagnosed with any communicable disease
- A doctor's clearance note is required before returning to school
- The school may alert other families (confidentially) if outbreak risk exists
Medication Policy
Medication Administration Rules
For your child's safety, Universal School maintains strict medication protocols. No medication — prescription or over-the-counter — may be given to a student without proper authorization on file.
- Completed authorization form required
- Administered by designated staff only
- Stored in school office — not with student
- Original labeled container required
- Doctor's note for prescription medications
- Emergency medications (EpiPen, inhaler) — special protocol on file
Homework Policy
Our Homework Philosophy
- Homework is meaningful and age-appropriate — never busywork
- Designed to reinforce skills, build independence, and prepare for the next lesson
- Volume increases gradually by grade level — KG has minimal homework
- All assignments posted on K12NET for parent visibility
Parent's Role
- Provide a quiet, well-lit study space free from distractions
- Support and encourage — but don't do the work for them
- Establish a consistent homework routine at home
- Contact the teacher if homework consistently takes too long or feels too difficult
Policies exist not to restrict, but to protect. When every family understands and follows these guidelines, we create a safe, fair, and focused learning environment where every child can thrive.
We're Here to Clarify & Support
These policies work best when everyone understands them. If you have questions, concerns, or need accommodations, don't hesitate to reach out. Our doors are always open.
Everything Else You Need
From your child's first week to getting involved, key dates, emergency procedures, and answers to common questions — here's the rest of your new family roadmap.
First Week Expectations
What to Expect
The first five days- Getting-to-know-you activities and icebreakers
- Classroom routines and expectations established
- Informal initial assessments (no pressure!)
- Excitement mixed with adjustment feelings — completely normal
How to Support
Your role at home- Maintain a positive attitude about school
- Stick to routines — consistent bedtime and morning
- Ask open-ended questions about their day
- Communicate concerns to the teacher early
- Be patient — adjustment takes time for every child
Red Flags to Report
Don't wait — early intervention helpsDon't wait. Contact your child's teacher or the school counselor immediately. Early intervention is always more effective.
Getting Involved
Parent School Association (PSA)
All parents are automatic members- Monthly meetings — dates announced via K12NET
- Volunteer opportunities throughout the year
- Best way to connect with other families
Even if you can't volunteer regularly, attending school events shows your child that school matters!
Ways to Contribute
Important Dates — Add to Calendar
Emergency Procedures & Resources
In Case of Emergency
- School contacts emergency contacts via phone
- Updates posted on K12NET portal
- Follow instructions from school staff
Critical: Keep your emergency contact information current on K12NET at all times.
Emergency Closures
- Announced via K12NET, WhatsApp, and SMS
- Check before leaving home if weather is questionable
Key Contacts
Important Links
FAQ for New Families
Universal School Is a Community
Every child adjusts at their own pace. Communication is key. Get involved. We're partners in your child's education — and we're honored you've chosen us.