2026 Handbook

WELCOME TO THE SWEDISH SCHOOL OF COLORADO

The Swedish School of Colorado (SSC) is a language-based school and a non-for-profit organization. The school offers education in the Swedish language, history and culture and has classes for children as well as adults. The school promotes mutual understanding and friendship among students and their families. Our caring and highly qualified staff creates a welcoming and stimulating learning environment for all of our students and their families.

1. Mission statement

The main purpose of the curriculum is to teach the students to speak, listen, understand, read and write in Swedish. All classroom activities are held in Swedish, except for in our beginner classes where English may be spoken occasionally. In addition to language instruction, the school introduces Swedish traditions, holidays, cultural events, history, and the Swedish way of life. Students and their families are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the school, generate new ideas to improve its effectiveness, and share their own Swedish heritage for the common good of the school.

2. Quick Reference

3. Swedish School of Colorado Board Members

4. Tuition and fees

• Infant & Toddler (0-2 years): $75 (~$7.5 per class)
• Early learners & School-aged children (3-20): $215 (~$21.50 per class)
• Adult: $230 (~$23 per class)
• Receive a 10% discount per additional youngest student when registering two or more students in the same semester.

5. Refund Policy

No refunds will be allowed except for extraordinary circumstances. Such requests must be presented to the board; and it is the board’s discretion to allow or deny the request. The board’s decision will be final. According to Swedish School of Colorado’s By-Laws, there are no refunds after two classes have been completed.

6. Eligibility

While SSC welcomes anyone who is interested in learning Swedish, we strongly emphasize the importance of our students having at least one Swedish-speaking family member. This will greatly improve the student’s opportunities to solidify their language skills in between class sessions. According to Swedish School of Colorado’s By-Laws, if the child is between the ages of 6-20, and the child and/or parent is a Swedish citizen, we would be grateful if the parents would notify us. Then we would be able to register the student with Skolverket in Sweden and  be able to receive a grant from them.

7. Parent/Caregiver Responsibility

A mandatory Parent Meeting will be held at the beginning of the school year to review this document and answer any questions. This will be held during the first or second class of the Fall semester. Other mandatory meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the board.

For students five and under, a caregiver must be present at the school during each session. Failure to stay at the school will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from SSC.

8. Courses offered

The board has the authority to cancel and/or substitute available classes as necessary depending on the number of students signed up, teacher availability, and facility availability.

The board has the authority to move a student to a different class than the class he or she is signed up for. This will be based on teacher and head teacher recommendations and observations. Please refer to the schools’ website, svenskaskolancolorado.org, for a list of classes currently available.

Beginner classes

Intermediate and advanced classes

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Beginner classes:

Blåbär: The goal in this group is to practice and encourage the spoken Swedish language by surrounding the students with spoken as well as written Swedish. Students will be taught, and therefore expected to respond in Swedish to their best abilities to promote overall use of the target language. Some English may be spoken, if needed. 

Björnbär I: This class will prepare participants in the Swedish language, culture, and traditions. We will emphasize on expression in speech and writing at a beginner level. Reading activities, spelling, grammar and writing activities are included in the program. Storytelling, songs, teacher examples, text, and workbooks will be used to reinforce learning of both the target language as well as culture. This group is unique in that it provides a beginner Swedish education to American parents of Swedish speaking children and other interested participants.  

Intermediate and Advanced classes:

Smultron: This group consists of our youngest students, ranging from 12 months to 3 years old. In this class we will focus on singing, storytelling, reading and organized play with old, as well as new favorites. Teachers will emphasize on expanding Swedish vocabulary through actively speaking Swedish. Students will be taught, and therefore expected to respond in Swedish to their ability to promote overall use of the target language. One Swedish-speaking parent/caregiver must accompany the child in class.

Körsbär: The goal in this group is to practice and encourage the spoken Swedish language by surrounding the students with spoken as well as written Swedish. Storytelling, songs and organized play and games, text and workbooks are included as teaching methods. Students will be taught, and therefore expected to respond in Swedish to their best abilities to promote overall use of the target language.

Lingon, Rönnbär: These school-age youth classes will use a curriculum chosen at the discretion of the teacher. The classes will be mixed-age, proficiency-based classes.  The teachers will use lesson plans and teaching materials tailored to the needs of the class. Each student will get assessed at the beginning of the school year and then receive their individual curriculum. The first part of the lesson will be group time led by the teacher, after which each student will work on their individual assignments. iPads, computers or other individual electronic devices will be used by all students. Part of the lesson time will also be spent on Swedish culture and traditions.

Björnbär II: Our more proficient adult students will utilize the curriculum chosen by the teacher. The teacher will assess at the beginning of the semester what the class needs as a whole as well as individuals. All students need to bring an iPad, computer or other similar device to class each lesson. Part of the lesson time will be spent on group activities and Swedish culture and traditions.

Björnbär III: Our most advanced adult students will be able to practice conversation skills.

9.  Class Etiquette

Please make sure that your child respects the following rules in the classroom:

• Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
• Cell phones and other entertainment or electronic devices must be turned off at all times including breaks except when required in class.
• No candy and chewing gum are allowed in the classroom.
• Parents of students nine years and younger need to check with the teacher for make-up work.
• Students ten years and older need to check with the teacher for make-up work themselves.

10. Homework

Homework may be given as appropriate to the grade level of the student. The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills taught in school, to develop independent work habits, and to engage in long-term research or creative projects. All students will be expected to spend some time doing reading and/or homework. It is important that students feel responsible for this work and those parents encourage and support their child/children. Parents can contact their child’s teacher if issues or concerns about homework arise. Homework assignments are presented in the classroom. 

11. Discipline Policy for Youth Students

The purpose of this discipline policy is to establish procedures for dealing with student misbehavior. When misbehavior among children occurs in the classroom, the teacher will have a private talk with the student. The teacher is responsible for making sure the student understands what is expected, and to teach new behaviors or generate alternative ways to handle the situation, and to redirect behavior. If there is an ongoing pattern of misbehavior, we will be contacting the parents for a conference to discuss ways of helping their child be more successful in the school environment.

General Guidelines:

It is the parents’ responsibility to read these guidelines to their children:

• Have fun without hurting other people’s feelings or property by treating others as you wish to be treated.
• Use the appropriate language and talk politely to all adults and children. We all deserve respect.
• Control yourself. You are responsible for your behavior. You can solve problems without fighting and injuring others.

Disciplinary Actions:

In case disciplinary actions are needed, the following will occur:

• Students will be given a warning, the teacher will talk with the student and behavior will be redirected.
• Students will be given a second warning. Parents will be contacted regarding the repeated offense.
• If a more serious problem arises, such as fighting, the student(s) will be removed immediately from the classroom and sent to the principal or vice-principal.
• Further repeated offenses can result in suspension or expulsion.

12. Snack/“Fika”

• Each family is responsible for packing a snack/”fika” and a drink for their own children each time the school is in session. We recommend bringing at least one healthy snack, such as fruits.
• Please do not bring in any snacks containing nuts. The school is nut-free as we have several students with severe nut allergies.
• Fika will also be available for waiting parents. We appreciate a donation every time you enjoy the fika, so we can continue to provide this benefit at the school. Please enjoy your fika in the available “Parent Lounge” or outside. We ask that you do not socialize in the hallway, as this interrupts the ongoing class instructions. 
• The “fika” available for the parents in the “Parent Lounge” is not to be given to students as their in-class snack.

13. Recess Logistics and Rules

There are several playgrounds available for our use during class.  

Recess and snack timetable: 

• The teachers will guide the children to and from the playground, with the assistance of classroom assistants and/or parent volunteers. 
• All children will be counted before leaving the classroom and the playground. The children will line up behind their teacher to walk to and from the playground.
• The teachers will be present at all times during recess, but we encourage parents to take the opportunity to come outdoors as well and spend time with their children and other parents during recess. 

General recess safety rules: 

                           (Parents, please review with your children)

• Since it is more fun to play than to watch, please include everyone who wants to play. Respect the rights of others and treat them as you would like to be treated.
• For your safety, please stay within the playground area.
• The use of balls, jumping ropes, and other outdoor toys should be approved by the teacher of the students’ class. 
• Outdoor toys should be used as intended. Share toys and take turns. 
• No climbing in trees, on statues, or fences.
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself. No pushing or shoving, grabbing or pulling.
• Show concern for others by helping other children who are hurt or having a problem by alerting a teacher or other adult. 
• Immediately notify a teacher or other adult if you have any questions or concerns regarding safety. 
• When your class-signal sounds, walk to line up after your teacher.

Recess discipline:

If a student’s behavior requires disciplinary action, SSC will follow the procedures outlined in “Disciplinary Actions” in section 11 of this document.

14. Volunteers

Our school environment and educational programs are greatly enhanced by the efforts of our volunteers. We have a wide range of available volunteer positions, such as for our Christmas party and Graduation party, assisting with serving “fika” in the kitchen, helping with recess supervision, etc. Each family with students enrolled in any of our youth classes, except Smultron, are expected to volunteer at least once per semester. Available volunteer opportunities are presented and communicated during the mandatory Parent Meeting, as well as via e-mail. For additional information or questions in regards to volunteering, please send an e-mail to svenskaskolanco@gmail.com, or talk to one of the board members.

 15. Vacation and Holidays

The SSC believes in the importance of family activities and vacations. If you and your family have planned a vacation or absence when school is in session, please notify the classroom teacher at least one week in advance. The teacher will then provide the student with information and materials of what is to be covered in the missed session. All missed work assignments can be turned in to the teacher who will review and provide feedback by Wednesday before the next class.

  16. Arriving Late/or Leaving Early

• To respect fellow students and teachers, all students must arrive on time to their classroom. If you are late, please enter the classroom quietly and go to your seat immediately. Wait for the teacher to approach you. Do not interrupt class. 
• Only parents or a designated emergency contact person are allowed to pick up a child from school. If someone other than a parent or emergency contact person is to pick up your child, SSC must have written permission for this to happen. There are no exceptions, and a photo ID may be required. This policy is for the protection of our students.

 17. School Closings

It might be necessary to close the school due to weather or other extraordinary circumstances. School closings due to weather will be posted on our website. An e-mail notification for all closures will also be sent to all students or parents on our e-mail contact list.

 18. Illness Policy

To ensure the health of our community, it is a policy for the Swedish School of Colorado that children must stay home if they exhibit the following symptoms or conditions (this list covers some common illnesses, but is not inclusive of all reasons for exclusion):

• Illness that prevents a child from participating comfortably in school activities.
• Illness that results in a greater need for care than our staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
• Unusual behavior: a child is irritable or less active than usual; cries more than usual or just seems unwell; exhibits loss of appetite or general discomfort.

When the possibility of illness occurs, it is sometimes difficult to decide whether your child should come to school. You can bring your child to school if:

• He/she is fever free for 24 hours.
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting have subsided for 24-48 hours.
• Strep infections have been treated with medication for 24-48 hours.
• You have checked with the school or your doctor regarding contagious diseases such as pinkeye, chicken pox, etc.

Medical Conditions:

If a student has a severe medical condition, you must notify the teacher and the teacher representative in writing.

 19. Weapons Policy

Policy Statement:

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. The underlying belief of this policy is that all individuals have the right to be educated in a safe and nurturing environment. Therefore, violations of these rights and violations of the atmosphere, which supports sound education will not be tolerated.

The Swedish School of Colorado hereby adopts this policy of zero tolerance for weapons. The policy provides the power for board members and teachers to address potentially dangerous situations. It sets the tone for all to understand that weapons are not tolerated and will not be allowed during any of our scheduled classes, board meetings, or activities. On the other hand, when board members and teachers are implementing the policy they are allowed some flexibility given the age of the violator and the circumstances.

In order to ensure that this occurs, the following has been established:

Definition:

The term “weapons” shall include, by the way of illustration, the following enumerated items: any loaded or unloaded firearm (including but not limited to pistol, blank pistol, signal pistol, starter pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, cross-bow); any knife (including but not limited to Bowie, Dirk, lock-blade, hunting pen, pocket, switchblade, utility); any defensive weapon (including but not limited to gas repellent, pepper gas, mace, stun gun); any martial arts device (including but not limited to Chinese stars, nunchauu) or any tool or instrument which school administrative staff could reasonably conclude as being capable of inflicting bodily harm (including but not limited to blackjack, chain, club, knuckles, night stick, pipe, studded bracelet); or which by virtue of its shape or design gives the appearance of any of the aforementioned (including but not limited to air pistol, air rifle, BB gun).

     20. Hallways and Restrooms

Students are allowed in the hallways or bathrooms independently. Please help keep those places clean and safe for everyone to use. Report any problems you see immediately. Whenever you are away from your class, your teacher is expecting you to represent the class and yourself in a responsible way. Do your errand quickly and well and return to your class as soon as possible. Do not run in the hallways at any time.

     21. Communications

All SSC teachers and board members use e-mail to communicate with our students, their parents and other interested parties. Students and parents can contact us at svenskaskolanco@gmail.com for any non-urgent issues. If you have an emergency or need to speak to the principal, feel free to contact Mary at 469-200-9814 The school’s website, svenskaskolancolorado.org, is also updated regularly with new information.

We look forward to a nice year together.

Välkomna!