The physical safety and security of our children and community is paramount. A rule for everything is not feasible and removes the importance of sound, fair judgment. Nonetheless, in matters of security it is important to articulate specific rules and regulations in order to support our community.

Cars may only enter the campus with gate passes and drivers are to roll down their windows and show their gate pass to security guards. If you don’t have a pass with you, please wait for the guards to check your license number (this is done via the computer system). New parents will be instructed through Admissions on how to request a gate pass. Gate passes must be updated when license numbers change. Parents must return their car pass when the student is withdrawn from AAS.

Overtaking buses is not allowed on campus. AAS buses with students are always priority on the campus and have the right of way in all areas.

Please drive with care in the parking lot. The speed limit in the parking lot is below 20 km/h.

Please follow designated parking conventions (i.e. between the lines). Cars should park as close as possible to the other cars in the parking area, filling in spaces. There are places reserved for carpooling, low emission vehicles and handicapped parking. Please pay honest heed to these signs and places. People parking incorrectly in the above areas will be asked to move their car to an appropriate location. If this does not happen, the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense. Once parked, vehicles are to be turned off. Please refrain from idling on campus. As part of our work in regards to sustainability, AAS is a “no idle zone” (this includes winter when it may be cold and summer when it may be hot).

Taxis are not permitted to enter the campus. They can park and wait outside the barrier. Pizza and other delivery cars must stay outside the campus unless the security guards have information about it.

Parents must complete one “Photo and Video Release Form” for each of their children which remains valid for the duration of their time at AAS.

This form allows parents to express whether or not they give their consent for photographs or video of their children to be used for promotional uses, for example: AAS website, AAS brochures, AAS movie clips, AAS social media channels (Facebook page, YouTube Channel etc.), media interviews, and approved partner organization’s websites. In all such cases the child’s family name will not be stated.

The school has developed, in conjunction with safety and security specialists, an Emergency Procedures Manual that is regularly reviewed. Evacuation drills, including the proper use of the external fire escape stairs, will take place as and when appropriate. We have an emergency phone tree and an SMS notification system therefore, it is essential that parents maintain updated home and office addresses and phone numbers, as well as medical information and alternative contacts with the school for use in emergency situations.

The school conducts drills such as fire drills, lockdown drills, and earthquake drills. Drills are a time to practice for the unexpected. With this in mind, there may be times when drills are practiced or false alarms occur in less than optimal weather. If this should be the case during winter, the school works to ensure students and staff are outside for as little time as possible in the process of ensuring safe re-entry to the building. Aside from internal staff, we keep in touch with local authorities, as well as experts with the USA and UK Embassies.

While Sofia and Bulgaria is considered a safe place, a handful of expatriate, local and diplomatic families happen to have an escort. Please note that family escorts and staff (i.e. bodyguards and drivers), diplomatic or otherwise are not permitted to enter the campus (or be on a field trip or excursion) with a weapon nor undue show of force (i.e. posturing). Certainly drivers may enter the school grounds whilst dropping off children, however, if there are other escorts in the car besides the driver, those escorts must exit the car prior to entering the school grounds.

Escorts and Family Security Staff in Relation to Field Trips and Other School Excursions/Trips
Please note that families with escorts and/or support security staff must contact the school prior to the field trip/excursion to talk with your child’s respective Principal to further clarify school protocol regarding family escort/security staff. At this time the Principal will ask, “Is the purpose of the escort traveling near the child because there is an active threat on the family?” If the answer is “yes”, then the child (and escort) is not permitted to participate in the excursion. If the answer is “no”, then the Principal and family discuss whether or not the escort can have a presence on the excursion depending on the nature of the excursion.

For clarity and safety, under NO circumstances is a person (family member, escort, family security support etc.), diplomatic, or otherwise permitted to be on a school excursion or at school with a weapon.

Our school’s mission, core values and global citizenship statement also pertains to our parents, wider AAS community, third-party contracts, and visitors. As such, any person who violates the rules and regulations of the AAS community via in-person or digital means may be suspended or expelled from the school grounds or any school event by the school director or designee or if necessary local authorities. Furthermore, any continual violations of the rules and regulations may result in suspension from future school events at AAS and may affect the enrollment of any children they have at AAS.