ISP Parent Handbook 2014-15

Parent Handbook 2014–2015 Inspiring Learners for Life | www.isp.cz

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Inspiring Learners for Life ISP Inspires learners to lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives, preparing them to adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world.

ISP Engages its diverse community in an authentic global education, within a nurturing student-centered environment.

ISP Empowers Learners to Think Critically and Creatively.

Work Cooperatively and Independently.

Listen and Communicate Effectively.

Act with Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Intercultural Understanding.

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International School of Prague Nebušická 700, 164 00 Prague 6 Czech Republic phone: +420 220 384 111 fax: +420 220 384 555 e-mail: ispmail@isp.cz www.isp.cz

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ISP Inspires Learners: Learning at ISP is a dynamic and stimulating process, where students experience the joy and excitement of inquiry, exploration and personal growth.

Healthy: Caring for our physical and emotional well-being enables us to lead balanced lives in work and in play, with the goal of developing a sound mind, body and spirit.

ISP Empowers Learners to: • Think Critically and Creatively: The ability to draw on our own judgment and observational skills as well as thinking “out of the box,” using alternative approaches to solve problems and envision and develop new ideas.

Fulfilling: As we gain awareness of who we are as individuals, we learn to recognize and appreciate what we find satisfying, rewarding and gratifying in our lives.

• Work Cooperatively and Independently: Use a variety of interpersonal skills to engage peers in productive collaborative work, while retaining the capacity to create, based on one’s own abilities.

Purposeful: In developing a deep impulse and capacity for life-long learning, we learn to make considered choices and work towards meaningful goals, which provide direction, focus and purpose to our lives.

• Listen and Communicate Effectively: Actively listen, appreciate and understand the views and perspectives of others, and clearly express one’s self in different modes and circumstances.

Adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world: Developing essential skills and competencies enable us to evaluate the shifting circumstances we encounter, take calculated risks and adapt well to change.

Our core values guide us to make responsible choices and actively support the needs of our local and global communities.

• Act with: Compassion: Empathize with others’ circumstances and feelings and treat others with sensitivity, kindness and generosity.

Integrity: Act ethically, morally, responsibly, conscientiously and honestly.

Respect: Treat everyone, including oneself, with dignity.

Intercultural Understanding: Valuing and understanding the perspective and origins of other people by actively engaging with their language, culture and history.

ISP Engages its diverse community in an authentic global education: Teaching and learning at ISP is an enjoyable, thought provoking and dynamic process, which allows students to make meaningful and relevant connections. Learners are given the opportunity to experience and apply “real world” knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines. In other words instead of simply learning about the subject, students have the opportunity to “do” the discipline as a practitioner (historian, artist, mathematician…) would.

Nurturing student-centered environment: Our students receive strong academic, social and emotional support in a safe and caring environment, where the learning styles and needs of each learner are effectively supported.

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I.#Introduction## About&the&International&School&of&Prague& Educational&Philosophy& & & & English&as&an&Additional&Language& & Your&Financial&Support&of&ISP& & & Creating&a&Positive&School&Environment& & Bullying&& & & & & Drug&Free&and&Smoke&Free&Environment& Guidelines&for&Dogs&on&Campus& & & Use&of&ISP&Buildings&and&Grounds& & ISP&Campus&Access&Policy& & & & II.#School#Organization# # # # # Overview# # # # # & &Governance& & & & & & && The&Board&of&Trustees& & & & & The&Director& & & & &&The&Office&of&Advancement& & & & &&School&Community&Association&(SCA)& & & III.#Admissions#Protocol## # # # & Admissions&and&Placement&of&Students& & & Health&Records&and&Immunization& & & Tuition&and&Other&Fees& & & & & Special&Payment&Plan& & & & & Tuition&and&Other&Refunds& & & & Making&Payments& & & & & Capital&Assessment&Fee&& & & & Financial&Assistance& & & & & Scholarship&Program& & & & & IV.#General#Information# # # # & Annual&School&Calendar&& & & & School&Hours&–&Arrival&and&Dismissal&Times& & Student&Attendance& & & & & Promotion&and&Retention& & & & Emergency&Evacuation&Plan& & & & Evacuation&Procedures& & & & & Library& & & & & & & Information&Technology&& & & & Use&of&the&Telephone& & & & & Care&of&School&Property&& & & & Transportation& & & & & & Cafeteria& & & & & & Student&Health& & & & & & Illness& & & & & & & Dress& & & & & & & Parent&Open&Houses& & & &

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Dear ISP Parents,

Welcome to the International School of Prague!

We believe that parents play an integral role in a child’s educational experience, and involved parents help to make ISP the welcoming and warm environment that it is. We view parents as partners in your child’s education and welcome you wholeheartedly to participate in the rich life of our school.

In order to participate productively, it is important to understand our mission, which articulates our purpose, vision and values. Please take the time to read the mission carefully (found on the inside covers of this handbook) – it’s the standard to which we hold ourselves in all aspects of ISP life.

We’ve created this comprehensive Parent Handbook to help familiarize you with our school’s procedures, rules and expectations. While each school is unique, the procedures found in this handbook reflect current practice in many international schools around the world. Being familiar with the information presented herein is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of the school. Your understanding, acceptance of and cooperation with our procedures and policies will help to ensure that your time with us at ISP is an enjoyable and enriching experience for you and your children.

At ISP we have a saying, “go to the source.” This means that it is crucial to bring any concerns or issues directly to the person involved, whether it be your child’s teacher or any other ISP community member. While it might feel uncomfortable to speak directly with the person involved, I know you will find that such communication will be the best way to resolve issues effectively. Of course, whenever you have questions or concerns, we invite you to speak with any administrator or teacher.

Sometimes a simple clarification can solve a potential misunderstanding.

There are many avenues for parents to become involved in the School. We have a very active School Community Association (SCA) with parents just like you, involved in many aspects of life at ISP. A series of information evenings, coffee mornings, and conference days are scheduled to keep you informed.

Ultimately we are all here for our students, your children. With your support, we will realize our mission for each and every student at ISP, to Inspire Learners to lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives, preparing them to adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world.

Once again, welcome to ISP! Yours sincerely,

Dr. Arnie Bieber, Director

About The International School of Prague The “English Speaking School of Prague” was founded in 1948 by a group of British parents. It gradually expanded to meet the needs of all foreign children, and eventually came under the auspices of the Embassy of the United States of America. It was located in the American Embassy until 1979 when it moved to the "original" Mylnerovka location. ISP is now an independent, private, non-­‐profit, international school with 840 students from over 60 nationalities.

Since February of 1997 the School has been housed in its new campus located in the Nebusice district of Prague 6. The campus (which underwent a major renovation and extension project in 2010 and 2014) is organized into three sections:

• Elementary School (PK3 through Grade 5) • Middle School (Grades 6 through 8) • Upper School (Grades 9 through 12).

The School is open to all students from the Prague community who may benefit from attending ISP. The medium of instruction at ISP is English, so all students are expected to be either fluent in English or develop fluency through the School’s extensive “English as an Additional Language” program.

We are proud that ISP provides the best-­‐resourced and purpose-­‐built school in the region; it has two gymnasiums, a theater, dining hall and food services, specialist rooms, multi purpose rooms, computer labs and five science labs, extensive playgrounds & sports facilities, and a state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art library.

We have advanced information technology capabilities, including wireless infrastructure and access to the Internet in all learning centers and classrooms.

The International School of Prague is a non-­‐profit institution. Tuition, Auxiliary Revenue, Donations, and Endowment Contribution are the school’s main sources of income and all income goes back into providing superb resources, programs and the highest caliber of professional educators.

The School is governed by a nine-­‐member volunteer Board of Trustees. The Board includes ISP parents, representatives from embassies, multi-­‐national organizations and businesses. The Board of Trustees meets regularly during the school year.

The School's curriculum is standards-­‐based and drawn from the most effective international models, focusing on interdisciplinary, inquiry-­‐based learning and the developmental acquisition of skills. It stresses the importance of educating and meeting the needs of the whole child. In addition to an American High School diploma, ISP offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program to students in Grades 11 and 12, with most graduates earning an IB Diploma.

The International School of Prague is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) and received its full ten year re-­‐ accreditation by both CIS and NEASC in June 2007, with an interim accreditation review in 2012.

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The School is active with the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA), the European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and the Academy of International School Heads (AISH).

Educational Philosophy The purpose of the International School of Prague is to provide an educational program in the English language, based on sound research-­‐based educational philosophies and methods.

The School is committed to excellence in teaching. It is dedicated to helping its students make full use of their intellect and to develop character traits that will make them valued citizens of their nations and the world community.

The Board, staff, and parent community of the International School of Prague believe that:

• Each child is a unique individual, possessing dignity and worth; • Each child develops physically and intellectually at a rate that is singular to him/her, and each child has different learning styles; • Education is a gradual process which starts in the home, is enhanced through the school, and continues throughout life; • Formal education is a shared responsibility between parents and the School; • A school should provide a safe environment which nurtures social and emotional well being; • A school should strive to educate the whole child, providing experiences in intellectual development, physical exercise, aesthetic appreciation, creative production, social cooperation, and character formation; • A quality educational program provides challenges for all students with support for students with special needs; • An international school should foster respect and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures; • An international school should provide experiences that bring its students into contact with the host country's language, culture, history and citizens.

In keeping with these beliefs, the School will:

• Accept only those students for whom the School can provide appropriate services; • Provide students with an appropriate education in consonance with students' developmental stages, previous experience, and learning styles; • Enable students to develop mastery of essential skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, modern languages, the arts and technology; • Provide students with an opportunity to develop social skills, emphasizing respect for all people;

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Offer students a recognized Upper School graduation credential which will enable them to continue their studies at a college or university suited to their needs and abilities; Facilitate student enrichment via the historic and cultural location of the School and through the diverse backgrounds of its community; Cultivate students' appreciation for and enjoyment of learning.

English as an Additional Language ISP is a diverse multicultural community; the majority of our students are not native English speakers. During any given year, a significant number of our student population will require some degree of assistance in becoming fluent in the English language. To provide that assistance, the school has developed a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Qualified EAL teachers work alongside our subject area teachers to support non-­‐native speakers learning in English.

At ISP all non-­‐native English-­‐speaking students from Grades 6-­‐12 are tested when they arrive at school. Our EAL specialists and classroom teachers determine placement in the EAL program. Once the English language proficiency level has been determined, the students are placed in the EAL program as needed. How long a student remains in the EAL program is determined by how quickly the student acquires English. A comprehensive set of assessments, in addition to teachers’ recommendations, are used to determine students’ readiness to exit the EAL program.

Your Financial Support of ISP ISP is a non-­‐profit institution. As such, it is supported not only by tuition, but by donations from Parents, Alumni, Corporations, Faculty, and many others. When everyone gives to the best of their ability, the additional support (the amount beyond tuition alone) allows ISP to maintain its reputation of unsurpassed education in the Czech Republic -­‐ and beyond.

An ISP education today includes a student body of around 840 students from over 60 countries, over 115 Faculty members, another 90 Staff members, all situated in a custom built campus on 6.6 hectares (16.3 acres). That's a Student to Faculty & Staff ratio of about 4:1.

Maintaining these attributes is not inexpensive, so it is only through the benevolence of our donors that ISP can continue to offer its unique form of education while keeping tuition costs competitive.

Understanding the impact that ISP students have in the world leads many to know that their philanthropic donations are put to excellent use at the School. Giving to ISP has become a tradition for all our family members – without your participation, ISP cannot continue to be the same school that attracted you to it in the first place.

We hope that you will respond with understanding, enthusiasm, and generosity (according to your ability) when asked to support ISP.

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Creating a Positive School Environment It is our aim to create a positive and nurturing school environment. Creating a healthy school climate involves developing a school community where all members share a set of essential values and support a common purpose.

Concretely, “the way things are done” at ISP is a reflection of the values, beliefs, and shared understanding among school personnel, students, parents, and others involved in the school community.

The establishment and maintenance of a positive school culture require ongoing attention and effort from all within the school community.

All ISP constituents, and especially our students, benefit from participating in a community with shared values as stated in our mission:

Compassion: Empathize with others’ circumstances and feelings and treat others

with sensitivity, kindness and generosity.

Integrity: Act ethically, morally, responsibly, conscientiously and honestly.

Respect: Treat everyone, including oneself, with esteem and dignity.

Intercultural Value and understand the perspective and origins of other people Understanding: by actively engaging with their language, culture and history.

We are a community of people who rely on each other and trust each other. It is our joint responsibility to create and protect the well being of each member of our group and the greater good of our community. Consequently, there are certain expectations and rules to which we are all held accountable.

All members of the school community must respect the sensitivities and well being of others. Any form of disrespect, any humiliation, threat or violence toward another person is not acceptable.

Bullying Any form of bullying that causes emotional or physical harm to another person or group, including “Cyber Bullying” (e.g. inappropriate use of social media, e-­‐mail, text messages, web sites), is not tolerated at ISP.

Drug Free and Smoke Free Environment In order to protect the students’ health, safety and welfare, the use of, possession of or trafficking in controlled substances (such as alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and inappropriate prescription drugs) is prohibited at school, on school field trips and school sponsored functions. Any student found

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possessing, using, trafficking or under the influence of a controlled substance on campus, at a school function, or on a school field trip will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in suspension or expulsion from school.

Use of Alcohol by Adults at School Functions The Director is responsible for granting permission for functions to be held on school premises at which alcohol is to be supplied or sold.

Procedures: a) Parents or Staff are to be informed of any school function at which alcohol will be served. b) Alcohol must not be sold or supplied to or for the consumption of students.

Smoke Free Campus The International School of Prague maintains a “Smoke Free” campus. No tobacco of any kind may be used within its environs.

Guidelines for Dogs on Campus Dogs are not allowed on campus, in the school buildings or classrooms unless they are serving as a bona-­‐fide service dog (i.e. "seeing-­‐eye" dog) to a staff member, parent, child or visitor. In such cases, an up to date vaccination record must be provided for the animal. Pets are allowed in school if they are part of an approved classroom project.

Use of ISP Buildings and Grounds The International School of Prague believes that school facilities should be made available for community purposes, provided that such use does not infringe on the original and necessary purpose of the property or interfere with the educational program of the school.

ISP will consider the use of school facilities when a responsible individual, organization or group, has requested such permission in writing to the Activities Director.

When there are competing interests for the use of facilities, approval will be given according to the following priorities: • Uses directly related to the International School of Prague and the operations of the School.

• Uses and groups related to the International School of Prague, including the School

Community Association (SCA).

• Community organizations or groups of individuals formed for charitable, civic, social, religious, recreational, educational purposes.

• Commercial or profit-­‐making organizations or individuals offering services for profit.

• Use of school equipment in conjunction with the use of school facilities must be requested specifically in writing.

• The users of school equipment must accept liability for any damage or loss to such equipment that occurs while it is in their use.

• Users shall be liable financially for damage to the facilities and for proper chaperonage.

• Users fees are assessed and communicated as part of the application process.

Contact ISP’s Activities Director for information on booking ISP facilities.

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ISP Campus Access Policy •

In order to maintain a secure facility, parents and students can have access to the ISP campus on the weekend through the front gate only. Parents must have their Parent ID card with them. If you do not have a Parent ID card, you can receive one at reception during normal school hours. Middle and Upper School students will not be required to have an ID card, but if not recognized will be asked to give their name to the security guards at the front gate. The name will be checked against an ISP student list.

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Parents must accompany and supervise students in Grade 5 and below (or age 11 and younger) when they are on the ISP campus after 2:45 during school days or on the weekend and when the student is not involved in a school-­‐sponsored activity. Supervision on the playground equipment and elsewhere is essential to ensure that our students are safe.

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The playground equipment is both challenging and fun, but needs to be used correctly to be safe. We require that parents supervise all students in Grade 5 and below (or age 11 and younger) while they are using the School playground equipment. Please read the Operating Manual that is available on the SchoolNet website and displayed near each playground.

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SCHOOL ORGANIZATION Overview The International School of Prague s.r.o. is a not-­‐for-­‐profit educational institution. As declared in the Czech Commercial Registry, proceeds from the School's operations are returned for investment in the institution and not distributed as profits or dividends to any entity or individual. The School has a single shareholder -­‐ The International School of Prague Foundation, which is a United States' registered not-­‐for-­‐profit foundation (a so-­‐called US 501(c)(3)). PwC Česká republika serves currently as the auditors of the School's financial statements and processes.

Governance ISP is governed by an all-­‐volunteer Board of Trustees that oversees the governance of the School.

The Board of Trustees establishes policies and procedures as needed to enable the School to function effectively and efficiently.

The Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees shall have full authority and responsibility for all matters connected with the governance of the International School of Prague. The Director shall have full authority and responsibility for the efficient administration and operation of the School. In implementing its governing function, the Board of Trustees shall establish such policies and bylaws as may be required for the proper and efficient operation of the School.

School related concerns or issues should be brought to the appropriate administrator or teacher (“go to the source”). The Board of Trustees acts as a collective body and is primarily concerned with major policies, fiduciary oversight and the strategic future of ISP. To this end, the Board has established specific “Strategic Policies” that serve as a foundation for school governance. The Director is responsible for translating these policies into specific procedures, rules and/or regulations.

Strategic Policies A. International and local staff members shall be recruited and retained who consistently

support, promote, and apply the mission of the School.

As part of the policy: 1.

Performance standards and a process for appraising faculty and support staff shall

be identified.

2.

An organizational staffing plan that promotes appropriate achievement for each

student shall be maintained and continuously reviewed.

3.

An effective professional development program that supports the educational

strategic plan shall be maintained.

4.

The Board shall approve any changes to the salaries and benefits of faculty and staff.

B. The educational program shall be designed, reviewed, and assessed to promote high achievement for all ISP students within the parameters of the School’s mission.

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As part of the policy: 1. A challenging, engaging, and coherent written curriculum and monitoring process

that addresses the needs of all learners shall be maintained.

2. The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) shall be supported and maintained.

3.

A comprehensive plan for assessing student learning shall be an integral part of the academic program.

4.

Educational programs and their implementation shall reflect the principles of enduring understanding, inquiry, and an emphasis on educating the whole child.

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7.

8.

Students shall be accepted without discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, or nationality.

Students shall be admitted based on the School’s evaluation of the potential of the applicant to benefit from the educational services available at the School and the School’s capacity to meet the educational needs of the applicant.

Diversity and balance shall be maintained in the classroom.

7a. To provide for diversity and a balance of nationalities, no more than 20% of any one national group may occupy the available places within the School.

7b. Qualified students of ISP faculty are exempt from 7a and are not counted in the 20% limit.

Accredited status with the Council of International Schools and a reputable US accrediting agency shall be maintained.

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The School year shall consist of no less than 180 student contact days.

C. The School’s learning environment shall be safe, secure, healthy, and supportive of the

mission.

As part of the policy: 1. The campus shall be smoke-­‐free on both the interior and exterior.

D. Financial planning and resource allocation procedures shall be adequate to ensure the long-­‐ and short-­‐term financial security of the School.

As part of the policy: 1. Financial statements shall be approved in accordance with Generally Accepted

Accounting Standards (GAAP).

2. An independent firm on an annual basis shall audit financial statements.

3. The Board shall approve an annual budget for the School in the spring of each school

year.

4. Financial procedures shall be maintained in a Financial Handbook, which is to be reviewed annually by the Board Finance Committee.

5. Financial assistance is available to families of continuing students in all grades but priority is given to students in Grades 6 – 12.

6. ISP shall make every attempt to maintain reserves equal to no less than 25% of anticipated budget expenses.

E. Strategic goals for the long-­‐term development of the School shall be established and periodically reviewed by the Board in collaboration with the Administration.

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As part of the policy: 1. Plans to achieve ISP’s strategic goals shall be developed annually.

2. The Board shall periodically evaluate the School’s effectiveness in achieving the

mission.

3. The Board will ensure that an appropriate and regular risk management process is in place.

F. Development, advancement, and fund raising programs shall support the mission and be

consistent with the School’s values.

As part of the policy: 1. The Board and the Administration shall effectively communicate the School’s

diversity, values, and academic standards.

2. Fund-­‐generating programs to provide for the security and prosperity of ISP,

including such purposes as financial aid, facilities enhancement, and future growth,

shall be established, monitored, and reviewed.

3. An up-­‐to-­‐date marketing plan shall be maintained.

Expectations of Trustee

1. Understand and support the Mission of ISP.

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Create and help maintain an atmosphere of respect, trust, support, cooperation, and collegiality with your fellow trustees, the Director, and the Administration.

Understand that as a Trustee, you represent exclusively the interests of the entire School, not the interests of select groups or individuals.

Help the Board to set and achieve its annual goals.

Delegate the administration of ISP to the Director.

Work to fulfill the Strategic Plan.

Understand the legal structure and finances of the School.

Make ISP one of your major philanthropic interests.

Help with fund-­‐raising.

Guard against conflict of interests.

Attend all Board Meetings.

Read the agenda packet before each meeting and be prepared to discuss issues on the agenda.

Hold the School to high expectations – don’t be afraid to speak your mind.

Respect confidentiality; do not disclose details of board deliberations outside the board room.

Support decisions of the Board, even if you disagree during discussion.

Raise the profile of the School in the wider community, and recommend ISP to potential new families.

Make every effort to attend all friend-­‐raising and fund-­‐raising events… your presence makes a difference.

Make Board membership recommendations for future Trustees to the Trustee Committee.

Help new Trustees to be successful.

Help with college acceptance if asked and appropriate.

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Board of Trustees Membership 1.

The Board consists of nine voting members.

2.

The Board is comprised of elected and appointed members.

Board Meetings The Board may meet once per month while school is in session. The Board will periodically provide an Executive Summary of the Board Minutes.

The Director The Board of Trustees recognizes the Director as its Chief Executive Officer, and charges him/her with the administrative functions of operating the School. The Director’s duties are clearly defined by the Board.

The Director is responsible to the Board for the execution of Board policies, for the efficient observance of regulations by all employees, for administration and supervision of the work of all departments and programs, and for all other educational, social, and recreational activities connected with the School.

In the spirit of shared leadership, the director works closely with the all members of the Leadership Team. During times when the Director is not present, members of the Leadership Team are empowered to act on the Director’s behalf. Members of the Leadership Team are: Principals, Business & Operations Manager, Information Technology Director, Advancement Director, Human Resource Director, Director of Learning R&D, Activities/Athletics Director.

The Office of Advancement The areas of responsibility of the Office of Advancement include, but are not limited to: • The Admission of students; • Internal and External Communications, via print & other media; • Website development & maintenance; • Fundraising & Fundraising events (such as “Cabaret” and “Night at the Palace”); • Alumni relations and reunions; • Coordination of student and faculty/staff external fundraising and community service events; • External Relations.

Although staffed with dedicated professionals, the Office of Advancement is very fortunate in its ability to rely on a large number of dedicated Parent and Alumni volunteers. If you’d like to participate in a fundraising event, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to make yourself heard either in person or at development@isp.cz.

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School Community Association (SCA) The SCA is an all-­‐volunteer parent organization. Through social events and the dissemination of useful information, it helps the School to provide the best possible educational and social environment for the entire school community.

The goals of the SCA are to: • Support the School in implementing ISP's Strategic Plan and Mission; • Achieve clear and consistent communication among parents; • Support new families; • Promote school spirit; • Raise funds to support the operations of the SCA.

Below are some of the Committees of the SCA – please consider volunteering for any activity in which you have an interest: Sports Boosters Assist the Athletic Department at home games and tournaments by operating the “Snack Shack”, raise funds as needed, and coordinate the Sports Banquets at the end of the school year.

Friends of the Arts Support the Fine Arts Department through set production, costume making and refreshments during performances.

Welcome Committee Welcome and support families of new students.

Classroom support Class parents assist teachers with special activities.

Special events Plan and execute events such as the International Food Fair, Halloween, the Arts and Crafts Fair, and outings to various places of interest in and around Prague.

Getting Involved The SCA holds a Coffee Morning on the second Wednesday of each month. Information on events and activities are posted on the SCA bulletin board near the Dining Hall. Please feel free to contact any SCA Board members with your questions.

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ADMISSIONS PROTOCOL

Admission and Placement of Students The School accepts children without discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, or nationality.

Admission and continued enrollment will be determined based on information obtained with respect to the: • Potential of the applicant to benefit from the educational services available; • Capacity of the School to meet the educational and social needs of the applicant.

The School reserves the right to deny admission or continued enrollment to any applicant if, in its opinion, there is reason to believe that admission would not be in the best interest of the applicant or the School.

Selection of students for admission is based on the School’s capacity to ensure balance and diversity, inclusion, challenge, and success and to meet students’ needs.

Admission to the School and grade placement will be determined by the appropriate school Principal, and in certain cases, the Director.

The School regrets that it cannot accept students with severe handicaps or learning disabilities. ISP does have a learning support program and is able to accommodate some students with mild learning disabilities. Admission is addressed on a case-­‐by-­‐case basis.

Applicants are required to submit:

1. Completed online Application for Admission;

2. Passport size photo;

3. Copy of student passport;

4. Passport or ID card copies of both parents;

5. Official school records for the last two years in English, or officially translated

into English, and results of all educational, psychological, speech and

language assessments or IEP.

6. Completed Confidential Assessment Form (Grades 1–12);

7. Completed Descriptive Form (Preschool–Grade 5);

8. An updated graded essay (Grades 10–12);

9.

Writing Assessment (Grades 1–12); 10. Completed Health Form with an updated physical and a copy of immunization card

included.

Proof of health insurance valid in Czech Republic for the period of studies (i.e. copy of valid health insurance card) needs to be submitted before the student starts classes.

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Admissions Procedure 1. Submission of a completed online application form for admission with required accompanying documents. No application will be processed until all forms are in place and until an application fee is received on the ISP accounts.

2. The completed applicant’s file is activated and reviewed by the appropriate Principal and Counselor.

3. The Principal approves/denies the application. When the application is approved, a placement is confirmed, or the application is placed in the “waiting pool” pending available openings. In all cases, parents are notified in writing about the status of the application two weeks after the file has been fully activated. The parents accept a place by signing and returning an Enrollment Agreement form.

4. Selection of students for admission is based on the School’s capacity to ensure balance and diversity, inclusion, challenge and success.

5. Admission will be offered to students whose needs the School can meet.

Entrance Age Guidelines Students must be three, four, five years (etc.) of age on or before September 1 of the year of entry to be admitted into the PK-­‐3, PK4, kindergarten and other grades. Kindergarten is a normal prerequisite for entry into the first grade.

Grade Level Placement The School will make the final determination of grade level placement based on: a. Age; b. Successful completion of the prior grade; c. Maturity; d. Information obtained through the application process.

It is understood that the terms used to describe a grade level differs from country to country, e.g.

Year 3 (UK) equals to Grade 2 (ISP).

Supervising Entrance Exams Often, before transferring to another school, an entrance exam is required. ISP is prepared to supervise and administer tests as follows: • • •

An assessment for one school can be supervised free of charge unless performed on a weekend; There will be a minimal supervision charge for subsequent testing; Mailing tests, using the regular postal service is free of charge (DHL, FEDEX and similar services will be charged).

Please see the Admissions Director or the Principal for further information.

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Health Records and Immunization In order to ensure the health of your child and the other students at School, we require the completed Admission Student Health Form to be submitted with the other required admission documents. This completed health form must be submitted in English as a part of the requested application documents. The medical exam must be done within the same time frame as the other requested documents. Every three years after admission, a Physical Exam by a Physician is required.

The Health Office will notify you by email if your child is due for a physical exam. This updated health form should be submitted directly to the Health Office as soon as possible. Failure to comply with this requirement after two written reminders from the Health Office is considered to be grounds for suspension of the student.

General Information Required: • All pertinent telephone numbers that enable us to reach parent/s or guardian/s at all times in case of an illness, injury or an emergency.

• A completed ISP Student Health Record form.

• To ensure the ongoing safety and health of your child, please inform the nurse/s as soon as possible of any new concerns, illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, diagnosed learning difficulties (e.g., ADD/ADHD) that have developed during the year. At the beginning of each school year the Health Office will send you a letter to remind you to update us on:

1. Recent vaccinations 2. Any changes in your child’s health condition-­‐ allergies, dietary, etc.

3. Insurance card changes

Required Immunizations (Vaccines) prior to admission:

For Students entering PK3-­‐PK4 (3-­‐4 year olds) •

DPT-­‐ 3 doses

•

Polio-­‐ 3 doses

•

MMR-­‐ 1 dose

•

Hepatitis B-­‐ 3doses

For Students entering K –grade 12

•

DPT-­‐ 4-­‐5 doses

•

Polio-­‐ 4 doses

•

MMR-­‐ 2 doses

•

Hepatitis B-­‐3 doses (if not already received) Note: at 11-­‐12 years of age a Tetanus booster is required.

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Optional—Strongly Recommended for all students:

• BCG vaccine (tuberculosis vaccine) or •

PPD/Mantoux screening test

•

Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine-­‐ 3 doses

•

Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine-­‐ 2 doses by age 5-­‐6 yrs.

•

Hepatitis A vaccine-­‐ 2 doses

Medication If your child requires specific medication during the school day or on class trips, a Medication Authorizing Form giving your permission along with written instructions on administration (times, method, dosage, route of administration) will be required. This form is available on the Health Office section of the ISP website, or can be picked up in the Health Office.

We will not dispense medication to students without the written permission of parent/s or guardian/s.

Students are not to take medication without the school nurse being notified. All medications are to be stored only in the Health Office, unless differently decided with parents in MS and US students.

Tuition and Other Fees Payment of all fees and tuition is due and payable upon receipt of the invoice from the School, no later than by the appropriate deadlines as given on the invoice and as described below. The terms of payment are specified in the Enrollment Agreement signed annually by every parent or guardian with the School. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to ensure payments are made when due. The parents or guardians are also responsible for informing the school promptly of any billing address changes within a reasonable time of its becoming effective.

The payment requests and invoice(s) shall include the Capital Assessment Fee, the Tuition Fee and, for new students, an Application Fee and the Registration Fee. (Parents of returning students wishing to guarantee a seat will be expected to pay a non-­‐refundable deposit in the spring, the amount of which is credited against the Capital Assessment and Tuition Fees due).

Unless you have applied for and have been granted a Special Payment Plan (see below), any tuition and fees payments will be considered past due if not paid by the date given on the payment request, and may be surcharged late fees at the rate of 1.0% per month, or 12% per annum.

New students will receive an Application Fee invoice as part of the registration process. The payment request for the Registration Fee, tuition and fees will be issued once a place has been offered and accepted and the Enrollment Agreement signed. The payment request for the balance

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of tuition and fees must be paid by the due date given on the request. Payments not received by the due date may be surcharged at the above late fee rate, calculated from the invoice due date.

Failure to meet financial obligations in a timely manner may result in suspension of the student.

Upon departure, no diploma, transcript or other academic record may be released until all the student’s financial obligations toward the School are met in full.

Special Payment Plan Based on demonstrated need, a Special Payment Plan of quarterly installment payments may be granted upon written request. Please note that students may not attend class in the absence of appropriate payment of tuition and fees: application for a Special Payment Plan does not remove this obligation from the payer. Questions regarding pending Plan applications or minimum payments may be directed to the Business Office at tel. +420 220 384 590 or kmedvedikova@isp.cz.

A Special Payment Plan request for a returning student or students must be submitted in writing to the Business Office no later than May 15, 2013 (May 15, 2014 for the 14/15 academic year). Plan requests for new students must be submitted prior to the issuing of the first payment request for tuition and fees by the Business Office. All approved Plans will be accepted in writing via a letter from the Business and Operations Manager and a Plan Schedule which must be signed by the payer and returned to the Business Office. An administrative fee of €500 (Five Hundred Euros) will be assessed upon acceptance of a Plan and must be paid promptly for the Plan to take effect.

Failure to meet dates specified in an agreed Plan may result in its being revoked. In the event of the revocation of a Plan, written notice shall be given and financial charges assessed on the unpaid balance at the rate of 1.0% per month, 12% per annum from the date of the student's enrollment.

Failure to meet financial obligations in a timely manner will result in suspension of the student.

Tuition and Other Refunds Tuition is refundable, pro-­‐rated, based on the total number of quarters left in the school year. For example, a student leaving during the second quarter will only receive a refund for the third and fourth quarter. In exceptional cases where a student withdraws from the School after fewer than 30 calendar days from first enrollment, tuition owed will be calculated based on the number of contact days received.

• • • •

The Application Fee is non-­‐refundable.

The Registration Fee is payable if a place is offered to the student by the School and is non-­‐ refundable.

The Capital Assessment Fees are not refundable.

The Deposit Payment (for returning students only) is non-­‐refundable.

Any student beginning classes after the First Day of school (August 20, 2014) will be billed as follows: 1. A pro-­‐rated Tuition Fee based on the total number of weeks remaining in the School year (partial weeks are billed as full weeks); 2. A Capital Assessment Fee in full (this fee is not pro-­‐rated); 3. An Application Fee and Registration Fee in full (these one time fees are not pro-­‐rated).

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Making Payments All payments are due on the School’s published bank account(s) in Euros and net of any bank fees.

School bank details are provided with the payment request and/or invoice issued.

The School does not accept payments in other currencies. Euro checks drawn on the School’s bank are accepted.

When transferring funds, be sure you instruct your bank to provide your child’s name and invoice number for reference, and to indicate which fee is being paid. For added assurance of promptly receiving proper credit, please send a copy of your bank transfer receipt to the Business Office. If you have any questions, please contact the Business Office at tel. +420 220 384 590 or kmedvedikova@isp.cz.

Capital Assessment Fee The Capital Assessment Fee is payable for ten years of a student's enrollment at the School. This Fee will no longer be invoiced to a student after having been paid ten times.

Financial Assistance The goal of the International School of Prague’s Financial Assistance Program is to give temporary tuition and fee reduction to currently enrolled ISP students in cases of unexpected financial need.

Financial Assistance is not available for newly registered students. Assistance is granted on an annual basis. Reapplication is allowed, though grants are normally limited to two consecutive years.

For further information please contact the Admissions Office directly or at admissions@isp.cz.

Scholarship Program The goal of the program is to make the ISP educational experience available to a diverse range of students. The scholarships are based not only on financial need, but also on merit. ISP actively seeks excellent students who will benefit from an ISP education and who will be an asset to the ISP community of learners.

ISP Scholarships are available to Czech citizens and other residents of the Czech Republic. Currently, scholarships are only granted to students in the Upper School (Grades 9–12). For further information please contact the Admissions Office directly.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Annual School Calendar The Director, in collaboration with the Administration is responsible for drafting and approving the annual School calendar.

The criteria for the calendar will be as follows:

1. There shall be a minimum of 180 student/teacher contact days.

2. Major Holidays:

October – one week.

December/January – three weeks.

February – one week.

March/April – one week.

School Hours — Arrival and Dismissal Times School starts promptly at 08:00 for all grades, including Pre-­‐school and Kindergarten. Late arrivals unfairly disrupt classroom schedules and affect students’ opportunities for learning. Please make every effort to have your child at the School between 07:45 and 07:55.

A bell is rung five minutes before classes begin in the morning (07:55). At this time children should be in their classrooms, preparing for the day ahead. Students who arrive after 8:00 should go to the appropriate office to get a tardy slip before going to class.

Dismissal Times:

PK3–PK4 14:30 KG-­‐Grade 5 14:45 Grades 6-­‐12 15:00

Pick-­‐up should not be later than 10 minutes after School is dismissed. Students may not stay at the school after dismissal unless they are participating in a supervised after-­‐school activity. Students in Grades 3-­‐12 may use the library after school. All students must have departed campus no later than 17:15, unless they are participating in an adult supervised School approved activity.

Early Dismissal Students may be dismissed at noon, in order that the faculty may participate in staff professional development workshops, the accreditation process or curriculum work. These early dismissal dates are indicated in the School calendar.

Radio Controlled Clocks ISP uses “Radio Controlled” clocks, which ensures exact time throughout the building. Please set your watches and home clocks so that you and your children are on time and punctual.

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Student Attendance Please read the Elementary, Middle, and Upper School sections for student attendance rules. It is important to stress that these rules will be strictly enforced and are supported by the Board and the Administration.

Promotion and Retention The success and welfare of our students are the prime concern of the professional staff at ISP. The professional staff regularly evaluates students. If a faculty member has serious concerns about the academic success or personal development of a student, that teacher will request a parent conference immediately.

Promotion from grade to grade at ISP is based on the student’s performance with respect to all aspects of the curriculum and the student’s academic and social development.

Retention is occasionally determined to be in the best interest of the child. A decision to retain a student will only be made after every attempt has been made to support him / her in meeting the grade level standards. The school will communicate with parents about special steps taken to support their child’s learning and will be informed of any decision to retain their child in a timely manner.

Emergency Evacuation Plan In the case of fire or any other type of emergency, students and staff must be prepared to evacuate the School quietly without panic and in the least possible time.

Possible Reasons for Evacuation • A fire in the School; • Extreme weather conditions; • Civil unrest; • Spillage of hazardous chemicals; • Bomb threat;

Drills Special drills shall be planned during the school year to train students and staff in procedures to be followed in particular types of emergency. Parents and visitors who are in the School during these drills will be expected to participate.

Fire Drills and Emergencies Emergency exit procedures are clearly posted in all classrooms and public areas. Teachers are expected to be familiar with basic emergency procedures and exit routes and to model the required response and behavior for their students. Visitors should evacuate the building and wait with staff at the gathering points.

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In Case of Fire Students and staff will practice the School’s fire drill procedure at least once per term. At the sound of the fire alarm, students and staff must report to their assigned area and await further instructions.

In Case of a Local or National Emergency When it is unsafe to send children home If the School authorities believe it is unsafe to allow children to travel home, the children will be kept at the School and supervised by teachers until: • It is safe to travel home or; • His or her parent collects the child.

The School will endeavor to contact all parents to explain what is happening and provide them with the opportunity to collect their children from the School.

The School has a web-­‐based SMS system which allows us to contact all constituents simultaneously through mobile phone text messaging.

Evacuation Procedures Fire Procedure 1. When the alarm sounds, students should line up, without any personal belongings,

at the nearest exit.

2. The first student should lead the class, in silence, out of the building (following the

prescribed plan indicated on the map posted in each room).

3. Time permitting, all lights should be turned off and doors and windows closed.

4. All classes will go to their assigned area.

5. The classroom teacher will take attendance.

6. The Director or designated staff member will check with each teacher to make

sure that all students are accounted for.

7. All staff and students will wait quietly for further instructions.

8. All teachers who are on non-­‐contact time when the evacuation situation arises

should go to the designated assembly area.

9. Assigned staff will ensure that fire doors are closed and their section of the

building is secure.

10. These assigned staff will meet the Director (or designated staff member) by the

main entrance.

11. Visitors and parents will follow instructions as they leave the building.

Emergency Evacuation The alarm will be followed by an announcement. Remain in your classroom and wait for further instructions. If you are not in your classroom at the time of the alarm, please stay where you are until receiving further instructions.

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In the case of a bomb threat or evacuation of the School, we will move to the end of the parking lot near the sports field. If necessary, subsequent instructions shall be given for evacuation off campus to the gym at the Nebusická School.

The School SMS system will be used to contact all parents.

Lock Down Procedure A Lock Down is implemented only when an extraordinary event occurs creating a dangerous situation from outside the campus.

Upon the sounding of the lock down announcement:

1.

Staff will stop all activities and take students to the nearest room or tell students to remain in their present location. Everyone should remain quiet, as if no one is in the room and no one is to answer the door.

2.

The staff member will lock and secure doors, turn out lights, cover windows, pull shades or drapes and move students out of line of sight of door and/or window, keeping everyone facing away from glass or doors, where possible.

3.

Staff will have students lie on floor or under desks away from any windows.

4.

All staff and students in the cafeteria will go to the small gym.

Library The library is a resource center for the ISP Community. The librarians are experienced educators who work closely with classroom teachers to teach information literacy skills and promote literacy throughout ISP. Students and parents are encouraged to use the library, the various library resources, and borrow materials for use at home. Library services of particular interest to parents are the parenting section with books and magazines about children and parenting and a variety of magazines that are of interest to both students and adults.

Library operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 07:30 to 17:00 and Friday 07:30 to 16:00. All students are welcome to use the library after school hours. However, an adult must accompany Elementary School students in Grades PK through Grade 2.

Information Technology The International School of Prague (ISP) believes that Information Technology (IT) plays an essential role in inspiring learners to lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives, and to prepare them to adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world. IT supports our learners to engage in an authentic global education and helps create a nurturing student-­‐centered environment. Information technology is used at ISP when it enhances understanding to develop and apply technology skills in integrated ways in line with the National Education Technology Standards created by the International Society for Technology in Education.

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The Petr Mares Laptop Program in Middle School and Upper School along with the Elementary School Laptop Cart Program, iPads and iTouches provide students and teachers with the means to develop critical skills while further integrating information technology into the curriculum. The program provides enhanced learning opportunities in our classrooms and promotes the development of responsible digital citizenship.

Elementary School PreK-­‐Grade 5 The Elementary School is equipped with five laptop carts, each containing 21 Apple Macbook Air 11” laptops. Three of these carts are dedicated to the Grade 4-­‐5 classes, one cart of 21 Macbook Air 11” laptops is dedicated to Grade 3 classes, and one cart of 10 Macbooks to Grade 4-­‐5 EAL Learning areas. We have 3 iPad carts and individual iPads supporting Grades PreK-­‐3 classes, and in our Learning Support and EAL departments. Grades 4 and 5 have a small set of iPad minis to support them further with their laptop program.

All classroom and subject specialist teachers are supported by a full time Digital Learning Facilitator to meaningfully use IT when they plan, teach, assess, and reflect on their units of inquiry to better support student understanding.

The goal of the information technology program in the Elementary School is to strive towards an integrated approach that supports changes required by digital-­‐age learning environments. The technology resources provide students with relevant and engaging learning experiences while promoting digital citizenship and responsibility.

Middle School Grades 6-­‐8 The Middle School has the Petr Mares 1-­‐to-­‐1 laptop program, in which each student is loaned a school-­‐leased MacBook laptop to be used both at school and at home.

The Middle School has a dedicated Digital Learning Facilitator who manages, facilitates and supports the students and faculty in integrating information technology within the class curriculum.

All Grade 6 students go through a nine week digital orientation course facilitated by the Digital Learning Facilitator, Counselor and a few select teachers, to provide them with the skills, understanding and information to be responsible users of the laptops. The MS program has no dedicated computer classes since we believe in integrating all necessary IT skills directly into the classroom; we believe students grasp IT skills more effectively when IT is integrated directly into the classroom setting.

We see the Middle School Petr Mares 1-­‐to-­‐1 laptop program as a time to determine the correct balance of digital and traditional tools and learning experiences. Through our program, students develop an understanding of the benefits of researching, collaborating and multi-­‐faceted projects whether the laptop plays a major role or supportive role. This student-­‐centered approach to learning information technology skills allows for a diverse range of skills to be explored and enhanced, and it is all part of developing higher-­‐order thinking skills that will allow students success in the application of these IT skills as they progress in schools and beyond.

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Upper School Grade 9-­‐12 The Upper School has a one-­‐to-­‐one laptop program in which each student brings a self-­‐purchased Apple MacBook laptop to school on a daily basis.

In the Upper School we believe the integration of laptops in the curriculum enhances learning opportunities and provides students with strong skills to learn and be productive in an increasingly digital and globally connected world. The laptop program allows students to make ethical and appropriate use of technology an active and integral part of their learning. Laptops allow us to engage the students "where they are," and to offer them authentic learning experiences where they can use current tools to create, communicate, collaborate, think critically as well as demonstrate a host of other skills necessary to thrive in our changing world.

The Upper School has a dedicated Digital Learning Facilitator who manages the 1 to1 program, and supports the students and faculty in integrating information technology in the daily class curriculum.

In addition to daily classroom integration of technology, each 9th Grade student is required to take a 1 Semester course, “IT as a Profession”, where they consolidate learning regarding digital citizenship and laptop management, as well as delve into professional applications such as Maya, Logic Express and Flash. We have two multimedia computer labs to support the “IT as a Profession” course as well as our other Computer Science electives (Game Production I & II, IB Computer Science I & II) and Multi-­‐Media electives (Digital Filmmaking, IB Film, Motion Graphics, Yearbook).

Information Technology Infrastructure Apple Platform School

Computing and Communications Infrastructure Network: All instructional spaces, administration offices, library and other infrastructure of the School are connected over a 200 Mbps LAN with a 1 GB backbone.

Servers 5 servers power the School’s network and web services.

Wireless Access The School is wireless with access to the Internet and our web services through 802.11 g access points.

Internet Access to the Internet is available through a high-­‐speed 200 Mbps.

Applications and Systems All school machines run iLife, iWork, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Office for Mac, Inspiration, plus specific productivity software to support the curriculum in different sections of the school.

International School of Prague Digital Citizenship Agreement for Students The International School of Prague believes that the Internet and digital devices offer vast, diverse, and unique resources to students, parents, faculty and staff. Our goal in providing Internet access

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and digital devices to students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating innovation, communication and collaboration.

In order to meet our goal, users are expected to abide by and model the accepted Digital Citizenship Agreement, which includes but is not limited to: 1. RESPECT Yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate. I will consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my life, experiences, experimentation or relationships I post.

2. RESPECT Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to flame, bully, or stalk other people. I will show respect for other people and myself in my choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading to others, pornographic, racist or inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people's private spaces or areas.

3. RESPECT for Property. I will respect the property of others including school IT property such as networks, hardware, software, or other user’s files and data. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation, uploading, or downloading of computer viruses or other malicious software.

4. RESPECT Intellectual Property. I will request permission to use resources. I will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, and other media. I will only use software and media others produce with their permission. I will use free and open source alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase, license and register all software. I will purchase my music and media, and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their licenses.

I will act with integrity.

5. PROTECT Yourself. I will ensure that the information, images and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.

6. PROTECT Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse and by not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

Failure to abide by the school’s Digital Citizenship Agreement may result in one or more of the following: • Disciplinary action by the section Principal and/or Director of the School.

• The notification to the appropriate legal authorities for prosecution, if required.

• Responsibility for damages to all IT equipment, networks, and hardware or software systems resulting from deliberate or willful acts of vandalism.

NOTE: International School of Prague HAS FULL ACCESS TO ALL SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING purposes.

This document was adapted from the Digital Citizenship AUA located at http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Digital+Citizen+AUA and is licensed by International School of Prague under a Creative Commons Attribution-­‐NonCommercial-­‐ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-­‐nc-­‐sa/3.0/

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Parent Resources at ISP on the Internet: Here is a brief breakdown of the different web resources available to our parent community • ISP Web Page: o http://www.isp.cz o Not password protected o Within this site • School Community Association: School Community Intranet o SCHOOLNET: http://schoolnet.isp.cz o Password protected o Username: isp o Password: falcons • Powerschool Student Information System Middle and Upper School o http://is.isp.cz/public/home.html o Access for Parents and Students in the Upper School o Upper School Grades and assignments can be viewed o Tutorials and instruction how to access Powerschool can be found at this link in our Schoolnet Community Intranet: http://schoolnet.isp.cz/index.php/us/powerschool PLEASE NOTE: The International School of Prague IT Department cannot provide technical support and/or fix or update parent machines. We can recommend English-­‐speaking computer shops upon request.

Use of the Telephone Students may request use of school telephones only in case of emergencies. The use of cellular telephones during school hours is not allowed in Elementary and Middle Schools.

We also ask parents not to call their children on their mobile phones during school hours or call the School to talk with their child unless it is an emergency. Messages can be left with the School secretaries for delivery to your child.

We also ask your cooperation when attending School events, assemblies, plays and concerts -­‐ PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE TELEPHONE BEFORE ENTERING THE EVENT.

Care of School Property The School assumes that students will not abuse school buildings, books, furniture or equipment. If a student is found to have damaged School property, it will be the child’s responsibility to fix, replace, or reimburse the School for what has been damaged.

Transportation The International School of Prague does not provide transportation for its students. Many families use local taxi companies that provide very good service. The names of these companies are available from the Reception. There is a public bus stop in front of the School.

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Cafeteria The School has a full-­‐service cafeteria, which provides hot and cold lunches each day. Breakfast is also available between the hours of 07:30 and 10:00. The cafeteria is operated by “Fresh & Tasty,” a member of the Zatisi Group, and is certified by "Slow Food," an international organization supporting the use of local ingredients and the culture of food.

Students may bring snacks to eat at recess. Students in the Middle and Upper Schools may purchase snacks in the school’s cafeteria. Though the cafeteria sells ice cream and similar items, Elementary students should not purchase these snacks until after school (as a treat, though, Elementary students are allowed to purchase ice cream on Fridays).

To speed up cashier lines in the cafeteria, students are urged to purchase cafeteria debit cards. For additional information on the food service, contact the cafeteria manager in person or via email (cafeteria@isp.cz and isp@zatisigroup.cz).

The cafeteria is open until 16:30 each day and parents are welcome to sit in the cafeteria and enjoy an afternoon snack. If your child is with you and not in an after school activity, he or she must sit with you (and remain seated) in the cafeteria until you leave. Weather permitting, you are welcome to supervise your children after school on the playground.

The cafeteria also offers take-­‐away and catering services. For more information about the cafeteria service, please see the Fresh & Tasty website at http://www.freshandtasty.cz/isp

Student Health The School employs a full-­‐time nursing staff to maintain student health records, monitor immunizations, and promote general health in the school population.

If a child is sick or injured, the School will administer whatever first aid measures seem essential and will telephone the parent/guardian to arrange to take the child home or to a health-­‐care provider, as necessary.

We ask all parents to sign a permission slip for emergency care. In an extreme emergency, a child will be taken to Motol Hospital’s pediatric unit for care. Every effort will be made to notify the parents or their designated emergency contact in this case. It is therefore of the utmost importance that parents inform the Admissions Officer of any changes in address or telephone number, and provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact person in case the parents are unavailable.

Illness Please do not send your child to school if he or she has a fever or is obviously not feeling well. If your child contracts a communicable disease, contact the School immediately so that other families may be alerted. Examples of communicable diseases are: scarlet fever, chicken pox, infectious meningitis, mononucleosis, pink eye, strep throat, Fifth disease, impetigo and head lice.

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When a child is sick, parents are requested to call the School (Elementary-­‐220 384 467, Middle-­‐220 384 153, Upper-­‐220 384 222) and tell the secretary that their child will be absent. The School secretaries maintain attendance records. They cross-­‐reference teacher attendance records with telephone calls received to make sure our students are where they should be. The secretaries will contact parents who have not called in absences to the School.

Dress There are no uniforms for students at ISP. Parents are expected to provide clean clothing appropriate to and not distracting from an atmosphere of learning.

During inclement weather, parents are urged to provide waterproof footwear for outside, and appropriate inside shoes for classroom use.

The physical education teacher will request special clothing and/or shoes to be worn in keeping with the needs of the P.E. program and the seasons. Students in Grades 2-­‐5 must wear gym uniforms provided by the School. The School distributes the first uniform. Additional uniforms can be purchased.

The following expectations for staff and student dress have been established to promote a safe and optimum learning environment.

•

Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, even when reaching.

Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts or skirts.

•

Shirts or tops must have sleeves wide enough to cover straps and not expose cleavage.

Undergarments should not be visible. [This guideline also applies to skirts and boys’ pants].

• Hats may not be worn in the building, except for academic or extra-­‐curricular activities.

The School administration reserves the right to determine whether a staff member or student’s attire is within the limits of decency or modesty.

Any student not attired in accordance with the guidelines shall be subject to the following consequences:

• One warning to correct the violation; • If repeated, the student shall be subject to additional measures that may include parent conferences and in or out-­‐of –School suspension.

Parent Open Houses A series of open houses are scheduled early in the school year for: • • • • •

New parents EAL parents Elementary School parents Middle School parents Upper School parents

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These open houses provide an opportunity for parents to meet the staff and administration of each section of the school, to tour the facility, and to learn more about your child’s academic program and progress.

Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Conference days are scheduled twice each year. These conferences give parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s progress. The Elementary School also holds Hopes and Dreams Conferences at the beginning of each year to provide parents the opportunity to meet and share information about their children with class teachers. Each section will send information prior to the conference explaining how the day will be organized.

Parents are welcome to provide their own interpreters. The School can also provide interpreters (through our student community) for parents who may have difficulty understanding English. In addition, the SCA maintains a listing of volunteer parent interpreters.

Teachers at ISP are here to help, and parents are urged to contact their child's teacher whenever they have questions or need clarification on any area dealing with the education of their child. If you need to contact your child’s teacher, please call the switchboard and leave a message asking the teacher to return your call. You also have the option of sending an email.

Assessment of Student Understanding Assessment is the ongoing collection of information, which provides evidence of student performance and measures student learning, understanding and growth. Learning and development are assessed on an ongoing basis using specific indicators of student performance. These indicators are carefully expressed and reflect curricular goals in order to ensure that they are meaningful to all parties in the assessment process: students, teachers and parents.

Assessment enables students and teachers to identify and understand individual student strengths and areas in need of strengthening in the school setting. This information is used to guide future planning, teaching and learning. In this way assessment allows students to be active participants in their own continued learning and teachers to be accountable for the learning opportunities they provide students.

Testing Standardized testing can provide data required for educational decisions ranging from the formulation of a student's individualized plan to the evaluation of curriculum effectiveness within the School. Standardized testing is one method among many which helps the school better understand individual and group student progress.

The Upper School is a testing site for PSAT, PLAN, SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT tests for college admission. It is also a site for Advanced Placement and IB testing. The Upper School Counselors can provide information and dates relating to these tests.

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In February all students from Grades 3 through 9 take the International Schools Assessment (ISA), which compares ISP student Mathematics, Reading and Writing skills to their peers in international schools around the world. The ISA also compares Grade 9 student results with their peers in over 40 countries using data from the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and worldwide PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) assessment. The ISA tests are based on the internationally endorsed reading and mathematical literacy frameworks of the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

What does the ISA Measure?

Reading • Retrieving information • Interpreting • Reflecting and evaluating

Mathematical literacy • Quantity (related to number and measurement) • Space and shape (related to geometry) • Uncertainty (related to estimation, data and probability) • Change and Relationships (related to algebra and functional relationships)

Writing (Narrative and Exposition) • Content • Structure • Language (with attention to ESOL/EAL characteristics) • Spelling

Purposes of Standardized Testing

The purposes of standardized testing and/or assessment are to help: • evaluate academic aptitude and academic achievements of individual students; • assess reasonable expectations of a student's ability; • measure the mastery of essential skills and conceptual understanding; • chart individual progress over time; • establish the range of ability and achievement within a class; • provide an external basis for reporting student achievement and progress to parents.

Students Exempt from Standardized Tests A student who, in the judgement of the classroom teacher or the principal will not benefit from taking a standardized test, will be exempt from doing so. The probable reasons for not taking the test are a diagnosed learning problem or a language limitation.

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Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs In order to identify students who may have special learning needs, the school may conduct screening activities to identify students who might, after further evaluation be verified as having special needs.

In some cases, a student may require a full educational evaluation to determine long-­‐term or on-­‐ going individualized educational plans or strategies.

The Elementary School Counselor and School Psychologist is a Chartered Psychologist. In addition to the option of outside professional testing, the School Psychologist may administer the test and write the evaluation. Costs for testing varies by type and should be paid in advance through the Business Office.

Field Trips Field trips may be planned which take students away from campus for educational or recreational purposes. The teachers and administration will ensure that all field trips are properly supervised. On all excursions, the School’s Code of Behavior is followed.

Parents sign a general permission slip at the beginning of the year, which will allow children to go on short field trips within Prague. Parents will be informed in advance of any field trips.

For trips beyond Prague, individual permission slips will be issued.

ISP requires that all students have a valid health insurance policy while on any trip away from ISP that requires an overnight stay under the care of an ISP employee or designate. Many trips at ISP will be to international locations. It is important that you check with your health insurance provider to ensure that your child will be insured at the location of the trip. If you are unsure or need to purchase health insurance for a specific trip ISP can help families arrange temporary health insurance.

Questions and Concerns of Parents During the course of the school year, questions or concerns inevitably arise, and when they do, we encourage direct communication with the school. The following steps are recommended: As a first step, • • •

For classroom concerns, contact the teacher directly.

For tuition or financial questions, contact the Business Office.

For transportation questions, contact the transportation company directly.

If you are not satisfied, contact the appropriate school principal.

If you are still not satisfied, contact the Director’s Assistant, who will arrange a meeting. The Director is responsible for resolving conflict, but may inform or consult the Board of Trustees as appropriate.

Please be advised that, if you approach a member of the Board of Trustees, he or she will redirect your concerns to the Director.

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Student Complaints and Grievances A student with a personal concern, complaint or grievance on any school matter should always first approach his or her teacher before approaching the principal.

Any concerns, complaints or grievances about the general running of the School should be presented to the principal.

The Principal and/or the student may bring the complaint or grievance to the attention of the Director.

Visitors Parents are welcome to visit the School. It is important to make an appointment to see a teacher, principal or the Director in advance. An appointment to visit the School should be made through the office of the section to be visited. All non-­‐parent visitors must wear a visitor’s badge issued at Reception.

Students who wish to bring a visitor to School must have their parents obtain the permission of the principal and then the teachers through the principal’s secretary at least two days in advance of such a visit. Visits for more than one day are not permitted. All school rules and regulations for students apply to visitors.

Security The School will provide every appropriate measure to ensure the safety of its students. Gates will be open and monitored during school opening and dismissal times, and closed and monitored when school is in session.

When school is not in session, access to the facility will be granted only after identifying yourself to the guard on duty to his satisfaction (your school identification card will assist with this).

The School has installed several security cameras in hallways, inside the gym, and around the campus. They are used to assist the security personnel to survey the building after school and on weekends. Further information (as provided for in the Personal Data Protection Act No. 101/2000 Coll.) can be obtained by contacting the School’s Facility Manager.

The School employs security guards. They patrol the campus and there is a permanent post both next to Reception (from 07:00-­‐19:00) and at the gate (24/7). During school hours all exterior doors are to be locked. The Reception serves as the central entry point, where visitors must sign-­‐in.

Identity Badges All parents are required to wear an identity badge at all times, which can be applied for at the Reception. Your badge contains a microchip that is used with card readers located around the campus. You will need your badge and “pin” number to open select exterior gates and doors. Not all doors may be opened at all times. For further information, please inquire at the Reception.

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Your badge must be worn, in plain view, while on campus. You may not “borrow” another badge to gain entry to the School as each badge has an individual pin number.

If you forget your badge, you must obtain a “visitor’s badge” from Reception. If you lose your badge, you can request a replacement from Reception.

Personal items left in the Reception area In order to have an organized and well-­‐operating School front desk, we are unable to store personal items in and around the Reception area, even for short periods of time. Exempted from this requirement are student study materials and other school-­‐related items, as long as they are dropped off directly with the Receptionist and picked up within 24 hours. Each item will be logged by the Receptionist and provided with a sticker containing information about who it is from and for, contact information and date. Any items left at the front desk for longer than 24 hours will be moved to the Lost and Found. Please note that the School and its Receptionists cannot assume responsibility for any items left at the front desk.

Lost and Found Containers for Lost and Found items are maintained in each section and by the Small and Big Gyms.

If you are looking for items that you or your child has lost at School, you may inquire at the Reception or with the section Secretary regarding the location of these Containers. Items of particular value (watches, mobile phones, jewelry, laptops, etc.) are registered with the Reception.

• •

•

•

Items will be held for a two-­‐week period and then stored for a quarterly basis, if unclaimed.

Unclaimed items are displayed four times during the year (in October, December, March and June) during a three-­‐day “Lost & Found Collection” display period. These display periods will be announced in advance to the community.

Items that remain unclaimed after the display period will be donated by the School to appropriate charities. Items of evident value will be disposed of only after all appropriate efforts to locate the owner have been exhausted.

We highly recommend that parents of younger students consider labeling clothing and other items that are often misplaced.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -­‐ GENERAL INFORMATION

1. After-­‐School Activities The Elementary School sponsors a wide range of after-­‐school activities to students in Grades 1 through 5. Activities may include choir, sports appropriate to the season, arts and crafts, activities in drama, dance and music. Homework Club, offered as one of the activities, is a supervised opportunity for children to finish homework with help from a teacher. A classroom teacher may recommend a child attend Homework Club to support his / her academic progress. Typically the activities meet once a week and last one hour from 14:50 to 15:50. Parents are responsible for transportation home at 15:50 and prompt pickup is required.

If a student is present in class during the school day, but will be absent from an after school activity, a parent should telephone the ES Secretary to inform her of this absence. Because it is our goal to assure that all children are safe and supervised after school hours, the Activities Coordinator will call the family to inquire about the child’s whereabouts if a child is missing from a scheduled after school activity and the School has not been notified.

Elementary students are required to go home unless they are participating in an after school activity, or working in the library.

2. Attendance ISP Elementary Attendance Philosophy Regular school attendance is essential to the progress and achievement of the student and is expected by the Director and staff. The principals are authorized to request an explanation from the parents or guardian, either in person or in writing, for any unexplained absences from school. The School has a generous vacation policy. We ask parents not to extend the period of time students are away from school, except in emergencies. Worksheets and extra assignments cannot take the place of a quality education in a collaborative school environment.

ISP Elementary Attendance Protocol An Absence is EXCUSED if the following conditions exist: Illness or injuries which make the student physically unable to attend school.

Isolation ordered by the host country health authorities.

Death in the family.

Religious observance, as suggested by the religion of the student and the students’ parents.

Medical, dental or other appointments with a health care provider that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours.

NO OTHER ABSENCES ARE OFFICIALLY EXCUSED • • • • •

Our teachers and students work collaboratively at School, and are involved in many group process activities and projects that are impossible to duplicate outside of the school environment. Even though teachers will try to help children catch up with their peers who have been at school, parents must accept the major responsibility for lost learning, and do their best to help compensate for missed school learning opportunities.

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For any planned absence, the parents must confer with the teacher and principal, and fill out a planned absence form. The absence will be unexcused unless it conforms with one of the reasons for excused absences listed above.

3. Birthday Parties Birthday parties are a big deal – very, very important to the child celebrating the birthday and almost as important to the children invited – or not invited -­‐ to the party. Children can negotiate friendships and who “belongs” to their group by who gets invited. In the Elementary School we work very hard on helping students learn to play with and accept all the children in their class, treating everyone with empathy and respect. When children bring birthday invitations to school that are handed out to some children and not to others, some children’s feelings can be deeply hurt. Not only are the respect and empathy we are trying to foster in classroom communities diminished, but the focus is taken away from the learning task(s) at hand. For this reason we ask parents to follow these guidelines for birthday parties: •

Of course, you should make the party plans that best fit your family. If your child is going to invite only a few children from the class to his / her birthday party, please do not hand out invitations at school. Call the invited families on the phone, send an email, or send invitations through the post.

•

If you would like to hand out invitations at school in your child’s class, please plan to invite all the boys (if your child is a boy); all the girls (if your child is a girl); or invite the whole class.

•

If your child is going to invite only a few children from another class, please do not hand out the invitations at school. Call the invited families on the phone, send an email, or send invitations through the post.

4. Dress There are no school uniforms for students at ISP. Elementary School children should wear clean, comfortable clothing to school. This clothing should allow freedom of movement for the children at recess and freedom of worry for parents regarding messy projects and active play. Generally speaking, the wearing of hats in school is limited to times when the children are entering or leaving the building or when appropriate to a class activity. The children go outside to play each day and should have outerwear appropriate for the weather. As the days grow colder, jackets, snowsuits, hats, and gloves are very important. Please mark all outerwear with the child’s name or initials.

There is a Lost & Found basket in the kindergarten / pre-­‐kinder hallway. We also have a central Lost & Found near the Small Gym. Please ensure that you have labeled your child’s clothing for easy identification. We reserve the right to label students’ clothing if parents do not take care of this important matter.

Younger children (PK -­‐ 2nd Grade) should have a pair of indoor shoes that can be used to help keep the classrooms clean. This becomes important for all ages in the winter, when wet boots should be removed indoors. Your children may use his/her PE shoes as the indoor shoes (see PE Dress).

Children should not wear crocs to school or use them as their indoor shoes as the children can slip on the stairs.

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5. Physical Education (PE) Dress Children are scheduled for PE at least a couple of times a week. Each child must have an appropriate pair of shoes for PE that can be left at school at all times. These shoes should be a sneaker (plimsoll) or tennis type shoe, with clean rubber bottoms, and should tie with shoelaces or close with Velcro fasteners. Sandals, slip-­‐on shoes, or street shoes are not appropriate or safe for physical activity.

These PE shoes can also serve as indoor shoes in the classroom.

ISP PE uniforms are mandatory for students in Grades 3-­‐5. PE uniforms can be purchased from the ISP Kiosk in the reception area.

PE Dress Guidelines for students in PK4-­‐Grade 2

Students should wear appropriate clothes for physical activity allowing for freedom of movement.

Girls should not wear skirts on PE days. Students can bring their PE clothes to school or wear them under their regular clothing. All PE clothing should be properly labeled.

PE Dress Guidelines for students in Grades 3-­‐5

Students should be dressed appropriately for PE, including footwear and ISP PE uniforms. All jewelry and watches have to be removed for safety reasons apart from stud earrings.

6. School Hours Time for learning is precious. The teachers need time each morning to complete preparations for this learning each day. School starts at 08:00 for all Elementary School classes. Students are not allowed to go to their classrooms before 07:50 because teachers may be in meetings and/or working in other parts of the building. Because it is not safe for children to be unsupervised, please time your arrival to fall between 07:50 and 07:55. Students in PK-­‐3 through Grade 2 who arrive earlier must wait in the Elementary School reception area or the cafeteria with their parents. The adult transporting them to school must accompany students in PK3 through Grade 2 to the classroom door. Children in Upper Elementary (Grades 3-­‐5) who arrive early may wait quietly in the cafeteria.

School ends at 14:30 for PK3 – PK4, and at 14:45 for Grades K-­‐5.

The adult who will transport them home should meet students in PK3 through Grade 2 at their respective outdoor classroom door. Students in Grades 3 through 5 may meet the adult who will be transporting them at an agreed upon meeting place, for example the front lobby, the cafeteria, or in front of the school building. Private van and bus riders will meet in the cafeteria; bus drivers will escort their riders to the buses from there.

All students in the Elementary School are required to go home at dismissal time unless they are participating in a supervised after school activity or are accompanied by a parent or caretaker at all times. The only exception is students in Grades 3 through 5 who may visit the library after school on their own. For safety reasons, children are welcome to play on the playground after school hours only if a parent or caretaker are on the playground supervising them directly.

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7. Snacks and Lunches Students in the Elementary School eat twice during each school day. They have a snack midmorning and the children must bring food from home for their snack. We encourage the children to bring healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, and juice. Foods with a high sugar content or caffeine (such as chocolate) should be avoided. We have found that if snacks are too large, children often will not eat well at lunchtime.

Grades 3-­‐5 Children in these grades may select food from the wide variety of choices in the cafeteria. In Grade 3 children may choose from sandwiches and soup or two designated menu items. In Grades 4 and 5, children can choose from three different hot meals offered each day in addition to soup, salad, sandwiches, juice, water, and milk. Your child may pay for food with cash or use the debit card system. A debit card can be purchased for 50 Kc and then deposits can be made to the account (minimum 1000 Kc) at the cash register in the cafeteria. When the child’s account runs low, he/she will receive a notice from the cashier asking for more money to be deposited in the account. Parents may request a copy of their child’s food purchases from the cafeteria personnel.

Grades 1 and 2 Children in Grades 1 and 2 eat in the cafeteria. Both grade levels have a set meal program and children are served at their seats.

Parents pay a lump sum at the beginning of each trimester and the children receive a hot meal and a drink. If a child chooses not to participate in the set meal program, he or she must bring food from home.

PK3, PK4 and Kindergarten These children eat lunch in their classrooms. PK3 and PK4 classes receive a hot lunch as part of their program, included in the tuition. Parents of Kindergarten students must pay the lump sum at the beginning of each trimester in order for their children to receive a hot lunch. Otherwise the children must bring their food and drink for lunch from home. Lunches for Kindergarteners may be ordered or cancelled in the Cafeteria.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -­‐ ACADEMIC INFORMATION

1. Behavior and Discipline We consider ourselves to be a family-­‐like community in the Elementary School. The emphasis is on concern for others in our School and for our environment.

There are a few general behavior rules that apply to all Elementary Students.

In the building: • Always walk inside the school building and use quiet, indoor voices.

• Gum chewing is not allowed in the Elementary School.

• Food is not to be eaten in the hallways of the School.

• Children should not bring toys or electronic devices (iPods, MP3 players, Gameboys, etc.) to school, unless specifically requested by the homeroom teacher.

• Toy weapons are not appropriate at any time.

• Trading cards are considered toys and should not be brought to school.

On the playground: • Rough play is not allowed. This is particularly true of tag games where grabbing children or pulling on their clothing is unsafe.

• Snow is not to be thrown at people.

• The water sprinklers are for watering the grass, not children.

There are other playground rules that ensure the safe use of different types of equipment.

Playground supervisors will teach the children these safety rules. Please note that these playground safety rules apply both during the day and after school when children are supervised by a parent and /or caregiver. The staff member who is present when the problem happens generally handles discipline on the playground. Emphasis is placed on taking responsibility for one’s actions and on reconciliation between the injured parties. Usually this is all that is required. If on occasion the offense is more serious or there are repeated problems, a child may have to meet with the principal to work out a solution. When necessary, parents are informed of discipline problems in school. The goal is always to help the child become a positive member of the school community.

2. Communication/Friday Folders Close communication between parents and teachers is very important to a student’s success in school. Teachers will have different ways of informing you of what is happening with your children in school. Teachers write parent newsletters and regularly post information on class websites to tell you about projects and activities. The older children (Grades 3-­‐5) use a daily assignment book or electronic format that contains the assignments they have been given for homework.

Communication to parents about students’ progress is on going. Friday Folders are one means of communication. This folder may contain pieces of the week’s work, a sheet for teacher/parent communication and other general school news. Parents may also find information about class activities and their child’s learning on the class website.

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It is important to establish a routine with your child. Younger children will want to share the work in the Friday folder, which offers you the opportunity to hear what your child has been doing at school that week. A daily check of the assignment book is a good idea with older children. Starting the homework time with a review of the assignments for the day and long-­‐term projects will keep you informed of what is being studied in class.

Never hesitate to contact the classroom teacher to get a further explanation of what is happening in school. Teachers are happy to arrange time to confer on individual concerns or to explain the academic program.

3. Choosing a Foreign Language In the Elementary School non-­‐EAL (English as an Additional Language) students have foreign language lessons two -­‐ three times in a 6-­‐day cycle. All new students who are non-­‐Czech speakers, and are not placed in EAL, will take Czech their first year at ISP as an introduction to our Host Country language and culture.

In Grade 1 all students learn basic Czech vocabulary and phrases. At the end of Grade 1 children and their parents have the choice of Czech, Mandarin or Spanish. Every effort will be made to give children their first choice.

The choice of which modern language a student should study in the Elementary School should take into consideration several important factors. Family background and tradition are important elements that need to be considered. In some families the sense of being connected to a previous generation or to a cultural identity is a priority. It is important to note that the ISP Elementary School offers an introductory foreign language program with a focus on oral language development and basic communication. It is not designed for students who have already attained a high degree of proficiency in a second language. Therefore parents who see the possibility that their child can achieve a native-­‐like use of the language need to pursue support outside of the school.

Nevertheless, some parents who recognize that their children only have a very elementary or weak grasp of the language may choose to reinforce the language skills through school instruction.

Parents and students need to weigh the importance of these factors and make a decision together.

It is important to note that students may choose a different foreign language when they move on to ISP’s Middle School.

4. Counseling Services Personal and Social Counseling Students with personal or social concerns may be referred to the Elementary Counselor. Students may be invited to work with the Counselor individually or in small groups. Parents will be notified and consent solicited in the event that a student is working with the Counselor on a regular basis.

If the concerns presented by the student are beyond the scope of our counseling program, the Counselor will work with the family to find a suitable Counselor outside of the school. Parents will be notified of any situation, which poses an immediate threat to the safety or health of a student.

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5. Curriculum The Elementary School provides a program which: • • • • • • • • •

• •

Develops students’ understanding of content through an interdisciplinary, inquiry-­‐based, holistic approach to learning; Encourages active, hands-­‐on learning to promote student understanding; Is organized in self-­‐contained classrooms with heterogeneous grouping; Nurtures the continuous development of each child’s knowledge and skills in a positive learning environment; Builds upon the diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds of its international student body; Builds a community of learners through teachers’ professional collaboration, cooperative student learning, and provision of opportunities for parents’ learning; Affords students a logical and smooth transition from Elementary School to Middle School.

Provides support for EAL students; Offers opportunities for aesthetic experience and creative expression through specialist instruction in music, art, physical education, computer/technology, library and foreign languages; Provides opportunities for extension and enrichment through field trips to museums, theaters, and historical sites in Prague; and Includes an after school activities program that provides organized experiences in a recreational atmosphere for Grades 1-­‐5.

6. Field Trips/Special Events Often teachers arrange special activities that enrich the curriculum. Activities may involve bringing speakers and programs to the school for the benefit of the children. Activities like this have included visits by renowned children's’ authors, farm visits, programs by illustrators, concerts by many different kinds of musical groups, puppeteers sharing and performing.

Frequently, classes are taken on field trips in the Prague area to sites and events that complement studies in the classroom. Trips to the zoo, castles, factories, exhibitions, museums, and historical sites are common. Parents are asked to sign a general permission slip at the beginning of the school year that allows the School to take their child on trips within the city limits. Written notification of these trips is always sent home in advance. Trips that take the children outside the city limits always require a separate permission slip, specific to the event.

Grade 5 children are taken on an overnight trip each year in the spring. The trip includes sporting activities such as hiking and swimming and focuses on further developing collaborative skills.

7. Home Learning We believe: •

Children need active play every day.

•

Children should read for pleasure and/or be read to every day.

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•

Children should follow their passions and have choice in what they want to learn after 2:45pm.

•

Family time is important.

What does the research on home learning support?

•

Reading has the single greatest impact on student achievement.

•

Unstructured, imaginative, child-­‐centred play and physical activity enhances student performance and leads to better behavioral choices.

•

The brain develops throughout childhood with active play and exercise.

•

Students often sacrifice time for authentic reading in order to complete their homework.

•

Traditional homework can foster misconceptions that are difficult to reteach and relearn.

To this end, home learning in the Elementary School at ISP: •

Includes inquiry and exploration.

•

Extends learning from school to home in meaningful ways.

•

Promotes the desire to continue learning.

•

Allows time for children to develop a variety of talents and interests outside the school day.

•

Supports good reading habits.

What can home learning look like?

•

Interviewing family members about topics being investigated.

•

Collecting objects or artifacts to support learning in the classroom.

•

Discussing inquiry questions at the diner table.

•

Reflecting on what they have learned at school.

•

Exploring and researching their own interests.

•

Playing games and cards that involve logic, strategy, word play and maths.

•

Exploring Mathematical thinking through real-­‐life experiences.

•

Reading, reading, reading……

8. Organization The Elementary School serves children from the age of 3 (Pre-­‐Kindergarten 3) through Grade 5.

Lower Elementary includes PK3 through Grade 2 and Upper Elementary, Grades 3 through 5. It is organized into self-­‐contained classes with heterogeneous groupings. The curriculum is based on an international educational philosophy and methodology. We strive to educate the whole child in a positive learning environment that nurtures the continuous progress of each child.

9. Promotion and Retention The success and welfare of our students are the prime concerns of the professional staff at ISP. Students are constantly evaluated by our professional staff. If a staff member has serious concerns about the academic success or personal development of a student, that teacher will request a parent conference immediately.

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Promotion from grade to grade at ISP is based on student performance with respect to all aspects of the curriculum and personal development.

Retention is occasionally determined to be in the best interests of the child. A decision to retain a student will only be made after every attempt has been made to support him / her in meeting the grade level standards. The school will communicate with parents about special steps taken to support their child’s learning and will be informed of any decision to retain their child in a timely manner.

10. Reporting on Student Learning and Progress Students in the Elementary School receive report cards two times a year at the end of each semester. The purpose of the Elementary report card is to communicate to parents, students, and future schools what students understand, know, and can do; to celebrate achievements, and to identify areas for future growth. Additionally, in order to represent the whole child, we report on physical, social and emotional development, as well as the behaviors and skills that support learning.

The report card is integrated with a student portfolio demonstrating the complexity of learning at ISP. Parent/Teacher conferences are held in the middle of semester 1 and Student-­‐led Conferences are held in the middle of semester 2.

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Middle School -­‐ General Information

The Middle School program has been designed especially to meet the needs, talents and interests of the young adolescent. At ISP we believe that the Middle School years can be the most productive and exciting of all, despite the stresses of physical change and uncertainties associated with this age group. Thus, we try to capitalize on the energy, enthusiasm and natural curiosity of emerging adolescents while, at the same time, providing the guidance and structure they need to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to enable them to take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

The program is comprised of courses in the following subject areas: • Language Arts /Social Studies (Literature/Language/History/Geography) • Math • Modern Language (French, Spanish, Mandarin, German) • Music, Art and Drama • PE and Health Studies • Science • Band or Choir

Support classes are given where necessary in: • EAL (English as an Additional Language) • Learning Support • Information Technology: Our Information Technology programme is integrated into all subjects to facilitate and enhance the teaching and learning processes across the curriculum.

• At the heart of our Middle School experience is our Advisory Programme where students meet in small groups every other day with a teacher advisor to follow an organized program of personal, social and organisational skills development. Time is built in for reflection on how each student performs and grows as a learner and in relationship to others.

• As well as our scheduled classes there are opportunities for students to take part in plays, concerts, and art displays.

• As well as our scheduled classes there are opportunities for students to join the Middle School Band or Choir and to take part in plays, concerts, and art displays.

• There are opportunities for further physical and mental activity through team competitions, both internal and against other schools, in Sports, Speech and Debate, and Math-­‐counts.

• Further opportunities to broaden and deepen learning are offered though our Exploratory courses.

The ISP Middle School: • is student centered, emphasizing the cognitive, affective, social and physical

development of young adolescents; • is staffed by a faculty who have training, experience and special interest in working with

this age group; 43

• • • • • • • •

uses varied and effective instructional methodologies, fostering collaboration and cooperation among students and teachers; is organized by curriculum areas but also includes interdisciplinary approaches; includes exploratory experiences enabling students to discover and examine a wide range of subjects and areas of interest; includes an advisor-­‐advisee program to develop resilience, self-­‐esteem and character and to maximize social support and academic success; builds upon the diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds of its international student body; affords students a structured and smooth transition from Elementary School to Middle School. prepares students effectively for their move into the Upper School; is student centered, emphasizing the cognitive, affective, social and physical development of young adolescents.

The Program of Studies All Middle School students will study English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Physical Education, Health, Band or Choir and a Modern Language of their choice (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish). Students with limited proficiency in English study English as an Additional Language (EAL) in lieu of the regular English/Social Studies block and, depending on their level of English, may delay starting study of a modern language.

Students will study Art and Drama classes in a rotating block for one trimester each year. They will also choose exploratory courses at certain times in the year and meet for advisory periods three times a week.

Middle School Petr Mares 1-­‐to-­‐1 Laptop Program Laptop Mission Statement The International School of Prague recognizes that technology is a critical component of the learning experience for today’s students. The Petr Mares 1 to 1 Laptop Program increases student access to laptops with the goal of further integrating information technology and literacy in our curriculum.

The program enhances learning opportunities in our classrooms and promotes the development of responsible digital citizenship.

The ISP laptop program is called the Petr Mares 1-­‐to-­‐1 Laptop Program to honor our late ISP Network Manager (1998-­‐2008). Petr was instrumental in developing the infrastructure and hardware for us to be able to have such a program.

In our Middle School program the Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 8 students have access to a leased Apple MacBook Laptop. This laptop is on loan to each student and is the sole property of the International School of Prague. These laptops are checked out to students (after successful completion of laptop orientation) and are to be returned during the winter holiday period and at the end of the school year to the International School of Prague. All maintenance and management of the machine will be done through the ISP IT Department.

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All Grade 6 students go through a digital orientation course throughout their first Middle School year. This program is facilitated by the IT Specialist, Counselor and a few selected teachers, to provide them with the skills, understanding and information necessary to be responsible users of the laptops and technology. The MS program has no dedicated computer classes since we believe in integrating all necessary IT skills directly into the classroom; we believe students grasp IT skills more effectively when IT is integrated directly into the classroom setting and woven into the curriculum.

After a short laptop review session for Grade 7 and 8 students and a laptop training and orientation session for the Grade 6 and new students to ISP, students will be allowed to take the laptops home.

Classes will be modified to accommodate the period when laptops are not being sent home. Once students have passed their respective laptop training sessions and laptops are sent home, classes and homework will be appropriately modified by the teachers.

All Middle School students are required to have a Laptop Agreement and Digital Citizenship Agreement form signed by both student and parents/guardians prior to receiving a laptop from the International School of Prague. All students are required to complete the Laptop Orientation program. Parents/guardians will be given a copy of the Parent/Student Laptop Handbook to which the Laptop/Digital Citizenship Agreement form refers in the spring prior to the new academic year.

For new parents and students an orientation session will be facilitated during the new student orientation session in August.

The laptop is leased by the International School of Prague for educational use and is loaned to the parents for use by the students. Parents are responsible for supervision of use at home. This laptop is not a replacement machine for your home machine, but a school resource on loan to you. During all holidays you are required to turn in your laptop to the International School of Prague. Your right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon your full and complete compliance with this Parent/Student Laptop Handbook and our Acceptable Use Agreement.

Advisory Program All students will be assigned to an advisory group composed of 12-­‐13 Grade level peers and an adult advisor. The purpose of the advisory program is for each student to make a connection with an adult in a way other than the traditional teacher/student role. Advisors will keep close tabs on each of their advisees and will provide them with academic and social counseling as well as help them build positive relations with their peers.

The advisory period will be structured in the first trimester with activities designed to orient new and returning students to the Middle School. Small and large group activities will be planned that will focus on interpersonal relationships, team building, and the benefits of cooperative effort.

As part of this program, an All-­‐6th Grade Trip will occur in September that will involve an overnight stay at a sports facility not far from Prague. All students will attend and engage in a structured program of cooperative physical and team building games and discussions. Meanwhile, the 7th and 8th Grades will be involved with one-­‐week outdoor adventure based learning courses here in the Czech Republic, also taking place in August/September. 6th Grade will also have a 4 day ski trip in the winter.

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The advisory groups meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 45 minutes and topics may include: • Orientation to school and classmates • Study skills, organizational skills, self-­‐monitoring • Character education/values development: caring, cooperation, citizenship, fairness, honesty, respect, responsibility, pursuit of excellence, etc.

• Conflict Resolution • Academic and personal advising time • Transitions and Third Culture Kids • Diversity awareness and internationalism • Community service • Informal intramural sport competitions and academic contests • Open discussions

Exploratory Program ISP Middle School offers the opportunity for students to choose courses that will introduce them to topics that they may not ordinarily find as part of a school curriculum, but which are worthy of study nonetheless. The courses offered will be derived from the expertise of the available faculty members and give students a chance to have a number of enriching experiences. Exploratory classes will be an academic extension of a curricular area, an extra offering in either the arts or modern languages, or a life skills oriented class.

Counseling Services Personal and Social Counseling Students with personal or social concerns should approach the Middle School Counselor. Students may be invited to work with the Counselor individually or in small groups. Parents will be notified and consent solicited in the event that a student is working with the counselor on a regular basis.

If the concerns presented by the student are beyond the scope of our counseling program, the Counselor will work with the family to find a suitable counselor outside of the school. Parents will be notified of any situation, which poses an immediate threat to the safety or health of a student.

Academic Counseling The Middle School Counselor works with the student, parent(s), faculty, and advisors to monitor student academic progress. When concerns arise, the MS Counselor will facilitate a plan for improvement.

Choosing a Language Courses in French, German, Mandarin and Spanish are offered at the Middle School level. The choice of which modern language a student should study in the Middle School should take into consideration several important factors. Family background and tradition are important elements, which need to be considered. In some families the sense of being connected to a previous generation or to a cultural identity is a priority. It is important to note that that the ISP Middle School offers an introductory academic foreign language program -­‐ it is not designed for students 46

who have already attained a high degree of proficiency in a second language. Therefore parents who see the possibility that their child can achieve a native-­‐like use of the language need to pursue support outside of the school. Some parents who recognize that their children only have an elementary grasp of their home language may choose to reinforce the language skills through school instruction.

The second factor to consider is the future of the student. Acquisition of a foreign language can sometimes affect career choice or options. Sometimes the career path of a student is directed towards a particular country or culture for which the language is a significant component. Parents and students need to weigh the importance of these factors and make a decision together.

Starting in August 2014, Modern Languages will be offered at 2 or 3 levels in each language.

Changing Languages The curriculum in the Middle School is sequential both in the presentation of concepts and the depth of understanding required. During the 8th Grade the teachers will evaluate the progress of students to determine if they have mastered skills to a high enough degree to be excused from the introductory language course in the Upper School and to be placed in a more advanced level course.

Changing the language option in 8th Grade has serious implications which may affect language options in the Upper School. This is true to a lesser degree in 7th Grade. The length of time studying a particular language and proficiency of language skills may determine whether or not a student will be able to take a Standard Level exam or a Higher Level Exam if they choose to pursue studies in the International Baccalaureate Program.

The changing of a language option is a joint decision made in consultation with Administration, Teachers and Parents for the betterment of a student’s education. Parents who are considering this option should contact the Counselor.

Student Assessment The purpose of assessment is to help the learner develop. At the beginning of the year or term in which a class is offered, teachers will make clear to students their academic goals and assessment standards. The responsibility is placed on the student to match their performance with the expected achievement levels.

In the Middle School teachers assess students directly against the standards defined for each subject in our curriculum (see school website: www.isp.cz). Academic levels are based on achievement and reflect a standard of proficiency reached by the students, rather than against aggregated letter grades. A parallel assessment of skills and behaviors that support learning will give the student and parent feedback on other factors such as independence, cooperation etc.

Academic achievement against subject standards is divided into the following categories: Beginning

Developing

Proficient

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Highly Proficient

Occasionally students may accomplish work of an exceptional nature in a subject standard area in which case acknowledgment will be made through narrative comments or other appropriate forms of feedback.

Some courses, such as exploratory classes – will be given a “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory” label in place of an academic level.

S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory I = Incomplete MP = Modified Program

The “I” for “Incomplete” grade is reserved for situations in which a prolonged excused absence or family emergency would preclude a student from completing required work on time to meet the end of the reporting period. Any work not completed would have to be made up by an agreed upon date.

An “MP” grade can be assigned in a course in which the work expectations for a particular student are not the same as for the other students in the class. This type of grading normally results from recommendations from the Learning Support Department.

Reporting to Parents Report cards will be issued in December and June and will reflect the assessment approach outlined above. Student academic performance will be highlighted in relation to an expected range of achievement for the reporting period.

Parents and students will also be informed of any concerns about achievement levels prior to the Autumn and Spring Conferences. In addition, progress updates may be sent to parents at any time that student work or behavior makes it appropriate to do so.

Parents and students will also be informed of achievement levels to date at the mid-­‐semester point, prior to the Autumn and Spring Parent Conferences.

In addition, progress updates may be sent to parents at any time that student work or behavior makes it appropriate to do so.

Advisors are responsible for closely monitoring the progress of each student in their advisory group.

If a problem becomes serious enough to warrant a parent conference, the advisors or teachers can initiate such, with the participation of any or all of the student’s teachers, Middle School Counselor, and, if necessary, the Principal.

Feedback for Learning – Parental Involvement We are proud of the partnership that exists at ISP between teachers, students and parents. As a parent, you have an important role to play in supporting your child and, where appropriate, helping direct their attention. As we take steps to improve the effectiveness of our assessment systems, it is crucial that you feel informed and fully involved in all aspects of our feedback for learning. Please

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take advantage of any opportunities to learn about our assessment approach and if you are not clear about anything, contact the teachers, Counselor or Principal.

Student Portfolios and Student Led Conferences All Middle School students will build an e-­‐portfolio to showcase and reflect on their learning. Self-­‐ reflection is a key part of our assessment process in the Middle School and at certain times we will ask you to sit with your child and their portfolio so they can tell you a little about what they have been studying and share their reflections on their learning journey. We will structure a formal session for this sharing at the Student Led Conferences.

Academic Probation A student may be placed on academic probation if he/she is persistently working below grade level standards in 3 or more subject areas. (LA/SS is composed of 2 subject areas). A meeting with the student, parent(s), Principal, Advisor and Counselor will be held to set specific goals for improvement.

Students on academic probation will be required to meet with our Student Support Team and their Advisor to improve study habits and organizational skills and/or attend the guided study sessions (these may take place after school).

If, at the end of the probationary period, a student has not met the goals of the Academic Probation contract, the following consequences may apply: 1. The student may remain on Academic Probation.

2. The student may be retained at their grade level.

3. The student may not be able to return to school for the following year.

Student Support Students may receive individual or small group assistance from the Learning Support staff of the school when it appears that they can be aided by such intervention. Teachers can refer students who are not making satisfactory progress, due to factors other than second language or lack of effort, to the Student Support Team for assessment. After such a referral, the Learning Support teacher will contact the parents for a conference to discuss the problem and to determine what kinds of assessment may be needed.

Once assessment is completed, a student may or may not be recommended for learning support. If intervention is warranted, learning support will usually be scheduled in lieu of a modern language.

Since the curriculum followed will be based on the individual needs of the students in the program, it will vary from student to student.

Extra Help and Tutoring Students from the Upper School may be available on a limited basis as peer tutors for Middle School students. Such tutoring can be arranged through the student’s advisor and the Middle School Counselor. Students may not accept fees for their services as peer tutors.

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Sometimes, long-­‐term professional tutoring for a fee is needed in order to fill in gaps in previous learning or to supplement classroom instruction. Parents may arrange for private out-­‐of-­‐school tutors with help from the Middle School Counselor. The student’s regular classroom teachers may not undertake such fee-­‐based tutoring.

Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of the Middle School experience, not an extracurricular activity. Class related field trips in and around the Prague area take place throughout the year to integrate academics with the local environment. In addition, students participate in grade level field trips, which require overnight stays away from Prague. At this level, major field trips combine challenging physical activities with academic skills and opportunities for socialization. Since field trips are an essential part of the ISP program, all expenses are covered by the school and all students are required to attend.

Major Field Trip Experiences The goals of the field trip program are: • • • •

To afford students a physical experience in an outdoor, safe environment which permits them to extend themselves and overcome challenges; To increase students’ knowledge of the host country’s geography and history; To facilitate closer relationships among the students and practice interpersonal communication, cooperation and teamwork; To practice academic skills outside the normal classroom environment.

6th Grade Trip At the beginning of the school year, 6th Grade students will spend two days, including an overnight stay, at the Nymburk Sports Camp, a sports facility not far from Prague. The purpose of this trip is to orient students to their peers, the staff, and the cooperative nature of the Middle School, and to learn and practice cooperative skills through games and physical activities.

6th Grade Ski Trip Grade 6 students will participate in a four-­‐day ski trip in the winter. Qualified instructors at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels under the supervision of an ISP staff member will provide ski instruction.

7th Grade Outward Bound In September the Grade 7 students will travel to an area outside Prague for a five-­‐day Outward Bound program. Students will participate in traditional Outward Bound activities: climbing, ropes course work, and other outdoor challenge events -­‐ all in an atmosphere of cooperation, team play, and trust.

8th Grade Odyssey In September, Grade 8 students will travel outside Prague to continue their outdoor experience with Odyssey, an adventure based learning program. Students will participate in the traditional

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adventure-­‐based activities that will also stress group bonding and cooperation, teamwork, respect, responsibility, and community service.

Field Trip Behavioral Expectations Participants in any school-­‐sponsored trip are representatives of the International School of Prague.

ISP students represent our entire community of students, faculty, parents, administrators and alumni. The following regulations shall be followed by students participating in all events (whether athletic, academic, cultural etc.): 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Students shall obey all instructions given to them by their teacher, chaperone or guide as if their own parents gave these instructions to them.

Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs are not permitted.

Housing arrangements may not be changed while on an overnight field trip.

Student curfew is 22:00 unless otherwise specified by a chaperone. Students must be in their assigned room at this time.

Students must display appropriate and respectful behavior at all times.

YOU REPRESENT THE ISP COMMUNITY WHILE YOU ARE ON THIS TRIP. All ISP rules and regulations shall be in effect from the time of departure to the time of return.

After-­‐School Activities There are a number of after-­‐school activities available at the Middle School level that are open to students, including intramural and interscholastic sports, band, choir, clubs and academic competitions. Parental guidance is important in helping students decide how to balance sport and club participation with academics, family life, and special interests such as music lessons and engagements in the community.

CEESA Sports and Programs ISP is a member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) composed of 20 “sister schools” throughout the region. CEESA provides a rich array of activities and tournaments, from team sports, to academic activities such as Speech and Debate and Math Counts, to a variety of arts programs. We encourage students to participate in the wide variety of CEESA activities. Due to the nature of CEESA tournaments, there is a limited number of roster spaces for CEESA travel teams.

Sports seasons are structured so that each student who is interested in playing a specific sport has an opportunity to play for as long as facility constraints allow. Practices ordinarily take place after school two days per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The basic travel costs of student participation in CEESA tournaments or activities held away from Prague are the responsibility of the student’s family. ISP pays for the travel expenses of coaches, chaperones and supervisors required to make the trips feasible. Students and their parents will be informed of all responsibilities that participation in a specific activity incurs, but it is important to note that all visas and other travel documents necessary for travel are the responsibility of the family.

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Another important responsibility of participation in an interscholastic activity is hosting students from visiting schools. To make international student exchanges financially feasible, each CEESA host school takes on the responsibility of providing housing for the students from the visiting schools. All students intending to participate in the interscholastic activities program must agree to host at least two students from another school sometime during the school year.

Current sports offerings through CEESA are soccer, cross-­‐country running, tennis, basketball, swimming, softball and volleyball. All students and families should be aware that our tournament participation is regulated by CEESA league rules, and that team sizes and travel roster numbers are not negotiable. Questions concerning the team and trip roster selection process may be directed to the ISP Activities and Athletics Director.

Student Valuables In order to prevent the possibility of lost or stolen property during Middle School Physical Education lessons, students are asked not to bring personal valuables to PE classes. They should leave all valuables in their locker. Anything left in the changing rooms is the responsibility of the student.

The procedure above is intended to further develop student responsibility and to prevent valuables from becoming stolen or misplaced during PE lessons.

Other Activities In addition to sports, CEESA and other organizations sponsor activities of an academic and cultural nature. The Middle School often sends representatives to the following activities: • • •

Math Counts Band and Choir Festivals Speech and Debate contests

Student Council The Middle School sponsors a Student Council which provides a voice for students in the affairs of the school, allows students to develop leadership and organizational skills, and permits students to plan and organize their own social and service programs. Representatives attend Student Council meetings that are held weekly at lunch times. The representatives elect their own officers and are responsible for bringing matters to the Council that arise from their constituents and for reporting back through the advisories on the results of the meetings. The Student Council organizes and presents the Middle School assemblies, which will be held about once every two weeks.

MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Attendance Regulations The importance of punctual and regular attendance for every student cannot be over-­‐emphasized.

The school is open for students at 7:30. At 7:55 a warning bell will ring to remind students that they are to move toward their first period class. At 8:00 a late bell is rung, which means that students should be seated in their first period classes ready for instruction, not in the halls or outside the school. Students entering classes after the 8:00 bell will be considered tardy.

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Absences Regular school attendance is essential to the progress and achievement of the student and is expected by the Director and faculty. The Principals are authorized to request an explanation from the parents or guardian, either in person or in writing, for any unexplained absences from school.

The School has a generous vacation policy. We ask parents not to extend the period of time students are away from school, except in emergencies. Medical and other necessary appointments should be arranged outside of class time.

Attendance Protocol An Absence is EXCUSED if the following conditions exist: • • • • •

Illness or injuries which make the student physically unable to attend school; Isolation ordered by the host country health authorities; Death in the family; Religious observance, as suggested by the religion of the student and the students’ parents; Medical, dental or other appointments with a health care provider that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours.

NO OTHER ABSENCES ARE OFFICIALLY EXCUSED Important Note: Students in the Middle School who are absent (excused/unexcused) more than 20% of a subject’s class time during a trimester will be given credit for that trimester only upon the approval of the teachers involved and the School Principal. This may mean that promotion to the next grade cannot be guaranteed or may become conditional. Grades may be withheld or noted as “Incomplete” due to a lack of data on which to adequately assess student learning.

Absence Procedures When a student is absent from school due to illness, it is the parents’ responsibility to call the Middle School office to report the absence. If no call is received by 9:00 the office will call home to find out where the student is. Notification of absence is important so that we all know where every child is and that nothing untoward has occurred from the time they have left home until arrival at school.

Planned Absences For any planned absence, the parents must fill out a planned absence form at least one week ahead of the absence and explain the reason for the absence in writing or e-­‐mail. Messages should be directed to the Principal’s secretary who will give the student the form. The student must then take the completed form to all teachers of classes that will be missed. Teachers sign the form and the student returns it to the secretary.

It is important to note that notification does not alter the fact that an absence is excused or unexcused. It simply allows for better planning on the part of student and teacher. A planned absence will be unexcused unless it conforms with one of the reasons for excused absences listed above.

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Homework Make Up Plan If absent for several days due to illness, you may request work through the Middle School Secretary.

We prefer this to contacting teachers directly. For every day missed, the student has an equal number of days to make up the work. It is the student's responsibility to talk with their teachers once returning to school. If students have difficulty organizing their work, parents should help them to get support from the Counselor.

Worksheets and extra assignments cannot take the place of a quality education in a collaborative school environment. Our teachers and students work collaboratively at ISP, and are involved in many group process activities and projects which are impossible to duplicate outside of the school environment. Even though teachers will try to help children catch up with their peers after an absence, parents must accept the major responsibility for overseeing their child’s efforts to make up for missed classes. Students are responsible to arrange for any make-­‐up work or tests missed due to an absence. Teachers are not obligated to allow make-­‐up work for any unexcused absence and so this may result in loss of credit for tests, quizzes, and assignments.

Behaviour and Discipline Certain rules and regulations are necessary in order to maintain a positive and supportive environment in any community. By themselves, however, rules are not sufficient, and without an underlying spirit of cooperation, consideration, and respect for others, no community will be truly productive.

One of the more important traits we hope students develop while at ISP is the spirit of ‘good citizenship’. Good citizenship is manifested through the avoidance of waste, appreciation of material things without inordinate attachment to them, conservation of things natural and man-­‐made, unselfish and creative use of our talents, a disposition to generosity as opposed to self-­‐indulgence, and a sensitivity to people in need; in short, an active respect for people and for things.

If students are involved in the life of the School and accept the spirit of good citizenship, they will have no difficulty living up to the School’s expectations, and the School will be able to meet theirs.

Community Standards The School expects that students will follow both the letter and the spirit of the following standards of behavior. They are in effect at all times a student under the jurisdiction of the School. Violations of these standards will result in disciplinary action.

1.

Personal and academic honesty are essential to preservation of trust in a community and are expected at all times. (See Middle School Academic Honesty Guidelines).

2.

Respect toward persons and things are expected at all times. Vandalism, theft, harassment, and/or physical violence will not be permitted. Occasional conflict may occur naturally but must be dealt with openly and constructively.

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3.

Bullying: Our definition of “bullying” in the Middle School is a repeated willful attempt to hurt or intimidate someone, either physically or psychologically. If a student or students are guilty of bullying (and this can include off-­‐campus, after-­‐school hours behavior), an immediate referral to the Principal will result. Disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from school, may result. Bottom line: Bullying will not be tolerated at ISP.

4.

Attendance at all scheduled activities is required during school hours; a student may leave the school premises only when supervised by a faculty member, or with permission from an administrator.

5.

Students may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances (including tobacco products) while on School premises or while under the jurisdiction of the School.

6.

Students should behave, both on and off campus, in ways that reflect favorably upon the good name of the School. Offensive public conduct violates the spirit of this rule.

7.

No flammable materials, including cigarettes, lighters, or matches should be lit without proper permission. Students may not tamper with fire equipment.

8.

Repeated or frequent violation of minor rules and expectations is disruptive to the learning environment and will not be tolerated.

9. Students should always act responsibly in a way that is consistent with and appropriate to an atmosphere of learning.

10.

Weapons or items that might be mistaken for weapons are forbidden at ISP.

After School Expectations and Behavior Students should go home after classes are dismissed if they have no other academic or activity obligations. However, there may be times when students will need to stay, such as to use the library or to meet with a teacher. This is possible, but only if the students respect the needs of the other activities that are in progress after school. There are often language classes or clubs in session which need the same amount of quiet as classes held during the school day.

Therefore, students should obey the following expectations:

1.

Students may not run in the halls or play any games which may disturb others in classes or at work.

2.

Students may not go into any unoccupied classrooms without the explicit permission of a teacher.

3.

Middle School students must restrict themselves to the library, the cafeteria or approved inside and outside areas. They are not allowed to roam the School at will and are expressly forbidden to enter the Elementary or the Upper School areas.

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4.

By 17:00 no unsupervised student should be in the building for any reason. Only students under the direct supervision of a staff member may stay beyond this time.

Disciplinary Procedures Teachers will handle minor disciplinary infractions in their own classes. Consequences available to teachers include (but are not limited to) rescinding classroom privileges, requiring students to stay in class during breaks, “time out” from class, letters or calls home to parents, after-­‐school detention, parent conferences, and the appropriate adjustment of non-­‐academic grades to reflect the student’s anti-­‐social behavior.

When a student’s wrongful behavior is a consistent problem or when the wrongdoing is of a serious nature, the teacher may refer the matter to the Principal. The Principal, in consultation with the teacher and the student’s advisor, may institute more serious consequences, including internal or external suspension. If a student is suspended externally, they may not return to school without a parent conference, in accordance with Board policy. Internal suspension means that a student may not attend class or any after-­‐school activities and will have to remain in a secure area without any outside stimulation.

Very serious misbehavior, such as drug possession, physical violence against a student or staff member, vulgar or inappropriate use of email or the internet against a student or staff member, or tampering with the School’s computer systems, will be referred to the Director, who will take appropriate action to suit the misdeed. This could include a recommendation for expulsion from the School.

Cafeteria The school’s cafeteria is open from 07:30 to 16:30 every day. Warm meals, including one vegetarian entree, plus sandwiches and snacks are available for purchase. Middle School students are allowed to purchase food in the morning before school, at breaks, during lunch and after school.

Students are requested to use a lunch tray even if they are eating their own packed lunches so as to keep the tables as clean as possible. Students intending to buy lunches all year should pay for their purchases via a debit card which can be obtained from the catering staff in order to avoid delays in the queues.

Cafeteria/Snack Guidelines Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks from home for break times during the day and there is a wide variety of snacks available in the cafeteria. The Principal may prohibit the consumption of food in the hallways if deemed necessary.

Chewing gum is not permitted in Middle School due to the problems cleaners face in removing improperly discarded gum from carpets and furniture.

Campus Boundaries Middle School students are expected to remain on the School grounds for the duration of the school day. Students who live in Mala Sarka are not allowed to go home during the school day except with special permission of the Principal and with the knowledge of the student’s parents. Those students

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leaving campus during school hours must have a signed note from a parent or guardian and must sign-­‐out in the Middle School office.

Lockers All Middle School students will be assigned a lockable personal locker into which books, laptops, school supplies and clothing can be stored. Students who forget their lock combinations must contact the Middle School Secretary for the combination. However, this contact must occur during a break, not during classes. In general students should be prudent about where they leave their valuable items. The best way to be certain that nothing of personal value is lost is to leave valuables at home or keep them on your person during the school day. Bags and other items should not be left in the halls or on top of lockers. ISP is not responsible for the loss of personal items left in the hallways.

Students should keep their lockers in a neat and orderly fashion at all times so that their books and important papers are easily accessible. Proper locker maintenance will be an advisory period topic, and regular, unannounced locker inspections will be undertaken to verify students’ organizational habits.

Food, perishable items and soiled PE clothing should not be kept in the lockers overnight.

Personal Music Players ISP takes no responsibility for such items brought to school by students. They cannot be used in class time unless so stated by the teacher in charge and students are not permitted to download music from school computers.

Photocopying Students may not use the office photocopiers for their personal photocopying. A pay-­‐per-­‐use photocopier is available in the library. Refer to the library’s rules and regulations for the proper procedures to follow.

Telephones/Cell Phones The telephones in the offices or classrooms are not for student use. Students’ cell phones are not to be evident during the school day. If cell phones are in sight they will be taken away for the remainder of the day. Cell phones MAY be used after school.

Visitors Students who wish to bring a visitor to School must get permission at least 3 days in advance from their teachers and the Principal. Visitors may only attend classes with an ISP student for one day.

All school rules and regulations apply to visitors while they are at school. In all cases, the student sponsoring the visitor will be held responsible for the visitor’s behavior.

Important: Visitors may not attend Middle School dances. These socials are for ISP students only.

The only exception is in the case of approved former ISP students.

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Middle School Position on Academic Honesty Being ‘academically honest’ means that all your work is your own, unless you have clearly stated that it has been done by, or with, someone else. The International School of Prague regards academic honesty as an essential part of the academic, social and emotional development of all students.

I. Definitions of Dishonest Behavior Cheating is the use of unauthorized materials or assistance to gain an unfair advantage.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s words or ideas as your own without giving proper recognition of where you got your information.

Collusion occurs when one student gets help from another student to commit academic dishonesty.

While group work is often encouraged, unauthorized collaboration is considered cheating. You must be clear about your teacher’s boundaries on teamwork or helping someone else for any given task.

If you help someone else to cheat, then you too are committing academic dishonesty.

Examples. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following examples: 1. Presenting materials taken from sources, such as books, journals, newspapers or the Internet, without appropriate citation.

2. Submitting another person's work as one's own (e.g. other student parents, siblings).

3. Copying another student's homework, test, quiz, project, book report, or assignment.

4. Stealing copies of tests or answer keys.

5. Changing answers on a test, assignment, or project after grading.

6. Changing grades in a grade book or altering a computer grading program.

7. Using programmable calculators in a manner not specified by the teacher.

8. Unauthorized editing. Teachers often encourage pair and group work (e.g. editing a partner’s writing) but extensive re-­‐writing of a piece for someone else will not be permitted.

9. Unauthorized use of an electronic translator for foreign language.

10. Making up false data in an assignment e.g. a Science lab.

11. Using hidden notes on a test.

12. Allowing another student to copy a homework assignment, test, quiz, project, book report, assignment, or take-­‐home test.

13. Providing or accepting information regarding specific test content.

II. Responsibilities A. The administration shall: 1. Make sure that staff, students and parents are aware of the academic honesty policy.

2. Promote and encourage staff to educate students regarding the policy.

3. Enforce the consequences when a student violates the policy.

B. The staff shall: 1. Discuss and reinforce academic honesty with students.

2. Promote a classroom environment that encourages academic honesty and original thinking.

3. Enforce the consequences when a student violates the policy.

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C. The student shall: 1.

Support the spirit and the letter of the academic honesty policy both in attitude and

action in completing all school-­‐related tests, quizzes, projects, reports, homework

assignments or in-­‐class assignments.

2.

Understand that no assignment is excluded from this policy.

D. The parent/guardian shall: 1.

Teach and support the ethical values of honesty and integrity.

2.

Share in ISP's enforcement of the academic honesty policy, especially with regard to

work done outside of school.

3.

Help and encourage students with schoolwork, but never do it for them.

III. Violations Depending upon the circumstances of the academic dishonesty, the following actions will be taken at the discretion of the Middle School Principal.

A. For the first incident* of academic dishonesty, the following actions will be taken: 1.

The teacher will inform the student's parent/guardian of the incident.

2.

The teacher will inform the Principal.

3.

The Principal will meet with the student, the parent/guardian, the teacher and the

student's counselor to discuss the incident.

4.

A written record of the incident will be made.

5.

The student will be told to re-­‐do the assignment.

B. A second incident of academic dishonesty will result in the following actions: 1.

The teacher will inform the Principal who will make sure that a record of the second

incident is placed in the student's file.

2.

The Principal will meet with the student, the parent/guardian, the teacher and the

student's counselor to discuss the incident.

3.

The student will be told to re-­‐do the assignment.

4.

The student may be suspended and/or be given extra work assignments to be

completed after school in detention.

5.

The student will be ineligible for participation in clubs, sports or school activities in

that trimester.

C. A third incident of academic dishonesty will result in the following actions: 1. 2. 3. -­‐ As above (B) 4.

The student will be suspended with possible expulsion.

5.

The student will be ineligible for participation in clubs, sports or school activities for

the remainder of the middle school year

*These guidelines for sanctions apply to any violations throughout the time spent in Middle School.

The Upper School will be informed of any students who have committed more than one act of academic dishonesty.

ISP MS March 2005 (Adapted and compiled from The Elmbrook School District Board Policy 5131.2, Academic honesty: Guidance for Schools, by the IBO; and the draft policy on academic honesty of the American International School in Tel Aviv).

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UPPER SCHOOL -­‐ GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The academic requirements reflect the School’s commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education and to prepare students for success in future studies.

A minimum of 23 credits must be earned to receive a diploma. Each student must meet the following requirements:

Subject Credits

English 4

Social Studies 2

Math 3

Science 2

Modern Language 3 (or pass third level course)

Arts 2

PE/Health 2

Information Technology .5

The remaining credits to be earned for graduation are electives and can be chosen from the above disciplines.

ISP students are required to enroll in seven courses per semester and English each semester.

Exceptions to this guideline are made for scheduling difficulties or for full IB candidates during the second semester of their Grade 12 year. Exceptions may also be made for full IB diploma candidates if they are studying a language outside of school as part of their diploma.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Books Students are issued texts for some classes and are responsible for keeping the texts in good condition. When they are collected at the end of the year, a fee will be charged for missing or damaged texts. Report cards, transcripts and the ISP Diploma are not released until these fees are paid.

Credits/Course Load While attending ISP, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of seven courses. (See previous page for exceptions.) Credits are awarded based on the final grade, which is an average for the entire

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year. 0.5 (semester course) or 1.0 credit (full year course) is awarded for successful completion of courses. Students must be enrolled in English each semester and it is recommended that they maintain a minimum of four academic courses on their schedule.

Dropping/Adding Classes Students may change classes, with approval of parents and the Counselor, during the first ten days of a semester. A class may be changed after the ten-­‐day period only with the approval of the teacher, Counselor, Principal and parents. Any class dropped after the ten day period will appear on the student transcript with a mark of either WDP (withdrawn passing) or WDF (withdrawn failing), unless otherwise approved by the Principal. Students who drop a class, either passing or failing, may receive no credit for the course.

Exams Upper School students take final exams at the end of a year-­‐long or semester course. We expect that students will be present for these exams. The only acceptable excuses for missing an exam on the day that it is scheduled are student illness, family emergency, death in the family, or religious observations. A zero on the exam may result if a student is absent for other reasons.

Extra Help and Tutoring Faculty are available for extra help during regular school hours and from 15:00 to 15:30 unless they are supervising an activity. A list of tutors known to the School is available from the Counseling Office. Such professional tutors are hired privately by families for a fee. Such fee-­‐based tutoring may not be undertaken by a student's regular classroom teacher.

Achievement Semester reports are issued two times a year. Additionally, progress reports that include a grade in progress and narrative comments about a student’s status are prepared at the mid-­‐point of each class and are available online through our PowerSchool database. Parents have continual online access to a student’s gradebook after the first month of the start of school.

We do not provide class ranking or GPA. There is no appropriate ranking system that would adequately account for highly transitory international students, many of whom are transfers from schools in countries with different grading systems.

Standards-­‐Based Reporting (beginning with the Class of 2017) The curriculum at ISP is standards-­‐based, which means that we assess student learning against a set of clear criteria, rather than by comparing them to each other. These standards are used to plan units and lessons and have been designed to meet our Mission of providing an “authentic global education.” Beginning with the Class of 2017, assessments and reports will use the 1-­‐7 grade scale of the International Baccalaureate.

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Mark

General Descriptors

7

Sophisticated mastery/understanding

6

High level of achievement

5

Above expected level of achievement

4

At a satisfactory achievement level

3

Below expected achievement level

2

Significantly below expectations (no credit awarded)

1

Little or no evidence of achievement (no credit awarded)

A-­‐F Grading (Classes of 2015 and 2016) The Upper School is implementing a standards-­‐based assessment system for reporting achievement and we have chosen to use the 1-­‐7 grade system of the International Baccalaureate. Because we are phasing the new grade scale in, students in the Classes of 2015 and 2016 will still receive A-­‐F marks.

Letter grades correspond to the following numerical equivalents:

GRADE PERCENTAGE

A+ = 97-­‐100

A = 94-­‐96

A-­‐ = 90-­‐93

B+ = 87-­‐89

B = 84-­‐86

B-­‐ = 80-­‐83

C+ = 77-­‐79

C = 74-­‐76

C-­‐ = 70-­‐73

D+ = 67-­‐69

D = 64-­‐66

D-­‐ = 60-­‐63

F = Below 60

End of Term Grading There will be no additional work assigned at the end of the term for the purpose of raising a student’s grade.

Honor Roll Honor Roll status will be earned by any student who has no more than one grade below a B-­‐ and a 3.0 or higher GPA. High Honors requires all A's with only one exception and a minimum of a 3.4 GPA. The exception may not be lower than a C-­‐. Students receive a certificate with their semester report card to designate their Honor Roll status.

For standards-­‐based courses, Honor Roll status will be earned by any student who has a GPA of 6.0 or higher, with no course earning less than a 5.

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International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificates ISP offers the full International Baccalaureate program as well as opportunities for individual IB certificates. All students in a second year IB course are required to take the IB exam. The Principal must approve any exceptions to this. ISP pays the fees for those taking up to six IB exams.

Learning Support Center Our Learning Support teacher assists students with specific learning disabilities. These students may be eligible for extended testing time or other accommodations that address the student’s learning style/differences. Students who would like help with study habits or organizational skills may ask to meet with our learning specialist.

In addition, anytime after the first block and after school, students have access to a supervised study hall where the Guided Study Center teacher assists students with study and organizational skills, as well as tutoring in selected subject areas.

National Honor Society Students with strong academic standing and who exhibit potential for engaging in service and developing leadership are eligible to apply for membership in the National Honor Society [NHS]. A Faculty Selection committee meets at the beginning of the first semester of the academic year to select members from candidates who apply after being invited.

Students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply: • Grade 10 with a cumulative average of 6.0 or higher, with no course earning less

than a 5 (starting with the Class of 2017), or • Grade 10 with a cumulative average of greater than 3.5 , or • Grade 11 with a cumulative average of 3.2 or greater

Selection criteria are based on a student’s demonstration of scholarship, character, service, and leadership.

Probation A student may be placed on academic probation if s/he receives 3 or more grades below C-­‐ or one F and a D on a semester report. A meeting with the student, parent(s), Principal, and Counselor may be held to set specific goals for improvement. If improvement is not realized or if a student is on academic probation for three semesters, the student risks losing his/her place at ISP. Students in Grades 9 and 10 may be placed on academic probation if they receive three or more grades of 3 or below, or one grade below a 2 on a semester report.

Students on academic probation may be required to meet with our Learning Support Specialist to improve study habits and organizational skills or attend Guided Study. Additionally, these students can be restricted from privileges such as late arrival on campus and/or after school activities.

Progress Reports Progress reports that include a grade in progress and narrative comments about a student’s status are prepared at the mid-­‐point of each course and are available online through our PowerSchool

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database. In addition, parents have continual online access to a student’s gradebook. Emails are sent home at the discretion of the teacher in case of poor or deteriorating grades.

Promotion Students must earn (receive a passing grade in) 5 and 1/2 credits each year including 1 in English in order to be promoted into the next grade level. The final decision for promotion rests with the Principal.

Google Sites and Edu Blogs Students should check their online classroom, through their respective teachers Google Site or Edublogs, daily. This is where students have access to assignments, homework, resources, and class documents. Students should use this as their source for assignments and homework, especially following any absence. Parents can view this site by getting the link from their child.

Summer School/On Line Courses To earn or make up credit by attending summer school or taking an on-­‐line course, you must have prior approval from the Principal and Counselor.

Tests and Major Assignments Tests and major assignments are posted on the grade level USMAC (Upper School Major Assessment Calendar) calendar, which can be found on www.isp.cz on the SchoolNet site under Upper School.

No tests may be given, nor major assignments due, two class periods before and during the IB and final exam period. This does not mean that homework cannot be given, as review assignments are perfectly acceptable and necessary to adequately prepare students for exams.

Feigning illness and/or arranging absences for the purpose of avoiding a test or project due date is inappropriate in any setting. If a pattern of this behavior is noticed, the teacher will first talk with the student and notify the Principal. If the pattern continues or if the same pattern is noticed in other classes, the Principal will convene a meeting of student, parents, and involved teachers.

Upper School Homework Policy What is the Purpose of Homework?

“The purpose of homework is to support classroom and independent learning through practice, pre-­‐learning, processing, or checking for understanding in order to provide feedback and develop intrinsic motivation” Adapted from Vatterott, Cathy. Rethinking Homework, p. 124.

What is the Time Allocation for Upper School Homework?

• Grade 9-­‐10, 2 hours a day maximum, 30 minutes per lesson.

• Grade 11-­‐12, 3 hours a day maximum, 45 minutes per lesson.

• 1 weekend counts as 1 day • Homework is not assigned in preparation for/or as a result of a Mini-­‐block.

• ISP encourages students to take part in a full range of school/extracurricular activities.

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•

This homework timeframe is designed to allow for this participation.

We aim to follow the guidelines, but given the influence of external IB constraints, there may be occasional exceptions to these times in grades 11 and 12.

Common Agreements In general: • The Upper School does not believe in extra credit assignments/questions.

• Teachers do not award a “homework” grade.

• Summative assessment work done at home may be assessed, if it contributes to a measurement of a learning outcome.

• Formative and diagnostic assessments do not contribute to the final grade.

• Departmental assessment policies will communicate the impact that homework has on the final grade.

Differentiation of homework is an extension of existing classroom differentiation. It may be achieved by: • Giving a variety of assessment tasks and models • Modifying the amount, content, deadlines, and resources allowed • EAL modification • Scaffolding and fading

Student choice for homework assignments may include: • Establishing class negotiated due dates • Providing the choice of topics and methods, leading to the same outcome • Providing students with resources that allow them to focus on identified weak areas

Feedback on homework will be specific and frequent, and may include: • Group corrections/in class or electronic media discussions • Teacher and peer feedback, which could be oral or written • Use of exemplars to give formal or informal feedback • Guided self-­‐reflection and self-­‐marking

Preparation for homework may include: • Explaining the homework and its purpose • Modeling a possible approach • Allowing time for clarification/questions in class • Posts through electronic media • Scaffolding and having check-­‐ins for larger projects/assignments • Making criteria for assessment explicit • Setting a time frame

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Major Assessments place extra demands on students’ time.

Therefore: • Homework can be used to scaffold major assignments, including meeting interim deadlines.

• Regular homework is suspended when students have major assessments.

Glossary Formative Assessment: Any task that practices reaching a learning outcome.

Summative Assessment: Any task that assesses a learning outcome, once reached.

Differentiation: The process of identifying individual learning needs and providing instruction, resources and strategies to maximize each student's growth.

Diagnostic assessment: is conducted prior to and during teaching and learning to determine: • what existing knowledge, skills, attitudes, interests, and/or needs the student has; • the range of individual differences; • what program plans and/or modifications are required to meet the needs of individuals or groups of students.

Exemplar: example of student work representative of a level of expectation.

Extrinsic Motivation: Comes from external sources.

Fading: Gradual removal of scaffolding throughout a student’s high school career with the intention of students becoming more independent in the way they handle major projects.

Intrinsic Motivation: Motivation that is driven by an interest, enjoyment or an understanding of the importance of learning, and exists within the individual rather than relying on any external pressure.

Pre-­‐learning: work done in advance of class that will be developed in the lesson.

Scaffolding: Support, guidance and intervention provided to enable the teacher to ‘move’ the student beyond what she or he can do independently. The scaffold facilitates a student’s ability to build on prior knowledge and internalize new information. The activities provided in scaffolding instruction are just beyond the level of what the learner can do alone.

The following policies were agreed upon by ISP Upper School teachers and students, through a process led by the SSAC (Student Staff Action Committee):

Homework Agreements ISP teachers will: 1. POST major assessments (anything bigger than a quiz) for all classes on USMAC. Concerns about

USMAC should go first to Mr. Crane.

• Students should have no more than two tests or major assessments in a given day and no more than five per week.

• A USMAC monitoring process (staff and students) -­‐to strategize and prioritize to reduce conflicts in due dates.

2. ASSIGN no homework over holiday/breaks (except reading). If any major assessments are

assigned before the break/holiday, they may not be due before the second class after the

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break. For example, classes meeting on Monday will not have assignments due until

Wednesday.

3. CONSIDER Thursday/Friday homework assignments as being no different from

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday work so as to not overload the weekend.

4. POST the format of the assessment and/or an assessment rubric on the class website for all

major assessments at least one week before the due date.

5. ANNOUNCE homework assignments in class as well as online to make sure the assignment is

clear.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

What is community service?

Community service is a volunteer service performed by individuals for the benefit of another individual, group, organization and/or the community. Opportunities for service include working with teachers and students at our school and working for various organizations in the community.

All students are encouraged to participate in community service activities.

Goals Community service work will 1. encourage students to become responsible members of the community; 2. provide authentic experiences with the host country culture; 3. encourage students to take on tasks and responsibilities; 4. teach students to fulfill commitments and work cooperatively; 5. allow students to learn and apply problem solving and conflict resolution skills; 6. ask students to plan and organize activities for self and others; 7. develop attitudes of cooperation, empathy, independence, respect and tolerance.

Process Service opportunities are announced in the daily Student Bulletin. The CAS Coordinator will assist in finding a service project that fits an individual student’s abilities, interests and schedule.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Personal Counseling Students with personal issues should see their Counselor. If the issues presented by the student are beyond the scope of our counseling program, the student will be referred to an outside Counselor.

Parents will be notified of any situation which poses an immediate threat to the safety or health of a student.

Academic Counseling The Counselor works with the student, parent(s), faculty, and Principal to ensure that students select a program that is most appropriate. The School has the final prerogative in scheduling courses for each student.

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Career Counseling Grade 10 students will engage in career counseling as part of the standardized PLAN test in the early spring. The career and personality inventory will be individually suited to each student, and will help them gauge what career might interest them. The Counselor will review this assessment with each student during the school year.

University and Post High School Planning The Counselors at ISP assist students in the college selection and admissions process. They prepare a detailed calendar and booklet and are available to help students and parents with the process. In addition, our faculty has a diverse educational background and can serve as informal advisors to students who may have questions about a particular institution.

Parent-­‐Teacher-­‐Student Conferences Communication between parents and teachers is essential to ensure that each student is making progress. Parents may contact a teacher, the Counselor, or Principal any time they have a question or concern about their child's progress. Additionally, Parent-­‐Student-­‐Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice during the year and appear on the school calendar. If a parent has difficulty understanding English, we request that the parent bring an interpreter.

Testing The School offers a variety of standardized tests. We are the testing site in the Czech Republic for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests for college admission. Our 9th Grade students take the International Schools Assessment (ISA) that helps us evaluate their academic progress compared to that of other students in similar schools throughout the world. Grade 10 students sit for PLAN, the ACT’s College Readiness Test which includes a vocational inventory. Students in Grade 10 and 11 have the option to sit for the PSAT, the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test. The PSAT is voluntary and must be paid for by the individual student. Most ISP students do take the exam, however, and it is highly recommended. If a student takes the exam in 10th grade, they can opt to take it again in Grade 11.

CO-­‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

In the Upper School many co-­‐curricular activities provide opportunities and environments where students can learn skills and grow personally. We encourage all students to participate in areas such as student government, sports, music, art, drama, international affairs and community service.

Parental guidance is important as students learn how to balance sport and club participation with academics, family life, and special interests such as music lessons.

Advisory Program Mission Statement: The Upper School Advisory Program at ISP provides a nurturing student-­‐centered environment through regular small group meetings where development of grade level and advisory group dynamics are encouraged.

Advisory creates a non-­‐academic opportunity for every student to experience how students can lead healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives. Through group activities and individual reflections students 68

in advisory learn and practice effective communication skills for promoting inter-­‐cultural understanding. Advisory also encourages students to adapt and contribute responsibly to our changing world.

The Goals of the ISP Upper School Advisory Program:

GOAL 1: Improving Teacher to Student Relationships Advisories help students and staff interact with each other in a positive, supportive, low stress, and non-­‐academic environment. Teachers in this role provide a support network for you in knowing you as a whole person rather than just as a student.

GOAL 2: Improving Student Relationships Advisories foster interactions between students in order to develop a stronger sense of community among peers. Teachers in this role facilitate activities that would encourage students to communicate with each other in a safe and open environment.

GOAL 3: Promoting Student Voice Advisories give students an opportunity to express their views on issues that are important in their lives. Advisories grow out of student-­‐produced issues and provide platforms upon which students have the opportunity to lead discussions of issues of importance to them.

Advisory groups are formed within grade levels and meet with their faculty advisor each week.

Morning Advisory Important announcements are given and activities are conducted during morning advisory at the beginning of each school day. Attendance is mandatory.

Times for Activities Sport team practices are held after the regular school day ends. Upper School teams practice three times per week, with occasional games on the weekends. Other activities are scheduled after school from 15:10 to 16:00.

Who May Participate?

Activities are generally open to all students in the Upper School. There are a few activities that are restricted to a specific grade level, and some are restricted to a specific number. See the Activities Director, coach, or sponsor for specific details. A student on Academic Probation might be restricted from participating in an activity. A student will be allowed to be involved in tournaments or activities away from school only one time during a “season” (a trimester). An appeal for an exception can be made to the Principal and Activities Director; they should be consulted for details.

It is the students’ responsibility to contact their subject teachers at least one week before travel to make arrangements to make up any missed work.

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Travel Fees/Housing Some school activities have culminating programs or tournaments with other international schools and may have a fee. These basic travel costs for tournaments held away from Prague are the responsibility of the student. ISP pays for the travel expenses of coaches, chaperones, and supervisors needed to make the trips feasible.

Most of the time student groups stay with families of the host school. All participants of ISP teams and groups are required to host students from visiting schools.

Travel Arrangements/Visas Students and their parents must obtain visas and allow the School to hold student passports a few days before departure for an event.

Medical Insurance ISP requires that all students have a valid health insurance policy while on any trip away from ISP that requires an overnight stay under the care of an ISP employee or designate. Many trips at ISP are to international locations. It is important that parents check with their health insurance provider to ensure that students will be insured at the location of the trip. If families are unsure or need to purchase health insurance for a specific trip ISP can help families arrange temporary health insurance at a nominal fee.

Sports Teams at ISP The goals of the Upper School sports teams are to improve skills, develop good sportsmanship, and to put the best teams possible into tournament competition. Current sports teams for both males and females include:

September through October: Soccer, X-­‐Country Running November through February: Basketball, Swimming March through May: Softball, Tennis, Volleyball

Typical Activities/Clubs Offered at ISP -­‐ Model United Nations National Honor Society Language Clubs Drama/Musical Yearbook Chorus Jazz Band Math Club Table Tennis Student Government Speech and Debate HOSIC Running Club Badminton Community Service Club

Check the activity calendar for the dates of special events to be held during the year. Students may not participate in an activity on a day on which they are absent from school, for any given part of the day unless prior approval has been given.

Week Without Walls Week Without Walls is a four-­‐day program for Upper School students that involve learning experiences outside of the classroom. Trips / activities will take place within the borders of the Czech Republic as well as outside of the country. These learning opportunities are often experiential in nature, offering students experiences not always available through the school curriculum, and are

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designed for students to expand and further develop relationships and friendships with their peers and teachers.

The goals of the Week Without Walls program include, but are not limited to the following: • To better understand our students, including their interests and motivations,

empathy for others, problem-­‐solving abilities, and willingness to challenge

themselves in and out of school environs.

• To encourage students’ sense of accomplishment, self-­‐esteem and enjoyment.

• To enrich our students’ knowledge of this rich region that we inhabit during our tenure at

ISP. • To provide opportunities for community service, learning of lifelong skills, or for

interdisciplinary learning.

• To foster positive relationships among students by allowing for intra-­‐school mixing.

• To foster better relationships between students and staff.

• To improve school environment and culture (school spirit).

• To develop leadership skills.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

ISP encourages student leadership in all areas of the school. The organizations and programs listed below are some of the ways that students can be involved in the decision making process of the School.

Student Government (STUCO) • The Student Council is comprised of two elected representatives from each class as well as elected officers (General Director, Executive Director, Secretary, Head of Finance and Head of Logistics). A faculty member appointed by the Principal serves as advisor to the Council, whose purpose is to help organize student life at the School, to serve as a forum for student opinion, and to provide a channel for suggestions to the school administration.

National Honor Society • The NHS is a group of students selected by the faculty on the basis of their scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The NHS assists the School and community in innumerable ways. Some examples are assisting at the local food kitchen, peer tutoring, serving as guides and hosts at official functions, and providing the leadership and work for many new initiatives.

Library Advisory Committee • Upper School students serve on the Library Advisory Committee, which meets monthly with the Librarian to enhance the library and library services.

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Student Ambassadors • Student Ambassadors assist the Counselors in running the New Student Orientation in August and welcoming new students to ISP throughout the school year. Students volunteer and are selected for this service in May of the prior year.

CEESA SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES

Participants in activities and athletics are representatives of the International School of Prague. ISP students represent our entire community of students, faculty, parents, administrators and alumni.

The following regulations shall be followed by students participating in all events (whether athletic, academic, cultural etc.) organized and sponsored by the Central & Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) or any other trip organized by ISP. Any student who participates in a CEESA event agrees to obey all regulations.

1. Students shall obey all instructions given them by their host parents and their coaches/chaperones as if these instructions were given to them by their own parents.

2. Use of tobacco, drinking alcohol and the use of drugs are not permitted. Students involved with CEESA activities may not go to bars or nightclubs.

3. Housing arrangements made by the responsible official of the host school may not be changed.

4. Student curfew for all CEESA sponsored events is 22:00. Students must be in the home of the host parent by this time. (Schools and families may set earlier curfew times. Families MAY NOT extend curfew times.) Exploration of the local community may be done provided students are in pairs or groups, and there is at least one student from the host school present. Students also understand that this rule applies for ALL NIGHTS OF THE TRIP. 5. Neither host families nor students may negotiate changes to the CEESA regulations for students with respect to curfew, housing arrangements, the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs or any other rules or provisions set forth by the host school.

6. These regulations apply to all students-­‐ both those from the host school and those visiting throughout the event’s duration and, for visiting students, apply also during the journey to and from the site of the event.

7. Students must display appropriate respectful behavior at all times to: their peers, event officials, event sponsors, coaches and all members of the host community.

8. All ISP rules and regulations shall be in effect from the time of departure to the time of return.

Violation of these regulations will be reported to the responsible CEESA Official and to the student’s coach and/or advisor.

Statement of Disciplinary Action -­‐ The following are examples of disciplinary action which may be taken in the event that the Code of Conduct or school policies are not followed: • Suspension from further play in the tournament • Sent home immediately at the student’s expense

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• • • •

Placed in the care of a chaperone Confined to a specific area Referred to school administration Expulsion, suspension or discipline which could result in a denial to participate in future trips

TIPS FOR HOST FAMILIES WE NEED YOUR HELP. CEESA uses host families as a means of keeping costs reasonable for these events. It is expected that every student who travels during a school year agree to house at least two visiting students at least once in that school year.

• Visiting students do not need their own bed. An appropriate place on a couch or the floor will be fine.

• ISP will provide all lunches during the tournament, as well as any other meals outlined in the schedule that is sent to host families prior to the tournament. It is helpful to make sure that students have some money to spend on Sports Boosters or you can send a snack with them to the tournament.

• You will be asked to provide transportation to and from the school, as well as all meals not provided by the school. A complete schedule will be provided to you before the tournament / event.

• Feed your guests when you feed your student. You should not feel like you need to alter your routine for your guests.

• Names are important. Make an effort to learn how to pronounce your guests’ names correctly.

• Expect that your guests will follow your household rules in the same way that your children do. It is a good idea to ask one of your children to go over any rules with your guest and to allow them to ask questions if necessary.

• Allow your guest to use the Internet if they need to contact their parents.

• Try and make sure your guests are comfortable and encourage them to “speak up” if there is anything that they need. But also recognize that you are not a hotel, and can only provide what you can provide your own children.

• Share both your family’s culture, as well as the culture of the Czech Republic. The primary reason that these students are here is for them to gain new experiences as a part of their education. You, as a host family, are one of the most valuable resources to promote these exchanges.

• If appropriate for your family, guest students may appreciate a tour of the parts of Prague that you enjoy most!

SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Certain rules and regulations are necessary in order to maintain a positive and supportive environment in any community. By themselves, however, rules are not sufficient, and without an underlying spirit of cooperation, consideration, and respect for others, no community will be truly productive. One of the more important traits we hope you develop while at ISP is the spirit of stewardship. Stewardship is manifested through the avoidance of waste, appreciation of material things without inordinate attachment to them, conservation of things natural and man-­‐made, 73

unselfish and creative use of our talents, a disposition to generosity as opposed to self-­‐indulgence, and a sensitivity to people in need; in short, an active respect for people and for things. If you are involved in the life of the school and accept the spirit of stewardship, you will have no difficulty living up to our expectations, and the school will have no trouble measuring up to yours.

Community Standards The School expects that you will follow both the letter and the spirit of the following standards of behavior. They are in effect at all times a student is under the jurisdiction of the School. Violations of these standards will result in disciplinary action.

We ask that you respect your learning environment and adhere to the general standards previously written. While we do not attempt to write a rule for every situation, the following should give you a clear idea of our expectations for some specific situations.

• Personal and academic honesty are essential to preservation of trust in a community and are expected at all times. (See ISP Position on Academic Honesty in Middle and Upper School sections).

• Respect toward persons and things are expected at all times. Vandalism, theft, harassment, and/or physical violence will not be permitted.

• Bullying is defined for us as a willful attempt to hurt someone, either physically or psychologically. If a student or students are guilty of bullying (and this can include off-­‐ campus, after-­‐school hours behavior), an immediate referral to the Principal will result.

Disciplinary action, including suspension from school, may result.

Bottom line: Bullying will not be tolerated at ISP. • Attendance at all scheduled activities is required during school hours; a student may leave the School premises only when supervised by a faculty member, or with permission from an administrator.

• Students may not possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances (including tobacco products) while on School premises or while under the jurisdiction of the School.

• Students should behave, both on and off campus, in ways that reflect favorably upon the good name of the School. Offensive public conduct violates the spirit of this rule.

• No flammable materials, including cigarettes, lighters, or matches should be lit without proper permission. Students may not tamper with fire equipment.

• Repeated or frequent violation of minor rules and expectations is disruptive to the learning environment and will not be tolerated.

• Students should always act responsibly in a way that is consistent with and appropriate to an atmosphere of learning.

• Weapons or items that might be mistaken for weapons are forbidden at ISP. Academic Honesty The International School of Prague regards academic honesty as vital to the academic, social and emotional development of all students and to the building of trust in a community. Honest and ethical behavior is an essential component in the learning process. Academic honesty requires that all academic work is the legitimate, truthful effort and product of the student.

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All students are required to sign a pledge to abide by ISP’s Academic Honesty Policy, which will be reviewed during the first week of the school year.

Academic Honesty means: • Correctly and appropriately citing sources that are used in the completion of school work; • Submitting work that is representative of the student’s own learning, and not that of others Definitions of Dishonest Behavior

Cheating is the use or attempt to use unauthorized materials, assistance and/or aids in an effort to gain an unfair advantage.

Plagiarism is the presentation, in whole or in part, of another person's words or ideas as one's own without giving proper acknowledgement of sources.

Collusion occurs when a student supports another student in committing academic dishonesty. While collaboration is often encouraged, unauthorized collaboration is not permitted.

Examples Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

• Presenting materials taken from sources, such as books, periodicals, newspapers or the Internet, without appropriate documentation.

• Submitting another person's work as one's own (e.g. other students, parents, siblings, tutors) • Copying another student's homework, test, quiz, project, book report, assignment, or take-­‐ home test.

• Changing answers on a test, assignment, or project after grading.

• Using programmable technology (iPods, calculators, phones to name a few) in a manner not specified by the teacher.

• While collaboration is often encouraged, unauthorized editing of work (e.g., editing/correcting a modern language assignment, or the editing of another student’s work that involves extensive rewriting for the student) is not allowed.

• Unauthorized use of an electronic translator for foreign language.

• Fabrication of data in a lab setting.

• Using concealed notes on a test.

• Attempting to receive credit for the same work in two different classes without teacher authorization.

• Allowing another student to copy a homework assignment, test, quiz, project, book report, assignment, or take-­‐home test.

• Providing or accepting information regarding specific test content.

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Authentication of Academic Honesty ISP may submit random or selected pieces of work to external bodies for verification and evaluation of sources. Students should be able to submit electronic copies of any work to the teacher or the Principal for such verification at any time. It is recommended that students keep all rough notes and drafts that they produce in preparing work for submission to teachers or examiners should any questions arise.

Violations Academic Honesty infractions are cumulative throughout a student’s Upper School enrollment. Please note that the procedures below are a guideline, and that in cases of extreme academic misconduct, the administration reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences.

For the first incident of academic dishonesty, the following actions shall be taken: 1. The teacher shall inform the student's parent/guardian of the incident.

2. The teacher shall inform the Principal.

3. The student and a parent will be required to attend a meeting with the Principal and the relevant Counselor.

4. A written record of the incident will be placed in the student's file, and the student’s other teachers are notified.

5. The student shall be re-­‐assessed by the teacher and the nature of the re-­‐assessment will be determined by the teacher to ensure that the student can demonstrate accurately what he/she knows.

A second incident of academic dishonesty shall result in the following actions:

1. The teacher shall inform the student's parent/guardian of the incident.

2. The teacher shall inform the Principal.

3. A written record of the incident will be placed in the student's file, and the student’s other teachers are notified. The matter may be mentioned in any future references form the school.

4. The student and a parent will be required to attend a meeting with the Principal and the relevant Counselor, where the student and parent will be informed that any further offense may result in expulsion from ISP. 5. The student shall be re-­‐assessed by the teacher and the nature of the re-­‐assessment will be determined by the teacher to ensure that the student can demonstrate accurately what he/she knows.

6. The student will be ineligible for: • membership in any honors society • leadership roles in any club, sport or school activity in that school year • other honors for that year

A third incident of academic dishonesty shall result in the following actions: 1. The teacher shall inform the student's parent/guardian of the incident.

2. The teacher shall inform the Principal, who shall inform the Director.

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3. The student shall be suspended from school until the student and parent/guardian attend an expulsion hearing with the Principal and Director.

4. The Principal and Director shall meet with the student, the parent/guardian, and the student's guidance counselor to discuss the incident. A recommendation of expulsion may result from this hearing.

5. A written record of the incident will be placed in the student's file, and the student’s other teachers are notified and the matter shall be mentioned in any future references from the school.

6. If the student is allowed to remain at ISP, the student will be ineligible for: • membership in any honors society • leadership roles in any club, sport or school activity for the remainder of his/her upper school career • other honors for the remainder of his/her upper school career

If the act of academic dishonesty is combined with another serious infraction (e.g., stealing, breaking into a computer program or teachers’ grade book, buying or selling the material in question), the administration reserves the right to move immediately to the consequences listed under the third offense.

Academic Honesty and IB ISP’s Academic Honesty Policy applies to IB courses and components as well. Any work submitted for IB assessment that is deemed to be an instance of academic malpractice will not be accepted.

Academic dishonesty on any assignment that is to be submitted to the IB as part of internal or external assessment may result in disqualification from that subject or program component (Extended Essay or CAS). Students should be aware that this may result in the delay of completion of the subject involved and will prevent them from earning an IB Diploma in their first exam session.

Students may petition to register for 6 month retakes.

Adapted and compiled from The Elmbrook School District Board Policy 5131.2, Academic honesty: Guidance for Schools, by the IBO; the draft policy on academic honesty of the American International School in Tel Aviv; and the International School Moshi Secondary School Academic Honesty Policy.

Campus Privileges Students are allowed to move freely on the campus grounds during the course of the school day.

After a period of time at the beginning of the year and with parental permission, 11th and 12th Grade students are allowed to arrive on campus at the time of their first class. Failure to sign in or out, arriving late for class or skipping classes can result in the loss of the privilege. A student who is on Academic Probation loses this privilege during the semester of probation. Students must remain on campus at all other times in the school day.

Dress Attire should be neat, clean, in good repair, and appropriate to, not distracting from, an atmosphere of learning. Clothing that includes logos of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, vulgar language, or sexual innuendo is not permitted. In addition, hats should not be worn inside the building and basketball style jerseys are not to be worn without a t-­‐shirt underneath. Clothing which exposes the abdomen, cleavage, or underwear is not permitted.

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Food No food or drinks (except water) is to be consumed in any classroom without teacher permission.

Utensils including dishes, coffee cups, etc. are not to be taken from the cafeteria without specific permission from a teacher.

Personal Property Students must be responsible for their personal property at school. Nothing of value should be brought to school or left at school without it being in the possession of the student. The School cannot be held responsible for student property that is left in student lockers or left unattended around the school.

Telephones Mobile phones may be used during school hours. However, under no circumstances should mobile phones be turned on or operational during any class time.

Visitors Students who wish to bring a visitor to school must get permission from their teachers and the Principal at least two days prior to the planned visit. School rules and regulations apply to visitors while they are at our school. A form is available in the Upper School Office for this purpose.

Disciplinary Process in the Upper School Faculty are asked to handle minor disciplinary infractions on their own, as immediately and appropriately as possible. It is important that you understand that faculty will have different styles and, consequently, may respond differently to similar infractions. The Principal will meet with any student who fails to respond to the requests of faculty or who begins to develop a pattern of disciplinary infractions.

Students failing to respond positively to measures taken by the Principal will be asked to have their parent(s) accompany them to a conference with the Principal.

A typical ladder of consequences for minor infractions (repeated lateness to school or class, disruption of class, leaving class or school without permission, being off campus without permission) includes detention for first offense, detention and parent meeting for second offense, and suspension (in or out of school) for a third offense. It should be noted that skipping class would fall in the above category, but also includes receiving a zero for any work that took place in class that day.

The ladder of consequences for more serious infractions (fighting, vandalism, extortion, theft, blatant disrespect) would typically include a suspension (in or out of school) and could result in a recommendation to the Director of expulsion. Vandalism would typically include restitution as an added consequence.

At ISP, we consider individual circumstances in assigning consequences that are aimed at supporting the development of self-­‐discipline. The above are used as guidelines.

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ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential to the progress and achievement of the student and is expected by the Director and staff. The Principals are authorized to request an explanation from the parents or guardian, either in person or in writing, for any unexplained absences from school. The School has a generous vacation policy. We ask parents not to extend the period of time students are away from school, except in emergencies. Medical and other necessary appointments should be arranged outside of class time.

Excused and Unexcused Absences An Absence is EXCUSED if the following conditions exist: 1. Illness or injuries which make the student physically unable to attend school.

2. Isolation ordered by the host country health authorities.

3. Death in the family.

4. Religious observance, as suggested by the religion of the student and the student’s parents.

5. Medical, dental or other appointments with a health care provider that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours.

6. School sponsored trip.

NO OTHER ABSENCES ARE OFFICIALLY EXCUSED. Worksheets and extra assignments cannot take the place of a quality education in a collaborative school environment. Our teachers and students work collaboratively at school, and are involved in many group process activities and projects, which are impossible to duplicate outside of the school environment. Even though teachers will try to help children catch up with their peers who have been at school, parents must accept the major responsibility overseeing making up for lost learning.

Students are responsible to arrange for any make-­‐up work or tests missed due to an absence.

Teachers are not obligated to allow make-­‐up work for any unexcused absence and so this may result in loss of credit for tests, quizzes, and assignments.

In the case of planned absences, parents should notify the Principal at least two weeks ahead of the absence. It is important to note that notification does not alter the fact that an absence is excused or unexcused. It simply allows for better planning on the part of student and teacher. Letters or phone calls should be directed to the Principal or principal’s secretary who will give the student a form that notifies teachers of the student’s projected absence. Teachers sign the form and the student returns it to the principal.

Students are responsible to arrange for any make-­‐up work or tests missed due to an absence. For an unplanned absence of 5 days or more, when student returns to school they should see their Counselor to follow the Long Term Absence Procedure. Before a planned absence, students need to communicate with teachers to establish a plan to complete missed work. Teachers are not obligated to allow make-­‐up work for any unexcused absence.

Any time a student is absent, parents should notify the Upper School secretary on 220 384 222 or vvodickova@isp.cz of the absence, and the reason for it, by 09:00 of that day. Students arriving to school late (after 08:00) must report to the office before attending class.

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EXCESSIVE ABSENCES Any student who is absent more than five (5) days from a class during a semester will receive a warning letter from the Principal. If the student misses more than eight (8) days from a class during a semester, then the student and a parent will be asked to come in for a meeting with the Principal and the student’s Counselor. If absences exceed eight (8) in a semester, the student is in danger of not receiving credit for the semester, or may be put on attendance probation, which may impact participation in school activities. Factors such as the necessity of the absence, student initiative, and timeliness in arranging the make-­‐up of any missed work, and the quality of the work produced for the class will be taken into consideration in the appeal.

Arrival and Departure from Upper School Students must arrive to school by 08:00 in Morning Advisory. After a period of time at the beginning of the year and with parental permission, 11th and 12th Grade students are allowed to arrive on campus at the time of their first class, provided they sign in at the office.

Failure to sign in or out, arriving late for class, or skipping classes can result in the loss of the privilege. Students must remain on campus at any other times in the school day.

Tardiness Tardiness is disruptive to the educational process and has an adverse effect on the grade of the student. Excessive tardiness (three times or more in any class) will be reported to the Principal.

Students who are late to school more than 3 times in any semester will serve a detention in the main office.

Participation in Activities When Absent Students are not allowed to participate in after school activities, attend dances or other school events if absent for any period the day of that activity, unless specific permission is given by the Principal.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Cafeteria Students may use the cafeteria area for study and relaxation. We offer a wide variety of lunches including a salad and sandwich bar and several hot lunch entrees which always includes a vegetarian option.

Cafeteria hours are 07:30 until 16:30. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase Cafeteria debit cards which can be used in lieu of cash and will reduce delays in the queues.

Courtyards and Play Areas The courtyards are areas for relaxation and quiet recreation. When using these areas please respect the rights of others, being mindful that classes may be going on in the building nearby.

Health and Medication The School employs a nurse to look after all student records, immunizations and general health.

School policy does not permit the nurse or any other school personnel to dispense medication to

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students without the written permission of parents. All medications are to be stored in the nurse’s office only, unless decided differently with the parents.

Students may not leave school due to sickness or injury unless given permission by the nurse and MUST THEN SIGN OUT IN THE UPPER SCHOOL OFFICE before leaving campus.

Library Students are encouraged to use the library both for class work and recreational reading. Macintosh computers are available in the library for student work. The Library is located on the first floor of the building. Hours are Monday through Thursday 07:30 until 17:00 and Friday 07:30 until 16:00.

Photocopying Students are allowed to use the copy machine in the library with the consent of the librarian.

Transportation While ISP has no transportation system, information about busing or taxiing can be obtained from the Business Office. Bus schedules are available in reception.

Landau Theater The Landau Theater may only be used with permission from the Activities Director.

UPPER SCHOOL PETR MARES 1-­‐to-­‐1 LAPTOP PROGRAM

International School of Prague Laptop Mission Statement The International School of Prague recognizes that technology is a critical component of the learning experience for today’s students. The “Petr Mares 1-­‐to-­‐1 Laptop Program” increases student access to laptops with the goal of further integrating information technology and literacy into our curriculum.

The program provides enhanced learning opportunities in our classrooms and promotes the early development of responsible digital citizenship.

Upper school students must purchase an ISP-­‐approved Apple Macbook laptop computer, the specifications for which are updated by the IT office each year. Having their own computer allows students to have access to a laptop throughout the year, not just during school. Families may (but are certainly not obliged to) purchase the laptop from the ISP supplier. ISP then provides – at no additional cost – all academic software applications that supplement the core curriculum of Upper School students.

Prior to a student‘s entry into Upper School, the ISP “Upper school Laptop Handbook” and the “Digital Citizenship Agreement” is mailed to parents. The review and commitment by students and parents to the agreement is a prerequisite to participating in the 1-­‐to-­‐1 Laptop Program.

At the beginning of the school year, all new Upper School students attend an orientation program to guide them through the digital citizenship agreement, information literacy, basic maintenance/care of these machines and the installation of the licensed software.

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Purchasing your Laptop As mentioned above, families may (but are not obliged to) purchase the laptop through the ISP supplier. Wherever you decide to purchase the laptop, it must conform to the minimum specifications (which are updated each year by the ISP IT office). Although these specifications (and ordering information, if you go that route) will be communicated to you in advance, you can also find them by visiting the IT office, looking at their pages on the school’s website, or reading the Upper School Laptop Handbook.

Do you already own your own laptop? Excellent! However, please be aware that Windows-­‐based and “vintage” Apple laptops won’t work. A recent-­‐model Macbook, Macbook Air, or Macbook Pro may be sufficient if it meets the minimum requirements stated by the IT office, but please verify these before bringing the laptop to school. Families that provide their own laptop will still receive the ISP suite of applications at no additional cost.

SENIOR AWARDS

The Upper School annually presents four awards to graduating seniors. The faculty established the criteria for the awards, and the recipients of the awards are nominated by faculty and students and decided by a vote of the faculty. It should be understood that there are often many deserving candidates for these awards and that the awards are given in the spirit of celebrating the qualities for which they stand, in all of our graduates.

The ECIS Award For International Understanding is awarded to a senior who is a good representative of her/his own country, with a positive attitude toward the life and culture of others, able to converse in at least two languages, a contributing force in the life of the school, with the ability to bring differing people together into a sense of community, thus furthering the cause of international understanding.

The Griffin Award, named after a mythological winged-­‐lion, is presented to the senior who has shown outstanding characteristics of both scholarship (See description of Lion Award) and involvement in school life (See description of Falcon Award) by balancing the desire for achievement, and search for knowledge, with service to community and others.

The Lion Award, named for the Czech Lion, is awarded to the outstanding scholar of the senior class.

This award is given to the student who has shown not only strong academic achievement, but also a true intellectual desire during his/her career at ISP to seek knowledge, understanding and truth.

The Falcon Award, named for the school mascot, is awarded to a senior who has shown outstanding involvement in the school life of ISP by giving freely of his/her time to students, faculty, organizations, and projects.

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NOTES

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