Student handbook 2016 2017 by The International School of Minnesota

STUDENT HANDBOOK

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA TABLE OF CONTENTS

ISM Mission Statement �� 5 SABIS® Core Purpose and Values �� 5 Features of The International School of Minnesota �� 6 College Preparation for All Students �� 6 Cultural Diversity �� 6 Efficiency �� 6 Accountability �� 6 Brief History of SABIS® Educational Systems �� 6 SABIS Student Life Organization® �� 7 SLO® Directives �� 7 What is Student Life? �� 7 Student Life at ISM �� 8 Student Life Merit Points �� 8 Student Life in the Classroom �� 8 SLO® Academic Support �� 9 Student Life Period �� 9 SLO® Events �� 10 SLO® Retreats �� 10 School Procedures �� 10 Academic Procedures �� 10 Who’s Who in The School �� 10 The Academic Year �� 10 2015-2016 Calendar �� 11 Holidays and Academic Breaks �� 11 Daily Schedule and Activities �� 12 Revised Scheduling �� 12 Lower School Extended Day Program �� 12 Summer Adventure Camp �� 13 Upper School After School Policies and Guidelines �� 13 Extracurricular Options �� 13 Sports................................................................................................................................................ 14 Mission Statement �� 14 Beliefs............................................................................................................................................ 14 Introduction to the Program �� 14 Summer Enrichment Courses �� 14 Upper School Guidelines for Participation in Extracurricular Activities 14 Diaries............................................................................................................................................... 15 Recording Classes/Teachers �� 15 Dropping a Class �� 15 Class promotion �� 15 Testing............................................................................................................................................... 15 Academic Monitoring System (AMS)TM �� 15 Periodic Exams �� 15 Test Make-ups/Retakes �� 15 End-of-Term/End-of-Year Exams �� 16 The Reporting of Student Progress �� 16 Grading System �� 16 ISM Grading Scale �� 16 End-of-Year Grade �� 16 Interim Reports �� 16 Parent-Teacher Conferences �� 17

STUDENT HANDBOOK Report Cards �� 17 WebSchool �� 17 Minimum Graduation Requirements �� 17 Core College Preparatory Credit �� 17 Attendance �� 18 Procedures for Attendance �� 18 Excused Absences or Tardies �� 18 Lawful Examples of Excused Absences and Tardies �� 18 Unexcused Absences and Tardies �� 18 Consequences for Unexcused Absences or Tardies �� 18 Unexcused Absences �� 19 Permission to Leave School �� 19 Class Tardies �� 19 Make-up Work �� 19 Senior and Junior Privileges �� 19 Homework Policies �� 19 Academic Infractions �� 19 Lower School (Grades 1-5) �� 19 Middle School (Grades 6-8) �� 20 Homework Study Group �� 20 Rewarding Academic Responsibility Parties �� 20 High School (Grades 9-12) �� 20 Silent Study Hall �� 20 Working Detention �� 20 Uniforms............................................................................................................................................. 20 Policy for Non-uniform Days �� 21 Personal Property �� 22 Electronic Devices �� 22 Cell Phones �� 22 Cameras �� 22 Internet Capable Devices (Including Laptops) �� 22 Non-Internet Capable Audio Devices or Electronic Readers 22 Personal Game Players �� 22 Translators �� 22 Laptop Computers �� 22 Confiscated Items �� 22 Student Participation and Behavior �� 22 Gold Slips ��23 Lower School Student Codes ��23 Discipline Policies and Procedural Guidelines ��23 Classroom ��23 Office Referrals ��24 Options, Procedures, and Consequences ��24 Bullying ��24 Bullying Defined �� 25 Olweus Bullying Prevention Program �� 25 Physical Violence �� 25 Threats to Faculty, Staff, and Students ��26 Racial Slurs and Verbal Abuse ��26 Sexual Harrasment ��26 Tobacco, Alcohol and Chemical Substances ��26 3

STUDENT HANDBOOK Weapons ��26 Academic Dishonesty and Cheating ��26 Consequences for Academic Dishonesty and Cheating ��27 Locks and Lockers ��27 Student Driving and Parking ��27 Food Service ��27 Hot Lunch Program ��27 Meals and Snacks ��27 Birthdays �� 28 Food Brought to Share �� 28 Class Reorganization Process �� 28 Administrative Procedures �� 28 Health and Safety Procedures �� 28 Mandatory Background Checks ..………………………………………………………………………………….29 Health Record Information �� 29 Special Medical Needs �� 29 Emergency Procedures �� 29 Emergency Forms �� 29 Medications �� 29 Illness and Exclusion Policy �� 30 Communicable Diseases �� 30 First Aid �� 30 Health Consultation Services �� 30 Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect �� 31 Reporting Policy for Programs Providing Services to Children �� 31 Retaliation Prohibited �� 31 Failure to Report ��32 Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Crisis Drills ��32 Transportation Policies ��32 Transportation to Field Trips ��32 Parking Lot Rules ��32 Busing............................................................................................................................................ 33 Transportation Reimbursement �� 33 School Facilities and Property �� 33 Security �� 33 The Library �� 33 Circulation �� 33 Checking out Library Items �� 33 Lost or Damaged Materials �� 33 Billing............................................................................................................................................ 33 The Residence Hall �� 34 The Cafeteria �� 34 Use of Vending Machines �� 34 Financial Policies �� 34 Monthly Statements �� 34 Financial Policies �� 34 Charges �� 34 Lower School Financial Policies �� 35 Late Fees �� 35 Daycare and Conference Days �� 35

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL SONG Hail to The International School

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA

The School will be recognized as a provider of top quality education to a highly diverse student body. It will prepare all students for success in college, equip them with Learning together we can face the future, the ability and desire for lifelong learning, With heads held high, with pride in our School, and strengthen their civil, ethical and moral Morally strong and mentally able, values. The School will maintain high With a quest for knowledge, seeking wisdom and standards of efficiency and accountability truth. throughout its operation. North, South, East, West Oh, hail to The International School.

Building foundations from cultures and nations, Through faith and vision, dedication and drive, Learning is a task that lasts a lifetime, Limited only by our hearts and conscious minds. Protect these halls and all who learn within them. History and labs, essays and equations, Language like lightning and thunder command, Face the rising sun with what lies within us, Be proud of our School, forever may She stand.

The ISM Rouser

Cheer, cheer for dear ISM Raise up your voice and we’ll win again. Let them know we’re on their side Stand up for “Huskies”, show off your pride. Fight, fight, fight, and send out the call “Go for it Huskies, give it your all”! While your loyal fans are cheering Onward to victory.

SABIS® EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS CORE PURPOSE To provide an outstanding education at a reasonable cost and help all students achieve their full potential.

CORE VALUES

1. Honesty and integrity 2. Upholding our principles at all times 3. Continually improving and never becoming complacent 4. Quality before profit 5. Making a difference 6. Recognizing and rewarding efficiency, loyalty and commitment

STUDENT HANDBOOK FEATURES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA College Preparation for All Students

The International School strives to prepare all its students to enter colleges and universities of the best quality and fit. We believe that a college education is accessible to ALL students enrolled in The International School of Minnesota. The record of college placements by ISM and its sister schools bears this out. The School accepts students from preschool to twelfth grade. Whether a student enrolls as a Lower School student and continues on through graduation, or enters later as a high school student, she or he should be prepared for a quality college program. In addition, the student should be well-prepared for assessment measures used for college admissions, such as the SAT and ACT, and Advanced Placement exams. The school is highly academically oriented without being highly selective.

Cultural Diversity

The International School actively recruits cultural diversity in its student body and staff as part of its mission to educate citizens of the world. This includes international students, students whose parents were born abroad, and American minorities. The diversity of the student body gives students the opportunity to meet and know children and adults from many different cultures, religions, and races. In doing so, one of The School’s goals is fulfilled, “to help students develop a true understanding of the peoples of the world through an appreciation of differences, as well as similarities.”

Efficiency

There is a great awareness at ISM of the value of time. To increase efficiency, The School guides students in the proper use of their time. Concepts and skills that students should learn are carefully selected. Teachers then teach these concepts according to a set time plan. Computers are used to monitor the attainment of objectives. The continuous feedback from weekly testing is used to detect learning gaps as soon as they form, and the gaps are filled before new concepts are taught. The clear objectives and the absence of gaps accelerate the learning process 6

through the SABIS Point System® of instruction. The Point System™ of teaching, the computer-aided systems of monitoring, long and short breaks between systems of monitoring, long and short breaks between learning sessions, group work to monitor the progress of each individual, and other techniques are all intended to achieve more with less effort and in less time. These and other more sophisticated systems continue to be refined within the SABIS® Educational System.

Accountability

High efficiency and good standards cannot be achieved if people are not held directly responsible for their actions and decisions. Hence, every individual at The International School is ACCOUNTABLE. Administrators bear the responsibility for setting, achieving, and maintaining high standards. The administration, along with SABIS® Academic Quality Controllers and SABIS® Subject Program Coordinators, sets the syllabi for all classes and measures the attainment of objectives through independent testing; teachers are thus accountable. Students are, of course, accountable as well. Their academic achievement is measured frequently, and a record of each student’s involvement in activities is kept in the form of SABIS® Student Life Organization Points.

BRIEF HISTORY OF SABIS® EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS Providing world class primary and secondary education for nearly 130 years The International School of Choueifat (pronounced SHOYFAT) was founded in 1886 in the village of Choueifat, a suburb of Beirut in Lebanon. It survived two world wars and continued to grow and develop over the years. In the midseventies, an expansion program outside Lebanon began. ISM is a member of the SABIS® School Network serving 70,000 students in 16 countries. Since the founding of the first school, a large number of dedicated and competent women and men have given of their time and of themselves to educate and mold capable, responsible, moral citizens. Graduates of these schools have attended top universities and have proceeded to lead successful lives.

Although education has always been an important issue, it has now become a question of worldwide concern. SABIS® Educational Systems Inc. has attracted the attention of people from different countries and, as a result of the interest shown in it, is constantly expanding.

Learning is a lifelong requirement for the maintenance of a free, democratic, and technologically advancing society; therefore, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a life of continuous learning. A society succeeds to the extent that its members are able to work together to achieve the goals of the individual and the community; therefore, our curriculum is designed to include diverse learning activities intended to teach students how to work effectively in groups. Low achievement is more often due to gaps in prerequisite knowledge than lack of ability; therefore, we detect learning gaps and ensure mastery of all essential concepts through a unique academic monitoring and external examination system. A school’s success is measured by the value its education adds to each individual; therefore, we give all students the advantage of an outstanding international education, thus preparing each student to participate fully in society.

SABIS STUDENT LIFE ORGANIZATION®

The schools in the SABIS® School Network firmly believe that education has the power to change the world. There are four fundamentals common to all SABIS® schools. The SABIS Student Life Organization® is one of these four.

Regular Assesment

SLO® Directives

2. Do your best. 3. Cooperate and actively help others. 4. Treat people and property with respect. 5. Manage yourself.

WE BELIEVE THAT:

Focus on Languages & Mathematics

1. Always try.

Point System of Teaching

Student Life Organization®

The following five directives represent basic beliefs of The School and serve as the guidelines of the SABIS Student Life Organization® in its day-to-day operation:

What is Student Life?

The SABIS Student Life Organization® is a students’ minisociety giving them the opportunity to assume real life responsibilities. Students who are selected – not elected – manage the SABIS Student Life Organization® and are called Prefects. The students learn how to organize and manage all aspects of their student society. Initially they are taught the skills necessary to run their SLO® department by the Student Life Coordinator; eventually, students begin to teach each other. Student Life is the means to empower students to make a difference by giving them the responsibility and opportunity to develop important life skills including leadership, cooperation, confidence, creativity, problem solving, communication, and global citizenship. All students are encouraged to join the SABIS Student Life Organization® and to take an active part in their education, both at the academic and the non-academic levels. Working in cooperation with and complementing the efforts of the administrative and academic staff, prefects are valuable assets to their schools. They help to raise the general standard, promote high social and moral values, and encourage participation in a wide range of additional activities. The Student Life Coordinator allocates ‘real-life’ tasks to students, and advises and supports them in all of their efforts. Examples of specific programs in which the SLO® Department plays a key role include the following: • Classroom academics • Classroom, indoor and outdoor discipline • Academic Support (Study Groups and peer tutoring sessions) • Student Life Period (activities, clubs, sports) • Big Brother/ Big Sister Program • SABIS Academic Monitoring System® (AMS) and 7

STUDENT HANDBOOK • • • • •

Periodic Exam analysis/support Special events (Homecoming, International Day, Retreats, dances, etc.) Shadow Teaching® Student Life Yearbook School Spirit Days Ambassadors

Student Life at ISM

Student members of the SLO® Management Team are given varying degrees of leadership responsibilities as SLO® Prefects, Deputy Head and Head Prefects. These prefects, along with the ISM Student Life Coordinator, recruit and supervise students to assist them in planning and carrying out the daily responsibilities and projects within their areas. Even if they are not part of the SLO® Management Team everyone can and does get involved with some aspect of Student Life at ISM through various other projects or perfecting opportunities.

® organizations in the “real world,” the SABIS Student Like most SABIS Departments

Life Organization® at ISM has a hierarchy in which students earn “promotions” by proving themselves worthy of such after successfully carrying out their responsibilities. The hierarchy shown below portrays the extensive nature of the SLO® department’s involvement in the daily functioning of ISM.

Student Life Merit Points

In addition to being rewarded with promotions within the SABIS Student Life Organization®, grade 4-12 students who participate in and contribute to the Student Life program receive Student Life Merit Points. These points appear on their Report Cards and are an indication of a student’s contribution to the academic and social environment at ISM.

Student Life in the Classroom

In each SABIS® classroom, there is an academic team comprised of a Class Prefect, Subject Prefect, Group Leaders and various Class Helpers who provide immediate help to their classmates by assisting their teachers with the SABIS Point System® of teaching. After a teacher has presented a concept and an accompanying exercise is completed independently by the entire class, the subject prefects will check the work of the students in their groups and offer help when necessary. When group work is required, the Subject Prefect and the Group Leader are working together in making sure the learning is maximized by maintaining discipline in the group and review work done or answering questions. In addition to the valuable contributions that Class Prefects

and Subject Prefects make to the learning process, Class Prefects are also the student social leaders in their classrooms. This means that Class Prefects need to set the example for their fellow students by being, for instance, always punctual to class, well behaved, respectful of others, helpful, and proud of his/her Prefect position. Class Prefects’ duties include helping to maintain discipline in the classroom and corridors, making sure that the classroom remains neat and tidy, making sure students are ready for class to begin, taking attendance, and reading special announcements to the class. Class Prefects are assisted in these duties by a number of prefects, other students who are responsible for such things as keeping the boards clean; making sure students keep their classroom tidy; helping during line-up and times of transition; and any other tasks that a Homeroom Teacher deems fit to implement. Prefects are appointed to these jobs based upon merit, never upon the results of an election, which usually turns into a “popularity contest”. The students who successfully carry out their Student Life responsibilities in the classroom receive extra Student Life Points in recognition of the extra work and responsibilities they have assumed.

Student Life Academic Support

The academic support at ISM plays a crucial role in all students’ success. Various sessions take place during the daily student life period, after school and during study halls. • High School Math Students: Students in Grade 6-11 who do not master the minimum number (75%) of required concepts on Math AMS exams are automatically directed by the system to retake the missed concepts. This provides students with immediate feedback on the material learned. Additional mandatory tutoring is also provided if students are still demonstrating difficulties and a re-take test takes place. • Other Subjects: Students, who do not master the minimum number (80%) overall average will be assigned by their AQC in collaboration with the Student Life Coordinator to long-term Study Groups and/or Peer Tutoring sessions. Students will remain in this academic support session until informed otherwise. • Disciplinary measures will be taken for students who fail to attend an academic support session not to mention that this may seriously jeopardize her/his academic standing, including advancement to the next grade level.

Student Life Period

ISM is offering, during Student Life Period (period 5), a structured activity or academic support session for all grade 6-8 students. The program is designed to enrich students’ social and educational experiences while helping them stay active by offering a wide variety of challenging and enriching activities, academic sessions, prefecting and leadership opportunities. These activities may include sports as well as clubs for arts and crafts, storytelling, dance and music, just to name a few. In keeping with the overall goal of the SABIS Student Life Organization®, many of these activities are organized and led by student prefects. Below are some guidelines to help in better understanding this program and how it operates. • All parents and students will receive appropriate information regarding the various activity-related events such as the beginning of the year registration period, change of activity period and student activity confirmation. • All activities have a maximum enrollment limit in order to ensure quality time and safety. • Good academic and behavior standards are essential for participation. This means that students who have been assigned to SLO® Academic Support sessions must miss their activities for that period of time if the activities conflict with the times of their tutorial groups. Academics always take precedent over activities. • Once enrolled, attendance at activities is mandatory. Activity absences are handled in the same manner as academic absences. • Student Life Merit Points are earned for attending SLO® activities. • After the initial sign up period at the beginning of the school year for activities there will be a one week trial period where students can change their activities. After this period (except in exceptional circumstances) students will not be allowed to change their activities until the end of the term. This process will continue for each new term. • Throughout the year, an activity might get canceled for example if teacher or student leader is absent, etc. All activity leaders have been informed to contact the SLO® office as soon as possible so necessary action can be taken as follow: • If the SLO® office is made aware of a cancellation a sign will be posted on the SLO® board.

STUDENT HANDBOOK Student Life Events

Throughout the school year, the prefects from the Activities Department in Student Life organize special events, such as dances and activity nights. These events customarily occur after classes or on weekends, with teachers and parents in attendance who provide general supervision. In accordance with the philosophy of Student Life, the prefects in charge of these special events are responsible for all aspects of the planning and organizing of these activities. The Student Life Coordinator, however, does provide the prefects with advice and support during the entire process. Please see the All School Event Calendar for dates and events.

SLO Retreats ®

Throughout the school year, three retreats are organized for the following levels: Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12. The retreats are designed to provide students with unique learning experiences that develop new skills and foster a sense of community among the students. The trips are planned and organized by SLO® Departments. These two days are considered to be school days and as

such, attendance at the retreat is mandatory. Due to the high number staff chaperones that join us on the retreats, alternative care will need to be provided by parents if their child does not attend. Retreat dates are printed in the school calendar and a Retreat Info and Consent Form will be sent to parents via email. Parents are advised to consider these days when planning out of school appointments or other activities.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES ACADEMIC PROCEDURES The Academic Year

The ISM academic year is divided into three terms. Within each term, four types of instructional days are scheduled to maximize learning: regular instruction days, revision days, end of term exam days and end of year exam days. Each term typically consists of 10 to 11 weeks of regular instruction days. This is the lengthiest segment of the term, during which students are given new material to learn in

Who’s Who in The School Kenneth Riggs

Sarah Bianucci

Phone: 952.918.1835 Email: kriggs@sabis.net Office: Room 411a Responsible For: Academics/Discipline/ Parent Inquiries Contact Me For: • Information about the ISM Program • Student Progress • School policies and procedures • Residence Hall • Any questions

Phone: 952.918.1825 Email: sbianucci@sabis.net Office: Room 502a Responsible For: Upper School Academics Contact Me For: • Grades/Academic Support • Study Groups • Parent Meetings • Exams • Schedules • Retakes • Make-ups • Teachers

ISM Director

Greg Willkomm

Mary Sears

Phone: 952.918.1826 Email: gwillkomm@sabis.net Office: Room 207a Contact Me For: • Grades/Academic Support • Parent Meetings • Study Groups • Exams • Schedules • Retakes • Make-ups • Teachers

Phone: 952.918.1817 Email: msears@sabis.net Office: Room 213a Contact Me For: • Grades/Academic Support • Parent Meetings • Study Groups • Exams • Schedules • Retakes • Make-ups • Teachers

Academic Quality Controller GR 3-7

Academic Quality Controller GR 8-12

Academic Quality Controller PS-GR 2

each of their subjects. Students are given weekly AMS exams (beginning in grade 3) and periodic examinations during this time.

Monday

Tuesday

July

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

August

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday

September Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday

October

Tuesday

Wednesday

Labor Day

4th of July Holiday

New Teacher Workshops M-F

Thursday

Friday

22 **Upper School Starts 29

Workshops - ALL STAFF 23 24 25 ECE/Lower School Starts 30 31

Meet Your Teacher

Interim Reports

STAR Testing Gr. 1-5

School Closed

Returning Teachers Th/F

1/2 Day Conference Dismissal @ 12:30

Conferences 8-4 No School Daycare

US Retreat

No School Daycare

LS Retreat

STAR Testing Gr. 3-12 ** No School or daycare for ECE or LS on this day. Days school not in session have been shaded. Days noted as “School Closed” indicate days there is no daycare..

Monday

Tuesday

Election Day

November Wednesday

Thursday

Revision 14

Revision 21

Revision 22

EOT Exams EOT Exams 28

29 Term II Begins

16 Revision 23 No School Daycare

Friday

Veteran's Day

Monday

Tuesday

Thanksgiving Day

School Closed

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

STAR Testing Gr. 6-12 9

Thursday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Spring Break

No School Daycare

Spring Break

No School Daycare

Spring Break

No School Daycare

Term III Begins

9 Spring Break

No School Daycare

School Closed 23

Winter Break

No School Daycare

Holiday

Winter Break

School Closed

No School Daycare

Monday

Tuesday

February

Wednesday

Thursday

School Closed

Revision

School Closed

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

May

Wednesday

Thursday

Revision

EOT Exams

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

June

Wednesday

Good Friday School Closed

ERB Gr 1 & 2 16

ERB Gr 1 & 2

24 25 STAR Testing Gr. 1-12 Revision Revision Revision

Revision

Thursday

EOY Exams EOY Exams EOY Exams EOY Exams 13

Friday

Senior Finals Revision 9 1/2 Day EOY Exams Last Day of School

All Staff Workshop

ACT Aspire

ACT Aspire 17

Senior Finals Revision 8

ACT Aspire

Begin ACT Aspire Administration

Revision

Holiday

No School Daycare

April

Wednesday

17 No School No Daycare Staff Workshop

Friday

Presidents' Day

Monday

Interim Reports

No School Daycare

REPORT CARDS Holiday School Closed

Winter Break

REPORT CARDS No School Daycare

Conference 8-4 No School Daycare

Friday

MLK Jr. Day

Star Testing Gr. 1-5 1/2 Day Conference Dismissal @ 12:30

Thursday

STAR Testing Gr. 1-5

Wednesday

EOT Exams EOT Exams EOT Exams

January

Term II Resumes

MS Retreat MS Retreat MS Retreat

March

Wednesday

December

EOT Exams EOT Exams

Tuesday

Revision

STAR Testing Gr. 6-12

Monday

Revision is comprehensive, but selectively so. As End-of-Term/End-ofYear exams make final measurement of students’ course-relevant understanding, so are the concepts, facts, and skills reviewed during

182 Days

Tuesday

STAR Testing Gr. 6-12

School Closed

During the week prior to End-of-Term exams and End-of-Year Exams, called Revision Week, no new material is taught. Instead, students have an intensive review of the material they covered in individual classes throughout the term. Revision week has a special value, in that it is set aside purely for purposes of reinforcing and strengthening learned concepts.

Term I: 64 Days Term II: 57 Days Term III: 61 Days

2016-2017 Calendar

REPORT CARDS

Graduation: June 4 Summer Camp Begins: June 12

Revision

Interim Reports

31 Senior Senior Finals Finals Revision Revision 6385 Beach Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Phone 952-918-1800 www.internationalschoolmn.com

Memorial Day

School Closed

No School: Calendar Staff report per working days' calendar. School Closed: No staff report.

1/2 Day Dismissal = 12:30 PM for Students Only

Date 12.23.15 of DRAFT Number 1

Stephan Michaud

Marcus Pobloske

Phone: 952.918.184 Email: smichaud@sabis.net Office: Room 400a Responsible For: Student Life Organization® Contact Me For: • Student Life Organization® • Upper School Retreat • Middle School Retreat • Other Activities

Phone: 952.918.1842 Email: mpobloske@sabis.net Office: Room 407 Responsible For: Student Management/Discipline Issues Contact Me For: • Discipline Issues • Attendance Questions • Academic Infractions • Behavior Infractions • Uniform Questions

Student Life Coordinator

Student Management Coordinator

Patricia Suarez

Kayte Haagenson

Phone: 952.918.1812 Email: psuarez@ism-sabis.net Office: Room 405 Contact Me For: • Grades/Academic Support • Parent/Guardian Meetings • SEVIS Information • I-20s • Visa Letters • Travel

Phone: 952.918.1864 Email: khaagenson@sabis.net Office: Room 413a Responsible For: College Counseling High School Advising (GR 9-12) Contact Me For: • College Preparation • Portfolios • HS Advising

International Student Coordinator

HS College Guidance Counselor

STUDENT HANDBOOK Revision a reflection of courses’ most essential concepts, facts, and skills. The Revision period is also a time when classes may go over previously-taught concepts in greater depth and/or clear up concepts not optimally understood upon original exposure.

The school day starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:30 for Lower school and 3:40 for upper school. During the school day all parents, visitors and lower school students must use the main entrance. Upper school students may use the library’s entrance.

Term I and Term II culminate with term-cumulative Endof-Term Exams, while Term III ends with academic-yearspanning End-of-Year Exams. As these exams are critical in assessing students’ cumulative understanding, every effort is made by the school staff to ensure that students perform at optimal levels during each exam. Provision is made during the day for lunch, quiet study time and fun activities targeted at each grade level.

Please note that the school building officially closes at 6:00pm. Unless staying for a supervised and approved after school activity, all students must be picked up or leave the school by 6:00 p.m. Students may not be in the building or on campus unsupervised after 6:00 p.m.

Holidays and Academic Breaks

The academic year includes both a winter and a spring break. Daycare is available for grades 1-8 on these nonschool days for students who pre-register; a sign-up form will be sent home in advance of those days. Staffing and field trips, if any, are planned according to the preregistered number of students, so only children who have pre-registered will be allowed to attend Extended Day on those days. On days when school is not in session, hot lunch is not served and bus transportation is not available. There is no daycare on major national holidays. The ISM calendar lists specific dates.

Daily Schedule and Activities

Students are given their class schedules on the first day of classes.

Revised Scheduling

A revised schedule is used during the end of term or end of year exams. On occasion, a regular school day’s schedule may be revised in order to accommodate special events and field trips.

LOWER SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM

ISM has extended hours before and after the regular school day. The extended hours are: • Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Closed on major holidays • Open winter and spring breaks • Open summers through a separate registration and fee program, Summer Adventure Camp The extended day program, supervised by qualified staff,

The basic sample daily schedule format for the school year is as follows:

Upper School Schedule

Lower School Schedule

Zero Hour 7:20-8:10 Home Room 8:15-8:18 Home Room 8:15-8:18 Period 1 8:20-9:10 Period 1 8:20-9:10 Period 2 9:15-10:05 Period 2 9:15-10:05 Snack Break 10:05-10:15 Snack Break 10:05-10:15 Period 3 10:15-11:05 Period 3 10:15-11:05 Lunch/Recess 11:10-11:45 (1-3 lunch, 4&5 recess) Period 4 11:10-12:00 Lunch/Recess 11:45-12:25 (1-3 recess, 4&5 lunch) Lunch 12:00-12:30 Period 4 12:30-1:10 Period 5 (Student Life Period) 12:30-1:10 Period 5 1:15-2:00 Period 6 1:15-2:00 Period 6 2:05-2:50 Period 7 2:05-2:50 Period 7 2:55-3:25

Period 8 2:55-3:40 Middle School Homeroom 3:40-3:45 12

Dismissal to Extended Day 3:25-3:30

is available before school from 7:00 a.m. until 8:10 a.m., and after school from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This program is provided at no extra cost during the academic year. Supervised activities are scheduled for extended day students along with time for activities of choice, which may include playground, library, game room, computer lab, homework room, academic tutor labs, or crafts. An Assortment of extended day clubs and activities are also available each term at an additional fee. The School closes at 6:00 p.m. and students must be picked up at that time. A late fee of $5.00 per family is charged the first 15 minutes after 6:00 p.m. as determined by school clocks, and $5.00 for every 5 minutes after that. Parents are asked to sign a late fee slip. This fee will be charged to the student’s monthly bill, and the amount is paid to the staff person waiting with the child(ren). If your child is picked up after 6:00 p.m. more than 5 times within the school year, your fee will increase to $15.00 the first 5 minutes and $5.00 for every 5 minutes thereafter. If a parent has not phoned or picked up the child by 6:30 p.m., the staff member on duty will call the authorized persons on the emergency card. If no one is reached by 7:00 p.m., the staff member will contact the Director.

SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP

Summer Adventure Camp offers a variety of fun activities to spark curiosity and boost learning. With a great mix of indoor and outdoor programs, kids can find an activity they love or discover a new interest. All camp activities take place on our beautiful 55-acre campus. Daily language classes inspire an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, expand campers’ global experiences and prepare them to be successful world citizens. Your camper will explore and learn with kids their own age in engaging programs designed by educational experts. Experienced, energetic counselors and specialists guide campers as they explore the wonder of culture around the world and here at home. For more information see the Summer Adventure Camp Brochure.

UPPER SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL POLICIES & GUIDELINES

Please note that even though students are welcome to remain on campus after the school day ends, they are only

allowed in the following areas, unless otherwise involved in a school sponsored activity: • Upper School Courtyard • Upper School Commons Areas • Upper School Link and “Fishbowl” • Student Management/Activity Room • Student Life Room (Only when working on SL projects or when given permission by the SLC.) • Library • Upper School Computer Lab (Only when supervised.) • All other areas are off-limits unless given specific permission by Student Management. Except for special occasions, the upper school officially closes at 6:00 p.m. If students choose to remain on campus after school, they must be picked up by 6:00 p.m., unless they are involved in a structured, school sponsored, after school program/extracurricular activity. Students who remain on campus after 6:00 p.m., and are NOT involved in a school sponsored activity will be escorted to the main lobby for pickup. If a student is disruptive or violates The School’s code of conduct during the after school period, The School may require a parent to pick up the student at the end of regularly scheduled classes.

Extracurricular Options

Although activities are planned for all students during extended day hours, special activities and classes, such as music lessons, art, dance, drama, soccer, basketball, baseball, and swim team, are available on a per-term basis. When a fee is involved, the cost is billed to the student’s account. The fee is not refunded if the child drops a class. A brochure describing offerings will be sent home prior to each term. Classes and activities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with new offerings each term. In the fall of each academic year, all Upper School students go on a two-day retreat. Planned and organized by the students in the SABIS SLO®, the retreat is designed to provide ISM students with unique learning experiences, build camaraderie with fellow students and staff, and contribute to our community via service opportunities. As the two retreat days are considered school days, attendance at the retreat is mandatory. The dates of the retreat are printed on the school calendar, and parents are advised to consider these days when planning out-of-school appointments or other activities. 13

STUDENT HANDBOOK SPORTS

Mission Statement

The mission of The International School of Minnesota athletics is to provide a top quality athletic experience to our diverse student body. Our program will prepare students for lifelong success by building the skills necessary for an ethical, moral and healthy character.

Beliefs

We believe that… • Participation in school athletic programs is a privilege and not a right. • Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based athletic programs. • Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are expected and non-negotiable. • Collaborative relationships with parents enhance The School’s opportunity to positively impact student success. • Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic activities. • Positive role models and an active involvement in a student’s life by parents and others are critical to student success. • High school athletic programs are designed for student participants, and adults must serve in a supportive role. • The success of the team is more important than individual honors. • Compliance with school, community and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules is essential for all activity participants. • Participation in school-sponsored athletics must be inclusive, not exclusive. • Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.

Introduction to the Program

The International School of Minnesota (ISM) provides extracurricular athletic opportunities for its students. Athletics for students in grades 7-12 follow the guidelines set forth by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Through our cooperative agreement with Eagle Ridge Academy (ERA), ISM is able to offer various athletic teams at various levels of competition. The program is supported by the administration of ISM and its success is ensured by the cooperation and dedication of students, coaches, and parents from both ERA and ISM. 14

For more information see the Athletics Handbook or the Athletics Brochure.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT COURSES

Our four-week long program for Upper School students generally takes place during the month of July. We offer a nice variety of courses designed to meet many different needs and interests. Some courses are for school credit and can be used to meet ISM graduation requirements, some are designed to prepare students for a rigorous course here at ISM or for the college experience in general, and some are offered simply because we think students will be interested. For more information see the Summer Enrichment Brochure.

UPPER SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students must be making satisfactory progress towards meeting The School’s requirements for graduation. • All students participating in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) activities are governed by MSHSL rules and regulations. Students participating in MSHSL activities will be given a MSHSL handbook and are expected to be familiar with the MSHSL regulations. If students/families have questions regarding MSHSL rules and regulations they may contact the ISM Athletic Director. • Students who receive a failing grade at the end of any term must write and follow an academic plan set in conjunction with the SMC, the AQC (6-12) or Guidance Counselor (9-12), and parents, to include academic support sessions, which will allow them to spend the proper amount of time studying to ensure academic success. • If a student fails an exam and that exam’s retake in a math, English, world language, social studies, or science class, they will be suspended from all extracurricular activities. This means they will no longer be allowed to participate in practices or performances. They will receive the “Notice of Suspension of Eligibility” form that lays out their plan moving forward. • A suspended student can regain their eligibility one of two ways: • Pass the next periodic exam for that class. • Make progress toward improving their grade with an academic progress plan. This requires their teacher and

•

AQC to sign off acknowledging that the student has been doing all their homework, attending study group, behaving acceptably in class, and generally moving in the right direction. As long as sufficient effort and progress, as determined by The School, is being realized, the student may participate in extracurricular activities. This includes, but is not limited to academics, behavior, attendance, etc. Students who are absent 5 or more periods on any given day for any reason are ineligible to participate in all extracurricular activities scheduled after school that same day. For example, a student who is absent until 2:00pm due to illness will not be allowed to participate in a school sponsored activity that evening, i.e., music rehearsals, sports practice or games, Math League, etc. Exceptions to this policy will be considered only upon the advice and consent of the Director, Student Management Coordinator, Athletic Director, and the staff responsible for the activity. Students who leave campus any time during the school day due to illness are ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activities scheduled after school that same day. If a student should fail a course in two consecutive terms, the student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. The SMC, AQC, and AD will work with the student and family to determine an appropriate course of action.

DIARIES All students must use diaries. Students in grades 3-8 must use the diaries provided by ISM, while students in grades 9-12 may supply their own diary or obtain one from the school. Diaries will be checked regularly in grades 3-8 to ensure that points and assignments are being recorded and that productive time-management habits are being developed.

RECORDING CLASSES/TEACHERS

According to SABIS® policy, students are not allowed to record classes, lectures, or other students without prior written permission from administration. “Recording” includes using any electronic device (video cameras, computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, cell phones, iPods, digital recorders, etc.) to record, either vocally or through video form, any class, lecture, teacher, staff member, or student while on campus.

DROPPING A CLASS

Upon the rare occasion that a student wishes to drop a course, the course may be dropped if it is not essential for meeting graduation requirements. To drop a course the student must submit a written request to the US Academic Quality Controller to drop the course which must be signed by the student and the parent/ guardian. A consultation with the US AQC will be scheduled with the family to discuss the implication of dropping the course. Final approval is at the discretion of the AQC and Director.

CLASS PROMOTION

Promotions via self-study are different than testing out of a course. At ISM, a student may be recommended by an AQC or a teacher to be promoted to the higher course and sometimes this promotion requires some self-study but we don’t allow students to test out of courses or skip credits. Such promotions are all at the discretion of the AQC, Director, and teacher of the course.

TESTING

Continuous evaluation of student learning is an integral part of the instructional process. ISM utilizes a systematic testing program. Below is a short description of the specific in-house evaluation instruments.

Academic Monitoring System (AMS)TM

Intended both to monitor student learning and is considered a teaching tool, a part of the instructional process. AMSTM is used in mathematics, English and Science. AMSTM tests are objective, criterion-referenced, computer-corrected tests administered on a weekly basis. They are designed to check student learning, mastery, and long-term retention. Test items are intended to evaluate essential concepts.

Periodic Exams

These exams may include some objective questions for quick check of material taught, as well as short-answer and essay questions requiring students to employ higher-order thinking skills and principles of effective writing. The number of periodic exams per subject per term is determined by the number of periods that subject is taught. These may be any combination of chapter/unit exams designed to measure mastery of concepts taught over a longer span of time. As periodic exam items cover comprehensive course content and evaluate the higher thinking skills, students are 15

STUDENT HANDBOOK expected to go beyond the recall of factual information or math computations. Generally, exams are 50 minutes in length. Typically, no periodic exams are administered the first week of each term.

THE REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

Test Make-ups/Retakes

GRADING SYSTEM

Students (grade 6 and above) absent during exams must take make-up tests during times scheduled in advance—see term exam schedule for exact dates and times—for each term. Any student who scores below a 70% on a periodic test will retake the test during the designated time scheduled for retakes in advance for each term. In all instances, the retake test will be a new test that may cover any of the information that was eligible to be covered on the first test. The new score will be computed by the student receiving 40% of their new test score over 70, then adding that to 70. A student who scores less than a 70 will receive that score. Students may not skip classes or mandatory study groups to take make-up exams or retakes without prior authorization from the Upper School Academic Quality Controller. This includes 5th period classes, including music classes. Violating this policy will result in automatic detention.

End-of-Term/End-of-Year Exams

End-of-Term exams are given at the end of Term I and Term II to determine mastery of concepts taught over a full term. The End-of-Year exam measures student achievement over the course of the academic year. The result of the End-of-Term exam accounts for up to 50% of a student’s term grade. The result of the End-of-Year Exam can count up to 50% of a student’s overall final grade.

Attendance during exams and final exams is very important. Students who miss exams or finals due to absences for reasons other than illness will be charged $40 per exam. This is to compensate administration for the writing of a special exam and teachers for the grading and administration of the exam. Parents must request an exception by submitting a letter to the AQC two weeks BEFORE the start of exams. Students who miss exams for college visits will not be subject to the exam makeup fee.

ISM Grading Scale

The International School’s percentages correspond to the following letter grades: A+ 97-100% B- 80- 82% A 93-96% C+ 77-79% A- 90-92% C 73-76% B+ 87-89% D 70- 72% B 83-86% F 69% and below The International School of Minnesota employs a grading system that differs from many schools in the United States. The predominant reliance on testing as an assessment of student learning and the calculation of end-of-year grades are unique to ISM. For this reason, The School does provide a detailed explanation of its approach to grading to colleges and universities that receive applications from our students. While all classes are important, some are given more academic weight than others in a student’s final comprehensive grade or overall average. Neither the total average of a student nor the average of a single subject with several sub-subjects can be obtained simply by performing a straight average calculation. Different subjects are given different coefficients; different sub-subjects within a single subject (e.g. “Grammar” for French) are given different weights. The averages and reports are produced not by the teacher but by administration via the school computer and SABIS data management system. At ISM, the three terms are not weighted equally for the end-of-year grade. The end of year exam for Term III covers the curriculum for the entire year and represents 40 to 50 percent of the end-of-year grade. The grading system gives students the entire academic year, not just one term, to master the concepts taught at a grade level. The calculation of end-of-year grades is broken down by whether the subject employs the Academic Monitoring SystemTM (AMS):

End-of-Year Grade

with AMS :

the student, parents, teachers, and administration into a team working toward a common goal of development and growth for the student. Conferences will be scheduled during October and April. Conferences allow the people most directly involved with the student to become involved in the process of her or his education at ISM.

without AMS :

Term I Average

Term I

16%

Average

20%

End-of-Year

Term II

Final

Average

End-of-Year

40%

16%

Final

Term II

50%

Average

AMS

Term III Average

Term III

Average

20%

10% (before final)

Interim Reports

Interim reports will be provided to the parents and guardians of all students and will provide feedback as to how a student is progressing both academically and behaviorally. These reports will be sent out approximately 6 weeks into each term.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Communication between the home and school helps bind

Report Cards

Report cards are mailed out three times a year at the end of each term. They are typically mailed out two weeks after the end of the term. The report card includes the student’s numerical grades for each subject, attendance and behavior records, and an accounting of the student’s involvement in The SABIS Student Life Organization®. A summative comment regarding attitude, progress, and behavior is included.

WebSchool

WebSchool is a website available for all families enrolled at SABIS® schools. SABIS® WebSchool allows parents and students to view information regarding student progress. This site also provides school news, events, and calendars, and any forms that need to be completed and returned

Core College Preparatory Credit All levels required per department are minimum standards Department Requirements Required credits earned Credits earned if each year AP course English

Must pass four years of English. One year of American Literature required to graduate. Must be taken all years while enrolled at ISM or until successful completion of AP Calculus AB exam. A minimum level of Integrated math 2 required to graduate. Must pass three years of science: Biology (or ELL Biology) plus two elective courses. Must be taken all years while enrolled at ISM or until successful completion of an AP world language exam. Must pass three years of History/Social Studies. One year of U.S. Government (or ELL US History) required to graduate. One and one-half years required

1.5

Computer Science

2 years required

1.0

Physical Education

Required in Grades 9 and 10; one term of Health required

1.0

Mathematics

Science World Language History/Social Studies Fine Arts

1.3

1.6

1.3

1.6

1.0

1.3

1.6

1.0

1.3

STUDENT HANDBOOK to school. It also contains course-specific documents like syllabi, homework assignments, and some class notes. Please contact the ISM Registrar to receive a log-in and password for WebSchool. Student progress is updated every 24 hours and includes the following information: • Periodic exam results • Attendance records • Academic infraction totals • Discipline infraction totals

MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Twenty-six (26) units of high school credits are required as a minimum to attain The International School of Minnesota high school diploma.

ATTENDANCE

The successful progress of students depends greatly on prompt and regular attendance. Parents and guardians are essential to good attendance and are responsible for ensuring that children attend school regularly and on time. Students are expected to attend school on a regular, daily basis in order to maximize their success at ISM.

Procedures for Attendance

• Morning attendance is taken at 8:15 a.m. each day • Students arriving late (after 8:15) need to enter the building through the main entrance (if they are in lower school) or through the library (if they are in upper school). They will sign in, receive a pass and immediately go to class. • Parents/guardians are required to notify The School via the All-School Attendance Phone Line or the All-School Attendance Email Address by 9:00 a.m. every day their child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early. i. The All-School Attendance Phone Line is: 952-918-1802 ii. The All-School Attendance Email Address is: attendance@ism-sabis.net iii. Voicemails & Emails need to include the following: 1. Student’s Name 2. Grade 3. Date of the absence(s) or tardy 4. The reason for the absence or tardy. • Parents/guardians of students recorded as unexcused will receive a phone call and/or email from The School 18

the day of the absence. • If parents/guardians fail to notify The School when their child is absent, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Excused Absences or Tardies

An excused absence or tardy is one in which no negative consequence is assessed against the student. Authority to excuse absences or tardies is legally given to The School by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Thus, approval of excused absences or tardies is given by administration and not by parents or guardians.

Lawful Examples of Excused Absences and Tardies

• Personal Illness – Students who are ill should not come to school. • The School may request a physician’s statement certifying such absences to be justifiable for instances of chronic or irregular absence reportedly due to illness, including mental health concerns. • Illnesses that contribute to a medical absence exceeding five (5) consecutive days will be required to have a doctor or health care provider’s notice of explanation. • Dental or Medical Appointments – Such appointments should be made outside of school time if at all possible. Appointments should not be scheduled during exam periods or finals. • Family Emergencies – Requiring immediate attention. • Religious Holidays • Educational Opportunities – with advance approval from the Director.

Unexcused Absences and Tardies

Students who are absent or tardy to school without a valid excuse - see “Lawful Examples of Excused Absences and Tardies” above - or who fail to sign-in in the library are recorded as an unexcused. If parents or guardians fail to notify The School when a student is absent the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Lawful Examples of Unexcused Absences and Tardies

While the following reasons may be true, they are not lawful reasons for keeping a child at home and away from attending school. Examples include, but are not limited to: • Oversleeping – Including sleeping in to catch up on rest

• • • •

•

after a late evening the night before. Loosing track of time or forgetting something at home, whether the fault of the student or the parent/guardian. Staying home to help a parent/guardian with something. Missing the bus. Traffic – Late arrivals due to accidents, weather, or other unforeseen travel issues may be excused at the discretion of administration, but are not guaranteed. Vacation

Consequences for Unexcused Absences or Tardies:

Unexcused Tardies • Any combination of 3 or more unexcused tardies to class and/or to school in one week will result in an After School Detention from 3:50-4:30pm. • Excessive patterns of tardiness will result in further administrative action.

Unexcused Absences

• All unexcused absences will be monitored by the Student Management Coordinator and the Director for immediate disciplinary action. • All unexcused absences that occur on exam dates will result in families being charged a $40.00 fee per exam for make-up exams. • A pattern of 3 unexcused absences may result in a parent conference with administration. • A pattern of 6 unexcused absences will result in a parent conference with administration. • If the pattern continues, the student may be suspended and/or asked to leave The School. • After more than 7 unexcused absences, ISM is legally required to report the student to the Hennepin County Attorney’s office. Parents will be informed in writing before such action is taken.

Permission to Leave School

ISM has a closed campus policy; students are not allowed to leave the grounds except by special permission, in writing, by the Student Management Coordinator or the Director. Leaving the school grounds includes, but is not limited to, entering the woods or grasslands surrounding the campus, entering the parking lot to retrieve items from vehicles, etc. Permission to leave campus for part of the school day may

be given after The School receives a telephone call or email to the All-School Attendance Phone Line or All-School Email Address from a parent or guardian requesting early dismissal. If a student becomes ill at school the student is required to report to the Health Office. The Health Para will call the parents, and the Health Para and the parent will decide if the student is to go home. Students who leave campus because of illness may not return to school to participate in any extracurricular activities after school that same day. Anytime a student is allowed to leave campus during the school day, he/she must first obtain a pass from the Student Management Coordinator, or designee. After receiving the pass the student needs to sign out at the library or the main entrance before leaving. Students returning to school from appointments need to remember to sign back in.

Class Tardies

Students are required to be on time to all of their classes. Attendance is taken every class period. Unexcused class tardies may lead to disciplinary action.

Make-Up Work

It is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed due to an absence. In case of a pre-planned absence, students are expected to complete as much work as possible before leaving or as soon as possible after his/her return. In the case of illness or some other unplanned absence, students should get the assignments they’ve missed by checking WebSchool, contacting their AQC or meeting with their teacher when they return. Students must take make up exams; the AQCs will create an alternate schedule for these exams when necessary.

Senior and Junior Privileges

Seniors and juniors are allowed to go off campus for lunch provided they have the approval of the Student Management Coordinator and Director. Seniors are allowed to leave campus once per day and juniors may leave once per week provided their parents or guardians have signed the Permission to Drive, Leave Campus, or Be Driven form. Students must sign out in the Library when leaving campus and sign in on their return.

HOMEWORK POLICIES Academic Infractions

Academic infractions are a tool used to monitor student’s academic behavior in class. 19

STUDENT HANDBOOK • Materials Checks are given when a student does not have the materials necessary to be a productive student with them in class. (ex. When a student leaves their book at home) • Homework Checks are given when a student does not have a homework assignment completed on the day that it is due.

Lower School (Grades 1-5)

Homework is a valuable tool used to enhance student learning. If a student is not doing their homework that student’s classroom teacher, AQC and Student Management Coordinator will decide how best to intervene. The purpose of any intervention will be to improve the students study and time management skills so that they are well equipped to succeed in later grades.

Middle School (Grades 6-8) Homework Study Group

Homework Study Group is additional time for students to work on homework assignments in a quiet, supervised environment. Homework Club takes place every day during Student Life period from 12:30pm-1:10pm. • If a student receives more than one homework check and one materials check in a week they will be assigned to Homework Study Group for the following week. • Homework Study Group assignments will be posted on the student life schedules of affected students every Monday. • Attendance is mandatory. • Students will not be assigned to Homework Study Group on days that they have music classes or other study groups.

Rewarding Academic Responsibility Parties

R.A.R. Parties are events that happen twice a term to reward students for their good academic habits. • At the half way point and at the end of each term the SMC and AQC will review every student’s academic performance. Students will be eligible to attend the RAR Party if they meet the following requirements: • They averaged fewer than one and a half checks per week since the last performance review. • Two materials checks will count as one homework check • They have an overall grade above 70% in all core academic classes at the time of the performance review. 20

• Students who do not meet these requirements will attend a silent study hall during the time allotted for the R.A.R. Party and will be assigned to Homework Study Group until the next academic performance review.

High School (Grades 9-12) Silent Study Hall

Room 413 is reserved to be a silent study hall every day. It is a place for students who are struggling academically to work in a quiet, supervised environment. • Every four weeks the SMC and AQC will review every student’s classroom performance and assign struggling students to spend their free periods in the study hall. • Students will be required to spend their free periods in the study hall if they meet one or both of the following requirements: • They averaged more than one homework check per week during the previous four week time frame. • Two materials checks will count as one homework check. • They have an overall grade below a 70% in any of their classes at the time of the classroom performance review. How to be excused from silent study hall: • Silent study hall rosters are re-evaluated every four weeks. Students who averaged fewer than one homework check per week and have grades above 70% in all of their classes will get their free periods back.

Working Detention

• Working detentions are assigned by the SMC to students who repeatedly struggle to complete assignments. • Working detentions take place on Friday from 3:505:50pm. Students will be given brief guidance by their instructor and will be required to work independently and silently for the period.

UNIFORMS

The School has a uniform policy which requires students to be in uniform at all times, except on scheduled non-uniform days, according to the school calendar, or when special permission is granted by the administration. Practice attire for sports will be determined by the coaches.

Boys

• White oxford w/ ISM monogram • White turtleneck w/ ISM monogram

• • • • • • • • • • •

White, grey, burgundy polo w/ ISM logo Grey or burgundy fleece vest Half-zip or full-zip fleece jacket w/ ISM logo Burgundy sweater w/ ISM logo ISM sweatshirt, crewneck or hooded Black blazer w/ISM logo Grey or black twill pants or shorts Grey wool dress pants Plain grey, white, black or burgundy socks Plain grey, white, black or burgundy undershirt Student Life members may wear the Student Life hoodie sweatshirt

Girls • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

White ¾ sleeve blouse w/ ISM monogram White turtleneck w / ISM monogram White, grey, burgundy polo w/ ISM logo Grey or burgundy fleece vest Half-zip or full-zip fleece jacket w/ ISM logo Burgundy or white sweater w/ ISM logo ISM sweatshirt, crewneck or hooded Black blazer w/ ISM logo Grey or black twill pants or shorts Grey wool dress pants Grey dress slacks (Donald’s only) Grey box pleat or knife pleat skirt Plaid kilt Black or grey bike shorts or leggings may be worn under skirts (No uniform pants or sweatpants may be worn under skirts) • Plain grey, white, burgundy or black knee-highs, socks, tights, nylons/pantyhose • Plain grey, white, black, or burgundy undershirt • Student Life members may wear the Student Life hoodie sweatshirt P. E. Uniform (6th-12th grade): ISM grey or burgundy crewneck sweatshirts, ISM grey t-shirt, ISM burgundy shorts and properly fitting athletic shoes with non-marking soles. P.E. uniforms are to be worn in P.E. class and during Student Life Period only. Shoes: Leather shoes (example: Bass deck-type, Oxfords, etc.) or Tennis shoes with non-marking soles are acceptable to be worn anytime. No clogs, sandals, backless shoes, high heels, or boots. Any shoe that rises higher than the top of the

ankle (example: Snow boots, rain boots, Uggs, dress boots and hiking boots) is considered a boot and is not allowed. Girls may wear dress shoes, but none with heels higher than 2 inches. PLEASE NOTE: Uniform items should be in their original condition - there may not be any altering of uniform clothing, such as cutting or tearing necks, sleeves, pant legs, etc. The following details are to be observed regarding uniforms • Tattoos, Henna art, face paint, etc. may not be visible • Body piercings may not be visible • No nose or facial piercings • Girls may not wear earrings longer than two inches. Boys may not wear earrings • Boys must be clean-shaven; may have neatly trimmed side-burns no longer than the bottom of their earlobes • Pants may not have rivets or pockets sewn on the outside of the pants (example: jeans or corduroys) • Skirts/shorts cannot be more than 4 inches above the knee • A collared shirt, white, grey, or burgundy, must be worn with the crewneck sweatshirt and all sweaters • No long-sleeved shirts may be worn under short-sleeved shirts • No colored T-shirts or T-shirts w/visible writing are allowed under white uniform shirts • All T-shirts worn under uniform shirts must be white, grey, burgundy, or black • No hats or caps may be worn inside the building • No kerchiefs, bandanas, or sports headbands are allowed • Girls may wear simple, plain barrettes or headbands that are primarily white, black, burgundy, or grey • Hair color, tints, and highlights must fall within the “natural” color range and pattern • Hair adornments are not allowed (example: feathers, beads, etc.) • Hair styles must be simple and not distracting (example: no mohawks) • No decorative neckwear, i.e. scarves, boas, etc. • Students must keep their shoes on at all times • Students may not change into non-uniform clothes during or after school • Gym uniform may only be worn in P.E. class and during Student Life period • No outerwear (coats, jackets, non-ISM hoodies, pullovers, etc.) may be worn during the school day 21

STUDENT HANDBOOK • No altering of uniform clothing items, such as cutting necks, sleeves, etc.

POLICY FOR NON-UNIFORM DAYS

• No inappropriate or disruptive messages or designs on clothing • No spaghetti straps, halter, tube, tank tops, or midriffbaring shirts • No space between shirts and pants/skirts • No exposed undergarments • Skirts/shorts cannot be shorter than four inches above the knee • No overly tight, low-cut and/or revealing clothing • Caps and hats are acceptable; teachers may request they be removed during class • No pajamas or slippers • Boys may wear earrings Students not dressed in accordance with the uniform policy will be asked to change. Repeated uniform infractions will lead to disciplinary action. The final decision on any specific article of clothing will be made by the Student Management Coordinator.

PERSONAL PROPERTY Electronic Devices

The use of personal electronic devices while on campus is a privilege and is relegated to the guidelines outlined below. This privilege may be revoked at any time at the discretion of administration. The School is not responsible for lost or stolen personal electronic devices. Students bring personal electronics to school at their own risk.

Cell Phones

Students may not have cell phones on their person during the school day. Cell phones must be turned off and placed in lockers before Homeroom every morning. If students have a legitimate need to use their cell phones during school hours, they must first get permission from the Student Management Coordinator. Parents are asked to refrain from calling or texting students during school hours. If parents have an emergency message for a student, they may call the main office at 952-9181800 or the Student Management Office at 952-9181842 and request to have the message delivered for them. Students may use the reception phone in the main office with permission from the receptionist. 22

Cameras

Students are not allowed to take pictures of anyone on school grounds without asking that person for permission. Cell phones and cameras are not allowed in bathrooms, locker rooms, or the pool area. Students who take inappropriate pictures of others will be subject to disciplinary action.

Internet Capable Devices (Excluding Laptops)

These devices are only allowed before and after school. They may not be used or carried by any student during the school day.

Non-Internet Capable Audio Devices or Electronic Readers

Grades 1-8 - Personal audio devices may be used before and after school only. During the school day they are to be kept in the students’ lockers. High School (Grades 9-12) - Personal audio devices may be used before and after school and during free periods. However, personal audio devices may only be used in the Upper School Link and high school wing during the school day.

Personal Game Players

Personal game players may only be used by upper school students (grades 6-12) before school, after school and during lunch/Student Life Period (5th period).

Translators

Electronic translators may be used in classes where approved by the teacher. They may also be used during free periods, study halls, and during select exams. See also Testing Rules.

Laptop Computers

High school students (grades 9-12) are allowed to bring laptops to school and may use them if they fill out and turn in a lap top computer contract. Teachers have the ability to allow or disallow laptops in their classrooms as they see fit.

Confiscated Items

Any personal item violating school policy or that proves to be disruptive to the academic environment will be confiscated immediately. Confiscated items will be turned over to the Student Management Coordinator and returned according to the following guidelines. • First Offense – The student must see the SMC at the end of the school day in order to retrieve the item.

• Second Offense - A parent or guardian will be required to personally retrieve the item from the SMC. • Third Offense – The item will be held for one week (7 days) and a parent or guardian will be required to come in and retrieve it directly from the SMC. • Fourth Offense – The item will be held until the end of the term up to 12 weeks, and the student may be subject to further disciplinary action.

Student Privacy Rights and Searches

• Student Searches ISM staff and faculty have the right to conduct searches of students. Such searches will take into account the age and sex of a student and the nature of the infraction. A particular student’s effects are also subject to being searched by school officials and are subject to the same rules. Effects may include automobiles located on school property. • Search of Motor Vehicles The School reserves the right to search a student’s motor vehicle, without student consent and without a search warrant for illegal items or items that may be harmful to the student or others. • School Property Student locks, lockers, desks, computers, etc. are for the use of students but remain the property of ISM. The School exercises exclusive control over school property.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND BEHAVIOR

The School’s primary goal is academic achievement for all students. The School will strive to encourage those students who ignore or work against objectives set forth for each class period through guidance by the subject teacher Administrators, Academic Quality Controller, and Student Management Coordinator. Those who repeatedly detract from the classroom learning environment by not doing homework, being tardy, or disrupting class time will be given consequences as determined by the Student Management Coordinator and/or the AQC.

Gold Slips

Appropriate behavior is expected of ISM students at all times. However, the staff and administration are constantly watching for behavior and actions that are above and beyond these expectations. When a Lower School student is caught doing something extra special, he or she is given a Gold Slip. The student then delivers these Gold Slips to the Lower School AQC’s office. At the end of each month, the

Lower School AQCs draw a gold slip from each classroom. These students are then treated to a special Gold Slip Luncheon.

Lower School Student Codes

The report card communicates not only academic progress, but also vital information regarding a student’s behavior and ethics in school. This evaluation is labeled STUDENT BEHAVIOR CODE on the report card and assesses development in the following ten areas: 1. Honesty - to be honest in all that one does, never taking that which does not belong to oneself or taking credit for something one has not created, written, or done. 2. Cooperation/helpfulness - to act or work with teachers and fellow classmates for mutual benefit. 3. Compliance with rules - conformity in fulfilling official requests; action in accordance with a standard or authority. 4. Self-control - restraint over one’s impulses, emotions, or decisions (age-appropriate expectations). 5. Effort - hard work; the total work done to achieve a particular end. 6. Good manners - politeness, good social conduct, and proper etiquette; conduct to be observed in social life. 7. Responsibility toward academic work - accountability for one’s actions; reliability; something for which one is responsible. Ready to be called to account for obligations and actions. 8. Punctuality - being on time for class; prompt. 9. Wise use of time - exercising sound judgment in the use of time in school and at home. 10. Respect for faculty, students, and property - the act of giving particular consideration or special regard for. 11. The students are evaluated on a scale of 1 through 10, as follows: 0 2 4 6 8 10 ______________________________________________ never seldom sometimes often usually always Evaluation is done by the classroom teacher with input from all specialists that teach the student. The Lower School AQCs approve final number assessment, so questions or concerns may be addressed to the Lower School AQCs.

Discipline Policies and Procedural Guidelines

It is the responsibility of the Student Management 23

STUDENT HANDBOOK Coordinator to oversee and follow through on all issues concerning student behavior. Classroom management is the responsibility of the teacher.

Classroom

Beginning in 1st grade, teachers will report all class disruptions, inappropriate behavior, late assignments, attendance issues, etc. to the AQC & SMC using the Course Discipline Card (CDC). These infractions fit into two categories: • Academic - No homework, missing materials, incomplete assignments, etc. • Behavior - Class disruptions, inappropriate behavior, uniform infractions, tardies, etc. Each infraction reported is entered into the SABIS Student Management System database (SSMS). This information is used to track patterns in behavior or academic performance in order to provide help, guidance, intervention, and discipline where needed. Infractions are then tallied per term and per year, and noted on each student’s report card as “Student Management Points”.

Office Referrals

3. Follow-Through – After fully reviewing the incident, the SMC will decide what the next step is based on the factors surrounding the case. (See below.) Once a decision has been made the completed “SM Infraction form” will be sent home with the student to be signed and returned to the SMC. After the case is resolved the “SM Infraction Form” and the “Behavior Fact Finding Form” will be kept in the student’s file in the SM Office.

Options, Procedures, & Consequences

Each discipline case will carry its own merit and will be decided according to the facts accompanying the case. Administration will consult the Student Handbook in determining what level of discipline to impose. A student’s age, maturity, previous disciplinary record (prior instances of misconduct and disciplinary measure(s) imposed for such misconduct) and the circumstances surrounding the incident will be considered when deciding the appropriate disciplinary and intervention measures. Effort will be made to discipline students while maintaining them in regular school programs when possible or appropriate. Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the disciplinary process.

An “office referral” is a consequence of inappropriate behavior. A referral is defined as a student being asked to leave a classroom because his/her behavior is disrupting the learning in that classroom. When a student affects the learning of others, then the teacher may have no alternative but to ask that the student be removed from class. Office referrals are also used when staff witness behaviors outside of class that are in violation of school rules. Severe behavior issues are immediately referred to the Student Management Coordinator.

Based on the factors of each case the following procedures and consequences may be implemented:

Whenever possible, the office referral process will follow these steps: 1. Student Management Infraction Form – When teachers refer students to the SMC, they fill out a “Student Management Infraction Form” and submit it to the SMC. This form is used to provide a documentation of the incident. 2. Student Management Office – After receiving the form, the SMC will collect the student and bring them to the SM Office. Once the student arrives at the Student Management Office, the SMC reviews the incident with the student using the “SM Infraction Form”. At this point, the SMC may use a “Behavior Fact Finding Form” which the student fills out to help facilitate the review process.

• Long detention, community service and/or behavior contracts will be written. This is considered a serious disciplinary issue; a parent may be notified by phone call and/or letter, and a “Student Management Infraction Form” will be sent home to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the SMC to be kept on file, and the incident will be referred to the Director.

1st Level Action

• After-school detention/community service and conference with the Student Management Coordinator. A “Student Management Infraction Form” may be sent home and be kept on file. The incident may be referred to the Director.

2nd Level Action

3rd Level Action

• Major Disciplinary Action - Parent Conference, Behavior Action Plan, Report Book, Suspension, Expulsion, etc. At this stage there is conferencing between all parties involved until a resolution is reached. Notation of the

disciplinary action is placed in the student’s permanent school record. ISM reserves the right to modify these guidelines as needed and apply alternative consequences for policy violations and inappropriate behavior based on the unique factors surrounding each individual disciplinary case including, but not limited to, letters of apology and/or commitments to change, restitution, various forms of community service, referrals to social services, suspension of extracurricular activities, special projects, Behavior Action Plans, etc.

Bullying

Bullying, even outside of school, can have serious negative effects on students and the school community. Some examples are unlawful. Since bullying influences the physical, social, psychological, and educational wellbeing of our students, ISM takes any and all issues of bullying very seriously. Bullying will not be tolerated. Parents, students, and staff are advised to report all concerns regarding bullying to administration. After being notified of a concern, administration will investigate the incident(s). After evaluating the circumstances surrounding the incident(s), administration will act accordingly. Such action may include any combination of the following: • Parent/Student conferences with administration • Referral to therapists and/or counselors outside ISM • Detention, In-school Suspension, Suspension, or Expulsion • Alternative consequences and/or intervention • Referral to law enforcement

Bullying Defined

Bullying is different from interpersonal or social conflict that inevitably occurs from time to time amongst students. Although technically not bullying, interpersonal conflict can still be discomforting, even if it is a normal part of adolescent development. As a result, students sometimes need help working through these issues. ISM aids students working through normal interpersonal conflict with the help of Student Life Mentors, Advising classes, and counseling sessions with administration. Bullying occurs when a student is exposed, repeatedly, intentionally, and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and the student has difficulty defending him/herself. Bullying includes three components: 1. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted,

negative actions. 2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time. 3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength. Types of Bullying include, but are not limited to: 1. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names. 2. Bullying through social exclusion or isolation. 3. Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting. 4. Bullying through lies and false rumors. 5. Having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully. 6. Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully. 7. Racial bullying. 8. Sexual bullying. (See Sexual Harassment for more information.) 9. Cyber Bullying (Defined as bullying via an electronic device.)

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

Olweus (pronounced Ol-VAY-us) Bullying Prevention program (OBPP) is the most researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today. It has received high honors from the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The goal of OBPP is to change the norms around bullying behavior and to restructure the school setting so that bullying is less likely to occur or be rewarded. The implementation of OBPP needs to be seen as a long-term effect – not something that is “completed” in a year. Class meetings, an integral component of the Olweus model, are held regularly to build class cohesion and community, to problem solve, and to help students understand their role in bullying situations. We also us a character development program called Wise Skills to build a positive school-wide culture of character. Each month, we focus on a different character train including: • • • • •

Respect Responsibility Positive Attitude Self-Discipline Caring

• • • •

Trustworthiness Citizenship Conflict Resolution Fairness

STUDENT HANDBOOK Physical Violence

The school has a strict policy on violence of any kind. Any form of physical violence is considered a major infraction and will be dealt with accordingly and promptly. Physical violence is defined as using physical force (no matter how minor) in anger or with the intent to hurt. Physical horseplay (pushing, pulling, shoving playfully) may be a precursor to physical violence, and is therefore not allowed in The School.

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Chemical Substances

Chewing tobacco and smoking are not allowed on the premises. Alcohol and chemical substances are strictly forbidden. Students in possession of any of these items may be suspended or expelled. Students found under the influence of alcohol or chemical substances while at school will be picked up by parent/guardian and will be suspended or expelled.

Weapons

Threats to Faculty, Staff, and Students

Threats of any kind to faculty, staff, or fellow students will not be tolerated and will be subject to immediate disciplinary action and may lead to suspension or expulsion.

Weapons of any kind are not allowed on school grounds (i.e. – knives of any kind, guns, fake, toy, or imposter weapons, etc.) Bringing a weapon to school is a major infraction and may lead to immediate suspension or expulsion.

Racial Slurs and Verbal Abuse

Academic Dishonesty & Cheating

In keeping with The School’s commitment to diversity, racial slurs or other verbally abusive language towards students, faculty, staff, or any other person is a major infraction and may lead to suspension or expulsion.

Sexual Harassment

All persons have the right to be free from sexual harassment; therefore, sexual harassment in any form is strictly forbidden in school, on school grounds, or at school related activities. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when 1) submission to that conduct or communication is made a condition of obtaining services; 2) used as a factor in decisions affecting one’s education; or 3) that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or sexually offensive educational environment. Any student who believes he/she is a victim of sexual harassment should talk to a teacher All complaints or reports of sexual harassment shall be thoroughly investigated by the Director or her designee. If the Director or her designee determines that sexual harassment has actually taken place, disciplinary and corrective action will occur to prevent any further incidents. The range of discipline and corrective action may include one or more of the following: an education component; apology to the victim; mandatory counseling; detention; short-term suspension; long-term suspension; or recommendation for expulsion. 26

The School stimulates and fosters the ethical growth and development of each student. The School also strives to create an atmosphere of fairness and to help all students reach their full potentials. As true assessments of students’ abilities are crucial to these commitments, Academic Dishonesty cannot and will not be tolerated. Any breach of the expected code of honesty is considered a major infraction and will be dealt with as such. Examples of Academic Dishonesty include, but are not limited to: • Plagiarism – Taking the ideas of another and presenting them as one’s own. • Cutting and pasting from the internet without proper citation. • Copying from a book or other document, etc., without proper citation. • Collusion – Providing work or answers to another student. • Both offenders may be subject to the same consequences. • False Representation – Presenting the work of a classmate to a teacher and claiming it as one’s own. • Use of Unauthorized Study Aids – Bringing notes, study guides, cheat sheets, etc. to exams without prior permission or approval. • Including writing answers on one’s body. • Copying Answers – Copying answers for assignments or exams from another student’s work. • Electronic Devices – Using electronic devices to provide answers for assignments or exams without permission. • Any other method a student may use to misrepresent

their abilities or efforts by using dishonest means to complete assignments or exams.

Consequences for Academic Dishonesty & Cheating

• If a student is suspected of cheating, his/her assignment or exam will be confiscated and the incident will be referred to the Upper School Academic Quality Controller, the Student Management Coordinator, and the Director. • If caught cheating during an exam, the student will be required to begin a re-take immediately under administrative supervision. • The student will be billed $60 for the retake, as its administration does not happen under a Schoolapproved reason or condition. • A Student Management Infraction Form will be completed and sent home with the student to document the incident. • A copy will be placed in the student’s file, and the infraction will be recorded in the school’s database. • Repeat offenders may be subject to further disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Locks and Lockers

The Student Management Coordinator and homeroom teachers shall have custody of all locker combinations. The lockers are property of the school and only locks owned by The School can be used on lockers. Unknown locks will be cut off and discarded. The Student Management Coordinator will assign lockers and locks to each student in grades 6-12. Students are required to return the locks at the end of the school year. Students will be charged a $10.00 fee for lost or unreturned locks. If students need to be issued a new lock because they have given their combination to friends, there will also be a $10.00 fee. There will be a $50 fee for vandalized lockers. Students must keep their lockers clean and locked at all times. The School is not responsible for student belongings brought to or kept at school. Open food or drink is prohibited in lockers.

Student Driving and Parking

All Upper School students in grades 6-12 are required to complete a Permission to Drive, Leave Campus, or be Driven form. Students who wish to drive to school or to school sponsored events, or be a passenger to school sponsored

events may not do so until they have a completed form on file in the Student Management office. These forms may be requested from the main office or the Student Management office. After submitting the completed form, students who elect to drive to school will be given a parking sticker with an identification number. This sticker must be affixed to the inside of the rearmost window on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Student drivers are asked to park in one of the student parking spaces on the west side of the north end of the parking lot. Student drivers may not park anywhere else on campus except for short term loading and unloading. Students who fail to drive safely or follow campus traffic and parking regulations will, on their first offense, lose their privilege of driving to school for a period of time determined by the severity of the infraction.

FOOD SERVICE

Hot Lunch Program

Hot Lunch or Milk is a full term commitment. You may drop Hot Lunch or Milk during the term, but the entire term’s fee must be paid in full. A sign-up sheet will be mailed home prior to the beginning of each term. The student will not be considered signed up for hot lunch until the cafeteria manager has received a signed copy from the parents with payment for the term. Students who are not on the hot lunch program and forget their lunch are charged a fee to receive hot lunch. Visitors who want to eat lunch at school can purchase hot lunch in the cafeteria. It is also possible to purchase a hot lunch or milk per day, however, be aware that the daily cost is higher than the cost of the Hot Lunch Program per term.

Meals and Snacks

In addition to lunch the cafeteria provides breakfast from 7:15-8:00am and grab and go snacks (for grades 6-12) all day. Parents are welcome to join their students for breakfast. These meals are not included in the hot lunch program and can be purchased using cash or a punch card. A snack break will be taken each morning and again at the end of the day. Snacks are provided by the students. Snacks will be kept in the student’s locker until snack time. Students should be encouraged to bring nutritious snacks of single portion size; these will help provide needed energy for the child and alleviate waste. 27

STUDENT HANDBOOK The vending machines are off-limits to Lower School students before and during the school day. Upper School students can use the vending machines as needed. Lower School students may not use the microwaves without their parental supervision.

Birthdays

Birthdays are very special days for Lower School students. However, because classes typically have 20 or more students, we strive to keep our celebrations simple. Each homeroom teacher has birthday “traditions” within the classroom that are carried out. Birthday crowns, hats, stickers or class birthday cards are typical party fare. If you would like to send commercially prepared treats to share with the class, this would be appropriate. Please do not send other favors, such as elaborate party bags or balloon bouquets.

Food Brought to Share

If food is brought from home to share with other children (i.e., for special occasions) it must be commercially prepared and packaged. Due to the large number of children in our school who have severe allergies to peanuts/tree nuts, ISM classrooms have been designated peanut/tree nut free. Please understand that allergic reactions to nuts, even simple skin contact with nut residue, can be life threatening. Therefore, any food brought to share must be nut free. Please read the ingredients panel on packages carefully when you are purchasing treats to be shared at school. Special arrangements for class parties must be coordinated and pre-screened through homeroom teachers to ensure safety.

CLASS REORGANIZATION PROCESS

The reorganization process takes several weeks and involves classroom teachers, subject specialists, and the Academic Quality Controller. We look closely at the needs of each child. It is our goal to place each child in a classroom that works best for his or her needs. Each class must be heterogeneously balanced in regard to academic achievement, social behavior, and gender. The most important consideration for grade level numbers and placement is the student’s academic background. Your child’s present teacher has a year’s worth of current rich information and insight concerning the conditions under which your child learns best and most. Other members of our staff have the opportunity to contribute relevant information about each child’s learning style and individual needs. If you have information about your child that The School 28

does not have and is significant for class placement, we want you to share this with us by writing a letter to the Lower School AQC by June 15. A written statement, or lack of such statement, will have no effect on the care given to each child’s placement. Each placement is considered on an individual basis and given the utmost care. Requests for specific teachers or for specific classmates do not assist the placement process and cannot be honored. Throughout the process we attempt to establish equitable, compatible, balanced classes which reflect what teachers know about the conditions under which each child best functions. Teacher Assignments will be made in the summer and will be posted for “Meet Your Teacher.”

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES Mandatory Background Check Notification

The International School of Minnesota, (“ISM”), performs a criminal history background check, under Minnesota Statues Chapter 299C.62, on all employees and other individuals who provide services for the school. This includes the following staff; the Director, all teachers, assistant teachers, substitutes (short and long term), facilities staff, administrative (office support, marketing, and business office), health paraprofessional, part-time extended day staff, coaches, (except for enrolled student volunteers), and all independent contractors; including music instructors, and individuals providing “extracurricular services.” All individuals must provide sufficient information to ensure an accurate background study is conducted and must pass the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) check as a condition of employment. Independent organizations working with the school must be able to provide reasonable proof that their staff has passed a BCA or FBI background check in order to work at ISM. Additional checks, such as fingerprinting may be required as indicated by state and/ or federal requirements.

Health Record Information

Pupil Health Immunization Record: This record must give dates (month, day, and year) of immunizations your child has received. All students must have this record on file with The School; it must be current and is due on or before the child’s first day of school. Records must be updated whenever your child receives additional immunizations.

Health Examination Form: This information must include the date of the child’s most recent physical exam (within six months), and be signed by the child’s source of licensed health care (physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner). This form is required for all new students, and returning students entering grades 7 and 10. Annual Health Update Form: This form provides The School with an update on the student’s health information and is signed by the parent or guardian. It should be completed for returning students, not in grades 7 or 10, and is due within 30 days of the student’s first day of school.

Special Medical Needs

Parents/guardians have the responsibility to inform The School and complete an Individual Child Care Plan (ICCP) when their child has any special medical needs or allergies so that we can provide appropriate care and support. If the special need requires that our staff be trained to perform a new skill, we will ask that you arrange for this training. Dietary modification because of special dietary needs shall be made under the direction of a licensed health care provider. Written permission from the child’s parent/legal guardian and the child’s licensed health care provider is required. Dietary modifications for religious reasons require only written parent/guardian permission.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Forms are required to be completed by all parents. This form contains the following: • Contact information for both parents and two other people designated by the parents, if neither parent can be reached. • A medical release, giving The School permission to act on the parent’s behalf to take emergency measures (i.e.: first aid, evacuations, etc.) when judged necessary for the care and protection of the child while under the supervision of The School. • Emergency health information – allergies, medications, physician and dentist. This information is kept in the main office, health office, with the receptionist, and with the child’s homeroom teacher.

Minor student injuries are treated by the Health Paraprofessional or by other trained staff members. Injuries of a more serious nature will be treated as follows: • First aid is administered immediately. • Parents or an emergency contact is notified. • In the event of an emergency, The School reserves the right to call 911 before reaching a parent. In this situation a staff member will accompany and remain with the student until a parent or parental designee arrives.

Medications

Students are not allowed to self-medicate, with the exception of inhalers (inhalers may be kept with the student or in his/ her locker or desk). Medications are stored in the Health Office and administered by the Health Paraprofessional or other trained staff member with the following requirements: Prescription medications will only be given with written authorization from the child’s licensed health care provider (the prescription label will suffice) and written parent/guardian permission by completing a Medication Permission Form, available from the Health Office or receptionist. Please let your child’s teacher know about medication your child is taking at home, too. Staff will help you look for side effects from the medication and let you know if any are seen. The prescription must be current, in the original container and may be given only to the child whose name appears on the label. Please ask the pharmacy to split the medication into 2 containers -- one for home and one for The School. Bring a copy of the drug information sheet that comes with the medication or write the common side effects on the Medication Permission Form. Nebulizer medications that are in single dose containers must be brought to The School in the original container with a current, clearly written prescription label on the container. The prescription label must indicate the child’s name, prescribing licensed health care provider’s name, name of the medication, medication strength, amount to be given, how often to give and what it is to be mixed with, if applicable. Any medications which are to be given long term will require us to have an Individual Child Care Plan signed by you and the child’s licensed health care provider. This includes as needed over the counter medication. Over the Counter Medication: The School will administer over the counter medications. The parents must supply the medication, which is stored in the Health Office or classroom 29

STUDENT HANDBOOK (in a secure location), and complete a Parental Request for Administration of Medication Form, this includes sunscreen and bug spray. These products must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the dosage differs from the manufacturer’s instructions, written instruction from a licensed health care provider will be needed. Containers must be labeled with child’s full first and last name and date. Outdated medications will not be given. All medications must have a legible label on the container. The School does its best to follow the medication instructions given to us, but it cannot be held responsible for forgetting or delay of medication.

ILLNESS AND EXCLUSION POLICY

A full-time Health Paraprofessional is available on regular school days in the Health Office. If a student shows symptoms of illness, the student will report to the health office for evaluation and/or exclusion. If the student needs to go home, parents are called. Students are not allowed to call home on their own using school phones or personal cell phones without first receiving permission from Administration or the Health Paraprofessional. If parents cannot be reached, a person designated on the emergency form is called. It is essential that parents list people on the emergency form who will be able to pick up the student if parents cannot be reached. It is also critically important that The School has accurate phone numbers for all contacts. Parents or the designated person are required to pick up their sick child within an hour. Until you arrive, your child will be monitored and comfort measures will be provided according to program procedures. If the child’s condition warrants medical attention, the student’s health care provider or The School’s local emergency resource will be contacted.

Communicable Diseases

When a child in our care has been medically diagnosed with a disease that is reportable to the Minnesota Department of Health, we will notify the appropriate health authorities and follow their recommendations to provide information to parents/guardians of all exposed children. The School will notify the parent/guardians of exposed children on the same day or within 24 hours by a written notice. A written notice will also be posted in the Staff Workrooms. Parents/guardians are required by State laws and our ISM health policy to inform The School within 24 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, if their child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. Special exclusion guidelines may be recommended in the event of an outbreak of infectious disease. 30

The following is a list of reportable diseases in the state of Minnesota:

Campylobacteriosis Cryptosporifiosis E. Coli 0157:H7 and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) Giardiasis H1N1 (Swine flu) Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) Hepatitis A, B, or C Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and AIDS LaCrosse Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Mumps Meningococcal Disease Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Rubella (German Measles) Salmonellosis Shigellosis Tuberculosis (TB) Viral Menigitis

First Aid

In the event of any injury or illness, trained staff will administer first aid. If staff decides this is an emergency situation, 911 will be contacted. If necessary, the emergency medical service will transport your child to a medical facility. In this situation, a staff member will accompany and remain with the student until a parent/guardian or parent/guardian designee arrives. A parent/guardian or alternate listed on the emergency form will be contacted as soon as possible. An attempt to contact your child’s health care provider may also be made. Staff will not transport children.

Health Consultation Services

Our program receives health consultation services from Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency at 3433 Broadway Street NE, Suite 300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55412. The agency phone number is 612-617-4600; the Child Care Program phone is 612-617-4638. All Health Consultants are Registered Nurses with certification in Public Health. As part of the Hopkins School District #270, we have access to a Registered Nurse who is assigned specifically to the nonpublic schools in the district. She has assisted us numerous times over the years.

SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

If an employee of The School has reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of his/her training or experience, a child enrolled in The School is being abused or neglected, the employee is required to file a report to Hennepin County Child Protection. This is the law and it will be followed. Laws of Minnesota 2002, chapter 248, effective August 1, 2002 requires licensed child care providers to develop policies and procedures for reporting: • suspected child maltreatment that fulfills the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556; and • complaints about the operation of a child care program. The policies and procedures must include the telephone number of the local child protection agency (Hennepin County Child Protection 612-348-3552) for reporting suspected maltreatment, and the state licensing agency (651-431-6500) for child care centers. The policies and procedures must be provided to parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the childcare program and must be made available upon request. By July 1, 2002, all new or renewed child care licenses must include a statement informing parents who have concerns about their child’s care that they may call the licensing agency. The Commissioner of Human Services is required to print the telephone number for the licensing agency in bold and large font on the license issued to childcare providers.

Reporting Policy for Programs Providing Services to Children

Who should report child abuse and neglect: Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect. If you work with children in a licensed facility, you are legally required or mandated to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to your supervisor or to anyone else at your facility. If you know or have reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, you must immediately (within 24 hours) make a report to an outside agency. Where to report: If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911. All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a licensed facility should be made

to the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division’s Maltreatment Intake line at (651) 431-6600. Reports regarding instances of suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local county social services agency or legal law enforcement. If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible violations of Minnesota Statutes or Rules that govern the facility, you should call the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division at (651) 296-3971.

What to report: Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556). A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to identify the child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if known), and the nature and extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing violations. For reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility, the report should include any actions taken by the facility in response to the incident. The School administration will conduct an internal review and investigation. An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies by a mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends or holidays.

Retaliation Prohibited

An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.

Failure to report

A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct 31

STUDENT HANDBOOK contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations. The reporting policies and procedures must be provided to parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the childcare program and must be made available upon request. The Division of Licensing recommends that parents with children currently enrolled in your child care program be informed of the development of the reporting policies and procedures, and provide them with an opportunity to request the information.

FIRE, TORNADO, AND EMERGENCY CRISIS DRILLS

Fire, tornado, and emergency crisis drills are conducted regularly. Procedures and maps are posted in each of the homerooms and other areas of The School.

TRANSPORTATION POLICIES Transportation to Field Trips

Students will be transported to and from field trips by buses contracted by The School. Students riding buses are covered by The School’s liability insurance while in transit.

Parking Lot Rules

• All drivers to school must follow the required traffic pattern for dropping off students and parking. • Observe the 20 mph speed limit on the drive and 5 mph speed limit in the parking lot. • Obey all one-way signs. • There is only one entrance into the parking lot – in the center – then you can either go to the left (south) or to the right (north). • All cars must stop at all the crosswalks for pedestrians, for the stop signs, in both directions, at all hours of the day. • Please obey the security officer and crossing guard – they are here for everyone’s safety. If you are not parking your car but are just loading or unloading, proceed down the driveway to the turnaround area and proceed to the passenger-loading zone north of the main crosswalk. Do not block the crosswalks. Also, do not stop to load or unload on the parking lot side of the driveway, since this causes a traffic hazard and an unsafe situation. No parking is allowed in the bus lane or drop off zone. In addition to AM arrival and PM departure times, buses arrive and depart throughout the day for field trips. Drivers who leave their cars there for even a few minutes obstruct school buses. School buses are not allowed to back up; when someone parks in front of them, the buses cannot leave

Busing

The International School of Minnesota offers a schoolsponsored bus program. ISM oversees the administration of the program, including sign-up, individual requests, billing, while Hopkins school district and a bus contractor provide the drivers and routing. For more information contact the main office.

Transportation Reimbursement

Each year The School applies to your home school district for reimbursement of “within district” transportation costs. Each school district administers its own program and each has a different formula for distributing these funds. Some districts reimburse only to other schools and some only to families directly. Some districts require that the family apply for the funds directly to the home district. Please check with your home district to determine what procedure they follow.

SCHOOL FACILITIES AND PROPERTY Security

1. All doors to the school will be locked at 8:15 am. After that time the only visitor entrance into The School is through the main entrance. All parents and other visitors are expected to use this entrance. 2. Upper School students arriving after 8:15 a.m. may enter the building through the door to the library and sign in before proceeding to class. 3. Parents should vacate the hallways when class starts at 8:15. Parents picking up their children will be allowed into the school area when the doors are unlocked at 3:30pm.

THE LIBRARY

Students, teachers and staff are strongly encouraged to use the library for academic and/or recreational reading, class projects, research, etc. The library is open before, during, and after school. All students have a number on file at the circulation desk in the library. For everyone to have equal access to materials, the following guidelines must be followed: The library is an area to work in quietly. Everyone is expected to respect others’ rights to this quiet environment. Students are encouraged to use the library computers designated for their use. They must follow these guidelines: 1. The computers in the library are reserved for library and academic use and may not be used for games.

2. Copyrighted software installed on any library computer may not be copied. 3. You may not install software on any library computer’s hard drive without permission from the library staff.

Circulation

Fiction and non-fiction books are checked out for two weeks. Periodicals are checked out for one week. The most current periodicals may be used in the library or checked out overnight. Non-print materials do not circulate out of The School and are for classroom use. However, students may view a video in the library for research purposes. Reference books are to be used in the library. Students may check them out overnight for research.

Checking out library items

It is the student’s responsibility to take care of library materials checked out on his/her name. Please return materials on time. Overdue notices will be sent to you as a reminder to return the items.

Lost or damaged materials

If overdue items are not returned or renewed within one week after the second overdue notice is sent, that item will be considered lost. Parents will be notified that the item needs to be returned or replaced or their account will be billed. Items returned damaged must be replaced, and the student’s account will be billed as stated below.

Billing

Lost or severely damaged books are the responsibility of the person in whose name the materials are checked out. The person may either replace the book or will be charged the cost of a replacement copy of the item and a non-refundable fee of $20 fee to cover the processing and record keeping involved. If the lost or damaged item is from a book kit, the item cannot be replaced. In this case the processing fee is $5.

THE RESIDENCE HALL

Family and ISM students who are not enrolled in the ISM Residential Program may visit the Residence Hall common areas until 8:30PM as the explicit invited guest of a residential student. ISM students who are not enrolled in the ISM Residential Program may not be in the halls beyond this time. Non-ISM guests are generally not allowed in the Residence Hall, and will only be permitted in special circumstances with the permission of the Residence Hall Supervisors. 33

STUDENT HANDBOOK For more information on the residence hall see the Residential Student Manual.

THE CAFETERIA

1. The School provides microwave ovens in the cafeteria for Upper School student use. It is the responsibility of the students using the microwave to clean up after themselves. 2. The school community is expected to make an effort to keep the designated eating areas in the school clean.

Use of vending machines

Vending machines are available for upper school use only. Any abuse or malfunctions should be reported immediately to the Student Life Coordinator.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

The following items cover areas most often asked about by parents. If you have further questions or comments, please contact the Business Manager.

Monthly Statements

1. Charges for items not included with tuition such as non-mandatory field trips, uniforms, athletic supplies, special lessons, tutoring, library fines, etc., are generally billed monthly as incurred. Any discrepancies must be communicated or submitted in writing by letter or e-mail (if not paying for a charge). 2. A finance charge of 1.5% per month is charged on any past due balance in accordance with the terms on the back of the Enrollment Contract. 3. Sales Tax. By law we must collect and pay sales tax on the following items: books (other than books for resale), including dictionaries, yearbooks, etc.; admission fees for performances, sports events, other activities; graduation announcements, pictures, school supplies, etc.

Financial Policies

1. Delinquent Accounts - Students whose accounts are delinquent may not be able to charge items to the account, including textbooks, lunch, uniforms, and extracurricular/sports fees. Students may be required to submit payment before receiving these items. Students may not be permitted to take End-of-Term or End-of-Year Exams or may be asked to leave school at any time if the account is not current. 2. Report Cards, School Records, and Attendance at 34

School - Financial accounts must be current to begin a new school year or for students to receive report cards at the end of a term or the end of a school year. The account must also be current to have school records, including transcripts, sent to other schools or colleges, other organizations, or parents.

Charges

• Field Trips – Unless canceled, mandatory field trips included with tuition will not be credited even if the student is absent or does not participate for another reason. The cost of non-mandatory field trips will be billed to the account. • Music Lessons - Students register for music lessons on a yearly basis, but are charged by the term. If termination of lessons is necessary at the end of a term, a written letter or e-mail must be sent to the Extended Day Music Lessons Coordinator and the student’s teacher before the end of the term. Students may terminate lessons during the term but are still charged for the entire term. There are no refunds or credits given for “missed” music lessons even if the student is absent. • End-of-Term/End-of-Year Exams - There is a fee for students who miss final exams for any reason other than illness or an absence excused in advance by the Director. Missing school due to a vacation will not be considered an excused absence. • Library Materials - Lost or severely damaged materials are the responsibility of the person in whose name the materials are checked out. The student’s account will be billed the cost of a replacement copy of the item and a non-refundable fee to cover the processing and record keeping involved. • Team Sports Uniforms - Team sports uniforms are assigned to members of teams for the season. They must be returned in clean, undamaged condition at the end of the season. Students not returning their uniform will be billed double the cost of replacing the item. • Damage to Property - Student accounts will be billed to replace or repair property damaged by the student.

Lower School Financial Policies

Late Fees: A late fee of $5 per family is charged for every 15-minute segment or part thereof after 6:00 p.m. The person picking up the child is asked to sign a form that will be used to bill your account. The late fee is paid by The School to the staff person supervising your student. If your child is picked up after 6:00 p.m. more than 5 times during

the school year, your late fee will increase to $15 for the first 5 minutes and $5 for every 5 minutes after that. Daycare and Conference Days: Students are required to have advance reservations for care on these days. There is no charge for the care. There is a charge, however, for any field trips that occur during these times. Students who do not register by the deadline indicated on the school calendar and the reservation form may be able to register late, if we can secure a place on the field trips and if adequate staff is available for latecomers. If you are able to register late, there will be a late fee that is charged for each day you register. If you register and do not attend, you will be charged for field trips.

The International School of Minnesota 6385 Beach Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA (P) 952 918 1800 (F)952 918 1801 www.internationalschoolmn.com School Building Hours: 7:00 - 6:00PM The International School of Minnesota Residence Hall 6345 Beach Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA (P) 952 300 6500 Residence Hall Reception Hours: 8:30 - 5:00PM