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Huamei Academy at Dalian
American International
School
Student and Parent
Handbook
2015-2016
Table of Contents
Our Mission ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 DAIS Core Values .............................................................................................................................................. 4
General Information ....................................................................................................................... 6
Contact Information ............................................................................................................................................ 6 DAIS Leadership ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Secondary School Administration ...................................................................................................................... 6
The School Day................................................................................................................................................... 8 Drop Off and Pick Up ......................................................................................................................................... 9 During the School Day: Arriving or Departing .................................................................................................. 9
Busing ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Student Identification Cards ............................................................................................................................... 9 Lunch .................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Student Supplies.................................................................................................................................................. 9
Library Use ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Academic Program ....................................................................................................................... 11
High School Course Offerings .......................................................................................................................... 11 Academic Standards.......................................................................................................................................... 11
Assessment and Reporting ................................................................................................................................ 11 Parent Academic Support and Homework Help ........................................................................................... 12
English as an Additional Language Support ................................................................................................ 12 DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) ................................................................................................................. 12
Study Trips ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: ....................................................................................................... 14
Standardized Testing ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Expectations ................................................................................................................................. 17
Attendance ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Electronic Devices ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Student Conduct / Discipline ............................................................................................................................ 20 Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol .................................................................................................................................. 20
Health and Safety ......................................................................................................................... 22
Safety and Security ........................................................................................................................................... 22 Emergency Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 22
School Evacuation ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Lock Down Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 22 Local/National Emergency ........................................................................................................................... 23
School Closure .................................................................................................................................................. 23
School Nurse ..................................................................................................................................................... 23 Medication .................................................................................................................................................... 23
Immunizations............................................................................................................................................... 23
Student Life .................................................................................................................................. 24
Athletics and Extracurricular Programming ..................................................................................................... 24
Interscholastic Athletics ................................................................................................................................ 24
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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Intramural Athletics ...................................................................................................................................... 24 Student Governance .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Middle School Government .......................................................................................................................... 24 High School Government ............................................................................................................................. 24
Student Recognition ..................................................................................................................... 24
Weekly Mission Moment Award ...................................................................................................................... 24 Student of the Month Award............................................................................................................................. 25 Honor Society ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Departmental Awards ....................................................................................................................................... 25
EARCOS Award ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Senior Awards ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Valedictorian ................................................................................................................................................. 26 Sea Dragon Award ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Communications ........................................................................................................................... 26
PowerSchool Parent Portal ............................................................................................................................... 26
New Student and Parent Orientation ................................................................................................................. 26 Back to School Night ........................................................................................................................................ 26 Student Led Conferences .................................................................................................................................. 26
School Newsletter ............................................................................................................................................. 27
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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DAIS Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements
Our Mission
Dalian American International School provides challenging, collaborative, and responsive experiences that
engage learners in developing intellect, character, and health. At DAIS, every learner achieves personal
excellence and contributes to the global community.
Vision Dalian American International School provides programs that bridge the educational experiences of both
international and Chinese national students. We ensure a clean, organized, well-resourced and up-to-date
educational facility with faculty and staff who are competent role models and strive to develop all facets of the
student.
Our learning environment fosters academic excellence and enhances students’ personal development. We offer
opportunities for students to collaborate, thereby developing an appreciation for diverse points of view and
respect for each other as unique individuals. Our program expands student horizons, building in them a better
understanding of world cultures and citizenship.
Our students and graduates see themselves as global citizens who grow through challenges and are stewards of
the world’s resources. They are critical thinkers who have a lifelong intrinsic motivation for learning and are
prepared to enter high quality educational institutions throughout the world. Most importantly, their community
sees them as compassionate, ethical, and inspirational.
School Wide Learning Goals
I. Learners will assume personal responsibility in developing their intellect, character, and health.
II. Learners use critical thinking skills, inquiry, and collaboration strategies to solve problems and make
decisions.
III. Learners set and pursue goals to achieve personal excellence.
IV. Learners contribute to the local and global community.
DAIS Core Values
DAIS expects that all who join our school community will be contributing members. The DAIS Core Values
provide guidance for all community members’ actions and provides the foundation upon which a learning
environment in which the DAIS Mission may be met. The following are the three Core Values of DAIS.
Integrity: Exhibiting honesty, fairness, and acting in keeping with one’s beliefs
Respect: Exhibiting a regard for other peoples’ feelings, differences, ideas, space, and belongings,
including respect for school property
Responsibility: Exhibiting responsibility for one’s actions which includes being trustworthy, doing the
right thing, and following through with what is expected.
Students at DAIS are expected to exemplify the core values through their behavior. The following chart
provides statements which all DAIS are expected to meet.
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
5
As a member of the DAIS community,
I will abide by the core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility.
I will show integrity.
I will have integrity in all my actions.
I will be honest with myself and others.
I will behave so that others trust and respect me.
I will credit others whenever I receive assistance.
On tests and exams and major assignments, I will do my own work, and encourage others to do so.
I will respect myself, others, and the learning environment.
I will treat others in the manner that I would wish to be treated. .
I will not push, hit, or behave in a manner that could harm others.
I will respect the privacy and personal property of others.
I will respect school equipment and facilities.
I will leave potentially disruptive objects at home.
I will not tease, name call, swear, threaten, put down or cause hurt feelings in others.
I will not bully or intimidate others, in person or in cyberspace.
I will demonstrate responsibility for my own learning.
I will act in a way that does not interfere with the teaching or learning in my classroom.
I will be where I’m supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there, fully prepared.
I will follow instructions, and classroom and school rules.
I will manage my time and materials effectively.
I will complete all assigned work and participate in all class activities.
DAIS students are expected to follow the core values at all times, including:
Whenever a student is on school property;
Anytime the student is in the school building;
While students travel to and from school, including travel on a school bus;
Whenever a student attends a school-organized function;
Whenever a student is on a school organized trip.
DAIS behavioral expectations also apply to students away from school in the following situations:
Whenever a student’s actions impact another student’s welfare;
Whenever a student’s actions impact the learning environment at school.
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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General Information
Contact Information
Physical Address: 2 Dianchi Road
Golden Pebble Beach
Dalian Development Area 116650
P.R. China
Telephone: (86-411) 8757-2000
Fax: (86-411) 8791-5656
Attendance: attendance@daischina.org
DAIS Leadership
Terry Wolfson Head of School
terry.wolfson@daischina.org
Tiffany Wei Business Manager
tiffany.wei@daischina.org
Audrey Wong Admissions Coordinator
audrey.wong@daischina.org
Secondary School Administration
Rachel Keys Secondary Principal
rachel.keys@daischina.org
Chris Boyle Assistant Principal
chris.boyle@daischina.org
Daniel Gould International Counselor
daniel.gould@daischina.org
Ruth Laney Huamei Counselor
ruth.laney@daischina.org
Mandy Liu
Linna Tai Administrative Assistant
linna.tai@daischina.org
Sam Yu Administrative Assistant
sam.yu@daischina.org
Administrative Assistant
mandy.liu@daischina.org
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
8
The School Day
The school day begins at 8:45 AM and ends at 3:45 PM. The DAIS MS and HS follow an alternating A-B
schedule, with extended advisory periods on Fridays.
Regular School Day
Middle School High School
Block 1 8:45-10:10
Block 2 10:20-11:45
11:45-12:20 Lunch Advisory 11:50-12:05
12:25-12:40 Advisory Lunch 12:05-12:40
Block 3 12:45-2:10
Block 4 2:20-3:45
Advisory/Assembly Fridays
Middle School High School
Block 1 8:45-10:00
Block 2 10:10-11:25
Lunch 11:25-12:00 Advisory/Assembly 11:30-
12:20
Advisory/Assembly
12:05-12:55
Lunch 12:20-12:55
Block 3 1:00-2:15
Block 4 2:25-3:45
Early Release Days
Middle School High School
Block 1 8:45-9:40
Block 2 9:45-10:40
Block 3 10:45-11:40
Lunch 11:40-12:15 Advisory 11:45- 12:00
Advisory 12:15-12:30 Lunch 12:00- 12:30
Block 4 12:35-1:30
The school office hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Students may begin arriving at 8:00 AM and are asked to depart by 4:00 PM. Exceptions are made if students
are participating in an organized school activity and parental permission has been provided.
There is no supervision for students after 4:00 p.m. Unless students are under the physical supervision of a
teacher, they may not wait in the school building for late pick-ups. They may go to the Hungry Scholar Café to
await late pick-ups.
Specific procedures are in place for both drop off and pick up. The guidelines are available in every school
office, and are included in new student information packets.
During the School Day: Arriving or Departing
Students arriving or departing during the school day must report to the secondary school office, room 307.
Students departing the school must be signed out by the parent, guardian, or authorized individual. Advance
permission for an early departure may be granted by parents for specific occasions, but students must always
check out of school in the secondary office.
Busing
School provided busing is available from downtown Dalian, Kaifaqu/DDA and Jin Shi Tan. If interested,
complete a School Bus Application form, which is available in either the front office or the secondary school
office.
Student Identification Cards
All secondary students are issued student identification (ID) cards. ID cards are used to purchase lunch and for
printing. Lunch account balances may be tracked via the Parent Portal of PowerSchool. Students may also
purchase additional snacks from the café in a separate account that is also linked to their student ID card.
Students who lose their ID cards will be charged a replacement fee.
Lunch
Students eat lunch in the Hungry Scholar Café. Lunch is served buffet style with a choice of Western or
Chinese dishes. Meals can be purchased with cash, or with a pre-paid account on their student ID card. When a
student’s account balance reaches 0 RMB they will not be able to purchase lunch. There are microwaves
available in the café for re-heating if students choose to bring their own food for lunch. A separate account for
snack food items can be loaded with cash for student use. When this account balance reaches 0 RMB the
student will not be able to purchase snacks.
Middle school students must be in the café during the lunch period. High school students are encouraged to eat
in the lunchroom, but may also eat in a designated space in the main school building with teacher supervision.
No student may be in a teacher’s classroom at lunchtime unless the teacher is physically present.
Food and Drink in Classrooms
Unless there is a special event or circumstances, students should not eat or drink during class time. Students are
encouraged to bring a water bottle and drink water during class. With teacher permission items purchased in
the school store at break time may be consumed in the first ten minutes of class. Students must clean up all
trash and treat the school environment with respect.
Student Supplies
DAIS provides basic supplies for all students. At the start of each semester a student will be provided with the
following supplies: 5 pens, 6 pencils, 8 notebooks (A4), highlighter, pencil sharpener, and an opportunity to
order binders to house academic work. Students will be issued textbooks and other school property for use
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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during the academic year. Textbooks will be numbered and students must return the same book they were
issued. Students and parents are responsible to pay for any lost or damaged textbooks or materials.
Lockers
Students are assigned a locker for storing books, coats, backpacks, and other personal supplies during the school
day. The lockers should be kept locked. Nothing should be placed on the exterior or on top of the lockers.
Students are expected to keep their lockers in good condition. If you have problems with opening your locker,
go to the Secondary School Office.
Counseling Office
DAIS counselors are available to discuss classes, scheduling, grades, school, and/or personal problems.
Students are encouraged to see the counselor before school, during lunch, or after school. Students who wish to
talk with a counselor can contact the Counseling Office to arrange for an appointment. In an emergency
situation, a student can ask a teacher for a pass to the counseling center; otherwise, appointments should be
requested.
The Counseling Office has many resources for preparing students for college and university. The school
counselor provides both informational meetings and individual guidance to the secondary school community.
We encourage all students to take advantage of these resources.
Deliveries
Students cannot have personal items delivered to the school between 8:45 and 3:45. They will not be excused
from class to pick up deliveries.
Library Use
The library provides reading and technology for students and staff for school-related work. The library staff will
work with students to learn research skills, find a great book, and help with projects. Students may use the
library from 8:30-4:30 each day. A pass from a teacher is required during the school day. The library is open
during lunch times as well. No food, gum, or drink is ever allowed in the library.
All books are due two weeks from date of checkout and may be renewed for an additional two weeks. Renewal
must be made before a book is overdue. Books may be returned to the book drop inside the library. Lost books
must be paid for before students can check out more.
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Academic Program
High School Course Offerings
For detailed descriptions of the DAIS Program of Study, refer to the document of the same name. Detailed
course descriptions and offerings may be found there.
Class of 2015 Graduation Requirements
Academic Area Graduation
Requirement
Recommended Credits
for University
Language Arts (English) 4 4
Mathematics 3 4
Social Sciences 3 4
Natural Sciences 3 4
World Language 3 4
Fine Arts (Music and Visual Arts) 2 3
Physical Education 2 2
Junior Seminar .5 .5
Senior Seminar .5 .5
Applied Studies 4 4
Elective Courses 3.5 2.5
Total Credits 29 32
Academic Standards
The DAIS academic program is based on rigorous academic standards that are used to define learning goals for
all students at DAIS. Student progress towards achievement of these standards is measured through formative
and summative assessment and communicated to students and parents on the Powerschool portal and during
Student Led Conferences. Students must demonstrate proficiency on standards in order to earn the credits
necessary for graduation.
Assessment and Reporting
At DAIS, teachers post grades online through the Power School program. Students and families are strongly
encouraged to regularly monitor student progress through Power School. It is important that students contact
teachers with any questions they might have about their grades and classroom performance. Students who are
not progressing at a passing level and are earning one or more “D” or “F” will have their parents contacted in
the middle of each quarterly reporting term. Report cards are issued four times a year. Students who fail to
earn credits in high school class will have to repeat the class and may endanger their on-time graduation.
Reporting is based on the assessment of the benchmarks covered within a specific course.
DAIS Grading Scale
A+ 97-100=4.0
A 93-96 =4.0
A- 90-92 =3.7
B+ 87-89 =3.3
B 83-86 =3.0
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B- 80-82 =2.7
C+ 77-79 =2.3
C 73-76 =2.0
C- 70-72 =1.7
D+ 67-69 =1.3
D 63-66 =1.0
D- 60-62 =0.7
F Below 60 (0)
Parent Academic Support and Homework Help
Parents are encouraged to available to help and answer questions, but please do not complete their son or
daughter’s work for them. If you feel your child is struggling academically or with study skills please contact
the school. Parents are a critical factor in a child’s academic achievement. Following are some simple
suggestions as to how you can be the most effective support when its homework time.
Area: Provide a quiet, well-lit area for your child to do his/her assignment. This area should feel comfortable
and always be available at homework time.
Routine: Establish a daily time for homework. If there are no homework assignments, all students should use
the time for reading. This routine helps establish a commitment to the entire academic process.
Tools: Provide tools for doing home assignments: pencils, pens, paper, a dictionary. A desk or tabletop makes
the best place to do homework—not the knees, lap, or floor.
Students can get homework help two days a week after school from high school students who assist with peer
tutoring. Information about specific peer tutoring offerings, including dates and times, will be communicated
by the After School Activities coordinator.
English as an Additional Language Support
DAIS provides integrated support for those students who do not speak English at home. Students for whom
English is not their home language are assessed upon entry to DAIS and receive need-based support from
specialists. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists develop individualized learning plans for
each student in need of support and they partner with classroom teachers to plan lessons which meet the
learning needs of the EAL students.
DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)
The Middle and High Schools regularly Drop Everything And Read. Regular reading for pleasure greatly
enhances literacy, so students and staff stop to read. Students must have appropriate reading material with them
for the DEAR time, which will occur in advisory time and during core classes. Teachers and the school librarian
will assist students in selecting reading material.
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Study Trips
Middle and High School students will have the opportunity to take trips to both local and distant sites to
enhance their learning. All trips will be reviewed for safety and merit and parents are strongly encouraged to
attend informational meetings held in advance of the trip. All trips off site will require the permission of parent
or guardian. A local, walking distance permission slip is included in the first day’s packet. By signing the
permission slip, students are given permission to participate in any study trip which does not require vehicles.
DAIS Reassessment Policy
DAIS firmly believes in allowing students the opportunity for reassessment. Reassessment allows students to
make decisions and play an active role in their own intellectual growth, thus promoting the idea of life-long
learning. In order to qualify for reassessment, a student must demonstrate adequate preparation, personal
responsibility and reflection. This can be achieved by taking the initiative to see the subject teacher for tutoring,
completing assessment corrections, practice exercises and by being an active participant in his or her own
learning.
Conditions for Reassessment:
1. A student has one opportunity to request reassessment per assessment regardless of the grade. This
request must be made within three days of receiving the grade on the original assessment. This only
applies to summative and performance-based assessments such as projects, writing assignments, tests
and quizzes with the exception of mid-term and final exams, which are not eligible for reassessment.
In order for the reassessment request to be approved, a student must fulfill the follow requirements:
Conferencing with the teacher and completing the Reassessment Agreement Form.
Completing test corrections, further review and/or further preparation work as requested by the
teacher
2. There is one opportunity to reassess on the standards and concepts not met in a project or a writing
assessment. At the discretion of the teacher, a traditional quiz or test will consist of either reassessment
in its entirety or only the concepts not yet deemed proficient. The grade on the reassessment will be the
reassessment mark, or in the case of a partial reassessment, the value added mark.
3. The timeframe for reassessment is at the discretion of the teacher.
4. The teacher will initiate the request to reassess for any student who does not demonstrate proficiency on
the standards and concepts on an initial assessment. Proficiency is considered to be 70% or higher on a
quiz or test.
5. Reassessments such as a quiz or a test that measure the same standards and concepts to be learned will
not be the original assessment. In the case of projects or written reassessments, it is teacher discretion
whether it will be the original or a new assessment.
6. Failure to meet the Reassessment Agreement will result in a student receiving the original assessment
grade.
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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DAIS Academic Integrity & Honesty Policy
Why: As students grow academically, we at DAIS are preparing them for further postgraduate studies at a
College or University. Excellent written expression is a key factor for academic and career success. Plagiarism
is the act of defrauding a teacher or professor with a false view of the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Being
academically honest also means formulating one’s own opinions and ideas and expressing those through one’s
own, original academic work.
Rationale: To ensure students adhere, follow, and be representative of our school’s mission statement and
school wide learning goals, DAIS requires all secondary students to refrain from plagiarism, cheating, and
dishonesty in academic work. Engaging in plagiarism and/or cheating demonstrates a lack of integrity and
honesty and goes against the DAIS Mission Statement and School Wide Learning Goals.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
Taking someone else’s assignment or portion of an assignment and submitting it as one's own
Submitting material written by someone else or rephrasing the ideas of another without giving the
author’s name or source
Presenting the work of tutors, parents, siblings, or friends as one's own
Submitting purchased papers as one's own
Submitting papers from the Internet written by someone else as one's own
Supporting the act of plagiarism by providing one’s own work to others, whether it is believed it will
be copied or not
Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
Copying, faxing, emailing, texting, or in any way duplicating assignments that are turned in, wholly or
in part, as original work
Exchanging assignments with other students, either handwritten or computer generated, whether it is
believed they will be copied or not
Using any form of memory aid during tests or quizzes without the expressed permission of the
instructor
Using a computer or other means to translate an assignment from one language into another language
and submitting it as an original translation
Giving or receiving answers during tests or quizzes - it is the student's responsibility to secure his or her
papers so other students will not have the opportunity or the temptation to copy
Accessing a test or quiz for the purpose of determining the questions in advance of its administration
Collusion
Collusion is allowing or supporting another student to copy or cheat from one’s own original work. There are
times when students are encouraged to collaborate on school projects and assignments. There is a clear
distinction between collaboration and collusion. When two or more students submit work that is identical to
each other’s, collusion has occurred and will be punishable by the repercussions as outlined in this policy.
Repercussions: Students who have been found to have acted or participated in acts of academic dishonesty,
including plagiarizing, cheating, and collusion, within one academic school year will be subject to the following
repercussions as deemed appropriate by the student’s principal:
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First time offense: Parents will be called for a parent conference with the principal, student may receive
a failing grade on the assignment, and documentation outlining the offense may be placed in the
student’s permanent file.
Second time offense: All of the consequences of a first time offense plus; student will serve either a one
day in-school suspension or a one day of out-of-school suspension and documentation outlining the
offense will be placed in the students’ permanent file.
Third time offense: All of the consequences of the first and second time offenses plus; student will serve
a minimum one day of out-of-school suspension and may be recommended for expulsion.
Standardized Testing
To establish baselines for and comparability of DAIS students to US and international norm groups, DAIS
deploys the following external tests:
1. Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) tests- These computerized tests are adaptive tests in the subject
areas of Reading, Language Usage and Mathematics. When taking a MAP test, the difficulty of each
question is based on how well a student answered the previous questions. As the students answers
correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly the questions become
easier. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level.
More information available at: https://www.nwea.org/assessments/map/
2. ERB – WrAP- The WrAP writing assessment is given over a course of two days with one session
devoted to planning and drafting and the second session for crafting the final draft. WrAP offers
stimulus-based prompts that include articles and passages as well as non-stimulus prompts that support
the instruction of great writers. WrAP writing prompts mirror effective classroom writing practice to
inform learning and instruction. Student writing is externally assessed by experts in the United States
based on a comprehensive rubric.
More information available at: https://www.erblearn.org/services/wrap-overview
3. ERB – Comprehensive Testing Program 4 (CTP4)- The CTP is a norm referenced test in multiple
subject areas that compare student performance and growth with similar groups of students at
international, independent, and suburban schools using scaled scores, stanines and percentiles.
More information available at: https://www.erblearn.org/services/ctp-overview
4. World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)- WIDA is a series of English language
proficiency assessments in the categories of reading, writing, speaking and listening administered to
students who do not speak English as their first language. WIDA testing at DAIS is used as a part of the
initial screening and admissions process and to determine place students into the necessary amount and
type of instructional services and support and to inform instructional planning and other decisions
related to students' education.
5. Pre- Student Aptitude Test (PSAT)- The PSAT/NMSQT (or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
Test) is a preliminary version of the SAT. Test data is used by the school to determine AP placement
and can be used by the student and family to target specific preparatory courses for the SAT.
DAIS uses the aforementioned external tests as inputs in its decision-making protocols for placements in AP
courses, placements in ESL/EAL services, and admittance into the US National Honor Society (NHS).
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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This data is used to evaluate the quality and rigor of the DAIS education program compared to US and
International Schools. Program staffing and professional development decisions are formed based on data from
these assessments.
Students at DAIS also sit for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and a suite of Advanced Placement (AP) tests as part of
the college application process and obtaining college credit for AP course taken at DAIS.
External Assessments Subjects that are Tested Who is Tested? How is the Information Used?
MAP Reading, language usage and mathematics
Grades 3-10 MAP assessments are used to measure a student's progress or growth in reading, language usage and mathematics. MAP testing is done multiple times per year and measures growth and progress. Test data lets teachers know where a student's strengths and weaknesses are. Teachers use this information to help them guide instruction in the classroom.
ERB – WrAP Writing Grades 3-12 WrAP provides teachers with an objective report on student writing skills and provides detailed explanations and feedback that teachers use to help student's improve their writing.
ERB – CTP4 Math, reading, vocabulary, writing
Grades 3-11 The CTP 4 provides detailed information on a student's achievement and growth in order to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses and inform a teacher's planning and instruction.
WiDA Reading, writing, speaking, listening
Grades 6-12 (non-native English speakers)
DAIS ESL/EAL Department uses student’s performance to determine student’s need for
ESL/EAL services
PSAT Evidence-based reasoning, writing and language, math
Grades 9-11 DAIS uses student’s performance on assessment in evaluating student’s readiness for Advanced Placement courses, evaluation for admittance
into the US National Honor Society (NHS), and it is used as baseline for College-Readiness.
DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016
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Expectations
Attendance
At DAIS, good attendance means better school performance and higher achievement. It is essential to attend
school regularly and to be on time to every class. Parents are strongly discouraged from planning holidays or
trips that take students out of important classroom learning time. In order to receive the maximum benefit of
the education offered and to conform to internationally accepted standards, students will be expected to adhere
to the following attendance limits.
Absences
When it is necessary for students to miss school for legitimate reasons (illness, medical/dental appointment, pre-
arranged or family emergency), they must be excused by a parent or guardian. Students should have their
parents and teachers sign a pre-arranged absence form (available in the secondary office) if they plan to be gone
for two or more days. This form should be filled in minimum two days in advance of the absence. This will
allow students to coordinate with teachers to collect work and minimize the missed classroom time during their
absence. Boarding students must immediately alert the Residence Coordinator if they are ill, and the nurse will
consult with the ill student.
Absences due to school-sponsored or mandated activities, extended hospitalization for serious illness, family
emergency or death, and religious observation will not be counted in the total.
If a student misses more than 6 classes of a course in a semester, (s)he may result in a loss of credit for
that class in that semester. The school will track and record all absences, which will then appear on the
quarterly report. A meeting with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) and the Director of School may be requested
after five absences.
Students who are absent are expected to make up all work missed, and are expected to coordinate the make-up
schedule with their classroom teachers. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student and parent and
includes obtaining, completing, and returning assignments in the appropriate time frame.
Tardies
It is the student’s responsibility to arrive promptly to class in order to maximize growth and learning. Students
are considered tardy if they arrive after the start of a class. Arriving late to a class is disruptive to the classroom
environment. Six tardies in a class per semester equals one absence and is counted in the absence total that may
lead to a loss of credit for that class. Excessive tardies will result in a progression of consequences including a
meeting with the principal, parent contact and/or a meeting with parents and a school administrator.
Leaving School during the Day- A Closed Campus
DAIS operates a closed campus for students. Students may only leave the campus in the case of an emergency
or for medical reasons. To release a student during the day, parents should either phone or send a note in to the
Office Assistant in the secondary office who will notify teachers and administrators as appropriate. The student
should sign out at the front desk and be picked up by a parent or guardian.
To report an absence, either call DAIS (411-8757-2000) or email attendance@daischina.org.
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Dress Code
DAIS believes that students need to show respect for their school, their surroundings and the other students.
Therefore, we have established a school dress code. There is a direct correlation between student dress and
student behavior. It is incumbent upon parents to assist the school by ensuring that their children come to school
clean, neat and meeting dress code requirements. Students not meeting the dress code will be required to secure
alternative clothing or wear clothing provided by the school. A school administrator’s decision on what is
deemed appropriate and inappropriate dress is final.
Guidelines
Clothing is to be worn in such a way that it does not distract or disrupt the learning environment.
All clothing is to be worn appropriately and in the manner for which it was designed.
Footwear which secures to the heel must be worn at all times.
Clothing with tobacco, drug, or alcohol insignias/advertisement is prohibited.
Hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses, combs, picks, etc. may not be worn inside the building.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices are to be used only for educational purposes under the supervision and direction of teachers
and must be done responsibly. If a student is found to be on an unauthorized site, viewing inappropriate
material, mistreating the device, off task, or using the computer for non-school related purpose, there will be
disciplinary consequences. For serious or multiple violations, students may lose school computer/internet
privileges and may serve in-school or out of school suspensions.
Phones or other electronics that are using during a class period for personal social use will be confiscated.
Online and offline electronic games are not allowed at any time during the school day (8:00am-4:30pm).
Audio devices and headphones are not to be used in public spaces at DAIS.
Phones are not permitted for use as electronic translators. Therefore, students who would like to use this
electronic language assistance need to get a dedicated translation device.
DAIS is not responsible for the loss of personal devices and we discourage students from bringing valuable
devices to school.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Internet access and Electronic Mail (E-Mail) are available to students and teachers at DAIS. We believe the
Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this
service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and
communication.
Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while
exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families should be aware that some material
accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, and potentially offensive.
Therefore, it is the dual responsibility of the school and of families to educate students on responsible use.
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While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may
find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet,
in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages; but
ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their
children should follow when using media, social media and information sources.
School Internet and E-Mail Rules
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or
school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior
and communications apply.
The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network
service is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is
required. Access is a privilege - not a right. Access entails responsibility.
Individual users of the school computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over
those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they
have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, DAIS is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or
controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.
Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and
communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users
should not expect that files stored on school servers will always be private.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will
guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such
guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other
potentially offensive media.
• Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.
• Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to
annoy or intimidate another person.
• Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone
numbers or pictures.
• Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the
internet.
• Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.
Individual users of the Internet are expected to abide by the generally-accepted rules of network etiquette. The
following are not permitted:
Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
Using obscene language
Harassing, insulting or attacking others
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Damaging computers, computer systems, software, or computer networks
Violating copyright laws
Using another’s ID/password
Illegal use of data in folders or work files
Intentionally wasting limited resources such as paper and ink
Employing the network for commercial purposes
Downloading video clips, music, or games, unless under direct teacher supervision, will be prohibited.
Consequences for Unacceptable Use of the Internet at DAIS
If a student violates any part of this policy, the consequences will be:
First Offense: Students may lose their personal device privileges for one week and the parent or guardian will
be contacted by the school. Significant violations may result in an in-school or out of school suspension.
Second Offense: Students may lose their personal device privileges for one month, and the parent or guardian
will be contacted by the school. Access to the Internet may be restricted to be only under direct supervision of a
teacher during class time. Significant violations may result in an in-school or out of school suspension.
Third Offense: Personal device privileges will be revoked for one semester and the parent or guardian will be
required to attend a meeting with the school administration. An in-school or out of school suspension will result.
Final note to parents or guardians: The Internet is a powerful learning tool, but it should not be used
indiscriminately or without supervision. While your child is at school, the staff will make every effort to assure
that this resource is used appropriately. As parents, it is your responsibility to monitor this resource at home, not
unlike the manner in which you monitor use of TV, video games, or the telephone. It is not advisable for
children to engage in long hours of unsupervised time on-line.
Student Conduct / Discipline
At DAIS, there are high expectations that everyone will show respect for each other, for themselves, for
learning, and for the learning environment. Students who do not show this respect – through poor behavior
choices like engaging in fighting, cheating, vandalism, lying, rough horseplay, harassment, or other
inappropriate behaviors – enter into our school discipline system. The goal of discipline at school is to help
students to make better behavior choices. DAIS discipline is progressive: the first time a poor behavior choice is
made, the consequence is less harsh than the third or fourth time that the behavior recurs.
Consequences for poor behavior choices may include lunch detention, after-school detention, parent conference,
after-school service (restitution), in-school suspension, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or
expulsion. The consequences a student receives will depend on the nature and seriousness of the inappropriate
behavior and the number of previous misbehaviors.
Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol
Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, or non-prescription drugs are prohibited. This includes any school
function on or off campus. DAIS believes that the primary responsibility for education and supervision of
students regarding substance abuse belongs to the parents
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No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use or transmit, or be under the influence of any
of the following substances on school premises or off school premises at a school-sponsored, or school-related
activity, function, or event:
Any control substance or dangerous drug as defined by either U.S., U.K., European Community,
Canadian, or local law, including, but not limited to, marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen,
stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, anabolic steroid, or barbiturate
Any pharmaceutical drug without knowledge and permission of parent/guardian
Any abusive glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation
Any intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior altering drugs
Any alcoholic beverage
The possession, use or transmittal of paraphernalia related to these prohibited substance is also prohibited under
this policy.
The possession, transmittal, sale or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substance
is also prohibited under this policy.
“Use” by definition, is when a student has voluntarily introduced, by any means, into his or her body a
prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath,
speech, or chemical analysis. “Under the influence” is defined as not having the normal use of mental or
physical faculties due to the use of the drug or alcohol. However, the student need not be legally intoxicated a
prescribed by U.S., U.K., European Community, Canadian, or local laws in order for them to be considered
under the influence.
Students who violate this policy will be immediately suspended from classes while consideration is given as to
whether or not the student’s enrollment will be continued, and if so under what conditions.
Use, possession, or trafficking of tobacco products at school or school-sponsored events by students is
unacceptable. Students will be suspended from school for violating this policy. While it is up to the
administration to determine the severity of the infraction, possession or use of tobacco may result in an in-
school or out of school suspension. The first offense for drugs or alcohol will result in an out of school
suspension for one day, the second and further offenses will result in longer suspensions and repeated violations
of this policy could result in expulsion. Any student who violates the policy who is participating in athletics,
clubs or activities may lose the privilege of participating in events and related activities, including ACAMIS
tournaments.
Students may not leave the school premises during the school day in order to smoke. Any student who leaves
the campus, or attempts to do so, will be considered to be truant and may be suspended.
As a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment, each student in grade six and above and one of their
parents must acknowledge in writing that they have received and read a copy of this policy.
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Weapons and Dangerous Items No student should possess, use, or distribute a weapon when on the DAIS campus, school bus or other school
sponsored event. A “weapon” is defined as any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its
use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury. A “look-
alike” or any other object that is a facsimile of a real weapon shall be treated as a “weapon.” A student who
finds a weapon on the way to school or on the school campus, or discovers that he or she accidentally has a
weapon in his or her possession, and takes the weapon immediately to the head of school’s or principal’s office
shall not be considered to possess a weapon. For violation of this policy, students will be suspended and/or
expelled.
Health and Safety
Safety and Security
The safety and security of the students is our first concern; therefore, we ask that parents enter and exit through
the main doors of the front lobby during the school day. All visitors must sign in and out at the Security Desk or
display a DAIS authorized picture identification tag. Forms for authorized picture identification are available in
the main school office. Cars driving into the parking lot to drop off or pick-up students must have a DAIS
authorized permit and must drop off or pick-up students in the designated zones only. Permit applications are
available in the main office.
Individuals who are not the parent or legal guardian of a student at DAIS will not be allowed to pick up students,
unless the person is named by the parent as the person who will collect the students. Parents may fill out a form
in the office naming all of the people who are designated to pick up their child(ren). Students will not be
allowed to be picked up by another parent, without prior written or email notice from the student’s parent or
legal guardian.
If parents are leaving their child(ren) under the guardianship of another, the school must be notified in writing
stating the dates involved and the name(s) and telephone number of the temporary guardian.
Emergency Procedures
DAIS has a variety of responses in place for the purpose of responding to an emergency. In all cases, our first
action in any situation is to assure the safety of all students and staff.
School Evacuation
In the case of fire or any other type of emergency, students and staff must be prepared to evacuate the school in
a timely and orderly manner. Evacuation plans are posted in each room to show the proper evacuation route.
Evacuation drills will be planned by the school administration and are in cooperation with the local fire
authority. Students and staff will practice the school’s evacuation procedures at least once per term. At the
sound of the fire alarm, students, staff, and visitors must report to their assigned area and await further
instructions.
Lock Down Procedures
A lock down is implemented when an extraordinary event occurs creating a dangerous situation from outside
the campus. In case of a lock down, all school doors will be locked. Students and staff will go to the nearest
room or remain in their present location until the “all clear signal” has been given. Classroom doors will be
locked and the supervising staff member will not let anyone enter the room.
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Local/National Emergency
In case of a local or national emergency students and staff will report directly to their classrooms to await
further instructions. Everyone will be informed whether to remain on campus or evacuate the school.
If the school believes it is unsafe to allow students to travel home, the students will be kept at school and
supervised by the school staff until it is safe to travel home or until parents collect their student(s).
The school will endeavor to contact all parents by phone to explain what is happening and provide them with
the opportunity to collect their children from school. In case of an emergency, we ask that parents not phone the
school as this will block the telephone lines and prevent us from contacting parents.
School Closure
In the event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, DAIS will either cancel or delay the opening of
school. This decision will be made by 7:00AM. The school will post the decision on the DAIS website,
www.daischina.org. In the event of a closure during the school day, parents will be notified via a phone call,
email messages, and a notice on the school website.
School Nurse
DAIS employs a full time school nurse to address the needs of our students and she is available between 8:30am
and 3:45pm. The school nurse treats minor injuries and illnesses, performs first aid, administers medications,
and maintains student health records. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the nurse or school office
personnel will contact the parents or guardian so that the child can be transported to a medical facility for
further attention. In extreme emergencies, the school nurse will accompany the student to the facility and meet
the parents there.
If your child is ill, please do not send her/him to school. Many children’s illnesses are very contagious. If in
doubt, please contact the school nurse.
If your child has been ill please do not bring your child to school until they have been fever free and/or have not
vomited for 24 hours.
If your child has a condition such as asthma or has had a severe allergic reaction in the past, please speak with
the nurse about these or any other conditions you have concerns about.
Medication
If a child is to be given medication while at school, parental permission regarding the medication must be
brought to the attention of the Nurse’s office either by phone call or signed notice. The medication must be
clearly marked with the child's name and must be in its original container. The medication must be handed to
the school nurse and only the nurse will be allowed to administer the medication to children.
The following information must be clearly stated:
Name of medication
Required dosage
What it is for
Time it is to be given
Doctor’s name and telephone number
Parents’ emergency telephone number
Immunizations
It is required that all children attending the school have the following immunizations:
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus Polioyelitis
Parents must provide documentation of these immunizations with the dates of vaccinations at time of
registration. If you have any questions regarding the above please contact the school.
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Student Life
Athletics and Extracurricular Programming
Interscholastic Athletics
DAIS competes with other schools, locally, and throughout China, including Hong Kong and Macao. DAIS is a
member of the Association of China and Mongolia Internationals Schools (ACAMIS) Sports League, through
which DAIS students have the opportunity to travel and compete against students in international schools
throughout China and Mongolia. The ACAMIS sports which DAIS participates in are volleyball, cross country,
basketball and soccer.
Intramural Athletics
DAIS sponsors a variety of intramural athletics competitions, including, but not limited to, volleyball,
basketball, soccer, track, table tennis, badminton, archery, and swimming.
After School Activities (ASAs) The After School Activities (ASA) program is designed to offer students opportunities for enrichment, service,
and leadership outside of the school day. Members of the staff and the community come together to offer a
wide variety of activities which connects student interest with the expertise and personal interest of each
individual activity sponsor. The ASA program serves as both a forum to connect lessons learned during school
as well as a venue for positive youth development. Registration for each of the ASA sessions occurs online and
information is sent directly to parent email addresses. Busing is available for students participating in the ASA
program.
Student Governance
DAIS secondary students have regular opportunities to meet as governing bodies. The purpose of their
governmental work is to fully and authentically involve students in enhancing the learning environment of
DAIS and to more fully achieve the school mission. Students also learn how to enact change in their lives,
surroundings, and community.
Middle School Government
Middle School students participate in a Town Hall form of governance, where every student has a vote and
voice in the decision making process. Leadership positions are elected, but the responsibility of initiating and
carrying out ideas includes all Middle School students.
High School Government
High School student government is comprised of elected student officers, voted on by the student body.
Student government provides leadership on academic, service projects and social activities throughout the
school year.
Student Recognition
DAIS recognizes the achievement of personal excellence throughout the year, through a variety of means,
including, but not limited to, the following programs and awards.
Weekly Mission Moment Award
Each week, the faculty for the middle and high schools select a middle school and high school recipient for the
award. This award is earned through actions exemplifying the mission statement.
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Student of the Month Award
Each month, the faculty for the middle and high schools select a middle school and high school recipient for the
award. This award is earned through exemplary academic performance and positive contributions in and out of
the classroom.
Honor Society
The US National Honor Society is an international organization devoted to community service, developing
leadership, and recognizing academic excellence. Criteria for selection to the Honor Society includes
consistently high grades, excellent behavioral record, and a faculty recommendation.
Departmental Awards
Department awards are given for both high and middle school divisions. Departmental awards will be given
based on the following criteria:
Exemplary achievement in the subject area
Displays an interest in the subject which extends beyond the classroom
Outstanding effort and/or growth
Collaborates with peers in a manner which supports the learning of others
Models exemplary organizational, behavioral, and study skills
EARCOS Award
DAIS is a member of the East Asian Region Council of Schools, which is a highly respected organization of
international schools. As a member school, our students are eligible for any awards the EARCOS organization
offers. The Global Citizenship Award is given to one 11th
grader from each EARCOS school. The award
recognizes a student who completely “embraces the qualities of a global citizen.” The award winner is…
“…a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, has an open
mind, is well informed, aware and empathetic, concerned and caring for others encouraging a sense of
community and strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. Finally,
this student is able to interact and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life while
having a sense of collective responsibility for all who inhabit the globe.”
For more information about this award, please go to http://www.earcos.org/other_award.php
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Senior Awards
Seniors are also eligible for two awards offered by DAIS and recognized during the graduation ceremony.
Valedictorian
The Valedictorian award is given to the senior with the highest cumulative GPA from DAIS courses. Recipients
must have taken a minimum of three AP courses, possess a faultless behavioral record, and have attended DAIS
for a minimum of 3 semesters.
Sea Dragon Award
The Sea Dragon award is given to the senior who most fully “achieves personal excellence and contributes to
the global community.” Additionally, recipients involve themselves in a variety of experiences provided by
DAIS, challenge themselves academically, and display strong collaboration skills, excellent character, and a
commitment to healthy choices. To be eligible, a student must have attended DAIS for a minimum of 3
semesters.
Communications
Parents are a critical factor in effective student learning. To better partner with parents with the learning of their
son or daughter, DAIS maintains the following forms of communication. Individual concerns or
communications may be initiated at any time.
PowerSchool Parent Portal
All secondary school parents and students have access to the student database in which grades, attendance,
teacher comments, and other information associated with the learning progress of each student is recorded.
Parents and students receive individual accounts and passwords. Information in PowerSchool is shared in real
time and may be viewed at any time the internet is available.
New Student and Parent Orientation
Prior to the start of the academic year, a new student and parent orientation session will be held. Additional
sessions may be scheduled during the school year.
Back to School Night
At the beginning of each school year the school will host “Back to School Nights”. The details of the evenings
are sent home shortly before the event. During the evening you get a chance to meet your child’s teachers.
Teachers will talk to parents about the curriculum, the expectations and about the various activities that will
happen throughout the year. The teachers also talk about communication since this is an important element in
supporting your child. We encourage all parents to attend this evening. If you cannot attend then feel free to
contact the school or the teachers to see them at a mutually convenient time.
Student Led Conferences
Student Led Conferences are scheduled twice yearly. For the 2015-2016 school year, the first conference dates
are scheduled for early release on Thursday, September 10, 2015 and all day Friday, September 11, 2015. The
second conference dates are early release on Thursday, February 25, 2016, and all day Friday, February 26,
2016. Parents may request a scheduled meeting with teachers through direct email contact of through the
secondary office. Teachers will contact parents when the need arises. The secondary administrators and the
Head of School are also available to talk over any issue related to your child and the school.
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Online Moodle Portfolios
Each student is required to have an electronic portfolio on the digital Moodle platform. The electronic portfolio
is designed to be an interactive and evolving tool to organize students’ best work and their reflections on their
learning in each of their courses and is updated every year a student remains at DAIS. Together, artifacts and
reflections serve as evidence of their preparation for college and career.
School Newsletter
The school sends home a monthly newsletter. In this document families will get information about things that
have occurred in the school as well as information about upcoming events. These may be in printed form or by
email or viewed on the school website.
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