middle school student-parent handbook 2015-16

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Empowering Individuals to Transform the World as Architects of their Own Learning 129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave. & Kazantzaki St.

152 34 Halandri Athens, Greece

Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200 Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051

www.acs.gr [email protected]

Stefanos Gialamas, Ph.D. President of Schools

Steve Medeiros Peggy Pelonis Middle School Principal Middle School Principal Dean, Academic Affairs & IIC Dean, Student Affairs

Jenny Kosmas

Middle School Administrative Assistant [email protected] +30 210 6070 261

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MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDELINES

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nspiration

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edication

earning

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ACS ATHENS MISSION STATEMENT "ACS Athens is a student-‐ centered international school, embracing American educational philosophy, principles and values. Through excellence in teaching and diverse educational experiences, ACS Athens challenges all students to realize their unique potential: academically, intellectually, socially and ethically-‐ to thrive as

responsible global citizens."

Revised, ACS Athens planning Team, May 23, 2009

ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

“We, the faculty and staff of the ACS Athens Middle School, will provide students with a positive environment that fosters academic growth and support human differences during their challenging stage

of adolescence.” ACS ATHENS BELIEFS • All Decisions in the school must be made in the best interest of

students. • Academic Excellence is built upon each student’s unique talents

and ability. • Student learning must be a shared responsibility of the student,

the school and the family. • Students learn and develop best in an environment of

cooperation, belonging and trust. • Respecting, accepting and embracing diversity enriches one’s

community. • Effective global citizenship demands a strong sense of civic

responsibility and community service. • Educating students should promote intellectual, social, physical

and emotional development and ethical decision making. • All individuals can succeed and acquire the skills and knowledge

necessary to become lifelong learners with ethos.

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Table of Contents MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDELINES ....................................................................................................... 3 ACS ATHENS MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................................................... 4 ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT ................................................... 4 WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ............................................................................................. 9 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ................................................................. 10 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................ 10 ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION ....................................................................................................... 12 ACADEMIC PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 13 Administration ........................................................................................................................ 13 The Middle School ................................................................................................................... 13 Curriculum ............................................................................................................................... 13 Personal Project & Portfolio .................................................................................................... 13

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................... 14 Reporting Student Progress .................................................................................................... 14 Progress Reports ..................................................................................................................... 14 Report Cards ............................................................................................................................ 14 Parent Teacher Student Conferences ..................................................................................... 15 Grades ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Recognition and Honors .......................................................................................................... 15 Academic Achievement Awards .............................................................................................. 15 Athletic Awards ....................................................................................................................... 16 Recognition Awards ................................................................................................................ 16

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ................................................................................................................. 16 Maintaining Academic Integrity .......................................................................................... 16 Why is it important to maintain academic integrity? .......................................................... 17 What does cheating look like? ............................................................................................ 17 How is cheating discovered? ............................................................................................... 17 What are the consequences of violating the Academic Integrity policy? ........................... 18 How can you avoid cheating? .............................................................................................. 18 How do you decide when to give credit? ............................................................................ 18

Academic Probation ................................................................................................................ 20 Homework ............................................................................................................................... 20 Homework and Approaches to Learning Hints ................................................................... 20

Tutoring by Teachers ............................................................................................................... 21 Exams ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Assessments ............................................................................................................................ 21

THE HASIB J. SABBAGH LIBRARY .................................................................................................. 22 The Library: ............................................................................................................................. 22

The Learning Commons in the HJS Library .................................................................................. 22 Math, Writing & Media Studios .............................................................................................. 22 Research Support Program: .................................................................................................... 22

STUDENT AFFAIRS ....................................................................................................................... 24 Counseling ........................................................................................................................... 24 Counseling Psychologist ...................................................................................................... 24 The Educational & Diagnostic Testing Center ..................................................................... 24 Registrar .............................................................................................................................. 24 Wellness Center .................................................................................................................. 25 Student Life ......................................................................................................................... 25 Child Study Team ................................................................................................................. 25

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HEALTH SERVICES AND RELATED MATTERS ............................................................................ 25 Health Services .................................................................................................................... 25 Accident or Illness ............................................................................................................... 25 Insurance ............................................................................................................................. 26

SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE SCHOOL .................................................................................... 26 Bus Service .............................................................................................................................. 26 Bus Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 26 Bus Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................... 26

LUNCH FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................ 27 Lunch Time and Recess ........................................................................................................... 27 Dining Etiquette ...................................................................................................................... 27 Lunch Time Areas .................................................................................................................... 27 Lockers .................................................................................................................................... 27 Lockers (P.E.) ........................................................................................................................... 28 Lost and Found ........................................................................................................................ 28 Telephones .............................................................................................................................. 28 Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices .................... 28 Textbooks ................................................................................................................................ 29 NATURE AND OVERVIEW OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES ................................................................. 29 The House System ................................................................................................................... 29 CO-‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................... 30 Clubs and Organizations and Sports .................................................................................... 30 Student Council ................................................................................................................... 30 Executive Class Officers ....................................................................................................... 30

Community Service ................................................................................................................. 31 SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENTS ......................................................................................................... 31 Dances ................................................................................................................................. 31 Purchase Orders/ Fundraising ............................................................................................. 31 Decorations ......................................................................................................................... 31 Posters and Advertisements ............................................................................................... 31

COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCIES ......................................................................................... 32 Guests .................................................................................................................................. 32 Communicating with Teachers ............................................................................................ 32 School Cancellation ............................................................................................................. 32

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... 33 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCESS ...................................................................................... 33 Evacuation Destinations ...................................................................................................... 33 Teacher Responsibilities during Evacuation ........................................................................ 34 Earthquake Preparedness ................................................................................................... 34 During an Emergency: Teachers need to do the following: ................................................ 35

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................................ 36 Student Conduct ..................................................................................................................... 36 Behavioural Expectations ........................................................................................................ 36 Attendance Policy ................................................................................................................... 36 Tardiness ............................................................................................................................ 37 Early Dismissal from School ................................................................................................. 38

Withdrawal of Students from School ...................................................................................... 38 OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS .......................................................................................... 38 Staying After School ................................................................................................................ 38 Cutting Class ............................................................................................................................ 38

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Hallway Passes ........................................................................................................................ 38 Bicycles, Roller blades, Skateboards ....................................................................................... 38 Personal Property .................................................................................................................... 39 STUDENT DRESS & APPEARENCE ............................................................................................ 39 Student Dress .......................................................................................................................... 39 PE Uniforms ............................................................................................................................. 39 Travel Dress Code .................................................................................................................... 40

MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................................................... 41 Group 1 Violations ................................................................................................................... 41 Group 2 Violations ................................................................................................................... 41 Consequences ..................................................................................................................... 41

Group 3 Violations ................................................................................................................... 42 Consequences ..................................................................................................................... 42

Group 4 Violations ................................................................................................................... 42 Consequences ..................................................................................................................... 42

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES & EXPLANATIONS ....................................................................... 43 Referral Procedure .................................................................................................................. 43 Detention ................................................................................................................................ 43 Detention Rules ....................................................................................................................... 44 In – School Suspension ............................................................................................................ 44 In – School Suspension Rules .................................................................................................. 44 Out-‐Of-‐School Suspension ...................................................................................................... 44 Social Probation ...................................................................................................................... 45 Positive Behavior Activities ..................................................................................................... 46 Reparation Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 46 Peer Facilitation Program ........................................................................................................ 46 Providing Parental Support ..................................................................................................... 47 THEATRE/ ASSEMBLY PROTOCOL ............................................................................................ 49 Assembly Protocol for Teachers .......................................................................................... 49 Assembly Protocol for Students .......................................................................................... 49

LIBRARY & COMMONS POLICIES ............................................................................................. 50 Library Rules ........................................................................................................................ 50 Consequences for Not Adhering to Library & Commons Rules ........................................... 50 Checking Out Books ............................................................................................................. 50 Checking Out Reference Books ........................................................................................... 50 Current Magazines .............................................................................................................. 50 Lost/ Damaged Books .......................................................................................................... 50 Library Computer Use ......................................................................................................... 51 Personal Laptops ................................................................................................................. 51 Logging Out ......................................................................................................................... 51 Photocopies/ Computer Printers ........................................................................................ 51

INTERNET ACCESS ................................................................................................................... 51 Use of Stations .................................................................................................................... 51 Research On Stations .......................................................................................................... 51 Internet Acceptable Use Authorization Form ..................................................................... 51

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY ........................................................................................ 51 Active Directory Accounts ................................................................................................... 52

2015-‐2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ................................................................................................ 53 Media Release & Consent Form .................................................................................................. 54 ACS ATHENS ................................................................................................................................ 55

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION FORM ................................................................................. 55 PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT and INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY .......... 56 Request for Consideration .......................................................................................................... 57

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WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL The administration, faculty, staff, students, and community of the ACS Athens Middle School, are devoted to academic achievement and individual growth for every child. We all strive to maintain a supportive environment where respect for individual differences and rights of others guide our behavior. Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 are going through a stage of rapid change in mental, physical, social, and emotional development. Based on the needs of children experiencing these changes, our program and staff: Provide an appropriate, child-‐centered educational experience that actively engages students in the acquisition of basic skills, knowledge, and concepts and contributes to the development of higher order thinking. It helps students understand the connections between learning and life. Engage students in a wide range of formal cognitive and experiential learning opportunities, including hands-‐on exploratory courses in the arts, physical education, and modern language. Encourage each student to develop a positive self-‐image through frequent opportunities for success, while recognizing the influence of peer pressure. This enables students to develop responsibility and self-‐control through opportunities for participating in decision-‐making in a variety of ways. We promote confidence in self and respect for others by involving students with each other in structured and unstructured ways. Respond sensitively to the widely fluctuating needs of individuals by giving personalized attention to each student’s needs, structuring learning environments to respect individual differences, and providing a variety of informal learning activities for students. Differentiate learning to accommodate a variety of learning styles and needs. Always, in making school decisions that affect students, the development of the whole child during this unique stage in life is our primary concern. Middle School Administration, Faculty and Staff

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DESCRIPTION OF THE ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL The Middle School is comprised of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade programs which meet U.S. and International curriculum standards. A rich array of co-‐curricular activities and clubs meet primarily during lunchtime and some after school to expand the Middle School program beyond the classroom learning environment. It is a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to many different learning experiences that are designed to help them discover their interests and their talents.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES In a school community defined by a culture of respect:

• We shall be curious about and tolerant of people’s cultural differences, gender differences, age differences, learning differences, as well as their unique abilities and talents;

• We shall respect learning and the learning process;

• We shall practice good manners;

• We shall treat each other politely;

• We shall cultivate and exhibit self-‐discipline and self-‐respect;

• We shall respect personal and school property;

• We shall build relationships based upon open communication and mutual respect;

• We shall work to overcome stereotypical thinking, biases and prejudices and actively

promote cross-‐cultural awareness and understanding;

• We shall ensure that everyone feels physically and emotionally safe;

• We shall respect, follow and enforce the rules of the community;

• We shall respect each person’s uniqueness and individuality;

• We shall practice good citizenship in and out of the classroom;

• We shall promote the values of good sportsmanship;

• We shall commit ourselves to teaching the principles of respectful behavior and good citizenship in a focused and on-‐going manner.

This statement of principles was developed by the teachers, students, parents and administrators.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL School Address: 129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzakis St. 152 34 Halandri Athens, Greece www.acs.gr School Telephone: Middle School Principal’s Office: 210 639-‐3200, ext. 261 Middle School Main Office: 210 639-‐3200, ext. 261 Counseling Office: 210 639-‐3200, ext. 226 or 228 Fax: 210 639-‐0051 E-‐Mail: [email protected] School Day: Arrival -‐ 9:00 a.m.

Dismissal -‐ 3:45 p.m. Late Busses-‐ 5:45 p.m.

Bell Schedule

Students during periods 7 or 8 are required to take a minimum of one independent, online lesson per week as part of their course . This is independent of other homework and/or classwork that they might have been assigned.

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9:00-‐10:10 09:00 -‐ 10:05

1 2 3 4 5

10:10-‐10:25

10:05-‐10:20 Homeroom 10:20-‐10:25 Passing Time & Announcements -‐ 15 minutes

10:25-‐11:35 3 4 5 1 2 11:35-‐12:10 Middle School Lunch

12:10-‐1:05 7 8 Citizenship

Development 7 8 1:05-‐1:15 Passing Time -‐ 10 minutes 1:15-‐2:25 6 7 6 8 6 2:25-‐2:35 Passing Time -‐ 10 minutes 2:35-‐3:45 5 1 2 3 4

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ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION ACS Athens considers for admission those students who fall into one of the following categories:

1. The American community of Athens: a. U.S. Government employees; b. U.S. Business and industry; c. Non-‐Profit organizations affiliated with or supported by U.S. Institutions; d. Other American citizens.

2. Members of the Diplomatic Corps of Greece (third-‐country) 3. Foreign Businesses and Industries established in Greece 4. Greek nationals returning from abroad 5. Students transferring from Greek school.

Entry to ACS Athens is via a competitive application process, which is outlined in the Office of Enrollment Management (+30 210-‐6070251) or online at www.acs.gr/admission-‐guide. Prospective candidates should familiarize themselves with the admission procedures before they apply. The ACS Athens Academy provides learning support for students who need it through the ACS Athens Optimal Learning Program. Please refer to the procedures regarding admission for students who may need to access such services. Students applying to ACS Athens from non-‐English Speaking Schools must meet minimum English language proficiency requirements and sit for an English language exam as well as a Math exam as part of the admission process.

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ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Administration The Principal is responsible for all aspects of the academic and co -‐curricular life of the Middle School.

The Middle School The Middle School is designed for students in the 11-‐15 age range. It is a complete and coherent program that provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills appropriate to this stage of adolescence. The educational philosophy and goals of the Middle School naturally follows the ACS Athens Elementary School and serves as excellent preparation for both the regular College Preparatory and IB Diploma Programs offered in grades 11 and 12. There are no externally set or externally marked examinations for students. All assessment of student work is carried out by teachers in our school. The Middle States Association of Colleges and schools renews our standing through a validation of our self study regularly.

Curriculum The Curriculum consists of eight subject groups offered throughout the three years of the Middle School. They are:

1. Language A -‐ ACS Athens school’s language of instruction is English. 2. Mathematics – core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry,

trigonometry, probability & statistics 3. Sciences – general science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics 4. Social Studies -‐ history, geography, government and economics 5. Language B -‐ a foreign language learned at school. 6. Visual and Performing Arts – art/design, music and drama 7. Physical Education – health and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitness 8. Technology – the nature, processes and impact of technology as a research

tool. Health, research and our guidance program topics are an integral part of the course.

Personal Project & Portfolio The student’s educational accomplishments are documented by the school in a portfolio of achievement which records the skills acquired and the results obtained, in each academic subject. The student’s appreciation of the areas of interaction is assessed through an exercise known as the Personal Project. The final project is a culmination of the program and is completed in the Academy, as a sophomore.

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ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Reporting Student Progress The Middle School staff recognizes the importance of maintaining effective communications with parents. Student progress is assessed continuously, and parents are informed of any drastic change in performance through skyward. We use three formal means of reporting student progress: quarterly report cards, progress report comments and parent conferences. Additionally, the ACS Planner is a calendar planner used both for assignments and as a home-‐school communication tool. All Middle School students are expected to carry the ACS Planner with them at all times and check the Moodle site. We highly recommend the daily use of the ACS Planner as the most accurate documentation of homework assignments. Skyward Family Access is also available to parents for online monitoring of student work. Links to Moodle and Skyward are on the ACS homepage www.acs.gr Student performance is assessed using letter grades A, B, C, D, F. In their individual classes, teachers assess students using subject-‐specific assessment criteria. Teachers, counselors and the principal are available to meet with parents to discuss any concerns or questions. Parents can arrange such meetings by calling the Main Office or Office of Student Affairs to set an appointment. Progress reports and Report cards are available to parents electronically on specific dates via Skyward Family Access.

Progress Reports Progress Reports may be issued at any time, but will be issued to students as follows:

1st quarter: Monday, October 12th 2015 2nd quarter: Monday, December 14th 2015 3rd quarter: Monday, March 7th 2015 4th quarter: Monday, May 16th , 2015

During the first quarter, all students will receive progress report comments on Skyward from all their teachers. Progress reports serve as a snapshot of student performance. Thereafter, all students earning a grade of C-‐ or less will receive a progress report comment, though teachers may post comments to recognize excellence and/or improvement. Progress Reports will document students’ progress in achieving Approaches to Learning outcomes as well as subject-‐specific learning objectives. The Progress Reports will appear as a grade in the P column and comment(s) will be posted in Skyward family access in the above stated dates.

Report Cards Report Cards will be available, online, through Skyward Family Access approximately two weeks after the end of each quarter. Report cards will be hand delivered to parents via the students on the last day of school. Should parents not receive progress reports or report cards on the above mentioned dates, they should contact the Middle School Main Office.

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Parent Teacher Student Conferences Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are held twice a year when the first and third quarter report cards are issued ( see school calendar). At this time parents pick up report cards and can meet with all of their children’s teachers for short meetings. Parents may request individual teacher conferences at any time throughout the school year by phoning the Middle School Main Office at 210 60 70 -‐261 to set up appointments.

Grades As stated previously, the Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F. All grades (except for F) can have a plus or minus sign attached. The + or – will appear on the permanent record. Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the following averages: 97-‐100 A+ 77-‐79 C+ 93-‐96 A 73-‐76 C 90-‐92 A-‐ 70-‐72 C-‐ 87-‐89 B+ 67-‐69 D+ 83-‐86 B 63-‐66 D 80-‐82 B-‐ 60-‐62 D-‐ Below 60 F

Recognition and Honors Success is recognized in many ways at the Middle School. Academic Recognition Award Assemblies are held at the end of each quarter to recognize student talent and achievement. Examples of awards presented are:

Academic Achievement Awards

Principal’s List -‐ All A’s (including A-‐‘s) High Honor Roll -‐ A-‐ Average (3.67 GPA) or better Honor Roll -‐ B+ Average (3.33 GPA) or better

Calculation Chart

A+: 4,33 B+: 3,33 C+: 2,33 D+: 1,33 A: 4,0 B: 3.0 C: 2,0 D: 1,0 A-‐: 3,67 B-‐: 2,67 C-‐: 1,67 D-‐: 0,67

Students with Incomplete or Failing(F) quarter grades are not eligible for academic honors.

End-‐of-‐Year Subject Awards -‐ At the end of each academic year individual teachers present awards to students for each of their courses. Awards go to students with high academic achievement and for greatest improvement. Presidential Award -‐ Awarded at the 8th grade Graduation Ceremony.

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Athletic Awards Field Day Awards: Awarded to individuals and Class / Team Houses at the annual Middle

School Field Day.

Presidential Fitness Award: This award recognizes students who achieve an outstanding level physical fitness. To earn this award students must score at or above the 85th percentile on all five activities. National Fitness Award: Students earn this award for scoring above the 50th percentile on all five activities.

Recognition Awards Warren Shepard Award: Awarded at Graduation to an 8th grade student for all-‐around excellence. Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen (NESA) Nomination: Nominations to NESA for recognition of students who exhibit exemplary citizenship, character and service. Students of the Quarter: Awarded to two students (a boy and a girl) at each grade level to recognize exemplary contributions to school academic and community life. These students observe school rules, show perseverance and motivation, are poised, self-‐disciplined, cooperative, kind to others, and have no disciplinary referrals/probation.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are expected to do their own work at all times. Cheating is a serious academic offense; it can also undermine one’s self respect. Copying someone else’s homework, asking a parent or tutor to do the work, copying from a publication or from the Internet without using quotation marks and citing sources are all examples of academic dishonesty, and ultimately work to a student’s disadvantage. Likewise, allowing another student to copy one’s work is dishonest and will be addressed as plagiarism. Students who breach the standards of academic integrity will receive a grade of ‘0’ for all instances of cheating or plagiarism. They may also become ineligible to receive academic honors during the quarter in which the infraction occurs.

Maintaining Academic Integrity ACS Athens Middle School and Academy Academic Integrity Policy The ACS Athens Mission Statement obliges us to provide opportunities for all students to “develop a deep sense of integrity and self-‐esteem.” Few qualities are as important to living a good life as these. In support of this goal, we are committed to helping students understand and demonstrate the principles of academic integrity on a daily basis. Simply put, academic integrity means always being honest about your work by avoiding cheating and plagiarism. At ACS Athens, we will consider that academic integrity has been violated and cheating has occurred when you use someone else’s words, work, test or quiz answers, and/or ideas and claim them as your own.

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Why is it important to maintain academic integrity? • We want you to take pride in your honest achievement. • You’ll feel good about yourself when you meet the challenges of your academic work.

It’s hard to feel good about yourself when you take credit for someone else’s work. • You will develop and maintain a reputation as an honest person. • People’s words, work and/or ideas are considered “intellectual property” – meaning that

their creator owns them. Some types of plagiarism violate not only school rules, but US and European law. Plagiarism is a form of theft. So, too, are other forms of cheating, like copying another’s work on a test.

• Cheating gets in the way of learning. When you pass someone else’s work or ideas off as your own, you are not learning, nor are you practicing the skills that you need to succeed in the university and in the workplace: how to write, analyze, form conclusions and generate new ideas.

• You will learn what you are honestly capable of achieving.

What does cheating look like? (Examples of violations of academic integrity)

• Copying someone’s homework. • Looking at another’s test, getting unauthorized assistance during a test, sharing

answers with others during a test, letting someone copy your assignment. • Having a parent or a tutor do your homework. • Paying a tutor to write your paper (or complete your college applications) for you. • Letting your parents build your project. • Letting your partner do all the work on a project and just putting your name on the final

product. • Turning in an old project or paper completed by a former student (an older brother or

sister, for example). • Taking a paper directly from the Internet and passing it off as your own. • Copying directly from published works or Internet sites, and/or using someone else’s

words without quoting them and citing the sources of information. • Paraphrasing (rewording) someone’s words and not giving him/her credit for the ideas

or concepts; passing someone’s ideas off as your own. • Using images, charts, graphs, maps, tables and other graphics from published or

Internet sources in your work without citing where you found them.

How is cheating discovered? • New technology: Teachers can simply plug a word or phrase from your work into a

search engine (such as turnitin.com) and find from where on the Internet an idea or paper has come.

• Teachers love to talk about their students’ accomplishments: As they talk about their students’ achievements, they learn about work that students have completed for other classes. Thus, they also learn of instances when friends have submitted another student’s work in another class. You should always check with your teachers to see if original work you have done for one class can also be used in other classes. Teachers also have a good memory for work that has been previously submitted to them.

• Teachers know your writing: Teachers know how students write. It doesn’t take much to recognize what was written by a particular student and what was written by someone else.

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What are the consequences of violating the Academic Integrity policy? • Grade of zero on relevant assignment or project and notification of parent. • Referral of NHS members to NHS Committee for appropriate disciplinary action. • Letter on file – which will be shared with members of NHS Committee and Middle

School Student of the Quarter, Luke Hansen and Warren Shepard Award committees during selection process for these honors.

• In IB classes, students will be subject to IB malpractice guidelines. • Immediate ineligibility for NHS membership.

How can you avoid cheating? • The best way to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to find ways to personalize your

assignments. React in writing about how a topic might personally affect you, your family or your community. Let your reader know what you think about the topic and about why it matters to you. An original conclusion, which is supported by facts from other works properly cited is never cheating. Write in your own voice, not just in your own words.

• Organize your work so that you don’t run into a last-‐minute time crunch that keeps you from studying, writing, creating, revising, reflecting and making your work your own.

• Record where you found your supporting ideas while you do your research – once for finding the information, and again for writing your footnotes and doing the bibliography.

• ALWAYS include a bibliography, list of resources or acknowledgement whenever you use the work or ideas of others. If you can’t provide a citation, don’t use the source.

• Understand that using other’s work is permissible and usually necessary to create well-‐supported arguments, conclusions and answers to questions. Giving credit to the source of this work keeps it from being plagiarism.

• Make as large a percentage of your work as original as possible. Use direct quotations and paraphrasing only when what you find is written in such a way that it clarifies or makes memorable the idea expressed.

How do you decide when to give credit? (taken from the Purdue University Website: http://owl.english.purdue/research/r_plagiar.html Used with permission)

Need to Document No Need to Document

• When you are using or referring to somebody else’s words or ideas from a magazine, book, newspaper, song, TV program, movie, Web page, computer program, letter, advertisement, or any other medium • When you use information gained through interviewing another person • When you copy the exact words or a “unique phrase” from somewhere • When you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts, and pictures • When you use ideas that others have given you in conversations or over email

• When you are writing your own experiences, your own observations, your own insights, your own thoughts, your own conclusions about a subject • When you are using “common knowledge” -‐ folklore, common sense observations, shared information within your field of study or cultural group • When you are compiling generally accepted facts • When you are writing up your own experimental results Material is probably “common knowledge” if

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• You find the same information undocumented in at least five other sources • You think it is information that your readers will already know • You think a person could easily find the information with general reference sources

To be sure that you are citing your sources correctly, refer to the section on proper citation formatting in Writer’s, Inc. How can you avoid plagiarism and make sure you are safe?

Action during the writing process

Appearance on the finished product

When researching, note-‐taking, and interviewing

• Mark everything that is someone else’s words with a big Q (for quote) or with big quotation marks • Indicate in your notes which ideas are taken from sources (S) and which are your own insights (ME) • Record all of the relevant documentation information in your notes

Proofread and check with your notes (or photocopies of sources) to make sure that anything taken from your notes is acknowledged in some combination of the ways listed below: • In-‐text citation • Footnotes • Bibliography • Quotation marks • Indirect quotations

When paraphrasing and summarizing

• First, write your paraphrase and summary without looking at the original text, so you rely only on your memory. • Next, check your version with the original for content, accuracy, and mistakenly borrowed phrases

• Begin your summary with a statement giving credit to the source: According to Jonathan Kozol, ... • Put any unique words or phrases that you cannot change, or do not want to change, in quotation marks: ... “savage inequalities” exist throughout our educational system (Kozol).

When quoting directly • Keep the person’s name near the quote in your notes, and in your paper • Select those direct quotes that make the most impact in your paper -‐-‐ too many direct quotes may lessen your credibility and interfere with your style

• Mention the person’s name either at the beginning of the quote, in the middle, or at the end • Put quotation marks around the text that you are quoting • Indicate added phrases in brackets ([ ]) and omitted text with ellipses (. . .)

When quoting indirectly

• Keep the person’s name near the text in your notes, and in your paper • Rewrite the key ideas using different words and sentence structures than the original text

• Mention the person’s name either at the beginning of the information, or in the middle, or at that end • Double check to make sure that your words and sentence structures are different than the original text

This policy/document has been adapted with permission from Lakeview High School, Battle Creek MI and the Mankato, MN Area Public Schools.

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Academic Probation A student who fails more than one subject or receives two D’s and an F at the end of any semester is placed on Academic Probation for the next semester. At the end of the probationary semester, the student may be asked to withdraw from school if he/she is failing more than one subject. Students who fail more than one subject for two consecutive semesters will be administratively withdrawn from ACS Athens. Students on Academic Probation will be ineligible for participation in any co-‐curricular activities, including field trips and athletics. A student on Academic Probation may become eligible at mid-‐semester if mid-‐semester grade reports indicate that the student meets normal eligibility requirements. Students on Academic Probation will automatically be referred to the Child Study Team for screening, evaluation and possible remedial services.

Homework Homework is assigned by classroom teachers on a regular basis. Middle School students should expect to have approximately two hours of homework each night -‐ the exact amount will vary from night to night, depending upon the nature of the assignments, upcoming assessments, long-‐term projects, etc. If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best for him/her to telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and what homework assignments were given. If it is not possible to get this information, students should ask their teachers about missed work immediately upon their return to school and also check the Moodle site. If absent from school for an extended period of time (two days or more), the student or his/her parent or guardian should telephone the school. Assignments will be collected from teachers. They can be delivered by a friend/neighbor, or picked up by parents from the school. In the case of unavoidable extended absences, extraordinary assignments may be given. Teachers may assign a special project instead of normal day-‐to-‐day homework. Nevertheless, each student is responsible for making up missed reading for each course. If they know in advance about an absence from school for any reason, students must inform all teachers well ahead of the expected absence so that the teachers can prepare lists of assignments.

Homework and Approaches to Learning Hints 1. Check Moodle regularly. 2. Write down assignments and due dates in the Planner. 3. Understand the instructions before leaving class. 4. Take home all materials needed to complete the assignment. 5. Learn to plan study time. 6. Set aside study time in a quiet place at home. 7. Carefully check completed assignments. 8. Turn in completed work by the due date. 9. Do not put work off until the last minute. 10. Take notes in class and from books. 11. Use the library, math and writing studiosfrequently.

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12. Make up work missed during an illness or excused absence. 13. Learn to ask questions concerning assignments. 14. Take pride in the appearance of finished work.

Students are expected to set goals and work to achieve them. It is important to get the most out of one’s time in every learning situation. Students are asked to maintain a serious attitude towards their work, think positively, and follow through with a plan of action.

Tutoring by Teachers ACS Athens teachers may never tutor an ACS Athens student for pay. Teachers are available by appointment to provide additional help for their students. No private paid tutoring of any sort may be done on campus, either during school hours or after school. Furthermore, it is against school rules for ACS Athens teachers to meet with private tutors.

Exams End of semester exams will be administered in January and June in some Middle School classes. Final exams, known as competency exams, will be administered in June in all Language Arts, Mathemetics, Social Studies and Science classes in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade. The percentage allocation for competency exams will be as follows: 6th Grade Language Arts, Social Studies and Science will be worth 10% of the second

semester grade. Math will be 20% of the second semester grade. 7th Grade Language Arts, Social Studies and Science will be worth 15% of the second

semester grade. Math will be 20% of the second semester grade. 8th Grade Language Arts, Social Studies and Science and Math will be worth 20% of the

second semester grade. Make up exams will be scheduled for students who were ill and have a doctor’s verification. Parents must inform the Attendance Office on the day of the exam if their son/ daughter is ill, and must provide a doctor’s note the following day. The exam schedule will be provided at the beginning of each semester.

Assessments Middle School students may have up to two major assessments in one day. Should there be a third assessment scheduled, teachers will make every effort to reschedule the most recently planned test.

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THE HASIB J. SABBAGH LIBRARY The Sabbagh Library has already served our community for a number of years. The Sabbagh Library at ACS Athens will expand to become a model of innovative library space for International Education around the world.

The Library: • Books available targeted to the needs of student and faculty for their project

research and for their independent reading. • A selection of databases and e-‐books targeted to the needs of students and faculty

for their project research • Quiet spaces for individual student research and study • Collaborative spaces for student and faculty group project work. • Research skills courses targeted to the needs of students of different grade levels. • Individual and group guidance for researching individual or group topics

The Learning Commons in the HJS Library

Math, Writing & Media Studios

Research Support Program: • A research skill-‐building program/curriculum, for grades 6-‐12 that connects with

existing research initiatives, but also introduces new and innovative ones. • The program will provide expert consultation, focus, coherence, and continuity to

the research training of the students and faculty across MS and Academy through classroom instruction and support as needed and individual student and teacher support as needed.

• Important goals of the program are to support, guide, and inspire students and teachers in the process of creating and disseminating new knowledge through engagement with research.

Math Studio: 3rd floor of the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library

• Regular drop in ( class connected activities)-‐One on one learning ( to meet individual student needs )

• Small group whole class instruction and activities • Students work in small groups with the teacher as the facilitator • Creating educational games • Hands on activities • Providing students with Online quizzes/ Tests • SAT prep classes • The ideal place for students to visit in order to learn and exchange ideas on

Mathematics.

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• An inquiry approach to learning. Math inquiry-‐ an exploration into things the students are interested in finding out and /or solving.

• Subscription to a variety of websites which will enhance learning. • Hands-‐on group games available to students • Supplies available for better introducing certain topics (3d shapes, boards with grid

lines an e.t.c.) • Math Game Sessions • Young Mathematicians Groups • Sharing sessions for teachers

Writing Studio: 3rd floor of the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library

• Regular drop in ( class connected activities) One on one learning( to meet students individual needs)

• Small groups whole class instruction/workshops • Students work in small groups with the teacher as the facilitator • Hands on activities • On line and face to face mini lessons in specific editing/ proofreading skills • Writing workshops • SAT prep classes • Support for writing assignments in all disciplines , grades 6-‐12-‐ collaborative with

classroom teachers to guide students through all stages of the writing process: pre-‐writing drafting, revising, editing, proofreading.

• Scrabble: collaboration with Math Studio once a week to engage students and have a tournament on a monthly, semester or annual basis.

• Writing Groups • Learning Commons • Publications-‐ Literary Magazine • Book Club for adults

Media Studio: 1st floor of the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library

• Audio, print, video, media design and production • Film/Media Festivals Events (sponsored by the entire library team) • Film Media Club (sponsored by the entire library team) • Film Nights (sponsored by the entire library team) • Accommodate interdisciplinary project development • Guiding the use of the Media Studio across all disciplines • Media Productions ( class productions, individual projects) • Studio Courses ( to be developed ) • Production of student and faculty media projects and showcasing work

The Math, Writing and Media Studios can accommodate individual students, small groups or an entire class. Individual students can walk in at any time with a pass from their teacher, or on their own during lunch, before or after school.

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Available PCs: Math Studio : 5, Writing Studio: 5 , Common Math / Writing Studio Area: 8 (outside the studios on the 3rd floor), Library: 14 ( second floor of the Library) *We encourage students to bring their laptops. Academy students should bring their PC’s

STUDENT AFFAIRS The office of Student Affairs provides counseling, Psychological support, College Guidance, Optimal Learning Services, Activity/Interest group/Community service guidance for students and Learning support programs.

Counseling The Middle School counselor is responsible for working with all students individually and in group settings to help them succeed at the Middle School. If a student has a challenge, or feels uncertain about some aspect of the Middle School that teachers cannot resolve, the counselor may be consulted. In addition, The Middle School Counselor invites students and parents to discuss educational concerns, scheduling and testing, follows up on progress reports, quarter and semester reports, and students who are ineligible for co-‐curricular activities due to their grades or on probation. Students may make appointments with the Office of Student Services’ secretary for an appropriate time. Parents may telephone 639-‐3200, extension 226 or 261 to arrange for conferences.

Counseling Psychologist Available through the Wellness Center, a Counseling Psychologist is prepared to assist students with social-‐emotional issues (more extensive counseling) as they arise and to help students develop optimal coping strategies. The Counseling Psychologist also serves as chair of the K-‐12 Child Study Team.

The Educational & Diagnostic Testing Center The Educational & Diagnostic Testing Center at ACS Athens abides by a holistic philosophy, whereby students are encouraged to realize their unique potential. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a team of diagnosticians evaluates individual strengths and weaknesses by conducting various psycho-‐educational assessments in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of every child. Individualized recommendations for interventions and strategies are provided, depending on the child’s unique learning style, in order to help them enhance overall functioning. The center's uniqueness is twofold: 1. Multidisciplinary Team -‐ every child is assessed by a group of professionals, ranging from Special Educators to Psychologists and teachers, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their needs and 2. In-‐house Assessments for ACS Athens Students – assessments are conducted right on campus for ACS Athens students, allowing them to be evaluated within a comfortable setting. Diagnosticians are able to gather information from, and collaborate with, teachers and other staff in ensuring the best possible outcome for each child

Registrar The Registrar is responsible for keeping all students records and provides all necessary documents needed for college or to transfer to another school.

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Wellness Center The Wellness Center is coordinated by the Counseling Psychologist K-‐12 , who is available to assist students with social and emotional challenges or life changes. Programs to assist students during transitional times and to ensure a balance in students’ life are implemented by the Wellness Center.

Student Life Extra-‐curricular, Interest groups and community service events take place via the Student Life center. Students are provided with choices to join in or lead activities of their interest.

Child Study Team The Child Study Team (CST) consists of the Principal, the school psychologist, the counselor, the Optimal Learning Specialist, the citizenship coordinator and the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Other staff members and parents meet with the CT when it is appropriate. The CST’s purpose is to assist students who have academic, social, physical, or emotional problems that interfere with their education. Teachers and parents may refer a student to the CST whose members will consider all aspects effecting student progress and will create and implement a plan action to help students improve.

HEALTH SERVICES AND RELATED MATTERS

Health Services ACS employs a full-‐time medical professional who is here to provide students with help and advice if they are ill. If a student feels ill, he or she must consult with a teacher in order to get a pass to go to the medical professional. The medical professional will take care of the student, and if necessary, will call parents to take an ill student home. The medical professional also provides first aid in case of accidents. In the event of serious injury, the student will not be moved. Rather, the medical professional will be called immediately in order to handle the matter at the scene of the accident.

Accident or Illness In the interest of the student’s health, parents should be sure that the Health Office files are kept current. An up-‐to-‐date telephone number and the name of the person to call in the event of an emergency in the parent’s absence are especially important. The school medical professional determines in each case whether the student requires the immediate attention of a specialized physician or whether he/she may be cared for in the First Aid Room. If it is necessary to send a student home, the school will immediately attempt to call the parent. If the parent cannot provide transportation, the student may be sent home by taxi with the parent’s approval. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate medical attention, every attempt will be made to consult with the parents for instructions. In the event that the parents or their designated representatives cannot be reached, and upon the recommendation of the medical professional, the student will be taken to the parent’s physician or to the nearest hospital providing the necessary care.

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Accidents occurring in school, on school grounds, or on the bus should be reported as soon as possible to a school staff member.

Insurance School insurance is provided automatically for every student beginning the first day of school. It covers all aspects of the school day as well as school trips. Detailed benefits of the school insurance plan may be obtained by calling the Business Office during working hours. Additional insurance is purchased in out of Athens trips.

SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE SCHOOL

Bus Service Each day, buses contracted by ACS transport ACS Athens students throughout greater Athens area. Bus monitors are present on each bus with the responsibility of ensuring safety and order. There are no monitors on late buses.

All Middle School students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on the school bus. They are expected to act as positive role models for the younger children on the bus.

Questions about transportation services should be directed to the Transportation Office (639-‐3200, Ext. 239).

Bus Procedures 1. Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time. 2. Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop. 3. If a student wishes to take a bus other than the one normally assigned, or get off at a

stop other than the one normally assigned, a parent request must be submitted to the transportation office for approval 48 hours in advance and presented to the monitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only if space is available.

4. Change of address resulting in a change of route or bus stop should be presented to the transportation office in writing two days prior to the change.

5. The failure or the considerable delay of the bus in arriving at the scheduled pick-‐up point entitles students to secure alternate transportation to the school. The Transportation Officer will make reimbursement of any costs incurred.

6. Concerns regarding the bus monitor or driver must be registered with the Transportation Office and the Main Office.

7. Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat. All passengers must comply with these directions.

Bus Code of Conduct 1. Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults and drivers at all times. 2. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed. 3. Students must be seated in their assigned seats and quiet at all times. 4. Respectful language must be used at all times. 5. Students must keep hands, head, arms inside the bus at all times. 6. No weapons / toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time. 7. The Code of Conduct policies and recommended actions also apply to the bus.

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Students who cannot follow these rules will be referred to the Transportation Officer and appropriate Administrator. Infractions of the bus regulations and/or the student Code of Conduct may result in the loss of bus service for a number of days. Serious or repeated violations of bus rules could result in permanent removal from the bus.

LUNCH FACILITIES

Lunch Time and Recess

Middle School students have 30 minutes for lunch.

Dining Etiquette

The cafeteria is equipped to provide daily lunches and to serve food for various events and activities during the year. Proper behavior in the cafeteria means exhibiting good restaurant dining manners. Students are to proceed in a single file through the serving line, and once they have received their food, they are to remain seated until they are done eating. Book bags, gym bags and backpacks should not be placed on the dining tables. (This is an issue of hygiene.) All diners are expected to dispose of their own trash and to return their trays before leaving the cafeteria. Also students should place recyclables in the proper bins. Students who leave messy tables behind them can expect to spend some time performing cafeteria clean-‐up duty for the following week. Students should maintain a conversational tone while in the cafeteria: screaming and shouting is rude behavior. Middle School students may eat in the cafeteria or at the picnic tables outside. Food or drink should not be taken out of the cafeteria.

Lunch Time Areas

During Lunch only students participating in clubs or meetings with teachers may enter the Middle School building for these purposes. Students are encouraged to relax, enjoy their midday meal together, and then use the remainder of the lunch period to socialize and get some fresh air. Middle School students may use the amphitheater, the front courts and the back field (provided there are no Academy PE classes in session) for rest and relaxation during the lunch break.

OTHER SERVICES

Lockers For reasons of security and access, the padlocks for the lockers will be provided to the students by the school. They are made by "MASTER LOCK" and are combination locks. They can also be opened with a master key that the school will hold. Students are not allowed to use their own padlocks. Students will be held financially responsible for misuse and damages to the locker and combination lock. The lockers will be pre-‐numbered. The student will request a locker from the Principal's Office and pay an amount of 20 Euro, as a deposit. Upon returning the padlock in good order and completing a "no damage" locker inspection, the full deposit amount will be refunded to the student upon withdrawal from the school.

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Students have the responsibility to immediately report to the Principal's Office any damage to their locker. Under no circumstances should students change lockers amongst themselves without notifying the Main Office. The Principal's Office maintains the right to open lockers that violate the above policy. The school maintains the right to open any lockers if concerns arise. The locker is where a student keeps books, jackets, lunch, and other possessions. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS DO NOT KEEP EXPENSIVE AND/OR OTHER VALUABLE ITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS. It is suggested that students do not tell anyone their lock combination. The school cannot be responsible for items left in lockers.

Lockers (P.E.) All students will be assigned a Physical Education locker. Locks are provided by the P.E. department. Students are responsible for any lost or damaged locks (they must pay a fee) and are also responsible to bring their own lock after that. The Physical Education teacher will provide additional information about locker assignments.

Lost and Found The Middle School Main Office maintains a lost and found service. Students are requested to bring found articles of all types to the office so that they may be returned to their rightful owners. Items lost or stolen should be reported to the office as soon as possible. It is helpful to have student names written or sewn in all personal property or clothing to help in the identification process of "found" items. All articles unclaimed after a reasonable length of time, generally one month, may be discarded or donated to local charities.

Telephones There is a card phone outside each Principal’s Office for use by students before and after school and during breaks. Students may not use these telephones during class time. Likewise, cellular telephones must be turned off and put away during class. Failure to do so will result in the confiscation of the telephone by the teacher.

Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices Students are not permitted to use any type of electronic signaling devices during class time, passing periods or breaks within the classroom. Cell phones may be used outside the building during breaks. If a school staff member finds it necessary to confiscate a device, parents will be notified promptly and the device will be returned in accordance with school rules after the Principal has consulted with the student’s parent/guardian. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic signaling devices. Students are to make arrangements with their parent(s) or guardian(s) to contact the school office when attempting to reach them during the school day. The following are inappropriate uses of electronic signaling devices:

• Harassment, threats, intimidation, electronic forgery, cyberbullying / cyberthreats, video taping in or out of the classroom, invasion of personal rights, cheating on tests/exams, or other forms of illegal behavior during the instructional and non-‐ instructional day. Students are not to use material or text message to invade personal

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privacy or harass another person, or disrupt the instructional day, or engage in dishonest acts.

Videotaping within the ACS Athens Campus is not only inappropriate but ILLEGAL. Students who act in violation of this policy shall be subject to ACS’s progressive discipline as follows:

1. Initial violation – electronic signaling device will be confiscated by school staff and secured in a safe location. The electronic device will be returned to student in seven days;

2. Second violation – electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a safe

location. The electronic device will be returned to the student in a month and the student's parent or guardian meets with the school Principal for the purpose of clarifying this policy;

3. Third violation – the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a

safe location. The electronic device will be withheld for a semester and the student's parent or guardian provides written assurance that the student will no longer be allowed to possess the electronic device during the instructional day;

4. Fourth violation – the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a

safe location. The student will be suspended;

5. Fifth violation – the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a safe location. The student will be removed from school.

Textbooks Textbooks are provided to all students through the bookstore. All books and materials loaned to students shall be returned to the bookstore at the conclusion of each course. Students who withdraw from school must return all textbooks before they can clear their records. Students will be asked to cover school textbooks. If a student fails to return school materials or if damage beyond normal wear occurs, the student will be charged for the cost of the text.

NATURE AND OVERVIEW OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES Participation in co-‐curricular activities is a way of expanding learning beyond the classroom. Such participation allows students to pursue their own interests and to develop their skills and talents in a whole range of social, cultural and sporting activities. Participating in school activities is also an important way of building bonds of school community – allowing students the opportunity to cement friendships, develop their skills of teamwork and cooperation, share their skills and talents with others and make a positive contribution to the social, cultural and sporting life of the school.

The House System The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-‐time member: Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit,

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and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates. The Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their houses by participating in student activities, playing sports, winning awards, participating in community service projects, etc. House Points are tallied throughout the year and posted in the Academy and Middle School. Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning house and displayed on campus. Individuals who earn points for their houses are also recognized at the end-‐of-‐year Awards Assemblies.

CO-‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Clubs and Organizations and Sports All students are encouraged to participate in any clubs or activities that interest them. Generally, these activities meet during lunch and/or after school with their advisors. Activities and Interest Groups are developed based on student interest. For a list of all activities and interest groups, please check our website, under Student Affairs. Participating in activities (special programs, team sports, intramurals and clubs) at the Middle School is very much a part of the Middle School experience. One can learn in many ways, and there is much to be learned, as well as a lot of fun to be experienced, in the examples of various clubs, sports and special programs which meet during lunch and after school. Clubs and activities are developed based on student interest. Examples include: Blue and Gold Newspaper Debate Ecology club Geography Bowl Language Arts Bowl Math Bowl Math Olympiad Peer Facilitators Science Fair

Ski/ Snow Board Club Spirit Club Student Council Talent Show Yearbook Sport Teams: Basketball Cross Country Soccer

Swimming Tennis Track and Field Volleyball After School Academies: Swimming Academy Tennis Academy *Academy participation requires extra payment

Student Council The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of the middle school. Its meetings are open to all students and faculty. Anyone with a suggestion or concern is encouraged to attend. The Middle School Student Council is made up of four representatives per grade level. A president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary for each grade level are elected by the student body. Additionally, there is the school-‐wide Executive Student Council which is comprised of elected student body presidents. Each president represents and advocates for his or her respective group. All officers work with faculty members as well as their advisor, and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates and the school. Students are encouraged to get to know their class officers and make suggestions to them. Details concerning the selection process, meeting place, and time are announced in the fall semester. Elected Student Council members earn 50 house points.

Executive Class Officers Early in the fall, each class elects officers to lead them during the year. These officers work with faculty and advisors and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are encouraged to get to know their class officers and make suggestions to them. Class Officers earn 50 house points.

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Community Service Serving the community is an integral component of the Middle School experience. All Middle School students are encouraged to volunteer for school and/or community service during the school year, and several grade level activities and field trips are organized as part of our Community and Service experience. Parents are advised of these through school publications. Each week, teachers will inform administration of service opportunities they may know of. These opportunities may be in the form of assistance in their classroom, or help with an after school activity or sports team. By donating their time to help the school, students will benefit from a positive learning experience.

SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENTS

Dances Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and hosts several dances. These are scheduled on the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6-‐8 is encouraged to attend. Some dances are: Welcome Back Dance, Holiday Snow Ball Dance, Valentine Dance, and the Eighth Grade Formal. Some "facts" about dances are important to know:

• Dances are held in the evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Eighth Grade Formal is held near the end of the school year on campus and runs from about 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

• All dances have an entrance fee, set by the Student Council for fundraising purposes. • Refreshments are usually on sale at the dance. • Once a student arrives at the dance, he or she is to remain in the dance area until

departure for the night. • Parents must provide transportation to and from dances. Car-‐pooling is encouraged.

Please arrive on time. • Students must be picked up at school by the end of the dance. • All dances are voluntarily chaperoned by teachers. • Middle School Dances are open only to current ACS Middle School Students.

Purchase Orders/ Fundraising Students buying material of any kind for school, class or club activities must obtain a purchase requisition form from the Administrative Assistant in the Middle School Main Office. The requisition must have the faculty sponsor’s signature. All money collected from fundraising activities must be deposited in the activity account within 24 hours. Food sales for fund raising purposes are not allowed during lunch unless permission of the food services manager has been secured in advance. Clubs and activities may hold food sales during the afternoon break and after school, during the activities period. All fundraising activities must be approved and scheduled by the Student Council and recorded in the yearly fundraising calendar.

Decorations In order to ensure the safety of students, it is necessary that students working on posters and decorations be under the supervision of faculty sponsors.

Posters and Advertisements All posters, flyers, etc. must be approved by an appropriate faculty member and by the Principal before they are displayed. The Principal must initial all posters, flyers, etc.

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COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCIES Communication to Middle School students and parents takes many forms. A Daily Bulletin is published. It is read during the daily Announcement Period and posted on the ACS website (www.acs.gr), where it can be accessed by parents and students. It contains important information about scheduled events, school activities, and other special announcements. Announcements may be placed in the bulletin by administration and faculty. Please note that it is possible that there are no announcements for some days throughout the year. A variety of bulletin board notices and flyers advertise upcoming Middle School and campus events. These are posted in many places throughout campus. The Principal must also approve all letters, flyers or brochures before distribution to students, faculty or parents. The ACS Planner is an organizational calendar for students in grades 6-‐12, as well as a communication tool for home-‐school messages. Students use the Planner to record assignments, test dates and project deadlines, as well as to document their service work and participation in co-‐curricular activities. In the Middle School we strongly encourage students to make daily use of their planner. Moodle is an educational, electronic platform where students can find posted: their homework assignments and any handouts necessary for their classes. Skyward can also be sued as a form of communication of progress.

Guests The Middle School welcomes guests who are visiting Athens and wish to observe our school in action. We recognize, however, the visitors to the classroom can disrupt the normal learning environment; thus, we limit guests to one-‐day visits. Only Middle School-‐age students who are visiting from outside the Athens area are invited to be our guests. Students who wish to bring a guest to school are required to bring a note from their parents prior to the day of the visit and to obtain prior permission from the Principal. Parents and other adults are welcome to visit the school any time. Please call the Principal at 639-‐3200, ext. 243 or 261 to schedule a visit.

Communicating with Teachers If students need to communicate with their teachers they must use their ACS Athens email account to do so.

School Cancellation Whenever possible, official announcements of school cancellation will be made in advance through mailings via e-‐mail. In addition, parents can call the school at 639-‐3200 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or the ACS Athens Security Office at 639-‐3555 before or after these hours for information. The Academy/Middle School Office maintain an emergency phone tree, which allow administration and faculty members to contact all ACS families in the case of a cancellation. Such announcements will also be sent via e-‐mail and posted on our website.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency procedures and evacuation maps are posted prominently in each classroom. Students must keep aisles clear of books, backpacks, etc. In ANY emergency, this is a hazard.

In an emergency evacuation, there should be absolutely NO talking. If evacuation is necessary, students are expected to follow their teacher in an orderly fashion to designated areas. Students are expected to remain with their classes until receiving further instructions.

In case an evacuation is necessary during lunch or break times, all Middle School and Academy students must go to the front basketball court and find their block one teacher.

Everyone needs to stand clear of the buildings and line up towards the center of the designated area.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCESS Several times a year, emergency evacuation drills are held. Specific directions and evacuation maps are posted in each classroom to indicate the emergency exit route. Common sense and cooperation are key elements in any emergency evacuation. Students are expected to:

• Be familiar with exit route • Respond quickly with full attention and cooperation given to their teacher or

supervisor. • Walk quickly and silently (without talking). • Stay in formation to the left and right sides of the corridor and staircase as they

proceed to their exit. • Remain clear of the building as directed by teacher or supervisor. • Remain quiet once outdoors and cooperate fully with attendance taking procedures. • In case of a fire or earthquake during passing time or Middle School lunch: students

must meet with their first or fifth block teachers in the front court.

Evacuation Destinations

Middle School Evacuation routes: All classes in the Middle School building will go to the center of the Middle School courtyard and line up behind their teachers.

Academy Evacuation routes: Academy Rooms 101, 102, 103, 105, will go out to the Academy courtyard through the front door of the Academy. Room 104 and the offices located between the Academy and the Theater building will exit left and proceed to the front courtyard. Rooms 207, 209, 210, 211, and 208 will go out through the ground floor, exit the front door of the Academy and line up on the volleyball courts along the wall. Rooms 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 and the Arts classrooms from the 3rd floor will exit through the 2nd floor side doors of the Academy and down the Library staircase towards the front volleyball courts and then line up along the wall. Rooms 212 and 213 will exit through the Administration staircase and proceed to the volleyball courts along the wall.

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Academy and Middle School Library: Academy and Middle School classes in the Library as well as all non-‐ teaching personnel will exit through the Library entrance and proceed down the Library staircase to the front courtyard and basketball court. Middle school classes will go out to the front Middle School courtyard.

Theater and Gym evacuation routes: Individuals in the Theater, Theater Lobby or the Atrium area will exit through the Atrium side door to the back soccer field. Gym classes will go out the back door of the gym and proceed to the back soccer field.

Annex Building Evacuation routes: All classes and offices will evacuate to the front courtyard.

Music room evacuation routes: Academy and Middle school Music classes exit the Portables and proceed to the area under the olive tree in the center of the front courtyard.

Teacher Responsibilities during Evacuation 1. Immediately announce to students where your specific destination is and accompany

them to your designated area. Students should also be told on the first day of school where they will go in case of evacuation from each classroom they are in.

2. Provide supervision to that area and for the duration of the evacuation including the return to your classroom. Don’t forget to take roll and to bring red/green cards for signaling.

3. Faculty (without class assignments) are expected to check the restrooms for “stray” students.

4. Do not allow students in any areas of the campus other than those designated. 5. Remain in assigned area until administrators have completed red/green card check and

signal is given to return to class.

Earthquake Preparedness This procedure will be reviewed by Principal with entire student body/staff once a semester. In case of an earthquake, the following course of action should be taken:

1. If indoors, teachers should keep their students inside. While shielding heads with their hands and elbows, students should move away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects and furniture that may fall. They should not be under light fixtures or other suspended objects. In the classroom, students should take cover under desks, tables, or other heavy furniture.

2. Everyone should stay under desks to avoid being hit by falling objects. 3. When things seem stabilized, teachers should take their roll books and instruct students

to quietly take their belongings (no going to lockers) and evacuate the room, going calmly to the pre-‐designated assembly point.

4. If in a hall, stairway, gymnasium or other area where no cover is available, the students should move to an interior wall. They should turn away from windows, kneel alongside the wall, bend their heads close to their knees, cover the sides of their heads with their elbows, and clasp hands firmly behind neck.

5. If in the library, the students should immediately move away from windows and bookshelves and take cover under a desk or a table.

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6. If in a laboratory or kitchen, all burners should be extinguished (if possible) before taking cover. Students should stay clear of hazardous chemicals that may spill.

7. If in the theater, students should duck and cover and remain in place until the tremors subside (An uncontrolled, panic-‐driven exit by the students should be avoided at all costs!).

8. If outdoors, students should move to an open space, away from buildings and overhead power lines. Students should lie down or crouch low to the ground (since legs will not be steady). Teachers and students should constantly keep an eye on their surroundings to be aware of dangers that may demand movement.

9. If in a school bus or other vehicle, the vehicle should pull over and stop, away from power lines, bridges, overpasses, and buildings. Students should remain in their seats and hold on.

During an Emergency: Teachers need to do the following: • Respond to the specific emergency as prescribed and direct the students in the

appropriate emergency procedures. • Contact the school, in the event that the emergency occurs during a field trip or other

off-‐campus school-‐sponsored activity. • Give clear, calm instructions to their students during the emergency. • Remain with the students until released by the emergency team. • Direct the evacuation of students under their supervision to designated areas according

to signals, warnings, written notifications, or common sense. • Take roll as soon as conditions allow. • Report missing students to the administration. • Assess physical condition of students. Any students requiring first aid should receive it

as soon as conditions allow. • Keep order. • Dispel rumors and stay calm. Don’t engage in adding to people’s concerns.

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & CODE OF CONDUCT

Student Conduct The Middle School Code of Conduct addresses the behavioral expectations and the consequences for students who violate its policies. All ACS Athens Middle School students and parents are required to review it carefully. In keeping with the Middle School philosophy and mission statement, we provide a positive environment that fosters academic growth and respects human differences during this challenging stage of adolescence. Learning the importance of self-‐discipline and respect is an essential part of this growth process. Finally, the Middle School Code of Conduct is applicable to all areas of school life, including behavior in the classroom, in the halls, in the cafeteria, in the library, in the theater, on the playground, on the busses, as well as on fieldtrips and other school functions. During the first week of school students and parents are asked to read through the Code of Conduct and Internet Use Policy together, agree to abide by them, and sign a tear-‐off sheet affirming their commitment to uphold ACS behavioral standards and expectations.

Behavioural Expectations Student behavior at the Middle School is guided by the expectation that every individual is completely responsible for his/her own behavior and that all behavior reflects respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for property. In general, common courtesy and good judgment will ensure that every member of the Middle School community contributes to a safe, secure, and comfortable school climate.

Attendance Policy The American Community Schools of Athens endorses the concept that regular school attendance is essential for the maximum educational benefit of each student. It is well understood and documented that there is a direct correlation between regular school attendance and academic achievement. Despite the best efforts and intentions of all, it is further understood that make-‐up of work missed cannot duplicate the actual classroom experience and that achievement may suffer. Generally, students will not receive credit for any class from which they are excessively absent, regardless of the cause for absence (this is defined as being absent more than 10% of the instructional days). The American Community Schools recognizes that absence from school does and will occur. In recognition of this fact, the student Attendance Policy classifies absences into one of three categories. Student absence from class will fall into one of three categories: 1. Excused for non-‐school related issues: A. Medical: Parents should phone the school each morning that a student will be absent for

medical reasons (illness, medical appointments, etc.) The school reserves the right to require a statement from an appropriate medical authority verifying the requirement for the student’s absence.

Parental failure to inform the school of a student absence or provide medical documentation when required, will result in the student being assessed an “unexcused” absence.

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In the case of extended absences due to illness, the Office of Student Services and Administration will carefully monitor student progress. After consultation with the parent(s), they will take such action as is necessary to support the best interests of the student and preserve the integrity of the educational process. B. Personal Reasons: Absences from school for personal reasons which are unavoidable are

considered excused. Parents should phone the school each morning that a student will be absent or provide a written note in advance of absences if possible. Absences which fall into this category, for example, include those due to death in the family or family emergencies which require the presence of the student. When possible, parents should obtain a determination as to whether the absence will be excused before it occurs. The principal of the school will make the final determination as to whether an absence in this category is “Excused” or “Unexcused”. Parental failure to provide a written explanation will result in the student being assessed an “Unexcused” absence.

2. Excused for school-‐related reasons: Extracurricular and extended learning activities: These activities provide students with opportunities to build and expand on their individual interests and talents as well as develop interpersonal and teamwork skills. Students participate in these activities on the basis of individual choice and personal interest. These activities are normally scheduled after school hours and on weekends, but may require absence from class. No student may miss in excess of 10% of the instructional days (or class periods) in a given school year for school-‐related extracurricular and extended learning activities combined. It is understood that non-‐routine absences such as external examinations (AP, IB, PSAT, SAT, etc.), assemblies, approved class meetings, etc. do not count toward the above 10% figure within the context of the attendance policy. 3. Unexcused Absences Any absence not excused by the Administration will be assessed as “unexcused”. Unexcused absences from school or class periods generally result in disciplinary action taken against the student, in accordance with procedures outlined in Student-‐Parent Handbooks and Codes of Conduct then in force. Class work missed due to unexcused absences cannot be made up. Repeated unexcused absences may result in expulsion for misconduct or denial of admission the following semester or school year. Absences due to vacation extensions will generally be counted as “unexcused”.

Tardiness To maintain the integrity of the learning environment, students are expected to arrive at school and all classes on time. If tardiness is due to a late school bus (bus arrival after 8:55 a.m.), a daily announcement of late buses is posted to the faculty excusing the tardiness. If tardiness is due to other, non-‐bus-‐related reasons, the student will report to the office with a note from a parent citing the reason (or bring one the next day). The office will issue a "Tardy Pass" marked "excused" (no direct consequence) or "unexcused." Students who are tardy (without a valid pass) to three classes will be assigned a detention, which will keep them from participating in lunch activities or sports on the day of detention.

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Students are responsible for making up any work missed as a result of tardiness to class. Students who are tardy without excuse to 10 classes will need to report to the Middle School Main Office to receive an assignment for community service.

Early Dismissal from School A student who must leave school early for a legitimate reason must bring a written request signed by a parent or guardian. This request should be submitted by the student to the Discipline/Attendance Office upon arrival at school.

Withdrawal of Students from School Given the transient nature of many of our families, it occasionally becomes necessary to withdraw a student from school during the year. If this is the case, parents should send a letter to the Principal, indicating the student’s last day of school and if student records will be hand-‐carried or mailed to the new school. This letter should reach the school one week prior to withdrawal. The Student Affairs Office monitors the check-‐out process, whereby the student returns books, satisfies any outstanding obligations, and bids farewell to ACS friends. A student may not attend school after completing the check-‐out procedure.

OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS

Staying After School Buses depart campus at 3:55 p.m. All students should leave campus at that time unless they are staying after school for an activity supervised by a teacher. Students not participating in an organized team or activity who wish to stay after school must sign up in the Middle School Discipline/Attendance Office by 4pm. Students waiting for an after school activity to begin may NOT leave the school premises unless they have written permission from their parents which they provide to the Main Office.

Cutting Class Students who cut a class (absence of 20 minutes or more without a valid excuse) will receive no credit for work done during the missed class and a ‘0’ for daily class participation grade. They will be assigned to lunch detention, during which time they will be required to complete all work missed during the cut class. Students who cut four(4) classes will be placed on social probation, making them ineligible for participation in co-‐curricular activities (including sports) for the equivalent of one full semester.

Hallway Passes

Middle School students are expected to have a pass when moving from one area of the building to another while classes are in session. Students may secure a pass from a staff member. Students who are late to class for no apparent reason will receive disciplinary consequences.

Bicycles, Roller blades, Skateboards

For safety reasons and to ensure the protection of school property, bicycles, roller blades, and skateboards are not allowed on campus.

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Personal Property The school cannot assume responsibility for the loss of personal property, and the school does not carry insurance to cover the loss of student property. To avoid the possibility of loss, students should not bring expensive jewelry, large sums of money, IPAD’s, radios, CD players, I-‐pods, expensive cell-‐phones or other valuable or personal objects to school. If a student is carrying money with him/her with the intent to pay for an activity, fieldtrip, uniform, or for any other reason they should deal with the transaction as soon as they arrive to school.

STUDENT DRESS & APPEARENCE

Student Dress One of our important goals as educators is to prepare students for professional and social life outside of school. Learning to dress appropriately in a variety of contexts is an important life skill. It is a mark of maturity, sophistication, self-‐respect and respect for others (especially important in a multi-‐cultural environment such as ACS. Parents and students should consider student attire carefully each morning before students leave for school. A good rule of thumb to follow: if a student would not be out of place on a beach, in a gym or in a club in the clothes he/she is wearing, then the student is not appropriately dressed and groomed for school. Specifically, the ACS Dress Code prohibits students from wearing the following items of clothing:

• Clothing printed with suggestive, obscene or offensive words and images • Torn clothing (no matter how fashionable the tears!) • Midriff-‐baring tops (for both boys and girls; tops must be long enough to be tucked into

slacks or skirts or to cover the waistband of slacks and skirts if not tucked in.) • Any style of clothing that reveals a students’ undergarments (for girls, this means no

undergarments showing through see-‐through or low-‐cut tops and slacks; for boys, this means no boxers showing above the waistband of low-‐hanging jeans.

• No visible body piercing except for earrings • Excessively short skirts or shorts (higher than mid-‐thigh) • High heels

Each day, during the first block of the day, we will conduct a dress-‐code check. Students who are not appropriately dressed will be discretely asked to report to the office. For a first dress-‐code violation, students will be given the opportunity to change clothing. For subsequent violations, students will receive a detention. (See Group I Violations) The ACS Dress Code provides a standard for appropriate student dress without forcing all students to dress alike. The goal is to promote self-‐confidence, self-‐respect and respect for the learning environment.

PE Uniforms In an effort to ensure that students in physical education classes are appropriately attired, the following administrative policy has been adopted. During the first week of school, all students must purchase a standard ACS Athens uniform consisting of:

• Sweat suit (sweatshirt/sweatpants), t-‐shirt, shorts.

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The uniforms may be purchased in a choice of two colors (navy/gold or gray/navy) and will be available during the first week of school when students are issued locks. Payment may be made during registration. ACS-‐Athens believes that Physical Education uniforms are essential for promoting good hygiene, instilling a sense of school spirit and establishing a standard of appropriate leisure attire.

Travel Dress Code Because students on team trips act as ambassadors of our school, we have a particular dress code for travel on public conveyance (trains, planes, etc.). ACS Athens athletes and other team members representing the school on trips must follow the travel dress code. Chaperones finding students not dressed properly may require students to change into appropriate clothes. Appropriate Dress for athletes includes: ACS Athens travel hooded sweatshirt and blue/black pants (can be denim, without holes!). For spring sports, an ACS Athens polo shirt is part of the travel dress code. The ACS Dress Code provides a standard for appropriate student dress without forcing all students to dress alike. The goal is to promote self-‐confidence, self-‐respect and respect for our school.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT The Middle School Code of Conduct provides progressive consequences for misconduct of students. Each violation represents a level of seriousness, the most serious being, group 4. The code of conduct is in effect within the campus, on all school related student transportation (i.e. school busses home or airplanes for an athletic competition), and on every ACS Athens official activity off campus.

Group 1 Violations • Dress Code Violation • Littering • Inappropriate physical displays of affection • Unruly behavior in the halls, cafeteria, library, theater, playground, field trips,

assemblies, etc. • Food/drinks in the library • Damage to textbooks • Repeatedly conversing in a language other than English during class (Exception for

foreign language class.) • Inappropriate use of electronic devices in class or during assembly (see also Possession

of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices)

Consequences • 1st Offense: Teacher / Administrator / Counselor Conference (see discipline referral form) • 2nd Offense: Referral to principal, warning, verbal discussion, correction, reprimand,

letter to myself. • 3rd Offense: Detention, letter to myself. • 4th Offense: 1 Day In-‐School Suspension, parental conference. • 5th Offense: 2 Day In-‐School Suspension, placement on Social Probation, patents

contacted.

Group 2 Violations

• Class disruption* • Vulgar or abusive language or behavior. Sexist or racist remarks. • Being in an unauthorized area. • Cutting class/Leaving class without permission/Unexcused absences. • Refusal to follow directions from any staff member and/or lying to faculty or staff. • Inappropriate behavior (verbal, physical, emotional ) towards peers. • Bus Referral • Travel dress code referral • Invasion of privacy

*To Allow students to learn, students who habitually disrupt class will be removed from the class and will lose points awarded for work missed.

Consequences • 1st Offense: Referral to principal, verbal discussion, reprimand, detention, parental

contact, letter to myself • 2nd Offense: 1 Day In-‐School Suspension and contract, parent contact

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• 3rd Offense: 2 Day In-‐School Suspension, contract update, placement on Social Probation and parent contact

Group 3 Violations • Disrespectful behavior to school personnel • Making a deliberate, false and malicious accusation against another person • Physically aggressive behavior towards any member of our community • Possession or use of incendiary devices • Graffiti • Pretending to be another student • Cheating • Forged note. • Gambling or extortion • Leaving campus without permission • Unauthorized use/viewing of faculty/staff/administrative computer • Unauthorized non-‐educational use of the Internet facilities, such as:

o Downloading or displaying pornography o Software theft o Unauthorized use of copyrighted material o Intrusion into individuals’ personal e mail accounts o Publication/retrieval of personal web pages on school equipment

Consequences • 1st Offense: Immediate 1-‐Day Suspension from school and parent conference • 2nd Offense: 3-‐Day In or Out of School Suspension, Placement on Social Probation • 3rd Offense: 5-‐Day Out of School Suspension and notification to parents of possible

expulsion if further violations occur.

Group 4 Violations

• Vandalism/intentionally causing damage to school property • Bullying • Theft • Stealing • Causing physical harm to another person • Physically aggressive behavior toward school personnel • Repeated violations and/or recurrent misbehavior • Starting a fire/arson • Use of any object with intent to do harm • Starting a fire/arson

*In the case of vandalism an itemized bill of repairs will be given to parents. *Some cases may involve possible notification of police and recommendation for expulsion.

Consequences

• 1st Offense8: Immediate Out-‐of-‐School Suspension and possible application to the School President for expulsion from ACS Athens. Possible notification to the Police.

Note: Repeated offenders of the code of conduct may choose to sign up for community service hours in the main office in the Middle School. The systematic accumulation of community

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service hours, by repeated offenders of the code of conduct, will be viewed positively by the school administration, faculty and staff.

Group V Violations* – Removal from School • Harassment: verbal, sexual, emotional or based on gender, ethnicity, race, religion,

nationality, or sexual orientation • Engage in illegal activity on or off campus • Possession or use of alcohol • Possession, use, or sale of illegal substances or paraphernalia • Hacking of the ACS Network Information System or security • Possession or concealment of weapons

*The school reserves the right to remove a student if they committed an act of

misconduct that is not listed as a group 5 violation.

Student Searches ACS Athens prioritizes the need to provide all students with a safe atmosphere and an

optimal learning environment. Therefore, if there is reasonable suspicion, students may be searched by school Administrators. Student searches are only to occur if there are credible indications that a student has engaged in prohibited conduct. Searches are to be as minimally invasive as possible.

If there is reasonable suspicion, a member of the faculty or staff may escort the student with the backpack, purse or other article to the appropriate administrative office. It is the responsibility of the school’s Administrators to conduct the search.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES & EXPLANATIONS

Referral Procedure For any infringement of the Code of Conduct, a campus-‐wide discipline referral form (filled out by the referring staff member) is used. Documentation of an incident, as well as the description of the end result, is written. Copies of the completed form go to the (1) administrator; (2) student’s file.

1. A Discipline Referral form will be completed by teacher and submitted to the Principal’s assistant.

2. Counselor will meet with the student/s in violation of the Code of Conduct in order to assign the appropriate consequence.

3. Students will complete a Reflection Letter prior to a discussion with the Counselor. This letter will be placed in a file and shared with relevant counselors, teachers.

4. Counselor will notify parents of suspension assignments 5. All out-‐of-‐school suspensions will require a re-‐admission conference with parent before

student can attend classes

Detention Lunch detentions will be held during Middle School lunch. Students assigned to school detention are ineligible to participate in lunchtime activities on the date of the detention. Students will be notified of detention assignments immediately. Students who fail to attend detention on the day assigned will automatically be given an additional detention to be served at the next detention session in addition to the one missed. Students who fail to attend

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subsequent detentions will be assigned in-‐school suspension. Students may opt to complete a number of positive behavior activities in addition to an assigned detention.

Detention Rules Detention is designed as quiet time when students must complete a written reflection. Students should bring their lunch to the detention room. In addition, students must:

• Arrive on time • Stay seated • Work quietly on homework • Wait to be dismissed

Furthermore, there will be:

• No music or phones • No talking or sleeping and • The Detention Room must be left clean and neat

Students who cannot follow these rules may be given additional detentions and/or referred to the Principal.

In – School Suspension In-‐school suspension is held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students assigned to an in-‐school suspension are ineligible to participate in after-‐school activities on the date of the suspension. This includes participation in after-‐school classes, games, tournaments, performances and dances. Students and parents will be notified of suspension at least one day in advance. Teachers will also be notified so that they can provide assignments to be completed during the suspension. Students will complete a reflection letter and all assignments provided by teachers for the day. The student’s completed work will be given to the teacher for assessment.

In – School Suspension Rules

The same rules apply as for detention. In addition:

• Students must work at all times. • Students are not allowed visitors. • Students will be allowed to get their lunch and bring it back to the suspension room

during high school lunch only. • Students must leave the suspension room clean and neat. • Students must turn in all work completed during the in-‐school suspension to the

Principal’s office. Students who cannot follow these rules may be assigned an additional day of suspension and/or referred to the Principal. Furthermore, students who fail to complete the assigned work will not have the opportunity to make it up and will receive no credit.

Out-‐Of-‐School Suspension A student on out-‐of-‐school suspension is not allowed on campus for the duration of the suspension. Students are ineligible to participate in after-‐school activities on the date(s) of the suspension. This includes participation in after-‐school classes, games, tournaments and performances. Students and parents will be notified of suspension at least one day in advance. Teachers will also be notified, and students may receive a grade of zero for all work done/due

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on the day of the out-‐of-‐school suspension or for that day’s class participation grade. Students on out-‐of-‐school suspension will immediately be placed on Social Probation. All out-‐of-‐school suspensions will require a re-‐admission conference with parent/guardian before student can attend classes.

Social Probation The Board endorses the concept that positive behaviors should be the expectation for ACS Athens students at all times and in all places. However, students who repeatedly violate the provisions of the Academy Code of Conduct or who are charged with serious infractions of school rules will be placed on Social Probation for a minimum of one semester. In addition to those actions described in the Code of Conduct which result in immediate placement on Social Probation, the assignment of more than one suspension in the course of a school year will also result in student being placed on probationary status. These sanctions apply during the school day, during extra-‐curricular activities and student trips, and at all school-‐sponsored events during which the staff is directly responsible for the supervision of students. The consequences of being placed on Social Probation are as follows: 1. Revocation of all privileges (including Honors’ Passes, the right to serve as student

assistants, etc.) for the duration of the probationary period; 2. Revocation of the right to hold elective office in student government for the remainder

of the school year. 3. Revocation of the right to participate in all extra-‐curricular activities for the duration of

the probationary period. 4. Disqualification from Honor Society eligibility or membership. Students placed on Social Probation will be referred to the Child Study Team. Building on their advice and recommendations, the Administration will draw up a behavior contract stipulating behavioral goals and provision of in-‐school and out-‐of-‐school counseling, psychological and special services -‐ which will be signed by the student and his/her parents. The consequences of violating the terms of this contract may include an extension of probationary status or a request to the President that the student be withdrawn from school. At the end of each school year, the Administration will review the status of all students who have been on Social Probation during the year. Based on a review of each student’s social progress, the Administration may take one of the following actions: 1. Rescission of the student’s probationary status, allowing the student to re-‐enroll in ACS

Athens for the following school year with restoration of eligibility and privileges. 2. Extension of probationary status for the first semester of the following school year,

subject to the conditions of a new behavior contract. 3. Recommendation to the President that the student not be allowed to re-‐enroll at ACS

Athens at the beginning of the next school year. If a student is convicted of a crime, regardless of where it took place, the Administration will recommend to the President that the student be withdrawn or expelled from school. The Board will be informed.

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Positive Behavior Activities According to the level of the violation, 1 – 4, students have the option to complete the corresponding number of positive behavior activities. For example, a student who has a Group 1 Violation can choose and complete one of the following, whereas a student who has a Group 3 violation can choose and complete three of the following. Students who do not wish to complete a positive behavior activity will receive the consequence for their actions, as stated in the ACS Middle School Code of Conduct. This system will offer students the opportunity to redeem their actions, and turn negative choices into positive learning experiences. Students may choose from the following:

• Participate in Community Service • Partake in Peer Facilitation • Complete a daily Behavior Point Sheet • Agree to a Consistent Record of Good Behavior

Reparation Guidelines While our Code of Conduct is non-‐negotiable, we believe that students who have committed infractions in school will have opportunities, following the consequences of their actions, to give back to the community. Our philosophy considers code of conduct violations as taking something away from self, others or the environment. Therefore repairing the damage done to self, others or the environment gives students the opportunity to understand how to build healthy relationships in each of the three areas. Following consultation with the school counselor, opportunities for reparations will be provided but students will also have the option to make their own reparation proposals. Examples may include:

1) The repair of damaged property and participation in school community service (summertime included).

2) Referral to peer group mediation 3) Working with a faculty member on a specific project to be completed/ assign a certain

number of hours to be completed assisting the faculty member. 4) Attendance of parent(s)/legal guardian(s) with student to area where student displays

inappropriate behavior, i.e., class, lunchroom, bus, etc.

Students’ successful participation in the reparation programs becomes part of their official citizenship record, and will be taken into account when making decisions in which social behavior is a factor.

Peer Facilitation Program The third option is peer facilitation. Peer facilitation can be an effective strategy to improve student behavior, as it is a positive experience that can help promote reconciliation, settlement or even a compromise between conflicting parties. In a setting supervised by the school Counselor, Discipline Coordinator or Principal, students will have the chance to work with their fellow classmates to solve social, academic and behavioral problems. After the session, peer facilitators will complete a reflection sheet, rating the success of the meeting. Peer facilitators are students chosen by faculty and administration, who have proven their exemplary leadership skills, and act as positive role models to their fellow classmates.

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Providing Parental Support The Middle School years are extremely important in the formation of your children as successful lifelong learners and humane and significant members of our global community. Yet, there are no codified instructions that help parents understand how best to motivate a young teenager and parenting is far from an exact science. In the interest of developing a solid team that works together to guide your children, we offer the following suggestion for your consideration:

• Provide an academic environment – Besides creating a quiet study area, parents can help to foster a positive academic attitude by engaging their children in dinner discussions about what transpired during the day’s classes. Having resource materials handy, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, etc., and limiting T.V. viewing and non-‐academic computer use can also help. Encourage your children to read for pleasure. Take time to share responses to books and articles you have read in common.

• Check your facts first– Students sometimes distort the truth in order to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or to try to circumvent policies and procedures.

o It is always a good idea to go to the source first, whether it’s a teacher, an advisor or a coach, before making an assumption that could be incorrect. When students make comments about parents or about having your permission to do something, we promise to do the same.

• Insist that your children do their own work -‐ You will be tempted to jump in to help your children complete a project or assignment when they panic because they have waited until the last minute, or when they don’t feel like spending a little extra time to figure out a concept. It is extremely important that you insist that your children do their own work. Turning in an assignment completed by a parent or tutor is cheating and works against the building of confidence and integrity.

• Regulate after-‐school time – Both academically and behaviorally, this is a very critical time for your young teenagers. Know where your children are after school. Unless they are participating in a scheduled activity after school, students are expected to leave campus at 3:30 in order to complete their homework. Students who are not in an activity or attending a school function are not supervised and could very well leave campus without our knowledge, only to return to catch the late bus. Unfortunately, we have no way of monitoring their activities.

• Don’t make excuses – Students do not learn self-‐reliance if someone is willing to excuse their inappropriate actions. Please do not send notes asking that they be excused from doing their homework. Students in grades 6-‐12 receive ACS Planners and should be able to plan ahead. Going to bed late, oversleeping, or not being able to find a taxi are not valid excuses for tardiness at work, nor should they be for your children at school. Similarly, having a bad day, not liking someone, or being overly tired are never excuses for inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. Of course, ACS Athens is a place of learning and, while we will consistently discipline inappropriate behavior, we believe that discipline should spring from a desire to instruct, rather than just to punish.

• Remain vigilant – Your children are probably at the point where they have become

quite persuasive about how self-‐reliant they have become. It is not uncommon for students at this age to demand privacy and to be reticent about keeping you informed. This is obviously an important step in their growth towards independence.

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As you try to play a less active role in the development of your children, however, we want to reassure you that there are checks and balances that can help you monitor their progress behind the scenes.

• Teachers ask students to write assignments in the ACS Planner, which reflect not only

homework expectations, but also upcoming topics, projects, tests and quizzes. When in doubt, ask to see the Planner or teachers’ assignment sheets or check moodle.

• Get to know your children’s counselor. This can be your first contact if you have any concerns about their behavior or attitudes.

• Never hesitate to contact a teacher if you have a question about performance or behavior in a particular class.

• Don’t hesitate to contact the counselor, and/or school nurse if you notice a significant change in your children’s attitude, behavior, or physical health. We live in a very challenging society today, where alcohol, illegal substances, and eating disorders are far more prevalent than they were when we were young. Unfortunately, research indicates that, at this age, peer pressure plays a far more important role than the family in shaping teenagers’ behavior and attitudes. You would be wise to observe your children’s friends and to communicate with their parents. Know where and with whom your children spend their free time. Set reasonable curfews. If you have any doubts or concerns regarding the choices your children are making, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our professionals.

• Stay informed – Please keep track of important dates and remind students to bring home all notices. Back to School Night and Parent Conferences are especially designed to keep you informed about your children’s programs and progress. Be sure that you also note the dates when progress reports and report cards are sent home and contact the counselor if you don’t receive them.

• Take another look at your child – The fact that you have chosen to send your children to ACS Athens demonstrates the importance you place on education. Certainly our children are beneficiaries of our best dreams. As educators, however, we sometimes find ourselves dealing with over-‐stressed students who can be obsessive about grades. We ask that you take another look at your children. Are you honoring and nurturing who they are or who you would like them to be? Are you encouraging them to pursue their own dreams and aspirations or yours? What are their real talents? Are you encouraging them to develop these talents? Being aware of your children’s strengths and weaknesses and supporting them to become the best they can be is the best gift you can give them as parents.

• Make sure that you read this handbook carefully – some important changes in school policy have been made so it is important for you and your children to understand its contents.

• Facebook Accounts -‐ Please be aware that according to the Greek law, students under the age of 13 are not allowed to have a Facebook account. Children 13 and older may have a facebook account provided their parents are also enrolled as their “friend”. Cyber bullying is a growing phenomenon and needs to be monitored as much as possible by all of us.

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THEATRE/ ASSEMBLY PROTOCOL Our theater is a magnificent facility. Few schools can boast of having such a state-‐of-‐the-‐art performance center. All of us in the ACS community have a responsibility for maintaining it in top condition. The theater will provide us with rich cultural, social, and entertainment opportunities, all of which will demand of students the highest level of theater manners. When attending the ACS theater during an assembly program, we are all to observe the following protocols:

Assembly Protocol for Teachers 1. Teachers are to escort their students to the theater. 2. Before leaving the classroom:

a. Remind students that book bags, gum, food/drink are not allowed in the theater.

b. Remind students that they are to sit at designated seating area for their grade. c. Remind students that cell phones are to be switched off. d. Lock classroom door to protect student property.

3. Once in the auditorium, teachers are asked to assist student ushers in getting students seated.

4. Teachers who do not have a class are to report to the theater Lobby, to supervise student entrance to the theater. (ensuring that students do not enter the theater with backpacks, book bags, gum, drink, food, etc.)

5. Once students are seated, teachers are to take their assigned seats. 6. Throughout the assembly program, teachers are to engage in active supervision, to

assure that students demonstrate appropriate assembly manners. 7. Students who misbehave should be discreetly asked to leave the theater and be

accompanied by a teacher to the Principal’s Office.

Assembly Protocol for Students 1. Proceed to the theater with your classroom teacher. 2. Enter the theater only through the lobby/gallery area. 3. Sit in the assigned seats designated for your class. (Ushers will help to direct you.) 4. No food, drink, gum is allowed in the theater. 5. Book bags, knapsacks, gym bags are not allowed in the theatre. Lock them away in your

locker or leave them in your classroom, which your teacher will lock. 6. Once in your seat, come to order quickly. Feet need to stay on the floor. Cell phones

must be turned off. 7. Once the program begins, sit back and enjoy. theatre etiquette demands that you listen

and watch quietly. Talking during a performance or presentation is rude and shows great disrespect to the presenter or performers. Do not talk to others and disturb their enjoyment of the performance or presentation.

8. Show your appreciation of the performers with appropriate, polite and enthusiastic applause. The kind of loud cheering you would do in a gym or at the soccer field is not appropriate in a theatre.

9. Once a performance or presentation has begun, you may not get up and leave the theatre until it is over (except in the case of an emergency.) Walking around during a performance or presentation is rude and shows disrespect to the performers or presenters.

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10. When the assembly is over, students will be dismissed by rows or sections under the direction of the assembly leader.

11. Students may work in the theatre [in preparation for assemblies or performances] only under the supervision of their faculty directors/advisors.

LIBRARY & COMMONS POLICIES The Library is open Mon-‐ Thurs from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 08:30 a.m. -‐4:00 p.m. All students are asked to sign in at the desk. This is done for statistical purposes and as a record of student activities.

Library Rules The Library is reserved for students who need to use the resources for research or independent reading or studying. A "QUIET -‐TALKING RULE" will be observed. Quiet talking means that any conversation should not interfere with the concentration of others. Library users are reminded that this rule is in effect from when they enter the library. Students should be engaging in the work for which they have come to the Library. They should clean up after themselves when they leave. Students should not loiter, eat or drink, socialize, sit on tables, stand in groups and chat, run or shout.

Consequences for Not Adhering to Library & Commons Rules Students who do not abide by and comply with Library Rules will be reprimanded. If a student is reprimanded three times, he/she will be asked to stay after school one afternoon to assist in the Library. If the infraction is a school rule rather than a Library rule a discipline form will be filled out and forwarded to the discipline office. A student may be assigned detention or lose the privilege of using the library for a specified time.

Checking Out Books Students may check out a maximum of five books at a time. Books are checked out for a period of two weeks, and may be renewed for two more weeks, provided nobody else has asked for them. Students are encouraged to return books before the due date if they no longer need them. A book becomes overdue on the 2nd day after the due date. Fines will be charged for overdue books at the rate of 15 Euros per overdue day. Students who have overdue books or outstanding fines will not be allowed to borrow books until all books are returned and fines are paid. Books required for special projects or extended essays may be loaned for longer periods of time by special permission of the Librarian. It is mandatory that students present their ID card when checking out a book/s.

Checking Out Reference Books Reference books may not be checked out by a student for overnight use. Instead, students may photocopy the necessary page.

Current Magazines Current magazines may be read in the Library. No current magazines will be checked out.

Lost/ Damaged Books Replacement cost will be charged for lost or damaged Library materials.

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Library Computer Use Library computers are for research / writing purposes only. Playing games and creating inappropriate desktops are not permitted. Students are also asked to wear earphones when listening to sound on a computer. Students should not tamper with hardware or software in any manner.

Personal Laptops Personal laptops are to be used for research and writing purposes only. Playing games is prohibited. Students are asked to wear earphones when listening to sound on their computers.

Logging Out Students must remember to log out of the computers before leaving the library.

Photocopies/ Computer Printers A Photocopier and computer printers are available to students. In the spirit of conservation of natural resources, students are kindly asked to limit their printing and photocopying to what is absolutely essential. Copies are 0.50 euro each.

INTERNET ACCESS

Use of Stations The use of the library Internet Stations must be in support of curricular research and be consistent with the educational objectives of ACS.

Research On Stations Students may use the Internet stations for research assigned by the teachers of the Academy and the Middle School.

Internet Acceptable Use Authorization Form Students and their parents must sign the Internet Acceptable Use Policy Authorization Form, which is part of the Student-‐Parent Handbook Agreement form, before they are allowed to use the Internet facilities of the school.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Please read this document carefully. The ACS Athens provides Internet access through the main ACS server. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in our school by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. Internet use must support the educational objectives of ACS, and provide a tool for research and learning. Efficient operation of the network relies on the proper conduct of the users, who must adhere to the guidelines for use provided below. Students who do not follow the Internet Acceptable Use Policy will be denied access to the ACS computer facilities. Serious offenses may lead to expulsion from school.

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Guidelines for Acceptable Use Use of the following is strictly prohibited:

• Accessing or downloading pornography or related material • Software theft (piracy) • Unauthorized use of copyrighted material • Unauthorized access of the ACS Athens main server information or security protocols • Publishing/retrieving personal web pages on school equipment • Publishing inappropriate images/articles on school equipment • Other unauthorized non-‐educational use • Downloading music and film video clips that are not part of an assigned project, or

which are protected by copyright laws • Misuse of hardware

Active Directory Accounts Parents and students must be aware that designated ACS personal user accounts are connected to an active directory, and are the responsibility of the account users. Students should always use a personal password to protect their accounts and should never share this password with others. The user is responsible for all content found on his/her account. Students must remember to log out upon completion of work sessions at any campus computer station that is connected to the active directory. Students must use only their ACS issued E –mail (last name, first [email protected]) to communicate with teachers.

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2015-‐2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Committee

Mr. Suheil Sabbagh, Chairman

Mr. Constantine Stergides, Vice Chairman

Mr. Peter M. Furda, Treasurer

Mr. Pascal Apostolides, Secretary

Mr. Tim Ananiadis, Member

Mr. Dimitri Paneras, Member

Ms. Suzanne Lawrence, Member

Board of Trustees Members

Mr. Simos Dimas, Member, U.S. Trustee

Mr. Nikos Iatropoulos, Member, U.S. Trustee

Mr. John Metaxas, Member, U.S. Trustee

Dr. Saleh S. Jallad, Member

Mr. Nicholas Karambelas, Vice Chairman, U.S. Trustee

Mr. Aris Kefalogiannis, Member

Mr. Nick Larigakis, Member U.S. Trustee

Mr. John M. Lipinski, Member, U.S. Trustee

Captain Robert H. Palm, Member

Mr. Panos Simonetos, Member

Mr. Mark Wolper, Member, U.S. Trustee

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Media Release & Consent Form

Department of Technology& Communications

MEDIA Release & Consent Form

Halandri, August 21 2015

Dear Parents:

At ACS Athens, we are guided by our vision to create individuals who are architects of their own learning and are prepared to transform the world. Towards this vision, we are committed to use technology as an invaluable tool in the learning process through innovative projects that could be published online or elsewhere.

This publicity may result to students’ photos or other images appearing on our website, our Ethos bi-annu-al magazine, class website or blogs, broadcasts, vid-eos and other publicly accessible media. Usually, we tend to utilize group photos and videos of our stu-dents through their activities; however, there may be occassionally close-up photos or videos of students.

Here are some examples of information that may be published:

You can request that your child(ren) not appear in photos or videos and their name isn’t included

especially at the secondary level classes.

Parents may opt out of this policy by notifying the school’s secretary. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that we have your irrevocable consent of your child(ren) being part of these depic-tions or recordings. Moreover, you release ACS Athens, its faculty and staff and each and all persons

ACS AthensMedia

Library

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ACS ATHENS

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION FORM This form must be completed before the named student may participate in any school sports or athletic activities (curriculum or after school).

A. Parent Verification of physical well being This is to verify that my son/daughter _________________ has been deemed fit to participate in competitive/recreational athletic activities for the current school year, by having had a complete medical examination by a doctor within the last calendar year. This medical examination must be submitted to the school within the first week of the beginning of the year. Any restrictions have been listed below: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ _______________ Parent or Guardian Signature Date

B. I, ______________________,allow my son/daughter____________________ (Guardian/Parent's Name) (student's name) To: -‐ Use the weight room after school -‐ Participate in swimming classes (during school or after school) -‐ Use the wall climbing -‐ Participate in approved athletic activities sponsored by ACS Athens ; -‐ Receive emergency medical care, if and when needed

C. Parent Permission for participation By its nature, participation in athletic activities includes risk of injury which may range in severity from minor to severe. Although serious injuries are not common in supervised athletic activities, it is impossible to eliminate the risk. Participants have a responsibility to help reduce the chance of injury. Participants must obey all safety rules, report all physical problems to their coach, follow proper conditioning programs and inspect their own equipment daily. By signing this permission form, I acknowledge that I have read the above information. I further agree not to hold the school or anyone acting on its behalf responsible for any injury occurring to the named student during the participation in sports activities Parent or Guardian's signature: __________________ Date: _____________ Parent Name (Print) _______________________

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PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT and INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

As a member of the ACS Athens community, I have fully read this document, understand the contents, and agree to abide by all of the regulations and policies contained herein. I also understand that this document MUST be returned to the Block 1 teacher within two days. Failure to return the form will result in a referral for disciplinary action to the Principal. Students who do not submit this signed form will not be able to attend tryouts for athletic or cultural teams, nor will they be able to participate in school sponsored trips. AUTHORIZATION∗ As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes only. ACS Athens has developed guidelines for the educational use of the Internet, however, I also understand that it is impossible for ACS to prevent access to all non-‐educational materials provided by the Network. Therefore, I will not hold the school responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. I hereby give permission for my child to use the Internet. The information contained on this form is correct. Date: Parent’s or guardian’s Name (please print): Student’s Name (please print): Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature

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Request for Consideration

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129 Aghias Paraskevis St. & Kazantzaki St., 152 34 Halandri, Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200, Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051

www.acs.gr v [email protected]

middle school student-parent handbook 2015-16

Documents