ms student planner sy1314 final

7/27/2019 MS Student Planner SY1314 Final

1/92


2/92

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT PLANNER 2013-2014

Welcome Middle School Students!

You are about to start the 2013-2014 school year. For some, this is your first year inMiddle School; for others, this will be your final year as you transition to HighSchool. Wherever you are on your journey, we hope that you have a great timelearning with us this school year at International School Manila.

The Middle School years are exciting times when you begin to discover more aboutyourself, create friendships and develop into a young adult. We are here to supportyou on this adventure, together with your guidance counselors, teachers and theISM staff. Do not hesitate to seek out help when you need it, or to share how youare feeling along the way. We want to make these Middle School years an exciting,memorable and challenging experience for you. Our doors are always open for youand your parents.

As we interact with each other, our ultimate goal is that we all respect oneanother. We are a diverse community of learners from all over the world. As an ISMstudent, you have the opportunity to learn new perspectives and gain valuableinsights. Welcome new students openly and challenge yourself to make newfriends this school year.

The Middle School Student Planner is a resource for you to use throughout the yearand a place for you to organize yourself to maximize your efficiency and your

learning. Our blog sites are another valuable resource (http://ms.ism-online.org)to find out more about what is happening in our Middle School and in your classes.

We look forward to a great year of learning together in Middle School!

SIMON GILLESPIEPrincipal

CLARISSA SAYSONAssistant Principal


3/92

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome

Welcome from the Middle School Leadership Team

ISM Core Values and Mission

ISM School-Wide Student Goals

Middle School Student Characteristics

Middle School Faculty & Staff

Communication

Beliefs about Communication

Methods of Communication

Change of Contact Information

Guardianship Agreements

A Day in the Life

Overview

Attendance Guidelines

When You Are Late to School or Class

Leaving School Early During the Day

School IDs

Student Visitors

Student Advisory

Student Assemblies

House System

Tutorials

Homework

Middle School Activities

Athletics and Act ivities (ATAC)

Middle School Events

Classroom Without Walls (CWW)

Service Learning Program

7

7

8

9

3

11

11

11

12

12

13

13

13

14

14

14

14

14

15

15

15

16

17

17

18

19

19

3


4/92

How the School Works

Guidance Counselors

Academic Program

Assessment of Students

Middle School Media Center (MSMC)

Use of Technology

Health and Safety

Transportation

Cafeteria

School Supplies, Resources and Textbooks

Lockers

Personal Property, Lost and Found

Withdrawal Procedures

Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations

Essential Expectations

Guidelines for Major Discipline Issues

School Uniforms

After-School Expectations

Field Trip Expectations

Other School Rules and Regulations

Green Guidelines for Events Planning at ISM

Planner

20

20

21

23

25

26

28

30

32

33

33

33

34

34

34

35

42

44

44

45

46

Hints for Using Your Planner

Ten Study Habits of Successful Students

Strategies for Studying

Hints for Completing Homework

Monthly Calendar and Place for Daily Organizing

School Map

Student Schedule

49

50

52

52

54

173

177

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA

CORE VALUES

Integrity, Service,Merit

MISSION

International School Manila is an independent, international school whose structure,traditions and style emanate from the United States and whose curriculum andmethodology reflect the best in worldwide educational research and practice. Ourschool is diverse and dynamic, and our students have the highest aspirations for theireducation and future lives. Our mission is to build a vibrant learning community inwhich all strive to:

7

ISM School-Wide Student Goals

At International School Manila, we expect students to work to the best of their abilityto be:

1. Effective Communicators: who can interact through a range of modes ofcommunication and for a variety of purposes.

2. Knowledgeable and Skilled Learners: who continually acquire useful knowledgeand skills while developing understanding(s) across a broad and balanced range ofcontexts.

3. Self-directed and Balanced Individuals: who strive to achieve their personal bestand understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance.

4. Inquiring and Reflective Problem Solvers: who can think critically and creativelyto make informed decisions and then take appropriate action.

5. Responsible, Caring and Ethical Contributors: who can empathize and be tolerantof differences and are committed to make a positive impact on their communitiesand environment.

Advance the value of learning, growth and self-awareness as life-long endeavors.

Nurture creativity and originality as precursors for critical and reflective thoughtand action.

Succeed collectively as well as individually, achieving our personal best in allaspects of school life.

Maintain a healthy balance in the time devoted to work, rest and recreation.

Involve our community in sustaining and safeguarding our environment.

Interact through honest, respectful and open communication.

Acknowledge and celebrate our differences and encourage empathy, compassion,understanding and respect for human dignity.

Live our lives positively, joyfully and ethically.


5/92

8

Middle School Student Characteristics

The International School Manila Middle School is dedicated to meeting theeducational and developmental needs of children in adolescence. In order to doso, we recognize that it is extremely important to acknowledge and understandthe following descriptors of the adolescent:

1. Experimentation and Richness of Activity Adolescents like to experimentin many ways; during this period of development, their activity is greaterand richer than it ever has been.

2. Social Perspective and Judgment Adolescents display a marked increase intheir ability to criticize the social environment realistically and to judgemoral conflicts.

3. Physical Self-Awareness Adolescents are occupied with their physicalselves. They continually wonder whether their physical features andexperiences are "normal.

4. Independence Adolescents seek some intellectual and emotional distancefrom their families in developing a sense of self, which they relate to theculture in which they are living.

5. Adjustment to Maturation and Maintaining Self Confidence Adolescentadjustment to the maturation process depends on the kinds of relationshipsthey achieve with their adult and peer associates, keeping in mind that thepressure to conform to peer group norms is very strong.

6. Reasoning and Broadening the Conceptual World Adolescents are movingfrom a concrete view of the world to forming conceptual understandingswhich can accommodate differing viewpoints.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

David TozeSuperintendent

ADMINISTRATION

Simon GillespiePrincipal

Clarissa SaysonAssistant Principal

Sam CookCoordinator for Student and Faculty Learning

Cory WilleyMiddle School Student Advisory Coordinator

MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Diana Van der Merwe Erin Hardison Marc St. LaurentA-H Surnames I-O Surnames P-Z Surnames

STUDENT SUPPORT

Marsha Hillman Meg Parry Mark PekinPerforming Arts Director Media Center Librarian Director of Athletics &

Activities

ADVISORS

GRADE 5 GOLD GRADE 6 GOLD GRADE 7 GRADE 8Eric Bird Elaine Feliciano Jack Cargile Dave AllenSean Bizley Kristen Feren Karianne Cook David BurkeTeresa Cook Neil Freeman Steven Fischer Matthew ChadwickStephanie Lin Christopher Nelson Simon Gillespie Jenna ChildGene Maclachlan Jeffrey Phillips Carrie Grev Monika DAqualeKaroli Melwani Meg Parry Kim Guiry Alan DraytonCourtney Pierce Wendy Powell Melodee Hausman Eric HamlinDennis Respecki Darren Sturgeon Kristin Hawkinson Morgan Jacobs

Jason Juteau John LacsonFionna Matthew Bill Laulo

GRADE 5 GREEN GRADE 6 GREEN Therese Mouat Michelle MonroeTara Cooling Timothy Benford Sheena Naggea Giorde PasambaHolly Elwell Hadassah Castro Cory Patterson Melodee PetersPeta Henshelwood Wayne Hamaguchi Monica Villanueva Cath RankinBrian Howrey Helen Jost Sabina Vogt Carly RelfSandra Navar Myra Lepp Craig Wislang Jill ShullJennifer Raffenbeul Rena OReganKate Shaw Vida VergelCheryl Thompson Iliana Sucre

9


6/92

11

COMMUNICATION

Beliefs About Communication

We believe that communication between the school and home enhances theeducation of our students. Effective relationships built on trust are vital in makingour students feel safe and secure in their learning environment. Partnershipsbetween teachers and parents support learning and allow for connections, whichdeepen understanding of our students. Good communication means that theteacher and parents are appropriately informed about what is happening in theschool and at home, allowing both sides to take responsibility for the developmentof each individual student.

As a school we believe that we should be communicating about the following:

Our curriculum and school program, including teaching methods, under-standings, concepts, skills learned and resources used.

What is happening in the classroom, including day-to-day schedules, routinesand expectations for students.

The learning progress of each student, including strengths, areas needingimproving and successes.

Strategies for parents to support their student with their learning at home. Ways that parents can get involved in the classroom and school. Special events and projects that students are involved in and how parents can

get involved in these.

Safety procedures and routines.

As parents we ask you to communicate with the school about the following:

What is happening in your child's life that may impact on their learning orcontribute to the learning that is happening in the classroom?

What growth and development have you observed in your child? What questions do you have and how can we assist with problem solving

any areas of concern?

Methods of Communication

Teachers and Administrators make themselves available to meet. Appoint-ments may need to be made to discuss important concerns as it is difficult rightat the start of the day or at the end while students are entering or leaving theclassroom.

Both emails and phone calls are used for sharing of information and setting upmeetings informally or as needed by both teachers and parents.

10

LIBRARYMeg Parry

GRADE 5 CORE TEACHERSEric Bird (English/SS)Teresa Cook** (English/SS)Tara Cooling** (Math/Science)Holly Elwell (English/SS)Peta Henshelwood (English/SS)Gene Maclachlan (Math/Science)Karoli Melwani (Math/Science)Sandra Navar (Math/Science)

GRADE 6 CORE TEACHERSTimothy Benford (English/SS)Kristen Feren (English/SS)Neil Freeman (Science)Wayne Hamaguchi** (Math)

Rena O'Regan (English/SS)Jeffrey Phillips (English/SS)Wendy Powell** (Math)Vida Vergel (Science)

INTERNChristopher Nelson

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTSDanielle CastanedaMichelle ColladoAsella LegaspiFrancis Saez

TEACHER ASSISTANTSKathleen Ross Desamparado - LSAlvin Fernandez - BandMaria Kathrina Fule - ESLJerome Lingo - LSAida Magsombol - StringsPie Palomar - LSEugene Perez ArtBenjie Saez - ESL

*Grade Level Coordinator**Program Leader

***MS Student Advisory Coordinator MS Activities Coordinator

ESLSean BizleyKimberly Guiry**Myra LeppFiona MatthewMelodee Peters

LEARNING SUPPORTElaine FelicianoSteven FischerBill LauloCourtney Pierce**Jennifer Raffenbeul

WELLNESSValerie Birchenall**Carly RelfCheryl ThompsonMonica Villanueva

ARTMorgan JacobsMark Kucharski**Carmel Lim-TorresDennis Respecki

DANCE/DRAMAPaul BongiovanniCarrie GrevMarsha Hillman**Cath Rankin

MUSICMelodie HausmanBrian HowreyGuillame Odendaal**

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONDave AllenHadassah CastroJenna ChildSteven Dodd**Jason JuteauAngela RespeckiKate Shaw

TECHNOLOGYMatthew Chadwick**Darren Sturgeon

ENGLISHDavid Burke**Holly ElwellKristin HawkinsonPeta HenshelwoodMichelle MonroeRena O'ReganJeffrey PhillipsJill Shull

MATHEMATICSJack Cargile**Alan DraytonWayne Hamaguchi**Karoli MelwaniSheena NaggeaSandra NavarWendy Powell**Monica San Jose

SCIENCEKarianne CookTara CoolingBill FischelisNeil FreemanJohn LacsonGene MaclachlanGiorde Pasamba*Cory Patterson**Vida Vergel

SOCIAL STUDIESTimothy BenfordEric BirdTeresa Cook**Kristen Feren**Eric HamlinSabina VogtCory Willey***Craig WislangMODERN LANGUAGEMonika DAqualeMei FrebortovaHelen JostStephanie LinTherese Mouat**Mariza RosadoIliana Sucre

MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFF LIST

3010P0283009P0253008202820293005

P043P0382023P030P042P0292026P042

2038P024300620253006P027300720372024

2027P031P02620302041204020362039

1035104110331034104210581036

P0411038103710371041

30023003300430043001

P046

P0441040

P044

1188116611631186

1149114911223049

112811271126

21001039

MSMC

2030


7/92

Middle School Office (02) 840 8550Email Address [email protected]

The email address for any faculty or staff member is his/her lastname, first initial @ismanila.org (for example: [email protected])

Parent and Student Bulletins are prepared by the Middle SchoolAdministration each week, including school-wide information and updatesabout curriculum and developments within the school. These can be foundon the main Middle School Blog page: http://ms.ism-online.org (An emaillink to the bulletins is sent by the Middle School Office each week.)

The ISM webpage (www.ismanila.org) is a starting point for learning moreabout our school and curriculum. You will also find important informationon our blogs (http://ms.ism-online.org).Please visit these each week tofind out more about what is happening in each of our subject areas andclassrooms. You can also view the Middle School Program Guide andStudent Handbook from the main Middle School Blog.

Parent Teacher Conferences, held in October, are formal scheduled

meetings used to discuss student learning. Students have two half-days offschool during this time.

Student Led Conferences scheduled in March allow students to share theirlearning with parents.

An update of grades and report cards are available for viewing in PowerSchool. You will receive a username and password to access thisinformation. Report cards are made available at the end of each semester.

Parent Coffees held four times per year are organized by the Middle SchoolPrincipal and Assistant Principal with a workshop on different areas of thecurriculum.

Guidance Counselors organize workshops on parenting and book groups. The school calendar provided in this handbook along with updates in the

Parent and Student Bulletin will keep you informed of what is happeningthroughout the year and ways that you can get involved.

Change of Contact Information

Contact information can be updated directly in your PowerSchool account online,or through contacting the Middle School Office. It is important that we have yourmost up-to-date phone number, email address and emergency contactinformation.

Guardianship Agreements

It is important for students enrolled in ISM to have one parent or an officiallyappointed guardian in full-time residence with the student in the Philippines at all

12

Note:

times. Domestic helpers do not qualify as guardians. It is required that at least oneparent be permanently residing with his/her child. Assignment of guardiansmust be formally requested and approved by the school.

When both parents are going to be away temporarily, it is important for them tonotify the school office in advance, stating who will be responsible for the studentand who the school should contact in case of emergency.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Overview

Welcome to a day in the life of a Middle School student at ISM. At the back of theStudent Planner you will find a detailed map of all the classrooms and facilitiesused by Middle School along with a schedule. The schedule of times is the same forall students in Middle School. There is a blank schedule for you to fill out with yourindividual classes, teachers and room numbers to help you stay organized.

School begins at 7:30 a.m. except on Wednesdays when we have a late start at 8:30a.m. Everyday school finishes at 3:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays when it ends at2:45 p.m.

Attendance Guidelines

Regular daily attendance is necessary for all students to fully benefit from theeducational opportunities provided in our Middle School. We ask that you attendschool regularly and avoid any unnecessary absences.

On those days when a student needs to be absent from school, we ask that a parentinform the Middle School Office via phone at (02) 840 8550.It is the responsibilityof the student to communicate with their teacher when they return to school tomake up for work missed as a result of any absences.

In order for a student to receive maximum benefit from their education, dailyschool attendance is required. Realizing that because of illness or otherextenuating reasons, such is not always possible, please be reminded that themost important guideline is that you communicate with the teachers andunderstand the following expectations:

To receive full credit from a class, students may miss that class no morethan eight class periods each semester. Absences beyond this number aresubject to academic consequences. In practical terms this means thatabsences in excess of eight class periods for any given class in any semestershall be considered excessive absences, for which students shall receive azero for any test, quiz or written or oral work missed. In the extraordinary

13


8/92

case requiring an extended absence, the student may apply to the Principalfor special consideration. Such an exception must be applied for inadvance, when possible, or immediately upon the student's return toschool.

When You Are Late to School or Class

It is an expectation that students arrive on time for their classes. A student whoarrives in class after the designated start time is considered late. Students whoarrive late need to report directly to the Middle School Office. If the ISM bus isdelayed, the late will be excused.

A late is unexcused if the student does not have a note from home or a phone callhas not been made to the Middle School Office. Students with five or moreunexcused lates in a specific class may be referred to the Middle SchoolPrincipal/Assistant Principal. All subsequent unexcused lates will result inconsequences.

Leaving School Early During the Day

If a student needs to leave early during the school day, it must be communicated tothe Middle School Office by the parent or guardian. The Office will issue a GatePass, which is presented to and required by the security guard at the gate before astudent is allowed to exit campus.

School IDs

Due to security reasons, Middle School students must have their ISM IDs at alltimes. Parents must also obtain an ISM ID from the Security Office and display themwhile on campus. Visitors to ISM can obtain a temporary ID from the security at thegate if they are permitted to be on campus.

Student Visitors

At times throughout the school year, a student may have a friend or family membervisiting them in the Philippines. Permission can be obtained from the Middle SchoolPrincipal/Assistant Principal to allow the visiting student to attend class for amaximum of one school day. Requests need to be made to the Middle School Officeat least one day in advance.

Student Advisory

Student Advisory, as its name indicates, is a time set aside to allow our students toestablish and maintain a sense of community and to strengthen student-adultrelationships. Advisory also provides students with the opportunity to develop a

14

deeper understanding of life and their role within it. It is a time of friendship,support and learning. Through discussion and activities, each grade levelconcentrates on helping students gain self-awareness and developinginterpersonal communication and conflict-resolution skills. Each grade level alsoemphasizes specific areas such as relationship skills, s tress-reduction skills, goal-setting, decision-making and healthy risk-taking. In addition, activities areplanned to involve and engage students in getting to know themselves and eachother better, building good character, connecting with others in their team,serving their community and managing their own behavior.

Each Advisory is made up of a maximum of 23 students in the same grade level, whomeet with an assigned teacher advisor throughout the year. Advisory takes placefrom 2:35 3:00 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and other special timesthroughout the school year for special activities or as needed.

Student Assemblies

Each Friday from 2:35 p.m. 3:00 p.m. we have time designated for our StudentAssemblies. This time is scheduled on the calendar and is either a whole-schoolMiddle SchoolAssembly in the Fine Arts Theater or designated for Grade LevelAssembly time. This is an opportunity for sharing of learning, studentperformances, announcements and group activities.

House System

Each student who enters Middle School in Grade 5 or as a new student any timethroughout the school year is assigned to one of eight houses whose names arebased on animals in the Philippines. A house shirt needs to be purchased at theUniform Shop to be worn on our first semester Sports Day and our second semesterActivity Day and at other times throughout the year. Each house comprisesstudents and teachers from all grade levels and is an opportunity to build a greatersense of community in our Middle School. Students can receive points for theirhouse at different times throughout the school year for participating in lunch timesports activities, service learning, after-school activities and through a variety ofother ways which will be communicated by our Student Advisory Coordinatorduring assemblies and at Advisory.

Tutorials

Teachers are available for tutorials from 2:35 p.m.3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays andThursdays each week. Tutorial time is available for students to work with theirteachers, either individually or in small groups to reinforce classwork or to work onassignments. It is required that all Middle School students attend a tutorial with atleast one of their teachers during this time.

15


9/92

Homework

As articulated in the ISM Mission Statement, the Middle School strives to maintaina healthy balance in the time devoted to work, rest and recreation. After a longday at school, students are involved in a variety of activities which may includelanguage instruction, tutorials, instrument lessons, sports and much more. Alongwith classroom instruction, the participation in after-school activities is vital inthe development of the whole child. Equally important is the opportunity forstudents to rest, play and spend quality time with friends and family. All of thesefactors assist students in developing independence, creativity and confidence.

Current educational research focuses on ensuring homework tasks are meaningfuland connected to learning in the c lassroom. As such, it is the belief of the MiddleSchool that homework should be purposeful and relevant to student learning whileat the same time recognizing the importance of balance in the lives of students.Therefore, it is encouraged that homework be assigned only when absolutelynecessary, with the underlying purpose that it extend student learning beyond the

classroom.

In order to translate these beliefs into action, the Middle School has set in placethe following guidelines in regard to homework:

1. Homework is given to support work, projects and research undertakenduring the school day. It is connected to what is happening in the classroomand has a distinct purpose; it extends student learning beyond theclassroom.

2. Some homework projects may be open-ended (e.g. a research assignment,an art project or a survey) and may be completed over several nights.

3. Parental communication with students about their learning is stronglyencouraged. However, completion and submission of homework is theresponsibility of the student.

Grade 5 and 6 Guidelines

Approximately 40 minutes per week for each Core subject andapproximately 20 minutes per week for each Encore subject.

Grade 7 and 8 Guidelines

Approximately one hour of homework per subject (Core and Encore) perweek.

16

Furthermore, it is recommended that students take the opportunity to read forpleasure each day in their first or second language, either independently or withan adult. A teacher may also choose to assign specific reading and/or writing tasksas part of homework.

Middle School Activities

ISM offers a variety of after-school activities for interested Middle Schoolstudents. The full selection of activities and clubs available each semester can befound on the Middle School AFAC Blog (http://ms-activities.ism-online.org) alongwith the procedures for registration.

Athletics and Activities (ATAC)

In addition to various after-school activities provided for students in MiddleSchool, there is also a variety of competitive sports and activities available. Thefull selection of athletics and activities available each semester can be found onthe Middle School ATAC Blog (http://atac.ism-online.org).

If students are a part of an ATAC team where an athletic uniform is required, ISMwill pay 40 percent to a maximum of Php 600. This does not include jackets,sweatshirts, footwear, bags, etc. The rest of the cost of the team uniform is to becharged to the school account of the student. Any practice uniforms or specialequipment that may be issued from time to time must be returned or thereplacement cost will be charged directly to the school account of the studentconcerned.

Once an official uniform has been issued, then it may only be used for officialgames and functions and not for practices, physical education class, etc. duringthe season. During games, athletes are required to wear the complete officialuniform.

If an activity involves an overseas trip, parents will be charged 100 percent for allsports/activity trips and exchanges including flights, taxes, coaches' flights andhotel expenses.

Each school year, ISM hosts various exchanges and IASAS tournaments involvingsports, fine arts and other activities such as the AMIS Festival. During these

weekends, we ask our parents and families to host visiting students in their homesfor two to four nights, depending on the event. Our visitors come mainly from theother IASAS schools located in Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Taipei and KualaLumpur.

17


10/92

Our students directly benefit from the same hospitality when we travel to otherschools and participate in similar events held throughout the region. This providesour students with the opportunity to meet families from other schools, cultivatenew friendships and it significantly reduces the cost of travel for everyoneinvolved.

Therefore, it is imperative that all ISM families who participate in ISM programseither in Manila or abroad understand that we will need and expect their helpthroughout the year. If students are chosen to represent the school on a team or ina group, the expectation is that their family will host visitors for events held inManila. If a family is not able to house for a particular event, then it is understoodthat the participant will find a replacement host to assist with their housingresponsibility. Not fulfilling this requirement could limit students' participation.

Middle School Events

Socializing and interacting with others is a big part of Middle School life as we learn

more about each other and ourselves in a fun and safe environment. A variety ofdifferent opportunities take place throughout the school year, which can be foundon the school calendar. These include:

Middle School Courtyard Events Middle School Parties Spirit Week Filipiiana Classroom Without Walls (CWW) Saturday Service Learning Trips Middle School Global Issues Network (GIN) The Association for Music in International School (AMIS) Music Exchange International Schools Theater Association (ISTA) Middle School Play Grade 8 End-of-Year Activities: Dinner Dance, Activity Day and Moving On

Ceremony

In addition to after-school activities, Middle School parties take place eachsemester. In order for the parties to remain the positive experience they havealways been, we require your cooperation with regard to the followingexpectations:

1. Please follow the drop-off and pick-up times as outlined in the permissionslip.

2. Signed permission slips are required in order for students to attend MiddleSchool parties.

3. Students need to remain in the designated area during the entire party.They may not leave early unless they are picked up by parents and have anadministrator or faculty advisor approval.

18

4. Our parties are for ISM Middle School students only. Guests and relatives arenot allowed to participate in these events.

5. Students need to respect and cooperate with the teacher chaperones whohave volunteered their time.

6. Students must be in attendance during the school day in order toparticipate in the party.

Classroom Without Walls

The Classroom Without Walls (CWW) program at ISM spans Grades 5-8 in the MiddleSchool. This program engages students in activities outside the school and isclosely linked to the academic program and Service Learning.

Students in the Middle School attend two experiential programs during the schoolyear. These programs offer experiences at a level appropriate to the respectivegrades. Some common elements run throughout the CWW program for all gradelevels. The fall CWW activities focus on class team building, while the February

trip focuses on fieldwork, outdoor challenges, health and social education,community and service. During these trips as in all school events all schoolrules apply. A combination of on-campus and off-campus experiences make up theCWW experience and will be communicated to students and parents by the GradeLevel Coordinator and Advisory teachers each semester.

Service Learning Program

All Middle School students are encouraged to engage in Service Learning activitiesat ISM, and it is also a requirement during the Middle School CWW program. Inparticular, Grade 8 students complete a mandatory exploratory course titledChanging Our World in which students reflect on the world around them and learnhow the world functions. This course gives students the opportunity to criticallyreflect on issues around them and get actively involved in Service Learning at ISMduring the Saturday Service program.

Desired Outcomes of the Service Learning Program:

To uphold the school's Mission and Core Values.To meet expectations of ISM and Middle School which value studentreflections on Service Learning.

To help students fulfill the expectations of the CWW program.To provide continuity of Service Learning at ISM from ES through MS and HS.To empower students to act on classroom lessons and to strengthen theirawareness of injustices in the world.

19


11/92

To develop leadership skills, knowledge and genuine compassion, leading tolifelong involvement in community service.

To develop responsible global citizens; individuals whose actions addharmony to the world; students who can adapt to the challenges of anincreasingly complex, interdependent and changing world.

To develop inquiring and reflective problem solvers who seek to understandthe complex nature of issues such as poverty and injustice.

There are two layers to the Middle School Service Learning program; the first layeris embedded in our curriculum: the Classroom Without Walls (CWW) and classroomor grade-level excursions. The second layer includes Saturday Service and After-School Service, which integrate the Middle School and High School serviceprograms. Both the Saturday and After-School Service allow our students tointeract with students from impoverished neighborhoods either here at the ISMcampus and at various locations around Metro Manila. The program providesopportunities for Middle School students to form relationships with lessadvantaged children and helps our students develop a better sense of the situationfor the majority of people living in Manila while gaining a better understanding ofthemselves as individuals. Middle School students can get involved in ServiceLearning in service clubs/trips to organizations such as Chosen Children Village(CCV), Gawad Kalinga (GK777) and Child Hope. It is our goal that every MiddleSchool student participate in at least one Service Learning opportunity throughoutthe school year.

HOW THE SCHOOL WORKS

Guidance Counselors

Welcome to Middle School on behalf of our Guidance Counseling team. We arehere to support you with your individual development socially, emotionally andacademically to ensure you have the most successful Middle School learningexperience possible.

There are three Guidance Counselors in Middle School. They provide consultationand support through individual and group counseling, assessment of students'social and academic strengths and challenges, transition of new students to ISM,crisis intervention and facilitation of communication between students, parents,teachers and administrators.

The Guidance Counselors work together as a team and also divide theresponsibilities for individual students alphabetically by surname. They are eachassigned to a grade level to facilitate activities with the Grade Level Coordinatorsand teachers based on support that is needed or issues that arise, along with beinginvolved in the social development of students through Homebase, events,activities, assemblies and CWW.

20

Ms. Van der Merwe supports students throughout MS with surnames A H andis aligned with Grades 5 and 6.

Ms. Hardison supports students throughout MS with surnames I O and isaligned with Grade 7.

Mr. St. Laurent supports s tudents throughout MS with surnames P Z and isaligned with Grade 8.

Individual Counseling: The Guidance Counselors are trained to help Midd le Schoolstudents with school-related problems arising from academic, personal, social orfamily conflicts. Some common problems include adjustment to school, changingpeer relationships, parent expectations and study habits. Confidentiality is alwaysobserved. Students are free to make an appointment with any of the Counselorswhen a need arises.

Group Guidance: At different times throughout the year, the Guidance Counselorswill conduct group guidance sessions. These sessions are designed to help studentsgain insight into their behaviors, understand their attitudes, interests andcapabilities, and learn how to make healthy decisions. Special interest groupguidance sessions can also be suggested and requested by students.

Academic Program

Middle School at International School Manila is a time when students aretransitioning from childhood to their adolescent years. This is an exciting andchallenging time for both the students themselves and the adults in their livessupporting them through this journey. We believe in the following characteristicsthat are supported throughout our Middle School program. We are:developmentally responsive, taking into consideration the nature of youngadolescents as the foundation on which all decisions are made; challenging,recognizing that every student can learn and everyone is held to highexpectations; empowering, by providing all students with the knowledge and skillsthey need to take control of their lives; equitable, advocating for every student'sright to learn and providing challenging and relevant learning opportunities;internationally minded, by being aware of the importance of acknowledging andbenefitting from the cultural diversity that exists in our community and how weuse this to broaden perspectives and tolerance throughout our community.

The Middle School comprises four grade levels, Grade 5 through Grade 8. The agerange is from ten to fourteen.

In general, all Middle School students are required to take English, Social Studies,Mathematics, Science, Modern Language, Physical Education, a compulsoryExploratory and an Elective. Depending on the grade level, the semester-longexploratory courses are Art, Drama, Wellness, IDEAS and Changing Our World.These courses allow students to explore specific areas. Individual choices areprovided through the elective courses.

21


12/92

In addition to the concepts there is a set of school-wide transdisciplinary skills,which are a set of broad, essential skills that transcend subject areas. Theseinclude communication, connection and collaboration, critical thinking andproblem solving, research, personal management and reflection. These skills areincorporated into the learning experiences in each course and are a part of theassessment process.

A final component is the dispositions, which are the lifelong behaviors we want tocultivate in students. They are rooted in common values that will help a studentlearn how to contribute positively to the school community and society at large.These include being responsible, ethical, caring, creative, balanced and self-directed.

Both within departments and across grade levels, teachers collaborate with oneanother to support instruction for students within these frameworks. Theopportunities for Middle School students to transfer their learning experiencesmakes for a richer, more rigorous academic program and solidifies the long-termdevelopment and reinforcement of their understandings.

Support is provided for students learning English through our English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program. ESL and classroom teachers work together to create alanguage-rich environment where students feel comfortable taking risks andwhere individual needs are accommodated. The ESL teacher supports the ESLstudents within his or her mainstream classroom for lessons delivered to the wholeclass. The Inclusion Model is a team approach involving joint planning with grade-level teachers.

Additional support is available for students with different learning needs. TheLearning Support model is based on the philosophy that students vary in their levelof ability, achievement, motivation and interest, and that individuals respond bestto educational programs that provide appropriate challenges and meet theirindividual needs.

Assessment of Students

Report Cards/Progress Reports

Our purpose for grading is to provide parents with needed information about thechild's efforts and academic achievements. Grades are most important for the

student so they know how they are progressing academically. As parents andteachers, we certainly need to help our children set goals for improvementthrough evaluation of their academic strengths and weaknesses.

Every quarter a grade-to-date is issued to the students in each subject area. Eachsemester, a report card with narrative comments is sent home with your child.Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the first semester and astudent-led conference during the second semester. Additional conferences maybe scheduled at any time.

23

The four core areas of the Middle School curriculumEnglish Language Arts,Mathematics, Science and Social Studiescollaborate to align the programs andensure ongoing opportunities for student transfer of understandings and skillsbetween the different content areas from Grades 5 to 8.

Each set of content standards and indicators has been aligned vertically betweenthe divisions of the school and guides the instruction at each grade level in the corearea courses. Additionally, the collaboration between each content area ensuresthat students move towards achieving the ISM school-wide student goals ofbecoming inquiring and reflective problem solvers, knowledgeable and skilledlearners, effective communicators, self-directed and balanced individuals andresponsible, caring and ethical contributors.

At the heart of each course are rich concepts that anchor student learning andguide the assessment of standards and indicators. These concepts are the focus ofeach unit of study within the core areas. They also reinforce theinterconnectedness of content and skills by encouraging students to transfer what

they are learning in one class to what they are learning in another. The followingare the concepts at each grade level:

22

REQUIRED COURSES

English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies

Modern Language Physical Education

EXPLORATORY COURSES

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Art Art Wellness Wellness

Drama Drama IDEAS Changing Our World

Wellness Wellness

ELECTIVE COURSES

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 and GRADE 8

Year-long Year-long Year-long Semester-long

Band Band Band ARTstudies

Strings Strings Strings ARTmud (Ceramics)

Digi Art

Semester-long Semester-long ARTsculpt (Sculpture)

Chorus Chorus Chorus

Cooperative Games iDesign Dance

iLearn General Music Drama

General Music Team Sports Introduction to Journalism

Music Madness

Robotics

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Organization Structures Identity Systems

Patterns Relationships Innovation Transformation

Form & Function Cause and Effect Interaction Power

Change Discovery Truth Interconnectedness


13/92

Students can expect to be evaluated on almost every assignment required in theircore subjects. Middle School Grades (5-8) are reported as follows:

Please note that some Exploratory courses are graded on an A through F scale,while Electives are graded as Exemplary, Proficient, Developing, Emerging andInsufficient Evidence.

Progress reports are used at regular intervals to help communicate with parentseither special progress or special needs in a given course. Sometimes they are sentto parents of students who are experiencing difficulty in a given subject (i.e. they

may be in danger of failing that subject). Parents are encouraged to confer withthe teacher concerned or with the child's Counselor whenever necessary, to helpimprove student performance. Teachers are also encouraged to issue progressreports of a more positive nature, indicating the student has improved or isexcelling. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to check PowerSchoolregularly and monitor progress (grades are updated every two weeks inPowerSchool). Passwords are available through the Middle School Office.

GPA Computation

We currently use a student's semester Grade Point Average (GPA) as the basis fordetermining scholastic honors. Honor Roll recognition in Grade 7 and Grade 8 isbased on the following:

1. Highest Honors students with a GPA of at least 3.7 4.02. High Honors s tudents with a GPA of at least 3.5 3.693. Honors students with a GPA of at least 3.0 3.49

Any grade below a C (on the A through F scale) disqualifies a student from HonorRoll consideration.

For students to compute their GPA, they can assign the values printed below to thegrades they have earned. Modern Language and Exploratory courses are notincluded in the computation of Honor Roll. The total points divided by the numberof courses taken (in most cases, this would be five courses) provides a student withhis/her GPA.

24

AA-B+BB-C+

======

94 - 100%90 - 9387 - 8983 - 8680 - 8277 - 79

======

CCD+DD-F

73 - 7670 - 7267 - 6963 - 6660 - 62Below 60

AA-B+

BB-C+

===

4.03.73.3

===

3.02.72.3

DD-F

CC-D+

2.01.71.3

===

===

1.00.70.0

Exploratory and Elective Courses

Academic Probation

If a student fails the first semester in any two subjects, he/she may be placed onacademic probation. In circumstances wherein the situation does not improve, thestudent may not be invited to return to International School Manila. The finaldecision will rest with the Learning Support Resource Team. Parents will beinformed in writing during the second semester as to their child's status for thefollowing year.

Testing

Throughout the year, teachers test and determine what materials have beenmastered or need to be re-taught.

A new student will be tested to determine his/her learning strengths andweaknesses in both Math and English. Classes are assigned to meet specific needsof a student. A teacher may refer a student to the Guidance Counselor for further

evaluations, which will help in planning an appropriate program.

Students in Grades 5-8 are tested annually to measure their potential andachievement, as well as the effectiveness of the school program. The results areshared with parents and students.

Late Assignment Policy

Students need to show initiative by speaking with their teacher before the duedate in the event that their assignment will be late. Assignments and projects thatare submitted beyond the due date may lose up to 10% for being late.

Middle School Media Center (MSMC)

The Middle School Media Center houses a growing collection of over 15,000 booksand audio-visual materials, 15 periodical titles and 4 local and foreignnewspapers. The collection supplements all areas of the curriculum and isregularly updated with input from teachers and students.

The MSMC is open throughout the regular school day from 7:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Students may visit with their class teacher or obtain a pass to visit on their ownduring class time. They may also visit the MSMC before school, during lunch andafter school.

25


14/92

At the MSMC, students may search the online catalogues, borrow books andmaterials, use reference sources, search online databases, surf the internet andwork on projects requiring the use of the library.

Use of Technology

International School Manila's goal is to educate users by providing them with theunderstanding and skills needed to use sources of technology in ways appropriateto their education and information needs.

Information and Communication Technology significantly alters the informationlandscape for ISM by opening class rooms to a broader array of resources, includingthose from file servers throughout the world. International School Manila's goal isto provide students with the understanding, tools and skill sets needed to use thetechnology in ways appropriate to their education and learning as deemed by theschool. Making this technology available to students carries with it the risk thatsome information may be identified as controversial or potentially harmful.

Therefore, access will be provided only to individuals who pledge to act in aconsiderate, ethical and responsible manner.

With the use of Information and Communication Technology, accessibleinformation changes daily. It is not always possible to predict what students andother individuals may encounter. It is impossible to prohibit access to allcontroversial or potentially harmful sites and/or services. ISM does not condonethe access and/or use of inappropriate material. An honor system is in effect.Individuals are expected to report any security abuses by others or potentialproblems to computer teachers, librarians or the Information Technology Director.

No individual shall intentionally cause damage to any equipment or softwarebelonging to International School Manila (ISM), or any member of the ISMcommunity. There will be consequences for any individual who fails to followInternational School Manila policies.

Concerns about information technology will be handled in the same manner asconcerns about other educational materials.

This policy applies to all technology including, but not limited to, computers,phones, audio/video equipment, copy machines and information storage devices.

Unauthorized Copying, Installation, Use or Theft of Software, Media,Electronic Files, Data or Other Intellectual Property: It is unethical andforbidden to copy, install, take or use software, media, electronic files, data orother intellectual property unless permission has been obtained from its creator,owner or publisher, either in writing or as a license agreement.

26

Unauthorized Materials and Electronic Files: Any attempt to distribute and/orgain access to inappropriate materials including, but not limited to, pornographicmaterials, malicious codes and applications, unlicensed v ideo and audio files andunauthorized games, is likewise prohibited.

Account and Passwords: Students are provided individual usernames andpasswords. They will be responsible in safeguarding the data and services beingoffered by the school. They will likewise be responsible in safeguarding theiraccount password and accesses. Any attempt to borrow, lend or share individualusernames and passwords is forbidden.

Use of Any Technology for Activities Unrelated to Specific School Use: Any use oftechnology by students must be directly related to their education as directed byteachers or staff. Students will not use school technology for accessinginformation or technology not within the school's control without expressed andspecific permission from the IT Office and the Principal. This will include, but willnot be limited to, remote control of home computers, remote access to othernetworks, unauthorized proxy services and others. Technology will not be used by

students for entertainment, game-playing or for activities unrelated to theircurrent education and learning.

Prohibited Behaviors: Students are responsible for their behavior on schoolcomputer systems, just as they are at all times throughout the school. Below aresamples of conduct that will not be tolerated including, without limitation:

Tampering and/or attempt to tamper, theft, removal or change of anyhardware or software from any ISM-owned or leased system or equipment;

Deleting, renaming, moving, copying or changing any electronic files ortheir properties, other than their own, without explicit permission from theowner or school authorities;

Changing or attempt to change passwords other than their own; Intentionally impersonating someone else and/or misrepresenting another

through the use of another's school email account whether within or outsideInternational School Manila;

Intentionally and/or maliciously bypassing the user-security mechanisms ofthe network and mail system;

Playing unauthorized computer arcade games; Installing unauthorized personal software on school technology equipment; Violating copyright laws by unauthorized copying and distribution of

software; Installing, copying or knowingly infecting a computer system with virus

and/or malicious programs;

Wasting resources including bandwidth, file storage space, printers orpaper;

Using technology for unauthorized commercial purposes; Mass Mailing.

27


15/92

Harassment/Cyber-Bullying Using Technology: Use of the phone system, copymachines, computer systems, email or any technology to send or displayinappropriate, obscene or harassing messages or material anywhere or to anyoneis prohibited.

Invasion of the Privacy or Property of Individuals or the School UsingTechnology, Reporting of Violations: All students must respect any individual'swork, electronic files and right to privacy. The IT Office reserves the right toinspect any student's data, school email, media, electronic files and propertybrought into school and used to access school technology. This will include, butwill not be limited to, printed documents, diskettes, flash disks, CD ROMs.Students not willing to allow such inspection will not bring technology items notowned or controlled by the school into school facilities, nor use them to accessschool technology.

Accessing, Creating, Saving, Displaying or Publishing Inappropriate orDemeaning Materials or Information: Some materials or information available aselectronic information on the network and the Internet is considered

objectionable by some. Students will not access, create, save, display or publishany inappropriate or demeaning materials or information. Students are prohibitedfrom accessing or participating in online chat rooms or other forms of directelectronic communication like Internet SMS (other than email) without priorapproval from the Principal and the IT Office.

Privacy in Communication over the Internet and the Network Is NotGuaranteed: You must know that the IT Office will monitor, log, review, andinspect all directories, files, and/or messages residing on or sent using the school'scomputer network. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will bereported to the appropriate authorities.

Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with the Information Technology Use Policymay result in restriction or even complete loss of access to part or all forms of anytechnology or other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate by the schooladministration. There will be consequences for any individual who fails to followInternational School Manila (ISM) policies. The consequences may include payingfor damages, denial of access to technology, detention, suspension or expulsion.

Health and Safety

All students, except in case of emergency, are required to have written permissionfrom the teacher before being seen in the Health Clinic during regular schoolhours. No Clinic Pass is required after school hours.

28

A student may be allowed to rest in the Health Clinic for an appropriate period oftime. If the student has not improved, the parents/guardian will be asked to pickup the student from school. A student being sent home by the physician is requiredto be picked up at the Health Clinic by the parent/guardian who will sign a releaseform. Students with fever or any other contagious d iseases are not allowed to ridethe school bus.

As a school policy, the Health Clinic physicians do not issue prescriptions for anykind of medication. Students are advised to see their family physician.

If a student has to take prescribed medication at school, the Health Cl inic staff willadminister the medication with compliance to the following policies:

The medication should be properly labeled as to the name of the student,name of medication, dosage and time the medication has to be taken.

A note from the parent authorizing the Health Clinic staff to administer themedication.

INSULIN and EPIPEN are the ONLY prescription medication that will beadministered by injection.

Security

Security Officers are on duty on the school campus at all times. It is important thatall visitors to the school obtain a pass upon entering the campus.

Crisis Management

A Crisis Response Team exists to assis t the school to function in the event of a crisisor tragedy that indirectly or directly impacts the people of the ISM community. Ifyou are one of the first to become aware of such a crisis, please inform theSuperintendent or a Principal promptly.

Steps taken in response to a given incident will be determined by the CrisisResponse Team, which is composed of Counselors, Administrators and variousspecialists as needed. First and foremost, the Team is concerned with the safety ofstudents. The Team provides emotional support to students, s taff and parents byresponding to the event in a calm, compassionate and timely manner.

Fire Alarms/Drills

The buildings on campus are fitted with a fire alarm system. Throughout the year,fire drills take place in order to familiarize pupils with procedures and escapeexits. Instructions for exiting the building are posted in each classroom. Inaddition, drills for internal evacuations and lock downs will also take place duringthe year. It is imperative that students move to the designated points in an orderly,expedient and quiet fashion.

29


16/92

Typhoon Storm Signal

Contingencies Regarding Closing During Typhoons1. Storm Signal 1 Conditions

1. When Storm Signal 1 is declared,school will remain open.

2. Storm Signal 2 Conditions2.1 When Storm Signal 2 is declared,ISM will close.2.2 An announcement to parentsregarding closing of the school will bemade by 5:30 am.2.3 When ISM is to be closed,information will be transmitted toparents by the Telephone Tree, MassText Messaging System, Bus System andAdministrative Telephone Tree.

3. Storm Signal 3 Conditions3.1 ISM will automatically close whenStorm Signal 3 or higher is declared.

Transportation

Detailed information regarding busing and the school's transportation services areprovided in a separate publication provided by the school .

Daily Guidelines

1. Students must only ride the bus to which they are assigned and may onlyride a different one with written permission from the TransportationCoordinator. If there is a change of schedule or address, please turn in yourinformation to the Transportation Coordinator's Office for updating andcorrection.

2. Buses leave on schedule and will not wait for late students.a. If a bus arrived late at schoo l, students must get a pass from the

Transportation Coordinator's Office for admission to class andthe late will be excused.

b. If a bus does not show up or is more than 10 minutes late, contactthe Transportation Office immediately (840-8540 or 840-8541).

3. The buses will unload students at ISM in the Elementary School Field parkingarea and will leave from the same place.

4. All exits on the large and medium buses are controlled and operated fromthe driver's position. Students are to enter and leave the bus from the frontexit. The rear exits may not be used except in an emergency.

30

GUIDELINES FOR TYPHOONS

BEFORE SCHOOL OPENS

Decision to close ISM is made by 5:30 am.

SIGNAL 1 ISM OPEN

SIGNAL 2 ISM CLOSED

SIGNAL 3 or 4 ISM CLOSED

INFORMATION ON CLOSING FROM: Radio FM 88.3 or 99.5

Telephone Tree

Call ISM 840-8400 or

a. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with first-aid kits and fireextinguishers. Music devices may not be played on the buses.

b. Bus attendants are provided with a bus folder which includes allrelated bus information: bus routes, students' logbook, rules andregulations and so on.

5. The school is not liable for any item left on the bus. Students must see to itthat nothing is left on the bus. However, items found on the bus may beturned in to the Transportation Office.

6. Activity buses are scheduled to leave the campus at 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm and5:15 pm. These buses are for students participating in scheduled co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama and so on.

7. Routes for late buses are scheduled by the school on a drop-off point basis,and any change or deviation from the established routes will be authorizedonly by the school. School bus rules also apply to the late bus.

School Bus Rules and Regulations

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible mannerwhile riding the bus to and from the school. Misbehavior on a school bus or at thebus stop will be reported by the bus driver or bus attendant to the TransportationCoordinator and will result in disciplinary action. All instructions of theTransportation Coordinator and staff must be obeyed; behavior on the bus shouldbe identical to manners and courtesy practiced within the classroom.

Most students want to ride a safe, clean and well regulated bus. In order to meetthese conditions, certain rules and regulations must be observed. The bus driver orbus attendant is responsible for each student and therefore must devote his/herattention to safety. Here is how you can help:

1. Be present at bus pick-up points to board the bus on time.2. It is the responsibility of parents to see that someone will be accompanying

their child to and from the bus. Drivers are not supposed to get off the busto walk or cross the street with a child.

3. Ride your assigned bus unless special permission is given by theTransportation Coordinator to ride another bus.

4.

Always get off the bus at your designated bus stop, unless your parents havearranged for an alternative and the Transportation Coordinator hasauthorized departure on another bus.

5. Do not ask anyone to ride your bus without permission from theTransportation Coordinator.

6. Do not ask the driver to deviate from his/her scheduled bus routes and/orstops. Only the Transportation Coordinator can authorize changes.

7. For your safety and the safety of others, wait until the bus comes to acomplete stop before embarking or disembarking.

31


17/92

8. To make sure there is enough room for everyone, keep personal possessions,such as books and bags, on your lap and out of aisles and seats.

9. Never stick head, hands, arms or any other part of your body out of thewindow or doors.

10.Avoid unnecessary noise and distractions that might divert the driver'sattention. This includes standing up and/or changing seats.

11.Bus routes are determined so as to provide adequate seating for everyone.Therefore, no one is to sit in the aisles, on the doorsteps or on the motorcover/gearbox.

12.Practice courtesy to fellow students, your bus driver, bus attendant and tocitizens of your host country. This includes refraining from inappropriatelanguage, spitting, shouting or making obscene gestures either inside oroutside of the bus.

13.Never throw anything in the bus or out of the window.14.Help maintain a clean and sanitary bus.15.Respect the personal property of others. A student responsible for any

damage, destruction or defacing of personal or bus property, will berequired to pay for damages and will be subject to disciplinary action.

16.Refrain from fighting or creating disturbances, injuring another person oracting in such a manner as to expose others to risk, danger or harm. Nopushing or swearing is permitted.

17.Never tamper, dismantle or deface any part of the bus or its equipment.

Obey the bus driver and bus attendant at all times. In case of an emergency,remain quietly seated in the bus unless otherwise instructed by the driver or busattendant.

First Offense: A warning will be given to the student both verbally and inwriting. This will be kept on file in the Transportation Office.

Second Offense: Parents will be notified that there is a behavior problem andthat the student will be given one more chance to obey therules.

Third Offense: A student is suspended from riding the bus.

Cafeteria

The Middle School Cafeteria operates daily from 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., on a debitcard basis using a student's ID card and preloading money onto the card. TheCafeteria menu includes a variety of breakfast items, hot lunches, snack itemsand a number of healthy options.

32

Please be advised that the Cafeteria utilizes a prepaid system. This means that allstudents must order and pay for their items at the cashier first.Students will then be provided with the receipt from the cashier that they will giveto the food counter attendant in order to collect their food items.Students may also choose to bring their own lunch and snacks from home.

When students are in the Cafeteria, they need to be considerate, clean andenvironmentally friendly. It is expected that students will clean up afterthemselves in the Cafeteria.

School Supplies, Resources and Textbooks

A complete list of school supplies required by students is available in the MiddleSchool Office or on the Middle School Blog (http://ms.ism-online.org)

School-owned textbooks and resource materials are issued to students from theTextbook Center or by the teacher. In cases of loss or damage, the student will

provide reimbursement.

Lockers

Each student in Grades 6, 7 and 8 is issued a locker to store their personalbelongings and school materials. Valuables or money should not be left in yourlocker or in an unattended bag. It is a student's responsibility to report anyonetampering with their locker to the Middle School Office. Lockers will be assigned tostudents by the Middle School Office. Physical Education (PE) lockers are availablefor use only during PE class. It is important that students provide locks for their PElockers and keep their personal belongings locked away at all times. Lockers willbe assigned by the PE teacher. Exchange of lockers and sharing of lockers amongstudents is not permitted. Middle School lockers are accessed with your studentID card. If you forget or misplaced your ID card, please report to the MS Office.

Personal Property, Lost and Found

It is important to keep track of all items students bring to school each day.Labeling all clothing, belongings and band instruments with the student's namehelps ensure the return of the item, should it be misplaced. Band instruments maybe kept in a locked storage area in the band room.

All lost items and materials may be claimed from the Lost and Found desk in theSecurity Office. As members of our Middle School community, students areexpected to respect the property of others and turn in found items to the Midd leSchool office or directly to the Security Office. A security report is filled out by thestudent for lost items.

33


18/92

Withdrawal Procedures

Students withdrawing from ISM must complete the following procedures:

1. The Admissions Office in the Central Administration building will provide aWithdrawal Notification Form to be signed by parents notifying the MiddleSchool Administration at least one week in advance of the intention towithdraw. Upon receipt of the signed form, the student will be given aClearance Form to be signed by each teacher or school department indicatingall materials have been returned.

2. Complete all checkout procedures, including:

a. Returning all textbooks to the Textbook Center;

b. Returning all materials borrowed from the Media Center, departments,

and/or Guidance Office;

c. Checking with the Cashier's Office one week prior to the withdrawal date

for final accounts to be settled. No student may be officially withdrawn

until all accounts have been settled, meaning that no Transcript of Recordand Certificate of Attendance will be released until all accounts are paid.

STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Essential Expectations

Our main goal for students is that they are respectful, take responsibility for theiractions and make safe choices. Self-control and self-discipline are importantpersonal responsibilities. Everyone at ISM should feel good about being in schooland be able to be confident in themselves. It is everyone's responsibility to treatothers with respect, including all teachers and adults working on our campus. Allstudents have the right to learn and to be safe at ISM.

Students of ISM are expected to be positive and respectful of others at school andwhen representing ISM in the wider community.

The following are guidelines to be followed:

Be prepared to learn with your mind ready and focused, with all materialsand resources available at the start of class.

Be on time for all classes.

Complete all assignments to a high standard and in a timely manner. Follow the guidelines for wearing of the school uniform. Stay on task in class, avoid bringing items to class that will be a distraction

to your learning and the learning of others.

34

The following are unacceptable behaviors:

Bullying, either in person or in written form such as cyber-bullying. (Use ofthe phone system, copy machines, computer systems, email or anytechnology to send or display inappropriate, obscene or harassing messagesor material anywhere or to anyone is prohibited.)

Cheating/plagiarism Defiance of authority/insubordination Disruption of instruction Endangering the safety of others Extortion Fighting or assault Hazing or initiations Inappropriate language/behavior

Dishonesty Threatening or intimidating behaviors (e.g. harassment, verbal abuse,

humiliation, ridicule, etc.)

Participating in group behaviors that intimidate, threaten physical orpsychological harm against others

Promoting or encouraging membership and interests of groups, clubs,fraternities or organizations not officially sanctioned by the school

Recruiting or encouraging others to participate in inappropriate, harmful orintimidating behavior

Stealing

It is a basic entitlement of all students to receive their education free fromhumiliation, oppression and abuse. As relationships are the foundation of ourcommunity, students are encouraged not only to treat others as they would wish tobe treated, but also to protect and uphold the freedom and rights of others.Harassment and bullying will not be tolerated, and students who participate insuch behavior will be held responsible for such action. Consequences for suchbehavior may result in the suspension or dismissal of the student.

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR DISCIPLINE ISSUES

Academic Honesty

At ISM, integrity is a key component of our vision. Academic honesty requires that

all students and teachers respect the integrity of one another's work and recognizethe importance of acknowledging and safeguarding intellectual property.

Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the trust upon which our academiccommunity depends. We are committed to the basic academic right that students

35


19/92

receive due credit for work submitted for assessment. It is clearly a breach ofintegrity for students to submit work that represents the work of others as theirown. The types of academic dishonesty and consequences for such breaches ofintegrity are outlined below.

Malpractice

Malpractice isbehavior that results in, or may result in, a student (or students)gaining an unfair advantage in an assessment. Malpractice includes:

1. Plagiarism- This is when a student represents the ideas or work of anotherperson as their own. This can be intentional or unintentional; theconsequence is the same.

2. Collusion- This is when a student allows their work to be copied orsubmitted for assessment by another student. The consequence for bothstudents is the same.

3. Duplication- This is when a student presents the same work for differentassessments (i.e. double dipping).

4.

Any other behavior that gains an unfair advantage- This Includes cheating inan exam or test, taking unauthorized material into an exam or test,misconduct during an exam or test, etc.

5. Falsification of signatures or records- When a parent signature is required,it is imperative that the signature is indeed authentic.

Consequences of Malpractice at ISM

If a student is found guilty of Malpractice, the following occurs:

The school considers cheating to be a serious matter. Apart from the basic issue ofhonesty, it both unfairly disadvantages other students and reinforces the cheater'sown feelings of inadequacy.

First offense will generally involve the student in a conference with theteacher and when necessary, Middle School Administration. Contact will bemade with the parents (academic/disciplinary consequences may result).

Second offense disciplinary (e.g. suspension in or out of school) and/oracademic consequences will result and parents will be contacted.

Further offenses will be viewed more seriously and could result in thestudent being removed from school.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Cigarette Lighters/Matches - Middle School students are not to be inpossession of or use lighters/matches on campus, on the buses, or at anyISM-sponsored event.

36

International School Manila is a tobacco-free campus. Students may notpossess oruse tobacco. This includes the streets in front and to the sides ofthe school and on the school buses. The tobacco-free policy al so applies toschool-sponsored student activities off campus.

For students who violate the school's policy on tobacco or chewing tobacco,it is considered a major infraction that may incur a level 4 6 disciplinaryaction(suspension and expulsion; see below).

Alcohol Use - Students may not possess, consume, or be under the influenceof alcohol at anytime, either on campus, on a school bus, or at any school-sponsored student activities. For students who violate the no-alcoholpolicy, it is considered a major infraction that may incur a level 4 6disciplinary action (suspension and expulsion; see below).

Drug Policy

From Grade 8 to Grade 12, students, according to Board policy, take part inscreening and detection procedures.

The Board of Trustees of International School Manila, acting on behalf of the schoolcommunity, establishes the rule and policy that ISM students should not make useof prohibited or dangerous drugs in any circumstances, regardless of time or place.

To this end:1. The School's objective is to maintain a drug-free community. It shall spare

no effort to bar the use of prohibited, regulated, or dangerous drugs, or thepresence of any person under such influence on the ISM campus, itssurrounding environments, and during school-sponsored or school-relatedactivities, functions and events.

2. At any time, whether or not during the school year, that a student:a. is on IS Manila's campus or its surrounding environmentsb. is present at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function

or event, the student is subject to the School's policies and rulesconcerning drugs, regardless of where the drug use occurred.

3. The School likewise prohibits the actual, frustrated, or attemptedpossession, sale, or transfer of prohibited or dangerous drugs or drugrelated paraphernalia by any person at any time of the year on ISM'scampus, or its surrounding environments, or during a school-sponsored orschool-related activity, function, or event.

Dangerous drugs include, but are not limited to, narcotics, stimulants,barbiturates, suppressants, hallucinogens, marijuana or amphetamines. TheSchool likewise considers the following as prohibited or dangerous drugs:

Any pharmaceutical without a valid prescription and knowledge andpermission of parents;

Any abusive glue, aerosol, or any other chemical substance used by astudent for inhalation; and

37


20/92

38

Any intoxicating, or mood-changing, mind-altering or behavior-alteringsubstance or drugs.

It is understood that the term school-sponsored or school-related activities,functions or events includes time spent riding a school bus or any other means oftransport to a school-sponsored or schoo l-related activity, function or event.

Use, whether active or passive, pertains to a student voluntarily introducing ortolerating, or allowing to be introduced, by any means, into his or her body, aprohibited or dangerous substance such that it is detectable by the student'sphysical appearance, actions, breath, speech or chemical analysis.

Possession is any conduct or combination of acts of a student evincing custody orcontrol of or over a prohibited or dangerous substance.

Sale and transfer refer to any conveyance from a student to any other person,natural or juridical, of a prohibited or dangerous substance for any consideration,whether valuable, pecuniary, gratuitous, or even out of mere l iberality.

As part of the policy, a screening and detection procedure utilizing urinalysis, hairfollicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as determined by theadministration, will be conducted on a random basis, or, where suspicion of useexists, selectively. Random selection may result in a student being selected fortesting or screening more than once during the semester.

Infractions of the ISM policy on drug abuse are cumulative throughout thestudent's tenure at ISM, and will result in the following consequences:

1. Any student who possesses, uses, buys, sells, gives, or traffics drugs on oroff the school campus, its surrounding environments, or at any school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or event will bepermanently withdrawn from school and permanently dropped from therolls of IS Manila on the first offense.

2. Positive detection of use through urinalysis, hair follicle, saliva, or othersuch drug detection tests as determined by the administration, will result inthe following consequences:

First Offense A pre- and post-suspension conference at which will be present parent

/student / Counselor / Administrator;

Suspension from school and all school-related activities for two weeks (10full class days);During those two weeks, at the initiative of the parents, a comprehensiveevaluation of the student by an IS Manila recognized and approvedprofessional shall be conducted. At least five, or as many as recommendedby the school and/or the outside counselor, professional counseling sessionswill be required with all relevant documentation to be forwarded to theSchool before readmission. The costs of this counseling sessions will be

borne by the parents. The School recommends strongly that the parents,too, avail themselves of specialist help.

Prior to readmission, the student must present a written research paper of astandard acceptable to the school and commensurate with the student'sage and academic ability on drug use and abuse.

The School has the prerogative to insist upon student participation in a drugrehabilitation course during and after the period of suspension. At theleast, a scheduled visit to such an institution may be required of the studentby the School.

As part of the reintegration process, the Building Principal has theprerogative to insist that the offending student must participate in anorganized school activity, to be determined in discussion with parents,student and Principal.

Upon returning to school, the student will be placed on periodic,mandatory urinalysis, hair follicle, saliva or other such drug detection testsas determined by the Administration, the cost of which must be borne bythe parents.

Refusal to comply with the counseling or the periodic mandatory urinalysis,hair follicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as determined by theAdministration, will result in the student being permanently dropped fromthe rolls of IS Manila.

Second Offense The student will be permanently dropped from the rolls of IS Manila. The offense may be noted on the student's official transcript if the School

determines such is necessary for the protection of IS Manila's interests.

As a demonstration of its faith in human redemption, the Board of Trustees willconsider the reintegration of the student to IS Manila according to stringentcriteria explained in the administrative guidelines to this policy.

3. Any student who refuses to submit, upon request, to a urinalysis, hairfollicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as determined by theadministration, will be deemed to have failed said test and will besanctioned accordingly. A second refusal will result in the student beingpermanently dropped from the rolls of IS Manila.

4. Circumventing one's own urinalysis, hair follicle, saliva or other such drugdetection tests as determined by the administration, or assisting anotherstudent in circumventing the process will result in the same consequences

as outlined in the previous section.5. Urinalysis, hair follicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as

determined by the Administration, random or otherwise, will be conductedaccording to the administrative guidelines to this policy.

39


21/92

Possession of Weapons on Campus

Students of International School Manila are expected to respect the persona identity,privacy, and safety of others. Hence, possession of any firearm dangerous weapon, orfacsimile (exact copy) on campus or at any school activity is prohibited.

Consequences of possession of these items are as follows:

1. Any student who brings a firearm to school will be immediately suspended and

recommended for permanent withdrawal or expulsion from school.

Additionally, any student who possesses, on school premises, any dangerous

weapon and who brandishes, threatens or uses such weapon in anyconfrontational situation will also be immediately suspended and

recommended for permanent withdrawal or expulsion from school.

2. Any student who is in possession of any BB, pellet, or facsimile (exact copy)

firearm, knife designed as a weapon, martial art weapons, or any otherweapons (or items that can be perceived and/or used as a weapon), will be

suspended from school on the first offense. If a second offense occurs, thestudent will be immediately suspended and recommended for permanentwithdrawal from school or expulsion from school.

3. Students should not bring to school pocket knives, pen knives, key chain

knives, etc. These will be confiscated and returned only to parents. Students

will be subject to suspension on their first offense.

Theft

Students of International School Manila are expected to respect the property ofothers. Theft or the appropriation of property other than one's own is considered aserious offense and is prohibited.

Acts of theft consists of being in possession of stolen property, the actual taking,assisting in taking, or in any way participating in the acquisition of materials belongingto someone else without the person's consent. Theft is taken very seriously and mayresult in a student being asked to leave the school.

Consequences for Disciplinary Infractions

At the International School Manila, like in any other school, students are expected toobserve the kind of behavior which allows them to secure a sound education and also

to respect the rights and feelings of others. There are times, however, that a studentmight choose to act without responsibility or regard for others. Our belief is thatstudents are mature individuals who can make appropriate choices in their behaviors.

The goal in dealing with all behavioral problems is to change unacceptable behavior tosocially acceptable levels. In a school of such a diverse, multicultural composition asISM, this means a greater respect and broader tolerance for other points of view andreligious and cultural heritage.

40

The following summarizes the levels of disciplinary action, which shall beenforced by school personnel with students who are in violation of school rules:

Level 1 - VERBAL WARNING/REPRIMANDThe teacher/staff member will discuss and remind the student not toengage in the inappropriate behavior by reviewing the rules.

Level 2 - CONFERENCEStaff members may conduct a conference with the student,parent/guardian, or both.

Level 3 - INTERVENTIONStaff members may use one or more of the following interventions: Referralto school Counselor, Administrator, Support Services/ Learning SupportResource Team, or other; Time-Out, the temporary removal of a studentfrom class; Staffing, a meeting of school personnel and others to considerthe behavior of the student and make recommendations for improvement;

Behavioral Contract, a written agreement between the s tudent, parent,guardian and school listing requirements for improvement; Restriction,

the temporary denial of the student's right to participate in designatedactivities or be in certain areas; Written Communication, a conduct reportletter, progress report, etc. sent to the parent/guardian; After-SchoolDetention, at least one hour served after school with notification to theparent/guardian; Break or Lunch Detention, a time-out period duringbreak or lunch for at least 15 minutes to 30 minutes; Reflective Writings, awritten document that a student will complete on the situation orinappropriate behavior, and a plan of action for the improvement and/or aletter of apology to the appropriate individual(s); Work Detail, a specificwork detail assignment given to a student relevant to the infraction.

Level 4 - SUSPENSION (IN-SCHOOL)A student may be given by the Administration, an in-school suspension (ISS)for up to 5 days for breaking a school or classroom rule. This means theywould spend their entire school day completing individual assignmentsgiven by their regular teachers, while being removed from the regularclassroom and social setting. The parent/ guardian will be notified of an in-school suspension decision. As part of this process, students meet with MSAdministration to reflect upon and discuss what they have learned from thesituation.

Level 5 - SUSPENSION (OUT-OF-SCHOOL)The Principal and/or Assistant Principal may suspend a student from schoolfor serious behavioral problems or habitual infractions for up to 10

school days. The parent/guardian will be notified of an out-of schoolsuspension decision. All suspensions will involve a re-admittanceconference with at least one parent, s tudent, an Administrator or his/herdesignee. It is the policy of ISM that the suspended student shall beresponsible for all school work/tests missed during his/her suspension.

41


22/92

pants or walking shorts from the Uniform Shop are to be worn. Shirts may be worntucked in or worn out, as long the hem does not fall below the pants' pocketopening.

Physical Education (PE) Clothing

All students from Kindergarten onwards require the following clothing for PE: T-shirts and shorts

Tennis shoes and athletic socks

Two pairs of shoes are recommended: one for indoor use and an older pair foroutdoor use. It is permissible for students to wear their PE uniform to school only ifthey have PE first period. Otherwise, they need to change into their PE uniformjust before class. Please note that students' PE uniforms are to be used during PEclass only! Students are not permitted to wear PE clothes and shoes to otherclasses during the day.

In order to maintain good personal hygiene, especially in our hot climate, astudent is required to wear a PE uniform during times of strenuous physicalactivity. PE clothing must be kept reasonably clean. All students should label theirclothes and shoes with was

ms student planner sy1314 final

Documents