series viii - students 1 8.10 responsive and fair educational … · 2019. 3. 21. · 8.401 student...

Series VIII - Students .......................................................................................................................................... 1

8.10 Responsive and Fair Educational Opportunities .......................................................................... 1

8.101 Student Involvement in Decision making ................................................................................... 3

8.20 Admission and Placement of Students ............................................................................................ 4

8.201 Continuing Admission and Exclusion ............................................................................................. 7

8.202-R Admissions and Early Withdrawals ............................................................................................ 8

8.203 Student Transfers and Withdrawals .............................................................................................. 9

8.203-R Student Transfers and Withdrawals ........................................................................................ 10

8.301 Student Absences and Excuses ..................................................................................................... 13

8.401 Student Rights and Responsibilities/Student Due Process Rights ................................... 15

8.402 Standards of Conduct ........................................................................................................................ 17

8.4021 Dress Code .......................................................................................................................................... 19

8.4021-R Dress Code ..................................................................................................................................... 20

8.4022 Smoking By Students ..................................................................................................................... 21

8.501 Progressive Behavior Remediation ............................................................................................... 22

8.502 Substance Abuse Policy .................................................................................................................... 24

8.503 Weapons Policy .................................................................................................................................... 26

8.504 Academic Integrity ............................................................................................................................. 27

8.60 Health Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 28

8.6011 Supervision of Students/Dismissal Precautions ................................................................... 29

8.704 Student Publications .......................................................................................................................... 30

8.90 Student Records .................................................................................................................................... 31

8.90-R Student Records ................................................................................................................................ 32

8.901-R Student Transcripts ....................................................................................................................... 34

Series VIII – Students

8.10 Responsive and Fair Educational Opportunities

The Board of Trustees believes in the principles of equality of educational

opportunity, so that every child – regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national

origin, cultural and economic background, or special needs and gifts – be given

maximum opportunity for educational development. Therefore, the School works for

an educational environment that places great emphasis on individual attention and

instruction; that seeks to stimulate and encourage each child’s intellectual curiosity

and discipline; and that fosters in each child a sense of self-worth and responsibility

for his/her work. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed,

color, sex, or national origin, and seeks to accept all qualified students who apply.

All entering High School students not having English as their native language must,

at a minimum, complete the IB SL English B program by graduation. Students

requesting admission to grades 11 and 12 will not be eligible for admission unless

found through testing to be capable of meeting this criterion.

The School is not equipped or staffed to educate students with severe learning

disabilities, physical or mental handicap, or emotional problems. The Board of

Trustees reserves the right to exclude students whose needs cannot be adequately

met and authorizes the Director to exclude students on that basis.

No student will, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in educational

programs or activities conducted by the School. This means that the School will

treat boys and girls equally in allowing them access to courses of study, career

guidance, preparation for qualifying examinations for further study, athletics, and

extra-curricular activities.

It is the policy of the School to observe applicable regulations of the Portuguese

Ministry of Education that may pertain to fair educational opportunities for all

students.

Adopted: 17 January 1980

Revised: 30 March 1992


8.101 Student Involvement in Decision making

The Board believes that students – as individuals and as members of the school

community – should have opportunities to take responsibility for their own learning.

Learning to participate constructively in group decision-making is an important part

of growing up; therefore, students should be encouraged in keeping with their level

of maturity, to take part in the development of educational policies and regulations

that affect them.

In general, such participation is best channeled through class or school

organizations, such as the Student Council, which offers practice in self-government

and serves as forums for the expression of student ideas. Students may also be

asked to serve on advisory committees to the administration.

The Board will consider student opinions in setting policies that directly affect

student programs, activities, privileges, and responsibilities. However, the authority

to govern the School remains with the Board and with the Director, as consistent

with the best interests of the School as a whole.



Revised: 6 January 1998

8.20 Admission and Placement of Students

Admission to CAISL is based on the following criteria:

A. Academic Standards:

Students will be admitted only when their previous records and CAISL-administered

admissions testing if needed indicate a high likelihood that they can successfully

complete the requirements of the division of the school for which they are requesting

admission (Elementary EC3- Grade 5, Middle School 6-8, or High School 9-12).

B. Behavioral Standards:

Students will be admitted only when their previous school records indicate a student

who will be a positive and productive member of the CAISL community.

NOTE: Admission into one division does not ensure promotion to subsequent divisions. (i.e. Admission

to the Middle School does not guarantee subsequent promotion to the High School.)

The following records must be supplied with the application for admissions:

Official school transcripts for a minimum of the past three years.

In some cases, at the discretion of the Admissions Team, unofficial

records (such as parent copies of report cards) are acceptable for an

admissions decision to be made but official transcripts must be

provided prior to the student’s 1st day of classes.

Current copies of educational-psychological testing and/or individual

educational plans (IEPs or equivalent), if such exist.

Copies of medical reports and/or individual educational plans (IEPs or

equivalent) related to any physical condition which might prevent a student

from fully participating in all school activities or which might be life-

threatening.

Note: In the absence of a physical condition requiring analysis prior

to entry, health, physical examination, and immunization records

from a physician dated no earlier than six months must be

submitted prior to the first day of school but are not required for the

admissions decision to be made.

Falsification or concealment of records may result in the student’s being required to

withdraw from school.

C. School Capacity and Class Size. Admission will be granted according to limits

which ensure that standards of excellence will be maintained.

D. English Fluency: All entering High School students not having English as their

native language must, at a minimum, complete the IB Standard Level English B

program by graduation. Students requesting admission to High School are not

eligible for admission unless found through prior school records and/or testing to be

capable of meeting this criteria.

E. For entry into the Early Childhood Program (3, 4, and 5 year olds) and Grade

One (age 6), students must be age appropriate by September 1 of the current

school year. Exceptions may be made, at the discretion of the Elementary Principal

for

A. Students who are native speakers of English;

B. Students whose most recent educational experience (if any) was in

a school whose primary language of instruction was English;

C. Students of any linguistic background born during the month of

September whose evaluation by the CAISL staff indicates a different

grade-placement.

F. Special Learning Needs. Students admitted to CAISL must be able to function

within the regular classroom setting and be able to work towards successful

completion of CAISL academic requirements. A specialist team provides learning

support for students with mild learning difficulties. CAISL does not have the

facilities or faculty required to educate children with severe learning problems,

including but not limited to significant learning disabilities, mental retardation,

significant visual or hearing impairments, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical

impairments, communicative disorders/aphasia.

G. Priority for Admissions, including on the Waiting List, will be given to students

who meet the above requirements, according to the following hierarchy.

1. Current CAISL re-enrolling students

2. Students whose parents are US Government employees.

3. Students who are coming from American or American International Schools.

4. Students who are coming from schools whose primary language of instruction

is English.

5. Students who are linguistically unable to attend a school whose instructional

language is Portuguese.

H. Initial Language and Math Testing: CAISL may require admissions or

placement testing of each student prior to a final decision on admission. Such

testing may consist of math, English reading comprehension and writing skills, and

Portuguese reading comprehension and writing skills. The purposes of these tests

are:

1. To identify any possible learning difficulties

2. To ensure appropriate placement in a grade or a class.

CAISL may also require the parents to submit the results of other

achievement or intelligence testing prior to admission if in-house testing

indicates a need for these records. Such additional testing will be at

parent’s expense.

I. Financial Clearance from Previous School: Students whose families owe

money to the previous school will not be admitted.



Revised: 14 April 1999

Revised: 5 June 2001

Revised: 25 February 2003



Revised: 28 August 2012

Revised: 31 May 2016

8.201 Continuing Admission and Exclusion

Acceptance to CAISL is always conditional. The following guidelines for

exclusion will be observed by the Director:

I. Students with special learning needs for whom CAISL cannot

provide or continue to provide a program or services suited to his/her

individual learning needs.

II. Students who are not benefiting from the academic program as

shown by consistently below-average achievement and/or poor effort grades.

III. Students who do not adhere to the policies, rules, and regulations

for student conduct, as detailed in the Student-Parent Handbook and the

Board Policy Manual.

It is always the goal of the school to work with students and their parents to

help the students achieve and adhere to the standards of conduct.

A violation of the student standards of conduct which endangers the physical

or psychological well-being of others or in any way puts others in jeopardy,

whether in the physical world or virtual world, will result in an immediate

suspension and may result in expulsion. Some examples would be theft;

drug possession, use, or distribution; possession of weapons; physical or

verbal or cyber assaults on other students or school personnel, and bullying

In cases which may result in involuntary exclusion (expulsion), the student

will be externally suspended immediately while a thorough inquiry is carried

out pending a final decision.

Adopted: 14 April 1999

Revised: 9 May 2006


8.202-R Admissions and Early Withdrawals

Late Admissions

The School wishes to accept qualified applicants and shall make every effort to

enroll them.

An applicant who was enrolled in an American public or private school, an American

International School, or an International School with an American type program will

be admitted on a direct transfer basis.

An applicant who was enrolled in a non-American type program will be evaluated on

an individual basis.

All applicants who seek entrance into the High School must meet graduation and

attendance requirements.

Withdrawals

A student who must withdraw from the School during the first quarter receives

credit for a full quarter of work if the withdrawal takes place within the five days

preceding the final day of the quarter.

If the withdrawal takes place during the second, third, or fourth quarter and it falls

within the last fifteen days of the close of the quarter, the student may be

permitted to receive credit for a full quarter provided that he/she completes the

necessary make-up work assigned.




8.203 Student Transfers and Withdrawals

Student Transfers

Students formerly enrolled in American type programs will be accepted on a direct

transfer basis at the grade level to which they were assigned in the previous school.

Placement is subject to review within six weeks of the time of enrollment. Students

formerly enrolled in non-American type programs must be evaluated on an

individual basis.

Students who are seeking to enter the High School program who were enrolled in

non-American type programs and who wish to receive a diploma from the School

should spend the last two years of their program enrolled in the School and enter

on a grade level consistent with their age. Ability to function effectively in English is

essential in the High School and therefore students must be competent by the time

they are classified as Seniors. During the entrance interview, efforts will be made to

assess the student’s ability to perform in English. Documents from schools attended

will be appraised in order to determine course equivalents earned while enrolled in

non-American type programs. Placement will be based on this analysis.

Student Withdrawals

Students who will be withdrawing from the School will be cleared when the

checkout process is completed. The Principal will administer a procedure for

checkout. When the checkout is completed, the student will be given pertinent

documents and reports.

An official transcript will be forwarded to the school to which the student wishes to

transfer upon receipt of an official request that is authorized by the parents, legal

guardians, or student if 18 or older.




8.203-R Student Transfers and Withdrawals

Student Transfers

The Director of Admissions and Marketing will interview new students and their

parents prior to acceptance as enrolled students. Students formerly enrolled in

American-type programs will be assigned a grade level and referred to the Principal

or Counselor for scheduling. The grade level assignment will usually be on the same

grade level as or recommended by the former American-type school. Within the

first six weeks of the initial enrollment the grade placement may be reviewed and

another assignment made.

If the new student does not have an official document from his/her prior school to

verify placement or academic history, report cards, and/or other documents,

information solicited during the interview will be used to determine standing and

placement. The acceptance of the new student will be on a conditional basis

pending the arrival of official documents from the former school.

Students formerly enrolled in non-American type programs who are seeking to

enter the High School and who wish to receive a diploma will be advised that they

should plan to enroll for the Junior and Senior years and should be enrolled at a

grade level consistent with their age. (In special cases, students with excellent

academic records may be permitted to enroll for their Senior year only.) During the

interview, efforts will be made to determine the ability of the student to perform

effectively in English. Documents from prior schools will be appraised and

equivalency credits determined. Within the first six weeks after enrollment, the

grade placement may be reviewed and another assignment made. In addition,

acceptance of the new student will be on a conditional basis pending the arrival of

official documents from the former school. (It should be noted that in some

instances, official documents are not available. In instances when this is the case,

the student will be placed on a conditional basis.)

Student Withdrawals

Checkout procedures will be initiated upon receipt of written notification that a

student will be withdrawing. Transfer papers and transcripts will not be issued until

the checkout procedure is complete. When the checkout is completed, the Principal

will authorize the release of the transcript.




8.204 Acceptance of Records from Other Schools

Records from American Type Schools

Students who were previously enrolled in American-type programs will be expected

to provide unofficial records. Parents, legal guardians, or students 18 or over will be

expected to sign requests for the release of their official record for use in confirming

their status.

The unofficial records will be accepted for conditional enrollment and placement in

the School.

Records from Non-American Type Schools

Official student record booklets and school record forms carried by students will be

accepted from students who previously attended schools in countries where this

form of record keeping is followed. (Enrollment and placement will be conditional.)

Original copies of “O”, “A”, and “IGCSE” Level Certificates will be accepted during

the interview with the prospective students and photocopies requested to be

included in the pupil record folder.

These certificates may be used to grant equivalent credit in lieu of an official school

transcript in cases where the transcript is not obtainable.

Students transferring from non-American type schools will be expected to make

every effort to secure an official record of past studies in previous schools. This is

particularly important for students in grades nine through eleven.



8.206 Assignment of Students to Classes

Placement

Students shall be placed at a grade level consistent with the grade level to which

they were assigned in the previous school.

If there is not apparent relationship between the program in the previous school

and the program of CAISL, then the student will be placed in a grade level of

children his/her age.

Students who come from schools whose academic year ends before that of CAISL

will be placed on the basis of age and/or grade level they recently completed in the

previous school. Exceptions to this may only be made by the Division Principal for

Students in Grades 9 through 12 and will be based on the graduation credits the

student is transferring in.

For entry into the Early Childhood Program (3, 4, and 5 year olds) and Grade One

(age 6), students must be age appropriate by September 1 of the current school

year.

Within the first six weeks after a student is entered, he/she may be reassigned to a

different grade level at the discretion of the Principal. Parents will be advised prior

to the move.



Revised: 21 January 2003


8.301 Student Absences and Excuses

Regular school attendance is an important aspect of our educational program.

Participation in class discussions and projects is just as vital to a student’s

education as completing assigned work.

Excused Absences:

Absences for the reasons listed below will be EXCUSED when accompanied by a

written explanation from the parents, submitted in a timely manner. Official

“justification” from a doctor or other relevant professional or institution should be

provided whenever possible. Should the Division Principal deem necessary, in

individual cases, official justification may be required.

Illness or injury

Medical conditions which may be transmitted to others and thus require

the student to remain home

Participation in international sporting or cultural competitions or

exhibitions in the national interest

Legal obligations

Religious observation

Family emergency.

Classes missed because of a student’s participation in a school-sponsored or school-

approved event or program are not counted as absences.

Special arrangements can be made in the case of prolonged illness, contagious

disease, or family emergency. Please contact the Principal.

UNEXCUSED Absences:

Absences for any other reason are UNEXCUSED, even when accompanied by a

parent note. Unexcused absences will be subject to disciplinary action as

determined by the Division Principal.

Work Missed Due to Absences

Students will make the assignments up at a time, place, and in a manner of the

teacher’s choosing. To avoid compounding the original absence with an additional

absence from class to make up work, most often the assignments will need to be

done outside of class time, at lunch, after school, or on weekends. Make-up work

will be eligible for full credit

Absence on the day of an after-school or evening activity Students who are

absent from class during the school may not participate in any school-related

activities on the day of the absence, including after school or evening activities,

unless arrangements are made in advance with the Principal in advance.



Revised: 24 October 1997


Revised: 14 May2007


8.401 Student Rights and Responsibilities/Student Due Process Rights

Each student has the opportunity and the right to use school as a means for self-

improvement and individual growth. In so doing, he or she is expected to conduct

his or her affairs in such a way as to assure other students the same opportunities

without serving to restrict or otherwise inhibit their individual and collective rights.

It is inherent of the School to afford vigilant protection of the rights of all School

personnel and students, including the rights to free inquiry and expression, the

right to freedom of association, and the right to administrative due process.

Of equal importance is the right of school authorities to prescribe and control –

consistent with fundamental safeguards – student conduct in the School.

In exercising this right, each Division Principal, working with his/her staff and with

the students, will attempt to achieve the objectives and follow the procedures set

forth by Board policies and administrative regulations pertaining to the various

aspects of student rights, student conduct, and student discipline.

All communication must at all times adhere to basic standards of politeness and

respect. This includes but is not limited to being free of obscenities, libelous

statements, personal attack, or advocating disruption of normal school routines and

procedures.

Objectives To Be Achieved:

The primary objective is the proper recognition and preservation of a student’s

rights:

•Freedom of Expression – Students may freely express their points of view

provided they do not seek to coerce others to agree with them or to join in their

mode of expression.

•The Right to Petition – Students are allowed to present petitions to the Division

Principal. Collecting of signatures on petitions is limited to before and after school

hours. No student will be subjected to disciplinary measures for signing a petition

addressed to the Division Principal

•Student Property – A student’s locker and property should not be opened for

inspection, except when approved by the Division Principal because he/she has

reasonable cause to believe that prohibited articles which constitute a danger are

stored therein.

“Due Process” may be defined as a course of legal proceedings in accordance with

the rules and principles established for the enforcement and protection of individual

rights. The concept applies to any dispute between two parties. As a legal concept,

enforceable in the courts, it derives its validity from the presence of a court of

competent jurisdiction, which has a duty to see to it that the individual rights are

protected. These same conditions are equally necessary to administrative

procedures in schools, although they may be discussed and handled in an informal

way in most cases.

The concept of “Due Process” means that students are entitled:

1. To know what the rules are;

2. To be notified of charges against them and be provided the

opportunity to respond to those charges;

3. To have counsel;

4. To appeal a decision about the charges to a higher level;

5. To have the charges or penalties removed from their records, if the

evidence shows their innocence or non-involvement.

In the administration of due process, the student should be made to feel that

his/her value as a person is not in question. What may be questioned is the

student’s behavior. The purpose of all School rules and disciplinary actions is to

make the students understand that he or she is responsible for his or her actions.




8.402 Standards of Conduct

Student Conduct

CAISL considers discretion, good judgment, and respect for the rights and privacy

of others to be essential to protect all members of the school community as well as

the school and its reputation.

The Standards must be adhered to in both the physical world and the virtual world

and irrespective of the technology used, whether owned by the student or provided

by the school, whether on the CAISL campus or in CAISL events off campus.

Any infractions of the Standards may be considered school infractions regardless of

the point of origin depending on the impact they have on members of the school

community or the school’s reputation.

CAISL’s Standards of Conduct rests on three basic principles:

1. respect for self;

2. respect for others including their right to privacy;

3. respect for own and other’s property.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Each student has the right to

be treated with respect, courtesy and consideration by every person in the

school community.

be treated fairly

know what the rules are and have opportunities to discuss them and ask for

clarifications

Each student has the responsibility to

Treat everyone, within or outside of the school community, with respect,

courtesy, and consideration.

Treat others fairly.

Ensure he/she knows what the rules are and ask for clarification of anything

which is unclear.

Follow the rules and the instructions of CAISL faculty and staff.

Student Appeal Procedures

In the interest of safety and order in the School, students will obey directions

first and ask questions later at an appropriate time and place. While the Board

wishes to foster students’ gradual development in self-discipline and intelligent

decision-making, it must be made clear to students that schools are not a one-

person, one-vote democracy and that persons in charge have responsibilities

that can be carried out only if their authority is accepted, respected, and

supported by all.

This must not be construed to mean that students who feel that they have been

unfairly treated have no recourse. Most complaints and grievances can and must

be resolved at the level at which they arise: between the student and the

teacher or other School employee, as necessary with the help of the Counselor

or Division Principal. In all cases, student concerns or complaints should be dealt

with courteously and in a timely manner.

If any matter cannot be resolved at the Division level, the student may bring

his/her issue to the Director.

As a last resort, the possibility of making an appeal to the Board remains open to

the student after the student has taken his/her issue through the above-stated

appeals process.




8.4021 Dress Code

Students are responsible for being neat, clean and dressed appropriately for serious

study.

Dress and grooming should respect the values and standards of the people of our

host country, and reflect well on the School and the international community.

Dress regulations shall be established by the Administration in consultation with the

Student Council. These regulations shall be published in the Student Handbooks.

Students are expected to follow dress regulations for School-

sponsored activities off campus.

Students are permitted to wear the national dress of their native country.

Adopted: 15 June 1978



8.4021-R Dress Code

CAISL does not have an official dress code. It is expected that students are aware

of the proper standards of dress for a school environment. The Principal will make

the final decisions, should any issues arise.

For certain special events during the year, students may be asked to dress in a

more formal manner.




8.4022 Smoking By Students

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus or outside the school gates, in the

bus pick-up area, or at any School-sponsored functions.


Revised: 01 September 1987

Revised: 15 November 1989



8.501 Progressive Behavior Remediation

In most cases, behavioral issues will be addressed by CAISL Professional Staff in

conversations with the student and his/her parents.

In situations where this approach is not effective or if the infraction violates one of

the three core Standards of Conduct, the following strategies are used. These are

not presented in order of use and are decided upon based on the following criteria:

1. the severity of the incident

2. the number and severity of prior incidents

3. the timing of previous incidents

4. the age of the child

5. the attitude of the child

6. the consequences of the child’s action.

The Strategies are

Detention (break, lunch, or after school)

A detention is normally served on the day the misbehavior occurs or on the day

immediately following, as determined by the teacher or administrator supervising

the detention. Detentions take priority over extracurricular and athletic activities.

Parents must be contacted in the case of after school detentions.

Loss of Class or School Privilege(s)

Such privileges could include access to the CAISL technology resources, loss of

unsupervised time, restrictions to specific areas of the school.

Loss of Some or All Extracurricular/Social Activities

Students whose behavior is inappropriate may be barred from specific upcoming

extracurricular activities, tournaments, and/or field trips.

In-School Suspension

The student spends the day (or class period) isolated but does his/her regular

classwork, as far as possible, and receives grades for the work done. The student’s

lunch periods and breaks are not taken with the other students.

Recommendation for Professional (out-of-school) Counseling or Medical

Exam

If CAISL professional staff judge the problem is one which may be

helped by Counseling beyond what the school can provide or if the staff suspect an

underlying medical problem, a recommendation for Professional Counseling or a

Medical Exam will be made.

Behavior Contract

This is used to specify the behavioral problems of a student and the specific steps

the student must take to improve and/or to remain in the school and will be signed

by the parents and by the student (if age appropriate).

Saturday Detention

The student is required to come to school on an assigned Saturday to do school

service work or class assignments under the direction of a teacher or administrator.

Requirement for Professional (out-of-school) Counseling and/or Medical

Exam

In some cases, the CAISL professional staff may require parents to provide

Counseling outside the school setting or to get the student a medical exam as a

condition for staying at CAISL. Failure to do so within a reasonable time, set by the

school, may result in the child’s being denied access to all school activities,

including classes, until the counseling is on-going and/or the exams are completed

and essential data communicated to appropriate school personnel.

Out-of-School Suspension

Parents are required to pick up the student or make arrangements for the student

to be taken home at the time the behavioral problem occurs. Out-of-school

suspensions may be for one or more days. A parent conference is required before

the student may be readmitted to school.

Expulsion

The child may no longer attend CAISL. Should the incident requiring expulsion

occur near the end of the semester, the Division Principal, at his/her discretion,

may allow a distance-learning option so that the child may complete the grading

period.

CAISL Professional Staff may impose break/lunch/after-school detentions, loss of

privileges specific to their class or activity, or removal from an activity which they

sponsor. The Division Principal will be informed.

All other penalties are the province of the Principals, with the Director informed in a

timely manner as the situation warrants.

Expulsions under this policy are the province of the Director. It is the Director’s

responsibility to inform the Board in a timely manner that an expulsion is on the

horizon.

Forfeiture of Tuition

If a student is suspended or expelled, tuition for the period of suspension or for the

remainder of the quarter (or year) after expulsion cannot be refunded.

Adopted: 30 March 1992

Revised: 14 April 1999


8.502 Substance Abuse Policy

Rationale:

All students have a right to attend school in an environment conducive to learning.

The use of alcohol and other drugs interferes with both effective learning and the

healthy development of children and adolescents. CAISL has a fundamental, legal,

and ethical obligation to prevent drug use, to maintain a drug-free educational

environment, to provide preventive education, and to encourage the assistance of

professional help where necessary. CAISL is an alcohol- and tobacco-free campus

with the exception of school-sponsored fund-raising events where alcohol may be

served to adults by adults.

Parents must identify to the School Nurse any medically necessary prescription and

over-the-counter drugs which their child will need to take during school hours. The

medicines must be kept, distributed, and consumed in the Nurse’s Office.

It is against School policy for any student to

Possess, use, or supply substances which are illegal in Portugal or which are

not legally available to those under the age of 18. Such substances are

prohibited for any CAISL student, irrespective of age. This includes alcohol in

all forms, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and any system able to deliver nicotine,

and all forms of illegal drugs (including those “decriminalized.”)

Possess equipment potentially used to harmful effect including items such as

e-cigarettes and juuls.

Misuse any otherwise legal substance to potentially harmful effect.

Any member of the staff who has reason to suspect that a student is in possession

of or under the influence of any of the above items while on school property or in

the area adjacent to the school, on a school bus, or while participating in any

school-sponsored or school-supervised or related activity must report this

information immediately to the Principal. No “right to confidentiality” applies.

In all cases, the school will comply with the legal requirements on reporting such

infractions.

The Consequence for possession or use of any of the items defined above:

Students may be assigned any of the following parameters of consequence,

depending on the type of substance and the nature and severity of the incident and

prior incidents.

Consequences for possession and/or use:

The minimum school sanction for possession of any substance covered in this policy

is a 1-day suspension and parent communication. The suspension may be in-

school or out-of-school at the Division Principal’s discretion. Note that this is not

available for use of any such substance.

For any use of a banned substance or for possession which is, in the opinion of the

Division Principal, beyond that appropriate for a minimum sanction, the Principal

will impose an in-school or out-of-school suspension lasting from a minimum of two

days to a maximum of four days. A parent conference is required to readmit the

student to classes.

For any infraction, the Principal may also choose to recommend that the family

engage an addictive disorders specialist recommended by the school. Such

program will be monitored by the Division Principal or, if the Principal chooses, the

School Counselor.

Impact on University Applications:

Any suspension which occurs in the 2nd semester of the student’s Grade 11 or at

any time in the student’s Grade 12 will be reported to universities or colleges to

which the student has applied in the USA or other systems which solicit this

information.

Decisions on Expulsions:

All penalties are under the authority of the Division Principal except the final

judgment on expulsion which must be agreed to by the Director.

Potential Expulsion:

Should the Division Principal judge that the incident potentially warrants expulsion,

the final decision must be preceded by a five-day out-of-school suspension to

permit thorough investigation and the Director must be apprised of the situation as

soon as possible.

During this 5-day period, the family may take steps to ensure and provide

assurances to CAISL that there will be no repetition. Such steps could include on-

going addictive disorders therapy and/or drug testing performed or monitored by

the school.

Depending on the parameters the family puts in place and the assurances they can

give, the Principal will decide whether or not to recommend to the Director that the

expulsion be stayed. Should the Director agree and thus the student be allowed to

continue at CAISL under such a “stay,” any lapse in the compliance with

requirements established results in the expulsion being in immediate effect.

Expulsion:

For possession with intent to distribute any illegal substance or for possession in an

amount that, in the judgment of the Division Principal and Director, indicates intent

to distribute the consequence is Expulsion.

Adopted: 14 April 1999


Revised: 9 May 2006


8.503 Weapons Policy

Weapons and replicas of weapons are forbidden on campus, at school activities on

or off campus and at any time or place where students are the responsibility of the

school. A “weapon” is defined as any item capable of causing harm or bodily injury

for which there is no educational purpose.

The weapon or replica of a weapon will be confiscated by the teacher or other

personnel and turned over to the Division Principal. Consequences for such

possession are the discretion of the Principal, depending on the nature of the item,

its use, and the age and intent of the student. Should the Principal deem the case

to be severe, he/she may recommend expulsion.

Any object which has an educational purpose but that could be used to inflict harm

on another person will be considered a weapon if the object is used in a threatening

manner.

Adopted: 24 September 2002

8.504 Academic Integrity

At CAISL, we educate students to become knowledgeable and skillful people with

the ability and the desire to learn and to continue learning. Work submitted must

accurately reflect student learning. Any action which leads to a misrepresentation of

a student's true skills and understanding is malpractice.

The teacher has the responsibility and the authority to determine when, in his/her

professional judgment, malpractice has occurred.


8.60 Health Requirements

Health, physical examination, and immunization records are required prior to the

first day of school for all newly enrolling students. These records must be dated no

earlier than six months prior to the first day of school.

Subsequent health updates are required:

1. When, in the opinion of the school nurse, this becomes desirable to

protect the health of the student or other students in the school.

2. Prior to the beginning of the school year for returning students entering

grades 1, 4, 7, and 10.

Children with injuries or symptoms of illness will be sent home at the discretion of

the Nurse. The School Nurse may require a medical evaluation by a doctor to

ascertain whether or not the condition is contagious and when the child should be

allowed to return to school.


Revised: 9 December 2003

8.6011 Supervision of Students/Dismissal Precautions

The School is responsible for the safety and adequate supervision of students while

they are on School property or engaged in School-sponsored activities. School

personnel must know at all times precisely where students are; if any student must

leave School grounds for any reason, proper precautions must be taken that he/she

is dismissed only for proper reasons and into proper hands. In keeping with this

policy:

1. No Student will be released from School early on the basis of an

invalidated telephone call. Only a written note from the responsible parent

or guardian will be accepted.

2. No person not known to and approved by the custodial

parents(s)/guardian(s) will be allowed to contact a student while he/she is

under School supervision, unless it is required under the law, and then

only with the Principal’s consent. As a general rule, school is not to be

used as the venue for non-custodial parents to exercise their right of

access to or contact with their children.

3. No student will ever be released into the hands of persons unknown to

the School (that is, persons not listed on School records as being

responsible, either as parents, guardians, or officially “in loco parentis”)

without specific, written permission from the parent and without

identification on the part of the person collecting the student.

4. Children of estranged parents can be released only upon the request of

the parent who, under the law, is responsible for the child, and who is so

listed in School records.

If these precautions seen unnecessarily formal, and may, in fact, at times cause

some inconveniences to parents or guardians, it must be remembered that the

safety of the students must be our first concern.



8.704 Student Publications

The School encourages students to express their views in School- sponsored

publications, but they must observe rules for responsible journalism. This means

that libelous statements, obscenity, defamation of persons, false statements,

material advocating racial or religious prejudice, hatred, violence, the breaking of

laws or school regulations, or material designated to disrupt the educational

process, will not be permitted.

The School also encourages School-sponsored publications as an educational

activity through which students can gain experience in reporting, writing, editing,

and an understanding of responsible journalism. The sponsors of student

publications have a responsibility to review the contents of these papers before

publication, and to assist students in improving their skills and modes of

expression, and to recognize material that is in poor taste, misleading, false, ill-

advised, prejudiced, or even libelous.

Review of the content of School-sponsored publications prior to publication is not

censorship, but part of the educational process. It can be pointed out to students,

as it frequently is to professional journalists, that a publisher (in this case, the

School) enjoys freedom to determine what it will and will not publish.

However, the students’ right to speak freely within the parameters set above should

be seriously considered and protected. For that reason, the emphasis in the

publication process should be on review, not on “official approval”; any decision by

a School official to withhold approval must be based on the standards set forth in

the first paragraph of this policy.


8.90 Student Records

Accurate records shall be maintained for all students attending the School. All such

records will be preserved, either in original form, or computer files.

Student record data are designed to promote the welfare of the students. When

parents and students fill out forms and give personal information about themselves,

they have a right to expect that such information will be used in a professional

manner and in the best interests of the students.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) of students have the right of access to information about

their children in School record keeping systems. Former students of adult age (18

years or older) have the same right of access to information about themselves.

Appropriate School personnel have the right to view student records. Those other

than appropriate School personnel may view or obtain copies of student records to

correct or amend alleged inaccuracies.

Surveys, questionnaires, and study proposals that are submitted to the School by

outside organizations or individuals and that involve student data must be referred

to the Administrator for review, recommendation, and coordination.

Records or transcripts of students leaving will be mailed to the school to which the

student wishes to transfer only when all School fees have been fully paid and all

charges assessed for damages to the school have been settled to the School’s

satisfaction.



8.90-R Student Records

Each student at the School will have on file in the Principal’s office a cumulative

records folder containing registration forms, test scores, copies of report cards, and

teacher progress reports. A copy of each student’s medical records will also be kept.

Access to Records

1. A parent or legal guardian of a student attending the School shall have

the right to inspect and review the file(s) directly related to that student.

The parent or guardian may direct a request for review within a

reasonable length of time, and shall reserve the right to have the review

take place in his/her presence or in the presence of a designated School

Administrator.

2. School personnel having access to student records are legally defined as

“any person or persons under contract to the School and directly involved

in working towards either the affective or cognitive goals of the School”.

This is interpreted to include all members of the professional staff

involved in making educational decisions regarding students; such

support personnel as the Principal may specifically assign to maintaining

student records; and members of the Board in a case where admission or

exclusion of a student is brought before the Board for final decision.

Release of Records or Information

1. No teacher, Administrator, employee, or member of the Board shall

provide any personnel information concerning any student enrolled in the

School, unless the person to whom the information is to be given is one of

the following:

- a parent or guardian of the student who has legal custody;

- a person designated in writing by the parent or guardian to act on

the parent’s or guardian’s behalf;

- an official of a public, private, or parochial school where the

student has attended or is planning to enroll (see item 3, next).

2. Copies of student records shall be made available to parents or guardian

upon request at no cost to the parents or guardians.

3. Copies of student records, and in some cases the actual records

themselves shall be sent to a school in which the student intends to enroll

or as enrolled. (Parents or guardians may also be permitted to hand-carry

records to help smooth the student’s transition to his/her new school.)

Records will be released upon the request of the parents or guardian or of the

receiving school. For release of confidential information (such as special

education records), written permission from the parents or guardian is

necessary; the consent form will state which records are to be released, and

to whom.

4. The School will not release information regarding any student to any

outside agency, unless the government or its agencies legally require the

information.

5. All authorizations for release of information will be filed in the student’s

cumulative folder to serve as a record of which records were released, for

what purpose, and to whom.

6. Surveys, questionnaires, and research proposals submitted to the School

by outside groups or individuals must be referred to the Director. If

student records are used for research, all identifying marks and data must

be obliterated before release.

7. In the specific case of college advisement, students have the choice of

signing a waiver of access to information and recommendations sent by

the School to colleges during the application process. If students waive

their right of access, neither the student nor the parents may view the

information and recommendations.


8.901-R Student Transcripts

Because many of the families who send children to the School are in the area for a

relatively short time, it happens frequently that students transfer from our School

to a school in another city or country.

The School staff will do everything in its power to make such transfers go smoothly

and to prepare transfer papers as quickly as possible. Parents who intend to

withdraw students from the School must notify the School in writing; if sufficient

notice is given, official transcripts will be prepared to either send to the new school

upon request or to give to the parents before their departure.

“Official transcripts” are transcripts duly signed and sealed by a member of the

School administration. They reflect the student’s course load and mark/grade

obtained in each subject up to the date the transcript was prepared.

In addition to the official transcript, other items sent normally include health

records, standardized test results, and written evaluations when deemed

appropriate.

