Asij middle school handbook

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Data Driven. A Little Love. A Place of Pride. Chofu Campus Campus visits are currently restricted to newly enrolled families. As many families have recently arrived in Japan and have yet to see the campus where their children will attend, our priority is to give these parents a chance to see the campus. If you are interested in learning more about ASIJ, please contact enroll asij.

Due to the pandemic, please check back in early February for information regarding the re-opening of public campus tours. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to meet with a member of the Admissions staff and to see the campus and its facilities. Please note that there is no formal interview required prior to admission. The visit will help you learn more about ASIJ and whether the school is a good fit for your child's learning style and your family's educational objectives.

We appreciate the chance to meet families and children prior to admission, but please view the visit as your opportunity to ask questions and gain the information you need to assess your school choices in Tokyo.

For those in the early stages of the school research and application process, several open houses are held each year. These events provide insight into our philosophy and approach, and into the experiences of our children and families.

ASIJ seeks to know, value, and care for each member of our community and this effort starts during our application process. We know this is an important decision for your family and we are honored that you are considering our program. Depending on the state of the pandemic, we will hold these Open House Events as scheduled in person and in small groups, or virtually. The first is through joining the Student Leadership Team. These students will go through a series of training activities to build group process skills.

Students will form a core for student activity planing and program support. Other leadership activities are built into our curricular and co-curricular programs. Laptop Program We are proud to announce that the Middle School will embark on a laptop program for its students beginning this school year. In our division the demand for regular computer access by our teachers and students has grown year by year. Moving to a laptop program will enable ubiquitous access to this learning tool.

In addition, since students will not need to log on, retrieve, save and log off different machines throughout the day, classroom instructional time will be increased by approximately 15 minutes each day, adding about seven days of instructional time per year. We carefully compared different pricing and warranty policies.

We will have two financing options to offer families. Under option 1 the computer will remain the property of ASIJ and will be returned at the end of each school year, software updates will be installed, and reassigned the next year. Under option 2, the computer still remains the property of ASIJ while the student is in school, yet students can keep their computer during the summer though they will be required to turn it in at the start of the new school year for updated software installation; and when they leave the MS they will take the laptop with them after all ASIJ software is removed.

Under both options students will still be responsible for software and file management of their machines, and for maintaining appropriate bandwidth and memory for their school work.

The students may not download or add software to the machine without permission from the school. Damage to the computer may be covered under the warranty, as long as it was not caused by negligence, while lost or stolen computers will be the sole responsibility of the student. All students are assigned a locker where laptops can be secured when not in use.

To support this transition to a laptop program, we will have our Technology Integrationist introduce and educate our students about the care and use of the computers as well as rules and responsibilities.

He will also work with our teachers for their professional development in using technology for effective teaching and learning. Co-curricular Activities Co-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests beyond the core curriculum.

The MS offers a wide range of activities that allow students to interact, both as performers and spectators, at social, sports, service and cultural events.

Cocurricular activities also provide opportunities for developing friendships and building self-esteem. Our MS teachers are committed to working with students inside and outside the classroom. The relationships formed between students and teachers during co-curricular activities often enhance the instructional setting and serve to encourage better performance in the classroom.

Co-curricular activities after school are over by 5 p. Interscholastic sports are limited to three after-school practices per week. A resource center and the TRC are open several times a week. If students stay after school to socialize or study, they are expected to behave responsibly as teachers will be actively involved in supervising only structured activities. Unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member, students are to leave the MS building and ASIJ campus by 5 p.

Many of our facilities must be shared with either the Elementary School or the High School, which may restrict some activities. We also feel strongly that unless we can provide qualified and experienced supervisors for an activity, it is neither safe nor wise to conduct such activities. We will also refer parents to other activity programs such as those sponsored by the Tokyo American Club or private providers.

League play also means that we follow certain rules such as the number of students who can participate on a team, hours of practice, etc. Our competitive swim program also is a part of a group of international, U. Other non-League activities such as baseball, martial arts, tennis, and dance are offered based upon student interest as well as available facilities and staff.

When a team sport is limited to a certain number of participants, only seventh and eighth-grade students may join that sport. During the seventh and eighth grade, this sports experience can be a learning one that prepares students for realities they face when sports programs become much more competitive in the high school years.

Every sports season there is at least one activity that does not restrict the number of participants on a team. These are cross country, wrestling, swimming, baseball, field hockey, tennis and soccer.

Should numbers for these activities reach a figure that is considered unsafe, they too will have to be limited or modified. Students are recognized by the presentation of a certificate by the coach. A short program, featuring student speakers, is followed by refreshments. Parents are invited to these programs which are held immediately after school and are posted on the ASIJ calendar.

MS Sports Program Guidelines 1. We achieve the above goals through a balance of participation and competition, and coaches ensure that all students have an opportunity to play during all matches and games. The program includes activities designed to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of MS students. The program emphasizes maximum participation, instruction, skill building, sportsmanship and developing healthy attitudes about recreation and competition.

The sports of basketball and volleyball are limited to the number of students selected for teams. At least one sport is offered each season that does not have to limit the player numbers. While all eligible students are able to play all sports offered that season, they may not be placed on the team that would be their first choice. Parents of students trying out for a team will receive information about the criteria for 12 ASIJ Middle School participation in the sport.

During the season, students will not be required to practice more than three times a week. Practices may be held more often during tryouts, when no games are being played. As a general rule, games will not be played on school nights.

To participate on an interscholastic team, students must maintain acceptable standards of behavior, academics, sportsmanship and team- member responsibility.

Students must provide a medical history and release form that includes documentation of a physical examination. Parents must sign a permission form for each sport in which a student wishes to participate.

Students will not be allowed to participate until each of these forms has been turned in to the coach or Health Center. Rather than having too many clubs, we have chosen to provide opportunities for students to interact informally and to try different things.

We also believe it is important for the MS student to have a venue for free play. Our court and field, as well as locations throughout the building and campus, provide spaces for friends to gather. The process to approve a new club involves the activities director and the MS principal. Final approval of all new clubs rests with the activities director and the MS principal. The schedule is divided into twoday cycles. Each day in the cycle, referred to as A-day or B-day, is divided into seven periods.

Some classes meet every day, others every other day. The MS day begins at a. Students must wait until 8 a. Students have four minutes to move between classes. A homeroom period is scheduled at the beginning of the day. On some days, there is an advisory period for all school community meetings, grade level activities and other advisory activities.

Regular buses leave campus at p. If students are eligible to ride the ASIJ bus, they may choose to ride the bus that departs at 5 p. MS students are not to ride the 6 p. Academic Program The ASIJ Middle School curriculum addresses the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of international middle school students whose long-range plans include attending a college or university. As MS students are experiencing a challenging period of growth, academic expectations at this level differ from those at the elementary and high school levels.

In MS classes, students will be challenged to do the very best they can. Enrichment and independent study opportunities will serve to stretch their academic abilities.

Experience has shown that the varied curriculum and wide range of activities at the MS provide a challenging program for most ASIJ students, who tend to be above average academically. This plan may include specialized testing at parental expense, conferences or components of the support system listed above. At the conclusion of each quarter, the student, parents, teachers, counselor and principal will review the probation plan.

A decision based on what is best for the student will be made for the following quarter. On rare occasions, the decision may result in a request for parents to find more appropriate educational services for their child.

High academic and behavioral expectations are the cornerstone of such a program. Home or Out-of-Class Work At the beginning of the school year, each teacher will provide a written outline that includes specific guidelines for home assignments, late work, makeup work, etc.

The following information provides a general philosophy and procedures regarding home assignments from MS teachers. Assignments should be designed for the student to complete independently with little or no adult assistance. It is expected that students needing additional help or explanation will seek out the teacher.

Study areas, resource centers, the technology center and the library are open before and after school. How Much Time? It is not feasible to establish rigid time limits for home assignments as too many variables exist. For example, students vary in their study habits, time usage, ability, time schedules, etc. However, surveys over the years reveal an average of one to one and one-half hours of homework is typical for most MS students.

Of course, this is an average, and individual students will utilize their time in a manner that would cause this amount to change. Students or parents who feel that the homework amount is too much or too little should speak directly with the teacher or teachers involved. As the weekend seems to be the preferred family time, every attempt will be made to minimize weekend home assignments.

Home assignments, other reading or practice type work are generally not given during holiday periods. Tests and Major Projects Most academic classes have periodic tests and some include major projects. These help teachers evaluate how much students have learned.

We make every effort to limit the number of tests given on any one day. Attendance Students are expected to attend school every day, all day long. See Absence Procedures below. To get assignments for work missed during excused absences, call the Student Office at ext.

Students may not receive credit for work missed during any unexcused absences. If students are ill, they should not come to school. However, these should be made outside of school hours if at all possible. All work missed must be handed in when the student returns to school. Extended Illnesses Parents of students who have been ill and absent from school for a week or longer need to be in contact with one of the school nurses at ext.

Alternately, parents may send prior written notification. A guardian should be appointed in case an illness or emergency occurs. If a child has been out of school and parents would like to have assignments sent with a friend or sibling, they should make arrangements with the student secretary before 9 a. Tardiness and unexcused absences from classes are rare occurrences at our school. However, should a student choose to be tardy or to not attend a class or scheduled conference there are definite consequences.

Students will not receive credit for classes missed and they will be asked to make up the assignments. If students are tardy because they have been with another teacher, it is their responsibility to get a signed note from the teacher. Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are considered to be a serious violation of school rules. Students who fail to attend a class without a valid excuse will not be given credit for the class time missed.

In addition, a consequence of detention or suspension will be assigned to any student who has an unexcused absence. Leaving School Early Regardless of their schedules, students are expected to remain at the MS until the regular dismissal time. If they remain after school, students are expected to remain on campus between the end of the school day and the departure of the late bus.

Alternately, parents may call the school before 9 a. Just before leaving campus, the student must sign out at the Student Office. Parents will be contacted before a student is allowed to leave school. Early Leave for Vacations We request that parents plan vacations so students do not miss school. If an early leave is absolutely necessary, prior notification of one week or more is needed so teachers have time to prepare the student to either make up work or plan to complete the needed work upon return.

Student Guests Parents of students who wish to have a guest accompany their child to school should contact the MS Office in writing one week prior to the visit. Upon arrival at school, the student host should bring the guest to the MS Office. The host should introduce the guest to each teacher. Student hosts are responsible for informing the guest student of our expectation that they follow the MS behavioral standards.

This requirement is for the safety of the guest. Please note that guests are generally limited to visiting the MS for one day, but returning students are generally given two days to visit. Thus, it is taken for granted that students at ASIJ will strive to uphold this reputation. As a private school, ASIJ Handbook 19 reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, for activities of a student, whether on-campus or off-campus, which are considered detrimental to the welfare of the school, student body or individual.

The following section in no way should indicate that misbehavior is an ordinary occurrence. However, in fairness to students and parents who are arriving from many different schools throughout the world, we feel we must state our philosophy, policies and practices in a manner most likely to be read and understood. We expect the very best behavior from ASIJ students and will immediately address behavior that is less than expected. Therefore, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents must work cooperatively to ensure that students learn from their misbehavior.

Along with rights come responsibilities. If all students act responsibly, all of us can enjoy an atmosphere of trust and freedom. Advisors will discuss these guidelines so students will be sure to know what is expected of them at all times.

All the other expectations for behavior stem, in one way or another, from these four. After a thorough review of these expectations, students will be asked to sign a statement saying they understand them.

From that time forward, students will be held accountable for responsible action. If students do not choose to sign the statement, a conference with parents and the principal must follow to work out a solution.

Be aware that school behavior expectations apply from the time a student leaves home to attend school until they return home or to some other supervised living situation after leaving school.

Any act of misbehavior or mischief while a student is going to or from school will be dealt with appropriately. Maintaining positive community relationships with our host country is critical. Japanese law forbids skateboarding and rollerblading on public sidewalks or in streets. This route parallels the tracks. Students are expected to use appropriate language at all school-related events and activities.

Return found items to the MS Office. For example, sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances that are written, verbal or physical in nature. Lighters and matches are not to be brought to school. Acts of academic dishonesty are infrequent at ASIJ.

The first act of academic dishonesty will usually result in a zero on the assignment and a phone call or email to parents. A second incident could result in an F mark for that quarter, suspension or school probation. As with other serious behavior problems, the ultimate consequence could be expulsion from our school. Please read carefully the sections on train and bus behavior. Putting other schools and players down looks very bad.

While ASIJ does not require uniforms, neither does it approve of clothing, hairstyles, jewelry or makeup which, in the judgment of the MS faculty and administration, distracts or interferes with the social and learning climate of the school. The top straps to shirts should be three finger widths wide.

Teachers may allow students to wear hats in their classrooms if they wish. Students dressed inappropriately for school will be required to change their appearance to accommodate the MS Dress Code. In some cases, parents may be contacted. If inappropriate dress is an ongoing concern, a parent-student conference will be held with the principal. Bullying ASIJ believes that every child has the right to learn without fear in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. ASIJ will not tolerate bullying.

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