NCA COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
STUDENT LIFE
Steps to Take if You Have a Concern
Guidelines for Locker Decorations
School Service Hours Requirement
Davye Davis Multi-Purpose Room
School Sponsored Activities for Home-schooled Students
Food or Drink in the Classroom
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
School Consequences for Major Violations
Consequences for Other Violations
ATTENDANCE PHILOSOPHY FOR KWAJALEIN JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
CONSEQUENCES FOR ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR..
Class Standing for High School Students
No Credit for Courses Taken in 7th and 8th Grades
Retaking a Course for a Higher Grade
Withdrawing Before the End of Either Semester
Leaving Island for Vacation Before the End of Either Semester
Procedures for Students who are PCSing
Promotion and Retention of 7th and 8th Grade Students
Standardized Testing of Academic Achievements
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS
Student Government Association
Class Meeting Attendance and Behavior
National Honor Society & National Junior Honor Society
Testing Plan: School Year 2006—2007
NCA COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Big6™ - A GOOD WAY TO GET STARTED
August 2007
Welcome to
This
Parent-Student handbook is prepared to acquaint you with the day to day
processes and procedures of the school.
As you read it, you may wish to seek further information. The staff will be happy to assist you in any
way possible. The school system policies
are available either online or in the office, and are no longer included in
this publication.
The
The North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited the High School since
1963. We strive to provide a positive
educational environment that will encourage all students to be academically
successful.
The staff at
Being relatively
new to
Principal/Superintendent
2007-2008
James Bowers –
Counselor
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FACULTY
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SUBJECT |
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English |
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Speech Remediation |
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French |
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Kirby, Debbie |
Library Science |
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English &
Social Studies |
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Fluhrer, Paula |
Science |
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Art |
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Social Studies |
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Physical Education |
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Math |
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Social Studies
& Psychology |
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Spanish |
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Industrial
Technology & Social Studies |
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Rubly, Cassie |
Resource |
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Computer Science
& Social Studies |
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Griswold, Jeff |
Science |
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Oyamot, Bonnie |
Math |
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English &
Reading |
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Consumer Science
& Health |
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Vocal Music |
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Shields, Dick |
Instrumental Music |
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Math |
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Fine, Bev |
ESL |
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SUPPORT PERSONNEL
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Susan Corrado |
Secretary |
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Denice Phillips |
Secretary |
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Loretta Childers |
Superintendent’s
Secretary/ Special Projects |
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Byron Bajo |
Custodian |
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
VISION
Kwajalein
School System consists of active, involved learners. Through the support of school personnel,
families, and the community, our students engage in appropriate and relevant
learning, appreciate cultural differences, think critically and creatively, and
make healthful decisions. Graduates will
possess proficient literacy skills and technological competence which will
prepare then for success in a rapidly changing world. They will be life-long learners, effective
problem solvers, responsible citizens, and caring contributors.
Students, parents, and staff
will work as partners to provide a rigorous education in an environment that
engages and empowers all children to become life-long learners. Students will
be thinking, literate, productive, responsible, and ethical individuals who
will be able to compete in and contribute to a diverse global society.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe in providing a school climate that
maintains excellence in all facets of education, maximizes each child's
potential, enhances each student's self image, promotes awareness of the
importance of education, fosters a sense of belonging, and inspires in each
student a sense of responsibility to the school, to
the environment, to self, and to others.
We believe in providing an environment and experiences
by which individuals can develop mentally, physically, emotionally, socially,
creatively, and morally.
We believe in imparting transferable skills,
knowledge, and values that will help our students surmount the challenges they
will meet.
We
believe in providing successful learning experiences for students of all
ability levels, by using a variety of instructional materials, methods,
technology, experiential opportunities, and teaching styles.
The educational community, as a reflection of society,
should demonstrate concern and respect for others.
STUDENTS AT
Self-Directed, Life Long Learners
· Use effective study skills and research methods.
· Set priorities and achievable goals.
· Monitor and evaluate their progress in meeting learning goals.
· Enjoy gaining new knowledge of the world, present, and past.
· Retain a healthy curiosity throughout life.
· Are comfortable with current and future technology.
· Recognize when they need help throughout life and have confidence to ask for guidance.
Critical and Creative Thinkers
· Can identify, access, and use available resources and information effectively.
· Can isolate problems and propose workable solutions.
· Can anticipate potential consequences of alternative strategies.
· Strive to use originality and vision.
· Can determine when criticism is constructive and respond appropriately.
· Distinguish fact from opinion.
Effective Communicators
· Can express themselves fluently in speech and writing.
· Listen carefully when others speak.
· Understand the powerful influence of media and use it wisely.
· Use good communication skills in one-on-one, small and large group situations at work, in the community, and within the family.
· Utilize technology to meet their communication goals.
Responsible Contributors to Society
· Understand and respect differences in cultures, beliefs, and knowledge.
· Strive to fulfill community, national, and international responsibilities.
· Exercise good stewardship of nonrenewable natural resources.
Collaborative, Productive Workers
· Attend class regularly and arrive on time.
· Are prepared to perform.
· Put forth their best effort to create high quality products and services.
· Understand and use effective leadership and team member skills to enhance collaborative efforts in the workplace, classroom, community and world.
· Recognize diversity of abilities, talents, and needs in the workplace and seek to maximize areas of their own and others' strengths.
· Are resourceful, adaptable, creative, responsive, and responsible.
· Seek cohesiveness and equity.
Ethical Persons
· Know right from wrong and consistently strive to do the right thing.
· Are honest with others and themselves.
· Treat others with respect.
· Are compassionate and empathetic.
NCA COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION
AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Overview
Founded in 1895, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) is a non-governmental, voluntary organization that accredits more than 9,000 public and private schools in 19 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools worldwide. For over 100 years, NCA CASI’s focus has been to advance the quality of education. NCA CASI accredits a range of schools from pre-kindergarten through post-secondary, including: early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, adult/vocational, college preparatory, special purpose, unit (K-12), and non-degree granting post-secondary schools.
Kwajalein Jr/Sr High School has been accredited by NCA CASI since 1963. Every five years the school begins a new accreditation cycle. School improvement goals are selected by the teachers at both the elementary and high school level.
In
2007-08 we will complete a five year cycle and convert to a new school improvement
process based on continuous improvement models. At the high school the second
year of our school improvement goal will focus on: “Students will improve their use of sources of information across the
curriculum.”
One way the school is helping to implement this goal is to subscribe to an online periodical database. This database is comparable to those that students will use in their college libraries. It allows the students to use reliable and authoritative sources on the internet when they are researching.
Another strategy the teachers are using to achieve this goal is to teach the students a research process called Big6. The steps of this process lead students from defining the task to be done to evaluating the process and product when finished. The students know that there are many methods of problem solving and that the Big6 process is one that will be helpful for both academic and real-world tasks.
The
accreditation process involves all stakeholders in the school; the teachers,
students, parents, and community.
Further
information on NCA CASI and Big6™ can be found in the Appendix.
The School Advisory Council was created and granted authority and purpose by the Commander USAKA under the terms and conditions of USAKA Regulation 352-1. The Council is composed of voting and non-voting members. They serve annual terms. The USAKA Commander appoints the chairperson.
The School Advisory Council has a responsibility to provide advice and guidance to school system personnel for the purpose of establishing an educational system that engenders the confidence, satisfaction, and trust of island residents.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May. Proper notice of each meeting is given by informing the island populace through the Hourglass and AFN prior to the meeting. Such notice states the time, place, and major agenda to be discussed and is released through the office of the superintendent.
All actions of the Council are technically and practically recommendations to the USAKA Commander who has the ultimate responsibility for the operation of the schools. All Council actions require the concurrence of the Commander of USAKA who may accept, modify or reject any or all such actions.
STUDENT LIFE
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS AND SUGGESTIONS
The school is here for the benefit of the students. The staff is here to assist a student in becoming a responsible adult. If a student has a suggestion that would improve the school, he/she should feel free to offer it. Verbal or written suggestions may be presented directly to the principal or to staff members.
When questions or concerns arise, the best way to resolve the issue is through communication. No student will be harassed by any staff member or need to fear reprisal for proper expression of a legitimate concern. Chances are the question you wish to ask is (or has been) on someone else’s mind, so ASK!
Steps to Take if You Have a Concern
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Step one: |
Teacher
and student discuss the problem and attempt to resolve it. |
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Step two: |
Teacher
and parent discuss the problem and attempt to resolve it. |
|
Step three: |
Parent,
principal and teacher discuss the problem and attempt to resolve it. |
|
Step four: |
Parent
will take request to the superintendent. |
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Step five: |
Parent
writes a letter to the School Advisory Council stating the specific problem
and asks to be put on the agenda. |
All teachers have planning time during the day. Parents are strongly encouraged, when a concern arises, to call and make an appointment with the teacher to resolve problems using the process stated above in, “Steps to Take If You Have a Concern.”
Hints That Help
Get organized! Write down exactly what the concern is and what your feelings are about it. Gather the facts from the teacher by being a good listener and asking good questions.
Have some constructive ideas and express what you feel are solutions to the concerns. Stay positive and remember we are all concerned about the same thing: our kids and their education!
Students who arrive during the summer may arrange registration appointments by calling the high school at 5-2011.
The Kwajalein
High School Office is open from
All class assignments and schedule changes are handled by the counselor and/or the principal. Course changes will be allowed only with sufficient reason. Written parental approval is needed for any changes. Seniors, juniors, and sophomores must carry at least six classes.
If a student drops a class after the sixth week of a semester, a failing grade will be recorded with the exception of a medical withdrawal.
Drops and adds will be honored during the first two weeks of each semester. Students and parents are encouraged to confer with the teacher prior to dropping a course.
Students who withdraw from school during the school year must obtain a withdrawal form from the office one week before leaving island, have it signed by all teachers and administrative personnel, and return it to the office. Textbooks and other school materials must be returned and lockers cleaned out.
After a parent or legal guardian has signed a release form, official transcripts and records are sent to the student’s new school upon the request of the new school. An unofficial copy of the transcript may be issued to a parent to take to the new school if a release form is signed in the office.
Each student is furnished with textbooks and workbooks without charge, however, proper care of the books is expected. Lost or damaged books will be charged to the student through KRS Finance.
Lockers are made available to students for storage of books, musical instruments, and other school materials. If students want to place locks on their lockers, they must provide their own.
Students must keep the lockers assigned to them unless changed by the office. For reasonable cause, the principal retains the right to inspect lockers. PLEASE LOCK YOUR LOCKERS! Damaging lockers, including marking lockers, is considered vandalism and will be treated accordingly.
Other people and organizations use the school and halls during evening and weekend hours. Students should not keep money or other valuables in their lockers.
Guidelines for Locker Decorations
Register in the office by identifying who you are, which locker number(s) you are going to decorate, and the date it will be done.
Decorations may remain on the locker for one week. These decorations should abide by the same guidelines stated for dress code and freedom of expression (that means no profanity, no off-color innuendoes, no promotion of illegal activities/substances, etc.)
Bicycles should be parked in designated areas. They should not be parked in the housing area near the school, in the yellow-striped areas in front of the school or near fire hydrants. Skateboards, in-line skates, and scooters are not to be on school property.
Lost and found is located in the office. If any item is not claimed after two weeks, it will be donated to the Bargain Bazaar or thrown out. If any item is found, please turn it in to the school secretary.
School Service Hours Requirement
1.
To promote participation in school activities
throughout Kwajalein Jr/Sr High School, each student in grades seven and eight
is required to annually complete a minimum of five service hours for our
school; each student in grades nine through twelve is required to annually
complete a minimum of ten service hours.
2.
The class and/or club advisors will validate these
service hours. See service hour’s verification form in the back of this
handbook. It is understood that a
class/club advisor is present at each committee meeting and each class/club
event. Prior to the annual Bigej trip,
class advisors must confirm with the principal the number of service hours each
student has completed. (If a student has not fulfilled the minimum
service hour requirement, the student will not be allowed to go to Bigej and
will be required to attend school.)
Students not going to Bigej will be supervised and assignments will be
given. If a student arrives any time
during first semester, he/she will be required to fulfill the stated service
hours. Exception will be made for new
students who arrive during second semester. No service hours for that one
school year will be required.
Note: Students who attended
Students in grades 11 and 12, who do not have a class scheduled during a specific period, are assigned a “study period.” Students are encouraged to use the library. Students have the privilege of leaving the campus during the study period. A parent or the administration may withdraw this privilege. Seventh through tenth grade students do not have “free periods.” If they are not assigned to a class, they are assigned to a study hall. Classes and study halls must total seven periods.
The Principal may re-assign a student to the study hall at any time if the student is not performing satisfactorily, not completing assignments or has an unexcused absence.
Telephones for student use are located on each floor of the main classroom building hallways (Bldg. 361). The phone in the office should be used only in an emergency situation.
Announcements pertaining to students are read over the public address system each morning. Notices of activities by school organizations must be approved and signed by a faculty advisor and/or the principal before they will be read.
Davye Davis Multi-Purpose Room
The school and the community both have use of the multi-purpose room with the school having first choice on long-range planning. Any group that would like to use the facility must schedule it through the office. School activities have priority over all other activities.
School Sponsored Activities for Home-schooled Students
Home-schooled students in grades seven through twelve may participate in school sponsored activities such as dances, clubs, athletics and any other school activities approved by the principal on a space available, non-interference basis. It is expected that home-schooled students will meet all requirements and regulations for such activities. An example of this is required school service hours for the Bigej trip.
Students are not to consume food, candy or drinks in the classrooms, hallways, or MP Room. Eating or drinking is limited to outside the school building, unless special circumstances are approved in advance by a teacher or administrator. Each teacher will determine his or her own policy for the chewing of gum within the individual classroom.
The library at the junior/senior high school is reserved for use by the student body. Elementary school students may use the junior/ senior high school library under special circumstances. Only high school junior/senior students and staff are allowed to check out library materials.
Students may check
out books for two weeks and renew them if there is no standing request. Overdue notices will be sent after two
weeks. Students are encouraged to use
the library for study, research, and general reading. The library is open from
The Guidance
Library is located in the high school office.
Resources there include college catalogs, bulletins, and videos from
across the
STUDENT/PARENT
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Directory information is information related to the student which is legally disclosed to the public such as awards received, earning a spot on the honor roll, etc. If any parent does not want his child’s name appearing on such lists, notify the school within 30 days of enrollment.
Students have the privilege of free verbal and written expression as long as it does not interrupt or disrupt the operation of the school or infringe on the rights of others. The principal shall have the authority to monitor student verbal and written expression.
Treat other people as you expect to be treated and you will get along well.
The following acts are unacceptable behavior subject to disciplinary action if done on school property or at school activities.
1. Use or Possession of Alcohol and/or Controlled Substances
School consequences for alcohol or controlled substances violations may result in a review by the advisory council and an immediate request to the USAKA Commander, for expulsion and/or administrative bar off-island. Violations are filed for the entire career of a student at Kwajalein Jr/Sr High School.
a.
First Violation
Is an automatic parent/student conference with the principal and counselor, a three-day suspension from school, a bar from all extra-curricular activities, clubs, and school functions for at least one full semester. A strong recommendation will be an appointment with a health official to discuss the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, mind, and the student’s future life plans. Also a strong recommendation will be an appointment with the Provost Marshal to discuss the consequences of the student’s actions if another violation should to occur. The incident may be reported to law enforcement officials at the discretion of the principal.
b.
Second Violation
Is an automatic
parent/student conference with the principal and counselor. The incident will be reported to law
enforcement officials. A recommendation
for expulsion will be presented to the superintendent of schools and the School
Advisory Council. Additional referrals
will be made to the Juvenile Review Board and the USAKA Command.
2.
Vandalism
Damage to or destruction of school property or property of others.
3.
Theft
Is the
act of taking, using, transferring, concealing or retaining possession of
movable property of another without his/her consent.
4.
Physical Assault
Is an act that intentionally inflicts or
attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another.
5.
Oral/Written Assault
Abusive, threatening, profane or obscene language by a student toward a staff member or another student. This act may include conduct that degrades people because of their race, religion, sex, ethnic background, physical or mental handicap.
6.
Threats, Intimidation, Extortion and Disruptions
These are disturbance or serious interruption of the peace, normal functioning and good order of school or school-sponsored activities.
7.
Dangerous Threats
Threats to normal school operations or school activities including but not limited to the reporting of dangerous or hazardous situations that do not exist such as false fire alarms or discharging of fire extinguishers, unlawful entry into a building or breaking and entering. These violations will be reported directly to police.
8.
Weapons
A student shall not possess any object that can reasonably be used as a weapon on school grounds at any time or off school grounds at any school activity.
9.
Sexual Harassment/Assault
Is deliberate or repeated offensive comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature.
10. Use of Tobacco Products
Use of tobacco products on school property or at school events is
prohibited.
School Consequences for Major Violations Excluding Use and Possession of Alcohol and/or Controlled Substances
Extremely serious cases, such as selling
drugs and violent physical or verbal actions, may result in a review by the
advisory council and an immediate request to the USAKA commander for expulsion
and/or administrative bar off- island.
Is an automatic parent/student conference with the principal and the counselor. The incident may result in suspension or detention, and may be reported to KPD.
2.
Second Violation
Is an automatic suspension from school and all school activities pending face-to-face parent/student conference with the principal and/or the superintendent. The incident will be reported to KPD. Detention or additional suspension will result.
3.
Subsequent Violations
Is an automatic suspension from school and all school activities. A recommendation for expulsion will be presented to the superintendent and the School Advisory Council. Additional referrals may be made to the Juvenile Review Board and the USAKA Command for possible bar from the island.
Is the failure to comply with a reasonable request by any staff member.
2. Improper Use of Bicycles
No riding on sidewalks on the school campus. Bicycles should be parked in a designated area. NO parking in the yellow striped area or under the stairs.
3. Forgery
Any note, pass, or telephone call or the attempted use of any forged note, pass or telephone call.
4. Cell Phones
As students have access to phones for use
during the day, there is no need to have a cell phone at school. Cell phones are to be turned off during
school hours, and should not be seen.
Protect your property; don’t bring cell phones to school. Problems with
cell phone may result in confiscation.
5. Personal Music Devices
Individual personal music devices are not permitted on school property. Violation will result in the confiscation of such items. Teachers will give items to the principal on the first offense. The student may pick up the item in the school office after school. For the second offense, the parents need to pick up the item from the school office. Once again, protect your property and do not bring electronic devices to school.
6. Dress
Student dress should promote a standard of appearance that complements the learning environment. Footwear is required at all times. Students are not permitted to wear lewd or suggestive clothing or clothing with unacceptable messages. Advertisements for tobacco or alcohol, or clothing promoting illegal activity are examples of what is not acceptable. Students cannot wear clothing that creates a health hazard or creates a disruption of the educational process. Hats are not to be worn in school buildings.
7. Closed Campus
Students are reminded that there is a school policy in regard to leaving school property during a normal school day. By definition, we have closed campus. With the exception of lunchtime and free periods for juniors and seniors, students are expected to stay on school property at all times unless permission is given to leave by the principal’s office.
It is a violation of the closed campus policy to walk across the street during passing periods or directly before or after the regular school day. Students are also reminded that riding a bike to and from a class offered off campus such as Work Study, Woodshop or Physical Education (students going to bowling, swimming etc.) is considered to be a school activity and part of the regular school day. School rules must still be followed. Violations will be investigated and violators will be disciplined. Violations include but are not limited to smoking and unauthorized stops instead of going directly to and from the place of instruction.
Consequences
for Other Violations
Teachers will counsel with the student and shall inform the parents.
2. Second Violation
The teacher will review the student’s file and conference with the guidance counselor, principal, and the special needs staff for possible modifications in the student’s program or class expectations. The teacher will also counsel with the student, assign detention, and shall inform the parents of the infraction and disciplinary action.
3. Third Violation
The teacher will refer student to the principal’s office and complete a student referral form. The principal will do some or all of the following: counsel with the student, inform parents, assign detention and/or suspend the student.
The student shall be suspended pending an in-person conference with the parents. Other possible action may include a referral to the superintendent’s office, the School Advisory Council, the Juvenile Review Board, or a recommendation to the USAKA Commander for action.
Cheating is considered very serious. Plagiarism is considered a form of cheating. An offense may result in loss of credit, suspension or recommendation for action to the USAKA Commander. Violations are filed for the entire career of a student at Kwajalein Jr/Sr High School.
Definition of Plagiarism:
·
“To steal and use (the ideas or writings of
another) as one’s own.”
·
“To appropriate passages or ideas from (another)
and use them as one’s own.”
·
“To take and use as one’s own the writing or
ideas of another.”
Source: New
College Edition “The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language”
1.
First Violation
The student will receive a zero for the assignment, quiz or test. The teacher will counsel with the student and inform the parents and the principal.
2.
Second Violation
The student will receive a zero for the assignment, quiz or test. The teacher will assign detentions and inform the parents and the principal.
3.
Third
Violation
The teacher shall refer the student to the principal’s office and complete a student referral form. The principal shall inform the parents, counsel with the student, and suspend the student.
ATTENDANCE PHILOSOPHY FOR
Research shows that there is a high correlation between good attendance and academic achievement. To foster positive work and study habits, the Kwajalein Schools believe students must be in class in order to fully maximize their educational opportunities.
Students are expected to be on time for school and in class every day. Students and parents should be fully aware that, in most cases, what goes on in the classroom (daily teaching, interactions of students with teachers and with other students, discussions, lectures, experiments, audio-visuals, reports) cannot be duplicated and constitutes a valid and crucial part of course work. Each student is expected to contribute to the daily academic activities in class. When a student is absent, the educational experience of that student and other students in the class can be diminished. What is missed is really that…missed. It cannot be totally made up. Most learning is a sequential process that begins with the simple and builds to the complex---from the alphabet sounds to reading, from counting to multiplying, from families to countries or from molecules to minnows. When a student is absent, this sequence is interrupted. Frequent absences cause numerous voids in this continuum of learning. The class, as a whole, does not move along as quickly. Performance of the whole class suffers. The frequently-absent student struggles to catch up and the teacher struggles to help him/her catch up.
Many social and personal patterns for living are modeled and learned in school. Responsibility, punctuality, and reliability are strong character traits emphasized in school and reinforced at home. Encouraging a student to have consistent, punctual attendance in school teaches important attitudes and work ethics necessary for successful employment in the future. Arriving late undermines the purpose of school and develops poor attendance habits for the student. It causes a disruption in the classroom as other students and the teacher are interrupted by late arrivals.
School handbooks outline procedures for attendance and reasons for excused absences and tardiness. It is understood that students should not be in school when they are ill. It is also understood that there are medical and dental appointments that might cause a student to be absent, arrive late or leave early. Family emergences are also understood. While the school will not tell a parent that children cannot be taken out of school for family vacation, extended absences of this type are discouraged by the school. A student’s education is disrupted and the learning that goes on in school cannot be duplicated by homework alone.
Consistent attendance and punctuality are inherent in the education of every child, not only as a means to uninterrupted leaning, but also as a way to teach the importance of punctuality, good attendance, and responsibility. It is the shared responsibility of the student and the parent to work with the school to assure consistent attendance and punctuality.
ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
(For uniformity, the following definitions will be used).
Not present when the bell rings. If a student is not present in the classroom 15 minutes after the bell rings, it will be considered an absence.