MS Student Planner SY1516

8/20/2019 MS Student Planner SY1516

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MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT PLANNER 2015-2016


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Welcome Middle School Students!

You are about to start the 2015-2016 school year. For some, this is your first year inMiddle School; for others, this will be your final year as you transition to HighSchool. Wherever you are on your journey, we hope that you have a great timelearning with us this school year at International School Manila. The Middle School years are exciting times when you begin to discover more aboutyourself, create friendships and develop into a young adult. We are here to supportyou on this adventure, together with your guidance counselors, teachers and theISM staff. Do not hesitate to seek out help when you need it, or to share how you

are feeling along the way. We want to make these Middle School years an exciting,memorable and challenging experience for you. Our doors are always open for youand your parents.

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

The Middle School Student Planner is a resource for you to use throughout the yearand a place for you to organize yourself to maximize your efficiency and yourlearning. Our blog sites are another valuable resource (http://ms.ism-online.org)to find out more about what is happening in our Middle School and in your classes.

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

RACHEL HARRINGTONMiddle School Principal

AMANDA PEKINMiddle School Assistant Principal


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome 3

Welcome from the Middle School Leadership Team 3

ISM Core Values and Mission 7

ISM School-Wide Student Goals 7

Middle School Student Characteristics 8

Middle School Faculty & Staff List 9

Communication 11

Beliefs About Communication 11

Methods of Communication 11

Change of Contact Information 12

Guardianship Agreements 12

A Day in the Life 13

Overview 13

Attendance Guidelines 13

When You Are Late to School or Class 14

Leaving School Early During the Day 14

School IDs 14

Student Visitors 14

Student Advisory Program 14

Student Assemblies 15

House System 15

Tutorials 15

Homework 16

Middle School Activities 17

Athletics and Activities (ATAC) 17

Middle School Events 18

Classroom Without Walls (CWW) 19

Service Learning Program 19


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

How the School Works 20

Guidance Counselors 20

Academic Program 21

Assessment of Students 23

Middle School Media Center (MSMC) 25

Use of Technology 26

Health and Safety 28

Transportation 30

Cafeteria 32

School Supplies, Resources and Textbooks 33

Lockers 33

Personal Property, Lost and Found 33

Withdrawal Procedures 34

Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations 34

Essential Expectations 34

Guidelines for Major Discipline Issues 35

School Uniforms 42

After-School Expectations 44

Field Trip Expectations 44

Other School Rules and Regulations 45

Green Guidelines for Events Planning at ISM 46

A Day in the Life

Hints for Using Your Planner 49 Ten Study Habits of Successful Students 50

Strategies for Studying 52

Hints for Completing Homework 52

Monthly Calendar and Place for Daily Organizing 58

School Map 179

Student Schedule 183


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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA

CORE VALUES

Integrity, Service, Merit

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

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

• Nurture creativity and originality as precursors for critical and reflective thought and action.

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

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

• Involve our community in sustaining and safeguarding our environment.

• Interact through honest, respectful and open communication.

• Acknowledge and celebrate our differences and encourage empathy, compassion,

understanding and respect for human dignity.

• Live our lives positively, joyfully and ethically.

ISM School-Wide Student Goals

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

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

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

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

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

5. Responsible, Caring and Ethical Contributors: Who can empathize and betolerant of differences and are committed to make a positive impact on theircommunities and environment.

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Middle School Student Characteristics

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

1. Experimentation and Richness of Activity – Adolescents like to experiment inmany ways; during this period of development, their activity is greater andricher than it ever has been.

2. Social Perspective and Judgment – Adolescents display a marked increase intheir ability to criticize the social environment realistically and to judge moralconflicts.

3. Physical Self-Awareness – Adolescents are occupied with their physical selves.

They continually wonder whether their physical features and experiences are"normal."

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

5. Adjustment to Maturation and Maintaining Self-Confidence – Adolescentadjustment to the maturation process depends on the kinds of relationshipsthey achieve with their adult and peer associates, keeping in mind that the

pressure to conform to peer group norms is very strong.

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


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CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

David TozeSuperintendent

ADMINISTRATION

Rachel HarringtonPrincipal

Amanda PekinAssistant Principal

Samuel CookCoordinator for Student and Faculty Learning

Cory WilleyMiddle School Student Advisory Coordinator

MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Diana Van der Merwe Charlotte Bliss Marc St. Laurent A-H Surnames I-O Surnames P-Z Surnames

STUDENT SUPPORT

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

ADVISORS

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GRADE 5 GOLDAnke ArmstrongMJ DurkinHolly ElwellBrian HowreyHelen JostRobert MacleanJoanna McElhinneyKaroli Melwani

GRADE 5 GREENPamela ArrietaEric BirdSean BizleyHadassah CastroSandra NavarChris NelsonCheryl ThompsonElizabeth Walsh

GRADE 6 GOLDElaine FelicianoNeil FreemanStephanie LinDavid McKnightMeg ParryJeffrey PhillipsDarren SturgeonHolly Walker

GRADE 6 GREENRosie BeckTimothy BenfordWayne HamaguchiGyorgy JungConnor McMonagleRena O'ReganDennis RespeckiVida Vergel

GRADE 7Jack CargileJenna ChildYojin ChungKarianne CookSteven FischerCarrie GrevKim GuiryJason JuteauMyra LeppGene MaclachlanAnnie MarkovichLuke MilewskiMichelle MonroeTherese MouatJamie PleyteMonica Villanueva

GRADE 8Dave AllenKatrina BakerDavid BurkeMonika D'AqualeEric HamlinMorgan JacobsJohn LacsonSheena NaggeaGiorde PasambaCath RankinCarly RelfErik RichardsonMaricel San AgustinShaun Van der MerweChristine VithayathilEamonn Walsh


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MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFF LISTGRADE 5 CORE TEACHERSEric Bird (English/SS)Holly Elwell (English/SS)Robert Maclean* (Math/Science)Joanna McElhinney* (English/SS)Karoli Melwani** (Math/Science)

Sandra Navar (Math/Science)Chris Nelson (English/SS)Elizabeth Walsh*** (Math/Science)

GRADE 6 CORE TEACHERSRosie Beck* (English/SS)Timothy Benford*** (English/SS)Neil Freeman (Science)Wayne Hamaguchi** (Math)David McKnight* (Math)Jeffrey Phillips (English/SS)Vida Vergel (Science)

Holly Walker* (English/SS)

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTSJimmy Rhey Bongbonga*Ronalyn CabrezaChrisanta ElyAsella Legaspi

TEACHER ASSISTANTSDanielle "Mikki" Castaneda - LSKathleen Ross Desamparado - LSKathryn Deveza - LS

Alvin Fernandez - BandAida Magsombol - StringsPie Palomar - LSEugene Perez - ArtKen Lyle Rafinan - ESLBenjie Saez - ESL

MS STAFFSusan Aguila - OfficeKristine Fong – OfficeGrace Gabay – GuidanceMyla Marshall – Science

MEDIA CENTER STAFFVeronica SilagpoEllen Viray

ESLSean BizleyKimberly Guiry***Myra LeppRena O'ReganChristine Vithayathil

LEARNING SUPPORTAnke Armstrong*Elaine FelicianoSteven FischerBill Laulo***Maricel San Agustin*

WELLNESSValerie Birchenall***Carly RelfCheryl Thompson

Monica Villanueva**

ARTMorgan JacobsMark Kucharski***Carmel Lim-TorresDennis Respecki

DANCE/DRAMACarrie GrevMarsha Hillman***Cath Rankin

MUSICPamela ArrietaGiovanni BobisseCarrie GrevBrian Howrey***Tom NazarenoAnne Provencher*

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONDave Allen*Hadassah Castro

Jenna ChildMary Jane (MJ) Durkin*Jason Juteau***Angela RespeckiErik Richardson*

TECHNOLOGYMatthew Chadwick***Darren Sturgeon

MSMCMeg Parry

ENGLISHKatrina Baker*Rosie Beck*David Burke***Holly ElwellAnnie Markovich*

Joanna McElhinney*Michelle MonroeJeffrey Phillips

MATHEMATICSJack Cargile***Yojin ChungWayne Hamaguchi**John LacsonDavid McKnight*Karoli Melwani**Sheena Naggea

Sandra Navar

SCIENCEKarianne CookNeil FreemanGene MaclachlanRobert Maclean*Giorde Pasamba**Vida VergelElizabeth Walsh***Eamonn Walsh

SOCIAL STUDIESTimothy Benford***Eric BirdEric HamlinLuke Milewski*Chris NelsonJamie Pleyte*Shaun Van der MerweHolly Walker*

MODERN LANGUAGEMonika D'Aquale

Xiaoyan Deng*Helen JostGyorgy Jung*Stephanie LinTherese Mouat***Attilio Polo*

INTERNConnor McMonagle

Legend:*New Faculty/Staff

**Program Leader (Grade Level)***Program Leader (Department)

•Activities Coordinator


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COMMUNICATION

Beliefs About Communication

We believe that communication between the school and home enhances theeducation of our students. Effective relationships built on trust are vital in making

our students feel safe and secure in their learning environment. Partnershipsbetween teachers and parents support learning and allow for connections, whichdeepen understanding of our students. Good communication means that theteacher and parents are appropriately informed about what is happening in theschool and at home, allowing both sides to take responsibility for the developmentof each individual student.

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

• Our curriculum and school program, including teaching methods,

understandings, concepts, skills learned and resources used.• What is happening in the classroom, including day-to-day schedules, routines

and expectations for students.• The learning progress of each student, including strengths, areas needing

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

get involved in them.• Safety procedures and routines.

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

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

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

any areas of concern?

Methods of Communication• Teachers and Administrators make themselves available to meet.

Appointments may need to be made to discuss important concerns as it isdifficult right at the start of the day or at the end while students are enteringor leaving the classroom.

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

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

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

• Parent and Student Bulletins are prepared by the Middle School

Administration each week, including school-wide information and updatesabout curriculum and developments within the school. These can be found onthe main Middle School Blog page: http://ms.ism-online.org (An email link tothe bulletins is sent by the Middle School Office each week.)

• The ISM webpage (www.ismanila.org) is a starting point for learning moreabout our school and curriculum. You will also find important information onour blogs (http://ms.ism-online.org). Please visit these each week to find outmore about what is happening in each of our subject areas and classrooms.You can also view the Middle School Program Guide and Student Planner

from the main Middle School Blog.• Parent Teacher Conferences, held in October, are formal scheduled meetings

to discuss student learning. Students have three half-days off school duringthis time.

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

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

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

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

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

Change of Contact Information

Contact information can be updated directly in your PowerSchool account online,

or through contacting the Middle School Office. It is important that we have yourmost up-to-date phone number, email address and emergency contactinformation.

Guardianship Agreements

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


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

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

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Overview

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

individual classes, teachers and room numbers to help you stay organized.

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

Attendance Guidelines

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

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

In order for a student to receive maximum benefit from their education, dailyschool attendance is required. Realizing that because of illness or other

extenuating reasons, such is not always possible, please be reminded that themost important guideline is that you communicate with the teachers andunderstand the following expectations:

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

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case requiring an extended absence, the student may apply to the Principal for special consideration. Such an exception must be applied for in

advance, when possible, or immediately upon the student's return to school.

When You Are Late to School or Class

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

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

Leaving School Early During the Day

If a student needs to leave early during the school day, it must be communicated tothe Middle School Office by the parent or guardian. The Office will issue a GatePass, which is presented to and required by the security guard at the gate before astudent is allowed to exit campus. If a student is car pooling or leaving campus in afriend's vehicle this must be communicated in advance to the MS office with thename of the vehicle and adult-in-charge in the vehicle.

School IDs

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

Student Visitors

At times throughout the school year, a student may have a friend or family member

visiting them in the Philippines. Permission can be obtained from the Middle SchoolPrincipal/Assistant Principal to allow the visiting student to attend class for amaximum of one school day. Requests need to be made to the Middle School Officeat least one day in advance.

Student Advisory Program

Student Advisory, is a time set aside to allow our students to establish and maintaina sense of community and to strengthen student-adult relationships. StudentAdvisory also provides students with the opportunity to develop a deeper


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understanding learning. Through discussion and activities, each grade levelconcentrates on helping students gain self-awareness and developinginterpersonal communication and conflict-resolution skills. Each grade level alsoemphasizes specific areas such as relationship skills, stress-reduction skills, goal-setting, decision-making and healthy risk-taking. In addition, activities areplanned to involve and engage students in getting to know themselves and eachother better, building good character, connecting with others in their team,

serving their community and managing their own behavior.

Each Student Advisory is made up of a maximum of 12 students in the same gradelevel, who meet with an assigned teacher advisor throughout the year. StudentAdvisory takes place from 2:35 – 3:00 p.m. on Monday and from 11:35 a.m.– 12:15p.m. on Wednesday and other special times throughout the school year for specialactivities or as needed.

Student Assemblies

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

House System

Each student who enters Middle School in Grade 5 or as a new student any time

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

Tutorials

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

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Homework

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

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

necessary, with the underlying purpose that it extend student learning beyond theclassroom.

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

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

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

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

Grade 5 and 6 Guidelines

• Approximately 40 minutes per week for each Core subject and approximately 20 minutes per week for each Encore subject.

Grade 7 and 8 Guidelines

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

P r o c r a s t i n a t i n g i s n o t y o u r f r i e n d !


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

Middle School Activities

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

Athletics and Activities (ATAC)

In addition to various recreational and non-competitive after-school activitiesprovided for students in Middle School, there is also a variety of competitive sports

teams that run on a seasonal and all yearround basis.

The full selection of athletics and activities available can be found on the ATACBlog (http://atac.ism-online.org). Take a look at the ATAC blog as it is the one stopshop for all sports information at ISM. Information can be found via the variousdrop-down links on the blog about the following areas of interest for studentswishing to take part in our program.

• All year round teams program • Seasonal sports

• Tryouts• Athletes' responsibilities• ATAC philosophy/guidelines• Schedules• Extreme weather events/cancellations

If students are selected to a team after the tryouts a part of an ATAC team wherean athletic uniform is required, ISM will pay 40 percent to a maximum of PhP 600.The rest of the cost of the team uniform will be charged to the school account ofthe student. Any additional team t-shirts or practice shirts will be charged directlyto the school account of the student concerned.

Once an official uniform has been issued it may only be used for official games andfunctions and not for practices, physical education class etc., during the season.During games, athletes are required to wear the official ISM uniform.

If an activity involves an overseas trip, e.g. mixed touch/gymnastics/sailfish orwall climbing, parents will be charged 100 percent for all sports/activity trips andexchanges including flights, taxes and any accommodation expenses.

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Each school year, ISM hosts various exchanges and IASAS tournaments involvingsports, fine arts and other activities such as the AMIS Festival. During theseweekends, we ask our parents and families to host visiting students in their homesfor two to four nights, depending on the event. Our visitors come mainly from theother IASAS schools located in Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Taipei and KualaLumpur.

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

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

Middle School Events

Socializing and interacting with others is a big part of Middle School life as we learnmore about each other and ourselves in a fun and safe environment. A variety ofdifferent opportunities take place throughout the school year, which will be

communicated in advance and can be found on the school calendar. These include:

• Middle School Courtyard Events• Middle School Parties• Spirit Week

• Filipiniana• Classroom Without Walls (CWW)

• Saturday Service Learning Trips• Middle School Global Issues Network (GIN)• The Association for Music in International School (AMIS) Music Exchange

• International Schools Theater Association (ISTA) • Middle School Play

• Grade 8 End-of-Year Activities: Dinner Dance, Activity Day and Moving OnCeremony

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Classroom Without Walls

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

Students in the Middle School attend two experiential programs during the schoolyear. These programs offer experiences at a level appropriate to the respectivegrades. Some common elements run throughout the CWW program for all gradelevels. The Fall CWW activities focus on class team-building, while the Februarytrip focuses on fieldwork, outdoor challenges, health and social education,community and service. During these trips — as in all school events — all school

rules apply. A combination of on-campus and off-campus experiences make up theCWW experience and will be communicated to students and parents by the GradeLevel Coordinator and Advisory teachers each semester.

Service Learning Program

All Middle School students are encouraged to engage in Service Learning activitiesat ISM, and it is also a requirement during the Middle School CWW program.Furthermore, Grade 7 and 8 students can choose a semester elective titled ‘Be TheChange’ in which students reflect on the world around them and learn how the

world functions. This course gives students to have the opportunity to criticallyreflect on issues around them and get actively involved in Service Learning at ISMduring the Saturday Service Program.

Desired Outcomes of the Service Learning Program:

• To uphold the school's Mission and Core Values. • To meet expectations of ISM and Middle School which value student

reflections on Service Learning.

• To help students fulfill the expectations of the CWW program.

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Awesome memories


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• To provide continuity of Service Learning at ISM from ES through MS and HS.• To empower students to act on classroom lessons and to strengthen their

awareness of injustices in the world.• To develop leadership skills, knowledge and genuine compassion, leading to

lifelong involvement in community service.• To develop responsible global citizens; individuals whose actions add

harmony to the world; students who can adapt to the challenges of an

increasingly complex, interdependent and changing world.• To develop inquiring and reflective problem solvers who seek to understand

the complex nature of issues such as poverty and injustice.

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

HOW THE SCHOOL WORKS

Guidance Counselors

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

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

The Guidance Counselors work together as a team and also divide theresponsibilities for individual students alphabetically by surname. They are eachassigned to a grade level to facilitate activities with the Grade Level Coordinators


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and teachers based on support that is needed or issues that arise, along with beinginvolved in the social development of students through Student Advisory, events,activities, assemblies and CWW.

• Ms. Van der Merwe supports students throughout MS with surnames A – H and isaligned with Grades 5 and 6.

• Ms. Bliss supports students throughout MS with surnames I – O and is aligned

with Grade 7. • Mr. St. Laurent supports students throughout MS with surnames P – Z and is

aligned with Grade 8.

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

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

Academic Program

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

right to learn and providing challenging and relevant learning opportunities;internationally minded, by being aware of the importance of acknowledging andbenefitting from the cultural diversity that exists in our community and how weuse this to broaden perspectives and tolerance throughout our community.

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

In general, all Middle School students are required to take English, Social Studies,Mathematics, Science, Modern Language, Physical Education and Wellness, and

Electives. Individual choices are provided through the elective courses.

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

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

At the heart of each course are rich concepts that anchor student learning and

guide the assessment of standards and indicators. These concepts are the focus ofeach unit of study within the core areas. They also reinforce theinterconnectedness of content and skills by encouraging students to transfer whatthey are learning in one class to what they are learning in another. The followingare the concepts at each grade level:

REQUIRED COURSES

English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Modern Language Physical Education

EXPLORATORY COURSES

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8Art Art Wellness WellnessDrama DramaWellness Wellness

ELECTIVE COURSES

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 and GRADE 8Year-long Year-long Year-long Semester-longBand Band Band ArtMud (Ceramics)Strings Strings Strings ArtSculpt (Sculpture)

Chorus ArtStudioSemester-long Semester-long Drama ArtiSanChorus Chorus Be The ChangeIT iLearn IT iDesign Blueprint for SuccessGeneral Music General Music ChorusAdventure-Based Games Team Sports Dance Revolution Dance Remix DigiArt

Drama

Fun, Fast and Fit Journalism Innovation Tech Music Madness Robotics

GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Organization Structures Identity Systems

Patterns Relationships Innovation Transformation

Form & Function Cause and Effect Interaction Power

Change Discovery Truth Interconnectedness


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

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

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

development and reinforcement of their understandings.

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

Additional support is available for students with different learning needs. The

Learning Support model is based on the philosophy that students vary in their levelof ability, achievement, motivation and interest, and that individuals respond bestto educational programs that provide appropriate challenges and meet theirindividual needs.

Assessment of Students

Report Cards/Progress Reports

Our purpose for grading is to provide parents with needed information about thechild's efforts and academic achievements. Grades are most important for thestudent so they know how they are progressing academically. As parents andteachers, we certainly need to help our children set goals for improvementthrough evaluation of their academic strengths and weaknesses by giving ongoingfeedback.

Every quarter a grade-to-date in each subject area will be made available toparents on Powerschool. Each semester, a report card with narrative commentswill be made available via Parent Portal and Powerschool. Information how toaccess this will be sent home to families.

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Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the first semester and a student-led conference during the second semester. Additional conferences may bescheduled at any time by contacting the individual teacher directly or through theMS Office.

At ISM, we believe that grades should reflect the level of understanding andachievement towards determined standards and that student behaviors (effort,

participation, adherence to class rules, etc.) should be included separately.Therefore, the grade in each subject area will consist of two separate gradingcategories. These include Achievement and Learning Habits and both will bereported on in the semester report.

Within the Achievement and Learning Habits categories, grades will be reportedon in subcategories to provide further information to parents and studentsregarding strengths and areas for growth. Within the Achievement category,students will be assessed on Knowledge and Understanding (what do you know?),Transfer of Learning (How can you apply what you know?), and Communication ofLearning (How can you communicate about what you know?). Within the LearningHabits category, students will be assessed on Organization, Engagement, andCollaboration.

Grades will be reported on a scale of 7-1 with 7 and 6 representing ExemplaryAchievement and Learning Habits, 5 and 4 representing Proficient Achievementand Learning Habits, 3 and 2 representing Developing Achievement and LearningHabits and a 1 representing Emerging Achievement and Learning Habits. All rubricswill reflect this scale, and grade boundaries for assessments will be determined by

teacher teams on a case by case basis. Only summative assessments will beincluded in the Achievement grade. Learning Habits will be both self and teacherassessed at least three times per semester.

The type of assessment, work time spent on a task, and its level of challenge to astudent determine the weighting of an assignment. Students will demonstratetheir Knowledge and Understanding, Transfer of Learning, and Communication ofLearning through tests and quizzes, projects, formal writing, oral presentations,and class work.

Progress reports are used at regular intervals to help communicate with parentseither special progress or special needs in a given course. Sometimes they are sentto parents of students who are experiencing difficulty in a given subject (i.e. theymay be in danger of failing that subject). Parents are encouraged to confer withthe teacher concerned or with the child's Counselor whenever necessary, to helpimprove student performance. Teachers are also encouraged to issue progressreports of a more positive nature, indicating the student has improved or isexcelling. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to check PowerSchoolregularly and monitor progress. Passwords are available through the Middle SchoolOffice.


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Late Submission of Assessments

Dealing with unsubmitted and late work will be considered consistently across allsubjects and grade levels. Teachers should insist that all work is submitted on timeand is representative of the student's best ability. If students do not submit workon time the students should be strongly encouraged to do the work within areasonable time frame. Non submission of work will be temporarily recorded as

insufficient evidence and marked as missing in the achievement category. Ifstudents do not submit the work by the original deadline then the followingguidelines should be used:

The teacher should meet with the student and devise a reasonable timeline orcorrective plan for when the work will be submitted. Teachers can use tutorialtime to offer support before submission or resubmission of work.

Insufficient Evidence and marked as Missing should be recorded in theachievement grade and students should be allowed to submit the work with a clear

corrective plan in place.

Late work or non-submission of work is reflected in the learning habits categoryand report comments. In addition, for repeated behavior, parents must benotified.

A teacher should consult with administration when a student does not submit thework after this level of support has been provided. At this stage a determinationwill be made on how insufficient evidence and the final grade for the student iscalculated.

Academic Probation

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

Middle School Media Center (MSMC)

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

The MSMC is open throughout the regular school day from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Students may visit with their class teacher or obtain a pass to visit on their ownduring class time. They may also visit the MSMC before school, during lunch and

after school.

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

Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy

International School Manila is committed to delivering the highest qualityeducation in line with current best practices in the integration of technology. Webelieve that students thrive in an environment in which education with technologyis a seamless part of their lives. The integration of technology in educationprovides new learning and teaching opportunities. Students today will experiencea connected digital world their entire lives. The opportunities provided by the useof a personal laptop include increased independence, responsibility and learningthrough technology. A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program will help enablestudents to take ownership and responsibility for their learning both in and outsideof the classroom as well as well as grow into a model digital citizen.

In 7 & 8 grades students will bring their own laptops to school each day. The laptopminimum requirements are listed below. In 5th and 6th grades students will useschool provided laptops in a 1:1 computing model.

Current information, recommendations and answers to questions may also be viewed via the

MS technology site https://sites.google.com/a/ismanila.org/byod/

Being a Responsible Digital Learner and Citizen at ISM (Students)

Being a Digital Learner and Citizen at ISM:

1) RESPECT - As part of a connected community of peers and adults, respect - foreach other, for each other's property, and for one's own property andresponsibilities - is a cornerstone for building a worthwhile learning community.

2) REPUTATION - Whatever is posted online can go anywhere and find anyone, socontent and context needs to be carefully considered every time digitaltechnologies are used to create, communicate or post anything. We should onlyshare messages that will enhance the reputation of ourselves, our fellow students,

our families, and our school.

3) RIGHTS - In the Digital Age, with identity tied to digital connections, it isimportant to understand not only individual rights, but also the rights of thosecharged with providing safe, secure and productive learning environments for thestudents under their charge. 4) RESPONSIBILITIES - Students, along with teachers, must learn and lead bypositive examples, in order to actively build a respectful and safe learningenvironment.


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5) GUIDANCE - The school supports exemplary practices through continual dialog,direction, and guidelines. Each student should be cognizant of teacher specificexpectations for technology use and abide by these at all times.

6) REPERCUSSIONS - Technology use is a privilege, particularly in a BYOD school,and everyone should contribute to a positive learning experience for allcommunity members. Anti-social misbehavior warrants appropriate action to

safeguard the rights and reputation of those adversely affected. This is nodifferent in the digital age, and even more important when the effect of suchbehaviors may be amplified. At ISM, technologies are provided for students to workon projects and personal learning, conduct research, and collaborate andcommunicate with others for school related activities. When using technology, asin all other areas of life at ISM, we are guided by both the ISM mission statement.This means that we seek to demonstrate responsible, caring and principledbehavior at all times. It is important for students to carefully manage their digitalwork, recreation time, and find a good balance between school work, family lifeand social life. The habits formed will be important for present and future

attitudes towards learning and citizenship.

Personal Laptop Program from Grade 7 onwards: Each student from Grade 7onwards is required to have a laptop with school-designated software ready foruse in class as learning requires. Keeping one's notebook safe and ready is animportant student responsibility.

Guidelines for proper care and use include, but are not limited to:

• Using a laptop on a flat, stable surface

• Carrying a laptop closed• Keeping food and drink away from a laptop• Not inserting foreign objects (paper clips, pens, etc.) into the ports

(openings) of a laptop • Gently closing a laptop from the top center of the screen and place in safe

storage when not in use• Individualizing one's laptop and accessories by clearly labeling to aid

identification when mislaid• Being aware of wires and accessories connected to all laptop

• Keeping a laptop safely secured while traveling

• Never leaving a laptop unattended anywhere, anytime

Responsible Use at school includes:

• Using one's laptop primarily for educational and school related activities• Securing one's laptop at all times• Keeping passwords private and not accessing anyone else's password

protected sites• Protecting personal privacy when online by not revealing home address,

phone number, or other information of a personal nature in at-risk situations.

(NOTE: Students in Middle School MUST NOT reveal their full names online.)

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• Not recording, photographing or posting online details of a teacher or astudent without the person's direct and clear permission

• Using only appropriate language, pictures, music, videos, etc.• Conducting oneself appropriately when interacting with others online• Respecting the copyright of materials and always give credit to sources of

information including software, images, music, and video• Attending classes with a laptop charged to enable ready for required use or

their own charging cable• Being responsible for all of their data and regularly BACK-UP all working files• Having rights to all applications and files that are on their notebook while

they are a student at ISM. This includes having their laptop with them at alltimes in class

• Not copying or passing-on software if supplied by ISM• Permitting ISM administrators and parents/guardians to access their school

email account, and or other computer based materials if serious anti-socialbehavior affecting others is suspected

• Remember, your reputation both within the school and in the digital world isstrongly influenced by your actions with your laptop. So too is your academicprogress strongly linked to your focus and time management.

Social Media and Gaming

Social Media and Computer Games, like all technologies, could have a positivepotential to support learning, and as well as a potential to distract and amplifyweaknesses in learning. Part of having a personalized laptop program at ISM is tohelp students find appropriate balances. Violent computer games are notacceptable at ISM. Unacceptable computer games are those where gameplay ischaracterized by destruction of individuals or property, human degradation, orother actions which are contrary to school community ideals. Social media can beused in positive ways to support the school and its learning objectives. Wherethere are concerns please use internal communication mechanisms.

The digital services provided by ISM are for teaching, learning and administration.Contravention of this agreement will be considered a breach of the school'sbehavioral code and may subject a student to disciplinary action by the school.

Personal digital devices will not be connected to the school network unless under

prior arrangements.

Students must familiarize themselves with this agreement and accompanyingadvice so that they know and understand their own and the school'sresponsibilities. This agreement will be updated annually.

Health and Safety

All students, except in case of emergency, are required to have written permissionfrom the teacher before being seen in the Health Clinic during regular school

hours. No Clinic Pass is required after school hours.


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

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

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

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

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

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

Security

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

Crisis Management

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

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

Fire Alarms/Drills

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

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Transportation

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

Daily Guidelines

1. Students must only ride the bus to which they are assigned and may only

ride a different one with written permission from the Transportation Coordinator. If there is a change of schedule or address, please turn in your

information to the Transportation Coordinator's Office for updating and correction.

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

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

b. If a bus does not show up or is more than 10 minutes late, contact

the Transportation Office immediately (840-8540 or 840-8541).

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

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

Typhoon Storm Signal

1. Storm Signal 1 Conditions 1. When Storm Signal 1 is declared, school will remain open.2. Storm Signal 2 Conditions 2.1 When Storm Signal 2 is declared,

ISM will close. 2.2 An announcement to parents

regarding closing of the school will bemade by 5:30 a.m.

2.3 When ISM is to be closed,information will be transmitted toparents by the Telephone Tree, MassText Messaging System, Bus System and

Administrative Telephone Tree.3. Storm Signal 3 Conditions 3.1 ISM will automatically close when Storm Signal 3 or higher is declared.

INFORMATION ON CLOSING FROM:

• Radio FM 88.3 or 99.5

• Telephone Tree

• Call ISM 840-8400 or

• Call Security Office 840-8530 or 840-8531

Contingencies Regarding Closing During Typhoons

GUIDELINES FOR TYPHOONS

BEFORE SCHOOL OPENS

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

SIGNAL 1

SIGNAL 2

SIGNAL 3 or 4

ISM CLOSED

ISM CLOSED

ISM CLOSED


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

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

5. The school is not liable for any item left on the bus. Students must see to it

that nothing is left on the bus. However, items found on the bus may beturned in to the Transportation Office.

6. Activity buses are scheduled to leave the campus at 3:20 p.m. and 4:55 pmThe later bus is for students participating in scheduled co-curricularactivities such as athletics, drama and so on.

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

School Bus Rules and Regulations

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

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

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

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

3. Ride your assigned bus unless special permission is given by theTransportation Coordinator to ride another bus.4. Always get off the bus at your designated bus stop, unless your parents have

arranged for an alternative and the Transportation Coordinator hasauthorized departure on another bus.

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

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

7. For your safety and the safety of others, wait until the bus comes to a

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

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

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

11. Bus routes are determined so as to provide adequate seating for everyone.

Therefore, no one is to sit in the aisles, on the doorsteps or on the motorcover/gearbox.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cafeteria

The Middle School Cafeteria operates daily, on a cash basis, from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m. The Cafeteria menu includes a variety of breakfast items, hot lunches, snackitems and a number of healthy options.


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Please be advised that the Cafeteria utilizes a pre-paid system. This means that allstudents must order and pay for their items at the cashier first. Students will thenbe provided with the receipt from the cashier that they will give to the foodcounter attendant in order to collect their food items. Students may also choose tobring their own lunch and snacks from home.

When students are in the Cafeteria, they need to be considerate, clean and

environmentally friendly. It is expected that students will clean up afterthemselves in the Cafeteria.

School Supplies, Resources and Textbooks

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

School-owned textbooks and resource materials are issued to students from the

Textbook Center or by the teacher. In cases of loss or damage, the student willprovide reimbursement.

Lockers

Each student in Grades 6, 7 and 8 is issued a locker to store their personalbelongings and school materials. Valuables or money should not be left in yourlocker or in an unattended bag. It is a student's responsibility to report anyonetampering with their locker to the Middle School Office. Lockers will be assigned tostudents by the Middle School Office. Physical Education (PE) lockers are availablefor use only during PE class. Exchange of lockers and sharing of lockers amongstudents is not permitted. Middle School lockers are accessed with your student IDcard. If you forget or misplace your ID card, please report to the MS Office.

Personal Property, Lost and Found

It is important to keep track of all items students bring to school each day. Labeling

all clothing, belongings and band instruments with the student's name helpsensure the return of the item, should it be misplaced. Band instruments may bekept in a locked storage area in the band room.

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

K e e p i t t i d y . N o m o l d y s a n d w i c h e s !


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Withdrawal Procedures

Students withdrawing from ISM must complete the following procedures:

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

2. Complete all checkout procedures, including:a. Returning all textbooks to the Textbook Center;b. Returning all materials borrowed from the Media Center, departments,

and/or Guidance Office;c. Checking with the Cashier's Office one week prior to the withdrawal date

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

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

STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Essential Expectations

Our main goal for students is that they are respectful, take responsibility for theiractions and make safe choices. Self-control and self-discipline are importantpersonal responsibilities. Everyone at ISM should feel good about being in school

and be able to be confident in themselves. It is everyone's responsibility to treatothers with respect, including all teachers and adults working on our campus. Allstudents have the right to learn and to be safe at ISM.

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

The following are guidelines to be followed:

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

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

to your learning and the learning of others.


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The following are unacceptable behaviors:

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

• Cheating/plagiarism

• Defiance of authority/insubordination• Disruption of instruction• Endangering the safety of others• Extortion• Fighting or assault• Hazing or initiations• Inappropriate language/behavior• Dishonesty• Threatening or intimidating behaviors (e.g. harassment, verbal abuse,

humiliation, ridicule, etc.)• Participating in group behaviors that intimidate, threaten physical or

psychological harm against others• Promoting or encouraging membership and interests of groups, clubs,

fraternities or organizations not officially sanctioned by the school• Recruiting or encouraging others to participate in inappropriate, harmful or

intimidating behavior• Stealing

It is a basic entitlement of all students to receive their education free from

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

Guidelines for Major Discipline Issues

Academic Honesty

At ISM, integrity is a key component of our vision. Academic honesty requires thatall students and teachers respect the integrity of one another's work and recognizethe importance of acknowledging and safeguarding intellectual property.

Our goal in the Middle School is to develop in students a common understanding ofthe components of academic honesty and to teach the skills needed to ensure thatstudent learning represents the individual's own work, original ideas, and thatmaterial is properly sourced.


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When students are guided through the process in a developmentally appropriateway and explicitly taught the skills they need they will be able to demonstratetheir own individual learning at the highest possible level. Through the researchtransdisciplinary skill students learn the "Big 6" stages of research, whichincorporates the skills associated with academic honesty outlined in our MiddleSchool Research Continuum.

Definitions associated with academic honesty:1. When a student represents the ideas or work of another person as their own

– this includes copying from a text or from another student (plagiarism). 2. The ideas of others need to be sourced and cited properly following

guidelines in our ISM MS research continuum (plagiarism).3. When a student allows their work to be copied or submitted for assessment

by another student (collusion).4. When a student presents the same work for different assessments without

consulting with their teacher (duplication).5. Any other behavior that gains an unfair advantage- this includes cheating in

an exam or test, taking unauthorized material into an exam or test…

When a student needs support with understanding the components of academichonesty or chooses to not follow the guidelines, the following steps will be takento ensure that integrity of work is being maintained.

When a teacher identifies that a studentdoes not understand the principles ofacademic honesty

1. Have a conversation with thestudent, to find out their level ofunderstanding.

2. Communicate with the assistantprincipal to find if there are anyprior incidents (if so move tocolumn two…)

3. Re-teach the skills necessary to besuccessful at the task.

4. Allow the student to resubmit andhave the assignment reassessed for

full credit.5. Have a conversation (email) withthe parent to communicate what hashappened and how you havesupported the student.

When a teacher identifies that a studentintentionally has not followed thepractices of academic honesty

1. Have a conversation with thestudent, to find out their level ofunderstanding.

2. Communicate with the assistantprincipal to discuss steps to betaken.

3. Student will have a conversationwith the principal or assistantprincipal and guidance counselor.

4. Parent will be contacted by theprincipal and assistant principal.

5. Consequences will be decided on bythe assistant principal or principaltogether with the teacher andstudent. This may include (loss ofprivileges during break time and/orafter school, and reflected in thelearning habits section of theirgrade). A component of this time willbe spent on practicing and re-learning the skills associated withacademic honesty.


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Alcohol and Tobacco

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

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

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

• Alcohol Use - Students may not possess, consume, or be under the influenceof alcohol at any time, either on campus, on a school bus, or at any school-

sponsored student activities. For students who violate the no-alcoholpolicy, it is considered a major infraction that may incur a level 4 – 6

disciplinary action (suspension and expulsion; see below).

Drug Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dangerous drugs include, but are not limited to, narcotics, stimulants,barbiturates, suppressants, hallucinogens, marijuana or amphetamines. The

School likewise considers the following as prohibited or dangerous drugs:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As part of the policy, a screening and detection procedure utilizing urinalysis, hairfollicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as determined by theadministration, will be conducted on a random basis, or, where suspicion of use

exists, selectively. Random selection may result in a student being selected fortesting or screening more than once during the semester.

Infractions of the ISM policy on drug abuse are cumulative throughout the student'stenure at ISM, and will result in the following consequences: 1. Any student who possesses, uses, buys, sells, gives, or traffics drugs on or

off the school campus, its surrounding environments, or at any school- sponsored or school-related activity, function, or event will be

permanently withdrawn from school and permanently dropped from therolls of IS Manila on the first offense.

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

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

/student / Counselor / Administrator;• Suspension from school and all school-related activities for two weeks (10

full class days);• During those two weeks, at the initiative of the parents, a comprehensive

evaluation of the student by an IS Manila recognized and approved


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professional shall be conducted. At least five, or as many as recommendedby the school and/or the outside counselor, professional counseling sessionswill be required with all relevant documentation to be forwarded to theSchool before readmission. The costs of this counseling will be borne by theparents. The School recommends strongly that the parents, too, availthemselves of specialist help.

• Prior to readmission, the student must present a written research paper of

a standard acceptable to the school and commensurate with the student'sage and academic ability — on drug use and abuse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Any student who refuses to submit, upon request, to a urinalysis, hair

follicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests as determined by theadministration, will be deemed to have failed said test and will besanctioned accordingly. A second refusal will result in the student beingpermanently dropped from the rolls of IS Manila.

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

5. Urinalysis, hair follicle, saliva or other such drug detection tests asdetermined by the Administration, random or otherwise, will be conducted

according to the administrative guidelines to this policy.


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Possession of Weapons on Campus

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

Consequences of possession of these items are as follows:

1. Any student who brings a firearm to school will be immediately suspendedand recommended for permanent withdrawal or expulsion from school.Additionally, any student who possesses, on school premises, any dangerousweapon and who brandishes, threatens or uses such weapon in anyconfrontational situation will also be immediately suspended and

recommended for permanent withdrawal or expulsion from school.2. Any student who is in possession of any BB, pellet, or facsimile (exact copy)

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

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

3. Students should not bring to school pocket knives, pen knives, key chainknives, etc. These will be confiscated and returned only to parents.Students will be subject to suspension on their first offense.

Theft

Students of International School Manila are expected to respect the property of

others. Theft or the appropriation of property other than one's own is considered aserious offense and is prohibited.

Acts of theft consists of being in possession of stolen property, the actual taking,assisting in taking, or in any way participating in the acquisition of materials belongingto someone else withou

Documents

MS Student Planner SY1516