2016-2017 High School Fast Facts

Welcome If you’re like most , moving to a new school, not to mention a new country, can cause a mixture of excitement, loneliness, and anxiety. Rest assured that all of us will do what we can to help you get adjusted to your new surroundings as quickly as possible.

You may be surprised to learn that nearly one-third of the American School students are not American. Our body is comprised of students representing over 50 different nations and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. You’re bound to find students here who have lived in the same region you just moved from and who share your same interests and values. And you’ll have much in common, whether it is favorite movies or music groups, a love of soccer, or a passion for computer games. The trick is to smile and not be afraid to say “hello” to your classmates.

Some students transfer to SAS feeling angry with their parents, at the school, or the world. It’s always hard to say good-bye to your friends, and feelings of anger or sadness are completely appropriate. No one at SAS expects you to forget the friends you left behind. But then again, just because you miss your old friends, doesn’t mean that you can’t make additional ones. Your friends at your old school do not want you to be miserable. They won’t think of you as a traitor if you add to your circle of friends. If you are initially mad at your parents for making you come to Singapore, that’s understandable. But while at school you might as well make the best of it and try to connect with some of your classmates. You’ll be glad you did.

The mission of the SAS Peer Support program is to help new students become familiar with this new school and community. As a new student you will be paired up with a trained Peer Supporter who will be available to help you out and answer your questions.

The SAS counselors and a committee of Peer Supporters developed this guide to help answer some of the typical questions often asked by new students. If you’d like additional information about any of these topics, please speak to your counselor, a Peer Supporter, or an SAS faculty member.

We wish you well as you begin your life at the Singapore American School.

Grade 9 Counselors Dawn Betts Sue Nesbitt

Grade 10-12 Counselors Lisa Ball, Department Chair Tina Forbush Kristen Kurowski Rich Modica Steven Petraglia Trevor Sturgeon Malissa Takacs

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School Before School Begins Registering for Classes

If you’re reading this guide, you have probably already met with your counselor to select your courses for the school year. Once school begins, if you find you are in a class that’s too easy or too difficult, speak with your and ask for advice about what you should do. If you and the teacher agree that you are misplaced, come back and see your counselor to make a schedule change. Any changes should be made as soon as possible.

You will receive your schedule during Open House or in Advisory on the first day of the term. Usually the schedule is the same as it was when you met with your counselor, but occasionally we need to make last minute adjustments and your new schedule will be a little different. If you do end up with two different schedules, the newest copy (the date is printed on each one) is correct.

Because our rotating schedule can be confusing, it’s a good idea to make a copy of your schedule and keep it in your locker or book bag. If you do come to school without your schedule, the counseling office assistants can print a new one for you.

School Uniform

You’ll need to wear the SAS school uniform each day except on officially designated alternate dress days. Alternate dress days are on the calendar and announced in advance in the bulletin. Specific information about the dress code is in the Student Handbook and online but, in brief, you must wear a white polo shirt with the SAS logo and blue shorts, pants, or skirts also with the SAS logo. Other important dress code items include the following: you can wear most shoes except for “flip-flops;” boys can wear a single, studded earring in each ear; and jeans and sweatpants are not allowed.

SAS uniforms are sold in the Booster Booth, located on the second floor near the high school office and library. If you didn’t pick up a shirt prior to your first day of school, you can purchase one when you arrive and put it on over a white or blue tee shirt. The booster booth is open each school day from 7:45 AM until 4:00 PM. There you can get most of the supplies you will need for school. PE uniforms can also be purchased there. You can pay for items with your SASCard, check or cash.

Uniforms can also be purchased at school during Open House before the first day of school or online at http://sasboosterstore.myshopify.com/. If you arrive at SAS and haven’t had time to purchase official bottoms, on the first day wear navy shorts or pants (not jeans).

SASCard

The SASCard is a chip-based “smart card,” which is our campus photo identification card. Each student, parent and SAS employee must have an SASCard. You will be issued your SASCard either on the day you meet your counselor or on your first day of school. In addition to the SASCard serving as your ID card, it offers the following other conveniences:

• Cashless Purchases at all Food and Beverage Outlets Campus-wide

• Booster Booth Purchases

• Quick Library Checkout

• Printing and Copying on Campus

A separate NETS account allows cardholders to use their SASCard off campus anywhere in Singapore that accepts NETS FlashPay - on the MRT, public buses, in many taxis and at more than 8,000 merchants island-wide. The NETS FlashPay account can be topped up at top up points such as 7-Eleven, Cheers and Bank ATMs.

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Fast Facts Laptop Computer

SAS is a one-to-one laptop school, which means all high school students are required to have a laptop and bring it to school. Either Windows or Mac laptops are acceptable. To access the wireless network you must register your computer at the IT Help office near the counseling office.

You will also be given log-in and password information for your SAS email account, our online system that allows you and your parents to see your grades called PowerSchool, and Schoology, a system use for assignments and homework.

Getting to and from School

Some students take public transportation to and from school, and others who live in the Woodlands neighborhood walk or ride their bikes to school. However, most SAS students arrive at school on one of the 100+ SAS school buses (the legal age to drive is 18, so virtually no students drive). Morning buses pick students up from designated stops near their homes in most areas where SAS students live. In the afternoon the buses line up in designated spots in front of the high school. Buses are numbered, so it’s easy to find yours. There is a bus supervisor in front of the high school who can help if you’re having difficulty finding your bus. Your SASCard will be required when you enter or exit the bus.

Buses depart at the following times:

• 3:15 PM following our 3:00 PM dismissal

• 4:30 PM following the activity period

• 6:15 PM following the practice/rehearsal period

Students who plan to ride one of the late buses must sign up to do so. These late buses do not go to as many places as the 3:15 buses. They drop students at centralized areas and students take public transportation or walk from there.

The transportation office is located near the Admissions Office. The bus coordinator can be reached at 6360-6601, or in an emergency 9734-5255.

Orientation and Open House August Arrival

All new HS students and parents will come together for an orientation program on Friday, August 5, at 12:30 p.m. in the Riady Performing Arts Centre. Note that this is immediately before the all school Open House that begins at 2:00 p.m. The HS Peer Support students and the High School PTA organize this program.

January Enrollment

If you are one of the students who arrive at the beginning of the second semester, the Peer Supporters provide an orientation program for you as well. Because the number of students arriving in January is much smaller, the orientation is also shorter. The Counseling Office can provide details about when it will be held.

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School Things to Know as School Begins The first day of school can be frightening. Even returning students are uncomfortable on the first day as they try to find their new classes. It’s normal for you to feel a little scared. If you are here for the first day of school in August, don’t worry!

Your Peer Support buddy will try to call or be in touch with you and arrange to meet you. Unfortunately, since most students ride the bus to school, often there are only a few minutes between the time the buses arrive and the beginning of school. If you’re supposed to meet your Peer Supporter and he or she doesn’t show up, please stop by the counseling office when you arrive at school.

Location of Rooms As you’ve undoubtedly noticed, the campus of SAS is large and sprawling. Many new students are afraid that they will never find their way around. Trust us, you will.

High school academic classrooms are preceded with the letter “H” signifying they are in the main sec- tion of the high school. “S” precedes rooms in the sports, music, theater, business and careers areas. The first digit of the room number indicates which floor your class is on. The Counseling Office is in room H300, which means that it is in the high school area and on the third floor, directly above the High School main office. Other parts of the campus also have other letters preceding the classroom numbers. If you’re standing in front of a door with an “M” over it, you’re in the ! There are signs around the halls pointing you in the right direction.

If you’re afraid you’ll get lost as you’re trying to find your rooms, try not to worry. SAS teachers are very understanding with new students as they try to navigate the halls. If you’re a little late, just smile and say, “Sorry, I’m new and got a little lost.”

SAS students are friendly and will help point you in the right direction if you need help finding your way to a room. You can always stop in the Counseling Office as well.

Advisory

Your Advisory teacher’s name and room number is listed on your schedule. Advisory occurs at 8:00 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday.

The Morning Show broadcasts from our in-school TV studio, with students in the Video Journalism class serving as news anchors. The show brings students up to date on news and announcements. Because we have so many activities at SAS, all news items are not read on the air. A printed copy of the daily bulletin is available on the SAS website and information is displayed on the TVs in the cafeteria and near the Principal’s Office. Do take the time to read the bulletin each day so you’ll know about meet- ings, tryouts, and other school activities.

Time Class/Activity 8:00 - 8:30 AM Advisory/PLC 8:35 - 9:55 AM Block 1 9:55 - 10:15 AM Break 10:15 - 11:35 AM Block 2 11:35 - 12:10 PM Lunch 12:10 - 1:30 PM Block 3 1:30 - 1:40 PM Break 1:40 - 3:00 PM Block 4

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Fast Facts Lockers

All students are able to request a locker to keep books, umbrellas or other items they don’t want to carry around. Many students prefer to use a backpack and don’t request a locker. If you want a locker, your Advisory teacher or the high school office can explain how to get one. All lockers must use school issued locks. They are the school’s property and can be opened if needed by the administration.

If you are in a PE class or athletics, your teacher or coach will provide you with a PE locker. Obviously you should use your PE locker and do not share your locker combination with anyone. Some students are careless about leaving their valuables lying around. While stealing isn’t a big problem here, you must take care of your phone, laptop, and other valuables.

Lunch

While the official lunch period is between 11:35 and 12:10, you are free to go to the cafeteria and grab a bite to eat anytime from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM. You can pay cash or use the debit card built into your SASCard to buy food. There are four food outlets in the cafeteria and another one near the library entrance. During the first few days you should probably bring around S$10 each day until you get a sense of how much food costs–and how much food you usually eat. You can take your food with you and go pretty much anywhere on the high school campus. The exception would be classrooms, the library and a few other areas.

August Back to School Dance

The annual Back to School Dance is held each August. It’s a great way to meet some people and it beats staying at home. Most of the Peer Support buddies will be there, and yours can introduce you to people. Or you may want to speak to some of the other new students and plan to attend with them. The exact time and venue will be in the Daily Bulletin early in the school year.

Communications

The counseling office uses an online communications platform called Family Connection, through which your counselor sends email. Once you’ve settled into school, your counselor will explain its many other features. While the Admissions Office keeps track of your parents’ address, phone, email and other contact information, your counselor keeps track of student’s handphone numbers. If you get a personal handphone, make sure you give your counselor your number to use in case of emergency.

The SAS communications office sends weekly emails to parents about upcoming events. In addition, the PTA regularly schedules morning “coffees” where parents come and learn about different aspects of SAS. An evening parent “Back-to-School” night is also scheduled for early in the first semester. Parents come to school, go to your Advisory, and then go to your classes for about 10 minutes each. Teachers will provide an outline of what you will be studying and their expectations and grading procedures.

Important Offices and Helpful People Counseling Office

If you need help with anything, one of the first places you should visit is the Counseling Office. Although early in the year it will sometimes feel like the SAS counselors spend all of their time helping students with schedules, we are also here to help you sort things out when life gets complicated. If you have a simple question about your schedule (or have lost your copy and need a new one), often the secretaries Julliaha or Rachel can help you. They can also schedule an appointment for you to see your counselor. If your counselor is free, you can drop in anytime.

Health Office

The health office is shared by both middle and high school students and is located on the first floor near the middle school and the science classrooms. If you’re not feeling well, or need any kind of medical advice, our school nurse will help you. If you can’t find the health office, ask for directions in the coun- seling office or high school office.

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School Library

If you’re looking for electronic resourses, books, magazines, help with your research project, or a place to study, the Library/Media Center is your one-stop information center. Your SASCard, which is also your library card, is required if you want to check out any materials.

You can access our library’s online catalog and online databases from any computer. Go to the SAS web page, click high school, and then Library. The folks in the library are available to answer your questions, help you with a research project, and offer advice on how you can better use the services of the library. The Library is open each school day from 7:30 AM to 5:45 PM. Once the year begins, hours are often extended to 6:00 PM.

High School Office

The High School Office is on the second floor at the top of the stairs near the main entrance to the school. Dr. Darin Fahrney, Principal, and Mr. Doug Neihart and Mr. Stephen Ly, Deputy Principals, can be found there. They are assisted by some very helpful secretaries. If you’re tardy for school, were ab- sent and need an “admit,” forgot your locker combination, need to correct your address, or just have a question about something, the people in the office will help you. If you will be absent from school due to illness, you parent will need to verify your absence by sending a short email to Rozi at rbkosnan@ sas.edu.sg explaining the circumstances and how long you will be out of school.

Extracurriculars

There is more to school than academics. Your experience at SAS–and your chances of university accep- tance–will be enhanced if you get involved in an extracurricular activity or two. SAS has a wide range of activities developed to reflect the interests and abilities of students.

At the Student Council Club Fair, held during the third week of school, you’ll have the chance to sign up for most of the activities listed on the next page or to get information about starting a new club or activity. Team tryouts are announced in the Daily Bulletin, as are Student Council elections, and auditions for drama productions, Model United Nations (MUN) and a whole range of school activities.

If you arrive after the fair, or just need to get more involved, see Mr. Kim Criens or Ms. Mimi Molchan in the Activities Office, which is located on the first floor of the sports area. If you are looking for some- thing to do or want to form your own club, speak to your counselor. The following is a list of activities and clubs that were recently active. A few are added (and deleted) each year.

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Fast Facts

Clubs/Groups Fine Arts Athletics Service Groups Clubs August - October Aiding China Absolute Art Magazine Varsity Cross Country (M/F) Achieving Dreams Dance Club JV/Varsity Soccer (M/F) Aiding for Film Society JV/Varsity Volleyball (M/F) Beyond Social Service Photography Bintan Club Independent Performing Art- October - February Caring for Cambodia ists JV/Varsity Basketball (M/F) Creative Memories Prism Literary Magazine JV/Varsity Rugby (M/F) Digital Frontiers-Technology Theater Technical Crew Varsity Swimming (M/F) Door Step School Theater Make-up Varsity Tennis (M/F) Food from the Heart Thespians Gawad Kalinga Twinkle Toes (Dance) Gay/Straight Alliance Usher Society February - April Gleneagles Lover for Children Varsity Badminton (M/F) Growing a Future JV/Varsity Softball (M/F) Global Giving IASAS Cultural Events Varsity Track & Field (M/F) Global Issue Network Associated with specific course: Habitat for Humanity Art, Dance, Vocal Music, Happy Hats Instrumental Music Recreational Clubs HOME-Migrant Workers Athletic Council Leprosy Home Requires audition or tryout: Aikido Model United Nations Medical Explorer’s Badminton Debate Melrose Children’s Home Climbing Drama (one act play) Metta Home Floor Hockey Extemporaneous Speaking Miracles in Medan Flag Football Impromptu Speaking One World Grassroots Soccer Oral Interpretation Outreach Vietnam Golf Original Oratory Peace Initiative Indoor Soccer Peer Support Lacrosse Club Quiz Team Leadership Council Tennis SACAC Bowling Arts Council Touch Rugby SAVE: Environmental Ultimate Frisbee Shoebox Inc Water Polo SPAR Honor Societies Special Olympics National Honor Society Stair Way Art Honor Society SACAC Sports Visionary Club Chinese Honor Society August - November Wish for Kids French Honor Society American Football (M) Japanese Honor Society Cultural Clubs Spanish Honor Society September - May Science Honor Society French Gymnastics (M/F- thru age 18) Quill & Scroll Honor Society Korea Swimming (M/F - thru age 18) Tri-M - Modern Music Masters Mandarin

November - March Student Council Academic Clubs Baseball (M) Executive (Student) Council Business (KIVA) Grade Level Class Councils Model Congress March - May Class Cabinets Math Basketball (F - thru grade 10) Softball (F)

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School Life in Singapore Getting Around

Singapore is a tiny country and you can generally get from one place to another in a car in 30-minutes or less. The Singapore subway system (called the MRT) is very efficient and inexpensive; taxis are nu- merous and safe. You can flag a taxi down by sticking your arm straight out when you see Tibs (6555- 8888), City Cab and Comfort Cab (6552-1111), SMART (6485-7777) and Silver Cab (6363-6888). Taxi fares begin at around S$3.00 or more and incrementally increase as you travel. There are surcharges for traveling during rush hour, for calling a taxi, and for traveling after midnight (50% extra). Taxi drivers are generally familiar with Singapore’s roads and know where they are going though they often ask how you want them to go to your destination (just say “shortest” or “fastest” route).

SAS is in the far northern part of the island and the “city” of Singapore (Orchard Road) is in the southern part. From downtown to SAS it’s about a 30 minute taxi ride costing around S$20 during non-peak hours.

Buses and Subways

Singapore has a modern subway and bus system that most people find easy to use. A stored value EZ Link card or your student ID card (assuming you’ve added money to it), allows you to ride the subway or buses without needing to calculate the fares. You tap your card on a sensor when you begin and end your trip and the amount of the fare is automatically deducted. The fare is usually between 80 cents and $1.80 depending on the length of your journey.

The MRT is efficient but it is not terribly fast. If you were to take the MRT from Orchard Road, it’s about 35 minutes to Marsiling station. There is a shuttle bus from Marsiling to SAS before and after school or you can walk to or from SAS in about 15 minutes. The MRT stops running at around 11:30 PM.

SAS School Bus

For daily transportation to and from school, a contracted school bus company will pick you up from most areas of the island. Although the school bus service is costly, it is very reliable and used by a majority of the student body. If you live in Orchard area, the pick-up time is usually around 7:15 AM, and you arrive at school by 7:55 AM.

When you sign up for buses at the beginning of each semester, there is also an optional activity bus service. These 4:30 and 6:15 PM activity buses are very convenient since you will probably remain after school for clubs, activities, sports and studying. The activity buses have drop-offs at the American Club, Hilton Hotel, Turf Club, Clementi, Ulu Pandan, Farrer Road and Newton Carpark. Because these buses do not stop along the way, it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the various stops. Of course you have to make your way home from there on your own.

Hanging Out

There is a lot to do in Singapore. There are over 100 movie theaters, a shopping center at nearly every corner, bowling alleys and ice skating rinks, and lots of restaurants and coffee shops. SAS students tend to gather at The American Club, Holland Village, Orchard Road, and Clarke or Boat Quay.

Students in Singapore do the same kinds of things that you probably did at your previous home. Mov- ies, shopping, eating, and just “hanging out” can consume many weekend hours for an SAS student. Although Singapore is safer than most big cities, the fact remains that you are living in a big city, and like all urban areas you need to use some common sense. One of the sayings here is that “Low crime doesn’t mean no crime.”

While living in Singapore, you are a guest of the country. As such, it is important to note that you are subject to the laws and practices of Singapore, which may be very different than those of your home country. For example, members of the public are required to give information to a police officer if it is requested and in many instances, a police officer has the authority to arrest a person without a war- rant. A police officer may also search an arrested person and his or her possessions without a warrant.

8 2016-2017 High School Fast Facts Laws dealing with drug offences are extremely strict. Any person found in possession of a drug is pre- sumed to know the nature of that drug until the contrary is proved. If found with more than 2 grams, the presumption is that you’re a trafficker–and drug trafficking carries an automatic death penalty regardless of your citizenship. SAS conducts random drug screening using a hair follicle test to discourage students from getting involved with drugs. If you have a positive test, you will be leaving SAS immediately - and that’s just be the beginning of your troubles! Don’t be foolish.

Staying in Touch

One of the questions that new students often ask is about cellphones or, as they are called in Singapore, handphones or mobiles. Because the cost is reasonable and all calls are local, most SAS students do have their own handphones. While you can have your phone with you at school, you obviously cannot let it ring (or answer it, or text message) in class. Also, you should know that if you use it a lot, you may have an unpleasant surprise when you get your monthly bill. Text messaging, also called “SMS-ing,” is a popular way to communicate but make certain you know how many messages are included in your plan or you could have an unpleasant surprise when your bill arrives.

Good Luck!

We hope the information in this booklet will help you get your feet on the ground quickly. All of us– faculty, counselors, Peer Supporters, and returning SAS students–want you to be successful and happy in your new surroundings. If you’re unsure about anything related to school or the country, please take a moment to ask. And remember: jump in, get involved, and before you know it, you’ll no longer feel like a new student.

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School Appendix II: Planning Chart

To College Total Department Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Graduate Required Earned

English 4 4

Math 2 4

Science Biology 2 3-4

Soc Studies 2 3-4

US citizens and U n iv of California applicants are required to complete a US History course.

Language 2 3-4

V/P Arts 1 1

University of Califo rnia requires one credit or two semesters in the same type of V/P art.

PE 1.5

Health 0.5

Required in 10th

Catalyst Project

(Class of 2018)

Minimum Total Credits for Graduation = 24 10 2016-2017 High School

Fast Facts Notes:

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