MS 10-11 handbook
Chofu Campus: 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031 Tel: 0422-34-5300, Fax: 0422-34-5303 Early Learning Center: 6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Tel: 03-5771-4344, Fax: 03-5771-4341
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Welcome 2 ASIJ Middle School Philosophy 4 The MS Program 5 Advisory Program, Extended Campus Programs, Guidance Program, Recognition Program, Service Program, Student Leadership, Laptop Program Co-curricular Activities 11 Sports, Other Activities MS Schedule 14 Academic Program 15 Learning Support Program, Academic Probation, Homework or Out-of-Class Work, Tests and Major Projects Attendance 17 Excused Absence or Tardiness, Extended Illnesses, Absence Procedures, Tardiness, Unexcused Absences, Leaving School Early, Early Leave for Vacations, Student Guests ASIJ Board Statement on Discipline 19 MS Statement on Discipline Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations 20 Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Legal, Be Proud, Dress Code, Bullying, Technology Acceptable Use Policy, Discipline Consequences, Behavioral Probation, ASIJ Policy on Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment Policy ASIJ Transportation 31 Riding the ASIJ Bus, On the Train, Other Modes of Transportation People, Places and Things to Know 34 MS Educators; Principal; Counselors; Office Staff; Maintenance and Cafeteria Staff; Health Center Staff; MS Office; MS Library; Cafeteria; Kiosk; Bookstore; Transportation Office; Resource Centers; Technology Resource Center; Commons; Teachers’ Offices, Workroom and Faculty Room; Lost and Found Area; Lockers; Progress Reports; Every Other Week Report System Disaster Prevention 39 Special Notes for Parents 39 MS Hours; After-School Activities; Back-to-School Night; Parent-Teacher and Student-led Conferences; Special Parent Sessions; Parent Volunteers; Parent-Teacher Association, Booster Club and Friends of the Fine Arts; PTA Parent Advisory Council; Open Door Policy; Report Cards; Substitute Teachers; Helping with Homework; School Closure; Withdrawal from School; Early Leave for Vacations; Contact with School; Suggested Guidelines for Parents; Tokyo Teen Scene: What Parents Need to Know, Guidelines for Parents’ Absence from Tokyo MS Course List 49 2010-11 MS Faculty and Staff 52 All-School Calendar 53 ASIJ-MS Bibliography Format 68 Getting to the to ASIJ Chofu Campus 70 MS Floorplan 72
1 Welcome
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I’d like to give all of our students, especially our new students, a big welcome to the ASIJ Middle School for this new school year. I hope you had a great summer break and are enthusiastically looking forward to this new year. This Handbook is replete with all types of information for our students and their parents, including the basic philosophy of the Middle School division, operational rules, and policies that guide the function of our school. It explains the many opportunities students have in their classes and in activities/sports to grow, learn, develop and challenge themselves. We explain these things in order to make it easier to understand the different dimensions of the school. It is important, as a total school community, that not only do our students understand the information in this handbook, but support it as well. In this vein I ask that you carefully read through the information and digest it the best you can. Our teacher/advisors will do so likewise at the beginning of the school year. If you or your child have any questions, please contact me or your child’s advisor; we will be glad to answer them for you. ASIJ’s mission of “developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility” is especially apropos as we find ourselves in a figuratively smaller world environment here in the early part of the 21st century. Our middle school students, who will be the leaders of the next generation, need to make the most out of their middle school years, for this period of their education forms skills, habits, relationships, likes/ dislikes, attitudes and personalities—characteristics they will forge and carry with them through the rest of their school life, their professional life, and their personal life. My credo for students is simple—say “Yes” to as many potentially enriching experiences as possible during these years—to opportunities, relationships, challenges, etcetera. Though you may not always succeed in these endeavors or they might not work out as you had hoped, you will be the better for having experienced them. I look forward to serving and supporting our students in their academic and personal growth this year, and I hope that all of you have a great school year. Work hard, do your best, have some fun, and challenge yourself to make the most of your ASIJ education.
Scott Adams Middle School Principal
2 ASIJ Middle School Welcome to The American School in Japan. We hope this year will be very enjoyable and memorable. First of all, we are the Student Leadership Team, otherwise known as the SLT. We help to make our students feel more welcome at the Middle School and we try to help them as they adapt in this new learning environment. We also help organize the dance/socials and other activities for students. Our goal is to make the time while students are at school enjoyable. The dance/socials are located in the Middle School Gym where the SLT, or other advisories, DJ the dances and arrange for other social activities. Throughout the year, there are usually six dance/socials and each one of them is categorized for that season/month. The SLT’s job is to make these activities the best and to help students in developing good social relationships. Throughout the year, there are various opportunities for students to experience different things, such as sports, drama, clubs and other recreational activities. Also, each grade has two extended campus trips during the year. The sixth-grade students experience three days in Kiyosato at KEEP, as well as a week of Japanese culture and visits to various sights around Tokyo. The seventh-grade students experience a historical trip to Hiroshima and a scientific trip to the Izu Peninsula for a week. The eighth- grade students experience an outdoor challenge trip to Lake Sai near Mt. Fuji and a ski trip to the mountain area near Nagano. We also have a program called Peer Helpers in which students go through training to help incoming students and to assist departing students. As written, this program is about peer helpers so students who are determined to meet with them understand that they are talking with peers not teachers. We think that this program helps both new and returning students. One goal we try to achieve is to make this a good environment for all of our students. At school there are playing fields, trees and courtyards. You can do your homework, eat lunch and just chat there. We try to make the environment comfortable for the students at the Middle School.
The Middle School Student Leadership Team
2010 -11 Handbook 3 ASIJ Middle School Philosophy
The ASIJ Middle School Philosophy promotes challenging academic programs and diverse educational opportunities in an international school setting. While encouraging individual responsibility and choice in a structured environment, the Philosophy also recognizes that middle school students are undergoing dramatic development in all phases of life. For this reason, appropriate experiences and expectations provide for developmental and cultural differences.
The American School in Japan’s Mission is to developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility. We believe that our mission is best realized when:
The learning environment is: • Functional, well maintained and safe. • Friendly, inclusive and welcoming. • Student centered. • Academically and socially stimulating. • Extended beyond the ASIJ campus, reflecting a sense of global community. • Responsive to the transitional needs of individual students.
The learners are: • Supported by parents and the ASIJ community. • Taught with respect for wide ranges of physical, emotional and cognitive development. • Encouraged to develop healthy peer relationships. • Stimulated by new experiences and challenged to explore. • Entrusted with increasing autonomy and responsibility. • Made aware of the uniqueness and privilege of being a part of an international community. • Respectful of and seek to uphold the goals of the ASIJ mission statement.
The educators are: • Enthusiastic, energetic and positive about their work and the Middle School learner. • Knowledgeable in their content area and of Middle School curriculum. • Supportive of the Middle School Philosophy and program. • Lifelong learners who model commitment to personal and professional growth. • Respectful, appreciative and understanding of the differences in people. • Flexible with an openness to educational innovation. • Effective in collaborating and communicating with students,parents and colleagues. • Understanding of the cognitive, emotional and social needs of early adolescent students.
4 ASIJ Middle School The Middle School program is: • Instructionally rich and appropriately challenging. • Focused on the process of learning and experiential in nature. • Responsive to opportunities for educational activities outside of the classroom. • Integrated and connected within and across grade levels. • Sensitive to the needs of the individual student through a relevant advisory/guidance program. • Connected to our host culture and to the international community. • Committed to a spirit of active service to others. • Enriched by a diverse co-curricular program. • Designed to recognize, assess and evaluate students in a variety of ways.
The educational processes are: • Clearly articulated in handbooks, curriculum guides, calendars and other publications. • Reflective of the ASIJ Mission Statement. • Supportive of pedagogically sound and creative practices in the classroom. • Inclusive, and when appropriate, based upon a consensus model. • Designed so that conflict resolution can be undertaken flexibly in a spirit of trust. • Focused on the development of our Student Learning Outcomes.
The staff will review the Philosophy and its implementation regularly in order to promote communication, clarity and responsibility. The MS Program Homeroom/Advisory Program Each morning students have a short homeroom with their homeroom teacher, who is also their advisor. Here attendance is taken, daily announcements are shared and school business is conducted. An advisory period is scheduled one time per week. Small groups of students meet with their advisor to participate in a range of activities and lessons focused around the themes of the advisory program. These themes are: bonding and acceptance, group dynamics, community service, and self-esteem and responsibility. The purposes of advisory are to: • Provide each student with a sense of belonging to a group of peers through the development of healthy social interactions among the advisory group members. • Provide a structure for school activities and grade level programs.
2010 -11 Handbook 5 • Provide an organizational base for students to make meaningful contributions to the school, community and world. Extended Campus Programs ASIJ Philosophy states that a characteristic of our learning environment is that it is extended beyond the ASIJ campus, reflecting a sense of global community. Off-campus excursions that relate to specific subject areas such as the depositing of fish eggs in the nearby Tama River, visiting a local middle school for a language exchange or spending the day studying the technical aspects of Disneyland are but a few examples of subject-related activities that enhance learning. Grade level programs are also offered throughout the year, such as:
Sixth Grade During the first quarter of the school year, sixth-grade students travel to Kiyosato, a rural area approximately two hours from Tokyo. This program is known as KEEP (Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project). The high-altitude recreation complex is located in a dairy farming area and features two and one-half days of hiking, nature sessions with park rangers, skill-building and cooperative games and other group activities. KEEP is held in one session with the entire sixth grade class attending Wednesday through Friday. The second extended campus activity for all sixth-graders is scheduled in late January. Following two days of on-campus Japanese cultural experiences and special activities, our sixth-grader students host an exchange with the Chofu Dai-ichi school.
Seventh Grade The extended campus program for seventh-graders is composed of two experiences: a trip to Hiroshima and a trip to the Izu Peninsula. The trip to Hiroshima is scheduled for three days in late January. Students will gain a deeper understanding of this significant cultural and historical area through units of study in social studies and language arts. The second extended campus trip for the seventh grade happens in May. Groups of approximately 65 students and 11 teachers take a five-day trip to the Izu Peninsula located about three hours south of Tokyo. Students view marine life, go orienteering in the forest, study bird life, take a full-day cultural hike and cook their own meals. While many activities are integrated with the seventh-grade science program, other subject areas such as social studies, language arts and mathematics provide activities utilizing this historical and cultural area.
Eighth Grade In the fall, the entire eighth grade will travel to Lake Sai in Yamanashi prefecture for a three- day outdoor education trip. Preparing meals, hiking, rock climbing and challenge activities are some of the activities led by ASIJ teachers as well as consultants from Outward Bound. They will also enjoy some Tokyo area cultural activities on the remaining days of the week. The second extended campus experience for eighth-grade students occurs in late January.
6 ASIJ Middle School During their January trip, students travel to Mt. Naeba area to ski, and to enjoy the outdoor activities offered there. Guidance Program Ms. Darrigan and Mr. Bennett, our two counselors, provide academic, social and emotional support for MS students. A student can easily see either one of the counselors by coming to the office, and parents are welcome to contact a counselor at any time during the instructional day. Counselors work closely with the Student Support Team (SST), made up of resource center supervisors and learning support personnel, to assist teachers in helping students reach their academic goals. Ms. Darrigan works primarily with sixth- and seventh-grade students while Mr. Bennett is mainly involved with eighth-grade students. The counselors also coordinate the MS Peer Helpers program. Recognition Program To acknowledge the wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive development of Middle School Learners, educators recognize students in a variety of ways. Every opportunity is taken to highlight achievement and to reinforce specific strengths of students. We are sensitive to individual needs and find appropriate and meaningful ways to accentuate positive growth on a consistent basis.
Inquisitive Learner Recognition Inquisitive: • Solves complex problems. • Seeks creative alternatives. • Reads and listens critically. • Takes risks and explores the unknown.
Learner: • Takes responsibility for lifelong learning. • Seeks and enjoys challenges. • Works effectively in a group. • Contributes to the learning climate.
1. Student Learning Awards may be given at the end of each semester by a teacher to those students who demonstrate observable behaviors which exemplify the qualities identified in the ASIJ Mission Statement. I actively seek various ways of solving problems. I include the ideas of others in my solutions. I see that my way is not the only way.
2010 -11 Handbook 7 I recognize, accept and try more than one way to solve a problem. I understand the value of using different strategies and ideas. I seek personal excellence in intellectual, artistic, practical and physical endeavors. 2. ASIJ progress reports can be used to recognize exceptional performance at any time a faculty or staff member observes such academic behavior from a student. Criteria are based upon the individual faculty or staff member’s assessment. Progress reports can be accessed electronically at Netclassroom. 3. Academic excellence letters will be mailed to students who earn no less than an A– academic mark in all subjects at the end of each semester. These would be developed and mailed from the Principal’s office. 4. Letters recognizing academic improvement will be mailed by the Principal’s office at the end of each quarter to any student whose academic marks indicate improvement of an average of one letter grade. 5. The Ray Downs Scholar Award will be awarded to students at the end of the school year who have earned no academic mark less than an A– and have satisfactory effort marks.
Compassionate Learner Recognition • Sharing time and talents. • Empathizing behaviors. • Encouraging others. • Valuing service. 1. The Judith Hunt Service Award* is given at a community meeting at the end of the school year to a student or group of students for an outstanding service project. This award recognizes a consistent project or a unique project that has a significant impact. I contribute to improve the quality of life in my family, school, community, nation and world. I am preparing to be a good citizen. 2. The Green Award* is given at a community meeting at the end of the school year to a student or group of students for an outstanding “green” environmental project. This award recognizes a consistent project or a unique project that has significant impact. I understand the environmental issues facing the world and work to preserve the environment. 3. The Constructive Community Member Award* will be given to students at the end of the year who have demonstrated exemplary compassion for others and have earned the respect and trust of their peers. Global Responsibility Recognition • Accepts and rejoices in cultural differences. • Understands world issues. • Strives for community and world harmony.
8 ASIJ Middle School • Works for a better environment. I know myself and the importance of being honest and doing the right thing. I am able to cooperate with others. I contribute to improve the quality of life in my family, school, community, nation, and world. 4. The Reischauer Cultural Exchange Award* is given at the end of the school year to a student who demonstrates what it means to be globally responsible, as described in our mission statement. The student should also demonstrate proficiency in a second language or be engaged in learning a second language. I show respect and tolerance for the rights and values of others. I am aware of and understand Japanese culture as well as other world cultures.
Other Recognition 1. Activity recognition which includes sports, technology, fine arts and other activities are ongoing with the focus on participation. The supervisor(s) of the activity will determine the appropriate recognition setting. 2. Ongoing recognition by advisors, faculty and staff are the most important types of recognition given students. Sending a message of respect, caring, valuing and acknowledging the importance of the individual is accomplished through various types of activities. *Note: Nominations for Hunt, Green Community Member, Reischauer and Trust awards may be submitted by students, faculty and staff at the end of school year. The list of students being considered will be reviewed by the Principal and Team Leadership Council. Students selected by the faculty for these awards will be recognized at an end-of-year community meeting. Service Program All MS students are involved in service projects encouraged by teacher-advisors and sponsored by each grade level. ASIJ includes this requirement because they recognize that the values and attitudes adolescents are developing at this stage are lifelong. This program will help give students the sense that their actions do count. For example, advisories collect, separate and prepare materials for ASIJ’s recycling effort and conduct fund raising projects to support charitable activities. While much of the service work takes place outside the school, the concept of serving others must begin at home. For example, students are expected to help keep the school building and grounds, as well as the surrounding neighborhood, clean and neat. Service in a family or community setting is another way to meet the service commitment.
Examples of service work students can do outside the school: • Religious, scouting and community projects. • Help in schools for handicapped or abandoned children. • Raise funds for needy causes such as Make-a-Wish Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, etc. • Collect or recycle clothing for approved charitable agencies. • Make onigiri and deliver them to the homeless.
2010 -11 Handbook 9 Examples of service work students can do inside the school: • Help with school projects. • Engage in activities to keep our campus and buildings clean. • Respond to requests for help from teachers and MS Office staff. • Tutor peers. • Help in classes for younger children. • Serve as a MS helper. • Volunteer to prepare food for the homeless. Student Leadership Students will have many opportunities to develop leadership skills. The first is through joining the Student Leadership Team. These students will go through a series of training activities to build group process skills. Students will form a core for student activity planing and program support. Other leadership activities are built into our curricular and co-curricular programs. Laptop Program We are proud to announce that the Middle School will embark on a laptop program for its students beginning this school year. Focused exclusively on enhancing our students’ learning and providing them with 21st century competencies and expertise in collaboration, critical thinking, complex problem solving and multimedia communication, our laptop program will give our students—and their teachers—continuous access to an information and creation tool for learning. In our division the demand for regular computer access by our teachers and students has grown year by year. Moving to a laptop program will enable ubiquitous access to this learning tool. In addition, since students will not need to log on, retrieve, save and log off different machines throughout the day, classroom instructional time will be increased by approximately 15 minutes each day, adding about seven days of instructional time per year. We’ve done a lot of research into acquiring the best laptop for the best cost. We carefully compared different pricing and warranty policies. After much analysis, we’ve selected the Lenovo X100E ThinkPad computer, with these features: • AMD Athlon processor • 2GB RAM • 160GB HD • 11.6” screen • English keyboard • Windows 7 Professional OS, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Security Essentials, Adobe Acrobat Reader, a variety of audio and digital tools, plus curriculum specific software • 3-year Lenovo Extended Care Option warranty. We will have two financing options to offer families. Both fees cover the following: cost of providing the laptop to students, access to loaner machines (should one’s assigned computer require repair), a service warranty run by ASIJ, installed software that meets the
10 ASIJ Middle School requirements of the MS program (including a TI calculator emulator that will eliminate the need for students to purchase a separate graphing calculator), and a laptop cover. Under option 1 the computer will remain the property of ASIJ and will be returned at the end of each school year, software updates will be installed, and reassigned the next year. Under option 2, the computer still remains the property of ASIJ while the student is in school, yet students can keep their computer during the summer though they will be required to turn it in at the start of the new school year for updated software installation; and when they leave the MS they will take the laptop with them after all ASIJ software is removed. Under both options students will still be responsible for software and file management of their machines, and for maintaining appropriate bandwidth and memory for their school work. The students may not download or add software to the machine without permission from the school. Care and responsibility of the machine, including the charging cord and battery, is the student’s, much like how they are required to care for a school-issued book. Damage to the computer may be covered under the warranty, as long as it was not caused by negligence, while lost or stolen computers will be the sole responsibility of the student. All students are assigned a locker where laptops can be secured when not in use. To support this transition to a laptop program, we will have our Technology Integrationist introduce and educate our students about the care and use of the computers as well as rules and responsibilities. He will also work with our teachers for their professional development in using technology for effective teaching and learning. We’ll also have personnel in our Technology Resource Center who will be available to assist students with both hardware and software needs. More information about our laptop program will be posted on the MS section of MOL.
Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests beyond the core curriculum. The MS offers a wide range of activities that allow students to interact, both as performers and spectators, at social, sports, service and cultural events. Co- curricular activities also provide opportunities for developing friendships and building self-esteem. Our MS teachers are committed to working with students inside and outside the classroom. The relationships formed between students and teachers during co-curricular activities often enhance the instructional setting and serve to encourage better performance in the classroom. Co-curricular activities after school are over by 5 p.m. to allow students to ride the 5 p.m. bus. Interscholastic sports are limited to three after-school practices per week. A resource center and the TRC are open several times a week. If students stay after school to socialize or study, they are expected to behave responsibly as teachers will be actively involved in supervising only structured activities. Unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member, students are to leave the MS building and ASIJ campus by 5 p.m.
2010 -11 Handbook 11 Sports The MS attempts to provide as varied and extensive a program of sports activities as facilities and qualified staff allow. Many of ourfacilities must be shared with either the Elementary School or the High School, which may restrict some activities. We also feel strongly that unless we can provide qualified and experienced supervisors for an activity, it is neither safe nor wise to conduct such activities. We will also refer parents to other activity programs such as those sponsored by the Tokyo American Club or private providers. The ASIJ Middle School is a member of the Kanto Plain League in volleyball, basketball, cross country, track and field, soccer and wrestling. Being part of the League means Saturday and/or, on rare occasions, after-school games/meets with other international schools in the area. League play also means that we follow certain rules such as the number of students who can participate on a team, hours of practice, etc. Our competitive swim program also is a part of a group of international, U.S. military and Japanese schools. Other non-League activities such as baseball, martial arts, tennis, and dance are offered based upon student interest as well as available facilities and staff. When a team sport is limited to a certain number of participants, only seventh and eighth-grade students may join that sport. During the seventh and eighth grade, this sports experience can be a learning one that prepares students for realities they face when sports programs become much more competitive in the high school years. Every sports season there is at least one activity that does not restrict the number of participants on a team. These are cross country, wrestling, swimming, baseball, field hockey, tennis and soccer. Should numbers for these activities reach a figure that is considered unsafe, they too will have to be limited or modified. The ASIJ Booster Club sponsors a Sports Recognition Program at the end of each sports season. Students are recognized by the presentation of a certificate by the coach. A short program, featuring student speakers, is followed by refreshments. Parents are invited to these programs which are held immediately after school and are posted on the ASIJ calendar.
MS Sports Program Guidelines 1. Our program’s goals are the development of skills, sportsmanship, self-confidence, self-esteem and commitment by participating on a team. We achieve the above goals through a balance of participation and competition, and coaches ensure that all students have an opportunity to play during all matches and games. 2. The program includes activities designed to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of MS students. Theprogram emphasizes maximum participation, instruction, skill building, sportsmanship and developing healthy attitudes about recreation and competition. 3. The sports of basketball and volleyball are limited to the number of students selected for teams. At least one sport is offered each season that does not have to limit the player numbers. While all eligible students are able to play all sports offered that season, they may not be placed on the team that would be their first choice. 4. Parents of students trying out for a team will receive information about the criteria for
12 ASIJ Middle School participation in the sport. 5. During the season, students will not be required to practice more than three times a week. Practices may be held more often during tryouts, when no games are being played. 6. As a general rule, games will not be played on school nights. 7. To participate on an interscholastic team, students must maintain acceptable standards of behavior, academics, sportsmanship and team- member responsibility. A student may be restricted from participation if he/she falls below academic or behavioral expectations. Students must provide a medical history and release form that includes documentation of a physical examination. Parents must sign a permission form for each sport in which a student wishes to participate. Students will not be allowed to participate until each of these forms has been turned in to the coach or Health Center. Sports Schedule
Fall Sports/Related Activities Cross Country Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Martial Arts Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Soccer Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Volleyball Girls Grades 7, 8
Winter Sports/Related Activities Basketball Boys Grades 7, 8 Field Hockey Girls Grades 6, 7, 8 Martial Arts Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Swimming Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Wrestling Coed Grades 6, 7, 8
Spring Sports/Related Activities Baseball Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Basketball Girls Grades 7, 8 Tennis Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Track and Field Coed Grades 6, 7, 8 Other Activities The MS provides numerous opportunities for its students to be involved in both structured and unstructured activities. Rather than having too many clubs, we have chosen to provide opportunities for students to interact informally and to try different things. We also believe it is important for the MS student to have a venue for free play. Our court and field, as well as locations throughout the building and campus, provide spaces for friends to gather. Other social, service and cultural activities may include, depending upon student interest and available staff and facilities:
2010 -11 Handbook 13 • After-School Unstructured Time • After-School Homework Club • Art Club • Brain Bowl • Drama Activities • Games Club • Guitar Club • Habataki (MS Newspaper) • Jazz Band • Library Activities • Math Lab • Music Concerts and Shows • Omoide (MS Yearbook) • Peer Helpers • School Plays • Sports Clinics • Student Leadership Team • Technology Resource Center All clubs and organizations must be granted a charter from the Activities Office before they may operate as part of the school program. The process to approve a new club involves the activities director and the MS principal. The following points are considered when evaluating an application for a new club: • A written proposal from the organizers of the club. • Current co-curricular offerings relative to student needs/desires. • The identification of an appropriate club advisor/s. • The location of an appropriate venue. • In certain cases, consultation/approval from headmaster/board. • Developmentally appropriateness. Final approval of all new clubs rests with the activities director and the MS principal. MS Schedule The MS schedule offers a variety of required and elective courses. The schedule is divided into two- day cycles. Each day in the cycle, referred to as A-day or B-day, is divided into seven periods. Some classes meet every day, others every other day. The MS day begins at 8:35 a.m. Students must wait until 8 a.m. to arrive at school unless they have permission from a teacher to arrive earlier. Students have four minutes to move between classes.
14 ASIJ Middle School Each day consists of seven periods, approximately 45 minutes long, with four periods before lunch and three periods after lunch. A homeroom period is scheduled at the beginning of the day. On some days, there is an advisory period for all school community meetings, grade level activities and other advisory activities. Regular buses leave campus at 3:10 p.m. If students are eligible to ride the ASIJ bus, they may choose to ride the bus that departs at 5 p.m. MS students are not to ride the 6 p.m. bus, except with permission from the MS Office.
Academic Program
The ASIJ Middle School curriculum addresses the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of international middle school students whose long-range plans include attending a college or university. As MS students are experiencing a challenging period of growth, academic expectations at this level differ from those at the elementary and high school levels. In MS classes, students will be challenged to do the very best they can. Enrichment and independent study opportunities will serve to stretch their academic abilities. Experience has shown that the varied curriculum and wide range of activities at the MS provide a challenging program for most ASIJ students, who tend to be above average academically. Learning Support Program If students experience academic difficulty, they may need the help of support services to improve and/or to increase their motivation for successful academic performance. Support services may include: • Individual and small group instruction. • Resource centers to provide one-on-one and small-group tutoring. • Individual teacher conferences on a cycle basis. • Bi-Weekly reports for selected students. Extended support may include: • Placement in Learning Support class. • Placement in a Resource Center during and after school. • Parent conferences at school or via phone/email. • Private tutors at parents’ expense or via peer tutors. • Special summer programs at parents’ expense. • Special short-term adjustments in curriculum and scheduling requirements. Teachers, parents and/or students may request support services through one of the MS counselors. The Student Support Team, consisting of the principal, counselors, and others as needed, meet weekly to monitor students’ progress and recommend support services depending on the specific needs of each student.
2010 -11 Handbook 15 Academic Probation If a student consistently experiences serious academic difficulties coupled with motivation problems, he/she will be placed on academic probation. “Serious academic difficulty” means that a student has received several grades in the D or F range. If this happens, the student’s parents and the school will agree on a specific plan of action for the probation period. This plan may include specialized testing at parental expense, conferences or components of the support system listed above. At the conclusion of each quarter, the student, parents, teachers, counselor and principal will review the probation plan. A decision based on what is best for the student will be made for the following quarter. On rare occasions, the decision may result in a request for parents to find more appropriate educational services for their child. This action is taken only when existing resources have been exhausted and the student’s needs demand another school situation. The ASIJ Middle School seeks to provide the best international middle school education possible. High academic and behavioral expectations are the cornerstone of such a program. Recommendations regarding a particular student’s education are made keeping the best interests of that student in mind. Home or Out-of-Class Work At the beginning of the school year, each teacher will provide a written outline that includes specific guidelines for home assignments, late work, makeup work, etc. The following information provides a general philosophy and procedures regarding home assignments from MS teachers.
Why? • To reinforce and/or strengthen skills and concepts introduced in class. • To encourage independent learning and responsibility. • To provide guided reading. • To complete research activities. • To work on reports or long-term projects. • To promote additional learning challenges and creative thinking. Who? • Home assignments are the student’s responsibility. Assignments should be designed for the student to complete independently with little or no adult assistance. It is expected that students needing additional help or explanation will seek out the teacher. Students should record their assignments in the ASIJ Handbook/Calendar that is given to all MS students. • Parents should provide consistency regarding when and where schoolwork is to be done at home. For more tips on a parent’s role regarding homework, please see the “Helping with Homework” and “Special Notes for Parents” sections of the Handbook.
16 ASIJ Middle School • Teachers should provide sufficient time in class to clarify the assignment, the expected outcomes and the due dates.
Where? • Students may complete part or all of their assignments at school depending upon the amount of unstructured time available to them and how they choose to use it. Study areas, resource centers, the technology center and the library are open before and after school. • At home, a quiet, well-lit area with appropriate study tools should be provided.
How Much Time? It is not feasible to establish rigid time limits for home assignments as too many variables exist. For example, students vary in their study habits, time usage, ability, time schedules, etc. However, surveys over the years reveal an average of one to one and one-half hours of homework is typical for most MS students. Of course, this is an average, and individual students will utilize their time in a manner that would cause this amount to change. Students or parents who feel that the homework amount is too much or too little should speak directly with the teacher or teachers involved.
When? • It is reasonable to expect that students will have some work each school evening. As the weekend seems to be the preferred family time, every attempt will be made to minimize weekend home assignments. Home assignments, other reading or practice type work are generally not given during holiday periods. • Home assignments are a major component of the MS and should serve to help students develop good study habits that will be applied in college, careers and for independent lifelong learning. Tests and Major Projects Most academic classes have periodic tests and some include major projects. These help teachers evaluate how much students have learned. We make every effort to limit the number of tests given on any one day.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend school every day, all day long. If a student is absent or late for a valid reason, he/she will be excused only by a parent’s phone call or note. See Absence Procedures below. To get assignments for work missed during excused absences, call the Student Office at 0422- 34-5300 ext. 603 before 9 a.m. and provide the name of a sibling or a student who could bring assignments home. Makeup tests may be taken within one week of the student’s return to school. Students may not receive credit for work missed during any unexcused absences.
2010 -11 Handbook 17 Excused Absence or Tardiness Absence or tardiness will be excused for the following reasons: • Illness. If students are ill, they should not come to school. • Dental or medical appointments. However, these should be made outside of school hours if at all possible. • Family emergencies. • Excused absences may also be granted for religious holidays, educational opportunities or other reasons agreed upon by the administration and parents, provided parents arrange such absences in advance with the principal through a written request. All work missed must be handed in when the student returns to school.
Extended Illnesses Parents of students who have been ill and absent from school for a week or longer need to be in contact with one of the school nurses at ext. 240.
Absence Procedures Excused absence procedures for parents: • Parents should notify the MS Office by calling 0422-34-5300 ext. 603, about absences or tardiness by telephone before 9 a.m. on the day in question. Alternately, parents may send prior written notification. • Written excuses for tardiness must include the date, time, reason and parent’s signature. • Written excuses for absence must include the date, reason and parent’s signature. • Parents must notify the school if they will both be out of town. A guardian should be appointed in case an illness or emergency occurs. • We ask that a student be absent for more than one day before parents request homework. If a child has been out of school and parents would like to have assignments sent with a friend or sibling, they should make arrangements with the student secretary before 9 a.m. Tardiness One of a student’s major responsibilities as a member of the MS community is attending classes. Tardiness and unexcused absences from classes are rare occurrences at our school. However, should a student choose to be tardy or to not attend a class or scheduled conference there are definite consequences. Students will not receive credit for classes missed and they will be asked to make up the assignments. If students are tardy because they have been with another teacher, it is their responsibility to get a signed note from the teacher. Tardiness is handled as follows: • First tardy: Student confers with teacher. • Second tardy: Student confers with counselor.
18 ASIJ Middle School • Third tardy: Student confers with Principal, parents are informed, and work detail is assigned. • Fourth tardy: Parent conference, work detail and contract.
Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are considered to be a serious violation of school rules. Students who fail to attend a class without a valid excuse will not be given credit for the class time missed. In addition, a consequence of detention or suspension will be assigned to any student who has an unexcused absence.
Leaving School Early Regardless of their schedules, students are expected to remain at the MS until the regular dismissal time. If they remain after school, students are expected to remain on campus between the end of the school day and the departure of the late bus. If a student needs to leave campus for part of a school day for a valid reason, he/she must bring a written request from his/her parents to the Student Office the day before. Alternately, parents may call the school before 9 a.m. on the day the student needs to leave campus. Just before leaving campus, the student must sign out at the Student Office. If a student becomes ill at school, he/she must check out through both the Student Health Center and the Student Office. Parents will be contacted before a student is allowed to leave school.
Early Leave for Vacations We request that parents plan vacations so students do not miss school. If an early leave is absolutely necessary, prior notification of one week or more is needed so teachers have time to prepare the student to either make up work or plan to complete the needed work upon return.
Student Guests Parents of students who wish to have a guest accompany their child to school should contact the MS Office in writing one week prior to the visit. Upon arrival at school, the student host should bring the guest to the MS Office. The host should introduce the guest to each teacher. Student hosts are responsible for informing the guest student of our expectation that they follow the MS behavioral standards. The student guest must follow the host’s schedule. This requirement is for the safety of the guest. Please note that guests are generally limited to visiting the MS for one day, but returning students are generally given two days to visit. The MS requires that all students’ guests be registered in advance of their day of attendance at school.
ASIJ Board Statement on Discipline
ASIJ is proud of its reputation as an excellent educational institution. Thus, it is taken for granted that students at ASIJ will strive to uphold this reputation. As a private school, ASIJ
2010 -11 Handbook 19 reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, for activities of a student, whether on-campus or off-campus, which are considered detrimental to the welfare of the school, student body or individual. MS Statement on Discipline It is important to note that ASIJ Middle School is proud of the excellent behavior that has been displayed by the majority of its students over the years. The following section in no way should indicate that misbehavior is an ordinary occurrence. However, in fairness to students and parents who are arriving from many different schools throughout the world, we feel we must state our philosophy, policies and practices in a manner most likely to be read and understood. We expect the very best behavior from ASIJ students and will immediately address behavior that is less than expected. • We believe that students learn best in an atmosphere in which appropriate behavior is expected of everyone and is based upon mutual respect and trust. • We believe all students have the potential for behaving positively, that they choose their behaviors and students can be guided and taught to make appropriate choices. • We believe that an environment in which appropriate behavior is consistently expected and recognized creates a sense of security for each student that increases their attention to learning and to self-responsibility. • We believe that appropriate behavior expectations should be clearly stated in a positive manner. • We believe that discipline procedures should be based upon what is ultimately best for the student directly involved as well as the most positive impact upon others. • We believe students benefit from the educational process best when parents support and reinforce school regulations by demonstrating follow-up with students at home when misbehavior occurs at school. • We believe middle school is a time of experimentation, independence and peer pressure. Therefore, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents must work cooperatively to ensure that students learn from their misbehavior. Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations
“The Middle School learner is respectful of and seeks to uphold the goals of the ASIJ Mission Statement.” - The ASIJ Middle School Philosophy
As ASIJ Middle School learners, students are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior, which will: • Develop and exhibit growth in the areas of personal responsibility for learning, social relationships, character development, work habits, health and safety. • Channel energies toward positive, life-enhancing activities and relationships.
20 ASIJ Middle School • Contribute to the positive learning environment of our international community. • Master the basic academic skills of communication, reading, computation, problem solving and studying. • Develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and moral values, interpretive abilities and creativity to the best of one’s ability. • Recognize that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand.
ASIJ Middle School students have the right to: • A safe, clean and orderly environment. • Respect as an individual. • Caring and qualified teachers. • Be a participant in making decisions that affect students. • Be trusted. • Know what is expected of them. Along with rights come responsibilities. ASIJ Middle School students are expected to accept certain responsibilities. If all students act responsibly, all of us can enjoy an atmosphere of trust and freedom. Our students’ first major responsibility is to understand the guidelines for responsible behavior. Advisors will discuss these guidelines so students will be sure to know what is expected of them at all times. If students aren’t sure about something, it is best for them to check with their advisor or another staff member. To simplify matters, we have divided the behavior expectations in the MS into four categories: Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Legal and Be Proud. All the other expectations for behavior stem, in one way or another, from these four. After a thorough review of these expectations, students will be asked to sign a statement saying they understand them. From that time forward, students will be held accountable for responsible action. If students do not choose to sign the statement, a conference with parents and the principal must follow to work out a solution. Be aware that school behavior expectations apply from the time a student leaves home to attend school until they return home (or to some other supervised living situation) after leaving school. Any act of misbehavior or mischief while a student is going to or from school will be dealt with appropriately. Maintaining positive community relationships with our host country is critical. Every ASIJ student is an ambassador for his or her own country as well as for The American School in Japan.
Be Safe MS students are expected to: • Refrain from pushing, shoving and horseplay.
2010 -11 Handbook 21 • Keep walkways and locker areas clean and clear for traffic. • Walk, not run, in the building. • Follow directions and remain calm and quiet at all times, including during disaster drills. • Use physical education and athletic equipment responsibly. • Rollerblades, razorboards and skateboards are not to be used on the ASIJ campus at any time. Japanese law forbids skateboarding and rollerblading on public sidewalks or in streets. • Follow the safest route from Tama Station to and from school. This route parallels the tracks. • Remain in the MS area during school hours, and stay away from areas that are off limits which are the ES and HS areas, including the playground, tennis courts and basketball courts.
Be Kind MS students are expected to: • Use appropriate language. Don’t use hurtful words that might offend others. Students are expected to use appropriate language at all school-related events and activities. • Show respect for all people, their native countries and cultures. • Respect the property of others. Do not go into another person’s locker or hide other people’s personal possessions even as a joke. Return found items to the MS Office. • Refrain from making verbal, non-verbal or written racial, ethnic or sexual insults. • Be honest and admit mistakes.
Be Legal The following are considered illegal at the MS: • Substance abuse, which includes use of tobacco in any form, alcohol or drugs. • Weapons of any description including knives (including pocket knives) or toys that simulate real weapons. • Threatening someone with harm or initiating physical abuse. • Stealing, regardless of how small. • Copying of school software. • Harassment: actions or statements directed at an individual which are intended to ridicule, demean or subject the individual to contempt. For example, sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances that are written, verbal or physical in nature. • Cheating and plagiarism. • Vandalism of school or student property. • Entering someone’s locker without MS Office permission. • Gambling of any nature. • Fireworks and incendiary devices of any description, either “to” and “from” school or
22 ASIJ Middle School during school hours, including after-school activities. Lighters and matches are not to be brought to school. Acts of academic dishonesty are infrequent at ASIJ. However, when plagiarism (which is taking and using the thoughts and writings of someone else and turning them in as one’s own), stealing tests, copying homework, assignments or tests from others, or using unauthorized examination aids occurs, definite consequences will result. The first act of academic dishonesty will usually result in a zero on the assignment and a phone call or email to parents. A second incident could result in an F mark for that quarter, suspension or school probation. As with other serious behavior problems, the ultimate consequence could be expulsion from our school.
Be Proud Students are expected to be proud of being a student at ASIJ by: • Behaving in a safe, kind and legal manner while traveling to and from school and on all school trips. Please read carefully the sections on train and bus behavior. • Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the playing court or field. Putting other schools and players down looks very bad. • Demonstrating an interest in the welfare of others by volunteering time and energy to help when needed. • Encouraging respect for the culture and people of our host country. • Dressing in a neat and appropriate manner. • Demonstrating positive school spirit. • Helping to keep your school clean and free of trash, both inside and outside. • Talk quietly in the hallways and commons. • Refrain from chewing gum. • Keep food and drinks (except water) out of the building unless given special permission by a teacher or the office. • Refrain from using cell phones, ipods and MP3 players, and any other handheld electronics on school grounds between arrival at school and dismissal at 3:00.
MS Dress Code Students should be proud of their appearance by following the MS Dress Code, while on campus or at any off-campus school event. The Dress Code is designed to respect the student’s need to express and explore their values and identities as well as to uphold the school’s requirement that students appearance be neat, clean and school-appropriate. While ASIJ does not require uniforms, neither does it approve of clothing, hairstyles, jewelry or makeup which, in the judgment of the MS faculty and administration, distracts or interferes with the social and learning climate of the school. These guidelines, provided to assist parents and students with selection of appropriate school
2010 -11 Handbook 23 attire, apply equally to male and female students: • Revealing clothing is not appropriate for school. This includes clothing that is extremely short (shorter than mid-thigh) and/or tight, trousers that sag below the waistline, pajamas, boxer shorts, beachwear, bare midriffs and brief tank tops. The top straps to shirts should be three finger widths wide. • Clothing should be clean and should not have excessive rips, tears or shabby edges. • Clothing, hats and jewelry with slogans or logos that refer to sex, race, violent behavior, drugs, alcohol or other illegal items are not appropriate for school wear. • Hats are permitted but should be removed at group meetings and programs. Teachers may allow students to wear hats in their classrooms if they wish. • Shoes need to be worn; no bare feet. If students and/or parents are uncertain as to the appropriateness of any article of dress, please contact the principal or guidance counselor before wearing it to school. Students dressed inappropriately for school will be required to change their appearance to accommodate the MS Dress Code. In some cases, parents may be contacted. If inappropriate dress is an ongoing concern, a parent-student conference will be held with the principal.
Bullying ASIJ believes that every child has the right to learn without fear in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Every student is expected to be responsible for his/her own behavior, to exercise self-discipline, and to refrain from behavior which interferes with other students’ right to learn or endangers the health or well-being of others. ASIJ will not tolerate bullying. Bullying is a form of harassment. It is improper behavior by one or more students which is directed at another student and is offensive and interferes with their well-being. It may include teasing, name-calling, threats, unwanted physical contact or violence, often on a repeated basis, which demeans, belittles, humiliates, or frightens the other student. It can take place in and out of the classroom, online or even outside school. All incidences of bullying will be reported and investigated. In cases that are substantiated, the school’s actions will be reported to the parents of all the students involved, including the victim’s. The school will offer a proactive, sympathetic and supportive response to students that have been victimized that could include, but is not limited to, counseling, mediation, or assertiveness training. The bully too will receive the understanding needed to change their behavior. All actions will be documented as a means of tracking both the conduct of the students involved and to assess the effectiveness of the school’s interventions. Bullying of an ASIJ student by a student or group of students is considered a serious violation of school rules, and will result in disciplinary consequences. The School shall organize regular programs for teachers, administrators, students, and parents about the detection and prevention of bullying.
24 ASIJ Middle School Technology ASIJ has made a commitment to the integration of technology into our curriculum. Many subject areas incorporate the use of computers and other technological resources on a regular basis, and students are expected to become comfortable and knowledgeable with these resources. The Technology Resource Center has four fully networked areas: three labs are primarily for classes and one area is a drop-in lab for students to use as needed. Educational software, specificallytailored for the MS student, is available in the TRC. Other computers are available throughout the building. Our instructional computers are all Windows-based. We use Microsoft products including, Word, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint.
Technology Standard of Conduct Persons who use ASIJ equipment, either in class or independently, are expected to conform to the following general policies. Users are expected to maintain high ethical standards. The American School in Japan internet access is a “window to the world.” What is done by any of us on the internet reflects on all of us at ASIJ and we expect students to adhere to the following guidelines. Students are provided more detailed explanations of these guidelines as a part of their instructional program.
ASIJ Middle School Technology Acceptable Use Policy The following guidelines have been established to ensure that Middle School students using technology at ASIJ are safe, legal, proud, and kind.
Guidelines • Schoolwork comes first. Other appropriate computer use is allowed only at times approved by teachers. •Don’t bring a personal laptop computer to school without permission. Students who have permission to bring laptops may only use those laptops on the wireless network. • You may bring and use a USB drive (thumb or jump drive) to transfer files. •Don’t change any computer settings or tamper with the computer accessories. Also, do not download programs to school computers or change school software. • Students are to use the ASIJ technology facilities appropriately and uphold the spirit of the Middle School student code regarding rights, rules and expectations: a. Email addresses must be appropriate for a school setting. b. Keep your password secure and never use another student’s account. • Offensive, obscene, harassing and bullying behavior is prohibited. • Don’t illegally download anything. • The school community goes beyond the school hours and campus, and includes students, teachers and parents. Violations of the above guidelines outside of school (postings on social networking sites, blogs, video clips, etc.) from home computers or online phones, PDAs,
2010 -11 Handbook 25 game consoles, etc. will be treated the same way as if they happened at school. Consequences depend on the offense and are at the discretion of school administrators, and may include loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary actions.
Discipline Consequences The behavior expectations are outlined under the major headings of Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Legal and Be Proud. Should a student choose to violate any of these expectations during school, while involved in a school-related activity or coming to and from school, the student is referred to the office to meet with the principal. After a conference to discuss the problem, the student may be issued the following consequences:
Warning If the infaction is relatively minor and is a first offence, the student may receive a warning.
Work Detail Clean up work either during lunch or after school.
Detention Students may be required to serve detention in the office or a classroom.
Contract A formal written contract between the school, parents and student may be required which specifies expectations and consequences of behavior.
Counseling Referral The school may require professional counseling or diagnostic evaluation as a requirement for continued enrollment. The results of any testing and/or professional recommendations for school action would also be required. Grade Loss A student who chooses to cheat or plagiarize material may receive a reduction or loss of grade for that assignment. Any unexcused absence from class may also result in a reduction of an academic mark.
Financial Reimbursement A student and parents may be required to reimburse individuals or ASIJ for damage to or destruction of property.
Suspension Suspension is the removal of a student from classes and activities for a short time. There are two types of suspensions that are utilized depending upon the nature of the misbehavior as well as the student’s behavior history.
26 ASIJ Middle School In-school Suspension Students may receive in-school suspension, which means they are isolated in a supervised area of the MS Office. A student is expected to work on schoolwork or read quietly and must leave campus at dismissal time.
Out-of-school Suspension In serious situations when it is felt best to remove a student from school to emphasize the seriousness of the behavior, a suspension to be served with the supervision of parents is given. In this situation, it is the responsibility of the student and/or parents to obtain the academic work missed during the student’s absence.
Expulsion In extreme cases of misbehavior or as a result of recurring behavior problems, a student may be immediately dismissed from attendance at ASIJ.
Police Referral A student who chooses to violate the laws of Japan while on any school-related activity can be reported to the police for further action. Inappropriate behavior covers a wide range of conduct. In most instances, the first infraction noted in the categories of Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Proud, Be Legal, is dealt with by a conference or detention. Repeated infractions in these categories would be followed by other consequences. Parents will be kept informed and involved in situations that involve inappropriate behavior. Behavioral Probation A student may be placed on probation for behavioral reasons regardless of academic performance. The behavior may have taken place during school hours, at school events or while traveling to or from school. Behavioral probation will result when a student consistently violates the guidelines regarding safe, kind, legal and proud behavior described in this handbook. The school reserves the right to suspend the student immediately if the behavior results in harm to others or destruction of property. When a student is placed on behavioral probation, a conference will be held with his/her parents and a behavioral plan will be designed, which will include monitoring. Periodical meetings with the parents and student will be scheduled to assess progress. If the school’s efforts to provide guidance to the student and family result in no improvement, the school will assist the family in locating an alternative educational setting. ASIJ Policy on Substance Abuse Substance abuse, which includes use of tobacco in any form, alcohol, or illegal drugs, is unlawful and considered a major infraction of ASIJ rules.
2010 -11 Handbook 27 Possession, use of, evidence of use, remaining in the presence of the use of these substances, or abuse of any potentially harmful substance at school or at school-sponsored events will lead to one or more of the consequences listed below. Repeated violations will lead to more serious consequences. • Telephone Call: A telephone call will be made by an administrator to the parents/guardians. • Conference: A conference may include the student, parents/guardians, school administrator, counselor, or other appropriate people. The purpose of a conference is to determine what actions are in the best interests of the student and the school. • Educational Component: Under the guidance of an administrator, the student will research the impact of substance use. • Detention/Work Detail: Detention/work detail will be scheduled from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will take precedence over all other activities. • Suspension: Suspension is the removal of a student from classes, co-curricular activities and/or overnight events. • Formal Written Contract: A formal written contract between the school, parents and student may be required which specifies expectations and consequences of behavior. • Disciplinary Probation: This provides a specific period of time for the school to work with the student and family. Should efforts by the school to provide guidance to the student and family result in no improvement, the school will assist the family in locating an alternative educational setting. • Mandatory Family or Individual Counseling: The school may require professional counseling or diagnostic evaluation as a requirement for continued enrollment. The results of any testing and/or professional recommendations for school action would also be required by the school. • Drug Testing: Students may be required to submit to regular drug testing under the supervision of medical authorities approved by the school. The method and period of testing, the supervising medical personnel and the method of reporting will be determined during a conference with the parents/guardians. Students testing positive will submit to a second test confirming the results of the original test. • Expulsion: Expulsion is the immediate removal of a student from ASIJ. • Police Referral: A student who chooses to violate the laws of Japan while on any school- related activity can be reported to the police for further action. Students who sell or distribute drugs on or off campus should expect immediate expulsion. Sexual Harassment Policy Procedures for Dealing with Sexual Harassment ASIJ is dedicated to creating a harmonious working and learning environment in which individuals can achieve their goals and aspirations, and the dignity of individuals is respected. To this end and in recognition of the fact that sexual harassment is illegal in Japan, it is the
28 ASIJ Middle School school’s policy that no employee, contract worker, volunteer or student, male or female, shall sexually harass any other potential or actual employee, contract worker, volunteer or student. Many different forms of behavior may constitute sexual harassment, including (but not limited to):
1. Making unwelcome sexual advances or an unwelcome request for sexual favors, e.g.; persistent requests for a date, suggestions of sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s employment, promotion, grades, achievements or activities available through the school. 2. Verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, e.g. obscene, sexually derogatory or stereotypical jokes or remarks, persistent questioning about a person’s sex life, leering or lewd gestures or deliberately brushing up against another person. 3. Creating, either alone or together with other people, a hostile, offensive or intimidating working environment e.g. displaying sexist or other sexual pictures or obscene name calling. Sexual harassment can be the accumulation of a series of incidents or something that happens once, in circumstances where a reasonable person would have anticipated that the harassed person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated. It is therefore the impact of the behavior on the recipient and not the intention of the perpetrator that defines whether or not the act is harassment. If an employee, contract worker, volunteer or student believes he or she is the object of any form of harassment he or she should, if possible, tell the harasser that the behavior is unwanted and unacceptable. The recipient of the harassment may want to ask a friend to be present when they do this. If the behavior persists they should report it to their supervisor/ teacher. If the supervisor/teacher is the source of the alleged harassment or does not deal with the matter to the recipient’s satisfaction, the matter should be reported to the appropriate principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs. If the recipient does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser or reporting the matter to their supervisor/teacher, he or she may decide that this is not appropriate and report the matter directly to the Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs. Recipients of harassment are encouraged to come forward with complaints as soon as possible after the harassment occurs. Employees who are in a position of authority, such as teachers and supervisors, are under a particular obligation to ensure that sexual harassment does not occur at the school. If they suspect that sexual harassment is occurring, they should speak to the people involved and report the matter to the relevant Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs, as appropriate. Again they should use their judgment and if they believe that it is not appropriate to speak to the people involved, they should report the matter directly to the Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs. A prompt and thorough investigation of any allegation of sexual harassment will be undertaken. As far as possible the confidentiality of both the complainant and the alleged harasser will be maintained. In addition the school shall ensure that the person alleging the
2010 -11 Handbook 29 harassment will not be subject to any disadvantage or victimization because he or she has made this allegation. After the investigation is completed, any person found to have sexually harassed another will be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal or expulsion from the school. Reporting Procedures
How and When to Report Immediately upon learning facts that give reason to suspect that an employee/student has suffered an incident of sexual harassment, an oral report of possible sexual harassment should be made to the Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs. Any Individual should report when there is reasonable suspicion of sexual harassment. The harassment may take the form of a one-time occurrence or a pattern of acts.
Why Report The purpose of the report is to notify school authorities so that necessary steps can be taken to 1. Substantiate the sexual harassment 2. Identify the perpetrator 3. Assure the safety of the victim 4. Stabilize the situation on a permanent basis
What Happens Once an Oral Report Has Been Made The reporting individual or group will be asked to complete a Sexual Harassment Form. Once a written report has been made to the Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs, he or she will notify the Headmaster of the American School in Japan, and together they, in consultation with any other relevant school personnel will determine the next steps. These steps could include: • A meeting with the accused • A meeting with the accuser • Documentation of any accusations • Legal consultation • Disciplinary action from the school • Other as determined by the situation These steps will be documented and the situation monitored to determine if any further action is necessary.
30 ASIJ Middle School ASIJ Transportation
For a fee, bus transportation is available to ASIJ students from many areas of Tokyo. For students involved in after-school activities, modified late bus routes are available at 5:00 p.m. High school students, under the supervision of the Director of Transportation, serve as bus monitors. They are responsible for the emotional and physical safety of their bus riders. Monitors are trained in behavior management techniques, first aid and CPR, discipline procedures, and disaster preparedness. Safety is our top priority at ASIJ Transportation and we firmly believe that each and every passenger has the right to safe and pleasant bus rides. Bus safety is an ASIJ community team effort. The team includes bus drivers, bus monitors, bus riders, parents, and ASIJ administration, faculty, and staff. Each and every team member must be aware of their roles and responsibilities and do their part to successfully carry out our safety priority. Listed below are the roles and responsibilities of bus riders and parents.
The Role of the Student Certain basic rules combined with the use of common sense are a must to assure a safe ride on the bus. The principles of safety, order, and respect govern school bus safety and are reflected in the bus rules. Students should be aware of all safety rules.DON’T LOSE YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGE: FOLLOW THE RULES!
Rules for Safe Boarding: • Be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to pick-up time. In the morning, ride your assigned bus. • Wait at the designated stop in a safe place well back from the road. • Bus behavior rules apply to the bus stop. • Remember to stay away from the danger zone, which is anywhere close enough to touch the bus. The driver cannot see you when you are in the danger zone. • Don’t push or shove.
Rules for Safe School Bus Riding: •Take your seat promptly and sit facing forward. • Buckle-up. It’s the law. • Keep aisles clear. Hold bags in lap, place in overhead rack, or on the floor by your feet. • Observe the same conduct as in the classroom. • Be courteous. Keep language and actions appropriate. • Talk quietly. The driver must concentrate to drive the bus safely. • Keep the bus clean.
2010 -11 Handbook 31 • Snacks and beverages––water only for ES and MS students––are permitted. • Always follow the bus monitors’ and bus driver’s instructions.
Rules for Leaving the Bus Safely: • When you leave the bus, move quickly away from the bus. • If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up. Tell the driver or monitor. • If everyone is getting off the bus, the people in front leave first. Do not push. • Be familiar with the rules for emergencies.
The Role of Parents Parents are an important part of ASIJ Transportation. You can help us promote and maintain safety in many different ways. • Ensure that your children are at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to pick-up time. • Parents should remain outside the bus at the bus stop, unless riding to ASIJ. • Help teach your children the importance of good behavior aboard the bus. • Review the rules and responsibilities of riding the bus with your children. • Be sure you and your children understand the consequences for breaking rules. (see Bus Handbook.) • Review the bus earthquake and emergency procedures with your entire family. • Inform ASIJ if your child has a specific medical concern and/or suffers from motion sickness. • For ES children, provide a bus snack and water for their ride home. • If a parent has a concern with a bus monitor, bus driver or a particular situation or incident, call the Director of Transportation. Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child do if he or she leaves items on the bus? Each school day, after 9:30 a.m., your child can locate their lost items, both from the afternoon before and the morning ride, in the bus-numbered bins just outside the ES. Valuable items, such as band instruments, watches, cell phones, and gameboys can be found in Steve Mita’s office. What are the procedures if my child needs to ride an alternate afternoon bus? For parents’ and students’ convenience, we allow students to ride buses other than their assigned bus in the afternoons to accommodate for lessons and appointments. Students in middle school do not need notes or prior permission from ASIJ to ride alternate buses. What are the procedures for the late buses? Boarding for the late buses takes place in front of the HS. Buses are loaded in grade order beginning with kindergarten. ES students must be in their grade lines by 4:50 p.m., MS students in the area by 4:55 p.m., and HS students at 5:00 p.m. The 6:00 p.m. late bus is for HS students only, unless
32 ASIJ Middle School special permission has been given to a MS student. The late bus runs a modified route through the downtown area as well as the Setagaya area. Please see the Bus Handbook for further details.
Bus Rider and Bus Monitor Supervision Janet Witt, Director of Transportation Email
Bus Routing and Bus Stops Steve Mita, Bus Manager Email
2010 -11 Handbook 33 • Cellular phones, for oral conversations, are a disruptive influence on trains and should not be used. In short, by being kind, safe, legal and proud on the trains, our students will be helping to promote good relations between ASIJ and the people in our community.
Other Modes of Transportation Each year there are numerous accidents involving cars, bikes and walkers. Students shouldn’t walk or ride their bikes while listening to audio devices and it’s best for them to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Due to the narrow streets and large volumes of traffic, students need to ride or walk in the designated areas.
People, Places and Things to Know
People
The Educators are: • Enthusiastic, energetic and positive about their work and the middle school learner. • Knowledgeable in their content area and of middle school curriculum. • Supportive of the ASIJ Middle School Philosophy and program. • Lifelong learners who model commitment to personal and professional growth. • Respective, appreciative and understanding of the differences in people. • Flexible with an openness to educational innovation. • Effective in collaborating and communicating with students,parents and colleagues.
Educators For your convenience, a list of the MS educators is included at the back of this handbook.
Dr. Adams, Principal Dr. Adams is available to discuss issues, receive suggestions and discuss problems, etc. with students, staff, parents and visitors. Student and parent visits and input are desired as a means of improving the MS program.
Ms. Wooles, Assistant Principal Ms. Wooles has a variety of duties and is a valuable reference on a range of issues that are important for students and their families.
Ms. Darrigan, Counselor Ms. Darrigan is the full-time MS counselor and is available during the school day to assist students and parents in a supportive role. While responsible for sixth and seventh grades, Ms.
34 ASIJ Middle School Darrigan is available to any student needing support. The developmental needs of MS students are many and the major goal of the counseling program is to support students academically, socially and emotionally during this important stage of life. Questions about student schedules, transitional issues, setting up parent conferences with teachers or social or emotional concerns about students should all be channeled through the Counseling Office, ext. 601.
Mr. Bennett Counselor Mr. Bennett ’s main focus is to work with our eighth-grade students. He is also available to work with other students as well on an appointment basis. Mr. Bennett can be reached though the Counseling Office, ext. 601, to discuss eighth-grade concerns about social or academic issues.
Ms. Lee, Principal’s Assistant Ms. Lee is in charge of the MS Office area. She helps students find answers to school-related questions, takes messages for Dr. Adams and connects students and parents to appropriate resources at ASIJ.
Student Office Assistant The Student Office Assistant will help with train passes, late passes, bus slips, lost and found items, early checkout and attendance among other things. He/She calls students’ homes when they don’t come to school. He/She maintains a list of IOUs for students who occasionally do not have enough yen for transportation, etc. We do not loan money for the purpose of paying fines and money cannot be borrowed the first or last week of any quarter.
Ms. Mizuno, Guidance Assistant Mrs. Mizuno is the guidance secretary and takes messages for the counselors, keeps school records and helps answer questions related to schedules, classes and general school procedures.
Mrs. Witt, Director of Transporation Mrs. Witt is available to discuss any concerns regarding the school buses with students and parents. She is also responsible for receiving Bus Conduct Reports and notifying the appropriate people.
Maintenance and Cafeteria Staff The ladies and gentlemen who help keep our building and grounds clean and those who serve our meals deserve our help and our respect. As most of them speak only Japanese, students are expected to communicate as best as they can with politeness. If students don’t understand what a maintenance person is saying, they should find a Japanese speaker or come to the Student Office for help.
Health Center Staff The Health Center is located on the first floor of the Middle School. The nurses there provide help
2010 -11 Handbook 35 when students are ill, injured or need a place to rest. They will dispense acetaminophen (Tylenol) to MS students, upon request, for headaches. They can also provide health-related information and referrals to doctors and hospitals. Parents should keep the health center up-to-date on their children’s heath histories, allergies, or any medications to be taken at school. The Health Center can be reached directly at ext. 240. At the beginning of each school year, the Health Center collects Health History forms (to be completed by parents) from all students and Certificate of Examination forms (to be completed by a health professional) from all entering 6th graders, all students new to ASIJ, and all students who plan to participate in after-school sports. These forms can be downloaded from MOL.
Places
MS Office This is a busy area designed to serve students, parents, teachers and visitors to our school. It is an area that must be friendly and warm, but also must be quiet and free of distractions. Everyone’s cooperation in maintaining the proper atmosphere is desired. For privacy reasons, please knock before entering a closed office door. Courteous behavior is appreciated!
MS Library The Middle School Library is part of the ASIJ Chofu campus and Early Learning Center (ELC) library network. It offers books, periodicals, networked computers with internet access, and many internet-based resources especially selected to support the middle school curriculum and to assist students with their research. These on-line resources include encyclopedias and data bases of tens of thousands of indexed, edited, articles. Access to these resource begins at the library web page
Cafeteria/Kiosk The ASIJ Cafeteria serves a range of hot meals and snacks. A variety of set lunches may be
36 ASIJ Middle School bought (¥600) as well as a lengthy list of a la carte items. Ice cream and drink machines are also available. The Kiosk is a branch of the Cafeteria, located on the first floor of the Middle School. The Kiosk sells snack items throughout the school day.
Bookstore The ASIJ Bookstore sells a wide selection of reading material including many books about Japan. Also available are gift items, greeting cards, book bags, sweatshirts and school supplies including locks for lockers. Photo services, a photocopy machine and mail services are available. The Bookstore hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Study Centers Study Centers (SCs) provide a place for students to complete assignments and projects in their unstructured time. SCs are considered practical application of effective study skills. Students may be scheduled into some SC time by parents and/or teachers. If so, students are required to maintain an assignment book. If a student is placed in an SC, parents and students will receive feedback on the effort the student has made while in the SC. Students scheduled into an SC can change their schedule of resource time by having each required subject teacher to sign a petition that indicates that the student has earned exception from the SC. Students may also drop by SCs on their own for time periods as needed. Informal use of the SCs to study is not considered a schedule change. Homework Club is held in the SSC. Students may choose to use Homework Club on their own or they may be assigned to Homework Club by parents and/or teachers. The same procedures apply for Homework Club as for SCs in the regular schedule.
Technology Resource Center The Technology Resource Center (TRC) is located on the second floor of the MS building and is open from 8a.m.-4:30p.m., except for Wednesdays and Fridays when it is open from 8a.m.-3p.m.
The Commons The Commons area, perhaps the most special and heavily used place in the MS, is the scene of community meetings, quiet study or visits with friends. It also serves as our auditorium for music/drama performances. Comfortable furniture is provided for students, but should be treated with care. The carpet and low tables are excellent places for lounging and relaxing. However, please use the large tables for working, not sitting. We are proud of this area and the openness it suggests. Please help maintain a nice atmosphere that does not distract surrounding classes.
Teachers’ Office Areas, Workroom and Faculty Room Teachers may maintain an office either in their classroom or in thedesignated science office area on the first floor. If students need to set up a conference with a teacher, they should check the teacher’s schedule in the book outside the main MS Office or ask the teacher to
2010 -11 Handbook 37 schedule a time to talk. The Teachers’ Workroom is a busy place where teachers duplicate materials and store supplies. The Faculty Room is a private area for teachers to have lunch, visit with other teachers or just relax. These areas are off limits unless a teacher has given a student permission to be there.
Lost and Found Area Report lost and found items to the Student Office. Money found will be returned to the finder if it is not claimed within one week. Other unclaimed articles such as clothing will be donated to charity if not claimed within two weeks. Students should label clothing and other personal belongings with their name using a waterproof pen. Parents are requested to call the school if something is missing, as many times the articles are waiting in the Lost and Found area. Please do not bring valuable items to school unless they are marked. The MS Office has an engraving tool for this purpose. Large amounts of money should be locked in the MS Office for safekeeping until needed. The PE Department also has a lost and found collection of items left in the PE locker rooms or gym. Please check with the PE teachers for any items lost in either of those areas. Things to Know
Lockers Having a locker is a privilege that requires responsible control. Students will be assigned two lockers (one for books, one for physical education). Students will need to purchase their own combination lock for their book lockers; Locks for the PE lockers will be provided by the PE teachers. The Student Office maintains a confidential list of all book locker combinations. Students should not give their locker combinations to anyone, even their friends. If a student believes someone knows his/her combination, a new lock should be purchased immediately. Students must have a lock on their locker at all times. Lockers must be kept clean and neat both inside and out. Please do not mark on them or attach anything to the outside except occasional spirit posters, which should be removed within a week. If students have a very good reason to do so, they may request a locker change from the Student Office.
Progress Reports Progress reports are available to parents at the midpoint of each quarter or at any time a student is experiencing difficulty. Progress reports are designed to alert students and parents about unsatisfactory performance in the hope that progress may be made before report card time. Teachers may also use progress reports to recognize outstanding or improved work by students. Progress report posting dates are marked on the ASIJ school calendar and parents are sent email reminders that this information has been posted electronically.
Report Cards We believe that teachers’ comments constitute the most important part of any report card and our computerized reporting system allows many options for teacher comments. Two grades are given on the report: one indicates academic or skill performance while other assesses the
38 ASIJ Middle School effort made by the student in the eyes of the teacher. Report cards are posted electronically on NetClassroom every quarter and these dates are noted on the school calendar. The Middle School uses the following grading scale: 90 – 92 = A- 93 – 96 = A 97 – 100 = A+ 80 – 82 = B- 83 – 86 = B 87 – 89 = B+ 70 – 72 = C- 73 – 76 = C 77 – 79 = C+ 60 – 62 = D- 63 – 66 = D 67 – 69 = D+ Some courses utilize the Pass-Fail system with criteria being specifically defined in writing to students and parents.
Bi-Weekly Report System It may be decided that some students need bi-weekly academic/behavior report from their teachers. If so, teachers complete the every other week report, which is mailed or emailed home. Parents often require a satisfactory report before they allow weekend social activities. This system can help motivate students to put forth their best efforts in completing assignments. Please see our counselors for more information. Disaster Prevention
The MS maintains a disaster prevention program to educate students, staff and parents about emergency procedures in case an earthquake, fire or some other calamity occurs. This plan includes periodic fire and earthquake drills. Parents are asked to review the following points with their children. Disaster Prevention Procedures Note the location of evacuation charts posted throughout the building. Students are expected to remain in the building during an earthquake, but they are to stay away from windows and lighting fixtures. If students are in the gym or pool areas, they are to move to the locker rooms or hallways. Pay very serious attention during the regularly held fire and earthquake drills. Students should remain calm, listen for instructions and help others do the same. More details concerning earthquake emergency measures are printed in the ASIJ Directory. Special Notes for Parents
“The Learners are supported by parents and the ASIJ community.” - The ASIJ Middle School Philosophy
Parents are both encouraged and expected to be actively involved in school activities and in decisions regarding their child. A major factor in the quality achieved at school is the contact between parents and teachers. The support parents give their children is another critical element. We may disagree at times, but let us disagree agreeably and with the
2010 -11 Handbook 39 knowledge that we all want to do what is in the best interests of the individual child. Work with us; we want to work with you! Important activities and information for parents are summarized below. MS Hours Parents should be aware that unless special permission is obtained before- hand, students should arrive at school no earlier than 8 a.m. Except when special events are scheduled, the building/ campus officially closes at 5 p.m. After-School Activities Students are allowed to stay after school even if they are not involved in a sport or club activity. Parents should be aware that no supervision is provided on playing fields or outside areas. Therefore, students choosing to remain after school in a non-structured activity must assume responsibility for safe conduct. The ASIJ Health Center closes daily at 5 p.m. Students who are regular bus riders may ride the 5 p.m. bus. Non-bus riders must leave the campus at 5 p.m. The building is closed at that time. Parents will be asked to sign a general permission slip for after-school activities. Back-to-School Night Back-to-School Night gives parents the opportunity to become familiar with the program and their child’s teachers. Buses from a downtown location will be available for parents. Parent-Teacher and Student-Led Conferences In November, parents have a special opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with their child’s teacher. Although these special days are important, they should in no way limit conferences between teachers and parents whenever there is a need to communicate. During the Spring, we will have student-led conferences where students will present their learning growth and process, in addition to demonstrating their mastery in certain subjects, to their parents. Individual parent conferences will be scheduled as needed. Special Parent Sessions Periodically, and on an as-needed basis, parents are invited to special meetings to address concerns, discuss a topic of interest, listen to guest speakers, hear curriculum reports or simply to exchange ideas. Parents will be notified via Mustangs Online, by telephone, email or an individual mailing. Parent Volunteers Volunteers are often needed to help prepare materials, supervise field trips and social activities or act as resource people for classes. All parents receive a form in the August/September Back- to-School publication that allows them to specify their areas of interest for volunteer work. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, please call the PTA Volunteer Coordinator.
40 ASIJ Middle School Parent-Teacher Association, Booster Club (Sports) and Friends of the Fine Arts (FOFA) The activities of these organizations help make ASIJ a better place for students. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in these groups. PTA Parent Focus The MS PTA Parent Focus promotes positive communication between home and school. MS parents are invited to meetings noted on the school calendar. For more information, contact this year’s MS PTA Focus Co-chairs. Open Door Policy We welcome the presence of parents at the ASIJ Middle School. Any time parents would like to observe a class or activity, they should phone the MS Office and make arrangements. Substitute Teachers Substitute teachers are always needed and parents are welcome to apply. Interested parents should attend the Substitute Workshop scheduled in September. Helping with Homework Home assignments are the child’s responsibility — not the parents’ task. Parents should help and answer questions when needed, but parents are asked not to do their child’s work for him/her. If a child is not handling his or her responsibilities well, parents are asked to contact their child’s teachers or counselor. Parents are a critical factor in a child’s achievement. Following are some simple suggestions as to how parents can be the most effective support when it’s homework time. Area Provide a quiet, well-lit area for the child to do his/her assignment. This area should feel comfortable and always be available at homework time. Tools Provide tools for doing home assignments: pencils, pens, paper and a dictionary. A desk or tabletop makes the best place to do homework — not the knees, lap or floor. Adapt Learning Style Observe the child’s learning style and adapt homework time accordingly, i.e. some students would rather have some leisure time directly after a long day at school, so just before or after dinner would be preferable. Some students would rather complete their homework right after arriving home from school. Whatever is best for a child is okay, but be consistent. Proofread Help proofread work, but errors should be corrected by the student. Calendar Keep a calendar close by and mark important due dates with the child so that unexpected or unpleasant home assignment surprises can be avoided.
2010 -11 Handbook 41 Homework If the student consistently says he/she has no homework, make further inquiries of the teacher. Conversely, if a student has too much homework, contact the teacher involved. Be Positive! Be positive! Show approval! Children need and want caring parents who recognize their children’s growth and progress.
School Closure Classes will be suspended at Chofu and ELC if school bus or train operations are disrupted by weather conditions, strikes or other causes. Information is always available from the school switchboard operator (0422-34-5300) during the school day or via taped message after hours. (Please do not call before 5:30 a.m. to get information on school plans for that day.) Should it become necessary to cancel school because of snow or any other emergency, parent notification will be as follows: • Armed Forces Network @ AM 810 MHz will make emergency closing announcements beginning at approximately 6:15 a.m. • Tapes on the school answering machine will provide information after 5:30 a.m. • An email message will be sent regarding the closure. • School closure announcement will be posted on the main page of MOL. Calls will be made to the homes of kindergarten children on the Chofu Campus in case of early dismissal due to inclement weather. Since it is impossible to contact all parents when early dismissal is necessary, parents should give their children instructions on what to do if they return early and find no one home. ELC parents are asked to follow emergency procedures set up for their facility. An emergency phone tree will be put into place from 7 a.m. as needed.
Notes: 1. In general, the school does not send messages or post on MOL if school is open. The only communication is if school is closed. 2. If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please be sure to advise his/her School Office before 9 a.m. on that day. Parents of students who have been ill and absent from school for a week or longer need to be in contact with the school nurse at ext. 240. Withdrawal from School Students who need to leave ASIJ during the school year should inform the Student Office in writing as soon as possible so we will have time to arrange records and transcripts. Early Leave for Vacations As stated earlier in this handbook, we request that parents plan vacations so students do not miss school. If an early leave is absolutely necessary, prior notification of at least one week or
42 ASIJ Middle School earlier is needed to ensure that teachers can prepare makeup work. Being absent for an extended time often places stress on the student. Although taking early leave may be unavoidable, parents are requested to seriously consider the negative impact on their children before making plans that require absence from school. ASIJ strongly urges parents to support school attendance by making every attempt to plan vacations so that students do not miss school. Contact with School Parents with concerns about their child should call the school. Parents, teachers or counselors may set up parent-teacher conferences at any time during the school year. Special conference days are provided, but visits to the school are encouraged at any time. Suggested Guidelines for Parents Our ASIJ Middle School students are a well-behaved, responsible group — most of the time. However, we know that the lifestyle that most adolescents and their families lead can mean a great deal of unsupervised time and require a great measure of self-responsibility. While Tokyo is still much safer than other cities worldwide, there has been in recent years an increase in drug sales to youth. Alcohol is very accessible in Japan. We also must caution students to travel in groups and stay away from places that are not meant for young teenagers (i.e. pachinko parlors, adult movie theaters, etc.). The best advice to parenting amiddle school student in Tokyo is the same wherever you may be — be diligent, be consistent, be considerate and yet concerned.
Talk Talk with your child clearly about your values, expectations and family rules regarding drinking, smoking, drug use and sexual behavior.
Set clear, enforceable limits • Consistently apply appropriate consequences for breaking family rules. • Be sure the consequences are ones you are truly willing to enforce. • Be open to renegotiating your rules as your teen gets older and proves to be responsible and trustworthy.
Have a curfew Compare notes with the parents of your preteen/teen’s friends and set a curfew that is right for your preteen/teen and your family’s values. We suggest the following for your consideration. Unless there is a special reason to be at school (i.e. band concert) or another place, Middle School students should be home by the time the late bus arrives and should stay home on school nights. The late bus for MS students departs at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.
2010 -11 Handbook 43 Always be waiting to greet your child when he/she arrives home from a late evening. Try to engage them in a conversation and communicate your interest. It is also a good time to check their behavior relative to smoking or drinking. Not to cause undue alarm to parents, but research tells us that the middle school years are often the years of experimenting with smoking and using alcohol or other substances.
Monitor unsupervised time 1. Going out: • When your teen is going out, be sure to know where he/she is going. • If your teen is going to different locales, ask him/her to check with you. • If plans change, ask your teen to call and let you know where he/she will be. Get a phone number so you can reach your teen. 2. Sleepovers: When your teen is invited to spend the night, call to find out if the parents will be home and what time the family expects their teen (and yours) to be in the house. If you feel awkward calling, perhaps an offer to send baked goods or to check pick-up time would afford you another reason to make this necessary call. 3. Parties: • When your teen is invited to a party, call the host parent and ask what adult supervision there will be. • If you do not allow your teen to drink, state this rule and ask if alcohol will be served. 4. When you leave town: Do not leave your child alone or with a housekeeper. This practice potentially places your child (and your housekeeper) under tremendous pressure for your home to become a party place. It is better to arrange for your child to stay with another family or for another adult to stay with your teen in your home. During the school year, ASIJ requires that parents use the Guardian Form to notify the Student Office as to the identity of the person who will be legally responsible for the safety and care of their child if both parents will be out of town. 5. Money/Allowances: Having too much money can cause problems for middle school students. It is difficult to determine a specific amount of spending money since it depends on what else the allowance is to cover (i.e. lunches, school transportation, school supplies and weekend entertainment). It’s a good idea to work out a budget so that the student has adequate money for snacks, savings and for emergencies. When students do not have adequate allowance, they might resort to obtaining money in less desirable ways. 6. Personal Safety: Students are advised to travel in groups, especially in the evening. There is safety in numbers.
44 ASIJ Middle School Tokyo Teen Scene: What Parents Need to Know Japan provides a relatively safe environment for our teens. However, parents need to be aware of some facts that can lead to trouble.
Availability of Alcohol and Tobacco The legal drinking age in Japan is 20, but this law is not always strictly enforced. Alcohol is easily available to teens at discos, bars and clubs. Both alcohol and cigarettes can be purchased by Middle School students at convenience stores, grocery stores and vending machines.
Availability of Other Drugs Tokyo is experiencing an increase in drug use among local youth. Drugs are available at some of the places frequented by our youths such as video arcades and clubs. It is also possible to buy marijuana here.Some pharmaceutical drugs requiring a prescription in the USA or Europe (i.e. sleeping pills, tranquilizers) are available over the counter.
Unsupervised Times and Places Sleepovers sometimes result in unsupervised situations. Parents may be away, or even if present, may be more permissive than you.Many parents leaving the country for work or vacation are accustomed to leaving their child in the care of a nanny or other household help. This practice may be satisfactory for ES children but it can be a source of problems with MS students. Your house can become a “drop-in” center and your teen can be confronted with considerable peer pressure to “bend” the family rules. Although intended for adults, most discos and bars are open to teens of all ages. As mentioned earlier, alcohol is available.
Wide Range of Parental Values One of the benefits of living in an international community is exposure to a wide range of values. However, this can result in varying expectations on the part of parents regarding alcohol use, sexual behavior, curfews, allowances and appropriate supervision of teens.
Some Japanese Regulations to Keep in Mind Because of the family’s status — diplomat, multinational corporate executive, foreigner in Japan — some teens believe themselves to be “above the law.” Bear in mind, we are the guests of this country and therefore, should abide by Japanese laws. Make sure your MS student always carries their ASIJ student ID card and have a telephone card, home address and telephone number. It is also wise for them to have their parent’s business card that is also written in Japanese. From the Police Department: Japanese Government Road Regulation #76 says that any play action, including rollerblading and skateboarding, is not allowed on any public road or sidewalk. If someone ignores a police warning to stop, that person is subject to a fine of up to ¥100,000 or up to six months in jail.
2010 -11 Handbook 45 Guidelines for parents’ absence from Tokyo 1. If during the school year, both parents will be out of Tokyo, they should appoint a guardian and notify the school as far in advance as possible by completing the form on the reverse side each time they plan a trip away. 2. Because illness, accidents and unforeseen problems can occur at any time, the school asks that the duly appointed guardian live directly with or close by the student(s) to provide adequate care and supervision. High school students should not be left on their own or in charge of younger siblings. A secretary in the office or a maid at home is not an appropriate guardian. 3. Parents often decide to go away when their children are on Intermission, sports trips, etc. Should an emergency occur during this time, students may need medical care. It is important for parents to remember to fill out a form even though students are not attending regular classes.
Directions for completing “Parents’ Absence from Tokyo” form (page 47) 1. Please complete the form and fax/send it to the principal’s office of your youngest child at least one week prior to your planned departure from Tokyo. The form must be signed by the parent to be considered complete. 2. One form will do for several children. The school will distribute it to the appropriate offices. However, if different guardians are involved, please complete a separate form for each child in the family. Please complete a separate form for each trip planned away from Tokyo. One form will not cover several trips.
46 ASIJ Middle School Notification of Parents’ Absence from Tokyo
1. Full name(s) of student(s) Grade(s) ______
2. Dates on which no parents will be in Tokyo : From:______To:______
3. Address and phone # at which parents may be contacted outside of Tokyo: ______Phone:______Cell Phone:______Email:______
4. Guardian appointed to act or decide in any matter in the parents’ stead during their absence: Name: ______Relationship:______Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______Email: ______Home Address:______
5. Alternate emergency contact if the guardian cannot be reached: Name: ______Relationship:______Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______Email: ______Home Address:______
6. Will the student(s) be living with the guardian? If “yes” at what address? ______
If “no,” what arrangements are being made for the appropriate supervision of the student(s)? ______
7. Parent’s signature Date: ______
FOR USE BY THE SCHOOL Date received: ______Copies to: o ELC o ES o MS o HS o Health Center
2010 -11 Handbook 47 School Policy on Peanut/Nut Allergies and Anaphylactic Reactions
I. ASIJ Position – ASIJ cannot guarantee a peanut/nut free environment either with school prepared and sold food items or with items brought to school by students and parents. ASIJ will however, attempt to minimize the use of peanuts/nuts in school prepared and sold items and request that students and parents not bring peanut/nut items to school.
II. ASIJ Request to All Students and Parents Regarding Peanut/Nut Allergies 1. At the ELC, parents and students are requested not to send or take peanuts or other types of nuts, peanut butter, or any product with nuts or peanuts to campus. Please read labels on packaged food carefully. 2. For ASIJ buses, parents and students are requested not to carry any peanuts/nuts, peanut butter, or any product with nuts or peanuts on a bus. This includes packed lunches that go on buses. Please read labels on packaged food carefully. 3. On the Chofu campus, items for all bake sales, birthday treats, activities, etc., are requested to be free of peanuts/nuts and peanut/nut products.
III. Responsibilities of Parents with Peanut/Nut Allergies 1. Prior to your child’s first day of school at ASIJ, inform the ELC or Health Center of your child’s life-threatening allergy. 2. If your child is a bus rider, prior to your child’s first bus ride, inform the Director of Transportation. 3. Provide Epi-pens for your child as follows: One for the ELC or Chofu Health Center and, if the child is a bus rider, one for the front of his back-pack. 4. Meet with appropriate school personnel to devise an avoidance plan of the allergen and the emergency response procedures in case of an accidental exposure.
IV. Responsibilities of ASIJ to Parents with Peanut/Nut Allergies 1. Consult with parents of students with life-threatening allergies. 2. Inform the student’s teachers and staff of his/her allergy, the student’s specific allergen avoidance plan, and in case of an accidental exposure, the emergency response procedures 3. Teach use of Epi-pens to school personnel and bus monitors. 4. Maintain the specific avoidance plans and, if necessary, the emergency response procedures. 5. On the Chofu campus, avoidance of any allergen for a student with a life-threatening allergy is managed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with parents, the student, Health Center, administrators, teachers, and transportation.
V. Responsibilities of Student with Peanut/Nut Allergies 1. Maintain precautions and procedures as agreed upon by parents, student, and ASIJ.
48 ASIJ Middle School KEY: S/Y = Semester or Yearlong Course MS Course List ADI = Average Daily Instruction EOD = Every Other Day Required Courses (automatically scheduled) SIG = Teacher’s Signature Required Course Title S/Y ADI SIG Grade 6: 6 Homeroom Y Daily 6 LA/SS Y Daily 6 Math Y EOD 6 Science Y EOD 6 PE Y EOD 6 Health S EOD 6 Art S EOD 6 Study Center & Keyboard Skills Y EOD 6 Japanese Y Daily 6 Choir or Band Y EOD
Grade 7: 7 Homeroom Y Daily 7 LA/SS Y Daily 7 Math Y EOD 7 Science Y EOD 7 PE Y EOD 7 Health S EOD 7 Modern Language Y Daily 7 Art S EOD 7 Music/ Performing Arts S EOD
Grade 8: 8 Homeroom Y Daily 8 Language Arts Y EOD 8 Social Studies Y EOD 8 Math Y EOD 8 Algebra Y EOD 8 Geometry Y EOD 8 Science Y EOD 8 PE Y EOD 8 Health S EOD 8 Modern Language Course Y Daily
2010 -11 Handbook 49 Electives All students must take at least one art course and one music course during their three years of middle school.
Modern Languages: Chinese I Y Daily Chinese A Y Daily Chinese B Y Daily French A Y Daily French B Y Daily Req. Spanish A Y Daily Spanish B Y Daily Req. Japanese 6-I Y Daily Req. Japanese 6-II Y Daily Req. Japanese 7-I Y Daily Req. Japanese 7-II Y Daily Req. Japanese 7-III Y Daily Req. Japanese 1 Y Daily Japanese 8-I Y Daily Req. Japanese 8-II Y Daily Req. Japanese 8-III Y Daily Req. Japanese 8-IV Y Daily Req. Japanese Basic A Y Daily Japanese Basic B Y Daily Req. Japanese Intermediate A Y Daily Req. Japanese Intermediate B Y Daily Req. Japanese Advanced Y Daily Req.
Visual Arts: Ceramics S EOD Craft Design S EOD Drawing & Painting S EOD Graphic Design S EOD Independent Study in Art S EOD Req. Intro to Film Studies S EOD Video Skills S EOD
50 ASIJ Middle School Music/Performing Arts: Rookie Band Y EOD Cadet Band Y EOD Req. Symphonic Band Y EOD Req. String Ensemble Y EOD Req. Strings Y EOD Req. Choir Y EOD Advanced Choir Y EOD Drama S EOD Advanced Drama S EOD Req. Music Studio S EOD World Music S EOD
Additional Electives: PE Personal Fitness S EOD PE Adventure Leadership S EOD Study Center S EOD Keyboard Skills S EOD Invent & Engineer S EOD Explorations In Technology S EOD Journalism/Student News S EOD Omoide/Yearbook Y EOD Global Money Markets S EOD MS Helpers S EOD Learning Support Y EOD Req.
2010 -11 Handbook 51 2010-11 MS Faculty and Staff
NAME EXT. EMAIL SUBJECT ROOM Adams, Scott 600 sadams Principal MS Office Baquero-Garcia, Sara 625 sbaquero Social Studies 202 Bennett, Steve 605 sbennett 8th Grade Counselor/ LA/SS MS Office Birkland, Leslie 470 lbirkland Japanese Modern Languages Blodgett, Sandra 653 sblodgett Spanish C-302 Blodgett, Seth 638 seblodgett Math, Social Studies WW 207 Burpee, Mark 643 mburpee Language Arts 312 Butz, Dennis 644 dbutz Math WW 206 Chambers, Nicole 652 nchambers French/ Journalism C-301 Claudio, Milan 613 mclaudio Art, Keyboarding Art Room/ TRC Currinder, Mike 637 mcurrinder LA/SS 304 Darrigan, Julia 604 jdarrigan 6th and 7th Grade Counselor MS Office Davidson, Lori 614 ldavidson Math WW 105 Dohrenwend, Peter 616/610 pdohrenwend Science 102 Erwin, Jim 620 jerwin Explorations, Invent & Engineer TRC Erwin, Judy 631 juerwin LA/SS 303 Fields, Mark 450 mfields Band, Choir Band Room Fujioka, Tatsuya 634 tfujioka JNL 307 Gesling, Anita 636 agesling JFL 301 Gibson, Mike 646 mgibson LA/SS 315 Guodace, Kimberly 640 kguodace Math 309 Harris, Steve 633 sharris JFL 306 Hashimoto Kraft, Naomi 635 nkraft JNL/JFL 308 Hoskins, Glenn 617/610 ghoskins Science 103 Huang, Joyce 472 jhuang Chinese Modern Languages Huber, Brent 454 bhuber Music Studio HS 113 Jacobson, Justin 624 jjacobson Technology Resource Center 201 Juhasz-Stevens, Michelle 612 mjuhasz Health/ PE/Science Gym Kim, Margaret 656 mkim Technology Resource Center TRC Knapp, Kevin 654/610 kknapp Science 100 Kosobayashi, Kevan 455 kkosobayashi Math/ Strings Band Room Lee, Michelle 600 mlee Principal’s Assistant MS Office Lewis, Ben 641 blewis Math 310 Loveman, Taryn 645 tloveman LA/SS 314 Mizuno, Yukari 601 ymizuno Guidance Assistant MS Office Neale, David 452 dneale Drama/ Video Skills RT/ Video Room Onozuka, Angela 295 aonozuka Library Assistant MS Library Paisner, Jacqueline 657 jpaisner Study Center 200 Poppa, Ken 627 kpoppa Learning Support 205 Raub, Mihoko 603 mraub Student Office Assistant MS Office Richard, Jamie 630 jrichard LA/SS 302 Rogers, Aaron 611 arogers Health/ Physical Education Gym Smith, Dan 626 dsmith LA/SS 203 Smith, Shelley 632 ssmith Health/ Physical Education WW 104 Swist, Jessica 613 jswist Art Art Room Swist, Marty 296 mswist Librarian MS Library Tanaka, Nathan 651 ntanaka Study Center 316 Ushigome, Maki 642 mushigome JNL, JFL 311 Vergel, Peter 615/610 pvergel Science 101 Walker, Peter 613 pwalker Art Assistant Art Room Wanless, Randy 451 rwanless Band Band Room Wooles, Angela 607 awooles Assistant Principal/ Health MS Office
52 ASIJ Middle School 2010-11 Academic Calendar
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1 2 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8 9 10 31
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 1112 30 31 1
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 2 27 28 329 30 31 24 25 426 27 28 29 30
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 5 6 31 7
S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 830 31 2010 -11 Handbook 53 Calendar Abbreviations
AOBA Aoba-Japan International School AP Advanced Placement ACT American College Testing BB Blackbox BST The British School in Tokyo CAJ Christian Academy in Japan CIS Council of International Schools DoDDS Dept. of Defense Dependents Schools DSTY Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama ELC Early Learning Center ES Elementary School FOFA Friends of the Fine Arts MS Middle School HS High School ISSH International School of the Sacred Heart JV Junior Varsity KEEP Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project JUMP Japan Understanding and Motivational Project MUN Model United Nations MUSE MUsicians’ Staged Entertainment NHS National Honor Society NIS Nishimachi International School PAW Performance Arts Workshop PLAN Preliminary ACT Test PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test PTA Parent-Teacher Association RT Ricketson Theater SAT Scholastic Assessment Test SSAT Secondary School Admission Test TBA To Be Announced TAC Tokyo American Club YCAC Yokohama Country & Athletic Club YIS Yokohama International School
ASIJ student vacation days and professional development days, which are non-class days, are shaded.
54 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 55 56 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 57 58 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 59 60 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 61 62 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 63 64 ASIJ Middle School 2010 -11 Handbook 65 66 ASIJ Middle School Notes
2010 -11 Handbook 67 ASIJ MS Bibliography Format
Books Books with one author: Voelkel, James R. Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Books with two authors: Yolen, Jane, and Bruce Coville. Armageddon Summer. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1998.
Books with an editor, instead of an author: Bevington, David, ed. The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Glenview, llinois: Scott, Foresman, 1980.
Electronic Books Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. January 1, 2002.
Magazines Magazine with author’s name given: Wenger, Ty. “Wired hoops: How basketball has become the most wired game in sports? And what does that mean for hoops lovers? An obsessive- compulsive guide to b-ball.” Yahoo! March 2002: 56-59.
Magazine with no author’s name given: “New Computer Games.” Newsweek. June 27, 2002: 43.
Encyclopedias Article with author’s name given: Lehman, Jeffrey. “French Americans: Bad advice given in good French.” Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America: Primary Documents. 15th ed. 2002.
Article with no author’s name given: “The Solar Battery.” The New Book of Popular Science. 1984 edition.
Online article with author’s name given: Lincoln, Eric. “Golf.” Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Online edition. http://go.grolier.com
Internet Writer’s Handbook: MLA Documentation. February 29, 2000. University of Wisconsin-Madison. April 1, 2002.
Online Database Elson, John. “The great migration.” Time, Fall 93 Special Issue. EBSCOhost. April 15, 2002.
On-Line Listserv, BB, or Discussion Group Posting Cheshire_Cow. “Re: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.” Online posting. March 9, 2002. Mustangs On Books, April 20, 2002.
68 ASIJ Middle School Interviews Watanabe, Junko. Interview with John Mitchell. Rec. September 26, 1994.
Personal Letters Hamilton, Katherine. Letter to author. March 23, 1992.
Short Stories & Poems Bradbury, Ray. “A Sound of Thunder.” In Best Short Stories; Middle Level. Providence, Rhode Island: Jamestown Publishers, 1983.
Video Wilet, Bernard. Environment. Santa Monica, Calif.: BFA Educational Media, 1972 (video, 29 minutes, color).
CD-ROM Programs Johnson, Darlene. “The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens.” Compton’s Multimedia Encyclopedia, 1991 (CD-ROM). Luoma, Joan H. “The Unfriendly Skies.” Wildlife Conservation. SIRS 1991 Atmosphere, Volume 2, Article 52, May/June, 1991 (CD-ROM).
Song Lyrics O’Brien, Darrin, Shawn Moltke, and Edmond Leary (Snow). “Informer.”12 Inches of Snow. Los Angeles: Motor Jam Music, 1993.
Newspaper Articles Holden, Stephen. “Frank Sinatra Dies at 82; Matchless Stylist of Pop.” New York Times. May 16, 1998, natl. ed. A1+.
General notes: • give the authors’ names in the fullest possible form (Cross, Roberta Louise instead of Cross, R. L.), • if there are several places of publication, use the first city mentioned, • if you can’t find the place and/or date of publication, ask for assistance, • if a list of copyright dates are given, use the most recent one, • for the United States: a well-known city may be used alone (like New York City), but for lesser-known cities, write the state as well (you may abbreviate the state -- Olympia, Wash.). For other countries, write the city and the country (Nagoya, Japan), • if you can’t find an author or editor: look on the official title page, look on the reverse (verso) side of the title page, skip the author and put down the rest of the information. • if a bibliography is being handwritten, underline titles rather than italicizing.
Reference: Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism: Documentation Guidelines. September 26, 2001. Duke University Libraries. February 18, 2003.
2010 -11 Handbook 69 Getting to the ASIJ Chofu Campus
By Car Take Shuto No. 4, which merges into the Chuo Expressway, to the Chofu Interchange, Exit No. 3. Exit toward Fuchu onto Koshu Kaido (Route 20). Turn right at the Ajinomoto Stadium intersection. Follow the map above.
By Train From Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, take an orange JR Chuo Line train bound for Tachikawa or Takao to Musashi-Sakai Station. (Please note that only rapid trains [快速] stop at this station.) Get off and exit the JR Station and transfer to the Seibu Tamagawa Line. Take the yellow Tamagawa train two stops to Tama Station. Get off and follow the map above.
By Bus From Mitaka Station’s south exit, bus stop No. 8, take bus No. 52 for Asahicho 3-chome [鷹５２朝日町３丁目] or Kurumagaeshi-Danchi [鷹５２車返し団地] to Tama Station. From Tobitakyu Station’s north exit, take bus No. 01 [飛田給駅北口] to Tama Station.
By Taxi From Musashi-Sakai Station, take a taxi from the south exit. From Tama Station, turn left after exiting the station. Go straight, then turn left and go downstairs. Walk through the tunnel under the tracks to the roundabout on east side of the station. Take a taxi from the roundabout.
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72 ASIJ Middle School ASIJ Student Learning Outcomes ASIJ educates students to become:
Effective Communicators who: • Express ideas, emotions and personal experiences clearly and creatively through the written and spoken word and through the arts. • Listen critically with understanding and empathy.
Literate Individuals who: • Integrate learning and apply it to authentic situations. • Read fluently with comprehension for a variety of purposes. • Develop a strong foundation in all academic disciplines. • Access, analyze, evaluate and present information using diverse resources.
Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers who: • Apply creativity and persistence, and develop awareness of their own thinking in defining problems and developing strategies to solve them. • Demonstrate flexibility in thinking.
Self-Directed, Productive Learners who: • Seek personal excellence in intellectual, artistic, practical and physical endeavors. • Independently pursue learning. • Set, achieve and reflect on personal and collective goals. • Make healthy choices.
Constructive Community Members who: • Have a clear sense of self and exhibit honesty and integrity. • Work collaboratively and effectively with others. • Show respect for the rights and tolerance of the values of others. • Develop an awareness and understanding of the host culture and other cultures. • Understand environmental issues and work to preserve the environment. • Contribute their time, energies and talents to improve the quality of life in our families, schools, communities, nation and world. • Prepare themselves for citizenship in a democratic society.
Chofu Campus: 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031 Tel: 0422-34-5300, Fax: 0422-34-5303 Early Learning Center: 6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Tel: 03-5771-4344, Fax: 03-5771-4341
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