ASD Middle School Handbook

General Information

School Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm

School Phone: 4499-1201

School Fax: 4499-1236

Library Media Center Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm (except PACT Tuesdays – closes at 12:30pm)

Booster Store Hours: Sundays & Wednesdays (1pm-3pm) Mondays & Thursdays (10:30am-3:30pm) Tuesday (closed)

Dr. Deb Welch: Director of school 4459-1532

Dr. Steven Leever Middle School Principal 4499-1202

Mr. Robert Gohr Middle School Associate Principal 4499-1207

Mrs. Jen Hammonds 6th & 8th Grade counselor 4499-1209

Mrs. Kristin Wegner 6th & 7th Grade counselor 4499-1208

Mrs. Kat Massengill Middle School Activities Coordinator 4499-2113

Mr. Chet Garber Middle School I.T. Coordinator 4499-2212

Mrs. Linda Hoiseth Middle School Librarian 4499-1109

Mrs. Leon Chung School nurse 4499-1219

Mrs. Saba Farooqui Middle School Office Manager 4499-1201

Mrs. Diana Suputra Middle School Office Coordinator 4499-1200

Tess Simbran Transport Manager(Trilogistics): 4459-1508

1 Table of Contents

ASD IDENTITY STATEMENT...... 5 MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY: DRAGONS...... 6 MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE...... 7

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASICS...... 9 THE SCHOOL DAY...... 9 PROFESSIONAL AND COLLABORATIVE TIME (PACT) TUESDAYS...... 10

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?...... 10 ATTENDANCE...... 10 Tardies...... 11 ATTENDANCE - EXCUSED / UNEXCUSED ABSENCE...... 12 MAKE-UP WORK / EXCUSED ABSENCES...... 13 MAKE-UP WORK / UNEXCUSED ABSENCES...... 13 ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES...... 13 COMPUTERS AND THE ONE-TO-ONE PROGRAM...... 14 CELL PHONES AND PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICES...... 14 DRESS CODE...... 14 EMERGENCY DRILLS...... 15 ENGLISH SPOKEN AT SCHOOL...... 15 LEAVING CAMPUS...... 15 LOST AND FOUND...... 16 SCHOOL SUPPLIES...... 16 Textbook Loan...... 16 TAXI USE BY STUDENTS...... 16 WEATHER SAFETY CONCERNS...... 16

WHAT’S IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ANYWAY?...... 18 COUNSELING SERVICES...... 18 COMMONS AREAS...... 18 DINING HALL...... 19 ELEVATORS...... 19 HEALTH CLINIC...... 19 Medications...... 20 Immunizations...... 20 LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER...... 20 LOCKS & LOCKERS...... 21 THE ED LADD FINE ART THEATER...... 22 SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAM...... 22 SUPER WICKED ADVISORY TIME (S.W.A.T.)...... 22 A FINAL THOUGHT: CAMPUS PRIDE AND APPEARANCE...... 23

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS...... 24 ASD’S GUIDING VALUES...... 24 DISCIPLINE: PHILOSOPHY...... 25 DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES:...... 25 DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS...... 26 Values Learning Plan (VLP):...... 27

2 CONSEQUENCES FOR CONFLICTS WITH CORE VALUES...... 27 DETENTION...... 27 SUSPENSION...... 27 EXPULSION...... 28

SELECTED EXAMPLES OF CONFLICTS WITH THE CORE VALUES...... 28 ABUSIVE LANGUAGE...... 28 ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY...... 28 Plagiarism...... 28 Cheating and “Helping Your Friends”...... 29 BANNED ITEMS IN SCHOOL...... 29 BULLYING / HARASSMENT...... 29 BULLYING – ONLINE HARASSMENT /CYBERBULLYING...... 30 ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS...... 30 PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION...... 30 SKIPPING CLASS...... 30 VANDALISM...... 30 THEFT...... 31

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM...... 32 AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND STAYING AFTER SCHOOL...... 32 AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS MISSION AND PURPOSE:...... 32

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY...... 33 Middle School After School Sports...... 33 MESAC Events 2011/2012...... 34 Participation in MESAC Events:...... 34

FIELD TRIPS...... 34 SCHOOL SPONSORED TRAVEL ABROAD...... 35 WEEK WITHOUT WALLS PROGRAM...... 35

ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION...... 36 ASD’S ESSENTIAL AGREEMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT:...... 36 GRADING SCALE:...... 36 ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS:...... 37 LEARNING HABITS AND VALUES:...... 37

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS...... 38 Progress Reports...... 38 PROMOTION STANDARDS...... 39 ACADEMIC PROBATION...... 39

HOMEWORK...... 40 Role of the Student...... 41 Role of the Parent...... 41 Homework Tips for Parents:...... 41 A few other things you should know:...... 42

LATE AND MISSING WORK:...... 42

HOMEWORK PLANNER...... 42 TESTS/PROJECT SCHEDULES...... 43 POWERSCHOOL AND KEEPING TRACK OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS...... 43

3 STUDENT RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS...... 44 House Awards:...... 44 LATZKE Week Without Walls Awards:...... 44 Principal’s Awards:...... 44 Dragon Awards:...... 44 NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY...... 45 STANLEY HAAS/LUKE HANSEN STUDENT AWARD...... 45

MIDDLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND YOU...... 46 MIDDLE SCHOOL SAHIFA...... 46 POWERSCHOOL AND NESA VIRTUAL SCHOOL...... 46 PowerSchool...... 46 Nesa Virtual School (NVS)...... 46 OUR SCHOOL WEB PAGE: WWW.ASD.EDU.QA...... 46

ASD WEBMAIL-GETTING STARTED FOR STUDENTS...... 47

NESA VIRTUAL SCHOOL-GETTING STARTED FOR STUDENTS...... 49

The American School of Doha - Acceptable Technology Use Policy…...…………………….49 Plagiarism...... 51 BULLYING – ONLINE HARASSMENT / CYBERBULLYING...... 52

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS...... 53 ADMISSIONS POLICY & PROCEDURES...... 53 Age Requirements...... 53 Entrance Examination...... 53 Registration Fee...... 54 Bus Transportation & Fees...... 54 Tuition...... 54

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL...... 54

CAMPUS GUESTS AND VISITORS...... 55

BUS TRANSPORTATION POLICIES...... 56 BUS BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES:...... 56 DISCIPLINE:...... 56 Morning Pick-Up from home:...... 57 After School Drop-Off:...... 57 GENERAL RULES:...... 58

4 THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF DOHA

ASD Identity Statement

The American School of Doha is an independent, U.S. accredited, college preparatory school, committed to providing educational excellence, through a standards-based, internationally enriched American curriculum, serving a multicultural student body.

ASD Mission

The American School of Doha is committed to the intellectual and personal development of our students, inspiring and empowering them to become positive, active global citizens.

ASD Vision

ASD is a vibrant learning community... where learning is fun where learning is creative where learning is authentic where learning is innovative where learning is collaborative where learning is data-informed where learning is technology infused. ASD is where learning extends beyond walls...

ASD Values

Respect Honesty Responsibility Compassion

5 Middle School Philosophy: Dragons

Do What’s Right, Always Give One hundred percent, Never Stop pursuing your

Middle school is a unique, exciting, and challenging time for students. At the American School of Doha we recognize and support this passage from childhood to adolescence by creating, for all students, a fun, safe learning environment that upholds the core values of our school. We set high expectations for our students both academically and personally. As a community of students, faculty, parents and administration, we strive to work together to nurture, develop, and inspire young adolescents to reach their goals. We actively provide opportunities for students to take action in making a difference, both locally and globally.

We are the DRAGONS!

6 Middle School Principal’s Message

Welcome to the 2012 - 201 school year at ASD! We make it our goal to have our students constantly learning, growing and experiencing new things at ASD MS. Our focus is on learning. What is being learned, why is it being learned, and how does it fit into the larger world around us are questions we ask as an institution.

It is the philosophy in the middle school at ASD is to nurture the middle level learner at what may be the most critical developmental time of their young lives.

For this year we will continue to build on the exciting programs for our students and their families. We will run a full intramural program within the middle school and encourage all students to become involved in after-school activities. In addition, we will continue to develop our academic and fine arts programs in order to make our school a respectful, rigorous, and challenging environment where students prepare for their role in a diverse world.

This handbook explains the opportunities that the Middle School offers each student. These opportunities are designed in alignment with the vision and mission of the entire ASD community. Our goal is to inspire our students to confidently learn, interact, and grow, so that they feel safe enough to take responsible risks and make the most of their special Middle School years. These years are all about students and what they have to offer the world. Our Middle School schedule, activities, curriculum, and atmosphere are all designed around the things that make Middle School students unique. YOU make the Middle School special.

Steven Leever Middle School Principal

7 A m e ric a n S c h o o l o f D o h a C a le n d a r A s a p p ro v e d b y th e B o a rd , D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 -2 0 1 3

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M a y 2 0 1 3 J u n e 2 0 1 3 J u ly 2 0 1 3 [42] Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Teacher Work Days 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 August 25, 26, 28 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 June 13, June 14 (Half Day) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Student Days 180 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 Teacher Days 187 30 http://www.vertex42.com/calendars/ © 2011 Vertex42 LLC

8 Middle School Basics Welcome to ASD’s Middle School! We are so glad you are at the American School of Doha. Welcome! This handbook explains the many opportunities that our middle school offers you as well as information on how things operate within our school. Each of our opportunities is designed in alignment with our core values along with the vision and mission of the ASD community. We want to inspire you to confidently learn, interact, and grow so that you feel safe enough to take responsible risks and make the most of your middle school years. Our middle school schedule, activities, curriculum, and atmosphere are all designed around the things that make middle school students unique. YOU are what makes our middle school special!

The School Day For students in grades 6-8, the entry bell will ring at 7:55 AM. Students are expected to go to their lockers and report to the first class, which begins at 8:00 AM.

Students who arrive late to school and miss part or all of the first instructional period will be considered tardy and must report to the office prior to attending classes. The school day will end at 3:00pm with dismissal taking place at this time. On PACT days, dismissal will be at 12:30pm. There is no school lunch service provided on PACT days.

There are after-school activities that take place most days of the week, with the exception of Tuesday. Most activities (including athletics) typically end by 4:15pm, though some may go later (please check with your activity sponsor/coach). Students not participating in after-school activities are not permitted to remain in areas that are unsupervised, which include the grade- level commons after school or cafeteria.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 8:00 – 9:20 1 5 4 8 9:25 – 9:55 ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY 10:00 – 11:20 2 6 2 6 11:20 – 12:00 LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH 12:05-1:25 3 7 3 7 1:25 -1:35 Break Break Break Break 1:40 – 3:00 4 8 1 5

9 PACT TUESDAY GRADES 6 – 8

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 8:00 – 9:00 1 5 4 8 9:05 – 10:05 2 6 2 6 10:05 – 10:20 Break Break Break Break 10:25 – 11:25 3* 7* 3* 7* *(No SWAT) *(No SWAT) *(No SWAT) *(No SWAT) 11:30 – 12:30 4 8 1 5

Note: Professional and Collaborative Time (PACT) Tuesdays Time has been aside on a regular basis for teachers to work together on school initiatives and improve our focus on student learning. This will happen every Tuesday afternoon of a full five-day week from 1:00 – 3:30. Therefore, student dismissal on these Tuesdays will be at 12:30 with buses leaving at 12:35. There will be no lunch service provided on PACT days.

What do I need to know? With additional privileges, come additional responsibilities. In order to help you get the most out of your middle school experience, we’ve put together a list of information what will help you as you settle in:

Attendance All students are expected to be present in each class each day. Regular attendance will enhance the scholastic success of a student and is a requirement for receiving full credit based upon hours in class.

For middle school students in grades 6-8, the attendance record will be taken into account when reviewing the student’s promotion status. An absenteeism rate exceeding 15% is considered to be excessive. This is true whether it is an excused or unexcused absence. As student absences accumulate, the school will take appropriate action as necessary in order to safeguard the academic integrity of the student’s promotional status.

Given that the adopted school year is comprised of 179 school days, this guideline means that no student in the middle school may be absent more than 26 school days in a full year.

10 Students will receive a notification at the following points:

1. After their total absence days reach 13 days (50% of total permitted):  A letter will be sent home to remind the student and parents of the school policy.

2. After their total absence reaches 19 days (75% of total permitted):  Administration will request to meet with parents to discuss the situation and warn of the potential consequences of continued absence – (meeting with associate principal).

3. After their total absence reaches 24 days (90% of total permitted):  There will be a required meeting between the student, parents and school principal to inform them about the seriousness of the situation and the potential danger of not receiving credit for the school year.

Should the 26-day (15% absenteeism) total be reached (or exceeded), the middle school principal will meet with the school director, and then the student and parents to discuss the situation and will make a decision inline with the School Attendance Policy:

Option 1: the student may be required to successfully complete the next grade entrance assessment for placement in the next grade level. The decision for placement will rest solely with the MS administration. Option 2: the student may be required to provide evidence of summer school work prior to being considered for promotion to the next grade level. Option 3: the student may be placed on a conditional enrollment for the next year. Option 4: the student may not be eligible for promotion to the next grade level.

Tardies Students need to arrive at school on time. Students arriving to school late must check in at the office for an admit slip to class. Excessive unexcused tardies will result in a warning from the principal. If the problem is not corrected, disciplinary action will be taken.

11 Attendance - Excused / Unexcused Absence

An excused absence may be granted after a note or phone call is received from the parent/guardian. Examples of excused absences by note or phone call are:  Illness  Emergency  Official school-related activity

Illness When illness is the reason for an absence, please contact the MS office as soon as possible to let us know. The school administrative office may contact a parent concerning a student's absence from school at any time to verify the absence. If a student has been absent for more than three consecutive days, the school asks that the student check in with the school nurse upon arrival back. In certain circumstances, the MS administration may request a report from the student’s physician, documenting the specific nature of the medical condition.

The school nurse will make the decision on whether a child’s medical condition warrants leaving prior to the end of the school day. Students must ‘check-out’ with the nurse if they are leaving due to illness. The nurse will then provide the student with a ‘health clinic home pass’, which will needs to be shown at the gate prior to leaving the school campus.

Official school-related activity In the event of a planned absence (i.e. official school-related activity), students are asked to complete and submit a ‘pre-arranged absence form’ to the office two weeks prior to the date of departure.

Because of the nature of our international population of students, we ask that parents make attending school, when we are in session, a high priority. Often requests are made to extend vacations scheduled by the school. The school discourages parents from taking students away from school unless absolutely necessary.

Students who are absent will be expected to make up all academic content for the period in which they are absent. Time allotments for makeup will be at the discretion of the teacher. Parents should understand that time away from school may result in decreased academic achievement.

The middle school believes that the attainment of the academic standards in our classes is the most important element to student success. For this reason, we do not differentiate between types of absences when considering work missed while a student is not in class. All work and assessments done in class need to be made up by a student who misses class. Therefore, even absences coded as unexcused carry an expectation that students will complete all work assigned in class. Absences may result in poor academic performance and will affect work habit grade in our reporting process.

12 Make-up Work / Excused Absences Students who have an excused or unexcused absence from class will make up missed work according to the following guidelines:

 If the student was present in class when an assignment, quiz or test was announced and was absent on the day that the assignment was due or test/quiz given, the student must turn in the assignment or take the test/quiz on the day of his return to school.  Should a student anticipate an absence from school due to a medical condition or school sponsored activities, he/she must make an appointment with his/her teachers in order to receive the assignments and their due- dates. It is the parents’ responsibility to contact the school office prior to an anticipated absence and collect work to be completed. Failure to do so on the part of the parents may result in students falling behind academically and suffering academically as a result.

 Students returning after excused or unexcused absences will be given sufficient time to complete missed assignments and tests. The teacher will determine the amount of make-up time (make-up time is generally equivalent to the number of days absent). It is the student's responsibility to contact teachers regarding missed assignments and tests to be taken.  Students arriving late to school, with an excused absence, should contact those teachers whom the student did not see that morning for assignments and to make-up tests or quizzes. Students who anticipate leaving school early should notify their teachers prior to the early departure. Students who miss scheduled tests and quizzes and who do not contact their teachers after a late arrival or prior to an early departure may not be permitted to take those tests or quizzes at a later date.

Make-up Work / Unexcused Absences Students returning to school after an unexcused absence are expected to make up missed work to demonstrate the attainment of academic standards. There is always the possibility that the academic progress of students will be affected by absences. Students and parents should not expect extraordinary measures to help catch a child up following unexcused absences. The school does not assume the responsibility to educate children who are not in school.

Attendance and Participation in Activities In order to participate in after-school and evening extra-curricular activities (sports, concerts, theater, etc.), students must attend a minimum of two classes on the day that the activity takes place. Additionally, students participating in after-school and evening activities are expected to be in school the following day. Participation in extra-curricular programs is an additional responsibility that students assume. These activities DO NOT exempt students from their regular school responsibilities. Students representing ASD at regional activities are expected to be in school on the day they depart or return from competition unless the ASD administration makes a special exemption. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from further participation in such events.

13 Computers and the one-to-one program All middle school students will be issued a personal computer to use throughout the school year, and will be asked to bring it with them to their classes. These computers will come pre-loaded with the software needed for their various classes. Students are asked not to bring in their own computers.

The use of computers and technology resources at school is a privilege. It is important that students understand that these guidelines included in our ‘Acceptable Technology Use’ policy are intended to protect the interests of both the individual students and the school. Students who violate these guidelines will face disciplinary action and may lose the privilege of using school computers.

With the increased usage of technology also come additional student responsibilities. This is especially true when it comes to online etiquette and behavior. ASD will do its utmost to help students understand the concept of accountability, both online and offline, while emphasizing that they will be held responsible for what they say and do online.

Should a school-issued computer encounter any damage, students are asked to go to the main office and complete a ‘damaged-computer incident’ form. These forms requires students to describe the nature of the damage, how it occurred, and asks students to obtain various signatures. When completed, students bring this form to the I.T. department in the school along with the computer.

Please see the full acceptable use policy at the end of this publication for specific details.

Cell Phones and Personal Listening Devices Cell phones and personal listening devices (iPods, MP3 players, etc.) may be used prior to 7:55 a.m., after school dismissal, or while being transported to and from school on the school buses. This privilege is for the students to keep by making sure such devices are turned off and put away at all times during school hours (7:55am-3:00pm), as they interrupt instruction.

Should students and parents wish to contact one another during the school day, please arrange do so through the middle school office. If a student has these items out in class or in use during the school day, they may be confiscated and held in the principal's office until a meeting is held with parents. The school is not responsible for lost personal listening devices or mobile phones.

14 Dress Code ASD does not have a school uniform (with the exception of physical education attire). Students are expected to appear neat and clean and be sensitive to their status as guests in our host country. Students should wear blouses, tops or shirts that cover the entire midriff. All tops must have at least partial sleeves and should not be of net material, off the shoulder, or inappropriately revealing. Halter-tops, tube tops and tank tops are all considered to be inappropriate.

Girls skirts and dresses should be loose fitting and of a moderate length. Tights under skirts/shorts are not acceptable unless the skirt is at knee level. Shorts should be of a moderate length for both boys and girls, reaching to within three inches of the knee. Boys may wear either long pants or shorts that are of moderate length. Pants should be pulled up to an appropriate level (i.e. underwear should not be visible). Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in school; they may be worn outside of the building. Jewelry, glasses, and tee-shirt decorations and logos should be conservative, culturally sensitive, not offensive, and in good taste. Teachers are expected to refuse to admit an inappropriately dressed student to class. The offending student should be sent to the middle school office. The school administration reserves the right to make final judgment on the acceptability of student attire. Students may be asked to change into a school uniform or sent home if appropriate attire cannot be provided. Repeated offenders of the dress code will result in consequences for the student. Please note: Our dress code remains in effect during school-sponsored activities, including school socials and field trips.

Note: Dress Code during P.E. Students are required to wear a P.E. uniform for their physical education classes. MS students that still have last year’s P.E. uniform (and it still fits), are welcome to wear it during this year’s classes. New uniforms can be purchased at Zak’s Trading Company (450-6940 - always call to confirm hours of operation!) Additionally, every student will need a swim cap for the pool rotation (goggles are strongly recommended).

Emergency Drills Emergency evacuation drills are scheduled at intervals throughout the school year. Classroom teachers will give their classes specific instructions. Each classroom has an evacuation plan posted near the exit door. Teachers should insure that all students are familiar with proper evacuation procedures.

English Spoken at School As an American school with English as the primary language of instruction, English is expected be the language spoken on the school premises outside of the second language classes. Although students obviously feel more comfortable speaking in their first language, this will not help them in becoming more competent in speaking and functioning with English. This certainly must be one of the objectives that non-native English speakers have in choosing to attend ASD. 15 Leaving Campus Students are not allowed to leave the middle school campus during the school day without permission of a parent and the principal or nurse. Students are not allowed to visit the elementary campus without permission. Students must obtain a gate pass from the office prior to leaving campus before regular dismissal time. Students who are ill are expected to consult with the school nurse and should not contact parents on their own.

Lost and Found From time to time, items get misplaced. Each grade level has a ‘lost-and-found’ table located near the teachers’ planning room for books and planners. Additionally, on the ground floor near the main staircase is another lost-and- found table for personal items such as clothing, lunch boxes, water bottles, etc. Items of greater value (i.e. phones, iPods, computers, glasses, wallets, etc.) are typically kept in the main office.

Students are asked to keep their belongings in their lockers when not being used. Items left on tables, benches, or in lockers that do not belong to them may get moved to a lost-and-found table. The school will not be held responsible for misplaced items.

School Supplies Students will be required to provide their own notebooks, paper, pens, pencils and other supplies. Various types of school sportswear will be available for purchase. Individual grade level and subject teachers will provide students with a list of required materials needed for their specific classes. Please refer to your grade-level supply list posted on the ASD website for further details.

Textbook Loan Textbooks are provided to all students on a loan basis. Students are responsible for books checked out to them and must pay the replacement cost for lost or damaged books. Students will also be charged for deliberate (including writing and graffiti) or excessive damage to books. Excessive damage may be defined as that which goes beyond normal wear and tear. Students losing a textbook during the school year must pay for its replacement before being issued a second book. Should the lost book be found, the replacement cost will be reimbursed to the student.

16 Taxi Use by Students The ASD Administration discourages the use of taxis to transport students, but acknowledges that in some instances parents have no alternative but to procure private transport for their children to facilitate their attendance at school. Under these circumstances, ASD requests that the parent execute an appropriate waiver absolving the school of any and all liability. In the event such a waiver is not tendered to the school by the student's parent or guardian, ASD hereby denies all liability attendant with any difficulties arising out of the student's use of public transportation.

Weather Safety Concerns On days when the temperature is extremely high (35 C), the Health Clinic will put out the RED FLAG. This means that it is a very hot day. Students need to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade. Students may participate in low impact activities in shaded areas only when the red flag is displayed.

17 What’s in the Middle School anyway? Our middle school campus offers a variety of services and opportunities in an effort to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. The following includes information on what’s available:

Counseling Services The American School of Doha Counseling Program’s mission is to provide a comprehensive counseling model for children Pre-K-12. This includes facilitating the development of all students in acquiring educational, occupational and proactive life skills that help them to navigate their world in a positive manner through the use of ASD’s core values of respect, honesty, responsibility, and compassion.

Middle school is a unique, exciting, and challenging time for students. The counseling department recognizes and supports this passage from childhood to adolescence by creating an environment where students feel safe and comfortable. In partnership with teachers, faculty and staff, counselors implement a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program promoting student success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy and social/emotional development to meet the needs of all middle school students at ASD. It is paramount that each student feels safe, valued, and respected so that he/she is able to maximize his or her full potential both inside and outside of ASD.

The comprehensive counseling program activities and services are delivered through the American School Counseling Association delivery systems: guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and system support.

Commons Areas Each grade level has its own commons area. This is a place for students to relax, chat with friends, and do homework. It is not a play area. Please keep the area neat and tidy. Book bags or other items should not be left unattended in the commons area.

Please note also that the commons area is not an acceptable place to wait after school. If a student is participating in an after school activity, they should go directly to that activity. If a student is not participating in an after school activity, he/she may go to the library (until 4pm) to work, wait in the main reception area in front of the administration, or wait outside by the guard house.

18 Dining Hall The dining hall is open to students during scheduled break and lunch periods. Students may purchase drinks (students are not permitted to purchase drinks containing caffeine) and snacks as well as lunches, or bring their own.

All food and drink purchased in the cafeteria should be consumed there or at designated outside eating areas. Behavior in the dining hall will be in line with the “clean and respectful” campaign: All students will clean up after themselves, respect all staff and fellow students and act appropriately at all times. Plates and silverware should be returned to the proper location. Recycling bins are available to reduce waste. Students can demonstrate respect for their environment through their conscious effort to recycle.

Note: The dining hall is off-limits to middle school students during regular class time.

Elevators Elevators are not typically for student use. Students will be allowed to use elevators while in possession of an elevator pass, issued from the office, when they are unable to use the stairs. Elevators are primarily used to move equipment from one floor to another.

Health Clinic The Middle School health clinic is located inside the MS/HS cafeteria. ASD employs two full-time nurses during the school year. Each child has an emergency card at school, which must be filled out by the parent or guardian. Vision and hearing screenings are done annually.

Students are welcome to visit the clinic when they have an illness or injury or to discuss health issues. A student must have permission from his/her classroom teacher if visiting other than during break and lunch times. Students are expected to go to the clinic before making arrangements to be dismissed from school because of illness. The nurse will contact parents to arrange transportation if necessary.

Students who become ill during the school day will be sent home only if the school nurse is able to notify the parent, or the emergency contact designee. It is important that the person designated as the emergency contact number can be easily reached and is clearly stated on the student's registration form.

19 Medications No medications shall be administered without expressed written parental permission. If your child must bring medication to school, the following steps need to be followed:

 The school nurse should be notified by the parents when a child is taking medications.  All medications must be brought to and kept in the Health Clinic.  The medicine must be clearly identified as to the name, type of medication, student’s name, and dosage.  A note, signed and dated by the parents, must accompany the medication.

Immunizations Health, immunization, and tuberculosis screening records are maintained on every child. Parents are required to submit a health status update as they register their child for each school year and are urged to notify the school health clinic of any significant changes in health, which occur during the school year. A minimum immunization standard is required for attendance at the American School.

There may be occasions when immunizations will be available at school through the Ministry of Health; this has not occurred for several years.

Library Media Center The ASD Library Media Centers are open Sunday through Thursday for scheduled classes, research, reading, resource borrowing/returning, and school- related activities. The Elementary LMC is open from 7:45am to 3:30pm and the Middle School/High School LMC is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm, except on PACT days when it closes at 12:30. (some exceptions apply). Both LMCs serve the entire ASD community. Activities, services, and scheduling vary to accommodate the diverse population.

The combined ASD LMC collection contains over 20,000 resources including reference books, nonfiction and fiction books, books-on-tape, book kits, picture books, CD-ROMs and audio CDs, professional books, vertical file materials, periodicals and newspapers, subscription online databases (e.g. CQ Researcher, EBSCOhost, NewsBank, Searchasaurus, etc.), and computers for research and schoolwork. Audiovisual resources (VHS, DVD, etc.) and audiovisual equipment are for faculty instructional use only. All LMC resources, as well as pre-reviewed Internet websites, are catalogued and searchable in “Destiny,” our customized online catalog and research system. Destiny can be accessed via the school website, or directly through your web browser at: http://library.asd.edu.qa.

20 Print materials may be borrowed for a period of three weeks, renewable for an additional three weeks when no other reservations exist. The number of resources a student may borrow varies according to grade level: Grades 6-8 = 3 (or more w/approval).

Students with overdue materials receive weekly notices and are expected to return or renew items on time. Students may not borrow additional items until those overdue are returned, unless given special permission by the Teacher- Librarian. All LMC patrons are expected to pay the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials before borrowing more items and/or receiving their report cards or school records.

In order to keep our library clean and comfortable for everyone, we ask that patrons leave food and drinks outside. All school rules also apply to behavior in the Library Media Centers. While using our computers, the ASD Acceptable Technology Use Policy must be followed. We also expect all library patrons to be respectful and considerate of each other and the entire LMC staff and to help keep the atmosphere quiet and conducive to learning.

Please let the Teacher-Librarians and Library Assistants know when you need assistance. We are here to help you with your reading and reference needs!

Locks & Lockers Students have the privilege of a clean, functioning locker so that they have a safe, convenient spot to store their belongings throughout the day. Using a locker responsibly entails:  Using only the locker that is assigned to you (students are not permitted to change their lockers without the explicit approval of the principal)  Keeping your locker clean  Safeguarding (not telling others) your combination  Storing your belongings only in your locker and not in other school spaces (Bags found on floor will be placed in Lost & Found or the principal’s office. All musical instruments must be kept in the band room)

Keep it clean Please note, students may not write on the inside of their lockers, nor may they put up anything that could not be easily removed (i.e. stickers, glued pictures, etc.). Also, no stickers or signs are allowed on outside of lockers except for school-sponsored events.

Combination Locks It is the student’s individual responsibility to provide a combination lock to keep his/her possessions safe. Additionally, students are encouraged to keep their lockers locked and are discouraged from keeping valuables in their lockers. The school administration reserves the right to inspect lockers at anytime, should the need arise.

21 P.E. Lockers The middle school also provides lockers in the change rooms for students taking physical education classes, however students are responsible for furnishing their own combination lock, which must be removed after each class as these are shared lockers. Students are discouraged from keeping valuables in the change rooms.

The Ed Ladd Fine Art Theater We are very fortunate to have a state-of-the-art theater available to us for our student productions, concerts, guest presentations, and assemblies! Regular school assemblies are held each month during the school day. Students are expected to attend assemblies, behaving in an appropriate, respectful manner, while being considerate of guest presenters and others attending the assembly.

House Seating Rules for Fine Arts Theater:  No food or drinks at any time.  Keep feet off seats.  Sit in designated or assigned areas only.  Remain seated during performance. Entering and leaving will not be allowed except for intermissions.  Aisles must be kept free of all items.

Special Services Program ASD maintains a limited program for students with special needs. Because of limited resources and staffing, we are unable to offer more comprehensive educational services. While ASD strives to meet the needs of the greater community, unfortunately we are unable to accept students with physical, emotional, or learning needs that cannot be appropriately accommodated within the school’s program.

After initial acceptance of a student, the school reserves the right to deny re- enrollment if the student’s needs go beyond the scope of available services. For further information on the services available, parents are requested to contact the school.

Super Wicked Advisory Time (S.W.A.T.) In addition to developing ASD’s core values and habits of mind, the S.W.A.T. program will help guide and support students by facilitating their academic success and personal growth, while at the same time building a dynamic and exciting middle school identity that each and every student is proud to be a part of.

22 The Middle School S.W.A.T. program has 3 overarching themes:

1) Develop ASD Core Values, Habits of Mind, and MS Philosophy Students will:  Through discussion, activities, and shared experiences, develop an understanding of ASD’s core values of respect, compassion, honesty, and responsibility.  Develop the habits and skills required to succeed academically, socially, and as a member of society (perseverance, meta- cognition, organization, etc….)  Develop an understanding of the responsibilities of being a member of a large and diverse global community.

2) Support Student Learning Students will:  Effectively use S.W.A.T. time to receive support from classroom teachers and or MS counselors, as well as complete homework assignments and or missed work.  Meet with S.W.A.T. advisors to identify areas of academic improvement, set goals, and provide support designed to enhance student learning.  Develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed academically and as a member of a technological society (research skills, web-based programs and communication, etc….)

3) Foster a Strong Middle School Identity Students will:  Celebrate holidays and other special occasions.  Participate in house intramural activities and contests.  Attend grade-level and whole-school assemblies and special events.

A final thought: Campus Pride and Appearance We are fortunate to have a beautiful facility in which to learn every day. It is every student's responsibility to care for the building and campus at ASD. Defacing school property in any way will result in behavioral consequences.

Students must eat in the dining hall or at the tables outside under the shade. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. In order to maintain lunchtime privileges, we ask that students keep all areas clean. Everyone must take responsibility for keeping the ASD campus looking clean and tidy.

23 Student Responsibilities and Expectations As residents and guests in Doha, each student, his/her family, and the teaching faculty and staff, should keep in mind that we are continually under the scrutiny of the community around us. A principle responsibility of each person connected with ASD is to be a positive representative of the school and our respective countries.

The conduct of ASD students on and off campus should reflect standards of citizenship desired by members of the expatriate community. Respect for the laws and customs of the people of Qatar is fundamental and therefore expected. The ultimate goals for students are self-discipline and responsibility for one's actions. If the following guidelines for student conduct are followed, most problems can be avoided:

 No one has the right to interfere with another person's learning.  There is no excuse for bad manners.  Students need to respect the rights and privileges of each other.  Students should exercise good judgment at all times.

Student behavior contrary to these expectations will not be tolerated. If brought to our attention, our faculty and staff will work together with the student and family to address the misbehavior of participating student(s). Serious and/or chronic misbehavior will be dealt with following the established disciplinary guidelines.

ASD’s Guiding Values ASD is founded on the core values of responsibility, respect, honesty, and compassion, and these values drive our approach to education and managing student behavior. ASD will manage student behavior to support the teaching and learning process and to uphold and reinforce commonly accepted standards of behavior. Managing student behavior assists students to develop personal, school, and community responsibility.

Value Guidelines: These guidelines are provided to give simple explanations as to how these values apply to the ASD community:

Responsibility: Honesty:  On time  Relies on own knowledge and  Has all learning materials completes own work  Is accountable for actions  Speaks truthfully  Maintains integrity Respect: Compassion:  Sets and maintains high  Has empathy for others standards for self  Supports and encourages other  Interacts with other people students who need it appropriately  Understands that growth comes  Displays cultural sensitivity from mistakes  Cares for the environment  Values teaching and learning 24 Discipline: Philosophy Every student at ASD has the right to a quality education. Each teacher has the responsibility to teach and each student has the right and the responsibility to learn. No student has the right to interfere with this process. Each teacher has classroom rules to insure the best possible educational environment. Respect, common sense, reasonableness, and courtesy are the foundation for the educational relationship between student and teacher. We will model ASD values in everything we do.

In an effort to provide a uniform and clear process for handling disciplinary situations which conform to acceptable standards and meets due process guidelines, ASD has outlined some of the behaviors that run into conflict with our school values, as well as possible action(s) that may be taken to resolve the various issues. Our goal is to establish a school in which students are proud to attend, and one with an atmosphere of freedom to learn. Everyone at school shares in the responsibility of providing a positive and safe learning environment.

Any student behavior that is detrimental to the orderly operation of the school, a school-sponsored activity, or other aspect of the educational process shall be subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will be applied fairly and consistently, based on the severity of the infraction. Students are expected to conform to ASD rules, regulations, and behavioral expectations while on campus or attending a school activity at another site.

In general, students are expected to practice good citizenship. This includes exhibiting courtesy and respect to all, respecting appropriate authorities, respecting school property and the property of others, and again, taking responsibilities for one's actions.

Discipline Guidelines: All faculty and staff have a responsibility to address inappropriate student behavior to maintain a positive teaching and learning environment at ASD. The response from faculty/staff will be appropriate in relation to the student behavior that is being addressed and consistent with this plan.

1. All students will be addressed with courtesy and respect while being assisted to ‘discover’ why their behavior is inappropriate and conflicts with ASD’s values. 2. Once a student is aware of their behavior and its unacceptability, faculty/staff will outline to the student the consequence of their actions.

All situations are unique, and therefore require individual consideration in order to ensure fair and appropriate consequences. The following matrix serves as a ‘guide’ when dealing with behavioral infractions.

25 Behavioral Matrix: Number of infractions Behavior 1 2 3 4 5 Category Referral to office Referral to office 1 Teacher Teacher Intervention Intervention Referral to office Examples: VLP VLP  Running in commons Time-out Time-out VLP  Gum Loss of Possible  Food in commons privileges suspension (I)  Tardiness Log behavior on Log behavior on Loss of breaks PowerSchool PowerSchool  Horseplay Conference Possible student  Disturbance contract

2 Referral to office Referral to office Referral to office Referral to office Referral to office Examples: VLP  Academic dishonesty Loss of break Loss of privileges VLP VLP  Inappropriate time Possible behavior VLP Suspension (I) Suspension (O) suspension (I)  Dress code VLP  Breach of IT policy Parent Possible Student Possible student  Skipping class Parent contact conference contract Student contract contract  Profanity 3 Referral to office Referral to office Referral to office Examples: VLP VLP  Abuse (verbal) VLP Category 3 behavior is serious. Each  Bullying, Fighting Loss of privileges Suspension (I) case when referred will be dealt with  Fire alarm Suspension (O) on an independent basis and the range  Inappropriate Possible Parent of consequences will include: behavior suspension (I) conference Student contract Conference, VLP, Probation,  Intimidation, or (O) Community service, Restitution, Suspension (I) or (O), recommendation  Breach of IT policy Possible Possible  for expulsion.  Theft Parent contact Restitution Restitution  Vandalism Possible Possible Student  Safety violation Restitution contract 4 Referral to office Referral to office

Examples: VLP VLP Category 4 behavior is very serious. Each case when  Abuse (physical) referred will be dealt with on an independent basis and the  Inappropriate Suspension (I) or Suspension (O) range of consequences will include: Conference, VLP, behavior (O) Probation, Community service, Restitution, Suspension (I)  Breach of IT policy Parent contact or (O), recommendation for expulsion. Parent conference Student contract Note: Suspension (I) = In school, (O) = Out of School VLP = Values Learning Plan

Disciplinary Referrals A Disciplinary Referral is a notice that a student has been referred to the principal for misbehavior. The referral will describe the misbehavior and any disciplinary action that will be taken.

A student who accumulates excessive disciplinary referrals may be expelled from ASD. In serious or extreme cases, the principal may recommend to accelerate this process.

26 Values Learning Plan (VLP): In the event that a student is referred to the office for a behavioral infraction, he or she will be asked to ‘reflect’ on what happened, and determine a better plan of action for future situations (should they arise). This “Values Learning Plan” must be signed by the student, parent, and administrator, and be returned to the office before class the next school day.

All “Values Learning” has the aim to have students learn and grow from the experience. When a student is referred, the teacher or principal may contact parents, and a consequence may be rendered. Above and beyond the consequence, the student will employ restorative justice to gain back the trust of individuals involved.

Consequences for Conflicts with Core Values When a student’s actions are in conflict with the school’s core values, the consequences could include, but would not be limited to, a verbal plan, parent call, parent conference, loss of privileges, (after school clubs, field trips) loss of free time, (detentions) temporary removal from a class, service to the community, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, and in serious or repeated cases, expulsion (permanent removal from school).

Detention For some infractions students may lose some or all of their free time at school. This typically is a lunch and/or break detention. Students can bring their lunch to the office, but will be separated from their normal lunch or break activities.

Suspension Students may be removed from classes and not allowed to participate in activities for a period to be determined by the administration. In all cases of suspension, students will not be allowed to participate in any school activities during the period of suspension, and a parent conference will be required before the student may return to regular classes.

Suspensions remove a student from the learning community to provide time for reflection on the core values and their commitment to abide by them. A student on:  In-school suspension is in the office for the duration of the suspension.  Out of school suspension is picked up by their parents and would not be allowed on campus for the duration of the suspension.

During both in and out-of-school suspension, students would not be allowed to participate in any school sponsored after school activities. Students on suspension may complete and turn in any work they miss as a result of their time away from classes.

27 Expulsion A case may arise where a threat to safety, or breech in conduct is so significant that a student will be required to leave school and not return. Expulsions occur upon recommendation of the principal, and by decision of the Director.

Selected Examples of Conflicts with the Core Values

Abusive Language The use of profane or abusive language is in direct conflict with our Core Values and will subject the student using such language to disciplinary consequences that could include, but not be limited, to a parent conference.

Academic Honesty and Integrity Students are expected to complete assignments independently. Copying another student’s assignment defeats it’s purpose, which is to learn. A student who allows his/her work to be copied is just as responsible. Since copied work does not represent a student’s understanding of a concept, a grade cannot be awarded. In such cases, work will be assessed as ‘incomplete’. However, it is still required that the student completes the work in its entirety. A disciplinary consequence will be presented in such cases.

Plagiarism This is a form of cheating. To use another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source is plagiarism. Copying from Internet sources and cutting and pasting into documents is not acceptable. It is also easy to spot by the teacher. Don’t do it! You are plagiarizing if you:

 Present ideas as your own without citing the source;  Paraphrase without crediting the source;  Use direct quotes with no quotation marks, footnotes, or textual citation of the source;  Submit material written by someone else as your own;  Submit a paper or assignment for which you have received so much help that the writing is different from your own. Plagiarism will result in behavioral consequences. The principal will be informed, and a record will be kept in the MS office. Repeated plagiarism may result in suspension, loss of course credit, or in extreme cases expulsion.

28 Cheating and “Helping Your Friends” The faculty at ASD expects students to complete assignments independently. If there is an exception to this for a particular assignment, the teacher will make that clear to the students at the time the assignment is made.

Copying another student's daily assignment usually defeats its purpose. If a teacher finds that one student has given answers to another student on a daily assignment, then that student (along with the student who copied) will: 1) Be required to redo the assignment in its entirety

2) Receive a behavioral consequence as deemed appropriate by the principal.

Banned Items in School The following items are not permissible at ASD:  Fireworks, stink bombs  Matches, cigarette lighters, laser pointers  Silly string, water pistols  Skateboards, Heelies  Gameboys, PSP and/or other electronic games and gadgets . Note: students are permitted to use phones and/or iPod devices, BUT ONLY BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL HOURS and not during the school day.  Weapons or their replicas (possession of a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon will result in behavioral consequences)

Students involved in sporting activities who use their personal equipment, such as tennis rackets, baseball/softball bats, are required to check the equipment into their coach/sponsor; and the coach will be responsible for storing the equipment. Personal sporting equipment is not to be stored in a student's locker. Misuse of personal or school equipment may result in items being confiscated and held until a meeting is held with parents.

Bullying / Harassment Successful schools are built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. ANY action that causes a person to feel threatened, belittled, afraid, ashamed, angry, or hurt can be harassment. It is not acceptable to pick on each other, call someone inappropriate names, push and shove, hide things, tell dirty jokes, tease someone, or speak ill of them to others by spreading gossip or rumors. Behavior of this nature is a form of bullying and will not be tolerated. Bullying and harassment are considered major infractions of the ASD values and may result in consequences for participating students. ASD attempts to take a pro-active approach to these issues by confronting them head-on and working with students involved through counseling and administrative measures. 29 Bullying – Online Harassment /Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying" is when a student is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another student using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, or mobile phones. Various forms of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to, using threatening, angry or vulgar language, disrespecting someone by posting gossip or rumors, repeatedly sending offensive or rude messages, impersonating someone else, and copying/altering personal images with intent to mock or embarrass another person. Comments made online or through cyberspace that impact or disrupt the school environment, may result in consequences for participating students.

The school has an Acceptable Use policy located in the back of this handbook that prohibits this behavior. The vast majority of the online harassment occurs off campus at night and on weekends. Since participation in this behavior off campus has a negative impact on the school environment and does not reflect our school values, students will face consequences if reasonable proof is provided that a student(s) is bullying/harassing another student(s) or school personnel.

Illegal substances: Alcohol, Cigarettes, and Illegal Drugs. Any student found at school or a school sponsored event in possession of or having ingested alcohol will be immediately suspended from school. Students who are reinstated may be barred from participation in any school related event.

Smoking is not allowed on our campus. Students found smoking on campus are subject to disciplinary action.

Any student found to be in the possession of, taking or using, buying or selling, giving or trafficking in any narcotics, stimulants, barbiturates, suppressants, hallucinogenic drugs, or marijuana is subject to expulsion from school.

Public Display of Affection These types of behaviors are not appropriate at the school. They can make other others feel excluded or uncomfortable.

Skipping Class A skipped class results in a meeting with a principal. Parents will be contacted and a detention will be assigned to make up for the lost instructional time. Further incidents of skipping may result in suspension or other consequences.

Vandalism It is important that we consistently demonstrate respect for school and personal property. Any student who marks, defaces, breaks, or destroys school property will be responsible for cleaning, repairing or replacing the damaged item(s). Parents will be notified. Appropriate disciplinary action will result.

30 Theft The ASD community is founded on the Core Values of respect and responsibility. Any person stealing demonstrates a lack of respect for peers and themselves. Any student engaged in theft will be subject to appropriate consequences.

The most effective way to ensure that we as a community are safe from theft is to take individual responsibility for our belongings. To that end we offer a locker and PE locker and ask that they use a combination lock to safeguard their belongings. Students should not leave any belongings unattended. To minimize the risk of loss, please:

 Mark all belongings, including your book bag  Only bring small amounts of money and needed valuables to school  Keep your bag with you or use your locker  Report all losses to the office

31 Beyond the Classroom ASD’s Middle School offers a variety of opportunities and activities to help our students develop into well-rounded individuals. We strongly encourage all students to look and see what’s being offered and get involved!

After-School Activities and Staying after School

After School Sports Mission and Purpose: Our mission is to provide ASD Middle School Students the opportunity for continued physical, social and personal development in a challenging and supportive environment, both competitive and non-competitive in nature.

Students are encouraged to participate in the numerous after-school activities offered at ASD and to utilize the Library Media Center. However, remaining after school with no purpose except to “hang out” is not an option. ASD cannot be responsible for students who are not supervised. For this reason, students who have no purpose in remaining after school will be asked to leave the campus. If a student must remain after school (i.e. waiting for a ride, H20 swimming, etc.), he or she is asked either go work in the library (until 4pm), wait on the main floor by administration, or wait by the guardhouse. Students are not permitted to wait unsupervised in grade-level commons areas, courtyard/basketball court, or dinning hall.

ASD’s After School Sports program has three goals: 1. Develop and improve skills necessary for specific sports. This skill development will be for enjoyment, fitness, and to prepare and encourage students who would like to participate competitively in High School or other avenues.

2. Provide opportunity for students to be included, involved and part of a team.

3. Offer opportunity for success and celebration outside the walls of the classroom.

After School Activities: ASD Middle School strives to provide opportunities and activities where students can explore their interests, increase their skills and knowledge, and interact with other teachers and students outside the regular school day. After School activities will be offered both academic and non-academic in nature.  Activities will run from 3:05 – 4:00. It will be advertised if this is an exception  Each activity will have a teacher sponsor

32 Extra-Curricular Eligibility All ASD middle school students are encouraged to take part in our many extra- curricular activities. Students are considered eligible to take part if they are in good academic standing and are not in danger of failing any of their classes.

Students on academic probation or in academic difficulty (An F or two D’s on a quarterly progress report or semester report card) are not eligible to compete in extra-curricular activities involving contests or performances. A student becomes eligible when PowerSchool shows no failing grades, and administration approves participation (counselor, Principal, Associate Principal, Activities Director). A student’s participation in an activity is determined by his/her eligibility status at the time the final roster is due. The Principal and Athletic Director will review each student on a case-by-case basis.

Students who are on behavioral contracts must first seek the approval of the principal in order to be considered for eligibility.

Middle School After School Sports

 Middle School students will be expected to practice 2x per week  ASD tournament teams will be created by coaches, utilizing star players as “captains”  Each tournament will be advertised as a community event. Students and Parents are welcome to attend.  Medals and photos will be presented to the winning team.

Sport Season Start Date Tournament Basketball September 9 October 21 Cross Country November 25 February 13 (There is no tournament for MS Cross Country, but all students who successfully complete the season and improve their initial time will receive medals) Soccer November 4 January 14 Soft Ball November 4 January 17 Track and Field February 24 ** Training through the High School office ** Middle School Students can qualify for the “Screaming Eagles Invitational” April 18-21 Swimming January 6 February 27 Volleyball February 24 April 24 Badminton April 28 May 29 Table Tennis April 28 June 2

Middle School Activities Director: Kat Massengill, 4499-2113, [email protected]

33 MESAC Events 2011/2012  JV/Varsity participation is open only to 8th graders (exceptions for some fine arts events and Track and Field Invitational)  Students must follow High School eligibility and participation standards

Season Start Date Location & Date n JV Volleyball DAA Nov. 14-18 o s 1

a Swimming 3-Sep-2012 ACS Nov. 14 – 18 e

S Academic Games DAA Nov. 16-20 JV Soccer AS Doha Feb. 6-10

n JV Basketball ACS Feb. 6-10 o s

a Cross Country 25-Nov-2012 AES Feb. 14-17 e

S Tennis AS Dubai Feb. 13-17 2 Forensics ABA April 17-21

JV Softball AS Doha April 25-29 n o

s Badminton ACS April 25-29

a 24-Feb-2013

e Track and Field CAC April 18-22 S

3 Varsity Baseball/Softball AS Doha April 18-22

High School Athletics Director: Dave Farmer, 4499-1108, [email protected]

in MESAC Events: 8th grade students are eligible to try out for and participate in MESAC events. These opportunities will be advertised and run through the High School Athletics department. Students must abide by rules, regulations, and requirements as outlined by the High School Athletics department and MESAC guidelines. A student may not participate in two activities in the same season except for Musical Productions and the Senior Fine Arts Festival

Field Trips Any student participating in a school-sponsored field trip must have written permission from a parent or guardian. Students who have encountered disciplinary problems may be prohibited from attending specific field trips at the discretion of the teacher(s) or chaperone(s) and with concurrence of the school administration.

School Sponsored Travel Abroad Opportunities for travel may be offered as part of the activities program or to provide opportunities for enrichment. Guidelines for participation have been 34 developed by the school and may be supplemented by the sponsoring faculty member. All travel (including expenses of chaperone(s) is at the expense of the participating students’ families. Absence for school-sponsored travel is excused, but considered to be absent from school. The school or traveling sponsors are not responsible for any personal items lost or stolen during travel.

Travel Guidelines Students traveling out of the country on school sponsored trips need not report to school until 10 hours after the plane lands in Doha. It is the responsibility of the administrator in charge of the trip to advise the students at the airport of the time they must report to school the next day. These trips administrator will also need to inform the high school or middle school office of the designated time.

Absence of tardiness beyond this time will be considered unexcused, and may result in a student being ineligible to participate in the next trip or activity.

All students will have the option to attend school earlier, but it is not expected.

Flight Arrival Times Report to School Before 11:00pm 8:00 am Between 11:00 & 12:00 (midnight) 9:30 am Between 12:00 (midnight) & 1:00am 11:25 am Between 1:00am & 2:00am 1:30 pm After 2:00am All day

Week Without Walls Program All students in the middle school will participate in a Week Without Walls program. The week is designed to be a week-long program that involves students in outside-the-classroom experiences. Grade seven and eight students will travel to locations outside of Qatar. Grade six students will participate in special activities within Qatar. Parent information sessions regarding or WWW program are held at school well in advance of the actual trips.

35 Assessment and Promotion ASD has essential agreements among its faculty on what our assessment practices should be. The keys to this belief are:  We have more assessments for learning (formative) than assessments of learning (summative)  Assessments should engage high-level critical thinking skills  There should be both common and contextual assessments in all subject areas.

ASD’s Essential Agreements for Assessment:  Teachers will use a balance between formative and summative assessments.  The school will educate parents, students, teachers and administrators to become assessment literate.  Teachers will actively involve students in the assessment process through self-reflection, goal setting, peer collaboration and teacher guidance.  Assessment will be clearly aligned to ASD’s standards and benchmarks.  Teachers will use a variety of assessment strategies to ensure standards and benchmarks are measured accurately.  Teachers will provide clear assessment criteria regarding objectives, expectations and processes.  Teachers will provide models of performance to ensure students understand the expectations for their assessments.  Teachers will use assessment as a tool for learning and will emphasize process as well as product.  Teachers will use assessment to guide instruction.  Teachers will provide students with feedback that is timely, descriptive and objective.  Teachers will share assessment ideas and practices, and in common courses and grade levels, will seek to develop common assessments.

Grading Scale: In the middle school, teachers use a traditional grading system of percentages and averages, but also use standards to clarify what a student in expected to know and be able to do with the knowledge and understandings they acquire.

Academic classes assign grades based on a ‘A+’ through ‘F ‘ scale:

A+ = 97-100% D+ = 67-69 A = 93-96 D = 63-66 A- = 90-92 D- = 60-62 B+ = 87-89 F = 0-59 B = 83-86 I = Incomplete B- = 80-82 NG = No Grade C+ = 77-79 WD = Withdrawn C = 73-76 P = Pass C- = 70-72

36 Academic Standards and Benchmarks: ASD’s standards are meant to prepare students to be productive citizens in a rapidly changing world that demands critical thinking and problem solving. They help students know what is expected of them by providing clear, defined targets and examples of high quality work. This clarity, combined with support from teachers and parents, fosters the level of perseverance and effort needed for students to meet and exceed our standards. With this information, students can more accurately assess their own performance in relation to the standards and determine what they need to do to ensure that their work meets expectations.

At ASD, we believe that:  Students benefit from feedback that describes their level of learning against standards.  Feedback on effort should be given out separately.

Levels of Performance Descriptors: Level of performance Description “Excelling” – assignment meets the highest level of stated expectations; Excelling meets and extends learning goals; demonstrates in-depth understanding ‘4’ of concepts/skills; consistently applies and adapts knowledge and skills (This is a ‘Wow’) in new situations; self-assesses and reflects on feedback to improve work. “Proficient” – assignment meets the stated expectations at the Proficient competent level; meets learning goals; demonstrates solid ‘3’ understanding of concepts/skills; often applies and adapts knowledge (This is a ‘Yes’) and skills in new situations; accepts suggestions and improves work. “Developing” – assignment meets the stated expectation at the Developing ‘developing’ level; meets some of the learning goals; demonstrates ‘2’ partial understanding of concepts/skills; with support, applies and (This is an ‘Almost there’) adapts knowledge and skills in new situations; suggestions, followed with support, lead to improvement. “Beginning” – assignments meet the stated expectations at the lowest Beginning level; meets a few of the learning goals; demonstrates limited ‘1’ knowledge of concepts/skills; only with continuous support is able to (This is a ‘Not yet’) apply or adapt knowledge and skills in new situations; suggestions do not lead to improvement.

Learning habits and values: Learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as those that separate students who are prepared for the future, and those who are not. In the middle school, instilling within our students strong learning habits and values are essential to the pursuit of their intellectual and personal development. These ‘highly-valued’ attributes enable our students to grow and succeed. For each of their subjects, students are provided with quarterly progress reports detailing their progress towards these habits and values.

37 In order to maximize their success while in the middle school, students are advised to consistently exhibit these habits and values without being asked or reminded.

Learning Habits rubric:

The student Seldom Occasionally Usually Consistently  Perseveres and attempts difficult work Effort  Communicates with clarity, precision, and accuracy.  Consistently strives to improve.  Turns work in on time.  Uses time effectively. Responsibility  Uses technology appropriately.  Is organized and prepared with Student required materials. somewhat Student  Actively listens to others. Student exhibits this Student consistently  Asks appropriate questions. consistently Engagement habit, but exhibits this exhibits this  Shares ideas and opinions. acts as a role only after habit after habit and/or model for this  Follows school and class rules. being asked value without given a habit and/or  Shows respect for all people. or reminded. being asked consequence. value. Respect  Manages impulsivity. or reminded.  Advocates for self (Is aware of his or her own learning and takes steps to improve).  Cooperates with peers in an equitable and constructive Compassionate manner.  Considers the opinions of others. Participation  Reacts positively to others during class discussions and group settings.

Report Cards and Progress Reports Students in Middle School receive computer-generated, original report cards upon request after the end of each quarter:  1st Quarter: November 8, 2012  2nd Quarter: January 24, 2013  3rd Quarter: March 28, 2013  4th Quarter: June 13, 2012 (Available for collection at ASD)

Progress Reports Progress reports are issued four times a year at the mid-point of each academic quarter. Students who are performing below the academic standards in a given subject and are in danger of failing a semester will be issued a progress report. Teachers may also send progress reports at other times whenever they feel it is necessary to inform the parents of academic deficiencies or improvements. Progress reports, therefore, may not be issued to every student.

Progress reports are sent home with the students. When a progress report is issued to a student, that student may be required to sign for the report and will be instructed to take it home and have their parents review the report. Parents are encouraged to monitor student progress throughout the school year through PowerSchool.

38 Promotion Standards At the middle school (Grades 6 – 8) level, students do not earn credits. In order to move from one grade to the next, the following standards must be achieved:  Each student must pass the equivalent of five (5) full-year courses.  A student is required to maintain a 70% average in all graded courses.  A student is required to pass both Language Arts and Mathematics.  A student is required to maintain satisfactory learning habits throughout the year.

Students not meeting the above guidelines will be identified at the close of each grading term, and a parent conference will be held. In addition, the parents will receive a written notice that their son/daughter is not meeting the minimum academic standards. A final decision for promotion will be made in consultation with the student, the student’s parents, and ASD staff prior to the close of the academic year.

Any student who does not meet the above standards, will not qualify for promotion to the next higher grade. In some cases a student may be able to meet the necessary requirements by completing one of the following: a) If ASD offers a summer school, a student must successfully complete a required course of study b) If ASD does not offer a summer school and/or if a student chooses, they may attend a summer program at another school or on-line and then, upon their return to ASD, the student must pass ASD’s entrance exam at a 70% level for the designated course(s) c) A student may elect to receive summer tutoring and upon their return to ASD, the student must pass ASD’s entrance exam at a 70% level for the designated course(s).

Students who have not met the promotion standards may be placed on academic probation or required to repeat the grade if it is viewed by school administration and family to be in the child’s best interests. In the event that a student continues to fall short of the promotion standards, a recommendation would be made to the director for non-renewal of enrollment.

Academic Probation Academic probation will be determined at the end of each semester. Students who are placed on academic probation at the end of the previous school year will remain on academic probation during the first semester of the following school year.

Academic probation will be based upon the student's semester grades according to the following criteria:  The student is not passing the equivalent of five (5) full-year courses.  The student does not maintain the required 70% average in all graded courses.  The student fails to pass both Language Arts and Mathematics.  The student struggles to meet satisfactory learning habits throughout the year (as determined by the principal).

39 Procedure:  Parents will be informed in writing that the student has been placed on Academic Probation.  An appointment will be arranged in which the parents, the student, and the middle school principal will discuss the causes for the academic probation.  Students on academic probation are not eligible to compete in extra- curricular activities involving contests or performances. Placement on academic probation for two consecutive semesters is grounds for discontinuing enrollment at ASD.

Homework Homework is considered an essential part of our academic programs. One means of exceeding academic standards is the satisfactory completion of homework.

 Daily homework should be written down in student planners each day.  In the event that nothing was assigned by a teacher, students are encouraged to write ‘no homework for that block’  Teachers also use NVS to post additional information at times regarding homework assignments, however, the student planner should be the first place students check.  PowerSchool may also list assignments that are coming up as well as past assignments. In some cases teachers will add a comment next to an assignment: o ‘M’ = missing o ‘L’ = late o ‘I’ = incomplete o ‘C’ = teacher comment (click on the grade to read the comment)

One way for teachers to help students to learn and to be successful is to assign appropriate and meaningful homework. At ASD Middle School, teachers may give homework for several reasons:

 To reinforce learning through further practice and application of material  To enrich student learning through independent study, individual research and experimentation.  To develop your independent study habits  To enable students to complete assignments that they were unable to complete during class.  To work on projects of a long-term nature

40 Role of the Student  Expect to spend up to 60 minutes per night for 6th grade, increasing up to 90 minutes per night as students move toward their 8th grade year. The amount of homework will vary some depending on elective courses.  Keep an up-to-date agenda for homework and other assignments and their due dates  Clarify with the teacher any instructions not understood, BEFORE taking the work home.  Turn in homework on the due date.  Complete homework in proper form, clearly identified with name and class, date legibly written or typed, and grammatically correct.  Establish a regular weekly study schedule that is relatively free from distraction (television, telephone calls, social networks, etc.)  For preplanned absences (family vacations, school activities, sports, etc.) students must approach the teacher prior to the absence for assignments so work is completed upon their return.

Role of the Parent Student achievement is higher when parents monitor homework, participate in school activities and support the work and values of school. Parents should facilitate homework completion rather than help with homework content. Well- planned homework should not need parental help.

Homework Tips for Parents:  Check progress on homework through student planners. Additional information can be found on NVS and PowerSchool. o If homework is incomplete, a notation will appear in the planner. A parent signature is required (to acknowledge that the message was received).  Make homework a daily activity.  Set up a comfortable location for doing homework. This does not have to be a “special” room (in fact research says it may be beneficial to vary locations), but should have good lighting and be free of distractions.  Make sure your child has the necessary supplies.  Work with your child’s outside activity schedule and preferences when setting up a regular homework time.  Help your student get organized. One way is by regularly checking their planner.  Show interest in your student’s schoolwork and discuss what your student is learning.  Watch for signs of failure or frustration.  Discuss with your student and then, if necessary, contact the teacher to clear up any misunderstandings, troubleshoot problems, discuss time management and be informed about your student’s learning progress.  Coordinate homework efforts with the teacher in special cases.

41 A few other things you should know:  Tests will not be given, nor long term assignments due, on the first day of school after a long holiday or school vacation.  Homework will not be assigned on extended holidays such as Eid, Winter Break, or Spring Break. The holidays allow students, as life-long learners, the opportunity to explore and expand their various interests.  If students are absent from school, they are responsible for making up missed assignments.  If you receive an email from a teacher indicating that your son/daughter’s work has not been handed in, talk to your son/daughter, and if in doubt, talk to his/her teacher. Emails are typically sent out after notification in planners did not succeed in getting the work turned in (or a parent signature was missing).

Late and Missing work: Typically, teachers will work with the students to sort out homework issues. When work is incomplete, teachers will make a notation in the student planner, which requires a parent signature.

Should a teacher communicate to you (by email or phone), that your son/daughter’s work has not been handed in, this either means that: o This is happening too frequently to ignore, or o This assignment has been missing for too long o A signature was missing in the student planner (and they would like to verify that you are aware of the issue).

For homework to be of any value, students need to receive timely feedback on it. If it doesn’t get handed in on time, the opportunity is lost.

Students who struggle to get their work in on time may face disciplinary consequences (loss of break time in order to catch up on missing work).

Homework Planner Each middle school student has been provided with a homework planner. It is expected that students will use the planner and that parents will check it frequently. A planner can be a useful communication tool between home and school. Students will be instructed in the proper use of the planner, and teachers will monitor their use. Students who lose their planners will be expected to purchase a replacement at the front office.

Students using laptop computers are welcome to use electronic planners as well, but should also keep the school-provided homework planner with them as their primary planner.

42 Tests/Project Schedules Middle school teacher teams will communicate to coordinate test schedules. No student should have more than two major assessments (i.e. unit tests or major project due dates) on any given day. Students are expected to inform teachers as soon as they realize that too many tests have been scheduled for the same day. This notification should be made when the test dates are announced.

PowerSchool and keeping track of academic progress PowerSchool is a great tool for keeping parents informed as to their son’s/daughter’s academic progress, however it is also meant to provide students with additional responsibility. Students are in charge of following through on their assignments, explaining their learning to their parents, and advocating for themselves. Should students have questions or concerns about their grades, they are requested to respectfully approach their teacher for assistance.

Using PowerSchool, parents are quite fortunate to be able to see at a glance their child’s academic standing, but this does present us with some rather unique challenges as well:

 The PowerSchool gradebook represents a brief snapshot in time. A student’s final score will change throughout each quarter; grades are not final until the end of the grading period as outlined in the student- planners.

 PowerSchool reports on the level of achievement at a given point in time; it does not provide detailed feedback that would help students in their growth. Students typically receive feedback with regards to their progress during formative assignments. The real question is how are they using this feedback in their daily work, which is why we ask all our students to engage in conversation with their parents and share out their daily work.

 Not everything that is assessed needs to be graded and/or posted on PowerSchool (more assessment is not necessarily better assessment).

 Teachers will typically update gradebooks roughly every 10 working days. However, if it is not updated during this time, it does not mean that no learning has taken place. Different subjects and/or units of study present different assessment opportunities, and may take longer for the summative assessments to find their way into the gradebooks. If there is a concern regarding assessments, please contact the teacher in question.

Work handed in late is marked as ‘late’ in PowerSchool. Work not handed in on time is marked as ‘missing’. In the event that insufficient assessment data has been collected during a grading period, PowerSchool will display an ‘incomplete’ for that period.

43 Student Recognitions and Honors At the end of each academic year, middle school holds a recognition ceremony to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in specific areas. The following is a list of the MS recognitions along with criteria:

Citizenship Awards – (using student (grade 8) and teacher nominations): These awards are given to students who both uphold the ASD values of respect, honesty, responsibility, and compassion, and whose actions positively affect our community here at home and at large. Selected students display outstanding service towards others, character, and self-discipline. They may also…  participate in school and/or community services  show a positive attitude toward classmates, school, and community;  display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibilities  possess strength of character and the courage to do what is right;  promote citizenship within your school or community through other activities

House Awards: The ASD house awards go to students from each house that have demonstrated outstanding school spirit and made a positive contribution towards our school. These students will have also participated in a number of school activities and have consistently exemplified an enthusiastic attitude towards school life.

LATZKE Week Without Walls Awards: This award is presented to students who have embodied the spirit of learning through adventure and team work, who have challenged themselves mentally and physically, and in doing so, have discovered the path to their potential.

Principal’s Awards: The Principals’ awards for academic excellence and academic achievement are presented to those students who have consistently demonstrated a high level of achievement, resulting in the highest cumulative averages in their selected classes. This feat represents an outstanding commitment towards excellence as well as exceptional work habits.

Dragon Awards: The Dragon award is the highest honor given to a student at ASD. This award is given only when an individual has demonstrated a level of service, integrity, and leadership in middle school that warrants this special recognition.

Individual Class Awards: Teachers may elect to hand out their own individual awards to students, however these awards are not formally presented during the end of year assemblies. It is up to the individual teacher to decide whether to hand out any class awards, which would take place within the classroom at the end of the year.

44 National Junior Honor Society NJHS is a club for 7th – 9th graders who meet the criteria of (1) scholarship; (2) service; (3) character; (4) leadership; and (5) citizenship. Qualifying students are invited to apply in the spring semester. A selection process is carried out by the Faculty Council, as outlined in the NJHS By-Laws. Students who are accepted are then inducted into the club in a formal ceremony. NJHS is a student-led, service-based club that bridges both the middle and high school. In addition to providing service on campus, we also fundraise for our sister school in Sri Lanka. We have been funding and supporting this school since the 2004 Tsunami. If you have questions about NJHS, please contact one of the co-advisers: Ms. Lisa Kirkpatrick at [email protected] or Ms. Paula Dolan at [email protected].

Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen Student Award This annual award is meant to recognize students who are a credit to themselves and to their schools. It is not meant to recognize a specific academic, athletic or artistic talent or achievement, though nominees may well excel in one or more of these areas. It is to highlight those young people who model the character traits that we value most in our students: persistence, a willingness to take risks, acceptance of other cultures and points of view and a genuine interest in and demonstrated, sustained commitment to the welfare of others.

Students who are interested in applying for this award need to prepare and submit a portfolio illustrating their involvement in the life of their school and community, highlighting their efforts in making the world a better place.

45 Middle School Technology and You

Middle School Sahifa The middle school publishes a weekly newsletter that is distributed via email to each family on the last day of the week. Parents are encouraged to check the Sahifa each week for information and announcements.

PowerSchool and Nesa Virtual School Students in the Middle School are expected to take greater responsibility for their learning. They are expected to be in charge of missing work, homework, and make-up work from absences. However, they are on their own. Each teacher empowers students to take responsibility by updating both PowerSchool and Nesa Virtual School. When used properly, these tools help students grow in their maturity as students.

PowerSchool Students and parents have constant access to academic progress and achievement through our online grading and reporting system. This open communication allows students and parents to monitor academic gains, to take responsibility for missing assignments, or catch up on homework when absent.

Parents and students will be given a log in and password unique to them for access throughout their career at ASD. For a copy of this information please contact the middle school office.

Nesa Virtual School (NVS) Just like Facebook offers some students a glimpse of their friends’ activities and schedules, NVS allows students to see what is going on in each of their school subjects. NVS is an online communication tool where teachers can post homework, announcements, assignments, copies of handouts, rubrics, and more. Students can also communicate with their teachers and classmates through the email function. Each teacher may choose to use NVS for different purposes; however, you can expect that every teacher will post his or her homework information.

NVS is not a substitute for the Student Planner. Teachers expect students to write their daily homework in their Student Planner that they carry to each class.

Students are responsible for making sure their password is kept private and that their email address in NVS is up to date with an email account that is frequently checked. In the event of a school closure, teachers will use NVS to communicate with students and continue instruction.

Our School Web Page: www.asd.edu.qa The school maintains a comprehensive web page on the Internet. Parents and students are encouraged to check the web page periodically for information and announcements. 46 ASD Webmail-Getting Started for Students

1. In your web browser go to http://google.asd.edu.qa. We suggest you bookmark this site. 2. Choose “ASD’s Google Mail” from the left. You will now see the login screen for the new webmail system at ASD.

3. Enter your 2-digit graduation year then your first initial followed by your last name in the username field. You initial password is 123456. Then click .

4. You will then be greeted by our webmail interface. Inbox and other useful folders can be found on the left.

5. Your emails will be shown in chronological order in the center of the screen. Click on each email to view its contents. The Google Mail interface is not Gmail, but it uses the Gmail system to let you read your ASD email. Google email shows messages in a conversation format where all messages with a common subject line are grouped together. Don’t worry, new messages still appear in the top of your inbox.

6. On the top left hand side of the screen you will find shortcuts to the most commonly used elements of email including Mail, Calendar, and Documents. To see additional services available click .

7. To compose a new email click .

8. You will then be greeted with a new window in which you can compose the message.

9. Click “To:” to search for people at ASD to choose from as recipients or just enter the email address in the field next to the “To:” line.

47 10. CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD: Click “Settings” -> “Accounts”, then click “Google Account Settings” then “Change Password”. You must enter your old password once and your new password twice.

11. Be sure to sign out when you are done using email.

48 NESA Virtual School-Getting Started for Students

1. Log in to http://nvs.asd.edu.qa

2. Your username is: (graduation year) + (first initial of first name) + (last name) ex. 12bsmith. Your default password is 123456 but may have been changed by you to something else.

3. Your courses will show in the middle of the screen.

4. This is a block. You can adjust some of the blocks you see in your Moodle home screen. Below is an example of the Google Apps block. You can open Google Apps (like Docs, Calendar, etc.) from this block.

5. These are “breadcrumbs”. They remind you of where you are in NVS and are used for navigation. Clicking on “ASD: always takes you back to your home screen where you can see your courses

49 6. All courses by default are TOPIC based. Each topic is numbered 1,2,3… Your teachers will post all sorts of content there and also may post activities (assignments) for you there as well.

7. You can edit your profile by clicking on your name in the top right hand side of the screen.

8. Just click on and you can enter your email address and photo, etc.

9. Don’t forget to of NVS!

50 The American School of Doha--Acceptable Technology Use Policy Purpose The Internet and the American School of Doha’s local area network have become a vital part of the education process. ASD is committed to providing safe access to computers, network services, and the Internet. Expectations Users are expected to make appropriate choices when using the school’s technology resources, just as they are anywhere on the school campus. Appropriate behavior should also extend beyond our campus. Inappropriate use of electronic communications outside of normal school hours can still have a negative impact on the school climate. Parents have a responsibility to monitor student computer use at home, and students have a responsibility to report problems. Students who bring their own laptops or other technology devices to school must follow the ASD Acceptable Use Policy. Additionally, personal laptops must have active, up-to-date virus protection. Unacceptable Technology Use  Using inappropriate language  Going to inappropriate web sites  Downloading anything from the Internet, including music or video or program files  Installing personal software on school computers  Damaging or altering technology equipment or files  Hacking or any other malicious actions, including circumventing Internet filters  Violating copyright laws by unauthorized copying of software  Harassing, insulting, humiliating, embarrassing, threatening or otherwise targeting others  Revealing passwords or personal information or using another person’s account  Intentionally wasting resources such as printer ink and paper  Using the network for commercial purposes  Using the Internet for nonacademic purposes during school hours (this includes using Facebook and other social networking sites).  Playing music, videos, games or otherwise using computers or other technology devices for personal entertainment during school hours.  Using online e-mail accounts like Yahoo or Hotmail or Instant Messaging without teacher approval

Plagiarism Plagiarism is “taking ideas or writings from another person and offering them as your own.” Be sure to put information you gather in YOUR OWN WORDS, and give credit to the creators of articles, ideas, or images through the use of citations. Be aware that it is not difficult for teachers to determine if work has been plagiarized from the Internet.

Violations may result in a loss of privileges to use ASD technology resources, as well as other disciplinary or possibly legal action.

51 Bullying – Online Harassment / Cyberbullying Cyberbullying and online harassment is being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material using technology. Various forms of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to, having arguments online using angry or vulgar language, disrespecting someone by posting gossip or rumors, repeatedly sending offensive or rude messages, impersonating someone else, and copying / altering personal images with intent to mock or embarrass another person. Comments made online or through cyberspace that impact or disrupt the school environment, may result in consequences for participating students.

While ASD’s Acceptable Use Policy prohibits this kind of behavior from happening on campus, the vast majority of the online harassment occurs off campus at night and on weekends. Since participation in this behavior off campus has a negative impact on the school environment and does not reflect our school values, students will face consequences if reasonable proof is provided that a student(s) is(are) bullying/harassing another student(s) or school personnel.

52 Information for Parents

Admissions Policy & Procedures The American School of Doha provides an American curriculum education, taught in the English language, for eligible and qualified students of all nationalities. Criteria for enrollment include age, English language proficiency, previous school records, learning achievement, special learning needs considerations, and space availability.

New applicants may pick up an application packet from the Registrar’s Office at the school, or download a copy from the school Website. This packet includes all pertinent information regarding the application process with a list of information and documentation required. Once the Middle School Office has received ALL materials, it will be forwarded to the appropriate Admissions Committee for review. If the Admissions Committee deems there is a need for testing, they will arrange the appropriate test(s) to be administered prior to a decision regarding admission. Once the Admissions Committee makes a decision on acceptance (acceptance, acceptance wait list, conditional acceptance, or denial), the parent or guardian will be contacted. Qualified students will be accepted on a first come/first served basis, provided spaces are available within the particular grade. Once a grade closes, a waiting list will be established. Parents and students will be notified should an opening become available. Once an accepted applicant arrives in Doha and is ready to start school, they should call the Middle School Office to arrange a class schedule and start date.

Age Requirements Students applying for admission are considered on an individual basis. Admission and grade level placement are finalized after evaluation of previous school records, completion of school admission examinations (if required), personal interview with principal or his designee, and validation of age. No student shall be admitted until verification of age has been received in either the form of a birth certificate or passport. Enrollment may be denied if a student’s age significantly exceeds the normal average age for his/her grade placement.

Students who can be successful in a regular academic college preparatory program may be considered as candidates for admission into middle school. The American School of Doha is open to qualified students of all nationalities. Students will not be denied admission based upon race, color, religion or ethnic background.

Entrance Examination Depending upon the records that a prospective student presents to administration, a comprehensive entrance examination(s) may be necessary.

Admissions will be finalized after evaluation of the entrance examination and/or school personnel have reviewed appropriate previous school records and all appropriate forms have been completed and submitted to the office. Final determination of admission and grade placement is made by the school’s administration.

53 Students may be denied admission for any of the following reasons:  Lack of academic preparation for an age appropriate grade level.  Lack of space availability in the grade level.  Insufficient knowledge of English.  Disciplinary/behavioral concerns at a previous school.  Low academic performance at a previous school.  Other reasons, which, in the opinion of the administration, may be in the best interest of the school and/or the student.

Registration Fee There is a registration fee charged for the first-time registration of each child. This fee is a one-time only charge and is non-refundable. Please refer to information contained in the application packet, or contact the Business Office if you have questions about the registration fees.

Bus Transportation & Fees Limited busing is available depending upon the location of a student's residence. Copies of the transportation fee schedule and policies are provided in the application packet. All quarterly transportation fees are payable in full prior to the start of each academic quarter, or upon commencement of service. At the parents’ request, transportation fees can be invoiced and paid on an annual basis. Additional information concerning the bus transportation and fees should be directed to the Tri Logistics Transportation office at 4459-1508.

Tuition Tuition and fees for each quarter must be paid in full within the first week of each quarter. For the 2011-2012 school year, ASD will operate on a quarterly basis with four (4) payment periods per year. Fees must be paid when they become due. It is the responsibility of the parents to insure that all fees are paid promptly. Parents who receive an educational allowance from an employer will be invoiced for the entire school year. Questions regarding payment of school fees should be directed to the Business Office.

Withdrawal from School If withdrawal is to occur during the school year, written notification of intent to withdraw a student from ASD should be given to the MS Office. Upon notification, all applicable administrators and teaching staff will be notified regarding the exiting student and the departure date. "Exit" or "Transfer" documents will be prepared containing the following documents: school profile, school calendar, letter stating the student’s entry and exit dates and grade placement, official copy of MAPS scores, and official copies of a student’s cumulative record and/or transcript. The documents will be stamped and sealed by the MS Office. In order for the school records to be considered “official” the receiving school should receive the records unopened. The exit documents will not be released until the student has completed the checkout process by returning all textbooks, paying all school fees, and returning all library materials. 54 Campus Guests and Visitors All guests and visitors are required to present a photo identification card to the guard at the front gate (gate 8), who in turn, will issue you a visitor identification badge. This badge is to be worn and visible at all times while on campus.

Students who wish to have guests at school MUST receive permission at least one day in advance from the Middle School Principal. A parent note and advance approval from the student's teachers is also required.

Guests will arrive after first block (9:20am), be present for SWAT, second block, lunch, and then should depart for the rest of the school day (11:55am). The visiting student must attend classes with his/her sponsoring student.

All guest passes are issued at the discretion of the school administration and may be rescinded or revoked at any time. Upon surrender of the visitor pass, the visitor’s photo identification card will be returned.

55 Bus Transportation Policies

BUS BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES: The behavioral expectations and rules that apply on the premises of the school also apply on the school bus. However, because of a strong concern for safety, a special code of conduct for bus passengers has been established for students.

Students are not allowed to:  Remove/loosen or refuse to wear seatbelts while inside the bus.  Change seats, stand or move around the bus.  Shout, yell, speak in loud voices or use profane or vulgar language.  Open the window.  Should the air conditioning fail and it becomes necessary to open the windows, students are to keep all body parts inside bus.  Exit from or enter via any means but the bus door.  Fight, tease or scuffle with others.  Behave in any way that is distractive to the driver or bothers other bus riders.  Shout at pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles.  Mark or vandalize the bus on the inside and/or outside.  Destroy or cut the seat cushion and seatbelts.  Play loud music (Use earphones).  Eat or drink on the bus (only drinking water is permitted).  Leave trash on the bus seats and floors.  Treat or address fellow students, the bus monitor or the bus driver disrespectfully or discourteously.  Request the bus driver to stop at any undesignated bus stop.  Ride on any bus at anytime or under any circumstances, unless they have written permission from Tri-logistics and a written letter from the parents and school principal.

Bus monitors have the authority to stop misbehavior and to report violations of the above-mentioned rules to the student’s principal and parents. Students who misbehave on the bus are subject to referral and/or discipline. Serious incidents and/or repeated misbehavior will result in suspension or termination of the privilege of bus transportation.

DISCIPLINE:  Children who receive two warnings will be suspended from riding on the bus for 3 days.  Children who receive three warnings will not be provided with transportation for the remainder of the school quarter or 10 weeks, whichever is greater.  In the above situation, parents will be fully responsible for the transportation of their children, to and from school.  Serious infractions between children where any type of verbal or physical abuse, bullying and/or false accusations made against one another will be brought to parents and school attention. Should our office and parents efforts fail to resolve or end such behavior, a termination of one, both, or all involved children may be the last resolution. In such case, re-applying for the bus service for the following year will be on a Probation Contract.

56 Please instruct your children to adhere by the following rules when boarding the bus in the morning and/or in the afternoon for drop off:  BOARDING THE BUSES: ALL HIGH SCHOOL / MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE KINDLY ASKED TO OCCUPY THE BACK SEATS ON THE BUS. PLEASE START FROM THE VERY LAST SEAT AND WORK FORWARD. FOUNDATION STAGE STUDENTS WILL START BY OCCUPYING THE FRONT SEATS AND WORK TOWARDS THE BACK.

 DISEMBARKING THE BUSES: ALL FOUNDATION STAGE AND KEY STAGE 1 STUDENTS WILL DISEMBARK THE BUS FIRST.

Morning Pick-Up from home:  Child must be ready on time and outside at the designated area for pick-up.  Children between Foundation Stage and Year 2 must be accompanied by an adult who waits until the bus arrives and picks up the child from the bus stop drop-off location (Clubhouse/Main Gate)  Drivers have been instructed to wait NO LONGER THAN TWO MINUTES for a house-to-house pick up at any stop during the morning pick-up time.  Should the child be late, the bus will move to the next stop.  If a child misses the bus, the parents must provide transportation to school.  Once at school, all students disembark at the gate.  Bus monitors are not allowed to bring the children to their classrooms.

After School Drop-Off:  Drivers and Monitors have been instructed to NOT drop off any young child unless there is an adult present to meet and pick up the child. Should the bus arrive at the stop and no adult is present to meet the bus on arrival, the child will be kept on the bus and brought back to school where parents will be contacted to provide transportation home. This rule is strictly enforced.  Teacher/teacher assistant escorts foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 Students to the bus parking lot in the afternoon dismissal. In addition, children are to be picked up from the bus on arrival to the house by an adult.  Buses depart promptly 10-15 minutes after school dismissal. Parents of those students who miss the bus will be contacted by phone and requested to transport their children home.  If the school is dismissed earlier than the usual hours (please see school calendar for specific dates), buses will depart 10-15 minutes after dismissal time.  Compounds with large numbers of students will be assigned a bus stop within a walking distance from their homes, where it will be their spot for pick-up and drop-off.

57  As we guarantee a seat for all registered students, and the drivers/monitors are obliged to follow the designated route, requests to have a child ride home on a different bus is prohibited. This includes rides that do not divert the bus route (due to seating availability and attendance accuracy). Only students registered on a specific bus are allowed to ride (to and from school).

GENERAL RULES:  It is strictly prohibited for anyone other than registered students and monitors to ride on any bus at any time or under any circumstances, except with a written permission from the management of Tri-Logistics.  Other than names assigned on a route sheet of a bus, no one is permitted to ride the bus; this includes parents, friends, relatives and school employees without written permission from the management of Tri-Logistics W.L.L.  Any instructions, comments and/or requisitions for any bus riders are prohibited. Observations, recommendations and/or complaints must be brought directly to the Tri-logistics bus office or sent in writing to: [email protected]  Direct contact with bus monitor and bus driver is restricted to the management of the Tri-Logistics W.L.L. Parents are not allowed to get the contact numbers of bus monitors/drivers.  For the safety of your child(ren), parents are to refrain from stopping the bus at any time or point other than at its usually assigned bus stop. Please remember that bus monitors & drivers are not allowed to either stop or deliver the child to you, as they are not expected to recognize all parents.  Route sheets contain confidential information, therefore, it is strictly prohibited to disclose those informative sheets to any parent/students at any point or time.  Should a child have a medical condition that requires the child to carry his/her own medicine and be expected to require special attention, the condition must be noted on the “Application Form”. Consequently, the parent must attend a meeting with the Tri-Logistics personnel in order to provide detailed information on the condition, symptoms and actions to be taken should it occur during the bus ride. Instructions and actions to be taken in the situation that the child requires immediate attention must be provided in writing by the parents. Meantime, both parents and an emergency contact person must provide an emergency contact phone number, which the monitor will use in the event of the child suffering any symptoms. An adequate procedure must be established, in writing, and a waiver must be signed by parents before commencing the busing service.  In the event that a quarrel, dispute or any disagreement occurs on the bus between two children, the parents must immediately inform the management of Tri-Logistics and allow the time to investigate the matter, collect information and issue a conclusion report, with facts and actions taken. Parents are prohibited from disciplining other children or instructing monitors to take any action against any child in such cases. All similar incidents are reported to the school principal and a copy of the report is sent to all concerned individuals.  Parents’ disputes must be resolved in private with no interference or involving any of the bus riders. Tri-Logistics W.L.L. and its personnel will not participate, comment or be part of such cases. However, it will ensure that no 58 parent dispute will have any consequence on the busing route, seating arrangement or any effect on the bus operation.  Nevertheless, a students’ dispute will result in the re-arrangement of the seating on the bus in order to avoid further friction between two students.  If you are planning a vacation or know of a planned absence from school (i.e. an illness), please notify the bus office in writing so that the bus driver/monitor can be notified.  In case of any change of your address/home location, please contact us a week before moving, regarding the availability of a seat for your child on the designated bus of your new location,(new location map will be required). We must assure you that we will do our best to accommodate such requests, however, we cannot guarantee a spot on the new location route as it will depend on the availability of seats.  New applications to ride the bus will be processed as soon as we possibly can; it will depend on the seating availability of the bus. Applications will be accepted on standby basis and parents will be informed by phone should a seat become available for the child/ren to ride on the bus within no less than one week. Should there be no available seating on the requested route, your application will be kept on file should an expansion of the route become necessary in the future. In either case, you will be contacted and updated on the status of your application.  Please make sure you communicate to the office any changes to your child’s bus schedule, pick-up or drop-off in order to avoid holding up the bus and the other children.  Should any of the above-listed rules be violated, Tri-Logistics W.L.L. reserves the right to terminate bus services, with no refund granted to terminated applicants.  Offences brought to the attention of Tri-Logistics W.L.L. employees, will result in the indefinite termination of the bus service for the student/parent involved and no refund will be granted at this point.