Handbook: Students & Parents Handbook 2010-2011

Contents A Message from the Director School Management Team 2010 History SchoolÂ’s Mission and Philosophy Expected School Wide Learning Results (ESLRs) Passionate Learners Effective Communicatiors Transformed Thinkers Servant Leaders Faithful Stewards God Seekers Attendance and Enrollment Admissions Residency Policy Temporary Guardianship Attendance Expectations Absence Policy Absence Due to Illness Skipping Class Leave of Absence Make-up Work Extra-Curricular Participation Leaving Campus During the School Day After School Supervision Illness During the School Day Tardies Withdrawal from School Dalat DIScovery

3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6

7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9

School Schedule School Calendar Campus Hours Elementary School Daily Schedule Middle School Daily Schedule High School Daily Schedule

10 10 10 11 12

Curriculum and Instruction Elementary School Middle School High School At the End of the Day

13 13 14 14

Academic Expections Classes Field Trips and School Sponsored Trips Chapel English as a Second Language English Only Campus Grading Practices Report Cards Retention Social Promotion Acceleration Middle and High School Final Exams School Supplies and Care of Textbooks Bible Policy Homework After-School Help Middle School Academic Probation High School Academic Probation Standardized Testing Academic Honesty Discipline for Academic Dishonesty Documentation of Sources

15 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 20

High School Academics Diploma Course Credit Dropping or Adding a Course Transfer Credit Auditing a Class Elective Classes Study Hall Class Rank Courses Failed Courses Repeated Incomplete Grade Request for Early or Extended Graduation Honors Courses Transcript Handling Process Postage Guidelines

21 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 24 24 25

Student Recognition Middle and High School Honor Roll National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society Academics Middle School Awards High School Awards Honors and Awards Valedictorian and Salutatorian Scholarships Program

26 26 27 27 27 30 30

Expectations of Personal Appearance Guidelines for Modesty, Neatness and Cleanliness Elementary School Uniform Elementary School PE Uniform Middle and High School Uniform Middle and High School PE Uniform Footwear Jackets, Sweaters, and Cover-ups Violations of Personal Appearance Hair Hats Other Guidelines After School Dress and Extended School Trips Banquet Dress

31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32

Expectations of Personal Conduct School Jurisdiction Direct Jurisdiction General Jurisdiction Respect Use of Language Sexual Disrespect Property of Others Staff Authority Violations of Personal Conduct Alcohol and Tobacco Drugs Fireworks Bullying Weapons Firearms Physical Violence/Fighting Gangs Vandalism Dating Child Abuse or Neglect Personal Protection Policy Definitions

33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 35

26

Contents Digital Citizenship Policy Philosophy User Expectations Personal Use Consequences Limitations and Understandings

37 37 38 38 38

Student Discipline In-school Suspension General Probation Athletic Probation Out-of-School Suspension School Recommended Withdrawal Expulsion

39 39 40 40 40 40

Communication Between Home and School Communication of Grades Complaints and Grievances Parent-Teacher Conferences New Parent Orientation New Parent Breakfast Open House Classroom Visitation Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Parent Volunteers Information Boards Publications

41 41 41 41 42 42 42 42 42 42 42

Student Services Guidance and Counseling Special Services Tutoring by Students Health Services Technology Department Library Distance Learning Resource Center (DLRC) Cafeteria Services/Lunch Program Student ID Cards Spiritual Life

43 43 43 43 44 44 44 45 45 45

Student Activities Student Council (StuCo) Elementary KICs (Kids Interest Clubs) Middle School and High School Clubs Elementary Playground Athletics Middle School Intramurals Physical Education Preschool to Grade 4 Physical Education Grades 5 – 12 Sports Eligibility Music Class Activities

46 46 46 46 47 47 47 47 47 47

Special Events Open House Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) and Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) Track and Field Day Anual Fund Christmas Banquet School Music Concerts Drama Productions Battle of the Books National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society Induction Elementary School Theme Week Junior Senior Banquet Food and Fun Fair Graduation Week

48 48 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 49 49 49

Safety Information Emergency Procedures Recreational Safety Guidelines Accident Insurance Transportation and Cars on Campus Crossing the Main Road

50 50 50 50 50

General Guidelines Visitors Lockers Office Services Permission to Enter Dorm Area Short Stay Program Electronic Equipment / Cell Phones Personal Property Gymnasium Guidelines School Property National Staff

51 51 51 52 52 52 52 52 52 52

Financial Policies Payment of Tuition Fee and Building Fee Payment of Miscellaneous Fees Position Holding Deposit Refund Policy Parent Accounts Late Payments and Delinquent Accounts Financial Assistance and Bursary

53 53 53 53 54 54 54

Index

55

School Management Team 2010 Director

: Karl Steinkamp

High School Principal

: Brian Brewster

Middle School Principal

: Wayne Sawatzky

Elementary School Principal

: Heather Fischer

Residence Supervisors

: Brian and Valerie Weidemann

Spiritual Life Director

: Richard Gwaltney

Director of Development

: Larry Chinn

Head Counselor

: Jacki Steinkamp

Facilities Coordinator

: John Fischer

A Message from the Director

Admissions Coordinator

: Lydia Roberts

CFO/National Staff Director

: Joel Chong

Welcome to another great year at Dalat International School.

We are excited by the possibilities this new school year brings.

It is our desire to provide for you and your family an exciting and dynamic educational experience. Our high quality faculty and staff are committed to meeting the educational, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of your children.

at www.dalat.org

Dalat continues to grow and look for ways to improve the educational experience we provide for your children. As you come on campus this semester you will see a number of improvements we have made to the physical campus. Another example of our desire to improve is this handbook right in front of you. It has been updated with new pictures, more information, and a better index to help you quickly find what you’re looking for. We want to strongly encourage you to sit down and take the time to read through it. Although it lists many of our rules and guidelines it also offers a glimpse inside daily life at school. Many of the questions you will have this year can be answered in the pages of this book, so as the year rolls on do not hesitate to consult this valuable resource.

Website: www.dalat.org

Dalat is an open community and we invite you to come on campus to be a part of the many activities and events this coming year. As administrators our door is always open and we would love to visit with you. Please feel free to stop by and chat with us if you have any questions or suggestions.

For a more complete list of staff, please consult the directory on the school website

Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Penang, Malaysia Phone: (60-4) 899-2105 Fax: (60-4) 890-2141 E-mail: info@dalat.org

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Association of Christian Schools International Member of East Asia Regional Conference Overseas Schools

Enrollment or continued enrollment at Dalat International School is a confirmation of your support of all of the policies and regulations listed in this handbook. Please be sure to read very carefully and thoughtfully through this book.

Have a great year!

Karl Steinkamp Director Tel: 899-2105 E-mail: director@dalat.org

Student & Parent Handbook • 3

History

Who do I see ... … when I have questions about arranging for bus service?

Receptionist

Dalat School was founded in 1929 as a private, Christian boarding school to provide a North American education for children of Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) missionaries in Indo-China. Because of war conditions in 1965, the school moved from its original location in Dalat, Vietnam, to a temporary location in Bangkok, Thailand. Eight months later the school relocated to the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia where it remained for six years. In June 1971, Dalat School moved to the present location in Penang, Malaysia.

On July 1, 1999 Dalat School became an independent Christian school with an inter-mission school board.

In December 2001, the word “international” was added to the school’s name to more accurately reflect its student body. This year, in 2010, Dalat International School is celebrating 81 years of God’s faithfulness.

School s Mission and Philosophy

… with questions about school fees?

Finance Office … when my child’s report card didn’t arrive?

Registrar … to change my telephone number on the records?

Receptionist … if I need to get a parking sticker for my car?

Security … if we’ll be out of town for a few days and our children will be under someone else’s care?

Principal … if I need to place an announcement in the school news?

Receptionist … when I have an issue with a teacher?

See the teacher first … to find out about after-school activities?

Principal … if I am moving away from Penang?

Admissions Coordinator …if my child is having difficulty adjusting to school?

Counselor … if I’d like to have access to my child’s grades and attendance records on PowerSchool?

Educational Technology Coordinator

Mission Education for life founded on a biblical worldview

Vision For the glory of God we will….

Never stop improving Never stop inspiring Never stop impacting our world

education for life: Dalat International School seeks to provide an education that goes beyond pure academics: education for life trains the next generation to be people of character, integrity and compassion; we prepare them to make a positive impact on the world whatever their career choice, and wherever they live.

Student & Parent Handbook • 4

Expected School Wide Learning Results (ESLRs)

Transformed Thinkers Passionate Learners

Our ideal is students who... l l

Our ideal is students who... l l

l l

enjoy the process and challenge of lifelong learning. strive for challenging personal and shared learning goals while living out a healthy balance between work and leisure. appreciate and learn from different cultures while valuing their own cultural background. express their unique God-given creativity.

discern the difference between the finite thoughts of man and the transcendent thoughts of God. evaluate their thought patterns and decision-making according to a biblical standard.

Our students will... l l l l

understand multiple points of view and integrate information to make informed decisions. apply logical reasoning and complex problem-solving strategies to create viable solutions. recognize and address personal biases and prejudices. use reflective thinking to evaluate their thought patterns and decision-making.

Our students will... l l l l l l

independently read different forms of literature and study topics of personal interest. learn cooperatively with others. use technology and other resources to enhance their learning. identify, value, and express their God-given creativity. learn about Malaysian culture as well as the cultures represented in the school community. set and pursue realistic yet challenging short and longterm goals.

Effective Communicators Our ideal is students who... l l

communicate confidently and fluently both personally and publicly in written and spoken English. listen compassionately and effectively, knowing how to give and receive constructive comments.

Our students will... l l l l l

be active listeners who can develop and ask meaningful questions. present research, thoughts, or concepts clearly in written and oral forms. apply biblical ethics to understand and use various forms of media. learn about and appreciate foreign languages. understand and use content-specific vocabulary.

Student & Parent Handbook • 5

Servant Leaders Our ideal is students who... l

l l l

develop and maintain relationships with people of different cultures and in diverse settings, showing respect, compassion, and love. adopt a lifestyle of service in which they place the needs of others before their own. recognize and respect those in authority. extend justice and mercy to those in need.

Our students will... l l l

set a good example in word and deed by following directions, being responsible, and meeting deadlines. chose to participate in class and school community service projects and cultural activities. display evidence of Christ-like character and integrity.

Faithful Stewards Our ideal is students who... l l l

wisely give of their time, finances, and talents to their families, school, community, and world. care for God’s creation. develop a lifestyle that will enhance and extend their physical well-being for a lifetime.

Our students will... l l l

apply their time, finances, and talents in school and community activities. express an understanding of the need to care for the earth. choose to participate in personal, school, or community athletic and fitness activities.

Student & Parent Handbook • 6

God Seekers Our ideal is students who... l

l l

pursue a lifelong, growing relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, Bible study, service, and sharing their faith. identify and use their spiritual gifts for the greater good and the glory of God. love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength, and others as themselves.

Our students will... l l l

study the Bible in a variety of ways. choose to participate in God-honoring activities available at school or in the community. express the main points of an historical, biblicallybased worldview, comparing and contrasting it with other worldviews.

Attendance and Enrollment Admissions Applicants may be accepted upon presentation of evidence that they are academically prepared to take up the work in the grade they are entering, are appropriately socially attuned, and that the program needed by the student is available. Every student applicant needs to present transcripts and report cards along with a personal interview before acceptance. ESL (English as a Second Language) students will be tested for English proficiency.

Residency Policy All students attending Dalat International School are expected to live with their parents in Penang or to live in one of the school dormitories. If these options are not feasible, parents may request that their student live with a documented guardian in Penang by submitting the school-provided Guardianship Request Form to the director before the first day of classes each year. Requests for guardianships may be refused and permission for living with a guardian may be rescinded if the school determines that the living situation is not in the best interest of the student or the school. Dalat defines a guardian as an adult over the age of 25 who lives in the home on a daily basis providing ongoing support and care for the physical, emotional and academic needs of the student. The guardian is responsible to serve as the liaison between the school, the student and the student’s parents.

Attendance at Dalat is dependent upon adherence to this policy; failure to abide may result in the student being asked to withdraw from Dalat.

Temporary Guardianship Parents or guardians who plan to be out of town must make guardianship arrangements for their child and communicate the guardianship information to the school before leaving.

Attendance Expectations Regular attendance is one of the most important factors determining success in school and is the responsibility of the individual student and his/her parents. When a student is absent or late to school or class, not only does his/her learning suffer significantly, but the learning of other students is also affected.

Parents and students have a responsibility to the entire school community to recognize that extensive absences seriously impact the overall vibrancy of the curriculum for all students. The classroom environment cannot be duplicated. When students are absent, they miss: • the information that goes on in classroom discussion.

• the nuances that come through in a lecture.

• the possibility to ask questions to clarify homework, lectures, and discussions.

• ongoing small group work and projects.

• the opportunity to check out books and materials needed for research.

Absence Policy Preschool During the preschool years students learn to enjoy coming to school and participating in learning activities. Please have your child in school every day unless he/she is ill.

Elementary (Kindergarten grade four) If a student is sick he/she should stay home. Parents are expected to phone the school office by 8:30am on each day the student is absent. When he/she returns to school send a note explaining the absence. The school does not excuse absences. The purpose of the note is to let the teacher know that the child was in their parents’ care. The student may be asked to complete assignments missed during the absence.

If your child needs to be excused from Physical Education, please send a note with them. Students will not be excused from Physical Education without a note from the parent.

Home leaves and vacations should be scheduled during school holidays. If you have to take your child out of school for an extended absence, please talk with the principal before finalizing plans. Make sure you understand the impact the absence will have on your child’s learning.

If a student misses more than 20 days in a school year they may be retained. The principal and teacher will review the grades and scores of any student who misses more than 20 days. If satisfactory progress has not been made, the student will be retained.

Students cannot compensate for missed participation and interaction with teachers and classmates that is caused by lost class time. Active participation and interaction with peers are vital components in academic achievement and are a part of each student’s grade. We expect students to be in school and to be on time for classes, seminars, or special events held during regularly scheduled classes.

What to do when… … the student is sick: Parents are expected to phone the school office by 8:30am on the day the student is absent. A note must be presented to the office upon the student’s return to school. … the parent plans to be out of town: if parents or guardians of a student will be out of town the parent or guardian must make guardianship arrangements for the student and communicate them to the school before leaving. … the student plans to be away: Students planning to be away from school must complete the Leave of Absence form, and submit the completed form to their principal before the absence takes place.

Student & Parent Handbook • 7

Absence Policy for Middle School / High School To receive full credit for a class, a student must be in attendance for at least 90% of the sessions of that class each semester. Any absences beyond this number will be considered excessive and will be subject to academic consequences. Any student not in attendance for at least 85% or more of a class will not receive credit for that class.

1st 8th absence per semester Work missed can be made up if a proper note with parent signature is given to the office. Make-up work must be completed within the allotted time given.

9th 14th absence per semester Student receives a zero for any test, quiz, written, and/or oral work missed.

15+ absences per semester For high school no credit earned for class taken. For middle school the student may be retained.

In extraordinary situations that require an extended absence (family emergency, hospitalization), the family should apply to the principal for a waiver.

Absence Due to Illness

Parents are expected to phone the school office by 8:30 am on the day the child will be absent. If a student is reported absent and no call is received, the school will try to contact parents and substantiate the absence.

Skipping Class

Skipping class is considered a major offense and the student will receive detention and/or suspension. An absence from any class for the purpose of make-up or preparation for another class is not permitted. A student who misses 20 minutes or more of a class will be considered absent for that class period. When a student is late they are still expected to attend the class or it will be considered a skip.

Leave of Absence

Students absent for school-sponsored functions such as field trips, exchanges, and/or sports tournaments may make up the work they missed. These types of absences will not be counted against the 90% attendance requirement.

Make-up Work

Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Prior to or upon the student’s return to school, full credit can be earned for missed work if completed within the same number of school days or class periods for which the student was absent (e.g. three school days absent yields three school days to make up work for full credit). A teacher may refuse to accept and/or give full credit for work received after the allotted time.

Extra-Curricular Participation

Students will not be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities on days of missed classes. A student who misses a class period for a medical/dental appointment must bring a note signed by the physician/dentist to be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities that day.

Students with a GPA of 2.0 or lower and/or a failing grade may lose eligibility for extra-curricular activities for a determined period of time.

Leaving Campus During the School Day

No student will be allowed to leave campus during the school day without permission from the principal. A student must have parental permission provided through a note or phone call to the principal in order for permission to be granted. If permission is given, the student must sign out at the receptionist’s desk and sign back in upon his/her return to campus. Any student leaving campus without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary measures.

Parents planning to take a student out of school must have their child complete the Leave of Absence form, and upon completion submit this to the principal before the absence takes place.

Parents are strongly urged to avoid non-illness and extended absences because such absences create an extra burden for students upon their return. Extended absences undermine the value of a consistent work ethic, which the school seeks to instill in its students. Medical appointments and out-of-school commitments should be scheduled for after-school hours.

Students in grades 7-12 should be aware that attendance for final exams is mandatory (see pg. 15 final exams for more details). Students in grades K-6 are also expected to complete the entire semester. Leaving early will result in zero (0) scores for assignments or exams during the absence unless arrangements are made with the principal four weeks in advance of the absence.

Absence Note The written note must include the date or time of the absence, the reason for the absence, and be signed by the parent or guardian.

Student & Parent Handbook • 8

Tardies

After School Supervision

The school does not provide supervision on the playground after school. Once a student is out of class or clubs, parents are responsible for keeping kids safe and making sure they behave appropriately on the playground.

• Please sit within eyesight of your kids and help with enforcing playground rules.

• Another parent may pick up your student from school, but only if that parent will take on the responsibility of supervising your child.

Here are some of the rules that we ask your help in enforcing after school: 1. Students are to remain on the main playground and not go to the gym, into dorms, into classroom areas, or anywhere on lower campus. The exception to this is if they are specifically invited into a dorm by a friend or teacher or if they are in your direct supervision.

2. Students should use the crosswalks to cross the road.

3. All of the other regular playground rules should be followed.

Illness During the School Day

A child who has a fever, is vomiting, or has a severe cough and runny nose should be kept at home. A student who becomes ill or injured during the school day should go to the office. If the student is too ill to continue attending classes, he/she may stay in the Health Center until parents are contacted. The student may not leave the school campus until he/she has been dismissed by the nurse and/or principal. For minor ailments such as stomachaches and headaches, the nurse may have the student remain in the Health Center for observation before sending him/her back to class or home.

The school office must be informed immediately if a child is absent because of a communicable disease such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pox, lice, impetigo, measles, mumps, H1N1, etc. The school may need to inform parents of other students if students have been exposed to a communicable disease.

Senior Privilege • Seniors are allowed to leave campus during lunch to eat. In this event, seniors must sign out with the receptionist and sign back in when returning to campus.

• Prior to having this privilege the school must have on file a permission note from the student’s parents to leave campus during the lunch period.

• Seniors on general probation will lose senior privileges.

• Seniors are not to leave campus with only a guy and girl together. Two guys or two girls can leave together, but mixed groups must be at least three people.

• Seniors cannot leave by themselves.

Open Campus During study hall times high school students may use the library or study in the Student Center. This does not apply to study halls during P-periods.

Definition of a tardy: A student not in class when the bell rings is considered tardy.

Elementary School Elementary students arriving late to school will go straight to class and the teacher will report the tardy to the principal.

Elementary students may receive tardies if they are late returning from recess or specials classes. Continued tardies will result in discipline.

Middle School and High School Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared for all classes. Students who are not in class when the bell rings are considered tardy. Being unprepared for class includes missing materials such as agendas, and this is also considered a tardy.

The disruption a late student causes for the teacher and other students is inconsiderate and should be avoided. Middle and high school students arriving more than 15 minutes late to school must report to the office first to receive an admittance slip to enter class. After first period, students must have a note from a teacher if they have a valid reason for being tardy for their next class.

For middle and high school students, the following are the consequences for more than four tardies per quarter (parents will be notified at each level): 5th tardy 1st detention 8th tardy 2nd detention / loss of “open campus” 10th tardy 1 day in-school suspension 12th tardy 2 day in-school suspension (no credit for work missed) 15th tardy problem brought before the school administration

Withdrawal from School As soon as a student or parents know that they will be withdrawing from Dalat, notice should be given to the admissions coordinator in a Withdrawal Letter. The student should pick up a Checkout Form from the office and have it signed by all their teachers during their last day of classes and then be returned to the office. A student’s grades will not be released until this form is returned. The principal or admissions coordinator may conduct an exit interview with the student and/or family. Requests for official transcripts and school records will not be honored until a student has been officially checked out by the office and all financial obligations have been met.

Dalat DIScovery Dalat welcomes high school students from all over the world for a semester or year of overseas study with an exposure to missions. This program has specific requirements regarding English level and academic status. See our website at www.dalatdiscovery.com for details.

Student & Parent Handbook • 9

School Schedule School Calendar 2010-2011 Semester 1

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Semester 2

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011 (preschool-grade 4) Wednesday, June 1, 2011 (grades 5-12)

Mid-Semester Break

Monday, March 28, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

Campus Hours The school day is defined as 8:20 am to 3:45 pm The school campus is open to students Monday through Thursday from 7:45 am to 5:30 pm, Friday from 7:45 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm All students and visitors are requested to leave campus when it closes at 5:30 pm on school nights, 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 8:00 pm on Sundays. After campus is closed, students who are waiting for a ride home are required to wait at the guard house. Day students may remain on campus during closed campus hours only if they are participating in a school or dorm-sponsored activity or have received permission from a staff member.

Elementary School Schedule Start time for preschool - grade 4 8:20 am Preschool recess and snack 9:30 am – 9:45 am Lunch for kindergarten - grade 4 10:50 am – 11:35 am Dismissal time for preschool 12:00 pm

School Starts 8:20 am for all grades School Ends Preschool: 12:00 pm ES: 3:05 pm unless involved in clubs MS and HS: 3:45pm

Recess and snack break 1:15 pm – 1:30 pm Dismissal time for kindergarten – grade 4 3:05 pm Elementary Clubs (KICs) 3:10 pm – 3:45 pm

Student & Parent Handbook • 10

Dalat MS Schedule 2010 - 2011 Grade SAT

A

8:20 8:25 8:30 8:35 8:40 8:45 8:50 8:55 9:00

5

6

7

8

Wednesday

SAT (8:20 - 8:35)

SAT (8:20 - 8:35)

SAT (8:20 - 8:35)

SAT (8:20 - 8:35) Chapel

Bible (8:40 - 9:15)

Bible (8:40 - 9:15)

Bible (8:40 - 9:15)

Bible (8:40 - 9:15)

Pre Algebra Science

Blue Language Arts Gold Social Studies

9:05 9:10

B

9:03 9:20 9:25 9:30 9:35 9:40 9:45 9:50 9:55 10:00

Study Skills Core Classes/ ESL LA

Core Classes/ ESL LA

10:05 10:10 10:03 10:20 10:25 10:30

C

10:35 10:40 10:45 10:50 10:55 11:00 11:05 11:10 11:03

D

E

11:20 11:25 11:30 11:35 11:40 11:45 11:50 11:55 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:03 12:20 12:25 12:30

B

Core Classes

Science 7th Math

Core Classes

Blue Social Studies Gold LA ESL LA C

S1 Art 5/PE (a-girls/b-boys) S2 Health 5/PE

Lunch

Lunch

Band 6

Advanced Band Beginning Band 7/8 Lunch

Advanced Band Beginning Band 7/8 Lunch

S1 Health 7/PE (a-boys/b-girls) S2 Art 7/PE

S1 Art 8/PE S2 Health 8/PE (a-girls/b-boys)

Junior Band Lunch

Junior Band Lunch

Blue Language Arts Gold Social Studies

Algebra Science

G

Blue Social Studies Gold LA ESL LA

Science Pre Algrebra

H

Exploratories (3:10 - 3:45)

Exploratories (3:10 - 3:45)

Exploratories (3:10 - 3:45)

D

E

12:35 12:40 12:45

F

12:50 12:55 13:00 13:05 13:10 13:03 13:20 13:25 13:30

G

S1 Health 6/PE S2 Art 6/PE (a-mixed/b-boys) Core Classes

13:35 13:40 13:45 13:50 13:55 14:00 14:05 14:10

Core Classes (Math/Science)

14:03

H

I

14:20 14:25 14:30 14:35 14:40 14:45 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:05 15:10 15:03 15:20 15:25 15:30 15:35 15:40

F

Music x2/Study Skills/Research Skills

Eureka (3:10 - 3:45)

Eureka (3:10 - 3:45)

5th Grade H Block Mon

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Music

Research Skills

Study Skills

Music

Core Classes Student & Parent Handbook • 11

High School Schedule 2010-2011 Time

Monday

8:20 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

A

9:20 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.

B

Tuesday

Wednesday

A (8:20 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)

A (8:20 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.)

B (9:10 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.)

10:10 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

C

C

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

D

D

11:50 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

E

E

12:40 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.

F

F

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

G

2:20 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

H

3:10 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

P

G (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

P (3:05 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.)

P Period The protected academic time, “P period,” at the end of the school day is designed for academic options that fall outside the school curriculum (e.g. officiating, jazz ensemble, tutoring, community service, math lab, writing lab, etc.) and allows for more instructional time for certain courses (e.g. AP courses, Journalism). This time can be used for structured study time for students in grades 9-12 as well as an opportunity to organize homework assignments, seek clarification on work, gather research materials, etc. before students return home.

Student & Parent Handbook • 12

Thursday B (8:20 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)

Friday A B

Chapel (9:55 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.)

C (10:40 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.)

D (11:25 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.)

E (12:10 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.)

C

C

D

D

E

E

F (12:55 p.m. - 1:35 p.m.)

F

F

G (1:40 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.)

H (2:25 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.)

P

H (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

G H

P (3:05 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.)

P

Curriculum and Instruction

Elementary School

Middle School

The instructional program for the elementary, preschool through grade 4, is delivered in self-contained classrooms. In kindergarten through grade 4 an emphasis is placed on language arts (reading, handwriting, English, and spelling), mathematics, social studies, science, and Bible. Elementary students also participate in weekly classes taught by specialists in the areas of music, art, computer, library, physical education and modern languages. An afterschool club program (KICs) is offered for students in grades 14 every day from 3:10 pm–3:45 pm Students are given an opportunity to choose from a variety of adult-sponsored activities each quarter.

Grades 5-8 are considered middle school. This program is designed to reflect a gradual transition from the self-contained classroom to the high school format. A basic core of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and Bible are taken daily.

In addition, students also take classes in computer, art, study skills, health and band (grades 6-8) each year. The schedule is also designed to include exploratory classes which are taken on a quarterly basis. In the past these classes have included: leadership, modern languages, drama, journalism, choir, worship team, and information processing classes.

There is no supervision for elementary students after school.

Therefore, for liability reasons, students in grades K-4 should plan to leave the campus at 3:05 pm unless participating in a scheduled after-school club, activity, or under direct parent supervision.

Students in grades 5-8 are placed on Student Advisory Teams (SAT’s). These teams meet for fifteen minutes at the beginning of each day to participate in a variety of team-building activities and learn self management skills.

A snack is provided each day for elementary children for a semester fee. During rainy weather, recess and snack will be in the classroom areas.

Student & Parent Handbook • 13

High School Dalat International School offers an American-style, collegepreparatory curriculum. All classes, except modern languages, are taught in English. Grade 9 and 10 students are expected to enroll in seven classes. To progress to the next grade level, a student must earn a minimum number of credits (see Course Credit for further explanation).

College Board Advanced Placement (AP) level courses offer students the opportunity to do college-level work in high school.

The courses are available to qualified, motivated students in grades 10-12. Students who wish to earn college credit must register and successfully pass the AP examination administered in May. All Dalat students taking AP courses are required to take the corresponding AP exam. Registration for AP courses requires a commitment to academic achievement, an understanding and acceptance of the time and amount of work the course involves, teacher recommendation, and meeting the established course prerequisites as outlined in the Programs of Instruction Handbook.

Because of the demanding nature of AP courses, students may only take two at one time.

At the End of the Day KICs (Kids Interest Clubs) Grades 1-4 These are optional opportunities for elementary students to participate in enrichment activities.

Eurekas Grades 5 & 6 Two times a week students participate in non-graded enrichment activities. Other days students participate in intramurals, study hall and an all middle school activity.

Exploratories Grades 7 & 8 Two times a week students participate in graded enrichment activities. Other days students participate in intramurals, study hall and an all middle school activity.

P Period (Protected Period) Grades 9-12 High school students are given opportunities to enrich their learning experience by participating in non-graded activities, study hall, or extended classroom opportunities. AP courses and Journalism require more hours of instruction than the standard class time allotted. Students enrolled in these courses will be required to take the corresponding P Period time slot. When a conflict occurs a decision will be made by the instructor, tutor, and principal which P Period to attend.

KICs (Kids Interest Clubs) Grades 1 to 4; 3:10pm to 3:45pm on various days Eurekas Grades 5 & 6; 3:10pm to 3:45pm everyday Exploratories Grades 7 & 8; 3:10pm to 3:45pm everyday P Period (Protected Period) Grades 9 to 12; 3:10pm to 3:45pm everyday

Student & Parent Handbook • 14

Academic Expectations Classes Students are to arrive on time and be prepared for daily classes.

Proper respect for the teacher, classmates, and the school is expected at all times. Students are expected to obey individual teacher's classroom rules. Students who are disrespectful to teachers or fellow students will face disciplinary action. Students who do not follow the instructions of their teachers may be sent to the principal’s office.

Dalat believes that the time spent in class is crucial in a student’s learning and development. For that reason we encourage students to get enough sleep to be fully alert during class. If a student does fall asleep during class the teacher will wake him/her and warn the student to stay awake and may ask them to stand.

Field Trips and School Sponsored Trips Teachers may plan field trips to enhance and expand the learning which takes place in the classroom. Requests for field trips are approved by the principal and the teacher will send home permission slips that must be signed by parents and returned to the teacher. Middle and high school field trips will not be planned for the last two weeks of the semester.

While on field trips and school sponsored trips, students are expected to adhere to Dalat International School behavior guidelines and dress code.

English as a Second Language Students receive their instruction in English. Reasonable achievement expectations must be met to protect both the child and the learning environment.

• All ESL students enter the program on one-year probation and should demonstrate willingness and ability to learn.

Regular testing takes place to measure progress.

• All second language students are expected to make reasonable progress in their English and must pass progress tests to graduate into grades 5, 9 and 10.

• ESL students with learning disabilities may not be allowed to continue at Dalat and recommended they pursue learning in their native language.

• Some students may need the support of a tutor at home.

• All students should come to class prepared with a dictionary.

ESL students are expected to remain in the program for at least one year, and to achieve grade-level proficiency within three years. Students graduate out of the program based on teacher recommendation and standardized test results.

English must be spoken at all times during the school day from 8:20am to 3:45pm.

English Only Campus An exciting aspect of Dalat is that the student body represents many different countries and cultures from around the world.

English is the language of instruction and students are expected to speak English Only during the entire school day or while involved in school activities. The use of another language can be exclusionary to students who do not speak the second language and can discourage the growth of community amongst our students.

• On school days between 8:20 am and 3:45 pm students must speak English inside and outside of class. Permission is required to speak a language other than English, for example, when helping another student, since teachers cannot understand what is being said.

• A “language offense” is defined as conversational use of a language other than English involving more than a sentence rather than simply a word or phrase. ✓ 1st offense – warning from the teacher. ✓ 2nd offense – a letter is sent home to parents. ✓ 3rd offense – detention.

Chapel Chapel is held weekly for all students. Chapel programs are under the direction of the spiritual life director, administrators, and teachers. Students have the opportunity to worship, listen to special speakers, learn Bible stories and lessons, and present dramas or skits dealing with Biblical truths. Students must be on time, attentive, and listen respectfully. Chapel attendance is mandatory for all students at Dalat International School. Parents are welcome to attend.

• The ESL department will be involved in providing monitoring for grade 9 and 10 ESL students on a weekly basis to encourage the discipline of speaking English during recess and lunch.

Student & Parent Handbook • 15

Grading Practices Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter for elementary students. In middle and high school; new students, students with grades below 70%, and students who have made significant improvement receive notification via PowerSchool at mid-quarter.

High school semester grades are calculated using 40% from each quarter and 20% from the final semester exam/project grade. Parents of middle and high school students are encouraged to regularly check their student’s progress through PowerSchool.

Elementary grading practices are age-specific and follow the developmental needs of each grade level.

Middle and high school grades are awarded as follows: Numeric Let ter 93 - 100 90 - 92 87 - 89 83 - 86 80 - 82 77 - 79 73 - 76 70 - 72 67 - 69 63 - 66 60 - 62 0 - 59

A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF

Regular

AP

4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0.7 0

5.0 4.7 4.3 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 0

Cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated using semester grades. (A course taken for high school credit in grade 8 is included on the student’s transcript but the grade is not used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.)

Report Cards

Social Promotion

Dalat International School runs on a quarter system in which students’ grades are collected and recorded four times a year.

Student progress and achievement are measured by daily work, tests, long-range projects, class participation, and teacher observation. Progress is recorded on PowerSchool for middle and high school students and is available to parents online.

Report cards are printed and mailed home at the end of each semester. For middle and high school students who are struggling in a course(s), a progress report(s) will be sent to parents via email at the halfway point of each quarter. All elementary students receive progress reports which are sent home in the “Friday Folder.”

Social promotion is a possibility in the case of students whose ability is low. This is done when parents, teachers, and school administration feel that it would be advantageous to the student’s future and will not excessively hinder the balance of the class.

It is only carried through when there is indicated effort on the part of the student to be cooperative and where he or she is striving to do his or her best. This may also be applicable in situations where the student has a documented learning disability and retention is counterproductive.

Retention If it seems advantageous to the student’s future, retention will be recommended to parents. The notification of low academic achievement should be indicated to the parent well in advance of a recommendation for retention, preferably in a face-to-face meeting such as parent-teacher conferences. The recommendation should only be done after careful consideration and consultation with the special services teacher, counselor, other relevant staff personnel, and the principal. The final determination for grade placement will be made by the principal.

If a student has not achieved adequate academic achievement due to maturation, fundamental skills, and/or work ethic, an evaluation will take place. The teacher, special services teacher, counselor and/or parents may make a request for an evaluation.

The evaluation will be conducted by the principal in consultation with the teacher, special services teacher, and counselor.

Acceleration After a student has been admitted and school personnel find that acceleration may be beneficial, and/or parents insist on a higher grade level placement, the following guidelines should be followed.

To be eligible for acceleration, the student should meet the following conditions: • Evidence of social and emotional maturity • Excellent grades in mainstream classes in middle and high school and superior performance in elementary school • Standardized test scores with grade equivalency of 2 years above grade level or more • Exemplary attendance

Student & Parent Handbook • 16

The procedure for acceleration should be as follows: • The classroom teacher and/or counselor should approach the principal with the suggestion for grade level assessment.

The parent may also make a direct appeal to the principal for acceleration or contest the original grade placement • The principal will solicit input from all of the student’s teachers regarding academic achievement and maturity • The principal will evaluate the student’s grades, standardized test results, and attendance • With the assistance of the teachers and the counselor, the principal will evaluate whether acceleration would benefit the student academically, socially, and emotionally • The principal and counselor will meet with the parents to finalize the student's grade placement. The registrar, office secretary, and teachers will be informed of the decision • If there is a dipute about grade placement, the final decision rests with the principal

Middle and High School Final Exams Final exams are such an integral and important part of each course that it is the policy of the school that they be taken only during regularly scheduled times. Exceptions are made only when student illness (documented by a physician’s statement) or employer-dictated parent travel (documented by a letter from the employer) make it impossible for the student to sit for a final exam at the scheduled time. Requests for exceptions to the school’s policy that are based on travel plans must be made in writing to the principal four weeks before the start of exams. Failure to provide proper notification will result in a score of “0” for the exam.

School Supplies and Care of Textbooks Elementary students are provided with all required amounts of paper, notebooks, pencils, eraser, crayons, ruler, and glue. Middle and High School students are required to purchase their own school supplies. Teachers may require students to purchase additional supplies for specific classes.

All middle and high school students will be provided with an agenda for the school year. Students are expected to use their agenda to write down all homework assignments and should carry it to every class. Middle school students are also given an expandable file folder which they are expected to use.

Scientific calculators are required of students in grades 9-12.

These calculators should be able to perform at least five basic functions – scientific notation, pi, square root, powers, and parentheses. Students in advanced math courses may wish to purchase graphic calculators.

Students are expected to cover textbooks. A student will be assessed a fine if the textbook they are assigned is damaged or lost. The amount of the fine will be determined by the teacher and/or principal. If parents wish to borrow a textbook during the school break they must request so from the teacher and make a deposit of RM100 to the accounting department.

Middle school students in grades 5-6 will not have quarter or final exams. Students in grade 7 will have quarter finals in the core subjects of math, science, social studies, English and Bible.

Quarter final exams should take about an hour for the average student. The final exam is worth 10% of the quarter grade.

Students in grade 8 will have quarter finals in core subjects during first and second quarter. These finals are worth 10% of the quarter grade. During second semester, quarter finals will not be given, but a semester final will be given in each core subject worth 20% of the semester grade. Material for the second semester final exam will be cumulative for the entire semester.

High school final exams/final projects will be given in all core courses, and most elective courses, at the end of each semester.

The grade received for the final exam/final project will be 20% of the semester grade. Two Exam Review Days will be designated prior to the beginning of exams. During Exam Review Days, no new material can be presented and no projects, papers, tests, quizzes, etc. will be given. Exams will be taken in the morning over a period of four days. Supervised study hall is required for students before each exam time.

Quarter Four times a year Nine weeks long

School Year Thirty Six weeks long Includes two Semesters

Semester Two times a year Eighteen weeks long Includes two Quarters

Student & Parent Handbook • 17

Bible Policy

Homework

Bibles are a gift to high school students and they may keep them when they leave Dalat. Students may use it as a learning tool, underlining, highlighting passages and making notes in the margins. They should care for it as they would any text book and will be expected to replace it if it is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair by purchasing a replacement from the school.

We believe that the purpose of homework is to promote academic achievement. Homework should not only be an extension of a student’s school day. Instead, it should complement the student’s academic experience. Dalat International School defines homework as meaningful and quality work assigned to students that is intended to be completed during non-instructional hours.

Homework helps develop skills necessary for lifelong learning, including: • self-discipline • productive work habits • task commitment • time management and organization skills • initiative • responsibility • positive attitudes and enthusiasm towards learning • problem-solving skills

• Students will be issued Bibles upon entry to grade 9 or high school.

• The Bible is a gift that belongs to the student and they are not expected to return it when they leave or graduate from Dalat.

• Students are expected to keep their Bible for the duration of their time at Dalat and have it available for use during all Bible classes during their tenure.

• Students are expected to replace Bibles that are lost at their own cost.

PowerSchool is the leading web-based student information system for K-12 schools by 8 million students in over 50 countries worldwide. Though it has been very successful in the US, PowerSchool has just recently started looking to the international school market. Dalat is excited to be the third international school in the world, the first in Asia, to use PowerSchool.

Because PowerSchool is web-based, it allows Dalat to make the information available to parents via the internet. Through a secure log-in and password, parents are able to access current grade and attendance information for their children in “real time”. As a teacher enters an assignment or grade, that information is immediately available to parents.

PowerSchool also makes it possible for parents to set up their account to generate grade and attendance information to be automatically e-mailed to them on a regular basis.

There are three primary types of homework: practice, preparation, and extension. Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. For example, students who have just learned a new method of solving a mathematical problem should be given practice problems to complete on their own. Preparation assignments help students get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom. Students may, for example, be required to do background research on a topic to be discussed later in class.

Extension assignments are frequently long-term continuing projects that parallel class work. Students must apply previous learning to complete these assignments (such as science fair projects and term papers).

Students are expected to understand that homework is part of the course, clarify the assignment before leaving class and ask the teacher any questions. Students should be sure assignments are recorded in their agenda on a daily basis. All students are expected to complete homework on their own and to the best of their ability and submit assignments by the due date.

To maximize study time, students can do the following: • Have a study area that is comfortable, well lit, and with minimal distractions. Use an uncluttered table or desk and make sure there is sufficient space for spreading out work.

• Organize thoughts, materials (pencil/pen, paper, books, etc.), and oneself before beginning. Be sure to have all the resource materials needed.

• Start assignments with a positive attitude.

• Keep track of dates that projects are due and spread longrange work out. Use the agenda to schedule time to work on long-range projects. Learn how to organize and set priorities for homework assignments.

• Determine when is the best time to study – before or after dinner, right after school or later after resting. Establish a set study time.

• Reserve weekends for working on long-range projects. Plan ahead, don’t cram one huge project into the weekend (or night!) before it’s due.

Student & Parent Handbook • 18

How can parents get involved?

• Understand that homework is part of the course and provides enrichment opportunity for your child to stimulate creative, logical and critical thought.

• Share any concerns you may have regarding the amount or type of homework assigned with your child’s teacher.

• Encourage your child to take notes concerning homework assignments in case questions arise later at home.

• Provide a suitable study area and the necessary tools (paper, pencil, books, etc.) to complete the homework assignments.

• Limit after-school activities to allow time for both homework and family activities.

• Set television viewing, computer games and homework time.

Plan a homework schedule with your child. Allow for free time when assignments are completed.

• Praise your child’s efforts.

• If questions arise about the assignment, and your child asks for help, ask him or her questions or work through an example rather than simply providing the answer or doing the work for them.

• Younger children need more parental assistance with homework than older children. Go over homework assignments with your child but do not do the work for them. Do several problems or questions together, and then observe your child doing the next few.

• Ask to look at homework once it has been marked and returned.

• Ask your child’s teacher about their homework policy.

Middle school students who have difficulty completing and turning in homework may be required to complete their assignments after school. Attendance will take precedence over all other after-school activities, privileges such as field trips, special class and/or student council activities. Communication will take place between teacher, student, parents and the activity sponsor for missed activities due to incomplete homework.

A reasonable amount of disciplined academic work outside the classroom will be expected by teachers. The amount may vary according to the subject and the needs of the student. Please remember that on some days the level of homework may vary.

A regular study time is important for developing good study habits. Middle and high school students are encouraged to use their study halls to complete assignments. The total amount of homework assigned should depend on the grade level of the student and the number and type of courses the student is enrolled in. The amount of homework normally increases as students progress through school.

It should be realized that a student striving to do their best, a student who has great difficulty grasping the subject matter, or a student with poor study habits who does not use their time in school efficiently may take a longer time with their assignments.

If you have concerns about the amount of time your child is spending on homework, please contact the teacher.

Grade Level

Approximate amount of daily homework

1 -4

10 minutes per grade level

5 -8

15 min./day per academic class

9 - 10

20 - 30 min./day per academic class

11 - 12

25 - 35 min./day per academic class

After School Help If a student has questions or difficulties with a subject, afterschool help with the teacher is available until 4:00 pm or by appointment.

Length of Papers Following is a list of the maximum number of pages a teacher may require for a research project. If a student wants to write more, they must consult with the teacher beforehand. Students are reminded that quantity is not always the same as quality.

The expected font size for typewritten assignments is 12 pt.

Times New Roman unless prior permission from the teacher is given.

Grade Level 5- 7 8 9 10 11 - 12

Max. Length (double spaced typed paper) 5 pages 6 pages 8 pages 10 pages 12 pages

Senior Exam Exemption If a senior has earned a 90% average or above in a second semester course, they may choose not to take the second semester final exam in that course.

Middle School Academic Probation Academic probation constitutes a warning for a student maintaining a GPA of 2.00 or lower and/or receiving an F in one or more academic classes at the conclusion of a quarter or semester. In this case the student may lose eligibility for extracurricular activities for a determined period of time. A student who remains on academic probation for four or more quarters may be asked to withdraw from Dalat.

During academic probation specific observable areas to be improved will be established. The student will meet regularly with a designated counselor to discuss their progress and will be assigned to the Learning Lab during study hall blocks or for four out of five P-periods and will lose sports eligibility for the following quarter.

A student in Grade 7 and 8 with an F in an Exploratory will be placed on a modified academic probation for the following quarter. That student will lose the opportunity for a new Exploratory, and will instead be assigned to the Learning Lab to complete project work from the previous exploratory (if necessary), and the rest of the time will be like a study hall. The student will not lose sports eligibility nor face the other consequences of academic probation, because this is specifically related to grades for an Exploratory.

Dalat’s exam policy is that no student will have more than three exams in one day.

Student & Parent Handbook • 19

Academic Honesty

All students need to be aware of the importance of academic honesty. Questions regarding academic honesty, what is acceptable/permissable, should be directed to the teacher.

Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse.

High School Academic Probation

During academic probation students are expected to show progress improving their academic performance. Academic probation will have the following consequences in the High School: • Students will meet weekly with an assigned counselor/monitor to review academic progress • Students will not be eligible to participate on sports teams until the academic probation is lifted.

• Students will be assigned to the Learning Lab during all study halls (Juniors and Seniors lose open campus).

• Seniors on academic probation will lose off campus lunch privileges.

In addition some students may be assigned specific p-period classes to help improve their academic performance.

Standardized Testing

During the school year the following standardized tests are administered: • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) - grades K-9 • Math Placement Test – grade 6 • Algebra Aptitude Test - grade 7 • Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), student pays cost of test - grades 10-11 • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I/II), student pays cost of test - grades 11-12 (optional) • American College Test (ACT), student pays cost of test – grades 11-12 (optional) The MAP tests are administered several times a year. The results help teachers determine individual and class needs and design the instruction to meet already established goals. The national percentile rank gives opportunity for each student to be compared with his/her grade norm group in the United States.

MAP Testing (Measures of Academic Progress) More than 3400 school districts and educational partners use MAP Mathematics, Reading, Language Usage, and Science tests to help all students learn. These assessments are unique in that they adapt to each student's ability, accurately measuring what a child knows and needs to learn. In addition, MAP tests measure academic growth over time, independent of grade level or age. Most importantly, the results educators receive have practical application to teaching and learning. MAP test results provide educators with timely information that guides instructional planning and school improvement. www.nwea.org/assessments/map.asp.

Student & Parent Handbook • 20

Common forms of academic dishonesty: • Plagiarism: The use of another person’s ideas, expressions or writing as if they are your own.

Copying verbatim - this is the most common form. It consists of an individual copying the words, expressions or ideas directly from another source (e.g. book, article, lab report, friend) without giving proper credit.

Paraphrasing - this consists of borrowing ideas from a source and rewriting them in your own words.

Use of an idea - the adaptation of an idea from another source without giving proper credit. (e.g. when asked to write a short story you borrow an idea from a TV program, video, article, classmate).

• Sharing ideas in test situations: such as take-home exams, asking/telling students what is on a test/quiz via verbal, written and/or electronic means.

• Cheating on tests and quizzes: for example, bringing answers into the test room, copying from another student, and unauthorized use of notes or technology.

• Copying homework: This includes allowing a student to copy from your work or doing the work for them.

• Taking credit for work you didn’t do: not acknowledging assistance from a parent, friend, tutor.

Discipline for Academic Dishonesty

All cases of academic dishonesty should be reported to the principal.

First Offense

-

Parents are contacted and apprised of the incident. No credit for the work is given.

Second Offense

-

Minimum two day in-school suspension. Parent conference. No credit for the work is given.

Third Offense

-

Student brought before the director for the possibility of expulsion.

Documentation of Sources

All high school students are expected to document the sources they use with MLA parenthetical references (within the body of the text) and a “works cited” list at the end of research papers.

In an effort to teach Dalat students about the dangers of plagiarism, teachers may request that students submit papers through Turnitin.com. Every paper submitted to Turnitin.com is returned in the form of a customized Originality Report. Any matches uncovered between submitted papers and source materials is detailed in an intuitive and unambiguous format, allowing educators to spend time addressing plagiarism’s causes rather than searching for it.

Copying School Work Students who allow someone to copy their homework/ assignment face the same disciplinary consequences as the student who did the copying.

High School Academics Diploma High school students may choose the High School Diploma or the Advanced Merit High School Diploma which requires a more rigorous program of study.

The High School Diploma includes the following: English

4.0 credits

Additional requirements for the Advanced Merit Diploma include: • 10 hours of community service for each semester in grades 11 and 12.

• Successful completion of two Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the corresponding examinations.

• Successful completion of the Senior Exhibition (see sidebar).

• Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Candidates for the Advanced Merit High School Diploma need pre-approval by the guidance office and the high school principal before August 30 of grade 11. (*Modern language proficiency will be determined by verbal and/or written form to the modern language department in making the assessment.)

Math/Science 5.0 credits total (2 Math and 3 Science or 3 Math and 2 Science) Social Studies

3.0 credits

Senior Exhibition has the following four components:

Bible

0.5 credit each semester of enrollment

Visual and Performing Arts

1. Paper: Research and document information on a subject of the student’s choice.

0.5 credit

Technology

0.5 credit

Health

0.5 credit

2. Product: The student applies the information from their research to create a “product”. The product can take a number of forms – exhibit demonstration, performance, etc.

Fitness

0.5 credit

Electives

6.0+ credits

Total

24 credits

3. Portfolio: A compilation of materials that document the student’s completion of the requirements of the AMD. 4. Presentation: A 20 - 25 minute speech which includes explaining the student’s research and his/her product.

The Advanced Merit High School Diploma includes the following requirements: English

4.0 credits

Math

3.0 credits

Science

3.0 credits

Modern Language 2.0 credits or proficiency* Social Studies

3.0 credits

Bible

0.5 credit each semester of enrollment

Visual and Performing Arts

1.0 credit

Technology

1.0 credit

Health

0.5 credit

Fitness

0.5 credit

Electives

2.0+ credits

Total

24 credits

North American Terms for High School Grade Levels Freshman = grade 9, Class of 2014 Sophomore = grade 10, Class of 2013 Junior = grade 11, Class of 2012 Senior = grade 12, Class of 2011 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Advanced Placement (AP) level courses offer students the opportunity to do college-level work in high school. The courses are available to qualified, motivated students in grades 11-12. Students who wish to earn college credit must register and successfully pass the AP Examination administered in May. Registration for AP courses requires a commitment to academic achievement, an understanding and acceptance of the time and amount of work the course involves, teacher recommendation, and meeting the established course prerequisites as outlined below.

All students graduating in 2012 or later will be required to take at least one online course during their high school career. All students graduating in 2013 or later will be expected to complete community service hours each year of enrollment. All students graduating in 2014 or later will be expected to complete a media literacy course (a social studies credit) to graduate.

Student & Parent Handbook • 21

Course Credit

Transfer Credit

The American system of education uses Carnegie units. A Carnegie unit is a measure of time in which a student studies a subject during the course of a school year. A set number of credits are required in specific subject areas in grades 9 through 12 to fulfill requirements for graduation and the American high school diploma. Students transferring from non-English speaking schools, or systems that do not use the credit system, will receive credit accordingly. One unit of credit is given for successful completion of a course that is normally scheduled for a 45minute class period which meets five times a week for the duration of a 36-week school year.

If a student chooses to enroll in enrichment courses during school holidays, or during the school year, via correspondence programs, internet courses, and/or summer school in North America, he/she must receive written pre-approval from the guidance office and the high school principal and must be completed by the time school resumes. Courses taken may not replace core courses in Dalat’s curriculum (e.g. English, social studies, science, math, Bible). Successful completion of the course will be treated as transfer credit. It is the student’s responsibility to bring the final certificate from the completed course to the counselor’s office before the transfer credit is placed on his/her school records.

Credit is awarded for the satisfactory completion of courses on the following basis: • Full-year courses which meet 5 periods per week receive 1.0 credit.

• Semester courses which meet 5 periods per week receive 0.5 credit.

• A course must be taken in its entirety for credit to be awarded.

Dropping or Adding a Course Only necessary changes may be made during the first week at the beginning of the school year. Changes for new semesterlong classes may be made during the first week of the second semester. After meeting with the counselor, students will need to complete course change request forms and obtain teacher signatures. Parent and/or principal signatures are also required.

As an international school, we receive students from a variety of international settings and schooling systems. A student enrolling at Dalat will not be given full acceptance until all official transcripts have been received. Dalat International School reserves the right to interpret and integrate the programs/grades of transfer students into a form that is appropriate and compatible to the curriculum offered at Dalat. Using such a format as a guideline ensures that a student transferring from another educational system will receive a fair standing within his/her designated grade level at the time of admission. Dalat International School accepts the following transfer credit: • 7 credits per year maximum • 2 credits maximum ESL credits substitute for regular English credits (un less documented otherwise, English from a nonEnglish medium school counts as ESL).

Students may not drop full-year courses after the first week of the school year. A student dropping a full-year course for extenuating circumstances, will receive a WF (withdraw failure) or WP (withdraw pass) on his/her transcript depending on his/her grade status at the time of course withdrawal. No credit will be received for course withdrawal during the semester.

Dalat International School will not grant credit for vocational courses, driver’s education, career exploration or other courses that do not fall within the core subject and elective areas offered at this school.

If because of extenuating circumstances, the student must drop a full-year course at the beginning of second semester, he/she will receive a WP on the transcript and credit for the first semester. If a student fails the first semester, the student has the option of continuing the course with teacher’s permission.

If a student fails first semester and chooses not to continue, the course will be not be recorded on the transcript for second semester (it will still appear as a failing mark first semester).

Quarter credits are not used for transfer credit or for calculation of GPA for a full semester course.

Students who drop a course during the semester will be assigned to the Learning Lab for the duration of the semester. Students who drop a year long course at the end of first semester will be assigned to the Learning Lab for the second semester or may select another course with approval from the principal.

A student’s schedule may be adjusted depending on need, feasibility, availability and class size.

Student & Parent Handbook • 22

To complete graduation requirements and accrue the necessary credits to graduate, a student is expected to be enrolled at Dalat International School for two semesters prior to graduation.

For grades from schools where marks are difficult to interpret, a pass/fail grade may be given. When a student is transferring from an educational system which is not recognized as compatible with the American curriculum and grade placement cannot be readily assessed, the student may be asked to take entrance testing. At the conclusion of a battery of English, reading and subject tests, the student’s grade level placement will be determined. A non-refundable entrance testing fee will be charged for this service.

Study Hall Study halls are provided to give students time in the school day to do school work. Students in grades 9-10 may have study hall time during P period at the end of the school day. Students in grades 11-12 may not have more than one study hall each semester unless approved by the high school principal for extenuating circumstances. Students who are taking an AP class may be required to have a study hall in their schedule. Those students with two AP courses, or one AP course and Journalism, will be required to take one study hall. Those with three AP courses or two AP courses and journalism will be required to take two study halls.

All regulatory scheduled study halls are “open campus”. This means that during study hall times a student may use the library or study in the Student Center. The dining room is off limits as well as dorm areas. Students are not to use open campus privileges for sleeping and non academic activities.

Auditing a Class A student may be given permission to attend a class for noncredit only by the principal. This is usually permitted for students with inadequate English abilities.

Elective Classes At least 2.0 of the elective credits required for graduation must be from core subject areas (e.g. Bible, modern language, math, science, or social studies). No more than two elective credits can be from the same non-core area and still count for graduation.

The availability of electives is based on student enrollment, interest, and scheduling feasibility. Some courses listed in the Programs of Instruction Handbook may not be available every semester or every year.

eLearning Through participation in the Virtual High School and other organizations, students acquire the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Online learning in VHS helps students to master course content, as well as develop communication, collaboration, and creative problem solving skills.

This year Dalat students will have over 200 courses to choose from through VHS. Students can go online at www.govhs.org to view the complete catalogue of courses. Students interested in taking a VHS course must request approval from the guidance office and the e-learning coordinator.

Abuse of trust will result in the loss of open campus. Students with an “incomplete” on a report card will be removed from open campus until the grades are in and a new report card has been issued. If placed on academic probation, general probation or suspended for any length of time, open campus privileges are lost.

When a substitute teacher is leading a class in which the teacher has given the students a study hall period, students will not be given open campus privileges during that period. They must stay and work in the classroom.

Studys halls scheduled during P periods are not “open campus” and students will be assigned to a room with a supervisor and are expected to bring work and use their time effectively.

Class Rank Class rank is based on high school grades, and is often used by college admission officers when considering enrollment applications. Too often, students realize this fact late in their junior and senior year. It is important for students to work hard to achieve the highest possible academic marks within their ability range.

Class rank and a cumulative grade point average is computed for all high school students at the end of each semester. Any high school student transferring from a non-American grading system will have his/her GPA figured after he/she has been at Dalat for one full semester, and cumulative GPA will be figured only for his/her years while attending Dalat. The one exception to this may be for a student enrolling for only their senior year.

In these cases, it may be necessary to determine past grades in order to provide a fair representation of class rank. This information is available to the student and his/her parents from the counselor.

Additional courses are also available through other organizations such as the Sevenstar Academy.

Dalat also offers its own “hybrid” eLearning courses to students through DIScourse. Many Dalat teachers are using the DIScourse technology in the classroom and some courses are taught entirely through this system.

Student & Parent Handbook • 23

Courses Failed

Honors Courses

The following policies apply for students who fail courses which are required for graduation: • A student in grades 9-11 who fails a required course must either repeat the course at Dalat during the following school year or enroll in an accredited North American high school summer school program or correspondence course and earn the appropriate passing credit. The course must be preapproved by the high school principal. Dalat will then record the additional course grade and credit on the student’s transcript.

• Dalat International School will follow the guidelines of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the granting of all credits.

If a student is interested in doing honors level work in a course, he/she may discuss the possibility with the teacher and counselor.

An honors contract will be drafted, outlining the work that is expected above and beyond the regular coursework. If the student does not fulfill the requirements of the honors contract, they will receive no credit for the honors work completed. The grade earned for an honors contract will not be weighted, but will be designated as “Honors” on the student’s transcript.

Note: Dalat will not offer any course or study program at the end of the school year or during any school holidays to a student who has failed a course and needs to earn replacement credit.

Courses Repeated A student may be advised to repeat a course due to a poor, but not failing, final mark or lack of success in mastering the material taught in that course. If the student repeats the course, both courses will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Credit will not be awarded for the first attempt (for the course enrollment in which the final grade is lower). The final grade of the course with the lower mark will not be used in calculating cumulative grade point average.

For a student who transfers from another school and is advised or required to repeat a course, he/she will be allowed to count the course for credit. This is frequently the case with modern language classes. The school reserves the right to require the student to be tested for appropriate course placement.

Incomplete Grade A teacher may give a student an “incomplete” grade at the end of the first, second, or third quarter if they fail to complete the necessary class assignment(s). It is the responsibility of the student to determine what needs to be taken care of in order to receive a grade. Upon completion of the work, the course instructor will notify the school office of the grade. Incomplete work must be made up within three weeks of the final day of the first, second, or third quarter. If a student fails to make up work, a quarter grade will be figured with no credit for missed work.

Request for Early or Extended Graduation Students are not allowed to graduate early from Dalat except for extenuating circumstances. When parents request an extended date for graduation for a student, the family must provide a written medical and/or psychological diagnosis from an outside source familiar with the functions and operations of a North American-based educational program. A modified program will be arranged for students with individualized educational plans (IEP) and a documented disability. Parents and student must work with the guidance office and high school principal for adjustments in the student’s schedule.

Student & Parent Handbook • 24

Transcript Handling Process 1. Student picks up Transcript Request Form from outside of counselor’s office.

2. Student fills out name and reason for request and then lists the intended schools or destinations where the transcript will be received.

3. Students need to submit the Transcript Request Form at least a month before the deadline date to allow time for paperwork and mailing.

4. All transcripts will be mailed by DHL unless otherwise indicated.

Please see below for more information on Postage Guidelines.

5. After the transcript has been sent, the counselor will sign and date the Transcript Request Form and then file it for future reference. The counselor will also keep an electronic record of all transcripts sent and their destinations.

Postage Guidelines All transcripts will be mailed by DHL to ensure their arrival at the intended destination. If parents do not want their accounts to be charged for the DHL service (RM), they need to let the counselor know and the transcript will be sent by registered mail.

If a student would like to have his or her transcript faxed, it should be indicated on the Transcript Request Form. A flat-rate fee of RM will be charged to the parent’s account for all faxes, regardless of the destination.

If the students would like to pick up their transcripts and take care of the postage on their own, this needs to be made clear to the counselor and a separate signature will be required of the student when he or she picks up the transcript. A recent change to transcript submissions has been through the Common Application online or even electronic, web-based applications from individual schools. While this is a wonderful option for students in Malaysia who are applying to universities in other countries, it is more difficult to track transcript requests. Dalat’s policy for online transcript submissions is as follows: • A Transcript Request Form must be filled out, regardless of whether the transcript will be submitted online or mailed.

If the transcript needs to be submitted electronically (online application), the student needs to indicate so on the form.

• A flat rate of RM will be charged to the parent’s account for any transcript submitted electronically.

• The student will submit the counselor’s name and email address (collegecounselor@dalat.org) where indicated on the application form.

• An email will be sent to the counselor, who will submit the School Report, Letter of Recommendation and an electronic copy of the student’s transcript.

If the students would like to pick up their transcripts and take care of the postage on their own, this needs to be made clear to the counselor and a separate signature will be required of the student when he or she picks up the transcript.

A recent change to transcript submissions has been through the Common Application online or even electronic, web-based applications from individual schools. While this is a wonderful option for students in Malaysia who are applying to universities in other countries, it is more difficult to track transcript requests.

Dalat’s policy for online transcript submissions is as follows: • A Transcript Request Form must be filled out, regardless of whether the transcript will be submitted online or mailed.

If the transcript needs to be submitted electronically (online application), the student needs to indicate so on the form by checking the appropriate box.

• A flat rate of RM 5 will be charged to the parents’ account for any transcript submitted electronically.

• The student will submit the counselor’s name and email address (collegecounselor@dalat.org) where indicated on the application form.

• An email will be sent to the counselor, who will submit the School Report, Letter of Recommendation, and an electronic copy of the student’s transcript.

Disclaimer – Due to the possibility of a college misfiling student records, the student needs to make sure to use the same name in all college preparation and correspondence (standardized tests, applications, transcripts, etc.)

*disclaimer – mail challenges, college can possibly misfile student records, student needs to use the same name in all college preparation (transcripts, tests, applications, etc.)

When needing a transcript sent to another school, students may pick up a Transcript Request Form from the Guidance Office.

The form needs to be filled out thoroughly, with the correct address on it and submitted back to the College Counselor at least a month before the deadline date to allow time for paperwork and mailing.

All transcripts will be mailed by DHL Delivery to ensure their arrival at the intended destination. If parents do not want their accounts to be charged for the DHL service, they need to let the counselor know by specifying this on the Transcript Request Form, and the transcript will be sent by registered mail.

If a student would like to have his or her transcript faxed, it should be indicated on the Transcript Request Form. A flat-rate fee of RM 5 will be charged to the parents’ account for all faxes, regardless of the destination.

Student & Parent Handbook • 25

Student Recognition

Middle School Awards Program Academics

In order to qualify for NJHS, candidates must be in grades 7-8, have a cumulative grade point average since grade 6 of 3.5 or higher, and must average 3.0 on a scale of 1-5 when middle school teaching staff are surveyed in each of the areas listed below. In order to qualify for NHS, candidates must be in grades 11-12, have a cumulative grade point average since grade 9 of 3.5 or above, and must average 3.0 on a scale of 1-5 when teaching staff and current NHS members are surveyed about them in each of the areas listed below. High school students in NHS are eligible for competitive scholarship exams.

Service • puts service to others above self-interest: gives time, effort, talents for the class, school, community; • performs committee or staff work; • shows courtesy to teachers, other students, visitors; • represents the school in various kinds of competition.

Leadership • takes constructive lead in classroom/school activities; • promotes worthy and proper school activities; • successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility; • positively influences others for good; • shows initiative in his/her studies.

Character • promptly meets individual pledges/responsibilities to school; • demonstrates highest standards of attitude toward honesty, reliability, fairness, tolerance (seeing others’ point of view); • cooperates in a willing spirit with school regulations concerning property, books, lockers, furniture, uniforms, etc.; • upholds principles of morality and ethics.

Middle and High School Honor Roll There are two levels: Honor Roll (3.500 to 3.749), and High Honor Roll (3.750 and above).

National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society Dalat International School is an internationally recognized branch of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and National Honor Society (NHS).

Dalat has been a member of NHS since 1967 Dalat middle school became a member of NJHS in 2002.

Student & Parent Handbook • 26

Citizenship • Participates in school and/or community service • Show a positive attitude toward classmates, school, and community • Display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility • Posses strength of character and the courage to do what is right • Promote citizenship with your school or community through other activities.

Members who no longer meet the standards are removed from NJHS/NHS, usually after a warning.

High School Awards Philosophy of Dalat International High School Awards Program True to our school motto “education for life,” the Dalat awards program is designed to recognize both outstanding academics and extracurricular achievement. Awards are intended to provide motivation for students to achieve high goals in the areas of academics, fine arts, service, and sports. An awards ceremony at the conclusion of each semester is held to recognize students publicly for their achievement.

It is imperative that awards be contingent upon successful completion of a high goal, and that an entitlement mentality does not creep into the program. For the awards program to be effective, the awards must be meaningful and the students aware that they have accomplished something beyond the ordinary. To ensure this takes place, criteria have been established that are challenging yet attainable. An effective awards program is easy to understand, and the awards are desired by students.

This document is intended to clearly define the criteria that will merit an award. The awards committee’s desire is that student actions will follow which will lead them toward outstanding achievement.

Honors and Awards The awards system has been designed to give due recognition to those students who achieve a measure of success at Dalat in a variety of areas. Award ceremonies are held once each semester.

Awards are given in the areas of sports, fine arts, service, and academics.

ESLR Character Awards The 6 awards are presented to one student in each grade level, each semester, for demonstrating character with excellence.

The awards honor students for exceeding the school expectations in the following areas: Passionate Learner, Effective Communicator, Transformed Thinker, Servant Leader, Faithful Steward, and God Seeker. A complete description of the criteria for each area may be found under the ESLR section.

Honor Roll First and third quarter honor roll lists are figured based on the previous semester grades. Second and fourth quarter honor roll lists are figured based on the previous quarter grades. There are two levels: Honor Roll (3.500 to 3.749) and High Honor Roll (3.750 and above). Only the semester honor roll earns points and is entered on the permanent record.

Sportsmanship Award Presented to one boy and one girl who are selected by the athletic director in consultation with all athletic and intramural coaches in recognition of the following qualities: sportsmanship, participation in various sports/ intramurals, athletic ability, and competitive spirit during the semester. This award will be presented each semester. A student can receive this award once each school year.

Course Award Presented to an outstanding student in each course (core and specials subjects) each semester. A student can receive this award once each school year.

Student & Parent Handbook • 27

Distinguished Scholar Award

Students who will be considered for the Distinguished Scholar Award will have earned and award in Academics and have a very high grade point average while maintaining a rigorous, full academic load. Although athletic achievements, artistic endeavors, and other service-oriented activities have no direct bearing on this award, the extra-curricular loads of students may be considered when candidates have very similar and highly successful academic achievements.

Eagle Fine Arts Award

DIS offers numerous opportunities for artistic development in visual, performing, and musical arts. The successful student must have merited a previous award in music, drama or visual arts and been actively involved in various ensembles or artistic shows that demonstrated excellence in his or her artistic endeavors during his or her tenure at DIS.

Specifics An awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of each semester.

The first time a Dalat High School student merits an award, he or she will be given a plaque and a decorative pin along with a certificate indicating the achievement. Students who achieve additional awards receive a pin to mount on the original plaque and a certificate. The plaque will be displayed on campus for the duration of a student’s attendance at Dalat. Plaques are given to students when they graduate or leave DIS. Students that earn the same award more than once will earn stars that indicate the achievement rather than a new pin. The second time a student earns the same award, he or she will earn a bronze star; the third, a silver star; and the fourth, a gold star.

Eagle Service Award

An Outstanding Service award will be given to one student each year who has merited an award in Service and has demonstrated consistent commitment to serving the Dalat and Penang communities during his or her tenure at DIS.

Eagle Sports Award

The Sports Award is given to one male and one female athlete each year. The successful students will have lettered in at least one sport and been actively involved in sporting activities at Dalat. They will have demonstrated excellent sportsmanship in all of their athletic activities both on and off the court or pitch— a solid ambassador for the school.

Eagle All-Around Award

Bronze 2nd Award

Silver 3rd Award

Gold 4th Award

The Director’s All-Around Award is the most prestigious award offered at DIS. The recipient of this award must have demonstrated excellence and merited an award in at least three award categories: Sports, Fine Arts, Distinguished Scholar, or Outstanding Service.

Major Awards The highest honors achieved and received by students at Dalat each year are the major awards. Each of the major awards is given yearly to a student selected by the awards committee.

Recipients of the major awards (Distinguished Scholar, Fine Arts, Outstanding Service, Sports Award, All Around Award) are selected by a committee that includes the director, high school principal, residence life director, spiritual life director, athletic director, and the fine arts chairperson. Winners of the major awards also have their names engraved on special plaques which are displayed on campus permanently.

Student & Parent Handbook • 28

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

These honors are given to the students with the highest and second highest overall graduating GPA.

AMD diploma

Students that earn the AMD diploma will merit this award upon completion.

Advanced Placement International Diploma

Students that merit the AP ID will merit this award upon completion of their coursework and testing.

Minor Awards

Recipients of minor awards are approved by the awards committee once they are nominated by the appropriate sponsor.

Principal s Award

Students merit this award from the principal for immediate recognition for an outstanding achievement, behavior or unique accomplishment.

These awards may be given to students throughout the school year at the principal’s discretion for behavior that merits special recognition.

Course Awards

Students nominated by their teacher as the most outstanding student in a course merit this award. Students are selected based on their grade earned, the quality of their participation, eagerness to learn, effort, benefit to classmates, and their overall commitment to excellence in the class. Some courses may not have a nominee. Only one student may be selected per course.

Online courses taught by Dalat instructors are eligible for this award, but online courses offered by other service providers are not.

Advanced Placement Courses

Students who complete a College Board Advanced placement course and receive a score 4 or a 5 on the test merit an award in the course. Note that these awards cannot be determined until after the test results are returned and will be given out at a later date.

Sports Awards

Students merit nomination to the awards committee by the head coach of a varsity sport if they meet the following criteria.

• Participation at a high level of play at the varsity level of the sport.

• Students must have participated on the varsity team for the duration of the year.

• A coach may nominate no more than the number of students on a typical starting roster in the sport plus 3 players. For example, a basketball coach may nominate no more than 8 players (5 +3). This is the maximum number and coaches may choose fewer than this number if they deem appropriate.

Coaches are encouraged but not required to seek the input of the team when selecting their nominees to the awards committee.

The athletic director may also give input to the awards committee about the selections. All candidates will be evaluated and a final decision about nominees will be made by the awards committee.

Awards are earned in an individual sport by placing at the zone or state level or by breaking a school record in an event. The athletic director may also nominate candidates who have excelled in a particular sport for an award at his or her discretion.

All candidates will be evaluated and a final decision will be made by the awards committee. A general sports award pin signifies achievement in a non-traditional sport.

Service Award

Honor Roll Awards

Students merit an award in Academics by earning four honor roll points. Two points are earned for each semester on High Honor Roll. One point is earned for each semester on honor roll. Each subsequent 4 points will merit a star progressing from bronze to silver to gold.

Service awards are earned by completing 20 hours of service in a school year. An additional 20 hours of qualifying service in the same year will merit an additional star with the pin. Service award hours will not carry forward from one year to the next. A maximum of 60 hours (3 pins) per year will be recognized and the hours must be completed during the school calendar year.

Service is defined as work completed either for Dalat or for the community, for the benefit of others, that receives no remuneration. Work for class activities (for example JSB) or student government does not count toward this award. Neither do hours counted for the community service graduation requirement count toward this award.

Student & Parent Handbook • 29

Tracking student service hours will be done on the Service Award Record Sheet in the student agenda. When hours that qualify are served, the student will fill in the form and an adult sponsor will approve the hours with a signature. Signatures for the hours must be filled in no more than one week after the hours of merit are completed. If the hours are for a recurring service the hours must be signed off no later than one week after the completion of each quarter of school. At the end of the quarter, copies of the service sheet will be submitted to the administration office by a specified date for tallying and record keeping purposes.

Music Honors Award

Band and choir students may merit nomination for an award to the awards committee by being eligible to participate and perform in a regional honor band or choir. These students are chosen at the discretion of the high school band director or choir director.

Forensics

Students who participate in two or more events at a tournament and qualify for the semi-finals in an event are eligible for nomination for an award to the awards committee by the Forensics head coach

Yearbook

Students who complete the yearbook with a year of quality service in Journalism II are eligible for nomination for an award by the sponsor.

Drama

Students with a major role in the school play or a minor role in more than one play in a year are eligible for nomination to earn an award by the director.

Student Government

Students who participate productively in Junior or Senior class executive committee or as a Junior or Senior student government representative are eligible for nomination for an award by the sponsor.

Perfect Attendance

Students who do not miss any days of school in a school year merit nomination for this award.

The awards committee will also consider the number of tardies/non-participation marks when selecting award recipients.

English as a Second Language Honors

Similar to a course award, this award is to recognize one student each year that shows exceptional progress learning the English language and graduates from the ESL program. Nominees are submitted by the ESL coordinator.

Student & Parent Handbook • 30

National Honor Society

NHS Members merit an award upon their induction into the society. Note that these awards and recognition will be given in a separate awards ceremony.

In order to qualify for NHS, candidates must be in grades 1112, have a cumulative grade point average since grade 9 of 3.5 or above, and must average 3.0 on a scale of 0-5 when teaching staff and current NHS members are surveyed about them in each of the areas of service, leadership, and character. High school students in NHS are eligible for competitive scholarship exams.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

The valedictorian and salutatorian of the senior class are asked to give a speech at the commencement exercise. These students are excused from their second semester final exams to prepare these speeches. With assistance from the counselor, these students select an advisor who will guide them through the speech-writing process.

The valedictorian and salutatorian must have attended Dalat International School for at least two years during grade 9-12.

The valedictorian and salutatorian must have met the collegebound recommendation for graduation (found in Programs of Instruction Handbook). The class rank is determined by cumulative grade point average (see page 21). The valedictorian will have earned the highest cumulative grade point average among qualifying seniors. The salutatorian will have the second highest grade point average among qualifying seniors. This will be determined at the end of 3rd quarter of the senior year. Dalat International School reserves the right to disqualify a student due to discipline and/or academic dishonesty.

A tie may be declared for valedictorian and/or salutatorian if the difference between grade point averages is less than five ten-thousandths.

Scholarships Program

There are three scholarships awarded each year: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the Douglas Brokaw Memorial Scholarship (given to a graduate who believes God is leading him/her to pursue a career utilizing music).

Expectation of Personal Appearance Students are required to wear the school uniform during the school day.

Guidelines for Modesty, Neatness and Cleanliness

Dalat students are encouraged to send the best possible message with their dress and grooming standards. The following school definitions of modesty, neatness and cleanliness should be used as a guide for students and parents when they are determining the appropriateness of school uniform fit and the appropriateness of footwear.

Dalat students are expected to dress modestly and decently.

Students should dress so as to call attention to the total personality and inner beauty or strength rather than to any one part of the body.

Cleanliness is important for good health and appearance. Students are expected to keep themselves neat and well-groomed. Students show positive attitudes toward themselves and the school by looking good. Worn out, stained, frayed, or clothing with holes may not be worn to school.

A student’s uniform should fit his/her body, so that the student is adhering to the school’s guidelines of modesty, neatness and cleanliness. Boys are expected to wear their shorts and pants appropriately and all shorts and pants must be hemmed. If the student is asked to raise his shirt by a teacher or principal and his underwear/boxers show, a dress code violation may be given. Undergarments, midriff and back should remain covered at all times.

Footwear

Elementary students are required to wear shoes/sandals with a back strap or covered heel for playground safety. All other footwear is deemed acceptable as long as it meets the school’s codes of appropriateness, neatness, and cleanliness. Footwear must be worn at all times during the school day.

Jackets, Sweaters, and Cover-ups

Any article of clothing covering the standardized shirt should be solid navy blue or black. Dalat hoodie sweatshirts may be purchased in the Dalat Office or in the Uniform Room. The size of the brand insignia on the piece of clothing must be small enough to be covered by a one ringgit bill. The insignia must meet our standard of modesty and the article of clothing must meet the school’s standard of neatness and cleanliness. A coverup cannot be worn under or replace the standardized polo shirt.

Violations of Personal Appearance

Any student earning two dress code violations in a quarter will receive a detention. After the second violation each consecutive violation will result in a detention.

Hair Unusual hairstyles that involve designs, symbols, or words are considered inappropriate. Unusual hair tinting and highlighting or shaving of the head may only be done after prior discussion and with approval of the principal. Girls grade K-8 may wear bandanas over their hair if they are primarily navy blue or maroon in color.

For boys, hair is to be above the eyebrows, above the bottom of the ears, and no longer than the top of the collar. Hair should not be more than six inches in length and should appear neat and well-groomed, sideburns should be no longer than the bottom of the ears and the rest of the face should be cleanshaven.

A student who is requested to change his/her hair style or length will have three days to do so. After that the student will be awarded a detention (one for each day the student comes with hair that does not meet the hair code).

Elementary School Uniform Red Dalat T-shirt with navy blue Dalat shorts, skirt or skort.

Elementary PE Uniform Light blue Dalat PE shirt, uniform bottoms, and running shoes.

These regulations apply to every student every day of the school year except when otherwise approved by the principal. If it is not listed as permissible, students should assume it is not permitted. Students who violate the personal appearance code will be given a dress code violation and/or sent to the principal’s office for discipline.

Middle and High School Uniform Red or blue Dalat polo shirt with khaki Dalat shorts, skirt or pants.

In cases in which a dorm student violates the dress code, he/she may be asked to go back to the dorm (if arranged with dorm parents) and change into an appropriate uniform item. A day student will be given the option of purchasing a new uniform item or calling parents to bring an appropriate uniform item to school.

All Dalat uniforms may be purchased at the Dalat Office during regular business hours or in the Uniform Room at designated times prior to each semester.

Middle and High School PE Uniform Light blue Dalat PE shirt, dark blue or black athletic shorts, and athletic running shoes.

Student & Parent Handbook • 31

Hats

Banquet Dress

Hats may be worn between classes when students are outside of school buildings. Hats may also be worn on school field trips as allowed by the individual teacher. Hats may not be worn in the Chapel.

Banquets are exceptions to normal dress code. The basic principles of modesty, neatness, and cleanliness are always applicable; but what is appropriate at a banquet might be different from what is appropriate at other times. Jeans, shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, or other casual attire is not acceptable at banquets.

Other Guidelines Several specific rules have been identified to assist students and their parents: • Skirts and shorts must be tailored to within three inches of the top of the student’s knee.

• During the school day, visible body piercing is not allowed with the exception of pierced ears for girls. Outside of the school day, boys may not wear earrings to school functions such as sports games and tournaments, concerts, field trips, graduation services and other school-sponsored activities.

• Tattoos are not to be visible during school activities.

• Boys are not to wear make-up.

After School Dress and Extended School Trips Students should not have the appearance of being in a gang and should not wear gang paraphernalia or clothing associated with gang activity.

• Students are not permitted to wear articles of clothing or jewelry that carry motifs advertising or promoting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sexually suggestive or obscene language or any other message that conflicts with the Dalat International School ethos.

• Girl’s tops must have straps. Dresses and tops are not to show cleavage. Girls’ tops and pants may not be tight-fitting.

• Undergarments must be worn.

• Swimming attire: Boys should wear proper swimwear with lining (no speedos). Girls should wear modest bathing suits that cover the midriff.

• Girls may wear single-stud nose rings.

Student & Parent Handbook • 32

For boys, the key issue is appropriateness. This is a “dress up” occasion which warrants shirt, tie, dress pants, and dress shoes or, possibly, culturally appropriate options.

For girls, appropriateness and modesty are the key issues.

Although modesty doesn’t change, appropriateness does change depending on the banquet. Please follow these guidelines when choosing what to wear to non-JSB banquets: • Gowns (dresses, outfits) must have straps.

• Gowns must have backs that come to at least bra height.

• Gowns must not be see-through or expose any area of the abdomen (no undergarments should be seen).

• The length of the gown must be floor length to no more than 3 inches above the knee.

For the JSB, the girls’ dress code may vary in two ways: • Gowns don’t have to have straps; but if the dress is designed with a strap, the strap must be worn.

• Gowns can be backless; but the back must be covered at least up to the waist (belly button height for most).

During rainy season . . .

An umbrella, marked with the student’s name, should be brought to school each day as students will be walking to and from classrooms and to the dining hall.

JSB Definition: Junior Senior Banquet (JSB) is the major high school event of the year held in the fourth quarter. It is a dinner where the Junior Class honors the Senior Class. All grade 10, 11 and 12 students and Dalat staff are invited to attend. JSB is closed to all other parties.

Expectations of Personal Conduct

Use of Language

School Jurisdiction

Property of Others

Students, while under school jurisdiction, are required to comply with the regulations of the school listed in the Student and Parent Handbook and submit to the authority of staff members.

Failure to do so is sufficient cause for suspension or expulsion from school.

Direct Jurisdiction

Direct jurisdiction includes all aspects of school supervised activities and programs. This includes all on campus events and off campus school-sponsored programs (field trips, sports tournaments, games, and all extra-curricular activities). All school policies and guidelines are applicable when students are under direct jurisdiction. Administration may choose any number of disciplinary actions, depending on the seriousness of the infraction, including suspension and/or expulsion.

General Jurisdiction

Dorm students are under the direct jurisdiction of the school from the time they arrive for the semester until they leave at the end of the semester. Exception for this would be if they leave the school for a break to return home to their parents. If parents are at Dalat for a visit, dorm students remain under the jurisdiction of the school. Dorm students are expected to remove themselves from a situation where day students are in violation of the Student and Parent Handbook policies as quickly as possible.

Day students are expected to uphold the standards set by Dalat in all aspects of behavior after school hours and outside of direct Dalat jurisdiction. When day students are with Dalat dorm students, they are under direct jurisdiction of the school and must abide by the same policies as the dorm students. In cases where a day student has violated a school rule but is not in the presence of dorm students (or direct supervision by the school), Dalat will contact the parents of student(s) involved in these situations and will ask the parent to take appropriate action.

This does not preclude Dalat International School also taking action in serious offenses.

Respect

Acceptable personal conduct involves showing proper respect toward others. This is especially true in an international school with a mixture of races, languages, age and gender.

Swearing or vulgar expressions in English or any other language will not be permitted.

Sexual Disrespect

Any sexually disrespectful behaviour will be handled as a violation of the Personal Protection Policy.

Not being respectful towards property owned by the school, teachers or other students, including theft and vandalism will not be tolerated.

Staff Authority

All staff, whether teachers, dorm parents, or national staff, should be treated with utmost respect by students.

Violations of Personal Conduct Alcohol and Tobacco The possession and/or consumption of any beverage containing alcohol is prohibited for all students while under the direct jurisdiction of Dalat International School. Students are to refrain from any use of tobacco (smoking, chewing, etc.) while under the direct jurisdiction of Dalat International School. Any student in possession of or who consumes an alcoholic or tobacco product while on campus or under the direct jurisdiction of the school will be suspended or expelled from Dalat International School.

Drugs Drugs are illegal in Malaysia. You should be aware that drug laws in Malaysia are much more strict than in other places in the world.

Any student found to be in possession of any drug deemed illegal in Malaysia will be expelled from Dalat International School.

Fireworks Fireworks are illegal in Malaysia regardless of where they are purchased. Students are to refrain from using fireworks, fire bombs, and/or other harmful and aggressive uses of fire on and off campus. Students should not be in possession of a lighter while on the Dalat campus.

Any student found to be in possession of any fireworks deemed illegal in Malaysia, while on the Dalat campus or at a Dalat International School function, will be suspended from school.

The duration of the suspension will be determined by the administration and will be based on the seriousness of the infraction. This does not exempt the possibility of expulsion. A repeat offense will lead to expulsion.

Student & Parent Handbook • 33

Bullying Dalat International School believes that every student is entitled to an environment that is safe, healthy, secure, and conducive to learning; with this in mind, DIS is obligated to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect among students. Bullying is defined as: behavior by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. This behavior can be social, psychological, verbal, or physical in nature. It can be carried out in the forms of, but are not limited to: teasing, threatening, intimidating, stalking, physical violence, harassment (sexual, religious, or racial), public humiliation, destruction of property, social exclusion, and/or rumor spreading. The behavior stated above undermines the atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation expected from our students. This type of behavior is considered a serious offense which will not be tolerated and appropriate discipline will be prescribed.

Weapons Offensive weapons (weapons used or designed to attack, harm, or kill) are illegal in Malaysia. Any student using an object in a threatening manner while on the Dalat campus or at a Dalat International School function will be, at the least, suspended from Dalat International School for the remainder of that semester, but to include at least one complete quarter. This does not exempt the possibility of expulsion. A repeat offense will lead to expulsion.

Any student found to be in possession of any weapon considered an offensive weapon deemed illegal in Malaysia will be expelled from Dalat International School.

Firearms Firearms (defined as any “barreled weapon of any description from which a shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged”) are illegal in Malaysia. This includes air rifles, air guns, and air pistols. Even the possession of a non-working gun that “looks” real is illegal.

Any student found to be in possession of any weapon considered a firearm deemed illegal in Malaysia will be expelled from Dalat International School.

Physical Violence / Fighting Students are expected to treat one another with respect. Physical violence of any kind will not be tolerated and appropriate discipline will be prescribed. Students and teachers are encouraged to report cases of physical violence to the principal.

Gangs Gang involvement of any form will not be tolerated. A student who becomes an active member of a local gang faces expulsion from Dalat International School. Students should not have the appearance of being in a gang and should not wear bandanas, gang paraphernalia, or clothing associated with gang activity.

Vandalism All forms of vandalism are destructive to the Dalat International School community. For that reason Dalat categorizes vandalism as a serious offense and will discipline students accordingly.

Any student involved in vandalism will be brought before the school administration for discipline. Depending on the severity of the vandalism the student and their parents will be financially responsible to fix or replace the damaged property.

Dating Dalat International School encourages wholesome relationships between boys and girls. Public displays of affection, including handholding during school hours, are not allowed.

Student & Parent Handbook • 34

Day students are expected to follow these residence life social guidelines when dating dorm students: • Only high school dorm students are permitted to be involved in dating relationships. Eighth graders and under are not to be, or appear to be, couples.

• Dating couples may socialize on campus in the following approved areas: dorm lounges, the Student Center, the seaside seats, and the lawn and court areas within the outer perimeter of the road. Lower campus and all classroom and office areas are off limits. Couples may not be alone together in non-public places on campus, or go off campus together without a group.

• The only appropriate physical expression in dating relationships at Dalat is holding hands.

• Dorm students who want to be involved in a dating relationship need to discuss their plans with their dorm parents. If a male student wants to date a dorm girl, he needs to ask permission from her dorm dad.

Dating The only appropriate physical expression in dating relationships at Dalat is holding hands after school hours.

Child Abuse or Neglect Child abuse includes physical, emotional, mental or sexual harm, neglect or abuse from those who are responsible for immediate care of a child, including parents, guardians, relatives or other adults. Dalat International School is aware of its responsibility to provide personal safety for all students. Every staff member has the responsibility to report any suspected child abuse, whether verbal or written, to the principals, school counselors, residence supervisor and/or the director.

Personal Protection Policy

Dalat International School places a high value on children and strives to provide a safe learning environment. The school is committed to protecting the social, spiritual, moral, emotional, physical and mental health of the campus. The Personal Protection Policy and Procedures serve the purpose of creating an environment which safeguards students and staff from abuse and harassment. The school also seeks to protect the students and staff from allegations of the same.

Dalat is committed to maintaining an academic and boarding environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect, and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, harassment and abuse. All forms of abuse and harassment including staff to student, student to student, nonstaff adult to student, parent to child, and adult to adult is prohibited and will be investigated and appropriately addressed.

Dalat International School is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Expatriate or national staff members who violate this policy may be subject to immediate termination or other disciplinary action as determined by the school. Any student who violates this policy may be subject to expulsion or other disciplinary action at the discretion of the school. If the school learns of an abusive situation in the home of a student, attempts will be made to protect the student. The administration reserves the right to inform appropriate authorities.

Definitions Harassment is generally defined as non-accidental, inappropriate, immoral, and/or unethical behavior that results in the dishonour, mistreatment or neglect of another person. Although inappropriate actions may be non-intentional, they will be judged according to the perception of the other person.

Abuse is generally defined as non-accidental, inappropriate, immoral, and/or unethical behavior where there is a basis of trust and a difference of power based on age, physical, intellectual or emotional capacity.

The legal definition of abuse refers to actions against individuals under the age of 18. Should both parties be under the age of 18, factors considered in evaluating whether abuse has occurred include differences in responsibility, trust, power, development, awareness and understanding, coercion, and threats, whether implied or verbal.

Harassment may be…

Verbal Written Visual Physical Discrimination Sexual

Abuse may include…

Neglect Physical abuse Emotional abuse Sexual abuse

Inappropriate physical contact may include, but is not limited to, the following: • Extended hugging or prolonged physical contact, • Touching another person in any area that would be covered by a bathing suit, • Holding and blocking/impeding, • Violence or physical harm.

Harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following: • Verbal/Written: Mocking, slander, gossip, ostracizing; making or using sexual jokes or comments; derogatory or provocative comments, letters, notes, invitations; inappropriate verbal or written commentaries; hostile or degrading words used to describe an individual, written inappropriate material including emails, IM’s, hand phone calls and SMS’s, blogs, websites, etc.

• Visual: sexual, obscene or degrading material; displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, posters; posting visually inappropriate material including emails, IM’s, hand phone SMS’s, blogs, websites, etc.

• Physical: leering, impeding or blocking movements; physical conduct such as unwanted or inappropriate touching; acts of intimidation; physical violence; bullying and/or assault.

• Discrimination: epithets; slurs; negative stereotyping, threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, national origin, age or gender.

• Sexual: deliberate and unwanted sexual gestures or advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexually suggestive or intimidating nature, cross gender or same gender, which creates a hostile environment.

Signs of inappropriate emotional relationships may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Co-dependency or enmeshment of either party, • Exclusive relationships between students that adversely affect their other relationships and responsibilities, • Emotional attachment between staff and student in which the lines of authority are blurred, • Threatening self harm or harm to another, either emotionally or physically, • Inability by a staff member to reason clearly, provide wise counsel and accountability and/or navigate disciplinary decisions that affect the student.

Abuse may include, but is not limited to, the following: • Neglect: Failure, refusal or inability on the part of a student’s caretaker to provide adequate physical and emotional care, medical attention, appropriate supervision and a safe environment.

• Physical Abuse: Non-accidental physical injury to a person which is not the result of reasonable and appropriate discipline.

Physical abuse includes hazing, bullying, assault and fighting.

• Emotional Abuse: Threatening, intimidating, humiliating and/or rejecting another person or creating a hostile or negative environment.

• Sexual abuse: non-consensual sexual activity that may include physical or non-physical conduct, sexual coaxing or propositions, indecent exposure, use of pornographic material, voyeurism, all forms of violent and non-violent molestation or assault, and any sexual activity in which the student does not fully comprehend, or that violates the laws or social taboos of society.

• Any violation that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be inappropriate.

Student Education The counseling department in cooperation with school administration will provide resources that educate students and parents in the prevention, recognition and reporting of harassment and abuse and enhance awareness of the school’s personal protection policies and procedures. Parents may be asked to sign documentation indicating that they have reviewed the materials with their children.

Historical Information When a student reveals historical information of an abusive nature to a school staff member, the student will be encouraged to share the information with parents. In the even the student is unable or unwilling to talk to parents, the staff member, advocate or school administrator will communicate the information to parents with the student’s knowledge. The student will be referred to a counselor. In certain cases counseling may be required.

Advocacy Network The purpose of the advocacy network is to: • Promote protection and care for Dalat students, • Provide objective, trained and trusted adults to whom students may go to express and process sensitive concerns or issues, • Provide an extra measure of accountability to the school staff, • Provide representation for parents of boarding students in a time of difficulty or crisis, • Enhance the responsibility and objectivity of the school administration in investigating and addressing all reports of harassment and abuse.

Student & Parent Handbook • 35

Communication Dalat is committed to sensitive communication with involved and affected parties in the case of alleged harassment or abuse.

• Parents, guardians and students will be informed that reports will be investigated immediately and thoroughly.

• Parents and/or guardians will be notified as soon as possible if their child is an alleged victim or offender of a violation of the personal protection policy.

• During the investigation process, at least two notices will be given to the alleged offender: an initial notice regarding the allegations and an outcome notice.

• Throughout the investigative process, school staff will be informed of necessary details to continue with normal functioning of the school.

• If a student or staff member of a mission organization has been the victim or perpetrator of a significant violation of the personal protection policy, the regional director of their mission will be informed.

The role of an advocate is to serve as an objective listener. They will assist and support students in reporting and processing sensitive issues and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect their safety. The advocate will not investigate reports or administer discipline. The advocate is the representative voice for students or parents who are not able to be present. Adults may also request the support of a school-appointed advocate.

The system for contacting the school-appointed advocates will be made known to all members of the boarding and school community.

Students who feel they have been subjected to harassment or abuse, or who observe conduct of a harassing or abusive nature (whether by a staff member, another student, a non-staff adult or a sibling, parent, a visitor, or any other person) are encouraged to promptly report the matter to a school-appointed advocate or a Dalat staff member.

In an alleged harassment or abuse investigation, students may request an advocate or staff member to accompany them to meetings. If students do not request an advocate, one will be assigned by administration to both the alleged victim and the alleged offender. Parents may decline in writing if they do not wish their assigned advocate to be included in meetings. The letter will be stored in the case file.

Reporting In cases where a violation of the personal protection policy is suspected, an individual may go through any of the following channels for reporting: • Communicate with a school-appointed advocate through the following email address: hotline@dalat.org.

• Complete a Personal Protection Policy Reporting Form available online or in the school office. The form may be given directly or sent electronically to an advocate, school counselor or administrator.

• Speak directly to a school-appointed advocate, school counselor or administrator.

When an individual in the school community is reasonably suspicious, observes or receives an allegation of a significant violation of the personal protection policy, or has knowledge which gives reason to suspect harm, they must make an initial report to the school-appointed advocate or director without taking any other action or doing any preliminary investigation.

Student & Parent Handbook • 36

Processing Reports • Because of the value we place on children and the importance we place on the care and protection of our students, Dalat will pursue and investigate all allegations, even if the victim does not personally want the allegations investigated.

• The school reserves the right to fully investigate every complaint, conduct investigations, take such steps as it feels are necessary to remedy the situation, and to notify appropriate humanitarian organizations, government officials or/and mission agencies as circumstances warrant.

• Dalat will strive to apply the policy and procedures listed herein as consistently and respectfully as possible. However, this policy is not intended to constitute an expressed or implied contract or other legally enforceable promise or right that binds or commits Dalat to follow specific procedures in every circumstance.

No Recourse for Honest but Inaccurate Reporting If a report of harassment is mistaken or inaccurate, but was made in good faith, the person making the report will not be subject to any form of disciplinary action for having made the report. It is sometimes difficult to know whether a particular behavior or conduct is harassment. Students having questions about whether they have observed or experienced harassment, whether they should submit a report, or about any part of this policy, are encouraged to speak with a guidance counselor or advocate.

Support and Counseling The school may require professional counseling of people involved in serious violations of the personal protection policy. This may be a prerequisite for re-enrollment, continued enrollment, or employment. Pastoral support may be offered to those involved in the case, including the persons who reported the case and community members who are directly affected by the situation.

Confidentiality Dalat will seek to maintain confidentiality in the review and investigation of harassment and abuse reports, so far as maintaining confidentiality is not inconsistent with investigating the alleged violation, eliminating any harassment or abuse found to have occurred, or preventing future violations.

If a staff member, student or family forces a public disclosure of the case details, the school may be forced to publicly defend its decision.

Digital Citizenship Policy Philosophy

At Dalat International School, we believe that technology is a tool that can enhance education. Our Educational Technology program aims to prepare students for the challenges of today’s information driven world. We believe that students need to learn not only to be proficient and responsible with technology but also to be wise and discerning.

Dalat invests heavily in technology so that students, teachers, and staff have the latest tools to support the educational and the administrative functions of the school. We expect our students to be faithful stewards of the school's Ed Tech resources and to use them in ways that benefit the learning experience for themselves and for others.

User Expectations

There will be times when you will need to make ethical decisions related to your use of technology. The expectations below are meant to help you make good choices when you face these issues. The list below is not intended to include all acceptable and unacceptable uses but rather to give you some common sense guidelines. If you are not sure if something is acceptable, you should first ask a staff member.

• You demonstrate proper care and stewardship of the school’s technology resources.

• You acknowledge that the use of school technology is a privilege and it is to be used primarily for educational purposes.

• You use technology during academic class time exclusively for school related work. You don’t assume that any personal activities such as listening to music are allowed unless you have specifically asked the teacher for permission.

• You understand that computers are an extension of the classroom and are monitored by teachers and administrators.

You don’t assume that anything you do on a computer is done in secret.

• You recognize that different times of the day have different expectations of use. Some activities that may be allowed after school, during a study hall, or at lunchtime are not appropriate or in an online class. You make sure you are aware of what the expectations are in each situation. You remember that personal music players/phones are not allowed during any part of the school day.

• You take care of the technology in a way that prevents physical damage by handling items carefully and keeping food and drink out of the computer labs.

• You protect the security of the school network by not spreading viruses, installing programs, or trying to hack the school’s servers. If you discover a security issue on the school network, you immediately report it to the Ed Tech staff.

• You show appropriate conduct when interacting with others online. Because you recognize that you represent Dalat and the values that we believe in, you only use appropriate language, pictures, music, videos, etc. You do not use technology to bully, harass, or demean others even in jest.

You know that cyber-bullying is being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms of social cruelty using the Internet or other digital technologies and is never appropriate.

• You do not forward email messages that are forwarded to you. These “chain letters” are often hoaxes that spread because people forward them without checking if they are true. Doing so shows honor to others by not wasting their time with your junk mail.

• You show discretion in accessing online resources. You do not attempt to access sites that promote violence, obscenity, pornography or illegal activities. You avoid sites and media that are crude, vulgar, or offensive to others.

• You remember that what you do online is public and permanent. You don’t post personal information such as your home address or phone number or put anything online that you don’t want your mom or a future employer to see.

• You honor the copyright of materials and always give credit to sources of information including software, images, music, and video.

• You support community by taking responsibility for the safety of others. You help each other stay accountable by not covering up if you observe someone breaking school policy.

• You protect your privacy and that of others. You take responsibility for the security of your account and choose a password to protect it from unauthorized use. You do not try to observe or guess other users’ passwords.

• You are honest about your identity on the school network.

You don’t use another person’s account, even if they give you permission to do so. You don’t allow anyone else to use your account by sharing your password with them.

• You take responsibility for making backups of your files.

• You use limited technology resources responsibly. This includes bandwidth, file storage, printing and computer usage.

• You follow school policies and Malaysian laws when using technology resources. You review the school’s online policy and procedures that are updated continually.

• You follow the same guidelines when using your personal electronic devices on campus as when using the school’s technology resources. You recognize that you can face the same consequences for inappropriate use of personal computers or electronic devices as of school computers.

• You manage your computer free time and find a balance between school work, family life, social life, and exercise.

Student & Parent Handbook • 37

Personal Use Although the primary aim of the Ed Tech program is to enhance learning, we recognize that the resources may also be used for non-educational purposes. This privilege is granted outside of class time with the understanding that the use is appropriate and falls within the guidelines described above.

Consequences Choices have consequences. In some cases violation of school standards may also involve breaking of Malaysian law. If you willfully choose not to abide by the expectations listed above, you could face any or a combination of the following consequences: • A verbal or written warning • A letter to your parents • Restriction of your technology privileges • Detention • General Probation • Referral to a school counselor • Financial restitution to the school • Suspension or expulsion from school • Involvement of legal authorities

Limitations and Understandings • Administration may restrict access to any online activity or website that becomes a distraction from learning and may monitor and record user activities without notice. The school tracks all Internet access through its network • The school takes reasonable measures to block access to objectionable material on the Internet but neither assumes responsibility for nor endorses the content of Internet resources unrelated to the school.

• The administration reserves all rights to suspend accounts or access to resources at any time.

• The Digital Citizenship Policy is a policy guide to assist users and school administration in determining acceptable use.

Administration reserves all rights to change the policy at any time as deemed appropriate.

Social Networking/Blogs The use of online blogs by students is increasing. Students should understand that blogs are not private and are available for anyone to read. If the school is informed of a student blog that contains vulgar or sexually explicit language, derogatory comments, lewd or disrespectful conversation, the parents will be notified and sent a copy of the blog entries. Students breaking any Acceptable Use Policy and or the Personal Protection Policy in their blog will face consequences specified in those policies.

Technology Vision Statement: “Technology at Dalat International School is used to support and encourage the best possible learning environment for preparing students to function effectively as God’s people in our technologically evolving world.”

While pictures of Dalat students will frequently appear on the Dalat website, they are not identified by name.

Student & Parent Handbook • 38

Student Discipline All students have the right to a safe, positive and orderly environment. All students are expected to show respect for staff, classmates and school proper ty. Each classroom teacher develops his/her own policy on discipline that is consistent with school standards and expectations. The classroom teacher is the primary disciplinarian. If undesirable behavior persists after warnings from a teacher, the student is sent to the principal. If students do not adhere to their responsibilities, one or more of the following consequences may occur: Warning: Verbal or written communication to the student(s) and parents regarding responsibilities not met. Teachers may also initiate their own punishment such as after-school detention, in class discipline, and/or sending the student to the principal’s office.

Detention: Middle school students will serve time after school hours, with students and parents being informed at least a day in advance, in order to arrange transportation; high school students will serve Saturday morning work detail.

In high school, a detention for misbehavior or accumulated tardies will be served Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The student should be at the Student Center no later than 7:50 am Any student arriving after 8:15 am will be given a second detention to be served the following Saturday. Any student arriving after 8:30 am will be sent home and have to repeat their detentions on consecutive Saturdays.

During detention the student will be involved in work related activities around the school campus. This work may include activities such as raking leaves, painting, picking up trash, etc.

Students should come to detention in clothes and shoes that will permit them to be involved in work projects and not wear flip-flops.

If the student does not attend the chosen or assigned date, they will receive a second detention to be served together in a four hour block the following Saturday or on consecutive Saturdays depending on the principal’s discretion. Parents/dorm parents of a student given detention will be notified by e-mail, letter, or by phone.

A parent/dorm parent may request to have an assigned detention rescheduled if the detention to be served conflicts with an important family/dorm activity (e.g. junior work day, SAT test, dorm outing). The request to the principal should be done early enough so arrangements can be made.

High School Detention Saturdays, 8 am to 10 am

In-school Suspension (assigned by the principal or director): The student will be assigned work duties throughout the school day. Students serving an in-school suspension will avoid contact with classmates and eat lunch at an alternate time. Students should dress appropriately for work and in accordance with Dalat policy. Any work missed during the suspension can be made up but must be completed within the same number of days for the suspension (two day suspension = two days to make up the work). Any student who has been suspended may not participate in extra-curricular activities during the suspension.

General Probation (assigned by the director): • A student is subject to suspension/expulsion unless improvement is made (this is not meant to exclude the possibility of continued probation).

• A review date should be set at the time the discipline is administered.

• Specific improvements expected should be clearly established and counseling goals communicated to the counseling department.

• The student should meet regularly with the school assigned counselor to discuss the student’s progress. Frequency and amount of time will be recommended by the counseling department. Cases of general probation of a less serious nature may be assigned an advisor who will meet with the student for regular check-ups. An advisor can be any staff member who is determined to have a good working relationship with the student.

• The student is not allowed on any over-night school sponsored field trips and loses senior privileges.

• A student may also be “de-campused” as part of a discipline.

This means the student may not be on campus before the start of school and must leave school within ten minutes of the last class.

Middle School Detention School days after school

Student & Parent Handbook • 39

Athletic Probation

Out-of-School Suspension

(assigned by the principal): A student who does not adhere to Dalat’s athletic code and sportsmanship policy may face discipline and/or be placed on athletic probation. Athletic probation holds the student to an even higher standard of sportsmanship and any behavior not in accordance with that could result in the student not being allowed to participate in athletics for the rest of the quarter, semester, or year. One or more of the following may be included in the athletic probation requirements: • The development of a personal guideline of acceptable sportsmanship behavior which might include the athlete crafting their own “philosophy of sports.” This can be done with the help of appropriate adults and then submitted to the Athletic Director.

• The athlete will meet regularly with a designated advisor/coach to discuss progress as well as developing a set of steps for the athlete to manage their behavior in the athletic arena.

• Periodic review dates are set to see how the athlete is doing and to make any necessary modifications to the probation.

(assigned by principal, residence supervisor, director): •

• •

The student is not to attend classes or come on the Dalat campus for a specified amount of time. Make-up work may or may not be allowed. This should be clearly stated at the time discipline is administered.

Any student who has been suspended may not participate in extra-curricular activities during the suspension.

Conditions for reinstatement and continuance should be clearly stated at the time the discipline is administered.

School Recommended Withdrawal The director may allow a student to withdraw from school rather than being expelled if circumstances so justify.

Expulsion The student is not allowed to continue at Dalat International School.

Dalat reserves the right to indicate disciplinary action on a student’s transcript. When appropriate, the Dalat administration will communicate student suspensions, probation, or expulsion to the faculty and staff.

Student & Parent Handbook • 40

Communication Between Home and School One of the single most important factors in the success of our school is the communication between parents and the school.

The following are ways you can keep posted on your child’s classroom activities and our school program: Elementary Class Newsletters - These come on a regular basis according to the activities of the class. These letters keep you informed about present topics of study, upcoming events, and ideas teachers want to share with you.

Elementary Student Work Folders - The student folders will be sent daily or weekly according to teacher discretion. These folders should be reviewed and signed by you. This communication will allow you to regularly see your child’s efforts and performance from week to week.

Middle School Agendas - Students in the middle school are required to keep agendas which are used to help students build responsibility in completing assignments, to communicate to parents the work assigned, and to help teachers monitor the amount of work given. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s agenda daily. Students are expected to bring their agendas to class daily and will be marked tardy to class if they do not or do not fill it out.

E-mail - Important school updates, including information on scheduling, progress reports and college entrance information will be sent via email. Please make sure the school has updated contact information so that you can receive this information.

Daily Bulletin - The Daily Bulletin is produced every week day for students, staff, and parents and is available through the school’s Intranet.

Dalat News - This weekly newsletter will inform you of upcoming events, news about life on campus, opportunities for parent involvement, and school-wide programs. It is sent home via email. It is an important communication to parents.

Direct access to PowerSchool is available at : http://ps.dalat.org/ Forgot or lost your PowerSchool username or password?

Contact the office at info@dalat.org.

Complaints and Grievances Complaints and grievances which are related to teaching and the classroom should be handled first by speaking directly to the classroom teacher. Once communication has been established and resolution is not satisfactorily reached, the parent may contact the principal. Issues related to social and emotional wellbeing can be directed to the counselor. Questions related to tuition should be directed to personnel in the finance office.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Conferences are held with parents of each child in middle school and high school during the first semester. Preschool and elementary conferences will take place during the first and third quarters. Parents may request a conference with a teacher at any time. Please contact the teacher via e-mail, in writing or by calling the school office to request and arrange a meeting time.

New Parent Orientation At the beginning of each semester, the school administrators host New Parent Orientation for new school families in the community. A boarding parent orientation is hosted in the afternoon by the residence supervisors. Parents are encouraged to attend this informal event, seek to answer any questions they may have, and become better acquainted with the school.

Read Dalat News Every Friday!

Dalat website: www.dalat.org

Dalat Website - The school website is updated frequently and regularly to keep you informed of activities, events, and ongoing services. Log on to http://www.dalat.org.

Communication of Grades

In grades 5-12, student grades are recorded by teachers in PowerSchool, the administrative computer program for the school. Progress reports will be completed by teachers at the midway point of each quarter. These reports will be available on PowerSchool but will not be sent home in hard copy. Report cards are issued at the end of every quarter and are mailed to parents. Parents have the opportunity and responsibility to check their children’s progress throughout the year by using the PowerSchool system. A user name and password will be provided for each student at the beginning of the year.

Student & Parent Handbook • 41

New Parent Breakfast

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

About one week after the beginning of each semester, the school administrators host a New Parent Breakfast. This gives new parents the opportunity to ask questions they may have after their children have started school and an opportunity for more orientation about our school and to spend time with school administrators.

Participation in Dalat’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is open to all parents and staff. The PTO organizes school and community activities throughout the year. Contact the office for details on time and location of PTO meetings.

Open House At the beginning of the school year parents are invited and encouraged to attend the Open House. Parents are given the opportunity to visit classrooms, visit with teachers, learn about the curriculum and instruction, and experience other important aspects of school life.

Classroom Visitation Parent visitations to the classroom are welcome. Please keep the following in mind: • Pre-arrange the times of your visit with the classroom teacher in order to avoid disruptions of lessons. It usually benefits your child to inform them of the time when you will be in the classroom.

• Remember that the teacher will not be able to visit with you during class time.

• Do not bring small children into the classroom with you. Try to make prior arrangements for their care.

• Feel free to get involved in and help with classroom activities, as the teacher directs.

• Knowing that an additional person’s presence in the classroom does affect the normal routine and atmosphere, please limit your visit to no more than two hours per visit at the elementary level.

Parents of boarding students, please allow time to arrange a conference with the teacher during your stay. We appreciate feedback and any opportunity to discuss your child and their needs.

PTO stands For Parent Teacher Organization. Its purpose is to build cooperation between the school and parents.

Parent Volunteers We believe that parents in our community have a great deal to offer in complementing the work that we do with students.

Parents are encouraged to contact individual teachers or the principal to volunteer in their areas of expertise. Parents are also encouraged to help with lunch/playground supervision, to act as a room parent, and to help supervise field trips.

Information Boards Information bulletin boards are located in various locations around campus. Elementary student work is displayed on the board in the elementary wing. Parents are invited to stop by and take a look regularly as a different class will be featured each week. Middle school events and activities are posted in the middle school area and high school information and announcements are posted on the side wall of the student center building. Students must have staff approval before posting anything on these boards or around campus.

Publications The English 12 class produces the school newspaper, the Eagle’s Eye, every quarter. The high school journalism class produces the yearbook, the Reflector, annually.

Eagle’s Eye You can read and download current and past Eagle’s Eye publications at http://www.dalat.org/eagleseye.html.

Student & Parent Handbook • 42

Student Services

Special Services

The Special Services program provides educational supports to students with mild to moderate learning difficulties, from elementary to high school grades during school hours. The program is established on the basic belief that every student with learning needs has the same opportunity to receiving a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. Dalat International School’s Special Services department aims at making the curriculum accessible to students by using good teaching strategies, accommodations and modifications of content area, according to individual needs. A range of services such as educational and behavioral assessments, classroom observations, individual educational plans, individual or small group instruction, class-based support, remedial teaching, homework assistance as well as consultative advice and support to classroom teachers and parents can be provided. These services are provided by the Special Services teachers who work in close partnership with the staff and parents, to help these students reach their full potential and experience success in their learning.

Tutoring by Students

In a few cases, students may need reinforcement in certain areas beyond what can be covered in class or in after-school sessions with the teacher. In these cases, teachers may suggest to the principal or counselor that a high school student tutor would be beneficial. All such recommendations must go through the principal and guidance office and are coordinated by the Learning Lab Coordinator.

Students with a determined need will be referred to the tutoring coordinator who will attempt to match the student with an available high school student tutor.

Guidance and Counseling To meet the academic, emotional, spiritual and social needs of students, Dalat International School is equipped with a Student Family Resource Center. Staff includes a spiritual life director, high school/college counselor, middle school counselor, and an elementary counselor and are available to work with students and their families in assessment and psychological counseling.

In addition to individual counseling, group guidance sessions are provided on a variety of topics including new student groups, preparing for departure, college and career guidance, decisionmaking, personal safety, and academic scheduling. The Student Family Resource Center has a library for parents and students and a college guidance center with catalogs, test study guides, and information on finances. The guidance office provides resources via the school's website and has a number of publications available to students and parents. Special workshops are provided to assist students in the college and career process and in preparation to leave high school.

To help students achieve academic and life success, counselors work collaboratively with the professional staff of the school.

Consulting services are available to parents who want additional nformation and support concerning their children.

Parent Discussion Groups are held throughout the year to help parents with real-life issues. These discussion groups are announced through the Dalat News and in Friday Folders.

When payment for tutoring is expected and agreed upon, payments must be made at the finance office and not directly with the student. There may be cases in which a student tutor provides tutoring for no charge and chooses to apply for service points in lieu of pay. Service points may be earned for tutoring in core courses only. The standard for high school student tutors is as follows: high school student RM 10 per hour, RM 5 per half hour. Parents may direct questions and concerns to the tutoring coordinator and/or principal.

To avoid a position of conflict of interest for teachers at Dalat International School, teachers may not tutor students for pay or gifts given in lieu of pay.

Non-staff and non-students may not provide tutoring on campus.

Dalat International School does not make arrangements with off-campus tutors. However, if you need information on tutors in the area, please contact the tutoring coordinator who may provide you with contact information. Dalat International School does not supervise or guarantee the quality of instruction given by off-campus tutors.

Health Services

A registered nurse is employed by the school to provide limited services to students in need of medical attention. If medication needs to be administered during the school day, an authorization card should be completed (cards are available in the Health Center). Height and weight measurements, blood pressure check and an eye exam will be conducted yearly by the nurse for students in grades K-4. The nurse is on duty from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. If the nurse is not in the Health Center, please go to the school office. The nurse is on call for emergencies at all times.

Student & Parent Handbook • 43

Technology Department The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum at Dalat International School provides a broad perspective on the nature of technology, how to use and apply a variety of technologies, and the impact of ICT on self and society. Students in grades K-12 will be encouraged to grapple with the complexities, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of technologies in our lives and workplaces. The ICT curriculum is not intended to stand alone, but rather to be infused within core courses and programs.

Library Dalat International School values its library program. The library was completely renovated during the 2009-2010 school year to provide an improved facility for our community; students, staff, national staff and parents are welcomed equally. Some highlights of the renovation include: adding a projection system, new computers, the Wall of Honor and a beautiful stained glass window, a gift to Dalat from the Class of 2010.

We love traditional print books and have a collection of over 20,000 physical items. Dalat’s online public access catalog is called Web Safari, and is searchable from school or home. Please ask the librarian for your log-in user ID and password. The library is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm on regular school days.

Every contemporary library must embrace the digital world as it provides efficient access to information found online. To ensure that our patrons have access to quality information, Dalat subscribes to these digital resources: EBSCO databases, Britannica Encyclopedia online and Discovery Education. (For passwords to access these from home please see the librarian.)

The elementary library was moved from the main library to the elementary wing (Room 35) over the summer of 2009. It is now called the “Media Center”. An electronic white board was added with a projection system to enhance teaching and learning.

Computer and library lessons are taught once per grade each week. Please refer to the Media Center calendar for hours of operations and open times for parents to visit.

Please request a library handbook for more detailed information regarding library use and policies.

Student & Parent Handbook • 44

Distance Learning Resource Center (DLRC) The DLRC provides support for the ongoing education of children, whether as home schooling students or as on-campus students.

The DLRC is an on-campus center where parents may access information and materials about curricula, teaching helps, texts, and colleges.

Parents may also access distance education classes, testing services, library materials, as well as record keeping assistance.

DLRC member families may have access to part-time attendance in Dalat classes (usually art, computer, music, PE).

The DLRC is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on school days. The center staff may also be contacted by e-mailing the school. There is a fee for membership in the DLRC, as well as for some of its services such as testing and classes. The fee schedule is available at the DLRC, the Dalat website, or the school office.

The vision of the DLRC is to equip and empower parents in their children’s education in preparing the student to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world. The DLRC works in partnership and cooperation with other Christian schools and agencies throughout Asia in providing educational services and resources to families in meeting the educational needs of their children. The center offers access to online educational partners such as Sevenstar and Virtual High School so that students can take single classes or a full load of classes online. The DLRC is an area for visiting and member families to access information about Dalat as well as online computer resources.

Parents of Dalat students may use the library and check out books for personal use.

Cafeteria Services/Lunch Program The school cafeteria offers a pay-per-semester lunch program that provides a Western and Asian option each day and includes salad bar, drinks and dessert. The school lunch is buffet style.

Students are encouraged to take what they are able to eat so as not to waste food.

Parents are encouraged to inform the school before the semester starts if they do not want their student to receive the school lunch. All students will be charged for the semester lunch unless the school office is notified by the parents before the end of the second week of school each semester. Up until the day that the parents inform the school that their student does not want to have access to the lunch program, the lunch will be available to their student and the parents’ account will be charged for those days. Students may sign up for the cafeteria lunch anytime during the semester but after they register for the program, they will be billed for the remaining days of the semester. Accounts will not be reimbursed if students who are registered stop taking the school lunch. A lunch program monitor will be present in the cafeteria to ensure that only those students who have registered for the lunch program are admitted.

Students may bring their own lunch to school and eat in the cafeteria. They may have access to water and utensils but not other items such as drinks, desserts or fruit. If a student takes food from the cafeteria without having paid for it, they may lose the privilege of eating in the cafeteria. If a student is not on the cafeteria lunch program but forgets to bring their own lunch on a particular day, they may purchase lunch on a daily basis for a slightly higher fee which will be charged to the parents' account.

Proper etiquette and behavior is expected at all times in the lunchroom. Adults are on duty for assistance.

Student ID Cards All middle and high school students will be given a student ID card. The card is the property of the school. Students must carry the card at all times.

Students who lose their ID cards, must come to the front office and complete a lost card form. The replacement cost for a new card is RM20. Students must have the card replaced.

The only person allowed to use a student’s ID card is the student identified on the front. Any student who attempts to use another student’s ID card will receive appropriate discipline.

Spiritual Life Dalat International School worship services are open to everyone.

A student-led prayer meeting is held weekly at 6:30 pm. Each semester a Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) or Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) is sponsored by the school with a guest speaker and special morning and evening chapels. Opportunities for baptism and discipleship are available to those who are interested.

The Cafeteria pay-per-semester lunch program requires parents to inform the school if the student does not want the lunch program plan by the second week of school each semester otherwise the school account will be charged for the semester lunch. Students may bring their own lunch to the Cafeteria.

Student & Parent Handbook • 45

Student Activities Student Council (StuCo) The purpose of the Dalat International School student council is to bring about better cooperation between students and staff, to promote the general welfare of the student body, to give higher standards of Christian character and school spirit, and to foster relationship between the students of Dalat and the outside community.

The middle and high school student councils operate a canteen for the students’ use in the Student Center. The canteen is open during lunch and after school. Throughout the school year the middle and high school student councils organize various special activities.

High School Student Council Executive Committee includes the offices of president, vice-president, administrative assistant, business manager, public relations manager, and the student council advisor. Other members serving the student body in the student council include the class representatives. All members are elected. The process and procedure can be found in the student council’s constitution. High School StuCo members will be expected to attend the Leadership Retreat at the beginning of the school year.

Any students on academic probation may not run for office.

Student officers placed on academic probation during the school year may lose the office they were elected to.

Elementary school StuCo will meet during club time with the student council sponsor.

These students attend elementary student council meetings and help organize elementary school activities and service projects.

Members will communicate upcoming events or programs to the principal and elementary teachers.

Play Structure Safety Guidelines • To be used by elementary students only • Finish eating before playing • Be careful and play safely • Climb inside the tunnels and not on top • Run on the grassy area only • Take care of the blue cushioned surface • Have lots of fun!

Elementary KICs (Kids Interest Clubs) The school offers an afternoon activity program for students in grades 1-4. Different clubs are held each day after school.

Activities vary each quarter. School staff offer and supervise the clubs that students sign up for. Clubs often include arts and crafts, modern language, games, music, and sports. For more information about after-school clubs, please contact the club coordinator or see the school website.

Elementary Playground Students are encouraged to show respect for themselves, others and school property. They should stay within the recess area (classrooms, dorm areas, and lower campus are off-limits without special permission). Students are expected to refrain from fighting, rough play and dangerous activity (climbing on trees, standing on swings, climbing on tops of slides or tunnels on playground equipment, etc.). Guidelines for use of the play structure are posted next to it. Only grade 3 students and younger are allowed on the playground equipment. Students are not allowed to ride bikes, scooters or skateboards during recess. All play equipment should be returned at the end of recess.

Student & Parent Handbook • 46

Athletics At present, Dalat students in middle and high school may participate in the following sports: Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Softball Badminton Tennis Track and Field Indoor Soccer Floorball Swimming Some sports are dependent on the coach and interested students.

Students in the Under 12 and Under 10 categories, have opportunity to participate in basketball, soccer, track and field and cross country.

Middle School Intramurals

An intramural program is organized for students in grades 5-8.

Sports may include basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, softball and track and field. Spectators are welcome. Participation in activities is expected of all students. Students are required to wear closed toe running shoes, and shorts during intramurals.

Students are not required to change uniforms for intramurals but are required to wear athletic/running shoes.

The objectives of the intramural program include fostering earnest but friendly rivalry, develop cooperative attitudes through group participation, and promote student morale. Students should develop a balanced perspective of athletic competition where enjoyment, not winning, is central. Students should develop sports and other recreational skills that can be utilized for a lifetime of physical activity.

Physical Education for Preschool to Grade 4

Students in PE are required to wear running shoes and a Dalat School PE shirt (light blue color). Kindergarten may wear the shirt for the day and grades 1 to 4 must bring it with them to change into before class. Athletic sandals or “Croc’s” are not allowed. Students may wear their normal uniform bottoms for PE class.

Physical Education for Grades 5-12

Students are required to change before PE class into a Dalat School PE shirt (light blue color) and PE shorts. PE shorts must have an elastic waist and be either dark blue or black in color.

Shorts should be modest and appropriate for sports.

Athletic/running shoes are required. Students are required to change and shower at the end of PE class each day. Towels are provided by the PE department. Owning several shirts to use on alternating days is strongly encouraged. Fitness classes will not change on classroom session days.

Music Music is an essential part of every level of Dalat’s educational program. Music instruction at each level is designed to help students build musical skill, literacy, and appreciation. In addition to the class descriptions below, many of our students from elementary through high school study piano privately for a fee with an on-campus piano instructor.

Music instruction for elementary children includes regularly scheduled music classes which meet twice each week. Preschool through grade 4 students learn the elements of music through singing, moving, listening, and playing pitched and non-pitched instruments, as well as learning to read basic music notation.

Creative activities and performance provide them with opportunities for self-expression. The elementary school customarily prepares special music programs for Christmas and for the end of the year.

All grade 6 students begin playing band instruments and progress to higher levels of band in grades 7 and 8. Students may also participate in choir, worship team, and jazz ensemble as scheduling permits.

At the high school level, students may continue with instrumental music in the concert band and jazz ensemble and with vocal music in the concert choir and vocal ensemble. Students may also participate on school worship teams.

Class Activities Junior and senior class elects staff members to sponsor their class. Each class will hold elections for offices including president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, with the possibility of additional positions appropriate to the needs of the class (e.g. members at large). Class officers will be expected to participate in the Leadership Retreat at the beginning of the school year.

Sports Eligibility

Sophomores elect their class sponsors under the supervision of the principal early in the fourth quarter. One class meeting is scheduled for sophomores before the conclusion of the semester to enable the sponsors and their class members to get together and make initial plans for the coming school year.

A student having difficulty in class may be asked by the classroom teacher to miss practice for remedial assistance or to allow makeup work to be accomplished. This should occur in consultation with the coach.

Each year the junior and senior classes have a variety of responsibilities involving meetings and activities. Students are expected to attend these events. During the junior year, activities focus around fund-raising events and preparations for the Junior Senior Banquet (JSB). Senior year activities involve a senior trip and preparing for the various programs during graduation week.

Each member of the senior class is excused from two days of school to enjoy the trip with their class sponsors. Senior participation in graduation week programs is required.

Middle and high school students who have a grade point average below 2.0, and/or who receive an F in one or more academic classes for the quarter and/or semester will be ineligible to play sports for the following quarter.

Students will not participate in sports on days when they have been absent from classes. A student who has missed school for a medical/dental appointment must bring a signed note from the physician/dentist to participate in sports that day.

Check the school’s homepage for an updated list of future events on the school calendar: http://www.dalat.org

Student & Parent Handbook • 47

Special Events Open House Shortly after the beginning of the school year the school opens its doors to all students and their parents to visit classrooms, dorms, and meet teachers. A meal is shared together. All Dalat families are encouraged to attend.

Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) and Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) These theme weeks are coordinated by the Spiritual Life Director.

Special speakers are invited and a variety of activities are planned around the theme. All students are required to attend the school day sessions. Teachers are instructed to lessen homework during the week to allow students to attend the evening sessions.

Sporting events are not held during this week to allow staff and students to focus on their spiritual lives. All students are encouraged to attend the evening sessions. Parents are invited to attend.

Track and Field Day Each year the elementary school participates in a sports day on campus, organized by the PE department with the help of parent and staff volunteers. The middle and high schools participate in a track and field competition which takes place off campus. This is a regular school day and attendance is mandatory unless the student has written permission to be excused by their parents.

Campus Access During Special Events Campus will be open 30 minutes prior to the start of a special event and 30 minutes after the event is completed. Students and parents should not be on campus earlier or later than 30 minutes before or after the event unless prior arrangements have been made with the supervising teacher or staff member.

Student & Parent Handbook • 48

Annual Fund Every year at the end of the first semester Dalat holds its annual fundraiser to make improvements to the school and our children’s education and environment. All parents, students and staff are encouraged to participate.

Christmas Banquet The High School Student Council hosts a Christmas Banquet for all high school students in December. The occasion is semi-formal and students may choose to ask dates.

School Music Concerts The middle and high school bands and choirs schedule performances several times a year. This includes a high school concert and a Fine Arts Exhibition. Recitals in the spring provide solo and chamber music opportunities for students of piano, voice, and other instruments. The entire elementary school customarily presents programs at Christmas and in May. All parents are invited to attend these events.

The high school band and choir usually participate in performance tours in alternating years. These tours involve travel to other cities and may take 3-5 days to complete, usually over a weekend.

Drama Productions

Junior Senior Banquet

The high school drama club presents a drama production at the end of each semester. The drama is presented three evenings during the week. All parents are invited to attend.

The Junior Senior Banquet (JSB) is usually held in late April and is sponsored by the junior class in honor of the seniors. Only Dalat International School seniors, juniors, sophomores, and staff may attend. Seniors are allowed to bring a date that is not associated with the school. This person, however, must comply with all Dalat rules concerning dress and behavior.

Battle of the Books Students spend several weeks working in teams to read books assigned to their grade level. A competition is held asking students to answer questions about the books and prizes are given to teams.

National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society Induction During second semester qualified students are inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) for grades 7-8, and the National Honor Society (NHS) for grades 11-12. Parents are invited to attend. For a detailed description of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society.

Elementary School Theme Week During the school year, elementary classes will host a special theme week with activities and special lessons.

Food and Fun Fair Each year, the PTO puts together various community events including the Food and Fun Fair. They provide opportunities for the extended Dalat community to come together for food, games, and other activities. Specific dates and ways to be involved will be announced through PTO meetings, the Dalat News and daily announcements.

Graduation Week The week of graduation is full of activities and special events for the seniors, their parents, staff and invited guests. Detailed information about date, time, location, and formality of the event is provided to parents and staff. Special events include Senior Chapel, Senior Wills, Senior Tea, Fine Arts Concert, Baccalaureate and Commencement.

Student & Parent Handbook • 49

Safety Information Emergency Procedures

In order to maintain a safe and orderly campus in the event of an emergency, the school has established a warning system and subsequent emergency drills. Practice drills are conducted during the school year as set by the administration. The purpose of these drills is to acquaint students with safe and proper procedures to follow. Emergency procedures and backpacks are placed in each classroom. This information includes location of emergency exits and designated destinations. If an emergency occurs, parents will be apprised of the situation via emergency SMS and emails.

Recreational Safety Guidelines

Biking, In-Line Skating, Skateboards and Scooters Bike riders are asked to exercise all safety precautions when riding to and from school. There are bike racks located at the campus entrance for securing bikes. Students need to supply their own locks.

During school days, students are not permitted to ride bikes on campus until after 4.30 pm for safety reasons.

Students are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and other safety equipment when using in-line skates. In-line skates, skateboards and scooters should not be used around the classrooms, office buildings, or vehicle round-about by the water fountain.

Swimming Pool The pool is for the staff and students of Dalat International School and their families and guests. Pool rules are posted and must be followed. The administration, the owners of the school property, sponsoring missions, and the staff are not liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from the use of the swimming pool.

Accident Insurance

School insurance is provided for all students. The coverage for this insurance is as follows: • Students are covered during school hours and during school sponsored activities whether on Penang Island or not. Check with the office about coverage benefits.

• Coverage is for 12 months (or until the student ceases to be a student of Dalat) • Benefits cover 100% of medical expenses up to RM2,000 per case (limited to RM5000 per year)* • New coverage begins on September 1. * The school reserves the right to make changes to the annual limit from time to time. Parents should contact the school to find out more on recent changes.

Students covered by other insurance should bring a copy of the insurance form used by their organization. This will facilitate filing any claims.

Please be patient!

Parents, please be patient during pickup and drop off times.

Overtaking a vehicle can create dangerous situations for our students.

Where to park?

Students who drive to school are to park on the Upper Field.

The spaces in school are reserved for visiting parents and guests.

Student & Parent Handbook • 50

Transportation and Cars on Campus

The school does not provide or administer any transportation to and from school. This is the responsibility of the parent.

However, local school bus companies may be contacted to arrange for transportation. In accordance with the local bus company, Dalat students must follow the following guidelines: • Arrive at pick-up point before the time of departure.

• Stay seated: no standing on the bus.

• No eating or drinking on the bus.

• Head and arms must remain inside the bus.

• Show respect to bus drivers and attendants.

• No foul or abusive language will be allowed.

Dorm students are not permitted to operate motor vehicles on or off campus without their parents’ supervision. Day students may operate their family vehicles on campus only when evidence of the following has been provided to the school: • they have their parent’s permission.

• they have a valid driver’s license for Malaysia.

• they are properly insured.

The campus speed limit is 10 km/h or less. Any student driver not adhering to this limit may lose the opportunity to drive their car on campus. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.

Students with a valid Malaysian motorbike license who drive on campus are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: • Wear a helmet at all times • No student passengers • Follow posted speed limits • Use of motorbike on roads only • Park the motorbike in appropriate parking space

Crossing the Main Road

During school hours all students must use the overpass walkway just east of the school.

General Guidelines Visitors Guests are always welcome on our campus. The following guidelines are to be followed in order to ensure a successful experience: • All visitors must sign in at the front gate on their first visit to the campus.

• The friend of a student may visit classes for one day only if prior permission has been obtained from the student’s teachers and principal.

• Parents who wish to visit each of their child(ren)’s classes during a visit to Dalat, need to make advance arrangements by getting permission from the principal and making an appointment with the teacher so the time will be convenient and productive for all.

• The visitor should dress in accordance with the school’s guidelines for modesty, neatness and cleanliness.

• The school may set limits on the activities of visitors, especially during examination days.

Former students are asked to remain off campus when classes are in session. If a former student would like to attend a class or special school activity, they must get permission from the principal and supervising staff.

If a returning student was dismissed from the school or asked to withdraw for any reason, the school reserves the right to enforce stricter guidelines for campus visits.

Lockers All students are issued lockers and are responsible for damage to their lockers. Students should not open another student’s locker without permission from that student.

Office Services The school office offers services to students, staff, and Dalat families. It is open from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

• Postage stamps may be purchased and money exchanged, at the discretion of the school.

• Long distance calls can be made from the school using a phone card. You may purchase a phone card from the front desk.

• The office phone is to be used only for emergencies. Students are to use the phone near the front gate for all other calls.

Students may not enter the office beyond the receptionist counter without permission. Students are not allowed to go into the staff lounge.

School Office Hours School days, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm

Student & Parent Handbook • 51

Permission to Enter Dorm Area

Electronic Equipment / Cell Phones

Dorms are personal homes and should be treated with respect.

Dorm parents welcome visitors but also need to protect the privacy and home environment of the dorm students.

Students are not allowed to use music players or cell phones on campus during the school day (8:20 am to 3:45 pm). This equipment should remain in the student’s locker or bag throughout the school day. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the equipment by a staff member and/or principal for a period of no less than one week.

Students should not be in the dorm areas during the school day.

Dorm students, including those on open campus, wishing to enter the dorm during school hours must come to the office and receive written permission from either the principal or director. An attempt will be made to contact the dorm parents before permission will be given. A student who goes back to the dorm with written permission must first contact the dorm parents so that they are aware of the situation. If the dorm parents are not in the dorm the student is to come back to the office without going to their room. The office will attempt to find someone to accompany the student to their room. Any student going into the dorm areas without written permission will be given an automatic detention.

Day students should not be in a student’s room without the dorm parent’s permission and the permission of at least one of the students who lives in the room.

Short Stay Program The residence life program offers a short stay opportunity for Dalat day students who need short-term housing. Requests are considered on a first come, first serve basis. Short stays are not scheduled during the first or last week of each semester. The fee for a short stay in the boarding program is RM100 per day per student. Lodging, meals, towels and linens are provided.

Short stay request forms are provided on the school website and may be sent to shortstay@dalat.org.

Music in the labs Students may use headphones in the computer labs to listen to music. This exception is made because the headphones/music can create a more conducive environment for individual students to work or study.

Student & Parent Handbook • 52

Personal Property It is important to keep track of all items brought to school each day. Labeling all clothing, belongings, and band instruments with the student’s name helps ensure the return of the item. A lost and found box is located in the office.

Gymnasium Guidelines • No food, drink, or chewing gum is allowed inside the gym without the permission of the PE department.

• Shoes must be worn for all gym activities. Clean, non-marking, rubber-soled athletic shoes are the only type allowed on the wooden court.

• No student is allowed to use the gym, equipment inside the gym, and/or the weight room without the direct supervision of a staff member.

School Property Students can be held responsible for the damage that occurs to school/dormitory property and/or equipment through acts of negligence, misuse, or vandalism. A charge will be assessed for the cost of repairs or replacement from the student or parent’s account.

National Staff The National Staff of Dalat are a vital and important part of our community and should be shown proper respect and courtesy by all students and/or parents.

Financial Policies Payment of Tuition Fee and Building Fee The School charges the following fees: • Application fee (new students/re-registration of ex-students) • Registration fee (new students/re-registration of ex-students) • Tuition fee (as per the fees schedule in use) • Building fee (as per the fees schedule in use) • ESL fees (testing fee and tuition fee – for students attending ESL classes) • Boarding fees (for boarding students) • Miscellaneous charges (e.g. meal charges, other optional charges, etc.)

Kindly note that application fee and registration fee must be paid upfront at the point of registration.

Parents are given a period of up to fourteen (14) days from the commencement of the semester to fully settle other fees payable (e.g. meal charges, etc.).

Refund Policy The following fees are refundable as guided by the Refund Policy: • Tuition fees • Meal charges Other fees are not refundable.

Tuition fees may be refunded in the case of late entry or withdrawal of studentship in the middle of an on-going semester as per the following schedule: Late Entry (to pay)

Definition

Early Withdrawal (to be refunded)

25%

less than 18 school days

75%

50%

between 19 to 36 school days 50%

75%

between 37 to 54 school days 25%

100%

55 school days or more

0%

Meal charges are refunded on a daily pro-rated basis.

Fees should be paid in Ringgit Malaysia. However, parents may opt to pay in other currencies subject to the foreign exchange rate applied by the Office of Finance – parents should check on the official foreign exchange rate with the Office of Finance before making payment in a foreign currency. The official rate used by the Office of Finance may be different from the actual rate used by banks.

The Office of Finance applies an official foreign exchange rate for transactions in currencies other than the Malaysian Ringgit.

The official rate is revised once a month and thus may not reflect the exact foreign exchange rate of the day.

Finance Office Hours Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Payment of Miscellaneous Fees The School charges the following miscellaneous fees according to the circumstance of the student: • Meal charges (for students signing up for meals in the school cafeteria) • School activities (as per the participation of the student) Details of the miscellaneous fees will be stated in the parent account at the end of the month.

Position Holding Deposit A one-time position-holding deposit is payable by every family at the beginning of their study at the School.

The deposit is only refundable at the point of graduation or withdrawal of studentship upon proper notification of the withdrawal (before the final notification date – to be announced every semester).

Students risk losing the deposit if they fail to give proper notification prior to their departure.

Student & Parent Handbook • 53

Parent Accounts

Financial Assistance and Bursary

The school maintains an internal account for every Dalat parent.

The account acts as a bill that is sent to parents at the beginning of the month.

The School offers financial aid to deserving students on a need base.

Parents must ensure that all outstanding balances (debit balance) be settled within 21 days from the date of the statement (account).

The school reserves the right to offset any fees/expenses that is rightfully incurred by a student against any available credit balance in the parent account.

Parent account must be settled in full before any transcripts/ diploma is released to a student.

A parent account will be closed upon the cessation of studentship at the School. Any credit balance will be refunded within the next seven (7) working days. Such refunds will be made through a cheque in Ringgit Malaysia.

Late Payments and Delinquent Accounts The School reserves the right to freeze any delinquent accounts after which the student is disallowed from charging any other expenses into the parent account. The School may also withhold any transcripts/diploma until the outstanding amount is fully settled.

Students who have yet to settle their accounts will be disallowed from returning in the following semester. Their studentship will be suspended for one semester after which it shall be terminated.

The School reserves the right to impose a ten per cent (10%) late payment penalty per month upon any outstanding balance over thirty (30) days.

Student & Parent Handbook • 54

Students must send in their application to the Office of Finance at least one month prior to the commencement of the next semester or on the day of registration, whichever comes first.

The School reserves the right to ask for supporting documents (income tax statements, bank statements, etc.) from applicants to assist in the approval process. The information is strictly confidential and the documents will be returned to the parent should the application be rejected.

Financial assistance is tenable for one academic year. Students must submit a fresh application for such assistance on a yearly basis.

The School reserves the right to make changes to the approval policy and its decision is final.

Index A Absence (see Attendance) Academic Honesty Academic Probation Acceleration Accident Insurance Activities Adding a Course Admissions Advanced Placement Courses After School Help After School Dress After School Supervision Alcohol Annual Fund Athletic Probation Athletics Attendance Expectations Auditing a Class Awards B Banquets Banquet Dress Code Battle of the Books Bible Policy Biking Body piercing (see Dress Code) Building Fee (see Financial Policies) Bullying Bursary (see Financial Policies) C Cafeteria Calendar Campus Hours Cars/Motorbikes on Campus Cell Phones Chapel Cheating (see Academic Honesty) Child Abuse/ Neglect Christmas Banquet Class Activities Class Rank Class Schedules Classroom Visitation Clubs Communication Complaints Computer Games (see Digital Citizenship) Computers (see Digital Citizenship) Concerts Counseling Course Credit Courses Failed Courses Repeated Crossing the Road Curriculum Cyber-Bullying D Dalat DIScovery Dating Delinquent Accounts (see Financial Policies) Detention Digital Citizenship Policy Diploma Discipline Distance Learning Resource Center (DLRC) Documentation of Sources Dorms Drama Dress Code Dropping a Course Drugs

20 19, 20 16 50 46, 47 22 7 21 19 32 8 33 48 40 46 7 23 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 48, 49 32 49 18 50 34

45 10 10 50 52 15 34 48 47 23, 30 10, 11, 12 42, 51 10, 14, 46 41, 42 41 48 36, 43 22 24 24 50 13 37 9 34 9, 39 37, 38 21 9, 20, 39, 40 44 20 52 49 31, 32, 47 22 33

E eLearning Early Graduation Educational Goals Effective Communicators Elective Classes Electronic Equipment / Cell Phones Elementary Playground Elementary School Clubs Elementary School Schedule Elementary School Theme Week E-Mail (see Digital Citizenship) Emergency Procedures English as a Second Language English Only Campus Eurekas Exams Expected School Wide Learning Results (ESLRs) Exploratories Expulsion Extended Graduation Extra-Curricular Participation

23 24 4, 5, 6 5 21, 23 37, 52 46 10, 14, 46 10 49 50 15 15 11, 14 17 5, 6 11, 14 40 24 8

F Failing a Course Faithful Stewards Falling Asleep Fees (see Financial Policies) Field Trips and School Sponsored Trips Fighting Final Exams Financial Assistance and Bursary Financial Policies Firearms Fireworks Food and Fun Fair Footwear

15, 32 34 17 54 53, 54 34 33 49 31

G Gangs General Probation God Seekers Grading Practices Graduation Gymnasium

34 39 6 16, 41 24, 49 52

H Hair Standards Harassment Hats Health Services High School Awards High School Schedule History Homework Honor Roll Honor Societies Honors Courses I ID Cards Illness Incomplete Grade Information Boards In-Line Skating In-School Suspension Insurance Internet (see Digital Citizenship) Intramurals J Junior Senior Banquet (JSB) K Kids Interest Clubs (KICs)

24 6 15

31 35 32 43 27, 28, 29, 30 12 4 18, 19 26, 27, 29 26, 30, 49 24 45 8, 9 24 42 50 39 50 47 32, 49 10, 14, 46

Student & Parent Handbook • 55

Index L Late Payments and Delinquent Accounts Leave of Absence (see Attendance) Leaving Campus Library Lockers Lunch Program M MAP Testing Make-up Work Middle School Awards Middle School Clubs Middle School Schedule Mission Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) Motor Vehicles Music N National Honors Society National Junior Honor Society National Staff New Parent Breakfast New Parent Orientation Nurse (see Health Services) O Office Open Campus Open House Orientation Out-of-School Suspension P Papers Parent Accounts Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Payment of Fees (see Financial Policies) P Period Personal Appearance Personal Conduct Personal Property Personal Protection Policy Philosophy Physical Education (PE) Uniforms Physical Violence Plagiarism (see Academic Honesty) Position Holding Deposit Postage PowerSchool Probation Publications

54 8 44 51 45 20 8 26, 27 11, 14, 47 11 4 48 50 47, 48, 52 26, 30, 49 26, 30, 49 52 42 41

51 9 42, 48 41 40 19 54 41 42 12, 14 31, 32 33, 34 52 34, 35, 36 4 31, 47 34 53 25 18, 41 39, 40 41, 42

Q Quarter

17

R Refund Policy Report Cards Residency Policy Retention

53 16 7 16

Student & Parent Handbook • 56

S Safety Information and Guidelines Salutatorian/Valedictorian Schedules Scholarships School Calendar School Lunch Program (see Cafeteria) School Property School Supplies School Trips School Year Semester Senior Privilege Sexual Harassment (see Personal Protection Policy) Short Stay Program Sickness (see Attendance) Sideburns (see Hair Standards) Skipping Class (see Attendance) Social Promotion Special Services Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) Spiritual Life Sports (see Athletics) Sports Eligibility Standardized Testing Statement of Faith – Back Inside Cover Student Council (StuCo) Student Discipline Student Drivers (see Cars on Campus) Student Services Study Hall Suspension Swimming Pool T Tardies Technology (see Digital Citizenship) Temporary Guardianship Testing Textbooks Tobacco Track and Field Day Transcripts Transfer Credit Transportation Tuition Fee (see Financial Policies) Turnitin.com Tutoring

50 28, 30 10, 11, 12 30 10 52 17 15, 32 17 17 9 52

16 43 48 45 47 20 46 39, 40 43, 44, 45 23 39, 40 50 9 7 20 17 33 48 24 22 50 20 43

U Uniforms

31, 47

V Valedictorian/Salutatorian Vandalism Violations of Personal Conduct Virtual High School Vision Visitors Volunteers

28, 30 34 33 23, 37 4 42, 51 42

W Weapons Withdrawal from School

34 9, 40

Statement of Faith We believe the Bible is inspired and without error, that all 66 books of the Old and New Testament are God’s complete written revelation to mankind, the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and practice. in one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the same in substance and equal in power and glory. in the complete humanity and deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary and atoning death through His shed blood, bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and future personal return in power and glory. that through Adam’s sin all have inherited a sinful nature and therefore all choose to sin. All are thus sinners and deserving of death and separation from God.

that salvation of lost and sinful man is only by the grace of God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. that the Holy Spirit indwells and empowers all believers and enables them to live a godly life. in the resurrection of the body, the judgment of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, eternity in heaven for the saved, and eternal punishment for the lost. that saving faith in Jesus Christ unites all Christians as members of the body of Christ.