Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015-2016

Secondary School

Student and Parent

Handbook

2015-2016

Table of Contents

Our Mission ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 DAIS Core Values .............................................................................................................................................. 4

General Information ....................................................................................................................... 6

Contact Information ............................................................................................................................................ 6 DAIS Leadership ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Secondary School Administration ...................................................................................................................... 6

The School Day................................................................................................................................................... 7 Drop Off and Pick Up ......................................................................................................................................... 9 During the School Day: Arriving or Departing .................................................................................................. 9

Busing ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Student Identification Cards ............................................................................................................................... 9 Lunch .................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Student Supplies.................................................................................................................................................. 9

Library Use ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

Academic Program ....................................................................................................................... 11

High School Course Offerings .......................................................................................................................... 11 Academic Standards.......................................................................................................................................... 11

Assessment and Reporting ................................................................................................................................ 11 Parent Academic Support and Homework Help ........................................................................................... 12

English as an Additional Language Support ................................................................................................ 12 DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) ................................................................................................................. 12

Study Trips ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: ....................................................................................................... 14

Standardized Testing ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Expectations ................................................................................................................................. 17

Attendance ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

Electronic Devices ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Student Conduct / Discipline ............................................................................................................................ 20 Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol .................................................................................................................................. 21

Health and Safety ......................................................................................................................... 22

Safety and Security ........................................................................................................................................... 22 Emergency Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 22

School Evacuation ........................................................................................................................................ 22

Lock Down Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 22 Local/National Emergency ........................................................................................................................... 23

School Closure .................................................................................................................................................. 23

School Nurse ..................................................................................................................................................... 23 Medication .................................................................................................................................................... 23

Immunizations............................................................................................................................................... 23

Student Life .................................................................................................................................. 24

Athletics and Extracurricular Programming ..................................................................................................... 24

Interscholastic Athletics ................................................................................................................................ 24

DAIS Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015/2016

3

Intramural Athletics ...................................................................................................................................... 24

Student Governance .......................................................................................................................................... 24 Middle School Government .......................................................................................................................... 24 High School Government ............................................................................................................................. 24

Student Recognition ..................................................................................................................... 24

Weekly Mission Moment Award ...................................................................................................................... 24 Student of the Month Award............................................................................................................................. 25 Honor Society ................................................................................................................................................... 25

Departmental Awards ....................................................................................................................................... 25

EARCOS Award ............................................................................................................................................... 25

Senior Awards ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Valedictorian ................................................................................................................................................. 26 Sea Dragon Award ........................................................................................................................................ 26

Communications ........................................................................................................................... 26

PowerSchool Parent Portal ............................................................................................................................... 26 New Student and Parent Orientation ................................................................................................................. 26 Back to School Night ........................................................................................................................................ 26

Student Led Conferences .................................................................................................................................. 26 School Newsletter ............................................................................................................................................. 27

DAIS Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements

Our Mission

Dalian American International School provides challenging, collaborative, and responsive experiences that

engage learners in developing intellect, character, and health. At DAIS, every learner achieves personal

excellence and contributes to the global community.

Vision


4

Dalian American International School provides programs that bridge the educational experiences of both

international and Chinese national students. We ensure a clean, organized, well-resourced and up-to-date

educational facility with faculty and staff who are competent role models and strive to develop all facets of the

student.

Our learning environment fosters academic excellence and enhances students’ personal development. We offer

opportunities for students to collaborate, thereby developing an appreciation for diverse points of view and

respect for each other as unique individuals. Our program expands student horizons, building in them a better

understanding of world cultures and citizenship.

Our students and graduates see themselves as global citizens who grow through challenges and are stewards of

the world’s resources. They are critical thinkers who have a lifelong intrinsic motivation for learning and are

prepared to enter high quality educational institutions throughout the world. Most importantly, their community

sees them as compassionate, ethical, and inspirational.

School Wide Learning Goals

I. Learners will assume personal responsibility in developing their intellect, character, and health.

II. Learners use critical thinking skills, inquiry, and collaboration strategies to solve problems and make

decisions.

III. Learners set and pursue goals to achieve personal excellence.

IV. Learners contribute to the local and global community.

DAIS Core Values

DAIS expects that all who join our school community will be contributing members. The DAIS Core Values

provide guidance for all community members’ actions and provides the foundation upon which a learning

environment in which the DAIS Mission may be met. The following are the three Core Values of DAIS.

Integrity: Exhibiting honesty, fairness, and acting in keeping with one’s beliefs

Respect: Exhibiting a regard for other peoples’ feelings, differences, ideas, space, and belongings,

including respect for school property

Responsibility: Exhibiting responsibility for one’s actions which includes being trustworthy, doing the

right thing, and following through with what is expected.

Students at DAIS are expected to exemplify the core values through their behavior. The following chart

provides statements which all DAIS are expected to meet.

As a member of the DAIS community,

I will abide by the core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility.

I will show integrity.

I will have integrity in all my actions.


5

I will be honest with myself and others.

I will behave so that others trust and respect me.

I will credit others whenever I receive assistance.

On tests and exams and major assignments, I will do my own work, and encourage others to do so.

I will respect myself, others, and the learning environment.

I will treat others in the manner that I would wish to be treated. .

I will not push, hit, or behave in a manner that could harm others.

I will respect the privacy and personal property of others.

I will respect school equipment and facilities.

I will leave potentially disruptive objects at home.

I will not tease, name call, swear, threaten, put down or cause hurt feelings in others.

I will not bully or intimidate others, in person or in cyberspace.

I will demonstrate responsibility for my own learning.

I will act in a way that does not interfere with the teaching or learning in my classroom.

I will be where I’m supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there, fully prepared.

I will follow instructions, and classroom and school rules.

I will manage my time and materials effectively.

I will complete all assigned work and participate in all class activities.

DAIS students are expected to follow the core values at all times, including:

Whenever a student is on school property;

Anytime the student is in the school building;

While students travel to and from school, including travel on a school bus;

Whenever a student attends a school-organized function;

Whenever a student is on a school organized trip.

DAIS behavioral expectations also apply to students away from school in the following situations:

Whenever a student’s actions impact another student’s welfare;

Whenever a student’s actions impact the learning environment at school.


6

General Information

Contact Information

Physical Address: 2 Dianchi Road

Golden Pebble Beach

Dalian Development Area 116650

P.R. China

Telephone: (86-411) 8757-2000

Fax: (86-411) 8791-5656

Attendance: [email protected]

DAIS Leadership

Terry Wolfson Head of School

[email protected]

Tiffany Wei Business Manager

[email protected]

Audrey Wong Admissions Coordinator

[email protected]

Secondary School Administration

Rachel Keys Secondary Principal

[email protected]

Chris Boyle Assistant Principal

[email protected]

Daniel Gould International Counselor

[email protected]

Ruth Laney Huamei Counselor

[email protected]

Mandy Liu

Linna Tai Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Sam Yu Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]


7


8

The School Day

The school day begins at 8:45 AM and ends at 3:45 PM. The DAIS MS and HS follow an alternating A-B

schedule, with extended advisory periods on Fridays.

Regular School Day

Middle School High School

Block 1 8:45-10:10

Block 2 10:20-11:45

11:45-12:20 Lunch Advisory 11:50-12:05

12:25-12:40 Advisory Lunch 12:05-12:40

Block 3 12:45-2:10

Block 4 2:20-3:45

Advisory/Assembly Fridays


Block 1 8:45-10:00

Block 2 10:10-11:25

Lunch 11:25-12:00 Advisory/Assembly 11:30-

12:20

Advisory/Assembly

12:05-12:55

Lunch 12:20-12:55

Block 3 1:00-2:15

Block 4 2:25-3:45

Early Release Days


Block 1 8:45-9:40

Block 2 9:45-10:40

Block 3 10:45-11:40

Lunch 11:40-12:15 Advisory 11:45- 12:00

Advisory 12:15-12:30 Lunch 12:00- 12:30

Block 4 12:35-1:30

The school office hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Drop Off and Pick Up

Students may begin arriving at 8:00 AM and are asked to depart by 4:00 PM. Exceptions are made if students

are participating in an organized school activity and parental permission has been provided.

There is no supervision for students after 4:00 p.m. Unless students are under the physical supervision of a

teacher, they may not wait in the school building for late pick-ups. They may go to the Hungry Scholar Café to

await late pick-ups.

Specific procedures are in place for both drop off and pick up. The guidelines are available in every school

office, and are included in new student information packets.

During the School Day: Arriving or Departing

Students arriving or departing during the school day must report to the secondary school office, room 307.

Students departing the school must be signed out by the parent, guardian, or authorized individual. Advance

permission for an early departure may be granted by parents for specific occasions, but students must always

check out of school in the secondary office.

Busing

School provided busing is available from downtown Dalian, Kaifaqu/DDA and Jin Shi Tan. If interested,

complete a School Bus Application form, which is available in either the front office or the secondary school

office.

Student Identification Cards

All secondary students are issued student identification (ID) cards. ID cards are used to purchase lunch and for

printing. Lunch account balances may be tracked via the Parent Portal of PowerSchool. Students may also

purchase additional snacks from the café in a separate account that is also linked to their student ID card.

Students who lose their ID cards will be charged a replacement fee.

Lunch

Students eat lunch in the Hungry Scholar Café. Lunch is served buffet style with a choice of Western or

Chinese dishes. Meals can be purchased with cash, or with a pre-paid account on their student ID card. When a

student’s account balance reaches 0 RMB they will not be able to purchase lunch. There are microwaves

available in the café for re-heating if students choose to bring their own food for lunch. A separate account for

snack food items can be loaded with cash for student use. When this account balance reaches 0 RMB the

student will not be able to purchase snacks.

Middle school students must be in the café during the lunch period. High school students are encouraged to eat

in the lunchroom, but may also eat in a designated space in the main school building with teacher supervision.

No student may be in a teacher’s classroom at lunchtime unless the teacher is physically present.

Food and Drink in Classrooms

Unless there is a special event or circumstances, students should not eat or drink during class time. Students are

encouraged to bring a water bottle and drink water during class. With teacher permission items purchased in

the school store at break time may be consumed in the first ten minutes of class. Students must clean up all

trash and treat the school environment with respect.

Student Supplies

DAIS provides basic supplies for all students. At the start of each semester a student will be provided with the

following supplies: 5 pens, 6 pencils, 8 notebooks (A4), highlighter, pencil sharpener, and an opportunity to

order binders to house academic work. Students will be issued textbooks and other school property for use


10

during the academic year. Textbooks will be numbered and students must return the same book they were

issued. Students and parents are responsible to pay for any lost or damaged textbooks or materials.

Lockers

Students are assigned a locker for storing books, coats, backpacks, and other personal supplies during the school

day. The lockers should be kept locked. Nothing should be placed on the exterior or on top of the lockers.

Students are expected to keep their lockers in good condition. If you have problems with opening your locker,

go to the Secondary School Office.

Counseling Office

DAIS counselors are available to discuss classes, scheduling, grades, school, and/or personal problems.

Students are encouraged to see the counselor before school, during lunch, or after school. Students who wish to

talk with a counselor can contact the Counseling Office to arrange for an appointment. In an emergency

situation, a student can ask a teacher for a pass to the counseling center; otherwise, appointments should be

requested.

The Counseling Office has many resources for preparing students for college and university. The school

counselor provides both informational meetings and individual guidance to the secondary school community.

We encourage all students to take advantage of these resources.

Deliveries

Students cannot have personal items delivered to the school between 8:45 and 3:45. They will not be excused

from class to pick up deliveries.

Library Use

The library provides reading and technology for students and staff for school-related work. The library staff will

work with students to learn research skills, find a great book, and help with projects. Students may use the

library from 8:30-4:30 each day. A pass from a teacher is required during the school day. The library is open

during lunch times as well. No food, gum, or drink is ever allowed in the library.

All books are due two weeks from date of checkout and may be renewed for an additional two weeks. Renewal

must be made before a book is overdue. Books may be returned to the book drop inside the library. Lost books

must be paid for before students can check out more.


11

Academic Program

High School Course Offerings

For detailed descriptions of the DAIS Program of Study, refer to the document of the same name. Detailed

course descriptions and offerings may be found there.

Class of 2015 Graduation Requirements

Academic Area Graduation

Requirement

Recommended Credits

for University

Language Arts (English) 4 4

Mathematics 3 4

Social Sciences 3 4

Natural Sciences 3 4

World Language 3 4

Fine Arts (Music and Visual Arts) 2 3

Physical Education 2 2

Junior Seminar .5 .5

Senior Seminar .5 .5

Applied Studies 4 4

Elective Courses 3.5 2.5

Total Credits 29 32

Academic Standards

The DAIS academic program is based on rigorous academic standards that are used to define learning goals for

all students at DAIS. Student progress towards achievement of these standards is measured through formative

and summative assessment and communicated to students and parents on the Powerschool portal and during

Student Led Conferences. Students must demonstrate proficiency on standards in order to earn the credits

necessary for graduation.

Assessment and Reporting

At DAIS, teachers post grades online through the Power School program. Students and families are strongly

encouraged to regularly monitor student progress through Power School. It is important that students contact

teachers with any questions they might have about their grades and classroom performance. Students who are

not progressing at a passing level and are earning one or more “D” or “F” will have their parents contacted in

the middle of each quarterly reporting term. Report cards are issued four times a year. Students who fail to

earn credits in high school class will have to repeat the class and may endanger their on-time graduation.

Reporting is based on the assessment of the benchmarks covered within a specific course.

DAIS Grading Scale

A+ 97-100=4.0

A 93-96 =4.0

A- 90-92 =3.7

B+ 87-89 =3.3


12

B 83-86 =3.0

B- 80-82 =2.7

C+ 77-79 =2.3

C 73-76 =2.0

C- 70-72 =1.7

D+ 67-69 =1.3

D 63-66 =1.0

D- 60-62 =0.7

F Below 60 (0)

Parent Academic Support and Homework Help

Parents are encouraged to available to help and answer questions, but please do not complete their son or

daughter’s work for them. If you feel your child is struggling academically or with study skills please contact

the school. Parents are a critical factor in a child’s academic achievement. Following are some simple

suggestions as to how you can be the most effective support when its homework time.

Area: Provide a quiet, well-lit area for your child to do his/her assignment. This area should feel comfortable

and always be available at homework time.

Routine: Establish a daily time for homework. If there are no homework assignments, all students should use

the time for reading. This routine helps establish a commitment to the entire academic process.

Tools: Provide tools for doing home assignments: pencils, pens, paper, a dictionary. A desk or tabletop makes

the best place to do homework—not the knees, lap, or floor.

Students can get homework help two days a week after school from high school students who assist with peer

tutoring. Information about specific peer tutoring offerings, including dates and times, will be communicated

by the After School Activities coordinator.

English as an Additional Language Support

DAIS provides integrated support for those students who do not speak English at home. Students for whom

English is not their home language are assessed upon entry to DAIS and receive need-based support from

specialists. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists develop individualized learning plans for

each student in need of support and they partner with classroom teachers to plan lessons which meet the

learning needs of the EAL students.

DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)

The Middle and High Schools regularly Drop Everything And Read. Regular reading for pleasure greatly

enhances literacy, so students and staff stop to read. Students must have appropriate reading material with them

for the DEAR time, which will occur in advisory time and during core classes. Teachers and the school librarian

will assist students in selecting reading material.


13

Study Trips

Middle and High School students will have the opportunity to take trips to both local and distant sites to

enhance their learning. All trips will be reviewed for safety and merit and parents are strongly encouraged to

attend informational meetings held in advance of the trip. All trips off site will require the permission of parent

or guardian. A local, walking distance permission slip is included in the first day’s packet. By signing the

permission slip, students are given permission to participate in any study trip which does not require vehicles.

DAIS Reassessment Policy

DAIS firmly believes in allowing students the opportunity for reassessment. Reassessment allows students to

make decisions and play an active role in their own intellectual growth, thus promoting the idea of life-long

learning. In order to qualify for reassessment, a student must demonstrate adequate preparation, personal

responsibility and reflection. This can be achieved by taking the initiative to see the subject teacher for tutoring,

completing assessment corrections, practice exercises and by being an active participant in his or her own

learning.

Conditions for Reassessment:

1. A student has one opportunity to request reassessment per assessment regardless of the grade. This

request must be made within three days of receiving the grade on the original assessment. This only

applies to summative and performance-based assessments such as projects, writing assignments, tests

and quizzes with the exception of mid-term and final exams, which are not eligible for reassessment.

In order for the reassessment request to be approved, a student must fulfill the follow requirements:

Conferencing with the teacher and completing the Reassessment Agreement Form.

Completing test corrections, further review and/or further preparation work as requested by the

teacher

2. There is one opportunity to reassess on the standards and concepts not met in a project or a writing

assessment. At the discretion of the teacher, a traditional quiz or test will consist of either reassessment

in its entirety or only the concepts not yet deemed proficient. The grade on the reassessment will be the

reassessment mark, or in the case of a partial reassessment, the value added mark.

3. The timeframe for reassessment is at the discretion of the teacher.

4. The teacher will initiate the request to reassess for any student who does not demonstrate proficiency on

the standards and concepts on an initial assessment. Proficiency is considered to be 70% or higher on a

quiz or test.

5. Reassessments such as a quiz or a test that measure the same standards and concepts to be learned will

not be the original assessment. In the case of projects or written reassessments, it is teacher discretion

whether it will be the original or a new assessment.

6. Failure to meet the Reassessment Agreement will result in a student receiving the original assessment

grade.


14

DAIS Academic Integrity & Honesty Policy

Why: As students grow academically, we at DAIS are preparing them for further postgraduate studies at a

College or University. Excellent written expression is a key factor for academic and career success. Plagiarism

is the act of defrauding a teacher or professor with a false view of the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Being

academically honest also means formulating one’s own opinions and ideas and expressing those through one’s

own, original academic work.

Rationale: To ensure students adhere, follow, and be representative of our school’s mission statement and

school wide learning goals, DAIS requires all secondary students to refrain from plagiarism, cheating, and

dishonesty in academic work. Engaging in plagiarism and/or cheating demonstrates a lack of integrity and

honesty and goes against the DAIS Mission Statement and School Wide Learning Goals.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

Taking someone else’s assignment or portion of an assignment and submitting it as one's own

Submitting material written by someone else or rephrasing the ideas of another without giving the

author’s name or source

Presenting the work of tutors, parents, siblings, or friends as one's own

Submitting purchased papers as one's own

Submitting papers from the Internet written by someone else as one's own

Supporting the act of plagiarism by providing one’s own work to others, whether it is believed it will

be copied or not

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

Copying, faxing, emailing, texting, or in any way duplicating assignments that are turned in, wholly or

in part, as original work

Exchanging assignments with other students, either handwritten or computer generated, whether it is

believed they will be copied or not

Using any form of memory aid during tests or quizzes without the expressed permission of the

instructor

Using a computer or other means to translate an assignment from one language into another language

and submitting it as an original translation

Giving or receiving answers during tests or quizzes - it is the student's responsibility to secure his or her

papers so other students will not have the opportunity or the temptation to copy

Accessing a test or quiz for the purpose of determining the questions in advance of its administration

Collusion

Collusion is allowing or supporting another student to copy or cheat from one’s own original work. There are

times when students are encouraged to collaborate on school projects and assignments. There is a clear

distinction between collaboration and collusion. When two or more students submit work that is identical to

each other’s, collusion has occurred and will be punishable by the repercussions as outlined in this policy.

Repercussions: Students who have been found to have acted or participated in acts of academic dishonesty,

including plagiarizing, cheating, and collusion, within one academic school year will be subject to the following

repercussions as deemed appropriate by the student’s principal:


15

First time offense: Parents will be called for a parent conference with the principal, student may receive

a failing grade on the assignment, and documentation outlining the offense may be placed in the

student’s permanent file.

Second time offense: All of the consequences of a first time offense plus; student will serve either a one

day in-school suspension or a one day of out-of-school suspension and documentation outlining the

offense will be placed in the students’ permanent file.

Third time offense: All of the consequences of the first and second time offenses plus; student will serve

a minimum one day of out-of-school suspension and may be recommended for expulsion.

Standardized Testing

To establish baselines for and comparability of DAIS students to US and international norm groups, DAIS

deploys the following external tests:

1. Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) tests- These computerized tests are adaptive tests in the subject

areas of Reading, Language Usage and Mathematics. When taking a MAP test, the difficulty of each

question is based on how well a student answered the previous questions. As the students answers

correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly the questions become

easier. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level.

More information available at: https://www.nwea.org/assessments/map/

2. ERB – WrAP- The WrAP writing assessment is given over a course of two days with one session

devoted to planning and drafting and the second session for crafting the final draft. WrAP offers

stimulus-based prompts that include articles and passages as well as non-stimulus prompts that support

the instruction of great writers. WrAP writing prompts mirror effective classroom writing practice to

inform learning and instruction. Student writing is externally assessed by experts in the United States

based on a comprehensive rubric.

More information available at: https://www.erblearn.org/services/wrap-overview

3. ERB – Comprehensive Testing Program 4 (CTP4)- The CTP is a norm referenced test in multiple

subject areas that compare student performance and growth with similar groups of students at

international, independent, and suburban schools using scaled scores, stanines and percentiles.

More information available at: https://www.erblearn.org/services/ctp-overview

4. World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)- WIDA is a series of English language

proficiency assessments in the categories of reading, writing, speaking and listening administered to

students who do not speak English as their first language. WIDA testing at DAIS is used as a part of the

initial screening and admissions process and to determine place students into the necessary amount and

type of instructional services and support and to inform instructional planning and other decisions

related to students' education.

5. Pre- Student Aptitude Test (PSAT)- The PSAT/NMSQT (or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying

Test) is a preliminary version of the SAT. Test data is used by the school to determine AP placement

and can be used by the student and family to target specific preparatory courses for the SAT.


16

DAIS uses the aforementioned external tests as inputs in its decision-making protocols for placements in AP

courses, placements in ESL/EAL services, and admittance into the US National Honor Society (NHS).

This data is used to evaluate the quality and rigor of the DAIS education program compared to US and

International Schools. Program staffing and professional development decisions are formed based on data from

these assessments.

Students at DAIS also sit for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and a suite of Advanced Placement (AP) tests as part of

the college application process and obtaining college credit for AP course taken at DAIS.

External Assessments Subjects that are Tested Who is Tested? How is the Information Used?

MAP Reading, language usage and mathematics

Grades 3-10 MAP assessments are used to measure a student's progress or growth in reading, language usage and mathematics. MAP testing is done multiple times per year and measures growth and progress. Test data lets teachers know where a student's strengths and weaknesses are. Teachers use this information to help them guide instruction in the classroom.

ERB – WrAP Writing Grades 3-12 WrAP provides teachers with an objective report on student writing skills and provides detailed explanations and feedback that teachers use to help student's improve their writing.

ERB – CTP4 Math, reading, vocabulary, writing

Grades 3-11 The CTP 4 provides detailed information on a student's achievement and growth in order to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses and inform a teacher's planning and instruction.

WiDA Reading, writing, speaking, listening

Grades 6-12 (non-native English speakers)

DAIS ESL/EAL Department uses student’s performance to determine student’s need for

ESL/EAL services

PSAT Evidence-based reasoning, writing and language, math

Grades 9-11 DAIS uses student’s performance on assessment in evaluating student’s readiness for Advanced Placement courses, evaluation for admittance

into the US National Honor Society (NHS), and it is used as baseline for College-Readiness.


17

Expectations

Attendance

At DAIS, good attendance means better school performance and higher achievement. It is essential to attend

school regularly and to be on time to every class. Parents are strongly discouraged from planning holidays or

trips that take students out of important classroom learning time. In order to receive the maximum benefit of

the education offered and to conform to internationally accepted standards, students will be expected to adhere

to the following attendance limits.

Absences

When it is necessary for students to miss school for legitimate reasons (illness, medical/dental appointment, pre-

arranged or family emergency), they must be excused by a parent or guardian. Students should have their

parents and teachers sign a pre-arranged absence form (available in the secondary office) if they plan to be gone

for two or more days. This form should be filled in minimum two days in advance of the absence. This will

allow students to coordinate with teachers to collect work and minimize the missed classroom time during their

absence. Boarding students must immediately alert the Residence Coordinator if they are ill, and the nurse will

consult with the ill student.

Absences due to school-sponsored or mandated activities, extended hospitalization for serious illness, family

emergency or death, and religious observation will not be counted in the total.

If a student misses more than 6 classes of a course in a semester, (s)he may result in a loss of credit for

that class in that semester. The school will track and record all absences, which will then appear on the

quarterly report. A meeting with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) and the Director of School may be requested

after five absences.

Students who are absent are expected to make up all work missed, and are expected to coordinate the make-up

schedule with their classroom teachers. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student and parent and

includes obtaining, completing, and returning assignments in the appropriate time frame.

Tardies

It is the student’s responsibility to arrive promptly to class in order to maximize growth and learning. Students

are considered tardy if they arrive after the start of a class. Arriving late to a class is disruptive to the classroom

environment. Six tardies in a class per semester equals one absence and is counted in the absence total that may

lead to a loss of credit for that class. Excessive tardies will result in a progression of consequences including a

meeting with the principal, parent contact and/or a meeting with parents and a school administrator.

Leaving School during the Day- A Closed Campus

DAIS operates a closed campus for students. Students may only leave the campus in the case of an emergency

or for medical reasons. To release a student during the day, parents should either phone or send a note in to the

Office Assistant in the secondary office who will notify teachers and administrators as appropriate. The student

should sign out at the front desk and be picked up by a parent or guardian.

To report an absence, either call DAIS (411-8757-2000) or email [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


18

Dress Code

DAIS believes that students need to show respect for their school, their surroundings and the other students.

Therefore, we have established a school dress code. There is a direct correlation between student dress and

student behavior. It is incumbent upon parents to assist the school by ensuring that their children come to school

clean, neat and meeting dress code requirements. Students not meeting the dress code will be required to secure

alternative clothing or wear clothing provided by the school. A school administrator’s decision on what is

deemed appropriate and inappropriate dress is final.

Guidelines

Clothing is to be worn in such a way that it does not distract or disrupt the learning environment.

All clothing is to be worn appropriately and in the manner for which it was designed.

Footwear which secures to the heel must be worn at all times.

Clothing with tobacco, drug, or alcohol insignias/advertisement is prohibited.

Hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses, combs, picks, etc. may not be worn inside the building.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are to be used only for educational purposes under the supervision and direction of teachers

and must be done responsibly. If a student is found to be on an unauthorized site, viewing inappropriate

material, mistreating the device, off task, or using the computer for non-school related purpose, there will be

disciplinary consequences. For serious or multiple violations, students may lose school computer/internet

privileges and may serve in-school or out of school suspensions.

Phones or other electronics that are using during a class period for personal social use will be confiscated.

Online and offline electronic games are not allowed at any time during the school day (8:00am-4:30pm).

Audio devices and headphones are not to be used in public spaces at DAIS.

Phones are not permitted for use as electronic translators. Therefore, students who would like to use this

electronic language assistance need to get a dedicated translation device.

DAIS is not responsible for the loss of personal devices and we discourage students from bringing valuable

devices to school.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access and Electronic Mail (E-Mail) are available to students and teachers at DAIS. We believe the

Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this

service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and

communication.

Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while

exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families should be aware that some material

accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, and potentially offensive.

Therefore, it is the dual responsibility of the school and of families to educate students on responsible use.


19

While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may

find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet,

in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages; but

ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their

children should follow when using media, social media and information sources.

School Internet and E-Mail Rules

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or

school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior

and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network

service is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is

required. Access is a privilege - not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Individual users of the school computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over

those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they

have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, DAIS is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or

controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and

communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users

should not expect that files stored on school servers will always be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will

guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such

guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other

potentially offensive media.

Email

• Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.

• Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to

annoy or intimidate another person.

• Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone

numbers or pictures.

• Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the

internet.

• Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

Individual users of the Internet are expected to abide by the generally-accepted rules of network etiquette. The

following are not permitted:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

Using obscene language


20

Harassing, insulting or attacking others

Damaging computers, computer systems, software, or computer networks

Violating copyright laws

Using another’s ID/password

Illegal use of data in folders or work files

Intentionally wasting limited resources such as paper and ink

Employing the network for commercial purposes

Downloading video clips, music, or games, unless under direct teacher supervision, will be prohibited.

Consequences for Unacceptable Use of the Internet at DAIS

If a student violates any part of this policy, the consequences will be:

First Offense: Students may lose their personal device privileges for one week and the parent or guardian will

be contacted by the school. Significant violations may result in an in-school or out of school suspension.

Second Offense: Students may lose their personal device privileges for one month, and the parent or guardian

will be contacted by the school. Access to the Internet may be restricted to be only under direct supervision of a

teacher during class time. Significant violations may result in an in-school or out of school suspension.

Third Offense: Personal device privileges will be revoked for one semester and the parent or guardian will be

required to attend a meeting with the school administration. An in-school or out of school suspension will result.

Final note to parents or guardians: The Internet is a powerful learning tool, but it should not be used

indiscriminately or without supervision. While your child is at school, the staff will make every effort to assure

that this resource is used appropriately. As parents, it is your responsibility to monitor this resource at home, not

unlike the manner in which you monitor use of TV, video games, or the telephone. It is not advisable for

children to engage in long hours of unsupervised time on-line.

Student Conduct / Discipline

At DAIS, there are high expectations that everyone will show respect for each other, for themselves, for

learning, and for the learning environment. Students who do not show this respect – through poor behavior

choices like engaging in fighting, cheating, vandalism, lying, rough horseplay, harassment, or other

inappropriate behaviors – enter into our school discipline system. The goal of discipline at school is to help

students to make better behavior choices. DAIS discipline is progressive: the first time a poor behavior choice is

made, the consequence is less harsh than the third or fourth time that the behavior recurs.

Consequences for poor behavior choices may include lunch detention, after-school detention, parent conference,

after-school service (restitution), in-school suspension, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or

expulsion. The consequences a student receives will depend on the nature and seriousness of the inappropriate

behavior and the number of previous misbehaviors.


21

Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol

Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, or non-prescription drugs are prohibited. This includes any school

function on or off campus. DAIS believes that the primary responsibility for education and supervision of

students regarding substance abuse belongs to the parents

No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use or transmit, or be under the influence of any

of the following substances on school premises or off school premises at a school-sponsored, or school-related

activity, function, or event:

Any control substance or dangerous drug as defined by either U.S., U.K., European Community,

Canadian, or local law, including, but not limited to, marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen,

stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, anabolic steroid, or barbiturate

Any pharmaceutical drug without knowledge and permission of parent/guardian

Any abusive glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation

Any intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior altering drugs

Any alcoholic beverage

The possession, use or transmittal of paraphernalia related to these prohibited substance is also prohibited under

this policy.

The possession, transmittal, sale or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substance

is also prohibited under this policy.

“Use” by definition, is when a student has voluntarily introduced, by any means, into his or her body a

prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath,

speech, or chemical analysis. “Under the influence” is defined as not having the normal use of mental or

physical faculties due to the use of the drug or alcohol. However, the student need not be legally intoxicated a

prescribed by U.S., U.K., European Community, Canadian, or local laws in order for them to be considered

under the influence.

Students who violate this policy will be immediately suspended from classes while consideration is given as to

whether or not the student’s enrollment will be continued, and if so under what conditions.

Use, possession, or trafficking of tobacco products at school or school-sponsored events by students is

unacceptable. Students will be suspended from school for violating this policy. While it is up to the

administration to determine the severity of the infraction, possession or use of tobacco may result in an in-

school or out of school suspension. The first offense for drugs or alcohol will result in an out of school

suspension for one day, the second and further offenses will result in longer suspensions and repeated violations

of this policy could result in expulsion. Any student who violates the policy who is participating in athletics,

clubs or activities may lose the privilege of participating in events and related activities, including ACAMIS

tournaments.

Students may not leave the school premises during the school day in order to smoke. Any student who leaves

the campus, or attempts to do so, will be considered to be truant and may be suspended.

As a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment, each student in grade six and above and one of their

parents must acknowledge in writing that they have received and read a copy of this policy.


22

Weapons and Dangerous Items No student should possess, use, or distribute a weapon when on the DAIS campus, school bus or other school

sponsored event. A “weapon” is defined as any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its

use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury. A “look-

alike” or any other object that is a facsimile of a real weapon shall be treated as a “weapon.” A student who

finds a weapon on the way to school or on the school campus, or discovers that he or she accidentally has a

weapon in his or her possession, and takes the weapon immediately to the head of school’s or principal’s office

shall not be considered to possess a weapon. For violation of this policy, students will be suspended and/or

expelled.

Health and Safety

Safety and Security

The safety and security of the students is our first concern; therefore, we ask that parents enter and exit through

the main doors of the front lobby during the school day. All visitors must sign in and out at the Security Desk or

display a DAIS authorized picture identification tag. Forms for authorized picture identification are available in

the main school office. Cars driving into the parking lot to drop off or pick-up students must have a DAIS

authorized permit and must drop off or pick-up students in the designated zones only. Permit applications are

available in the main office.

Individuals who are not the parent or legal guardian of a student at DAIS will not be allowed to pick up students,

unless the person is named by the parent as the person who will collect the students. Parents may fill out a form

in the office naming all of the people who are designated to pick up their child(ren). Students will not be

allowed to be picked up by another parent, without prior written or email notice from the student’s parent or

legal guardian.

If parents are leaving their child(ren) under the guardianship of another, the school must be notified in writing

stating the dates involved and the name(s) and telephone number of the temporary guardian.

Emergency Procedures

DAIS has a variety of responses in place for the purpose of responding to an emergency. In all cases, our first

action in any situation is to assure the safety of all students and staff.

School Evacuation

In the case of fire or any other type of emergency, students and staff must be prepared to evacuate the school in

a timely and orderly manner. Evacuation plans are posted in each room to show the proper evacuation route.

Evacuation drills will be planned by the school administration and are in cooperation with the local fire

authority. Students and staff will practice the school’s evacuation procedures at least once per term. At the

sound of the fire alarm, students, staff, and visitors must report to their assigned area and await further

instructions.

Lock Down Procedures

A lock down is implemented when an extraordinary event occurs creating a dangerous situation from outside

the campus. In case of a lock down, all school doors will be locked. Students and staff will go to the nearest


23

room or remain in their present location until the “all clear signal” has been given. Classroom doors will be

locked and the supervising staff member will not let anyone enter the room.

Local/National Emergency

In case of a local or national emergency students and staff will report directly to their classrooms to await

further instructions. Everyone will be informed whether to remain on campus or evacuate the school.

If the school believes it is unsafe to allow students to travel home, the students will be kept at school and

supervised by the school staff until it is safe to travel home or until parents collect their student(s).

The school will endeavor to contact all parents by phone to explain what is happening and provide them with

the opportunity to collect their children from school. In case of an emergency, we ask that parents not phone the

school as this will block the telephone lines and prevent us from contacting parents.

School Closure

In the event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, DAIS will either cancel or delay the opening of

school. This decision will be made by 7:00AM. The school will post the decision on the DAIS website,

www.daischina.org. In the event of a closure during the school day, parents will be notified via a phone call,

email messages, and a notice on the school website.

School Nurse

DAIS employs a full time school nurse to address the needs of our students and she is available between 8:30am

and 3:45pm. The school nurse treats minor injuries and illnesses, performs first aid, administers medications,

and maintains student health records. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the nurse or school office

personnel will contact the parents or guardian so that the child can be transported to a medical facility for

further attention. In extreme emergencies, the school nurse will accompany the student to the facility and meet

the parents there.

If your child is ill, please do not send her/him to school. Many children’s illnesses are very contagious. If in

doubt, please contact the school nurse.

If your child has been ill please do not bring your child to school until they have been fever free and/or have not

vomited for 24 hours.

If your child has a condition such as asthma or has had a severe allergic reaction in the past, please speak with

the nurse about these or any other conditions you have concerns about.

Medication

If a child is to be given medication while at school, parental permission regarding the medication must be

brought to the attention of the Nurse’s office either by phone call or signed notice. The medication must be

clearly marked with the child's name and must be in its original container. The medication must be handed to

the school nurse and only the nurse will be allowed to administer the medication to children.

The following information must be clearly stated:

Name of medication

Required dosage

What it is for

Time it is to be given

Doctor’s name and telephone number

Parents’ emergency telephone number

Immunizations

It is required that all children attending the school have the following immunizations:

Measles/Mumps/Rubella Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus Polioyelitis

Parents must provide documentation of these immunizations with the dates of vaccinations at time of

registration. If you have any questions regarding the above please contact the school.

Student Life

Athletics and Extracurricular Programming

Interscholastic Athletics

DAIS competes with other schools, locally, and throughout China, including Hong Kong and Macao. DAIS is a

member of the Association of China and Mongolia Internationals Schools (ACAMIS) Sports League, through

which DAIS students have the opportunity to travel and compete against students in international schools

throughout China and Mongolia. The ACAMIS sports which DAIS participates in are volleyball, cross country,

basketball and soccer.

Intramural Athletics

DAIS sponsors a variety of intramural athletics competitions, including, but not limited to, volleyball,

basketball, soccer, track, table tennis, badminton, archery, and swimming.

After School Activities (ASAs) The After School Activities (ASA) program is designed to offer students opportunities for enrichment, service,

and leadership outside of the school day. Members of the staff and the community come together to offer a

wide variety of activities which connects student interest with the expertise and personal interest of each

individual activity sponsor. The ASA program serves as both a forum to connect lessons learned during school

as well as a venue for positive youth development. Registration for each of the ASA sessions occurs online and

information is sent directly to parent email addresses. Busing is available for students participating in the ASA

program.

Student Governance

DAIS secondary students have regular opportunities to meet as governing bodies. The purpose of their

governmental work is to fully and authentically involve students in enhancing the learning environment of

DAIS and to more fully achieve the school mission. Students also learn how to enact change in their lives,

surroundings, and community.

Middle School Government

Middle School students participate in a Town Hall form of governance, where every student has a vote and

voice in the decision making process. Leadership positions are elected, but the responsibility of initiating and

carrying out ideas includes all Middle School students.

High School Government

High School student government is comprised of elected student officers, voted on by the student body.

Student government provides leadership on academic, service projects and social activities throughout the

school year.

Student Recognition

DAIS recognizes the achievement of personal excellence throughout the year, through a variety of means,

including, but not limited to, the following programs and awards.

Weekly Mission Moment Award

Each week, the faculty for the middle and high schools select a middle school and high school recipient for the

award. This award is earned through actions exemplifying the mission statement.


25

Student of the Month Award

Each month, the faculty for the middle and high schools select a middle school and high school recipient for the

award. This award is earned through exemplary academic performance and positive contributions in and out of

the classroom.

Honor Society

The US National Honor Society is an international organization devoted to community service, developing

leadership, and recognizing academic excellence. Criteria for selection to the Honor Society includes

consistently high grades, excellent behavioral record, and a faculty recommendation.

Departmental Awards

Department awards are given for both high and middle school divisions. Departmental awards will be given

based on the following criteria:

Exemplary achievement in the subject area

Displays an interest in the subject which extends beyond the classroom

Outstanding effort and/or growth

Collaborates with peers in a manner which supports the learning of others

Models exemplary organizational, behavioral, and study skills

EARCOS Award

DAIS is a member of the East Asian Region Council of Schools, which is a highly respected organization of

international schools. As a member school, our students are eligible for any awards the EARCOS organization

offers. The Global Citizenship Award is given to one 11th

grader from each EARCOS school. The award

recognizes a student who completely “embraces the qualities of a global citizen.” The award winner is…

“…a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, has an open

mind, is well informed, aware and empathetic, concerned and caring for others encouraging a sense of

community and strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. Finally,

this student is able to interact and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life while

having a sense of collective responsibility for all who inhabit the globe.”

For more information about this award, please go to http://www.earcos.org/other_award.php


26

Senior Awards

Seniors are also eligible for two awards offered by DAIS and recognized during the graduation ceremony.

Valedictorian

The Valedictorian award is given to the senior with the highest cumulative GPA from DAIS courses. Recipients

must have taken a minimum of three AP courses, possess a faultless behavioral record, and have attended DAIS

for a minimum of 3 semesters.

Sea Dragon Award

The Sea Dragon award is given to the senior who most fully “achieves personal excellence and contributes to

the global community.” Additionally, recipients involve themselves in a variety of experiences provided by

DAIS, challenge themselves academically, and display strong collaboration skills, excellent character, and a

commitment to healthy choices. To be eligible, a student must have attended DAIS for a minimum of 3

semesters.

Communications

Parents are a critical factor in effective student learning. To better partner with parents with the learning of their

son or daughter, DAIS maintains the following forms of communication. Individual concerns or

communications may be initiated at any time.

PowerSchool Parent Portal

All secondary school parents and students have access to the student database in which grades, attendance,

teacher comments, and other information associated with the learning progress of each student is recorded.

Parents and students receive individual accounts and passwords. Information in PowerSchool is shared in real

time and may be viewed at any time the internet is available.

New Student and Parent Orientation

Prior to the start of the academic year, a new student and parent orientation session will be held. Additional

sessions may be scheduled during the school year.

Back to School Night

At the beginning of each school year the school will host “Back to School Nights”. The details of the evenings

are sent home shortly before the event. During the evening you get a chance to meet your child’s teachers.

Teachers will talk to parents about the curriculum, the expectations and about the various activities that will

happen throughout the year. The teachers also talk about communication since this is an important element in

supporting your child. We encourage all parents to attend this evening. If you cannot attend then feel free to

contact the school or the teachers to see them at a mutually convenient time.

Student Led Conferences

Student Led Conferences are scheduled twice yearly. For the 2015-2016 school year, the first conference dates

are scheduled for early release on Thursday, September 10, 2015 and all day Friday, September 11, 2015. The

second conference dates are early release on Thursday, February 25, 2016, and all day Friday, February 26,

2016. Parents may request a scheduled meeting with teachers through direct email contact of through the


27

secondary office. Teachers will contact parents when the need arises. The secondary administrators and the

Head of School are also available to talk over any issue related to your child and the school.

Online Moodle Portfolios

Each student is required to have an electronic portfolio on the digital Moodle platform. The electronic portfolio

is designed to be an interactive and evolving tool to organize students’ best work and their reflections on their

learning in each of their courses and is updated every year a student remains at DAIS. Together, artifacts and

reflections serve as evidence of their preparation for college and career.

School Newsletter

The school sends home a monthly newsletter. In this document families will get information about things that

have occurred in the school as well as information about upcoming events. These may be in printed form or by

email or viewed on the school website.

Documents

Secondary School Student and Parent Handbook 2015-2016