Parent Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook
Parent Handbook
I M P O R T A N T
This handbook is a general statement of the policies and procedures in effect at the Metropolitan International School. It also contains information about our school and our methods of education. The contents of this handbook should be read and understood with great care because they constitute a partnership between the MIS Families and the Administration (management) of MIS, and all parents/guardians and students are required to agree to all the contents and the updates that will follow as part of their contractual agreement with MIS. We value our relationships with parents highly and are committed to working in partnership with you by sharing information, listening to you and fostering good communication. Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in the Parent Handbook, please contact the school office.
All contents of this Guide are owned by the Metropolitan International School and may be updated or changed without notice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Admissions Advertising & Solicitation Assemblies Attendance/Absence Policy Behavior & Discipline of Students Book Store Bullying Bus Service Class Size Communication with MIS Curriculum Daily Schedule Dress Code Emergency & Injury Situations Emergency Contacts Field Trips Fighting at School Films, Podcasts & Internet Video Fire Drills Grading Scale Health Policy Holistic Education House Shoes Illness at School Introduction to MIS Issuing Equipment to Students
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Language Immersion Lockers Lost & Damaged Equipment Lunch Program Medication Policy Mission Musical Education Outdoor Wear Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Meetings Philosophy Physical Education Progress Reports Responsibility for Conduct School Supplies Semester Exams Snacks Special Education Referrals Student Discipline Tardy & Truancy Policy Technology in the Classroom Telephone Usage Termination of Contract Theft/Vandalism Updating Information Visitor Policy Agreement Declaration
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INTRODUCTION The Metropolitan International School (MIS) is a privately maintained bilingual school which offers a high-quality immersion education in English and German, in an international setting where developing positive attitudes toward learning, respect for the environment and other people, and becoming World Citizens are the key features. MIS offers all-day supervision catering to the needs of the children and the requirements of working parents. The children entrusted to our care are looked after from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Metropolitan International School consists of: THE RECEPTION GRADES The Kindergarten Program: The Pre-School Program: THE PRIMARY SCHOOL The Primary Program: The Secondary Program:
Children 3 - 4 years old Children 4 - 5 years old
Children 6-10 years old Children 11 18 years old
*Currently, MIS offers Preschool Program and grades 1 through 10. We will be growing our school at the rate of at least one grade per academic year. The school day starts at 08:30 a.m., and ends at 4:00 p.m. MIS offers a Morning Care program from 7:30 a.m. to 8: 30 a.m., as well as an Afternoon Care program from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. MIS also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities for the students that take place after school from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please see the school website www.metropolitan-internationalschool.com for more details. The MIS campus is located in Viernheim, it is a suburban area surrounded by excellent amenities, such as an ice-skating rink and some very good playgrounds. The school year starts at the 31. August and ends in the middle July. It contains short vacations spread throughout the year, usually a week in the autumn, two weeks in the winter, two weeks in the spring and five weeks in the summer. Please see the current Academic Year Calendar for exact dates. MIS MISSION
TO EMPOWER OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME LIFELONG LEARNERS AND SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS IN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
MIS PHILOSOPHY MIS caters to the intellectual, artistic, social, physical, emotional and practical development of its children by providing a student-centered, inquiry-based learning environment which fosters an appreciation in its students of their cultural heritage and the cultural richness of the global community. Learning is especially focused on: intercultural awareness through internationalism and bilingualism the unique and beneficial sensory integration of body and mind that music provides holistic approaches to learning; communication, guided inquiry, trans-disciplinary themes, skills and strategies attitudes and behavior which support life long learning
MIS seeks to inspire in its students a spirit of responsibility for themselves, to others, the school, the local community and the global community. HOLISTIC LEARNING The term 'holistic learning' means that the student engages in Whole Brain learning. Holistic teaching allows the education of the whole person - the mind, body and spirit of the student. The MIS concept of holistic learning contains six aspects: Intellectual, Artistic, Social, Physical, Emotional, Practical.
ADMISSIONS To enroll your child at MIS, parents are requested to first submit the application and medical forms, which can be found on our website, www.metropolitan-international-school.com under the heading of Admissions. Parents will also be required to submit all documents as stated on the application form, and pay the admissions fee. The Admissions Director will then view the application. It is possible the Admissions Director will schedule an interview with the child and parents. Once a determination is made, the parents will be notified of their childs admissions status, which will either be: Accepted, Denied Admittance, or Waiting for an available seat. If the child is selected to join the desired program, the Admissions Director prepares and sends to the parents a School Contract, Contract Details form and the Student Handbook, all of which must be signed by a parent or guardian. The Admissions Director will then telephone the parents/guardians to schedule an Enrollment Appointment, where the contract will be signed by the Director, uniforms will be purchased, and further pertinent information given. Student acceptance and placement will be determined on an individual basis and are admitted throughout the year, vacancies permitting. Please be aware that currently enrolled students and siblings will be given the priority of placement in our program, and that the number of vacancies for any given year will vary.
ADVERTISEMENTS AND SOLICITATIONS No one may post any personal or commercial advertisement without the express authorization of the director.
ASSEMBLIES DAILY ASSEMBLY The daily assembly takes place in the common area of MIS for Primary and in the Sports Hall for Gymnasium. Morning assembly is a way to connect the entire school "family" at the beginning of each day. A well-organized assembly establishes a positive tone for teachers and students and encourages community involvement, without cutting into precious instructional time. The assembly is a time to emphasize expectations for behavior and character. It is also where we celebrate our achievements.
FRIDAY ASSEMBLY Every Fridays assembly includes individual student achievement recognition. On this day each teacher will present achievement awards to a couple of students from her class who have exhibited excellence or improvement. This achievement could be for academic, social, physical, or artistic reasons in accordance with the MIS holistic education plan. This gives every child the opportunity to be in the spotlight and to be celebrated as an individual. Throughout the year the faculty establish different disciple programs therefore the methodology is susceptible to change time to time.
ATTENDANCE Regular attendance at school is mandatory to maintain a good scholastic record and to develop the personal traits that are expected of adults. Students are required to attend class regularly and on time. Parents are urged to have their students in school all day. Doctor or other appointments should be scheduled outside school hours or on school holidays whenever possible. If a student needs to be dismissed early, the student must bring a note or have their parent/guardian notify the school office prior to leaving the building. Since attendance and participation directly affect learning, a students grade is directly affected by their attendance. ABSENCES General absence An official absence notification will be necessary for the following reasons: (Verified documentation will be required if some form of assessment took place during the absence.) Illness Injury Personal or family emergency Severe weather Funeral of a family member or friend
Extended, pre-planned absence The family/student must: Complete a form asking permission for a leave of absence Gain approval from the staff and administration Provide a courteous two-week notice to the childs teacher Ensure that missed work is collected, completed, and submitted in a timely manner
Types of Absences Excused: illness or injury family illness wedding funeral family reunion emergencies Make-up work and tests will be given at a later date in the event of an excused absence. Unexcused: vacations doctor or dental appointments non-approved extended absences No make-up work or test credit will be given in the event of an unexcused absence. Doctors Notes rd A doctors note is required by the 3 day of an illness-related absence. If the absence occurs during a pre-announced exam, a doctors note is needed on the same day. The doctors note will be initially requested by and given to the students homeroom teacher. If a family fails to provide a doctors note, the administration will contact the family either by phone or e-mail.
Academic Impact A conference with the family will be requested after 10 cumulative absences. Once a student has missed 18 days of school, grade level retention may become a possibility. These issues will become a concern on a subjective, individual basis. Administration, teachers and parents will meet to discuss the situation and share in the decision-making. If a student misses three sessions of a particular class per semester, a meeting with the parents will be requested to discuss adjustment to the program of study or any other action that is deemed appropriate. There can be serious academic consequences due to absence from class. BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS At MIS, we expect our students to behave. No student has the right to take learning opportunities away from others. Society itself lives according to accepted rules, and since one of our main objectives in education is to prepare young people to live in society, they must be trained to live according to established rules. Obviously, the manner in which rules are instituted and enforced is of paramount importance in the success or the failure of our efforts. We expect students to participate attentively in classroom activities with no attempts to disrupt or disturb procedures. Good discipline calls for a cooperative working agreement between the classroom Teacher, student, parents, Head of School and the Director. A realistic understanding of problems by students and their parents is also essential. It is learned through persistent and conscientious teaching. Teachers post their class rules in the classroom and go over them regularly with the class. Students are informed as to what is expected of them and what the consequences of noncompliance may be. Faculty will not tolerate any form of abuse, verbal or physical, while on the school premises. Abuse includes the following: Use of obscene or profane language or gestures Shouts, blocking or running in the hallways Use of physical force or violence Ridicule of the ideas or beliefs held by others
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION OF BEHAVIOR At MIS, open and frequent parent communication is vital. Notification of disciplinary issues will be given to parents/guardians by phone call, email, written note or mail by your childs teacher. We ask for parental support regarding these matters. BOOK STORE BUYING SCHOOLBOOKS AND SUPPLIES (pla Parents/Guardians or students will soon be able purchase their schoolbooks directly through MIS, in our School Bookstore located in the school office or in an area designated at that moment. The School Bookstore will carry both new and used schoolbooks, as well as all student notebooks.
SELLING SCHOOLBOOKS At the end of the scholastic year, all students will be able to return their schoolbooks to the School Bookstore for reimbursement or store credit. The reimbursement amount will depend on the condition of the book, and usability for the following year. Credit given will be redeemable for books and supplies for the following year. Money will be issued only when students will not be returning the following year.
BULLYING The faculty and administration of MIS will not, under any circumstances, tolerate bullying at school. Bullying constitutes the following: Violence or threats of violence between or among students; Intimidation between or among students; Physical or verbal threats and/or abuse between or among students; Harassment of any kind between or among students; Ostracizing between or among students; Acts of physical aggression between or among students; Social alienation between or among students; and/or Verbal aggression between or among students. Parents/Guardians will be alerted to any instance of bullying that involves their child.
BUS SERVICE MIS students come from all over the Rhein-Neckar region, from Hessen and Baden Wrttemberg. Though our school is beginning small, we will be providing a bus service to and from our MIS campus in Viernheim. Pick-up points are already established in Walldorf and Heidelberg. As the need for the service grows, MIS will be providing other pick-up points as well. If you are interested in joining our MIS Bus Service, please email the school secretary for further information.
CLASS SIZE Our class sizes are no more than 22 children per two adults, one certified teacher and if possible, one Assistant Teacher.
COMMUNICATION WITH MIS EMAIL Email is the preferred method of parent-faculty-administration communication. EDMODO This is a secure social learning network for teachers, students and schools. It provides a safe and easy way to share content and access homework, grades and school notices. TELEPHONE Please call the school office to inform us of all attendance matters (tardies or absences) of your child, to relay any pertinent information, or request any general information. In order to schedule a telephone appointment with your childs teacher, please email the teacher and request an appointment time. To speak with a member of the administration over the phone, please email the member to request a telephone appointment or call the school office to set one up. PERSONAL MEETINGS To schedule a personal meeting with a member of faculty or administration, please email the faculty or administration member directly. COMMUNICATION WITH THE FACULTY Parents are encouraged to have regular contact with their childs teacher, by means of emailed communications and parent-teacher meetings. The Kindergarten and Preschool teachers and assistant teachers communicate with parents/guardians daily via each childs daily diary, in which is detailed information (when applicable) regarding food intake, nap times, urinary and bowel movements, daily activities and special accomplishments. The Primary School teachers and assistant teachers communicate with parents/guardian primarily through emailed letters as well as by hand-written notes. Parents will be given frequent assessments and updates on how their child is developing. Assessments may include what the child is learning, what progress they have made toward their personal goals, areas in which the child is experiencing difficulty and any other general comments. Information about school life, lessons, photos, news etc can now be found on Reception and Primary school blogs:
http://misreception1.blogspot.de/
http://primarymis.blogspot.de/
Parents/Guardians are invited to meet their childs teachers on two school-planned days per year: o An introductory Parents Evening at the beginning of the school year. The classroom teacher will inform parents/guardians of the date and details o And a Parent Teacher Conference at the end of the first semester. Parents/Guardians call the school during the established parent-teacher conferences call-in times to schedule their appointment.
Parents/Guardians are welcomed and encouraged to schedule a Parent Teacher Meeting with their childs teacher at any time during the school year. Please email your childs teacher to set up such a meeting.
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COMMUNICATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION Parents/Guardians are welcomed to call the school office during the school day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email the school secretarial staff anytime. Forms and other general information may be obtained from the school office during school hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A monthly school newsletter is sent to all parents relaying important information and current news and events pertinent to the MIS community. Parents/Guardians are welcome to schedule a personal or telephone appointment with the Director of the school at any time during the school year. Please call the school office or speak personally with the school secretary to schedule such an appointment.
CURRICULUM The MIS curriculum is bilingual, English and German. Our English language curriculum is the Cambridge International Primary Program, and the German language curriculum follows the Hessen Primary Curriculum. The MIS program is particularly geared toward children of international families, and German families who would like their children to grow up bilingual and to be taught in an internationally conscious environment. Presently students in Grade 10 are completing the IGCSE course and will be able to follow A-level and Abitur courses in Grades 11 and 12. For further information on our curriculum and the particulars on our teaching methods, please visit our website at www.metroschools.de and the link therein to the Cambridge International Curriculum, http://www.cie.org.uk.
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DAILY SCHEDULE The daily schedules will be provided to parents at the beginning of the Academic Year.
AFTERNOON CARE (AC) SCHEDULE 4:00 6:00 4:00 6:00 AC for Reception Children AC for Primary Students
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The current schedule of the extra-curricular activities offered by MIS, may be obtained in the school office. DRESS CODE UNIFORMS Please label every article of your childrens clothing and shoes clearly with permanent marker or other permanent means of identification All children in the Reception grades and the Primary School are required to wear MIS uniforms at school. School uniform items must be purchased from the approved school uniform retail All clothing should be clearly marked with the students name and must be clean, tidy and pressed at all time
Summer Uniform: Short sleeve school shirt or School polo shirt. No coloured T-shirts underneath (only white).School skirt or school trousers. Low heeled plain shoes,
Summer Uniform: Short sleeve school shirt or School polo shirt. No coloured T-shirts underneath (only white). School blue trousers.Plain shoes or sneakers
Winter Uniform: School blazer with school badge. Long sleeve school shirt (winter) top button done up and tucked in, no coloured T-shirts underneath (only white).School dark blue sweater or pullover or cardigan (optional).
Winter Uniform: School blazer with school badge.Long sleeve school shirt (winter) top button done up and tucked in, no coloured T-shirts underneath (only white).School dark blue sweater or pullover or vest. (optional).
HOUSE SHOES All children attending MIS must have a pair of clean-soled, comfortable shoes that will be worn in the school building. The students must be able to put on and take off these shoes by themselves.
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OUTDOOR WEAR All Kindergarten children attending MIS will be going out of doors nearly every day regardless of all but severe weather. Parents/Guardians must provide the following outdoor wear which will be kept on the school premises: Rubber rain boots Rubber rain pants Rubber raincoat EXTRA CLOTHING Parents/Guardians of the Reception Grades must provide at least two changes of clothing for their children, including undershirt (if applicable), shirt, pants or skirts, underwear and socks. Parents/Guardians of the Primary Students must provide an extra change of clothing for their children in the event of an accident (water spillage, muddy events, etc.).
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER All children attending MIS will be going outside nearly every day, before, during and sometimes after school. This means the children will be exposed to moderate cold, heat, and rain. Please plan for this when sending their children to school. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather every morning before coming to school. Important items to remember are: Winter gloves, hats, scarves Appropriate jacket or coat MIS cap (for hot, sunny days) Rain gear
EMERGENCY AND INJURY SITUATIONS In the event of a serious emergency or injury requiring medical attention, the school will immediately contact first the parents/guardians of the injured child. If the parents/guardians cannot be reached, then the emergency contacts as listed on the childs medical card will be contacted. A member of the MIS faculty or administration will stay with the injured child until the parents/guardians or emergency contacts arrive. In the event that the injury requires immediate medical attention, a member of the MIS faculty or administration will stay with the injured child until emergency vehicle comes. If the parent/guardian or emergency contact has not yet arrived, the faculty or administration member will accompany the injured child to the hospital. The school office will immediately notify the parents of their childs current location. EMERGENCY CONTACTS All students are required to list at least one emergency contact on their medical file. Keeping an up-to-date emergency contact list is vital to providing our students, your children, with the best possible care. Informing the school office of any changes to their childs emergency contact list is solely the responsibility of the parents/guardians.
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FIELD TRIPS The Primary School classes will be attending at least one field trip event per month. The Reception will also be attending field trips, on a less frequent schedule. The Gymnasium School also attends a variety of different fieldtrips, which are linked to the subjects taught in class. These field trips will take place at various museums, learning facilities and natural parks. Teachers will inform parents/guardians in advance of the field trip, method of travel and any monies due by means of a Field Trip /Parent Consent form. A parent/guardian must sign the Field Trip/Parent Consent form and return it to their childs teacher no less than two days before the date of the field trip. Students who do not have a signed permission slip may not attend the field trip and will be put into the care of another class for the duration of their class absence from the school premises. Students attending a field trip are reminded that all school rules and regulations are in effect throughout the entire trip and non-adherence of these rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action. All students, on a field trip, represent Metropolitan International School and should exhibit dignity, respect and pride at all times. FIGHTING AT SCHOOL The faculty and administration of MIS will not, under any circumstances, tolerate physical fighting between students at school. In the event that students fight on the school premises, the participating students will be immediately sent to the Directors office. Parents will be informed of any event involving their child. In serious and/or repetitive cases and at the directors discretion, a student might be suspended or expelled from the school. FILMS, PODCASTS & INTERNET VIDEO Educational films, podcasts & internet video are useful teaching tools, and will be used to supplement individual class lessons in the Primary School. All material will have educational value and be carefully monitored by the classroom teacher. Films, podcasts & internet videos will not be shown to the Reception Grade children unless express permission is given by the director. FIRE DRILLS - Drills will be held periodically during the normal school year. GRADING SCALE Reception Grade Grades and Achievement Expectations A = ALWAYS - The child always demonstrated an independence and consistancy in the applied skill. U = USUALLY - The child has demonstrated an independence and consistency in the applied skill S = SOMETIMES - The child has demonstrated an understanding and ability to do the skill, mostly with supervision or aid B = BEGINNING - The child is beginning to show an understanding of the skill
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NY = NOT YET DEMONSTRATED - The child has not yet demonstrated an understanding of the required skill NA = NOT APPLICABLE - The child has either not been in class long enough, or the skill has not yet been taught Primary School Grades and Achievement Expectations A+ to A- The child exceeds expectations by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills. B+ to B- The child meets expectations by demonstrating most of the required knowledge and skills. C+ to C- The child approaches expectations by demonstrating some of the required knowledge and skills. D+ to D- The child falls below expectations by demonstrating little of the required knowledge and skills. F NA The child has not demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. The child has either not been in class long enough, or the skill has not yet been taught.
(The Gymnasium grading scale can be found in the Student Handbook) EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS Teachers are expected to evaluate student progress constantly. Informal and formal evaluations of student progress are carried out by the classroom teacher on a daily basis. Informal evaluations may include observations, oral quizzes, worksheets, etc. Formal evaluations include standardized and Teacher made tests, portfolios, performance assessments, etc. Teachers are expected to maintain a reasonable amount of evaluation grades in order to justify achievement grades.
HEALTH POLICIES ILLNESS We ask that parents/guardians do not send children to school if they are sick, as they are likely to infect other children and faculty. If a child has a temperature or exhibits diarrhea or vomiting, they may not attend school ILLNESS AT SCHOOL In the event a child is ill in school, the parents/guardians will be contacted to retrieve their child. If the parents/guardians cannot be reached, one of the childs emergency contacts will be contacted. RETURNING TO SCHOOL A child who has been sent home due to an elevated temperature, vomiting, or diarrhea may not return to school until their temperature returns to normal and there has been no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours. If a child has a communicable disease (such as influenza, pink eye, chicken pox, or strep throat)
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parents must provide a signed note from a doctor stating that the child is no longer contagious, when the child returns to school. Without this note, the student will not be permitted to return to class.
MEDICATION AND MEDICAL NEEDS MIS faculty and administration will not dispense any kind of medication to students, unless we have the express permission of the parents and a signed Medical Permission/Release form. If prescription medicine must be taken during school hours, the medication must be brought to the school office in its original container, along with written confirmation from the prescribing physician. Parents must then fill-out the Medical Permission/Release form, authorizing members of the MIS administration and faculty to administer the medicine. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to inform the school if a child has any medical need that requires regular or periodic attention.
HOMEWORK MIS Primary School students are expected to perform independent study activities regularly during each week. Homework is beneficial as a review of materials studied, advance preparation for material to be studied in class, and demonstration of extra effort. In addition, homework is used to help individual students with extra practice and to make-up missed lessons due absence. Homework may be assigned as part of the regular instructional program when work on a given skill has begun in class under teacher supervision, but needs completion at home or in the Afternoon Study Program to ensure adequate practice. Homework is never assigned as a disciplinary action.
ISSUING EQUIPMENT TO STUDENTS When a teacher issues any school equipment or books to a student, the student is held accountable for these items. LANGUAGE IMMERSION At MIS, we use the Early Years Language Immersion teaching methods developed in Canada to create a bilingual learning opportunity that enables children to form a deeper understanding of other cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. In this way, they will become international citizens, tolerant and respectful as well as social and happy. What is Early Years Language Immersion? It is a method of teaching and learning a foreign language (in this case, English), starting by age five or six. This method entails having the student learn their subject matter (such as mathematics and science) via the foreign language being taught. In-class subjects and activities, such as math, social studies, and history, and those outside of the class, such as meals, recess, or everyday tasks, are all conducted in the second language. In our immersion program, a majority of class time is spent in the foreign language (English). The goals are for the students to become functionally proficient in the foreign language, to master subject content taught in the foreign languages, and to acquire an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. Eventually, the language of the MIS curriculum reverts to the first
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language of the learners (German) after several years. By the 5 grade, the curriculum is taught aprox. 50% in English and aprox. 50% in German.
What are the benefits of Language Immersion? Children of today will more than likely need to be bilingual to be successful in the global society and economy of their adulthood. Today two languages are useful - tomorrow they will be required, and a third language will be desired. Childhood is the best time to develop an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures, peoples, and perspectives in the world. Preschoolers are aware of differences, but harmful prejudices can develop during the elementary school ages. Consistent positive exposure and interaction are the best prevention. An optimal time to learn languages is prior to age eleven. Research on brain development in recent decades supports this claim, with wide discussion in the popular media. Our brains are wired to produce all sounds, but if we don't learn to make certain sounds, we can lose that ability. (Some of us use this as a convenient excuse for our difficulty in learning another language as an adult, but it isn't a barrier - just a reason to start young.) Children learn language by listening and repeating, and don't have any fear of a "foreign" language. Children learn their second language the same way they learned their first - by speaking and repeating in context. It is very natural for children. Over the years, academic skills are actually enhanced. Studies consistently show that immersion students do as well as or better than comparable non-immersion students in English language skills, math, science, and social studies. If you've studied another language, you know that those classes taught you much of what you know about English grammar. Increasingly, research has also demonstrated connections between math, music, and language skills.
What can a parent/guardian expect from language immersion students? Dr. Colin Baker is Professor of Education at Bangor University. He is the author of fifteen books and over fifty articles on bilingualism and bilingual education, with specific interests in language planning and bilingual education. Dr. Baker has found that more than one thousand studies have been completed on immersion programs and immersion language learners in Canada. These studies have given us a wealth of information. Across these studies, a number of important observations can be found: Immersion students reach or exceed their expected level of monolingual achievement. There is ample research to show that bilingualism gives children social, linguistic and cognitive advantages over their peers. Bilingual children out-perform their monolingual peers in study after study. Immersion programs have no negative effects on spoken skills in the first language.
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Early immersion students acquire almost-native-like proficiency in passive skills (listening and reading) comprehension of the second language by the age of 11. Immersion programs have no negative effects on the cognitive development of the students. Monolingual peers perform better in sciences and math at an early age, however immersion students eventually catch up with, and in some cases, outperform their monolingual peers.
LOCKERS A locker will be leased to students for the duration of the school year. Students may store their schoolbooks, school equipment, clothing and other personal items inside their locker. At the beginning of the year, the students will sign a lease agreement with the school, acknowledging responsibility in maintaining a tidy locker and any damages done to the locker, and will be issued a key/lock for their locker. The administration has the right to inspect a students locker at any time. The school is not liable for losses incurred from lockers. Students are responsible for the cleaning of their locker.
LOST AND DAMAGED EQUIPMENT POLICY If a student has damaged any of the property of the school or lost items belonging to the school, the family of the student will be charged up to the actual cost of replacing the items.
LUNCH PROGRAM MIS offers a hot lunch program available for all children. The lunches served are organic. All dairy, meats, grains, fruits and vegetables served are organic. The monthly lunch menu is posted on the MIS website, as well as posted on the MIS Information Board. Please call or email the school office for further information and Lunch Enrollment Forms.
MUSICAL EDUCATION Music is a cornerstone of MIS. In the Reception Grades the children are exposed to music daily, and they learn new songs regularly in connection with their learning themes. In the Primary School the students also learn songs in connection with their learning themes. It is also compulsory that they join the MIS Kids Choir, which rehearses weekly during their normal class schedule. MIS KIDS CHOIR The primary students have regular choir class, and sing songs in English, German and occasionally other languages, as well. Twice a year the MIS Kids Choir display what they have learned in their Christmas and spring concerts. These concerts also often display the talents of the violin students as well as cameos by the Kindergarten and Preschool.
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VIOLIN PROGRAM From the age of 5, all students have the opportunity to learn the violin in accordance with the Suzuki method. The Suzuki method teaches string instruments first by ear and then from music. The special feature of this method is its international approach. Wherever they live, all Suzuki pupils play the same pieces so that they can join in workshops at any time without understanding each others language. Violin instruction is not included in the tuition of full day students. Please email the school office for further information or to enrol your child in the violin program. Violin class takes place once per week during the students normal school day. Rehearsal takes place two to three times per week, immediately following school. Please email the school office for the current violin program schedule. Violins may be rented or purchased from MIS or another source of the parents/guardians choosing.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND EXTRA CURRICULAR SPORTS MIS offers a wide variety of afterschool sports to their students, including tennis, soccer, basketball, swimming and ice hockey. For a current schedule, please email the school office.
In addition, the children are involved in both organized and non-organized sports and games during their daily recess, and before and after school.
RECEPTION GRADES SPORT CLASSES The Reception Grades take part in a weekly sport course designed for young children and focusing on balance and hand-eye coordination. PROGRESS REPORTS It is of fundamental import that parents/guardians and teachers work together to help each child achieve to the best of his/her ability. In order to do this, it is vital that parents be kept informed about the progress of their child. MIS faculty keep the parents informed through regular contact, including progress reports. STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS Student Progress Reports are sent home on an informal and unscheduled basis when a teacher would like to inform parents/guardians of their childs progress or lack there of. It is important for parents to be aware of how their child is progressing, to assist their child in curbing low marks, or to be aware when their child achieves highly. TERM PROGRESS REPORTS Reports and grades will be sent home for each student after the end of the first and second semester. The Parent-Teacher Conference will follow the distribution of the Term Progress Report at the end of the first semester.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT Many people share the responsibility for student conduct. Each student is primarily accountable for his or her own conduct and this obligation increases as students grow older and mature.
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Discipline within the school is the responsibility of the school faculty and administration. With the cooperation of students, parents, and others, the staff seeks to maintain an environment that is safe, orderly, and conducive to study.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY Students are expected to: attend school regularly be punctual devote their energies to learning under the direction of the total school staff obey laws, school policies and regulations respect the health, safety and rights of others safeguard the educational facilities reflect good values and behavior not engage in any intimidating or threatening words or graphic images conveyed through any printed, electronic, or other medium, as between two or more students, whether on or off campus but in any case connected with campus.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY Parents and guardians are expected to: assure regular and punctual attendance of their children; establish and maintain appropriate communication with the school; assume responsibility regarding conduct of their children at school; assist in resolving behavioral and academic problems; provide positive encouragement to students and reinforcement to the school; maintain students in proper uniforms as set forth in the Dress Code.; and follow the rules contained in this Handbook.
SCHOOL STAFF RESPONSIBILITY Teachers, social worker, administrators, custodians, and other school employees have the obligation to: help maintain and encourage proper student conduct; make efforts to stop misconduct; report serious persistent violations; assist students who are having problems; and follow the rules delineated within this Handbook.
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ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITY carries out the policies of the Metropolitan International School initiates procedures for the proper establishment maintains management and the operation of the school supervises all operations of the school exerts control for the protection of the school programs, school environment, health, safety, and due process.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES RECEPTION GRADES SUPPLIES The faculty will provide a supply list to parents/guardians at the beginning of the Academic Year.
PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPLIES The faculty will provide a supply list to parents/guardians at the beginning of the Academic Year.
SEMESTER EXAMS It is the policy of the Metropolitan International School to administer exams to all Primary School students in grade 4 and above. These exams take place near the end of the first and second semesters. SNACKS Reception grade children and Primary School students are provided with two snack/break periods each day. These two snacks are to be provided by parents, and we encourage parents to provide healthy foods for their children. Fruits, veggies, and crackers are all good choices! Each child is allowed ONE dessert item, such as pudding or a cookie. The following foods are not allowed: fizzy drinks (soda, etc.), chocolate bars, cakes, candy Students with these items will be asked to put them away and not consume them during school hours. Snacks are not allowed to be eaten during lessons.
SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRALS If a parent has a child that they feel needs special education services, they should contact the Director who can help with the referral.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE In the event that a student's behavior calls for disciplinary action, the parent will be notified in writing, and the disciplinary action to the student will be one of the following, depending on severity and frequency of the offense:
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RECEPTION GRADE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Oral Apology: Saying Im sorry to the offended or injured party Time out: Sitting in the time out area for a set duration of time, regulated by the classroom faculty. Loss of Privilege: Loosing a class privilege, for a set duration of time.
PRIMARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: Time out: Sitting in the time out area for a set duration, regulated by the classroom faculty. Writing a letter of apology: In the event of non-appropriate behavior directed toward an individual, the student must write to the offended party expressing apology for the offense caused. Detention during Recess: Recess time is spent doing a specific task under the supervision of a faculty member, such as cleaning a classroom, assisting in the school cafeteria, or assisting teachers with tasks. Detention takes place regardless of Recess activities, such as any club meetings. Detention After School: Having to stay after school for either a half hour or full hour to do a specific task under the supervision of a faculty member, such as cleaning a classroom, assisting in the school cafeteria, or assisting teachers with tasks. Detention takes place regardless of any after-school activities scheduled. For serious offences the student will be sent directly to the Director of schools office, and the parents will be called. After a meeting to discuss the offence, the Director may choose to suspend the student for 1 3 days. In grave cases and at the discretion of the Director, the student may be expelled from school.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Technology is used in the classroom for general learning, completion of work, and assignments or projects that support the classroom environment. Teachers and faculty are conscious of monitoring student computer usage. Students are not allowed to randomly browse the Internet, engage in chat rooms, or send or check e-mail.
TELEPHONE USAGE Students are not let out of class to use the telephone except in light of an urgent matter. In a case of urgency, parents/guardians may leave a message for their child with the school personnel, who will deliver the message to the child.
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT The school contract is a rollover contract, which may be legally terminated only at the end of the first or second semester of the academic year (31 January or 31 July, respectively). In order to terminate this contract, written notice to this effect must be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail to the Administration of the School, no later than three months before the end date of the first or second semester, that is, no later than 31 October or 30 April of the current academic year, respectively.
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TERMINATION OF CONTRACT DUE TO TUITION INCREASE In the event that the school raises the tuition fee over 10% of the current tuition fee, the parents/guardians have the special right to give a four-week notice of termination of contract upon receipt of the Schools written assessment. This written notice must be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail to the Administration of the School, no later than 14 days before the end of the Academic Year. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT DUE TO NON-PROGRESSION In the event that the School assesses the student as unready to progress to the next grade in the following Academic Year, the parents/guardians have the special right to give a two-week notice of termination of contract upon receipt of the Schools written assessment. This written notice must be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail to the Administration of the School, no later than 14 days before the end of the Academic Year. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT DUE TO DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL REGULATIONS The School has the right to terminate this contract without notice and with immediate effect in the event of grave violations of school regulations or, despite warnings, repetitive lesser violations, as well as for other reasons, as provided for in 626 BGB. In such cases, tuition and fees up to and including the current calendar month must be paid in full. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES The Contracting Parties retain the rights of cancellation without notice in extraordinary circumstances, as provided for in 626 BGB. THEFT & VANDALISM Metropolitan International School is not responsible for personal items of faculty, parents/guardians or students. To report a theft of personal property, please contact the school office. UPDATING INFORMATION It is the express responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure that all information on file at MIS is correct and updated when necessary. Current information is necessary to help us provide the best service possible to our students. VISITOR POLICY Parents and patrons will be extended every reasonable courtesy and made welcome at all times within the school. Any non-student must have permission from the Administration to be on school grounds. All visitors must first go to the school office to sign in. The visitor will then be issued a visitors pass issued to them from the office.
This handbook is a general statement of the policies and procedures in effect at the Baden International School. It also contains information about our school and our methods of education. The contents of this handbook should be read and understood with great care because they constitute a partnership between the MIS Families and the Administration (management) of MIS, and all parents/guardians and students are required to agree to all the contents and the updates that will follow as part of their contractual agreement with MIS. We value our relationships with parents highly and are committed to working in partnership with you by sharing information, listening to you and fostering good communication. Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in the Parent Handbook, please contact the school office .
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Agreement Declaration
This statement needs to read carefully and agreed before entering into a binding agreement between the Metropolitan International School and yourself.
I, __________________________________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian Please Print
have read through the Parent Handbook and the Terms and Conditions and I accept them and agree to be legally bound by them for the duration of my School Contract with the Metropolitan International School. My acceptance to abiding by these rules, conditions and procedures as set out in the Parent Handbook, is now confirmed by my signature.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________
Please return this signed form to the MIS school office.

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Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Children 3 - 4 years old Children 4 - 5 years old

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Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Metropolitan International School: Student Handbook

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________

Please return this signed form to the MIS school office.

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