Parent-Student Handbook
SECTION I: General Information SECTION II: Governance and Accreditation SECTION III: Personnel SECTION IV: Academics SECTION V: Student Affairs |
SECTION V: Student Affairs (cont) SECTION VI: Communication SECTION VII: Facilities SECTION VIII: Finances 10. Appendices |
SECTION I: General Information
1.1 MISSION
The International School of Dakar (ISD) is an independent English-medium international school that offers, in a nurturing environment, a rigorous, US-based, PK-12 curriculum enriched to reflect the needs and diversity of its international student body and faculty. ISD inspires students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens in a rapidly changing world.
1.2 CORE VALUES:
Creativity
Open-Mindedness
Responsibility
Excellence
1.3 ISD PHILOSOPHY
The International School of Dakar (ISD) believes that offering the best possible education program, curriculum, and instruction based on the highest standards will provide students the opportunity to maximize their potential. ISD believes quality education is attainable when students are valued as individuals in a community, prepared to think globally, and challenged to act responsibly.
OBJECTIVES
To:
- Provide a well-rounded program of instruction using best educational practices appropriate to the diverse cultural, intellectual, and social needs of our international student body
- Provide a US-based, non-sectarian, college preparatory, PK-12 curriculum with English as the language of instruction
- Provide educational resources for a safe, challenging, tolerant, and supportive environment in which students are actively encouraged to participate
- Prepare students to be independent thinkers, skillful communicators, and lifelong learners
- Foster a sense of individual responsibility, self-discipline, self-reliance, and respect for self and others
- Promote a creative, active lifestyle
- Orient students to the world of technology and media, developing familiarity, competence, and awareness of the tools they will need as they continue their learning process beyond high school
- Encourage students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and board members to play an active role in promoting educational excellence at ISD
- Recruit highly-qualified and motivated faculty and staff and provide opportunities to foster their professional development
- Provide opportunities for families and friends of ISD to strengthen community bonds through a range of inclusive activities and programs
- Encourage acceptance and tolerance of the diversity of moral, traditional, and religious values
1.5 GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION:
Teacher Agreement
We will promote SAFETY by:
- Providing a safe and caring environment for all students.
We will promote RESPECT by
- Providing quality education;
- Providing multiple learning opportunities and being responsive to the needs of each of our students by maintaining regular, open lines of communication to clarify classroom expectations, inform of school events, and report on student progress.
We will promote RESPONSIBILITY by
- Encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect including sensitivity to cultural diversity.
We will promote EXCELLENCE by
- Modeling and encouraging high goals and standards of excellence within a balanced lifestyle.
Parent Agreement
We will promote SAFETY by:
- Knowing and supporting school, classroom, and bus rules and expectations.
- Communicating promptly with teachers or administration whenever I notice a safety problem or have a security concern.
- Ensuring my child has proper equipment for participation in any school-related activity.
- Being involved and knowledgeable about my child’s activities after school and on weekends.
We will promote RESPECT by
- Knowing, respecting, and supporting school, classroom, and bus rules and expectations.
- Treating all ISD community members as I would like to be treated: with respect, good manners, and cultural sensitivity.
- Being a thoughtful audience member when at ISD events: turning my phone off, minding my children, not talking during performances, and removing my child if she is making noise or being a distraction
We will promote RESPONSIBILITY by
- Reading and discussing with my child the expectations the school has for him or her.
- Assuming the responsibility for the regular and prompt attendance of my child, and notifying the school when my child will be absent from school.
- Maintaining contact with the school and my child’s teacher.
- Taking an active role in the life of the school and supporting my child’s participation in school activities. (Being here and cheering!)
We will promote EXCELLENCE by
- Supporting my child’s effort to learn by encouraging excellence in my child’s studies.
- Ensuring my child’s personal health and well being so that my child will come to school ready to learn.
1.6 ISD HISTORY
The International School of Dakar (ISD) sits on four acres of land overlooking the Atlantic in the westernmost tip of Africa. It was founded in 1983 in order to provide a non-sectarian alternative for international families who are temporarily based in Dakar. The initial leadership of the school was primarily North American, with strong support, which continues today, from the United States Embassy and U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Schools.
Dakar, once the capital of French West Africa, is a cosmopolitan city of two million people drawn not only from Senegal’s six major ethnic groups, but from most of French-speaking Africa, Lebanon and France, as well. Soft (and sometimes not so soft) trade winds, an agreeable climate and numerous beaches make Senegal an attractive place to live and a European vacation spot.
With its rapid growth in recent years, ISD has come to serve many other families within the international community of Dakar. While approximately one-quarter of the students are U.S. citizens, some 50 other nationalities are now represented.
In 1989, ISD moved to its current site overlooking the Atlantic. Our purpose-built facility includes 36 classrooms plus a library, 2 computer labs, offices, a gym and student locker rooms. In 2012, ISD added facilities that include a swimming pool, and tennis and basketball courts. Our large playing field permits a broad array of physical education activities. The auditorium/gymnasium permits indoor physical activities such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, as well as cultural programs.
In 1993, the Preschool moved to the regular ISD campus. We currently offer morning programs for three- and four-year-olds.
In 2001-2002, ISD expanded its high school program to include students in grades 9-12. Our high school is fully accredited and offers a strong academic program, which includes multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes. There is a 100-hour service-learning requirement. Graduates have been accepted to--and attend--top universities in the US, Canada, and Europe. In 2012, ISD became a ‘candidate school’ for offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
1.7 SCHOOL SPIRIT
The ISD mascot is the jaguar, a fierce, sly, lightening-fast predator...that doesn’t live in Africa. It was chosen by students in the early 2000s. Our school colors are yellowish-orange and black. The ISD Jaguar colors adorn our gymnasium and you can see them prominently displayed around campus. The ISD Spirit Shop is a great place to buy spirit goods to show your school pride or to find gifts for folks when you are traveling home.
1.8 CONTACT INFORMATION:
US Mailing address:
Management Officer for ISD
2130 Dakar Place
852 Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20521 – 2130
Tel. : (221) 33 825 08 71 / 33 860 23 32
Fax : (221) 33 860 85 23
Email : adminoffice@isd.sn
Website : www.isdakar.orgSenegal Mailing Address:
B.P. 5136 Dakar, Senegal
SECTION II: GOVERNANCE and ACCREDITATION
2.1 BOARD of TRUSTEES:
The International School of Dakar is governed by an up to nine-member Board of Trustees elected by the International School Association of Dakar, the sponsoring body of the school. Membership in the association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the school and on full time teachers. The school's director, the school’s principals, a representative of the U.S. Ambassador, the president of the Parent-Teacher Organization and a faculty representative are ex-officio members of the board.
The board works through a variety of committees, which include Finance, Building and Grounds, and Policy. Membership on these committees is open; if you are interested in participating, please contact the director or a member of the board.
TRUSTEES 2012-13
DE LA BORDE, Vesna, Chair LATOUCHE, Daniel, Vice Chair
CAMARA SY Thiaba, Treasurer MACRAE, Grainne, Secretary
STEWART, Kristin, New Policy Committee ChairGARDNER, Allyson, Member
CAVANAUGH, Brendan, Member KAJECKAS, Margaret, Member
BEASTON HEDRICK, Jennifer, Member
2.2 ISD TRUSTEE SELECTION
ISD Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, held in April each year. Trustees terms are staggered so that there is not too much turnover in any given year. Terms are for two years. To apply as a candidate, you must write a biographical statement and submit it to the board secretary, who runs elections, before the submission deadline (usually three weeks before the Annual General Meeting). Elections are held via secret ballot. Candidates speak to the assembled association and voting happens immediately thereafter. More on board elections can be found in The ISD Board Policy Handbook.
2.3 ISD BOARD POLICIES
One of the board’s primary roles is to approve and review policy so as to insure smooth functioning of all aspects of the ISD program. All ISD Board policies are contained in The ISD Board Policy Handbook, which available to download from the school’s website. A copy is also available in the school library and from the ISD office.
2.4 ACCREDITATION
The International School of Dakar is fully accredited in the U.S. by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, and in the UK by the Council of International Schools. Our dual accreditation, earned in 2007, is valid for 10 years. Accreditation is a means by which colleges can verify that a student’s academic program is comprehensive, demanding, and legitimate. ISD’s accreditation is reflected on graduating seniors’ transcripts and diplomas.
ISD is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), as well as the West African International Schools’ Athletic League (WAISAL).
SECTION III: PERSONNEL
3.1 Administration
The school is administered by the director, who is responsible for the organization, operation, and overall management of the total school program. The director is assisted by two principals, an office manager, office assistant, admissions coordinator, receptionist, operations manager and finance manager.
| Administrators | Office Staff | Other Key Personnel |
| GAGE Barb, Director | ATIASE Emefa, Office Assistant | FAYE Abdoul, Network Mgr |
| CLARK Ian, ES Principal | DIOUF Francois, Cashier | HOGG Ian, Operations Mgr |
| BELL Brad, US Principal | FAYE Pape, Accountant | LAMBERT, Philippe, Bus. Mg |
| HAJA Saida, New Building Office Assistant | FLEMING Wendy, Nurse | |
| MICHELET, Marylene, P.A. Dir, Office Manager | ||
| NDOYE Adams, Finance Assistant | ||
| TBC, Receptionist | ||
| STINSON, Phyllis, Admissions |
3.2 FACULTY
The International School of Dakar employs approximately 45 full- and part-time faculty members, as well as several teaching assistants. Full time teachers are certified in their countries of origin, and have come to ISD with a broad variety of professional experiences. Approximately half possess master’s degrees or other advanced diplomas in education or specific subject areas. Mirroring the international atmosphere of the school, the teachers represent many different nations. While the largest percentage of the faculty is American, teachers are also from Canada, France, England, the Netherlands, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and New Zealand.
| Faculty | |
BALAZS Noah, Grade 1B |
MILLER Marjorie, Preschool 3M/Resource |
BARKER Regina, Kindergarten B |
MONTEIRO Rodrigo, MS Social Studies |
BOCCACCINI BERNARD Christine, Modern Lang |
OSUNDWA Joy, ES Music |
BOCKARIE Linda, Preschool 4B / Art |
PARK Rick, Technology Director |
BRYANT Shelby, HS Math and Computers |
PENNYPACKER Samuel, HS Social Studies |
BURNSIDE Peter, HS Science |
PREGONT Rachel, HS Spanish |
CARLSON Paul, Grade 2C |
RAMSAY Patrick, Grade 5R |
CARPENTER Megan, Art |
RODERICK Jodie, PE |
CUSHING Andrea, Resource Specialist |
RYMIOSCH Nadine, Modern Language |
DONAUER Darren, Grade 3D |
SAMPSON Rebecca, MS Science |
ERMANOVICS Ingrid, Modern Language |
SCHULTZ Erich, Grade 4S |
FAYE Maryelle, Modern Language |
SCOGGIN Stephanie, Gr. 6 Language Arts/Social St. |
GESLAND Chantal, Computer K-8 |
SCOGGIN William, Upper School Counselor |
GREGORES Thalia, HS English/Social Studies |
STEIN Shelly, Grade 2S |
GRIMES Emily, MS Language Arts |
STUDNISKI Tamara, HS English |
HILL Tracy, Grade 5K |
SUETERS Els, E.L.L. |
HINGREZ Emilie, Modern Language |
TE HUKI Jennifer, Grade 1T |
HURWITT CLARK Sarah, Grade 3H |
TE Huki Murray, Athletic Direct. & Activities Coord |
IDIR Djamila, Modern Language |
THOMPSON Primrose, MS/HS Language Arts |
ISHMAEL Gregory, Grade 4I |
WARRICK Elizabeth, Librarian |
KINKHABWALA Christy, Kindergarten K |
WATTERS Anthony, MS/HS Music |
KINKHABWALA Yunus, MS Science and Math |
WATTERS Melinda, Pre K 4W |
KONGO Dédé, Modern Language |
WELANDER Wendy, Art & IB Coordinator |
LANCASTER Katherine, Resource Specialist |
YEAGER Rebekah, MS Math |
LEVERS Scott, HS Science & Math |
ZAHROBSKY Chris, PE |
MICHAEL Kristine, Curriculum Coordinator |
ZANE Dickey, HS/MS Tech |
Teacher email addresses are generally in the format: ‘firstname@isd.sn’.
3.3 Teaching Assistants
ATIASE Sedina, Elementary |
HARRIS-HENRY Niassa, Elementary |
BIENIA Nichole R, Elementary |
KONGO Akouavi Dede, Elementary |
CALLENDER-SCOTT Olivea, Elementary |
MASHORI Asiya, Elementary |
DIEYE Jacqueline, Library |
MONAHAN Sara, Elementary |
DRUMMOND Amelia ESL |
MULLIE MBAYE Marieme, Elementary |
GENTY-WAKSBERG Susannah, Elementary |
NDIONE Serigne Abdoulaye, Elementary |
GONZALES CHANG Silvia, Library, Science |
TRAORE Mamadou, Elementary |
3.4 Support Staff
ISD employs maintenance personnel and janitors to keep the facilities and grounds attractive for our students and parents. These folks are very important people on our campus!
SECTION IV: ACADEMICS
4.1 DIVISIONS:
4.1.1 Preschool
Our preschool, serving children aged three and four, occupies two classrooms on the ISD campus. Admission is granted on a space-available basis, and then on a priority basis for the waiting list. There are 16 spaces in our Pre-K 3 classroom and 18 spaces in each of our two Pre-K 4 morning sections.
4.1.2 Elementary School
The elementary school consists of Kindergarten through Grade 5. Classes are self-contained with a classroom teacher. Specialist classes are offered to all elementary students by specialist teachers in Music, Art, Physical Education, and French. Classes are limited to 20 students per section. There are teaching assistants (TAs) in each classroom to grade 1, after which there is one TA per grade level to grade 5.
4.1.3 Middle School
Our middle school includes students from grades 6, 7 & 8. Whenever possible, our middle school faculty integrate their curriculum, thus providing what is understood to be the best possible educational methodology for this age group. Grade 6 is split between two core teachers, while 7th and 8th graders move between four core classrooms. Specialist classes in Music, Art, Physical Education, Health, Drama and French are offered to middle school students.
4.1.4 High School
Our high school program consists of a full menu of course offerings and elective classes for grades 9-12. We offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in French, Spanish, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Human Geography, Psychology, Studio Art, and Calculus. Teachers are certified in their countries of origin, and have experience teaching at the secondary level using a U.S.-based curriculum.
4.2 AGE PLACEMENT POLICY
An age policy is essential in order to ensure that students who enter each grade are physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally prepared. The age policy is effective from the beginning of the school year for new students.
Class Age
Preschool 3 3-years prior to September 15 of that school year
Preschool 4 4-years prior to September 15 of that school year
Kindergarten 5-years prior to September 15 of that school year
1st Grade 6-years prior to September 15 of that school year
4.3 INSTRUCTIONAL LANGUAGE
The language of instruction at ISD is English, with the exception of French or Spanish during the modern language classes
4.4 ENGLISH LEARNING LANGUAGE (ELL) PROGRAM
The majority of ISD students come from a language background that is other than English. Thus, all ISD teachers are ELL teachers. ISD runs an ELL program based on the ‘sheltered immersion’ approach. This means that we believe students learn English best when immersed in the mainstream classroom once they have achieved a level of English, which allows them to function at a peer competitive level. ISD classifies ELL learners as Non-English Proficient (NEP; emergent stage of proficiency) or Limited English Proficient (LEP; bridging stage of proficiency). NEP students are pulled from their English Language Arts class and work in small groups with our ELL teacher to achieve LEP status. They will take most of their classes in the mainstream, receiving support from their core teachers. NEP students will not be graded on the same criteria as mainstream students. Once LEP has been achieved, students will be mainstreamed for all classes, and will receive support from their homeroom teacher, supplemented by occasional support from the ELL teacher. In some cases, teachers and administrators may decide that an NEP student should not take French, but should instead concentrate on English acquisition. Research shows that achieving academic fluency (as opposed to social fluency) in English can take as many as seven years.
4.5 SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
It is the goal of the ISD learning support program to increase the academic success of identified elementary and middle school students with mild learning differences. Academic support is provided in either inclusive or pull-out programs that match individual needs with appropriate strategies and methods. There is no learning support program available for high school students at ISD.
Pull-out learning support is delivered in small groups (between 2 and 6 students per teacher) to identified students during the daily French instructional block. Students are clustered and supported in cross-grade bands: Grades 1 - 2, Grades 3 - 4, Grades 5 - 6, and Grades 7 - 8, and receive 45 minutes per day of tailored academic support.
In addition to providing pull-out support to identified students and managing individual educational plans, the learning specialist visits classrooms regularly to work with teachers to offer strategies for differentiating instruction. On occasion, the learning specialist is asked by individual teachers to work with specific groups of students within the classroom to bolster identified skills.
ISD utilizes a child-study team approach and follows a clearly articulated referral process for identifying students who will benefit from learning support. This team, comprised of classroom teachers, principal, learning specialist, ELL specialist, and specialist teachers meets regularly to discuss students of concern, individual education plans and future actions. Teachers and parents are encouraged to seek out the assistance and resources provided by the learning specialist whenever learning questions arise.
Identified students who qualify for gifted services are supported through regular differentiation of content, instructional method, task or assessment model in the regular classroom setting. It is the goal of ISD to enrich and extend learning experiences for high-achieving students. ISD does not offer acceleration or out-of-age placement as an option for high achievers.
4.6 CURRICULUM/COURSE of STUDY
The course of study for students at ES level consists of core courses in English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and K-5 receive daily French sessions. The specials classes are usually timetabled for the afternoon, and are the schedule is based on a 6-day rotation (Day 1, Day 2, etc.). There are special courses in Art (2x per rotation), Music (2x per rotation, PE (2x per rotation), Computer Studies (1x per rotation) and Library Studies (1x per rotation).
MS and HS students are given some degree of choice in their classes, and elective courses will be chosen with the guidance of the guidance counselor in a system administered by the middle and high school principal.
The following information regarding our curriculum is important for parents and students.
- French: Grade K-8 students all take French. Classes are 45 minutes daily in Grades K-6. Classes are 85 minutes every other day in Grades 7-12. Students are assessed and placed in a level that will best meet their needs. French levels at ISD are: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and Francophone. AP French is the culminating French class, and can be taken by 9th graders or other HS students. In some cases, ES students may be scheduled for additional support classes during French time, if this is deemed best by the teachers and principal.
- Math: Grades K-5 students at ISD use the EveryDay Math program as the basis for their math studies. In HS, students may take Math classes up to AP Calculus, our highest-level math class.
ISD HS Math students are required to have a TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator. - Physical Education: All ISD students in ES and MS must take PE; HS students must have two years of Physical Education. From 5th grade, integrated Health classes will cover issues such as human sexuality (sex ed.), nutrition, and drug and alcohol use and abuse. Parents will be notified before these classes are taught, should they want more information. ISD believes that these lessons are critical to our students being informed young people. We do not recommend excusing your child from these important units of study. Middle school students are issued a PE uniform, which students must wear to PE classes.
- IT: ISD has initiated a 1:1 Tablet laptop program in the high school. In 2012-13, all students in Grades 9-11 should have purchased or leased an ISD-provided tablet computer. This computer is required to complete the lessons and to participate fully in the curriculum and learning activities. For more information, please contact the IT director.
4.7 HOMEWORK
The philosophy of ISD regarding homework is as follows:
- Homework assignments are necessary to develop the planning skills and responsibility.
- Homework assignments should have a purpose, should support learning objectives, and the student should understand that purpose and those objectives.
- A reasonable amount of homework is important to a student's education and will be given daily to students. The average minutes of homework per night for grades 1-12 follows. These averages are consistent with other international schools throughout the world.
- Grade 1: 15-20 minutes
- Grade 2-3 30-45 minutes
- Grade 4: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Grade 5: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Grade 6: 1 hour
- Grade 7-8: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Grade 9: 2 hours
- Grades 10-12: 2 – 3 hours
- Homework can include home study assignments in which no written work is required.
- Homework should be assigned for the purpose of preparation, recall, practice, and research.
- Homework should be balanced by teachers for day-to-day consistency.
- Homework teaches children to work independently and improves skills in budgeting of time.
- Elementary students should not exceed this level of homework. If your child is spending significantly longer on homework on a regular basis than that suggested above, please let your teacher know. In the ES, the times include any assigned reading, but not any reading outside school assignments.
Homework assignments may be of many types: Weekly assignments; long range projects (such as book reports or research papers); drill (assigned daily or as needed); absence make-up work; review study (often followed by a test); and regularly scheduled tests.
4.8 GRADES
Elementary School: Reporting on Progress
In the Elementary School, we look for a continuation of development from each child, and parents are contacted should there be a concern in any of the academic areas. We have two parent conferences and three report cards to report on progress. In the report card, the grades are as follows:
E - The student is exceeding grade-level expectations and extending skills, concepts, and knowledge in innovative ways.
M - The student is meeting grade-level expectations and demonstrating skills, concepts, and knowledge independently.
A - The student is approaching grade-level expectations and demonstrating skills, concepts, and knowledge with teacher assistance, but needs more time and assistance to meet expectations.
N - The student is not meeting grade-level expectations.
NA - Not applicable at the moment.
Receives additional support and/or curricular modifications
Middle and High School Grading Scheme
Percentage |
Letter Grade |
Grade Points |
93-100 |
A |
4 |
90-92 |
A- |
3.7 |
87-89 |
B+ |
3.3 |
84-86 |
B |
3.0 |
80-82 |
B- |
2.7 |
77-79 |
C+ |
2.3 |
74-76 |
C |
2.0 |
70-72 |
C- |
1.7 |
67-69 |
D+ |
1.3 |
64-66 |
D |
1 |
60-62 |
D- |
.66 |
below 60 |
F |
0 |
Grades will be reported in percentages on the report card and converted into letter grades on the official transcript. In year-long courses, one third of a credit (.33 credits) may be earned for successfully completing the requirements of one trimester. No credit is given for grades of "F", or less than 60%.
Students are expected to complete all assignments for all classes. If assignments are missing at the end of the grading period, a zero will be averaged into the grade for each missing or incomplete assignment. All assignments missed due to absence must be made up within a reasonable period of time as set by the teacher.
Non-Traditional Class Grading: Students enrolled in non-traditional courses, such as teacher aide/assistant, will be graded with Pass/Fail. Those enrolled in an independent study course will receive a percentage grade.
4.9 HIGH SCHOOL FINAL EXAMS
Final exams may be given for all high school classes. Exams may be offered in a variety of forms, dependent upon the course and the teacher. These may include--but are not limited to--tests, cumulative projects, oral reports, research projects, or some combination of these or other forms of assessment. Final exams will be scheduled by the HS Principal. In the case of a cumulative project, the presentation of the final project may be scheduled during exam week in lieu of a test. The percentage weighting of the semester exam will be determined by the individual class instructor. Senior students (Grade 12) with an “A” average in a course for the year may be exempt from taking the final exam for that course. Students who are taking AP classes are required to sit the official AP exam for that class.
4.10 REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester and sent home with students. Parents are asked to sign the envelope verifying receipt of the Report Card, and return that envelope to school. Copies of report cards may be obtained from the office.
Although we do our best to accommodate parents, unless there is an emergency or special circumstance, our policy is that report cards are not issued before the last day of school for these reasons:
- Our academic program continues through the last day of the year.
- Technological and human limitations: it can place a burden on our personnel to generate final grades and a report card outside of the established timeline.
We do not issue report cards pending library fines, lost textbook fines, or unpaid tuition.
4.10.1 Progress Reports
Students in Grades 6-12 all receive mid-trimester progress reports every trimester. In addition, at any time during a trimester, if a student’s progress is not satisfactory, a progress report may be sent to parents. This report is to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school within the required time as stated by the teacher.
4.10.2 Elementary School Certificates
To celebrate the CORE values, children in the ES will receive a certificate at the monthly assemblies relating to an area of achievement. While we encourage CORE values through the year, each child should receive one certificate per year at an assembly.
4.10.3 MS/HS Honor Roll
ISD Honor Roll certificates are awarded to students at the end of every trimester. Students make the honor roll with a 3.5 GPA. Certificates are presented to students at community meeting and ISD Honor Rolls are posted on school bulletin boards.
4.11 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student must have earned 28 credits during his/her high school career (9th through 12th grades). Seniors must complete their entire 12th grade year at ISD to earn an ISD diploma. Each content area has a specific number of credits that must be completed. A credit is earned when one full year of study in a certain subject is completed with a passing grade. One-third of credit is earned when a trimester of study in a certain subject is completed with a passing grade. A normal credit load is 8 credits per year.
The academic program at the International School of Dakar is based on curricula used in the United States of America, enriched to develop within our students an awareness of the international environment in which we live.
The requirements for high school graduation are the following:
Subject |
Minimum ISD Requirements |
Recommended for College-bound Students |
ENGLISH |
4 credits (four years of study) |
4 credits (four years of study) |
MATH |
3 credits (three years of study) |
4 credits (four years of study) |
SCIENCE |
3 credits (three years of study) |
4 credits (four years of study) |
SOCIAL STUDIES |
3 credits (three years of study) |
4 credits (four years of study) |
FINE ARTS |
1 credit (1 year of study) |
2 credits |
PHYSICAL ED |
2 credits (two years of study) |
2 credits |
MODERN LANG |
3 credits (three years of study) |
4 credits |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
1 credit (1 year of study) |
1 credit |
ELECTIVES |
(These can be chosen from either the 4 core areas of study such as English, Math, Science, or Social Studies or they can be taken from other areas.) |
|
Any exceptions to minimum requirements must be approved by the Principal or a designated committee of the faculty.
Recognizing that part of the ISD Mission Statement is to create ‘responsible global citizens’ and further, that the community service is increasingly important in and for our world, the ISD Trustees require graduating seniors to have 100 hours of approved service learning during their high school years. Half of the hours served must be done outside of ISD.
The director will ensure that a program is in place to monitor and approve student service learning work. Students transferring into the ISD high school may have the service credit requirement adjusted at the director’s discretion.
4.12 CLASS RANK
As the graduating classes are small, ISD does not rank students, as larger schools often do. Since we don’t rank students, we do not recognize a top student or valedictorian. For the graduation ceremony, seniors may choose a senior speaker, but this speaker need not be chosen according to his/her GPA.
4.13 EARLY GRADUATION
ISD believes that high school is a four-year experience and that students should exceed minimum graduation requirements. In exceptional cases, permission may be granted for early graduation, only when a student has been able to satisfy all ISD graduation requirements. Such permission must be granted by the director.
4.14 DISTANCE LEARNING CREDITS
During the course of a student's high school career, the student may apply a maximum of two credits (6 trimesters) through summer or correspondence studies in a program approved by the principal. The principal may make exceptions to this policy in the case of transfer students who may need to take online courses in order to meet graduation requirements.
4.15 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Students must attend ISD for at least one full school year, and meet ISD graduation requirements in order to be considered eligible for an ISD diploma.
4.16 RETAKING CLASSES
Credits may also be made up by retaking courses when appropriate. Generally, a student may earn no more than one credit for a course taken multiple times. When retaking a course, the highest grade obtained will count toward the student's GPA.
4.17 ACADEMIC PROBATION
Academic probation is defined as a grade point average (GPA) below a D+ (1.3) in the core subjects, which are English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Modern Language, or if a student is failing any two subjects, or an overall GPA of D-.
Academic probation is defined as a period of time, consisting of any single trimester. If a student is on academic probation during any one trimester, he/she remains on academic probation until the end of that trimester. If the student has improved his/her grades to the extent that he/she no longer meets the criteria for probation at the start of the next trimester, the student will no longer be on academic probation. If the student has not improved and meets the probation criteria, that student shall remain on academic probation through the next trimester.Any student remaining on academic probation for two consecutive trimesters may be asked to find a more appropriate school placement.
For students who are on academic probation the school shall follow this plan.
- When initial academic concerns arise, parents will be notified via mid-term progress reports or earlier. A teacher or a parent can initiate a parent-teacher conference at that time.
- If at the end of term, the student’s grades are such that he/she remains on academic probation, a meeting will be held with the parents, teacher, student, counselor, and the principal to develop a plan to help the student improve his/her academic standing. Some remedies can be initiated. They are:
- Mandatory after school tutorial time with teacher
- Structured home study
- Counselor’s weekly homework report to the parents
- A student contract that is signed by the student and is monitored by the counselor
- Meet with the counselor after school to review organizational skills and study skills
- Additional tutoring by a tutor outside of school, who maintains contact with the classroom teacher(s)
- A recommendation for diagnostic testing by a qualified school psychologist to determine if the student has learning problems
- A summary of the meeting will be sent home with the parent on the day of the conference or the following day.
- A follow-up meeting with the parent, student, teacher, counselor and administrator will be set for a later date, no more than 6 weeks later, to monitor the student’s progress and to make sure improvement guidelines are being followed.
- The consequences of being on academic probation may be exclusion from some after school activities, including athletic teams, musical or drama productions, or school trips. Eligibility for participation in after-school activities is based upon current academic standing (as reported in trimester grades, midterms, or teacher reports of progress, whichever is most current).
4.18 PLACEMENT
In the Elementary School, ISD places children in their next grade based on many academic and social criteria, through a process involving teachers and the principal. We do not accept parent requests for placement with a particular teacher.
4.19 RETENTION
In certain circumstances, ISD may decide that it is best for a child to be retained and to repeat a grade level. In the elementary, this happens most often when a child’s cognitive or emotional development does not match those of his peer group. Also, when academically they are 2.0 years below placement in one core subject area, or more than 1.5 years below placement in more than one core subject area. In the secondary, the decision to have a student repeat a grade is most often based on his unacceptable level of achievement in core classes.
A middle school student is obligated to show competency in most courses in order to advance to the next grade level. If a student fails two courses in a single trimester, or a single course for two trimesters in a year, the student may be retained. In such cases, the faculty will review the student’s academic work and any mitigating circumstances. A determination on retention will be made by a consensus decision of the core teachers, the principal, and the director.
A number of factors can contribute to the school’s decision that a student should be retained, and while this can be a difficult event for a family, it is important to know that underlying any decision to have a student repeat a grade is a genuine concern for his best interests, as well as many years of teachers’ professional experience in education.
4.20 UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS
Students in the middle school and the high school may receive awards in June. The three awards are described below:
- Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Students who receive this award do so after meeting the following requirements:
They must have attended ISD for a full school year.
They must have made the honor roll the first two trimesters.
They must have exceeded the academic requirement by being an exceptional role model in and out of the classroom. - Academic Achievement Awards. These awards go to students who have shown excellence, but weren’t here for the entire year. Or perhaps they started off the year with not-so-excellent habits, but have made tremendous strides in turning things around. We also use the Achievement Award to recognize those students who may not be academic stars, but achieve high levels in our schools’ sports or arts programs.
- Citizenship Award. All students are eligible for this award, including those who received one of the other two awards. Citizenship awards are presented to those students who participate in school and community service, show a positive attitude, possess a strength of character to do what is right, and promote citizenship in their school or local communities through other actions.
All awards are chosen by the faculty, with the principal making the final decision.
4.21 ELIGIBILITY for EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
An academic curriculum and a school sponsored extra-curricular program should coexist harmoniously. This eligibility has been established to encourage students to fulfill their academic responsibilities as well as to participate in the enriching experience of extra-curricular athletics and activities.
Definition: Extra curricular activities refer to:
- Sporting events between schools: volleyball, soccer, basketball, or swim competitions, SIPS, etc.
- Other extra curricular events: such as drama productions, music lessons, and after school activities
- WAISAL competitions and tournaments: (i.e., GIN, Math Counts, and sports competitions).
Philosophy: Students who are in need of tutoring or additional support may not have adequate time to work on academics if they are involved in extra-curricular activities. Thus, an eligibility program based on academic success is required.
Grade Levels Affected: 6-12
Policy: Students who earn two Ds or an F will be unable to participate in extra-curricular activities. Coaches and the athletic director can track students’ grades on FOCUS and will check each week to ensure players are eligible. Every six weeks, at progress report and report card time, students who are ineligible will meet with the principal, a letter will be sent home, and they will not be allowed to participate in sports or after-school activities for the next six weeks. Students may ask a teacher to vouch for them and come up with a plan for staying on the team and maintaining grades of C or above. The principal will determine this on a case-by-case basis.
Third trimester grades will determine eligibility for the beginning of the following school year.
4.22 TRANSCRIPTS
If you require official transcripts from ISD, please email the ISD Office at mailto:schoolcounselor@isd.sn or call us at +221 33 825 0871.
Official transcripts include the school seal, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges stamp, and the director's signature.
4.23 SCHEDULING
ISD MS/HS operates on a 4x2 block schedule. Secondary students take four classes on ‘A’ Days and then four different classes on ‘B’ Days. Classes are 80 minutes long, with a 40-minute lunch break.
The ISD schedule changes each year due to changes in teacher personnel, scheduling requirements, and course offerings. Some courses in Social Sciences, Science, and Language Arts are offered on a rotating, every-other-year basis.
Secondary students are given elective sheets for their elective choices in May, and student schedules are produced in late May or early June. If classes are full, older students may get priority scheduling.
ES specials classes are usually timetabled for the afternoon, and are the schedule for specials classes is based on a 6-day rotation (Day 1, Day 2, etc.).
4.24 STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized testing is administered annually for students in Grades 2-10 using the MAP Test. The Measure of Academic Progress test is an adaptive test, taken on the computer, with results available within a week of the closing of the test period. Results are sent to parents shortly after the school receives them, and informational meetings are held for parents to better understand the results. Students in the high school take PSAT, SAT, and AP exams, which we use to measure student progress and evaluate our programs. In Grades K-5, data is also gained through 6-Traits writing assessment, the DRA reading assessment and other diagnostic tools.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write,
but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
-- Alvin Toffler
SECTION V. STUDENT AFFAIRS:
“All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” --Aristotle
5.1 STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM—FOCUS
Using the ISD FOCUS Student Information System, parents and students can log on, via the internet and MS/HS parents can see up-to-date grades for their students. MS/HS teachers record the grades, and FOCUS allows parents to view them from anywhere they have Internet access. Speak to the tech director if you do not have your access password.
**Please help us communicate with you and keep your children safe by ensuring that we have updated contact and emergency information for you on FOCUS---any time you move, change email addresses or cell phone numbers, please keep ISD informed!!
5.2 SAFETY
Student safety is of primary concern to ISD teachers, staff, administration, and the board of trustees. Regular maintenance of building facilities and play equipment, as well as routine school maintenance all aim to make ISD a safe, nurturing environment for students of all ages. If you have a safety concern, please contact the ISD Office. Unfortunately, accidents do happen at a school and students do get hurt. When this occurs, ISD staff follow procedures to address the situation as best they can, which may include taking a student to the hospital if parents have signed the permission slip allowing for this. Please make sure your child’s health and insurance information is accurate and up to date on FOCUS.
5.3 MEDICAL INFORMATION
5.3.1 Nurse’s Office
ISD has a full-time school nurse on staff. In the event of illness or injury during school, the school nurse will provide appropriate assessment and care of the student, will contact parents/guardians concerning their child, and will recommend a referral to outside medical personnel when necessary. The school nurse coordinates yearly screenings for hearing and vision, in addition to being involved with health education classes and other issues of public health in the school setting as they arise.
Please pay careful attention to the health information portion of the student application. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to keep the school updated on existing or emerging medical conditions, allergies, injuries and illness, and current vaccination records so that the nurse can provide appropriate care and support for your student. Remember also, that care received at school cannot and should not replace care provided by a trained physician.
The following policies concern student health; feel free to contact the nurse by telephone at the ISD main number during school hours, or anytime via email: schoolnurse@isd.sn with any questions or concerns.
5.3.2 Parent /Guardian Contact Information
Parents/guardians will be notified about health concerns in one of three ways depending on the circumstances:
- Telephone –Parents/guardians will be called when their child needs to be dismissed due to illness or medical emergency, or simply to notify them of the circumstances of a head or other injury that occurred at school
- Email –Parents/guardians may be emailed concerning frequent visits to the nurse or to request updated medical information
- “Health Notes”-Parents/guardians may receive a note that details the medical assessment of their child, any medication dispensed, the child’s condition at the time of dismissal, the circumstances of a routine visit and any suggested follow-up care.
*It is CRITICAL that contact information including home, work and cell phone numbers, and email addresses are kept up to date at all times in FOCUS so we can contact you in case of emergency.
5.3.3 Student Dismissal & Exclusion Policy
ISD students will be dismissed from school if exhibiting one or more of the following:
- Temperature of 37.8°C (99.9°F) or above
- Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool)
- Vomiting
- Physical injury that needs further, immediate medical attention
- Persistent illness/discomfort that prevents normal participation in class activities
To be dismissed for medical reasons, a student must be assessed and given approval for dismissal through the nurse’s office. Students may not simply call a driver to go home if feeling unwell. If your child has been feeling ill or calls you complaining of illness, please refer him/her to the nurse’s office. If you have particular concerns, feel free to call the nurse during school hours to discuss the situation.
Drivers and caregivers cannot dismiss students for reasons of illness without medical approval from the nurse’s office and parent notification.
Students should be kept home from school if:
- They have had a fever of 37.8°C (99.9°F) or above in the past 24hrs
- They have had diarrhea (repeated abnormally loose stools) in the past 12hrs
- They have a highly communicable condition such as chicken pox
- They have open, uncovered sores or infected wounds that could lead to contact with fluids by other students or staff
- It has been recommended by a doctor that they be excluded from school
Students may be excused from Physical Education if:
- They become ill or injured during school and the nurse determines they should not participate
- They present a note from a parent/guardian or medical certification that explains clearly the reason, nature and duration of exclusion from PE.
- *While a medical note excuses a student from class they still may lose credit
5.3.4 Head Lice Procedure
- Students found to have head lice in school will not be dismissed, but their family will be contacted via a phone call and they’ll be advised to treat the condition promptly when the child arrives home
- All classmates of a student found with lice will receive a notice asking parents/guardians to check everyone in the household and treat those found with lice.
- Likewise, head lice discovered by the family should be reported to the school nurse so that classmates can be advised to do head checks within their families.
*It is only with complete community cooperation and good communication that we can quickly tackle this annoying but harmless problem.
5.3.5 Medication Policy
Any student who needs to take medication during school hours should do so with the oversight of the school nurse; ALL medication should be kept and administered in the nurse’s office. This includes inhalers or other asthma medications and epinephrine auto-injector pens (Epi-pens) taken for emergency use. The only exception to this rule is that middle school and high school students may, with joint approval from the school nurse and their parents/guardians, carry their own inhalers or Epi-pens, however a back up inhaler or Epi-pen MUST also be available in the nurse’s office.
Medication needs to be delivered to the nurse’s office in the original container, and a medication release form needs to be completed and signed by the parent or guardian with the following information:
- The student’s name, grade, and home room teacher
- The name of the medication
- The diagnosis or description of the child’s condition
- The exact dose to be taken and the mode of administration
- The time and frequency the medication should be taken
- The expected duration of treatment (number of days)
- The name and contact information of prescribing physician (if applicable)
Some over the counter medications are dispensed at the discretion of the school nurse for pain, upset stomach, sore throat and eye irritation in addition to topical treatments for open wounds, bites and stings. No oral medication will be dispensed to any early education or elementary school student without a phone call first to the parent/guardian. Middle School and High School students may receive medication at the discretion of the nurse unless instructed otherwise by parents/guardians. All medication dispensed is documented.
SECTION VI: STUDENT AFFAIRS (cont.)
6.1 PRIVACY
The nature of students’ visits to the nurse’s office, student medical records, including those on FOCUS, and information on students’ medications and medical conditions are held confidential. Medical information is only shared where the safety of the student is involved. An example of this would be making a physical education and classroom teachers aware of students who have conditions such as asthma or physical injury or epilepsy, to guide their assessment of participation and speed proper access to appropriate care in the case of an emergency. Otherwise sharing the details of your child’s health with ISD faculty or staff as they pertain to school participation is at the discretion of the parent or guardian.
6.2 COUNSELING
ISD employs a full time, qualified counselor as part of our upper school staff. The ISD counselor is available to students and parents who have issues to of concern relating to a student’s well being at school, academic progress, emotional state, or issues related to general emotional or psychological health. Please call the school if you would like to make an appointment.
6.3 ATTENDANCE
ISD policy states that MS/HS students must attend 80% of classes to earn credit for each class. If a student’s absences exceed 20% of class meetings—or if a student cannot participate in more than 20% of class meetings—he/she may not be granted credit for the course and may have to repeat the course.
Elementary school students must have at least 80% attendance for a trimester to earn a full report. Less than 80% attendance will gain a “narrative only” report. No reports will be given for students with less than 40% attendance.
Research indicates that a child gains most when he or she is in attendance at school on a daily basis and interacts with other students during the learning process. Please attend to the school calendar and avoid extending vacations and your child’s’ time away from school.
6.4 EXTENDED STUDENT ABSENCES
Parents must notify the office, in writing, at least five school days in advance of a student expecting to be absent for an extended period of time (more than two (2) days).
- Make-up work will be assigned at this time. All make-up work should be submitted and complete upon the student's return to school.
6.5 MEDICAL LEAVE
In acute cases of physical, personal or emotional unwellness, ISD may place a student on medical leave. The terms of individual medical leaves will be determined case-by-case, but to be re-instituted as a regular student at ISD, students placed on medical leave must send a written request to resume studies and certification from a doctor approved by ISD that reports progress in treatment, states that the student is neither a danger to herself or to others, and verifies that she is well enough to continue the academic program at ISD. Upon application for re-institution, the student will be interviewed by an admissions committee, after which the decision to re-admit will be discussed.
6.6 TARDINESS
A tardy bell rings at 8:30 A.M. Late students report directly to the office and will be given a pass, which is collected by the classroom teacher. Parents of students arriving to school late on a consistent basis will be contacted by the Principal. Please help us by getting your child to school on time.
If a student accumulates five tardies (to any combination of classes) in a trimester without a principal-approved excuse, the student will serve a detention and his/her parents will be notified. On the sixth tardy, the student will serve two detentions and his/her parents will be notified. On the seventh tardy, the student will be assigned a week (five days) of morning detention, to be served from 7:30-8:30 in the principal’s office, and a conference will be held to work with the family on solutions to help him/her arrive to school on time. Students in this category who fail to show for morning detention will be suspended.
Furthermore, students who arrive to school after 11:00 a.m. or leave school prior to 12:00 may not participate in any school events such as concerts, athletic games, after-school activities or school trips.
6.7 SCHOOL HOURS
ISD classes are from 8:30 to 3:20. Students are allowed on campus from 8:15 to 4pm, unless in a supervised activity.
Arrival: Parents and students, please note the school does not have employees assigned to monitor students until 8 A.M. Please arrange transportation so that your child does not arrive before 8:15am. The first bell will be rung at 8:25 A.M. This is the signal for all students to enter their classrooms. A tardy bell rings at 8:30 A.M. All students are expected to be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. Punctuality and regular attendance are very important to the education of your child. Late students must report to the office.
Dismissal: Parents/drivers are asked to walk to the brick area next to the primary playground to collect students and escort them to their cars. Elementary school students are not allowed to leave campus alone. Elementary school children who are not involved in an After School Activity must go home at 3:20 P.M., as there is no supervision provided for them. Students in Grades 3 - 5 must wait for pick-up after 3:30 at the library, students in K-2 must wait in the office if they are not picked up by 3:30. No ES students are permitted on the field after school, though children Gr 2 and below are permitted to play, on the sand playground if watched by their own parent/guardian.
Middle school students are allowed to be on campus until 4:00, but they should be involved in constructive activities or working with a teacher or coach. High school students may be after school until 5:00, but must be engaged in constructive activities (studying, working with a teacher, etc.). Except for the library, which provides adult supervision until 4:30, we do no provide adult supervision on campus after 3:20. It is the parents’ responsibility to arrange transportation at the proper times.
Changes in Transportation: The school requests a note or letter from the parent, in advance, if there is going to be a change in your child’s pick-up after school. If it is not possible to notify the school through a note, the individual authorized by the family to collect the student must register a signed note in the school office indicating he/she has permission to take the child. For the safety and protection of your child, it is important that the school have a written record of any changes in your child’s regular routine.
6.8 EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS
ISD will have several early dismissal days during the year. These are generally used for professional development workshops, teacher meetings, curriculum development, and other professional activities requiring longer stretches of collaborative work time. These days will be announced in the Jaguar Journal and via email reminders. On early dismissal days, students will be dismissed at 12:00 noon, and there will be no lunch service or after school activities.
6.9 HOME ROOM / ADVISORY TEACHERS
The homeroom teacher is the classroom teacher for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. For middle school and high school students, teacher advisors are assigned by grade level. Parents are requested to notify the homeroom teacher or advisor of any special circumstances or needs concerning their child (ren).
6.10 LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
If it is necessary for a student to be dismissed during the school day, s/he must bring a written request from the parent or guardian to the school office the day prior to the dismissal if at all possible, otherwise a parent must personally authorize the student leaving early. The following information should be listed:
- Student's name
- Time of dismissal
- Time of return
- Reason for request
- With whom the student is permitted to leave campus
- Signature of parent/guardian
Whenever possible, please make non-school appointments for students after school hours.
Excused early dismissals include:
- Doctor’s/ Dentist Appointments.
- Family emergencies.
- Government issues such as passports and visas.
6.11 RECESS & LUNCH
Students will have a break from:
- 10:10 - 10:25 Preschool
- 10:15 - 10:30 Kindergarten to Grade 5
- 10:00 – 10:15 Grades 6
Those in the lower grades are requested to bring a healthy snack for this time.
Lunch times:
- High School –11:40-12:20
- Middle School –11:50-12:30
- Elementary - Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 & 3 children eat at 12:30 and Grades 4 & 5 eat at 12:10
Due to safety concerns, children may not be dismissed to go home for lunch.
Purified, filtered water is provided by the school.
6.12 LUNCH SERVICE
Lunch is provided at a cost for the elementary school students through Shady Shack. Students order lunch a week in advance and the lunch is delivered to the eating area. A menu and order form may be found in the weekly school newsletter. Middle and high school students have the option of ordering food individually each day at Shady Shack. MS & HS students must place their orders and pay via envelope from their Homeroom in the morning—they should not order at the window during our brief lunch period. Each division has areas of the school they are allowed to visit during lunch and recess. Students should stay within these areas so as not to distract other classes in session.
6.13 MESSAGES AND DELIVERIES
If parents must contact a student during the school day, a message may be left with the office receptionist. Deliveries of assignments, projects, lunches, forgotten textbooks, etc. should be brought to the office where the office staff will deliver the item to the student or the student will pick it up. Parents should keep these deliveries to a minimum, as they create a distraction for the office staff and the classroom teacher when they are delivered.
6.14 SCHOOL BUSES
ISD owns two small school buses, but does not run a bus service. The ISD buses are used for field trips, team trips, and small excursions. The US Embassy/Mission runs a private bus service for its employees only. At this point, ISD has no plans of starting a bussing service for students.
6.15 CLOSED CAMPUS
ISD operates a ‘closed campus.’ Students are expected to remain on campus during the entire school day other than supervised field trips. Students will not be allowed off campus to purchase forgotten lunches or to run other errands. Unauthorized departure from campus is a suspendable offense. For security reasons, students leaving campus prior to the end of the school day must check into the office prior to being dismissed. Approval for high school students to leave campus must be granted by the administration unless it is for a school sponsored activity or field trip. Once students leave school in the afternoon, they should not return to campus, unless it is for a special evening event (concert, etc.).
6.16 FIELD TRIPS
Educational field trips offer an opportunity to enhance and reinforce the subject matter being taught in the classroom and can be educational in several ways. ISD encourages such trips, including overnight stays either inside or outside Senegal. Field trips are optional and the academic success of students will not be dependent upon their participation in any one field trip. However, parents/guardians are encouraged to allow their children to participate in field trips because of the rich educational benefits.
Rules and Procedures for Day Trips
When a field trip is being planned, the following rules and procedures must be followed:
Parents will be notified of the proposed trip no later than one week before the date of a proposed trip.
The notification will include the planned itinerary, expected cost, travel arrangements and any other relevant information.
A permission form will be sent home and must be completed and returned to school no later than two days before the date of the trip.
All trips will meet the safety and security arrangements established by the school. These arrangements will be reviewed annually before the start of each school year by the leadership team. They will also be reviewed periodically in the light of local conditions.
6.16.2 Rules and Procedures for Overnight Trips and Out of Country Trips
Before the trip is confirmed, parents/guardians of students involved will be invited to an informational meeting at school.
At this meeting, the faculty member(s) planning the trip will brief parents and outline details of the educational justification for the trip, the travel itinerary, the likely cost of the trip, alternative educational options for students who do not wish to participate in the trip, the respective responsibilities of the school and parents/guardians with respect to health and safety arrangements.
Information regarding the trip will be made available to parents at least two weeks prior to any overnight trips. Students will not be allowed to attend the field trip without a signed permission slip.
Overnight and overseas trip itineraries may be reviewed by the US Embassy for safety concerns.
6.16.3 Funding for Fieldtrips
ISD generally funds transportation for local field trips as well as costs incurred by chaperones. Parents may be asked to pay for food, lodging and other incidentals related to participation in a school field trip. Parents will pay for travel costs related to international field trips. Every effort will be made to provide trip cost information to parents well ahead of any field trip.
6.16.4 Safety and Security Regulations for ISD Field Trips
- Vehicle Safety
- When riding in a vehicle, each child shall be wearing a seat belt, when available.
- Supervision
- A minimum of three adults shall be required for every elementary and middle school field trip, regardless of class grade or number of students.
- For Pre-3 to 3rd Grade trips, the ratio of adults should be one adult for every four children.
- For Grades 4 & 5, one adult should be assigned for every five children. Middle school grades (6-8) shall have one adult for every 7 students.
- For local trips around Dakar, high school students will need a minimum of two adults, regardless of class size. A ratio of 1 adult for every eight students is desirable, and in no case should there be less than one adult for every ten students.
- For day trips outside of the Dakar metropolitan area, high school students shall have one adult for every 7 students, with a minimum of two chaperones.
- For overnight trips, there shall be one adult for every seven students, with a minimum of two chaperones.
- Health and First Aid
- A first aid kit shall accompany all field trips.
Parents/guardians are asked to remind chaperones if their children have any medical needs that may require attention during the trip or that may affect full participation in the trip.
6.17 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT SCHOOL
Please follow these guidelines: First make an arrangement with the classroom teacher. Refreshments may be brought to the class no earlier than 15 minutes before the set time. The set time options are: 30 minutes before lunch or 30 minutes before school dismissal.
6.18 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT HOME
We believe it is important that all children be welcomed, included, and appreciated. Therefore, the school or teacher will not distribute written invitations to a student's party unless every child in that student's class receives a written invitation
6.19 DISCIPLINE
At ISD, we endeavor to foster an atmosphere of kindness and mutual respect, and we are committed to providing a program that develops competent, self-directed, social interaction in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. Ultimately, we strive to instill in our students character values such as creativity, open-mindedness, responsibility, and pursuit of excellence (CORE). We believe that education is more than academics, and that we must provide the skills and processes students need to bring together the mind and the heart.
6.20 CODE OF CONDUCT GRADES PK-5
General Rules
I will work and play safely.
I will show respect for myself, others, and property.
I will help make our school a good place to learn.
6.20.1 Playground Expectations Grades PK-5
- Walk, don’t run, on sidewalks and stairs.
- Respect others’ property.
- Play only in designated play areas (Playground and Field)
- Keep your hands and feet to self.
- Use playground equipment appropriately and safely.
- Report problems to playground assistants.
- Line up as soon as the whistle blows.
- Stay out of the trees.
- Stay off the wall bordering the play equipment.
- Stay where the playground assistant can see you.
- Use appropriate language.
6.20.2 Lunch Expectations Grades PK-5
- Eat food only in designated lunch or snack areas.
- Eat only your own food.
- Be courteous to others.
- Use a quiet voice.
- Keep your eating area clean.
- Stay seated in the lunch area until end of lunch session.
6.20.3 Consequences Grades PK-5
- First Offense – Warning
- Second Offense – 5 to 10 minutes timeout
- Third Offense – Take student to teacher
- Fourth Offense – See principal
- Time Out imposed (no recess for child)
- Parent notified
- Possible suspension or exclusion from school.
If necessary, the child will be sent directly to the principal.
Elementary students will be sent directly to the principal for extreme behaviors, such as:
- Endangerment or of another person or property
- Vandalism
- Possession of any weapons
- Fighting
- Theft
- Disruptive behavior negatively affecting the learning environment for others
Such behaviors at school, or on a school-sponsored program may lead to immediate suspension of up to a week, followed by expulsion if the behavior continues. The consequence will be communicated by the Principal to both child and parent at the time.
6.20.4 Conflict Resolution Grades PK-5
Children in the elementary school use the program Kelso’s Choice to help them solve problems and mediate conflicts with friends. We review this program school wide annually, and there are Kelso posters in each classroom.
6.20.5 Code of Conduct Middle School & High School
A successful instructional program is directly related to responsible behavior and attitude. Conduct which may constitute cause for detention / suspension or expulsion shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following:
- Continued and willful disobedience or open defiance of authority of any teacher or staff member.
- Conduct that endangers the well-being of other people.
- Physical assault or battery upon any person.
- Theft, taking or trying to take another person's property or money by force, fear or other means; this includes electronic property, data, and computer passwords.
- Willfully causing or attempting to cause damage to private or school property.
- Unauthorized presence on the school grounds, or failure to leave promptly after being told to do so by the principal or staff member in charge.
- Unauthorized use or possession of any firearm, knife, or other weapon on school property, such as the use or possession of explosives, including fireworks, smoke bombs or stink bombs.
- Gambling in any form.
- Violation of smoking regulations and use of tobacco products.
- Harassing, cursing or verbally abusing any person, including remarks intended to demean a person's race, religion, sex, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, handicapped condition, or intellectual ability.
- Willful substantial disruption of school activity.
- Forgery, cheating or plagiarism.
- Violation of attendance regulations.
- Violation of any law, regulation of the school, or regulation of the board of directors.
6.20.6 Consequences
Detention
Minor cases of student misconduct, disrespect, disobedience, tardiness or other infractions of expected student behavior may result in detention. Any ISD faculty or staff member may assign a student to detention. Adequate notice must be given to the student to allow for transportation or lunch arrangements. Detentions may be assigned from 3:25 to 4:10 p.m. If the student fails to serve the detention, an additional day’s detention will be assigned. Should the student miss a second detention, a parent conference will be requested and/or the principal will become involved. The next level of disciplinary action will be an out-of-school suspension. Detention takes priority over extracurricular activities.
Suspension
Extreme cases of misbehavior will result in a student’s suspension. The two forms of suspension are as follows:
In-School Suspension
The student will be confined to a room assigned by the principal and will not be permitted contact with other students during the school day. S/he will be required to quietly study and work on assignments.
Out-Of-School Suspension
The student will not be allowed on campus during the suspension period. The student is responsible for the material covered in his/her classes and the student will not earn credit for work or tests done in class while suspended. Students will not be allowed to participate in or attend any extracurricular activities of any form on days that a suspension is served.
After a second suspension of either type during the same school year, the student will be placed on behavior probation.
Probation
A student who has been suspended may return to ISD under Behavior Probation
- A student whose behavior has been referred to the principal on two occasions may be placed on Behavior Probation. The principal will meet with the student and parents, discuss the conditions of Behavior Probation I, and then provide them, in writing, a behavior probation contract. A notation that a student was placed on Behavior Probation I will be placed in the student’s permanent file with the signed contract.
- Students on Behavior Probation I, who take actions or commit misbehaviors that would normally result in a suspension, will be placed on Behavior Probation II. Parents will be contacted and a conference with the principal will be held; a copy of the behavior contract will be placed in the student’s permanent file.
- A student may not be on behavior probation more than two trimesters during his/her time in the secondary school. Actions/misbehaviors by the student that would produce placement on behavior probation for a third time will be deemed grounds for expulsion by the administration.
- Students who are withdrawn as a result of behavioral probation or for disciplinary reasons will not be readmitted to the International School of Dakar.
Expulsion
Extreme behavior by a student, either on school grounds or on a school-sponsored activity, that endangers the welfare, lives and/or property of others (such as the possession of a lethal weapon, possession or sale of illegal substances or other extreme or violent behavior) will result in immediate expulsion by the administration.
If a student is expelled during the academic year or is asked to leave the school at any time, he/she may have a difficult time enrolling in another school. In such cases, the International School of Dakar holds no responsibility in assuring placement in another school.
Vandalism
Any student participating in any act of vandalism to school property will be disciplined. Payment for repair or replacement of damaged property will be required. Violations of this rule may also result in the assignment of community service.
The use or possession of any form of tobacco is not permitted on school grounds or the areas bordering the grounds. Violations of this rule will result in suspension.
Substance Abuse Policy
Students are not allowed to possess, use, transfer, sell, buy, or be under the effects of alcohol, or other illegal substances within the school or the school grounds, or during school-sponsored activities on or off campus.
I. Students found in possession of, or under the influence of, such substances in the school, on the school grounds, or in any school-related event will be suspended immediately and for a period of time to be determined by the school administration.
The conditions of this suspension may include the following:
- Drug and alcohol assessment by a trained heath professional
- Ongoing counseling for the student and family members
- Drug and/or alcohol detoxification
- Participation in support group and/or other appropriate action
The determined conditions of suspension will be formalized and signed by the student, parent and administration.
The conditions of re-admission to the school may include the following:
- Probation for a period of time to be determined by the administration.
- Pre-admission evaluation by a school appointed mental heath professional
- Drug testing
- Continued counseling and/or support group attendance.
- Community service and or/other suitable action
The conditions of re-admission will be formalized and signed by the student, parent and administration.
If the student or his/her parents refuse to comply with any of the established conditions, the school will have the right to expel the student.
II. Any student who sells, distributes, buys, or manufactures such substances in the school, on the school grounds, or in any school-related event on or off campus will be immediately expelled and not considered for readmission.
Prevention: ISD is committed to identifying and intervening on students whose behavior interferes with education processes, before a crisis occurs.
Theft
Any student caught stealing school, teacher or student property will be immediately expelled and not considered for readmission.
Truancy
Truancy is defined as absence from school or individual classes without the knowledge of parents and without approval from the administration.
- Detentions, totaling the time missed, will be assigned on a first offence. Suspension from school will result from subsequent truancy.
- Truancy from a class is an unexcused absence. The student will receive a zero for all work missed and no make up work will be allowed.
- Parents will be notified immediately in all cases of truancy.
6.20.7 Academic Honesty
Education relies on an environment of honesty and trust. Students are expected to behave in an honest and trustworthy manner at all times. Honesty in schoolwork requires that students do their own work and always give credit for any ideas, language, or thoughts which are not their own. ISD regards acts of dishonesty as unacceptable and serious violations of academic honesty. These include, but not limited to:
Plagiarism
- Taking items such as ideas, writing, art, music, etc. and presenting them as their own (false assumption of authorship)
- Work presented which includes unauthorized assistance from other people, unauthorized use of sources, or failure to cite appropriate documentation.
Cheating
- Copying homework,
- Copying test answers from other students,
- Using ‘cheat notes’ during a test, …
Students suspected of dishonest acts will be sent immediately to the principal. If it is determined that a student violated the spirit or letter of this policy, these steps will be taken:
First Offense:
Classroom teacher will assign a grade of 0% for the assignment, quiz, or test.
Parent and student conference with the principal.
Letter in student file.
Second Offense:
Classroom teacher will assign a grade of 0% for the assignment, quiz, or test.
Out-of-school suspension.
Principal, student and all of his/her teachers will meet to determine an appropriate course of action (which could include no credit for the course).
Altering of a grade in a teacher's grade book, grade sheet, or computer is grounds for expulsion.
6.21 WEAPONS
Weapons are not permitted on campus, at any school-authorized function, nor on transport arranged by the school. The safety of students and school personnel is of paramount importance and the presence of weapons poses a significant threat to their safety.
6.22 DRESS CODE
Appropriate dress and grooming is expected in an effort to provide a safe, healthy, orderly, and positive environment. A student is not considered appropriately dressed if he/she is, or tends to be, a disruptive influence in class or at a school-sponsored activity because of his/her mode of dress or appearance.
General Dress:
Revealing, low-cut, transparent, suggestive clothing is inappropriate, including micro-minis, extremely low cut slacks or jeans, short tops or shirts that show skin or underwear, and clothes with slogans that refer to tobacco, drugs, sex, alcohol or violence. Shorts or mini skirts should be fingertip length or longer. For girls, tops with spaghetti straps (less than one inch straps) or tops where bra straps are showing will not be allowed. For boys and girls, low-rider pants or pants that are worn low to expose underwear or the backside are not allowed.
Consequences:
Violation of the dress code policy applies to the entire school year and will result in the following actions:
- First violation: inappropriately attired students will be required to change into clothing which is appropriate.
- Repeated violations: will result in progressive discipline (e.g., detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension). Parents will be notified.
6.22.1 PE Dress Code/Uniforms
- MS students will be given a PE uniform to wear in class. Cost is covered in tuition.
- For HS students, PE clothing must have appropriate language and pictures on them
- The PE dress requirements include:
- Shorts or sweatpants with elastic or drawstring waistbands
- Tee shirts or sweatshirts
- Good sturdy sport shoes (i.e., tennis shoes)
- Students who come to class without the appropriate clothing will not be allowed to participate in the activities planned for the class for that day. Inability to participate in class may lead to a lowered grade.
6.22.2 Absences from Physical Education Class (Guidelines for Grades 9-12)
- Students with serious medical problems and medical certification may be permitted to use the library with authorization from their PE teacher. These students will be assigned to do Internet research and/or a paper on a health issue or problem.
- Students with minor injuries must stay with their PE class as observers.
- Students with other health problems (e.g., headache, stomach problems, etc.) should check in with the nurse to determine whether the illness is serious enough for them to go home.
- Students who are not well enough to participate in PE class during the day are not allowed to participate in sports activities after school.
6.23 PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
If students choose to bring these to school, they do so at their own risk. The school will take no responsibility for missing items. Should students choose to bring these items to school, teachers may restrict use as the teacher sees fit for his/her class at specific times. Personal electronics should remain locked in a locker at any other time. Students are expected to demonstrate good judgment and courtesy while in using personal electronics. Teachers and administrators have the right to take electronic devices from students when they are being misused or are serving as a distraction.
In the elementary, middle and high school, any phones or personal listening devices seen (including headphones) or heard during school hours will be taken and given to the Principal. After the first offense, students can pick it up at the end of the day. After the second offense, a parent will have to come and pick it up, and after the third offense, the student will not be allowed to bring such items to school.
6.24 STUDENT ACCESS TO ISD NETWORK
We believe the Internet and related communications offer vast, diverse and unique resources to students. Access to e-mail and the Internet enables users to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. The user and parent of a student user are advised that material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. The purpose of ISD’s computer network and Internet access is to further the educational goals and objectives of the International School of Dakar.
6.24.1 Guidelines for Use of Electronic Media
Students will be taught appropriate use of the network, e-mail and other general use of the Internet. General school expectations for behavior and communications apply. Users are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or in any school facility, and should be polite and respectful. Communications on the network are often public in nature.
The network is provided for users to conduct research. Access to network services is given to students, faculty and staff who agree to adhere to the ISD guidelines. Access is a privilege – not a right. Access entails responsibility.
Individual users of the computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. Students are expected to comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Teachers shall share these same guidelines and report any misuse of the network to the director or a supervisor.
The network administrator(s) will review rules to maintain system integrity and ensure that the system is being used responsibly.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. Students are held responsible for seeking appropriate materials and avoiding those that are potentially offensive. The list below illustrates, but is not limited to, actions which are not permitted:
- Displaying, saving or distributing offensive messages or pictures
- Using obscene or vulgar language
- Damaging or disrupting computers, computer systems or computer networks
- Harassing, insulting or attacking others
- Revealing the personal address or the phone numbers of students or colleagues
- Violating copyright laws
- Using another’s password or account without their permission
- Trespassing in another’s folders or work
- Intentionally wasting limited resources (i.e., bandwidth, file space, paper and ink)
- Downloading software for non-instructional purposes (kazaa, games, etc.)
- Downloading music, videos, or other copyrighted material using school computers or network.
- Distributing any material in a manner that might cause congestion of the video and data network
- Using chat programs for non-educational or non-school-related purposes
- Employing the network for commercial, political or profit-making purposes
- Accessing inappropriate sites
Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the school administration.
6.25 LOCKERS
All students in Grades 6 through 12 are assigned a locker for storing books and supplies. The school provides locks.
6.26 LOST and FOUND
Students are expected to take care of their belongings and parents can help them to do so by clearly labeling clothing and personal possessions. However, items do get misplaced on occasion. Lost textbooks or school materials are returned to the appropriate teacher or division principal. Tupperware or food containers left behind are not saved for sanitary and health reasons; these are thrown away. Clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes and other articles are deposited in the lost and found box located between the main gate and the main office. Jewelry, cell phones and glasses are left with the receptionist. On the last Friday of each month, any unclaimed lost and found items are given to charity.
6.27 AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
ISD offers a rich and varied extra-curricular program for its students after school. Monday has specifically been set aside for teachers' meetings, so only ASAs directed by non-teaching advisors will be held on Monday.
Included among the many activities offered during the past year by our teachers and parents were:
Swimming Arts & Crafts Softball (HS)
Karate Basketball Drumming
Computer Games Open Library Track and Field
Drama (MS) Cooking Science club
Soccer Student Council Boy Scouts
Volleyball Dance Yearbook
6.28 SPORTS
ISD has competitive sports teams starting from fourth grade. Our competitive sports include Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, and Track and Field. Competition is limited to locally available, reliable competition, but we do strive to provide appropriate competition for ISD athletes. ISD participates in the Dakar-based SIPS league (basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field) and in the international WAISAL league (MS Soccer, Swimming, HS Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer). Sports teams require commitment, and generally practice three times per week. Some of our teams hold some practices in the morning, due to facilities limitations.
6.29 ACADEMIC ELEGIBILITY
An academic curriculum and a school sponsored extra-curricular program should coexist harmoniously. This eligibility has been established to encourage students to fulfill their academic responsibilities as well as to participate in the enriching experience of extra-curricular athletics and activities.
Extra curricular activities refer to:
- Sporting events between schools: volleyball, soccer, basketball, or swim competitions, SIPS, etc.
- Other extra curricular events such as drama productions, music lessons, and after school activities
- WAISAL competitions and tournaments (i.e., GIN and sports competitions).
Philosophy:
Students who are in need of tutoring or additional support may not have adequate time to work on academics if they are involved in extra-curricular activities. Thus, an eligibility program based on academic success is required.
Grade Levels Affected: 6-12
Policy:
Students, who have two Ds or an F, will be unable to participate in extra-curricular activities. Coaches and the Athletic Director can track students’ grades on FOCUS and will check each week to ensure players are eligible. Every six weeks, at Progress Report and Report Card time, students who are ineligible will meet with the principal, a letter will be sent home, and they will not be allowed to participate in sports or after-school activities for the next six weeks. Students may ask a teacher to vouch for them and come up with a plan for staying on the team and maintaining grades of C or above. The principal will determine this on a case-by-case basis.
Students who violate the student code of conduct or the discipline management plan and are suspended for their actions will be excluded from participation in extra-curricular activities.
Third trimester grades will determine eligibility for the beginning of the following school year.
6.30 LIBRARY
Students in Grade Pre-3 through Grade 5 are regularly scheduled to have classes and instruction in the library. The library hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Parents are invited to visit the library with their children during these times. Students and parents are permitted to check out books for a period of one week. Middle and High School students are invited to check out books for two weeks, and are welcome before or after school, and during breaks or lunch. Charges will also be made for books, which are lost or damaged
The details regarding library rules and regulations, hours of opening, etc., are discussed with all students during their initial library classes.
The Library is open from 8am to 5pm. Parents are welcome to come and browse our collection, borrow books or magazines, or use the free wireless internet access. Please be aware that access to the shelves or computers may not be possible during scheduled class times.
6.31 TEXTBOOKS
The school furnishes textbooks and workbooks to all students, which must be returned at the end of the year. Students are responsible for keeping books in good condition; charges will be made for any books that are damaged or lost.
Students will provide their own school supplies and parents are requested to see that these are replenished periodically.
6.32 SCHOOL SUPPLIES
School supplies will be provided for students in Pre K – Grade 8. The cost of these supplies is covered in your child’s tuition. The only supplies students will need to provide are a pencil case and pens and pencils.
High School students will be required to bring in their own supplies. These will include notebooks, papers, calculators, pens and pencils, etc. As each high school student's schedule is different, specific supplies will be communicated directly to the student at the beginning of the year and can be found locally. One item that might be best purchased before arrival is a graphing calculator - a TI -83/84 PLUS is required.
6.33 VISITS BY NON-ENROLLED STUDENTS
Students wishing to bring a guest must obtain permission from the principal at least one day prior to the visitation day. On the day of the visit, the student must bring his/her guest to the office to receive a visitor's pass. Visitors must follow the schedule of their host student. These visits should last no more than one day.
SECTION VI: COOMUNICATION
7.1 EMERGENCY INFORMATION
It is essential for the school to be able to contact a parent or guardian in case of emergency; therefore, it is imperative that we have both office and home phone numbers, or the number of a neighbor or friend. Changes of address or phone numbers should be reported to the school office immediately.
If parents are going to be absent from Dakar, and someone else is to be responsible for the children, the school should be notified in advance of this in writing, even if it is only for a day or two.
If someone other than the parent is going to pick up a child at school, whether during a normal or emergency situation, please notify us of this also. It is preferred that, when possible, this be done in writing.
PARENTS' COOPERATION RELATED TO ALL OF THE ABOVE IS OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE, AS WE HAVE THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR CHILDREN.
7.1.1 Security Regulations
With the need for heightened security in international schools throughout the world, we continue to implement our security plan designed to protect the safety of our students while they are at school. An Emergency Plan providing procedural details for students, faculty, support staff, parents, and visitors in the event of an emergency is posted on our web site. www.isdakar.org. Details about all aspects of our emergency plan are available for parent review in our library, office, and at our guard gate.
7.2 WEBSITE
The ISD Website, located at www.isdakar.org, is the best place to get up-to-date information about events at school, school policies and procedures, curriculum, sports, etc. You can also find links on our website to the FOCUS student information system, via which you can track your student’s grades. Please make use of the ISD website.
7.2.1 Student Images on Website
ISD requests your permission, via a form you signed during enrollment, to use your child’s image on our website. We will not publish student images with full names.
7.2.2 Student Work on the Website
ISD will, occasionally, post student work on the ISD website.
7.2.3 Jaguar Journal & ISD Newsletter
The school communicates with our students and parents by publishing The Jaguar Journal on the school’s website every week. Please read it!
7.3 THE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The PTO is the official organization of school volunteers. The PTO provides volunteer opportunities to teachers and parents and serves as an advocate group to support students and staff. One ISD administrator and one teacher volunteer serve as members of the PTO Board.
7.4 PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION
The home-school partnership is a critical piece to your child’s success and well-being in school. Research has consistently shown that parents who are involved in their children’s education have children who perform better than those who do not. Proactive communication is best. Take the time to get to know your child’s teachers, attend Open Houses, visiting days, and stop by after school to say hello. Email is a great way to touch base with your child’s teachers, and you can follow MS/HS coursework on FOCUS or a classroom blog. Do appreciate that our teachers are busy folks, though, and that too frequent emails may have an adverse effect on healthy communication.
7.4.1 Opening Ceremony
All children and parents are invited to attend the Opening Ceremony. This takes place the day before the first full day of school and is on each year’s school calendar.
7.4.2 Open Houses
ISD holds an Open House for ES and one for MS/HS at the beginning of each school year. This is a chance to learn about your children’s courses, meet teachers, understand expectations, and ask questions about course requirements or special activities. These Open Houses are held in September.
7.4.3 Conferences
Parents are always welcome at ISD. If parents have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the school for information. If a parent wishes to arrange a conference with teachers, the counselor, or the administration, they are requested to call the office to set an appointment. While it may be convenient for a parent to drop by a teacher’s room before or after school to discuss a child’s progress, it is helpful for the teacher if you call or email ahead of time to set up an appointment with the teacher.
Regular parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice per year and are listed in the school calendar. In Grades Pre-4 to 5, the first is a parent-teacher conference and the second is a student-led conference. We believe parental involvement is important, and encourage you to schedule a meeting with your son/daughter’s teacher whenever you have a question or concern.
7.5 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
If you have a complaint, comment, or concern about an event, activity, grade, report regarding your child, please communicate directly with your child’s homeroom teacher first. The teacher is the first person with whom you should communicate, as he/she knows most about what is going on. If you find that you do not receive a satisfactory answer from the teacher, you may communicate directly with the Principal. If you find that you do not receive a satisfactory answer from the principal, you may contact the director. If, in the unlikely event that you are still displeased with how a situation has been handled by ISD, you may appeal to the Trustees in a written letter to the board chair. Please refrain from emailing all people in the communication chain, as this may feel like intimidation, will consume several people’s time when not necessary, and may lead to confusion, hurt feelings, and unnecessary meetings.
7.6 PARENT VOLUNTEERS
ISD encourages parents and any other community members to become involved with the school. There are a number of ways to do this:
7.6.1 Classroom Assistance
You may wish to assist a classroom or specialist teacher by individual or small group tutoring, making a special presentation, or sharing some special skill or talent.
7.6.2
Library Assistant You could help check out materials, organize a special collection, read stories to children, or offer clerical assistance.
7.6.3 After-School Activity
Shortly after the school year begins, the school will be asking for parents to volunteer time for an after-school (extra-curricular) activity. Can you teach a particular musical instrument? Are you into arts and crafts? Would you like to teach a native language? Are you experienced in organizing scouts? Would you be willing to share some of your athletic talents?
7.6.4 Resource Person
Would you be available to give a lecture or make a presentation to one or more of our classes? We would be interested in your professional field of expertise, an unusual avocation, or possibly in part of the world where you have lived previously.
7.6.5 Field Trip Assistance
Join classes for their field trips away from school. Assistance in both supervision and instruction is a great asset on these trips.
Please don't be shy! A truly successful international school requires the fullest involvement possible from its parents. Please contact your children's teacher(s) or the director to help out.
7.7 SCHOOL PHONE FOR STUDENT USE
Generally, students will be permitted to go to the school office to make a call only during recess or lunch. The number of the school telephone is: 33 825-0871 or 33 860-2332.
8.1 OPERATING HOURS
ISD’s gates are generally unlocked from 7am to 7pm, unless there is a special event at school. Students should not arrive on campus before 8:15, and should leave at the end of the day upon conclusion of their final, supervised activity.
8.2 REPORTING PROBLEMS
If you spot a facility, maintenance, or safety problem on campus, please inform the office immediately. If the office is closed, please contact a teacher, administrator, or other school employee as soon as possible.
8.3 USING ISD FACILITIES
- Those persons or groups wishing to use the school’s facilities after school hours must put their request in writing to the principal/ athletic director and indicate the activity, date, time, and location (gym, field, etc.) requested. If request accepted a facilities usage contract needs to be completed. If there is a fee, the fee with the contract will be submitted to the school cashier.
- A list of all individuals who will be using the facility for a particular activity must be submitted with the request/contract. If the list of participants changes, the school must be notified in writing. If a participant arrives who is not on the list, he/she will not be permitted to enter the school grounds.
- All participants will sign in and out at the guard gate.
- First priority for after school facility use will be given to ISD parents and student requests.
8.3.3 Weekend and Recreational Use of ISD Facilities by Community Members
As a school community, ISD is fortunate to have some attractive athletic and recreational facilities that may be used by ISD families during non-school hours. Included in these facilities are the tennis courts, fitness room, shower rooms, pool, dining area, playgrounds, field and gym. It is the school’s intention that some of these facilities be open and available to parents at times during non-school hours in a way that does not impact ISD sports and educational programs. Guidelines, available on the ISD website, and an appendix to this handbook, have been put in place to outline the policies for possible--and appropriate--use of facilities by community members. The facilities are a potential benefit to all, but are a privilege for users and present a liability and responsibility for the school. All of the above have been taken into consideration as these usage guidelines were composed and approved. These guidelines may be amended at any time by the ISD administration as needed.
SECTION VIII: FINANCES
9.1 FACTS ABOUT ISD FINANCES
ISD operations are funded primarily by tuition paid by parents. ISD also receives funding from facilities rental, return on investments, and via US government grants for specific purposes. The initial and annual ISD capital fees go directly to the cost of improving ISD facilities. At the current time, that means all capital fees are going directly to the construction of the new MS/HS building, which will also serve ES students for Art, Music, and French classes. Tuition can be paid in USD or CFA, though ISD takes measures to limit its exposure to the fluctuations of currency rates during a school year.
9.2 TUITION and FEES 2012-2013
(quoted in U.S. Dollars)
- New registration fee 100.00
- Re-registration fee 500.00
- Technology Fee 250.00
- Capital development fee (Returning students) 1,000.00
- Capital development fee (one-time-only fee for each NEW student grades K-12) 3,500.00
- Annual tuition fee (Pre School 3 and 4) 5,560.00
- Annual tuition fee (Grades K to 5) 15,630.00
- Annual tuition fee (Grades 6 to 8) 17,040.00
- Annual tuition fee (Grades 9 to 10) 19,630.00
- Annual tuition fee (Grades 11 to 12) 19,130.00
A copy of the ISD Tuition Fee Agreement is available upon request through our office personnel.
9th and 10th graders' tuition is $500 more than other high school students, reflecting the $500 fee for the tablet computer these students are leasing, over four years, as a part of the ISD 1:1 laptop program. For more details, speak to the ISD Tech Director
9.3 RETURNING STUDENT DEPOSIT
Students who intend to attend ISD the following year must make an advance deposit of US$500 by May 1 to be enrolled. Failing to do so in a timely manner will result in non-enrollment for the next year. Students wishing to re-enroll later will forfeit all registration priority, thus be considered as new applicant and will register on a first come first served basis and may be put on a waiting list. The advance deposit shall be considered a down payment against the tuition.
When a student who paid the deposit on time decides to withdraw within one month of the deadline, the deposit will be refunded. If student withdraws on or after June 1, the advance deposit shall be forfeited. An applicant choosing to re-apply after having withdrawn will be considered as a new applicant.
In the event that a child fails to attend within 14 calendar days from the date of entry as confirmed at the time of admission, the director may cancel his/her admission.