MS Student Parent Handbook 2011-12

8/4/2019 MS Student Parent Handbook 2011-12

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A World Class International School Leading Innovation in Education129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave. & Kazantzaki St.

152 34 Halandri Athens, Greece

Tel.: +30 (210) 639 3200

Fax: +30 (210) 639 0051

www.acs.gr

[email protected]

Stefanos Gialamas, Ph.D.

President of Schools

Mary-Ann Augoustatos

Middle School Principal

Jenny Kosmas

Middle School Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

+30 210 6070 261
http://www.acs.gr/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.acs.gr/


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MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDELINES

otivation

nspiration

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edication

earning

xcellence

ensibility

onsideration

onesty

ptimism

riginality

oyalty


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ACS ATHENS MISSION STATEMENT

"ACS Athens is a student- centered international school, embracing

American educational philosophy, principles and values. Through

excellence in teaching and diverse educational experiences, ACSAthens challenges all students to realize their unique potential:

academically, intellectually, socially and ethically- to thrive as

responsible global citizens."Revised, ACS Athens planning Team, May 23, 2009

ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

We, the faculty and staff of the ACS Middle School, will providestudents with a positive environment that fosters academic growth and

supports human differences during their challenging stage of

adolescence.


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Table of ContentsMIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................ 4

ACS ATHENS MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................ 5

ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT .................................................... 5

WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ............................................................................................ 11

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL .................................................................. 12

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES...................................................................................................... 12

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL ............................................................ 13

Bell Schedule for Day 1 and Day 2 ............................................................................................ 13

Middle School Lunch............................................................................................................. 13

Academy passing .................................................................................................................. 13

Academy Block 3 ................................................................................................................... 13

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION ......................................................................................................... 14

ACADEMIC PROGRAM .................................................................................................................. 15

Curriculum ................................................................................................................................ 15

Personal Project & Portfolio ..................................................................................................... 15

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ............................................................................................................ 16Reporting Student Progress ...................................................................................................... 16

Progress Reports ....................................................................................................................... 16

Report Cards ............................................................................................................................. 16

Parent Teacher Student Conferences ....................................................................................... 16

Grades ....................................................................................................................................... 17

Recognition and Honors ........................................................................................................... 17

Academic Achievement Awards ............................................................................................... 17

Athletic Awards ......................................................................................................................... 17

Recognition Awards .................................................................................................................. 17

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY................................................................................................................... 18Maintaining Academic Integrity ............................................................................................... 18

What does cheating look like? .............................................................................................. 19

How is cheating discovered? ................................................................................................ 19

What are the consequences of violating the Academic Integrity policy? ............................ 19

How can you avoid cheating? ............................................................................................... 20

How do you decide when to give credit? ............................................................................. 20

Academic Probation ................................................................................................................. 22

Homework .................................................................................................................................... 22

Homework and Approaches to Learning Hints ........................................................................ 22

Tutoring by Teachers .................................................................................................................... 23Exams ............................................................................................................................................ 23

Tests .............................................................................................................................................. 23

STUDENT SERVICES ....................................................................................................................... 23

The Structure of Student Services ............................................................................................ 23

Administration ...................................................................................................................... 23

Counseling ............................................................................................................................ 23

Child Study Team .................................................................................................................. 24

Health Services and Related Matters ........................................................................................... 24

Health Services ......................................................................................................................... 24

Accident or Illness ..................................................................................................................... 24Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 25

SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE SCHOOL ..................................................................................... 25

Bus Service ................................................................................................................................ 25


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Bus Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 25

Bus Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................ 25

Lunch Facilities .............................................................................................................................. 26

Lunch Time and Recess ............................................................................................................. 26

Dining Etiquette ........................................................................................................................ 26

Lunch Time Areas...................................................................................................................... 26

OTHER SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 27Lockers ...................................................................................................................................... 27

Lockers (P.E.) ............................................................................................................................. 27

Lost and Found ......................................................................................................................... 27

Telephones ............................................................................................................................... 27

Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices .................... 28

Textbooks.................................................................................................................................. 29

NATURE AND OVERVIEW OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES ...................................................................... 29

The House System .................................................................................................................... 29

Co-Curricular Activities ............................................................................................................. 29

Clubs and Organizations and Sports ..................................................................................... 29

Student Council ..................................................................................................................... 30

School Social Events.................................................................................................................. 30

Dances................................................................................................................................... 30

Purchase Orders/ Fundraising .............................................................................................. 31

Decorations ........................................................................................................................... 31

Posters and Advertisements ................................................................................................. 31

Community Service ............................................................................................................... 31

COMMUNICATIONS and EMERGENCIES ....................................................................................... 32

Communication ........................................................................................................................ 32

Guests ....................................................................................................................................... 32

School Cancellation................................................................................................................... 32

Emergency Evacuation ............................................................................................................. 33

Emergency Procedures ......................................................................................................... 33

Evacuation Destinations ....................................................................................................... 33

Teacher Responsibilities during Evacuation ......................................................................... 34

Earthquake Preparedness......................................................................................................... 34

During an Emergency: Teachers need to do the following: ..................................................... 35

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................................... 36

Student Conduct ....................................................................................................................... 36

Behavioral Expectations ........................................................................................................... 36

Attendance Policy ..................................................................................................................... 36

Excused for non-school related issues: ................................................................................ 36

Excused for schoolrelated reasons: .................................................................................... 37

Unexcused Absences ............................................................................................................ 37

Tardiness ............................................................................................................................... 37

Early Dismissal From School ................................................................................................. 38

Withdrawal of Students from School ....................................................................................... 38

OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS ............................................................................................... 38

Staying After School .................................................................................................................. 38

Cutting Class ............................................................................................................................. 38

Hallway Passes .......................................................................................................................... 38Bicycles, Roller blades, Skateboards ......................................................................................... 39

Personal Property ..................................................................................................................... 39


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Student Dress & Appearance.................................................................................................... 39

Student Dress........................................................................................................................ 39

PE Uniforms .......................................................................................................................... 39

Travel Dress Code ................................................................................................................. 40

MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT .......................................................................................... 41

Group 1 Violations .................................................................................................................... 41

Consequences ....................................................................................................................... 41Group 2 Violations .................................................................................................................... 41

Consequences ....................................................................................................................... 41


Consequences ....................................................................................................................... 42


Consequences ....................................................................................................................... 42

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES & EXPLANATIONS ............................................................................ 43

Referral Procedure ................................................................................................................... 43

Detention .................................................................................................................................. 43

Detention Rules .................................................................................................................... 43

In School Suspension ............................................................................................................. 44

In School Suspension Rules ................................................................................................ 44

Out-Of-School Suspension ........................................................................................................ 44

Social Probation ........................................................................................................................ 45

Positive Behavior Activities ...................................................................................................... 45

Community Service ............................................................................................................... 45

Behavior Point Sheet ............................................................................................................ 45

Peer Facilitation Program ..................................................................................................... 45

Consistent Record of Good Behavior ................................................................................... 46

Providing Parental Support....................................................................................................... 46

Theater/Assembly Protocol ...................................................................................................... 48

Assembly Protocol for Teachers ........................................................................................... 48

Assembly Protocol for Students ........................................................................................... 48

LIBRARY POLICIES.......................................................................................................................... 49

Library Rules ......................................................................................................................... 49

Consequences for Not Adhering to Library Rules ................................................................ 49

Checking Out Books .............................................................................................................. 49

Checking Out Reference Books ............................................................................................ 49

Current Magazines ................................................................................................................ 49

Lost/ Damaged Books ........................................................................................................... 49

Library Computer Use ........................................................................................................... 50

Personal Laptops .................................................................................................................. 50

Logging Out ........................................................................................................................... 50

Photocopies/ Computer Printers .......................................................................................... 50

Internet Access ......................................................................................................................... 50

Use of Stations ...................................................................................................................... 50

Research On Stations ............................................................................................................ 50

Internet Acceptable Use Authorization Form ...................................................................... 50

Internet Acceptable Use Policy................................................................................................. 50

Guidelines for Acceptable Use.............................................................................................. 51

Active Directory Accounts ........................................................................................................ 51PROGRAMS & COURSES - GRADES 6, 7 AND 8 ............................................................................. 52

Program of Studies ....................................................................................................................... 52


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Preface ...................................................................................................................................... 52

Required Courses: Language Arts ............................................................................................. 52

Sixth Grade Language Arts A (MS 1000) ............................................................................ 52

Sixth Grade Language Arts ESL (MS 1001) ......................................................................... 52

Seventh Grade Language Arts A (MS 1010) ....................................................................... 53

Seventh Grade Language Arts ESL (MS 1011) ................................................................... 53

Eighth Grade Language Arts A (MS 1020).......................................................................... 54Eighth Grade Language Arts ESL (MS 1021) ...................................................................... 54

Required Courses: Social Studies .............................................................................................. 55

Sixth Grade, Social Studies World Studies: History and Geography of the Ancient World

(MS 2001) .............................................................................................................................. 55

Sixth Grade, Social Studies - ESL - World Studies: History & Geography of the Ancient

World (MS 2002) .................................................................................................................. 55

Seventh Grade, Social Studies World Studies: History & Geography of the Eastern

Hemisphere (MS 2011) ......................................................................................................... 55

Seventh Grade, Social Studies - ESL - World Studies: History & Geography of the Eastern

Hemisphere (MS 2012) ......................................................................................................... 56

Eighth Grade, Social Studies World Studies: History & Geography of the Western

Hemisphere (MS 2021) ......................................................................................................... 56

Required Courses: Science........................................................................................................ 56

Sixth Grade Science (MS 4000) ............................................................................................. 56

Sixth Grade Science ESL (MS 4001) ...................................................................................... 57

Seventh Grade Science (MS 4010)........................................................................................ 57

Seventh Grade Science ESL (MS 4011) ................................................................................ 57

Eighth Grade Science (MS 4020) .......................................................................................... 58

Required Courses: Mathematics .............................................................................................. 58

Sixth Grade Fundamental Math 6 (MS 3005) ....................................................................... 58

Sixth Grade Math 6 (MS 3010) ............................................................................................. 58

Sixth Grade Advanced Math 6 (MS 3015) ............................................................................ 59

Seventh Grade Fundamental Math 7 (MS 3025) .................................................................. 59

Seventh Grade Math 7 (MS 3030) ........................................................................................ 59

Seventh Grade Advanced Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) (MS 3035)................................................. 60

Eighth Grade Fundamental Math 8 (MS 3041) .................................................................... 60

Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra (MS 3055) ................................................................................... 60

Eighth Grade Algebra I (MS 3060) ........................................................................................ 61

Required Courses: Physical Education (MS 6000, MS 6020, MS 6030) ................................... 61

Required Courses: Visual and Performing Arts / Technology / Health / Research / Guidance62

Sixth Grade Exploratory - Music 6 (MS 7120)....................................................................... 62

Sixth Grade Exploratory - Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 6

(MS 7400) .............................................................................................................................. 62

Seventh Grade Exploratory - Art/ Design 7 (MS 7020) ......................................................... 62

Seventh Grade Exploratory - Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 7

(MS 7410) .............................................................................................................................. 62

Eighth Grade Exploratory - Drama 8 (MS 7111) ................................................................... 63

Eighth Grade Exploratory - Foundations of Technology, Health, Research and Guidance 8

(MS 7411) .............................................................................................................................. 63

Required Courses: Modern Languages ..................................................................................... 63

GREEK .................................................................................................................................... 63FRENCH ................................................................................................................................. 65

French MS 1 (MS 5101) ........................................................................................................ 65


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French MS 2 (MS 5102) ........................................................................................................ 66

French MS 3 (MS 5103) ........................................................................................................ 66

MANDARIN CHINESE............................................................................................................. 66

Chinese MS 1 (MS 5500) ....................................................................................................... 66

Chinese MS 2 (MS 5501) ....................................................................................................... 66

Chinese 2 Advanced (MS 5502) ............................................................................................ 67

Chinese MS 3 (MS 5503) ....................................................................................................... 67SPANISH ................................................................................................................................ 67

Spanish MS 1 (MS 5401) ....................................................................................................... 67

Spanish MS 2 (MS 5402) ....................................................................................................... 67

ARABIC .................................................................................................................................. 67

Arabic 6 (MS 5300) ............................................................................................................... 68

Arabic 7 (MS 5310) ............................................................................................................... 68

Arabic 8 (MS 5320) ............................................................................................................... 68

GERMAN ............................................................................................................................... 68

German MS 1 Beginner course (MS 5200) ........................................................................ 68

German MS 2 (MS 5204) ...................................................................................................... 69

Electives - Beginning Instrumental Music (Year) (MS 7123) .................................................... 69

Electives - Instrumental Music (Year) (MS 7124) ..................................................................... 69

Electives - Middle School Choir (MS 7101) ............................................................................... 69

Electives - Art Studio (Year) Grades 6,7, 8 (MS 7011) .............................................................. 69

Electives - Drama (Year) (MS 7110) .......................................................................................... 70

The focus of this elective course is to develop creative and expressive skills for drama

through practical workshops. The students will take part in group and individual drama tasks

and exercises which will involve theater play, improvising, creating scenes and skits,

developing a role, as well as reflecting and exploring a variety of stimuli. This course will help

students develop a set of life-transferrable skills: confidence, effective communication,

concentration of attention, team work, imagination, space, time and body awareness,

creativity and spontaneity to mention but a few. .................................................................... 70

This course is open to grades 6, 7, and 8, and there is no pre-requisite. ................................ 70

Learning Support - EFL (English as a Foreign Language) (MS 1202) ......................................... 70

Learning Support - ESL Level I (Grades 6, 7 and 8) (MS 1200)................................................. 70

Learning Support - ESL Level II (Grades 6, 7 and 8) (MS 1203)................................................ 70

Learning Support - ESL Content (Grade 8) (ESL 1260) ............................................................. 70

Learning Support - Optimal Learning Program (OM 6: MS 1046, OM 7: MS 1047, OM 8: MS

1048) ......................................................................................................................................... 70

Learning Support - Optimal Learning Consultation (MS 8067) ................................................ 71

Learning Support - The High Performing Student Program (HPS) (MS 8068) .......................... 72

2011-2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES .................................................................................................. 73

PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT and INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY .......... 74


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WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

The principal, faculty, staff, students, and community of the ACS Athens Middle School are

devoted to academic achievement and individual growth for every child. We all strive to

maintain a supportive environment where respect for individual differences and rights of others

guide our behavior.

Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 are going through a stage of rapid change in mental, physical,

social, and emotional development. Based on the needs of children experiencing these

changes, our program and staff:

Provide an appropriate, child-centered educational experience that actively engages students in

the acquisition of basic skills, knowledge, and concepts and contributes to the development of

higher order thinking. It helps students understand the connections between learning and life.

Engage students in a wide range of formal cognitive and experiential learning opportunities,including hands-on exploratory courses, physical education, and foreign language.

Encourage each student to develop a positive self-image through frequent opportunities for

success, while recognizing the influence of peer pressure. This enables students to develop

responsibility and self-control through opportunities for participating in decision-making in a

variety of ways. We promote confidence in self and respect for others by involving students

with each other in structured and unstructured ways.

Respond sensitively to the widely fluctuating needs of individuals by giving personalized

attention to each students needs, structuring learning environments to respect individualdifferences, and providing a variety of informal learning activities for students.

Differentiate learning to accommodate a variety of learning styles and needs.

Always, in making school decisions that affect students, the development of the whole child

during this unique stage in life is our primary concern.

MaryAnn Augoustatos

Middle School Principal


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DESCRIPTION OF THE ACS ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School is comprised of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade programs which meet U.S.

and International curriculum standards. A rich array of co-curricular activities and clubs meet

primarily during lunchtime and some after school to expand the Middle School program

beyond the classroom learning environment. It is a unique opportunity for students to be

exposed to many different learning experiences that are designed to help them discover theirinterests and their talents.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

In a school community defined by a culture of respect:

We shall be curious about and tolerant of peoples cultural differences, gender

differences, age differences, learning differences, as well as their unique abilities and

talents;

We shall respect learning and the learning process;

We shall practice good manners;

We shall treat each other politely;

We shall cultivate and exhibit self-discipline and self-respect;

We shall respect personal and school property;

We shall build relationships based upon open communication and mutual respect;

We shall work to overcome stereotypical thinking, biases and prejudices and actively

promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding;

We shall ensure that everyone feels physically and emotionally safe;

We shall respect, follow and enforce the rules of the community;

We shall respect each persons uniqueness and individuality;

We shall practice good citizenship in and out of the classroom;

We shall promote the values of good sportsmanship;

We shall commit ourselves to teaching the principles of respectful behavior and good

citizenship in a focused and on-going manner.

This statement of principles was developed by the teachers, students, parents and

administrators.


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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL

School Address: 129 Aghias Paraskevis Street & Kazantzakis St.

152 34 Halandri

Athens, Greece

www.acs.gr

School Telephone: Middle School Principals Office: 210 639-3200, ext. 243

Middle School Main Office: 210 639-3200, ext. 261

Counseling Office: 210 639-3200, ext. 226 or 228

Fax: 210 639-0051

E-Mail: [email protected]

School Day: Arrival - 9:00 a.m.

Dismissal - 3:30 p.m.

Late Busses 5:45 p.m. (for supervised activities only)

Bell Schedule for Day 1 and Day 2

Time Day 1Day 2

9:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Block 1 Block 5

10:20 a.m. 10:40 a.m.

Passing time and

Announcements

Passing time and

Announcements

10:40 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Block 2 Block 6

12:00 p.m. 12:40 p.m.

Middle School Lunch

12:00 p.m. 12:10 p.m.

Academy passingAcademy passing

12:10 p.m. - 01:30 p.m.

Academy Block 3Academy Block 7

1:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. Academy Lunch

12:45p.m. 2:05 p.m.

MS Block 3 MS Block 7

2:05 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. Passing Time Passing time

02:10 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Block 4 Block 8
http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/


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ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

ACS Athens considers for admissions those students who fall into one of the following

categories:

1. The American community of Athens:

a. U.S. Government employees;b. U.S. Business and industry;

c. Non-Profit organizations affiliated with or supported by U.S. Institutions;

d. Other American citizens.

2. Members of the Diplomatic Corps of Greece (third-country).

3. Foreign Businesses and Industries established in Greece.

4. Greek nationals returning from abroad.

5. Students transferring from a Greek school.

Entry to ACS Athens is via a competitive application process, which is outlined in the revised

(March, 1995) admissions guidelines available in the Presidents Office, the Admissions Officeor on-line at www.acs.gr. Prospective candidates should familiarize themselves with the

admissions procedures.

For further information concerning our application process and specific documentation

requirements, please contact our Office of Enrollment Management, c/o Mr. John Papadakis,

Director, at (210) 639-3200 ext. 263 or [email protected].

ACS Athens provides very limited Special Learning services. Please refer to the procedures

regarding admissions for students who may need to access such services.


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ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Middle School is designed for students in the 11-16 age range. It is a complete and

coherent program that provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills appropriate

to this stage of adolescence. The educational philosophy and goals of the Middle School

naturally follows the ACS Athens Elementary School and serves as excellent preparation forboth the regular College Preparatory and IB Diploma Programs offered in grades 11 and 12.

Curriculum

The Curriculum consists of eight subject groups offered throughout the three years of the

Middle School. They are:

1. Language A - at ACS Athens the schools language of instruction is English.

2. Language B - a foreign language learned at school.

3. Social Studies - history, geography, government and economics4. Sciences general science, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics

5. Mathematics core course including topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry,

trigonometry, probability & statistics

6. Visual and Performing Arts art/design, music, and drama

7. Physical Education health and hygiene, individual and team sports, fitness

8. Technology the nature, processes and impact of technology as a research

tool.

Health, wellness and our guidance program topics are an integral part of the

curriculum.

Personal Project & Portfolio

The students educational accomplishments are documented by the school in a portfolio of

achievement which records the skills acquired and the results obtained, in each academic

subject. The students appreciation of the areas of interaction is assessed through an exercise

known as the Personal Project. The final project is a culmination of the program and is

completed in the High School, as a sophomore.

There are no externally set or externally marked examinations for students. All assessment of

student work is carried out by teachers in our school. The IBO validates the standards of the

schools assessment through a process of external moderation. Thus, our school will be visited

and evaluated at least once every five years by IBO representatives. The Middle States

Association of Colleges and schools renews our standing through a validation of our self study

regularly.


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ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Reporting Student Progress

The Middle School staff recognizes the importance of maintaining effective communications

with parents. Student progress is assessed continuously, and parents will be informed of any

drastic change in performance. We use four formal means of reporting student progress:

quarterly report cards, progress reports, parent conferences, and the ACS Planner. The ACSPlanner is a combination calendar planner for assignments and home-school communication

tool. All middle school students are expected to carry the ACS Planner with them at all times

and check the Moodle site. For homework postings and announcements, Skyward Family

Access is also available to parents for online monitoring of student work. Links to Moodle and

Skyward are on the ACS homepagewww.acs.gr

Student performance is assessed using letter grades A, B, C, D, F. In their individual classes,

teachers assess students using subject-specific assessment criteria. Teachers, counselors and

the principal are available to meet with parents to discuss any concerns or questions. Parents

can arrange such meetings by calling the Main Office or Office of Student Services to set anappointment.

Progress reports and Report cards are sent to parents electronically.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports may be issued at any time, but will be issued to students as follows:

1st quarter: Monday, October 10th

2nd quarter: Monday, December 12th

3rd quarter: Tuesday, February 28th

4th quarter: Monday, May 7

th

During the first quarter, all students will receive progress report comments on Skyward from all

their teachers. Thereafter, all students earning a grade of C- or less will receive a progress

report comment, though teachers may send reports to recognize excellence, improvement or a

falling off in performance. Progress Reports will document students progress in achieving

Approaches to Learning outcomes as well as subject-specific learning objectives. The Progress

Reports will appear as a comment(s) in Skyward family access in the above stated dates.

Report Cards

Report Cards will be available on line through Skyward Family Access approximately two weeks

after the end of each quarter. Report cards will be sent to parents/guardians via the students

and/or mailed home early in July at the end of the school year. Should parents not receive

progress reports or report cards on these dates, they should contact the Middle School Main

Office.

Parent Teacher Student Conferences

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences are held twice a year. Please see the ACS Calendar fordates and times.
http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/


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Grades

As stated previously, the Middle School uses letter grades: A, B, C, D and F. Teachers may give

a plus or minus with the letter grade (except in the case of an F). The + or will appear on the

permanent record. Modification for OM students may apply on an individual basis and will be

so indicated.

Letter grades are awarded on the basis of the following averages:

97-100 A+ 77-79 C+

93-96 A 73-76 C

90-92 A- 70-72 C-

87-89 B+ 67-69 D+

83-86 B 63-66 D

80-82 B- 60-62 D-

Below 60 F

Recognition and HonorsSuccess is recognized in many ways at the Middle School. Academic Recognition Award

Assemblies are held at the end of each quarter to recognize student talent and achievement.

Examples of awards presented are:

Academic Achievement Awards

Principals List - All As (including A-s)

High Honor Roll - A- Average (3.67 GPA) or better

Honor Roll - B+ Average (3.33 GPA) or better

Students with Incomplete or Failing(F) quarter grades are not eligible for academic honors.

End-of-Year Subject Awards - At the end of each year individual teachers present awards for

academic achievement. Awards go to students with high academic achievement and for

greatest improvement.

Presidential Award - Awarded at the end-of-year Awards Assemblies

Athletic Awards

Field Day Awards: Awarded to individuals and Class / Team Houses at the annual Middle

School Field Day

Athletes of the Year: Awarded by the PE Department at the Athletics Banquet.

Recognition Awards

Warren Shepard Award: Awarded to an 8th

grade ACS award for all-around excellence

Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen (NESA) Nomination: Nominations to NESA for recognition ofstudents who exhibit exemplary citizenship, character and service.


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Students of the Quarter: Awarded to two students (a boy and a girl) at each grade level to

recognize exemplary contributions to school academic and community life, observes school

rules, shows perseverance and motivation, is poised, self-disciplined, cooperative, kind to

others, and has no disciplinary referrals/probation.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITYStudents are expected to do their own work at all times. Cheating is a serious academic

offense; it can also eat away at ones self respect. Copying someone elses homework, asking a

parent or tutor to do the work, copying from a publication or from the Internet without using

quotation marks and citing sources are all examples of academic dishonesty, and ultimately

work to a students disadvantage.

Likewise, allowing another student to copy ones work is dishonest and will be addressed as

plagiarism. Students who breach the standards of academic integrity will receive a grade of 0

for all instances of cheating or plagiarism. They may also become ineligible to receive

academic honors during the quarter in which the infraction occurs.

Maintaining Academic Integrity

ACS Athens Middle School and Academy Academic Integrity Policy

The ACS Athens Mission Statement obliges us to provide opportunities for all students to develop a

deep sense of integrity and self-esteem. Few qualities are as important to living a good life as these

are. In support of this goal, we are committed to helping students understand and demonstrate the

principles of academic integrity on a daily basis.

Simply put, academic integrity means always being honest about your work by avoiding cheating

and plagiarism. At ACS Athens, we will consider that academic integrity has been violated and

cheating has occurred when you use someone elses words, work, test or quiz answers, and/or

ideas and claim them as your own.

Why is it important to maintain academic integrity?

We want you to take pride in your honest achievement.

Youll feel good about yourself when you meet the challenges of your academic work.

Its hard to feel good about yourself when you take credit for someone elses work.

You will develop and maintain a reputation as an honest person.

Peoples words, work and/or ideas are considered intellectual property meaning thattheir creator owns them. Some types of plagiarism violate not only school rules, but US

and European law. Plagiarism is a form of theft. So, too, are other forms of cheating, like

copying anothers work on a test.

Cheating gets in the way of learning. When you pass someone elses work or ideas off

as your own, you are not learning, nor are you practicing the skills that you need to

succeed in the university and in the workplace: how to write, analyze, form conclusions

and generate new ideas.

You will learn what you are honestly capable of achieving.


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What does cheating look like?

(Examples of violations of academic integrity)

Copying someones homework.

Looking at anothers test, getting unauthorized assistance during a test, sharing

answers with others during a test, letting someone copy your assignment.

Having a parent or a tutor do your homework. Paying a tutor to write your paper (or complete your college applications) for you.

Letting your parents build your project.

Letting your partner do all the work on a project and just putting your name on the final

product.

Turning in an old project or paper completed by a former student (an older brother or

sister, for example).

Taking a paper directly from the Internet and passing it off as your own.

Copying directly from published works or Internet sites, and/or using someone elses

words without quoting them and citing the sources of information.

Paraphrasing (rewording) someones words and not giving him/her credit for the ideasor concepts; passing someones ideas off as your own.

Using images, charts, graphs, maps, tables and other graphics from published or

Internet sources in your work without citing where you found them.

How is cheating discovered?

New technology: Teachers can simply plug a word or phrase from your work into a

search engine (such as turnitin.com) and find from where on the Internet an idea or

paper has come.

Teachers love to talk about their students accomplishments:As they talk about their

students achievements, they learn about work that students have completed for other

classes. Thus, they also learn of instances when friends have submitted another

students work in another class. You should always check with your teachers to see if

original work you have done for one class can also be used in other classes. Teachers

also have a good memory for work that has been previously submitted to them.

Teachers know your writing: Teachers know how students write. It doesnt take much

to recognize what was written by a particular student and what was written by

someone else.

What are the consequences of violating the Academic Integrity policy?

Grade of zero on relevant assignment or project and notification of parent.

Referral of NHS members to NHS Committee for appropriate disciplinary action.

Letter on file which will be shared with members of NHS Committee and Middle

School Student of the Quarter, Luke Hansen and Warren Shepard Award committees

during selection process for these honors.

In IB classes, students will be subject to IB malpractice guidelines.

Suspension from school for subsequent violations and immediate ineligibility for NHS

membership.


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How can you avoid cheating?

The best way to avoid cheating and plagiarism is to find ways to personalize your

assignments. React in writing about how your topic might personally affect you, your

family or your community. Let your reader know what you think about your topic and

about why it matters to you. An original conclusion, which is supported by facts from

other works properly cited is never cheating. Write in your own voice, not just in your

own words. Organize your work so that you dont run into a last-minute time crunch that keeps you

from studying, writing, creating, revising, reflecting and making your work your own.

Record where you found your supporting ideas while you do your research once for

finding the information, and again for writing your footnotes and doing the

bibliography.

ALWAYS include a bibliography, list of resources or acknowledgement whenever you

use the work or ideas of others. If you cant provide a citation, dont use the source.

Understand that using others work is permissible and usually necessary to

create well-supported arguments, conclusions and answers to questions. Giving credit

to the source of this work keeps it from being plagiarism. Make as large a percentage of your work as original as possible. Use direct

quotations and paraphrasing only when what you find is written in such a way that it

clarifies or makes memorable the idea expressed.

How do you decide when to give credit?

(taken from the Purdue University Website: http://owl.english.purdue/research/r_plagiar.html

Used with permission)

Need to Document No Need to Document

When you are using or referring to somebody elses

words or

ideas from a magazine, book, newspaper, song, TV

program, movie, Web page, computer

program, letter, advertisement, or any other medium

When you use information gained through

interviewing another person

When you copy the exact words or a unique

phrase from somewhere

When you reprint any diagrams, illustrations,

charts, and pictures

When you use ideas that others have given you in

conversations or over email

When you are writing your own experiences, your

own

observations, your own insights, your own thoughts,

your own conclusions about a subject

When you are using common knowledge -

folklore, common sense observations, shared

information within your field of study or cultural

group

When you are compiling generally accepted facts

When you are writing up your own experimental

results

Material is probably common knowledge if

You find the same information

undocumented in at least five other sources

You think it is information that your readers will

already know

You think a person could easily find the information

with general reference sources

To be sure that you are citing your sources correctly, refer to the section on proper citation formatting in Writers, Inc.


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How can you avoid plagiarism and make sure you are safe?

Action during

the writing process

Appearance

on the finished product

When researching,

note-taking,

and interviewing

Mark everything that is someone

elses words with a big Q (for quote) or

with big quotation marks

Indicate in your notes which ideas

are taken from sources (S) and which

are your own insights (ME)

Record all of the

relevant documentation

information in your notes

Proofread and check with your notes (or

photocopies of sources) to make sure

that anything taken from your notes is

acknowledged in some combination of

the ways listed below:

In-text citation

Footnotes

Bibliography

Quotation marks

Indirect quotations

When paraphrasing

and summarizing

First, write your

paraphrase and

summary without

looking at the original text, so you rely

only

on your memory.

Next, check your

version with the original

for content, accuracy, and mistakenly

borrowed phrases

Begin your summary with a statement

giving credit to the source: According to

Jonathan Kozol, ...

Put any unique words or phrases that

you cannot change, or do not want to

change, in quotation marks: ... savage

inequalities exist

throughout our

educational system (Kozol).

When quoting directly Keep the persons name near thequote in your notes, and in your paper

Select those direct quotes that make

the most impact in your

paper -- too many direct quotes may

lessen your credibility and interfere

with your style

Mention the persons name either atthe

beginning of the quote, in the middle, or

at the end

Put quotation marks around the text

that you are quoting

Indicate added phrases in brackets ([

]) and omitted text with

ellipses (. . .)

When quoting

indirectly

Keep the persons name near the text

in your notes, and in your paper

Rewrite the key ideas

using different words and sentence

structures than the original text

Mention the persons name either at

the

beginning of the

information, or in the middle, or at that

end

Double check to make sure that your

words and sentence structures are

different than the original text

This policy/document has been adapted with permission from Lakeview High School, Battle Creek MI and the

Mankato, MN Area Public Schools.


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Academic Probation

A student in 6th

or 7th

grade who fails more than one subject or receives two Ds and a F at the

end of any semester is placed on Academic Probation for the next semester.

A student in the 8th

grade who fails more than one subject or receives two Ds and a F, or has 3

or more Ds, at the end of the semester is placed on Academic Probation for the next semester.Students who continue to fail may be denied entrance to the Academy Students on Academic

Probation will be ineligible for participation in any co-curricular activities and athletics. A

student on Academic Probation may become eligible at mid-semester if mid-semester grade

reports indicate that the student meets eligibility requirements.

Students on Academic Probation will automatically be referred to the Child Study Team for

screening, evaluation and the development of a support plan, possibly involving weekly

monitoring, and academic and psychological support services.

Homework

Homework is assigned by classroom teachers on a regular basis. Middle School students

should expect to have approximately two hours of homework each night - the exact amount

will vary from night to night, depending upon the nature of the assignments, upcoming tests,

long-term projects, etc.

If absent from school for any reason, the student is responsible for making up all of the class

work and homework he/she missed. If a student is absent for only one day, it is best for

him/her to telephone a friend to find out what material was covered in classes and whathomework assignments were given. If it is not possible to get this information, students should

ask their teachers about missed work immediately upon their return to school and also check

the Moodle site.

If absent from school for an extended period of time (two days or more), the student or his/her

parent or guardian should telephone the school. Assignments will be collected from teachers.

They can be delivered by a friend/neighbor, or picked up by parents from the school.

In the case of unavoidable extended absences, extraordinary assignments may be given.

Teachers may assign a special project instead of normal day-to-day homework. Nevertheless,each student is responsible for making up missed reading for each course. If they know in

advance about an absence from school for any reason, students must inform all teachers well

ahead of the expected absence so that the teachers can prepare lists of assignments.

Homework and Approaches to Learning Hints

1. Write down assignments and due dates in the Planner.

2. Understand the instructions before leaving class.

3. Take home all materials needed to complete the assignment.

4. Learn to plan study time.5. Set aside study time in a quiet place at home.

6. Carefully check completed assignments.

7. Turn in completed work by the due date.


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8. Do not put work off until the last minute.

9. Take notes in class and from books.

10.Use the library frequently.

11.Make up work missed during an illness or excused absence.

12.Learn to ask questions concerning assignments.

13.Take pride in the appearance of finished work.

14.Check Moodle regularly

Students are expected to set goals and work to achieve them. It is important to get the most

out of ones time in every learning situation. Students are asked to maintain a serious attitude

towards their work, think positively, and follow through with a plan of action.

Tutoring by Teachers

ACS Athens teachers may never tutor an ACS Athens student for pay. Teachers are available by

appointment to provide additional help for their students. No private paid tutoring of any sortmay be done on campus, either during school hours or after school.

Exams

End of semester exams will be administered in January and June in some Middle School

classes. All Middle School students will sit for Foreign Languages, ESL and Math exams and 8th

grade students will also sit for Social Studies, Science and Language Arts. 8th

grade students

will be required to sit for semester and end of year exams in all core subjects and Foreign

Languages according to the schedule created by the school. Make up exams will be scheduled

for students who were ill and have a doctors verification. Parents must inform the AttendanceOffice on the day of the exam is their son/ daughter is ill, and must provide a doctors note the

following day. The exam schedule will be provided at the beginning of each semester.

TestsMiddle School students may have up to 2 major tests in one day. Should there be a third test

scheduled, teachers will make every effort to reschedule the most recently planned test.

STUDENT SERVICES

The Structure of Student Services

Administration

The Principal is responsible for all aspects of the academic and co-curricular life of the Middle

School.

Counseling

The Middle School counselor is responsible for working with all students individually and in

group settings to help them succeed at the Middle School. If a student has a challenge, or feelsuncertain about some aspect of the Middle School that teachers cannot resolve, the counselor

may be consulted.


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In addition, The Middle School Counselor invites students and parents to discuss educational

concerns, scheduling and testing, follows up on progress reports, quarter and semester

reports, and students who are ineligible for co-curricular activities due to their grades or on

probation. Students may make appointments with the Office of Student Services secretary for

an appropriate time. Parents may telephone 639-3200, extension 226 or 261 to arrange for

conferences.

Child Study Team

The Child Study Team (CST) consists of the Principal, the school psychologist, the counselor, the

Optimal Match Specialist, the Nurse and possibly the English as a Second Language (ESL)

teacher. Other staff members and parents meet with the CST when it is appropriate.

The CSTs purpose is to assist students who have academic, social, physical, or emotional

problems that interfere with their education. Teachers and parents may refer a student to the

CST.

Health Services and Related Matters

Health Services

ACS employs a full-time Nurse who is here to provide students with help and advice if they are

ill. If a student feels ill, he or she must consult with a teacher in order to get a pass to go to the

Nurse. The Nurse will take care of the student, and if necessary, will call parents to take an ill

student home. The nurse also provides first aid in case of accidents. In the event of serious

injury, the student will not be moved. Rather, the nurse will be called immediately in order to

handle the matter at the scene of the accident.

Accident or Illness

In the interest of the students health, parents should be sure that the Health Office files are

kept current. An up-to-date telephone number and the name of the person to call in the event

of an emergency in the parents absence are especially important.

The school nurse determines in each case whether the student requires the immediate

attention of a physician or whether he/she may be cared for in the First Aid Room. If it is

necessary to send a student home, the school will immediately attempt to call the parent. If

the parent cannot provide transportation, the student may be sent home by taxi with the

parents approval.

In the event of an emergency requiring immediate medical attention, every attempt will be

made to consult with the parents for instructions. In the event that the parents or their

designated representatives cannot be reached, and upon the recommendation of the nurse,

the student will be taken to the parents physician or to the nearest hospital providing the

necessary care.

Accidents occurring in school, on school grounds, or on the bus should be reported as soon as

possible to a school staff member.


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Insurance

School insurance is provided automatically for every student beginning the first day of school.

It covers all aspects of the school day as well as school trips. Detailed benefits of the school

insurance plan may be obtained by calling the Business Office during working hours.

SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE SCHOOL

Bus Service

Each day, buses contracted by ACS transport ACS Athens students throughout greater Athens

area. Bus monitors are present on each bus with the responsibility of ensuring safety and

order. There are no monitors on late buses.

All Middle School students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on the

school bus. They are expected to act as positive role models for the younger children on the bus.

Questions about transportation services should be directed to the Transportation Office (639-3200, Ext. 239).

Bus Procedures

1. Students must be at the assigned stop at the scheduled boarding time.

2. Students must disembark only at the scheduled stop.

3. If a student wishes to take a bus other than the one normally assigned, or get off at a

stop other than the one normally assigned, a parent request must be submitted to

the transportation office for approval 48 hours in advance and presented to the

monitor before boarding. Permission to ride on a different bus will be granted only ifspace is available.

4. Change of address resulting in a change of route or bus stop should be presented to the

transportation office in writing two days prior to the change.

5. The failure or the considerable delay of the bus in arriving at the scheduled pick-up

point entitles students to secure alternate transportation to the school. The

Transportation Officer will make reimbursement of any costs incurred.

6. Concerns regarding the bus monitor or driver must be registered with the

Transportation Officer.

7. Bus monitors reserve the right to assign students to a specific seat. All passengers must

comply with these directions.

Bus Code of Conduct

1. Students must follow the directions of the bus monitors, adults and drivers at all times.

2. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed.

3. Students must be seated in their assigned seats and quiet at all times.

4. Respectful language must be used at all times.

5. Students must keep hands, head, arms inside the bus at all times.

6. No weapons / toy weapons or incendiary devices are allowed at any time.

7. The Code of Conduct policies and recommended actions also apply to the bus.

Students who cannot follow these rules will be referred to the Transportation Officer and

appropriate Administrator. Infractions of the bus regulations and/or the student Code of


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Conduct may result in the loss of bus service for a number of days. Serious or repeated

violations of bus rules could result in permanent removal from the bus.

Lunch Facilities

Lunch Time and RecessMiddle School students have 40 minutes for lunch.

Dining EtiquetteThe cafeteria is equipped to provide daily lunches and to serve food for various events and

activities during the year. Proper behavior in the cafeteria means exhibiting good restaurant

dining manners. Students are to proceed in a single file through the serving line, and once they

have received their food, they are to remain seated until they are done eating.

Book bags, gym bags and backpacks should not be placed on the dining tables. (This is an issue

of hygiene.) All diners are expected to dispose of their own trash and to return their traysbefore leaving the cafeteria. Students who leave messy tables behind them can expect to spend

some time performing cafeteria clean-up duty for the following week. Students should maintain

a conversational tone while in the cafeteria: screaming and shouting is rude behavior. Middle

School students may onlyeat in the cafeteria.

Food or drink should not be taken out of the cafeteria.

Lunch Time AreasDuring Lunch only students participating in clubs or meetings with teachers may enter the

Middle School building for these purposes. Students are encouraged to relax, enjoy theirmidday meal together, and then use the remainder of the lunch period to socialize and get

some fresh air. Middle School students may use the amphitheater, the front courts and the

back field (provided there are no Academy PE classes in session) for rest and relaxation during

the lunch break.


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OTHER SERVICES

Lockers

For reasons of security and access, the padlocks for the lockers will be provided to the students

by the school. They are made by "MASTER LOCK" are combination locks and can also be

opened through a master key that the school will hold. Students are not allowed to use theirown padlocks.

Students will be held financially responsible for misuse and damages to the locker and

combination lock. The lockers will be pre-numbered. The student will request a locker from

their Principal's Office and pay an amount of 20 Euro, as a deposit. Upon returning the padlock

in good order and completing a "no damage "locker inspection, the full deposit amount will be

refunded to the student upon withdrawal from the school.

Students have the responsibility to immediately report to the Principal's Office any damage to

their locker.Under no circumstances should students change lockers amongst themselves without notifying

the Main Office. The Principal's Office maintains the right to open lockers that violate the

above policy. The school maintains the right to open any lockers if concerns arise.

The locker is where a student keeps books, jackets, lunch, and other possessions. IT IS

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS DO NOT KEEP EXPENSIVE AND/OR OTHER

VALUABLEITEMS IN THEIR LOCKERS. It is suggested that students do not tell anyone their

lock combination. The school cannot be responsible for items left in lockers.

Lockers (P.E.)

All students will be assigned a Physical Education locker. Locks are provided by the P.E.

department. Students are responsible for any lost or damaged locks (they must pay a fee) and

are also responsible to bring their own lock after that. The Physical Education teacher will

provide additional information about locker assignments.

Lost and Found

The Middle School Main Office maintains a lost and found service. Students are requested to

bring stray articles of all types to the office so that they may be returned to their rightful

owners. Items lost or stolen should be reported to the office as soon as possible. It is helpful to

have student names written or sewn in all personal property or clothing to help inidentification process of "found" items. All articles unclaimed after a reasonable length of

time, generally one month, may be discarded and donated to local charities.

TelephonesThere is a card phone outside each Principals Office for use by students before and after

school and during breaks. Students may not use these telephones during class time. Likewise,

cellular telephones must be turned off and put away during class. Failure to do so will result in

the confiscation of the telephone by the teacher.


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Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling

DevicesStudents are not permitted to use any type of electronic signaling devices during class time,

passing periods or breaks within the classroom. Cell phones can be used if the break is

outside.

If a school staff member finds it necessary to confiscate a device, parents will be notifiedpromptly and the device will be returned in accordance with school rules after the Principal has

consulted with the students parent/guardian. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen

electronic signaling devices. Students are to make arrangements with their parent(s) or

guardian(s) to contact the school office when attempting to reach them during the school day.

The following are inappropriate uses of electronic signaling devices:

Harassment, threats, intimidation, electronic forgery, cyberbullying / cyberthreats,

videotaping in or out of the classroom, invasion of personal rights, cheating on

tests/exams, or other forms of illegal behavior during the instructional and non-instructional day. Stu- dents are not to use material or text message to invade personal

privacy or harass another person, or disrupt the instructional day, or engage in

dishonest acts.

Videotaping within the ACS Athens Campus is not only inappropriate but ILLEGAL.

Students who act in violation of this policy shall be subject to ACSs progressive discipline as

follows:

1. Initial violation electronic signaling device will be confiscated by school staff andsecured in a safe location. The electronic device will be returned to student in seven

days;

2. Second violation electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a safe

location. The electronic device will be returned to the student in a month and the

student's parent or guardian meets with the school Principal for the purpose of

clarifying this policy;

3. Third violation the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a

safe location. The electronic device will be withheld for a semester and the student'sparent or guardian provides written assurance that the student will no longer be

allowed to possess the electronic device during the instructional day;

4. Fourth violation the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a

safe location. The student will be suspended;

5. Fifth violation the electronic signaling device will be confiscated and secured in a safe

location. The student will be removed from school.


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Textbooks

Textbooks are provided to all students through their classroom teachers. All books and

materials loaned to students shall be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of each course.

Students who withdraw from school must return all textbooks before they can clear their

records.

Students will be asked to cover school textbooks. If a student fails to return school materialsor if damage beyond normal wear occurs, the student will be charged for the cost of the text.

NATURE AND OVERVIEW OF STUDENT ACTIVITIESParticipation in co-curricular activities is a way of expanding learning beyond the classroom.

Such participation allows students to pursue their own interests and to develop their skills and

talents in a whole range of social, cultural and sporting activities. Participating in school

activities is also an important way of building bonds of school community allowing students

the opportunity to cement friendships, develop their skills of teamwork and cooperation, sharetheir skills and talents with others and make a positive contribution to the social, cultural and

sporting life of the school.

The House System

The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to

one of four houses as a life-time member:Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or

Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit,

and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of

continuity and permanence for our graduates.

The Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their houses by participating in

student activities, playing sports, winning awards, participating in community service projects,

etc.

House Points are tallied throughout the year and posted in the Academy and Middle School.

Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning house and displayed on campus. Individuals

who earn points for their houses are also recognized at the end-of-year Awards Assemblies.

Co-Curricular Activities

Clubs and Organizations and Sports

Participating in activities (special programs, team sports, intramurals and clubs) at the Middle

School is very much a part of the Middle School experience. One can learn in many ways, and

there is much to be learned, as well as a lot of fun to experienced, in the examples of various

clubs, sports and special programs which meet during lunch and after school. Clubs and

activities are developed based on student interest.


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Examples include:

Blue and Gold Newspaper

Chamber Orchestra

Concert Choir

Debate

Ecology clubGeography Bowl

Jazz Band

Language Arts Bowl

Math Bowl

Math Olympiad

Peer Facilitators

Science Fair

Ski/ Snow Board Club

Spirit Club

Student Council

Symphony OrchestraTalent Show

Yearbook

Sport Teams:

Basketball

Cross Country

Soccer

Swimming

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

After School Academies:

Swimming Academy

Tennis Academy

*Academy participation

requires extra payment

Student Council

The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of the middle school. Its meetings are

open to all students and faculty, and anyone with a suggestion or concern is encouraged to

attend. The Middle School Student Council is comprised of Executive Officers (8th

graders),

and Representatives from each grade level (6,7,8). These officers work with faculty and advisor

and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are

encouraged to get to know their class officers and make suggestions to them. Details concerning

the selection process, meeting place, and time are announced in the fall semester.

School Social EventsDances

Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and conducts several dances. These are

scheduled on the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6-8 is

encouraged to attend. Some dances are: Welcome Back Dance, Holiday Snow Ball Dance,

Valentine Dance, Spring Dance Party, and the Eighth Grade Formal.

Some "facts" about dances are important to know:

Some dances are held in the afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00. Others may be held in

the evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Eighth Grade Formal is held near the end

of the school year on campus and runs from about 8:30 11:30 p.m.

All dances have an entrance fee, set by the Student Council.

Refreshments are usually on sale at the dance.

Once a student arrives at the dance, he or she is to remain in the dance area until

departure on the late bus or for the night.

Parents must provide transportation to and from dances. Car-pooling is encouraged.

Students must be picked up at school by the end of the dance.

All dances are voluntarily chaperoned by teachers. MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES ARE OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT ACS MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENTS.


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Purchase Orders/ Fundraising

Students buying material of any kind for school, class or club activities must obtain a purchase

requisition form from the Administrative Assistant in the Middle School Main Office. The

requisition must have the faculty sponsors signature. All money collected from fundraising

activities must be deposited in the activity account within 24 hours. Food sales for fund raisingpurposes are not allowed during lunch unless permission of the food services manager has

been secured in advance. Clubs and activities may hold food sales during the afternoon break

and after school, during the activities period. All fundraising activities must be approved and

scheduled by the Student Council and recorded in yearly fundraising calendar.

Decorations

In order to ensure the safety of students, it is necessary that students working on posters and

decorations be under the supervision of faculty sponsors.

Posters and Advertisements

All posters, flyers, etc. must be approved by an appropriate faculty member and by the

Principal before they are displayed.

Community Service

Serving the community is an integral component of the Middle School experience. All Middle

School students are encouraged to volunteer for school and/or community service during the

school year, and several grade level activities and field trips are organized as part of our

Community and Service experience. Parents are advised of these through school publications.


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COMMUNICATIONS and EMERGENCIES

Communication

Communication to Middle School students and parents takes many forms.

A Daily Bulletin is published. It is read during the daily Announcement Period and posted on

the ACS website (www.acs.gr), where it can be accessed by parents and students. It contains

important information about scheduled events, school activities, and other special

announcements. Announcements may be placed in the bulletin by administration and staff.

Please note that it is possible that there are no announcements for some days throughout the

year.

A variety ofbulletin board notices and flyers advertise upcoming Middle School and campus

events. These are posted in many places throughout campus. The Principal must also approve

all letters, flyers or brochures before distribution to students, faculty or parents.

The ACS Planner is an organizational calendar for students in grades 6-12, as well as a

communication tool for home-school messages. Students use the Planner to record

assignments, test dates and project deadlines, as well as to document their service work and

participation in co-curricular activities.

Guests

The Middle School welcomes guests who are visiting Athens and wish to observe our school in

action. We recognize, however, the visitors to the classroom can disrupt the normal learning

environment; thus, we limit guests to one-day visits. Only Middle School-age students who arevisiting from outside the Athens area are invited to be our guests. Students who wish to bring

a guest to school are required to bring a note from their parents prior to the day of the visit

and to obtain prior permission from the Principal. Parents and other adults are welcome to

visit the school any time. Please call the Principal at 639-3200, ext. 243 or 261 to schedule a

visit.

School Cancellation

Whenever possible, official announcements of school cancellation will be made in advance

through mailings and via e-mail. In addition, parents can call the school at 639-3200 between8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or the ACS Athens Security Office at 639-3555 before or after these

hours for information. The Academy / Middle School Office maintain an emergency phone

tree, which will allow administration and faculty members to contact all ACS families in the

case of an emergency cancellation. Such announcements will also be sent via e-mail and

posted on our website.
http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/http://www.acs.gr/


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Emergency Evacuation

Several times a year, emergency evacuation drills are held. Specific directions and evacuation

maps are posted in each classroom to indicate the emergency exit route. Common sense and

cooperati

MS Student Parent Handbook 2011-12

Documents

Transcript of MS Student Parent Handbook 2011-12