Parent-Student Handbook PDF E-mail
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Dear Parents,            Welcome to the International School of Monagas.  This is the twelfth year in ISM history and the eighth complete year that we will be in our own facility. We are continuing to enjoy being surrounded by trees and gardens offering a variety of tropical vegetation and some quiet spots to sit and think. We will continue to build the school our vision tells us we can be: “…an international school community with a challenging and engaging English-language curriculum, a vibrant and dynamic school culture and tradition, and beautiful and functional facilities. We want to be the best international school in Eastern Venezuela: a guarantee of educational excellence for families coming to live in Maturin and a center for school and community activities.” Throughout the year, the school will be a second home to your children, and we hope that you come to feel at home here, too.  Communication between school and home is an extremely important factor contributing to a student’s success. We will do our best to keep parents informed of your child’s progress at school.  Please contact the school whenever you need information regarding your child, or have concerns about his or her educational progress in our school program.  Through coordinated effort and support between school and home, we increase the opportunities for your child’s success and rapid adjustment to the new school year, and to what will be for many, a completely new environment. With your help, we will do everything possible for your child to feel safe, successful, confident, and among people that care about him or her. Please take the time to review the contents of this handbook with your child, to become familiar with school regulations and norms. This is one good way you can help to support our educational work with your children. With your help, we will do our best to educate them both intellectually and socially.   Sincerely,    Eric Spindler, Ed.D.Headmaster  
                        

The International School of Monagas – Our Mission

 The International School of Monagas educates the pre-school to pre-university students of its corporate sponsors and members of the international and local communities in English, developing caring global citizens and leaders.  ISM Core Values Statements ISM promotes empathy as a genuine understanding of the feelings, interests and points of view of others. ISM values honesty as the foundation of trust in all human relationships. ISM encourages responsibility for one’s behavior and academic achievement as a hallmark of student growth toward maturity. ISM fosters respect for self and others as essential for a caring, committed and peaceful community. PhilosophyISM is committed to providing a stimulating and comprehensive program based on a U.S.-style curriculum with international perspectives that prepares students for university studies and the challenges of the future. 

 

In a safe and supportive environment, ISM educates children in Pre-school through grade 12, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and modeling of attitudes necessary to be productive, responsible life-long learners in a constantly changing, interdependent world.   ISM seeks to provide an educational program, administered and taught by qualified, professional educators, which promotes the highest standards and expectations for its students.  We will strive to be a community where the skills and attitudes of global citizenship and the values of empathy, honesty, respect and responsibility are refined, promoted and practiced.  A global citizen is “someone who is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen, respects and values diversity, has an understanding of how the world works, participates in the local community at a range of levels, from the local to the global, is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place, and takes responsibility for their actions.” ** Oxfam (2006) Our programs and practices will be motivated by the following beliefs about students and the school:  Beliefs about students (learning outcomes)Students will:
  1. demonstrate a high level of academic skills and content knowledge in order to be prepared to pursue higher education and a professional career.
 
  1. demonstrate high levels of communication skills in English and Spanish.
 
  1. utilize problem solving skills, critical thinking and analytic abilities in diverse situations.
 
  1. understand how to use and apply information technology and different communications media in their daily lives and work.
 
  1. develop their physical and creative potential.
 
  1. practice the skills and attitudes which will lead them to become caring, committed, responsible, and contributing citizens.
 
  1. accept responsibility for their own learning, becoming engaged learners.
 
  1. act with honesty and responsibility.
 
  1. show empathy for fellow humans and respect for their individual, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
 
  1. show respect for people and property.
 
  1. exercise the ability to work effectively with others as part of a team and assume leadership roles in appropriate and positive ways.
 
  1. develop an ecological consciousness and a recognition of the need to preserve nature.

 

Beliefs about the school:

The school will provide: 
  1. a challenging, engaging curriculum which reflects the most current understanding of both how humans learn, as well as the most effective practices found in today’s successful schools.
 
  1. a solid core curriculum consisting of instruction in Mathematics, Science, English, Spanish and Social Studies.
 
  1. instruction and development in physical, aesthetic, and creative expression.
 
  1. a safe and supportive environment for growth and learning.
 
  1. differentiated instruction to meet the individual needs of a diverse student population while meeting the specific goals of the school.
 
  1. clear, consistent, effective communications and staff-parent relations.
 
  1. an environment for integrated development of students that serves as a center for school community activities.
 ISM programs, staff and administration will foster and promote: 
  1. a learning community environment in which parents, teachers, students and administrators will work in partnership with a common core of values and share accountability for the educational process.
 
  1. an ethic of striving for continuous improvement and excellence.
 
  1. appropriate psychological and emotional growth for students.
 
  1. models of appropriate conduct for students and other members of the school community, since the values inherent in that conduct have a strong impact on the students´ development and on what and how they learn.
 
  1. the importance of Venezuela’s cultural, linguistic, and geographical context as a positive and enriching influence on our students’ education.
  What do students learn at ISM?The Big Picture: Curriculum The school curriculum will be organized around several broad learning outcomes, which reflect ISM's core values and beliefs. All specific curricula and programs are designed to propel students to become: ·      Effective communicators·      Intelligent, critical, complex thinkers·      Knowledgeable problem-solvers and decision-makers·      Collaborative contributors·      Independent, self-directed learners·      Caring and Ethical Citizens 
 

The School Curriculum

 

Grades K-5

A fully developed curriculum based on United States national and McRel standards is being implemented in the primary grades emphasizing:
  • an inquiry approach to learning
  • rigorous attention to basic skills and content
  • integration of subjects, where meaningful and productive
  • teaching for deep understanding
 Secondary School The secondary school at ISM is a rich learning community comprised of students with a variety of academic needs. It is the goal of the secondary school to create an academic program that will challenge all students and to provide them with an opportunity for success and the ability to maximize their potential as learners. We feel that students have important responsibilities in this regard and we, as a school, expect the following from all students:  ·   to perform at the highest academic level of which they are capable·  to value thinking and learning and to be open to new ideas·  to come to class prepared and with assigned work completed·  to value class time and to make the best use of it·  to respect the rights and opinions of others within the classroom·  to conduct themselves in a spirit of honesty and fair play with all members of the school community Grades 6-8The curriculum for 2008-2009 will be based on a North American Middle School model. Students will receive instruction in 5 separate core subject areas - English, Social Studies, Science, Spanish and Math. They will also receive instruction in PE, Music, Art, Computers Venezuelan Social Studies and Writing Laboratory. The outstanding features of this curriculum are:·  plans which describe to students learning outcomes, key learning experiences and major assessments for each unit of study·  development of higher level thinking skills·  a strong emphasis on the 'real-life' context of both skills and content·  planned integration, where appropriate·  rigorous attention to essential work habits·  criteria-driven development of knowledge, skills and attitudes·  learning community studies to provide team-building and cooperative-learning skills Grades 9-12During the 2008-2009 school year, Grades 9-12 will be following courses in English, Spanish, History, Math, Science, Computers, Venezuelan Social Studies, PE and electives including Journalism, Music, Model U.N., Forensics, and Art. Pre-Military Education and Psychology are offered as electives for students wanting to get the Venezuelan Bachillerato. These courses will be internally devised and internally assessed. The outstanding features of this curriculum in Grades 9-12 are: ·  attention to each student's individual needs·  development of key skills including writing, reading, speaking/discussion, problem-solving analysis·  strong content base and emphasis on deep understanding Some grade 12 courses may be taken on-line (Virtual High School) or via University of Nebraska-Lincoln correspondence courses, depending on the availability of appropriate teaching resources at ISM. Because these courses represent an additional cost for the school, if the student fails the correspondence or on-line course or drops out after the no-penalty withdrawal period, he or she must reimburse this cost to the school. At the end of Grade 12, ISM will issue a High School Diploma to each student who has completed the course of study. The courses include the following features: ·         development of key skills - writing, problem-solving, discussion, analysis - to a world-class secondary school standard·         U.S. national and McRel (www.mcrel.org) standards as the criteria for academic expectations·         Attention to the individual profile of each student to ensure optimum progress/success  What will be expected of my child? ARRIVALStudents should arrive at school in plenty of time for classes to begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. The most recent understanding about teaching and learning indicates that students construct their understanding through actively engaging with new information, rather than simply receiving it. The basic day’s schedule reflects this. THE BASIC DAY                                                  Elementary              SecondaryInstructional Period                                            07:30 - 9:00             07:30- 9:10             BREAK                                                                09:00 - 9:20             09:10- 9:25Instructional Period                                              09:20 -11:45            09:29-11:09BREAK                                                                11:45 -12:15            11:13-11:33 - ReadingInstructional Period                                              12:20 – 2:35              11:33 – 12:21BREAK                                                                                                            12:21- 12:51Instructional Period                                                                                          12:55 – 2:35 Nursery and Pre-K classes run from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.              Grade 1 – Grade 12 After-School Activities: Mondays, 2:40 – 3:30 p.m.             FOOD SERVICE Currently the school has adequate cafeteria facilities. Weekly menus go home with the Jaguar Newsletter on Thursdays. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the school in order to have food reserved for them. Students who do not wish to eat the food provided by the cafeteria service will need to bring simple, nutritious foods for their two daily breaks. AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES On Mondays following the end of formal classes, a variety of activities are available to students. A full schedule of these activities along with details of enrollment will be distributed during the first weeks of school. Activities run from 2:40 – 3:30 p.m. for grades one through twelve. Monday activities are mandatory for all students. ATTENDANCE Students who are regularly present at school make more rapid progress. Please plan family vacations and visits ahead of time to avoid interruptions of your child's learning.  To earn credit for the year, a student must attend 89% of the days in an academic year. If a student accumulates absences in excess of 11% of the days (20 absences for a full year), the school will not give credit for the year, except under extenuating circumstances, approved by the Board of Directors.  Attendance in Secondary School The International School of Monagas places great importance on classroom attendance. We cannot educate your students if they are not in school, and in past years poor attendance of some students has been the number one impediment to their academic progress at ISM. To earn credit for a course, a student must attend 89% of the class periods in an academic year. If a student accumulates absences in excess of 11% of the class periods in a course (20 absences for an every-day, full year course), the course and mark will remain on the student's transcript, but no credit is received. In order to fulfill ISM graduation requirements, lost credit will have to be made up by the student through repeating the course at ISM or through Virtual High School on-line courses or other courses from an institution with United States regional accreditation. Students that have missed a class day or a part of a class day should bring a note to the school secretary immediately upon arrival to school, whereupon they will be issued a pass for admittance to class and will be allowed to make­ up work. In the case of unexcused absences, any work due will be marked late, and assessments missed may not be made up. If possible, parents are asked to call the Headmaster if their child is out sick that day, thus making it easier for the student to make up work upon their return to school.  Cutting Class Students who cut class during the school day will have to make up for the time lost with an equivalent time in Saturday School. Student Absences ISM provides generous holiday vacations, and it is expected that families are able to make their travel plans fit our schedule. When a student misses classes for any reason, this disrupts not only the student's academic progress, but negatively impacts the entire class. All absences are tabulated to get the count of total days absent except for second semester seniors involved in college visits or other college admissions-related activities and any student selected to compete in a Monagas state, regional, national or international sports competition. However, parents of student athletes who compete in multiple tournaments throughout the year are expected to keep all other absences to an absolute minimum. Any enrolled student absent more than 20 days during the school year may not receive credit for the school year except in the case of a pre-approved course of home study supervised by ISM staff for cases of long-term (5 days or more) injury, illness or other similar condition or in the case of pre-approved trips for sports competition as described above. However, if a student athlete exceeds the 20 day absence limit (including days absent for sports competitions) because of family vacations or extra, unnecessary school days taken, the above sanctions apply equally to him or her.       All work must be complete prior to the end of the semester. Final exam period is during the last week of the semester. A family trip during the last week of the semester is not considered a valid excuse and all work must be completed prior to the trip. PROMPTNESSPlease ensure your child is in school on time to begin work at 7:30 a.m. daily. Any student not in the first period classroom by 7:30 is considered late to school, whether or not the student arrived at school before 7:30. Repeated tardiness is disruptive to all concerned. Consequences for students in grades 3-12 who are repeatedly late to school are as follows:
  • 3rd tardy in a quarter to school or 3rd tardy to class in a quarter with any given teacher, lunch detention is assigned, with administrator or teacher assigning the detention responsible for supervising (looking in on) the student.
  • 4th tardy to school or class in a quarter, one hour of Saturday School assigned. Parents contacted by administrator or teacher assigning the consequence.
  • 5th tardy or more to school or class in a quarter, an additional hour of Saturday school is assigned for each additional tardy (e.g.: a total of three hours for the 6th tardy). Parents contacted. If students do not show up for an assigned Saturday School the time to be served will be doubled. With a valid parent excuse presented in writing at least one day in advance of the assigned Saturday School session, students may be permitted to postpone only one assigned Saturday School per school year. The student may be assigned in-school or out-of-school suspension instead of Saturday School for non-attendance at Saturday School or according to the severity and specific circumstances of the case. Parents are responsible for on-time drop-off and pickup of their students for assigned Saturday School.
 Consequences for students in grades N-2 who arrive late to school are as follows: 4th tardy in a quarter, parents are contacted by the teacher. 5th tardy in a quarter, the student will not be accepted into class for the day, and the absence counts toward the total of 20 absences allowed in the school year. QUALITY WORKAll students are expected to make their best effort and produce the highest quality work possible. Excellence is not an option reserved for the best. It is the standard we will all be working toward.

 COMMUNITY SERVICECommunity service is expected of all ISM students in age-appropriate activities. The school plans for providing opportunities for community service to students and emphasizes the importance of active citizenship. In grades 9-12, a minimum of 10 hours of community service per year are required, and actual community service hours rendered each year are listed on the student’s transcripts. The granting of community service hours depends on students filling out the necessary paperwork, having it signed by the faculty advisor for the service project and turning it in to the school counselor. A POSITIVE ATTITUDEA positive approach to daily work allows a child to maximize learning. We ask parents to join us in creating an enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, and to reinforce learning at home. COME PREPAREDStudents should bring pencils, pens, paper, books, and other equipment such as rulers and calculators, to school as needed. Parents can assist by helping children to make lists, teaching them to check their school bags each morning before leaving for school, checking that their homework assignment books are up to date, etc. STUDENT DRESS CODE:Since students attend ISM in order to obtain an education, it is expected that their physical appearance be conducive to that end. Any dress or grooming that hinders the learning process and is disruptive or in poor taste will not be accepted by the school.
  • ISM students must wear blue shorts, blue jeans, or blue slacks (all pants must be in one shade of blue with no other color present. A thin white stripe down the side is acceptable).
  • A small brand name is permitted on school clothes; a large brand name is not.  
  • Knit polo shirts (with collar) must be worn and must be of the proper color. The school emblem must be sewn onto the shirts. Pre-school and Kindergarten must wear red shirts, grades 1-5 wear white, grades 6-8 blue, and grades 9-12 beige.
  • No beach sandals, slippers, or high-heeled shoes are allowed.
  • No shoes with skate wheels are allowed.
  • If students are cold they should wear a dark blue jacket or sweater without a hood.
  • Students must present a neat and well-kept appearance. Clothes must be clean and neat, not ragged, frayed, or torn. 
  • On days when they have P.E., students should wear the regular school uniform with dark blue shorts or warm-up pants and athletic shoes. Students in grades 4-12 will be required to change into an official ISM T-shirt for P.E., and back to the uniform shirt after P.ECaps may be worn for P.E. (if appropriate for the activity) and at outdoor recess, but not in the school buildings
  • No body or face piercings are allowed other than in the ear lobes. No tongue or mouth piercings are permitted.  
The school uniform must be worn from Monday through Thursday. On Fridays they may come to school out of uniform but with the following restrictions: 
  • Shirts must cover the back and abdomen, even when the student is sitting down.
  • No low-cut blouses are allowed.
  • Spandex or tightly fitting elastic pants are not permitted unless shorts or a skirt is worn over them.
  • No short shorts or miniskirts are permitted.
  • No beach sandals, slippers, or high-heeled shoes are allowed.
  • No shoes with skate wheels are allowed.
  • Students must present a neat and well-kept appearance. Clothes must be clean and neat, not ragged, frayed, or torn. 
  • T-shirts should not contain offensive or sexually suggestive messages or drawings, promotional messages for alcohol or tobacco products, or partisan politics.
Coming to school out of uniform on Fridays is a privilege that may be revoked for individual students, entire grades or for the entire school if students do not adhere to the above indications.The dress code is:1.    School shirt with ISM emblem        PK-K                       Red Shirts        Grades 1 - 5            White Shirts        Grades 6 - 8            Blue Shirts        Grades 9-12            Beige Shirts2.    Blue shorts, jeans, slacks, or skirts for all grades. No short shirts, skirts or shorts3.    Clean school clothes every day4.    Navy blue sweatshirt on cool days5.    PE uniform (dark blue shorts or athletic pants with a drawstring or elastic waistband and an official ISM PE T-shirt for days when students have PE. Sanctions for being out of uniform or in violation of the dress code:1.      Warning – sent to the office2.      Wait in the office until a change of clothes is delivered.3.      If a student comes to school in uniform but repeatedly shows up to class out of uniform, this will be treated as a disciplinary infraction.
  What is my role as a parent? All members of the school community are needed to provide the best possible education. ISM students will be more successful in achieving desired outcomes if parents: 1.      Help instill student pride, confidence and a positive attitude in their school and their teachers. 2.      Support school policies on behavior and attendance. 3.      Provide the time and environment for students to complete homework. 4.      Encourage students to take responsibility for completion of all homework assignments. 5.      Be cognizant of and communicate to teachers about the level of difficulty students experience with homework. 6.      Initiate and encourage discussions with students on local, world or family issues, in a manner that significantly engages students and stimulates thinking. 7.      Bring problems, concerns, and criticisms directly to the appropriate teacher or administrator for clarification or resolution. 8.      In so far as possible, take an active role in PTA, volunteer activities, and school events. 9.      Share and convey honestly special problems students have had or are experiencing regarding learning, behavior, emotional problems, and changes in the family situation (divorce, separations, death, birth of a sibling, etc.) 10.  Dedicate time and thought to the continual improvement of ISM.

 
How can I enroll my child? Admission to ISM is open to students of any race, religion or nationality. However, there are clear admissions standards and procedures to follow. I. ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS All prospective students must submit: 
  1. A completed ISM Registration Form *
 
  1. A completed Parents Pre-registration Questionnaire (only for N-1st grade) *
 
  1. Copies of previous school records of the last two (2) academic years (if applicable) including:
    1. Transcripts  or  report cards
    2. Standardized test scores (if available)
    3. Confidential records (if applicable)-Psychological assessments, especial education or learning support documentation
 
  1. A completed Teacher’s Questionnaire or Recommendation Letter
 
  1. Writing sample (part of admissions testing).
 
  1. Immunization records or results of full physical exam by a licensed physician, including any recommendations for limitations on the full range of school activities such as PE and class trips, and noting any allergies, ongoing medical conditions or medications that continue to be required over an extended period of time.
 
  1. Copy of prospective student’s birth certificate, ID or passport
 
  1. Copy of both parents’/legal guardians’ ID, or passport
 
  1. Four (4) photos
 
  1. Admissions Testing Fee *
 *  Required before admissions testing  II. ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE 1.      On Admissions Testing: Students applying for all grades will be requested to participate in a series of placement tasks, such as a readiness test in early childhood grades and an oral interview, a writing sample and a reading and math assessment in elementary/secondary. Students with limited English applying for grades N-5 will be tested in Spanish. Admissions tests will be scheduled by the school secretary. 2.      On Age:       By September 30, the student must be the corresponding age to apply to: Nursery: 3 years   Pre-K:  4 years            Kinder: 5 years           1st Grade: 6 yearsIn higher grades the student’s records from the previous school and admissions tests as well as age will be considered as criteria for grade placement. If the student comes from a school accredited by an ISM-recognized regional accreditation agency with an English-language curriculum, grade placement indications from the previous school will be followed as a matter of course, with pertinent indications from the Admissions Committee regarding courses/credits required for graduation. 3.      On English as a Second Language (applicable to non-native English speakers): a.       ISM may accept students with limited English up to the 5th grade depending on program capacity. They will be supported by an ESL specialist until minimum English proficiency is acquired. In elementary grades, new non-English speaking students shall make up no more than 25% of the class (or that percentage which occurs with the admission of another new ESK student in a class with less than 20% new non-English speakers), with a maximum of 4 per class.b.      Students applying for admission to grades 6-8 must show evidence of sufficient ability to work in English so as to permit them to do grade-level work with some help from ESL and/or classroom teachers. They must also demonstrate ability to successfully complete all graduation requirements. c.       Students applying for high school (grades 9-12) whose English abilities will not permit them to do work on grade level, as determined by ISM, will not be admitted. 4.      Priority of Admission: Students will be admitted within the following priorities whenever enrollment must be limited, as long as they meet all other ISM admissions requirements:1.      Children sponsored by shareholders are guaranteed admission against subscribed shares, up to a limit of three students above the class-size limits proscribed by Board Policy. These are currently set at 16 for Pre-School and 20 for elementary and secondary grades.2.      Children who are holders of foreign passports, with first priority to shareholding firms.3.      English-speaking children.4.      Siblings of current ISM students and/or students enrolled for the following school year, taking into account admissions test results as well as grades and recommendations from the previous school. (A marginally-qualified applicant who has siblings in ISM may not have priority over a highly qualified applicant with no siblings in the school.)5.      Other applicants from the local community, taking into account admissions test results as well as grades and recommendations from the previous school. 5.  On physical/behavioral/learning difficulties or special needs: Unfortunately, ISM does not have special facilities or resources to support students with moderate to severe physical/behavioral or learning difficulties. We urge parents of students with mild special needs to contact ISM administration prior arriving in Venezuela to determine if placement at ISM will be possible. In most cases, families will need to provide the support services needed. Each case will be considered according to the student’s needs and the school’s resources available to address them. III. ADMISSIONS DECISIONS  For enrollment during a current academic year, decisions are made once an application is complete and space availability is confirmed. Local limited-English-speaking students will not be accepted in the school after October 1 of a new school year except in extenuating circumstances. For students applying for the following school year, admissions testing will begin April 1. Beginning May 1st and following careful review of all applications on hand at the time (with interviews and or/testing if applicable), ISM will provide notification of the admission decision based on the following four categories:·         Accepted: The applicant has been fully accepted for admission at ISM and a space is reserved for him/her in a particular grade level if enrollment is formalized during the month following acceptance.·         Accepted Wait List: The applicant has been fully accepted for admission at ISM but no space is currently available at the appropriate grade level. Parents will be notified when a space becomes available according to published admissions priorities.·         Conditional Acceptance: Applicant’s acceptance in ISM is subject to a specific set of conditions as stipulated by ISM admissions committee. Students accepted under this category will need to re-apply for the following academic year. ·         Denied: The applicant does not meet ISM´s eligibility requirements for admissions or the applicant cannot benefit from ISM´s services.  School Fees and Payments The school fees, policies and payment schedules are detailed in a separate handout. These are available in the main office. Students whose parents owe tuition or fees from the previous year may not be re-enrolled in ISM for a new school year.


How will I know how my child is doing?

 Report CardsYour child will receive a written report card four times during the year (see School Calendar for exact dates). ISM utilizes a continuous assessment approach, which means that all homework, class work, projects, tests and other exhibitions of learning will be reflected in each written report. Progress Reports Progress reports are sent home any time in between report cards for students who are:·         showing excellent or improved progress·         not showing progress or are at risk of not successfully completing the year.  Formal Parent-Teacher ConferencesThese are scheduled two times per year, at the beginning of the second quarter, and at the beginning of the third quarter, for parents to speak to each of their child's teachers. Appointments are scheduled through the main office. Parents should not, however, hesitate to contact a teacher or the Principal at any time regarding a student's progress. Informal Parent-Teacher ConferencesParents are encouraged to call and schedule meetings when they have any concern at all regarding their child's progress. Teachers will also initiate parent meetings whenever they see serious problems developing in a student's attitude, work habits, or work products. Parents should only contact the Headmaster about a student problem after thoroughly exploring solutions with the teacher, and following that, with the secondary or elementary coordinator. Only after taking those steps would it be appropriate to contact the Headmaster if no mutually acceptable solutions to the problem have been found. Interim ReportsOccasionally an additional report may be required to gather data about a particular issue or problem. This report may be at the request of the parent, any one of the student's teachers, or the Administration. Grading PolicyPlease consult either the elementary school teacher of your child or the secondary school teacher(s) for information. 
Grading System
 Pre-School and Kindergarten use the following grading system:S    - SatisfactoryP    - ProgressingN   - Needs improvementX   - not evaluated at this time Grades 1 and 2 use the EGSUIP method of grading (see below) to report academic skills. Grades 3 through 5 use the following grading system: A         90- 100 (excellent)B         80 - 89 (above average)C         70- 79 (average)D         60 - 69 (passing, but below average)F         Below 60 (failing) Grades 1 through 5 use the following system to indicate student effort and to show progress in specific skills:E         ExcellentG         GoodS         SatisfactoryU         UnsatisfactoryIP        In Progress (insufficient to assign a grade). ISM applauds success.  Students in Grades 3-5 whose grades are all A’s and/or B’s and no U’s at the end of a marking period will be awarded recognition on the Honor Roll. Those students whose grades are all A’s with no U’s will be awarded recognition on the High Honor Roll. 
 
Secondary Assessment Philosophy Assessment is an integral part of the school's curriculum, providing information to improve teaching and learning. Accordingly, assessment should chronicle student development and evaluate subject mastery through a variety of strategies, applied in a consistent and uniform fashion. Collaboration between teacher and students should serve to clarify assessment criteria and outcomes, fostering accountability, self-evaluation, and responsibility on the part of all involved in the learning process. The secondary team at ISM believes that maintaining a consistently high standard of academic work is essential for student success. It is important that students and parents are made aware of these expectations, and that they are consistently implemented throughout the school year. The grade descriptors are as follows:A - work of excellent quality, which:·         shows excellent understanding of ideas, topic, and task·         provides clear evidence of detailed study·         clearly and completely explains, with examples to support conclusion, where appropriate·         has few, if any, technical errors                                                                                      ·         where appropriate, has a good personal response/critical voice incorporated·         is organized and clearly presented B - work of good quality, which:·         shows a good understanding of ideas, topic, and task·         provides evidence of detailed study·         is clearly and fully explained, with appropriate attempts made to support conclusion.·         has no major technical errors·         contains some personal response/critical voice, where appropriate·         is organized and clearly presented C - work of satisfactory quality, which:·         shows a fair understanding of ideas, topic, and task·         provides evidence of consistent study·         is reasonably well-written and organized; providing some examples, where appropriate·         is mostly technically accurate·         shows the beginnings of a personal voice, where appropriate·         is clearly presented 

D - work that has potential but needs attention, which:·         has some fundamental weaknesses in understanding of ideas, topic, and task·         shows some study but needs additional attention or and time allocated to it·         has some well-conveyed discussion, but could be improved in organization and expression·         contains many technical inaccuracies·         has no or little sense of personal response, where appropriate·         lacks organization and is poorly presented F - work that is disappointing, which:·         shows no or very little understanding of ideas, topic, and task·         has little or no evidence of study·         is poorly organized and written·         may contain many technical errors·         may be poorly presented Teachers will at times, derive a grade from using percentages as well, depending on the student task, assessment plan and subject area, as follows:Grade                         Grade Points                           PercentA+                         (4.00)                       100 - 97A                           (4.00)                         96 - 94A-                          (3.67)                         93 - 90B+                         (3.33)                          89 - 87B                           (3.00)                          86 - 83B-                          (2.67)                         82 - 80C+                         (2.33)                         79 - 77C                           (2.00)                        76 - 73C-                          (1.67)                         72 - 70D+                         (1.33)                        69 - 67D                           (1.00)                        66 - 63D-                               (0.67)                    62 - 60F                            (no credit)                 59 - 00  This will also be used in determining a student’s grade point average (GPA). For courses designated as Advanced Placement or Honors level, one point will be added to the grade points awarded. For example, an “A” in an AP or Honors course would be equivalent to 5.0 points. The following grades will be assigned for secondary grade levels to show student effort: E         ExcellentG         GoodS         SatisfactoryU        UnsatisfactoryIP       In Progress (insufficient to assign a grade). Academic subject grades reflect the student’s actual achievement. Attitude and grade level functioning should be indicated elsewhere on the report card, usually in the teacher comments portion.

 ISM is pleased to recognize student successes in academic progress.  A student who receives all A’s and no U’s on the report card will be awarded recognition on the High Honor Roll.  Honor Roll recognition will be given to students whose grades are all B’s or A’s with no U’s in achievement or effort.  SECONDARY SCHOOL POLICY ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM 

In line with ISM core values of empathy, honesty, respect and responsibility, the teaching staff and administration of the International School of Monagas believes in the fundamental importance of academic honesty.  Accordingly, ISM staff will:

  • Teach specific lessons to all grades on the importance of honesty in student academic work.
·         Teach students specific skills in research and writing including citing references, quoting from sources, paraphrasing.·         Have clear consequences for cheating and plagiarism in student academic work. The consequences for cheating and plagiarism during any school year are as follows:For cheating or copying on homework: 0 on the work. 2nd offense: 0 and notify parents. 3rd offense: suspension from school.For cheating on a test, term paper or quiz: 0 on the test, term paper or quiz, notify parents and/or up to 5 days suspension. 2nd offense: 0 on the test, term paper or quiz, parent conference, and up to 5 days suspension from school. 3rd offense, 5 or more days suspension from school, F for the quarter in that subject. Students may not make up work missed while suspended for cheating. 4th offense: suspension from school and denial of the privilege of enrollment in ISM for the following school year. If a student hacks into privileged or restricted files on the server in order to cheat, he/she may be recommended for expulsion, and at a minimum will be denied re-enrollment in ISM for the following school year. SPEAKING ENGLISH IN CLASS English must be spoken in any class where it is the language of instruction. This includes Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Writing, Journalism, Mathematics and Art. Students are expected to speak only English in these classes, and if they speak Spanish or any other language but English without the teacher’s permission, their report card grade may be lowered. Students speaking a language other than English in class will be warned. On the second infraction in the same class period, a point will be deducted from their quarterly grade average in that class. There is no limit to the number of points that may be deducted, but if 5 or more points are to be deducted from the next report card grade, the teacher must contact and inform parents. 

HOMEWORK

 ISM believes that regular and demanding homework is essential for academic achievement.  Students in all grades 1-5 can expect to have homework several times a week, and nightly in grades 6-12.   Homework will be assigned to complement daily class work, or ongoing project work. Homework marks will contribute to overall student grades; the ratio of which will vary according to specific subject demands. Homework may or may not be assigned every night, according to the demands of the curricula. Timely completion of homework is essential, and late assignments will not gain full marks. Projects and exams/assessments will be announced and articulated by the faculty in order to avoid overloading a student's daily workload. We encourage all students to maintain a homework diary every day. At times, parents will be asked to confirm completion of daily assignments on a homework log provided by ISM. It is a student's responsibility to find out and complete homework missed due to an absence of any nature. Although total times will vary depending on assignment, level, class and time of year, and academic differences between students, we feel a student should be engaged in school-related work outside of the classroom at least an average of 10 minutes of homework multiplied by their grade level.  For example: a nightly average of 10 minutes of homework in first grade, twenty minutes in second grade, and fifty minutes in fifth grade. Teachers may exceed these averages, and are encouraged to share the reasons for requiring more homework with parents. In secondary school, amount of time dedicated to homework on a nightly basis will vary from student to student, depending on academic skills and speed of execution, but general averages are as follows: Grades 6-8:                    One to one-and-a-half hours per eveningGrades 9-12                   Two to three hours per evening REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY Academic endeavor takes precedence over involvement in extra-curricular events. Therefore, it is the school’s policy that a student must be in good standing to represent the International School of Monagas in any extra-curricular program. Any student wishing to participate in any school-sponsored extra-curricular program, including athletics, drama, academic competition, student government, forensic competition, etc., must meet the following eligibility requirements: 1. No more than one report card grade less than 70% during the quarter immediately preceding the activity. (Includes the fourth quarter of the previous year for first quarter eligibility of the next year.) 2. Approval of the activity’s sponsor/advisor. If quarter grades are below the specified limits but a student has made notable academic improvement since the end of the last quarter, he or she may get permission to participate in a specific sport or activity by having his/her teachers fill out an eligibility sheet. It is the student’s responsibility to take the eligibility sheet around to all teachers and follow up to make sure the sheet is completed, without putting any undue or inappropriate pressure on teachers to permit eligibility. ACADEMIC PROBATIONStudents in grades 6-12 who have a GPA below 1.6 in the core academic subjects (English, Math, Social Studies, Science and Spanish) for three or more quarters during the year will not be allowed to re-enroll in the next grade for the following school year.

 REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION While many academic and social/emotional factors will be taken into account to determine non-promotion, if a student receives F as a yearly average in two or more major subjects (English, Spanish, Math, Science, Social Studies), that student will generally not be promoted to the next grade. In grades 9 through 12, depending on the number of graduation credits accumulated, a student may go on to the next grade if he/she receives only one, or at times under special circumstances, up to two F’s as a yearly grade in a major subject, but all courses that receive failing grades that are required for graduation must be made up by taking Virtual High School or University of Nebraska-Lincoln correspondence courses or any equivalent course from an institution with U.S. Regional Accreditation.  Arrangements for and completion of these make-up courses are the student’s responsibility, and proof of completion must be submitted before graduation. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS To receive a graduation diploma from ISM, students will need to complete specific course requirements. Individual counseling will be available to high school students to ensure graduation requirements can be met. Over 4 years, students will normally receive at least 24 credits in order to fulfill ISM graduation requirements. Recommended college (US) preparatory programs require 18 - 24 credits. One year of study is the equivalent of one credit. ISM recommended credit distribution is as follows:          English                                                             4 years (1 credit/year)          Math                                                                4 years (1 credit/year)          Science                                                             4 years (1 credit/year)          Social Studies (North American Program)      4 years (1 credit/year)          Second Language                                            4 years (1 credit/year)          PE                                                                    4 years (0.4 credit/year)          Arts                                                                  4 years (0.4 credit/year)          Additional Subjects                                         4 years (0.6 credit/year)

 A.   In order to graduate from the International School of Monagas, students will: 1.       complete a minimum of 24 credits in grades 9 – 122.       complete a minimum of four credits in English and three credits each in Math, Science and Social Studies-North American Program. Math credits must include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, or the equivalent as determined by ISM. Science credits must include Biology and Chemistry. Social Studies credits must include U.S. History.3.       complete at least one credit of Spanish and 0.4 credits (2 periods per week for the entire year) of Venezuelan Social Studies for each year of High School enrolled at ISM.4.            be enrolled in at least five (5) academic courses each term of each year of High School enrolled at ISM.B.   Grade Level Placement Requirements      The number of credits suggested to be classified as grades 9-12 are:      Grade 9                  0 - 5 credits      Grade 10                6 - 11 credits      Grade 11                12 - 17 credits      Grade 12                18 or more credits Final grade placement will be determined by the ISM administrative team and admissions personnel. C.   Transfer Students Students transferring to ISM at the Secondary School level must meet all graduation requirements in order to receive a secondary school diploma. The extent to which secondary school courses taken previous to enrollment at ISM are accepted in meeting graduation requirements will be evaluated by the ISM administration and faculty on an individual basis. This evaluation may take place only when official transcripts have been received. Students transferring from ISM to other international schools or back to their home country will be given the following items to facilitate their transfer: ·     official ISM transcript ·     official letter from the Headmaster Families are asked to contact the future school to determine if more information is needed.


ISM Behavior Code

 A school is a community. All communities have common goals and ways of ensuring everyone is safe and productive. ISM operates on the premise the EVERY ACTION HAS A CONSEQUENCE, and that we are all responsible to create an environment conducive to learning. Student behavior will be governed by these four statements about living and working together: ·         BE PRODUCTIVE·         BE CARING·         BE SAFE·         BE YOUR BEST Our goal for students is continuous movement toward greater self-control in exercising freedom of choice.  A high standard of behavior is expected of all students al ISM. Students and staff value a strong sense of community and place great importance on honesty, respect, and trust. We feel that one of the primary goals of the school is to foster and enhance these values among all members of the school community. We assume that all students will:·   treat each other with courtesy, respect, and understanding·   treat the property and personal belongings of others and school property with courtesy and respect·   not engage in disruptive behavior in the classroom, halls, or in common assemblies·   use appropriate language with fellow classmates, and teachers·   report to class on time, with the appropriate materials·   report to school in the ISM uniform Occasions will arise when teacher and/or administrator intervention is appropriate. All disciplinary matters will be handled according to the following procedures, and depending on the nature of the incident, may be handled at any "intervention level": 


Action                                    Team                                                Possible Consequences

 lst Level Intervention           Student/teacher discussion                 Detention                                                                                                           Parent Notification                                                                                                           Student sent to Headmaster 

    2nd Level Intervention         Student/Teacher/Headmaster Detention (ELEM.)             

                                               Discussion                                          1 hr. Sat. School. (Sec.)                                                                                                                   Parent Notification                                                                                                          Student sent to Headmaster

 3rd Level Intervention          Student/Teacher/Headmaster/Parent  Contract                                                Child Study Team Conference            Suspension/ 3 hrs. Saturday                                                                                School                                                                                                             When a student is separated from class and sent to the principal for the third time, he/she will be assigned 3 hours Saturday School or suspended for at least one day. Teachers will make a written report each time a student is separated from class. Final Intervention                 Student/Teacher/                                  Expulsion                                                Parent/Headmaster                               Board of Directors Notified Detention/Saturday School will be supervised by a member of the secondary faculty or administration staff. Parents will be notified at least one day in advance if their son/daughter has been assigned to a detention or Saturday School. The Headmaster will also be notified of all detentions and Saturday School assigned. Teachers should keep an anecdotal record of all infractions involving the assignment of detentions, Saturday School or suspensions. Saturday School begins at 8:00 a.m. Students who are late to Saturday School will have double the time of tardiness added to the time to be served. For example, student serving one hour who arrives at 8:10 will stay until 9:20 a.m. The assignment of Saturday School may be substituted for in-school or out-of-school suspension for non-attendance at Saturday School or according to the specific circumstances of each case. Teachers will keep an anecdotal record of all disciplinary interventions/consequences assigned. Child Study Team conferences are held as needed by the academic team, to discuss students who are considered "at-risk" of academic failure, or in violation of the ISM Behavior code. More Serious Behavior Issues Occasionally, the school is faced with more serious disciplinary issues and it is important that parents and students know our position on these matters, and the consequences that will ensue from infractions. The following offenses will be treated at the 3rd  level of intervention:·         Insubordination, threats, or verbal abuse towards a teacher or staff member·         Fighting, disrupting classes, or damaging school or personal property·         Conduct seriously endangering the safety of oneself or others·         Theft and vandalism·         Unexcused absences (truancy)·         Cheating on tests, examinations, assignments or homework as well as the plagiarizing of material from secondary sources·         In-school possession or use of tobacco or alcohol, or being under the influence of alcohol during a school activity.·         Sexual or physical harassment   Verbal, Sexual and Physical Harassment The International School of Monagas shall be a safe, secure academic environment for all students and staff members. Any repeated unwanted verbal or physical abuse, sexually explicit derogatory statements, sexually discriminatory remarks, or sexually explicit written or visual material which is offensive or objectionable to the recipient, causes the recipient discomfort or humiliation in school or which interferes with the recipient’s performance in school is considered harassment. This behavior, occurring in school or out of school, is prohibited and may result in suspension or expulsion.  Consequences of Infractions Any student who engages in the actions above (More Serious Behavior Issues) can expect to be assigned Saturday School or suspended from school for a period based on the seriousness of the issue, or past infractions. No student will be suspended from school without an opportunity to present his/her case to the Headmaster. 

Disciplinary Action Disciplinary matters more serious than routine infractions will be handled by the Headmaster. Violations leading to detention will be reported and assigned by the individual teacher. These will be served after school. A student guilty of one of the major violations listed above may be suspended from school for a period of up to two weeks, but generally for a week or less, depending on the seriousness of the issue. Suspension A student who is suspended may receive a zero (0) for all class work and may not be allowed to make up any missed assignment or test. The parents may be called in for a conference, and a letter regarding the suspension will be placed in the student's file. If no further disciplinary actions take place during the following four quarters (including the present quarter), the note will be removed from the file. A student may not participate in after-school activities on a day he/she is suspended. Expulsion A student will be liable for expulsion for committing acts of extreme gravity (in-school possession of weapons, explosives, or illegal drugs, intentional causing of grievous harm to another member of the school community, physical attack on a staff member, illegal or immoral behavior in the community or on the Internet which damages the reputation of the school and/or its students or personnel, hacking into restricted files on the school server, repeated verbal, sexual or physical harassment of another person) or upon accumulating four suspension letters in his/her cumulative folder during any period of four consecutive academic quarters during the same school year or over two consecutive school years. If the fourth suspension in four consecutive quarters does not involve a serious offense and occurs in the fourth quarter of an academic year, the student may be allowed to finish out the school year but will not be permitted to re-enroll at ISM for the following school year. When the student has three notifications of suspension accumulated in his/her cumulative folder, the Child Study Team should meet to formulate a plan of recuperation, the main objective of which is to plan for change of the behavior(s) that are getting the student in trouble. The Child Study Team is made up of the Headmaster, teacher(s), parents, and guidance personnel and/or any relevant specialist. If, in the opinion of the Headmaster, a violation of school rules and decorum meriting expulsion arises, or the student accumulates four suspensions in four consecutive quarters, a recommendation regarding expulsion will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a final decision.


 

ISM Dances and Parties

 1.      SCHOOL RULES are in effect during school dances and parties. We expect students to show the same respect for school property and each other as they do during a regular school day. Alcohol, smoking, and drug use is prohibited. 2.      ISM students are permitted to bring guest(s) to the dance.  These guests must be pre-registered by the end of the school day on the Friday of the dance.  These guests are required to bring identification to the dance.  They will not be admitted without identification.  ISM students are responsible for their guests for the entire evening. 3.      The doors will open at 8:00 p.m. for entrance. 4.      No one will be admitted to the dance after 9:30 p.m. No admissions fees will be returned to persons denied admission to the event because of late arrival. 5.      Students are not permitted to leave campus and return back to the dance.  Once students have left the dance they will not be re-admitted. 6.      ISM faculty reserve the right to inspect bags carried by students entering the dance. 7.      Students demonstrating inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the dance.  In the event a guest is acting inappropriately, both the guest and their ISM host will be asked to leave the dance. 8.      All students and guests should arrange for drop off and pick-up at the School entrance.   9.      Dances/parties will end promptly at 12:00 a.m.  (Pick-up prior to 12:00 is fine!)   Additional Information Closed Campus
 
            Because of the need for campus security, ISM is a closed campus for all students. Students having to leave school during the day for reasons of illness, doctors’ appointments or other emergencies need to bring a note from a parent to the office prior to the time of pick up and must be picked up by parents or their representatives. A student who has left campus may not return unless engaged in a legitimate after-school activity. Parents should note that ISM is not responsible for students once they have left the school grounds. When students will be picked up by anyone other than their parents, the school needs a written note with that person’s name and cédula or passport number, and the days or time period in which he/she should be permitted to pick up the student.  Students will not be allowed to leave school premises in the company of anyone but their parents without written notice from parents.                         At the International School of Monagas we recognize that schools are a place of work and learning. Certain limits must be set for parents and other district citizens who visit our school, classroom or work areas. The following rules apply to visitors to the schools:·         Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.·         All visitors must report to the Receptionist upon arrival at the school. If all they need to do is leave something (such as a lunch) for a student, it will be left with the receptionist. If they need to see another ISM staff member they will be required to sign a Visitor’s Register and will be issued a visitor’s badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. Access for vendors or other persons with commercial relations with ISM will be limited to the administration building to see the business manager, headmaster, controller, and/or head of purchasing and maintenance unless accompanied by one of the above to other areas of the school. ·         The Visitor’s Register will require the visitor to provide1.      His/her name2.      Time of arrival3.      Purpose of visit4.      Length of time expected to be on campus5.      Cédula or other official I.D. (left in exchange for visitor’s badge) ·         Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public such as parent-teacher conferences or school events such as Halloween or the Thanksgiving Feast are not required to register.·         Visitors wishing to see a teacher during the school day must have made an appointment previously by phone. At no time will they be allowed to enter a classroom to see a teacher while class is in session.·         At no time will any visitor receive authorization to roam the campus without limits or at his/her free will.·         No parents are allowed in the student areas during lunch periods except by pre-arranged appointment.·         Visitors who interfere with classroom instruction, disrupt office activities, or interfere with the daily job responsibilities of school personnel will be asked to leave the school grounds immediately.·         Visitors must refrain from giving directions or making evaluations of personnel or operational procedures during their visits.·         If a school visit leaves a parent with a concern, this concern should be discussed with the school administration. The above guidelines are designed to help ISM maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for students and staff. We welcome the cooperation and understanding of all community members. ACCESS CONTROL:Access to school grounds shall be controlled by guards at the school entrance. During the first week of the new school year, the school shall request updated security information including contact names/numbers, persons authorized by parents/guardians to pick up students, and car makes, models and license numbers for those cars which will be issued the new access decal for the year.  Access decals shall be changed each year. Cars with the appropriate security decal will be allowed free access to school parking lots unless other conditions of the vehicle and/or its occupants arouse suspicion, in which case the car should be detained and the school administration contacted. Cars without the appropriate decal and all other arriving visitors will be asked to give their information to the guard including the party they wish to see, and the receptionist will be contacted for permission to pass. If permission is given, the visitor will be directed to the receptionist to be issued a visitors’ badge, and instructions with regard to access to the party in question. Visitors should not proceed directly to a classroom or other area in the school, nor interrupt classes in progress. The receptionist should be informed that the visitor is on the way. The visitor’s badge is to be surrendered upon leaving, in exchange for the visitor’s identification documents.  Visitors’ vehicles and all packages within them or carried in by visitors will be subject to search by ISM security personnel upon entering and leaving. In cases where a “suspicious” vehicle is detained or denied access, the staging area for such a vehicle should be outside the main perimeter, off to the side, out of the direct path into the facility. Any cargo, and especially school equipment such as computers, sound systems, TV sets, etc., may not be taken from school grounds without written authorization from the Headmaster. Incoming cargo should be checked so as to allow it to leave the premises if appropriate, and also to make sure that no unwanted material or substance enters the school compound. Trunks and bags will be searched for the reasons previously mentioned. Parents and other persons calling to inquire about a student who cannot be readily identified by the receptionist should be asked to give the student’s cédula or passport number for verification. The receptionist shall maintain an updated student list including cédula and passport numbers, parents’ names, telephones and identification document numbers, and the names and I.D. numbers of persons authorized to pick up students. Code yellow, green and red security alerts automatically deny access to incoming cars and individuals until the situation has been deemed secure. School TelephoneExcept in case of emergency, the school phone is not for student use because phone lines must be kept open for parents and community members to call. Students should see the Headmaster if they need to use the telephone after school and do not have a personal cell phone. School Property       Students are expected to respect school property at all times. Any damage to lockers, textbooks, school supplies or other school property will be billed directly to the parents. Damaged or lost books must be paid for before a replacement is issued. Parents and students are advised that the school will withhold all records, grades and transcripts until all accounts for damaged or lost property (including library fines), as well as outstanding fees, are settled.             Lost and Found            The lost and found area is located in the supply room near the receptionist’s office. Any items found should be turned in to this area immediately. All unclaimed items will be donated to a charity at the end of each semester. Students’ Lockers       Students in Grades 6-12 will be issued a book locker and a combination lock. The lockers must be kept locked. Problems with lockers should be brought to the attention of the Principal. The lockers and combination locks are school property, and school authorities have the right to open and check lockers, as well as to assess students for damage to lockers. ISM is not responsible for the safety of any items left in a school locker.              Students Driving to School       In order to be allowed to drive to school, a student must present a letter of parent authorization and a copy of his/her valid driver’s license to the school administration along with the original license to be examined and returned to the student. No student may leave school grounds at any time in the car of another student without written authorization from his/her parent. The consequence for disobeying this rule is three days suspension from school for both students (driver/proprietor of the car and passenger), and should the infraction occur a second time during the school year, the Headmaster will recommend expulsion for both students.        Cell Phones and Electronic Devices              Cell phones are very useful but should not be allowed to interfere with the educational mission of the school. They may be brought to school but must be turned off and put away during class time. Cell phones that are visible, ring or go off during classes will be confiscated. The first time this occurs, it will be given back to the student at the end of the day. The second time it will be given back to the parent upon request in person. The third infraction of this nature will result in the student not being allowed to bring a cell phone to school for the remainder of the year, which means that any cell phone in the possession of the student will be immediately confiscated. Cell phones with cameras are not allowed in bathrooms or dressing rooms and will be confiscated if this prohibition is not heeded. Students may not use cell phones to call parents to ask to be picked up during school hours (this includes Monday Student Activities period). Parents must be called, if the student is sick or in case of emergency, through the school switchboard. Failure to observe this regulation will result in suspension of all cell phone privileges for the remainder of the year and will be cause for suspension of the student from school if the parent picks up the student without notifying the office, since this constitutes a serious breach of ISM security regulations.              Unauthorized recording, showing or posting in the community or on Internet of photographs/videos of teachers or students taken in school is considered a serious offense and will be dealt with as a minimum 3rd level intervention. Electronic devices such as game boys or other hand-held personal entertainment devices are not allowed in school (unless authorized in writing by a teacher for a specific school-related event or activity) and will be taken away from the student by school personnel. The first time this occurs, it will be given back to the student at the end of the day. The second time it will be given back to the parent upon request in person. The third infraction of this nature will result in the device remaining in the possession of school authorities for the remainder of the year and being returned at the end of the school year to the parent upon request.         Cell phones with mp3 players, i-pods, etc., may be used with earphones only outside of class hours (before school, at break, lunch, and after school but not during participation in extracurricular activities). If music is played through the loudspeakers of the device or it is visible in class, it will be confiscated. The first time this occurs, it will be given back to the student at the end of the day. The second time it will be given back to the parent upon request in person. The third infraction of this nature will result in loss of the privilege of having a cell phone or mp3 player in school. This means that any cell phone or mp3 player in the possession of the student shall be confiscated immediately.            Attendance and After School Activities       A student who is not in school for at least one-half of the school day may not participate in any after­-school activity on that day. Students who are suspended are not eligible to participate in after-school activities until the entire suspension has been served. Students must be picked up promptly after activities and in all cases before 4:00 p.m. No staff is available to supervise students left waiting at school for extended periods. Parents who leave their students at school after 4:00 p.m. may be charged an additional fee in order to pay the staff member assigned to supervise them. However, if a parent has an emergency and cannot pick up his or her student before 4:00 p.m., the parent must call in advance and notify the school. If this does not occur, the school accepts no responsibility for the supervision or well-being of the student after 4:00 p.m.        Invited Visitors If an ISM student wishes to bring a visitor to attend school with him/her or a former student wishes to attend for a day, a written request from the student’s parents must be made to the Headmaster by the morning of the day before. Visits of this type will be limited to a maximum of three school days. Challenged Materials: Recognizing that parents and teachers have the best interest of their children at heart and that certain literature may be inappropriate for some children, it is important that our school have a written policy detailing procedures for responding to challenged materials.  A review committee consisting of two parents appointed by the P.T.A., two teachers appointed by the elementary and secondary staff, and the Headmaster, will review and evaluate any challenged material and report their opinion of the suitability of the material in question.  The committee may recommend unrestricted access to the materials, restricted access, or removing the materials from student contact. Within a period of a month, a response will be made by the Headmaster to the challenging party.  The challenging party may not be a member of the review committee. Use of School Facilities and Resources: The community is encouraged to utilize the resources and facilities of the school. As the center of the English-speaking community, the facilities of the school are available to members and organizations of this community. Requests for the use of the school facilities must be submitted on the form of the same name to the Headmaster for prior approval. Smoking and the drinking of alcohol are prohibited anywhere on campus. A “Request for Use of School Facilities” form is available at the ISM front desk and must be filled out for the School Headmaster’s approval. The Headmaster will then inform the Business Manager and Head of Maintenance who will proceed to schedule the activity and make all arrangements for access. The Board of Directors and administration would like the ISM community to feel free to use the facilities under the following conditions: 1. Regular school activities have priority.2. Use of school facilities must have prior Headmaster approval.3. Any student group must have a responsible adult sponsor approved by the administration.4. The facility must be left clean and undamaged.5. The school assumes no responsibility for injuries to participants or spectators.    
Anthem of the International  School of Monagas All our flags together are wavingO’er the space that we love and admireInternational School of MonagasTo be worthy of you we aspire. Green and gold flying proudly above usOrange roofs, azure skies, boys and girlsProclaiming the proudest of valuesFeeling happy at home in the world. Chorus:ISM, ISM on and upwardEver seeking our educationSo tomorrow’s young leaders preparingFor the future of every nation. Repeat Chorus ISM at the frontiers of learningEver striving to goals we attainIn the arts and in sports and in scienceCitizens of the world we remain. ISM students active and searchingAnd with empathy meet others’ caresAnd respecting their views when conversingFrank and honest our discourse to share. 

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