Christian Academy in Japan
Middle School Student Handbook
Grades 6-8
Welcome from the Middle School Principal
On behalf of the Middle School staff, I would like to welcome you to the CAJ Middle School community. I sincerely hope that you are ready for all that this school year will offer. I am looking forward to another fun and challenging year!
This Middle School Handbook is full of information that you and your parents will need to be aware of so that you will be able to ÒsurviveÓ the year: things like CAJÕs school mission, our student objectives, the grading scale, our dress code, and more! It is very important for the members of the Middle School community to know and support what is in the handbook so that we all can work together to have a positive experience here at school.
My hope is that as we, as a staff, help you become a person who will Òimpact the world for Christ,Ó you will learn to be discerning thinkers, effective communicators, faithful caretakers, responsible learners, and productive collaborators. These things will not only be taught in your classes through the subjects you study, but they will also be modeled and taught by the staff through all the activities you participate in here at CAJ, such as sport teams, drama, student council, etc. I encourage you to get involved in the opportunities that are presented in the CAJ Middle School as part of the Middle School experience and maybe even try a new activity which may reveal something that you didnÕt know about yourself. Be willing to stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, and you will find yourself being truly equipped to impact the world for Christ.
I pray that you will have a wonderful year. My door is always open if you need anything. I am here to serve you.
Please look
for answers in this handbook first, but if you are unable to find the answer to
your question, please consult the appropriate individual or office. If you are unsure whom to contact, the
receptionists can connect you with the appropriate person.
School
Academic office 042-471-0022
School
business office 042-475-2200
Questions about policy or
exceptions
Middle
School Principal Mrs. Tanya
Hall thall@caj.or.jp or Head Teacher Mrs. Kathi
Weemes kweemes@caj.or.jp
Questions about registration,
grading procedures, schedules, admissions, etc.
Registrar
Miss Rita Schellenberg registrar@caj.or.jp
Questions about academic
counseling
Mr.
Ushio Sawada usawada@caj.or.jp or Miss
Kristy Little klittle@caj.or.jp
Questions about general counseling
services
Mr.
Ushio Sawada usawada@caj.or.jp or Mrs.
Ruth Spalink rspalink@caj.or.jp
Questions about health related
policies
School
Nurse Mrs. Ruth Spalink rspalink@caj.or.jp
Questions about students with
special needs
Resource
teacher Mrs. Roberta Carrick rcarrick@caj.or.jp or the
Student Support Team Coordinator Mrs. Ruth Spalink rspalink@caj.or.jp or the Principal
Questions about athletics
Athletic
Coordinator Mr. Craig Eby ceby@caj.or.jp or Mr. Steve Hall
shall@caj.or.jp
Ms. Tanya Hall
Middle School Principal
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
Whenever people gather together
for some purpose, they always implicitly or explicitly establish some codes,
standards, procedures, and rules of conduct that will allow them to grow and
function as individuals without stunting their neighbor's ability to do the
same thing. When these persons are Christians, engaged in the common task of
teaching and learning, the code for their life together is drawn from the Bible
and from the discoveries and experiences of others over the years about the
conditions and guidelines which will most likely produce an environment in
which there is mutual respect and where every person thrives.
Our goal as an expression of
"the body of Christ" is to show the world (including each other) what
it means to have a new life because Christ died for us. All of the fruit of the
Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23, should be evident in each one of us
(love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control). Any behavior, procedure, or attitude that is inconsistent with
the Christian life as it is described in the Bible is unacceptable in the
Christian Academy in Japan. These include being disrespectful, lying, cheating,
stealing, spreading false rumors, being judgmental, and abusing our bodies or
our minds.
But we all fall short of loving
each other as we ought. The Bible has shown us how to deal with our failures,
frustrations, and fights by telling us to go directly to the person who has
offended us or whom we have offended. Learning how to confess wrong, forgive wrongdoing,
reconcile differences (making peace), and making restitution (restoring and
replacing what's been broken – whether it be trust, a window, or time
wasted) are essential skills not only for our life together here at CAJ but
also for our lives outside of school as well.
In our life together, then, we are
trying to learn and demonstrate what God's love is. Our school should be world
famous for the mutual love and respect we have for each other and for all the
things God has given to us to use and enjoy.
With these goals in mind, here are
some specific details about how we try to put these goals into practice at CAJ:
Consistent with our training in discipleship while in school is a
willingness to accept responsibility for being a scholar by being diligent and
consistent in oneÕs daily class work; caring for others by being friendly;
offering to help when help is needed; providing comfort when others are sad or
discouraged; welcoming visitors, guests, and new students; watching out for
younger children on the playground and the trains and streets leading to and
from school; refusing to spread gossip or rumors.
Inconsistent with our commitment to lead a Christ-like life are many
things, including the following: any use, distribution, or sale of illegal
drugs; disrespect of any other person by name-calling, profanity, or any other
use of language that is intended to demean, diminish, or deny someone else's
dignity; any physical behavior that is disrespectful, such as pushing, hitting,
tripping, or any other form of violence; reckless use of bicycles, motorcycles,
or cars; disrespect of property, which could be failure to clean up after lunch
to deliberate destruction or theft.
EXPECTATIONS: In our life together at
CAJ, we enter voluntarily into a kind of covenant. The terms of this covenant
are these:
1. For students:
1. Be responsible.
2. Promote a safe, healthy environment.
3. Be respectful.
4. Be appropriate.
2. For parents/guardians:
1. Know the rules and support our efforts to teach students to abide
by them.
2. Attend PTA meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school
programs/events.
3. Communicate with teachers about the nurture of your child.
4. Support our school by praying for us and volunteering your time
for projects.
5. Be diligent in meeting your financial responsibilities to our
school.
6. Know that you are responsible for your childrenÕs behavior in
situations away from school, and understand that continued public disregard for
the schoolÕs standards will result in administrative intervention and possible
expulsion.
3. For faculty and staff:
1. Provide diligent, responsible, caring attention to the needs of
each student—academic, spiritual, and social.
2. Provide regular communication to let parents know how students are
doing, whatÕs going on at school, and explanation and clarify policies.
3. Be available to discuss concerns.
4. Pray for the students.
CAJ STUDENT
OBJECTIVES
Responsible Learners who...
1. Understand Bible stories, the plan of
salvation, and a Christian worldview
2. Understand subject content and skills
3. Integrate content and skills from
different subjects
4. Value learning
5. Use appropriate learning strategies
Discerning Thinkers
who...
1. Use a biblical perspective
2. Solve problems
3. Organize and use information to support
conclusions
4. Make creative products and
presentations
Productive
Collaborators who...
1. Respect themselves and others as being
created in GodÕs image
2. Work with others
Effective
Communicators who...
1. Communicate through writing, speaking,
reading, listening, graphs and charts, and the arts
2. Integrate different forms of
communication
Faithful Caretakers
who...
1. Serve God and others, and care for
GodÕs creation
2. Value and maintain physical, social,
emotional, moral, and spiritual health
STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE
Staying out of trouble means
behaving in ways that honor Christ and that promote the spiritual, academic,
and social growth of all of the members of our community. Trouble comes when
any member of our community rejects school or community rules or rejects those
in the community who are responsible for interpreting and applying those
guidelines for our life together by behaving in disrespectful, unloving ways.
Staying out of trouble means
honoring your responsibilities to CAJ and the rules and expectations which are
described in this Handbook. Your teachers will also tell you what is expected
in each of your classes. Staying out of trouble in Japan means knowing the
rules of life in this country. CAJ students who break the law are subject to
arrest and prosecution by local authorities and, in the case of foreigners,
possible expulsion from the country.
IF YOU GET IN TROUBLE
Because of sin in our lives, we
won't be too surprised when the law of love and mutual respect is broken,
school rules violated, and disputes arise among students, teachers, staff, and
parents. We all have sinful inclinations, but what must be different about
those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ is the way we deal with sin and
its effects. The Bible is our guide for dealing with sin. The biblical process
for dealing with sin includes:
When we follow this pattern, we
can grow toward Christian maturity through our mistakes.
Consequences for doing wrong: Whenever you've done something wrong, there are
consequences. We follow these guidelines when a student makes a wrong choice:
ATHLETICS
1. Parents and students should read and be
familiar with the Athletic Handbook
http://students.caj.or.jp/athletics/AthleticHandbook.htm
2. Middle school
sports stress experience and participation. The ÒAÓ team is the most
competitive level and made up of students who have experience and ability. The
ÒBÓ team consists of students who are not as experienced. Some sports may have
a ÒCÓ team depending on the number of students who want to play. This team
consists of students at the beginning level. It is part of our middle school
sports philosophy that all team members have playing time in games against
other schools. For those sports in which a great number of students wish to
participate, club-level teams may be formed to provide an opportunity for
regular practice and club team play.
3. Parents are required to approve in
writing the participation of their child in an after-school activity. A form is
sent home by the director/coach listing the schedule and expectations. In
addition, student participation in these activities must be approved by the
middle school principal, who evaluates the student's academic and behavior
records. Students who are having academic or other difficulties may be
suspended from an activity for a time.
4. Students must attend at least four
class periods in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on
that day (i.e., games, play practice, concerts, etc.). Participation in a
scheduled physical education class is required in order to participate in
co-curricular activities after school. Any exceptions must be approved by the
principal.
5. An annual physical examination is
required for participation in the athletic program.
ATTENDANCE
Faithful attendance is
an important requirement for our life together and one of the keys to academic
success. Sometimes a student might
not be able to attend school, and at those times we ask that he/she tell us
what's happened, so we won't worry unnecessarily.
1. Absence
1.
Unplanned absences (for example, sickness): Parents are asked to call the school
office between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the day the student is absent to give
notice of the absence and the anticipated duration. If the school is not
contacted, a call home will be made to make sure the student hasn't had some
unexpected difficulty on the way to school.
2.
Planned absences should
be arranged in advance in writing with the school principal and the academic
office receptionist at least one week in advance of the absence. Students are
encouraged to complete assignments ahead of time, if possible, and are expected
to complete assignments by the due dates set by the teacher. If due dates are
not provided by the teacher, the provisions for making up work for unplanned
absences will be used.
3.
Excessive absences (for middle school students) are defined as missing
any one class (for any reason other than a school activity) more than 20 times
during a semester.
4.
Half-day/whole-day absence: Students who miss 5 or more complete periods are
considered absent for the entire day, even if they come to school for some
portion of the day. Students who miss 3-4 complete periods are considered
absent for one-half day.
5.
Truancy: Students
who are absent without parental permission are considered truant. Truant
students are ineligible to make up tests/quizzes but are eligible to submit
assignments, which will be penalized for being late. The principal may take
additional disciplinary steps to address truancy.
2. Tardiness is inconsistent with our
desire to respect the time we have together. Students are expected to be in
their seats and ready to work at the start of each class period.
a. Students who arrive late for school
must report to the academic office, where a pass will be issued and the tardy
recorded; students will also receive a tardy for any period during the day for
which they are late.
b.
When a student is unprepared for class, a tardy will be issued by the classroom
teacher and recorded in the office.
c.
Teachers or administrators who are responsible for a studentÕs tardiness to
another class must supply the student with a pass.
d.
Students who receive four unexcused tardies in a quarter will serve Saturday
School for two hours. Saturday
School carries with it a cost of ´1000 per hour. This will automatically be charged to the family account.
3. Making up work: Students should have all work completed on the
date specified by the teacher.
Students will be given sufficient number of days to complete work if
they were ill or if other circumstances occur to prevent them from doing their
work. Each day work is late, 5%
will be deducted from the studentsÕ grade. After two weeks, no credit will be given for the
assignment. Generally, for every
day missed, students are given the same number of days to make up their work.
AUDIOVISUAL equipment
(iPods, etc), Electronic games(including those on a studentÕs calculator), and
Cellular phones
may not be used during school hours (with the exception of an emergency
situation). MS students should
keep their phones turned off and locked in their lockers during school hours.
BIKES must be used according
to the laws of Japan. All bikes and cycles should be parked in designated
parking areas and should be kept locked. Razors (scooters) should be folded and
stored in the student locker. To
protect pedestrians, bikes and cycles should not be ridden on the campus
outside the designated parking areas and should not be used during the school
day. Bicycles are not to be used in the plaza area when school is in session or
an event is taking place; motorcycles are never used in the plaza area whether
school is in session or out. When the playground is used for an event, it is
also off-limits to bicycles and motorcycles. All bicycle riders are urged to wear
helmets when riding. Bicycles are
personal property and should not be borrowed without the ownerÕs permission.
BULLYING (ijime)-see harassment
CAMPUS/CAMPUS SECURITY
The CAJ campus is clearly defined by gates,
fences, and walls. The campus is
private property, reserved for the use of CAJ community members and others by
invitation.
1. Official
supervision by teachers on campus begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.
each day, Monday through Friday.
CAJ assumes no responsibility for students on campus before 8:00 a.m. or
after 4:00 p.m. or on weekends. It
is the parentsÕ job to monitor the whereabouts of their children and exercise
appropriate intervention if the parentsÕ wishes are not obeyed. School buildings will be closed after
4:30 pm. Offices will be closed at 5:00pm.
2. Once
students have arrived on campus in the morning, they may not leave until the
school day is over.
3. At
no time should students be inside any facility without the permission and
supervision of an adult. Students
who want to use a facility outside of school hours must ask a supervisor to
complete and submit a Facilities Usage Request Form at least one week in
advance.
4. CAJ
holds students accountable for appropriate behavior to and from school. Any misbehavior before, during, and
after school hours (including smoking, drinking, stealing, vandalism and other
disrespectful behavior) will be handled by principal as if it had occurred on
the campus.
CELL PHONES - see audiovisual/electronics
CHAPEL
All students attend chapel weekly. Chapel is designed to be a time of
inspiration, worship, praise, teaching from GodÕs Word, and promotion of spiritual
growth. At least once a year, a
special speaker is invited to interact with students during Spiritual Life
Emphasis Week (SLEW), which includes a special chapel every day and discussions
with the speaker during classes.
Students are asked to respect all speakers and practice good Òaudience
behavior.Ó
Students who heave been caught cheating will automatically receive a zero on the assignment and parents will be notified. Cheating is defined as copying someone elseÕs work. Students who knowingly allow anothers to cheat or copy their work may also face similar consequences.
COMMUNICATION
1. CAJ
desires to have a close working relationship with parents. In addition to report cards, progress
reports, and parent-teacher conferences, we have the following avenues for
communication: CAJ Website <http://caj.or.jp>,
Chronicle, Alumni News, a PTA Back-to School Night in September, Knight Sounds
each month (sponsored by the PTA), and Middle School Minders. Parents are asked to inform the school
of any email changes and make necessary updates in order to receive all
important information from the school.
2. To keep
parents informed of daily classroom work, an assignment notebook (the Agenda)
is given to each student. Teachers give time at the end of classes to record
assignments, and students are expected to take their agendas home each
night. Each teacher also publishes
an iCalendar with important due dates that parents and students can subscribe
to by going to http://students.caj.or.jp/calendars/index.php.
3. CAJ encourages teachers to be in
regular contact with parents, and asks that parents communicate concerns or
questions to teachers in a timely manner.
Please phone the school during the school day or send a note or
email. Teachers are not called out
of class to take telephone calls; a receptionist will take a message and have
the teacher return the call at his or her earliest convenience.
4. CAJ asks that parents make an
appointment in order to discuss an important issue with a teacher or principal.
Important matters should not be raised in impromptu settings such as school
hallways, co-curricular events, or workshop services.
5. If a question or concern is not
resolved, please contact the principal.
COMPUTER LAB
CAJ allows students to use school
computers. The computer lab is
open from 8:00am to 4:25pm each day except Wednesdays, when it is open from
9:00 to 4:25pm.
CURRICULUM
The middle school
curriculum offers five academic courses.
The classes are English, social studies, math, science, and Bible, which
are all required. In addition,
students take exploratory courses (art, computer, home economics, and
industrial arts), and physical education. Band, choir, and Japanese are offered as electives.
Generally, Middle School
students who are in Japanese, Band, Choir or Study Hall will not be able to add
or drop the class mid-year.
Special considerations are only made at the end of the first semester. If a student would like to consider
adding or dropping a class, he/she must have a written letter from his/her
parent explaining why the change is requested. This letter must be given to the principal two weeks prior
to the end of the semester.
DANCES
CAJ does not sponsor or promote social dances.
DANGEROUS ITEMS such as toy or real
weapons (knives, guns, etc.), lighters, fireworks, and water pistols are not
permitted on campus and will be confiscated.
DRESS CODE
At CAJ, we try to make a
positive impression on each other and on those outside our community. We also do whatever we can think of to
provide an environment that promotes learning. In order to do these two things, we need to decide on a
standard of what is appropriate in many areas, including dress. Students are here voluntarily, which
means that their parents choose to enroll
them. Consequently, as a
school, we assume students have agreed to dress appropriately, according to the
schoolÕs definition of appropriate dress and /or according to the principalÕs
interpretation of this definition.
Dress code is a school
function code. It applies whenever
a staff member or student is on campus for school events (either as
participants or spectators) or off campus and representing the school (either
as participants or spectators) on school functions (field trips, concerts, games
etc.).
We try to be positive
when stating rules, but the following guidelines are listed negatively to make
them as clear as possible.
As a community of
people, we do not want to see:
* underwear
* buttocks
* cleavage
* a bare midriff exposed when standing,
walking, or sitting
* excessively ripped or torn clothing
* bare legs above half way up the thigh
(shorts-must be no shorter than half-way up the thigh when the person is
standing; skirt-must not be shorter than 10cm above the knee) Exception to the 10cm
rule is when leggings or opaque (non-see-through) tights are worn under the
skirt. In this case, the skirt may
be 15cm above the knee.
* clothing, hairstyles or body
accessories that might distract, intimidate or leave a negative or misleading
impression with fellow students, younger children, guests at our school, or
with the outlying Japanese community of which our school is a guest (this
includes areas through which our students commute)
* Middle School students may not wear
hats during school hour
* footwear must be worn at all times
Dress code
violations: Violations of the
dress code will be handled as follows:
First violation
¥
change
of clothes (supplied by principal)
¥
violation
is recorded
Second violation
¥
change
of clothes (supplied by principal)
¥
warning
note home to parents
Third violation
¥
change
of clothes (supplied by principal)
¥
one
hour detention arranged by the principal
Fourth violation
¥
change
of clothes (supplied by principal)
¥
parents
contacted
¥ students and parents will sign a letter of compliance
Fifth violation
¥
change
of clothes (supplied by principal)
¥
possible
out-of-school suspension assigned by headmaster
¥
meeting
with parents must take place to discuss the status of the student at the school
before student will be allowed to return to school
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
CAJ forbids the use of
tobacco, alcohol, or other illegal drugs on or near school grounds, at any
school-sponsored event, or anywhere within the jurisdiction of the school.
EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS
i.
Until a general Òall clearÓ
statement is issued by authorities, students will not be permitted to leave
campus without administrative consent or being accompanied by a parent or
guardian.
ii.
No student will use the CAJ
telephone unless directed. Cellular phones may be used by students.
i.
Ensure that students carry
school and other identification cards with them at all times.
ii.
Advise children of the
necessary actions and responsibilities if caught en route to/from school.
EVENT
ATTENDANCE/SUPERVISION
Students who attend an
event on campus are expected to remain at the event. At no time should students be inside any facility without
the permission and supervision of an authorized adult. CAJ assumes no responsibility for
students on campus before 8:00am or after 4:00pm.
FOOD/DRINKS/GUM
Middle School students
are not allowed to be eating/drinking/chewing gum in the school building.
GRADES
Middle School students
are graded using the following scale:
1. A 95-100
2. A- 90-94
3. B+ 86-89
4. B 83-85
5. B- 80-82
6. C+ 76-79
7. C 73-75
8. C- 70-72
9. D+ 66-69
10.
D 63-65
11.
D- 60-62
12.
F below
59
HARASSMENT
Any harassment (verbal,
emotional, sarcastic mocking humor by adults or students) based on ethnic,
religious, physical, or gender differences is strictly forbidden and will be promptly
investigated and resolved. Students who suffer such harassment from another
student or staff member or know of a situation where it has occurred should
report this to a teacher, guidance counselor, or a principal immediately. The report will be investigated
promptly, and those found guilty of such harassment will face disciplinary
action up to and including dismissal. Students who make such a report will be
protected against reprisal from others.
HEALTH CENTER
The health center is staffed by a
full-time nurse from 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays) to 4:00 p.m. to help
promote the health and safety of students. The nurse administers initial
first-aid treatment for illness or injury and is a resource of health
information to the community. The nurse also coordinates all required student
and staff health data.
Late Work: Work that is handed in after the due date may indicate organizational and time management difficulties. Therefore, in trying to help students learn planning, organizational, and time management skills, and in trying to foster personal responsibility, the middle school has adopted a late work policy:
LEAVING CAMPUS
Middle school students
are not permitted to leave campus during the school day for any reason without
the permission of the principal or their classroom teacher. This includes ShimizuÕs.
The library is open from 8:00am until 4:25p,m
except on Wednesdays, when it is open from 9:15am until 4:25pm. During this time priority is given to
teachers and their classes. The
librarians may occasionally close the library to additional students when a
large class has reserved the library.
Summer library hours are posted at the beginning of each summer.
i.
Support the goals of CAJÕs
statement of philosophy and purpose
ii.
Enrich and support all
subject areas of the school curriculum, taking into consideration the varied
interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the students served and their
teachers
iii.
Stimulate growth in factual
knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical, moral, and
biblical convictions
iv.
Are from both Christian and
secular perspectives in order to challenge studentsÕ minds and spirits, to
develop and nurture them, to better equip students to minister to a needy
world, and to respond to the issues of their lives
v.
Serve the recreational
and informational needs of the CAJ community in general, where possible,
although this is a matter of secondary concern
i.
Appropriateness: Christian standards – such as can be derived from
the Bible (e.g., Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 5:4; I Peter 3:15-16; etc.) –
shall be placed above personal opinion in selecting materials that are an honor
to God and useful to His people.
ii.
Educational potential: Materials that have potential for enlarging a studentÕs
vision, deepening his/her faith, and sharpening his/her sensitivity as a
Christian human being shall be sought over those that are superficial or narrow
in their scope or point of view.
iii.
Moral integrity: Reason and fairness shall be placed above ignorance and
prejudice in selecting materials which fairly represent the current state of
affairs in the world which God has made. Materials which present an honest,
penetrating view of life, even though they may challenge or shock, will be
considered if they meet the criteria outlined in this document.
iv.
Aesthetic excellence: Artistic excellence, engaging the studentÕs imagination
and emotions, will be sought in materials which provide enjoyment and
inspiration suitable to Christians.
v.
Prudence: Wise care and foresight shall govern the purchase of
materials which will retain value for our present and future educational needs.
i.
Of an interest or of a
research level outside the needs of the CAJ school community
ii.
Which use profanity,
obscenity, or violence gratuitously, i.e., as the primary attraction to the
reader/viewer
LOCKERS (OTHER PERSONAL/SCHOOL PROPERTY)
A fundamental principle of our life together is
respect for each other, which includes each otherÕs property. We expect that everyone who enjoys the
use of school facilities will help to take good care of them as part of our
desire to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. Those who are disrespectful will make
restitution with their time and their yen. There is no insurance to pay for personal or school property
that is abused.
1. CAJ
provides storage space for every studentÕs personal items. Students in Grade 6-12 are assigned
school and PE lockers, and combination locks are provided for security. Students are expected to keep their
lockers locked at all times.
2. All
lockers and school desks are school property loaned to students. Principals may inspect lockers and
desks at any time. Damage to
lockers (which includes anything students stick on that wonÕt come off) will be
repaired and students billed for the cost.
3. Unfortunately,
occasionally a member of our community does not respect the property of
others. DonÕt leave money or
things of value where others might take them. If something of value must be taken to school, ask a teacher
or someone in the office to keep it until it is needed.
LOST & FOUND
Items are kept in the library and the gym. Please check in each location when looking for a lost item. Items are donated to Thrift Shop twice a year.
CAJ provides an a la carte hot lunch program for
students, and staff.
Students are asked to be respectful by:
1.
Standing patiently in line.
2.
Cleaning up and pushing in chairs, putting away all utensils, plates,
trays, and trash.
3.
Displaying appropriate actions at all times.
4.
Following all cafeteria rules.
Students should not be reading manga during school hours. If a manga is brought to school, it
should be kept in their bag in the school locker.
MOVIE/VIDEO USAGE
It is a reasonable teaching
practice to use part or all of a movie in a class. However, because our school
serves a wide range of students and families whose convictions differ, and
because there is a wide range of views within our community on what is
appropriate, CAJ recognizes that not all movies are acceptable for every
student or family. Therefore, we are guided by the following:
CAJ
video usage policy
1. Purpose: Teachers
use movies which:
a. Support the goals of CAJÕs statement of philosophy and
purpose
b. Enrich or support a particular area of the school
curriculum
c. Stimulate growth in factual knowledge, subject area
appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical, moral, and biblical convictions
d. Are from both Christian and secular perspectives in order
to challenge studentsÕ minds and spirits, to develop and nurture them, to
better equip students to impact the world for Christ, and to respond to the
issues of their lives
e. Concerns about the appropriateness of movies scheduled
should be brought to the attention of the principal.
2.
Movies proposed as entertainment at optional student events will
be carefully evaluated; approval will be given by the principal.
NAME TAGS/IDENTIFICATION
Parents are to wear names tags at all times when
entering campus.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in
November. At other times,
conferences are schedule at the request of parents, teachers, or
administrators. Parents are
invited to meet teachers in their classrooms during Back-to-School Night, held
in September.
PARENTS AWAY FROM HOME
Prior to leaving the country (or even their home
for another area within Japan) for a period of time, parents must leave contact
numbers and intended length of absence with the Academic Office in case of an
emergency.
PLAGIARISM
It is a serious offense
to present someone elseÕs oral or written work as oneÕs own. CAJ encourages collaboration, and
teachers may from time-to-time use group assessments. However, plagiarism is a form of stealing and is both
unethical and illegal. Plagiarism
or cheating will result in a zero on the paper or project.
PROBATION
All new students are
placed on academic probation when they enter CAJ. After a year, the student will be evaluated and either taken
off or kept on academic probation. Any Middle School student at CAJ may be
placed on academic probation if he/she is not doing well academically and on
behavioral probation if he/she is not doing well behaviorally.
Being on probation may
lead to not being promoted to the next grade level or being asked to leave CAJ.
RAZORS/SCOOTERS must
be used according to the laws of Japan and are not to be used in the plaza area
when school is in session or an event is taking place. Razors/scooters should be folded and
stored in studentsÕ lockers.
REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards/progress reports are sent home
according to a schedule set by the principal.
When a student receives a red card, a notice will be sent home regarding the date of the Saturday School. If this date needs to be rescheduled, the parent of the child must email the principal prior to the Saturday School date and a new date will be assigned. If a student does not show up on the assigned Saturday School date, the time will be double for the next Saturday School.
SCHEDULE
The Middle School uses three
different daily schedules. It is important that students move quickly between
classes and listen for bells. The schedules are as follows:
Homeroom
Day (usually Monday)
Homeroom 8:30
AM 9:05
AM
First 9:08
AM 9:53
AM
Second 9:56
AM 10:41
AM
Break
Third 10:53
AM 11:38
AM
Fourth 11:41
AM 12:26
PM
Lunch
Fifth 12:29
PM 1:14
PM
Sixth 1:57
PM 2:42
PM
Seventh 2:45
PM 3:30
PM
Regular
Day (usually Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
First 8:30
AM 9:24
AM
Second 9:27
AM 10:16
AM
Break
Third 10:31
AM 11:20
AM
Fourth 11:23
AM 12:12
PM
Lunch
Fifth 12:15
PM 1:04
PM
Sixth 1:49
PM 2:38
PM
Seventh 2:41
PM 3:30
PM
Chapel
Day (usually Wednesday)
First 9:30
AM 10:10
AM
Chapel 10:15
AM 10:55
AM
Second 11:00
AM 11:35
AM
Third 11:40
AM 12:15
AM
Fourth 12:20
AM 12:55
AM
Lunch
Fifth 1:35
PM 2:10
PM
Sixth 2:15
PM 2:50
PM
Seventh 2:55
PM 3:30
PM
SKATEBOARDS/ROLLERBLADES
Skateboards and
Rollerblades are
not permitted on campus during school hours or school activites and should not
be used to and from school or in the school vicinity except for the weekends. Commuters may not bring skateboards and
store them at the station or other locations.
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Student-led conferences are an important tool
for helping students articulate learning objectives and progress. SLCÕs are
held on campus in February and are the culmination of a number of strategies
employed at school to help students become aware of the learning process and to
take responsibility for their own learning. Students actively participate in the process and make the
most of this valuable learning opportunity.
TESTS, GRADES, AND REPORT CARDS
1. Most
tests taken by middle school students are sent home after they have been graded
so they can be signed by parents and returned to the classroom teacher.
2. Report
cards are sent home four times throughout the year. At the end of the first
three quarters, the report cards are sent home with the students. At the end of
the year, report cards are mailed to each family. The report cards contain an
evaluation of the student's academic progress, attendance record, and teacher comments
about conduct and effort.
3. Special
progress reports are sent to parents at other times throughout the school year
whenever a teacher is concerned about or desires to commend a student.
4. Parents and students are encouraged to check their grades that are posted on-line.
TEXTBOOKS
All textbooks are loaned to students by CAJ and
should be returned showing reasonable wear. Middle school students are required to cover textbooks with sturdy
paper or plastic covers. Students
who lose textbooks will be charged a replacement fee; students who damage books
will be charged a damage fee.
TRAINS
Many CAJ students
commute to school by train. CAJ is
responsible for students on the trains and train platforms, and all school
rules apply. In addition, you should know that train regulations forbid the
following:
1. Falsifying name, age, date, stations, or other items on the pass.
2. Using another person's pass.
3. Combining a ticket with a pass and not paying for stations in
between.
4. Failing to show a pass to train officials upon request.
In addition to these
legal requirements, CAJ students are expected to be polite, courteous, and well-mannered
to and from school. Students are expected not to:
1. Roughhouse on the trains or platforms.
2. Hold the train doors open for friends who are late.
3. Sit on the floors or stand on the seats of the trains.
4. Swing from the handstraps.
5. Block others from getting on or off the trains.
6. Chase each other from car-to-car or on the platforms.
7. Throw things out of the windows.
8. Eat or drink on the trains.
9. Run through the turnstiles to avoid paying.
10.
Create disturbances by loud and obnoxious behavior.
Train officials can
suspend a train pass or charge substantial fines for misconduct. In addition,
CAJ may:
1. Reroute or reschedule a studentÕs travel.
2. Require parents to accompany the student to make an apology to the
stationmaster.
If a student is 12 or older, no matter
what grade, he/she must pay adult fare.
TRANSCRIPTS,
RECORDS, AND OFFICIAL LETTERS
All requests
should be made one week in advance of the date needed. Requests for school transcripts
and school records may be made via the CAJ website http://community.caj.or.jp/alumni/transcriptrequest.php the
registrar <registrar@caj.or.jp>.
Requests for other official letters (to provide documentation of
attendance, enrollment, etc.) can be made by contacting the CAJ infodesk
<infodesk@caj.or.jp>.
VISITORS/GUESTS
1. All visitors are asked to sign in at
the Business Office. All students
who have made previous arrangements to visit classes are asked to report to the
academic office to pick up passes.
2. We enjoy having students visit
CAJ. Whenever a non-CAJ student
would like to visit CAJ classes, all arrangements should be made through the
Educational Support Services office at least one full week in advance. ss