Al Hekma International School HANDBOOK



Al Hekma International School

STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK

QATAR

2014-2015

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Motto “dedicating our lives and hearts to building confident and motivated life- long learners.”

Mission: To be a leading international school, in which students receive a comprehensive balanced education, based on technology and academics; while taking into account their social and cultural development. Al Hekma strives to create a confident and motivated lifelong learner who will further his/her aspirations and those of the world community.

Philosophy: The philosophy of the school focuses on the culture, beliefs and values of hospitality, openness and tolerance towards others. Al Hekma International School offers an educational program that allows students to work to improve and build abilities. This creates an environment that nurtures high-motivation, low-anxiety and a sense of belonging.

ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Al Hekma is currently accredited AdvancED (North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement) and Qatar National Standards Accreditation (QNSA). Al Hekma is a member of NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools), AAIE (Association for the Advancement of International Education), NBOA (National Business Officers Associates), NAIS (National Association of International Schools), ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), and PTC (Principal Training Center).

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Table of Contents

2014-2015

|Introduction |

|President’s Welcome |6 |

|Principal’s Welcome |7 |

|Where to go for help |8 |

|School Contact Information (telephone, land address, email address, web address) |8 |

|SECTION I IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS |

|Entrance Requirements |8 |

|Registration and Payment Information |8 |

|Parental Involvement/ Working together | 8-9 |

|Parents as Role Models |9 |

|Parent Teacher Association |9 |

|Gifts |10 |

|Student Information Data |11 |

|Contact Hours and Parent Meetings |11 |

|Grading Guidelines |11 |

|Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences |11-12-13 |

|Grade Point Average |13 |

|Grading System |13-14 |

|School Wide Grading Policy |14 |

|Extra Credit Policy |14 |

|Academic Probation |15 |

|Assessments |15 |

|Homework Guidelines |15 |

|Weekly Agendas |15 |

|Parent Conferences |16 |

|Promotion and Retention |16 |

|Remedial Classes |16 |

|SECTION II CURRICULUM RELATED INFORMATION |

|Academic Programs |16 |

|Awards and Honor Roll |17 |

|Computer Access, Acceptable Use and Code of Conduct |17 |

|Extracurricular Activities and Clubs |17-18 |

|Physical Education |19 |

|Textbooks |19 |

|Notebooks |19 |

|Standardized Testing |19 |

|SECTION III GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS |

|Attendance |19-20 |

|Attendance for Credit |20 |

|Tardy Policy |21 |

|Passes |21 |

|Leaving and Returning to School |21 |

|Makeup Work After an Absence |22 |

|Incomplete work |22 |

|Student Conduct |22-23 |

|Rules and Regulations |23 |

|Conduct Before and After School |24 |

|Unstructured Time |24 |

|Procedures for Discipline |24 |

|Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty |25 |

|Citizenship and Sportsmanship |25 |

|Detention |25 |

|Entering and Leaving Class |25 |

|Disruptions |26 |

|Bullying and Taunting Behaviors |26 |

|Smoking |26 |

|Weapons |26 |

|Distribution of Published Materials and Documents |26 |

|Teacher and Student Announcements |26 |

|Bulletin Board |26 |

|School Materials |26 |

|Use of School Name |27 |

|Non-School Materials |27 |

|Approval Required |27 |

|Posters |27 |

|Dress and Grooming |27 |

|Birthdays |28 |

|Toys |28 |

|Field Trips |28 |

|Organizations |29 |

|Student Council |29 |

|Athletics |29 |

|Fund Raising |29 |

|Qatar National Anthem |29 |

|Safety |30 |

|Drills: Fire, and Other Emergencies |30 |

|Emergency Medical Treatment Information |30 |

|School Facilities |30 |

|Cafeteria |31 |

|Library |31 |

|Printing Service |31 |

|Teaching Resources |31 |

|Electronic Devices on Campus |31 |

|Lost and Found |32 |

|Vandalism |32 |

|Transportation on Buses or Other School Vehicles |32 |

|Videotaping/Photography of Students |32 |

|Visitors to the School |32 |

|Student Drop-off/Pick-up |33 |

|Do’s and Don’ts |33 |

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Dear Parents and Students,

On behalf of the administration and faculty, it gives me great pleasure to welcome parents and students to Al Hekma International School. Our school’s commitment to our children has become a tradition in the State of Qatar. This year, we are complimenting our excellent educational standards with:

o A serene, beautiful and educationally captivating environment

o Tenured and experienced teachers

o Academic support

o Standardized testing

o Extra curricular activities / clubs

o Student involvement

Our goals are attainable! We prepare our students for higher educational institutions.

We provide an excellent quality of education in a positive learning environment. We teach good citizenship to help strengthen the student’s identity and ability to participate in society. We stress moral and behavioural discipline. We maintain high standards through constant improvement of teaching methods.

We anticipate your full cooperation and appreciation of our school to implement the many programs supported by the enthusiasm and the ever relentless efforts of our qualified staff. The academic future of your children is very important to us. We shall save no efforts in paving the way for them to excel and be prepared for higher education armed with proper knowledge.

I sincerely thank all the parents and friends who support us with kind words, simple visits, and warm thoughts. Here at Al Hekma International School we are honoured to have you as part of our family!

Dr. Mona R. Al-Zayani

Founder & President

Al Hekma International School

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to school year 2014–2015! For this year to be successful, we must all work together: students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members. Education at Al Hekma International School is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. The administration and staff believe that every student is a unique and special individual who can learn. We believe it is our responsibility as educators to nurture and develop every student’s maximum potential. This includes the academic, physical, social, and emotional development. We are committed to providing lessons and activities that will assist you/your children in making self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions when solving problems that you may encounter in our multicultural, ever-changing world.

The Al Hekma International School Parent Student Handbook is designed to provide a resource for some of the basic information that you and your child will need during the school year. In an effort to make it easier to use, the handbook is divided into three sections:

Section I—IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS—with information all parents will need about assisting their child and responding to school-related issues;

Section II—CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION—providing information to students and their parents about required courses, extracurricular, and other activities; and

Section III—GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS—describing school operations and requirements such as safety procedures, student conduct, the dress code, discipline, transportation and the campus environment.

Both students and parents must be familiar with the Al Hekma Student Code of Conduct, which is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning. Please be aware that the student handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

I strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during this school year. If you or your child has questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact a teacher, the Supervisor or the Assistant Principal. Also, please complete and return the parental acknowledgment and consent forms so that we have a record.

Ultimately, each student will gain from school according to the effort he/she applies. To increase the degree of educational success, it is important that teachers, parents, and administrators communicate openly and frequently. By working together, we can make Al Hekma International School an excellent place for you to learn.

Opening day traditionally marks the beginning of a new year.

We're looking forward to a great year!

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

When do I call one of my son’s/ daughter’s teacher(s)?

Contact your child’s teacher through the school switchboard/reception when you have questions about his/ her academic performance, grade on report card, issues regarding classroom activities, homework or class work. You need to leave a message and the teachers will try to contact you as soon as possible.

Important: Parents are not allowed to communicate with students other than their own children. If they have any complaints against any student, they are encouraged to contact the student affairs dept or principal at the school to discuss their concerns. Under no circumstances are parents allowed to take matters into their own hands and address students or parents of other students. Such communication must be done through the school administrators

SCHOOL CONTACT NUMBERS

Tel: 4493 5522, 4493 5731 Fax: 4493 5533 P.O. Box 11157, Dafna, Qatar

E-mail: info@ - Website:

Tel: 44171311, 44711314 Fax: 44171303 P.O. Box 11157, Maamoura (Main Campus), Qatar

E-mail: info@ - Website:

Tel: 4017574, 40175749, Fax: 40175751, Izghawa, Qatar

E-mail: info@ - Website:

Tel: 44171303, 44171309, Fax: 44171310, P.O. Box 11157, Maamoura (KG Campus), Qatar

E-mail: info@ - Website:

SECTION I

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

This section of the Al Hekma International School Student Handbook includes information on topics of particular interest to you as a parent.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To attend Al Hekma International School, parents must provide a record showing

• Your child’s birth certificate

• A copy of your child’s passport and RP card

• A copy of Father’s Passport

• A copy of Mothers Passport

• Previous school records (transcripts)

• Your child’s immunization record

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

1. The parent agrees to pay the registration, testing and interview fees and the student will be required to sit for an entrance exam. There is a chance the student will be placed on a waiting list.

2. If the student is placed on the waiting list the registration fees can be refunded if the registration is not confirmed. However, the testing fees will not be refunded.

3. If the student is accepted, and the parent chooses not to continue the enrollment process (written notice must be given), the fees of the tests, interview and application will not be refunded. If the parent chose to register the student, they agree to pay the registration fees. When the registration fees are paid, it will not be refunded even if the student did not start school. The parent also agrees to pay a seat booking fee after the registration is paid and it will be deducted from the tuition fees.

4. If the student is registered and a seat booking fee is paid and the student does not attend school up to 1 week from the start of school, the school will terminate the enrollment and fees paid will not be refunded. Parents must notify the administration in writing of any delays in their children starting school in order to secure their seats.

5. If the student is rejected, the testing fees are not refunded. In the case registration fee was paid, then it will be refunded.

6. The parent agrees that if the required documents are not provided in due time, then the registration will be cancelled and the fees will not be refunded.

7. The school reserves the right to terminate the registration or expel a student if he/she does not abide by the school rules and regulations.

8. Tuition fees are non-refundable whether the student attended or not. If cancellation of enrollment takes place, fees paid will not be refunded. Cancellation of enrollment must be submitted in writing.

9. If the student withdraws from AHIS, a full semester written notice must be given, and a full semester fees will be payable.

10. Any student who left the school, graduated, dismissed, or withdrew is not allowed to re-apply. He/She should submit a re-entry application carrying his/her previous number.

11. Students are only allowed to submit one application form per year.

12. If the parents fail to pay school fees in a timely manner; the school will have the right to suspend the child from attending school and no report cards, transcripts or statements will be issued until student’s balance is zero. Transportation services will be suspended as well in this case. The student will not be allowed to attend graduation ceremonies if all the due fees are not paid & he/she will be forbidden to sit for the examinations. If the parent does not pay on time, there will be a fine of 7.5% open for increase according to the delay in payment. In the case of a bouncing cheque, a fine is added to the value of the cheque, and the cheque issuer will bear the consequences.

13. If a student needs to travel –The Administration should be informed in writing prior to the student’s departure from school. If the student is absent due to sickness, a medical report needs to be submitted.

14. During the academic year, the school has the right to terminate the registration of any student that exceeds 15 consecutive days including weekends if the parents don`t have permission from the school or provide any medical records and no money will be refunded.

15. Unexcused absence by any student, affecting their academic performance will be the responsibility of the parents and not the school. 15% unexcused absenteeism during the academic year will result in zero credits for the subject.

16. School uniform is mandatory. Otherwise, the student will be sent home and will not be accepted until he/she abides by this rule.

17. Uniforms – (daily and sports) – are sold at the school. Anything similar to them or tailored outside the school is not accepted in order to maintain uniformity.

18. A Disciplinary System is applied for morning delays.

19. Expensive items are not allowed in the school i.e. jewellery, cellular phones, pagers …… etc. In case of loss or damage the School Administration is not responsible. Cellular phones will be confiscated and returned at the end of the year.

20. The school has the right to withdraw any student from any activity if the rules and regulations are not followed. If the school decides to expel any student for any reason, no school fees will be refunded.

21. Fees will not be refunded to parents until they have no outstanding amounts in the account at the school and there are no deposited cheques or any unpaid bills.

22. Any refunds will be processed in the name of the person or company that fully paid the fees.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

WORKING TOGETHER

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school, a partnership that thrives on communication. Your involvement in this partnership may include:

✓ Encouraging your child to put a high priority on education and working with your child on a daily basis to make the most of the educational opportunities that Al Hekma provides. Ensure that your child completes all homework assignments and special projects. Be sure your child comes to school each day prepared, rested, and ready to learn.

✓ Becoming familiar with all of your child’s school activities and with the academic programs. Monitor your child’s academic progress and contact teachers as needed.

✓ Attending scheduled parent / teacher conferences and requesting additional conferences as needed.

✓ Participating in our Al Hekma parent teacher organization.

We encourage each parent to communicate with the school in important matters concerning their children in order to ensure their progress. The following procedures were planned to benefit the students and parents in their communication process:

PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS

Parents are the most important teachers and role models for our students. How a parent speaks, drives his/her automobile, and interacts with school personnel sets an important example for our students and larger community. Parent leadership and ambassadorship when within the school and the Qatari community helps us to maintain a high profile as we recruit new students and staff.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

Al Hekma parents can apply to become members of the Parent Teacher Association. The purpose of the association is to serve the school’s best interests by supporting the school’s mission, programs and activities. The school needs parent participation in all aspects of school life. Parents are encouraged to be involved.

The Parent Teacher Association:

• Promotes positive school spirit

• Nurtures positive parent to parent and school to parent communication

• Helps with classroom and administrative needs on an invitation basis

• Raises funds in coordination with school wide development policies and programs

COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING

The school will:

➢ schedule quarterly parent-teacher meetings

➢ respond in as timely a fashion to parent phone calls, emails and notes

➢ provide reports that indicate a student’s progress and performance

➢ publish written and on-line communications that outline important school news

➢ provide opportunities for parent education on issues related to child development, teaching and learning

We ask that parents:

➢ Take advantage of the scheduled parent-teacher meetings to follow- up on their child’s (ren’s) performance and progress at school.

➢ Inform the school before 7:30 a.m. when an illness or emergency keeps students from arriving to school on time.

➢ Read progress reports and discuss them constructively with their child (ren).

➢ Use the AHIS website as a resource for timely information, read school mobile phone SMSs and publications and participate as actively as possible in AHIS meetings and activities.

➢ Contact the school for appointments to meet with teachers or administration. Please remember that teachers might not receive messages until the end of the day.

➢ Pay all school fees. (They must be paid in full prior to student’s receiving report cards.)

Communication Tools:

➢ When students are falling behind in class, are not completing homework, or are demonstrating inappropriate behaviours the teacher will:

o Contact Registration, in writing, for a phone conference. (Registration will translate to parents that do not speak English.)

o All calls and contacts are documented for future follow up if problems arise.

➢ Each student is provided with a weekly agenda that lists details of the week’s assignments provided by the school, for each class. This becomes an important communication link with parents.

➢ If you want to send a letter to the teachers or a note, please write this in your child’s homework diary. If it is very important, let the receptionist know that you sent a memo and that you would like an immediate response.

➢ There will be parent-teacher meetings at the end o f Terms 1 - 3 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. These dates will be highlighted in the school’s academic calendar. We advise all parents to attend these meetings and discuss the performance of their children in school.

➢ In cases of urgent matters, parents can contact the school and schedule a meeting from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

➢ The office staff is not equipped to hand deliver messages to students unless they are of an emergency status. We appreciate your planning ahead and communicating with your child(ren) regarding any change in pick-up arrangements, etc., prior to their arrival to school. Students must have an administrator’s permission to use the school telephones and may not use them for non-emergency calls.

➢ Unless the school is notified in writing or by a phone call prior to 12 noon, bus children will be sent home on the bus. Children will not be allowed to travel with people other than their designated pick up person unless notified in writing or by a phone call prior to 12 noon.

GIFTS

We want to model for children that showing appreciation and honouring people we love comes from the heart. However, in an effort to honour teachers and staff, we don’t want to create an uncomfortable situation for any employee, child or parent. Try to keep things as simple as possible; less is really more! Handmade items such as notes, drawings, group crafts and photos are always appreciated. We want to convey the message that gifts are about thoughtful expressions of appreciation, not monetary value.

STUDENT INFORMATION DATA

We ask parents to update the registration department with any information regarding students such as change in the telephone numbers or address.

CONTACT HOURS AND PARENT MEETINGS

You can contact the school from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Parent Meetings are scheduled three times per year on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

GRADING GUIDELINES

REPORT CARDS / PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES

Academic Standards

Teachers should make every effort to ensure that students succeed in all of their courses. However, students must take the primary responsibility for their own academic success. Students must pass all required courses with a grade of ‘D-’ or above. Grades below ‘D-’ indicate that steps must be taken to achieve a grade of ‘D-’ or above prior to taking the next level course. Students are responsible for all work required in each course. Students who receive an ‘F’ in the overall cumulative average in any given subject at the end of the academic year will be allowed to sit for a re-examination as scheduled by the school office.

If a student fails 3 core subjects from the following: English, Arabic, Science, Math, he/she will not be allowed to sit for re-examination, he/she will not be promoted and will be expected to repeat the same grade again. If a student fails 2 core subjects and 2 non-core subjects in addition to discipline report, the student will not be allowed to sit for re-examination and will not be promoted. If a student fails a course with modification, he/she will not be allowed to sit for re-examination. If a student fails 2 core subjects and 1 non-core with modification in addition to a discipline report, the student will not be promoted.

If a student fails less than 3 subjects, he/she will be able to sit for the re-examinations. If students pass the re-examination, they will be issued a letter stating that they have passed with a “D-” grade. The grade on the report card will not change. If students fail the re-examination, they will not be promoted and will be obligated to re-sit the year. If they passed the course that they have retaken, they will be issued a letter stating that they have passed the subject with the grade they have achieved at the end of the academic year. The previous grade on the report card will not be changed.

The grading system reflects the expectations of how the class will be taught, and the expectations of the program. Daily class work, quizzes, and performance based assessment are ongoing, and directly connected to the instruction

This grading system considers three major factors concerning the teaching and learning process:

• Learning is measured and evaluated against the course objectives through daily participation in classroom activities, assignments, and homework. Teachers know when

Students are achieving by their daily work and homework. Students need to value the daily teaching and learning process, focus on instruction, learning activities and homework.

• Students are evaluated regularly to determine if they have mastered the expected learning. Students are expected to demonstrate their performance and learning regularly. This benefits the student and the teacher. Students then know what they need to improve on and the teacher knows what they have learned long before the final exam. The data collected in the ongoing daily classroom assessments allows for the student and parents to make adjustments before it is too late.

• The final examination is the summative assessment. This examination will cover material that has already been taught and learned.

Report cards/progress reports with each student’s grades or performance and absences in each class or subject are issued to parents at the completion of each quarter. Teachers follow grading guidelines that have been designed to reflect each student’s academic achievement for the grading period, semester, or course.

Questions about grade calculation should first be discussed with the teacher; if the question is not resolved, the student or parent may request a conference with the Academic Controller, Principal or Director of Student Services.

Report cards and progress reports must be signed by the parent and should be returned to the school within 5 school days.

The reports received at the end of each semester serves as a student’s permanent academic record. The semester grades are the ones that will appear on transcripts submitted to colleges and universities.

Each quarter is worth 25%

Each semester is worth 50% of the final annual average.

The distribution of grades for the subjects is as follows:

Grades 1-5

| |CW/HW |Quizzes/Tests/Informal |

|Social Studies |80 |20 |

|Science |70 |30 |

|Math |70 |30 |

|Arabic |70 |30 |

|English |70 |30 |

|Health |80 |20 |

|Religion |80 |20 |

|Computer |80 |20 |

|Civics |80 |20 |

|PE |100 | |

|Art/Music/Drama/French |P/F | |

Grades 6- 9

| |CW/HW/Informal/labs |Quizzes/Tests |Final Exams |

|Social Studies |55 |15 |30 |

|Science |55 |15 |30 |

|Math |55 |15 |30 |

|Arabic |55 |15 |30 |

|English |55 |15 |30 |

|Health |70 |10 |20 |

|Religion |70 |10 |20 |

|Computer |70 |10 |20 |

|Civics |70 |10 |20 |

|PE |70 |10 |20 |

|Art/Music |P/F | | |

Informal Assessment: projects, written reports, technology based assessment

Kindly note the following:

- Students are not allowed to retake test and quizzes if they fail.

- Students will not be allowed to make up any test or quiz unless they have a medical excuse that prevented them from taking the test in the first place. Medical excuses need to be given within 48 hours after the test date or else it will not be a valid excuse for the student to sit for a make-up test.

Late papers and late assignments will be accepted with a 10% deduction of grades, unless a medical excuse is presented or approval from the school principal is granted.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

It is important for parents and students to note that there is a significant difference between a passing grade and a college recommending grade. From the start, therefore, a student is expected to work for the highest grade commensurate with his given gifts and talents. Not only does a student experience the pride and satisfaction that comes with working to one’s potential, but students who realize a high level of academic achievement have many more options open to them when they begin the process of choosing a college or university.

GRADING SYSTEM

The grading system reflects the expectations of how the class will be taught, and the expectations of the program. Daily class work, quizzes, and performances are ongoing, and directly connected to the instruction, and the performance curriculum.

This grading system considers three major factors concerning the teaching and learning process:

1. Learning is measured and evaluated against the objectives through daily participation in classroom assignments, and homework assigned. Teachers know daily when students are achieving the learning by their performance on daily work and homework. Students need to value the daily teaching and learning process, focus on instruction, learning activities, and homework.

2. Students are engaged in formative evaluation regularly to determine if students have mastered the expected learning. Students are expected to demonstrate their performance and learning regularly. This benefits the student and the teacher. The data collected in quizzes allow for the student and parents to make adjustments before it is too late.

3. Alternative forms of assessment are taken into consideration as well in the grading system. Such forms of assessment include but are not limited to: presentations, projects, essays, activities, group work.

The objective of the grading procedure is to focus students on the daily teaching and learning process that in fact creates the desired learning standards. To adequately measure their performance based on a variety of academic demonstrations, rather than the limitations of a final test at the end.

Grading procedures must be accurate and must always be available for review by parents, students, and administration.

SCHOOL WIDE GRADING POLICY

Each academic department of the school uses the following scale to assign grades:

|A+ = 97-100 |A+ = 4.3 |Indicates Excellent work. |

|A = 93-96 |A = 4.0 | |

|A- = 90-92 |A- = 3.7 | |

|B+ = 87-89 |B+ = 3.3 |Indicates above-average work. |

|B = 83-86 |B = 3.0 | |

|B- =80-82 |B- =2.7 | |

|C + = 77-79 |C+ = 2.3 |Indicates average work. |

|C = 73-76 |C = 2.0 | |

|C- = 70-72 |C- = 1.7 | |

|D+ = 67-69 |D+ = 1.3 |While this is a passing grade, it indicates |

| | |minimum achievement – below average work |

|D = 63-66 |D = 1.0 | |

|D- =60-62 |D- =0.7 | |

|F = 0-59 |F = 0.0 |No credit is given; most, if not all, course |

| | |requirements are not completed |

EXTRA CREDIT POLICY

From time to time teachers will offer extra credit assignments to students to be completed before the end of each semester. These assignments vary according to academic discipline. Teachers will not give academic rewards or penalties to encourage participation in school functions that are not directly related or germane to the curriculum in their subject area. Extra Credit Policy is only applicable to students averaging C- and below. Students with averages of C and above are not eligible for extra credit assignments.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students will be placed on academic probation if their grades drop below a C- average. Students and parents will be notified in writing regarding their child’s(ren’s) academic standing and performance. If, after ongoing conferences, counselling, and teacher assistance, a student cannot achieve a passing grade or better, or improve learning attitudes, a meeting will be arranged with parents and administration to determine the best educational setting for the student.

ASSESSMENTS

Classroom based performance assessment is done on an ongoing basis. Assessment activities include:

➢ quizzes,

➢ research,

➢ projects,

➢ oral presentations,

➢ and rubrics

HOMEWORK

• Homework shall not be assigned as punishment.

• No homework is to be given unless the concept has been taught.

• The teacher will give ample notice of long-term assignments: notebooks, projects, special reports

• The students shall be responsible for completing assignments on time and scheduling after-school activities so that they do not interfere with the completion of the assignments.

Students are expected to complete their homework on a regular basis. Teachers will provide quick feedback and follow-up if the student does not complete homework.

Some homework tips that can help you:

➢ Schedule your time.

➢ Do not leave things to the last minute.

➢ Attempt to complete your homework and prepare your questions for the teacher the next day if you have a problem with solving it.

➢ Do not copy your homework because this will not help you learn and you will be punished if you are caught by the teacher.

➢ Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis through a weekly agenda issued and distributed to students each Thursday.

WEEKLY AGENDAS

The weekly agenda will be posted on the website. The weekly agenda states all Students` class work, quizzes and homework assignments for the following week. Parents need to access the agendas on the school’s website.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents and teachers are encouraged to establish and maintain frequent communication about student progress. A student or parent who wants information or wants to raise a question or concern is encouraged to talk with the appropriate teacher.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

A student will be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter of the course or grade level. To earn credit in a course, a student must receive a grade of at least 60 based on course-level or grade-level standards.

Remedial Classes

Teachers work hard to maintain strong academic standards, while both challenging and supporting students. Though we offer a highly personalized education, we are not able to provide support within the regular program to students who require one-on-one tutoring. However, we are able to provide and monitor this level of support for additional fees after regular school hours. We feel that it is advantageous for students to have the support they need from their own teachers as they know more about the needs of their students. We believe that this approach allows more students to be successful. Each family will be billed a tutoring fee per session. Students will be assigned a tutor based on their teacher’s recommendation. Registration will prepare the tutoring schedule for each student.

SECTION II

CURRICULUM-RELATED INFORMATION

This section of the handbook contains pertinent requirements for academics and activities. Much of this information will also be of interest to your parents and should be reviewed with them, especially if you are a new student at Al Hekma. This section includes information on extracurricular activities and other school-related organizations; and awards and honors.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The American Diploma offered by Al Hekma International School has international credibility and is widely accepted by prestigious universities in Qatar and the world.

We have newly revised curriculum in the core subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and Arabic. These curricula are redesigned to reflect higher performance standards driving us toward higher order thinking and authentic assessment. To achieve excellence in education, the school administration continuously revises its curricula, and enhances its different courses by assessing their needs for equipment, and concentrates on recruiting and retaining outstanding staff in all professional ranks.

Our curricula are designed for Preschool through Grade 12. This means that each grade is dependent on what was taught in the grade before it. We provide flexibility on how teachers approach their instruction. They teach to the curriculum and use tests, quizzes, class-work, homework, and projects to monitor student progress.

AWARDS AND HONOR ROLL

Students are motivated and encouraged to keep high standards and grades. Students will be awarded the following awards and certificates of achievement:

o Student of the Month: these awards will be issued in all subjects on a monthly basis to motivate and encourage students who show improvement or academic excellence in their grade level. It is not necessarily given to the highest average in class. It is not standard procedure or given that excelling students should receive this award every month.

o Student Honour List: Students will be awarded this certificate for achieving an average above 90% in all core subjects. These certificates will be awarded at the end of each semester.

o Principals Honour List: students will be awarded this certificate for achieving the highest grade in all core subjects in each grade level. These certificates will be awarded at the end of each semester.

o Perfect Attendance: awards will be given to students who are not absent. No perfect attendance award will be given to those students who enroll late.

o Sports Awards : are given to those participating in various sporting events

o Special Awards: for excellence and motivation in different subjects.

COMPUTER ACCESS, ACCEPTABLE USE AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Only students who are under direct supervision of designated Al Hekma employees are permitted to use a school computer or to access any local network or outside telecommunications resources such as the Internet. Prior to such authorization, the student and the student’s parent must sign and return the Student Agreement Form acknowledging their responsibilities and the consequences of violation.

Students are expected to observe network etiquette by being polite and using appropriate language. Students are prohibited from pretending to be someone else; transmitting or seeking obscene messages or pictures; revealing personal addresses or telephone numbers – either their own or another person’s; or using the network in a way that would disrupt use by others. Students and their parents should be aware that electronic communications – email – using school computers are not private and are monitored by Al Hekma staff.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS

Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.

Our student activities are a mix of between co-curricular, speech, art, music and language. We expect all subjects to be involved with school-wide projects. These projects are designed to allow students to show-case their talents, and for teachers to reward students with co-curricular opportunities.

This year’s activities include:

➢ The International Day

➢ The National day

➢ Reading & Writing Week

➢ Health Awareness Week

➢ Spelling Bee Contest

➢ Junior Ambassadors Conference (JAC)

➢ Future Arab Leaders (FAL)

➢ Economics and Career Education (ECE)

➢ School Wide Event (SWE)

➢ Drama/Plays

➢ Puppet Shows

➢ Sports Days

➢ Themed Days (Clash Day, Friendship, Make a difference Days)

➢ Student Council

➢ Art and STEM Fairs

➢ Overseas Trip

➢ Academic Activities (Arabic, English, Math, Religion, Civics, Social Studies, Computer and Science)

Because of the preparation for each of these, we expect that the maximum amount of direct relationship to curriculum and learning be integrated. These activities are scheduled in advance to allow you to plan your year.

Students will also be joining our extra-curricular clubs that take place during school time. The following are examples of clubs provided at AHIS:

➢ Science Club

➢ Math Club

➢ Basketball Club

➢ Tennis Club

➢ Poetry Club

➢ Penmanship Club

➢ Arts Club

➢ Music Club

➢ Racquetball Club

➢ Arabic Club

➢ French Club

➢ Chess Club

➢ Debate Club

➢ Computer Club

➢ Amnesty International Club

➢ Book Club

➢ Track Club

➢ Soccer Club

➢ Swimming Club

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Participation in physical education classes is required as in any other subject. All students will perform to the best of their abilities.

• Physical education students will be required to dress in appropriate gym clothing

• Physical education classes are times for physical training and enjoyment; however, unnecessary noises such as extreme yelling and whistling will not be permitted.

• Gym classes will not be dismissed until all equipment has been put away in the proper place.

• Students will remain with or under the supervision of the physical education instructor the entire class period unless given permission to do otherwise.

• Students will not be permitted to use the gym after school hours and on weekends unless accompanied by a physical education instructor or another teacher and with permission from the athletic director.

TEXTBOOKS

Students purchase their textbooks from the school.

NOTEBOOKS

Each of our students is given notebooks. The school provides notebooks for them to organize their note taking, and their homework. They receive these for each class. Students are required to bring needed materials to each class. This includes textbooks, pencil, pens and the notebooks.

STANDARIZED TESTS

Test taking is a skill, as well as one method to assess academic progress. Test taking trains students in gauging time, in making responsible choices and in understanding the expectations of test makers. Such practice prepares students for the inevitable testing to follow in high school and most centrally in the college admissions process.

Standardized tests allow the school to compare the effectiveness of its educational programs against those of other fine schools, and sometimes offer teachers insights about an individual student. Standardized tests are given yearly.

SECTION III

GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Topics in this section of the handbook contain important information regarding school operations and requirements. Included are provisions such as student health and safety issues; fees; the school’s expectations for student conduct use of facilities, such as the cafeteria, library, and transportation services.

ATTENDANCE

When a student is absent for any reason, please notify the registration office before 7:30 AM on the morning of the absence. When returning to school after an absence, a student must bring a note, signed by the parent, which describes the reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with the parent’s permission, will be considered a forgery and the student will be disciplined.

A student absent from school, for any reason, is encouraged to make up specific assignments missed and to complete additional in-depth study assigned by the teacher to meet subject or course requirements.

Parents may pick up children for health care appointments during the school day by following the sign-out procedure in the registration office. If the child goes to the doctor for a health care appointment and returns with a note from a professional, the child is not considered absent for the day. Notes from the professional must be submitted to ensure that the student is coded properly for attendance purposes.

Any absence from school represents an educational loss to the student. Field trips are scheduled as part of the educational process. A student not attending school on a field trip day will be given an unexcused absence unless the student returns with a note from a doctor that the student was ill.

Excused absences are defined as illnesses, urgent medical appointments, or a death in the family. We strongly discourage any absences due to activities such as family trips or routine appointments. If students are absent, they are responsible for all class work and home work assignments.

ATTENDANCE FOR CREDIT

Punctual, regular attendance to the school is crucial for the educational process. Every school day is an important one. Student supervision begins at 7:00 am.

Students who exceed 15% of unexcused absences in any subject will not receive credits for the subject. Students are not allowed to miss more than 27 days of the entire academic year (180 days). Registration will send a written notification to parents by mail when any student misses a cumulative total of 5 day intervals.

A student who exceeds the 15% excused absence from the class cannot receive credit for the year unless the attendance committee finds that the absences are the result of extenuating circumstances. The attendance committee will use the following guidelines to determine extenuating circumstances:

• All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If make-up work is completed, and health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose.

• The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the absences.

• The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student’s parent could not exercise any control.

• The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.

• The committee can decide to give the student a “D-” grade and credit for the subject.

If the attendance committee finds that there are no extenuating circumstances for the absence or if the student does not meet the conditions set by the committee to earn or regain credit, the student will not receive credit for the class.

TARDY POLICY

Students who are tardy to classes present three major problems that must be dealt with in the school:

• They disrupt the teacher and other students.

• They disrupt their own educational program.

• They do not learn to respect time and develop the self-discipline required to respect time.

The discipline for lateness to class will be dealt with in an educational forum and a punishment forum.

Procedures:

All teachers will follow this procedure in all classes:

1. Students will be given a documented warning.

2. Students will be required to have a teacher conference.

3. Students will serve detention following the rules and regulations manual.

When a student is late in the morning, discipline will take place outside of class by the Discipline Supervisor. No student is allowed in class without a note.

PASSES

No student is allowed to be in the hall without a pass. If administration wants a student they will send for them. Students should not leave class to go to administration. Any administrative issues can be resolved during the student’s break or after school.

We discourage students going to the restroom during class time (exceptions are made for students with medical excuses.) This is and has been an expectation of the school. Students should not be in the cafeteria area during a class period.

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LEAVING AND RETURNING TO SCHOOL

1. When a student leaves school for any reason, the parent must come inside to the admissions office, and physically sign the student out. This must be done, regardless of whether or not a note or phone call was made or given. Students should remain in reception while waiting to be picked up. No student will be allowed to meet their parent in front of the school.

2. If it is determined that a student needs to go home, a parent must be contacted. If a student leaves school for any reason other than illness, a written request from parents must be submitted to the admissions office giving the exact time the student should be released and the necessity of the absence. The student will then wait in reception until they are signed out by their parents. Failure to sign out will be viewed as skipping. A student may not make the determination to leave school.

3. Students who are sent home because of violating the hair or dress code will be counted absent from each class missed. Even when being sent home, students must be signed out with admissions office.

4.

5. If a student returns to school the same day after leaving, he/she must sign in at the admission office. Any time a student comes to school late, no matter what period, he/she must sign in at the admission office or Discipline office. Otherwise, he/she will be counted absent for the entire day.

MAKEUP WORK AFTER AN ABSENCE

A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence due to health. For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student makeup work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or course requirements.

A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher.

INCOMPLETE WORK

1. Students will be required to do all work assigned.

2. If a student is absent only one or two days, he/she has the same number of days to make up the work as the number of days absent. However, if the student is absent only one day, and a test is given or a project (notebook, report, paper, etc) is due, the student will make up the test or turn in the paper on the day he/she returns to class.

3. If a student is seriously ill or is injured and their absences exceed five days, the student shall have ten school days after he/she returns to school to complete the assignment and/or tests.

4. A student who has been absent is responsible for asking their subject teachers for the assignments missed. No work will be considered made up until it is done to the satisfaction of the subject matter teacher.

5. The student is responsible for getting in all make up work including tests that were not taken when the test was originally administered.

6. Incomplete grades will be considered failures if they are not remedied within ten school days.

STUDENT CONDUCT

We believe in educating the whole child. This means that beyond academic subjects we have a commitment for developing our students in art, music, sport activities, student council and much more. Part of educating the whole child is teaching him/her the way he/she is expected to act and behave.

Al-Hekma is in the business of creating future leaders of Qatar. This means we must develop self-motivated learners. This must be taught and mastered with a strong behaviour management program.

o No student has the right to interfere with another student’s right to learn.

o No student has the right to interfere with the teacher’s right to teach.

o No person has the right to steal another person’s dignity.

o All students will be held accountable for time management.

o All students will be held accountable for positive work ethic behaviours. (Study skills, homework completion, quality as well as quantity.)

These beliefs can be stated differently:

o No student has the right to interfere with a family’s educational investment.

o No student has the right to interfere with the school’s educational investment.

o All people in this school should feel safe from mental, physical and psychological abuse.

o We will all collaborate to teach time management skills.

o We will all collaborate to teach work ethic, work management, effective values, independence and responsibility both personal and group.

Forgetting books, pens, notebooks or materials for class:

- Student will be warned

- Student will have a teacher conference

The following will require the above action from the teacher:

- Damaging textbooks and notebooks

- Not doing homework and class work

- Sleeping in class

- Speaking Arabic in English classes

- Speaking English in Arabic classes

- Disruptions in class:

- Talking

- Causing a disturbance

- Gum chewing

OVERT DISRESPECT TO A TEACHER REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM CLASS, AND REFERRAL TO THE DISCIPLINE SUPERVISOR. It is the belief of the school that behaviours that damage the class, student performances, and teacher performances must carry a penalty at the classroom level. When discipline is needed out of the class, it will take place away from the teacher. The teacher will always maintain consistency with discipline in the classroom.

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RULES AND REGULATIONS

A primary goal of AHIS is to guide and teach its student body to demonstrate self-discipline simultaneously with their academic excellence. The school will make every effort to assist students in the achievement of this goal. It is the policy of the school that students enrolled in the school shall, while on or around the school grounds, or anywhere while in school uniform conduct themselves in a manner which will bring credit to themselves and the school. When people work and live in a small, confined space such as the school campus or classroom, some rules are established to guarantee the welfare and safety of all. Guidelines are designed to help promote reasonable order and good citizenship of each student.

When students are referred to the discipline office (Assistant Principal), a discipline notice will be placed in the student’s file. A copy of this notice will be sent home with the student in addition to a phone call from the school administration to confirm the delivery of the notice. Probation letters that are endorsed by the student and his/her guardian, the consequences of this letter are retained as long as the student is enrolled in the school (the letter is carried from one year to the other until the student proves his/her behavioural improvement.)

For a list of inappropriate conduct / behaviours please refer to the Al Hekma International School Behavior Code, Elementary School.

CODE OF CONDUCT

• Even though the school is co-educational, it is a conservative school, thus, no physical contact between boys and girls is permitted.

• A high level of discipline is expected in the school. Students who do not prepare assignments, complete homework, are late for class, cause disturbance inside or outside the classrooms, etc. will be reported to the Assistant Principal where the appropriate consequences will be set.

• Students should be in class before the bell rings.

CONDUCT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Teachers and administrators have full authority over student conduct at before- or after- school activities on school premises and at school-sponsored events off school premises, such as athletic practice, and or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct.

UNSTRUCTURED TIME

There are no free periods at Al Hekma and students may not study or congregate in the halls, while classes are in session. In the rare event that a teacher does not arrive for class, students are to wait in a quiet manner either outside the classroom or in the room. If after five minutes the teacher still has not arrived, one student is to alert the Discipline Supervisor or the Assistant Principal.

PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINE

• The school is responsible for the control of student behavior while attending school or any school sponsored activity. This responsibility carries with it the authority to administer punishment for misbehavior.

• Discipline actions will be administered according to the Code of Student Conduct

• The school has the authority to advise and counsel students who have engaged in anti-social conduct regardless of the time and place of behavior.

• The principal is authorized to suspend from school students whose behavior is, in her/his judgment, of such a serious nature that the student should be excluded from school.

• A record of the nature of the offense and punishment will be made by the teacher and/or principal and placed in the student’s cumulative file.

CHEATING/ PLAGIARISM/ ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Al Hekma values team efforts and group problem solving. However, when students are asked to work alone it would be a violation of ethics for a student to take information from another individual. Copying another person’s work, such as homework, class work, or a test, is a form of cheating. Plagiarism, which is the use as one’s own of another person’s original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating and the student will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of credit for the work in question. Teachers, who have reason to believe that a student has engaged in cheating or other academic dishonesty, will assess the academic penalty to be imposed. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary penalties as well, according to the Student Code of Conduct.

CITIZENSHIP AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Students of Al Hekma International School are expected to show the highest characteristics of citizenship and sportsmanship at all times and in all places involving school activities. Students are reminded that whether they are spectators or participants, in or out of uniform, they represent not only themselves, but their school, parents, and community as well. Any improper action may bring discredit to the entire community.

DETENTION

Detention will be held when necessary during breaks. Students assigned to detention will not enjoy the privilege of outside/free time.

1. The teacher on door duty will be in charge.

2. Students may be placed in detention misconduct, excessive tardiness, not following school regulations, or for failure to do assigned work.

3. Students who are in detention may be expected to complete work, study or sit quietly.

4. Failure to report to an assigned detention can result in additional punishment.

The Supervisor or Assistant Principal will assign all students to detention. The classroom teacher will submit the student’s name and the details concerning the misconduct to the Supervisor or Assistant Principal for consideration and judgment. Students will be given a copy of the discipline referral, which includes the punishment. All referrals will be mailed home to the parent.

ENTERING AND LEAVING CLASS

1. Upon arrival at school each morning, students will drop off their backpacks in their homeroom and then go to the elementary library until the first bell.

2. The bell does not dismiss class. The teacher should dismiss class.

3. Students entering the room are to remain outside until all students exiting the room have done so.

4. Students should at all times try to avoid congested conditions in halls by forming lines in single file and keeping out of the path of students entering and leaving a classroom.

DISRUPTIONS

In order to protect student safety and sustain an educational program free from disruption, Al Hekma will take action against any person—student or non-student—who:

• Interferes with the movement of people in an exit, an entrance, or a hallway without authorization from an administrator.

• Disrupts classes or other school activities while on school property or on public property that is within 500 feet of school property. Class disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with profane language or any misconduct.

• Interferes with the transportation of students in school vehicles.

BULLYING OR TAUNTING BEHAVIOR

Students must not participate, either individually or in a group, in bullying or taunting behaviors toward another student. Bullying behaviors may include any action that creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student such as:

• repeated teasing, ridicule, name-calling, or repeating harmful gossip or rumors

• threats, theft, or damage or reasonable fear of damage of one’s property

• physical or harmful intimidation of any kind

A substantiated complaint against a student will result in disciplinary action.

SMOKING

Students may not possess, smoke or use tobacco products on school property or at a school-related or school sanctioned activity, on or off school property.

WEAPONS

Possession, use and/or concealment of any weapon will result in serious disciplinary action. Students can be expelled and charges filed against the student.

TEACHER AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important messages and announcements are sent to teachers via the Daily Faculty Bulletin. Teachers pass key information and announcements onto the student.

BULLETIN BOARDS

Each classroom has bulletin boards where students and teachers are encouraged to display materials that are educationally relevant to the instructional units they are doing or major standards they are covering in class. We feel that the classroom bulletin boards create an appropriate atmosphere for learning. The hallway boards support school-wide focus.

SCHOOL MATERIALS

School publications distributed to students include the weekly agenda, the canteen menu, the monthly newsletter, calendar of events, student handbook, and yearbook. All school publications are under the supervision of the Director of Student Activities and the Principal.

USE OF SCHOOL NAME

The name Al Hekma International School, or any variation thereof, may not be used for any event, social, athletic, or political, nor may anything be published under the name of the school without the expressed permission of the President or Principal of the school.

NON-SCHOOL MATERIALS

Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed on school campus by a student or a non-student, and or parent without the approval of the Principal and must be in accordance with campus regulations.

APPROVAL REQUIRED

All material intended for distribution must be submitted to the Principal for review and approval.

POSTERS

The Principal must first approve signs and posters a student wishes to display. Posters displayed without authorization will be removed. Any student who posts printed material without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action. At no time should any sign be posted on school property advertising personal dances, birthday parties, etc.

DRESS AND GROOMING

All students must be dressed and groomed in a manner conducive to a good learning environment.

• All students are expected to dress in school uniform according to the students’ schedule.

• Students are not to wear their school uniform for P.E. days as the school provides students with P.E. track suits that should be worn on these days.

• Clothing worn during school hours should be clean and ironed.

• Student who dress improperly will be sent home to change (mixing P.E. and regular uniform together or short skirts and low-waist trousers are not acceptable).

• If special occasion or activities warrant special attire, students will be notified in advance by school administration (i.e. casual days: even though it is a casual dress day, students are to remember that they are coming to school, thus, shorts, sleeveless shirts and revealing clothing are not acceptable for both boys and girl).

• Slipper/ flip flops and high heel foot wear is not allowed in school.

• Expensive jewellery is not recommended to be worn in school as the school will bear not responsibility of its loss.

• Any oversized medallion which has a religious or symbolic connotation is not to be worn to school.

• T-shirts or sweat shirts with obscene prints or messages, print that implies obscenity, are not to be worn in the school.

• Caps/hats are not to be worn in classrooms or the administration area.

• Boys are not allowed to grow their hair longer than three fingers below the hair line.

• A girl hair must be tied back is long.

• Students are not allowed to wear make-up to school.

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BIRTHDAYS

Birthday parties for Elementary students will take place in 2nd break. Cakes and other party items need to be left at reception by 11.30 am. Children, with the help of their teachers have 20 mins to celebrate. No clowns or other party organizers will be allowed in school. Parents may attend if they wish. Gifts for the children will not be handed out until the end of the day.

Please notify the supervisor at least two days before the event by a phone message or through a note in the homework diary.

TOYS

Children are not to bring toys or cards to school. They are a distraction to the education process. Toys that have been confiscated can be collected at the end of the Term or at the Parent Teacher conference.

A piece of sporting equipment may be brought to school. It must have the child’s name and grade written on it and must be left in the supervisor’s office during class time. If it becomes a distraction, it will be treated as if it were a toy.

FIELD TRIPS

At least four field trips each year are scheduled for each grade level. These trips are scheduled with an educational purpose in mind. Students who exhibit unacceptable behavior at school and / or have received excessive disciplinary referrals may be restricted from going on field trips.

No student is to be removed from class for any activity or any occasion, including a field

Trip without written permission from the Principal or Academic Controller.

Field trips are to augment the academic program and are included in tuition. Each student must have a field trip permission form signed on file in the school office in the beginning of the school year before he/she can participate in class trips. These trips are an essential part of the school program and attendance is required. Overnight trips may also require additional releases, forms and fees.

Al-Hekma encourages field trips that are connected to the instructional standards. This can either be in content (a visit to the desalinisation plant for science) or in skill development (a written essay or paper concerning the observations made, and opinions drawn).

Responsibilities of teachers and coaches:

1) The coach or teacher will be held responsible for the conduct of the pupils who make the trips.

2) The coach or teacher must make sure that all students have permission slips, signed by parents, before they will be allowed to go on any school trips.

3) Teachers and coaches will submit a list of students going on the field trip or athletic event to the admission office and Principal prior to departing campus.

ORGANIZATIONS

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council serves as the central planning council for student activities and student life on campus. The Student Council has several important responsibilities including organizing student fundraisers, special programs, and making suggestions for school improvement.

The object of the Al Hekma International School Student Council is to encourage the development of character, to promote worthy leadership, and to stimulate the desire for service. The council is composed of students in grades one through twelve.

1. Responsibilities

• Set high standards of conduct in hall, assemblies, and at school functions.

• Have charge of charity fund raising campaigns for the community.

• To assist the Principal in any special events or programs that he/she wishes the Student Council to help with and attend.

2. Student Council Officers

• Officers elected for the Elementary School Council will be President, Vice-President, Secretary and class officers.

• The election of officers will take place in September of the school year in which the officers are to serve.

• The President, Vice-President and Secretary shall be in Grades 3, 4 or 5. Class officers will be one child from each class in Elementary.

3. Student Council Class Officers

• One representative will be elected from each class.

• The election will take place the second or third week of school.

• Voting will be done by secret ballot.

ATHLETICS

The coach is responsible for the conduct of athletes at all times when teams are off-campus. When on trips, it is the responsibility of the coach(s) to make all decisions relative to the team and its members. This responsibility may not be designated to any other person except the Assistant Principal or Principal.

Athletes will also be subject to other specific rules and regulations concerning practice and performance as determined by the coach(s) and approved by the Principal.

FUND-RAISING

Student clubs or classes occasionally may be permitted to conduct fund-raising drives for approved school purposes.

QATAR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Students in grades 1 through 12 will stand in silence when Qatar National Anthem is played each morning.

SAFETY

Student safety on campus and at school-related events is a high priority at Al Hekma. Although the school has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is essential to ensure school safety. A student should:

• Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.

• Follow the behavioral standards in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the Principal, teachers, bus drivers or assistants.

• Remain alert to and promptly report to a teacher or the Principal safety hazards.

• Know emergency evacuation routes and signals.

• Follow immediately the instructions of teachers, and other employees who are overseeing the welfare of students.

• Every accident in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any athletic sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the Principal.

DRILLS: FIRE, AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Evacuate Building

1. The teacher should take their belongings and class clipboard and proceed to the door.

2. The students should follow the teacher.

3. The teacher leads students out of the building according to the diagram that is laminated and place on the classroom wall. If normal route is obstructed, travel alternate route.

4. Once outside, all teachers will lead students to the designated area under sunshade opposite building on playground.

5. Line students up by class.

6. Call roll using the roll on your class clipboard.

7. Do not leave or allow anyone else to leave the designated area until the all-clear signal is given be the Principal or her designee.

8. Everyone in the building must observe the evacuation.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND INFORMATION

If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity when the parent cannot be reached, the school will need to have written parental consent to obtain emergency treatment, and information about allergies to medication, foods, insect bites, etc. Therefore parents are required each year to complete an emergency care consent form. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

As part of their educational program, students shall be taught to respect and properly care for the school grounds and school property including: facilities, equipment and instructional supplies. Students shall be held accountable for loss of or damage to these items immediately and severely.

Student pride will help preserve the appearance and surrounding of the school. Careless use of the school property is evidence of poor citizenship and lack of self-discipline. The school administration shall take firm action by imposing monetary compensation against students who abuse school grounds or loss, damage or destroy property.

CANTEEN SERVICES

Al Hekma provides a healthy pre-planned menu of meals and snacks for students. There is a fee assigned for this service. A menu is sent home to notify parent of the meals. Children bring money and order at the beginning of break. Parents may provide their children with healthy food for lunch if they wish.

1) Food and drinks are to be consumed in the playground during breaks.

2) Students must take their food and drink with them when they go to break. Once outside, students are not to re-enter the school building until the appropriate bell rings or if directed by a teacher.

3) Students are expected to do their part in keeping the cafeteria in good order by:

a) Maintaining their place in line;

b) Depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets;

c) Returning all trays to the dish washing area; and

d) Leaving the table and floor in good condition for others.

LIBRARY

The pre-school/ KG and elementary library is located beside the Gym and art room. This library has English, Arabic, and French books as well as Laptops, DVD’s, CD’s, videos and cassettes. We are adding to our collection on an ongoing basis. You are welcome to use the library in your free time, during break, or after-school hours. Students are urged to use the library facilities at every available opportunity. Students are responsible for books checked out in their name. NO food or drink will be allowed in the library.

The library is open from 7 AM to 3 PM, Sunday through Thursday.

In Addition to our Library students are encouraged to use e- library.

Please find the access to the eBooks Library.

About the TumbleBookLibrary:

The TumbleBookLibrary is a collection of TumbleBooks (animated, talking picture books) with fiction, non-fiction and foreign language titles, Read-Alongs (chapter books with sentence highlighting and narration but no animation), TumbleTV which consists of pre-set playlists of a sequence of books, Tumble Puzzles & Games, and TumbleResources for teachers and students. 

1- Tumblebook : 

            

 

             Username:  alhekma

              Password:  login

                                              

2- TumbleBookCloud Junior



 

Username:  alhekmabahrain

Password: login

3-  Tumblebookcloud :



             Username:  alhekma

              Password:  login

TEACHING RESOURCES

All teachers are supported with up-to-date teaching resources and technical support to deliver the best quality of education to students.

Electronic Devices on Campus

Students are not permitted to possess such items as pagers, radios, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, smart watches (that can be used as a cell phone, camera or include games), PSP, CD or DVD players, tape recorders, camcorders, cameras, or electronic devices or games at school unless prior permission has been obtained from the Principal.

Teachers will collect the item and turn it in to the principal’s office. The Principal will return the item at the end of the school year.

LOST AND FOUND

Students who find lost articles in Elementary are asked to take them to the supervisor’s office where they can be claimed by the owner. A box of “found” items is kept in the supervisor’s office and can be viewed at any convenient time by parents or students for claiming.

VANDALISM

To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended—both this year and in the coming years—littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to pay for damages they cause.

TRANSPORTATION ON BUSES AND OTHER SCHOOL VEHICLEs

Students are subject to the following standards when they are on Al Hekma transportation. Any student who violates these standards of conduct while on school transportation may be denied transportation services and will be disciplined. The following rules will apply to student conduct on school transportation:

• Follow the driver’s directions at all times.

• Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest home.

• Keep books, feet and other objects out of the aisle.

• Do not deface the bus and / or its equipment.

• Do not put head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus.

• Do not smoke or use any form of tobacco.

• Upon leaving the bus, wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front of the bus.

VIDEOTAPING OF STUDENTS

For safety purposes, video/audio equipment will be used to monitor student behavior in common areas on campus. Students will not be told when the equipment is being used.

The principal will review the tapes routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

Parents and others are welcome to visit Al Hekma International schools. For the safety of those within the school and to avoid disruption of instructional time visits to individual classrooms during instructional times are not permitted as that would interfere with the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.

All visitors (parents and students) are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitted.

STUDENT DROPOFF / PICKUP

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school provides supervision beginning at 7 AM. Students should not be dropped off prior to 7 AM. It is important that parents pick up their children no later than 2:15 PM.

Do’s

1. Show good citizenship attitude towards one another.

2. Participate in school clubs, committees, teams and activities.

3. Show positive attitude towards your studies and future

4. Speak to your teachers, floor supervisors and administration in case of problems, accidents or inquiries.

5. Report a fight, accident or damage in school.

6. Show respect to the entire AHIS community (teachers, staff, janitors, bus drivers, bus attendants, students, etc.).

7. Come prepared to class (books, pens, notebooks, pencils).

8. Represent your school in the best way possible around each other and during events where people other than the AHIS community are present.

9. Maintain clean bathrooms and facilities.

10. Take responsibility for your actions.

11. Respect the privacy of others.

12. Voice your opinion in a civilized manner.

Don’ts

1. Come to school after 8:30 am.

2. Wear slippers or flip flips to school.

3. Wear expensive jewellery to school.

4. Read magazines during class times.

5. Eat or drink in areas that are not designated.

6. Wear hats in classrooms or the administration area.

7. Leave your books, note books or lunch boxes unattended in hallways, playgrounds or bathrooms.

8. Shout or make noise in hallways when classrooms are in session.

9. Deface school property.

10. Bully each other.

11. Bring cellular phone, mp3 players or cameras to school as they are valuable and a distraction to your learning process.

12. Chew gum.

13. Use bad language, racist remarks or foul jokes.

14. Joke physically (pushing and nudging with hands and whatnot).

Students and parents are expected to comply with the content of this handbook as it highlights the guidelines that will assist and assure the delivery of an excellent education and exceptional conduct.

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