Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
handbook
Table of Contents
Welcome 2
ASIJ Middle School Philosophy 4
The MS Program 5
Advisory Program, Extended Campus Programs, Guidance Program, Recognition Program,
Service Program, Student Leadership, Laptop Program
Co-curricular Activities 11
Sports, Other Activities
MS Schedule 14
Academic Program 15
Learning Support Program, Academic Probation, Homework or Out-of-Class Work, Tests and
Major Projects
Attendance 17
Excused Absence or Tardiness, Extended Illnesses, Absence Procedures, Tardiness, Unexcused
Absences, Leaving School Early, Early Leave for Vacations, Student Guests
ASIJ Board Statement on Discipline 19
MS Statement on Discipline
Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations 20
Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Legal, Be Proud, Dress Code, Bullying, Technology Acceptable Use
Policy, Discipline Consequences, Behavioral Probation, ASIJ Policy on Substance Abuse,
Sexual Harassment Policy
ASIJ Transportation 31
Riding the ASIJ Bus, On the Train, Other Modes of Transportation
People, Places and Things to Know 34
MS Educators; Principal; Counselors; Office Staff; Maintenance and Cafeteria Staff;
Health Center Staff; MS Office; MS Library; Cafeteria; Kiosk; Bookstore; Transportation
Office; Resource Centers; Technology Resource Center; Commons; Teachers Offices,
Workroom and Faculty Room; Lost and Found Area; Lockers; Progress Reports; Every
Other Week Report System
Disaster Prevention 39
Special Notes for Parents 39
MS Hours; After-School Activities; Back-to-School Night; Parent-Teacher and Student-led
Conferences; Special Parent Sessions; Parent Volunteers; Parent-Teacher Association, Booster
Club and Friends of the Fine Arts; PTA Parent Advisory Council; Open Door Policy; Report
Cards; Substitute Teachers; Helping with Homework; School Closure; Withdrawal from
School; Early Leave for Vacations; Contact with School; Suggested Guidelines for Parents;
Tokyo Teen Scene: What Parents Need to Know, Guidelines for Parents Absence from Tokyo
MS Course List 49
2010-11 MS Faculty and Staff 52
All-School Calendar 53
ASIJ-MS Bibliography Format 68
Getting to the to ASIJ Chofu Campus 70
MS Floorplan 72
1
Welcome
On behalf of the faculty and staff, Id like to give all of our students, especially our new
students, a big welcome to the ASIJ Middle School for this new school year. I hope you had
a great summer break and are enthusiastically looking forward to this new year.
This Handbook is replete with all types of information for our students and their parents,
including the basic philosophy of the Middle School division, operational rules, and policies
that guide the function of our school. It explains the many opportunities students have in
their classes and in activities/sports to grow, learn, develop and challenge themselves. We
explain these things in order to make it easier to understand the different dimensions of
the school. It is important, as a total school community, that not only do our students
understand the information in this handbook, but support it as well.
In this vein I ask that you carefully read through the information and digest it the best you
can. Our teacher/advisors will do so likewise at the beginning of the school year. If you or
your child have any questions, please contact me or your childs advisor; we will be glad to
answer them for you.
ASIJs mission of developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global
responsibility is especially apropos as we find ourselves in a figuratively smaller world
environment here in the early part of the 21st century. Our middle school students, who will
be the leaders of the next generation, need to make the most out of their middle school years,
for this period of their education forms skills, habits, relationships, likes/
dislikes, attitudes and personalitiescharacteristics they will forge and carry with them
through the rest of their school life, their professional life, and their personal life. My credo
for students is simplesay Yes to as many potentially enriching experiences as possible
during these yearsto opportunities, relationships, challenges, etcetera. Though you may
not always succeed in these endeavors or they might not work out as you had hoped, you will
be the better for having experienced them.
I look forward to serving and supporting our students in their academic and personal growth
this year, and I hope that all of you have a great school year. Work hard, do your best, have
some fun, and challenge yourself to make the most of your ASIJ education.
Scott Adams
Middle School Principal
The staff will review the Philosophy and its implementation regularly in order to promote
communication, clarity and responsibility.
The MS Program
Homeroom/Advisory Program
Each morning students have a short homeroom with their homeroom teacher, who is
also their advisor. Here attendance is taken, daily announcements are shared and school
business is conducted.
An advisory period is scheduled one time per week. Small groups of students meet with
their advisor to participate in a range of activities and lessons focused around the themes
of the advisory program. These themes are: bonding and acceptance, group dynamics,
community service, and self-esteem and responsibility.
The purposes of advisory are to:
Provide each student with a sense of belonging to a group of peers through the
development of healthy social interactions among the advisory group members.
Provide a structure for school activities and grade level programs.
Sixth Grade
During the first quarter of the school year, sixth-grade students travel to Kiyosato, a rural
area approximately two hours from Tokyo. This program is known as KEEP (Kiyosato
Educational Experiment Project). The high-altitude recreation complex is located in a dairy
farming area and features two and one-half days of hiking, nature sessions with park rangers,
skill-building and cooperative games and other group activities. KEEP is held in one session
with the entire sixth grade class attending Wednesday through Friday.
The second extended campus activity for all sixth-graders is scheduled in late January.
Following two days of on-campus Japanese cultural experiences and special activities, our
sixth-grader students host an exchange with the Chofu Dai-ichi school.
Seventh Grade
The extended campus program for seventh-graders is composed of two experiences: a trip
to Hiroshima and a trip to the Izu Peninsula. The trip to Hiroshima is scheduled for three
days in late January. Students will gain a deeper understanding of this significant cultural and
historical area through units of study in social studies and language arts.
The second extended campus trip for the seventh grade happens in May. Groups of
approximately 65 students and 11 teachers take a five-day trip to the Izu Peninsula located
about three hours south of Tokyo. Students view marine life, go orienteering in the forest,
study bird life, take a full-day cultural hike and cook their own meals. While many activities
are integrated with the seventh-grade science program, other subject areas such as social
studies, language arts and mathematics provide activities utilizing this historical and cultural
area.
Eighth Grade
In the fall, the entire eighth grade will travel to Lake Sai in Yamanashi prefecture for a three-
day outdoor education trip. Preparing meals, hiking, rock climbing and challenge activities
are some of the activities led by ASIJ teachers as well as consultants from Outward Bound.
They will also enjoy some Tokyo area cultural activities on the remaining days of the week.
The second extended campus experience for eighth-grade students occurs in late January.
Guidance Program
Ms. Darrigan and Mr. Bennett, our two counselors, provide academic, social and emotional
support for MS students. A student can easily see either one of the counselors by coming to
the office, and parents are welcome to contact a counselor at any time during the instructional
day. Counselors work closely with the Student Support Team (SST), made up of resource
center supervisors and learning support personnel, to assist teachers in helping students
reach their academic goals. Ms. Darrigan works primarily with sixth- and seventh-grade
students while Mr. Bennett is mainly involved with eighth-grade students. The counselors
also coordinate the MS Peer Helpers program.
Recognition Program
To acknowledge the wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive development of Middle
School Learners, educators recognize students in a variety of ways. Every opportunity is taken
to highlight achievement and to reinforce specific strengths of students. We are sensitive to
individual needs and find appropriate and meaningful ways to accentuate positive growth
on a consistent basis.
Learner:
Takes responsibility for lifelong learning.
Seeks and enjoys challenges.
Works effectively in a group.
Contributes to the learning climate.
1. Student Learning Awards may be given at the end of each semester by a teacher to those
students who demonstrate observable behaviors which exemplify the qualities identified in
the ASIJ Mission Statement.
I actively seek various ways of solving problems.
I include the ideas of others in my solutions.
I see that my way is not the only way.
Other Recognition
1. Activity recognition which includes sports, technology, fine arts and other activities are
ongoing with the focus on participation. The supervisor(s) of the activity will determine the
appropriate recognition setting.
2. Ongoing recognition by advisors, faculty and staff are the most important types of
recognition given students. Sending a message of respect, caring, valuing and acknowledging
the importance of the individual is accomplished through various types of activities.
*Note: Nominations for Hunt, Green Community Member, Reischauer and Trust awards may be
submitted by students, faculty and staff at the end of school year. The list of students being considered
will be reviewed by the Principal and Team Leadership Council. Students selected by the faculty for
these awards will be recognized at an end-of-year community meeting.
Service Program
All MS students are involved in service projects encouraged by teacher-advisors and sponsored
by each grade level. ASIJ includes this requirement because they recognize that the values and
attitudes adolescents are developing at this stage are lifelong. This program will help give students
the sense that their actions do count. For example, advisories collect, separate and prepare materials
for ASIJs recycling effort and conduct fund raising projects to support charitable activities.
While much of the service work takes place outside the school, the concept of serving others must
begin at home. For example, students are expected to help keep the school building and grounds,
as well as the surrounding neighborhood, clean and neat. Service in a family or community setting
is another way to meet the service commitment.
Student Leadership
Students will have many opportunities to develop leadership skills. The first is through joining
the Student Leadership Team. These students will go through a series of training activities to
build group process skills. Students will form a core for student activity planing and program
support. Other leadership activities are built into our curricular and co-curricular programs.
Laptop Program
We are proud to announce that the Middle School will embark on a laptop program for its
students beginning this school year. Focused exclusively on enhancing our students learning
and providing them with 21st century competencies and expertise in collaboration, critical
thinking, complex problem solving and multimedia communication, our laptop program will
give our studentsand their teacherscontinuous access to an information and creation tool
for learning.
In our division the demand for regular computer access by our teachers and students has
grown year by year. Moving to a laptop program will enable ubiquitous access to this learning
tool. In addition, since students will not need to log on, retrieve, save and log off different
machines throughout the day, classroom instructional time will be increased by approximately
15 minutes each day, adding about seven days of instructional time per year.
Weve done a lot of research into acquiring the best laptop for the best cost. We carefully
compared different pricing and warranty policies. After much analysis, weve selected the
Lenovo X100E ThinkPad computer, with these features:
AMD Athlon processor 2GB RAM
160GB HD 11.6 screen
English keyboard
Windows 7 Professional OS, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Security Essentials, Adobe
Acrobat Reader, a variety of audio and digital tools, plus curriculum specific software
3-year Lenovo Extended Care Option warranty.
We will have two financing options to offer families. Both fees cover the following: cost
of providing the laptop to students, access to loaner machines (should ones assigned
computer require repair), a service warranty run by ASIJ, installed software that meets the
Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests
beyond the core curriculum. The MS offers a wide range of activities that allow students to
interact, both as performers and spectators, at social, sports, service and cultural events. Co-
curricular activities also provide opportunities for developing friendships and building self-esteem.
Our MS teachers are committed to working with students inside and outside the classroom. The
relationships formed between students and teachers during co-curricular activities often enhance
the instructional setting and serve to encourage better performance in the classroom.
Co-curricular activities after school are over by 5 p.m. to allow students to ride the 5 p.m. bus.
Interscholastic sports are limited to three after-school practices per week. A resource center and
the TRC are open several times a week. If students stay after school to socialize or study, they are
expected to behave responsibly as teachers will be actively involved in supervising only structured
activities. Unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member, students are to leave the MS
building and ASIJ campus by 5 p.m.
Sports Schedule
Other Activities
The MS provides numerous opportunities for its students to be involved in both structured
and unstructured activities. Rather than having too many clubs, we have chosen to provide
opportunities for students to interact informally and to try different things. We also believe
it is important for the MS student to have a venue for free play. Our court and field, as well
as locations throughout the building and campus, provide spaces for friends to gather.
Other social, service and cultural activities may include, depending upon student interest
and available staff and facilities:
MS Schedule
The MS schedule offers a variety of required and elective courses. The schedule is divided into two-
day cycles. Each day in the cycle, referred to as A-day or B-day, is divided into seven periods. Some
classes meet every day, others every other day.
The MS day begins at 8:35 a.m. Students must wait until 8 a.m. to arrive at school unless they have
permission from a teacher to arrive earlier. Students have four minutes to move between classes.
Academic Program
The ASIJ Middle School curriculum addresses the intellectual, social, physical and emotional
needs of international middle school students whose long-range plans include attending
a college or university. As MS students are experiencing a challenging period of growth,
academic expectations at this level differ from those at the elementary and high school levels.
In MS classes, students will be challenged to do the very best they can. Enrichment and
independent study opportunities will serve to stretch their academic abilities. Experience has
shown that the varied curriculum and wide range of activities at the MS provide a challenging
program for most ASIJ students, who tend to be above average academically.
Why?
To reinforce and/or strengthen skills and concepts introduced in class.
To encourage independent learning and responsibility.
To provide guided reading.
To complete research activities.
To work on reports or long-term projects.
To promote additional learning challenges and creative thinking.
Who?
Home assignments are the students responsibility. Assignments should be designed for
the student to complete independently with little or no adult assistance. It is expected
that students needing additional help or explanation will seek out the teacher. Students
should record their assignments in the ASIJ Handbook/Calendar that is given to all MS
students.
Parents should provide consistency regarding when and where schoolwork is to be
done at home. For more tips on a parents role regarding homework, please see the
Helping with Homework and Special Notes for Parents sections of the Handbook.
Where?
Students may complete part or all of their assignments at school depending upon the amount of
unstructured time available to them and how they choose to use it. Study areas, resource centers,
the technology center and the library are open before and after school.
At home, a quiet, well-lit area with appropriate study tools should be provided.
When?
It is reasonable to expect that students will have some work each school evening. As the weekend
seems to be the preferred family time, every attempt will be made to minimize weekend home
assignments. Home assignments, other reading or practice type work are generally not given
during holiday periods.
Home assignments are a major component of the MS and should serve to help students develop
good study habits that will be applied in college, careers and for independent lifelong learning.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend school every day, all day long. If a student is absent or late for a valid
reason, he/she will be excused only by a parents phone call or note. See Absence Procedures below.
To get assignments for work missed during excused absences, call the Student Office at 0422-
34-5300 ext. 603 before 9 a.m. and provide the name of a sibling or a student who could bring
assignments home. Makeup tests may be taken within one week of the students return to school.
Students may not receive credit for work missed during any unexcused absences.
Extended Illnesses
Parents of students who have been ill and absent from school for a week or longer need to be
in contact with one of the school nurses at ext. 240.
Absence Procedures
Excused absence procedures for parents:
Parents should notify the MS Office by calling 0422-34-5300 ext. 603, about absences or
tardiness by telephone before 9 a.m. on the day in question. Alternately, parents may send prior
written notification.
Written excuses for tardiness must include the date, time, reason and parents signature.
Written excuses for absence must include the date, reason and parents signature.
Parents must notify the school if they will both be out of town. A guardian should be appointed
in case an illness or emergency occurs.
We ask that a student be absent for more than one day before parents request homework. If
a child has been out of school and parents would like to have assignments sent with a friend or
sibling, they should make arrangements with the student secretary before 9 a.m.
Tardiness
One of a students major responsibilities as a member of the MS community is attending classes.
Tardiness and unexcused absences from classes are rare occurrences at our school. However,
should a student choose to be tardy or to not attend a class or scheduled conference there are
definite consequences.
Students will not receive credit for classes missed and they will be asked to make up the assignments.
If students are tardy because they have been with another teacher, it is their responsibility to get a
signed note from the teacher.
Tardiness is handled as follows:
First tardy: Student confers with teacher.
Second tardy: Student confers with counselor.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences are considered to be a serious violation of school rules. Students who
fail to attend a class without a valid excuse will not be given credit for the class time missed.
In addition, a consequence of detention or suspension will be assigned to any student who
has an unexcused absence.
Student Guests
Parents of students who wish to have a guest accompany their child to school should contact
the MS Office in writing one week prior to the visit. Upon arrival at school, the student host
should bring the guest to the MS Office. The host should introduce the guest to each teacher.
Student hosts are responsible for informing the guest student of our expectation that they
follow the MS behavioral standards. The student guest must follow the hosts schedule. This
requirement is for the safety of the guest. Please note that guests are generally limited to visiting
the MS for one day, but returning students are generally given two days to visit. The MS
requires that all students guests be registered in advance of their day of attendance at school.
MS Statement on Discipline
It is important to note that ASIJ Middle School is proud of the excellent behavior that has been displayed
by the majority of its students over the years. The following section in no way should indicate that
misbehavior is an ordinary occurrence. However, in fairness to students and parents who are arriving
from many different schools throughout the world, we feel we must state our philosophy, policies and
practices in a manner most likely to be read and understood. We expect the very best behavior from
ASIJ students and will immediately address behavior that is less than expected.
We believe that students learn best in an atmosphere in which appropriate behavior is expected
of everyone and is based upon mutual respect and trust.
We believe all students have the potential for behaving positively, that they choose their behaviors
and students can be guided and taught to make appropriate choices.
We believe that an environment in which appropriate behavior is consistently expected and
recognized creates a sense of security for each student that increases their attention to learning and
to self-responsibility.
We believe that appropriate behavior expectations should be clearly stated in a positive manner.
We believe that discipline procedures should be based upon what is ultimately best for the
student directly involved as well as the most positive impact upon others.
We believe students benefit from the educational process best when parents support and reinforce
school regulations by demonstrating follow-up with students at home when misbehavior occurs
at school.
We believe middle school is a time of experimentation, independence and peer pressure.
Therefore, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents must work cooperatively to ensure
that students learn from their misbehavior.
Be Safe
MS students are expected to:
Refrain from pushing, shoving and horseplay.
Be Kind
MS students are expected to:
Use appropriate language. Dont use hurtful words that might offend others. Students are
expected to use appropriate language at all school-related events and activities.
Show respect for all people, their native countries and cultures.
Respect the property of others. Do not go into another persons locker or hide other peoples
personal possessions even as a joke. Return found items to the MS Office.
Refrain from making verbal, non-verbal or written racial, ethnic or sexual insults.
Be honest and admit mistakes.
Be Legal
The following are considered illegal at the MS:
Substance abuse, which includes use of tobacco in any form, alcohol or drugs.
Weapons of any description including knives (including pocket knives) or toys that
simulate real weapons.
Threatening someone with harm or initiating physical abuse.
Stealing, regardless of how small.
Copying of school software.
Harassment: actions or statements directed at an individual which are intended to
ridicule, demean or subject the individual to contempt. For example, sexual harassment
consists of unwelcome sexual advances that are written, verbal or physical in nature.
Cheating and plagiarism.
Vandalism of school or student property.
Entering someones locker without MS Office permission.
Gambling of any nature.
Fireworks and incendiary devices of any description, either to and from school or
Be Proud
Students are expected to be proud of being a student at ASIJ by:
Behaving in a safe, kind and legal manner while traveling to and from school and on
all school trips. Please read carefully the sections on train and bus behavior.
Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the playing court or field. Putting
other schools and players down looks very bad.
Demonstrating an interest in the welfare of others by volunteering time and energy to
help when needed.
Encouraging respect for the culture and people of our host country.
Dressing in a neat and appropriate manner.
Demonstrating positive school spirit.
Helping to keep your school clean and free of trash, both inside and outside.
Talk quietly in the hallways and commons.
Refrain from chewing gum.
Keep food and drinks (except water) out of the building unless given special permission
by a teacher or the office.
Refrain from using cell phones, ipods and MP3 players, and any other handheld electronics
on school grounds between arrival at school and dismissal at 3:00.
MS Dress Code
Students should be proud of their appearance by following the MS Dress Code, while on
campus or at any off-campus school event.
The Dress Code is designed to respect the students need to express and explore their values
and identities as well as to uphold the schools requirement that students appearance be
neat, clean and school-appropriate. While ASIJ does not require uniforms, neither does it
approve of clothing, hairstyles, jewelry or makeup which, in the judgment of the MS faculty
and administration, distracts or interferes with the social and learning climate of the school.
These guidelines, provided to assist parents and students with selection of appropriate school
Bullying
ASIJ believes that every child has the right to learn without fear in an atmosphere of mutual
trust and respect. Every student is expected to be responsible for his/her own behavior, to
exercise self-discipline, and to refrain from behavior which interferes with other students
right to learn or endangers the health or well-being of others. ASIJ will not tolerate bullying.
Bullying is a form of harassment. It is improper behavior by one or more students which
is directed at another student and is offensive and interferes with their well-being. It may
include teasing, name-calling, threats, unwanted physical contact or violence, often on a
repeated basis, which demeans, belittles, humiliates, or frightens the other student. It can
take place in and out of the classroom, online or even outside school.
All incidences of bullying will be reported and investigated. In cases that are substantiated,
the schools actions will be reported to the parents of all the students involved, including the
victims. The school will offer a proactive, sympathetic and supportive response to students
that have been victimized that could include, but is not limited to, counseling, mediation,
or assertiveness training. The bully too will receive the understanding needed to change their
behavior. All actions will be documented as a means of tracking both the conduct of the
students involved and to assess the effectiveness of the schools interventions.
Bullying of an ASIJ student by a student or group of students is considered a serious violation
of school rules, and will result in disciplinary consequences.
The School shall organize regular programs for teachers, administrators, students, and parents
about the detection and prevention of bullying.
Guidelines
Schoolwork comes first. Other appropriate computer use is allowed only at times approved
by teachers.
Dont bring a personal laptop computer to school without permission. Students who have
permission to bring laptops may only use those laptops on the wireless network.
You may bring and use a USB drive (thumb or jump drive) to transfer files.
Dont change any computer settings or tamper with the computer accessories. Also, do not
download programs to school computers or change school software.
Students are to use the ASIJ technology facilities appropriately and uphold the spirit of the
Middle School student code regarding rights, rules and expectations:
a. Email addresses must be appropriate for a school setting.
b. Keep your password secure and never use another students account.
Offensive, obscene, harassing and bullying behavior is prohibited.
Dont illegally download anything.
The school community goes beyond the school hours and campus, and includes students,
teachers and parents. Violations of the above guidelines outside of school (postings on social
networking sites, blogs, video clips, etc.) from home computers or online phones, PDAs,
Discipline Consequences
The behavior expectations are outlined under the major headings of Be Safe, Be Kind,
Be Legal and Be Proud. Should a student choose to violate any of these expectations
during school, while involved in a school-related activity or coming to and from school,
the student is referred to the office to meet with the principal. After a conference to
discuss the problem, the student may be issued the following consequences:
Warning
If the infaction is relatively minor and is a first offence, the student may receive a warning.
Work Detail
Clean up work either during lunch or after school.
Detention
Students may be required to serve detention in the office or a classroom.
Contract
A formal written contract between the school, parents and student may be required which
specifies expectations and consequences of behavior.
Counseling Referral
The school may require professional counseling or diagnostic evaluation as a requirement for
continued enrollment. The results of any testing and/or professional recommendations for school
action would also be required.
Grade Loss
A student who chooses to cheat or plagiarize material may receive a reduction or loss of grade for
that assignment. Any unexcused absence from class may also result in a reduction of an academic
mark.
Financial Reimbursement
A student and parents may be required to reimburse individuals or ASIJ for damage to or
destruction of property.
Suspension
Suspension is the removal of a student from classes and activities for a short time. There are two
types of suspensions that are utilized depending upon the nature of the misbehavior as well as the
students behavior history.
Out-of-school Suspension
In serious situations when it is felt best to remove a student from school to emphasize the
seriousness of the behavior, a suspension to be served with the supervision of parents is given.
In this situation, it is the responsibility of the student and/or parents to obtain the academic
work missed during the students absence.
Expulsion
In extreme cases of misbehavior or as a result of recurring behavior problems, a student may
be immediately dismissed from attendance at ASIJ.
Police Referral
A student who chooses to violate the laws of Japan while on any school-related activity can
be reported to the police for further action.
Inappropriate behavior covers a wide range of conduct. In most instances, the first
infraction noted in the categories of Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Proud, Be Legal, is dealt with by
a conference or detention. Repeated infractions in these categories would be followed by
other consequences. Parents will be kept informed and involved in situations that involve
inappropriate behavior.
Behavioral Probation
A student may be placed on probation for behavioral reasons regardless of academic
performance. The behavior may have taken place during school hours, at school events
or while traveling to or from school.
Behavioral probation will result when a student consistently violates the guidelines
regarding safe, kind, legal and proud behavior described in this handbook. The school
reserves the right to suspend the student immediately if the behavior results in harm to
others or destruction of property.
When a student is placed on behavioral probation, a conference will be held with his/her
parents and a behavioral plan will be designed, which will include monitoring. Periodical
meetings with the parents and student will be scheduled to assess progress. If the schools
efforts to provide guidance to the student and family result in no improvement, the
school will assist the family in locating an alternative educational setting.
1. Making unwelcome sexual advances or an unwelcome request for sexual favors, e.g.;
persistent requests for a date, suggestions of sexual involvement accompanied by implied or
explicit threats concerning ones employment, promotion, grades, achievements or activities
available through the school.
2. Verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, e.g. obscene, sexually derogatory
or stereotypical jokes or remarks, persistent questioning about a persons sex life, leering or
lewd gestures or deliberately brushing up against another person.
3. Creating, either alone or together with other people, a hostile, offensive or intimidating
working environment e.g. displaying sexist or other sexual pictures or obscene name calling.
Sexual harassment can be the accumulation of a series of incidents or something that
happens once, in circumstances where a reasonable person would have anticipated that the
harassed person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated. It is therefore the impact of
the behavior on the recipient and not the intention of the perpetrator that defines whether
or not the act is harassment.
If an employee, contract worker, volunteer or student believes he or she is the object of
any form of harassment he or she should, if possible, tell the harasser that the behavior is
unwanted and unacceptable. The recipient of the harassment may want to ask a friend to be
present when they do this. If the behavior persists they should report it to their supervisor/
teacher. If the supervisor/teacher is the source of the alleged harassment or does not deal with
the matter to the recipients satisfaction, the matter should be reported to the appropriate
principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs.
If the recipient does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser or reporting the matter
to their supervisor/teacher, he or she may decide that this is not appropriate and report the
matter directly to the Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs. Recipients of
harassment are encouraged to come forward with complaints as soon as possible after the
harassment occurs.
Employees who are in a position of authority, such as teachers and supervisors, are under
a particular obligation to ensure that sexual harassment does not occur at the school. If
they suspect that sexual harassment is occurring, they should speak to the people involved
and report the matter to the relevant Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs,
as appropriate. Again they should use their judgment and if they believe that it is not
appropriate to speak to the people involved, they should report the matter directly to the
Principal, Headmaster or Director of Business Affairs.
A prompt and thorough investigation of any allegation of sexual harassment will be
undertaken. As far as possible the confidentiality of both the complainant and the alleged
harasser will be maintained. In addition the school shall ensure that the person alleging the
Reporting Procedures
Why Report
The purpose of the report is to notify school authorities so that necessary steps can be taken to
1. Substantiate the sexual harassment
2. Identify the perpetrator
3. Assure the safety of the victim
4. Stabilize the situation on a permanent basis
On the Train
Law requires that students begin paying adult fares when they reach the age of twelve. We
expect that our students behavior on the trains will follow Japanese law and customs, and
that kindness, courtesy and safety will govern their actions.
Guidelines for riding the trains:
In most countries it is considered improper to eat on a commuter train. Since commuter trains
are busy, crowded and stops are frequent, it is easier to keep the train clean if everyone agrees not
to eat/ drink on the trains. We expect ASIJ students to follow this custom.
It is disturbing to other riders when ASIJ students call out across train cars, use inappropriate
language, converse in loud voices or change seats unnecessarily, obstruct movement on the train
by sitting on the floor or leaving book bags in the aisles, or block the doors. It is expected that ASIJ
students will exercise restraint and be courteous at all times while on the trains.
Proper use of train passes is a matter of Japanese law. Students who are not respectful of these laws
bring disfavor upon themselves, their families, their school and their country. It is important to
be especially respectful and courteous to the station employees. They see students more regularly
than anyone else.
The way we act between school and the station has a tremendous impact on the local community.
Be careful not to obstruct the flow of traffic when walking in a large group of students. Hold onto
litter until finding a trash can and be respectful of our neighbors.
While waiting at a station, please stand or sit quietly in appropriate places. Do not block the steps
or sit on the railings. Do not, even jokingly, under any circumstances, push or shove someone.
Handles on the train are for safety purposes and should not be treated as gymnastic equipment.
ASIJ students need to respect the privacy of other riders and should not unnecessarily start
conversations with people who are not comfortable with strangers.
Educators
For your convenience, a list of the MS educators is included at the back of this handbook.
Places
MS Office
This is a busy area designed to serve students, parents, teachers and visitors to our school. It
is an area that must be friendly and warm, but also must be quiet and free of distractions.
Everyones cooperation in maintaining the proper atmosphere is desired. For privacy reasons,
please knock before entering a closed office door. Courteous behavior is appreciated!
MS Library
The Middle School Library is part of the ASIJ Chofu campus and Early Learning Center
(ELC) library network. It offers books, periodicals, networked computers with internet access,
and many internet-based resources especially selected to support the middle school curriculum
and to assist students with their research. These on-line resources include encyclopedias and
data bases of tens of thousands of indexed, edited, articles. Access to these resource begins at the
library web page <http://www.asij.ac.jp/middle/lib/>. The current user name and password is
readily available to students and families through the library.
Our on-line library catalog also can be accessed through the library web page. In addition to
providing comprehensive information on books in the middle school library, our catalog also
is the gateway to the holdings of the other three ASIJ libraries collections. Plus, our on-line
catalog contains links to more than 10,000 selected websites supporting our curriculum, and
assisting students with research on campus and at home in an efficient and effective manner.
Most books can be borrowed for four weeks. Back issues of periodicals may be borrowed for
one week. Students are strongly encouraged to return borrowed materials on time or to renew
them. Students will receive notices if they have overdue materials. Timely adherence to these
notices will help students to avoid incurring fines for overdue items. A fine of 50 per item / per
day will be assessed following a grace period of one week beyond the due date.
Mrs. Onozuka and Mr. Swist are in the library to assist students from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM,
except on Wednesday afternoons, when the library usually closes at 3:05.
Cafeteria/Kiosk
The ASIJ Cafeteria serves a range of hot meals and snacks. A variety of set lunches may be
Bookstore
The ASIJ Bookstore sells a wide selection of reading material including many books about
Japan. Also available are gift items, greeting cards, book bags, sweatshirts and school supplies
including locks for lockers. Photo services, a photocopy machine and mail services are
available. The Bookstore hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Study Centers
Study Centers (SCs) provide a place for students to complete assignments and projects in their
unstructured time. SCs are considered practical application of effective study skills. Students
may be scheduled into some SC time by parents and/or teachers. If so, students are required to
maintain an assignment book. If a student is placed in an SC, parents and students will receive
feedback on the effort the student has made while in the SC. Students scheduled into an SC
can change their schedule of resource time by having each required subject teacher to sign a
petition that indicates that the student has earned exception from the SC.
Students may also drop by SCs on their own for time periods as needed. Informal use of the
SCs to study is not considered a schedule change.
Homework Club is held in the SSC. Students may choose to use Homework Club on their
own or they may be assigned to Homework Club by parents and/or teachers. The same
procedures apply for Homework Club as for SCs in the regular schedule.
The Commons
The Commons area, perhaps the most special and heavily used place in the MS, is the scene
of community meetings, quiet study or visits with friends. It also serves as our auditorium
for music/drama performances. Comfortable furniture is provided for students, but should
be treated with care. The carpet and low tables are excellent places for lounging and relaxing.
However, please use the large tables for working, not sitting. We are proud of this area and
the openness it suggests. Please help maintain a nice atmosphere that does not distract
surrounding classes.
Things to Know
Lockers
Having a locker is a privilege that requires responsible control. Students will be assigned two
lockers (one for books, one for physical education). Students will need to purchase their own
combination lock for their book lockers; Locks for the PE lockers will be provided by the PE
teachers. The Student Office maintains a confidential list of all book locker combinations.
Students should not give their locker combinations to anyone, even their friends. If a student
believes someone knows his/her combination, a new lock should be purchased immediately.
Students must have a lock on their locker at all times. Lockers must be kept clean and neat
both inside and out. Please do not mark on them or attach anything to the outside except
occasional spirit posters, which should be removed within a week. If students have a very
good reason to do so, they may request a locker change from the Student Office.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are available to parents at the midpoint of each quarter or at any time a
student is experiencing difficulty. Progress reports are designed to alert students and parents
about unsatisfactory performance in the hope that progress may be made before report card
time. Teachers may also use progress reports to recognize outstanding or improved work by
students. Progress report posting dates are marked on the ASIJ school calendar and parents
are sent email reminders that this information has been posted electronically.
Report Cards
We believe that teachers comments constitute the most important part of any report card and
our computerized reporting system allows many options for teacher comments. Two grades
are given on the report: one indicates academic or skill performance while other assesses the
Disaster Prevention
The MS maintains a disaster prevention program to educate students, staff and parents
about emergency procedures in case an earthquake, fire or some other calamity occurs.
This plan includes periodic fire and earthquake drills. Parents are asked to review the
following points with their children.
Parents are both encouraged and expected to be actively involved in school activities and
in decisions regarding their child. A major factor in the quality achieved at school is the
contact between parents and teachers. The support parents give their children is another
critical element. We may disagree at times, but let us disagree agreeably and with the
MS Hours
Parents should be aware that unless special permission is obtained before- hand, students
should arrive at school no earlier than 8 a.m. Except when special events are scheduled, the
building/ campus officially closes at 5 p.m.
After-School Activities
Students are allowed to stay after school even if they are not involved in a sport or club
activity. Parents should be aware that no supervision is provided on playing fields or
outside areas. Therefore, students choosing to remain after school in a non-structured
activity must assume responsibility for safe conduct. The ASIJ Health Center closes daily
at 5 p.m. Students who are regular bus riders may ride the 5 p.m. bus. Non-bus riders
must leave the campus at 5 p.m. The building is closed at that time. Parents will be asked
to sign a general permission slip for after-school activities.
Back-to-School Night
Back-to-School Night gives parents the opportunity to become familiar with the program and
their childs teachers. Buses from a downtown location will be available for parents.
Parent Volunteers
Volunteers are often needed to help prepare materials, supervise field trips and social activities
or act as resource people for classes. All parents receive a form in the August/September Back-
to-School publication that allows them to specify their areas of interest for volunteer work. For
more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, please call the PTA Volunteer Coordinator.
Substitute Teachers
Substitute teachers are always needed and parents are welcome to apply. Interested parents
should attend the Substitute Workshop scheduled in September.
School Closure
Classes will be suspended at Chofu and ELC if school bus or train operations are disrupted
by weather conditions, strikes or other causes. Information is always available from the school
switchboard operator (0422-34-5300) during the school day or via taped message after hours.
(Please do not call before 5:30 a.m. to get information on school plans for that day.) Should it
become necessary to cancel school because of snow or any other emergency, parent notification
will be as follows:
Armed Forces Network @ AM 810 MHz will make emergency closing announcements
beginning at approximately 6:15 a.m.
Tapes on the school answering machine will provide information after 5:30 a.m.
An email message will be sent regarding the closure.
School closure announcement will be posted on the main page of MOL.
Calls will be made to the homes of kindergarten children on the Chofu Campus in case of
early dismissal due to inclement weather. Since it is impossible to contact all parents when early
dismissal is necessary, parents should give their children instructions on what to do if they return
early and find no one home. ELC parents are asked to follow emergency procedures set up for
their facility. An emergency phone tree will be put into place from 7 a.m. as needed.
Notes:
1. In general, the school does not send messages or post on MOL if school is open. The only
communication is if school is closed.
2. If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please be sure to advise his/her School
Office before 9 a.m. on that day. Parents of students who have been ill and absent from school for
a week or longer need to be in contact with the school nurse at ext. 240.
Withdrawal from School
Students who need to leave ASIJ during the school year should inform the Student Office in
writing as soon as possible so we will have time to arrange records and transcripts.
Talk
Talk with your child clearly about your values, expectations and family rules regarding
drinking, smoking, drug use and sexual behavior.
Have a curfew
Compare notes with the parents of your preteen/teens friends and set a curfew that is
right for your preteen/teen and your familys values. We suggest the following for your
consideration.
Unless there is a special reason to be at school (i.e. band concert) or another place,
Middle School students should be home by the time the late bus arrives and should stay
home on school nights. The late bus for MS students departs at 5 p.m. Monday through
Thursday and at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.
4. Guardian appointed to act or decide in any matter in the parents stead during their absence:
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Relationship:__________________________ Phone: _______________________________
Cell Phone: __________________________ Email: ________________________________
Home Address:_______________________________________________________________
6. Will the student(s) be living with the guardian? If yes at what address?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
If no, what arrangements are being made for the appropriate supervision of the student(s)?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
I. ASIJ Position ASIJ cannot guarantee a peanut/nut free environment either with school
prepared and sold food items or with items brought to school by students and parents. ASIJ
will however, attempt to minimize the use of peanuts/nuts in school prepared and sold items
and request that students and parents not bring peanut/nut items to school.
II. ASIJ Request to All Students and Parents Regarding Peanut/Nut Allergies
1. At the ELC, parents and students are requested not to send or take peanuts or other types
of nuts, peanut butter, or any product with nuts or peanuts to campus. Please read labels on
packaged food carefully.
2. For ASIJ buses, parents and students are requested not to carry any peanuts/nuts, peanut
butter, or any product with nuts or peanuts on a bus. This includes packed lunches that go
on buses. Please read labels on packaged food carefully.
3. On the Chofu campus, items for all bake sales, birthday treats, activities, etc., are requested
to be free of peanuts/nuts and peanut/nut products.
Grade 7:
7 Homeroom Y Daily
7 LA/SS Y Daily
7 Math Y EOD
7 Science Y EOD
7 PE Y EOD
7 Health S EOD
7 Modern Language Y Daily
7 Art S EOD
7 Music/ Performing Arts S EOD
Grade 8:
8 Homeroom Y Daily
8 Language Arts Y EOD
8 Social Studies Y EOD
8 Math Y EOD
8 Algebra Y EOD
8 Geometry Y EOD
8 Science Y EOD
8 PE Y EOD
8 Health S EOD
8 Modern Language Course Y Daily
Modern Languages:
Chinese I Y Daily
Chinese A Y Daily
Chinese B Y Daily
French A Y Daily
French B Y Daily Req.
Spanish A Y Daily
Spanish B Y Daily Req.
Japanese 6-I Y Daily Req.
Japanese 6-II Y Daily Req.
Japanese 7-I Y Daily Req.
Japanese 7-II Y Daily Req.
Japanese 7-III Y Daily Req.
Japanese 1 Y Daily
Japanese 8-I Y Daily Req.
Japanese 8-II Y Daily Req.
Japanese 8-III Y Daily Req.
Japanese 8-IV Y Daily Req.
Japanese Basic A Y Daily
Japanese Basic B Y Daily Req.
Japanese Intermediate A Y Daily Req.
Japanese Intermediate B Y Daily Req.
Japanese Advanced Y Daily Req.
Visual Arts:
Ceramics S EOD
Craft Design S EOD
Drawing & Painting S EOD
Graphic Design S EOD
Independent Study in Art S EOD Req.
Intro to Film Studies S EOD
Video Skills S EOD
8 9 10
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1 2
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
1112 1
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
2 3 4
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
27 28 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
5 6 7
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
8
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
ASIJ student vacation days and professional development days, which are non-class days,
are shaded.
Electronic Books
Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. January
1, 2002. <http://www.netlibrary.com>.
Magazines
Magazine with authors name given:
Wenger, Ty. Wired hoops: How basketball has become the most wired game in sports? And what does that
mean for hoops lovers? An obsessive- compulsive guide to b-ball. Yahoo! March 2002: 56-59.
Encyclopedias
Article with authors name given:
Lehman, Jeffrey. French Americans: Bad advice given in good French. Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural
America: Primary Documents. 15th ed. 2002.
Internet
Writers Handbook: MLA Documentation. February 29, 2000. University of Wisconsin-Madison. April 1,
2002.<http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/DocMLAWorksCited.html#book>
Online Database
Elson, John. The great migration. Time, Fall 93 Special Issue. EBSCOhost. April 15, 2002.
Personal Letters
Hamilton, Katherine. Letter to author. March 23, 1992.
Video
Wilet, Bernard. Environment. Santa Monica, Calif.: BFA Educational Media, 1972 (video, 29 minutes, color).
CD-ROM Programs
Johnson, Darlene. The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Comptons Multimedia Encyclopedia, 1991 (CD-ROM).
Luoma, Joan H. The Unfriendly Skies. Wildlife Conservation. SIRS 1991
Atmosphere, Volume 2, Article 52, May/June, 1991 (CD-ROM).
Song Lyrics
OBrien, Darrin, Shawn Moltke, and Edmond Leary (Snow). Informer.12 Inches of Snow. Los Angeles:
Motor Jam Music, 1993.
Newspaper Articles
Holden, Stephen. Frank Sinatra Dies at 82; Matchless Stylist of Pop. New York Times. May 16, 1998,
natl. ed. A1+.
General notes:
give the authors names in the fullest possible form (Cross, Roberta Louise instead of Cross, R. L.),
if there are several places of publication, use the first city mentioned,
if you cant find the place and/or date of publication, ask for assistance,
if a list of copyright dates are given, use the most recent one,
for the United States: a well-known city may be used alone (like New York City), but for lesser-known
cities, write the state as well (you may abbreviate the state -- Olympia, Wash.). For other countries, write the
city and the country (Nagoya, Japan),
if you cant find an author or editor: look on the official title page, look on the reverse (verso) side of the title
page, skip the author and put down the rest of the information.
if a bibliography is being handwritten, underline titles rather than italicizing.
Reference:
Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism: Documentation Guidelines. September 26, 2001. Duke University
Libraries. February 18, 2003. <http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/citing.htm> (4/21/03).
By Car Take Shuto No. 4, which merges into the Chuo Expressway, to the Chofu
Interchange, Exit No. 3. Exit toward Fuchu onto Koshu Kaido (Route 20). Turn right
at the Ajinomoto Stadium intersection. Follow the map above.
By Train From Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, take an orange JR Chuo Line train bound for
Tachikawa or Takao to Musashi-Sakai Station. (Please note that only rapid trains [] stop
at this station.) Get off and exit the JR Station and transfer to the Seibu Tamagawa Line. Take
the yellow Tamagawa train two stops to Tama Station. Get off and follow the map above.
By Bus From Mitaka Stations south exit, bus stop No. 8, take bus No. 52 for Asahicho
3-chome [] or Kurumagaeshi-Danchi [] to Tama
Station. From Tobitakyu Stations north exit, take bus No. 01 [] to Tama Station.
By Taxi From Musashi-Sakai Station, take a taxi from the south exit. From Tama
Station, turn left after exiting the station. Go straight, then turn left and go downstairs. Walk
through the tunnel under the tracks to the roundabout on east side of the station. Take a taxi
from the roundabout.
WW WW
WW WW
Chofu Campus:
1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031
Tel: 0422-34-5300, Fax: 0422-34-5303
Early Learning Center:
6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Tel: 03-5771-4344, Fax: 03-5771-4341
Email: <info@asij ac.jp> Web: <www.asij.ac.jp>