ISP

    Attendance Policy:

    Regular attendance is expected of all students and is closely monitored. Cutting classes not only leads to loss of learning and poor performance, but is inconsiderate the teacher and the other students, and undermines the benefits gained from shared learning. Teachers are not expected to provide help to students who are absent unexcused or wilfully skip classes.

    Absences due to illness, family emergencies ,and unavoidable medical appointments will be approved as excused; provided parents inform the school office promptly and in writing (exception: call the school office by 8:30 on the morning of an  absence due to illness); all other absences will be considered unexcused and result in disciplinary action. All absences are recorded on the student’s transcript. Students who accumulate more than 30 hours absences (exclusive of academic trips) during a school year may not miss further class time as a result of sports and / or activities-related trips unless the administration recognizes extenuating circumstances.

    A student who has accumulated an excessive number of absences, whether unexcused may be denied academic credit promotion to the next grade.

    Course syllabus:     

    Teachers will distribute an outline of each course on the first day of class. Be sure to note to the course requirements and your responsibilities.   

    Homework:

    School work to be done at home or during a free time block is a regular part of all course expectations. You should expect to spend anywhere from two or three hours per night homework assignments.

   Homework is not and should  not be considered “ busy work .“ It provides an opportunity for extended practice and application to new situations, as well as helping to identify areas where you may want to seek additional help from your teacher. Homework is expected to be completed by students even during their absence from school. Students are supposed to inform their parents about their homework.

    Parent / Teacher Conferences:

    Two parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each semester. However, conferences may be held at any time during the school year. Please contact the teacher(s) directly to arrange an appointment. Whenever there are specific, classroom-related concerns, parents are expected to contact the student’s teacher first.

    Punctuality:

    We expect that you arrive in class on time as a matter of courtesy to the teacher and classmates. Repeated tardiness to class is reported to parents and results in disciplinary action.

    Semester Examinations:   

    There are two exam weeks in the first semester and three in the second semester. During the exam weeks classes will not be held. Students will come to the school in order to take their exams.

COMMUNITY RIGHTS AND EXPECTATIONS

    Community Rights

    We believe that these rights and freedoms apply to all persons-students, parents and staff through the entire school day, including travel to and from school. Every member of the school community is entitled to

-the right to develop his/her own personality (as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others) without disrespectful criticism or pressure from cliques;

-freedom from physical abuse and from mental abuse, such as name calling, intimidation, or any other form of harassment;

-freedom from being set apart or mocked because of race, sex, religion, physical strength , size, features, friendship groups, age, culture, handicap, financial status, clothing, or classroom performance;

-the right to privacy;

-the right to be treated respectfully;

-the right to an education which leaves teachers free to teach and students free to learn without being interrupted by inconsiderate or unruly behaviour;  

-the right to have his/her personal and the school property respected; our school community should be safe place for property as well as people.

    Code of Conduct:

    A school community depends on everyone`s willingness to respect and act in accordance with certain basic principles of conduct and community rights. These reflect the underlying spirit of the MAC school rules and are the foundation upon which our community of learning, caring and growing rests.

Therefore, we ask that you

-think about others, respect their rights, and show consideration for their well being;

-remember that your conduct in the local community reflects on yourself and on your school;

-exercise good taste in your appearance and dress as well as in the expression of affection;

-help keep the school; the grounds, and the local community clean and free from litter;

-give of your time readily and freely when service to our school and local community is needed and requested.

SCHOOL RULES

    On the School Area:

    All students must remain on the school grounds during the academic day (8:00-15:40), unless they have explicit permission from an administrator (assistant principal).

    Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs:

    Please note that it is illegal for students of Middle School age to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages in Kosovo, and such action by students will not be tolerated on the school ground.

    Offensive Weapons:

    It is strictly prohibited to bring knives, guns, or weapons of any sort into school at any time. Any incidence will be dealt with zero tolerance.

    Dress:

    All the students during the academic day are supposed to wear their uniforms. Students not wearing uniforms won’t be allowed to enter the school. Additionally, brightly coloured hair dyes, nail polish, eyebrow rings, nose rings, facial studs, jewellery and tattoos are prohibited. And at the school activities, clothing which is tattered, dirty, or considered offensive and inappropriate (e.g. displaying references to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, sexist/racist slogans etc) may not be worn. Hats may not be worn in classes, cafeteria, or during assemblies. Long hair, moustache, beard, and hair-cut not suitable for the school are prohibited.

    Food & Drinks:

    Food and drinks must be consumed in the school cafeteria and may not be taken into any classrooms (except water).No food or drinks are permitted in the Computer or Science labs. Gum may not be chewed during the lessons. 

    Public Behaviour:

    Students are expected, at all times, to exercise courtesy, refrain from using obscene language, and demonstrate good manners by offering a seat to or helping the elderly on public transportation.

    Radios & Music:

    Radios, CD players, or tape recorders with external speakers may not be used at school, nor may they be taken on school –sponsored trip and activities. Listening to music during the lesson is strongly forbidden.

                                          SCHOOL RULE INFRACTIONS & DUE PROCESS:

    Together with the Community Rights & Expectations, the School Rules establish general guidelines for responsible and respectful behaviour at school and in public. The school will not condone or tolerate behaviour , either during or outside school hours, which is damaging to the  school community or which jeopardizes MAC`s reputation. Freedom of expression ceases when it infringes on the rights of others.

Minor Rule Infractions:

`Minor` rule infractions include, but are not necessarily limited to

-disrespectful and / or disruptive behaviour in or out of the classroom;

-failure to complete or attempt to complete homework or other school assignments;

-bringing unauthorized guest in the school: No student may bring guests or friends into school or any of its facilities without the prior written permission of the Administration.

- use of foul or obscene language or gestures;

-causing, creating or inciting disorder: Students are not allowed to shout , scream , or cause noise to be made ,including the playing of loud music , either during their lessons , in the classrooms or in the hallways outside of classes.

-littering;

-tardiness;

A first offence results in a verbal warning; a second offence is reported to parent(written warning). More than three minor rule infractions will be treated as if they were major rule violations. Students involved in a fourth offence may be suspended from school. Minor rule infractions will normally be dealt by the class teacher and administrative officer. The warning will be recorded in the administration discipline database.

Major Rule Infractions:

The following are considered serious violations of the school` s rules and its values:

-inappropriate use of the internet;

-Gambling: Playing any games of chance for money is strictly forbidden.

-smoking on or near school ground;

-insubordination or disrespect to a member of staff: Students are expected to maintain proper decorum , show the proper respect for all members of the school staff and follow the directions given to them by such staff members.

-intimidating others;

-fighting;

-cutting classes;

-being off campus without permission;

-cheating;

-more than three minor rule infractions

Major rule violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. MAC recognizes that the MAC`s students will learn by making mistakes, but must also learn that there are consequences when rules are broken. Major rule violations will result in a report to parents and may also incur loss of privileges, disciplinary probation or suspension.

Major rule infractions will be dealt with promptly by the class teacher and the administrative officer (assistant principal).They will then report the facts relating to the rule infraction to the disciplinary committee.

The following are considered very serious violations and will result in suspension or dismissal from school:

-Any use of alcohol;

-destroying school property;

-distribution of drugs;

-theft;

-verbal, physical, or sexual harassment and bullying;

-boycott;

-Three or more offences as described above (serious violations)

    Suspension from the school:

    Suspension from the school will be applied to the students who have been involved in a major rule infraction. Recorded suspensions will never be erased from the disciplinary database. Suspension will always be taken into account when a student’s overall behaviour is being considered. A student involved in major rule infractions can not take any scholarship from the school and can not enter the student council. A maximum of two suspensions from the school in any given school year can cause student expelled from the school automatically.

    Expulsion from the school:

    This is a last resort in the disciplinary procedure and will be applied to the students who have not responded to any remedial treatment offered by the school , or to those who have been found to be involved in certain major rule infractions

Any student who is being considered to expel from the school will initially be suspended until the disciplinary committee discusses the case. The disciplinary committee will debate the possibility of expulsion. If the committee decides not to expel the student from the school ,the suspension will stand and a final warning will be issued to the student.

    Disciplinary database:

    All warnings given to the students will be recorded in the administration discipline database. Parents will receive a copy of their child `s discipline record when report cards are given at the end of the term.

    Disciplinary Probation:

    A student on disciplinary probation is placed on notice that further instances of disrespect for the school’s goals and values are likely to result in his/her suspension or dismissal from school. Conditions and behavioural expectations will be detailed in writing for the student and parents.

    Due Process:

    All students have a right to due process. This includes the right

-appeal academic decisions which they perceive to be unfair or incorrect;

-to be represented by the head class teacher in disciplinary issues involving major school rule violations and to contact their parents;

-to appeal decisions involving major school rule violations

    Appeals:

    Appeals related to academic decisions are made to the Assistant Principal and to the Principal whose decision is final.

Decisions resulting in the suspension of a student from school may be appealed to the Director whose decision is final.

    LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES:

Get involved with school activities! One does not have to be a star performer to boost school spirit and MAC offers many leadership opportunities. Students demonstrate positive leadership whenever they promote the values and goals of the school.

MAC`s range of activities is broad and varied. Some take place during the school day and/or after school while others ask for participation in a one-time event. Some activities are traditional and take place every year.

    Clubs:

    There are different kinds of clubs in our school. Students can choose their own clubs. At the beginning of the terms Administrators give information about the clubs students can choose.   

    GraduationCeremony:

    Each year, students in Grade 12 organize a celebration to recognize their passage to the university. A variety of skits, music, and presentations have been compiled in the past to show off the talents of students and to reflect on time. All the students with their parents are invited.

    Sports:

    Involvement in sports is encouraged. MAC endeavours to accommodate all students who wish to participate in team sports, regardless of their level of expertise or experience.

Every year basketball club arranges basketball tournament among the schools` teams in Prishtina.

Playing uniforms for sport teams are provided by the school (except for tennis, skiing, swimming). Depending on demand, sports offered includes: volleyball, basketball, skiing, football, cross-country running.

    Student Council:

    The School Student Council is an elected voluntary body of volunteers who help to organize school-wide events and meet to discuss school-wide issues. The Student Council is sponsored by one of the teachers who attends meetings, helps to organize events, and advises on appropriate courses of action. A student involved in a major rule infraction can not take part in the student council.

    Travel & Field Trips:

    MAC encourages cultural excursions and school trips during the school year; these are most often course related and may take students to local sites as well as to locations throughout Europe, Balkans, and Turkey. Additional travel opportunities exist during school holidays. Every effort is made to limit the costs of these trips so that all students may

Participate. Additional information regarding trips is included in the Trip Guidelines in this Handbook.

   POLICIES & GUIDELINES

Internet Use Agreement

    Principle:

    Internet access is available to all students and teachers at MAC. While the internet offers a great deal of useful information and resources, it is also a diverse public medium. As such, it is important that students and school conduct themselves in a way which is compatible   with the academic aims and the spirit of MAC. Our goal in providing access to the internet is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

With access to the internet also comes the potential availability of educationally questionable, politically controversial, and morally inappropriate material. Although we strive to supervise Internet use, it is impossible to guarantee that users will not be exposed to, or able to obtain such materials. MAC therefore relies heavily on mature and responsible use by students and school and believes that Internet usage is a chance to teach students about responsible, ethical behaviour. These guidelines have been established to inform the MAC community of the responsibilities which all users of the school’s Internet facilities must carry.

    Acceptable Use: 

    Access to the Internet is provided for the express purpose of furthering studies at school , engaging in collaborative work with others , and obtaining information which have threatening ,obscene , or racist content.  

    Network Etiquette:

    All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

-be polite and use appropriate language; do not become abusive or vulgar;

-do not reveal the personal address or phone number or another teacher or student;

-do not use the internet in such a way that it might disrupt use by others; those using the internet for academic reasons will always receive priority.

    School Liability: 

    MAC can not accept any liability for the loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, errors, or service interruptions. MAC also does not vouch for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through Internet use, and the school is not liable if users succeed in gaining access to controversial or inappropriate materials.

    Cancellation of Access Privileges:  

    Access to the internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use is incompatible with the school’s goals and values, will lead to the cancellation of this privilege by the Administration or the Computer Teacher, and will result in other disciplinary action. Specifically, this may happen if you

-violate network etiquette (see above);

-use the Internet for purposes other than those authorized above;

-attempt to breach the security of the system;

-attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user, or to create, upload, or download computer viruses