CLOSING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of severe inclement weather (typhoons, snow, ice, etc.) please listen to AFN radio and television (Command Channel) for school closing announcements. The decision to close school is made by the community commander in coordination with PACTMO, military police, and school principal.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES
In the event of a fire drill or other emergency evacuation procedure, a loud, continuously ringing bell will be sounded. Students will follow the evacuation plan posted in the room and leave that room in an expeditious and orderly manner. In case of an emergency during passing time or nutrition break or lunch, students should report to their previous class. If you are unable to find your teacher, report to the Command Central. Students are not to return to their rooms during or after emergency evacuation procedures until given permission by appropriate authority.

The first response to an earthquake will be to take cover. Students will be evacuated after the signal is given.

The first response to a lockdown is to lock doors and take cover away from windows and doors. Refer to instructions by the teacher for details.

Students must stay with their class and must be present when class roll is taken out of the building.

Emergency evacuation procedures will be practiced once a week during the first month of school and once a month thereafter. Families are encouraged to put together emergency kits to keep at home and they are encouraged to develop a plan for reuniting in case of separation following a major disaster such as an earthquake.

CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF
CONDUCT/ELIGIBILITY AND POLICIES
For athletic participation, play, and practice, a student must pass a pre-sport physical exam. Arrangements may be made by the school nurse prior to the fall season for physicals to be administered to all prospective athletes. Students who do not take advantage of the fall physical will be responsible for securing their own physical. A physical examination form signed by a physician and a parental release must be on file at the office BEFORE tryouts, practice, or competitions. If ineligible players participate in any games, the team forfeits the game.

The following policy regarding academic performance will be in effect as determined by the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary School Principals (KPASSP) rules primarily for grades 9-12.

A student is considered eligible if he/she:

• Is judged fit by the principal and coach.
• On the first day of September, has not reached his/her 19th birthday. The student will then remain eligible for the rest of the year.
• Has not graduated from an American style, four-year school.
• Has passed a regular physical examination within the 12 months prior to the start of the season.
• Has not lost amateur standing.
• Has parental/guardian authorization.
• Is an 8th grader and has not participated as a 7th or 8th grade student for more than four consecutive semesters.
• Has not completed eight consecutive school semesters after entrance into the ninth grade.

A student shall be considered ineligible:

• If his/her grades from the previous Wednesday at 8:00 AM contain more than one “F” or the grade point average is not at least 2.0. The activities coordinator will check eligibility each Wednesday of the season to determine eligibility for the following week. Ineligible students do participate in practice sessions; however, they are not allowed to play during the week they are ineligible.

General Procedures:

• Seniors are not eligible for junior varsity competition.
• All injuries whether major or minor, will be reported immediately to a faculty sponsor. If any injury requires medical attention, a release form signed by a physician may be required before participation resumes.
• If school uniforms and/or equipment are issued, they are to be returned in the same condition of issuance; normal wear and tear is expected. Replacement costs will be assessed for damaged or lost items. No exchange of uniforms/equipment is permitted without sponsor approval. Uniforms are to be worn only for competition, unless otherwise approved by the faculty sponsor.
• An individual is considered ineligible if he/she accepts, from any source, an individual award other than those usually given such as medals, ribbons, jackets, letters and trophies.

The following policies will govern absenteeism:

• A student must have attended a full day of school on the day of/or the day before the event or competition. Participants must return to school and may not be absent immediately after the day of an event or competition. A faculty sponsor may waive this rule for a medical/dental appointment. If in school, students are expected to attend any practice, rehearsal, and/or work sessions, unless they personally have previously informed the coach/sponsor that they may be absent.
• Students who are ill or who have unexcused absences on the day of an activity will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
• Unexcused absence may result in non-participation for the competition of event immediately following the absence. Repeated unexcused absence(s) may result in dismissal from the extracurricular activity for the remainder of the year.
• Students who are suspended from school may not participate in any co-curricular event until the suspension ends.

The following policies will govern travel:

• Only grades 9-12 will be allowed to travel overnight to participate in athletic events.
• Sponsors shall send general information to all parents at least one week in advance of a trip.
• If home stays are necessitated, students are expected to be courteous, respectful, and obedient.
• Vandalism, shoplifting, criminal activity, use of drugs tobacco or alcohol, and sexual sponsors misconduct will not be tolerated. Students may be sent home at the sponsor’s expense.
• Curfews will be in effect. Generally, that means 10 P.M. with lights out by 10:30 P.M.
• Students will be respectful to and cooperative with all teachers, staff members, coaches, sponsors, chaperons, and tournament officials.
• Chaperons will have full authority to enforce rules, curfews, restrictions, etc. as they feel necessary to control and manage their supervisory responsibilities.
• Travel squad size will be determined by the administration based upon DoDDS practices and local fiscal considerations.
• Violations of any stated rules while on trips will result not only in team/group disciplinary measures (including an early return to Zama at parent’s expense), but they may also result in school discipline upon return, up to and including suspension from school. In the event of a serious violation of base/post/DoDDS/Zama American HS policies on an away trip or Far East Tournament, the sponsor will pay for their student’s transportation home. The student will be sent home at the sponsor’s expense for the following:
• Committing a crime
• Removal by a tournament official
• Violating the alcohol, drug, and tobacco rule
• Vandalizing or destroying property
• Committing lewd acts or involvement in sexual misconduct
• Serious and repeated curfew violations

• The DoDDS Athletic Manual 2740.1 and the coaches’ contracts will govern all events and activities.

All co-curricular activities sponsored and/or funded by DoDDS will be covered by the rules as outlined above.

A student may appeal any decision affecting his/her participation in an extracurricular activity to the Administration or the Athletic Council as appropriate.

Sponsors are responsible for the selection of participants for the team. The sponsor/coach is responsible for enforcing these rules. The sponsor is also free to enact additional rules and guidelines, as they think appropriate for their team/group and the situation at hand. This may include, but is not limited to conduct and behavior, dress, meeting and study session times, curfews, etc. Sponsor-developed rules must follow DoDDS policies.

Parents are expected to support and help enforce these rules and standards. Questions concerning these policies should be discussed in an appropriate conference situation with the sponsor or administration. Athletes, because they are the focal point of the school and community, should conduct themselves like ladies and gentlemen, on and off the field. The following guidelines will be enforced with the players. Profanity, raucous behavior or disrespect to an adult or peer will not be tolerated.

Spectator’s Code

• Students, parents, and guests are expected to be on their best behavior at all events. People who use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials will be asked to leave.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents.
• Never ridicule or scold an athlete for making a mistake during a competition.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
• Respect the officials’ decisions.
• Encourage players to always play according to the rules.

ATTENDANCE
It is a basic premise at Zama American High School that student attendance in school is necessary for the educational process to occur and that success is predicated upon regular school attendance. All students enrolled in DoDDS schools must attend classes regularly and punctually in order to remain enrolled. Any absence, either excused or unexcused, disrupts the instructional process and the absentee’s educational progress. Also, any unexplained absence hinders the school’s accountability for its students. Parents must make every effort to ensure that family trips and vacations are not scheduled during school time.

DoD 1342.6‑M‑1 requires that the installation commander encourage all educable, eligible family members who have not completed High School to attend either DoDDS schools or a regular program of formal instruction in the local school system, to enroll in a tuition school, or to enroll in an accredited independent study program by correspondence. This policy is in effect at both Camp Zama and NAF Atsugi.

Attendance Policy
The attendance policy at Zama American High School is that all enrolled students will maintain regular daily attendance in all classes during the school day. Exceptions to the policy include:

• Medical, dental, legal, and other required appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day
• Illness
• Prearranged family trips
• Family emergencies
• Religious observance
• Community activities involving Zama American High School
• Official or sanctioned school activities

Returning After An Absence
Parents should notify the school using one of the following methods when a student returns after an absence:

• Call the office on the morning of the absence
• Write a note to be given to the office on the day of return
• Email the Attendance Clerk at Lisa.Sinclair@pac.dodea.edu

If a student is absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness, a doctor’s note should be given to the school nurse and the attendance clerk before the student returns to class.

Excused Absences
Students absent from school for any of the foregoing reasons will receive excused absences when all parent/sponsor/guardian/student responsibilities have been fulfilled. Students with excused absences will be entitled to receive all assignments, assistance, and support in accomplishing the work missed. Students will be allowed one class period, for each class period missed, to make-up assignments. Individual teachers may choose to allow more time for make-up work to be completed.

Unexcused Absences
An absence from school for any other reason, or for which parent/sponsor/guardian/student responsibilities have not been fulfilled, will be considered unexcused. A note saying "PERSONAL" without an explanation will be considered unexcused. It is suggested that parents call the office prior to the student's return and explain the situation so the student may be excused. The school makes the final decision regarding whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Unexcused absences and tardies, other than suspensions, do not allow for makeup privileges and credits.

Please note that the examples of unexcused absences listed below are not all inclusive:

• Modeling, movie making or personal moneymaking ventures
• Seeing friends or relatives off at the airport
• Non-school sponsored functions
• Oversleeping, alarm clock failure
• Missing the bus or ride to school, traffic or car problems
• Senior skip day
• Truancy
• Baby-sitting

Pre-arranged Absences
Students making advanced arrangements to be absent from school are advised to examine the syllabus for each class to determine the policy regarding class work that will be missed. Some teachers may require work to be completed before a student is absent.

Request For Extended Absence
Parents can request in person or in writing an excused absence for their student through the main office. A "Request for Extended Absence" form will be provided for completion prior to the absence. Please do this at least five days prior to the absence period. The form requires parental signature, teacher notification, and administrative notification.

Absences of a week or more are very detrimental to a student's progress. There is a loss of directions, explanations and practice in class under the guidance of the teacher. Every effort should be made not to plan a vacation trip during instruction days.

Sign In/Sign Out Procedures
At no time, other than for high school lunch, should students leave campus without a parent signing them out. All students who leave school must sign out with the appropriate official at the attendance desk in the main office (room 100). Students who arrive late or return after an appointment must sign in at the attendance desk in the main office. If they are arriving late to school, they must have their parent sign them in or have a note explaining the tardiness. All students are required to have an admit pass from the attendance office.  All students being brought to or taken from the school during the day must be signed in or out by either their parents or the school nurse. Failure to follow this policy will constitute truancy.

Early Dismissal From School
Students may not be released to non-family members without prior parental consent. A parent who wishes to take his/her student out of school during the school day should send a note that morning or the previous day indicating the specific time the student should be released from class. For the safety of all students, phone calls are NOT an acceptable means of excusing a student to be dismissed early. Parents will meet the student in the main office at the specified time of release. The teacher will be contacted by the main office to send the student to the office. If the note from the parent indicates a specific “pick-up” time, the teacher may wish to send the student to the office to wait for the parent. Parents should not go to student’s classroom to pick him or her up. This policy is required to support the safety and well being of all of our students.

EARLY WITHDRAWAL / PCS
Please notify the school at least ten working days in advance of a PCS move so that the transfer documents may be prepared. Parents are encouraged to hand carry the students’ unofficial school records if they are returning to the United States. Final school clearance requires that students return all books and pay all fees.

Occasionally, a sponsor/parent must withdraw a student during the school year. Students withdrawing to PCS from school before the end of the semester may be granted credit for an accelerated study program contracted by the teachers involved, providing that the withdrawal date is no earlier than 20 school days before the end of the semester. Parents can refer to the school website regarding the official withdrawal date for credit. The parent must present orders or other official documentation of the sponsor’s departure date to Student Services.

When the withdrawal is in conjunction with the sponsor’s PCS move, the parent/sponsor must inform the school within sufficient time to prepare an accelerated study plan and student records. Application for acceleration must be made 30 days before the student is to depart so that there will be adequate time to complete the advanced assignments in addition to the regular class assignments. If permission is granted, students and parents must understand that a serious commitment in extra time and effort must be made to complete all advanced course assignments in addition to regular assignments in seven courses.

Students meeting conditions of the accelerated program are to be granted semester grades and credits. The objective is that all course work required of all students for the entire semester must also be completed by any student departing early in order to receive credit. This will not be granted for students returning to school the following year except in unusual hardship situations (emergency leave, etc.).

Parents should be aware withdrawing students early is detrimental to the student and often results in lower grades than usual for a given student. It should, therefore, be avoided whenever possible.

COMMUNICATION HOME/SCHOOL

Several methods are used to keep parents informed about school programs and activities.

The Zama American High School Newsletter is published monthly and is sent via e-mail.

Occasionally, brief notes of important school events or updating newsletter information are sent home. Please remind your teen of the importance of delivering these communications to you promptly.

Information on current school events may also be obtained from the Zama American High School intranet site at http://www.zama.pac.dode.edu. Also, information may be found on Camp Zama’s Channel 12, the Base Information Channel at Atsugi NAF, and AFN Radio.

DRESS CODE
Students are expected to be neatly groomed and dressed in clothing that is appropriate for the activities which they will participate in during the school day. Certain clothing an apparel items are inappropriate. This includes items that

• are unsafe and unsanitary.
• are vulgar, offensive, and that represent rude and disrespectful attitudes or actions.
• contain slogans and /or pictures related to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, weapons, death, cults, profanity, vulgarity, or lewd and sexual references.
• include negative depictions of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and gender.
• are symbolic of gangs or other questionable groups.
• are perceived as questionable by school or base authorities.

The following rules regarding clothing and apparel worn at school apply to all students:

• Inappropriately revealing clothing is not allowed (this includes, but is not limited to, tank tops, muscle shirts, low cut blouses, items which expose the midriff, bike pants and transparent clothing).
• Undergarments must be covered at all times.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no more than 5 inches above the knee. Unless the shorts are worn with non see through tights.
• Dangerous items such as chains or chain belts will not be brought to school.
• No headgear of any kind shall be worn within any school building (including the gym). Hair accessories are allowed.
• Bandannas may not be brought to school.
• Appropriate shoes must be worn. Certain classes may require specific clothing or footwear. Students will be notified of course specific requirements.

Student dress and personal grooming are the responsibility of the student and the parents. The school administration reserves the right to advise parents when students come to school dressed in a manner that is disruptive, in poor taste or affects the health and well-being of the individual or classmates. Students may be sent home for more appropriate dress.

IPODS, MP3 PLAYERS, RADIOS, CD PLAYERS,
CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic devices such as IPODS, hand-held video games, CD players, portable stereos, pagers, radios, cellular telephones, etc. are discouraged in the school buildings. Teachers and administrators will confiscate these items if they are being used during class without teacher permission. The item with the owner’s name affixed is to be brought to the principal’s office. The item will be returned to the student following the first offense. On the second and subsequent incidents, the sponsor will have to come to the school to claim the item. The school takes no responsibility for lost/stolen items.

DISCIPLINE

School discipline should protect and nurture the physical, social, mental and emotional growth of the students served by the school. Rules and regulations are made first to protect people and property and secondly, to protect the right of every student to participate in every facet of the educational program. The school’s discipline policies reflect an understanding of adolescent human maturation. The school’s rules specifically limit the possibilities for any individual to interrupt another student’s education or growth or the opportunity for teachers to perform their assigned tasks. As each student proceeds through the high school years, greater levels of self-control and self-discipline are expected.
It is the philosophy of Zama High School that students can learn and can be taught to manage their own behavior. With this belief in mind the following three general rules for conduct are established to guide the behavior of students:

• Students will respect the rights and property of themselves and the others.
• Students will behave in such a manner as to create and respect a positive learning environment.
• Students will respect the health, safety and person of others.

Individual classroom teachers may develop more specific rules for students. The individual classroom rules must be consistent with the above listed general rules. Teacher may assign after school detention with a 24-hour notice.
When students do not adhere to the three general rules or to specific classroom rules, appropriate action will be taken to ensure that a positive learning environment exists for all students in the school.
The school rules are in effect at all events sponsored by Zama High School to include after school and off campus events.

In the endeavor to focus on academic and social growth, staff personnel use the following steps in discipline matters when the learning environment or peaceful nature of the school environment is disrupted.

Step 1: The Teacher as the first line of discipline
 The student is to be made aware of the unacceptable behavior and counseled as to the consequences by the teacher.

Step 2: Teacher – Parent Contact
The teacher contacts the parent with respect to the unacceptable behavior and explains actions and intervention already taken and consequences for further incidents.

Step 3: Referral to the Administration – 1st Referral
The teacher refers student to the administration. The administration contacts the parent/sponsor in writing or by telephone. The student can be counseled, placed on detention or suspended for a period determined by the Administration.

Step 4: Referral to the Administration – 2nd Referral
The teacher refers the student to the administration. The administration contacts the sponsor and/or the sponsor’s supervisor. The student may be counseled, placed on detention or suspended for a period determined by the Administration.

Step 5: Referral to the Administration – 3rd Referral
The teacher refers the student to the administration.The administration contacts the sponsor, the sponsor’s supervisor and the USAG-J Commander if necessary. The student may be suspended for a period of up to ten (10) days.

This discipline policy applies to students in attendance at school or engaged in a school activity and any time, including, but not limited to:

• While the student is on school property
• While en route between school and home, to include school buses
• During the lunch period
• While going to or coming from school sponsored activities to include field trips, sporting events, field trips, school assemblies and other school related activities
• When off-campus during the school day. The school and community have a closed campus policy for the school.

The following activities may result in suspension or expulsion from the school if the principal or the discipline committee determines that the student has:

• Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person, or has threatened to use or has used physical force against a person
• Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or any other dangerous object.
• Possessed, used, offered to sell or arranged to sell, sold or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, any mind-altering substances (drugs or alcohol). An expulsion recommendation is possible on the first offense and is mandatory on the second offense.
• Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
• Caused or attempted to cause damage to school, government, vendor or private property.
• Stolen or attempted to steal and/or knowingly received stolen school, government, vendor or private property.
• Possessed or used tobacco, or any product containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew, chew packets, etc.
• Committed any lewd, indecent, or obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
• Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school staff, or other personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
• Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any drugs or drug paraphernalia.
• Gambling in any form
• Conduct, including fighting, that endangers the well-being of others.
• Unauthorized presence in the school, on school grounds, or on school buses.
• Cursing, gesturing, or verbally abusing any person, including, but not limited to, abuse or harassment based on a person’s race, religion, creed, gender, national origin, personal or physical attributes, disability, intellectual ability, and matters pertaining to sexuality.
• Vandalism, arson, or any threat to bomb, burn, or damage or destroy in any manner a school building or school property.
• Forgery, plagiarism, or cheating.
• Use or possession of fireworks.
• Violation of attendance regulations and policies.
• Unauthorized or illegal use of, or access, to computers, software, telecommunications and related technologies; any willful act that causes physical or financial damage, or otherwise disrupts information technology; any use of a computer to communicate threatening, harassing, or indecent messages; or to down load or view obscene material.

Grounds for Expulsion: The principal, or designee, shall recommend a student’s expulsion from the Department of Defense Dependents Schools for any of the following acts:
Causing serious physical injury to another person.

• Possession of any firearm, knife, explosive, laser light pointer/pen or any other dangerous or potentially dangerous object that is of no reasonable use to the student at the school, at a school activity, on the school grounds or on a school bus. A minimum one-year expulsion is required for the possession of firearms.
• Unlawful possession, use of, or sale of any mind-altering substance. (Mandatory on the second offense.)

Concurrent with the suspension of any student, the principal, or his/her designee, will notify the installation commander, or his/her designee for law enforcement or legal affairs, of any acts that might violate local laws.

SUSPENSION PRACTICES
The principal may suspend a student from school for any of the previously enumerated reasons. An informal conference to include the principal, or designee, the student and when appropriate the school employee, who referred the student to the administration, shall precede suspension by the principal, or his/her designee. During the informal conference: The principal, or designee, will inform the student of the information that indicates that the student may have committed the act for which for which the suspension is being considered.
The principal, or designee, will:

• Allow the student the opportunity to explain and/or present evidence that supports the student’s explanation or to establish that the student has not committed the act for which the suspension is being considered.
• Review the material presented by the student and the staff member.
• Make a determination based on the review of the evidence.
• Inform the student of the disciplinary action, if any that will be imposed.

In the imposition of the suspension, the principal, or designee, will:

• Contact the student’ sponsor by telephone to inform him/her of the suspension
• Provide a copy of the suspension order, in writing, to the sponsor, that includes:
• A statement of the facts leading to the decision to suspend.
• The date and time that the student can return to school.
• The information for the appeals process.
• Provide a copy of the suspension order for the parent in person or through the mail and a hand carried copy via the student
• Identify to the USAG-J commander the student who has been suspended for a second offense and in some instances for the first offense if necessary.

While suspended, a student may not participate in any school-sponsored activities, including being a spectator at athletic and other extra- curricular activities, after school or on weekends, nor be present on school grounds.

DIRECT ESCORT / SUSPENSION

When warranted, direct escort suspension is an option an administrator may use as an alternative to out-of-school suspension. If this option is extended by the school and accepted by the parent, the day(s) of direct escort will follow at least 24-hour notice to the school.

Direct escort is a procedure whereby a student’s sponsor or parent directly escorts the student throughout the school day during the period of suspension. They accompany the student to class, during lunch, and to and from the school vicinity. They must remain with the student at all times.

Saturday School
Mandatory Saturday School attendance may be used in lieu of other suspension practices.

In School Suspension

Students may also be placed in In-School Suspension.

FORGING NOTES, HALL PASSES, READMIT SLIPS, ETC. Students who forge official documents such as those indicated in this heading will be suspended from school.

INSUBORDINATION

Students are to treat all school staff members, substitute teachers, and adult volunteers with proper respect and follow reasonable requests. This includes giving one’s name or showing identification when asked. Any student who is insubordinate to any school staff member, substitute teacher, or adult volunteer will be subject to disciplinary action.

WEAPONS POLICY

A safe learning environment is one where the possession or threat of weapons cannot be tolerated. Weapons are defined as any object that can inflict harm to a person or thing included but not limited to: guns, knifes, lighters, chains, etc. As such, the following policy is in effect at ABC High School:
For instances of weapons possession involving DoDDS students and occurring on school property, to include school buses or while participating in school-sponsored activities, suspension and/or expulsion proceedings will begin immediately.
All instances of weapons possession and actions taken with respect to the weapons possession will be fully coordinated with local military and DoDDS officials.
The possession of weapons is covered by a variety of DoDDS, USAREUR, U.S. Army policy and regulations that are available for review.

AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PROTOCOL

The school is one of many resources within the community for students desiring advice and assistance with drug and/or alcohol related problems. An atmosphere of trust between all involved parties – students, parents, teachers, counselors and administrators is necessary for the resource to function efficiently and effectively. The use or possession of drugs to include Over the Counter drugs, or alcohol at school or school-sponsored activities subjects the student to disciplinary action. If drug or alcohol use is suspected, the following steps will be taken:

• The faculty member who witnesses or suspects possession and/or use of alcohol or drugs will send the suspected student, along with an escort, to the nurse’s office. It is best that the teacher accompanies the student. If this is not possible the teacher should provide a brief description of what leads him/her to suspect the student.
• The school nurse will make the initial assessment.
• Following the assessment, the student will be sent to the principal’s office for disciplinary action that can include:

• Notification of the parent/sponsor with the request that they come to the school immediately.
• A review and discussion of the situation with appropriate disciplinary action agreed upon
• Supervision and a counseling referral are mandatory. Confidential counseling services are provided by the Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Services (ASACS) program as outlined in DS Regulation 2792.2, dated January 21, 1988.
• Students may be reported to MPI for drug possession and use.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Zama High School is a United States government building and, as such, is a smoke free area. There is a No Smoking policy in effect for students and staff. There is no designated smoking area for students or staff on the school campus. Students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco products during the school day on or off school property, on school-owned and operated buses or on chartered buses, or when participating in school-sponsored or school-supervised activities on or off campus.

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action/consequence to be determined by the principal which may include referral to counseling or appropriate authority for any student found to be smoking or in possession of tobacco products during the school day whether on or off campus. A two-day suspension is imposed for students caught smoking.

ALARMS
The school has many alarms including handicapped alarms in the bathroom – pulling these alarms, as well as fire alarms, without reason will result in Expulsion or Suspension.

Use of the Incomplete "I" Mark: The grade of incomplete "I" may be given to a student when the student has not been able to complete the required assignments due to late entry, prolonged illness, or excessive approved absence from school. Guidance counselors and teachers should determine the length of time needed to complete the work in extenuating circumstances; however, the normal time limit is 2 weeks. If the work is not completed in the allotted time, the "I" grade should be changed to a grade representing the value of the work accomplished in the course. The time allotted for completion should not normally extend beyond two weeks after the end of the quarter. The grade "I" will not be recorded on the permanent record card (transcript). In preliminary computations of the student's grade point average, the grade of incomplete is equivalent to zero grade points.

Use of the Withdrawn "WP" and "WF" Mark: A student who withdrawals from a course will not receive credit for the same, but the withdrawal will be denoted on their transcript as follows:

The mark of "WP" for withdrawn passing is used to denote a withdrawal without prejudice (e.g., the course is not used in the computation of the grade point average.) 

After six weeks into the semester, the mark of "WF" for withdrawn failing is used to denote a withdrawal that is counted as an "F" in the course for purposes of grade point average computation.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE
A student's grade point average (GPA) will be determined in accordance with the preceding guidelines with respect to each mark authorized for use with secondary school grade reports.  Advanced Placement courses have a higher weight factor if students complete the AP exam. All courses having grade point values must be used in computing grade point averages (look @ matrix rubric below). The formula used is: sum of the products of the total credit earned for each mark and the grade point value of the mark divided by the number of credits attempted. In this computation the approved marks have the following values:

MARK GRADING POINT VALUE

*DODEA AP courses are awarded weighted credit after the student has successfully completed the associated AP exam. The weighting is as follows: (1) A =5; (2) B=4; and (3) C=3

GRADING SCALE
The following grading scale is used in all DoDDS Schools where letter grades are assigned.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Teachers may send interim progress reports at any time during a grading period before report cards are sent out. Parents should not hesitate to contact their student's teacher if they have questions or concerns about their student's progress.  Do not wait until report cards are issued if you have a concern regarding your student’s progress.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued four times a year. They are distributed each quarter.

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Zama American High School recognizes three levels of academic excellence which is based on quarter grades.
The Principal’s List 4.0 GPA
High Honor Roll 3.5-3.99
Honor Roll 3.0-3.499

RECORDS

DOD Directive 5400.11 states that "It is the policy of the Department of Defense to safeguard personal information contained in any system of records maintained by DOD Components and to make that information available to the individual to whom it pertains to the maximum extent practicable."

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act was signed into law on August 21, 1975.  School records open for parental inspection are defined as "any and all official records, files and data related directly to a student." This would include, but not necessarily be limited to, student cumulative records folder, attendance information, academic work completed, grades, standardized achievement test scores, interest inventory data, family background, and verified reports of serious or recurrent inappropriate behavior. The following items of information will be maintained in student records of Zama American High School:

• Registration Form (DSPA Form 2030.2)
• Permanent Records Folder
• Duplicate Report Card/Transcripts
• All records received from previous schools attended by the student.
• Student Transfer Evaluation
• Test Information
• Health Record
• Serious Disciplinary Action Reports

The school principal is responsible for student records. Only authorized school personnel with a “need to know” will be permitted access to student records without parental consent. No agency outside the DoD system will be permitted to inspect student records without written parental consent unless it is directed by judicial order. A Transfer of Permanent Record form will be provided when you notify the school of a rotation/withdrawal date.

A parent or legal guardian who wishes to review any or all of the components of a student’s file should contact the administration. An appointment will be arranged so that a teacher, counselor, or administrator will be available to answer the parent’s questions.

TRANSCRIPTS
As an official record of the student’s school career, the high school transcript is an important document. It should be safeguarded, as it may be requested in the future by other schools or future employers.

The DoD Dependents’ Schools are required by regulation to maintain students’ records at this school for four years, after which time we must send them to the Educational Testing Service in New Jersey.

If you require an official transcript during the four years after graduation, please address the request to

Zama American High School DSN Telephone Number: 263-3181
APO AP 96343-5005
Commercial (Direct Dial): 011-81-46-407-3181
Commercial FAX: 011-81-46-407-3826

During the 5th year after graduation, please address the request to the District Superintendents Office.

DODEA Area Superintendents Office, Pacific
Unit 35007
FPO, AP 96373-5007

After the five-year period, please address your request to:

Telephone 1-800-257-9484
Educational Testing Service
PO Box 6605
Princeton, NJ 08541-4646
ATTN: DoDDS Transcript

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

For current graduation requirements contact the school counselors.

GRADUATION WITH HONORS
The Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools, Japan, shall award the Diploma with Honors to any student who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Met the course, credit, and other requirements for graduation established by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools.
• Met the following criteria:
• Earn a passing course grade and take the requisite examinations in a minimum of four Advanced Placement Courses.
• Earn a Grade Point Average of 3.8 or higher, based on grades received throughout the end of second semester of the graduating year.

EARLY GRADUATION

Early graduation is a privilege that needs to be earned. It is not a right. It is recognized that there will be special situations that warrant early graduation. However, the conditions must be very unique in order for the privilege to be granted. Students requesting early graduation are requested to write a letter to the principal that must include the following information:

• Letter from the counselor indicating academic eligibility
• Reason for request
• Post graduation plans
• Written approval of parent
• Request for a conference with the Principal in October

 

TESTING

The Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) Pupil Assessment Program provides for the annual (spring) testing of all (unless otherwise designated) students in grades three through eleven. The basic skills areas tested are those of reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The achievement tests are developed under contract and are built to specification for meeting DoDDS pupil assessment needs. A parent guide to understanding the test score reports will accompany the release of individual student results.

A “Visitor” to ZAMA AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL is anyone who does not work or go to school in the building.

As part of DoDDS Worldwide School Security System, all visitors to the school must sign in at the school office. Visitors will be given a badge to identify themselves. Upon completion of their visit, visitors will return the badge to the school office and sign out of the building. This is required to ensure the safety of our students.

Visitors are welcome, but this procedure must be strictly observed for the safety of the students.

• Adults who plan to visit a classroom should make a previous arrangement with the teacher and check in at the office.
• School-age visitors are only allowed in class as part of an academic program.

CLASSROOM VISITS
Parents are welcome to visit their student's classes, but prior arrangements should be made. As a professional courtesy, it is requested that parents call the teacher or send a note stating the date and time they wish to visit. Regulation requires that upon arrival at school, parents will sign in at the school office and will then receive a badge identifying them as an authorized school visitor. This procedure must be strictly observed for the safety of the students.