DAILY ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

DAILY SCHEDULE

School Times

School for all students begins at 8:20 a.m.

High School is dismissed at 3:15 p.m.

Elementary School is dismissed at 3:05 p.m.

High School Schedule is posted on the High School Bulletin Boards.

Arrival at School

Students may enter the building no earlier than 8:00 a.m.
Elementary students must go to the waiting area to wait for their teacher who will come for them at 8:20 a.m.
High School students must wait outside or in the downstairs lobby until 8:10 a.m. at which time they may enter the High School (locker area and upstairs).

HOMEROOM PERIOD DESCRIPTION (High School)

8:19 a.m. First Bell rings. Students should enter the classroom and be seated.

8:20 a.m. Homeroom officially begins. Students that are not seated will receive a Homeroom strike.

Everyday Homeroom Checklist:

Dress code (see page 8)

Students not following the dress code will be sent to the office

Attendance

Attendance taken and absence notes collected

Announcements

Morning announcements read

Parental Communication

Possible written communication from the school will be distributed and/or responses collected

Discussion

Discussing the daily Bible verse, Quote of the Day and, if necessary, school policy reminders.

No homework or studying is done during homeroom!

8:30 a.m. Homeroom ends. A student arriving after this bell is LATE FOR SCHOOL and must go to the receptionist for an Excuse Note. This note must be shown to each teacher at the beginning of each class that day.

If a student is late three times to homeroom or late three times to school in a four week period, he/she will receive a detention.

LATE TO SCHOOL OR ABSENT

The school will contact parents/guardians of students marked absent by 10 a.m.
If absence for reasons other than illness is unavoidable, a written request from the parent or guardian must be submitted at least three days prior to the intended date of absence and approved by the principal and signed by all teachers involved.
All assignments and tests missed during this period must be completed as soon as the student returns to school. If this is not possible, the issue should be discussed with the Principal.
Skipping class will result in the student receiving zeros for work missed and the appropriate disciplinary action.
If a student is late three times to homeroom or late three times to school in a four week period, he/she will receive a detention.
Students missing more than 20 days from any class will not earn credit for that class. Individual exceptions may be approved by the Principal.
Suspicious absences will be looked into.

EXCUSE NOTES

Absent Notes:

The homeroom teacher gives a purple Absentee Note in the homeroom the day the student returns to school.
The parent or guardian must indicate the reason for the absence and sign the note.
The note is turned in at the beginning of homeroom the next day.
The student receives a strike for each day up to three days for which the note is not returned. After three days the parents will be notified.

Late Notes:

A purple Late Note is given out only by the receptionist.
The student must show the purple late note to every teacher at each class that day.
The next day the student should bring the note to homeroom signed by their parent or guardian.
The student receives a strike for each day up to three days for which the note is not returned. After three days the parents will be notified.

EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

Early dismissals require a note from the parent or guardian giving a reason for dismissal, time of dismissal, and time the student will return.
The student must give the note to the receptionist before 10a.m.
The receptionist will issue an Early Dismissal slip to be signed by each of the teachers affected by the student's early departure.

EARLY DISMISSAL

NAME: DATE:

Departure time: Return time:

Classes affected:

BLOCK I BLOCK IV

BLOCK II BLOCK V

BLOCK III BLOCK VI

Student returns the slip to the receptionist.
If returning the same day, the student must check in at the reception desk before returning to classes.
The receptionist will write the time of dismissal in the early dismissal part of the attendance book.

AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL

Elementary School

Students should help get the classroom in order before the final bell rings.
After students are dismissed, they should get their coats, books, etc. and wait in the waiting area for their parent, or driver.
No elementary student is allowed to wait outside of the waiting area for a ride unless accompanied by a high school sibling.
Students are not allowed to stay in school after school hours, unless they are registered to stay for after school activities.

High School

After the final bell students should go to their lockers and get ready to leave.
Students are not allowed to stay in school after school hours, unless they are registered to stay for after school activities (work study, sport team activity, clubs, tutoring).

HOLIDAYS

See the School Calendar, Homework Planner, or Greater Grace International School of Budapest web site (www.ggis.hu) for details of holidays for the current school year.
Some holidays in the school calendar are subject to revision. Check www.ggis.hu for possible updates.

SCHOOL PREMISES

RECEPTION AREA

No students are allowed in the reception/copier area.
Pencils, pens, tape, scissors, etc. on the reception desk are for the receptionist's use. Please ask before using them.

STAFF LOUNGE

Students are not allowed in the staff lounge.

CAFETERIA

Lunches purchased from the school are eaten in the cafeteria only. Lunches from home may be eaten in the cafeteria or outside within school grounds.
Please allow teachers and seniors access to the front of the line.
Have proper table etiquette.
Students must make sure that their table and surrounding floor space is clean before leaving the cafeteria.
All dishes and silverware must be returned to the dishwasher window.
Do not leave until the cafeteria attendant dismisses you.
Microwave is also for student use. Health Ministry regulations require food to be covered. Teachers will assist students in use of microwave.

CLASSROOMS

No food in any classroom.
Water, no other drink, may be brought into the classrooms in a clear plastic bottle only. (Exception: no water allowed in the Computer Lab).
All students are expected to be prepared for classes every day. This includes bringing books, paper, pen and pencil, and other materials required by the teacher. These materials are to be furnished by the student. After class has begun, a detention is given to a student who does not have the proper materials.
Help the teacher to keep the classrooms neat and clean.
Visitors to the classroom will be the exception rather than the rule. Prior approval is obtained from the Principal’s office and confirmed by the teacher.
Sport shoes must not be worn in classrooms.
Backpacks or gym bags are not to be brought into classrooms.
Students’ belongings should never litter the aisles.
Any student writing on desks or other surfaces or causing other destruction of school property will be sent to the Vice Principal’s office and the parents will be called in. Payment may be required for the damage.

COMPUTER LAB

Students may not operate computers without supervision.
Internet use is a privilege – not a right! Access entails responsibility. The Internet is to be used only for responsible research.
High School students, under a teacher’s permission and supervision, may use Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail to transfer school related files into Greater Grace International School of Budapest network. (Only Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail; these email services have constantly updated virus protection.).
Seniors may use their web based email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail) for college communication only. No other email usage is allowed.
Students may not bring files to the Greater Grace International School of Budapest network by any other means (no USB flash drives).
Printing on a school printer costs 20 forint per page.
Print the needed documents early; there is no guarantee that printing is available the same day the work is due.

RESOURCE CENTER

Resource Center hours are posted in the lobby and on the D-level on the Resource Center door.
No food or drinks are permitted in the Resource Center.
Everyone using the Resource Center must respect the standard "quiet please" rule.
The librarian is due the same respect as teachers.
Students should only be in the Resource Center for studying, looking for a book, reading, or research. If not, the student will be sent back to class.
If a student is in the Resource Center outside the scheduled class time with a teacher, a pass is required.
When borrowing Resource Center materials, students are responsible for returning items in good condition by their due date. The fine for late items is 20 ft/day/item. Books and other materials not returned after 1 month will be considered lost and measures will be taken to replace the material. Fines for the lost Resource Center materials depends on the items, and will also reflect the shipping and handling, and the quality of the lost item (e.g. an old hard cover book is more valuable than a new paperback). Students may also lose Resource Center privileges depending on the frequency or severity of the offence.
Books may be returned at the Circulation Desk. If you want to extend the time, bring the book back for a renewal stamp. Do not return books to the shelves after use; the librarian will re-shelve the books.
Books currently checked out may be reserved by placing a RESERVATION on them. Reservations may be requested at the Circulation Desk.
Students who owe fees or fines cannot check out more books.
The number of books and length of borrowing time varies by class. Elementary students may check out items for 1 week, high school students for 2 weeks. Special arrangements can be made with the Librarian.
Reference materials (encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.) are to be used only in the Resource Center. The majority of periodicals (like BRIO, Breakaway and National Geographic), however, may circulate. Special arrangements may be requested for other non-circulating material.
Pages from reference books can be photocopied for students. Elementary student’s copies will be made upon teacher’s request; all students must pay 20 forint for each copy. Ask the librarian to make the photocopies.
DVDs, video tapes and tape cassettes may not leave the school.
Resource Center computers are for academic research and school related work (no games). Students using online catalog, taking TOEFL sample exam, or typing homework assignments will have priority to use the computers. See the librarian for scheduled TOEFL testing. Students’ print-outs cost 20 Ft/page.
Internet users are responsible for choosing appropriate web sites to search. Obey librarian’s discretion! Remember: no games, no emailing! Using the Internet is a privilege that can be suspended.
If all computers are being used simultaneously, the librarian reserves the right to set time limit for the usage.
Family members are not eligible to borrow Resource Center materials.
Greater Grace International School of Budapest Home School students can check out 5 books/child or 15 books/family for a period of 30 calendar days by paying a 5.000 Ft deposit/family/school year.

DISCIPLINE

Greater Grace International School of Budapest is proud of its reputation as an excellent educational institution, thus, it is taken for granted that students at Greater Grace International School of Budapest will strive to uphold this reputation. As a private school, Greater Grace International School of Budapest reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary actions, including suspension and expulsion, for activities of a student, whether on or off-campus, that are detrimental to the welfare of the school, student body or individual.

Greater Grace International School of Budapest students are subject to the school rules and disciplinary responses for incidents of misconducts or breaches of discipline occurring during school or while attending school-sponsored activities.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Greater Grace International School of Budapest upholds morality, discipline and respect very high. In reference to this, any of the following constitutes inappropriate Greater Grace International School of Budapest student behavior. This list includes but is not limited to the following:

Being late to class
Causing a disturbance in classes or hallways
Using inappropriate language
Failure to turn in homework
Chewing gum anywhere on school property
Willful disobedience or disrespect
Inappropriate physical display of affection
Open defiance of authority
Racial prejudice
Eating or drinking in non designated areas
Wearing clothes other than the school uniform
Cheating
Using or displaying portable music/entertainment devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), electronic dictionaries, etc. during school time. (They will be confiscated for three school days – even on Fridays! L)
Bringing inappropriate items to school such as: weapons, laser pointers, secular music paraphernalia, or any other items as defined by the school administration.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Students must wear the school uniform while on campus. Any student found not in uniform will be sent to the school office. The office will make arrangements for the child to go home and change. The uniform must also be worn in the proper manner:

Uniforms must be neat, clean, and not wrinkled.
Only Greater Grace International School of Budapest uniform sweaters and fleeces are permissible.
Hats may not be worn in school.
Boys must wear belts.
Pants must be worn on the hips.
Shirts must be tucked in. Girls' fitted blouses do not need to be tucked in.
Only plain, white T-shirts are to be worn under the uniform shirts—no colors, no writing, no pictures.
Skirt length must be to mid-knee.
Students should have two pairs of shoes: sport shoes for outdoors, dress shoes for indoors. Dress shoes are dark in color, with closed-in toes, closed-in or strapped heel, maximum of 2 inch heel with the rest of the sole being a maximum of 1 inch. No boots indoors. Preparatory One and grades 1-3 may wear slippers indoors.
Boys cannot wear earrings and girls only one pair (one in each earlobe). Other body piercing is prohibited.
Boy’s hair should not be able to touch ears, eyebrows, or collar and should not distract from the academic purpose of the classroom. No mustaches, beards, or sideburns below the bottom of the ear.
No dying or highlighting of hair to unnatural hair colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo or violet.
Gym shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and gym T-shirts may not be worn in the classroom except by Preparatory One and grades 1-2 on gym days.
Only Greater Grace International School of Budapest sport attire may be worn during after school sports activities.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Elementary School:

The disciplining of Elementary School students will be handled mainly by the teacher. Chronic problems will be handled by the office.

Because of the great differences in capacities and behaviors in Elementary School students, classroom disciplining measures are developed by each individual teacher (losing privileges, reward systems to enforce good behavior, etc.); however, the general principles of discipline given to teachers in the Teacher Manual are always followed.

The Homework Planner may be used as a communication tool between the teacher and parents. The red disciplinary note may be affixed to it.

High School:

The disciplining of High School students will also be handled mainly by the teachers. Teachers use three specific means of discipline: strikes, detentions, and being sent to the office.

Strikes and detentions are disciplinary actions for specific infractions. The purpose is to curb the number of infractions to a minimum number by providing an immediate and specific consequence. The Vice Principal’s office will administer the appropriate disciplinary action the following day.

Some infractions require an immediate dismissal of the student to the office.

STRIKES

Strikes are registered daily by the staff on the Discipline Log.
Off Task strikes are defined by each teacher and approved by the administration. Each teacher may have a different definition of what Off Task means.
A Special strike is given to correct the behavior that is not described by the strike infractions, or by the detention infractions listed below. Special strikes need to be approved by the administration.

Infractions Resulting in Strikes:

Late to Homeroom (see Homeroom Period Description)
Late to School
Homework not turned in on time (see Homework)
Dress Code infraction (see Dress Code)
Eating food outside assigned areas
Talking during teaching
Being off task (see #2)
Reason not listed above (a Special strike, see #3 under STRIKES)

DETENTIONS

Detentions are registered daily by the staff on the Discipline Log.
When student has received a detention slip, they must report promptly to the designated room on the day of detention. Lateness will result in an additional detention.
If a student receives two (or more) detentions to be served in one day, then that student will serve those detentions consecutively for as many days as necessary in order to complete the detentions.
Any student receiving a detention seven times within any four week period will be subject to further disciplinary action by the Principal’s office.

Infractions Resulting in Detentions:

Speaking any language other than English
Late to class
Unprepared for class
Chewing gum
Late for or failure to serve a detention
Not having the homework planner in class
PASS violation
Being late to school three times in any four week period
Running in the building
Accumulating five strikes

Detention Room Rules

Students are not allowed to communicate with other students in any way.
Students are not allowed to study, read, or write.
Students are not allowed to go to the restroom.
The detention monitor may, at his discretion assign a writing assignment.
Any infraction of the detention room rules will result in a strike or additional detention at the discretion of the monitor.

The Principal’s Strike System

Some actions, such as cheating, blatant disobedience or defiance, skipping class, swearing, etc. may require an immediate dismissal of the student to the office.

When a student is sent to the office he/she enters into the Principal’s strike system. The Principal’s general strike policy is:

First - Meeting with the student.

Next - Letter sent to the parent and 2nd meeting with the student.

Then - Letter sent to the parent, 3rd meeting with both the parent and student, possible suspension (1-3 days).

Finally - Letter sent to the parent, 4th meeting with the parent and student, possible recommendation for expulsion from school given to the Advisory Board.

The Principal’s strike system may vary with each student.
The administration may decide to use writing assignments, work assignments or other discipline methods.

Suspension / Expulsion

The following behavior will not be tolerated and could result in immediate suspension or even expulsion from school:

Fighting
Stealing
Skipping school
Aggressive behavior toward teachers and/or other students either in person, via email, phone, or other indirect means
Smoking
Use of drugs or alcohol
Damaging school property
Attending discos, rock concerts or clubs
Forging parents’ signatures on notes or report cards
Bringing weapons to school or any school related activity

Suspension Procedure

In-House Suspension:

When a student is suspended for the first time in the school year, the suspension will be served “in-house”.
A letter about the issue is sent to the parents.
The student is required to report to the Principal’s office at 8:20 a.m. dressed in modest working clothes or in Greater Grace International School of Budapest uniform.
The student will be assigned appropriate maintenance/office work duties for the day.
The student will receive zeros for all the assignments, quizzes and tests of that day.

At-Home Suspension:

When the student has already had an “in-house” suspension in the current school year, and they are suspended again, the suspension will be served “at-home”.
A letter about the issue is sent to the parents.
The student is not allowed to come to school during the at-home suspension day.
The student will receive zeros for all the assignments, quizzes and tests of that day.
Subsequent suspensions will follow at-home suspension guidelines, but the length will be longer (3 days, 5 days, etc.)

HOMEWORK

Greater Grace International School HOMEWORK PLANNER

It is mandatory for all students to use the provided GGIS Homework Planner. Teachers will check the planners on a weekly basis. Failure to utilize planners will result in a meeting with the vice principal.
If a student loses their planner it must be replaced immediately. The replacement may be obtained from the office. The student will be required to pay for this replacement.
Homework Planner must be present with the student for each class and kept neat and intact. The Homework Planner must not be defaced, mutilated, or have pages torn out. It may be part of the homework grade. Not having the Homework planner in class is considered unprepared which will result in detention.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned according to curriculum and teacher discretion.
Assignments must be turned in on time. Lateness results in lowering the grade:

1 day late = minus 10% - strike given

2 days late = minus 20% - strike given
3 days late = assignments receive 0% - strike given

NOTE: This does not apply to daily assignments that are discussed in class (i.e. Math homework). These assignments, if not turned in on time will receive a zero.

Neatness is a part of the grade.
If a student is absent on the due date, the homework is due the day he/she returns to school.
Copying another student's homework is cheating. Both students involved will receive a zero for the assignment and are subject to disciplinary action.
Homework may be assigned on any school day. However, to allow students the opportunity to attend midweek church service, the due date may be deferred. Notes from the service must be shown for student to receive this deferment.

HIGH SCHOOL HOMEWORK

Turning in Policy

High School students must place the day’s homework into the assigned receptacle at the reception by 8:40 a.m. It is the students’ responsibility to see that the homework is placed into correct slots.
A student arriving to school after 8:40 a.m. should turn in the day’s homework to the receptionist at the time of receiving the purple late slip. The receptionist will mark the time on the homework papers and sign them.

Other Homework Policies

Core classes have minimum of 2 graded homework assignments per week.
Although EAL students are not expected to be on the same level as the rest of the class, they are expected to show effort, and turn in all assignments.
Assignments should be typed following the Standard Layout.

Sample of the Standard Layout:

Assignments must be turned in on time. Lateness results in lowering the grade:

1 day late = minus 10% - strike given

2 days late = minus 20% - strike given
3 days late = assignments receive 0% - strike given

NOTE: This does not apply to daily assignments that are discussed in class (i.e. Math homework). These assignments if not turned in on time will receive a zero.

Grading may be done in class, or the assignment may be handed in to be graded. Neatness is a part of the grade.
Reports must be done according to the guidelines issued by the English Department.
If a student is absent on the due date, the homework is due the day he/she returns to school. When absent, the student should find out from his/her classmates or from the teachers about the given assignments. If the absence continues for several days, the student should contact the office for homework arrangements.
Students must keep each quarter’s homework in a binder. How a student maintains his or her binder should be part of the homework grade.
Copying another student's homework is cheating. Both students involved will receive a zero for the assignment and are subject to disciplinary action.
Homework may be assigned on any school day. However, to allow students the opportunity to attend midweek church service, the due date may be deferred. Notes from the service must be shown for student to receive this deferment.
Students not adhering to the homework policy will be assigned to the Program for Assured Scholastic Success (PASS).

PASS PROGRAM POLICY (High School)

A student is assigned to the PASS program if the student receives:

Four homework strikes in a period of two weeks in one subject.
Eight cumulative homework strikes in a period of two weeks in any/all subjects.

Every missed homework assignment while in PASS program will result in a visit to the office and a detention.
Unexcused absence (skipping) from PASS program will result in a visit to the office the next morning and a detention.
The student will be released from the PASS program if they do not miss a homework assignment for two consecutive weeks.
If the student is assigned to the PASS program again, they will be released if they do not miss a homework assignment for three consecutive weeks.
If the student is assigned to the PASS program for the third time, they will be released if they do not miss a homework assignment for four consecutive weeks.

ASSESSMENT

QUIZZES

Quizzes are administered according to curriculum and teacher discretion.
Quizzes have approximately 10 -15 questions and may be oral or written.
Cheating results in a zero for the test and a disciplinary action.
EAL students will be graded as the rest of the class so that their true progress can be followed.

TESTS

Elementary School

Administered according to curriculum and teacher discretion.
Cheating results in a zero for the test and a disciplinary action.
EAL students will be graded as the rest of the class so that their true progress can be followed.
Tests missed during an absence will be taken by the student as soon as he/she returns to school. If this is not possible, the issue should be discussed with the Principal.

High School

Administered according to curriculum and teacher discretion.
EAL students will be graded as the rest of the class so that their true progress can be followed.
Cheating results in a zero for the test and a disciplinary action.
Midterm and final exams will be administered according to the posted schedule issued by the school office.
Midterm and final exam scores are not averaged into the quarterly grade.
Students must keep all tests and exams in a binder to be used as study notes for future tests and exams.
Seniors receiving 93% or above for every quarter and on the semester exam in any subject will be exempt from the final exam in that subject.
Test reviews will be general in their content. Specific questions and answers that will appear on the test will not be included in a review.
All tests should be scheduled in advance (minimum three days). No more than two core subject tests per day per grade may be scheduled, unless first approved by the administration.
Tests missed during an absence will be taken by the student as soon as he/she returns to school. If this is not possible, the issue should be discussed with the Principal.

PROJECTS

Elementary School

Administered according to curriculum and teacher discretion.

High School

Projects are assigned to train our students to research, to write effectively, to interpret data, and to prepare them for college or university.
Teachers will clearly state what is expected in a project; this includes a written outline of the project, a set of dates when each step of the project is due, and samples using MLA format for citations (check mla.org, or see your Homework Planner).
Projects are assigned in parts to guide students to write the best possible paper.

Suggested Stages of a Project:

1^st Topic due

2^ndBrainstorming for what to include in the project

3^rd Bibliography of sources

4^th Outline and the first paragraph

5^th The first third of the report

6^th Complete rough draft

7^th Final paper

Every time something is handed in to the teacher, all previous parts are handed in as well. Students should have a project binder to keep everything together.
Projects in stages help eliminate the tendency to do the whole project only the night before. Any part that is not handed in on time, results in a strike and a lowering of the grade according to the homework policy.
Final projects are graded according to a prepared grading outline. An example grading outline could be as follows:

The teacher can choose ten areas to grade, assigning a grade of 1 to 10 for each area. By doing this the student will understand why a grade was given.

GRADING

GRADING schedule

Grading Schedule for 2007-2008 School Year:

Quarters	Midterm Report sent home	Close of Quarter
1^st Quarter	Sep 28, 2007	Oct 31, 2007
2^nd Quarter	Dec 07, 2007	Jan 24, 2008
3^rd Quarter	Feb 27, 2008	Apr 04, 2008
4^th Quarter	May 05, 2008	June 11, 2008

GENERAL GRADING POLICIES

Grades are a measure of a student's work, effort, and progress during a quarter. The actual grade will be an objective average of daily homework, quizzes, and tests as well as an indication of the student's attitude and effort in the classroom.
All core subjects will be graded with percentage grade according to the Grade Key.

Grade key

Academic		Attitude / Effort
93 - 100	A	1 = Outstanding
83 - 92	B	2 = Good
73 - 82	C	3 = Satisfactory
66 - 72	D	4 = Needs Improvement
0 - 65	F	5 = Unsatisfactory

GRADING – ATTITUDE / EFFORT

An attitude/effort grade is given for each subject. An attitude or effort grade is not given casually. Parents and administration are often more interested in their child’s attitude and effort more than their academic grade.

Attitude Grade

The attitude grade should reflect the attitude the student displays towards the subject, their peers and the teacher in the classroom.

Effort Grade

The effort grade should reflect the effort the student puts into the subject.
Homework has a direct bearing on the effort grade. For example a “5” could indicate no effort (i.e. many missing homework assignments); a “3” could indicate that all assignments were handed in and on time, etc.
In class participation has also a direct bearing on the effort grade: answering questions, general participation, great effort etc. could result in a “3”.
No effort on tests or quizzes should also be reflected in the effort grade. For example, putting only your name on the test paper shows no effort in preparing for the test.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADING

Preparatory One students receive written progress reports for the first semester and percentage grades in the second semester.
Grades 1-6 will be graded with percentage grades according to the Grading Key.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADING

Quarter Grades

Quarter grades are composed of as follows. Possible exceptions have to be communicated before the end of the grading period:

Semester Averages

Semester grades are composed of as follows:

Fall Semester Averages:

1^st Quarter 40%

2^nd Quarter 40%

Midterm Exam 20%

Spring Semester Averages:

3^rd Quarter 40%

4^th Quarter 40%

Final Exam 20%

Final Year Average

The final grade of the year is composed as follows:

Final Year Averages:

1^st Semester grade 50%

2^nd Semester grade 50%

GRADING EAL (English as Additional Language) STUDENTS

EAL students are graded as if they were fluent English speakers in order to show parents the progress of their child. The transcript of an EAL student will indicate that they were an EAL student.

GRADING NILD STUDENTS

NILD is an acronym for the National Institute for Learning Disabilities, based in Virginia, USA. The NILD Discovery Program is used to teach and develop learning skills. Grading may be done in accordance to students IEP (individual education program). GGIS has a level one certified NILD therapist on staff.

HONORS

At the end of each quarter, the Principal's List and the Honor Roll are posted and students are presented with award certificates to honor their academic performance.

Honors will be determined as follows:

Principal's list – 93% or above in every subject.
Honor roll – Overall grade average of 91% or above with no individual subject below 83%.
Preparatory One students are not eligible for honors.

MIDTERM REPORTS

Midterm Reports are designed to alert both the student and the parents of the student’s low performance. Midterm Reports are also an opportunity for teachers or parents to request a conference appointment.
Special reasons to send a Midterm Report:

Student’s average is below 73%, or they are in danger of failing.

Student’s average has dropped 10% or more from the previous average.

Midterm Reports are issued half way through each grading period and are to be returned to the teacher with the parent’s signature two school days later for verification. (See the Grading Schedule.)

A student who loses the report or fails to return a signed report receives a strike for each day the report is late.
If the report is not returned in three days, the parents are called.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any questions concerning a student's performance. Parents may request a conference using the Midterm Report, or at any time during the year by contacting the teacher directly. We strongly urge every parent to take the opportunity to come to school to meet the faculty and discuss their child's performance.

REPORT CARDS

Grades are reported to parents on quarterly report cards. Report cards are issued the week following the end of each quarter (See the Grading Schedule).
Report Cards must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the homeroom teacher. The Report Card is given back to the student after the teacher has verified the signature.
Parents will be notified by phone if the signed Report Card is not returned in two days.

DIPLOMAS

TYPES of DIPLOMAS

Three types of diplomas are offered at Greater Grace International School of Budapest:

A standard American high school diploma which implies an acceptable English language proficiency level and an adequate number of graduating credits.

Non-native English speakers are required to obtain a 79 TOEFL score with no grades lower than 16 in any single section. The Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate must be completed by August 31^st of the same year that the diploma is issued.

A high school EAL diploma which implies that English is not the mother tongue and a computer based TOEFL test score of less than 79, or some sections less than 16, has been achieved.
Modified Education Diploma which implies that the graduating requirements have been modified to include remedial subjects, limited attendance, physical disabilities, or other unique mitigating circumstances.

Greater Grace International School of Budapest DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (American High School Diploma)

A. Minimum Subject Requirements:

Four years of English

May be replaced by another language if it was the mother language of the school previously attended, and if a 79 TOEFL score (with no grades lower than 16 in any single section) was attained
English as a foreign language at another school does not fulfill this requirement.

Three years of History

Three years of High School Mathematics

Minimum level of Algebra 1

Three years of Science

Bible every year attending Greater Grace International School of Budapest

Two years of Computer

Minimum typing net speed 30 WPM
Minimum accuracy of 85%

Two years of Physical Education

Two years of a Foreign Language (required also by most colleges)

See the following Foreign Language Requirement section

Four credits of Electives

Includes Physical Education
Half year elective constitutes ½ credit
Whole year elective constitutes 1 credit

B. Minimum Credit Requirements

59 credits is the minimum requirement for graduation.
If a student aims only to complete the minimum subject requirements, it is possible that he/she will not meet the minimum credit requirements.
After every school year, the student’s chances to meet the graduation requirements are evaluated.
A 66% final grade is required to pass a subject. The final grade is calculated by averaging the semester grades (50%/50%)
Courses from other schools may be applied to Greater Grace International School of Budapest credit requirements, subject to Principal approval.
Summer study plans and the option to take a final exam after the course was failed are also subject to the principal’s approval. There is a cost for these exams if credit is needed on a transcript. The cost is subject to change each school year.

C. Foreign Language Requirement

Greater Grace International School of Budapest students in grades 7-10 are required to study in a Greater Grace International School of Budapest foreign language class of a language other than their mother tongue. In addition, the high school diploma requirements dictate that all students complete at least two years of a foreign language class during grades 9-12. This requirement includes new students. A foreign language studied previously, between grades 9-12, may transfer to Greater Grace International School of Budapest requirements.
Students assigned to an English fortifying class, should not enroll in a foreign language class. The English fortifying class may be applied to the two year foreign language requirement, if the student is already in 11th grade and doesn’t have two years left in high school to complete the requirement.
Eleventh grade or twelfth grade students, who have already met their foreign language requirement, and decide to withdraw from the class, must do so within 2 weeks or the withdrawal remains on their transcript.
For students preparing for college, a sequence of two years in the same language will be more advantageous than choosing a different foreign language each year. In addition, highly competitive colleges are interested in students who have chosen the most challenging course schedule. Therefore, even if a two or three year sequence has been completed, an additional foreign language may be studied as well.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Doctor’s Office

The school doctor is a pediatrician and is for Greater Grace International School of Budapest students’ treatment only.
The school doctor will:

Come to the school one day per week.

Perform routine admission medical exams.
Administer required immunizations.
Examine students who are ill.

The doctor’s office (located across from Preparatory One on level B) will remain locked except for medical purposes only.

An updated medical form must be on file for every student.

Illness of Children

The nurse and the office need to be notified immediately.
The office will call the parent or guardian to pick up the student as soon as possible or the student will remain in the infirmary.

Injury of Children

Remain calm.
Notify your supervisor/teacher immediately. The supervisor/teacher will notify the nurse and the administration.
Do not attempt to move an injured person.
Do not alarm the injured person by unnecessary discussion of the severity of the injury in his/her presence.
After consultation with the nurse or doctor, administration will decide the proper action to be taken according to the severity of the injury.
Parents are informed by phone immediately by administration, unless the injury is deemed too minor for parental involvement.
An Injury Report for every injury must be completed by the student’s supervisor and the school nurse. The Injury Report is kept on record in the student's file.
Greater Grace International School of Budapest has an agreement with the First Med Center (formally known as The American Clinic) to provide free emergency health care to Greater Grace International School of Budapest students. The office will handle this procedure as well as transport. The address of the First Med Center is: “Hattyúhaz”, Budapest 1^st district, Hattyú utca 14.

STUDENT INFORMATION

STUDENT INFORMATION

The office must have your correct address and telephone numbers at home, mobile numbers, and at the parents’ place of employment. Please notify the office of any changes as soon as possible.
The phone number of an emergency contact person is also necessary in the event that the parents cannot be reached.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

The completed medical information form must be submitted to the school upon enrollment or an examination will be scheduled with the school doctor.
The office should be informed of all medication taken during school hours.
Students who have special medical conditions should notify the office in writing at the beginning of the school year.
All students are expected to participate in physical education classes unless they have a written medical excuse from a doctor.

TUITIONS and FEES

ENROLLMENT OF CHILDREN

Enrollment of children in Greater Grace International School is a privilege, not a right.
Parents must understand that continued enrollment and reenrollment of their children is dependent on their support of the school, its staff, and its policies.

TUITIONS

The tuition amount varies depending on the school year and the type of payment used. Tuitions are generally received from expatriates via bank transfer to Expatriate Support Services Establishment (ESSE). Hungarians and expatriates with Hungarian businesses may elect to pay in Hungarian forint. European Union citizens have the option of paying in EURO via ESSE.
Each year parents must sign an “Education Service Agreement” either with ESSE or with Educom. This contract is valid for one year and may not be changed.
The application fee and tuition amount includes tuition, books, classroom fees, all activities, field trips and other co-curricular programs.
The exact tuition amounts and payment schedules are available on a separate sheet.
The general tuition payment schedule is as follows:

Application fee – Due at the time of enrollment

Registration fee – Due at the time of enrollment

part of the total tuition

1^st payment – Prior to 1^st day of School

half of the remaining tuition

2^nd payment – Prior to beginning of the 2^nd semester

remainder of the tuition

NOTE 1: Application and registration fees are not refundable after July 30, 2007.

NOTE 2: Payments not received by the due dates mentioned above will be subject to late interest charges. The late interest equals twice the prime rate of the Hungarian National Bank.

There is a 20% discount on the 1^st and 2^nd payments for additional students from a self-paying family. This discount does not apply to students paid for by a corporate or a government grant.
Students entering school during the school year will be charged a pro-rated tuition amount based on the academic quarter.
All bank transfer charges (whether to ESSE or Educom) must be paid for by the ordering party.
If tuition is not paid within 2 weeks of the payment due dates, children will not be allowed to attend classes.

OTHER FEES

Lunch charges are billed quarterly on your financial statement and are payable in Hungarian forint. If the lunch fees remain unpaid after two weeks, no lunch will be served to your child. Cancellations of the school lunch are accepted within a one week notice time.
An EAL program fee for grades 1 - 11 will be charged per academic quarter (65,000 HUF/quarter) and is due within 2 weeks from the first day of the quarter. This charge will show on the quarterly financial statement.

PAYMENTS

Any delinquent accounts must be paid in full before any student will be allowed to take midterm or final exams. No report cards or other school records will be released until all balances are paid.
If a balance remains unpaid, it may result a dismissal from school.
A financial statement will be issued for each family in the beginning of every month and will be sent home with your child. Outstanding balances shown on this statement should be paid within one week of receipt.
Tuition, school fees, and the lunch program may be paid in cash, via bank transfer, or with major credit cards.

WITHDRAWAL FROM Greater Grace International School of Budapest and REFUNDS

A written notice submitted to the school office is required two weeks prior to the withdrawal of a student for any reason. No tuition amounts will be refunded until proper notification of withdrawal is given.
The amount of the tuition refund will equal the tuition amount paid less a pro-rated amount of tuition for days attended, and a penalty equal to one month’s tuition.
No refund will be given for the remaining parts of paid programs in which the student doesn’t participate due to the withdrawal or due to disciplinary reasons.
As a result of certain fixed expenses involved in the operation of the school and in the enrollment of each child, there will be no adjustments in tuition for short-term illnesses, vacations, holidays, or any other absences.

VARIOUS POLICIES

CLASSROOM AND ART SUPPLIES

Classroom supplies are only for teachers’ use. See your teacher if you have an occasional need for supplies.
Students may use art supplies only by the direction of the art teacher.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

No birthday or going away parties are allowed during school hours except for Preparatory One. Parties are to be scheduled after school or during lunch in the cafeteria.
The time and place for holiday parties will be determined prior to the holiday.
All food, drinks, paper cups, plates, napkins, etc. must be supplied by the teacher or by the students. Please do not ask to use the cafeteria supplies.
Party area must be cleaned and all leftovers disposed of before leaving the school.

EAL STUDENTS

The expectation of the EAL (English as Additional Language) program is that in the following year the student will repeat the grade into which they were admitted.
If the student shows demonstrable academic progress, they may be promoted to the next grade in the following year. The Michigan Test is administered and used as a part of the English assessment.
For homework, speaking English, grading, diploma and fee policies for EAL students, please see the corresponding sections in this manual.

ENGLISH ONLY POLICY

While the school respects all nationalities and cultures, it is required that only English be spoken by students during school hours. Comprehension and fluency come only through consistent use of the language. This policy is to be followed and enforced at all times while on school premises and at school events.
Of course, it is understood that a new student with no English background is unable to communicate at all, so allowances are made for these students. However, once a student has been released from the EAL program, he/she must converse in English.
Honor everyone by using only the language that is the basis of our school. This total immersion in the English language has proven to be very beneficial to academic success.

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS, ACTIVITIES, AWARDS, ETC.

Throughout the year various after school sports and club activities (appropriate to the season) will be offered. Students may participate only with written parental permission.
If you have been a sports team member, contest winner, Student Council member, school club member, work study student, teacher’s assistant, or something else that you would like to have included on your school transcript, ask your teacher to fill in an Extra Curricular Activity form.

EXTRA HELP

Teachers are available to help those students who are not keeping pace with the rest of the class.
Extra help may be given during the teacher’s office hours, study halls, free class periods, and after school.
Special fortifier classes may be provided for high school students who are having difficulties with specific subjects.

FIELD TRIPS

Students may not bring music players, electronic games, etc. on trips. Cameras are allowed.
Only Greater Grace International School of Budapest (OCIP) students may participate in school field trips, unless it has been previously arranged with the office.
Parents are encouraged to participate as chaperones.
A minimum of one chaperone per eight students is required.
All field trip related costs are to be paid by students.

FIRE DRILLS

When the alarm sounds (continuous sound), everyone should immediately stop what they are doing and leave the building in an orderly fashion according to the posted building evacuation plan in each room.
Teachers close the windows in the classroom and the doors to the hallways before leaving the building. All lights are to be turned off.
Students must line up and walk quickly and quietly to the appointed outside destinations, which are:

Levels A and B exit by the back doors up to the rear parking lot.
Levels C and D exit through the main lobby to the front parking lot.

On reaching the designated area, the teacher, whose class was interrupted, takes attendance to ensure all of his students are present.
In the event of a fire or drill during lunch time, homeroom teachers will line up their children by class and take attendance.
In order for communication to be clearly heard, absolute silence must be maintained at ALL times, including exiting the building and when in the designated area.
Teachers will stay with their students at all times.
Do not re-enter the building until the administration has given the “all clear” signal.

GYM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Failure to wear the proper gym uniform (including shoes) results in the student receiving a zero for the class and a detention according to the discipline policy. The student will remain with the class, but not participate.
Students should place their name on all sport apparel.
Students should not borrow shoes nor change into sports shoes until they are in the changing room.
The gym teachers will determine if classes are to be held indoors due to weather.
If an injury occurs, follow the procedures outlined in the Injury of Children section.

LIVING WITH A GUARDIAN POLICY

Greater Grace International School of Budapest works closely together with the parents of our students. A student’s home life is important and is an inseparable part of his/her success in the school. Therefore Greater Grace International School of Budapest requires that each student must live either with his/her parent(s) or with a school approved guardian with whom the school is able to have regular contact.

LOCKERS

High school students are assigned a locker and a combination lock at the beginning of the school year.

NOTE: Use of locks is not mandatory, but highly recommended. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. A student should never leave valuables in his/her locker. The office can store valuables for students during the day.

Locker cleanout and inspection will take place periodically.
No stickers are to be placed on or in lockers.
If a lock is lost a charge of 2000 HUF will be applied. Damage to the locker will also result in a charge.
Locks are returned to the school maintenance when the student leaves Greater Grace International School of Budapest or at the end of the school year.
All student items should be placed in assigned lockers. This does not include coats. Shoes are not to be placed under lockers.

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES

When there is need for an in-depth discussion of a specific topic or problem on student’s progress, parents/guardians may request for an individual conference with a teacher.

PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS

There are two Parent/Teacher Meetings each school year, one in the fall and one in the spring (see the school calendar for dates).
These meetings are the perfect opportunity for parents to discuss their child's progress, meet the staff and other parents, and hear about future school plans.
If an in-depth discussion is required with the teacher, an individual conference should be arranged.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Put your name on all personal belongings, including uniforms.
Never bring to school more money than is absolutely necessary.
Never tamper with other people's belongings, not even as a joke.
Do not bring valuable equipment or toys to school.
High School students must keep all their belongings in their locker. Valuable items may be kept in the office.

PETS IN SCHOOL

Pets are allowed in school only by administrations prior approval.

RECESS AND BREAKS

Students must be quiet while in the hallways; other classes are still in session.
Elementary students must stay in the classroom during the daily morning snack break.
High School students may have snacks and drinks only in the cafeteria or outside.
Elementary students may not go in front of the building or leave school grounds.
High School students are not allowed to leave school grounds without proper permission.
Proper safety equipment must be worn when participating in sports.

SHOWING VIDEOS

All videos in the school Resource Center are appropriate for student viewing.
Resource Center videos may not be checked out by students.
If a video has not been approved for classroom showing, but is still within the range of acceptable content, an after school viewing can be arranged by a teacher. Students must have permission slips signed by their parents in order to attend.
The usage of the AV equipment must be scheduled with the receptionist.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The purpose of the Student Council is to interact between administration and the student body.
The Student Council participates in and helps to organize school events.
Grades 7 to 12 are represented in the Student Council
The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the class representatives are elected at the end of September (see the school calendar for dates.)

STUDENT PARKING

Due to limited parking, students are not allowed to park on school property without written permission from administration.

STUDY HALL

Students must bring all their necessary materials to study hall at the beginning of class. They are not permitted to go to their lockers once the class has begun.
Use your study hall time wisely – study! J Study hall must be a productive time for all students – no conversations, no games or sleeping.
Talking is allowed by permission only and then in a whisper.
Depending on the Resource Center availability, only a few students may go to the Resource Center. The student must have a legitimate reason and a Resource Center pass.
All classroom rules apply to the study hall.
The same disciplinary procedures are followed in study halls as in regular classes.

SUMMER STUDY PROGRAM

Students failing a course necessary for advancement to the next grade, or for graduation, will be required to make up the credits by one or more of the following:

Self study program concluded by tests administered by Greater Grace International School of Budapest. (See step 6 under Minimum Credit Requirements.)
Private tutoring concluded by tests administered by Greater Grace International School of Budapest. (See step 6 under Minimum Credit Requirements.)
Corresponding course from an approved source.
A summer enablement program administered by Greater Grace International School of Budapest.

TELEPHONES

Students may use their mobile phones only in the level B office and with the permission of the secretaries.
The phone in the administrative office may be used for emergency calls and with administrative permission only.
Mobile phones must be turned off – NOT KEPT ON SILENT MODE – during school time. Unauthorized use (anywhere other than the office) will result in confiscation of the phone for 3 school days. (Even on Fridays! L)

TEXTBOOKS

Soft cover textbooks that are used by the student should be clearly labeled with the student's name. It is the student's responsibility to maintain the books in usable condition until the end of the school year.
Hard cover textbooks are school property and must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year. DO NOT WRITE IN THE HARD COVER TEXTBOOKS.
If a textbook is lost or destroyed, the office must be notified at once so a replacement may be ordered.
Loss of books is not a valid excuse for not doing class assignments.
Lost, written in or damaged hardcover textbooks will be charged to the parent’s school account.

Greater Grace International School Student Manual 2007-2008