WELCOME LETTER
Welcome to American Group International ***AGI. Our caring and nurturing staff is pleased to have the opportunity to educate your child and we look forward to the new school year with the same hopes and dreams you have for your child. We are eager to challenge all of our students to be successful both academically and socially as we prepare them for their future.
AGI is a child-centered school with an environment that enables students to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. Students are at the center of each decision we make as educators, and we believe that is what makes our school stand out as a school that strives for excellence.
We pride ourselves on our team of highly qualified teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills. We are confident students receive a quality education each day under the guidance of our faculty.
Thank you for choosing American Group International Correspondence as your educational Institution.
Julie Wilburn, Director
Email: americanecoleagadir@gmail.com
MISSION, VISION AND BELIEFS
MISSION STATEMENT
AGIs mission is dedicated to serve the Agadir region of Morocco by providing children with a strong educational foundation following American philosophy and practices, so that they become independent, critical thinkers, and caring, contributing members of society. The AGI strives to develop the whole child and therefore, not only do we focus on achieving academic excellence but promote a high level of self-esteem, co-operation with others and creativity. We hold high the value of respect, strongly encouraging respect of oneself, respect of others, as well as respect for the environment.
Paramount to our program is our belief in the family as integral component of the program, and communication between school and home being essential to each child’s success. We offer a safe, caring, engaging environment, where our dedicated team encourages and supports the developing child in their quest for personal growth.
SCHOOL VISION
AGIs aim is to a leader in being a center of excellence in teaching, from pre-school through middle years, empowering children with the knowledge, confidence and ability to pursue successful careers in university and become responsible citizens of the world.
WE BELIEVE
We are a community of learners-students, faculty, and parents-working together to build a safe, supportive, and challenging environment for educational excellence.
Student opinions and ideas are vital; students are empowered to achieve at their highest potential when they are actively involved and share responsibility for their own learning.
A quality education enables students to make positive life choices in caring for themselves, others, and the environment.
Independence of spirit is essential in exploring, communicating, and defending our beliefs.
Diversity strengthens and enriches the climate and culture of our school; it helps us to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities and contributions of each individual.
Multilingual learning encourages respectful collaboration and leads to better cultural understanding.
In order to grow we must embrace change, take chances, and be challenged by high expectations in a climate where ongoing improvements are valued and achieved.
Education is a life-long process which offers great opportunity while imposing the responsibility of courage, integrity, and ethical conduct.
The learning process is more important than the outcome; knowing how to find an answer or ask a question is often more useful than the answer itself.
Teachers, administrators, and staff will flourish in a community that provides opportunities to grow, develop, and learn together in all aspects of their professional lives.
PEDAGOGY/THEORY OF THE NORTH AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM—-
In the North American education system, students are the first priority; they are partners in the educational experience. Student thinking is valued even when it is flawed, with their errors used as opportunities for educational growth. Teachers, while respected, are not viewed as fully informed experts who transmit their knowledge, but as professionals who facilitate and model cooperative learning. North American education emphasizes learning experiences in which children actively participate, learning by hands-on work and experimentation, solving problems that are real and important to them. The learning process utilizes interactive instruction methods such as discussions, debates, teamwork activities, and community service projects to elicit imaginative thinking, problem solving and decision making toward a goal of meaningful insight. Learning how to learn is key to the students’ ultimate success in life, and the North American education system places great importance on this principle.
As students’ progress, they are given increasing autonomy in the direction of their work, while also discovering how to work cooperatively with others. The ultimate goal is not just to prepare students for the next examination, but to develop the individual and make him or her passionate about learning.
Fees
Places in AGI are for the entire school year, September to June. Parents, guardians or either accepting financial responsibility, are accountable for the full yearly fees of students are withdrawal during the school year. Monthly payments are due on the 5th of each month, with no exceptions. AGI does not have your monthly payment, there is a 150 DH administration cost. Any changes in the method of payment for a student must be submitted in writing. For students enrolled in the school at a time other than September, fees will be prorated as of the first day of the month of enrollment. Inscription fees vary. Discounts for multi-student families.
Elementary 2500 DH monthly
Middle School 2500 DH monthly
High School 2500 DH monthly
DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00- Arrival
10:30- 11:00- Break/Snack
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
3:00 Dismissal
With the exception of Friday then the dismissal time is at 12:00.
Please make sure that your children are picked up on time.
Students are not supervised after 15 minutes when school is dismissed.
School calendar is available on the school website: www.americangroup-international.com
COMMUNICATION
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
The AGI main office is open 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday by appointment during the school year. The office is also open during the summer, with scheduled appointments. You may contact the office by mail, phone, or e-mail.
Mail: Number 20, Rue Baalabek, Cite Nahda, Agadir, Morocco 80000
Phone: +212 (0)528 843 349
E-mail: americanecoleagadir@gmail.com
Website: www.americangroup-international.com/
HOME CONTACT INFORMATION
Communication with the school is crucial for your child. Making sure that we do it well is important and every effort is made to make sure that you are informed of what takes place at school. An essential part of this process is having up-to-date information regarding telephone and email. Parents change locations, businesses, internet service providers and telephone numbers and we don’t always hear about it immediately. You cannot assume that your child will tell us. Therefore, we ask that whenever there is change that we are told immediately. The best person to contact is Julie Wilburn, the Admission Manager- Administrator/Director in the main office.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
The school also needs to keep updated information regarding emergency contacts for each student. In the event of an emergency we need to be in touch with the parent or designated guardian as quickly as possible. Please ensure that the office has been given names and phone numbers for your child’s emergency contact. If your child’s emergency contact information changes, please contact the office immediately to update our database. Please keep us updated with home, mobile and emergency contact phone numbers. Remember to let us know if you are going to be away from Agadir.
COMMUNICATING WITH US
Teachers know that education is a partnership with parents. They always welcome your communication.
MEETINGS
You are encouraged to call the office to make an appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Of course, during the school day, the teacher’s primary responsibility is the students. In order not to disrupt the learning process in our school, our Director will consult the teacher’s schedule and provide you with an appointment at a time when the teacher has no classroom or supervisory responsibility.
HOW WE COMMUNICATE
We all want the best for our students. When conflicts or problems arise, we pledge to treat you and your family with respect. We ask that you do the same when dealing with any member of our faculty or staff. Our goal is always to act in the best interest of the child. The school will communicate with you in a number of ways: Often the best and most effective means of communication is talking. Doing so face-to-face is not always easy but usually resolves issues more effectively. If a teacher wishes to speak with you, they will make contact by telephone or email to schedule a conference.
Telephone
Teachers are encouraged to get in touch with you on any important issue that involves your child. They will contact you to discuss your child’s successes and challenges in the classroom.
Teachers may contact you using e-mail. Please provide your email in your child’s file. If your e-mail address changes at any time during the year, it is crucial that we find out as soon as possible to keep the communication channels open. Also, you are encouraged to e-mail teachers or Administrator regarding any issue. We currently use Whatsapp school group and ClassTag as parent/teacher contacts.
Reports
There are two different types of reports for all students, progress reports and semester report cards. Parents should check the student announcements on the website frequently to remain aware of what is happening at AGI.
Program of Studies/Course Syllabus
Teachers will provide information about their classroom schedule.
Announcements
The announcements are posted on the school website as needed.
IF MY QUESTION INVOLVES ________________, I SHOULD ASK ___________________.
Homework, class assignments Your Child’s Teacher
Student files, records, attendance, health issues Julie Wilburn
Payments Julie Wilburn/Abdelhak Lam
Transport None Available at this time.
Admissions Julie Wilburn/Abdelhak Lam-Arabic
Personal Educational Plans Educational Director-Julie Wilburn
Student activities Your Childs Teacher/Director
ES/MS/HS curriculum, grades, discipline Julie Wilburn, Matthew Wilburn , Abdelhak Lam
Language Program for EFL and ESL Julie Wilburn/AngliaMorocco Country Coordinator
Arabic Support Abdelhak Lam
CONDUCT/BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS/CODE OF CONDUCT
At AGI, students are expected to meet certain behavioral standards at all times:
Students will respect themselves, others, and belongings.
Students will demonstrate responsibility, both academically and socially.
Students will display honesty and personal integrity.
Students will be generous and responsible citizens.
Students will contribute positively to the school environment.
Students will express themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others.
Students will practice tolerance towards differences in culture, gender, race or beliefs.
Students will enrich their language skills be speaking only English in the classroom unless they are doing lessons in their native language.
DRESS CODE
School rules including PE rules, recess rules, and general classroom rules will be distributed to students by the appropriate teachers/staff each school year.
Comfortable environment, conducive to learning and respectful of our host culture. Additionally, we want students to take responsibility for dressing for school while maintaining autonomy. AGI students are expected to be appropriately groomed and dressed throughout the school day. The school expects students to be neat, clean, and modest in their appearance and to present a good image of the school within the community.
Enrollment at The AGI presumes that parents agree to and students will comply with the following Student Dress Code:
GENERAL APPEARANCE
1- Underclothes should not be visible.
2- Any jewelry deemed by the school to be dangerous or a distraction to the learning environment is not acceptable.
3- All clothing and personal items must be free of impolite or improper messages.
4- Hair should be clean and neat.
5- Clothing must not be ripped, torn, excessively worn or stained. Be free to have your own style.
6- Approved garments must be of a length and fit that are suitable to the build and stature of the student. Hemlines must be conservative.
7- Clothing excessively large or small is unacceptable. Students who come to school in inappropriate clothing will be asked to change.
DISCIPLINE POLICY–
The AGI Discipline Policy is designed to encourage the growth of mature self-discipline within students, while at the same time fostering a positive learning environment at AGI. The following lists provide examples of offenses and their consequences. The lists are not necessarily all-inclusive and, therefore, teachers and the
Administration is not limited in application because an item was not on the list. Repeated occurrence of offenses may result in an escalation in consequences. The teacher, administrator or staff member assigning consequences has the authority to choose the appropriate consequence, guided, but not limited, by the lists below.
Tutoring of students by AGI teachers and trainers are forbidden unless prior permission is received. Some assistants are not qualified to teach subjects. It is also forbidden in Morocco for teachers to give lessons outside of the school with the students they serve. We will not be held responsible if you decide to go against our policy as this will put the teacher or volunteer at danger of losing their position as this means they are using their energies outside of the school and they will not improve in the job performance here.
LEVELS OF OFFENSES AND LEVELS OF CONSEQUENCES
Level 1 Offenses
Inciting minor disruptions
Defiance
Lateness or absence
Dress code violation
Lunchroom violation
Eating outside of designated areas or times (lunchroom or courtyard at recess)
Coming to class unprepared
Missing or late homework assignments
Failure to return letters, etc. from home
Level 1 Consequences
Verbal or written warning
Correction of Situation (For example, change clothes for a dress code violation)
Letter of Apology
“Time out” or loss of privilege such as recess, field trip or computer use
Phone call to parents
Detention room (repeated offenses)
Referral
Discipline Committee will meet and choose any combination of consequence deemed appropriate
Level 2 Offenses
Inciting major disruptions
Defiance
Disrespect to any community member (including obscene language or gestures)
Being “out of bounds” e.g. being anywhere on school grounds without permission
Littering
Possession of a prohibited electronic device; i.e. video game, portable music player during classroom times.
Computer lab violation
Bullying/Hazing/Intimidation
Level 2 Consequences
Verbal or written warning
Phone Call to Parents
Referral
Write “reflection paper” or apology letter
Detention
Clean-up/School improvement
Special Assignment
Confiscation of items
Restitution or replacement of damaged or taken property
Receive zero/no credit on assignment
“Time out” or loss of privilege such as recess, field trip or computer use
Phone call to parents
Detention room
In-school suspension
Discipline Committee will meet and choose any combination of consequences deemed appropriate.
Level 3 Offenses
Willful disobedience/insubordination
Vandalism (damage to or destruction of school property or property of a community member)
Verbal abuse
Theft
Forgery/Falsifying documents
Threats to a community member
Not informing/Conspiracy
Leaving school grounds without school’s permission
Failure to attend detention or meeting with teacher, etc.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Taking items that belong to another community member without permission
Level 3 Consequences
Parent conference
Present “reflection paper” or apology letter to school community
Special Assignment
Restitution or replacement of damaged or stolen property
In-school suspension
Off-campus suspension (No credit for missed assignments will be given)*
Referral
Discipline Committee will meet and choose any combination of
consequences deemed appropriate
Level 4 Offenses
Endangering the physical safety of others (Fighting, horseplay, etc.)
Tobacco/Alcohol/Drugs (Including unauthorized medication)
Weapons or harmful products
Level 4 Consequences
Discipline Committee will meet and choose any combination of consequences deemed appropriate
Notification of civil authorities (i.e. police)*
Off-campus suspension (No credit for missed assignments will be given)*
Expulsion*
DETENTION
If a student has been inappropriate, a teacher or staff member may assign the student to detention during lunchtime or after school.
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the Parent Liaison, or Head of School will convene a committee to hear the complaint brought against the offending student. AGI school administration reserves the right to make decisions unique to each situation, and they shall have the final say on all student consequences.
AGI is not responsible for any damage, theft, or loss of any personal electronic devices a student brings to school, including items confiscated.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
AGI policy is to keep students in a learning environment when possible. If it becomes necessary to remove a student from the classroom due to major disruptions, s/he may be placed in in-school suspension. The student will be supervised in a solitary environment for the prescribed period of time. The student will be required to complete his/her normal assignments. The student will receive no credit for classroom or participation grades, and the discipline committee may determine if the student will be allowed credit for written work.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Mobile phones – Students are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school. If it is necessary, they are to remain switched off and out of sight during and between classes. Mobile phones may be used in the morning, during lunchtime, and after the dismissal. At these times, talking, texting, game applications, music (with headphones), and internet are permitted, while taking photos with one’s mobile is prohibited. In some circumstances, a student may receive permission to use his/her cell phone under teacher supervision.
Laptops – Students may bring laptops or other devices that aid in schoolwork-related tasks clearly in keeping with the schools educational mission. However, these devices must be pre-approved by each classroom.
Teacher for use in his/her classroom. When a student exits a classroom, use of the electronic device is not supervised or monitored by AGI staff. The student is responsible for the content. Parents should know what their children are bringing to school, and share responsibility for those decisions.
CONFISCATION AND LIABILITY
PLAGIARISM IS CHEATING! Students caught cheating at AGI will receive a mark of 0 (zero)!
ACADEMICS
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism occurs when a student presents another person’s work as his or her own. This includes copying in part or whole from any source, without acknowledgment of authorship. Plagiarizing someone else’s ideas is perceived as stealing their intellectual property. Whether it is intentional or not, it is taken as a serious matter in any educational institution. To avoid plagiarism, make sure you acknowledge the source of any material you use which belongs to someone else. Your teachers will show you how to do this. As a guide, follow these three rules:
Exact words from a source must be put in quotation marks and the source acknowledged.
Even if you reword a passage, you must give credit to the source.
Even if you summarize a passage, you must give credit to the source.
The intention is to acknowledge your use of ideas originating with someone else. The penalty for plagiarism at AGI is a mark of O (zero) for the offending assignment and possible referral to Administration for further disciplinary action, including possible Academic Probation or Suspension. The teacher concerned, or Administration will also notify parents.
CHEATING
Cheating means gaining an unfair advantage in academic work. This implies using deceit or dishonesty in any way, so that the work handed in is not entirely the student’s own. Cheating also involves violating the rules set down for the task by the teacher and the AGI Behavior Expectations. The penalty for cheating is a zero mark for the task, and possible referral to the Administration for further disciplinary action, including Academic Probation or suspension. If more than one person is intentionally involved in the cheating, the same penalty will apply to all.
HOMEWORK POLICY
AGI maintains that the purpose and benefits of homework are to:
Reinforce the educational lessons being taught in school by providing practice and review.
Reinforce the behavioral/social skills that students are learning by teaching students responsibility, organization, and time management skills.
Provide opportunities for extensions of learning and creativity.
Help parents to understand and be involved in their student’s learning.
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
The following guidelines help parents and students understand the AVERAGE amount of time a student typically might spend on homework:
Grades 1 to 2– 30 minutes
Grades 3 to 4– 40 minutes
Grades 5– 1 hour
Home Work
Students are responsible for completing all assignments given to them by their teacher. Some students who process information at a slower rate will need more time to complete their homework; others will need less. The time frame above is meant to be an average guideline for an average student on an average day. Study time before tests, exams and project due dates is bound to increase.
TUTORING
AGI faculty members offer private tutoring to students who need additional support. If you would like to arrange private tutoring sessions, contact the AGI main office.
ACADEMIC REINFORCEMENT
Teachers can be asked to work during recess times if a parent requests or if the Lead Teacher feels that the child needs extra help.
TEXTBOOKS, RESOURCES & HOW WE TEACH
Gone are the days when a teacher begins a course by studying page 1 of a textbook and progresses through to page 300. Today’s teachers have more resources at their fingertips than ever before.
Current teaching methods utilize not only textbooks but also video media, newspapers, websites, etc. Teachers are required to follow the school curriculum and teach to standards and benchmarks for the appropriate great level. How they reach that goal is where teaching becomes art. The modern teacher has been trained to use a great variety of resources, and when planning his/her lessons, a great teacher will combine several resources to meet the needs of the students.
GRADES AND REPORTING /REPORT CARDS
At the end of each academic quarter, report cards are available to monitor the achievement of students as they move toward the semester grade. These reports contain a grade, as well as a comment from each of your child’s teachers. Grades from semesters1 & 2 are averaged to produce semester grades. These grades are the result of a complete semester’s work. They represent a student’s achievement when measured against the outcomes specified for each course. Progress Reports can be given 2 times yearly only if the Educational Supervisor approves.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences are held at the end of quarter 1 and 3. Report cards will be published and distributed at conferences. Parents are expected to attend Parent Teacher Conference Day to speak personally with each teacher to understand your child’s progress.
STUDENT RECORDS
Student records are kept in the AGI main office. A student’s permanent file includes all documentation regarding that student and his/her history at AGI, including grades. Parents may review their child’s school records at the school.
Please give the school office 48 hours’ notice to allow sufficient time to make the records available.
ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT…..
ATTENDANCE POLICY
At AGI, we believe that each student’s regular attendance of 180 days is essential to ensure academic achievement. A student should be absent from school only when it is absolutely unavoidable. If your child is going to be absent or if diagnosed with a communicable disease, please call the school office. Each student/parent will fill out an absence form when absent.
NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
Parents should notify the school of pre-arranged absences. If a student is absent from classes for more than two days, teachers may notify the AGI main office. If no advance notification has been received, the school receptionist will phone home to confirm the reason for the absence. Parents need to phone the school office by 9:00am if their child is absent for sickness.
MAKE-UP WORK
If a student is absent for any reason, it is the responsibility of the middle year student or elementary parent to meet with teachers to determine what missed work needs to be completed. There is no guarantee that a student will be allowed to make up the same assignments that s/he missed. Teachers may set the policy in their individual classroom according to what assignments or quizzes are to be repeated. Missing work may result in a score of zero for the missed assignments. If make-up work is allowed, a student may be allowed an amount of time equal to the number of days absent to submit missed work (e.g. a student who is absent three (3) days will be allowed three (3) days from the day of return to school to submit make-up work). If a student is allowed to make up a test or quiz, it should be made up on the day of his/her return to school. No student work is accepted after 4th quarter grades are due to the Office.
EXTENDED ABSENCES
Parents are strongly discouraged from taking their children out of school for extended vacations. These days will be included in the total number of absences. If an extended leave is essential, parents should notify the school as soon as possible. Students and parents are responsible for communicating with the student’s teachers about any assignments that may be prepared in advance or made up upon the student’s return.
TARDY FOR CLASS
It is the responsibility of all AGI students to get to class in a prompt and prepared manner.
EARLY DEPARTURE
Any student who leaves the AGI campus before the 3:00 dismissal must be signed out by a parent in the AGI main office. Students who leave school early (before 12:30 p.m.) will be counted for a half-day of attendance.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS (IEPs)
AGI recognizes that each student has individual academic and social needs. When it becomes necessary to address the student’s individual needs, programs for modification and advancement are completed.
STUDENT SUPPLIES
It is essential that each student be prepared with all materials needed for responsible classroom learning. At the beginning of each school year, students or parents may obtain grade level supply lists from the AGI website. Each student should bring his/her complete supply packet on the first day of school. Parents may purchase supplies from any store of their choice or the school will charge supply fees.
LOST ITEMS
All found items are to be turned into the AGI main office. Students or staff members who have lost items should report the loss to the receptionist as soon as possible after the realization that the item is missing. Administrative personnel will check to see if the item has been turned in to the lost and found AGI is not responsible for lost or stolen items; however, every effort will be made to help recover the article. Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to school. All items brought to school should be clearly marked with the student’s name for easy identification. Students should bring money to school only when necessary. Losses should be reported to the office immediately.
HEALTH SERVICE
Only prescription lifesaving medication will be administered. Parents must have a completed medication form stating dosage, time and have signed an Authorization form for Administration of Medicine. The medicine must be in the original container with the prescription clearly printed. This form is available from the Administration Office.
All medicine, as well as basic first aid care, is dispensed in the main office by the Admissions Manager. If a more serious injury occurs, then the school will notify the parents immediately and transport the student to a local medical clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Students are automatically taken to the closest clinic. The school keeps a record of all treatment administered at AGI and the Admission Manager- Administrator is in charge of maintaining up-to-date records on each student’s immunizations and medical situations. If a student’s permanent file is missing any medical information, the Admission Manager- Administrator will contact the student’s parents to request updated information. In the event of an accident serious enough for a student to be sent to the office, the following procedures will be followed. The office staff will inform the parents of an accident or injury to their child upon…
The request of the child.
The need to seek outside medical attention.
The presence of blood, broken skin or significant bruising.
Any possible injury to the head, neck or spine.
Any other incident where it is in the opinion of the office staff that the injury is serious enough to have the parents or guardian informed.
In the cases of #2-5, parents must be informed regardless of whether the student requests it or not.
MEDICATION IN SCHOOL
The Admission Manager stores and administers ALL medications required by students. The Admission Manager will administer some over-the-counter medications (i.e. Tylenol/Panadol, ibuprofen, cough syrup, Tums, throat lozenges) if we have parental permission on file. We are very concerned about your child’s safety and health. If your child requires other medication, we request that you bring the medication to the AGI main office yourself.
SICK CHILDREN GUIDELINES
Children should remain at home if any of these conditions appear:
Fever 38.5 degrees.
Respiratory Symptoms: difficult or rapid breathing or severe coughing.
Vomiting: One episode of vomiting within the 24 hours.
Diarrhea: An increased number or abnormally loose stools in the previous 24 hours or three or more loose stools pre day without obvious dietary, drug, or medical cause.
Eye/Nose Drainage: Thick mucus or pus drainage from an eye or nose.
Sore Throat: sore throat especially when other symptoms such as fever or visibly swollen glands in the neck are present.
Skin Problems: Rashes which are undiagnosed or contagious sores.
Itching: Persistent itching or scratching of body or scalp.
Appearance/Behavior: Child looks or acts differently; usually tired, pale, lacking appetite, confused, irritable, or difficulty staying awake.
Usual color: eyes or skin-yellow; stool-grey or white
If staff notices any of these symptoms during the day, parents will be contacted to pick up their child immediately. Please ensure an emergency number is available for your child. Please contact us if any of your contact numbers have changed.
GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PROMOTION/RETENTION/ACCELLERATION POLICY
AGI recognizes that each student develops socially, emotionally, and intellectually at a rate unique to that student and that each student must be afforded the opportunity to progress continually through school in environments that meet their individual needs. AGI will use the following guidelines to assure that students are placed in the academic environment best suited to their needs and abilities.
PROMOTION
Grading and evaluation ensure the proper monitoring of the academic progress of students. Classroom teachers will recommend for promotion students who successfully complete the academic program approved by AGI for the grade in which the student is placed. The principal will consider this recommendation along with the student’s attendance.
RETENTION
Students may be retained if they demonstrate inability to be successful at the next level and/or when an additional year at the same level is likely to produce a beneficial result academically, socially and emotionally, as determined by the Head of School. When a student struggles to meet grade-level standards, AGI faculty, students, and parents/guardians will work together to customize support services to help the student succeed. Retention will be considered as a last resort and will take place only after very careful consideration and implementation of a retention intervention plan. A student who has been retained once in elementary or middle school and has been recommended for a second retention may be asked not to return to AGI for the following year. At the elementary and middle school levels, the decision to retain a student shall be made by the Head of School, in consultation with appropriate faculty members and parents/guardians. No student shall be promoted to the next grade level based upon age or any other social reason unrelated to academic performance. The promotion standards and retention criteria apply to all regular education students. However, in every case, the principal shall make the final determination regarding the promotion or retention of students in accordance with AGI policy. It is the intent of AGI to provide parents with timely information regarding the possible retention of their child through conferences, phone conversations, and/or written notices (such as report cards, special reports, etc.). Decisions will be made in the best interest of the child and not solely on grades or test scores.
Regular Parent – Teacher conferences are scheduled for the fall and spring. They may be canceled if the parents do not show an interest. Additionally, parents or teachers may request a conference at any time to discuss student progress. Head of School will maintain a list of students to be considered for possible retention. This list will be updated after each grading period and notification will be sent to parents at the end of the first, second, and third quarters regarding possible retention. A letter indicating retention of the student will be sent to parents at the end of the fourth grading period. Included in the letter will be information regarding any available summer school option. Promotion or retention will also be indicated on the student’s semester 2 report cards.
ACCELERATION
In truly exceptional circumstances, where a student’s academic, social and emotional development are all significantly beyond the performance of his or her classmates, AGI may consider the acceleration of a student beyond what would be considered the age appropriate grade. Acceleration will only be considered when enrichment activities to challenge the student are insufficient. The Head of School will consult with parents, teachers and other relevant faculty before making such a recommendation.
In the case of considering any student for promotion, the following criteria will be considered in addition to academic performance:
English language skills of the child.
Social maturity of the child.
Emotional maturity of the child.
Physical development of the child.
Attendance patterns of the child.
Health of the child and absences from school due to illness.
Family support.
CLASS SIZE
Class size is limited to 20 or less. Only under exceptional circumstances will this number exceed the limit (for example, a student who must repeat or the arrival of a student who has priority acceptance due to agreements with international embassies). The AGI Committee will make the final decision. Should we receive an application for entry to a class which is already full, we will place the child’s name on the waiting list for that class, providing the registration fee has been paid. In the event enrollment at any grade level reaches its capacity, AGI will maintain a waiting list. Any places that become available will be allocated according to the criteria of the priority of admission.
GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT
AGI believes it is important to ensure children are placed in classes along with their same-age peers, especially at elementary grade levels. Admission and placement decisions are made by the Admissions Committee. The following details are considered:
The student’s age at the time of enrollment.
Academic history.
Results on entrance screening, particularly writing samples.
Space availability in the appropriate grade level.
Level of English language ability in relation to the demands of the grade level for which the student is applying.
Age is the first criterion considered for the placement of students at any grade level. Age will be verified by the child’s original passport or birth certificate. Children should meet the following age requirements to be eligible for our classes:
Preschool- 3-5 years old on or before September 1
1st Grade- 6 years old on or before September 1
Plus one year of age for each additional grade level. Older students who enter AGI from another American style school will normally be placed in the appropriate grade level consistent with the level from the previous school; however, exceptions may be made when it is determined that the student may benefit from placement in a different grade level. Prospective students who have not been in a school prior to acceptance into AGI will be initially placed according to their birth date. After evaluation and observation by AGI administrators and teachers, the child may be moved to a higher or lower grade, as appropriate.
WITHDRAWAL FROM AGI
Whenever a student leaves AGI, the parent must complete a withdrawal form that can be obtained from the AGI main office. At the time of withdrawal, all tuition and fees must be paid, any educational Items that belong to AGI must be returned, and lost/damaged Items must be reimbursed. A student’s grade reports and records will be held until all school items are returned/all fees are paid. If a student officially withdraws from AGI, s/he will be considered as a new student if and when s/he returns to the school. This may include the requirement to sit an admissions exam and complete a new application form. The student’s academic and social history at AGI will be considered in this instance. If a student has been absent from school for two consecutive weeks without notice given or contact with the school, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the school roster.
VISITORS TO AGI
In order to ensure students’ safety, and that AGI’s educational processes and other school operations are consistently optimized, parents and visitors to the school must check in at the main office. Parents and visitors are NOT permitted to enter the school building or go to classrooms without prior authorization from the Head of School or Admission Manager. Parents are always welcome to visit classrooms with an administrator. Simply phone the office to make an appointment. The requirement to check in with the office does not apply when parents and visitors are attending, by invitation, an assembly or other school program or when parents are attending activities clearly for the purpose of parent involvement such as an open house or parent-teacher conferences. AGI students, teachers, and staff are not allowed to bring family members or other guests to campus without prior approval from the Head of School.
ABUSE
AGI is fully committed to protecting the dignity and rights of our students and staff. Abuse in form is against everything we stand for and will not be tolerated.
SNACKS AND LUNCHES
In order to fuel them for a productive learning day, students should eat a healthy breakfast before arriving at AGI, and a healthy lunch here on campus. Students should not have carbonated beverages (soda). They should bring healthy snacks/lunches instead of chocolate, candy, chips, or fast food. The lunch should be of a nutritional value from each of the four food groups. All students may eat a snack during their morning break and all students have a lunch break during their daily schedule. Students must bring a snack or lunch to school with them at the beginning of the day.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
MORNING DROP-OFF
Parents and drivers are asked to drop students off in the morning between 8:55 –9:00 AM. To facilitate a smooth arrival process and to show respect to all parties involved, please do not park your car in front of the school. We need to keep the traffic flowing for the safety of our children. The school day begins at 9.
AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Promptness in a child’s life is very important. Lateness can set patterns for life that care difficult to break. School age children should be picked up at 4:00 p.m. and for the other programs the children should be picked up promptly to avoid paying a late pick up fee after the first 30 minutes, After 15 minutes there is a late fee of 20 DH per each additional 15 minutes. We are all human and circumstances arise, please try to do your best to adhere to times. If you are going to be away from your place work for the day, be sure to leave a phone number where you can be reached in case you are needed for a medical emergency. Told to staff when dropping your child off call the school at ….or cell…….
Parents of students are asked to wait until the security/staff has retrieved your student remain in the waiting area until their child exits the building… Only parents/guardians or designated drivers are allowed to pick up students. If you wish to have another individual pick up your child, it is the parent’s responsibility to inform the office of this in advance students may not go home with other students without permission from both parents given to the AGI office. This is enforced for the safety of your child.
SAFETY & SECURITY /IN LOCO PARENTIS
In loco parentis is a Latin phrase that means “in place of parents.” When a student enters the door of AGI, the teachers and administrators are in loco parentis. This means we are the temporary parental figure for your child, and we will care for children as parents during the school day as best we see fit. In any emergency situation, students must remain with school officials until the Head of School determines that the situation is secure enough to dismiss students to their parents.
EMERGENCY PLANS
Throughout each year, students could be involved in drills and practice situations for various emergency plans such as fire drills and site evacuations.
USE OF SCHOOL PHONE
Students will be permitted to use the school office phone during the day in the case of emergency only. Students must have permission from an administrator in order to make a personal call. This Handbook can be updated when found to benefit the AGI and the protection of our students and faculty.
Updated November 17, 2021
© 2021 American Group International School.