Lahore American School : Middle School Handbook : 2012 - 13
Message from the Superintendent
Welcome to all of our students and their families, and an especially warm welcome to those of you
who are new to LAS and new to Pakistan. This new school year, 2012-13, will prove to be a busy
and exciting one.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide all of our students and their families with the current
information regarding the school: its academic program, sports and activities, beliefs and mission
statement, and a clear understanding of its standards and expectations. The American system of
teaching and student evaluation may be new to some of our families, and this handbook is
provided to you to explain the systems and practices at LAS. Returning LAS families are advised
that there are some changes in the handbook and we encourage a careful reading of the various
sections.
The faculty and administration at LAS believe that consistent communication between the home
and the school is an essential component of providing the best environment for student success.
Early in the school year, parent orientation sessions will be held in all three sections of the school:
Elementary and Secondary (Middle School and High School). These meeting will give parents the
opportunity to meet the teachers and have the academic and behavioral expectations for their
students explained.
Each Friday, the all-school newsletter, the Friday Flash, is sent to all families electronically. Please
ensure that the school offices have your current email address so we can send you this weekly
publication. For quick reminders and messages for emergency situations, we use group email and
group SMS, so again, please be sure all contact information is up to date at all times.
LAS provides a full program of standards-based academic expectations in addition to a wellrounded activity program. The extra-curricular activities consist of: various sports (soccer,
swimming, cricket, basketball, badminton, track and field, and volleyball), clubs, debating,
concerts, movie nights, an annual International Family Day, Model United Nations, Honor Societies,
student councils, dances, community service, an annual Fine Arts Festival, talent shows, Family
Literacy Night, Family Math/Science/Technology Night, and field trips.
LAS has made great strides in the past few years in the area of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT). This will continue with refinements in our Moodle program (distance learning)
and Edline. In addition, we have a number of new ICT courses in the High School. LAS has an
informative and exciting website. See who we are at www.las.edu.pk.
When you have a question or concern, please contact the school and get the correct information
you need. A school grows and changes each year so it is always best to know what is current and
not rely on outdated information.
Welcome aboard for a new year of learning and exploration!
Best wishes,
Kathryn D. Cochran
Superintendent
Message from the Secondary Principals
This Parent-Student Handbook exists so that students and parents are fully aware of our LAS
Mission, expectations, programs, policies and rules for Middle School and High School. Please
review it and refer to it throughout the year.
Our clear mission at LAS is:
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Igniting Passion for Learning
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Connecting to the World
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Building our Community
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Preparing for the Future
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Realizing our Potential
Lahore American School is a place where inspired learning is valued, and it is also a home to our
students. LAS is a place where students are welcomed and nurtured, a place where they are
valued for their individual characters and creativity, and a place where we learn the importance of
taking care of each other and our community.
Our shared goal is to help your children realize their potential. This is only possible when the home
and the school work as partners to support the child’s development. Parents, students and school
faculty form the vital Learning Triangle which will help LAS students develop into fully formed
young adults. This triangle is most successful when parents, students and faculty invest time in
getting to know each other, listen to each other, and keep conversations focused on what is best
for the student’s development.
We urge all parents to continue to visit school regularly as active members of your children’s
educational lives. The students who are most successful in school have parents who attend their
matches, presentations, conferences and school celebrations. While you must balance your child’s
growing independence with your involvement, it is better to be seen as overly involved than
detached from your child’s life. So, even if your child tells you no other parent will come to a given
school event, we hope you will attend anyway!
We look forward to a wonderful year of learning together.
Go Buffs!
Dr David Freeman
Ms Myna Anderson
Secondary Principal
Assistant Secondary Principal
Quick Contact List
Telephone
Extensions
Accounts Office
216
Admission Office
226
Business Office
239
Guidance Office
241
Health Clinic
219
Librarian
228
Main Gate
231
Main Office Coordinator
211
Registrar
244
Secondary Principals’ Assistant
212
Email
Parents are welcome to contact teachers with concerns or to organize meetings when needed.
Please respect the need for respectful communication and please maintain the confidentiality in
which we share these addresses.
Department
Art
Drama
ESL
French
Guidance Counseling
Secondary Asst. Principal
ICT
Language Arts
Learning Support
Learning Support
Math
PE Health
PE Health/Athletic Director
Science
Social Studies
Urdu
Teacher
Zehra Hassan
Fatemeh Qizilbash
Jill Snedden
Tahira Jafar
Nancy Maag
Myna Anderson
Sairah Fazil
Anne Rudholm
Bismah Khan
Ramona Carter
Ahmed Khan
Kimberly Howell
Neil McIntyre
Mike Bramstedt
Jess Steinmetz
Mohd. Farhan Butt
Email
zehra@las.edu.pk
fatemeh@las.edu.pk
jsnedden@las.edu.pk
tahira11@las.edu.pk
nmaag@las.edu.pk
manderson@las.edu.pk
sfazil@las.edu.pk
arudholm@las.edu.pk
bismah@las.edu.pk
rcarter@las.edu.pk
akhan@las.edu.pk
khowell@las.edu.pk
nmcintyre@las.edu.pk
mbramstedt@las.edu.pk
jsteinmetz@las.edu.pk
farhan@las.edu.pk
Quick Calendar 2012-13
September 2012
Sep 6
Sep 27
October 2012
Oct 25
Oct 26 – 29
November 2012
Nov 22
Secondary Open House
MS Assembly
MS Assembly
Eid ul Azha*
(No School)
Q1 Secondary Honors
Assembly
Nov 23
Nov 29
Nov 8
December 2012
Dec 21
Dec 22 - Jan 6
January 2013
Jan 24
Jan 30 and 31
Jan 31
February 2013
Feb 7
Feb 21
Feb 28
9th Muharram*
(No School)
MS Assembly
Secondary PTSC
MS Assembly
Winter Break
Eid Milad-un-Nabi*
(No School)
Q2 requested PTSC
MS Assembly
Q2 Secondary Honors
Assembly
Family Fun Night
ES/MS Assembly
March 2013
March 1
March 8
March 28
LAS Holiday
House Sports Day
MS Assembly
April 2013
April 1 – 5
April 11
April 18
Spring Break
Qtr 3 PTSC
Q3 Secondary Honors Assembly
May 2013
May 30 to June 3
Grade 8 Exams
June 2013
June 4
June 5
Grade 8 Moving On
Last School Day for Students
*subject to the sighting
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Understanding Lahore American School
The Lahore American School (LAS) is an independent co-educational day school which offers a U.S.
based educational program from Pre-School through Grade 12 for students of all nationalities.
Founded in 1956 to serve American students overseas, LAS has developed into a highly recognized
international institution following an American college preparatory curriculum. LAS has been
accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 1984.
Selective admission is based on prior academic achievement, standardized test scores, an
admissions test, recommendations, and a personal interview. There are limited provisions at LAS
for students who have specialized educational or social/emotional needs.
LAS Mission, Beliefs and Profile of Graduates
All programs at LAS will be structured in order to meet the LAS Mission, uphold the LAS Beliefs,
and create students who embody the LAS Profile of Graduates. It is important that LAS parents
educate themselves about the LAS Mission, Beliefs and Profile of Graduates below and ensure that
they support them.
With the support of LAS students and parents we have every hope of fulfilling this Mission in 2012
– 2013!
LAS Mission:
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Igniting Passion for Learning
Connecting to the World
Building our Community
Preparing for the Future
Realizing our Potential
LAS Beliefs:
At LAS, we believe that:
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Learning comes first.
Each of us is unique and learns in a variety of ways.
School is a place where each of us is challenged and inspired to do our best.
Each of us has the responsibility to support one another in our learning.
Each of us has the responsibility to make a useful contribution to the world as
members of both the local and global communities.
We must learn in ways that will prepare us for success in a rapidly changing
world.
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LAS Profile of Graduates:
Graduates of LAS are…
Curious Lifelong Learners
…curious about the world around them. They approach life with a sense of wonder and know that
learning never stops. They have well-developed research skills, and are passionate, independent,
and self-directed about their learning as well as eager to share what they have learned with others.
Critical Thinkers
…strong critical thinkers, with the ability to make sense out of complexity and to solve problems
and make decisions rationally, creatively, and ethically.
Effective Communicators
…passionate readers, skillful writers, confident speakers, and careful listeners in more than one
language.
Innovative
…flexible risk takers who can design, implement, and evaluate creative solutions to problems.
Collaborative
…able to work well with others as part of a team. They know how to lead, but also how to follow.
They know how to unleash the potential of a group and how to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Connected
… connected to both the local and global communities. They understand and appreciate their own
cultural heritage, while remaining open to and respecting the traditions, values, and perspectives of
others. They have a passion to serve and the vision and leadership skills needed to help bring
about positive social change.
Balanced
… academically, physically, socially, and emotionally healthy in body and mind.
Diligent
…focused and determined with excellent organizational and time management skills. They take
responsibility for and pride in doing their own work and they always strive to do their best.
Technologically Literate
…able to navigate technology and to critically assess and develop content that uses new media
forms, leveraging these media for persuasive communication.
Global Citizens
…accepting of the values, beliefs, and perspectives of others, and able to operate effectively and
with empathy in different cultural settings.
Positive
…confident in themselves yet supportive and appreciative of the efforts of others. Always ready to
help.
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Ethical
…honest, fair, respectful, responsible, and environmentally conscious.
More about LAS
Organization
LAS is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected for two-year terms by the Lahore
American Society. The American Ambassador to Pakistan also appoints a Department of State
member to the LAS Board of Directors. Membership in the Society is automatically conferred on the
parents or official guardians of children enrolled at LAS. LAS is also registered with the Ministry of
Education of Pakistan.
Calendar
The school year is comprised of two semesters. Semester 1 runs from late August to mid-January.
Semester 2 runs from mid-January to the first week of June. The exact calendar is available at
www.las.edu.pk
Each semester is divided into two quarters for purposes of reporting grades. LAS classes are in
session for approximately 180 days.
English Language
At LAS, English is the medium of instruction and every opportunity to use English will be exercised.
Insurance
The school does not provide a student insurance program. Parents should consider maintaining a
personal or company related program.
Accounts Office
The LAS Accounts Office receives school payments and fees. Questions regarding tuition, fees, and
financial matters should be directed to this office. It is located opposite the Main Office. Accounts
Office hours are 7:30 am to 4 pm.
Advisory Program
All secondary students are assigned an advisor from the faculty to monitor and oversee their socioemotional and academic development. These advisors meet with groups of approximately 15
students and serve as the front line in student support. Students meet weekly with advisors during
a 30 minute Buffs Block.
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Advisories are a primary vehicle for creating a more personalized learning environment where all
students are well known by at least one adult. Moreover, advisory provides a structure and a set
of practices for monitoring and supporting students’ academic progress.
The focus of these sessions includes:
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Making Personal Connections
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Academic Monitoring
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Individual and Academic Goal Setting
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Encouraging Participation in Activities beyond Studies
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Distributing Information
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Celebrating Successes
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Guiding Community Involvement, Improvement and/or Service Actions
Educational Technology at LAS
One of the characteristics of the LAS Profile of Graduates is that an LAS graduate must be
‘Technologically Literate’. All students in grades 6 through 12 use technology daily, in and outside
classes. Parent workshops are offered to allow parents to develop the technological skills needed
to say up-to-date with student progress as well.
Parents and students should primarily be aware of these technology programs:
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LAS One-to-One Laptop Program
Secondary students at LAS use laptop computers daily in all classes to enhance learning.
Requirements for the laptop can be found in the Supply List provided in the ‘Daily Life’ section of
the handbook.
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Moodle
Moodle is an online classroom portal. All classes at LAS are organized on the Moodle site with the
students of each class registered in the corresponding Moodle class. LAS students are issued an
individual Moodle account and are expected to check Moodle daily for assignments, to access
learning resources and to learn about school news. A testing calendar of all major assessments
can also be accessed via Moodle.
Students absent from school are expected to access Moodle to retrieve missed classwork and
assignments. Students may also send messages to course teachers using Moodle to set a time and
date for makeup tests or assessments.
In the event of the closure of LAS campus due to extraordinary events, students are expected to
complete assigned learning activities via Moodle for all classes. If LAS is closed, please direct your
child to Moodle to continue learning! http://las.mrooms2.net/
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Edline
Every two weeks student grades will be posted to Edline – www.edline.net. Parents may then
access Edline through an account provided for each student, showing a progress report for each
course listing grades earned for all assignments and assessments, attendance data for the quarter,
and the overall grade for the quarter.
Please note that the purpose of Edline is for parents and students to discuss the student’s progress
and together plan how to make improvements on future learning.
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Turnitin®
Turnitin, the leading online originality checking and plagiarism prevention service worldwide, is
used by all teachers on all major written assignments to encourage best practices amongst
students in using and citing other people’s written material.
LAS students submit all written reports and essays via Turnitin for all their classes.
Educational Technology Coordinator
Students can find tech support from teachers and the Educational Technology Coordinator, Ms.
Sharron McDuncan Bain. sbain@las.edu.pk
ICT Vision Statement
At LAS, our vision for Information Communication Technology (ICT) will enable us to:
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Facilitate ICT inclusivity for all members of LAS to bridge the technological
divide.
Promote computer literacy and proficiency.
Develop confident, competent, independent users of ICT.
Promote safe cyber citizenship.
Design and implement a multi-level technologically integrated curriculum
across all subject areas.
Provide opportunities to participate in deeply engaging projects that involve
critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.
Allow for differentiated instruction that caters to the learning needs and styles
of each individual.
Promote self-directed learning.
Joining LAS
Admissions
The Lahore American School (LAS) accepts students who can be successful in the regular academic
program. Admission is contingent on completed applications forms, previous school records, copies
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of students’ and parents’ passports and results from previous academic testing. Placement tests
assist admissions and placement decisions.
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All students enter on conditional acceptance for the first semester. Failure to fulfill
expectations of the school program may result in the withdrawal of admissions during
this conditional period.
Students entering LAS are enrolled as full-time students. LAS does not offer part-time
and partial placement.
Applicants must submit complete school records for the previous three years. Students
applying after the school year has begun, must present transfer grades and credits from
their previous school. If the records are not in English, official translations into English
must be provided.
Students must be living with their parent(s) or a designated adult guardian.
A student may not transfer into the 12th Grade once the school year has begun.
Enrollment
Once invited by the Superintendent to have their child join LAS, parents will have one week to
submit the 20% deposit and complete the admissions process. If they fail to do so, the admissions
offer will be withdrawn and the seat offered to the child with the next highest applicant profile
rating for that grade level.
LAS Candidate Waiting List
Once all seats are filled at each grade level, the admissions director keeps a waiting list for those
students who test at or above our admissions standards. Should a vacancy occur, parents on this
list may be contacted and invited to have their child join LAS.
Re-Admission Policy
No student who has been expelled from LAS or withdrawn due to academic or behavioral difficulties
will be considered for re-admission to Lahore American School.
Grade Placement
The school determines the proper placement for new students. Testing and other appropriate
means are used to ensure that students are placed properly. In middle school students are placed
in classes according to their chronological age with the cut-off birthdate before October 1st.
From Other National Systems
Where national programs in other countries closely correspond to the U.S. grade level system, the
main criteria for student placement will be according to the LAS cut-off age and number of years of
school completed unless academic history and/or testing indicate a different placement. Any
concerns regarding placement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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Note that the corresponding grade in LAS’s 12-year system may be one number lower than that of
a 13 year system.
From Schools with Different Calendars
Students who enter during the second semester and have completed a grade leveling their
previous school will be placed in the same grade level they completed.
New Students’ First Day at LAS
On the student’s first day at LAS, s/he will be asked to meet with the appropriate Principal and
Guidance Counselor to be introduced to the offices, collect his/her schedule and be taken on a brief
tour of his/her classrooms and locker. Afterwards s/he will meet with the Educational Technology
Coordinator and provided all user information needed for Edline, Moodle and the school server.
Class peers will then be introduced to assist the new student throughout the first days at LAS.
LAS Campus
Facilities
The school is housed on a four-and-one-half acre campus which includes an elementary
playground, sports field, heated swimming pool, cafeteria, snack bar, library containing 20,000
volumes, modern science and computer laboratories, art rooms, ESL room, music/drama rooms,
two computer labs, a technology access lab, and an infirmary. The classrooms are spacious, wellequipped and fully air-conditioned. There is also a multi-purpose facility which includes covered
basketball courts. A theater arts building with seating capacity of 350 people caters to school
activities, presentations, lectures, and school community meetings.
WiFi
The LAS campus is enabled with wireless internet connectivity in all areas. This supports our 1-to1 laptop initiative in which student in grades 6 to 12 use a laptop in all classes as a daily learning
tool.
Campus Use
The campus is restricted exclusively for school use from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm.
Admission to the LAS campus is by appropriate authorization only. Guidelines for obtaining
authorization to use the campus are available from the Main Office.
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Closed Campus
LAS is a closed campus, and students are not allowed to leave campus at any time during the
school day. If a student has a written note from a parent or guardian to leave campus, it must be
presented to the Main Office Coordinator.
At the time of leaving, students must first go to the Main Office to obtain a Gate Pass. The Gate
Pass will be required in order to clear security.
Traffic
Middle and High School students should enter and exit school at either the Main Gate or the gym
entrance, Middle School gate. Parents are urged to strongly insist that their drivers cooperate with
our security staff as they assist and direct morning and afternoon traffic. Please obey the one-way
street designation during the hours posted. This cooperation is crucial to the safe and efficient
start and end of each school day.
Identification
Parents are issued parent ID cards which must be worn visibly when visiting campus.
Visitors
All visitors are requested to report to the Main Office before proceeding to the Middle School or
High School areas. The LAS Visitor ID card issued at the Main Gate must be kept visible at all
times.
Parents and other visitors are requested not to enter/interrupt classes in session.
Water
Nestle bottled water is provided at multiple sites on campus. Large Nestle water bottles allow
students to refill their own reusable water bottles as needed with potable water.
To reduce the school’s impact on the environment, LAS hopes to resist the use of disposable plastic
water bottles on campus. All students should bring a re-usable water bottle, clearly labeled with
their names, to school each day.
Water from school drinking fountains must be tested as safe before being drinking fountains are
opened again.
Cafeteria
The school cafeteria serves a nutritious, hot lunch daily. In addition to the daily hot meal, there are
a variety of snacks and drinks available from the Buffalo Grill near the main gate. Students who
plan to buy food at school must buy coupons from the cafeteria. There is no sale of food against
cash. Coupons can be purchased at the Buffalo Grill or cafeteria.
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Swimming Pool
The LAS Swimming Pool is a 25 meter, five-lane shaded pool used for classes, swim teams and
clubs and recreational swimming. Information regarding special pool timings is posted on the pool
notice board. For clarification of use of the pool outside the teaching day, contact the office of the
LAS Athletic Director.
All persons are expected to abide by the rules pertaining to the use of the pool. These rules are
posted at the pool and are available with the pool attendant.
Emergency Procedures
Closing of School
Parents will receive an SMS text message in the event of an unscheduled school closing. (Please
provide the school with your up-to-date and accurate contact information for this purpose –
shaista@las.edu.pk).
Lessons and assignments will be posted on Moodle, our online learning portal. Students are
expected to complete assignments as instructed by their teacher during school closures.
Parents’ Role during Student Pickup under Extraordinary Circumstances
All traffic in front of LAS will be one way only, moving in the direction from the Main gate to the ES
gate. Vehicles, once departing, must carry on beyond the ES gate to the exit on the main road.
Parents (and ayahs who have ID cards) may enter campus and report to the ES or Secondary office
depending on the child/ren’s grade level.
An LAS employee will fetch the student and bring him/her to the office. Meanwhile a gate pass will
be prepared by the office staff a given to the parent or ayah who must show the pass as they exit
the gate.
**Communication and hence overall security is enhanced dramatically when LAS has current and
correct email addresses and mobile phone numbers of each Society member.
Safety Drills
In the event of an emergency during the school day, bells will ring in varying tones to discern
between the various drills. The bells will be accompanied by an English voice over.
Drills are reviewed and practiced on a regular basis. They are as follows:
Fire Drill Procedure
Alarm: a long and steady ringing of the school bell
Response for students and teachers in class:
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At signal, students move quietly and quickly to their designated assembly
area
Lights are turned out and doors closed upon exit
Advisors pick up their roll sheets from high school principal’s secretary at
designated site
Advisors proceed to class site and take roll
Class roll is sent to principal’s station by student runner
Dismissal of fire drill: a long and steady ringing of the school bell
Duck and Cover Drill Procedure
Alarm: a distinctive tone on the PA system + an announcement
Duck and Cover is standard drill used worldwide as an immediate response to an earthquake or
any other event that could compromise the structural integrity of the building you are in, or of
any buildings nearby.
Indoors
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Stay inside
Move away from windows (many injuries occur due to flying glass shards) as
far as possible and squat down by an inside wall
Protect head and neck with arms
Avoid hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, and all windows
Do not get under furniture
Stay indoors until the shaking stops
Updates will be forthcoming on the PA system
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Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and electricity / power lines
Drop to the ground until the shaking stops
Updates will be forthcoming on the PA system
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Outdoors
Lockdown Procedure
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Upon hearing the announcement, students immediately move to a previously
designated area where they are unlikely to be seen from the outside.
Students and attendants in the pool or on the playing fields go as quickly as
possible to the gym classrooms.
Secondary students in the cafeteria or outside on their lunch or other break
go quickly to the nearest classroom or office space.
HS girls in PE go to the Girls’ changing room
HS boys in PE go to the Boys’ changing room
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LAS Parents/Guardians
Expectations
LAS recognizes that parents and/or the home environment are pivotal influences on a student’s
success. The expectations outlined in this section are provided so that every student’s family is
fully aware of how they can best support the child’s education at LAS.
The following expectations apply for all parents:
For the Safety of Your Child
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Notify the Secondary Office any time your child is absent or late to school. A simple
note, email or call to school will ensure security of our students.
Keep your contact information up-to-date. Notify the school of any change in address or
telephone numbers.
When you are away from home/Lahore for overnight or longer, notify the Secondary
Office and provide the name and contact details of the guardian whom we should
contact in the event of emergency. -- A student must have a parent or designated
guardian residing in Lahore and taking day to day responsibility for the student’s
welfare. If parents are temporarily away from home for overnight or longer, an adult
guardian must be given responsibility for the student and the school notified so we know
whom to contact in the event of illness or other matters requiring attention.
Have students collected by 3:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 12:30 pm on Friday unless
you have given signed permission for him/her to register in an extracurricular activity.
There is no supervision and no medical care available for students after these hours!
For Your Child’s Health
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Keep sick (feverish/vomiting) students at home and healthy students in school.
Know that a student who is healthy enough to attend school will be asked to participate
in PE classes.
Inform the school doctor of any significant change in the health status of or medicines
prescribed to your child.
Keep any inhalers or emergency shots available with school doctor and PE teachers.
Make sure your child is going to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep on school
nights.
Report any emotional concerns to the Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal or
Principal.
For Your Child’s Success in School
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Have your students dropped at school by 7:30 am latest.
Ask your child to pack all needed materials (including PE kit) before bed.
Share any testing results with the Principals.
Check your child’s Moodle courses weekly. http://las.mrooms2.net/
Check Edline every two weeks when progress reports are posted. www.edline.net
Attend parent, teacher and student conferences with your child each semester and as
many other school events as possible.
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For Your Child’s Moral Development
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Support the teacher’s decisions to your child, and contact the teacher immediately to
discuss any concerns. This is the best way to avoid unnecessary stress and maintain
strong parent-teacher relationships.
Expect your child to complete his/her own work. Do not allow family members or tutors
to complete assignments for your child; do not allow your child to take work from
friends.
Ensure your child attends all classes every school day. Do not allow your child to stay
home or miss a class in order to prepare for another class, cram for an exam, avoid an
exam or finish an assignment.
Teach your child to arrive on time. Do not provide false excuses for missed classes or
tardy arrivals; do not provide false excuses for students who do not want to participate
in a class.
Expect your child to show consideration and acceptance of other people. Do not allow
your child to hurt, tease or harass other students.
Stay informed about LAS – see communication below.
For Your Child’s Belongings
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Label any item you send to school, including PE clothes and book bags.
Encourage your child to be responsible for his own things.
Communication
LAS encourages an active, positive and open communication between home and school to ensure
security, success in learning and emotional well-being of the child. Parents are encouraged to use
email as a primary mode of communication with teachers. Teacher e-mails are available to the
students via Moodle and can be obtained from the office.
Respecting Channels of Communication
LAS fosters and encourages collaboration between parents and teachers. After all, parents and
teachers are both working toward the same goal, maximizing learning. Parents may at times have
concerns or questions about the program and are requested to communicate with the person who
is most closely associated with the topic or issue. That person is most often the teacher. Therefore
parents should speak with the teacher before seeking intervention from a higher authority.
The Principal and Assistant Principal, of course, are available to help when needed; however, LAS
promotes the Mission of Building our Community by urging all parties to follow the channels of
communication outlined here:
Teacher: When parents would like to discuss their child’s schoolwork they should begin by
seeing the teacher. Appointments with teachers may be arranged through the school office
or via email to the teacher.
Principals: Concerns which cannot be resolved through a conference with the teacher or
questions of a more general nature concerning the operation of the school and its programs
may be discussed with the Secondary Principal (for HS students) or the Secondary Assistant
Principal (for MS students). Appointments may be arranged by telephoning the school
offices.
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Superintendent: The Superintendent is the agent of the Board of Directors, and is the
channel of communication between the Board of Directors and parents. Questions about
school policy should be addressed to the Superintendent.
Board: If an issue cannot be resolved after a meeting with the Superintendent it may be
referred to the Board of Directors. Communications directed to the Board should be in
writing and should be addressed to the President of the Board c/o the Superintendent’s
office.
Staying Informed
It is vital that LAS parents know what is happening at school. An informed and involved parent
community is an asset in any educational environment. Teenage children may attempt to exploit
the lack of knowledge of parents at times. Contact us at school to verify the facts about events
and required after-school work.
LAS Communications for Parents/Guardians
LAS provides communication to parents/guardians in a variety of ways:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bulletin Boards: General Information posted for students.
Friday Flash: The weekly newsletter sent to parents via email and available on our
website (http://www.las.edu.pk).
Class Moodle sites: for class expectations, syllabus and daily assignments for students
and parents.
Edline: providing bi-weekly progress reports for parents at www.edline.net
Report cards: sent after the completion of each quarter.
Parent-Teacher Conferences by Request: may be requested at any time by the teacher
or the parent.
Scheduled Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences: At the completion of quarters 1, 2 and
3 time is set aside for conferences.
LAS Board meetings: parents welcome to attend the open session at the beginning of
each monthly Board meeting.
Monthly Middle Meetings: A monthly meeting for Middle School parents hosted by the
Secondary Assistant Principal.
Secondary Open House: Held for parents at the start of the school year.
Special meetings: on particular topics, e.g., College Night.
SMS text messages: may be sent by the School for special occasions.
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Parents are encouraged to attend parent/ teacher conferences with the student in order to meet
with their child’s teachers and learn of their child’s progress in school. These are held three times
per year: after Quarter 1, after Quarter 2/Semester 1 and after Quarter 3.
Apart from the regular thrice-yearly conferences, individual conferences may easily be arranged as
follows:
•
•
Parents request an individual conference by emailing the teacher concerned, to which
the teacher responds.
Parents request a group conference with multiple teachers by contacting the Main Office
Coordinator who will arrange the conference.
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The teacher emails parents requesting a conference.
The Main Office calls parents to schedule a conference.
•
•
In any subject where the earned grade is below a 70%, it is strongly advised that a parent/teacher
conference be held at any point during the school year, with the student present at the meeting.
Communication is key to student success.
Notifying LAS of Student Withdrawals
•
A letter from parents, or the official guardian, is required before withdrawal procedures
can be initiated. Address this to the Secondary Principal or Secondary Assistant Principal
as appropriate.
•
A student who leaves school permanently prior to the closing of school will receive an
attendance statement and transcript based on the amount of work completed. The
principal’s office must be notified in writing two weeks in advance in order to prepare
student records. An official transcript will be sent to a new school upon request, showing
all semester grades and credits that were completed.
LAS Students
Student Responsibilities
Each student shall be responsible for his/her own conduct and for providing a positive and healthy
environment for others by maintaining good order, self-discipline, and consideration for the rights
and property of others including, but not limited to, the following guidelines for conduct.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Show respect for the educational process and learning environment of others by
attending all scheduled classes, refraining from habitual tardiness, unexcused absences,
or other activities such as inappropriate classroom behaviors which diminish the rights
and opportunities of others to receive an education.
Meet assignment deadlines, notices, and so forth, both for the classes which they are
taking and for such external examinations as they may need. Each student should also
be aware of any co-curricular activities, which may be posted and/or announced in the
bulletin.
Show Academic Honesty in all work conducted as part of the learning process.
Exhibit neatness, cleanliness and appropriateness of personal attire and hygiene,
including observance of the LAS dress standard.
Respect school property and personal property of others, including keeping all books,
facilities, and materials in good condition (students are required to pay the replacement
cost of lost or damaged textbooks in the Accounts Office – Report Cards and transcripts
will not be released if money is owed for a book) and including appropriate disposal of
trash/recycling.
Act considerately toward others by refraining from loud and boisterous behavior and
especially by refraining from use of vulgar or obscene language. This also includes
respect for those performing during assemblies.
Respect for the ethnicity and gender of all persons by refraining from teasing, harassing,
or discriminating against anyone based on their race, ethnic background or gender.
Refrain from denying others the use of school facilities or buildings, creating
disturbances, acting in such a matter as to expose others to risk or danger of harm or
Page | 19
•
•
injury or using threats or intimidation against any other person, public displays of
affection, fighting, carrying and using any weapon or illegal substance on the premises.
Refrain from fighting, creating disturbances, denying others the use of school facilities,
intentionally injuring another person, behaving in such a manner as to risk harm or
injury, or using threats or intimidation against any other person.
Concern for the health and safety of others by refraining from using, possessing,
transmitting or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, controlled
substance, or by engaging in excessive noise, theft, or any unlawful activity.
Student Rights
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Students have the right to a meaningful education, the maintenance of high
educational standards and an education which adequately meets the needs of the
individual student within the limitations of the Lahore American School.
Students have the right to a meaningful curriculum and the right to voice their
opinions and provide input into the development of the curriculum of the school.
Students have the right to express their views in matters that affect the quality and
content of their education.
Students have the right to adequate and timely notice of all rules, regulations,
policies and penalties to which they are subject. All such rules and regulations must
be made available in writing and be accessible to all students.
Students have the right to physical safety and protection of their personal property,
including the right to safe and sanitary school buildings and facilities.
Students have the right to adequate consultation with teachers, counselors,
administrators and other school personnel.
Students have the right to free election of their peers in approved student
organizations.
For a clear understanding of school rules and their consequences see the final section of
this handbook.
Required Supplies for LAS
At LAS students supply their own notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, and other necessary school
stationery supplies. Pencils and pens will not be provided by teachers.
Middle School Materials
•
1 reusable water bottle
•
1 pencil case/organizer to store items
•
Pens (black/blue pens – work; red/purple/green - correcting)
•
Pencils (only pencil allowed for Math)
•
1 pencil sharpener
•
Erasers
Page | 20
•
1 pack of colored pencils
•
1 pack of crayons
•
1 pack of highlighters
•
Scotch tape
•
1 pair of scissors
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1 packet of post-its
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1 glue stick
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1 ruler
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3 Notebooks
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1 packet 3 x 5 index cards
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1 multi pocket plastic trapper for storing handouts
•
2 binders 3-ring
•
1 packet of loose leaf paper
•
2 packets of dividers for binders
Textbooks
Textbooks are loaned to students by teachers as required for individual courses. The teacher notes
the number of the text and the condition of the book when it is loaned. Students must write their
names in all books issued to them.
Each textbook must be returned in good condition to the teacher at the end of the course. Students
are required to pay a fine to the Accounts Office covering damage to or loss of books. A
replacement is issued only after the fine has been paid and a receipt obtained. Report Cards and
other school records will not be released until all fines have been paid for lost or damaged books.
Laptop Computers
Lahore American School strives to support our students in Educational Technology. All students
from Grades 6 to 12 are required to have a laptop to bring to school daily to use for their classes
and for their work to be completed outside class time.
Please note the following requirements.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Laptops
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Most current Window operating system
1.88+ Ghz dual processor
2 GB RAM
Web cam
Wireless capability
Multiple USB ports
160+ GB hard drive
Appropriate carrying case
Page | 21
Recommended Requirements for Laptops
•
Additional 1+ GB video card
Additional Hardware
•
1 8GB (minimum) Flash Drive
Software Requirements
For All Courses
•
•
•
•
•
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Microsoft Office Suite latest edition (must include, Word, Excel, Access,
PowerPoint and Publisher)
School approved anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader – Freeware (get.adobe.com/reader)
Adobe Flash Player - Freeware (get.adobe.com/flashplayer)
Shockwave Player - Freeware (get.adobe.com/shockwave)
Windows Media Player - Freeware (http://windows.microsoft.com/enus/windows/products/windows-media-player)
For MS ICT
•
•
•
•
Movie Maker - Freeware (http://windows-movie-maker.en.softonic.com/)
Google Docs - Freeware (http://docs.google.com)
Google Maps - Freeware (maps.google.com)
Google SketchUp - Freeware (sketchup.google.com)
For MS Social Studies
•
Google Maps - Freeware (maps.google.com)
For MS/HS Urdu
•
In-Page (Urdu software) – (www.inpage.com)
Additional Requirements
•
•
1 8GB Flash Drive for each course
Online storage
Additional Information
Apple Macintosh laptops and I pads are not acceptable as they are not fully compatible with the
school’s platform. The only exception is an Apple Mac running a Windows operating system.
Pirated versions of any software are not acceptable. Students are responsible for the
security and maintenance of laptops and peripherals.
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Daily Life at School
School Hours
Students are expected to be in their classroom by 7:40 AM. The school day ends at 2:55 PM each
day except on Fridays when students are dismissed at 12:20 pm. For their own safety, students
who are not in a supervised activity after regular school dismissal are expected to leave campus
and return home.
School Office Hours
Library Hours
7:30 am to
7:00 am to
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
Regular School Day Timings
7:40 am to
2:55 pm
Friday School Day Timings
7:40 am to 12:20 pm
Class Schedule
Secondary students attend four classes each day on an alternating A/B schedule. The Monday to
Thursday schedule includes two 15 minute transition periods and a 40 minute lunch break. Each
class is 90 minutes in length, except on Fridays. Friday classes are 60 minutes long.
Intramurals and co-curricular sports and activities programs are scheduled before or after school
and during the lunch break.
The Buffs Block provides time once a week for students to meet in advisory groups, hold class
meetings and host assemblies. Regular classes are shortened by 5 minutes each to provide this
time.
Bell Schedule
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
1st Block
7:40
9:10
(90 Min)
Transition
9:10
9:25
(15 Min)
2
9:25
10:55 (90 Min)
nd
Block
Lunch
10:55 11:40 (45 Min)
3
11:40 1:10
(90 Min)
Transition
1:10
1:25
(15 Min)
4
1:25
2:55
(90 Min)
1st Block
7:40
9:05
(85 Min)
Transition
9:05
9:15
(10 Min)
2
9:15
10:40 (85 Min)
rd
th
Block
Block
Thursday
nd
Block
Lunch
10:40 11:20 (40 Min)
3rd Block
11:20 12:45 (85 Min)
Transition
12:45 12:55 (10 Min)
4
12:55 2:20
th
Block
(85 Min)
Page | 23
Transition
2:20
2:25
(5 Min)
Buffs Block
2:25
2:55
(85 Min)
1st Block
7:40
8:40
(60 Min)
Transition
8:40
8:55
(15 Min)
2
8:55
9:55
(60 Min)
Transition
9:55
10:05 (10 Min)
3rd Block
10:05 11:05 (60 Min)
Transition
11:05 11:20 (15 Min)
4
11:20 12:20 (60 Min)
Friday
nd
th
Block
Block
Dress Code
School is a student’s place of business. Students are expected to follow good taste in their dress
and grooming, keeping in mind the customs of Pakistan. Wearing clothing that reflects and
promotes a serious attitude toward the achievement of excellence projects a positive image of the
individual and the school, and lessens disruptions of the learning process. Clothing worn to school
should be modest.
The following are not permitted at LAS:
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Culturally insensitive clothing
Drug/alcohol related jewelry or clothing
Clothing promoting sexist, racist, violent attitudes or which are purposely
provocative (i.e. French Connection United Kingdom)
Gang-related dress wear
Outlandish hair styles
Torn, faded, dirty jeans
Bandanas
Caps or non-religious headgear inside any classroom or office
Immodest clothing
There may be no cleavage or straps from underwear showing
Stomachs and hips must be covered (no underwear showing)
Shorts must be just above the knee.
Boys must have their hair and beards trimmed, not wear earrings, and, in general, keep ornaments
to a minimum. Girls are encouraged to dress modestly with respect to the cultural norms of
Pakistan.
Dress Code Procedure
Teachers will scrutinize the appropriateness of each student’s dress and make a preliminary
judgment on appropriateness. Ultimately, the final decision for the appropriateness of dress and
accessories will rest with the administration. The school stresses the avoidance of extremes and
reserves the right to request a student to change into more appropriate attire, send them home to
change or to remove any student who is not complying with LAS standards of dress.
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Lockers
Each student will be assigned a lock and locker at the start of school for storage of his/her books
and P.E. clothing. Lockers are school property and are subject to checks at any time by the
administration. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers should the need arise. The contents
of lockers will be considered the personal belongings of the student to whom the locker is assigned.
Students are not permitted to write on lockers or place stickers on the outside of lockers. It is the
responsibility of each student to keep his/her locker neat and locked at all times. Books and other
materials are not to be left on top of lockers, in the bathrooms, or anywhere other than inside
lockers. In an effort to keep the school neat, materials found in open areas will be periodically
collected and placed in lost and found.
Locks
Secondary students are each issued a combination lock by LAS to secure their belongings in the
student locker. The combination should be memorized and kept private from all other students.
Students may exchange their lock for a different one, if they feel others know their combination.
Students are responsible for returning the same lock to their advisors at the end of the school year.
Lost locks are billed to the student.
Laptop Care
Students are highly advised to label laptops, chargers and bags and to never leave the laptop
unattended unless it is locked away in the student’s locker.
Students whose personal laptop is under repair may borrow a laptop for the day from the ICT
department. A parent note should be provided to the Educational Technology Coordinator who will
then allow the lending of the laptop for the day.
Power Up!
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that her laptop is fully charged at home each night and
that a charger cord is brought to school daily.
School Phone Use
The Secondary School Office phone is available for student use in cases of emergency. Parents may
leave urgent messages for students at 0423-576-2406. Students will be called from class in cases
of emergency only.
Mobile Telephones
The school is not responsible for the loss of mobile phones or other electronic gadgets. We highly
recommend that students do not bring mobile phones to school.
Mobile telephones must be switched off at all times during class and deposited in a tray provided
by the teacher. If you keep the phone on your person or in your bag during class it is the same as
using the phone. Take the temptation away; leave it in your locker or at home.
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Consequences
•
•
•
•
Failing to switch off a phone in the basket will result in its confiscation overnight.
Failing to place a phone in the tray provided will result in confiscation for one week on the
first offense.
A second inappropriate use of a phone will result in confiscation for two weeks.
Continued disregard of school rules will result in loss of the mobile privilege.
I pods/ MP3 Players
I pods/ MP3 players are permitted on the campus if proper earphones are used and volume does
not disturb others. These systems are not permitted to be played in the classrooms, theater or
other instructional areas unless a teacher has given explicit permission to the student at that time.
They may be used in the library, locker areas, hallways and cafeteria but volume must be kept low
so as not to inconvenience or distract others.
These personal listening systems are not to be in use during emergency drills or at other times and
places when specifically announced.
Consequences
•
These items will be confiscated for one week on the first offence and for two weeks on the
second and subsequent offences.
Personal Property
Valuables, such as I-pods, CD’s, cell phones and expensive sports equipment, jewelry and
calculators are not to be brought to school unless needed for classroom use. If such items are
brought to school they should be properly safe-guarded by the student.
Students must never under any circumstances carry items which threaten the safety of others.
The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Students who leave their
belongings unattended are placing their belongings in jeopardy of theft.
Lost and Found & Unattended Items
Most items placed in lost and found are not lost – rather they are items left unattended or not
cared for by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to keep personal items and school
materials locked safely in lockers.
Students are discouraged from bringing valuables or large amounts of money to school. The school
is not responsible for lost property.
No unattended book bags, trackers or textbooks on campus is allowed. Use your locker. This
statement applies to all students including those in study block. Decide how you are going to use
your time, organize yourself, and then either put the book bag in your locker or carry it with you.
All unattended items will be turned in to the Secondary Office on the day they are found. Valuables
will be locked in the Secondary Office. Book bags, clothing, notebooks et al will be placed in the
Lost and Found cupboard of the building in which it was found.
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Students may access the Lost and Found before and after school and between classes. Students
will not be allowed to access the Lost and Found during instructional time.
Retrieving Unattended Valuables – Consequences
•
•
•
Books, trackers, jewelry, and phones will be turned in to the Secondary Office and may be
recovered the same day for a small charge by determined by the Student Council each
semester– all proceeds given to charity.
Laptops and I Pads will be placed in the Lost & Found for the duration of the day and
recovered before school on the next day for a slightly greater charge determined by the
Student Council each semester– all proceeds given to charity.
Unclaimed articles left in Lost and Found cupboards will be given to charity at the end of
each quarter.
Think about it: Valuables should not be left on benches or in unlocked P.E. lockers.
When loss of such possessions occurs, the School has little opportunity to recover such belongings.
Students are strongly encouraged not to bring unnecessary personal items to school (i.e. collection
cards, iPods, MP3 players, CD Player/CD’s, radios, etc.) or carry large amounts of money.
The school cannot guarantee against loss of such items due to theft. The school reserves the right
to disallow bringing any expensive personal items to the campus.
The school is not responsible for lost property or valuables left in changing rooms,
classrooms, and other campus areas.
Loss of Items Procedure
Students should report lost or stolen items immediately to the Secondary Office. Parents need to
be aware that there is NO COVERAGE for lost items.
•
•
•
•
•
Submit a report. (Forms are available in the school office)
The Secondary Office Coordinator will check that the report has been completed
accurately.
If a Mobile Phone is lost, the student should suspend the line by calling the relevant
Service Provider.
The appropriate principal will be informed of the loss and will investigate if appropriate.
A complete record of the theft incident will be kept in the office.
Preventing Loss/Theft
Here are suggestions which should help prevent loss/theft of your personal items while at school:
• Don’t bring valuable items to school that are of no use in the school setting
• Large items that cannot be temporarily stored in your locker may be left in the
Secondary Office.
• Don’t leave your personal belongings lying around unattended.
• Lock your P.E. and regular lockers. Ask for a new lock if you suspect others know your
combination.
• Clearly mark your personal belongings with your name.
• Report loss or suspected theft to the high school office immediately. You will be asked to
complete a form asking for details and description of the item.
• Note that student property left unattended may be confiscated.
Page | 27
Guest Privileges
A student who wishes to bring a guest to school must receive permission two days in advance from
the Secondary School Principal. The guest must be registered in the Main Office. Guests must be
introduced to the classroom teacher before each class starts.
The guest may attend classes of the sponsor only. If the sponsor is not in a class, the guest will
have to report to the Secondary School Principal. Any abuse of the privileges, and/or infraction of
the discipline policy, will result in having the guest leave campus, and the guest privileges for the
sponsoring student withdrawn. Guests on campus must carry a visitor’s pass at all times.
Student Support Services
Advisors
All secondary students are assigned an advisor from the faculty in their section (MS or HS) to
monitor and oversee their socio-emotional and academic development. These advisors meet with
up to 15 students and serve as the first contact for student support. Students meet weekly with
advisors during the 30 minute Buffs Block.
Your advisor will get to know you and provide support through sessions for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Making Personal Connections
Academic Monitoring
Individual Reflection and Academic Goal Setting
Participation in Activities beyond Studies
Distributing Information
Celebrating Successes
Community Involvement, Improvement and/or Service Actions
Class Meetings
The advisors of each grade level oversee class meetings and activities. All class business and
activities must have an advisor’s approval before moving for final approvals by the Secondary
Principal.
Class meetings constitute an opportunity to foster a spirit of cohesiveness amongst class members.
The class meeting system provides opportunities for teachers to intervene positively in support of
students, either through individual discussions where appropriate or by notifying others such as the
counselor who is trained to give the appropriate support.
Health Services
The health of students is a vital concern. LAS employs a full time doctor who is responsible for
giving medical aid to students and staff. The doctor is available from 7:30 am to 3 pm each school
day. The School Doctor deals with medical emergencies, makes referrals to other professionals as
needed, and maintains student and employee health records.
Page | 28
In case a student falls ill or is injured during the school day, s/he should obtain a pass from the
class teacher and then proceed to the doctor’s office. Reporting to the doctor before the start of a
class period is not a valid excuse for missing or being late for that class.
In case of a serious illness or injury, parents are notified, and the student is taken to a hospital. A
student may not leave campus for health reasons unless the School Doctor and/or the appropriate
Secondary School Principal have granted permission.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL support is available for students who are new English language learners in the elementary,
middle, and high schools for an additional fee. In addition to intensive pull-out instruction, the ESL
department provides students with English support and testing accommodations in other subject
areas.
In general, ESL students do not receive instruction in Urdu or French until they have gained
proficiency in English. The ESL program placement and exit procedures, as well as the amount and
nature of support provided, vary by student and are determined by a range of assessments
administered at LAS.
Learning Support (LS)
Lahore American School seeks to accommodate a range of abilities and interests, but students
must demonstrate average to above average grades for admission. Our school provides services
for children with mild to moderate learning differences.
The Learning Support Program is designed to help students with learning differences achieve
success in the regular academic program as well as increase each student’s skill level.
LS students may have difficulties in one of more of the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
basic reading skills
written expression
listening comprehension
oral expression
reading comprehension
mathematics calculations
reasoning
To qualify for LS services students are referred to the program by a concerned parent, teachers,
and, in some cases, by the student. Teaching and LS personnel share the responsibility and
accountability for the design and implementation of strategic interventions. Different tiers of
interventions will be implemented and monitored before the student is recommended for a formal
psychological evaluation. Eligibility decisions for LS will be made by the team, and facilitated by the
LS teacher. For the qualifying student, a learning plan will be designed to meet his or her needs by
emphasizing strengths, remediating weaknesses, recommending accommodations and supporting
access to the curriculum.
Middle School Learning Support
Consultation, in-class services and regularly scheduled LS classes (Study Skills Development) are
provided to support students in the regular academic program. Students attend LS classes during
the elective block, or the world language block if deemed appropriate in cases of more need, either
Page | 29
daily or every other day. Student enrollment in the program is reviewed each quarter to determine
placement for the following quarter.
Students receive specific academic assistance necessary for success in the regular program.
Emphasis is on developing reading, writing, math skills, learning strategies and organizational
skills. Concepts are reinforced by pre-teaching, re-teaching and supplementing material.
The current support model is both in-class and pull-out. The LS teacher is available for inclusion in
all core areas of instruction. Instruction during pull-out classes will be 1:1 and small group. It may
be comprised of pre-teaching/re-teaching class work, helping with current assignments, teaching
specific reading and writing strategies, developing student study/organization skills, and developing
student awareness of their own individual learning profile.
Counseling Services
Middle School students receive counseling support from the Secondary Assistant Principal. Students
are encouraged to drop in for counseling as needed and may also be called in for counseling. The
Assistant Principal assists students with academic and personal problems and provides guidance.
The Assistant Principal is directly responsible for a student’s school records, and will discuss them
with students and parents upon request. Consultations with the Assistant Principal will be
confidential unless the student gives permission to involve others.
Tutors
Teachers may not receive money for tutoring their own students. Tutors should NOT do the
work for the student. Instead, tutors may help students develop the skills required of the student
to do the work himself.
It is entirely optional for families to employ tutors outside the school setting. The school stresses
that tutors do not “do” homework or assignments but guide, support, give feedback, and assist
students in organizing their time.
Tutorial Support
Faculty provides individual and small group tutorial support as requested and needed after school.
Media Resource Center (a.k.a. Library)
The LAS library is a resource center for students, teachers, administrators and parents. Patrons will
find a unique source of English language material in various formats. The library offers books,
magazines, newspapers, various dictionaries, different encyclopedia sets, atlases, online books,
Destiny and EBSCO Host.
The large selection of fiction and non-fiction books is cataloged on our new user friendly electronic
database managed under Follett Destiny Library Manager. The library subscribes to three major
Pakistani English language newspapers. The library houses over 40 general interest and
professional periodicals that are available for all patrons.
Six computers with internet access are available for research purposes. Wireless internet access is
available in the library for students with personal laptops.
Page | 30
The library resources are available to students and Society Members every Monday through
Thursday, from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 12:20 pm, and Saturday from 8:00
am to 12 noon. Students are expected to follow all school rules as well as the posted rules of the
library. Failure to follow the rules could lead to loss of library privileges. Students who are asked
to leave will be sent to the principal’s office.
Books are available for renewable two-week lending periods. New periodicals are available for
overnight checkouts and older periodicals are available for one-week renewable periods.
Consequences for late/lost items
•
•
•
Secondary school students are required to pay five rupees for each day their book is
past due.
In the event of a lost book, the patron will be responsible for the replacement cost of
the book. If the patron finds the book after it has been paid for, the book can be
returned to the library and if it is in good condition the payment will be refunded
after overdue fines are paid.
Report cards of students with past due books and/or library fines will be held until
their account is cleared up.
LAS Academics
Our academic year is divided into four quarters, the first and second quarters making up the first
semester, and the third and fourth quarters making up the second semester. Report cards are
issued at the end of each quarter.
Subjects of Study
Each student takes eight (8) courses in the following subjects:
•
Language Arts
•
Social Studies
•
Mathematics
•
World Languages: French or Urdu
•
Science
•
Information and Communication Technology
•
Art or Drama (1 semester each)
•
PE and Health
Each subject is considered a vital element in the academic life of the student and each will be
assigned study at home, test, presentations and other assessments as appropriate. The five core
subjects are Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and a World Language: French or Urdu.
Middle School students select the World Language (French or Urdu) upon entry into the middle
school program and continue this language until the end of middle school. Students are not
permitted to switch language of study during middle school.
The elective arts subjects of Art and Drama are studied for one semester each. The ICT class will
expose students to technology skills as well as research skills used to enhance studies.
Page | 31
Students who require ESL support or Learning Support may receive extra teaching during elective
arts, ICT and/or World Language classes.
Topics studies in the core courses are outlined on the following pages.
Grade 6 Core Course Topics
Language Arts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“The Myth of Phaeton”
The Incredible Journey by S. Burnsford
“President Cleveland, Where are You?”
By Robert Cormier
“Scout’s Honor” by Avi
“Nadia the Willful” by Sue Alexander
“Tuesday of the Other June” by Norma
Fox Mazer
The Serpent’s Children by Lawrence
Yep
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley
Snyder
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen
Cushman
Stories of the Greek Myths
Fables
Science
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Life Science
Practice of Science
Scientific Knowledge
Hypothesis and Models
Science and Society
Organization of Life
Diversity and Evolution
Heredity
Ecology
Energy Transfer
French
•
•
•
•
•
Alphabet
Greetings
Daily Verbs
Family
School
Math
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Practice Basic Mathematical Concepts
Fractions
Decimals
Percentages
Solving for Variables
Basic Geometric Relationships
2 and 3 Dimensional Figures
Basic Graphing
Social Studies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Nubia and Kush
Ancient Hebrews
Ancient Greece
Ancient India
How to Research Information
World Religions
Current Events
How to Write Summaries
Note Taking Using Cornell Notes
Organizing information and materials
Urdu
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reading Comprehension –
stories/poetry
Daily Life
Describing Surroundings, Environment
and People
Means of Transport
School Life
Grammar Skills including
Masculine/Feminine Words
Singular/Plural
Synonyms and Antonyms
Pairs of Words
Page | 32
Grade 7 Core Course Topics
Language Arts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
‘Hatchet’ By Gary Paulsen
“The Year of Impossible Goodbyes”
“A Christmas Carol”
“Casey at the Bat”
“Thank You M’am”
“The Amigo Brothers”
“The War on the Wall”
“The Scholarship Jacket”
“Rikki‐Tikki‐Tavi”
“The War of the Wall”
“The Monsters are Due on Maple Street”
Social Studies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
East Asia
South Asia
Middle East
Europe
Map of Europe and Asia
Flags of Europe and Asia
Capitals of Europe and Asia
How to Conduct Research
Current Events
Asian Culture
European Culture
Math
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Science
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nature of Science
Universe
Solar System
Earth, Moon, Sun
Space Exploration
Earth’s Structures
Earth History
Erosion
Human Impact on Earth
Weather
Climate
Urdu/French
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reading Comprehension – stories/poetry
Life in School and at Home
Professions
Memories
Aims and Goals in Life
Fruits and Vegetables
Agriculture and Landscapes
Grammar Skills including
Masculine/Feminine Words
Compound and Complex Words
Synonyms and Antonyms
Pairs of Word
Numbers and Patterns
Integers, rational numbers and number
sense
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages
Rates and Ratios
Basic Algebraic Thinking
Solving Equations and Inequalities
Geometric Relationship
Measurements of 2 and 3 dimensional
figures
Page | 33
Grade 8 Core Course Topics
Language Arts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A Circle Unbroken
The Searchers
The Outsiders
Stargirl
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Acorn People
“The Third Wish”
“The Monkey’s Paw”
“The Ransom of Red Chief”
“The Lady and the Tiger”
“Ran, Rain, Go Away”
“A Running Brook of Horror”
“The Dinner Party”
“Future Tense”
“The Hitchhiker”
“The Gift of the Magi”
Math – Pre Algebra
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Basic Linear Relationships
Number sense with Large Numbers
Review of all Materials Covered in 7th
Grade
Integers
Solving Equations and Inequalities
Coordinate Graphing
Algebra
Computation
Basic Mathematical Concepts Using Real
Life Connections
Word Problems using Algebraic
Expressions
Plane Geometry+
Perimeter, Area and Volume
Polynomials
Math – Algebra
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Review of all 7th Grade Concepts
Review Number Sense, Fractions and
Solving for Variables
Single/Multi-Step Equations
Solving and Graphing Inequalities
Writing and Solving Functions
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Exponents and Polynomials
•
•
Quadratic Functions
Exponential and Radical Functions
Social Studies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Media Literacy
World Organizations
Revolutions around the World
Current Events
Ways to organize Governments
US Government
Overview of Different Types of
Government
Democracies
Monarchies
Dictatorships
Case Studies
World Leaders
Science
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Earth Science
Plate Tectonics
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Earth’s past
Natural Resources
Mountains
History of Life
Classification
Populations
Atoms
Chemistry
Urdu/French
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reading Comprehension – stories
Morality and Culture
Nature and Valleys
Letter Writing
Society
Welfare and Civics
Essay and Story Writing
Grammar Skills including
Proverbs
Dialogues
Narration
Synonyms and Antonyms
Page | 34
Standardized Tests at LAS
MAPs (Measures of Academic Progress) Testing
MAPs Tests are taken in the areas of reading, language and mathematics in the fall and spring of
each school year by students in grades 3 to 9. Results are normally provided to parents with report
cards.
The tests are taken on a computer and provide two key features which make them useful for LAS
faculty to measure student learning growth:
•
•
MAPs tests are adaptive: The tests adjust to each student’s level as the test is taken. The
difficulty of the test is adjusted question by question based on how well the student has
answered the questions up to that point. As the student answers correctly, the questions
become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In
essence, each student takes a unique test. Making it possible to assess students with special
learning needs and those who work above grade level.
Test results are provided more quickly and more easily made available to teachers and
parents.
DELF Examinations
All students studying French in grades 8 – 12* at LAS take an externally moderated and
internationally recognized French proficiency test, the DELF, – at appropriate levels – as part of the
French program. The French curriculum leads students to be prepared for these externally
moderated exams conducted by outside proctors from the Alliance Francais in the fourth quarter of
the school year.
DILF, DELF, and DALF* are a set of official French proficiency tests administered by the Centre
international d'étude pédagogiques. The DILF/DELF/DALF is the French equivalent of the English
proficiency test TOEFL but has multiple levels of proficiency (A1, A2, B1, B2 etc). In addition to
allowing LAS students the chance to opt out of university French language entrance exams, earning
a DELF certification adds an excellent qualification to student applications to universities
worldwide.
The candidates will take a one and a half hour written test and an oral assessment. Students
earning a high enough score will receive an internationally recognized certificate indicating their
level of proficiency.
Note that all DELF exam fees are borne by parents/guardians.
*AP French students who are taking the AP French Examination may be excused from the DELF
exam pending approval by the HS French teacher.
Page | 35
Assessment, Grading and Reports
Assessment
Student learning is assessed in a wide array of tasks at LAS. Checklists, rubric, tests, quizzes, in
class participation in discussions, individual and group presentations, essays, writings, technology
presentations, lab work and in and out of class assignments are some of the means used.
Teaches groups assignments into categories and weight each category to comprise an average
which becomes the student’s grade for the quarter.
Such assessment categories and their weighting are provided by teachers in the class syllabus at
the beginning of the year.
Grading Scales
Grades are awarded in each subject. Grades are reported in an un-weighted standard grade point
equivalency system on each student transcript/report. In some cases a grade of P or F (pass/fail)
may be assigned. Class rank is not assigned. Our emphasis is placed on each student attempting
the most challenging course load within their abilities and interests.
LAS grades denote progress levels as described below.
Excellent
97 – 100%
A+
4.0
Good
84 – 86 %
B
3.0
Average
74 – 76%
C
2.0
Poor
64 – 66%
D
1.0
94 – 96%
A
4.0
80 – 83%
B2.7
70 – 73%
C1.7
60 – 63%
D0.7
90 – 93%
A3.7
77 – 79%
C+
2.3
67 – 69%
D+
1.3
Failing
0 – 59%
F
0.0
87 – 89%
B+
3.3
Reporting Student Progress
Student grades are regularly posted to Edline so that parents can check on student progress at
least every two weeks. Parents are provided access codes so they may check these reports via the
internet at www.edline.net
Should a sudden or noticeable change in student progress occur which puts the student at risk of
failing; the teacher will inform the principal and parents/guardians.
Page | 36
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times each year: at the end of each quarter/semester. Grades are
reported as percentages as illustrated in the table below, with 60% as the minimum passing grade.
Incomplete Grades
Students may earn a grade of ‘Incomplete’ for two different reasons:
1.
2.
If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to complete the required
work for a specific quarter the teacher may enter a grade of Incomplete. The
teacher must inform the principal of any circumstances deserving a grade of
Incomplete.
The principal may require teachers to give a student a grade of Incomplete due to
extenuating circumstances that have come to his or her attention.
Incomplete grades must be rectified within the first ten days of the next quarter unless it is a case
of an ongoing illness for which the principal may decide a reasonable timeframe for the work to be
completed after consulting with the student’s family and teacher. The grade earned at the end of
this make-up period will replace the ‘Incomplete’ grade.
NOTE: Students with outstanding debts, overdue library books, or other incomplete or
unfinished school matters will not receive their grade reports until they secure clearance.
Transcripts will NOT be issued to students or sent to colleges and universities if the
student has outstanding debts or unfinished business.
Semester Exams for Grade 8
Given that one of the purposes of the middle school experience is to prepare students for the rigors
of high school, grade 8 students will take semester exams in each of the five core subjects at the
end of semester two (math, science, social studies, language arts, and either French or Urdu).
The exams will be cumulative, covering knowledge and skills taught throughout the semester. The
weighting for the exams shall be the same as one unit test and will count as part of the fourth
quarter grades.
Students who are absent on the day of the exam are subject to a 10 percent grade reduction.
Earning Promotion
Middle School Promotion / Retention Policy
1. A year’s grade will be calculated by averaging the four quarters (25% for each quarter) in
all MS subjects.
2. In order for a student to be promoted, s/he must have a pass (60%) in four (4) of the
following core subjects, based on the year’s grade:*
•
Language Arts
•
Math
Page | 37
•
Science
•
Social Studies
•
Modern Language (Urdu or French)
3. In addition, a student must pass three (3) of the following special subjects, based on the
year’s grade:
•
Physical Education
•
Art
•
Music
•
ICT
*A student who receives F in two or more core subjects will repeat the grade. A student who
receives F in only one core subject will have the option of being assigned summer work and then
be retested in August.
If the student is successful in the retest, s/he will be promoted to the next grade. If the student is
unsuccessful in the August retest, s/he will repeat the grade. A Middle School student may repeat a
grade only once.
Retention Policy 8.202
While at LAS, students maybe retained one time in Elementary School and one time in Middle
School, only.
Academic Honors and Awards
Awards Assemblies
Students achieving a quarterly 3.5 GPA or higher will be honored at an awards assembly each
quarter. Students are issued certificates stating their academic achievements as follows:
High Honor Roll:
Honor Roll:
GPA of 3.7 or higher
GPA of 3.5 up to 3.69
Grades are reported in an un-weighted standard grade point equivalency system on each student
transcript. In some cases a grade of P or F (pass/fail) may be assigned. Class rank is not assigned.
Our emphasis is placed on each student attempting the most challenging course load within their
abilities and interests.
End of Year Awards
Subject Awards and Presidential Awards are offered to students at the end of each academic year
based on improvement, achievement and excellence criteria.
Page | 38
Academic Warning and Probation
LAS middle school students are expected to earn all passing grades (i.e. no failing grades) to
remain in good standing. Students are placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation with
the aim of assisting them to successfully passing all classes and finding academic success.
At the end of every quarter, report cards are issued to students. These reports will be used by the
Administration to determine Academic Warning or Academic Probation as follows:
Academic Warning
•
•
•
•
•
•
One F in any subject will result in Academic Warning.
Two or more Ds will result in Academic Warning.
Students on Academic Warning will be required to complete weekly grade checks signed
by teachers and will check in with the Secondary Assistant Principal once a week.
Students on Academic Warning lose the privilege of participating in SAISA sports* and
Major Extracurricular Productions** while on Academic Warning.
Students on Academic Warning may participate in After School Clubs.
Students will be removed from Academic Warning when all teachers involved confirm
that the student is earning grades above 60% with no more than one D for three
consecutive weeks of school.
Academic Probation
•
•
•
•
•
•
One F and one D (or more) will result in Academic Probation.
Two or more Fs will result in Academic Probation.
The student on Academic Probation will meet with parents and Secondary Assistant
Principal/Counselor to set out an Academic Probation Plan outlining the behaviors
required for earning a passing grade in the class.
Students on Academic Probation will be required to complete weekly grade checks
signed by teachers and will meet with the Secondary Assistant Principal/Counselor thrice
weekly for study skills and review.
Students on Academic Warning lose the privilege of participating in SAISA sports* and
Major Extracurricular Productions** from the time they begin Academic Probation until
the end of the next quarter.
Students on Academic Probation may not participate in After School Clubs.
*All grades apply unless issued after the Monday of the week before travel.
** For a Major Extracurricular Production, should fewer than three weeks remain before the
production date, the Principal may grant an exemption allowing the student to continue.
Student Academic Expectations & Consequences
Academics are the first priority at LAS with the following expectations held for all students at LAS.
I.
Punctuality
II.
Regular Attendance
III.
Punctual Completion and Submission of all Assigned Studies
IV.
Academic Honesty
Page | 39
These are outlined in detail so that students may familiarize themselves with the procedures and
consequences connected to each expectation.
Punctual Arrival to Classes
Punctuality to school and to all classes minimizes minor disruptions to instruction. It is imperative
that students leave home and move to classes with a good margin of time to ensure that traffic
and other such situations do not cause them to be late.
Tardy Procedure & Penalties
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Students who arrive to class after the bell has rung must pick up a tardy slip from the
Main Office before proceeding to class. The time of each tardy will be recorded in the
attendance record y the Main Office Coordinator. Teachers will not allow tardy students
to enter without a tardy slip.
Students who are late by 15 minutes or more will be counted as absent from the class.
The appropriate principal will deem each tardy ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused’.
All ‘excused’ tardies will be forgiven.
A student will be forgiven a total of three (3) unexcused tardies per class per quarter.
The fourth tardy in a class will result in a grade reduction of 3 points from the quarter
grade in that class.
Each additional tardy in the same class will result in a grade reduction of 1 additional
point from the quarter grade in that class.
Chronic tardiness is a form of noncompliance with a basic school expectation. If this kind of
behavior continues a student jeopardizes their school standing and participation in cocurricular programs.
Students Arriving Tardy/Leaving During School Hours
•
•
•
•
•
•
Coming to school late or leaving early does not exempt students from tests or
assignment due dates.
Students arriving late to school should contact the teachers of any classes missed to
submit assignments, collect assignments and to make-up tests, quizzes or assessments
given that day.
Students who anticipate leaving school early should notify those teachers whom the
student will not see at least one day prior to the early departure.
If students are in school for any period of time on test days or days when major
assignments are due, students are responsible for taking the test/submitting the work
due on that day. Failing to meet with the teacher for this will result in a zero.
Students who are temporarily ill during the school day and miss a test or quiz due to
being in the health office should make every attempt to make-up the test or quiz later in
the school day if possible.
All assignments should be turned in on the due date even if the student was temporarily
ill during the day.
Regular Attendance
It is the belief of the Lahore American Society School Board of Directors, Administration, and
Faculty that attendance is an important aspect of student learning and should be reflected in the
assessment progress. Regular attendance is essential for learning, asking questions and receiving
Page | 40
course material, for developing social skills, participation in extracurricular activities, and for
increasing student responsibility and accountability.
Attendance in all classes is expected and students are responsible for being in class on time,
prepared to learn.
Notification of Absences
If a student is to be absent, the parent/guardian must call the school any time after 7:30 a.m. or
send a note/email/text message to notify the school of the absence.
Attendance Procedure & Penalties
Please note that the current policy for attendance is under review with a new policy forthcoming
during the 2012-2013 school year. The current policy will stand up until the adoption of the new
policy at which point it will be put into immediate effect. In the interim period, this policy will
stand.
(Board Policy 8.30 – see Policy 8.30 RS for further clarification)
1. A student may miss up to five (5) school days in a quarter, provided that the absence of the
2.
3.
4.
5.
student is supported by a parent or guardian’s note giving adequate reasons for the
student’s absence. Absences are not cumulative from quarter to quarter. (Note: These five
forgiven absences are neither defined as ‘excused’ or ‘unexcused’.)
Subject to (5) below, the quarter grade in each of the student’s courses will be reduced by
1% (i.e. 1 point) for every absence after the fifth absence in a quarter.
Any student who is late to any one class by more than fifteen (15) minutes will be marked
absent for that class only.
All school work missed by a student on account of any absence must be completed within
one week of the absence, or such time as the relevant teacher(s) may direct.
The superintendent may excuse any absence for good cause shown. The superintendent
may ask for any appropriate supporting documentation s/he deems fit to be provided for
consideration of a request for an absence to be excused.
The request for excuse of an absence must be submitted to the Superintendent with
supporting documentation within ten days of the student’s absence for it to be
considered.
Note: On average a given course will meet 23 times in one quarter. Students who accrue the five
forgiven absences have missed 25% of that course.
Appointments
Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to arrange all non-emergency appointments during free
blocks, after school, on weekends or during the summer or school holidays in order to minimize the
loss of time for learning.
Any unavoidable absence caused by an embassy appointment should be documented by submitting
an appointment receipt to the Main Office.
Page | 41
Sick Notes
Please be aware that a doctor’s “note” or confirmation of illness does not extend the five day
absence framework.
Extended Holidays
Absences due to extended holidays will not extend the five day absence framework.
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism will result in the penalty listed previously and has a hugely negative impact
on learning. Thus, the principal will meet with parents/guardians of students who are regularly
absent.
Chronic absenteeism by seniors during the third and fourth quarter is an issue that can warrant
reporting to colleges and universities to which the student has applied.
Bunking
If the absence is determined to be unexcused, e.g., “bunking,” the student will receive no credit for
work/assessments missed.
Students who miss classes due to late arrival to school for any reasons (not including documented
illnesses, appointments, etc.) will be considered to have bunked with no credit assigned for
work/assessments missed.
Planned Absences
Students who anticipate a prolonged absence from school must make an appointment with their
teachers in advance in order to receive the assignments and to set due dates for all assignments.
Class Moodle pages are to be accessed and followed to assist in keeping up with class studies.
Students are responsible for obtaining assignments and returning them as per deadlines set by the
teacher. The five (5) day attendance rule remains in effect.
Teacher email addresses are provided in the beginning of this handbook. In addition, students and
parents/guardians may use the message function of Moodle to notify teachers.
Absenteeism and Extra-Curricular Participation
Students absent for the instructional day may not participate in an extra-curricular or schoolsponsored activity that day. Students who check-out of school during the day due to illness may
also not return that day for extracurricular or school-sponsored activities.
If a student is not in school for the academic day, they are not to come on campus at the end of
the day. Instead they should stay home to get healthy.
Students absent on a Friday will have this provision extended until s/he has returned to classes.
If a student needs to pick up a book or study materials then they are to report to the secondary
school office. The office will facilitate retrieval of the necessary materials. The student will then
leave campus.
Page | 42
Make-up Work & Moodle
Teachers are not obligated to provide makeup work if the student missed work due to unexcused
absences or bunking. Bunking students would instead receive no credit/zero for any missed
assignments, tests, etc.
The student holds responsibility for contacting teachers, getting assignments, doing the work, and
submitting it to the teacher after any absence.
Students who miss class – for any reason – must check their Moodle accounts for updates on
missed work and assignments. Students who miss class are responsible for any work posted that
day to their Moodle accounts, in the same manner as if they attend class.
Setting Make-up Work Due Dates
A reasonable time period to complete missing work is one class period extension for each class
period of absence. A zero is assigned for any work not completed within the time limit established
between the student and teacher.
Outside of absences due to extended illness/absences, SAISA/school-sponsored event travel, and
the like, a student will be expected to make-up any missed work done in class by the next time
s/he appears in class.
Students should check for assignments and class work via Moodle. They may make
arrangements with a fellow classmate to collect any necessary text or papers from school. Parents
may email teachers to request homework for students who are unable.
Incomplete Assignments
A zero will be assigned for any work not completed within the time limit set by the teacher.
Incomplete Grade = “I”
If make-up work due dates extend beyond the end of a grading period, students may have a grade
of ‘Incomplete’ noted on reports for two different reasons:
•
•
If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is unable to complete the required work
for a specific quarter the teacher may enter a grade of Incomplete. The teacher must
inform Principal of any circumstances deserving a grade of Incomplete.
The Principal may require teachers to give a student a grade of Incomplete due to
circumstances that have come to his or her attention.
In both cases, the student must complete all work within the first ten days of the next quarter
unless it is a case of an ongoing illness for which the Principal may decide a reasonable timeframe
for the work to be completed after consulting with the student’s family and teacher. The grade
earned at the end of this make-up period will replace the ‘Incomplete’ grade.
Punctual Completion of all Assigned Studies
LAS Students will be assigned work to be completed in class, outside of class, individually or in
pairs/groups as part of their learning. Students are expected to complete all assignments and
submit them on time.
Page | 43
Homework / Independent Practice
A better word for homework is independent practice or independent study. Independent Practice is
an important educational tool and aids in the development of responsible, independent learners.
Independent Practice serves as an informal assessment of student’s mastery of a concept
introduced in class or as reinforcement of an essential skill. Independent Practice also gives
students the opportunity to work on long-term projects which are too time-consuming to complete
in school.
School work that is done at home should be done independently with a minimum of assistance.
Homework and independent study activities are developed in accordance with sound principles of
learning and defined educational purposes. These are meaningful educational experiences based on quality work
rather than on quantity and rote memorization. The objectives of homework are:
•
•
•
•
•
To
To
To
To
To
reinforce learning through further practice and application of material
develop sound independent study habits
enrich learning through independent study, individual research and experimentation
enable students to complete assignments
preview new units of study
At the High School level, the length of daily and weekly homework assignments may fluctuate
based on the nature and number of courses in the selected program. Homework assignments may
be of a long-term nature or short-term nature for daily reinforcement, preview, and enrichment.
Teachers are expected to provide timely feedback to students on all assignments.
Submission of Assigned Work
Students are expected to submit assignments on the given date as part of a college preparatory
program. Late work will be assessed a penalty affecting the grade of the assignment.
Major assignments are given well in advance of due dates. Students who are absent on the due
date of a long term assignment will see that assignment assessed a heavier penalty. Extenuating
circumstances may be considered on an individual basis by the teacher involved. The final grade is
determined by the teacher.
Each teacher will clearly outline in the course syllabus and review with students penalties applied to
late work.
Moodle
In keeping with 21st Century teaching and technology, LAS faculty use the on-line instructional tool
Moodle (http://las.mrooms2.net/), as well as a variety of other internet instructional tools. All
students have a personal, private Moodle account for every class, accessible on-line from any
internet source. It is the teacher’s responsibility to regularly update class Moodle pages – both in
advance preparation for emergencies and as an instructional tool.
In the event of forced school closure, instruction will continue through the LAS Moodle site. Faculty
will post lessons and assignments commensurate to actual classroom instruction.
All students are required to check their Moodle accounts on the day of any missed class
and complete all assignments posted.
Page | 44
Note that checking Moodle does not eliminate the need for keeping the Middle School Student
Tracker up-to-date.
Turnitin®
Turnitin the leading online originality checking and plagiarism prevention service worldwide, is used
by all teachers on all major written assignments to encourage best practices amongst students in
using and citing other people’s written material.
Teachers will instruct students in how to submit written reports and essays via Turnitin for their
classes.
Academic Honesty
The development of individual character, honor, and integrity is a fundamental goal of Lahore
American School. All lessons take place with the understanding that the students will present their
own work. In return, the school community recognizes student accomplishment with due respect
and honor.
The faculty plays an especially important role in exercising great care and certainty that the
process for allegations is both consistent and fair. Teachers discuss academic honesty with each of
their classes during the first week of school. Teachers include in this discussion the definitions of
unfair testing, plagiarism, copying, and collaboration. Teachers ensure that each student
understands the school’s procedure regarding academic honesty.
In addition, English teachers will review Turnitin.com and how it will assist students in identifying
and eliminating inappropriate use of references and resources. Each student will be provided with
the Student Handbook outlining the school’s academic honesty procedures and each teacher’s
individual rules regarding collaboration on homework, assignments, and projects.
In compliance with the established practices for the use of textbook company produced tests and
test banks, commercially produced tests may not be distributed outside of the classroom.
Acts of Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty means that the student does his/her own work. It means that the ideas and
thoughts submitted by the student are without question created by the student.
Academic dishonesty would include but not be limited to the following situations:
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plagiarism,
communicating during a test,
obtaining copies of tests, copying homework or test answers from other students,
possessing any form of “cheat notes” during an exam,
copying from others on assignments/tests, and
allowing others to copy their work on assignments/tests
Teachers must notify the principal of all instances of academic dishonesty.
Malpractice in a testing situation
This constitutes breaking test procedures, e.g. using a cheat sheet; looking at someone else’s
paper; or programming answers into an electronic device such as a calculator, cell phone, palm
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pilot, electronic dictionary, etc. However, students are allowed to use paper dictionaries in a testing
situation at the discretion of the teacher. Students must ask in advance for permission.
Plagiarism
Using someone else’s ideas or statements as one’s own without giving credit to the author or
creator is considered plagiarism. This includes not giving a proper citation in a research
paper/project by crediting the source of information, the copying of another student’s work (e.g.
homework assignments) and handing it in as one’s own, the giving of one’s work to another to
copy, or any other similar use of another’s work.
At the discretion of the Principal in consultation with the teacher, a student in the beginning of
his/her first semester at LAS who commits plagiarism may be allowed to rewrite the assignment
and submit it for credit.
If, in the professional and experienced opinion of the teacher, academic dishonesty has occurred,
and if the student or his/ her parents question that judgment, it will be the responsibility of the
student to demonstrate otherwise.
Academic Dishonesty Procedure & Consequences
Students who commit an act of academic dishonesty:
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Will be suspended from school with the type and length of suspension determined by the
Principal based on the severity of the act and the student’s past history.
Will rewrite the assignment in question during the suspension.
Will complete all classwork missed during the suspension.
Will not receive any credit/will earn a zero for academically dishonest work, and for the
work missed during the days of suspension.
Cannot make-up missed work, exams, quizzes, or major reports for credit during the
period of suspension.
May be expelled from school after repeated incidents of Academic Dishonesty.
Student Behavioral Expectations & Discipline
An effective school provides a safe, positive, supportive and nurturing learning environment for
students, teachers and staff, which foster mutual respect, self-discipline, and responsibility. To
achieve this, we must all be responsible members of our school community and carefully consider
others before we take actions that might be harmful in some way. As with any community, LAS has
developed a set of regulations to help maintain a safe and pleasant environment for those that
study and work here.
Please review the following behavioral expectations and the discipline code.
Behavioral Expectations
Attendance at the Lahore American School is a privilege, not a right. In order to safeguard its
ideals of scholarship and character, the school, through the school board and administration,
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reserves the right when there is sufficient cause, to require the withdrawal of any student at any
time.
Students are expected to follow school rules, regulations, and behavioral expectations during
regular school hours and at school-sponsored events. Specific rules and regulations in effect for
off-campus events are considered as additional to regular rules and regulations.
In general, students are expected to practice good citizenship. This includes courtesy and respect
towards others, respecting authority, respecting school property and the property of others, and
taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Aims of the LAS Disciplinary Code
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To foster responsible, respectful and caring behavior in all LAS community members and an
awareness of how one’s behavior affects others.
To develop age appropriate independence.
To develop and maintain LAS community values and ethics.
To engage students in their own problem solving to find solutions for unacceptable behavior.
To look for solutions rather than blame.
To deal with the beliefs behind the behavior and not just the behavior itself.
To help students learn and move forward for their mistakes.
To ensure a drug and smoke free environment.
Levels of Disciplinary Actions
Conference
The teacher or administrator will confer with the student and may contact parents by phone. In
addition, a meeting may be required with a teacher, student, counselor, parent, administrator, or
other appropriate person.
Detention
Teachers or administrators may require that students attend detention outside the regular school
day or on Saturday. Failure to serve the detention punctually will result in doubling the detention
the first time; on the second failure to serve more severe consequences will result in a parent
conference before the student may return to class.
• It is the responsibility of the student to notify the parents of the assigned detention.
• Students involved in extracurricular or work activity shall not postpone detention.
• Should a conflict arise with any school-sponsored activity, the assigned detention shall take
precedence.
• Students must bring school work (class assignments, texts, etc.) to perform independently
during detention.
• Students are not permitted to talk with each other during the detention.
• Students may not access mobile phones or music systems.
• Laptops may be used as learning support but not entertainment.
• Students will remain in the detention until dismissed by the person in charge.
• Students in detention may not take part in activities or sports taking place on school
property anytime on the days of suspension.
In-School Suspension
For serious disciplinary violations, the Principal may apply an “In-School Suspension”. The Principal
may suspend a student from one period up to three days. When students are suspended, they
must report to the appropriate principal’s office and complete studies apart from classes under the
administration’s supervision during the period of the suspension.
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Conditions for In-School Suspensions:
• During the suspension, students will be expected to keep up with all academic work as
assigned by the teacher. They must return to classes with all assignments as complete as
possible.
• All assignments due in all classes during the periods of the suspension will be marked zero.
• Any evaluation, written or oral, that is missed in any class due to the suspension will receive
a zero for that evaluation.
• Students suspended from school may not participate in any school-sponsored activity.
Out-of-School Suspension
For very serious and/or repeated disciplinary violations the penalty will include an “Out-of-School
Suspension”. The Principal may suspend a student for up to five days. Suspensions longer than five
days must be with the approval of the Superintendent. When students are suspended, they must
depart campus immediately and be under their parent’s or guardian’s supervision during the period
of the suspension.
Conditions for In-School and Out-of-School Suspensions:
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During the suspension, students will be expected to keep up with all academic work as
assigned by the teacher. They are recommended to complete all assignments in order to
keep up with studies.
All assignments due in all classes during the days of the suspension will be marked zero.
Any evaluation, written or oral, that is missed in any class due to the suspension will receive
a zero.
It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians and the student to see that all academic
obligations are fulfilled promptly.
For extended suspensions (five or more days) parents may need to seek outside tutoring for
the student while he or she is away from school.
Students suspended from school may not participate in any school-sponsored activity and
are not permitted on school grounds during the period of suspension.
The student and parent(s) will return to school at the end of the suspension and meet with
the Principal to discuss the conditions under which he or she will be allowed to return and
remain at LAS.
Grounds for in-school and/or out-of-school suspension include, but are not limited, to:
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Willful and persistent disobedience
Stealing, cheating, and bullying
Academic dishonesty
Abuse or destruction of school property
Fighting
Possession and/or use of weapons and/or use of weapon-like items, e.g., authentic looking
toy or air guns
Smoking on school grounds or any school-sponsored event
Possession and/or use of alcohol or drugs
Other behavior which is deemed to be improper or offensive
Financial Reimbursement
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A student may be required to reimburse individuals or LAS for damage to or destruction of
property. (The administration may substitute community service when a situation warrants such
consequences)
Behavioral Probation
In the case of a major school policy violation, or repeated violations of rules despite warnings, a
student may be placed on Behavioral Probation. Behavioral Probation is defined as not being
allowed to participate in any non-academic activity sponsored by the school. If, at the time of
infraction, the student is already involved in an activity, s/he will have to drop out of it. This is
monitored by the appropriate principal and may apply to a regular class activity that extends
beyond the school day.
Expulsion
In the case of a severe infraction and/or subsequent to the above measures, the Superintendent
may recommend a student’s removal from school. Parents have a right to a hearing before the
Board of Directors to appeal an expulsion decision by the Superintendent. The ultimate decision to
expel a student lies with the board of directors.
Student Discipline (Board Policy 8.504)
The board of directors expects teachers and administrators to communicate with parents when
there is a serious breach of proper student behavior. The board of directors recognizes the
“partnership” parents have with the school in providing assistance for modifying negative student
behavior. Professional faculty is authorized to discipline students as required. They may
accomplish this through guidance in the form of counseling, temporary removal from the
classroom, or appropriate assignments (e.g. classroom, lunchroom or campus cleanup).
Continuing and/or serious disciplinary problems will be referred to the principal.
The principal may take disciplinary action in the form of:
Counseling
Contacting a student’s parents
Prohibiting a student from participation in an after school activity
Removing temporarily a student from a class
Engaging a student in a service activity which will be of benefit to the school
Assigning in-school suspension
Suspending the student from attending school for a specified number of days
Recommending to the superintendent expulsion of the student in an extreme
single incident or repetition of behavior incidents
Under no circumstance shall corporal punishment be used as a disciplinary action.
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Offenses meriting discipline include:
• Responding to an adult in an insubordinate manner, a manner that would be considered
other than polite and respectful and/or disruption of the instructional environment willful
and persistent disobedience.
• Bullying, including cyber bullying.
• Fighting in any form including “play fighting”
• Verbal or physical assault
• Harassment (verbal, written, graphic, electronic)
• Hazing activities - persecuting or harassing with meaningless, difficult, or humiliating
tasks
• Possession or use of instruments designed to inflict physical harm
• Vandalism of any type / graffiti
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Theft
Possession of stolen items
Obscene language, gestures, or graphics, including the improper use of computers
Possession of pornographic material
Extortion, insubordination or disrespectful behavior
Forceful, unapproved or irregular entry (or attempts of entry) to school facilities, campus
or classroom buildings
Altering official school documents, report cards or progress reports
Use of profane, vulgar or other improper language
Plagiarism, collusion, malpractice in a testing situation
Forgery, counterfeiting, or alteration of hall passes, gate passes, ID cards
Leaving school without authorization
Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs (including possession of cigarettes
and/or smoking)
Any other breach of conduct as deemed appropriate by the administration.
The above acts will result in suspension. The type and length of suspension will be
determined by the principal based on the severity of the act and the student’s past
history. (See suspension details outlined earlier.)
Students who habitually violate the rules are subject to expulsion. In extreme cases the Principal
may recommend to the Superintendent that expulsion be considered.
Other offenses meriting lighter disciplinary consequences for the first offenses include:
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Inappropriate dress
Public displays of affection (PDA)
Tardiness to class
Specific Disciplinary Procedures & Consequences
Assembly Behavior
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Food and beverages are not permitted in the theater at any time.
Students should arrive punctually. Students will not be permitted to enter the theater
after an event has started until a change of scene or act occurs.
Students shall remain resent throughout the performance. Students are not to leave
during a performance, unless they are encountering some emergency.
Students should respond formally as is appropriate in a respectful, supportive setting.
Cat calls, whistling and other types of noises are not appropriate in the theater setting.
Applause and laughing (when appropriate) are acceptable.
Students are to sit properly in the seats. Feet are to be on the ground and not up on the
seat in front. Climbing over seats is not appropriate.
The theater seats are equipped with retractable writing surfaces. These should be used
only for test taking and not handled or moved during performances.
Upon entering and exiting, students are to observe polite and considerate behavior.
Students are expected to direct their attention to the events on stage and show proper
respect for performers and speakers.
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Consequences
In addition to the any disciplinary action applied, students may be denied the privilege of attending
further assemblies.
Student Drivers
LAS students may not drive to or from school or any school event.
Consequences
A meeting with parents will be called immediately to ensure that this does not re-occur.
Trash Disposal and Return of Cafeteria Items
Students are expected to contribute to the appearance of their school by discarding trash in the
appropriate receptacles. Cafeteria plates, glasses and utensils that are removed from the cafeteria
area must be returned or placed in appropriate receptacles.
Consequences
Special work or assignments will be issued to students who do not appropriately discard of trash or
return cafeteria materials. Students will be charged for any damage to school property.
Vandalism and Graffiti
Lahore American School has a beautiful campus and modern facilities. The vast majority of
students appreciate the furniture, buildings and grounds, treating them with respect. Some may
not, however, and this is considered a serious offense.
Consequences
Any student found guilty of vandalism or graffiti will be subject to detention or possible suspension
depending on the severity of the act. Serious offenses may result in immediate expulsion from
school and financial compensation.
Underground Newspapers / Websites / Other Media Usage
Any material with malicious content circulated on campus is damaging not only to the individuals it
targets, but also to the school’s image. The administration views the production and/or distribution
of such material as an extremely serious offence. The administration reserves the right to question
and take appropriate action against any students involved. Moreover, any student found in the
possession of or connected to contributing to such material will be subject to disciplinary action.
Consequences
Such an offense may lead to expulsion of student/s involved.
Fighting & Assault
To promote the learning of all LAS students, each individual must be safe from attack and,
therefore, able to best learn and perform. LAS students are expected to exhibit self-control in their
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reactions and to express concerns with other in appropriate ways, seeking to resolve conflicts
rather than express anger or seek revenge.
Any sort of physical fighting and any verbal, cyber or physical assault is not acceptable at LAS.
Consequences
Cases of fighting and assault will result in severe disciplinary action; it is considered a serious
offense, and therefore, results in suspension from school.
Harassment
The school is the workplace for students and their job is to perform well. Harassment of any form is
considered a serious offense because it affects the respect, dignity, performance, and self-esteem
of an individual.
Harassment may include:
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Sexual Harassment: Legally, sexual harassment is defined as any repeated or unwanted
verbal or physical sexual advance, sexually explicit derogatory statement, or sexually
discriminatory remark made by someone in the workplace, which is offensive or
objectionable to the recipient, or which causes the recipient discomfort or humiliation, or
which interferes with the recipient’s job performance.
Racial/Ethnic Harassment: Any derogatory remarks or innuendoes based on race,
religion, or color of skin will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely.
Bullying: Bullying maybe defined as, but not limited to, intimidation with harsh looks
and/or physical and verbal threats. These will be dealt with severely.
Incidents of harassment should be immediately reported to the Secondary School Principal or
Secondary Assistant Principal. Confidentiality will be maintained.
Consequences
Cases of harassment will result in severe disciplinary action; it is considered as serious an offense
as fighting and assault, and therefore, results in suspension from school.
Bomb Threats
Bomb threats and/or actions of a similar nature threaten the safety of the school and/or
individuals.
Consequences
Such an offense may result in expulsion.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Parents who enroll their children at Lahore American School have a right to expect that their child
is attending school with students who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Alcohol and Drug Use (Board Policy 8.504)
The board supports policy and procedures that send a clear message to both students and parents
that alcohol and drug use will not be tolerated. No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt
to possess, use or transmit, or be under the influence of any of any prohibited substance on school
premises or at a school-sponsored function or event. The board further directs the superintendent
to establish and maintain an instructional program that provides current information about the
health and legal consequences of alcohol and drug use.
Parents must notify the school if their child is on prescription medication. Such medication should
be administered by the school doctor.
The school encourages students to come forward and seek help when they or another student
needs adult help with an alcohol or other drug-related issue. If a student takes the responsibility to
seek help for his/her or another’s use of alcohol or other drugs and no disciplinary investigation is
underway, s/he may disclose past or current violations of alcohol or drug rules without fear of
disciplinary consequences.
“Use” by definition is when a student has voluntarily introduced, by any means, into his or her
body a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical
appearance, actions, breath, speech, or chemical analysis. “Under the influence” is defined as not
having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the use of a drug and/or alcohol.
Students who choose to remain present in a situation when alcohol and drug rules are being
broken may be subject to major disciplinary action which may result in expulsion.
Prohibitions
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Controlled substances or dangerous drugs including but not limited to marijuana,
narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, amphetamines, or barbiturates or
foods with any intoxicants
Prescription drugs used in a manner not consistent with the instructions of the
prescribing physician
Legal over-the-counter drugs, or “home-made” preparations or remedies for purposes
other than legitimate medical treatment
Prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in a form that would not normally be
purchased.
Possession of paraphernalia that are customarily used for illegal drug use or drug abuse
Abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation
Intoxicants, or mood-changing, mind altering, or behavior-altering drugs
Purchasing, possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages,
foods with alcohol, or the possession of empty alcoholic beverage containers.
Consequences: Tobacco
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First offense: parent notification, one day out-of-school suspension.
Second offense: parent notification, two day out-of-school suspension.
Continued inappropriate behavior may result in expulsion.
Consequences: Alcohol/Other Drugs
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Lahore American School maintains the right to conduct a search of a student’s person
and personal belongings located on campus when sufficient evidence warrants such
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action. Searches may include but are not limited to lockers, book bags, other personal
possessions, and the emptying of pockets or handbags. Searches are to be conducted
with utmost respect for the individual.
Students caught using, in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will
be immediately suspended from classes and brought to the health clinic to be evaluated
to be certain that s/he is in no danger.
When the Superintendent has reason to suspect that there is a specific concern of
alcohol or drug usage, s/he may require confidential medical examinations to be
conducted in order to be assured that such a concern is not in existence.
Prior to requiring the medical examination the Superintendent will make every attempt
to contact the child’s parents or legal guardian. The Superintendent will explain the need
to have a medical examination and the concerns that have led to that decision.
Should the parent /guardian not wish to have the medical examination completed on the
student, the Superintendent may recommend the student for expulsion.
If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted within an hour, the Superintendent may
require the student to be tested. The manner in which the student is to be tested will be
determined by the Superintendent. If the student refuses to give consent for this
testing, the school may presume such a test would be positive.
Parents/guardians of students will be notified soon after it has been determined that the
rule has been violated. At that point, the administrator will explain what has happened,
how the disciplinary process works, and what the parent can expect.
Parents have the right to appeal any expulsion recommendation to the Board of
Directors. Students expelled from Lahore American School are not eligible for readmission.
Breaches of alcohol and other drug rules are major offenses. A student who violates one
of these rules may be subject to expulsion from the school. The decision of the board is
final.
LAS Appropriate Use Policy - Information and Communication Technology
Lahore American School recognizes the value of technology as powerful learning tools. These are
tools that are available to all students Pre K-12. In order to prevent the misuse of these facilities,
LAS has set up guidelines for their use. Penalties and disciplinary actions will be applicable to
students who violate the terms of the LAS Appropriate Use Policy.
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Students are expected to follow all guidelines as stated in the “student behavior” section of
the Middle and High School Student / Parent Handbook.
Students are expected to work for the entire class period in a productive manner that is not
disruptive to others.
Students are expected to use school materials with care and will be required to replace any
items that are improperly handled and/or broken intentionally.
The activities listed below are not permitted:
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Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
Using obscene language
Giving personal information, such as complete name, phone number, address or identifiable
photo, without permission from teacher and parent or guardian
Harassing, insulting or attacking others; cyber bullying
Damaging or modifying technology equipment, computers, computer systems or computer
networks
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Violating copyright laws (plagiarism) by using material from the internet and other sources
directly in your work without fully documenting sources (sources table);
Using others' passwords
Sharing your password with others
Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files
Intentionally wasting limited resources
Employing the network for commercial purposes, politics, gaming, financial gain, or fraud.
Downloading unauthorized files or information of any type and storing on the school
network or computer hard drive;
Damaging or modifying technology equipment, computers, computer systems or networks;
Copying another student’s work;
Playing computer games or using computer resources unless it is a teacher-authorized
activity;
Taking flash drives, disks or textbooks out of the computer lab at any time
without
teacher’s permission;
Making unauthorized copies of software found on school computers or the internet;
Introducing a virus that may destroy files or disrupt service to other users;
Wasting class time visiting chat rooms or sending emails without permission;
Consequences
Failure to comply with any or all of these guidelines may range from the revoking of any/all
computer privileges, and/or other disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
Penalties
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First Offence: The incident (whether judged to be intentional or otherwise) will result in
a verbal warning to the student and a note put in the student’s file.
Second Offence: The student shall be suspended from the school network (losing all
computer privileges) for one week. Parents will be informed and a note put in the
student’s file.
Third Offence: The student shall have an in-school suspension for one day and lose all
computer privileges for two weeks. Parents shall be called to the school for a meeting. A
note will be put in the student’s file.
Fourth Offence: The Administration reserves the right and responsibility of removing the
student from all access to school computer equipment on the campus for the following
four weeks of school.
*** In addition, any loss of or damage to technology equipment or data caused by
irresponsible behavior will result in a fine equivalent to the replacement price of said
equipment.
Student Life and Activities
Beyond the Classroom
At Lahore American School, the faculty and staff believe in providing students with extensive
opportunities to develop individual interests and abilities. Athletics, school government and special
interest clubs provide “hands on” opportunities for students to learn and practice leadership skills.
Students elected to leadership positions and who participate in team and club positions develop
confidence and skills for a successful life.
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Students are encouraged to become involved in extracurricular activities and athletics and to work
with faculty to organize new groups and events at LAS.
House Activities
To help foster school community LAS offers House Activities. Throughout the year, elementary,
middle school, high school and school wide events will be held in which points will be awarded to
the House teams based on performance, spirit, and sportsmanship. Points earned will be added to
a House’s total which will accumulate over the course of the year culminating in the winning team
being awarded the House Championship Trophy!
Spirit Days
To demonstrate school spirit, LAS supports special spirit days such as Blue and Gold Day, Hats and
Shades Day, Twin Day, etc. Any variations to the Dress Code on these days will be announced in
advance by the appropriate Secondary School Principal.
After School Clubs
Students are invited to participate in various after-school clubs offered by faculty members to
explore activities such as cooking, music, arts, studies and drama. These clubs take place from
3:00 pm to 3:45 pm, Mondays to Thursdays.
Some clubs may be offered by outside specialist instructors for a fee, such as martial arts or
instrumental instruction.
To be able to offer more club opportunities for MS Students, parents are encouraged to offer clubs
or suggest outside club leaders. Parents interested in offering after school activities are encouraged
to contact the Secondary Assistant Principal.
LAS School Sponsored Events
A number of events are organized for the enjoyment of LAS students by classes or groups such as
NHS, Student Councils, etc. Student groups are encouraged to improve the lives of fellow students
by working with advisors to host such events.
All events must be placed on the school calendar in advance and approved by the administration.
Advisors and student group leaders should work together to complete the yellow Facility Request
Form as early as possible.
Event
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Regulations
Middle School sponsored events end no later than 9:00pm.
Events are chaperoned by two or more teachers, one of which is a class advisor.
Students who leave in the middle of an event may not return at a later time.
Attendance at such parties is restricted to LAS students, unless special permission for
guests has been obtained in advance from the appropriate principal.
How to Organize a School Sponsored Event
Step 1
Fill out the Facility Request Form from the main office at least 7 days in advance of your
planned activity.
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Note:
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There must be two days between bake sales
No bake sales during transition times (after school only)
Make sure what you are planning on selling is on the approved items list (available from the
Athletic Director)
Step 2
Have this form signed by the appropriate administrators
Step 3
Activity Preparation
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All posters and information about event must go on bulletin boards, NOT on walls since
tape takes the paint off the walls.
Advisor informs Head of Security that students will be bringing in offsite food items on that
day
Step 4: Running of Activity
Advisor needs to be present overseeing the students.
Advisor should be responsible for ensuring student are lined up in an orderly fashion – this
is to prevent cutting in line and disorderly taking of goods on sale.
Directly after the activity the Advisor and lead student should submit money to the accounts
department for deposit into the appropriate account
Cancellations
If your group needs to cancel the event for any reason, please inform the Athletic Director as soon
as possible to allow other planned events.
If a group cancels two activities in a row all other events scheduled for that group will be removed
from the calendar and will have to be rescheduled after they have successfully completed an event.
Fund-raising/School Representation
All activities involving fund raising by student groups must be authorized by the appropriate
principal. No individual student or student group may represent LAS without prior school
authorization. The school’s name may not be used to advertise groups or activities, without the
school’s expressed consent.
LAS Student Government – Middle School Student Council
Duties of the Student Council include organizing student activities, representing students regarding
issues and problems and assisting in maintaining high standards of achievement and conduct.
Activities include dances, community service and spirit days.
Representatives are responsible for providing leadership to the class. Proceeds earned from class
fund-raising activities are used for charity and as the class deems appropriate. Funds cannot be
spent without the approval of the advisor.
A faculty member, as Student Council Advisor, will assist and guide the Student Council.
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Elections
Student Council elections take place within the first month of classes each school year. The Middle
School Student Council will be comprised of four student representatives from each grade level.
Representatives will be elected by their peers to represent each advisory group along with a
representative elected by the entire grade level.
LAS is a coeducational, multi-national institution. To promote balanced representation of genders,
nationality, etc., the final representative may be limited to a particular gender, nationality, etc.
To be eligible to run for a student council position, a student:
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must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the preceding school year, and
must not have any disciplinary infractions, including academic dishonesty, on record for the
preceding school year either.
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The overall President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected within by the
representatives during their first meeting of the year.
Please see the Middle School Student Council Advisor for further detail.
National Junior Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a student service group open to select students in grades
6-8 who exhibit outstanding Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship. This is a
very select group and being elected is a high honor at LAS.
Membership selection for individual students is handled by the NJHS Advisors. Membership is open
to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who meet the criteria established by the College Board and is
granted only to those students selected by the faculty council. Students may not apply for
membership in the National Junior Honor Society.
In all cases those students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or
equivalent standard of excellence, or a higher cumulative average set by the faculty council meet
the scholarship requirement for membership in the National Junior Honor Society. These students
are then eligible for consideration on the basis of leadership, service, character and citizenship.
Membership to NJHS is not considered on the basis of grades alone, although the faculty council
may consider scholarship the most important of the five criteria.
Once a candidate is selected by the local selection committee, a student is awarded membership in
the local chapter at a special induction ceremony. Members maintain active participation in NJHS
while enrolled at LAS.
SAISA
SAISA stands
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for South Asia Inter School Association and is comprised of:
American International School, Chennai
AIS/C
American International School, Dhaka
AIS/D
American School of Bombay
ASB
International School of Islamabad
ISOI
Karachi American School
KAS
Lahore American School
LAS
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•
Lincoln School, Katmandu
Overseas School of Colombo
Murree Christian School
The American International School of Muscat, Oman
LS
OSC
MCS
TASIM
During the school year, SAISA sponsors eleven (11) varsity sports conventions, a music convention
and an arts convention. Parents and students must adhere to both SAISA rules and regulations and
the LAS code of conduct for these events. Note that:
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All varsity teams will practice up to 8 weeks prior to the SAISA competition.
SAISA participants will be required to stay with host school families/housing when
travelling, but the AD will work to ensure appropriate housing for all.
All students on trips will use the transportation provided by the school unless otherwise
approved.
Middle School Participation in SAISA Teams with Overseas Travel
All students in MS are invited to participate in all MS SAISA events hosted in Pakistan. MS
students in grades 7 and 8 having proven competitive athletic talent may be allowed to travel to
overseas SAISA events for Swimming and Track & Field at the discretion of the Athletic Director
and Principal.
A student must record a qualifying time/distance which is better than the 5th place time/distance
from the previous year's overseas SAISA event within the first two weeks of practice in order to
have time to organize flights and visas.
SAISA Costs
LAS subsidizes 50% of the airfare costs for students selected for all SAISA activities. Parents
are responsible for all other costs.
In cases of a student's SAISA travel being cancelled or cut short, the student will be held
financially responsible for all fees paid, as well as for any costs associated with
changing flights or other unrecoverable charges. This will include students who are:
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pulled from a team for academic or disciplinary infractions prior to the trip;
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involved in inappropriate student behavior on a trip; and/or
•
removed from a team or trip at the parents' request.
SAISA Expectations & Standards for Participation 2012 – 2013
It is understood that participation in SAISA is a PRIVILEGE. To earn the privilege students must:
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Earn a minimum GPA the previous quarter of a 2.0 and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher for
any subsequent quarters which occur during the season. Evidence of this will be obtained
quarterly from the Registrar.
No failing grades in the previous quarter.
Maintain a grade greater than or equal to 60% (D-) in all classes during the SAISA season.
(Grade check cards, most recent Edline reports, quarter grade, or semester grade all apply
up to Monday of the week before travel.)
If a student’s grade goes below 60% they will be withheld from practice and taken off the
travel roster until the grade is above 60%.
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Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality. Evidence of this will be obtained daily from
the Main Office
Students absent from school will not be allowed to practice or play that day or weekend (for
Friday school days).
Note that if a student accumulates a combination of 5 tardies and/or absences during a
SAISA season it will result in removal from a SAISA team. Absences will only be excused by
the AD with appropriate documentation submitted on the day of return to class.
HS Practice times 2012 - 2013
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Mondays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Saturdays
4-6pm
4-6pm
4-6pm
10am - 12noon
MS Practice
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•
•
times 2012 - 2013
Mondays
3-4pm
Thursdays
3-4pm
Saturdays
8-10am
Practice Matches and morning conditioning may be added if approved by AD
Attendance after SAISA/School Sponsored Activities
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Students are expected to be in school the day following a SAISA event or other schoolsponsored activities. They must return to school on the first school day following their
return to Lahore unless they arrive after 10 pm.
Students who are absent the day following an event may be ruled ineligible for participation
in the next SAISA or other activity by the athletic director and/or appropriate principal and
may lose their opportunity to make up missed work.
Students must collect and complete assignments/tests for classes which will be missed prior
to the event/trip. Evidence of this will be a completed Official Absence Homework Form.
Make-Up Work for SAISA/School Sponsored Activities
Students that miss school days due to participation in SAISA or other school-sponsored
activities are granted:
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One day to make up missed work per day of official absence.
A maximum of three days to make up work per event.
Tests may be given after an event participant has returned to school for one full day.
School Sponsored Trip/SAISA Event Permission and Travel
Any student participating in a school sponsored field trip must have written permission and must
obtain the permission in compliance with the procedures indicated by the Secondary Principal,
teacher or sponsor of the trip involved.
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All students on field trips will use the transportation provided by the school unless
otherwise approved.
Students involved in rule infractions may be prohibited from attending out-of-town and
off campus field trips at the discretion of the Secondary Administration.
Students arriving back from school sponsored trips may be permitted to come to school
the next day later than usual if their arrival was delayed to a late hour (i.e. past 10pm).
This will be determined by the sponsor of the trip and the Secondary Principal.
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It is the responsibility of the administrator of the trip to advise the students at the
airport (or school) as to what time they must report the next day and also to inform the
attendance office and the Secondary Principal.
Absence or tardiness beyond the designated time will be unexcused.
SAISA EVENTS CALENDAR 2012-13
Season 1
SAISA Boys’
Volleyball
Dhaka
October 4-7
Season 2
SAISA Boys'
Soccer
TAISM
Nov 29 - Dec 2
Season 2.5
SAISA Choir
TASIM
Season 3
SAISA Girls'
Soccer
AIS/C
March 7-10
Season 4
SAISA Planning
Meeting
ISOI
April
SAISA Swim
Meet
AIS/C
October 4-7
SAISA Girls’
Tennis
ASB
Nov 29 - Dec 2
SAISA Art
ASB
Feb. 26-29
SAISA Boys'
Basketball
LS
March 7-10
LAS SAISA
Celebration
LAS
May 4
SAISA Boys’
Tennis
ASB
Nov 29 - Dec 2
SAISA Girls’
Volleyball
LS
October 4-7
SAISA Track &
Field
OSC
March 7-10
SAISA Girls’
Basketball
OSC
Nov 29 - Dec 2
UNOFFICIAL – SAISA SCHOOL HS INVITATIONAL EVENTS
Invitational Badminton
Invitational Cricket
AIS/D
LAS
April 20-21
April 20-21
SAISA West CALENDAR 2012-13
Season 1
SAISA MS/HS
Track Meet
Host: MCS
@ ISOI
Oct 19-20
Season 2
SAISA MS
Soccer & Volleyball
Tournament
ISOI
Dec 7/8
Season 3
SAISA MS
Basketball
LAS
Feb 22-23
Season 4
SAISA MS Swimming
& Badminton
ISOI
May 17-18
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Contact Information
Address:
The Lahore American School, 15 Upper Mall, Canal Bank, Lahore, Pakistan
54000
Telephone:
92 42 3576 2406 / 7 / 8
Fax:
92 42 3571 1901
Email:
las@las.edu.pk
Website:
www.las.edu.pk
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