AFNORTH MHS: Policies and Procedures

For the protection of students and staff, all visitors must report to the school’s front office immediately upon arriving at the school.  A visitor is any person (to include parents, sponsors, and legal guardians) not enrolled or assigned to the school requesting entry to the building.

Visitors must provide authorized identification to gain access to the DoDEA school.  The visitor will be issued a visitor badge that must be displayed above the waist while on DoDEA school property.  The school administrator has the final determination on visitors authorized to be at the school.  While on DoDEA school property, visitors may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the school’s front office. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor can access a different location within the school.  When leaving the school, visitors must sign out and return the visitor's badge to the school’s front office. 

Classroom Observations

Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction. Approval by the school administrator is required for this type of visitation.

Learn more about volunteering at your school's Get Involved page.

DoDEA school administrators, in partnership with sponsors/family members, students, and military leaders, promote communication through the establishment of advisory committees to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school advisory committees.

Learn more about SAC's at your school's Get Involved page.

Proof of Eligibility: The sponsor does not need to be present at registration, as long as the parent or other adult registering the child has all the necessary paperwork, in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, “Eligibility Requirements for Education of Elementary and Secondary School-Age Dependents in Overseas Areas,” September 20, 2006, as amended, and DoD Instruction 1342.26, “Eligibility Requirements for Minor Dependents to Attend Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS),” March 4, 1997. 

The following documents are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Proof of age;
2. Medical records, including information on medical conditions, medications, and all dates and types of immunizations;
3. Official documents to support eligibility (e.g., letter of employment, contract, permanent change of station [PCS] orders, etc.); and
4. Proof of on-base residence (applies to students enrolling in DoD domestic schools).

Contact the registrar at your child’s school to update your child’s information or visit your school's registration page for more information on enrollment. 

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

1. Personal illness;
2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
5. Religious holiday;
6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoDEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day.  Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

More about DoDEA Attendance Policy (dodea.edu/StudentServices/Attendance)

The Principal may authorize an accelerated withdrawal of a student who must withdraw from school 20 or less instructional days prior to the end of a semester, in accordance with Section 3.1.d, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01, “High School Graduation Requirements and Policy,” [TBD]. Accelerated withdrawal will only be considered if the parent/sponsor presents PCS orders. The parent or sponsor must present verification of the date required for the student to depart from the school (e.g., PCS orders). All of the conditions of an accelerated study program outlined by the student’s teachers must be met prior to withdrawal in order for grades to be assigned and credit to be granted. Students who withdraw prior to the 20-day limitation of the accelerated withdrawal policy will receive “withdrawal” grades rather than final grades. In this case, the sponsor/parent should notify the school two weeks prior to the date of withdrawal.

DoDEA accepts the official courses, grades and earned credits of middle school (grades 7–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who transfer to a DoDEA school from other DoDEA schools or who earn course credits in an accredited non-DoD system (public or private), correspondence, online, and/or home-school program. The accreditation for the sending school or school system must be from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting associations, one of the U.S. state education agencies, or by a public- or state-supported system of accreditation for public or private education programs in a foreign nation, in accordance with Section 4.7, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01. Please contact your child’s school for questions regarding course credit transfer process and approval.

This information identifies DoDEA's high school graduation requirements. Students who plan to pursue college athletics should also visit the NCAA Eligibility site to ensure their course taking aligns with NCAA eligibility requirements. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is now formally recognized as part of DoDEA's secondary education policy. Please consult with the school counselor for further guidance or questions regarding graduation requirements.

Requirements

DoDEA graduation requirements differ depending on the year a student enters 9th grade. The requirements are identified below on three separate color-coded documents dated to correspond to the year of initial entry into 9th grade. These documents are intended to help students and parents to determine the number of credits and the distribution of credits by subject area required to receive a DoDEA standard diploma or an honors diploma. Please consult with your school counselor for further guidance or questions.

In which year did your student enter the 9th grade for the first time?

	School Year 2020-21, Class of 2024 Entering 9th grade in school year 2020-21
	School Year 2021-22, Class of 2025 Entering 9th grade in school year 2021-22
	School Year 2022-23, Class of 2026 Entering 9th grade in school year 2022-23
	School Year 2023-24, Class of 2027 Entering 9th grade in school year 2023-24

At the beginning of each course or grade level, every DoDEA teacher shall make available information regarding grading policy and course requirements to parents and students. This information will be provided to parents and students by the end of the first month of the school year or by the end of the first month of the semester in the case of a semester course.

If any student demonstrates unsatisfactory progress or achievement, teachers must notify parents with enough time to correct the deficiency. Notification must occur as soon as unsatisfactory achievement is evident, and not later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period.

Timely and accurate reporting of student progress shall be accomplished for students in grades 4–12, using the approved DoDEA Electronic Gradebook (EGB) System. All assignments (e.g., quizzes, tests, examinations, homework, speeches, etc.) that are used to assess and report student progress shall be promptly evaluated and/or graded, posted in the EGB, and returned to the student. The normal period of evaluation and posting should be no longer than ten calendar days from the day the assignment is collected, with reasonable exceptions for large projects. At a minimum, one assignment or grade should be recorded per week in the EGB System. To create an account and access the EGB System, please visit the DoDEA SIS Gradebook for instructions.

A traditional letter grading system will be used for grades 4–12 report marks.

For purposes of calculating a student’s high school GPA, the following scales shall be used:

The DoDEA School Meals Program (SMP) supports academic achievement by providing nutritious meals to your students through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  

• The School Meals Program is a budget friendly and convenient program for parents that can save time, energy, money and reduce stress.  
• Households must reapply every school year for free and reduced-price meals, beginning no earlier than July 1st.
• All meals must be paid for in advance or at the point of sale.
• A best practice is to fund your child’s account every pay day through the next pay day.

Visit your school's School Meals Program page for more information and the latest school menus.

Students are expected to actively participate in the educational process, including school-sponsored activities in and outside of the classroom, as deemed appropriate. Students should bring to the attention of a school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

Students shall:

1. Comply with policies, procedures and standards for student behavior;
2. Refrain from conduct or behavior that is disruptive;
3. Respect the rights and human dignity of other students and all school employees;
4. Attend school and classes regularly, and punctually and make a conscious effort in all classes;
5. Participate in and take advantage of educational opportunities provided by DoDEA schools;
6. Assist school employees in operating a safe school by abiding by the laws of the United States, the local military installation, the host nation, and DoDEA policies, regulations, and procedures;
7. Properly maintain school property and use school property and equipment for educationally authorized purposes;
8. Promptly bring to the attention of a DoDEA school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others and to cooperate with school threat assessment procedures; and
9. Promptly report to the DoDEA School Principal, or another DoDEA school employee, incidents or complaints, including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or non-sexual harassment, based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or status as a sponsor, parent or legal guardian; intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyberbullying), or retaliation against persons who report or participate in the investigation of such incidents herein.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Please refer to your school’s Web site or school handbook for specific dress code policy.

Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, sponsors/parents/guardians, teachers, and the military command and school communities in general, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Student behavioral management consists of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors. Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff with courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students with courtesy, fairness, and respect. All students will be disciplined in a fair and appropriate manner. School administrators shall operate and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. School administration will ensure prompt investigation and response to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members.

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021, discipline shall be progressively and fairly administered. Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, conferences, detention, time-out, alternative in-school placements, school service programs, community service and counseling programs. Other behavior management techniques will be considered prior to resorting to more formal disciplinary actions that remove a student from school for a suspension (short or long term). Long-term suspension or expulsion following a first offense may be considered when a student poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others (e.g., offenses involving firearms or other weapons, fighting or violence, or the possession, use, or sale of drugs). Additional rules and procedures can be reviewed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01.

DODEA students have the Right to a discrimination-free learning environment in which no individual, on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or status as a parent, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination in a DoDEA-conducted or -sponsored education or training program or activity, pursuant to Executive Order 13160, DoD and DoDEA policy, and Federal law.

Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff as expected within the code of conduct, to include courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students as expected within the code of conduct in this Issuance, to include courtesy, fairness, and respect. 

In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. DoDEA implemented a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.

Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.

In DoDEA schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to ensure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.

Each student, together with the student’s parent or guardian (if applicable), shall acknowledge and sign Form 700, “Use of DoDEA Internet and Use of Information Technology Resources,” before he or she is assigned a user account. In accordance with Enclosure 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 6600.01, “Computer Access and Internet Policy,” February 16, 2010, the following are required of all students:

1. Students shall use DoDEA information technology (IT) resources, including computers, electronic mail, and internet access, only in support of education and for research consistent with the educational objectives of DoDEA; 
2. Students shall respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to, and use of, DoDEA’s IT resources; 
3. Students shall be polite in all electronic communication;
4. Students shall use courteous and respectful language and/or images in their messages to others;
5. Students shall not swear, use vulgarities, or use harsh, abusive, sexual, or disrespectful language and/or images;
6. Students who misuse DoDEA IT resources are subject to disciplinary measures; and
7. Students’ accounts will be deactivated upon transition out of a DoDEA school.

The signed agreement (Form 700) is to be retained in the administrative office at the student’s school for the duration of the student’s enrollment. A copy will be provided to the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent or guardian.

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged.  The only acceptable form of social media communication between parents/teachers/students is through official school social media.

Student transportation is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, during the mid-day and for return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day.  DoDEA principals are responsible for monitoring student loading/unloading zones when students are coming and going from school sites, including administering discipline.  A school bus or any device operating to provide student transportation will function as an extension of the school.  The walking distance for students in grade 6 and below should not exceed one mile from the student’s primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  Students in grades 7–12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods.  In locations having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6–8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7–12.  

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal.  No other transportation between the assigned bus stop and the school will be charged to commuting transportation unless stated in a special education student’s IEP and/or required by Section 504 guidelines.  “Curb-to-curb” only applies to students with disabilities who require such service as documented in the student’s IEP.  DoDEA District Superintendents, in coordination with the District Logistics Chief and the supporting military installation commanders, will establish a commuting area to determine eligibility for transportation of dependent students.

Management of DoDEA student behavior is a responsibility shared by DoDEA students, sponsors/parents/legal guardians, teachers, and the military and school communities and consists of teaching and reinforcing positive DoDEA student attitudes and behaviors. Discipline should be progressively, equitably and fairly administered, is sequential and preplanned, and normally occurs in a hierarchy of consequences for repeated offenses of the same behavior. 

"It is the teacher's right to teach.....And the student's right to learn."

The AFNorth staff and administration work diligently to encourage students to develop and demonstrate the behavior that will help them be successful citizens. The following six standards, emphasize the behaviors we hope to instill in our students each day.

1. Do be gentle
2. Do be kind, helpful and respectful
3. Do listen
4. Do work hard
5. Do look after property
6. Do be honest

Parents of students who walk to school are advised not to allow their children to leave home too early. Due to the lack of supervision, children should not arrive earlier than 8:40 a.m. Your cooperation in this matter will greatly enhance the safety and security of our students. Parents must come to the front office to sign their child in if he/she arrives after 0900. It should be noted that Base policy has determined that it is the responsibility of our students' parents as to whether their children are supervised by an adult or older sibling while walking to and from school or bus stop.

AFNorth MHS is one section of AFNorth International School (AIS), comprising educational institutions from four nations and incorporating grades Kindergarten to grade twelve. The four nations are the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. AIS has a long and proud tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, extracurricular activities, and in preparing students to live in a multicultural world.

Located on a spacious and green 10-acre area in South Limburg, Netherlands, the campus provides safe play areas for younger children and outdoor areas for older students. The school is housed in a unique and well-designed building that promotes international collaboration.

The school continues to refurbish existing buildings and develop new spaces as necessary. The different national sections are located around an airy central ‘Hub’ with four adjoining color-coded ‘Pod’ areas allowing access to various specialist areas for the arts, technology labs, and sciences.

The cafeteria, international ‘Pod’ areas, science labs, and all bathroom facilities have recently been renovated, upgraded, and/or refurbished. The cafeteria also has a stage and ample room for theatrical and musical performances.

Classrooms are spacious places for students to learn and all have now been furnished with state of the art SMART interactive technology. Along with access to the latest wireless technological learning tools, students can also access a modernized School Information Center and Nurses Office staffed by qualified professionals.

Sporting facilities include ample space for multi-purpose athletics plus three newly refurbished gyms and changing rooms. While gymnasiums accommodate Basketball and Volleyball teams, our field areas support Football, Soccer, and a four lane competition track as well as Track and Field event areas. Students additionally benefit from the easy access to the JFC HQ swimming pool and tennis courts.

Definition

An emergency is a situation requiring evacuation, school closure, or cancellation or delay of transportation, etc., as a result of fire, flood, inclement weather, bomb threats, firearms, chemical spills, terrorist activity, etc.

Guidelines

• The Director of AFNorth International School (AIS) has established a school plan that will be followed in emergency situations.
• AIS emergency procedures are not announced publicly, but can be requested from AIS Director's office
• Fire, Evacuation, and Lock-down Drills are held in accordance with local and national requirements. There shall be a minimum of three drills in the fall and three in the spring.
• Early in the school year, the AIS Directorate will coordinate through national sections the distribution of information addressing the subject of emergency evacuation and school closure to meet emergency situations.

Emergency Notification System

The Emergency Notification System (ENS) is a method AFNorth International School (AIS) uses to inform parents of a school-wide emergency such as inclement weather, school closures, etc. To be notified of any school wide emergency, you will need to register in the ENS system at the beginning of each new school year.

To Register: Go to the following link and follow the directions. When asked for the password, please use the word: secret (lowercase)

http://afnorth-is.com/info-center/parent-support/

In addition to ENS phone and email notification, AIS school closure notifications and information will also be made through:

• Radio: American Forces Network Europe and British Forces Broadcasting Service (AFN)
• The Website: www.afnorth-is.com
• School Twitter: @AFNORTH_IS, on the web: https://twitter.com/afnorth_is
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfnorthUSMHS/

For any questions in regards to the Emergency Notification System please contact the AFNorth International School Business Office personnel, Mr. Erie Doesschate.

Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior while in the cafeteria in order to prevent accidents and maintain an enjoyable eating environment.

To these ends, the following expectations will be enforced:

• Unless given a Lunch Pass from a teacher, students must eat lunch in the Cafeteria, not in the halls or other common areas.
• For the safety of themselves and others, students are not to run in the Cafeteria.
• Throwing food or any other objects are not permitted.
• Students must remain seated while eating during the lunch period.
• Students will not leave food, trash, or any other kind of debris on, under, or around tables.
• Chairs taken from neighboring tables or chair stacks must be returned.
• Students must remain at their tables until 12:10 pm, at which time they may return their lunch trays and exit the Cafeteria.

Consequences range from administrative counseling to suspension, depending upon severity and
frequency of infractions.

Leadership Team (SLT)  

The SLT consists of teachers, parents, students, and administration. The goal of this team is to provide leadership and planning for activities to ensure the school’s ongoing efforts towards school improvement. Please contact the school administrator at +31-45-527-8260 if you would like to serve on this team as a parent representative. 

School Advisory Committee (SAC)

The School Advisory Committee is established by DoD regulation and is composed of an equal number of elected parents and teachers (and one student). It advises school administrators and/or installation commanders on program matters, which impact the quality of education in our schools. SAC meetings are open to all community members and the meetings are held at a minimum of at least four (4) times during the school year. Parents are encouraged to attend these meetings and become involved in improving our school programs. The committee serves as an advisory body, not a policy-making body.

The role of the School Advisory Committee is to advise the school principal by making suggestions and/or recommendations on educational matters such as:

• School policies affecting students and parents
• Administrative procedures affecting students
• Instructional programs and educational resources within the school
• Allocation of resources within the school to achieve educational goals
• Pupil services (health, special education, testing, and evaluation)
• Student standards of conduct and discipline
• Policies and standards of the dependents’ education system related to all of the above

Meeting dates and times will be published in the parent newsletter and on the school calendar.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

This chapter is funded as a part of the European Parent Teacher Association, which is a military subsection of the National PTA based in the United States.

Your local PTA chapter supports AFNorth students and faculty by:

• Helping fund the annual Spelling Bee
• Creating fun events for the students and staff throughout the year
• Welcome back to school event
• Cocoa and cookies
• Movies
• Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon
• Allowing other student organizations and staff to make donation request to help fund school activities 

AFNorth Middle/ High School’s unique location affords diverse cultural exchange. Students have many opportunities to participate in academic and extracurricular experiences with other American and international schools throughout Europe. These opportunities include but are not limited to Eleven (11) Varsity Traveling Sports Teams, Yearbook, Creative Connections (visual arts, drama, and music), Academic Games, Model United Nations, Junior Science & Humanities Symposium, Student Council, National Honor Society/National Junior Honor Society, Honors Music Festival, Jazz Seminar, STEMposium, Drama, International Student Leadership Institute, JROTC & Air Force Drill Teams, Robotics, Middle School Spelling Bee, Geography Bee and Math Olympiads. 

Daily transportation to and from school for AFNorth students is contracted by the AFNorth International School (AIS) Directorate. Students must possess an AIS-issued bus pass to ride busses provided for both daily commute and after school activity busses. Bus passes are obtained at the AIS School Bus Office. For questions/concerns regarding transportation, please contact the AIS Bus Coordinator (045-527-8228 or 00-62-043-6042).

Afterschool Activity Busses

AFNorth students participating in afterschool sports, clubs, and other activities may utilize special Activity Busses, which depart AIS at 5:30 pm each school day. Students MUST SIGN UP by 2 pm ON THE DAY they wish to ride the Activity Bus by either using the scanning device at the school entrance or online at: https://afnorth-is.com/transportation-buses/# To sign up online, students must be logged into their Google Student account. The online form will only accept input on the day the Activity Bus is needed. Only students participating in AIS school activities are permitted to ride after school Activity Busses home. 

The School Lunch program at AFNorth is operated by SODEXO, and is an account-based service set up and managed by the AIS Business Office (045-527-8222). Students must be registered for, and in possession of, a lunch card to purchase lunch. SODEXO will not accept any negative balance on the lunch card accounts. Please make sure to check the balance of your children’s lunch cards regularly at:

https://qpay.quarto.nl/Portal/Account/Login/0

Please use the email address that you used when registering your card and your password. If you have any concerns regarding the Sodexo lunch program, please send an email to: 814700.afnorth.nl@sodexo.com