Bahrain MHS: Policies and Procedures

For safety reasons, all visitors and volunteers must report to the school’s front office immediately upon entering the school.

A visitor/volunteer is someone who is not a school employee or enrolled student and enters the school during operating hours. The school administration has the final determination on visitors/volunteers authorized to be at the school. When visiting, visitors/volunteers may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the front office. All visitors will receive an appropriate visitor’s badge, which is to be displayed conspicuously at all times while on school grounds. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor/volunteer can access a different location within the school. Upon finishing their visit, visitors/volunteers must check out at the front office, return the visitor’s badge, and exit the school. 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 school personnel 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.

The acceleration request must be initiated at least four weeks before the final school day. The Europe South District Office establishes the dates for acceleration. Students must be in attendance for the entire acceleration day.

Orders and a letter indicating the student's last day in school should be brought to the registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to take the acceleration form to teachers and complete the required work and examinations before departure.

• Three (3) days prior to the acceleration date, students will receive a clearance form from the Registrar, which must be completed by teachers and other staff members before departure and returned to the Registrar.
• Payment for books or other items must be made before clearance can be completed.
  • Parents must call ahead to arrange for records pick up.

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 2019-20, Class of 2023 Entering 9th grade in school year 2019-20
	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

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. 

Morning Drop-Off

All Elementary and Middle/High School students may be dropped off in the PURPLE Parking Lot (front of the school) during morning drop-off.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Elementary School students – PURPLE Parking Lot (front of school)

Middle/High School students – GOLD Parking Lot (back of school)

• Families with students in BOTH schools default to the PURPLE parking lot.
• The GOLD parking lot opens at 12:30 PM Sunday – Wednesday and 11:30 AM Thursday.
• The GOLD parking lot pedestrian gate is EXIT only. Entrance is at the discretion of security personnel.
• To ensure the safety of ALL of our students, please use the appropriate lot.

DoDEA AI 5205.02, Volume 1, DODEA FORCE PROTECTION PROGRAM: ANTITERRORISM, February 11, 2019

3.2.c. (2) (FOUO). DoDEA does not have an organic capability for surveillance detection or counter surveillance as identified in Volume 1 of DoD Instruction O-2000.16 and DoD Instruction 2000.26. DoDEA relies upon the installation commanders to provide this function. As such, it is not practical to integrate counter-surveillance, surveillance detection, or counterintelligence (CI) in accordance with DoD Instruction 5240.26, and other intelligence capabilities at any DoDEA operating locations.

3.15.c. DoDEA Bus Security Attendants Program. Bus Security Attendants are specially- selected, task trained adults who are assigned to ride on designated buses that transport DoDEA students on daily commutes (home-to-school and return runs). Bus Security Attendants perform four (4) tasks: pre-run bus security inspections, en-route surveillance detection, pre-attack recognition, and en-route security emergency response and management.

DoDEA PROCEDURAL GUIDE 5760.01-01 SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING

PROCEDURES, August 24, 2016, Section 4: Serious Incident Report Matrix, Table 6. Security Incidents, Force Protection Issues: Requires reporting of Force Protection Issues such as suspected surveillance which constitutes a threat or potential threat to students, staff or operations – if in doubt – report it! See table below:

Report: Suspected surveillance or other suspicious activity constituting a threat or potential threat to students, staff, or operations; or any incident that has the potential to compromise existing security measures and procedures.

Be alert to signs of intelligence gathering, surveillance, collecting materials for attack, and rehearsals:

• Taking photos or videos of potential targets
• Writing notes or sketching
• Showing abnormal attention to details of security measures
• People loitering in the same general area without a recognizable legitimate reason
• Certain civilian vehicles that seem to appear repeatedly
• Utility and construction workers that do not appear to be performing a specific job
• Electronic audio and video devices in unusual places

Surveillance may be conducted over a long period of time and employ various methods:

• Stationary surveillance: a common method in which operatives observe from a fixed location.
• Moving surveillance: conducted on foot or in vehicles.
• Technical surveillance: uses electronic means to record or gain access to security information.
• Casual questioning: used to elicit security information from approachable personnel.

Description of personnel:

• Gender, Race, Height, Weight, Clothing, Accent/dialect, Tattoos, Scars, Disabilities, Peculiarities

Description of Vehicle:

• Make, model, style, color, license plate

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Alexandria, Virginia maintains authority for the overseas schools (DoDEA). Bahrain Middle High School is, therefore, under the authority of DoDEA. 

Whenever concerns arise regarding our school, experience has shown that the overwhelming majority of them are resolved with the school, and most often by speaking with the classroom teacher. If concerns cannot be resolved at the classroom level, the appropriate chain of concern should be followed:

1. Classroom Teacher
2. Assistant Principal – Bahrain School – Ms. Bernadine Camuso
3. Principal – Bahrain School – Ms. Shana Seawright
4. Community Superintendent- Europe South – Mr. Carl Albrecht
5. District Superintendent – Europe South – Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney
6. Director – Department of Defense Dependent Schools Europe
7. Director – Department of Defense Education Activity – Mr. Tom Brady

The purposes of the PTA are:

• To support, through the distribution of its funds and organizing capability, the promotion of education for the students at Bahrain Middle High School.
• To promote and support special events that will benefit the parents and students.

The PTA Executive Board meets once per month.  All board meetings are open to the public and parents are encouraged to attend.

The purposes of a Booster Club are: 

• Formed to support an associated club, sports team, or organization. The booster club can support this through raising funds or coordinating events.
• Organized and run by parents of the students in a particular organization.

The SAC is composed of an equal number of locally-elected parents and full-time professional school employees and may include a senior high school student enrolled in the school. The SAC advises the Principal on local school-related, non-personnel matters such as educational programs, resources, services, and policies. Issues unresolved at the school level may be elevated to the District Advisory Council (DAC). Parents are welcome and encouraged to contact their Principal to learn more.

What does this mean at The Bahrain School? In simple terms, your SAC wants to ensure that communication is open to and from parents, administration and base. SAC includes representation from each of these categories. All of us want to see The Bahrain School be the best it can be to serve the students best interests. We are all very fortunate that our administrators at The Bahrain School are always willing to hear concerns directly from anyone that has them. SAC will act in a couple of different ways. If a parent or group of parents would like to bring forward an idea or issue to a larger forum, they can always contact a member of SAC, use the SAC email directly or attend a meeting. Additionally, the Principal may have an issue they would like to discuss in a larger forum and will bring that issue to SAC. The bottom line will always be doing what is best for students and The Bahrain School community. The main goals of the School Advisory Council are to participate in and encourage strategic planning, develop and define policy, and serve as a public relations source. The SAC operates in the policy-making process by formulating and adopting, but never enacting, policy. As the title states, the Council is advisory in nature

The Bahrain School has two SAC committees – an Elementary SAC and a Middle School/High School SAC. Additionally, there will be an Installation Advisory Council (IAC) where the individual SACs will have representation along with the base commander. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to bahraincssac@gmail.com.

Students Can Expect:

• To be treated with respect by teachers, administrators and fellow students.
• To have fair and unbiased teachers in grading policies and classroom activities.
• A prepared and knowledgeable teacher.
• Privacy of all grades and other records.
• An academic challenge in classes.
• To assemble with other students in a peaceful manner.
• To dress in fashion that pleases him/her as long as it is within basic dress codes and is not offensive to local culture.
• To maximize facilities (as budget allows).
• To communicate with teachers regarding grades received, assignments given etc., as long as it is done privately and the student is not abusive or disrespectful.
• To fail, without humiliation or harassment from teachers and administrators, as long as the student is aware of the consequences of failing.

Expectations of Students

• Speak without shouting using a moderate, polite tone of voice avoiding profane, vulgar, or crude language. 
• Do not insult others or put them down, even when joking.
• Respect others and their rights; for example, leave personal items alone.
• Discuss situations with the teacher if the teacher is perceived as unfair or biased.
• Be prepared for class work by bringing your own class materials to class every day.
• Practice integrity and academic honesty; follow through on all activities.
• Ensure that assemblies in which he/she participates are peaceful.
• Attend classes as scheduled and on time.
• Care for school property and facilities.
• Promote and support extra-curricular activities.

If a student feels that his/her boundaries have been curtailed or infringed upon in any way, the concern should be discussed immediately with the teacher or individual involved. If this fails, the problem should be discussed with the school counselor or a school administrator.

Teachers Can Expect To:

• Receive respect, consideration, and deference from students.
• Receive full cooperation and courtesy from all students at all times.
• Receive respect and consideration from colleagues and administration at all times.
• Establish and enforce class rules and consequences without superseding DoDEA or school policies.
• Dismiss a disruptive student from a classroom if the disruption interferes with the rights of others.
• Have the best materials (within budget).
• Choose the method of teaching best suited for the course and students.
• Inquire, by discussions with the student and/or parents, as to why a student performs poorly or lacks motivation.
• Report or refer disruptive students to the administration or other appropriate staff for action.

Expectations of Teachers:

• Respect others and their rights.
• Do not insult others or put them down, even when joking.
• Explain his/her grading system, teaching methods and expectations.
• Try to motivate.
• Advise and counsel students when appropriate.
• Be aware of student capabilities.
• Try to educate the student to his/her full potential.
• Provide extra educational possibilities for the more capable student.
• Teach courses objectively so that students may form their own opinion.
• Be on time, prepared, and give quality instruction.
• Promote and support extra-curricular activities.
• Be fair, honest and unbiased in grading.
   

Arabic is a required subject for all Arabic passport holders who must meet the requirement of Arabic in grades Kindergarten to Grade 11. At the high school level, students are grouped according to skill level rather than grade level, and individualization is accomplished according to individual student needs. Arabic students in grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 also study social studies in Arabic.
 

Schedule change requests must be made from day 2 to day 9 of the semester for requests to be processed. Drop/add forms will only be issued by a guidance counselor and must be approved by parent, current teacher, future teacher, and administration. If a student withdraws from a course after week two and prior to the end of the semester, withdrawal grades will be given except in cases where acceleration procedures have been met. 

Academic Eligibility

All students are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and no more than one failing grade F during the school year in order to be eligible to participate in athletic or non-athletic competition against other schools. Eligibility will be based on the current DoDEA eligibility policy. The GPA of these students will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that they remain eligible.

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for their own scholastic integrity by neither giving nor receiving assistance (written, oral, or otherwise) on tests, examinations, final evaluations, or class assignments that are to be graded as the work of an individual. Any suspicion or evidence of forging, cheating, or plagiarizing the work of others will be investigated. Any student who is in violation will receive no credit. There will be an appropriate consequence for the particular assignment, and a letter will be sent home to be signed by the parents and returned to the teacher. A copy of the letter will be filed in the student’s discipline folder for the period of the school year. 

Active Participation

Students have a responsibility to be active participants in the learning process. Sleeping or napping in class is not acceptable.

Assemblies

Assemblies are planned during the school year to complement and enhance the regular school program. Since an assembly brings a large group of students into a small area, certain expectations of courtesy are appropriate:

• All students will move to the assembly accompanied by a teacher unless specific instructions have been given otherwise.
• All students will sit by classes in the company of the teacher in charge.
• Any loud behavior, socializing with a neighbor, or booing is discourteous to those on stage, and will not be tolerated and will be removed from the assembly.
• Students are expected to understand the instructions for the assembly prior to entry, and to leave the auditorium in an orderly manner.

Awards

An awards assembly is held at the end of each school year to honor students who have achieved highly in each curriculum area. The criteria for and the number of awards are under the supervision of a committee.  A number of additional awards may be given to students who meet department criteria on creativity, high motivation, effort and achievement. Teachers may nominate students, who have given special service to the school, for service awards. Each year a special award is given to one student who contributes more than all the others to International Understanding. This specially recognized student must speak two languages fluently, be recognized by the student’s peers, and be selected by the faculty. 

Special awards include: Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence and Academic Achievement at Grades 8 and 12.

Honor Roll Requirements:
 

Academic Letters Criteria (Grades 9–12):

• Students in Grades 9–12 are eligible to earn an Academic Letter.
• A student must be enrolled in at least four (4) classes each quarter during the period being considered for the award.
• The award is based on the average of any three (3) quarters during the school year.
• The average GPA of the three (3) quarters used for the award must be no less than 3.7.
• The GPA for any one of the quarters used to determine the award cannot be less than a 3.5.
• If the student elects to use the fourth quarter GPA as one of the quarter GPA’s for this award he/she must petition the school for consideration of an Academic Award in writing no later than one week after the fourth quarter report cards are distributed.

Black Flag Conditions
The Nurse will notify the school on Black Flag days. Students are encourage to limit outdoor activities and to stay hydrated.

Books
Students are held responsible for the condition of all textbooks, workbooks and library books checked out to them. A charge will be assessed for the replacement if these books are lost or damaged beyond usual wear and tear. The procedure for lost books is as follows:

1. The Supply Officer will notify the teacher of the cost of the book or school property that has been damaged.
2. Parents will be informed of this amount and will be required to purchase a replacement book. The school cannot accept money in lieu of a replacement book. Lost or damaged books can be ordered online. Please get the ISBN from School Supply Officer.

Cafeteria
A cafeteria program, which serves varied meals daily, is in operation during the school year. For school year 21-22, school lunches will be free for all students per the USDA. All lunches, whether brought from home or purchased in the hot meal program, must be consumed in the Great Hall.  

Since the Great Hall accommodates a large number of students in a very short period of time, certain rules of behavior must be strictly enforced:

• Students are to move quietly at all times while in and around the eating areas.
• Students are expected to wait their turn in line. Crowding ahead is discourteous and time consuming and will not be tolerated.
• Students are expected to clean and disinfect their own area at the tables. Trays are to be brought to the disposal area. Trash and remaining food will be dumped in the garbage cans, and serving trays will be placed on the counter at the rear of the Great Hall.
• When finished, students may proceed outside or into the mall area, but if the remainder of the lunch period is spent in the mall, order must be maintained.
• Monitors in the cafeteria are there to supervise the students. An administrator is assigned to lunch duty each day.
• Students are expected to be punctual for their afternoon classes.

Students may possess and use cell phones responsibly at their discretion before/after school, during lunch, and during passing periods. Cell phones should be kept on silent and or vibrate mode so as not to disturb others. 

During class time, cell phones should be powered off and secured in lockers, book bags, and purses. Students who leave during classroom instruction must leave their cell phones in the classroom. Within the classroom, students may only use cell phones with the express permission of the teachers.

Any student using a cell phone or other electronic devices during a test or quiz (not expressly authorized) will be considered to be gaining an unfair advantage and will be charged with academic dishonesty.

Any student whose cell phone disturbs the class or is distracted will:

1. Be given a warning
2. Have their phone taken away and turned over to administration. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day.
3. Have their phone taken away and turned over to administration, from whom a parent will need to pick up the phone.
4. Multiple infractions will result in loss of phone privileges at school. 

Taking unauthorized pictures or videos of the school and its environs without the express permission of the teacher, the students involved, or the Principal (depending upon the circumstances) is strictly prohibited.  A violation of this expectation may result in a suspension from school. Unauthorized publication or posting on the Internet of pictures or videos of Bahrain Middle High School, its students, or staff without the express permission of the people involved and the administration may refer the student for expulsion to the disciplinary committee.

Cell phones and other electronic devices are the responsibility of students. The school assumes no responsibility for their loss or damages if they are brought to school.  

All textbooks and school property need to be returned to the appropriate classrooms. 

Students are expected to clean out their lockers on their last seminar period of the year. Any items left will be disposed over the summer.

Students who are not returning to Bahrain School who would like their files from their @student.dodea.edu account will need to transfer their files to a private Google account.

1. Share the folders and files you need to your private Google account. 
2. Access the folder/file in your private account found in “Shared with Me.” 
3. Make a copy of the files and save them to your personal account. 

Once you leave Bahrain School, all Google accounts associated with your @student.dodea.edu will be deleted.
 

Fire drills are a regular part of the school’s safety training. There will be one fire drill each week during the first month of school and one each month thereafter. Teachers will brief students on the fire drill procedures. Fire drills are always to be taken seriously and full cooperation is expected.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered to be the holiest and most blessed month of the year for Muslims. Ramadan is about extra devotion and piety, spiritual reflection and self-examination, prayer and worship, increased charity and generosity, repentance and forgiveness, and self-discipline. Muslims are encouraged to appreciate the hardships of those in need by fasting from sunrise till sunset; as well as giving to those in need.

What does Bahrain School look like during Ramadan?
School will be in session as usual except students will only be allowed to eat food inside the cafeteria during lunch and the ten-minute nutrition break (after the first block). The cafeteria windows will be covered for discretion, and students will not be allowed to take cafeteria food out. In the classrooms, students will be allowed to drink water but encouraged to be discreet.

Although prayer times and lunch time may not be aligned, students who wish to pray during the school day will be allowed to use the Arabic library during lunch. This is to provide classroom instruction the least amount of disruption.
 

Students in Grades 6-12 will receive their student ID cards on orientation day. ID cards must be shown at the security gate to gain entrance to the school campus each day. Students are expected to have their ID cards at all times when they are on campus. Lost ID cards should be reported to the security office immediately.

Parents are encouraged to get a Bahrain Middle High School parent photo ID card. This ID card will facilitate entrance to campus for parents.

Students who willfully refuse to follow directions of a teacher or other staff member are considered insubordinate. Violators face a minimum of detention. The severity of the act and the student’s previous record of offenses will determine the length of the punishment. Open defiance, inappropriate language or profane gestures may result in suspension. 

Lost and found is maintained for convenience, but all students are responsible for their own property. Students are not to bring unnecessary or valuable articles to school. If such items are lost or stolen the school cannot be held responsible.

Your child may check with the Receptionist at the front desk for any lost articles. All coats, hats, books, pencil cases, etc. should be labeled with your child’s name for identification. Parents may also come and check for missing items.
 

Public displays of affection are not allowed at Bahrain Middle High School or during school sponsored activities.  Public displays of affection are considered to be any physical contact other than holding hands and may result in disciplinary action.
 

Seminar is a time set aside during the school day to give students an opportunity to complete their school work. As students get older, they are expected to manage their time, be prepared, problem solve, and develop a robust work ethic. Seminar offers the students the environment to do so, as well as provides time for students to access their teachers for help.

The first 20 minutes of seminar are designated for Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). The remainder of seminar is available for students to work quietly and individually. Group work is only allowed with teacher permission.

Procedure to see a teacher during seminar:

• During regular class time, the student will request to see the teacher during seminar. The teacher will sign up students in eSeminar. Students will not be able to leave seminar unless they are listed on eSeminar. Students may visit up to two teachers per seminar.
• When transiting hallways during seminar, students will move quietly and promptly to the requested teacher.  They may not congregate in hallways or restrooms.
• After SSR, the student’s departure time will be recorded on the Location Tracker Sheet.
• When they arrive at the destination, the student’s arrival time will be recorded on the Location Tracker Sheet. 
• Students need to return to their original seminar 5 minutes prior to the end of the class period unless prior agreement is made between teachers.

Students are prohibited from possessing or using tobacco/vaping products anywhere on school property, on school-owned and operated buses or on chartered buses, or when participating in school-sponsored or school-supervised activities on or off campus. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. 

All school rules apply during and after school hours when the infraction/incident occurs during a school sponsored or participatory activity.
 

Students who are without the materials necessary to learn and participate in class are considered unprepared for class. These materials include completed homework.

We are fortunate to be able to provide daily commute buses to our students at this time; however it is imperative that everyone understands the limitations of space available bus service.

Tuition paid to DoDEA is strictly for education and does not include daily commuting transportation. Buses are contracted by the Department of Defense to provided transportation for the dependents of their personnel. Seats being offered to the tuition paying students at Bahrain Middle High School are on a space available basis.  Space available means that bus service is provided only if:

• You are near a bus stop serviced by the bus.
• You are willing to transport your children to a bus stop.
• There are seats available on the bus.  

This service may be terminated at any time and without notice. Parents of space available riders will be required to fill out and sign the Space Available Transportation Form when picking up the bus pass.