Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

ICS is a community of students, parents and teachers dedicated to the process of learning. We believe this process must take place in a safe and nurturing environment where teachers and students can learn.

Staff members will consistently and positively reinforce student behaviors that demonstrate dignity and respect for others.

 In order to encourage appropriate behavior, all students, teachers and parents are expected to model the following behaviors:

• Treat people and property with dignity and respect

• Participate actively in the learning process

• Exhibit a positive attitude

• Act responsibly and honestly

• Use appropriate language

 School Policy and Procedure

The ICS staff will help students understand and follow the code of conduct, attempting to implement it in a fair, clear and consistent manner, using one or more of the following management procedures when students exhibit inappropriate behaviors:

• Counseling by administrators, counselors and teachers

• A behaviour management plan or learning contract by administrators and/or teachers

• Parent contact by telephone, email or written letter

• Parent conference

• In-school suspension

• Suspension out of school

• Recommendation for expulsion made to the head of school

Dress For Success

Purpose

The HS Dress for Success Guidance aims to provide advice to students making personal choices in their apparel selections when coming to the school campus. The advice allows for personal expression and gender-neutral rules designed to avoid discrimination. The guidelines acknowledge the diverse community that forms ICS, while also respecting the diverse host culture of Ethiopia. 

Goals

The ICS Dress for Success Guidelines aim to accomplish the following goals:

• Afford self expression in personal apparel selection that contributes to students feeling safe and comfortable.

• Promote equitable treatment of all students regardless of gender/gender identification, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, body type/size, religion, and personal style. 

• Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive/clothing is needed, such as chemistry/biology (ie. eye or body protection) or PE (athletic attire/shoes). 

• Promote inclusivity by not wearing clothing with offensive/inapropriate images or language, including profanity, hate speech, alcohol use, drug use, violence and pornography. 

Specific Guidelines

1. Basic apparel worn to campus includes:

• Dress or other one-piece covering

OR

• Top and bottom

AND

• Shoes or sandals.

2. Clarification on particular items:  

Students can wear:

• Hats, including religious headwear

• Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants, and “skinny jeans” are acceptable.

Students cannot wear:

• Apparel that contains violent language or images 

• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) 

• Images or languages with hate speech, profanity, or pornography 

• Tube tops/strapless tops. These are not allowed for basic safety reasons (eg. Science lab)

• Material that is designed to be see-through so that undergarments are visible.

• Bathing suits

Secondary courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, theater, Model UN, PE) may include specific dress requirements for certain assignments. 

Not Dressed for Success?

A reflective conversation will be had between the student and faculty member to discuss what choice can be made in the future to ensure the guidelines are observed  (this can take place with a teacher, Grade Level Leader, Counselor, Deputy Principal, Principal or Director).  Upon the third discussion, a notification to parents will be made.

Review of Apparel Guidelines

The High School Dress for Success can be reviewed at the end of the term of the Student Council with the High School Leadership Team.  The final decision for amendments rests with the High School Leadership Team. 

Input to the Dress for Success Guidelines has been obtained from the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia.

Interpretation of the dress code is at the discretion of the Principal and his/her decision is final.

Other Regulations

Inappropriate Language

Language is a tool that indicates intelligence, but when it is used inappropriately it can become a weapon. Rude, foul or obscene words and gestures are not acceptable, even when spoken in jest, frustration or anger. This includes during sports or other out-of-class venues. 

Racial slurs or abusive words, regardless of one's own race or the language they are spoken in, cannot be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. This includes such language between “friends.” Taunting, teasing or verbal bullying are regarded as serious behavior problems. 

 Mobile Phones

MYP is Phone Free (Grades 9-10)

Mobile phones are welcome on campus and students may use these before or after school only or with teacher permission to support learning. Mobile phones must be stored out of sight between 8:00 and 3:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 2:00 on Wednesday. Devices that are seen during school hours will be confiscated by staff.

• 1st offense - the phone will be returned to the student at 3:25 by the staff member who confiscated the device

• 2nd offense -  the phone will be turned into the High School office and must be picked up from the Deputy Principal or High School Principal.

• 3rd and subsequent offenses - the phone will be turned into the High School office and must be picked up by the parent.

MYP High School students will not be able to connect their mobile phones to the school network.

Grades 11-12

Mobile phones are a major convenience and are valuable for student safety. Tools on phones, particularly smartphones, can be useful in classes and teachers may allow or require their use during class times. However, phones can also be a distraction and disturbance in classrooms. Students should switch off or mute their phones when they are not being used.

Parents, please refrain from calling your children during the day, except at their lunch period or after 3:20 PM while at school. If there is an emergency, it is best in all cases to inform the office. 

 Students are welcome to use our office phones if they must make calls during school hours.

 Personal Technology and Entertainment

MP3 players, tablets, iPads, smart phones and other personal technology are welcome on the campus. However, their use should enhance and enable learning, not distract students from their primary reason for being at ICS. When listening to music, earphones must be used and the volume may not distract others. Students may use earphones in class only if a teacher permits it. Students may not listen to earphones during assembly. These electronic devices may not be used during emergency drills, assemblies or at other times and places when specifically announced. Note that these valuable items are easily lost or stolen. ICS is not responsible for lost or stolen items

 Public Displays of Affection

Students should be sensitive to how others around them may react to public displays of affection. The inappropriate public display of a private relationship creates discomfort, and distraction for others. This applies to all members of the school community, regardless of age. Therefore, kissing, touching, and embracing of an intimate nature are not acceptable in our ICS culture. This applies to students in all school activities, whether on or off campus.

 Classroom and Campus responsibility

Students are encouraged to contribute to the appearance of their school by putting rubbish in the trash cans and by NOT participating in graffiti and vandalism. Special work assignments will be issued to students involved in such activities. Students will be charged for any damage to school property. Further consequences may also be imposed.

 Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is not permitted on the ICS campus.

Serious Behaviors

Academic learning takes place best in an environment where students and teachers feel physically, socially and emotionally safe and secure. Any behaviors that threaten this safety will be treated seriously at the first incident. Examples of serious behavior issues include (but are not limited to):

 Bullying: 

Bullying will not be tolerated at ICS and all incidents will be taken very seriously. Bullying can be physical, verbal, emotional, racial, sexual, written, via Internet, etc. Bullying is defined as persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behavior, abuse of power or unfair penal sanctions. Bullying in any form makes the victim feel upset, threatened, persecuted, humiliated or vulnerable. It undermines the victim’s self-confidence, causes stress and interferes with one’s ability to learn. 

Bullying can be:

• •  Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching, any form of violence, threats

  •  Verbal – name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, gossiping, persistent teasing

  •  Emotional – tormenting, threatening ridicule, humiliation, exclusion from groups or activities

  •  Racist – racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

  •  Sexual – unwanted physical contact, abusive comments

  •  Written – name-calling, threats, SMS, via Internet, tormenting, etc.

  • If you are the victim of or a witness to bullying please report the situation to a teacher or the counselor immediately. If you are still concerned about it, meet with the principal.     

Dishonesty

Telling the truth is a basic expectation. Lying or obstructing the truth is not acceptable. Academic honesty is highly valued at ICS and is described in greater detail in the section on academics. 

Theft

Stealing of personal or school property, including food, money, or other items, destroys the trust of the school community and will be severely dealt with. Involvement with the buying or selling of stolen property is considered an equally serious offense.

Disruptive behaviors

The success and safety of our learning environment rely on the cooperation and civility of all. Fighting, roughhousing, loud talking or yelling, running, chasing, blocking, pushing or playing in classrooms or hallways of the school all interfere with the peace, safety and learning of others. 

Disrespect or defiance

Again, the success and safety of our learning environment depend on the cooperation and civility of all. Students are expected to cooperate with all adults and ICS staff, and parents, including guards, cleaners and support staff. Students should also be polite and respectful. Acting or speaking rudely or negatively to a staff member is considered disrespect. Failing to comply with a reasonable request by a staff member is considered defiance. If you believe that a request is inappropriate you should comply with the request and discuss the matter later with a teacher whom you trust, the counselor or the principal. Any request that jeopardizes your welfare or property should be reported to the principal.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Weapons

The ICS Board of Governors and school faculty and administration are committed to the health, safety and well-being of the students. It is the school’s firm conviction that substance use and/or abuse is potentially dangerous socially, emotionally and physically, and therefore is totally inappropriate for our students. ICS firmly believes in maintaining a tobacco-, drug- and alcohol–free student body and learning environment. To meet this goal, emphasis is placed on substance abuse prevention and education along with significant consequences for students who choose not to abide by established ICS guidelines. Effective partnerships with parents require open and transparent sharing of information. Because ICS values parent partnerships, information will be shared with parents about any on or off campus incidents that school officials learn of.

The International Community School of Addis Ababa does not permit student possession, use or transfer of tobacco, alcohol or drugs on school grounds, on school trips, at social functions or at any school-sponsored events. Attending school or any school function under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also prohibited.

 To protect the health and welfare of students:

• • Middle and high school students will be informed specifically about these Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug policies in the handbook, in discussions with school staff at the beginning of the school year. All students enrolled in grades 6 through 12, along with their parents, are responsible for knowing and supporting ICS’s Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug guidelines, and understanding the potential consequences of violating them.

  • School officials have the responsibility and authority to decide what constitutes sufficient cause or appropriate circumstances to warrant a search for possession, and/or require testing for possible substance abuse.

  • The school administration reserves the right to search students, bags or lockers when it believes there is cause for such an action.

  •  ICS is a smoke-free campus. For students, this also includes public areas in the neighborhood immediately surrounding the school campus.

  •  Random, mandatory drug testing is at the discretion of the school administration, if there is probable cause to suspect the use of drugs or alcohol. Such testing will be done with parental notification whenever possible, and the results will remain confidential to the administration, the student and the parents. A positive test using one method will be confirmed (whenever possible) using a second, alternate method. Refusal to cooperate with testing will be considered a positive result, and will jeopardize the student’s continued enrollment at ICS.

  • The school administration reserves the right to investigate off-campus incidents involving ICS students and substance use or abuse, and parents will be notified of the results of such investigations and potential consequences.

  • The school community encourages students who feel they may have a substance abuse problem to come forward and supports their efforts to seek help. Depending on the circumstances, penalties for violation of our substance abuse guidelines may or may not be applied in such cases.

 It is important that all members of the ICS community work together to preserve and enhance the school’s reputation. Therefore, all students are expected to respect and abide by local legal regulations, including those related to illegal substance abuse. Although qat and alcohol may be available to ICS students in the wider community, their use/abuse is not acceptable.

Consequences

Appropriate consequences (as described below) for breaking substance abuse rules will be decided by the principal. All records of the school’s disciplinary actions under this policy will be retained in the student’s file until permanent departure from the school, at which time they will be expunged. However, students and parents should be aware that many colleges and schools that students will apply to in the future may ask us to report on student suspensions or other disciplinary actions. In such cases, ICS officials will be truthful, but will maintain confidentiality whenever possible.

 Tobacco

• 1. A student found in their first violation of this policy will set in motion a number of procedures : parents informed, warning, disciplinary letter in the student’s file.

  2.  A second violation will result in suspension and a student/parent meeting with the principal before the student may return to class.

  3. Repeated disregard of the tobacco policy will result in extended suspension or a recommendation to the head of school for expulsion.

 Alcohol

• 1.  A student found in violation of this policy will be suspended from school for a review period not to exceed five days.

  2.  In any incident involving a violation of this policy, parents will be contacted as soon as possible. The student will be released only into their custody or that of another responsible, authorized adult.

  3.  After the principal has reviewed the incident, the student, his/her parents and school officials will meet to develop a plan to address the student’s use of alcohol. The plan may include counseling, risk assessment, social probation, community service, extended suspension, etc.

  4.  Repeated disregard of the alcohol policy will result in extended suspension or a recommendation to the head of school for expulsion.

 Drugs

• 1.  A student found in violation of this policy will be suspended from school for a review period not to exceed ten days.

  2.  In any incident involving a violation of this policy, parents will be contacted as soon as possible. The student will be released only into their custody or that of another responsible, authorized adult.

  3. The suspended student may be required to submit to drug testing, if available.

  4. Should testing confirm that a student has used drugs, the student, his/her parents and school officials will meet to develop a plan to address the student’s drug use. The plan may include counseling, medical assessment, social probation, community service, extended suspension, etc., and may require future drug testing at specific and/or random intervals.

  5. Repeated violations of this policy will result in a recommendation to the head of school for expulsion.

  6. Trafficking in illicit drugs on or off campus will result in a recommendation to the head of school for expulsion.

  7. In any case where an ICS student is arrested for, charged with or convicted of illegal possession, use, or distribution of drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, the school administration reserves the right to make its own inquiry of such accusations or offenses, and to apply its own disciplinary action.

 Weapons

The possession of any weapons or instruments used or designed to inflict injury are not permitted on the ICS campus or at any school function. Toy weapons are included in this and will be treated as seriously as real weapons. Violations of this policy will carry the same consequence as a violation of the drug policy. 

Behavior Management - High School Policy and Practice

The following discipline guidelines were created so that HS staff act consistently when providing consequences for various student actions and know who to refer to. If you are unsure, please ask the HS Principals.

A Safe and Supportive School Environment is characterized by a climate that:

• Empathizes care, effective communication and quality relationships based on mutual respect;

• Values effort, presents achievable but challenging expectation, builds self esteem and encourages students to be responsible and independent learners;

• Promotes the development of knowledgeable, morally and socially responsible citizens who are capable of self fulfillment.

We believe that parents have the right to:

• Be a partner in a supportive and safe school environment that fosters quality relationships, mutual respect and effective communication;

• See their child experiencing success and pride through meaningful and relevant curriculum;

• Feel safe;

• Be treated with care, cooperation, courtesy and respect.

We believe that parents have a responsibility to:

• Actively support and contribute to the development of a safe and supportive school environment;

• Support and encourage their children to participate to the best of their ability in all aspects of the curriculum;

• Behave in a way that respects and supports the safety and well being of self and others;

• Treat others with care, cooperation, courtesy and respect.

ICS aims to:

• Recognize and promote responsible and positive behavior;

• Provide a consistent approach to managing inappropriate behavior by applying fair and logical consequences; 

• Encourage students to take responsibility for their own behavior by teaching and promoting problem solving and conflict management skills. 

These expectations apply to all stakeholders engaged in school activities both within the school day and in representation of, such as special events, sports days and field trips. 

We seek parent support in the following ways:

• Inform the school of any situation or information that you think is relevant and concerns your child’s behavior;

• Encourage your child to follow the Behavioral Guidelines and IB Learner Profile;

• Support your child to take responsibility for their behavior by using problem solving strategies;

• Attend any meetings arranged by the school to discuss your child’s behavior;

• Work in partnership with ICS to develop a safe and supportive school environment. 

Inappropriate Behaviors and Consequences to Support Behavior Change

Level  1 Behaviors

• Level 1 behaviors are low-level, minor, infrequent behaviors that can be the result of thoughtlessness or an incident rarely displayed by a student. They do not significantly interrupt the teaching and learning of others. 

Attendance. Includes:-

• Late to class (Unexcused)

• Tardies following a warning

Academics: Includes:-

• Off task

• Not finishing work or homework

• Distracting others in class 

• Moving around classroom when instruction is taking place

• Being disrespectful of the classroom expectations

• Not wearing the correct kit (PE)

• Assignments / Tasks not completed

• Repeatedly unprepared for class. 

• Copying homework

Behaviors: Includes:-

• Pushing in line or failing to clear a table after lunch,

• Littering

• Unsafe play

• Not “dressing for success”

• Using inappropriate language

• Inappropriate computer use

• Inappropriate phone/device use

• Unauthorized Lift / Elevator use. 

• Improper use of equipment

• unauthorized use of facilities

• Low level antagonizing: play fighting, pushing, shoving, name calling

• Inappropriate PDAs

• Skipping Class

Consequences / Action. Could include:-

• 30 second chat

• Reminders, suggestions and teacher ‘counseling’

• Reflection on the lessons an incident might offer

• Apologies, if appropriate

• Log Entry in PS

• IF REPEATED - teacher informs the advisor. Teacher documents behavior as a Log Entry in PS, indicating it is a Level 1 Behavior repeated.  The Log Entry is accessible through PS to the Grade Level Lead, Counselor and the Deputy Principal. DP emails parents, if applicable.  

Level 2 Behaviors 

• Level 2 behaviors are incidents of misconduct which include more serious or persistent failures to meet expectations. All decisions are taken in consultation with the Athletic Director regarding ISSEA participation.     

A pattern of repeated Level 1 Behaviors.

Attendance: Includes

Recurrent Tardies

Academics: Includes:-

• Unsafe use of equipment

• Intentional Plagiarism

• Academic Integrity cases require the involvement of the Programme Curriculum Coordinator.

Behaviors: Includes:-

• Obscene gestures/language

• Sexual or racial harassment

• Teasing / Bullying

• Deliberate attempt to cause harm to another student eg. hitting

• Destroying / Damaging property

• Disrespecting adult in charge

• Rude or Dangerous Behavior

• Physical incidents 

• Technology Use Violations (posting mildly offensive content) 

• Inappropriate Displays of Affection 

• Repeated unauthorized use of facilities

• Smoking / Vaping and possession of

• Skipping school

• Stealing

Consequences / Action. Could include:-

The teacher / EA refers this misconduct to the Grade Level Leader.

• Verbal warning / Conversation / 30 second Conversation

• PS Log Entry as Level 2 Behavior. Sent to GLL, Counselor, DP

• Contact Parents (depending on severity): telephone, email, face to face

• Suspension of privileges

• Behavioral Contract / Plan set up (One week, one month, etc)

• Reflection on the lessons incident might offer

• In-school suspension 

Consequences must be endorsed by the Deputy Principal.

Level  3 Behaviors

• Level 3 behaviors include cases of extreme misconduct or concerns that persist over time. Individual incidents represent a clear and significant breach in the school’s core values.  A persistent pattern of significantly harming or holding back the learning of others in the community. All decisions are taken in consultation with the Athletic Director regarding ISSEA participation. 

A pattern of repeated Category 2 incidents. 

Attendance. Includes:-

Excessive Tardies

Academics: Includes:- 

Extreme Academic Dishonesty

Academic Honesty cases require the involvement of the Programme Curriculum Coordinator.

Behaviors: Includes:-

·       Bullying/harassment

·       Sexual or racial harassment

·       Fighting / Intimidation

·       Running away / Truancy

·       Abusive language

·       Leaving Campus without permission, 

·       Major Technology Violations (hacking, cyber bullying, posting offensive content or repetitive milder violations) 

·       Recurrent Skipping 

·       Vandalism or graffiti

·       Tobacco, Drug/Alcohol possession or use 

·       Weapon Possession 

·       Stealing or Forgery  

·       Sexual relations

Consequences / Action. Could include:-

The teacher refers this misconduct to the Deputy Principal.

• Verbal warning / Conversation

• PS Log Entry as Level 3 Behavior. Send to GLL, Counselor, DP

• DP contacts parents. 

• Parents are informed through a face-to-face meeting. Family conference. 

• Behavioral Contract / Plan set up as needed.  (One week, one month, etc)

• In-school suspension

• Exclusion from ICS activities 

• Out of school suspension 

• May include expulsion 

• Revoke eligibility to participate in ASA programme

Consequences must be endorsed by the Principal.

*In-School Suspension: In-School Suspension is a regulated, monitored, time when a student will not participate directly in academic subjects in a classroom with other students. They are not allowed to participate in the normal school day because their continued attendance may further disrupt or endanger others. They are expected to be on campus in this event.

*Out of School Suspension is when students are asked to leave school grounds for a determined amount of time due to actions or behaviors at school. Students may only return to campus after parents and the school administration have met to design a Behavioral Contract.

*Expulsion: Expulsion is when a student’s enrollment at ISC is terminated and the student is no longer welcome to participate in the academic programs offered.

Glossary of Terms

HS Glossary

Abbreviations and Acronyms used in the High School at ICS Addis Ababa

ILP- Individual Learning Plan

IEP - Individual Education Program

CAS - Creativity Activity and Service 

IBDP - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program 

EE - Extended Essay 

TOK - Theory of Knowledge 

SST - Student Support Team

SSS - Supporting Student Success

SOW - Student of wonder

EAL - English as Additional Language

ELL - English Language Learners 

STUCO - Student Council 

NHS - National Honors Society

PLC - Professional Learning Community 

MPR - Multi Purpose Room 

FCD - Freedom From Chemical Dependency 

ASA - After School Activities 

IBO- International Baccalaureate organization

IT- Information Technology 

ES- Elementary School

MS - Middle School 

HS - High School 

ISSEA- International School South and East Africa 

ISSAAA - International School Sports Association of Addis Ababa 

AISA - Association of International Schools in Africa

MSA - Middle State Association