At ICS Middle School, our commitment to The ICS Way—Take care of yourself, take care of others, take care of this place—is central to our community. To effectively support our students’ we integrate developmentally appropriate approaches for Middle School when approaching and intervening with behaviour challenges. These commitments are further enriched by the IB Learner Profile attributes, fostering a culture of holistic development and international-mindedness.
As members of the ICS Addis Middle School community, we commit to:
Taking care of ourselves
We actively pursue personal growth by embracing challenges, seeking assistance when needed, and maintaining our well-being. This reflects our belief in a growth mindset and supports the developmental needs of middle school students during a time of significant physical and emotional change. Through reflective practices, we understand our strengths, build resilience, and work toward realizing our full potential. In line with the ICS mission, we nurture our talents, character, and intellect as we grow into individuals who are empowered to excel in our world.
Taking care of others
We contribute to a supportive and inclusive community by showing empathy, respecting diverse perspectives, and collaborating effectively. We act with integrity and fairness, ensuring that every person feels valued, respected, and seen. Through principled and open-minded behavior, we celebrate the rich diversity of our international community and recognize that diversity is a strength. These actions align with our vision of being our best—with Africa and our world—and help us develop the traits of the IB Learner Profile, fostering global citizenship and positive influence.
Taking care of this place
We demonstrate respect for our learning environment by upholding its values, caring for shared spaces, and promoting a culture of safety, responsibility, and belonging. As caring stewards, we take action that improves our community and creates an equitable, engaging atmosphere for all. Through inquiry, action, and reflection, we become knowledgeable decision-makers who contribute meaningfully to our community. These commitments reflect our mission to empower students to engage authentically in their learning and influence the world positively.
By embracing these commitments, we collectively cultivate a school culture that aligns with The ICS Way and our whole school commitment to the IB Learner Profile, to embody best practices for middle school education, preparing students to be responsible, compassionate, and active participants in their communities.
Creating a safe and supportive school environment is a personal and collective responsibility from the entire ICS Addis Community.
When students, parents, and staff understand and uphold their rights and responsibilities, we build a community where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Students
Take care of yourself
You have the right to feel safe, included, and supported in your learning.
You have the right to ask for support when something is getting in the way of your learning.
You are responsible for being prepared, trying your best, and asking for help when needed.
You are responsible for communicating any challenges or barriers that make it hard to learn, focus, or participate.
Take care of others
You have the right to be treated with kindness and respect.
You have the right to be heard and supported by teachers, staff, and your family.
You are responsible for showing empathy, using respectful language, and helping others feel welcome.
You are responsible for collaborating respectfully with teachers, classmates, and parents to solve problems and work as a team.
Take care of this place
You have the right to learn in a clean, organized, and focused environment.
You have the right to be part of a safe, respectful school community.
You are responsible for respecting school property, following routines, and contributing to a positive school culture.
You are responsible for treating all ICS community members with kindness, dignity, and respect—everywhere and at all times on campus.
Faculty and staff
Take care of yourself
You have the right to be supported professionally and personally in a safe, respectful workplace.
You are responsible for modeling self-care, reflection, and lifelong learning.
Take care of others
You have the right to be treated with professionalism and appreciation.
You are responsible for building strong, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Take care of this place
You have the right to teach in a well-resourced and collaborative environment.
You are responsible for maintaining high expectations, creating inclusive classrooms, and upholding school values and routines.
Parents
Take care of yourself
You have the right to be informed, respected, and included as partners in your child’s education.
You have the right to be informed and involved in your child’s learning and behavior support.
You are responsible for engaging with the school community and supporting your child’s growth.
You are responsible for attending meetings and staying engaged in conversations that support your child’s development.
Take care of others
You have the right to communicate openly with teachers and staff.
You have the right to work in partnership with ICS staff to support your child’s well-being.
You are responsible for treating all members of the community with courtesy and respect.
You are responsible for encouraging your child to follow the Behavioral Guidelines, live the ICS Way, and reflect the IB Learner Profile at school and at home.
Take care of this place
You have the right to contribute to a school culture that values community and collaboration.
You have the right to be part of a respectful, collaborative school community.
You are responsible for reinforcing school expectations and participating in school life where possible.
You are responsible for sharing relevant information that may affect your child’s behavior, and for supporting your child to take ownership of their actions using positive problem-solving strategies.