Middle School Handbook 2021/22
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Middle School Handbook 2021/22 Middle School Handbook 2021/22 1
Table of Contents
3 ZIS Vision and Mission 16 Academics
16 Academic Program
4 ZIS Learning Principles 16 Course Changes
16 EAL: English as an Additional Language
5 ZIS Character Standards 16 Elective Course Selections
16 French and Spanish – Foreign Language Option
6 Letter from the Principal and 16 German
Assistant Principal 16 Assessment and Achievement Levels
16 Home Learning
7 School Year Calendar 2021/22 17 Late Work or work not completed
17 Academic Honesty
8 Administrative Structure (Directory) 17 Inclusion
17 Family Conferences
9 Middle School Philosophy 17 Placement in Courses
9 Learning Experiences 18 Placement Tests
9 The Curriculum 18 Student Reports and Transcripts
9 Learning Environment
19 Expectations for Values and Behavior
10 General School Information 19 Guiding Philosophy
10 Advisory 19 On the Buses
10 Address Changes 19 Being a Bystander
10 Athletics and Activities 19 Bullying and Cyberbullying
10 Attendance and Absences 20 Chewing Gum
10 Community Portal 20 Dress Code
10 Exams for Entrance into Other Schools 20 Field Trips
11 Emergency Drills/Fire Drills 20 Fighting and Aggression
11 Health Services 21 Language
11 Late Arrivals 21 Phones and Other Electronic Devices
11 Letters of Recommendation 21 School Hours
11 Library 21 Sexual Harassment
11 Lockers 21 Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
11 Lunch 21 Social Media and Digital Communications
11 Parent Queries 22 Weapons and Toys
11 Parking Stickers 22 Parents/Guardians and ZIS Partnership and the
12 Publications Available On-Line Temporary Guardianship Form
12 Public Transportation
12 School Hours 23 Consequences For Not Following
12 School Office and Hours Behavior Expectations
12 School Sponsored Bus Service 23 Teacher Discipline
12 School Trips and Excursions 23 Grade Level Leader Discipline
12 Visitors at School 23 Administrative Level Discipline
24 Field Trips
13 Information Technology Policy and Guidelines 24 Liability
13 The Principles of Responsible Use 24 Notification of Authorities
13 Responsible Use Policy
13 Internet Publishing Principles and Guidelines
14 Student Publishing Statement
14 Middle School Tablet Agreement
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 2
ZIS Vision and Mission
Vision
Our vision is for all ZIS students to join and strengthen a global community of citizens, determined to make a
difference to the organizations and communities in which they work and live. We’re committed to ensuring our
students develop the intellect, skills and character to become caring individuals and adaptable and independent
thinkers.
Mission
We are a learning community of students, faculty, staff, and parents. At ZIS, educational excellence commits us
to Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead.
Learn
• We learn by creating meaning, developing habits of mind, and acting on values.
• We teach to multiple learning styles.
• We learn to understand and to become imaginative thinkers.
• We believe that effective teaching leads to meaningful learning,
and that effective teachers continue to be learners.
Care
• We provide a caring environment for the social, emotional, physical,
and intellectual development of our students.
• We care for the world around us and our planet.
• We value diversity and plurality of voices.
• We are committed to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Challenge
• We challenge ourselves to be open to risk, change, and innovation.
• We challenge ourselves to ensure the success of each student.
• We challenge our students and teachers to share the responsibility for learning.
• We challenge our students to exceed their own academic expectations.
Lead
• We enable students, faculty, and staff to become confident and responsible leaders.
• We lead with a clear sense of direction and purpose.
• We lead through best practice and educational innovation.
• We aspire to lead by example.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 3ZIS Learning Principles The ZIS community shares the following Learning Principles: We have a shared understanding of learning. All students can and do learn. Learning is a purposeful process of extending conceptual understanding, mastering competencies, and developing character traits. Everyone can learn how to learn. When students learn how to learn, they become confident and independent, able to own, and direct their learning. Lifelong learning is a valuable skill. Authentic contexts make learning meaningful. Learning is more meaningful, engaging and enduring when students inquire into real world issues, dilemmas, and perspectives. The quality of learning is more important than the quantity of content. Content coverage alone does not equal learning. Extension of conceptual understanding, mastery of competencies, and development of character traits requires selective use of illustrative content. Learning is personal. Individuals have different starting points, different interests, and will follow different learning pathways. We personalize learning by providing appropriate challenge, choice, constructive feedback, and opportunities to act on that feedback. Learning is social. We learn from one another in safe environments when we are connected through positive, caring relationships. Interaction and collaboration form an important part of learning. Everyone learns. Our principles of learning apply to all members of the ZIS community. Middle School Handbook 2021/22 4
ZIS Character Standards
The following character standards describe the Learners are REFLECTIVE
dispositions and values we strive to promote and They:
nurture amoung our community of learners. • think before acting, considering options for
achieving a goal based on analysis of that goal.
Character Standards • monitor progress, make adjustments and adapt
Character Learning is happening when students are: strategies appropriately whilst engaged in
• considering the potential impact of applying learning situations.
dispositions and values in specific authentic • increase self-knowledge of strengths, weaknesses
contexts and areas for growth through considered reflection
• acting as a result of these considerations on particular strategies or actions used in
• reflecting on the effects of these actions learning situations.
Dispositions Values
Learners are OPEN-MINDED Learners value INTEGRITY
They: They:
• initially withhold judgement, recognizing how past • identify and refine what they believe is right in light
experiences influence reactions. of our school’s mission and values.
• are receptive to information and ideas which may • do what is right even when no-one is watching.
challenge their beliefs. • articulate how their beliefs influence their actions.
• identify and investigate alternative perspectives • translate their beliefs into local and/or
• attempt new ways of doing things. global actions.
• recognize when their actions contradict their beliefs
Learners are RESILIENT and reflect on why that discrepancy occurred.
They:
• recognize and manage distractions. Learners value FAIRNESS
• identify and use strategies for overcoming They:
obstacles to achieve goals. • consider the impact of a decision or action on
• persevere through difficulties when it is productive others.
to do so. • recognize that fair does not always mean equal
• learn from failure or mistakes by reflecting and rather fairness depends on the circumstances and
altering strategies for success. who is involved.
• formulate goals and work to attain them over • can make and justify a decision based on how fair it
sustained periods. is for all concerned.
Learners are PLAYFUL Learners value COMPASSION
They: They:
• take risks when approaching new situations and • are able to sense other people’s emotions and able
learning experiences. to empathize.
• creatively engage with ideas and materials, • actively attempt to understand why people hold
experimenting with them in novel and possibly certain perspectives, are in certain circumstances,
counter-intuitive ways. and/or feel particular emotions.
• avoid drawing conclusions too soon. • feel motivated to relieve another person’s suffering.
• explore imaginative alternatives and possibilities by • work to understand the needs of others in order to
wondering “what if?”. achieve desirable outcomes for all.
• consider actions that will have a positive impact
on others.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 5Letter from the Principal and Assistant Principals Dear Middle School Students and Parents It is our great pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to the 2021/22 school year! Whether you are returning or are new to ZIS, we are excited to have you in our school and look forward to our work together. Middle school years are developmental years that bring many changes, challenges, and opportunities, and we aim to meet the developmental and learning needs of all students. We are committed to caring for our students, listening to them, respecting and addressing their concerns, challenging them, and engaging them in carefully planned and meaningful learning experiences. This happens through our curriculum, advisory program, student support activities, extracurricular activities, field trips, and through our day-to-day interactions and relationships. As our students grow and mature, their needs, routines, and lifestyle change. Parental roles also change, however the need for students to have supportive, involved, loving and proud parents does not. We invite all parents to be actively and positively involved in school life and events. We welcome the involvement and support of parents and recognize that we have to work together to fulfil the ZIS mission. We are a learning community of students, faculty, staff, and parents. For all of us to be successful contributors to the ZIS community, and to get the most out of being a part of this community, we need clear expectations and guidelines about how we carry out our daily business of teaching and learning. By choosing to be a part of ZIS, we all have responsibilities to ensure that the choices we make reflect our commitment to learn, care, challenge and lead. This handbook, which is an integral part of your agreement with ZIS, contains information about our school’s guidelines and procedures on a variety of issues, and it outlines our expectations related to student life. These guidelines and expectations aim to ensure that teaching and learning can take place freely in a safe and purposeful environment, and it is important that parents and students are aware of these. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us. We wish you a happy, successful and rewarding school year. David Wood Suzanne Keys Principal Assistant Principal dwood@zis.ch skeys@zis.ch Middle School Handbook 2021/22 6
School Year Calendar 2021/22
July (2021) January (2022) Comments
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun 2021
1 2 3 4 1 2 August 1: Swiss National Holiday
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 August 3: New faculty report
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 August 9: LS, MS, US, HoD and
TL report
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
August 10: LS, MS, US returning
26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
faculty report
31 August 13: MS new student
August orientation
February August 16: LS, US new student
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
orientation
1 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun August 17: First day of classes for
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 LS, MS, US
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 October 11–15: Fall break
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 October 18–19: No school, Professional
30 31 28 Development Days (1 + 2)
September March November 19: No school
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun December 17: Last day of classes
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 December 20–31: Winter break I
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
2022
27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 January 1–7: Winter break I
January 10: 2nd semester begins
October April
February 14–18: Winter break II
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
February 21–22: No school, Professional
1 2 3 1 2 3 Developments Days (3 + 4)
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 April 11–22: Spring break
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 April 17: Easter Sunday
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
May 1: May Day, Swiss Labor Day
November May May 26 & 27: No school, Ascension
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun June 4: US Graduation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 June 6: No school, Pentecost
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Whit Monday)
June 16: Last day of classes
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
June 17: Faculty work day
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
December June
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Color key:
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
New and returning faculty report
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 New student orientation
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Semester begins (first day of classes)
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Semester ends (last day of classes)
27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 No school
Faculty work day
July US Graduation
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Abbreviations:
1 2 3 EC = Early Childhood
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 LS = Lower School
MS = Middle School
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
US = Upper School
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 HoD = Head of Department
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TL = Team Leader
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 7Administrative Structure (Directory)
Positions of Responsibility ZIS
Director Director of Community Relations
Lisa Lyle Michaela Seeger
llyle@zis.ch mseeger@zis.ch
Chief Operating Officer
Stefan Muehlemann Director of Student Life
smuehlemann@zis.ch Nick Bentley
nbentley@zis.ch
Deputy Director
Mark Schulz
mschulz@zis.ch
Positions of Responsibility Middle School
Principal Creative Arts Curriculum Area Leader
David Wood Bill Gilfry
dwood@zis.ch bgilfry@zis.ch
Assistant Principal English Curriculum Area Leader
Suzanne Keys Jenn Call
skeys@zis.ch jcall@zis.ch
Guidance Counselor World Languages Curriculum Area Leader
Karin Shipley Jennifer Model
kshipley@zis.ch jmodel@zis.ch
Grade 6 Level Leader Information Technology Coordinator
Zoe Johnson Rick Briggs
zjohnson@zis.ch tbriggs@zis.ch
Grade 7 Level Leader Mathematics Curriculum Area Leader
Beth Jones-Evans Mike Hatkoski
bjonesevans@zis.ch mhatkoski@zis.ch
Grade 8 Level Leader Physical Education Curriculum Area Leader
Megan Aleven James Ramsay
maleven@zis.ch jramsay@zis.ch
Science Curriculum Area Leader
Mary Sue Southon
msouthon@zis.ch
Social Studies Curriculum Area Leader
Alysha Heller
aheller@zis.ch
Student Support Area Leader
TBC
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 8Middle School Philosophy
At the Middle School Campus we are committed to The Curriculum
supporting our students with a learning environment • Involves students in setting goals, planning, and
compatible with their need to understand themselves, assessing their own learning.
to define their values, and to prepare them for life’s • Includes continuous, varied, and appropriate
challenges. Young adolescents sometimes experience assessment of academic progress.
unsettling but necessary conflicts due to changes • Encourages students to learn and express
in their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual themselves in a variety of ways.
growth. On the one hand they seek to make personal • Applies a range of communication skills and
choices and strive for independence from conventions technologies in purposeful contexts.
and norms; on the other hand they desire group/peer • Engages students in creative and collaborative
identification and, at the same time, look for continued problem-solving.
family/adult reassurance and direction. During this • Enables students to differentiate between the
period of transition in their lives, they are sustained by significant and the trivial.
their emerging sense of idealism, a vivid imagination, • Prepares students for high school.
natural curiosity, and irresistible spontaneity. The
process of negotiating these forces is a defining Learning Environment
characteristic of adolescence, and it provides many • Students and staff are safe, cared for, understood,
varied and rich opportunities for learning. and treated with dignity.
• Every student can experience success.
Learning Experiences • Faculty are supported in creating appropriate
• Integrate core areas of knowledge and skills curriculum and instructional approaches.
throughout the student’s school experience. • Staff are positive role models.
• Provide ample opportunity for creative self- • The family is a partner in the student’s education.
expression and imaginative exploration. • The learning community extends beyond the school
• Involve students in rich and significant knowledge campus.
about the world and its cultures.
• Acquaint students with the significant issues and
problems confronting civilization.
• Introduce ideas that evoke curiosity and, at times,
awe and wonder.
• Challenge students to examine their own and
others’ perceptions critically.
• Allow students to enjoy and successfully participate
in a wide range of physical activities.
• Involve students in meaningful service and positive
leadership opportunities.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 9General School Information
Advisory Attendance and Absences
The Middle School advisory program is responsive to Regular attendance is expected of all students and
the developmental needs of students, and aims to: is closely monitored. If a student is absent due to
illness, please call the school office or send an email
• provide a safe community for students to ms_attendance@zis.ch by 09:00 on the day of the
• provide each student with a caring and absence. Students are responsible for making up all
understanding advocate class work and missed assignments when they are
• offer an environment which encourages and absent.
enables students to develop character
• Supports the organizational and logistical needs of Students who accumulate excessive absences
our program (outside of curriculum related field trips) during a
• Support transitions into and out of Middle School school year may not be able to participate in sports
or other activities-related trips. This would occur to
Each student is a member of a small advisory group, minimize further absences from classes. Decisions to
led by a teacher advisor. This advisor takes on the restrict student travel for co-curricular activities will
role of advocate for the students in his/her advisory be made by the Principal or Assistant Principal. The
group and is responsible for delivering the advisory school is required to report excessive absences to
program. educational authorities in the Gemeinde where the
family resides. Parents will be informed if the school
Students meet with their advisor at the beginning of takes this action.
every day, and an extended advisory lesson takes
place weekly. Absences for personal or family trips are not
encouraged, as these do impact learning negatively.
Address Changes If a student is going to be absent, please inform the
Please inform the school promptly if you are moving office and your son or daughter’s advisory teacher in
to a new address or have a new telephone number or advance. The advisor can then assist the student with
e-mail address via www.zis.ch/information-update. filling out an absence contract (a document that all
concerned teachers fill out with assignments and work
Athletics and Activities that will be missed). Students must honor this contract
ZIS offers a wide range of competitive athletics, non- and the commitment made to their teachers.
competitive sporting activities, and other clubs in each
of the three seasons that make up the school year, Teachers may be unable to adequately assess the
and all students are encouraged to participate. These learning of students who are absent for a large
activities provide ways for students to pursue their number of classes during a reporting period, and may
passions and interests, to connect with other students not have enough data to assign an achievement level.
and teachers, participate in leadership or service This will be noted in the student’s achievement report
activities, and to enjoy participating in activities with and on their transcript.
students from other schools. At the beginning of each
season information will be given to students about Community Portal
the options available to them, and all students will be Each week the school publishes information in the
given an opportunity to sign up. While not all students Community Portal, the school’s central information
may be able to join competitive teams, we do our best resource, and it is important that parents take the time
to make sure that recreational options are available in to read this information. The Community Portal can
the same activity. be accessed at any time using your personal login.
Each week a message that updated news is online will
ZIS currently competes in a number of local and be delivered by email. If your email address changes
international competitions which may be mandatory please inform the school via www.zis.ch/information-
for students having signed up for certain activities. update.
Some activities require significant commitment
for training, practice or travel. Students should be Exams for Entrance into Other Schools
careful about overcommitting and parents should We are often asked to administer entrance
discuss this with their children before committing. examinations for other schools or institutions.
Most athletics and activities events, such as festivals Please be advised that a fee may be charged for
and tournaments, are shown on the school calendar the administration and mailing of these exams.
viewable on the school’s website. Arrangements for all external entrance or placement
exams should be made through the Middle School
office.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 10Emergency Drills/Fire Drills audio books. It has many periodical subscriptions for
Periodic fire drills occur to ensure that in the event research, reading pleasure, and reference. A Parent
of an evacuation event everyone knows what they Interest Section and the Professional Section of the
should do. Every fire alarm is to be taken seriously library are also growing. The library is available for
and approached as if the situation were real. Exit student use throughout the day, as well as before and
routes and procedures are posted in each room, and after school. A full-time teacher or librarian is always
when the fire alarm sounds everyone must leave the on hand to assist students, teachers and parents.
building and report to the assembly area as quickly
and quietly as possible. Each teacher will report as Lockers
described in the Emergency Procedures. Buildings Lockers are school property and are assigned by the
can only be re-entered after an all-clear signal is given school office at the beginning of the year. Students
by the Principal or the Assistant Principal. will be assigned a locker for the year. Students must
use only the locker to which they have been assigned;
Health Services they are expected to keep it free from stickers, graffiti,
The school is staffed with a full time nurse. It is scratches, or other damage. Lockers come with
vital that the nurse is made aware of any health combination locks. Open food or drinks may not be
conditions, medication, or health risks affecting kept in the locker. All students must use their locker
students. for safekeeping of their tablet computers, school
materials, PE clothing, and backpacks. Band and
The clinic has a small supply of bandages, lozenges, string instruments should be stored in the classroom
pins, cough drops, tissues, allergy kits, etc. Parents where the music lesson takes place.
must obtain health and accident insurance for their
children since ZIS does not provide such insurance. Lunch
Injury or illness during school hours must be brought While hot lunches are available from the caterer in
to the attention of either the nurse or the school the student cafeteria, students may wish to bring
secretary at once. When a student is genuinely ill their own lunch. In order to benefit from the hot lunch
or has been injured, please inform the school office program, you will need to sign up on the school
promptly and keep him or her home to get well. website in advance.
Please note that a student may be asked to produce a
doctor’s certificate to verify that he or she was unable Parent Queries
to attend school. Parents are encouraged to contact the school
whenever a question or concern arises. Please
Late Arrivals contact the teacher most directly involved or the
If a student arrives late to school, he or she must go student’s advisor. Call the school and leave a
directly to the office and sign in. The student should message or send an email, and the teacher will get
make every effort to see the teachers of classes back to you to set an appointment. If problems remain
they have missed as soon as possible. Teachers may unresolved you can contact the Principal or Assistant
request that the student make up the time missed Principal. In our experience most problems are solved
during his or her free time at any time. If you know in (or prevented) by seeing a child’s teacher or advisor
advance you will be late, please contact the office or as early as possible.
advisor.
Parking Stickers
Letters of Recommendation All parents are asked to affix the ZIS parking sticker to
We support the transfer of students to other schools the inside of your car’s rear window. This ensures that
by completing recommendations and providing your car can be identified as belonging to a member
other data as requested by schools being applied of the ZIS community. New parents can collect a
to once parents or guardians have given ZIS ZIS parking sticker from the reception of any school
permission to do so. These will be sent directly to campus.
the schools in question. We do not provide letters of
recommendation directly to students or parents. There are no parking spaces for parents at the Middle
School campus. If you are picking up a sick or injured
Library child, you may pull up directly in front of the main
The ZIS Middle School library has a collection of more office. Parking on the street in front of the Villa or in
than 4,500 volumes and a large collection of digital the tennis club parking lot is prohibited and may result
resources including access to journals, e-books and in a fine from the police. There is public parking near
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 11the Kilchberg Kirchgemeindehaus and street parking for guests. More details including available routes
adjacent to the IBM premises, both of which are within and restrictions are described in the ZIS School
a few minutes walk to the Middle School. Bus Service Terms and Conditions available on the
Community Portal or will be provided by the Bus
Publications Available On-Line Coordinator.
Many important school documents are conveniently
available on the ZIS website. The program of studies School Trips and Excursions
and parent/student handbooks, which are an integral Numerous learning activities take place outside of
part of your agreement with ZIS, are posted there, the classroom, and are a core part of our curriculum.
along with many other useful resources. To access These include visits to local sites of interest, day
these publications, visit the Community Portal. excursions into Zurich or surrounding areas, and more
extensive travel within and outside of Switzerland.
Public Transportation Those trips that occur during scheduled school
Season tickets that are valid on all public days are considered mandatory for all students and
transportation services offered in the greater Zurich the cost of these trips is covered by ZIS, however
area can be purchased at very reasonable cost. You families may be asked to pay for meals or local
should inquire at the train station nearest to your public transport. Prior to all school trips, parents and
home for the most economical form of travel available students will be notified about the trip location and
for your particular needs. itinerary, its purpose, travel arrangements including
drop-off and pick-up times and locations, chaperone
To get to school by public transport take Bus #161 names and contact details, and emergency contact
(marked “Kilchberg”). Get off at the end of the bus details. All parents are asked to ensure that their
line and walk to school (5 minutes). Bus #165 from the contact details and child’s health records are up to
Ruschlikon railway station also passes close by the date to ensure student safety and the school’s ability
school. Get off at the Saumerstrasse (near the IBM to contact parents at any time.
facility) stop. Please note that we expect students to
act properly and courteously which includes offering Participating in athletics or other activities, such as
seats to the elderly and abstaining from loud and co-curricular music or Model United Nations, often
disruptive behavior. requires travel to festivals, meetings, tournaments,
and various events at other international schools.
To travel from school, take Bus #161 to Zurich, #165 Details about required travel for athletics and activities
to Rüschlikon station, or the school bus back to will be made available to students and parents before
Thalwil station. Students who participate in after- students commit to these activities. Costs associated
school sports may be taken to the train/bus station with travel related to athletic or other co-curricular
by the team coach, or the school sponsored transport activities are not covered by ZIS.
provider.
The ZIS Field Trip Risk Management Guidelines can
School Hours be found in the Community Portal.
School is in session from 08:45 until 15:50 each day
apart from Wednesdays when school ends at 14:50 to As Swiss law requires parents to carry accident and
allow for teacher meetings. health insurance for all children the school does not
provide any. Therefore the school assumes parents
School Office and Hours have fulfilled this obligation and that, in the event of
The school office is open from 08:30 until 17:00 an accident, the costs will be covered by families.
Monday through Friday.
Visitors at School
School Sponsored Bus Service Any visitor during the school day must obtain
Parents can sign up their children for this service permission to be at school from the Principal or
(depending on availability), which drops off and Assistant Principal. Only visitors who are former
collects students from the Thalwil and sometimes students, those applying to attend ZIS, or students
other train stations. This service will be billed directly accepted to ZIS are permitted to visit during the
to parents. All students using this service will have a school day. Former students are not allowed to attend
special ID card. Students that do not respect and use classes. All other visitors are permitted to visit at
this service properly may be banned from the buses. lunchtime only. We try not to interrupt the regular
Seat belts are mandatory. A fee may be charged learning environment during school time.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 12Information Technology Policy and Guidelines
Appropriate Use of Technology networking sites, instant messaging and chat,
and Devices video games on any device are not allowed during
class time unless used for completion of classroom
activities or permitted by a teacher;
The Principles of Responsible Use • I understand that creating, accessing, displaying,
Internet access is available to all students and producing, storing, circulating or transmitting
teachers at ZIS. While the Internet offers a great pornographic or otherwise offensive material in
deal of useful information and resources, it is also a any form or medium through any device is against
diverse public medium. As such, it is important that school rules and in some cases against the law. This
pupils and faculty conduct themselves in a way which include sending, posting or displaying offensive
is compatible with the academic aims and the spirit images, language or any other type of offensive
of ZIS. Our goal in providing access to the Internet content including the bullying, harassment or
is to promote educational excellence by facilitating intimidation of others;
resource sharing, innovation, and communication. • I will not intentionally disrupt school network traffic
With access to the Internet also comes the potential with high bandwidth use for personal entertainment
availability of educationally questionable, politically such as downloading music, videos, or online
controversial, and morally inappropriate material. gaming;
• I will not give out my password to anyone nor use
Although we strive to supervise Internet use, it someone else’s password or log-in identity and
is impossible to guarantee that users will not be I understand the dangers of giving out personal
exposed to, or able to obtain such materials. ZIS information;
therefore relies heavily on mature and responsible • I will not deliberately introduce any harmful or
use by students and faculty and believes that nuisance program or file including executable
Internet usage is a chance to teach students about files from untrustworthy websites, or deliberately
responsible, ethical behavior. These guidelines have circumvent any precautions taken by the school to
been established to inform the ZIS community of the prevent this from happening;
responsibilities which all users of the school’s Internet • I agree to comply with trademark, copyright laws,
facilities must carry. data protection laws and computer misuse laws,
and to give credit to all sources used. I also agree
Access to the Internet is provided for the express not to jailbreak or otherwise hack the any devices
purpose of furthering studies at school, engaging loaned to me in any way for any reason;
in collaborative work with others, and obtaining • I agree that electronic communication and
information which is consistent with the educational computer use may be monitored at anytime,
objectives of ZIS. Faculty, staff, or students may not including a physical search of the any devices
transmit or seek access to materials which violate loaned to me and/or personal devices;
laws, infringe on copyrights, or have threatening, • I agree that ZIS may limit, suspend or revoke access
obscene, or racist content unless in the context of to the school’s technology systems, services, or
investigative research. network upon violation of this Responsible Use
Policy
Members of the ZIS community who deliberately
access such materials and/or who post, discuss on Internet Publishing Principles and Guidelines
the Internet, or distribute through e-mail slanderous Publishing via the Internet is encouraged at ZIS. It is
or deliberately hurtful comments which damage viewed as an effective way for students and faculty
the integrity of and cause personal distress to ZIS to publish their work and ideas to the broader world
parents, faculty, staff, administrators, Board members, because it:
or students, are considered out of sympathy with the • includes broad representation from all students/
school’s mission and values, in breach of professional groups within the ZIS school community
ethics, and/or in violation of the school’s Rules and • reflects the academic and social values of the
Expectations. ZIS Mission and Philosophy
• encourages students to produce their best work
Responsible Use Policy for publishing through a process of revision and to
• I understand that any devices loaned to me, my accurately reflect their developing levels of skills
email account, and all other ZIS IT services and • creates an opportunity for students to discover how
resources are to be used for educational purposes; to be positive, respectful, contributing members of
• I understand that streaming video or music, social an open community
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 13• serves as a springboard for peer review, reflection, Student Publishing Statement
and collaboration with a global community of Content published by students is not intended to be
learners official ZIS communication and does not necessarily
• encourages the conscious development of a reflect the viewpoint of the school. ZIS is responsible
positive online presence or “digital footprint” for only for official content published through official
every child channels.
The US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, while Middle School Tablet Agreement
not binding on the school, has informed ZIS guidelines All school owned devices, including the tablet, remain
with respect to Internet publishing and privacy. The the property of Zurich International School and as
US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act defines such must be returned to the school either on demand
a child this way:” We recognize that the ZIS needs to or at the end of your enrollment at ZIS
provide a safe, guided approach to managing online
presences or “digital footprints.” We have relied upon At Zurich International School, we use G Suite for
the International Society for Technology in Education’s Education, and we provide and manage a G Suite for
“NETS Standards for Students” for guidance. The Education account for students. G Suite for Education
following rules apply for all members of the ZIS is a set of education productivity tools from Google
community when preparing material for Internet including Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Classroom. At Zurich
publishing on ZIS web platforms or on external International School, students will use their G Suite
websites for school-related purposes, like blogging, accounts to complete assignments, communicate with
posting media, or collaborating with others. their teachers.
• Students are solely responsible for what they When creating a student account, Zurich International
choose to publish online. School will provide Google with certain personal
• Students publish material online with the information about the student, including, for example,
understanding that their published content must a name, email address, and password. When a
adhere to academic and/or professional norms student uses Google services, Google also collects
and appropriately reflect the ZIS Mission and information based on the use of those services.
Philosophy. A summary of the information Google collects is
• Students advocate and practice safe, legal, and explained on the G Suite for Education Privacy Notice
responsible use of information and technology, at https://gsuite.google.com/terms/education_privacy.
exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology html?
that supports collaboration, learning, and
productivity, demonstrate personal responsibility The user accepts responsibility for:
for lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership for • All pre-installed software on all school owned
digital citizenship. devices. The user agrees not to alter the core
• No current, specific demographic or contact configuration of school owned devices without
information will be published which will identify a approval by the ZIS IT Department.
student, faculty, or staff member (i.e. home address, • All data contained on school owned devices. This
telephone no., etc.). includes any pictures, videos and information
• Personal information regarding faculty or staff downloaded from the Internet. The user is
members or students will not be published without responsible for any infringement of copyright,
prior permission. violation of school use policies, or any applicable
• Online publishing is a public activity, and an effort statute or regulation. The producing, downloading
is made at ZIS by teachers and administrators to or accessing material which is incompatible with
teach and model appropriate public behavior in an the goals and values of ZIS will be considered a
academic context. violation of the Responsible Use Policy.
• Students involved in specific academic activities
which use Internet publishing as an integral part of The physical security of school owned devices
their academic experience (i.e. student newspaper The tablet is insured worldwide under the school’s
or literary magazine) should agree that their names insurance policies. However, this coverage does
and/or pictures may be published in relation to work not extend to instances where the user is deemed
undertaken as part of these activities. negligent:
• such as a tablet left unattended (including if left
unattended on school premises)
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 14• in view in a car or unattended in a public place • left on a train or plane, etc. However, this coverage does not extend to instances where the user is deemed negligent. This includes leaving a school owned device unattended in a public place, a parked car, public transport or on school premises. In these cases, the user will be held personally liable for any loss or theft of the tablet. In all cases of other school owned devices, the user will be held personally liable for any loss or theft. The general care and maintenance of school owned devices Care at all times should be taken of school owned devices and maintained in good condition. The user is held liable for damages caused by negligence: • Inappropriate usage, or abuse beyond normal wear and tear • Stickers, markings or decorations of any kind • Intentional damaged • Cosmetic damage to the tablet that is not covered by the Lenovo Accidental Damage Protection Reporting the damage or loss of school owned devices to the IT department as soon as possible. The tablet has antivirus software pre-installed. This software requires regular updates in order to remain effective. The antivirus update system is an automatic procedure, upon the tablet being connected to the school network. As such, the user agrees to connect the tablet to the network at least once a week when school is in session. The user will adhere to the ZIS Responsible Use Policy in this handbook. In the event of school owned device mistreatment or lack of adherence to the ZIS Responsible Use Policy, disciplinary action will be taken as outlined in this handbook. Middle School Handbook 2021/22 15
Academics
Academic Program Assessment and Achievement Levels
A full description of ZIS’ academic program is Learning and self-management will be assessed
published on the curriculum pages of the ZIS website. against academic and self-management rubrics
This is an integral part of your agreement with ZIS. in each subject area (a rubric is a scoring tool that
Please see the website for courses offered and the teachers use to assess learning against defined
curriculum. standards). Academic rubrics show learning
achievement in subject areas, and the self-
Course Changes management rubric assesses students’ organization,
Our goal is that all students are placed in the courses respect, effort and responsibility. Achievement levels
that align with their learning needs and, abilities and are assigned for subject categories on a quarterly
interests. Course changes may occur during the basis.
school year. All course changes require the approval
of the Middle School Assistant Principal and requests The following achievement levels are used to describe
may be denied without reason being given. student learning in all subjects:
• does not meet expectations
EAL: English as an Additional Language • approaches expectations
ZIS’s English as an Additional Language program is • meets expectations
designed to provide academic and social support for • exceeds expectations
non-native speakers of English. The primary purpose
of the program is to ensure that all students become No Achievement Level (NA)
proficient in English and achieve academic success. This indicates that student achievement cannot be
Please see the Program of Studies on the website for measured against course expectations. If the teacher
all courses offered. cannot assign a level that accurately reflects the
student’s learning performance during the quarter,
Elective Course Selections they would provide a comment and assign No
Students will be able to choose elective courses Achievement Level.
each year. These choices are made in April for the
next school year. Some electives are year-long Home Learning
courses (band and strings), and others are only for We believe:
one semester. It may not be possible to give all • students learn in different ways and at different
students their first choice due to scheduling conflicts. rates
If students enter the Middle School part way through • learning occurs beyond the classroom and school
the year there is no guarantee of the choice of day
electives. • students need to practice and reflect to develop
mastery
French and Spanish – Foreign Language Option • in the importance of work-life balance
Students are able to begin Spanish and French as
a total beginner in Grade 6, where a one-semester Home Learning Philosophy
introductory course will be offered. In Grades 7 and Meaningful learning experiences should be the goal
8 both languages are full year courses. Students who of both students and teachers. Lessons provide
anticipate wanting to take French or Spanish in high opportunities for extension beyond the classroom that
school are strongly encouraged to begin in Grade 6. keep the learner and their individual needs, such as
These courses take the place of an elective. Students ability, maturity and motivation, in mind.
with a background in French or Spanish should speak
to the World Languages Curriculum Leader for advice Teachers strive to create learning opportunities
on course selection. Students who are in Beginning that inspire, challenge, and reassure the learner, in
EAL will not be permitted to take French or Spanish. and out of the classroom. Equally important are the
authenticity (ie. intended learning has relevance
German outside the classroom) of the activities and for
All students (with the exception of Beginning EAL teachers to provide meaningful feedback.
and some students with a documented learning
disability) must study German. This is a requirement of The responsibility for mastery of learning may require
the Canton of Zurich. Placement tests will be used to individual practice, reflection or project completion
determine levels and advancement. We offer multiple outside the classroom.
levels of German in each grade.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 16Home learning will not be assigned on school Second violation
holidays, however we strongly encourage all students Refer to the Grade Level Leader, Assistant Principal or
to read and will recommend reading over the summer. Principal for discussion with the student, student must
resubmit, and parents will be informed.
What This Means
• Teachers may assign tasks to be completed Third or further offense
outside the classroom that reflect our beliefs and Continued violation of expectations shows disrespect
philosophy toward the teacher and the school, an unwillingness to
• Teachers will provide feedback to students demonstrate an ethical approach to learning, and will
about any assigned work completed outside the not be allowed to continue. A meeting with parents
classroom will be requested and the student must resubmit work.
• Student must complete assigned tasks without Other plans may be put in place to support a change
assistance from others in student behavior. Consequences may be put in
• Assigned tasks should be understandable to the place by the Principal as outlined in the handbook
student section ‘expectations for behavior’.
• All assigned home learning tasks will be published
on the Middle School’s online learning platform Inclusion
ZIS welcomes and celebrates diversity among our
Late Work or work not completed student population for the mutual benefit of all. We
Students are expected to complete all work assigned. support an inclusive model of education that serves
If this expectation is not met, teachers can require a a managed number of students representing a full
student to complete work outside of class time, such range of learning profiles including mild, moderate
as during a break or after school. This will be noted in and intensive needs. The goal of our inclusive model
the Self-Management part of the achievement report. is to provide high quality and challenging learning
experiences purposefully meeting the needs of all
Teachers will inform parents if a pattern emerges learners. The whole community shares common rights
whereby a student is not completing assigned work. and responsibilities, working collaboratively towards
Depending on the circumstances, teachers may be fulfilling the ZIS Mission, Learning Principles, and
unable to assign achievement levels, as they cannot Character Standards.
know that students are achieving learning outcomes.
Family Conferences
Academic Honesty Family conferences quartervmay be offered at
All students must present their learning honestly, different times throughout the school year. Students
defined as: are expected to attend these conferences with their
parents or guardians. Conferences may be held at any
• Not presenting the ideas of another as one’s own time during the school year and may be qualified as
• Not copying someone else’s work or allowing mandatory for the students and their parents by the
someone to copy a student’s work or assessment school. Please contact your child’s teacher directly if
responses you need to arrange an appointment. Whenever there
• Not copying sections from the internet, textbooks, are specific, classroom-related concerns parents and
or any other printed and published materials guardians should contact the student’s teacher.
without acknowledging the source
• Not cheating on tests/exams Placement in Courses
The Middle School Counselor and Assistant Principal
All incidents of confirmed academic dishonesty are will assist students in selecting their courses; teachers
reported to the Assistant Principal or Principal. At the will give further guidance and/or placement tests to
teacher’s discretion (in consultation with the Principals), help determine the correct course/level in which you
and depending on the severity of the offense, the should be enrolled. We offer various levels of Band,
following will occur: EAL, German, and Mathematics. Students’ schedules
are arranged before the beginning of the academic
First violation year, and thereafter class/course changes thereafter
Teacher explanation of offense to student, are possible but should be minimal and cannot be
resubmission without penalty, note of explanation to guaranteed.
parent. First violations should be treated as a learning
opportunity.
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 17Placement Tests achievement level, but rather a level for all standard
New students to ZIS may be evaluated for their level categories in each subject area.
of English. Placement tests may also be conducted • Teacher comments and a student self-reflection will
for students in Mathematics, French, Spanish and be published during semester two.
German. These may be given to students during the
Middle School Orientation Day, selected test days In addition to the information provided here, teachers
before school starts, or during the first two weeks of will contact parents personally if they become
classes in August. concerned about their child’s progress or well-being.
Student Reports and Transcripts Parents and students should contact teachers at
We aim to provide accurate, specific and holistic any time if concerned about academic and self-
information about our students’ progress in a timely management progress, or if there are questions about
way. The feedback we provide in relation to student our assessment and reporting procedures.
learning is used to keep students and parents
informed, and can be used to set specific learning If an official record of student achievement is required,
goals. please contact the Middle School Office and a
transcript will be prepared.
The PowerSchool Parent Portal provides access to
important information about your child including:
• His/her courses, daily schedule, and teachers
(including email links for all teachers)
• His/her attendance data
• His/her academic achievement levels (grades) in all
classes
• Information about self-management behaviors
• Historical achievement data
• Campus contact information
• Demographic information (address, email, phone,
etc.)
• Important health information
All achievement reporting occurs through the
online Parent Portal. The main features of our online
reporting system include:
• Continuous chronological reporting of achievement
in all subjects.
• Individual assessments (projects, tests, etc.) will be
listed and the achievement levels for these will be
shown.
• Standards will be shown for each assessment
(these are skill areas and include, for example,
critical thinking, writing, speaking, and
communication. These vary from subject to
subject.).
• Academic rubrics showing standards and
achievement descriptors for each subject will be
viewable.
• Self-management achievement (relating to
organization, respect, responsibility, effort) will
be viewable. An explanation from the teacher will
accompany any report of a student not meeting
expectations in these areas.
• Overall achievement levels for standards in
all subjects will be finalized at the end of each
semester. We do not award an overall subject
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 18Expectations for Values and Behavior
Guiding Philosophy • Talk to another adult at school, for example the
The Middle School should be a place where teachers counselor, administrator, advisor or any other
and students can work together harmoniously to trusted adult
meet student learning goals, and a place where all • Send an email or message to an adult in the school
members of our community feel safe, respected and community that outlines your concerns
valued. We expect students to behave in ways that
reflect these goals and the ZIS Mission (Learn, Care, Student confidentiality will be ensured whenever
Challenge, Lead) so that we all benefit from a positive reasonably possible.
environment and community. We also expect students
to accept responsibility for their choices and actions. Bullying and Cyberbullying
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power
School life and our school community extends beyond in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/
the campus and school day and these expectations or social behaviour that intends to cause physical,
remain in place when students are in or out of classes social and/or psychological harm. It can involve
including, e.g., in the hallways, and during breaks, at an individual or a group misusing their power, or
co-curricular events such as athletics practices and perceived power, over one or more persons who feel
tournaments, on field trips, when travelling to and unable to stop it from happening.
from school in public or school transport, and when
students are interacting with each other outside of Bullying can happen in person or online, via various
school. We expect all behavior and communication digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious
between students to reflect school values. (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is
repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over
Students should not behave or communicate in ways time (for example, through sharing of digital records).
that cause offense, hurt in any way, make fun of or
put down, cause fear, or socially isolate others, even Bullying of any form or for any reason can have
if it is intended to be a joke or a form of retaliation or immediate, medium and long-term effects on those
defense. Such actions prevent people from wanting to involved, including bystanders.
come to school, interfere with teaching and learning,
and show disrespect toward the ZIS community. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals,
whether in person or online, are not defined as
On the Buses bullying. What bullying is not:
Students should follow all rules, safety requirements, • single episodes of social rejection or dislike;
and instructions as requested by bus drivers. Students • single episode acts of nastiness or spite;
are expected to wear seat belts at all times and to use • random acts of aggression or intimidation;
booster seats when required. Students who violate • mutual arguments, disagreements or fights.
the rules required by the school arranged transport
provider may lose the right of using bus services for These actions can cause great distress. However,
a period of time to be determined by the Principal or they do not fit the definition of bullying and they’re not
Assistant Principal. examples of bullying unless someone is deliberately
and repeatedly doing them.
Being a Bystander
Students are expected to proactively support their All students are expected to:
community by taking action if they see something • build positive relationships with others
happening that violates expectations for behavior. • pledge to not bully others
Doing nothing empowers those who want to cause • talk about the behaviors of bullies, victims,
harm or show disrespect. Students should consider bystanders and defenders
the following options if they are aware of violations: • help students who are being bullied
• Speak up and ask the offender to stop what they • include students who are easily left out
are doing • tell an adult at school or at home if they witness
• Walk away from and report a situation that is bullying
harmful or a violation of school expectations • understand the rules and how they will be enforced
• Block or disengage from anyone sending • learn pro-social behaviors
inappropriate digital communications • be responsible for their actions
• Talk to parents and ask for advice about what to do
Middle School Handbook 2021/22 19You can also read
