MS Co-curricular Information

Athletics, MS

1. Parents and students should read and be familiar with the Student Athletic Handbook.
2. Middle school sports stress experience and participation. The “A” team is the most competitive level and made up of students who have experience and ability. The “B” team consists of students who are not as experienced. Some sports may have a “C” team depending on the number of students who want to play. This team consists of students at the beginning level. It is part of our middle school sports philosophy that all team members have playing time in games against other schools. For those sports in which a great number of students wish to participate, club-level teams may be formed to provide an opportunity for regular practice and club team play.
3. Parents are required to approve in writing the participation of their child in an after-school activity. A form is sent home by the director/coach listing the schedule and expectations. In addition, student participation in these activities must be approved by the middle school principal, who evaluates the student's academic and behavior records. Students who are having academic or other difficulties may be suspended from an activity for a time.
4. Students must attend at least two class blocks in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on that day (i.e., games, play practice, concerts, etc.). Participation in a scheduled physical education class is required in order to participate in co-curricular activities after school. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal.
5. An annual physical examination is required for participation in the athletic program.
6. Consult the General Fee Schedule for the cost of participating in sports and attending overnight tournaments.

Middle school students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities offered at CAJ. Students can participate in one sport per season. Sports offered are:

Fall:

• Boys- Soccer, Cross Country
• Girls- Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball

Winter:

• Boys- Basketball, Wrestling
• Girls- Futsal, Wrestling

Spring:

• Boys- Track and Field
• Girls- Basketball, Track and Field

Activities available for participation:

Kanto Plains Middle School Brain Bowl

• From January to February, a team of 10 Middle School students participate.
• Each team consists of 8 students plus 2 alternatives.
• At the event, students are assigned into a group with students from other Kanto Plain schools.

Kanto Plains Middle School Drama Festival

In October or November, a group of 10-15 students go to a one day event in which they are regrouped with students from other international schools. The groups meet with workshop leaders to create and perform a short drama centered on a theme, which changes every year.

Music

• Band
• Chapel band
  • Students may volunteer to serve in Chapel band for a semester
  • Roles include: tech/sound booth, worship leader, instruments, and/or vocals
• Choir
• Flute Ensemble
  • Students audition and can be selected for participation in flute ensemble.
• Orchestra
  • Students may participate in Orchestra, however by invitation as this is a High School class.

Robotics

• • In the Winter season, Middle School students are able to join Robotics after school.
  • Up to 10 students can join Robotics.
  • The Kanto Plains generally has one or two tournaments where the team can participate.

Student Council

• • In May of each year, students choose the students to make up the executive of the MS Student Council. **The four positions are:
    • President of the MS Student Council - He/She leads the meetings (executive and full council) and works with the executive team to plan and help set up activities.
    • Vice President of the MS Student Council - She/He works with the executive team to plan, help set up activities and is able to run the meetings (executive or full council) should the president be absent or has requested.
    • Secretary of the MS Student Council - He/She takes minutes (notes about discussions and decisions) during executive and full council meetings. The secretary is also in charge of the calendar. The secretary also works with the executive team to plan and help set up activities.
    • Treasurer of the MS Student Council - She/He collects the money for various Student Council fundraising events for Compassion Child. The treasurer also tracks the balances in the Compassion fund and the MS Student Council account.
  • In September of each year, students choose a representative from each homeroom in each grade. **These representatives attend the full council meetings. Representatives are responsible for communicating to their homerooms about activities and encourage Compassion Child donations.

Sunday Activities

• In order to preserve our witness as a Christian institution, to support families involved in their churches and ministry, and to support the concept of Sabbath keeping (a time set aside), CAJ does not generally allow or schedule student events on Sundays nor are staff required to work on Sundays (other than security and emergencies).
• Exceptions are made for:
  • Ministry opportunities including performances by music ensembles
  • Unavoidable travel conflicts (most commonly with sports tournaments - see athletic handbook)