Elementary Behavioral Expectations

Our Life Together

Philosophy

Whenever people gather together as a community they tend to establish ways to get along with each other and function as a group. At Christian Academy in Japan, our goal is to learn and grow together in truth as a community, reflecting God’s image individually and as a group. At times we all fall short of loving each other as we ought. We desire for reconciliation and recognize that these are essential skills not only for our life together here at CAJ but also for our lives outside of school as well.

Expectations of Each Community Member

In our life together at CAJ we expect

1. For students
   • Be responsible to the CAJ community as well as the greater Japanese community.
   • To promote a safe, healthy environment in which they are a part of.
   • To be a respectful person.
2. For parents:
   • Know, understand and support the Parent Responsibility agreement.
   • Provide diligent, responsible, caring attention to the needs of the whole child
   • Communicate with students and parents regarding academic and or behavioral progress.
   • Pray for their students

When and if these expectations are not met or broken, we at CAJ will always try to follow the teachings from the Bible when we need to discipline each other. (as well as following the Child Protection Policy) We would like to see and support the growth and a heart change in the behavior of the person(s) involved.

Conflict Resolution

We are people created in God’s image and a part of the CAJ community. Conflict does happen between students and students and adults. As a community we wish to resolve and find ways we can be together as a community. We encourage students to try to find ways to work through conflict. Many times it is best to include the counselor or a teacher or the principal to help moderate your conflict.

Disciplinary Terms Defined

Monitoring: a status most commonly used for new admissions, whereby the student is watched to ensure s/he can succeed academically, behaviorally and socially at CAJ .

Probation: a status in which a student is placed for a specified period of time, whereby any further misconduct or lack of achievement may result in suspension or expulsion, if no improvement is made.

Suspension: a penalty under which a student is not permitted to attend classes for a specified period of time.

Expulsion: the exclusion of a student from the school with no credit being given for that semester’s work.

Withdrawal: an action taken by the parents to remove their child from school.

Denial of Re-enrollment: the student is allowed to finish the school year but is not allowed to return.

Due Process and Appeals:

• Parents of students who are placed on probation or are suspended will be notified in writing.
• Parents will be notified in person and in writing of the head of school’s recommendation for expulsion prior to board action on this recommendation.
• All disciplinary actions may be appealed using the Grievance Policy.

Chapel

All students attend chapel regularly. Chapel is designed to be a time of inspiration, worship, praise, teaching from God's Word, and promotion of spiritual growth.

• Elementary chapel will generally be twice a month.
• Please watch the community calendar and classroom newsletters for dates and more details.

Dress Code

• At CAJ we want to make a positive impression with the way we present ourselves to the world.
• As a community we want to reflect that we are made in God’s image through our modesty and by showing respect for ourselves and others.
• Our environment should promote learning.
• By attending CAJ, students have agreed to dress appropriately, according to the school’s definition of appropriate dress and appearance.
• CAJ dress code applies whenever a student is on or off campus for school events, either as a participant or as a spectator. This includes sporting events, field trips and concerts.
• Footwear must be worn at all times.
• Hats or hoods should not be worn during class.
• Clothing that might project a negative impression should not be worn.
• Underwear should be covered.
• We do not want to see excessive bare skin or excessively form-fitting clothes.
• Dress code violations:
  • First violation - change of clothes(supplied by principal) - violation is recorded
  • Second violation - change of clothes(supplied by principal) - warning note home to parents
  • Third violation - change of clothes(supplied by principal) - parents contacted

Technology

Personal Phone Use

• Electronic equipment (iPods, etc), electronic games (including those on a student’s calculator), and cellular phones may never be used in the building and only be used outside of the building during non school hours. The only exception is if a student receives teacher permission for a specific purpose and time.
• Please refrain from calling your child during the school day, phones ringing in the hallway are often a distraction for those working in the classroom.

Internet

• We ask that elementary students refrain from using the internet on their phone while on school campus.
• We encourage parents to regularly check your child’s browsing history to make sure they are only on age appropriate websites.
• If you would like more information on how to do this, contact Technology (techrequest@caj.ac.jp)

Texting Students should not be texting during the day. Parents, please regularly review your child’s text messages.

Social Media

Many social media sites require children to be at least 13 years of age [TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr, Snapchat]. Since all CAJ elementary students are under the age of 13, we ask that you ensure that your child has not created any social media accounts.

Photos

CAJ’s policy says that we cannot control pictures that students take together. However, we ask that parents play an active role in checking their child’s phone, and their photos to make sure they are never used in a harmful way.

Email

• CAJ provides each student with an email address beginning in 5th grade. Before that, we recommend that students do not have their own email address. If they already have an email address, please be checking their email weekly.
• If you want more information about the Technology Guide for Parents or Computer and Technology Acceptable Use Policy please follow the links.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Tech (techrequest@caj.ac.jp)

Online and Digital Behaviors

Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette (appropriate and courteous behavior) both on and off campus. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Be polite. Never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages or pictures that might embarrass or be hurtful.
2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language, material or images. Illegal activities of any kind are strictly forbidden. Remember that you are a representative of our school and responsible for your own reputation. You may be alone with your computer, but what you say and do can be viewed globally! And deleting something doesn't mean it goes away, it may appear on multiple other sites without your understanding or consent.
3. Privacy. Do not reveal your full name, phone number, home address or sensitive information, or those of other persons, when using the Internet.
4. Electronic mail. Email is not guaranteed to be private. Network or other computer use or storage areas are and will be treated as school property.
5. Computers, files and communications may be accessed and reviewed by administrative personnel and may be accessed by other computer users. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities must be reported to the authorities.
6. Only use your CAJ assigned email to contact CAJ staff.
7. Do not use computers, digital devices or the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use by other people.
8. Use of CAJ's network or digital resources to download or run illegal programs, content (music, videos), or to access inappropriate or age restricted sites is strictly forbidden.
9. Permission of a supervising staff member must be obtained before downloading large files or installing programs to a computer.

School Safety

Playground Rules

• As a community, we want to be faithful, grateful and caring in how we use the playground.
  • Any form of glass, such as glass bottles, is not allowed on the playground.
  • No food or drinks should be taken on the field. Please enjoy your food and drinks at the picnic tables or on the bleachers.
• We want to encourage activities that include everyone.
• Please leave ALL trading cards at home.
• We want to be gentle with others, especially those who are younger or smaller.
• We want to be good caretakers and leave an area the same as we found it.
• If students do not follow the playground rules during recess, they may be asked by the teacher to sit out or depending on the infraction, sent to the principal.
• Students will be sent to the principal for:
  • Fighting
  • Bullying
  • Intent to injure
  • Leaving campus
• Students may be asked to sit out for part of recess for:
  • Unsafe behavior
  • Climbing(except on play structures)
  • Eating outside of designated area
  • Not responding to whistle or bell
  • Leaving a mess
  • Using equipment improperly

Bicycle Safety

• Bicycles must be used according to the laws of Japan.
• All bikes should be parked in the designated parking areas and should be kept locked.
• All bikes must be identified with a CAJ sticker, available in the business office.
• To protect pedestrians, bicycles are not to be used in the plaza area when school is in session or an event is taking place.
• The playground is off-limits to bicycles and motorcycles at all times to protect the play surface.
• All bicycle riders are urged to wear helmets when riding.
• Bicycles are personal property and should not be borrowed without the owner’s permission.

Campus Safety

• Official supervision for elementary students begins at 8:00 am (9:15 am on Wednesdays) and ends at 4:00 pm each day, Monday through Friday.
• Students are allowed in the building at 8:15 am on rainy days, 9:15 am on Wednesdays.
• Students involved in before school programs should not arrive before 7:15 am.
• At 3:55, when the bell rings, elementary students need to leave the playground and either go home or to the library until 4:25 pm.
• At 4:25, we encourage all elementary students to go home. If they need to wait for a parent or older sibling, please contact the elementary principal.
• If you are on campus with your children after 4:00, please make sure you can see your child. Many times students are hurt after school when they are not being closely watched by an adult.
• Parents/guardians are asked to always wear their nametag on campus or check in at the reception desk to get a visitor tag.
• Parents/guardians are welcome in the elementary hallways when special class events are taking place.
  • Other times please check in at the office(For forgotten items, or picking up a child early).
• Students are asked to use the outside entrances by the playground unless arriving late and checking in at the office.
• Dangerous items such as real or realistic weapons (knives, etc.), lighters, and fireworks are not permitted on campus and will be confiscated.
• CAJ forbids the possession, use, or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, pornography, or illegal drugs on or near school grounds, and at any school-sponsored events.

Drills

• Various types of emergency drills are practiced throughout the year.
• Students should remain calm and quiet to be able to hear directions from staff members.

Event Attendance

• Elementary students and their families are generally welcomed to attend various sporting events, special events/festivals, and performances.
• Elementary students attending any event must sit with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

As a CAJ elementary student...

I know that God is the author of all truth!

• I understand that chapel happens twice a month on Thursdays and is a time to worship God by singing nicely and listening attentively to messages.
• I understand that I need to do my own work and not copy others’ work, including writing that I find on the internet.

I am made in God’s image!

• God has made me and each person special and I should use my words to encourage others.
• I need to respond appropriately when adults speak to me.
• I understand that school is a place to learn and I need to wear clothes that won’t distract me or others.
• I should talk with my parents about what my teachers and I post on Seesaw.
• I understand that if I have a problem with other people I can talk to my teacher or the guidance counselor and ask for help.
• I understand that I need to be safe, kind, and gentle when I am on the playground, and always pick up my trash and belongings when I leave.
• I understand that I am representing CAJ and God on my way to and from school and need to behave appropriately on the train, bus or street.
• I understand that I am a representative of CAJ when my class is off campus and must behave appropriately.

God has made me for community!

• During the school day:
  • I understand that if I am ill, I need to stay home so I don’t get my friends ill.
  • I understand that I need to use the entrance/exit by my classroom unless the teacher directs me to a different door or I am late and need to check in at the office.
  • I understand that if I have a problem with school work I should ask my teacher for help.
  • I understand that, if I lose something, I can check in the Lost and Found areas in the library, gym, and cafeteria.
  • I understand that I can’t use my cellphone during the school day unless my teacher gives me permission. I can use my cell phone before or after school to call my parents or other adults(that my parents have approved).
  • I understand that I can eat food in my classroom when we have special events and in the designated eating areas at recess. I understand that I should not eat food in the hallways or when I am walking around the playground.
  • I understand that technology, iPads, computers, etc are to help me learn. I need to be a responsible digital citizen.
  • I understand that I need to be a responsible caretaker of my classroom and school.
  • I understand that I cannot bring real or realistic weapons, fireworks or dangerous items on campus.
• Before and after school:
  • I understand that I can play on the playground from 8:00-8:25 in the morning and 3:30 to 3:55 in the afternoon because a teacher is watching.
  • I understand that I can read or study in the library until 4:25.
  • I understand that I can only play on the play structures after 4:00 if my mom or dad is standing near and watching me.
  • I understand that there are some after-school activities offered to elementary students (depending on the year: newspaper club, choir, art club, etc.) and I can participate in them if I am interested.
  • I understand that if I come to evening activities at CAJ (sports games, plays, concerts, talent shows, etc.) I have to sit with my parents or a responsible adult.
  • I understand that when I ride my bicycle, I need to wear a helmet and follow all Japanese laws. Also, my bicycle needs to have a CAJ sticker on it.