Middle School Academic Expectations

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is very important to our work at CAJ. Our Core Values and Student Objectives call for a learning community in which teachers and students conduct themselves with honesty and humility before God, and with care and respect toward their neighbors.

Purpose

The purpose of CAJ’s Academic Integrity Policy is twofold. First, we seek to guide students in the process of Christian character formation, which requires teachers to model wise conduct while holding students accountable for their choices in ways that lead to learning and growth. Second, we seek to prepare students for the high standard of academic integrity that will be expected of them at the university level.

Academic Integrity Explained

Submitting work that is not one’s own as if it were one’s own constitutes academic dishonesty and a violation of our Academic Integrity Policy. Students who knowingly allow another to cheat or copy their work also violate our Academic Integrity Policy. Students are expected to uphold academic integrity in all of their work, from major assignments to daily classwork.

Group Work and Academic Integrity

CAJ values collaboration and encourages students to work together to develop skills and understand course content. However, a student should not receive unauthorized help when the purpose of an assignment is to show what a student knows and is able to do on his or her own.

Violations of Academic Integrity

Cheating:
This violation includes any of the following.

1. Copying someone else’s work during an assessment (such as a quiz, test, or exam).
2. Taking a test or exam in place of another student.
3. Using notes or answers during a test without the teacher’s authorization.
4. Using personal devices during a test without the teacher’s authorization.

Plagiarism:
This violation usually pertains to papers, essays, and written work and includes the following.

1. Quoting or paraphrasing a source – whether it is a book, article, online source, or the paper of another student – without proper documentation.
2. Submitting another student’s work as if it is your own on any assignment.
3. Submitting the English-language output of translation services as if it is your own work.
4. Submitting work generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard, as if it is your own.
   

Teacher Responsibility
CAJ's curriculum requires that teachers teach and remind students about best practices for academic integrity. Teachers instruct students on how to cite sources appropriately for assignments that require documentation, such as research papers and projects.
Student Responsibility and Consequences
Students are responsible to understand the issues and consequences of academic dishonesty. When a student has been found to have plagiarized or cheated on an assignment, the principal and the student’s parents will be notified. The assignment will receive an automatic zero and the student will meet with the principal. A second violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will result in an automatic two-day suspension. Any subsequent violation will incur more severe consequences, up to and including expulsion.

The following policies were consulted in the making of this policy and may be useful for reference, but only the policy as written above is in force at CAJ.

• “Code of Academic Integrity at Cornell,” Cornell University .
• “The Honor Code,” Harvard University.
• “ICU Policy on Academic Integrity,” International Christian University .
• “Plagiarism,” University of Oxford .

Attendance

Faithful attendance is an important requirement for our life together and one of the keys to academic success. But sometimes a student might not be able to attend school, and at those times we ask that he/she tell us what's happened so we won't worry unnecessarily.

• Excessive absences are defined as missing any one class 10 times or more during a semester.
  • If a student has missed 5 days in a semester, the student and parents will receive an email to alert them.
  • If a student misses any class more than 10 days in a semester a comment will appear on the report card in place of the grade.
  • In the case of exceptional circumstances the principal may grant a waiver to this policy.

Absence

Unplanned absences (for example, sickness):

• Parents are asked to call the school office between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays) on the day the student is absent to give notice of the absence and the anticipated duration. An email can be sent to attendance@caj.ac.jp
• If the school is not contacted, a call home will be attempted to make sure the student hasn't had some unexpected difficulty on the way to school.

Planned absence should be arranged in advance in writing with the school principal and the academic office receptionist at least one week in advance of the absence.

• Students are encouraged to complete assignments ahead of time, if possible, and are expected to complete assignments by the due dates set by the teacher.
  

Half-day/whole-day absence (for middle and elementary school):

• Students who miss more than 2 complete blocks are considered absent for the entire day, even if they come to school for some portion of the day.
• Students who miss 2 complete blocks are considered absent for one-half day.

Truancy: Students who are absent without parental permission are considered truant. Truant students are ineligible to make up tests/quizzes but are eligible to submit assignments. The principal may take additional disciplinary steps to address truancy.

Co-curricular participation:

• Students must attend at least two block periods in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on that day.
• Participation in a scheduled physical education class is required in order to participate in sports after school.
• Additional sports-related attendance policies can be found in the Athletic Handbook - Student

Tardies

Tardiness is inconsistent with our desire to respect the time we have together. In middle school there is a distinction made between tardiness in arrival at school and tardiness due to being unprepared for class.

Late-to-School Tardies

• Students who arrive late for school must report to the Academic Office.
• Students receive an excused/unexcused tardy for arriving late to their first block. Students may bring documentation of exceptional situations (i.e. doctor's appointments, train delays) and the tardy may be recorded as excused. These decisions will be made on an individual basis.
• Unlike unprepared tardies (see below) students will not need to attend Attendance Classes from accumulating late-to-school tardies.
• If a student receives a significant number of late-to-school tardies, the middle school principal will talk to the student and contact his/her parents to see what can be done to help the student arrive on time.

Unprepared Tardies

• Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work at the start of each block.
• Students who are late to class forget supplies, or have uncompleted homework will receive a tardy for being unprepared.
• Teachers or administrators who are responsible for a student’s tardiness to another class must supply the student with an excused pass.
• Students will receive a warning in the form of a “yellow card” email when they have a total of six (6) unprepared tardies in one semester.
• If a student receives ten (10) unprepared tardies in one semester, they will receive a “red card” email, requiring them to attend a one hour Attendance Class on an assigned Wednesday morning from 8:15 am - 9:15 am.
• After they have accumulated the first ten unprepared tardies, students will receive the next warning at sixteen (16) tardies and be required to attend a second one hour Attendance Class after twenty (20) tardies.
• If a student receives a second Attendance Class in one semester, the principal will have a meeting with the student and share what was discussed with the parents. If there continues to be an accumulation of tardies, the principal will set up a meeting with the parents and student.
• Failure to attend Attendance Class may result in additional tardies given to the student and possibly suspension for disobedience.

Assessment policy

Philosophy

Assessment is a process that provides teachers, students, parents, and administration with information and insights to determine how best to support and plan for future learning. It also informs instructional decisions, promotes student engagement, and improves student learning. Assessment helps educators to gather, record, evaluate and report information about student performance and progress toward agreed standards.

Assessment Practices

Definitions:

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessments are a wide variety of methods teachers use to evaluate student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course. They are used to improve instruction and student learning.

Summative Assessments

Summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning progress and achievement at the conclusion of a specific instructional period—usually at the end of a project, unit, course, semester, program, or school year.

In other words, formative assessments are for learning, while summative assessments are of learning.

Homework Philosophy

In general, CAJ believes homework is a formative assessment that should deepen and reinforce understanding and skill. It should provide independent practice, introduce new material, or provide enrichment and stimulate thinking. If homework is assigned as independent practice, it should be accompanied by guided practice in class. Homework assignments should be meaningful, reasonable, and well planned.

Homework Practice

Middle School is a time of preparation for High School and beyond. Therefore we try to help students learn to balance their responsibilities as learners with their involvement in other activities such as church groups, sports, music, etc.

• Students should know why the assignment is given, how and when they are to complete it, and how they will be held accountable.
• Students are expected to develop strategies to keep track of assignments.
• Given the age level, an average of 60-90 minutes of uninterrupted homework time per night can be expected.
• Students will be taught and expected to manage their time and schedule by using tools such as Google Classroom and their agenda.
• Work that is handed in after the due date may indicate organizational and time management difficulties. Therefore, in trying to help students learn planning, organizational and time management skills, and personal responsibility, the middle school has adopted a late work policy:
  • We expect all work to be turned in on time. Communicate with the teacher if you are struggling to complete the work on time.
  • Work is due at the beginning of the class period unless specifically exempted by the teacher. Assignments submitted after this time are considered late. Plan on possible computer or printing problems. Being late for class to print a paper or complete an assignment is a tardy because the work counts as late.
  • Late work will be penalized as an “unprepared tardy” for each day that it is not turned in.
• Consequences of late work:
  • Day 1: The teacher assigns an unprepared tardy; the teacher may ask the student to stay after school to do the assignment
  • Day 2: The teacher assigns a second unprepared tardy; teacher and student devises a plan and the parents are notified.
  • IF the student does not turn it in on the date devised in the new plan, then the student will meet with the teacher and principal, and may serve one hour in Attendance Class.
• Exceptions to the late penalty or these policies may be granted by the principal.
• Any questions about this policy, appeals or requests for exceptions should be directed to the principal.

Communication

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a classroom web interface provided by Google for Education. This allows the teachers to interact with the students through announcements, assignments and other online interaction allowing for easier communication, distribution of work and collaboration. The use of this platform is encouraged throughout the secondary courses to create educational opportunities and online interactivity.

LearnerBuild

CAJ uses a system known as Learner Build to enter and display grades. The grades entered on Learner Build are posted by the teachers and are available to be seen by the teacher, students, parents and other staff members. The system is accessed through our website.

Standardized Tests

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP®)

• MAP® was created by Northwest Evaluation Association™(NWEA™) and is a computer adaptive test, which means every student gets a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. As the student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier.
• These tests are not timed.
• The MAP® tests CAJ will be administering are the Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics to our grades 3 - 8 students. We are able to administer the MAP® tests up to three times a year, allowing teachers, students and parents to see progress within a school year.
• The Student Support Team are able to set up accommodations for students with IEP/OAP, such as small group testing environment.
• NWEA™has consultants available to help with data interpretations.

World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)

• WIDA testing is once a year, usually in November/December for students in English as a Second Language class.
  
• The assessments measure students' academic English language in four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing.
• The content of the assessments aligns with the five WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards:
  • Social & Instructional Language
  • Language of Language Arts
  • Language of Mathematics
  • Language of Science
  • Language of Social Studies

Academic Help

• Students who have questions or concerns about course work are expected to initiate a conversation with their teacher when time allows.
• CAJ provides additional opportunities for students to receive help, the Learning Resource Center (selected class blocks or by arrangement), and study skill assistance from the counselor or resource teachers.
• The Student Support Team (SST) supports the learning of students who have identified differences and those who are struggling to meet grade-level expectations for various other reasons. The SST provides educational plans for qualifying students, monitors student progress, and coordinates with the classroom teachers to enhance student learning.

Awards

At the end of each year, four awards are given to students:

1. Participation awards for those who have participated in co-curricular activities
2. Improvement awards for those who have shown significant growth in a subject over the course of a year.
3. Diligence awards for those who have shown extra care and persistence in their work in the subject.
4. Achievement awards for those who have been exceptionally successful in the subject.

Middle School Curriculum

The middle school curriculum offers five required academic courses: English, social studies, math, science, and Bible. In addition, students take exploratory courses (art, digital tools, home economics, and industrial arts), and physical education. Band, choir, Japanese, Spanish, and study hall are offered as electives.

Generally, middle school students who are in Japanese, Spanish, band, or choir classes will not be able to add or drop the class mid-semester. Special considerations are only made at the end of the first semester. If a student would like to consider adding or dropping a class, he/she must have a written letter or email from his/her parent explaining why the change is requested. This letter must be given to the principal two weeks prior to the end of the semester.

MS Scope and Sequence

Service Learning

• In middle school, one aspect of our vision to Equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ, is providing service learning experiences. We provide service learning experiences for each grade level. There may be a variety of opportunities for students such as serving the homeless, working with students from neighboring schools, supporting Compassion children and any opportunities as they arise.

Study halls

Study halls exist for studying (reviewing one’s agenda, planning and organizing, completing assignments, preparing for tests, doing research). Study hall supervisors may require all students to remain in the study hall room for quiet study for a designated period of time before allowing them to leave.

Study hall guidelines:

• Students are expected to study. This means they may not be playing games or engaging in any other activities not directly connected to their education.
• Study hall teachers will be checking for missing assignments, and additional restrictions will be placed on students who are missing an assignment in any class.
• The study hall teacher may provide a pass for students whose assignment requires them to work in the library or LRC. Arrangements should be made with the library or LRC before the study hall block.
  • Music students may take a music lesson or practice on a regular basis during their study hall time.
  • Arrangements should be made with the music department coordinator (Scott Ponzani, sponzani@caj.ac.jp) who will provide names to the divisional principal to approve the absence from study hall.

Wall of Honor

• The Wall of Honor is a wall in the middle school hallway that displays hand prints of students who have been “inducted” into the Wall of Honor.
• Students can be nominated by their peers or any staff member.
• Nomination forms are brought together three times a year and presented to the MS staff, who meet during grade level meetings.
• At the meeting the teachers selected those who they think meet the “requirements.” The Homeroom teacher writes a script that is shared at the Wall of Honor event.

Supply List

These items will be needed for your classes this year. Please bring them to school by the first week of classes. Some items such as ruler, covers for textbooks, etc. are good items to purchase in other countries. However, please purchase the notebooks in Japan.

GRADE 6

Items You Must Bring:

• Planner (monthly and weekly) to write down homework
• Personal water bottle with your name on it
• Drawstring bag (sports bags work best), needs to be sturdy and large enough to carry class materials during the day.
• Pencil case with the following items:
  • Pencils and eraser (no mechanical pencils)
  • Small ruler, highlighters, marker
  • Blue/Red/Black pens and whiteout
  • Personal whiteboard marker
  • Glue stick
  • Three more Glue Sticks
  • Scissors
• Two more glue tape or refills (10 meters or more)
• Colored pencils
• Colored markers
• Deodorant
• Earbuds for use with Chromebook

Bring and give to Homeroom teacher:

• 20-Pocket A4 file folder with your name on it
• 2 boxes of tissues

Other Items
Bible Class:

• An NIV Bible will be issued to you on the first day of school
• One lined B5 notebook

English:

• One B5 notebook

Mathematics:

• One B5 lined notebook (50 pages) OR two lined B5 notebooks (30 pages)

Science:

• One B5 lined notebook (100 pages), composition/perfect bound and non-perforated
• One A4 20 page clear pocket folder

Social Studies:

• One B5 notebook

PE:

• One B5 binder (26 holes)
• Sweat wipes for after PE and sports activities
• Athletic shorts or sweatpants
• Indoor and outdoor shoes, good for sports

Band:

• BLACK A4 40-pocket clear file folder
• 2 pencils with erasers to keep in folder/band room

A multi-pocket folder will be provided in August
MS T-shirt and PE T-shirt will be issued in August

GRADE 7

Items You Must Bring:

• Planner for recording assignments
• Personal water bottle with your name on it
• Drawstring Bag
• Deodorant
• Earbuds for use with Chromebook
• B5 loose leaf paper
• Pencil case with the following items:
  • Pencils, colored pencils
  • Small ruler, eraser, whiteout
  • Highlighter markers
  • Blue/Red/Black pens
  • Scissors
  • Personal whiteboard markers
  • Glue tape (2 - 3)
  • Mini-calculator (100 yen store version is fine)
  • Protractor

Bring and give to Homeroom teacher:

• 1 box of tissues
• 10-20-pocket A4 file folder (used for Student Led Conference - May use the old one from last year.)

Other Items
Bible:

• You will receive a new NIV Bible on the first day of school if you are new to CAJ. If you were at CAJ last year, ensure you have the Bible from last year.

English:

• One B5 notebook

Mathematics:

• 2 B5 notebooks 50+ pages

Science:

• One B5 notebook

Social Studies:

• One B5 notebook

PE:

• One B5 binder (26 holes)
• Indoor & outdoor shoes good for sports
• Athletic shorts or sweatpants
• Sweat wipes for after PE and sports activities.

Band:

• One BLACK A4 40-pocket clear file folder
• 2 pencils with erasers to keep in folder/band room

A multi-pocket folder will be provided
New students will receive a MS T-shirt

GRADE 8

Items You Must Bring:

• Personal water bottle with your name on it
• Drawstring bag
• Planner with calendar for keeping track of assignments and events
• Colored pencils
• Deodorant
• Earbuds for use with Chromebook
• B5 loose leaf paper
• Pencil case with the following items:
  • Pencils
  • Small ruler, eraser, white-out
  • Highlighter markers
  • Blue/Red/Black pens
  • Colored pencils
  • Scissors
  • Personal whiteboard markers and eraser
  • Glue tape and glue stick

Bring and give to Homeroom teacher:

• 1 box of tissues
• 20-pocket A4 file folder (used for Student Led Conference - May use the old one from last year.)

Other Items
Bible:

• If you are new to CAJ, you will receive a new NIV Bible. If you were at CAJ last year, make sure you have the Bible from last year.
• One B5 binder w/ dividers (Not thin)

English:

• One B5 notebook (50 pages or two 30 pages)
• One B5 binder with dividers

Algebra:

• Two B5 notebooks (50+ pages)

Science:

• One B5 notebook

Social Studies:

• One B5 notebook (50+ pages)
• One B5 binder with dividers

PE:

• One B5 binder (26 holes)
• Indoor and outdoor shoes good for sports
• Athletic shorts or sweatpants
• Sweat wipes for after PE and sport activities.

Band:

• One BLACK A4 40-pocket clear file folder
• 2 pencils with erasers to keep in folder/band room

A multi-pocket folder will be provided
New students will receive a MS T-shirt

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