Parent and Student Handbook

Welcome

Here at CAJ we are profoundly grateful that you as parents have chosen to partner with our community for the education of your children. We recognize that the decision of where their children attend school is one of the most important that parents will make. CAJ is dedicated to fulfilling its vision of equipping and inspiring students to serve Japan and the world for Christ. We take a holistic approach to learning, helping students grow in their heads, hearts, and hands - in knowledge and wisdom, in character and purpose, and in action and service to others.

We also encourage parents to play an active part in their children’s education. Here are some ways that you can help your students:

• Talk with your children daily about what they are learning at school
• Hold high expectations that they will grow both in their academics and in their character
• Encourage them that their education is important
• Know what homework they have to do and when it is due
• Recognize when they try hard; praise the good work that they do
• Love and support them when they make mistakes or don’t do as well as they hoped
• Read with them every night, especially when they are younger
• Get to know their teachers; read the teachers’ communications to you, and reach out with questions you may have
• Check the communications from school about what is happening in school life and attend school functions with your children
• Be familiar with this handbook

We are excited to be working with your children and look forward to seeing how they will grow into all that God is calling them to.

In Christ,

David Mawhinney
Head of School

CAJ's Student Objectives

CAJ’s curriculum educates students to become:

Faithful Caretakers, who . . .

1. Receive all God’s creation — self, others, and the environment — as gifts to be cherished and renewed
2. Care for all God’s creation — self, others, and the environment — and unfold its potential for the flourishing of all and the glory of God
3. Develop physical, social, emotional, moral, and spiritual health
4. Cultivate practices of forming and appreciating beauty
5. Seek God’s truth, goodness, and beauty in and through diverse cultures and languages
6. Serve God and others locally and globally

Responsible Learners, who . . .

1. Understand subject content
2. Develop and apply subject skills
3. Use reliable sources to support conclusions
4. Integrate content and skills across subjects
5. Take initiative and persevere to deepen knowledge

Discerning Thinkers, who . . .

1. Analyze and synthesize diverse perspectives on an issue
2. Identify and evaluate multiple solutions to problems
3. Revise thinking and work in pursuit of excellence
4. Interpret all types of information
5. Apply a Christian perspective to all areas of life and learning

Productive Collaborators, who . . .

1. Create a positive environment that encourages respect, creativity, and flexibility
2. Provide and receive constructive feedback

Effective Communicators, who . . .

1. Employ various forms of communication
2. Engage with and navigate between diverse cultures and languages

Coming to campus

Hours

• During the school year, the campus opens at 08:00, except on Wednesdays when it opens at 09:00.
• Classes begin at 08:30, except on Wednesdays when they begin at 09:30.
• Students involved in before school programs should not arrive before 07:00.
• Supervision of elementary students ends at 15:55 and Elementary School students should leave campus by 16:00, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or participating in an after-school program.
• All students are expected to leave campus by 17:00, unless participating in a school activity.

School Reception

• Reception is open from 08:00 to 17:00.
• All parents should always sign in at Reception, unless staying outside.
• This is where parents should go for any of the following reasons:
  • To drop off or pick up their children from school
  • To sign in if they have an appointment
  • To pick up completed student forms (tsugaku shomei sho) needed for train/bus passes. These must first be applied for online by going to the Knights Login page and clicking on Forms
  • To buy CAJ merchandise, play tickets, yearbooks, etc.

Academic Office

• The Academic Office is open from 08:00 to 16:30.
• This is where students go to get passes when late to class or leaving early.
• This is where parents write or call to say their child will be late or absent from school (attendance@caj.ac.jp, 042-471-0022 ext 9933).

After school events

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend sporting events, concerts, plays, and other student activities.
• Elementary students attending after school events must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• After 17:00, other parts of campus, including the playground, are not available for use during school events.

Weekends

During the school year, the CAJ campus is open to CAJ community members on the weekend between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00. Those on campus for non-school activities are responsible for their own safety.

Commuting to school

• Students are not allowed to drive motorized vehicles to or from campus, including scooters, motorcycles and cars.
• All bicycles should be parked in the designated parking areas and should be kept locked.
  • All bicycles must be identified with a CAJ sticker.
  • Bicycle stickers identifying CAJ community member’s bicycles are available at Reception.
• To protect pedestrians, bicycles are not to be ridden on campus outside the designated parking areas and should not be used during the school day.
• The playground and field are off-limits to bicycles at all times to protect the play surface.
• Bicycles must be used according to the laws of Japan, and all bicycle riders are urged to wear helmets when riding, in keeping with Japanese traffic laws.
• Bicycles are personal property and should not be borrowed without the owner’s permission.

Visitors on campus

• Parents/guardians are required to wear their nametag on campus or check in at Reception to receive a visitor tag.
• During school hours, parents/guardians should check in/out at Reception when visiting campus. They should avoid being on campus for reasons other than school-related business during these hours.
• If parents bring visitors on campus, they must have their visitors check in at Reception to receive a visitor tag.
• To minimize disruption to student learning and to prioritize student safeguarding, visits to academic areas are limited and visitors must be accompanied. Please contact the school or principal prior to coming.
• For special Elementary School class events, parents/guardians are welcome in the Elementary School hallways when invited by the principal.

Campus security

• The campus is private property, reserved for the use of CAJ community members and others by invitation.
• Official supervision by teachers on campus begins at 08:00 and ends at 16:00 each day, Monday through Friday. CAJ assumes no responsibility for students on campus before 08:00 or after 16:00 or on weekends. It is the parents’ job to monitor the whereabouts of their children and to exercise appropriate intervention if the parents’ wishes are not obeyed. School buildings close at 16:30. Offices close at 17:00.
• Once students have arrived on campus in the morning, they may not leave until the school day is over, unless given particular permission by the principal.
• At no time should students be inside any school building without the permission and supervision of an adult. Students who want to be inside a school building outside of school hours must ask a supervisor to complete and submit a Facilities Request Form at least one week in advance.
• CAJ holds students accountable for appropriate behavior to and from school. Any misbehavior before, during, or after school hours, including smoking, drinking, stealing, vandalism and other disrespectful behavior, will be handled by the principal as if it had occurred on the campus.
• Dangerous items such as real or realistic weapons (toy guns, knives, etc), lighters, and fireworks are not permitted on campus and will be confiscated.
• The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs on or near school grounds or at any school-sponsored events is prohibited.
• Please keep any animals on a leash at all times when on campus and do not leave your pet unattended.

Emergency situations

School closures

If school is closed because of bad weather or some other emergency, the school will:

• Post the closure on the CAJ website (https://caj.ac.jp)
• Activate a school closing message on our answering service: 042-471-0022

Emergency response

The school is equipped with generator power as well as emergency supplies of food and water. In the aftermath of an emergency situation that occurs while school is in session:

• Until a general “all clear” statement is issued by authorities, students will not be permitted to leave campus without administrative consent or being accompanied by a parent or guardian
• No student will use the CAJ telephone unless directed; cellular phones may be used by students if operational

Parental responsibilities are as follows:

• Ensure that students carry school and other identification cards with them at all times
• Advise children of the necessary actions and responsibilities if an emergency situation happens on the way to or from school

CAJ’s academic program

Daily schedule

Elementary School

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

• Start 08:30
• Snack recess 10:00 - 10:15
• Lunch 11:45 - 12:10
• Lunch recess 12:10 - 12:30
• Dismissal 15:30

Wednesday

• Start 09:30
• Lunch 11:45 - 12:10
• Lunch recess 12:10 - 12:30
• Dismissal 15:30

Half-day

• Start 08:30
• Snack recess 10:00 - 10:15
• Dismissal 12:00

Middle School

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday

• First Period 08:30 - 09:20
• Second Period 09:25 - 10:15
• Third Period 10:25 - 11:15
• Fourth Period 11:25 - 12:10
• Lunch 12:10 - 12:55
• Fifth Period 12:55 - 13:45
• Sixth Period 13:50 - 14:40
• Seventh Period 14:45 - 15:30

Wednesday

• First Block 09:30 - 10:45
• Second Block 10:55 - 12:10
• Lunch 12:10 - 12:55
• Third Block 12:55 - 14:10
• Fourth Block 14:15 - 15:30

Thursday

• First Block 08:30 - 09:45
• Second Block 10:00 - 11:15
• Chapel 11:25 - 12:10
• Lunch 12:10 - 12:55
• Third Block 12:55 - 14:10
• Fourth Block 14:15 - 15:30

High School

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday

• Zero Block 07:20 - 08:20
• First Block 08:30 - 09:45
• Second Block 10:00 - 11:15
• Third Block 11:25 - 12:40
• Lunch 12:40 - 13:25
• HS Skinny Block 13:25 - 14:10
• Fourth Block 14:15 - 15:30

Wednesday

• First Block 09:30 - 10:45
• Second Block 10:55 - 12:10
• Lunch 12:10 - 12:55
• Third Block 12:55 - 14:10
• Fourth Block 14:15 - 15:30

Thursday

• Zero Block 07:20 - 08:20
• First Block 08:30 - 09:45
• Second Block 10:00 - 11:15
• Chapel 11:25 - 12:10
• Lunch 12:10 - 12:55
• Third Block 12:55 - 14:10
• Fourth Block 14:15 - 15:30

Half-Day

• Zero Block 07:20 - 08:20
• First Block 08:30 - 09:20
• Second Block 9:25 - 10:15
• Third Block 10:20 - 11:10
• Fourth Block 11:15 - 12:00

High School Skinny Block Schedule

• Monday: Sustained Silent Reading
• Tuesday: Homeroom
• Thursday: Chapel
• Friday: Clubs

Curriculum and textbooks

• Academics
  • CAJ’s follows a US-style curriculum.
  • CAJ teaches all classes (except Japanese and Spanish) in English and all students must be capable of learning in English at the required level.
  • CAJ uses a standards-based curriculum which is research based, best practice, and appropriate for our students’ population.
• Biblical perspective
  • Every teacher looks at their curriculum through a biblical lens.
  • Teachers are trained with a framework, Teaching for Transformation, that helps invite students into God’s story to shape the world.
  • Our desire is for students to grow in their understanding of who God is, who they are in God’s creation, and what their role is in God’s world.
• CAJ will loan textbooks to students for those classes that require them, usually in Middle or High School.
• Many resources are online and teachers may not be using traditional textbooks.
• Some teachers may require students to cover textbooks loaned to them from CAJ.
• Students who lose textbooks or damage them beyond reasonable wear and tear will be charged a replacement fee.

Elementary School

• The Elementary School curriculum provides regular instruction in Bible, language arts (reading, writing, grammar, and word study), mathematics, social studies, science, and health.
  • Instruction in music, physical education, art, and library is offered on a regular basis. Japanese language instruction is also provided for Grades 1-5.
  • Instrumental ensembles are offered to students in Grade 5.
  • Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.
  • Students may be required to take English as an Additional Language (EAL) class in lieu of Japanese language. Placement into the EAL program will be determined using WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) testing and monitored using WIDA testing, MAP testing, and student classwork.

Middle School

• A complete description of the Middle School curriculum is available in the Course Catalog.
• Middle School students must take either a language class (Japanese or Spanish), or a music class (band, choir, orchestra), or both a language and a music class. Student preferences are collected in the second semester. If students choose not to take one of these classes, they will attend a study hall instead.

High School

• CAJ offers its High School students a variety of courses. A complete description of the curriculum is available in the Course Catalog.
• In High School, seven courses and a study hall are considered a full course load in any semester.
• High School students begin their course selection process early in the second semester by indicating their desired courses in a survey. Once the schedule is compiled, course selections are completed by the end of the school year.
• CAJ reserves the right to help a student to manage his/her course load.
• Intentional exceptions to certain requirements may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on a student’s needs.

Field Trips

• All grades take school-day field trips coordinated with the curriculum. All policies of the school and expectations for behavior are in effect during these trips. Existing and proposed outings are under constant review.
  • CAJ schedules several overnight trips as part of its program, including the following:
    • 5th grade: One night trip to the Okutama area
    • 8th grade: One night trip to Kyoto
    • 10th grade: Three night trip to Japan Bible Home
    • 11th grade: Three night trip in the Okutama area
    • 12th grade: Three night trip to Nagasaki and seven night trip to Thailand

Homework philosophy

• In general, CAJ believes homework is a formative assessment that should deepen and reinforce understanding and skill.
• All homework assignments for the following school day will be communicated to the students no later than 16:00.
• Homework expectations vary significantly according to grade level and course.

Elementary School

• Elementary school students are generally expected to read every night for 10-30 minutes depending on the grade level.
• Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade are expected to develop strategies to keep track of assignments in a planner.

Middle School

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

• Individual teachers will communicate homework policies in their syllabuses for their classes, and these may vary from class to class.
• Students should know why the assignment is given, how and when they are to complete it, and how they will be held accountable.
• Given the age level, an average of 60-90 minutes of total uninterrupted homework time per night can be expected.
• Students will be taught and expected to track assignments and manage their time by using tools such as Google Classroom and a planner.
• Work that is handed in late 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 an exception is granted 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 results in the assignment being considered late.
• Consequences for late work:
  • Please refer to class syllabuses for any class specific late work policies.
  • Students may be required to stay after class or after school to complete late or incomplete assignments.
  • If teachers notice a pattern of late work or incomplete assignments, parents will be notified.
• Exceptions to these policies may be granted by the principal.
• Any questions about this policy, appeals, or requests for exceptions should be directed to the principal.

High School

We affirm that grades should measure what students know and understand rather than reflect their work and study habits, although we are also aware that work and study habits eventually do have a strong impact on student performance. We want to respect this affirmation, while protecting students from becoming overwhelmed. Grade-level assignments are developed in collaboration across departments, and thus the longer it takes to complete an assignment, the more likely assignments will begin to overlap, causing stress for students.

For late work, the following steps must be completed:

• Students must discuss with individual teachers if they believe they cannot hand in their assessment by the due date.
• Teachers may offer an extension of up to three days, during which time students will be expected to use the time, places, and people available to them to complete the assignment. Typically, the space will be either with the teacher in a classroom or in the Learning Resource Center.
• If late work is still not completed, students will need to make an appointment with the principal (and the principal will consult with the support team as needed) where the student will provide a written explanation for the reason the work is late, documented effort of work progress from the time the work was assigned to the time of the meeting, and a detailed plan of how they intend to complete it.
• If what is agreed upon is not completed, there is assumed to be ‘no evidence of learning’ and no grade will be awarded.
• This policy does not apply to certain assessments such as band performances and presentations (both individual and group).

Toward the end of each semester, a date is designated as the final assignment deadline. No work for any class will be accepted beyond that date. Special exceptions can only be granted by the principal.

Middle and High School

• Work is due at the time designated by the teacher.
• Typically, students receive one additional day for every day they miss school for an excused absence. A student may not be prepared to take a test on the day they return, but the same policy extends to tests from the day following their return to school, with an additional day given for every day the student was absent.
• The final assignment deadline for the semester applies to all yearlong courses. Semester-length courses may have later deadlines. Late assignments will not be accepted beyond the last day of the semester unless the student has been granted an incomplete exemption by the principal.
• 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.

High School Courses

The following information is specific to our High School courses.

Graduation requirements

In order to graduate from CAJ, students are required to obtain 50 credits in total. Students earn 1 credit for each semester class. Yearlong courses are worth 2 credits.

The 50 total credits include the following courses in High School:

• 4 credits in Bible (one credit for each year enrolled at CAJ)
• 8 credits in English
• 8 credits in Social Studies (World History, Comparative Government and Politics, US History, Japanese Culture, Senior Capstone)
• 6 credits in Mathematics
• 6 credits in Science
• 4 credits in World Languages
• 4 credits in PE/Health
• 2 credits in Creative Arts
• Electives

Repeating a course

In High School, a student may repeat a class he/she has passed with the permission of the principal. For example, students who earn grades of C- or below in math may be asked to repeat a class and earn a higher grade to be eligible for the next level of math.

The student may earn credit for the repeated course; if the course is a graduation requirement, the repeated course will count as elective credit.

Online courses outside CAJ

Students may take CAJ-approved online courses to make up classes they did not pass. Students are not to take online courses to complete required classes unless specifically directed by the principal to do so. For an online course to be approved, parents must contact the registrar with a request, and the registrar will submit the request to the principal for a final decision.

Independent courses

Independent study courses using CAJ staff are not offered. In specific and rare circumstances intentional exceptions might be made. The principal must approve all independent study courses that use CAJ staff or that are to be included on the transcript.

Academic probation

CAJ uses an academic probation system to help students succeed in high school.
The policy is as follows:

• Failure in any semester course will result in academic probation for a minimum of one semester.
• Probation status for those failing a course needed for graduation will remain in effect until the student takes and passes that course (or an agreed substitute course) so that the deficiency is removed and the student is back on track toward completing graduation requirements.
• The student must make up the course needed for graduation according to the following schedule:
  • A course failed during the first or second semester of the freshman year must be made up prior to the start of the junior year.
  • A course failed during the first or second semester of the sophomore year must be made up prior to the start of the senior year.
  • A course failed during the first or second semester of the junior year must be made up prior to graduation.
  • A course failed during the senior year must be made up prior to graduation.
• If the student does not make up the course by the time specified above:
  • The student who failed a course in the freshman or sophomore year will face probable suspension and will not be readmitted to CAJ until the course is made up. Further, to be readmitted in the same grade level, the student must have completed appropriate credits for that grade level missed while on suspension.
  • The student who failed a course in the junior or senior year will not graduate at the end of the senior year.
• If, while on probation, the student fails a second course, or if the student fails two or more courses in one semester, the student will face probable suspension and will not be readmitted to CAJ until all courses (or agreed upon substitute courses) have been taken and passed. Further, to be readmitted in the same grade level, the student must have completed appropriate credits for that grade level missed while on suspension.
• Students who are on academic probation will not be eligible for co-curricular activities. Exceptions to this policy may be made for any student with a documented learning or emotional disability.

Assessment

Assessment philosophy

Assessment is a process that provides teachers, students, parents, and administration with information and insights to determine how to best 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 may be any of a wide variety of assessments that 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 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.

Standardized assessments

Standardized test results at CAJ are not included as part of the students’ grades. They provide additional information to help students, parents, and teachers know what students may or may not know or understand. Teachers do not necessarily base their curriculum and teaching towards these tests.

• SAT
  • The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a test that is offered by the College Board in the United States. The test score is often used for college admissions in the US as well as in some other countries. CAJ is a test site for the SAT. Taking the SAT is highly recommended for college admissions, though not compulsory.
  • Students register for this test independently on their College Board account.
  • Students are able to see their scores on their College Board account.
  • CAJ uses the summary information provided by the College Board in our profile, school improvement process, and curriculum development.
• PSAT
  • The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, is taken in the fall by all our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. This test is used as a stepping stone to the SAT and gives the students and parents an indication of what score is expected in the actual SAT. It is also used to help students know what they should study before taking the actual SAT.
  • The PSAT is given on a day in October as specified by the College Board. There is no retake date.
  • Students may discuss their test result with the College and Career Counselor by appointment, usually in December.
  • Students are able to access their scores and some useful advice through their College Board account.
  • The PSAT may be used to help students choose AP courses.
• World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)
  • WIDA testing takes place once a year for students in our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.
  • The assessments measure students' academic English language in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • High School students may be given an alternative test from Language Testing International.
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
  • MAP tests were created by Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). CAJ gives MAP tests in Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics to our students in Grades 3-8. We are able to administer the MAP tests up to three times a year, allowing teachers, students, and parents to see academic progress within a school year.
  • MAP tests are computer adaptive tests, which means that every student gets a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. If the student answers correctly, questions become harder; if the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. The tests are not timed.
  • MAP Reading Fluency is given to students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. It measures and monitors oral reading fluency, literal comprehension, and foundational reading skills
• easyCBM
  • This test was designed by the University of Oregon and is a tool used by teachers to make good decisions on how to help students to meet and exceed learning standards.
  • This test may be given to students in Kindergarten through Grade 2.
• Benchmark Assessment System (BAS)
  • The BAS test is used to determine students’ independent and instructional reading levels. Teachers are able to observe student reading behaviors one-on-one, engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling, and make informed decisions that connect assessment to instruction.
  • This test may be given to students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.

Communication of academic progress

The school communicates to students and parents in various ways in order to show what students understand regarding what is being taught and regarding students’ overall behavior at school. Ways we communicate student progress are as follows:

• 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 postings making for easier communication, distribution of work, and collaboration. Parents can also request Google Classroom guardian summaries to monitor upcoming or late assignments.
• LearnerBuild: CAJ uses the system known as LearnerBuild to enter and display grades. The grades entered on LearnerBuild are posted by the teachers and are available to be seen by the teacher, students, parents, and other staff members.
• Report Cards: Students receive 2 report cards per year indicating their grade for each of the courses they took in that semester.
• Seesaw: In Elementary School, each class is connected to Seesaw. Teachers can assign activities in Seesaw, and teachers and students can post student work. Students should discuss the work they post on Seesaw with their parents.

Grading scales

Elementary School

• 4 Meets grade level expectations
• 3 Approaching grade level expectations
• 2 Only with teacher guidance, approaching grade level expectations
• 1 Below grade level expectations

Middle and High School

• A 95-100
• A- 90-94
• B+ 86-89
• B 83-85
• B- 80-82
• C+ 76-79
• C 73-75
• C- 70-72
• D+ 66-69
• D 63-65
• D- 60-62
• F 59 and below

Student support

• The Student Support Team consists of learning resource teachers, guidance counselors, the health coordinator, and divisional principals to help serve the diverse learning needs of our school community. We offer not only academic support but behavioral, emotional, mental, and social support, so that all CAJ students can thrive.
• Our services include offering academic support in the Learning Resource Center, training in behavioral and social skills, individual counseling, drafting intervention plans for students with various learning needs, delivering individualized programs for students with learning needs, and monitoring progress.
• If deemed necessary, the Student Support Team may recommend or require a student to undergo a Comprehensive Educational Evaluation from a qualified professional who has been approved by the school, so that the school can gain a better understanding of the student's educational needs.

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. For Elementary School students, violations of the Academic Integrity Policy are used as a learning experience and the consequences below do not apply. For Middle and High School students, violations are considered to be serious matters.

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 the Academic Integrity Policy

Cheating

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

Plagiarism

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

Cheating is used as a learning experience for Elementary School students.

Chapel

• Chapel is a time for our students to worship God and learn more about Him. All students are required to attend.
• The Elementary School chapel is held once per week. Parents are invited to attend.
• The Middle School and High School hold a joint chapel once per week.

Chapel guidelines

• At CAJ, chapel holds a special meaning because it is a time for worship and learning more about God and His Word. However, it is also an example of a public lecture with an audience, and there are certain behaviors society expects from an audience.
• Appropriate behaviors include singing when led to do so, standing or sitting as directed, clapping when a speaker is finished, listening actively, thinking carefully and critically, etc. Inappropriate behaviors include using electronic devices, doing homework, talking to others, sleeping, etc.

Spiritual Life Emphasis Week (SLEW)

Spiritual Life Emphasis Week, held every year, is an opportunity for students to hear an outside speaker who will share how God has impacted their life and to be challenged to know Jesus more intimately. Chapels are held each day for Middle and High School students.

School service projects

CAJ’s mission statement indicates that we are here to equip and inspire students to serve Japan and the world for Christ. We aim to integrate the skills and knowledge needed to serve throughout our curriculum in order to prepare our students to accomplish this goal. We also provide opportunities for students to practice how to serve and to lead others in a Christ-like manner.

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 for worship and rest), CAJ does not generally allow or schedule student events on Sundays, nor are staff required to work on Sundays (other than for security and in emergencies).

Exceptions are made for:

• Ministry opportunities including performances by music ensembles
• Unavoidable travel conflicts, most commonly with sports tournaments (see Athletic Handbook)

Co-curricular activities

General information

• Co-curricular activities give students an opportunity to learn in teams and groups outside the classroom.
• There is a charge for participating in co-curricular activities.
• Eligibility: The principal, in cooperation with the guidance staff and teachers, will determine student eligibility using the following criteria:
  • Students must display satisfactory conduct and are expected to represent CAJ well.
  • Students who are on academic probation due to failing one or more semester classes may not be permitted to participate in co-curricular activities. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal.
  • Students must attend at least two class periods in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on that day. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal.
• Athletic Tournaments: CAJ participates in Far East and other inter-scholastic tournaments.

Elementary School

Choir, News Club, Orchestra Club, and other activities are offered after school depending on available space and sponsors.

• Sign-ups for after-school clubs, ES StuCo, and other activities go out at different times throughout the year and are communicated to parents and students.
• All students are eligible to sign up; however, many clubs and activities are limited by grade level and/or number of students.
• Sign-ups are generally done on a first come, first served basis.
• A student must have attended school in order to participate in that day’s after school activity.
• Participation in co-curricular activities can be suspended or revoked by the principal in response to excessive absences or for disciplinary reasons.

Middle School

• Sports
  • Fall
    • Boys’ soccer
    • Girls’ volleyball
    • Cross country
  • Winter
    • Boys’ basketball
    • Girls’ soccer
    • Wrestling
  • Spring
    • Girls’ basketball
    • Boys’ volleyball
    • Track and field
• Arts
  • Handbells
  • Jazz Band
• Other activities
  • StuCo
  • Robotics
  • Brain Bowl

High School

• Sports
  • Fall
    • Boys’ tennis
    • Girls’ tennis
    • Boys’ volleyball
    • Girls’ volleyball
    • Cross country
  • Winter
    • Boys’ basketball
    • Girls’ basketball
    • Girls’ field hockey (club)
    • Wrestling
  • Spring
    • Boys’ soccer
    • Girls’ soccer
    • Track and field
• Arts
  • Handbells
  • Jazz Band
  • Instrumental festival
  • Band festival
  • Art festival
  • Choir festival
  • Honor band/choir/orchestra
• Other activities
  • StuCo
  • Spiritual Life Committee
  • Round Table (Senior Council)
  • Robotics
  • Other school events including: college fair, school visit, school formal, movie night, debate, drama, film, Brain Bowl, math field day

Participation

The division principal will determine student co-curricular eligibility in accordance with the following co-curricular eligibility requirements that apply to all CAJ students.

Semester grade reports

At the end of each semester, the student’s final credits determine eligibility for the next grading period.

• Failing one class: The student will be placed on academic probation and may join only one co-curricular activity. Any exceptions must be approved by the division principal.
• Failing two or more classes: The student will be deemed ineligible.

Weekly grade report

• Eligibility is reviewed weekly and shared with the student’s coach/advisor by the division principal.
• Students are notified in a meeting with their coach/advisor.
• Students failing two or more classes on the Monday LearnerBuild report are ineligible Monday–Saturday.

Weekly eligibility changes

Changes to weekly eligibility can only be made if one of the following conditions exists:

• The posted grade was inaccurate, or there was a technical error (issue with tech)
• The student submits make-up work in line with approved guidelines agreed upon by both teacher and principal.

Infractions

• First Infraction: The student is ineligible for all events/performances and cannot be dismissed from school to participate in them. The student may practice only with principal approval.
• Second Infraction (same season): The student may not participate, dress, or travel with the group. The student must present an academic improvement plan to the principal.
• Third Infraction (same season): Same consequences as second infraction: no participation, dressing, or travel.

Probation

• Failure (F) in any semester course results in academic probation for at least one semester.
• Students on probation can participate in one co-curricular activity at a time, unless approved by the division principal.
• A letter from the student’s parents acknowledging the academic situation and requesting participation must be submitted to the principal before each season.

Ineligibility

If a student earns two (2) failing (F) grades at any time during co-curricular participation or at the end of a grading period, the student is determined to be ineligible.

Failing (F) grades

• Two (2) failing (F) grades: student is deemed ineligible
• Two (2) D grades: equivalent to one (1) F grade
• One (1) F grade and two (2) D grades: student is deemed ineligible
• Four (4) D grades: student is deemed to be ineligible

Students are responsible for maintaining academic eligibility, checking grades, and addressing issues with teachers and the division principal.

Attendance

The following is the co-curricular (athletic or non-athletic) participation policy for students who are absent from school:

• Students must attend at least two (2) class blocks (or equivalent) to participate in practice or contests. Exceptions need principal approval.
• Participation in scheduled PE is required to play sports after school.
• Students leaving school due to illness cannot return to practice or competition without a doctor’s note.
• If absent without excuse on Friday, students are ineligible for Saturday’s contest.
• Even if the student is in the nurse’s office, they must attend two blocks (or equivalent) to participate in any activity that day.
• Students with an excused absence or school event/field trip may participate in the scheduled activity.
• Students with an unexcused absence are ineligible for that day’s activity.
• Students on out-of-school or multi-day in-school suspension are ineligible for all activities until they return to school.

Attendance Exceptions

• Students who miss a full day of school may participate if the absence is due to: funeral, college testing or visit, family emergency, medical appointments, or any absence approved by the principal.
• Attendance requirements may be waived by the division principal for injury or illness.
• If the absence occurs on a day prior to a non-school day (i.e., Saturday or school holiday), the student must present an explanation of their absence in writing to the advisor/coach and email the principal.

Athletic Tournaments

CAJ participates in Far East and small school tournaments under the following guideline:

• In the event that there are reservations about a team or individual’s participation in a tournament, the principal will consult with the athletic director and the coach and then bring a recommendation to the head of school, who will make the final decision.

Student expectations

Child safeguarding

CAJ desires to keep all members of our community safe. The CAJ Child Protection Policy is based on the three guiding principles of visibility, accountability, and appropriate use and balance of power.

Please see the Child Protection Policy for more specifics.

New students

New Family (Student) Orientation is held before school begins to help students and families become familiar with CAJ. If a student begins in the middle of the year, orientation is given for grades 6-12 prior to attending.

New students are observed to ensure they can succeed academically, behaviorally, and socially at CAJ. This is called monitoring.

Cafeteria

• Students may bring their lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria.
• See Cezar’s page on the CAJ website for costs and menu.

Lockers and property

Policies

• Students are expected to respect the property of others.
• Students in Grades K-5 are given a place to hang their bags and coats. They are encouraged to keep their bags closed.
• Students in Grades 6-12 are assigned school and PE lockers. Students are expected to keep their lockers locked at all times. Students who do not use their locks do so at their own risk.
• All lockers and school desks are school property loaned to students. Principals may inspect lockers and desks at any time.
• Damage to lockers (which includes anything students stick on that won't come off) will be repaired and students billed for the cost.
• Unfortunately, occasionally a member of our community does not respect the property of others. Students should not leave money or things of value where others may take them. If you must take something valuable to school, ask a teacher or someone in the office to keep it for you until you need it. Students should report suspected thefts immediately to the teacher or principal.
• Lost and Found items are kept in the library (valuables only), outside the cafeteria, and in the gym (shoes). Please check in each location when looking for a lost item. Unclaimed items will be donated or thrown away.

Locks

• Students in grades 6-12 are issued two combination locks without charge when they are admitted. These locks will remain the property of CAJ, but students are responsible for them.
  • High School students are responsible for locks including over summer breaks.
  • Middle School students will have their locks collected at the end of the year.
• Students must use the locks issued by the school and may not substitute other locks, even if they are the same brand and type.
• If students believe their combination number has been compromised (someone else knows their combination), they may request a new combination or lock and they will not be charged for the replacement.
• If a lock is lost, stolen, or damaged through neglect, whether during the school year or during summer break, student accounts will be charged ¥1000 per lock for a replacement.

Daily attendance

Faithful school attendance is an important requirement for our life together and one of the keys to academic success. Sometimes a student might not be able to attend school, and at those times we ask that he/she tell us what has happened so we do not worry unnecessarily. Absences and tardies are recorded not for disciplinary reasons but to uphold the integrity of the education we are providing in each of our courses.

Excessive absences

Elementary

• Excessive absences are defined as missing any class 10 times or more during a semester. The principal may contact the parents to discuss a plan for the student to make up for missed work or to provide extra support to help the student be successful and prepared to move on to the next grade.
• If a make-up plan cannot be agreed upon, a student who has accrued 10 or more absences in a semester will receive a comment on the report card in place of a grade.
• Frequent late arrivals to school may be regarded as absences. Students who routinely arrive at school late often miss the same class. A student may receive a comment in place of a grade for that subject.
• Under certain circumstances the principal may grant an exception to this policy.

Middle School

• 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 more than 10 classes 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.

High School

• Excessive absences are defined as missing any one class 10 times or more during a semester.
• For zero-period classes, excessive absences (excused and unexcused) are defined as missing any one class (for any reason other than a school activity) 10 times over the whole school year.
• High School students with excessive absences will receive an F for courses in which such absences have accumulated. Exceptions may be granted by the head of school upon appeal by parents and satisfactory documentation about the reasons for the absences.

Unplanned absences

• Parents should call the Academic Office between 08:00 and 08:30 (09:00 and 09:30 on Wednesdays) on the day the student is absent to give notice of the absence and the anticipated duration. Alternatively, 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 has not had some unexpected difficulty on the way to school.

Planned absences

• Family trips should be planned for school breaks. Parents should expect to have a conversation with the division principal if their child will be missing 5 or more days in a semester for planned absences. Days over 5 days in a semester may be marked as unexcused absences.
• Planned absences should be arranged at least one week in advance by email with the school principal and the Academic Office receptionist.
• 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.

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.

Tardies

• Tardiness is inconsistent with our desire to respect the time we have together.
• Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of each class period in Middle and High School and at the start of the day in Elementary School.
• Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work at the start of each class period.
• Students who arrive late for school must report to the Academic Office; students will receive a tardy for each period for which they are late.
• Teachers or administrators who are responsible for a student’s tardiness to another class must supply the student with an excused pass.
• Students may bring documentation of exceptional situations (i.e. doctor's appointments, train/bus delays, at embassy or immigration, or with a staff member) and the tardy may be recorded as excused. These decisions will be made on an individual basis.
• Students will receive an unexcused tardy for any reason other than what is mentioned above.
• Elementary and Middle School students who have 10 unexcused tardies in a semester will have an email sent to their parents with the number of unexcused tardies. At 15 unexcused tardies, the parents may be asked to come to school to have a conversation with the division principal.
• For High School students, every three unexcused tardies in one class per semester will be considered the equivalent of one absence in that class; for example, three unexcused tardies in English will equal one absence in English class.

Parents away from home

• Students are expected to be living daily with a parent or a legal guardian while attending school. If the student is not living with their parent(s), prior arrangement must be made with the head of school.
• If the student will not be with their parent or legal guardian, the school must be notified of the length of time they will be away, who they will be staying with and emergency contact information.

Dress code

• At CAJ, we seek to make a positive impression on each other and on those outside our community. We also seek to provide an environment that promotes learning. In order to do these two things, we need to decide on an age appropriate standard of dress.
• Dress code is a school function code, meaning it applies whenever a student is on campus for school events (either as participants or spectators) or off campus and representing the school (either as participants or spectators) on school functions (field trips, concerts, games, etc.).
• Students and parents agree to abide by the school’s definition of appropriate dress and the principal’s interpretation of this definition.

Policy

All students must wear:

• Clothes that cover the following at all times: buttocks, mid-chest, midriff, and undergarments.
• Tops that cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit and have straps.
• Appropriate coverage underneath any see-through or mesh garments.
• Skirts and shorts that are at fingertip in length. This is approximately 10-15 cm above the knee. Final decisions about length will be made by the principal, since skirts and shorts vary in style. Rips or tears in pants/skirts must be below this area.
• Footwear at all times.

Students cannot wear:

• Clothing that shows undergarments, features violent language or images, or features language or images that may embarrass or discriminate against another student.
• Clothing that has tears in areas that are supposed to be covered.
• Leggings/spats/biker shorts without a cover (can only be worn under shorts or skirts that are of proper length).
• Clothing that represents cross-dressing.
• Clothing, hairstyles, or body accessories that might distract, intimidate, or leave a negative or misleading impression with fellow students, younger children, guests at our school, or with the outlying Japanese community of which our school is a part (including areas through which our students commute).
• In Elementary and Middle School, hats are not to be worn during class

In addition:

• There is a supplemental athletic handbook dress code for Middle and High School students.

Dress code violations

Violations of the dress code will be handled as follows:

• 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)
  • One-hour detention arranged by the principal
• Fourth violation
  • Change of clothes (supplied by principal)
  • Parents contacted
  • Students and parents will sign a letter of compliance
• Fifth violation
  • Change of clothes (supplied by principal)
  • Possible out-of-school suspension assigned by head of school
  • Meeting with parents must take place to discuss the status of the student at the school before student will be allowed to return to school

Behavior

Expectations

In our life together at CAJ we enter voluntarily into a kind of covenant. The terms of this covenant are these:

1. For students
   • Be responsible.
   • Promote a safe, healthy environment.
   • Be respectful.
   • Be appropriate.
2. For parents:
   • Know the rules and support our school’s efforts to teach students to abide by them.
   • Attend PTA meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school programs/events as often as possible.
   • Communicate with teachers and administrators about the nurture of your child.
   • Support our school by praying for us and volunteering your time for projects.
   • Be diligent in meeting your financial responsibilities to our school.
3. For staff:
   • Provide diligent, responsible, caring attention to the needs of each child — academic, spiritual, and social.
   • Provide regular communication to let parents know how their child is doing, what’s going on at school, and to explain and clarify policies.
   • Be available to discuss parents’ concerns.
   • Pray for each student.

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 address issues with 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 between students and adults. As a community we wish to resolve conflicts and find ways we can work together.
• Issues between students should be communicated to the classroom teacher or the principal.
• If the issue cannot be resolved, the principal or another administrator should be contacted.
• CAJ’s Child Protection Policy has its own process to protect all parties including the Mandated Reporter policy.

Third party advocacy

• Third party advocacy is acting on behalf of someone else who should be dealing with an issue him/herself. It is taking on the issue or grievance of another person or persons (first party) and seeking to deal with the issue with the alleged offender (second party) without the person or persons on whose behalf you are speaking (first party) present.
• Parents are welcome to advocate for their child, but should encourage their child to try and deal with the issue him/herself. We recognize that not all children are able to advocate for themselves and may need the support of a parent and/or teacher.

When someone gets in trouble

• We’re looking for growth and change. We believe that the consequences of doing wrong should help achieve that growth and, wherever possible, correct or repair the harm that has been done. Sin against people almost always requires personal confession, apology, and forgiveness in order for reconciliation to take place. Sins against property may require restitution.
• If a student’s doing wrong seems to be a habit or a pattern, or if the deed seems especially willful or serious, we will contact parents. A conference with the parents to discuss the problem and potential solutions may be required.

Restitution for damage to property

When a student damages school property, it is important that he/she faces consequences and makes an effort at restitution which may include community service at school and/or payment.

Discipline

Definitions

• Detention: A student is asked by a teacher or principal to report before school, during lunch, or after school for up to one hour for disciplinary reasons.
• Probation: A status in which a student is placed, for a specified period of time, because of misconduct or lack of achievement. If no improvement in conduct or achievement is made then suspension or expulsion may result.
• Suspension: A penalty under which a student is not permitted to attend classes or come to school 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: A student is allowed to finish the school year but is not allowed to return for the following school year.

Due Process and Appeals

• Parents of students who are placed on probation or suspended will be notified in writing.
• Parents will be notified in person and in writing of the head of school’s decision to expel a student.
• All disciplinary actions may be appealed using the Grievance Policy.

Administration, payments, and records

Tuition and fees

Please check the General Fee Schedule on the CAJ website for the current fee chart.

Late payment policy

If an account is not paid in full (or according to an agreed payment plan), the following steps will be taken in progression:

• A warning letter will be sent.
• The ability to make new account charges will be suspended — for example: cafeteria, elective classes, co-curricular activities, purchasing goods, etc. Only cash payments will be accepted for future services until payments are made to bring the family account fully up to the payment plan.
• A meeting with CAJ staff will be scheduled to establish a payment schedule or confirm an existing payment schedule.
• A student’s enrollment will be suspended at the end of the semester unless payments are made to bring the family account fully up to the payment plan. Student transcripts will not be released until the account is fully paid.

Transcripts and other school records

• Requests for school transcripts or other school records including documentation of attendance, enrollment, etc. can be made by filling out a form under the FORMS icon on our website. All requests should be made two weeks in advance of the date needed. For questions, please contact the registrar at registrar@caj.ac.jp.

Withdrawing from school

• Parents are asked to notify the division principal and the registrar (registrar@caj.ac.jp) of the intent for a student to withdraw from school as soon as this decision is made.
• Unless transferring to a different school for unavoidable reasons, students who withdraw from classes before the end of the semester receive no credit. Exceptions may be granted by the head of school.
• With enough advance notice, arrangements for exceptions can be made through online course work or special tutoring so that students will not miss out on vital school experiences when they need to move before the end of the year.
• Students who withdraw in good standing will be welcomed back upon submission of re-enrollment forms and required documentation if there is space available.
• Students who withdraw because of academic or behavioral problems may be considered for readmission based on submission of re-enrollment forms, necessary documentation, and an interview with the principal and head of school.

Technology and personal information

General information

Please review the Technology Guide under Life@CAJ

Acceptable use and care

• Students are expected to follow the Computer and Technology Acceptable Use Policy at all times, both on and off campus.
• Students (or families) will be responsible for a ¥6,000 deductible for any charges associated with repair of the student laptop or a ¥10,000 deductible for the repair of a student iPad.
• Irresponsible damage and destruction of a student laptop will be brought to the principal and school leadership for consideration in line with our vandalism and restitution policies.

Personal device policy

We value communication and interactions that happen between all members of the CAJ community. Although we acknowledge that technology can help us communicate and interact with others, we believe that this cannot replace what we gain through face-to-face interactions. To encourage healthy communication and interactions:

• Cell phones or other personal electronic devices (including smart watches, personal computers, or similar communication devices) may not be used on campus during school hours by students. “School hours” begin when a student passes through the gate.
• Middle School students must keep their devices in their locker the entire day.
• Students may not wear earbuds or other headphones during school hours unless with special permission.
• Students may not use their devices during break even if they are off campus.
• Chromebooks may not be used between classes for non-educational purposes.
• Exceptions to this are the following situations:
  • High School students may use personal devices for educational purposes with permission from the teacher. If students are working outside of the classroom, they need to have a device pass. When not being used for learning, devices must be turned off, kept out of sight, and stored in a non-distracting location such as a backpack, pocket, or locker.
  • Senior students may use personal devices in designated areas (gym lobby, plaza, and the athletic field area during High School lunch hours.
  • High School students may use their personal devices in the academic building after school.
  • Personal devices are not to be used in the library at any time.
• Consequences: Cell phones and other electronic devices used inappropriately will be confiscated and must be reclaimed from the principal at the end of the school day. Consequences are the following:
  • First offense: Warning
  • Second offense: Parents notified
  • Third offense: Parents notified and one hour detention
  • Fourth offense: Conference with parents and contract issued
  • Fifth offense: in-school suspension, conference with parents, discussion of future
• If a cell phone or other electronic device is confiscated because certain types of inappropriate behavior are suspected (harassment, cheating, pornography, illegal activities, etc.), the principal may examine the contents of the device. At least one other staff person will be present during the examination. Students may be required to provide access and show the administrator what is preserved in the memory.

Personal information

• Information found on CAJ’s contact app or contact information in the directory are not to be shared or used without permission from that specific family.
• Photos on Vidigami may be downloaded for personal use, but are not to be shared without permission from the photographer and parents of other students pictured.
• See the Privacy Policy for more information on how CAJ uses personal information.

Communication

General information

• Parents and guardians are expected to participate in their child's education by being informed and responsible for all CAJ expectations and communications.
• Parents are asked to make necessary updates of any contact information through the website to stay informed.
• An internet connection and computer access is also necessary for students to complete homework and be in communication with the school and their teachers.
• Email and the website are our primary methods of contact for general information, calendars, grades, and announcements about disruptions to our program (closures and delayed openings). Having the ability to check your email and our website is necessary for ongoing communication with CAJ.
• Parents are required to understand and sign the Parent Responsibility Agreement each year.
• CAJ asks that parents make an appointment in order to discuss an important issue with a teacher or principal. Important matters should not be raised in impromptu settings such as school hallways, co-curricular events, or workshop services.
• Parents wanting to talk to a teacher should either email the teachers or call and leave a message with the receptionist. Most of the time, teachers are busy teaching and are not available to respond immediately and will not be able to answer phone calls during the school day. If a question or concern is not resolved, please contact the principal.
• The Mini-Matsu is a digital magazine intended to help the extended CAJ community understand what is currently happening on campus.

Daily announcements

All parents are strongly encouraged to read the daily announcements sent by email or posted on the website in order to keep up with school activities.

Parent involvement at CAJ

PTA (Parent Teacher Association)

• The CAJ PTA is an organization that supports the ministry of Christian Academy in Japan in fulfilling its mission of equipping and inspiring students to serve Japan and the world for Jesus Christ.
• The PTA is led by an executive committee that is responsible for its activities.
• All CAJ parents are automatically PTA members. PTA members help with activities that help fund students through scholarships, service projects, and equipment. PTA members also reach out to the greater CAJ community and neighborhood.
• Throughout the academic year, the PTA hosts a variety of events and activities. We rely on you as parents to assist us in various ways: listening to students recite Scripture, baking, setting up and serving food, praying, etc.
• We appreciate your willingness to participate! Please see the PTA tab in Life@CAJ for more information.

Meet and Greet

• The purpose of Meet and Greet is to inform parents about classes their children will be taking, to meet teachers, and to learn more about school events and how to get involved.
• Meet and Greet is usually held during the second or third week of September.

Parent conferences

• CAJ schedules Student-Parent-Teacher conferences in the fall. Conference appointments are made via the CAJ website.
• For Middle and High School, CAJ prefers to have parents and teachers speaking about students when students are present.
• Academic Conferences are held by teacher request in February. Parents who receive a conference request are expected to make every effort to attend or arrange an alternate meeting time.

Volunteering

• Our community has a tradition of volunteering, and we are grateful for volunteers who help us equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ.
• Contact your child’s classroom teacher or the division principal if you are interested in volunteering.

Expectations for volunteers/chaperones

1. Training for all volunteers
   1. Comply with CAJ’s Child Protection Policy. Read and sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct every year.
   2. Complete “Child Protection Awareness Course” offered by childsafeguarding.com. Must be done every 2 years.
2. Expectations
   1. Model Christ-like behavior at all times (behavior, attitude, vocabulary).
   2. Wear a nametag at all times when on campus.
   3. Comply with directions from CAJ personnel.

Donations

• Donors wishing to give money to CAJ are asked to contact the Director of Advancement: efahey@caj.ac.jp. Donation information is available online.
• Donations may be made at any time to Christian Academy in Japan by bank transfer in Japan, online using a credit card, or through the business office on campus.
• Donors who wish to receive a US tax-exempt receipt may make donations through Resourcing Christian Education (see our website for details).