Al-Mizhar American Academy

 

     Caring      

 Innovative          Inquirer           Reflective 

      Spirited 

Empowered

 

Principled          Knowledgeable       Communicator          Open-Minded     

  Inclusive  

   Balanced   

 

 

The Use of Technology in School

 

 

B.Y.O.D.

 

 

AAM uses instructional technology as one way of enhancing our mission to teach the skills, knowledge and behaviors

students will need as responsible citizens in the global community. Students learn collaboration, communication,

creativity and critical thinking in a variety of ways throughout the school day. In an effort to increase access to those 21

st

Century skills, AAM will allow personal devices on our guest network and school grounds for students who follow the

responsibilities stated in the Acceptable Use Policy and the guidelines regarding B.Y.O.D. Bring your own device is limited

to laptops and pads, and does not include the use of cellular phones, i‐watches, or other such devices.

 

 

Students in grades 6 and above are expected to B.Y.O.D. Middle school students should transition to a laptop by 2nd

semester of their sixth grade year.

 

 

No Cell Phone Policy

 

 

Personal electronic devices have become an almost ubiquitous appendage of modern life. American Academy Al Mizhar

understands the importance of mobile phones for communication and to ensure the safety of students who travel to and

from the school. However, students and parents should understand that in a school environment, the use of mobile

phones demonstrates disrespect, lack of courtesy, and is distracting. Students should be mentally present during all

lessons. Further, recent UAE laws have prohibited the photographing of individuals without their permission, the

consequence being a hefty fine. For these reasons, AAM has instituted a “no cell phone” policy.

 

 

Cell phones may be brought to school but must be left in lockers. They may not be visible during the day, and may not be

in use within the school building. Students may ask permission to use a school phone to call in case of emergency.

Students should keep a handwritten list of all numbers, including parents and drivers. Cell phones are only permitted for

use after the last school bell, and then only in the front of the building. Cell phones that are visible will be confiscated and

returned to the student at the end of the day for the first incidence. Thereafter, parents will be notified and required to

pick up the cell phone. Cell phones will not be released to drivers or nannies.

 

 

Social Media Violations

 

American Academy Al‐Mizhar blocks social media sites, Recent developments in UAE law have become more stringent in

regard to postings causing us to restrict cell phone use while on campus, . American Academy does not take responsibility

for any social media violations incurred by a student within or outside of the building of AAM. AAM retains the right to

confiscate any electronic device that is perceived as being mis‐used, but will not investigate, as the viewing of any

person’s electronic device is against the UAE law. Administration will confiscated any cell phone that contains materials

in question, and release it to the parent, who will then be asked to sign a release assuring the school that no violation of

UAE law in relation to social media has taken place.

 

Photography

 

 

AAM requires that parents sign a photograph release form annually, before the 15th of September. Prior forms will not

be accepted. Without a current form that specifically states that a student cannot be photographed, it will be assumed that

the photography of the student is acceptable. Any student who poses for a school group photo gives their consent for the

photograph to be viewed by others, and to be published. Students must be responsible for their own head‐covering and

photography restrictions.

 

Support Services at AAM

 

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     Caring      

 Innovative          Inquirer           Reflective 

      Spirited 

Empowered

 

Principled          Knowledgeable       Communicator          Open-Minded     

  Inclusive  

   Balanced   

 

 

 

 

 

School Counselor

 

 

Our school counselor works with students to ensure their social and emotional well‐being. This may take place in group

or individual sessions. In secondary, the school counselor helps students and parents plan the course of study at AAM and

also provides college counseling.

 

 

The  guidance  counselor  is  available  if  you  wish  to  discuss  any  personal  or  academic  issues.    To  make  an  appointment

please  email  the  guidance  counselor;

[e-mail]

 .      Students  will  be  seen  as  soon  as  possible.

Remember, no problem or need is too small if it is disturbing you.

 

 

 

 

The Library

 

 

The Library Media Center creates and supports an environment conducive to reading and research. The library boasts a

collection of English language materials and a growing French, Spanish and Arabic collection. In addition, our students

have  access,  through  the  Library's  computer,  to  student‐friendly  research  databases  such  as  Britannica  Online,  and

eBooks through our Literacy Pro program. The library is maintained by one librarian and two library assistants. Lost or

damaged books must be replaced or paid for prior to the release of report cards and other school related documents.

 

 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

 

 

 

The goal of the English as an Additional Language is to support students who require additional language support while

studying in English. Students will be given the LAS Links test in order to determine their eligibility for this special

program. EAL support will occur mainly within the mainstream classroom. The EAL team will assist classroom and

subject teachers in developing strategies within the mainstream class to help the students access the curriculum and

perform to their fullest potential.

 

 

 

Student Support (LS)

 

 

The student Support Department consists of teachers who hold qualifications in Special Education and are further

supported by Learning Assistants. The learning support staff assists students who have learning needs. The learning

support staff also works closely with class teachers and parents to address individual student needs. Parents may be

required to provide additional support outside of school. In order for their child to be successful. Student passports are

created collaboratively with student, parents and teachers.

 

 

In order to be eligible for student Support, a student must have an Educational and Psychological evaluation, completed

by a licensed psychologist within the past two years. Students may not receive any special accommodations, such as

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