Franconian International School

(FIS)

POLICY MANUAL

The following are the official policies of the Franconian International School adopted by the Board of Directors of the Franconian International School on October 19, 2004.

INDEX

SECTION 1: THE SCHOOL, ITS GOALS, AND ITS OPERATION

1.10 LEGAL STATUS

1.20 PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

1.201 PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES REVIEW

1.30 SCHOOL DIRECTOR

1.40 SCHOOL YEAR

1.50 NON-DISCRIMINATION

1.60 PERSONAL DATA ACT (DATENSCHUTZ)

SECTION 2: BOARD OPERATIONS

2.10 ORDER OF BUSINESS

2.20 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

2.30 BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE

SECTION 3: FISCAL MANAGEMENT

3.10 AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES

3.20 COMPETITIVE BIDS

3.30 CASH IN SCHOOL BUILDING

3.40 SCHEDULE OF FEES

3.401 TUITION EXEMPTION

3.402 SCHOLARSHIPS

3.403 LOSS AND DAMAGE CHARGES

3.50 FINANCIAL REPORT

3.60 SALARY ADVANCES

3.70 INVENTORY

SECTION 4: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

4.10 SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

4.101 BUILDING ACCESS CONTROL

4.20 STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

4.30 SCHOOL LUNCHES

4.40 BUSINESS OFFICE GUIDELINES

SECTION 5: PERSONNEL

5.10 STAFFING GOALS

5.101 ETHICS

5.102 DRUG USE

5.103 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

5.104 GIFTS AND SOLICITATIONS

5.105 TOBACCO USE

5.106 GRIEVANCES

5.20 BOARD RELATIONS

5.30 FACULTY TUTORING

5.301 EXTRA-CURRICULAR DUTIES

5.40 EVALUATION

5.50 FACULTY ASSIGNMENT

5.60 SALARY SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS

5.601 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ALLOWANCE

5.70 REDUCTION IN EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE

5.80 STAFF MANUAL

5.90 WORKS COUNCIL (BETRIEBSRAT)

SECTION 6: INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

6.10 SCHOOL DIVISIONS

6.20 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

6.30 ESL PROGRAM

6.40 GERMAN PROGRAM

6.50 CLASS SIZE

6.60 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAM

6.601 EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION

6.70 SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

6.80 HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK

6.90 STUDENT ASSESSMENT

6.901 REPORTS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

SECTION 7: STUDENTS

7.10 ADMISSIONS

7.101 SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

7.102 PLACEMENT

7.103 EXPULSION DURING SCHOOL YEAR

7.104 RE-ADMITTANCE

7.20 ATTENDANCE

7.201 EARLY WITHDRAWAL

7.30 DISCIPLINE

7.301 DRESS CODE

7.40 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

7.50 GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

7.60 STUDENT RECORDS

SECTION 8: HEALTH

8.10 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

8.20 ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

8.30 IMMUNIZATIONS

8.40 MEDICAL INFORMATION

8.50 TOBACCO, DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND WEAPONS

Appendix:

Admissions Policy

Assessment Policy

Discipline Policy

Field Trip Policy

Internet Policy

Library Policy

SECTION 1: THE SCHOOL, ITS GOALS, AND ITS OPERATION

1.10 LEGAL STATUS

The Franconian International School (FIS) is a legally recognized public service, not for profit educational foundation registered with the administrative court (Amtsgericht) of the City of Erlangen. Its By-Laws, which are kept on file with the court in Erlangen, define the Board of Directors as the governing body of the school and authorize the Board to develop the policies by which the school is administered. (FIS By-Laws §1; 6.5a)

1.20 FIS PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

The Franconian International School educates students in an international environment according to high academic standards. It provides an atmosphere respectful of diverse cultures and promotes responsible citizenship in the spirit of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The school is committed to promoting international and intercultural experiences for its students and maintaining its good reputation as an association.

The FIS serves primarily the international community of the Metropole Nürnberg in northern Bavaria. German students are also an important part of the learning community. The FIS encourages parents to actively support the school and the education of their children.

The school offers challenging programs in academics, information technology, sports and fine arts. At the FIS, education goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge. It encourages curiosity and creativity. It stresses inquiry and self-discovery, the development and strengthening of individual talents, and the appreciation of democratic structures. It fosters open-mindedness, respect and sensitivity toward the feelings of others, and the development of a sense of fairness and integrity.

The Franconian International School:

Educates students from all over the world regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, or ethnic background, and helps them to reach their fullest potential intellectually, socially, and physically.

Provides highly qualified, motivated, caring teachers who support the school's philosophy and objectives.

Offers a structured program based on a curriculum which ensures that the students acquire the skills and techniques necessary to cope with the challenges of the future.

Provides appropriate resources in a safe, challenging, adaptable and supportive environment in which the student is an active participant.

Builds a team atmosphere, in which students, teachers, parents and administrators are partners in the learning and growing process.

Promotes a positive and reciprocal relationship with the host nation at the local, regional and national levels, which takes advantage of the educational opportunities of living in Germany and Europe.

Continues to grow with its students by adding a grade level each year, and will ultimately (2009) offer the opportunity for graduation with the International Baccalaureate diploma. (Revised September 2005)

1.201 Philosophy and Objectives Review

The Board of Directors reviews the Philosophy and Objectives statement at the beginning of each school year, and monitors its implementation with an annual parent survey. (Revised June, 2005)

1.30 SCHOOL DIRECTOR

The School Director administers the FIS in accordance with the letter and spirit of the By-Laws and this Policy Manual. (FIS By-laws: §9.2) He or she is authorized by the Board to establish regulations and procedures to ensure that the policies and goals of the Board are carried out. The performance of the School Director is formally appraised annually by the Board of Directors.

1.40 SCHOOL YEAR

The school year consists of no fewer than 180 days when school is actually in session. Normally, the school year begins in August and continues into June. The school calendar is approved annually by the Ministry of Culture of the State of Bavaria in accordance with Bavarian School law.

Provision is made for Bavarian public holidays and for vacation periods corresponding to Christmas/New Year’s Day, and Easter.

1.50 NON-DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination, harassment, or mobbing by any employee of the FIS, student, parent, or visitor either at the FIS or at events sponsored by the school is not tolerated. (FIS By-Laws §2.3; Staff Manual; Elementary, Middle and High School Handbooks)

1.60 PERSONAL DATA ACT (Datenschutz)

The school complies with the regulations of the German Personal Data Act, the purpose of which is to protect people from violation of their right to privacy through the processing of personal data.

SECTION 2: BOARD OPERATIONS

2.10 ORDER OF BUSINESS

The order of business at regular Board of Director meetings is: 1) approval of minutes of the previous meeting, 2) report of the School Director, 3) financial committee report, 4) other committee reports, and 5) miscellaneous.

2.20 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

A complaint by a parent or a member of the public should be taken first to the teacher involved. If the complainant is not satisfied, the problem should then be taken to the responsible Section Coordinator, and finally to the School Director. If the complainant is still not satisfied, the complainant may refer the matter in writing to the Board Chairperson. Complaints against FIS employees are considered by the Board in executive session and only when the complaint is written and signed by the complainant.

2.30 BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE

A FIS employee, student, or parent who wishes to attend a Board meeting submits a request in writing to the School Director stating the specific item of business which is of concern. The School Director consults with the Board Chairperson who decides whether to grant the request to attend the meeting.

SECTION 3: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

3.10 AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES

Two authorized representatives of the FIS must sign each FIS bank payment. The Chairperson or Acting Chairperson of the Board of Directors is authorized to sign the contract of the School Director. The School Director or designate is authorized to sign the contracts of all other administrators, faculty, and staff members. The School Director, Head of Administration and Business Manager are authorized to pay for budgeted items. The School Director, Head of Administration, Business Manager and the Head of Kindergarten are authorized to pay for budgeted Kindergarten items.

3.20 COMPETITIVE BIDS

The purchase of capital equipment or services costing more than €1000 requires three (3) competitive bids except in instances in which the School Director and Board Treasurer agree otherwise. Bids are also necessary for the purchase of supplies and instructional equipment in order to maximize subsidies.

3.30 CASH IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The employees of the FIS are not to keep school funds in the school building. Money for school and school club accounts must be given to the Business Manager who will secure it until it is possible to deposit it in the bank. (Staff Manual)

3.40 SCHEDULE OF FEES

Each year the Board establishes a schedule of fees. It details the fees for the upcoming school year, dates payable, and methods of payment. This schedule is made available to the FIS community during March/April of the preceding school year. (FIS By-Laws §6.5e)

3.401 TUITION EXEMPTION

If they fulfill regular admissions guidelines, full-time employees may receive tuition-free instruction at the FIS for their children after any and all applications for financial aid are exhausted. The Kindergarten Program is also tuition free for fulltime employees of the FIS.

These benefits do not apply when the employee’s spouse is eligible for company support for FIS tuition.

In cases where the tuition exemption is a taxable benefit, the school makes the appropriate payroll deductions. (Staff Manual)

3.402 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Board decides annually whether to grant scholarships. If the Board decides to do so, it will also define their purpose, state any limitations, and authorize the School Director to administer them.

3.403 LOSS AND DAMAGE CHARGES

A student who loses or damages school property is billed for replacement or repair. The School Director or Section Coordinator is authorized to bill less than the full cost if in his or her judgment the circumstances warrant such a reduction. (Staff Manual)

3.50 FINANCIAL REPORT

The Business Manager prepares a statement of income and expenditure prior to each Board meeting. This statement may include the current year’s budget, a projection of expenditures to the end of the current year, and a cash flow statement. The Board Treasurer is consulted regularly regarding the finances of the FIS. (FIS By-Laws §6.5c)

3.60 SALARY ADVANCES

The FIS does not make salary advances. (Staff Manual)

3.70 INVENTORY

The Business Manager maintains a master inventory which lists the property of the school and its present location.

SECTION 4: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

4.10 SCHOOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS

The Board of Directors ensures that the school facilities are adequate in size for the needs of the program. The School Director ensures that the school is safe, clean, and sanitary. Provision is made for: 1) security, 2) fire prevention and fire-fighting, 3) emergency communication, 4) building evacuation, 5) appropriate insurance coverage, and 6) maintenance.

4.101 BUILDING ACCESS CONTROL

The School Director and Head of Administration are authorized to issue keys. FIS employees may not loan school keys to anyone who is not an employee of the FIS. The use of school facilities outside of school hours for any reason must be approved by the Director’s office. (Staff Manual)

4.20 STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

Kindergarten through Grade 12 students enrolled at the FIS may be transported between school and home at scheduled times and at extra cost to the student or parents. When a student is judged by the School Director to live so far from the established bus routes as to render such transport infeasible, it will not be provided. A student’s transportation privilege may be revoked by the School Director in case of misconduct. (Transport Brochure)

4.30 SCHOOL LUNCHES

The FIS has a cafeteria which sells and serves food to students, faculty, staff and occasional guests. It conforms to German public health and taxation regulations. Students may also bring their own lunches. (Staff Manual; Elementary, Middle and High School Handbooks)

4.40 BUSINESS OFFICE GUIDELINES

The Business Manager periodically prepares and updates a “Business Office Guidelines” section, as part of the Staff Manual, which is reviewed by the School Director. This manual is made available to all FIS employees and includes business office regulations, procedures, and expectations. The School Director and Section Coordinators ensure that employees are familiar with the contents. (Staff Manual)

SECTION 5: PERSONNEL

5.10 STAFFING GOALS

The Board is committed to having an outstanding certified faculty and staff.

5.101 ETHICS

All employees of the FIS are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct in their private and professional lives. The faculty and staff serve as role models for the students of the FIS and are thus obligated to exemplify ethical behavior both at school and within the community. The School Director informs the employees of this expectation, emphasizing the areas of substance abuse, inappropriate conduct with students, and the customs and laws of Germany. (Staff Manual)

5.102 DRUG USE

Any employee who uses drugs illegally is subject to immediate dismissal by the School Director. Appeal may be made to the Board of Directors whose judgment in such a case is final. (Staff Manual)

5.103 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Employees may not engage in activities that would in any way contradict their primary obligation to serve the interests of the school. Any form of employment outside the school must be approved by the School Director.

Employees may not sell items for profit within the school without the permission of the School Director. (Staff Manual)

Employees may not evaluate a relative or spouse working for the school.

5.104 GIFTS AND SOLICITATIONS

Employees may not solicit gifts for the school, either in cash or in kind, without the explicit approval of the School Director.

5.105 TOBACCO USE

Employees may not use tobacco on the school campuses. (Staff Manual)

5.106 GRIEVANCES

Any employee with a grievance is to present that grievance to his or her immediate supervisor. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved at that level, the employee is to present the grievance to the next level of supervision after having advised the immediate supervisor of the intent to do so. This right of redress may be carried ultimately to the Board, whose decisions in these matters is final.

5.20 BOARD RELATIONS

Communications between the Board and employees is normally through the School Director. The School Director regularly reports in person to the faculty on important results of Board meetings, seeking their input on matters of concern. Important Board decisions are included in the school’s newsletter following each Board of Director’s Meeting.

5.30 FACULTY TUTORING

Teachers may charge parents a fee for tutoring students who are not enrolled in their classes. School facilities may be used for such tutoring upon approval of the School Director. Such tutoring is to take place outside of the teacher’s required working hours. (Staff Manual)

5.301 EXTRA-CURRICULAR DUTIES

Teachers are expected to assist with extra-curricular activities by sponsoring, coaching, or otherwise supervising activities outside of the regular curriculum and in addition to the regular school hours and days. Faculty members are required to perform routine duties during the day and to attend staff meetings, meetings with parents, special events, etc. Remuneration for these duties is included in the annual salary. (Staff Manual; Staff Contracts)

5.40 EVALUATION

The School Director maintains a program for evaluating FIS employees. The goal of this program is to improve the quality of the education provided to the students. This evaluation includes all aspects of professional competence and conduct. The School Director is authorized to withhold contract offers based on this evaluation consistent with German law. (Staff Manual)

5.50 FACULTY ASSIGNMENT

The School Director assigns and reassigns teachers in accordance with the needs of the school. Each teacher’s preferences, qualifications, and background are taken into consideration. Work loads for full time staff shall be reasonable.

5.60 SALARY SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS

The Board annually reviews and adjusts the salary schedule and benefits package to ensure that it is sufficiently attractive to enable the FIS to retain the services of the best employees and to attract qualified personnel for new positions. (Staff Contracts)

5.601 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ALLOWANCE

The Board of Directors provides funds up to 1% of the total operating budget for the professional development of FIS employees. (Staff Manual)

5.70 REDUCTION IN EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE

If it becomes necessary to reduce the number of employees, the policy followed will be in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the school. In balancing the needs of the students and the school with those of the individual employee, the administration will consider the qualifications and skills needed for specific positions, the years of service to the FIS and the total years of relevant experience, individual circumstances and German law.

5.80 STAFF MANUAL

Each year the FIS provides faculty members with a Staff Manual which explains the school’s regulations, procedures, and expectations. The School Director reviews and updates it. (Staff Manual)

5.90 WORKS COUNCIL (BETRIEBSRAT)

The school complies with the regulations pertaining to the Works Council.

SECTION 6: INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

6.10 SCHOOL DIVISIONS

The grade structure is: 1) Kindergarten, 2) Elementary School - Grades One through Four, 3) Middle School - Grades Five through Eight, and 4) High School – Grades Nine through Twelve.

6.20 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The School Director has established a program of ongoing curriculum evaluation and development. Appropriate curriculum guides for the Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High Schools are available and kept up to date. These guides are followed by faculty members and are available to students and parents. (Curriculum Documents)

6.30 ESL PROGRAM

English language lessons are provided to those students identified as needing ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction. (Staff Manual; Curriculum Documents)

6.40 German Program

German language lessons are provided to all students. ESL students may be exempted from German language lessons until they are able to function in the core classes. (Staff Manual)

6.50 CLASS SIZE