• Introduction
• Mission Statement
• Morning Assembly
• Classes
• Lunch/Recess
• School Uniforms
• Salah - Prayers
• Curriculum
• Registration
• Admission Policy
• Financial Policies
• Attendance/Promptness
• Health Requirements
• Promotion/Retention
• Parents/School Relationship
• Student Discipline
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• Harassment Policy
• Miscellaneous
• Class Schedule
• School Calendar

BISMILLAH AR-RAHMAN AR-RAHIM

“And Say (O Muhammad): ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’. “
Quran 20:114

“Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim (man and woman).”  (Prophet Muhammad
P.B.U.H.).

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.  Most Gracious, Most Merciful.  Master of the Day of Judgment.  Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek.  Show us the straight way.  The way of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy Grace.  Those Whose (portion) is not wrath and who go not astray.

Furthermore, Allah said in the first five verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)
Read!  In the Name of thy Lord and Cherisher Who created.
Created man out of a clot.
Read and Thy Lord is most Bountiful.
He who taught the use of the pen.
Taught man that which he knew not.

The admonition to seek knowledge is an essential part of being a Muslim.  Allah, the Most High created the world in perfect order.  Order is essential to education.  In order to insure that the school operates in an orderly fashion, a few rules and regulations have been instituted. This handbook will serve to inform and guide parents, students, teachers, staff, and interested community members regarding the general operation of the Greater Lansing Islamic School.

Top of Page

Mission Statement

The Greater Lansing Islamic School’s mission is to offer an excellent comprehensive elementary education that will enable students to be competitive.  The school resources will be used to promote the cultural, spiritual and intellectual heritage of Islam.  The Greater Lansing Islamic School also promotes the development of self-disciplinary skills that will enable students to be life-long learners, contributors to the betterment of human culture, and vicegerents on earth.

The Greater Lansing Islamic School’s shared values and beliefs include but are not limited to the following concepts:
All children can learn.
All children are blessings from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and will be treated as such without regard to race, ethnicity, ability, language, social, and/or financial situation.
Children require sufficient physical space and freedom to explore their environment and facilitate their learning experiences.
Interactions among people in the school should be positive, well intentioned and respectful.

A child learns best when educators employ teaching methods which complement the nature and needs of that particular child.

Top of Page

Morning Assembly

School starts promptly at 8:15 a.m. Every morning we will start our day with Athkar Al-Sabah (morning supplications that Prophet Mohammad taught us), followed by some stretches and a five-minute activity.  This activity could be a game, a presentation by one student or a group of students, a song, a skit, etc.

The morning assembly is part of the school daily activities. Students will receive points for attending it. It is a great way to start the school day.  It gets the children ready for a productive day.

All students are required to be in the gym for morning assembly at 8:15 a.m.  Parents may drop their children in the driveway entrance starting at 8:00 a.m.  Students are not allowed in the building before 8:00 a.m. because there is no adult supervision before that time, and the school is not responsible for any child dropped off earlier than the designated time.  All parents should pick up their children at 3:45 p.m. Parents must file an authorization form in the principal’s office if the parent authorizes an individual other than the parent or legal guardian to pick the child up during the academic year.  Parents are also responsible for any after school care; that is, children care beyond 4:00 p.m.

Top of Page

Classes

Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.  The class teacher will escort students to class.  The class periods are 45-50 minutes in duration (40-45 minutes on Fridays).  Students are expected to be respectful to the administration, teachers, and parent volunteers. 
Remember that we are indebted to the one who has taught us even one letter.

Students are to be attentive, responsible, and careful of personal property as well as the property of others. Students must remain in classes during scheduled lessons, and must not leave their desks without their teacher’s permission. Other than cases of extreme emergency, students should not approach the office without their teacher’s permission.  Parents may be called only with the administration’s permission.

Top of Page

Lunch/Recess

Students will report to the lunchroom in an orderly manner. Their class teachers will escort them.
  Lunch rules are as follows:
            Good table manners are expected of everyone.
            Do keep your food on your plates; do not throw it.
            Students are expected to eat their own lunches.
            Food will not be shared.
            Students are expected to keep their voices at a reasonable level.
            No loud talking and yelling.
            Students should not play around/at the tables,
            Students must respect their lunchroom monitors and aides.

Hot Lunch Program
The school offers a hot lunch meal. The charge is $2 per meal. The school participates in the Federal Lunch Program. Qualified parents can apply for free or reduced-cost lunch for their children. Contact Sr. Lul for application forms.

Recess

Students in grades Pre K-2 will have recess from 11:55 to 12:15, following lunch, while students in grades 3-8 will have recess from 11:35 to 11:55, before lunch.
On Fridays, these times will change to 11:35-11:55 and 11:15-11:35, respectively. Students may play in the lunchroom area with the consent of the lunchroom monitor. Weather permitting (and sufficient adult supervision), outside recess is provided for your child.  We expect all children to go out during recess, unless it is against your doctor’s written recommendation.  Be sure your child is properly clothed for this outside activity.  If your child is too ill to engage in outside recess periods, s/he should stay home rather than spread the illness to other children.

Playground Rules

During recess time, children need to observe the following rules:

1. Remain on school grounds and must not go beyond the playground area.
2. Take turns on the slides, swings, or any equipment they are using.
3. No standing on swings.  No wrapping of legs on swings.
4. Only one person going down the slide at a time. No standing or going backwards on slide.
5. Do not bring any balls, bats, jump ropes, Frisbees, or any play equipment unless agreed upon with the teacher.
6. Must take permission to re-enter the building.
7. No climbing on each other’s back, play fighting, gun fighting, tackling, or any form of rough playing.
8.  No throwing or playing with stones or sticks or any harmful objects.
9. No playing on the playground in the morning before school starts.
10.  Must follow the directions of the recess monitor.

Parents must go over playground rules with their children.

Top of Page

School Uniforms

Girls in Pre K through 8th grades are required to dress in navy blue jumpers, skirts or wide baggy slacks, white or light blue tunic style blouses, navy blue or white socks.   Girls in fifth to eighth grades may wear blue or black tights under the jumper.  Older girls are encouraged to wear long navy blue skirts or navy blue baggy slacks in lieu of the jumpers. On gym days, girls are permitted to dress in white long-sleeved blouses with navy blue or black slacks.  Sixth to Eighth grade girls may wear the traditional over garment (Jalabeeb), but it must be navy blue to correspond with the school’s colors.  Girls in fifth to eighth grades must wear a  (navy blue or white) scarf.  Remember modesty and decorum should be observed at all times.
Boys in Pre K through 8th grade are to dress in navy blue slacks and white or light blue shirts. Students are not allowed to wear baseball caps inside the building or dress in any way contrary to the principles of Islam.
Points of note with regard to the dress code:

• Pants must not be tight
• Shirts or blouses should not be transparent
• Nail polish, hair glitter and make-up are forbidden
• No jewelry except earrings

Top of Page

Salah - Prayers

Salah is the second pillar of Islam.  Students must approach it with the proper degree of decorum.
            Students should not loiter in the wudu area.
            Students must enter the prayer area quietly and prepare to line up for                                   prayer properly.
            Unnecessary conversation is discouraged.
            Students must obey and respect the Islamic Education Teacher in charge                           for the day.
After prayer students should not loiter, but return to class as quietly and                               as orderly and possible and always remain under the supervision of
the respective class teacher assigned to the period following prayer.

Friday Prayer

Every Friday students (grades 3 – 8) will attend the Friday prayer.  Their teachers will escort them to and from the prayer area. Students in grades Pre K – 2nd grade may attend Friday prayer with a parent.  This parent would pick them up from class and bring them back following prayer.  Children are not allowed to go home directly after prayer, but must complete the school day on Fridays.

Lavatories

Student must observe the Islamic values of cleanliness in the bathrooms.    Make sure that the water is turned off after washing.  Take care of the lavatory, for the school belongs to each and every individual who uses it.  Try to keep the restroom as clean as possible.

Top of Page

Curriculum

“And He taught Adam the names of all of them…”
Quran 2:31

In general, the Greater Lansing Islamic School adheres to the state of Michigan’s Model Core Curriculum Outcomes (October 1991), Michigan K-12 Program Standards of Quality (October 1991), Michigan Goals and Objectives for Science Education (K-12) (August 1991) and Early Childhood Standards of Quality for PreKindergarten through Second Grade (December 1992). 

On a more specific level, the Greater Lansing Islamic School has adopted the East Lansing curriculum descriptions as an additional guide for core subjects.  That is, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, and computer studies will be closely aligned to the description found in East Lansing’s curriculum guide. 

National Standards will also be integrated into our curricula as those standards evolve. 

Islam will be integrated into the learning process to reflect the Islamic contribution to science, mathematics and the history of civilization.

For Islamic Studies, the Greater Lansing Islamic School has adopted the curriculum of IQRA’, as described in IQRA’ Elementary Curriculum, Developed for grades 1-6, Tasneema Khatoon Ghazi, IQRA’ International Educational Foundation, 1996 and IQRA’ Junior High School Curriculum, Developed for grades 7 & 8, Tasneema Khatoon Ghazi, IQRA’ International Educational Foundation, 1996.
Arabic teachers, in consultation with experts in other Islamic schools and using prior experience at the Greater Lansing Islamic School, will develop the Arabic language curriculum.

The Quran Hafiz, in consultation with the other Quran teachers, will develop a program of Quran memorization for each student and will monitor the student’s progress.

The Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Quran memorization curricula will be reviewed and monitored by the Islamic Studies and Arabic Curriculum Committee.

In addition to the instructional program in the classrooms, The Greater Lansing Islamic School makes the following available to its students:

Computers

Media Centers/Library
Tutoring
Contact the principal if you have any questions about any of the above.

Textbooks (see school supplies)
Students are given hard cover textbooks on loan for one academic year.  All lost items must be paid for and all borrowed books returned at the end of the academic year.

Homework
Students will be assigned homework in accordance with their grade level, curricula expectations, and teacher/topic requirements.  Every week a Friday folder will be sent home.  The folder will include:

1. a weekly newsletter
2. work covered during the week
3. supply list (optional)
4. Specific information relative to each individual family ( if need be)

The folder must be signed and returned every Monday morning.  Parents may address notes to the teacher or administration via this folder.

Top of Page

Registration

Students may register at the school between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  All children must have an official birth certificate or passport, complete immunization and a physical examination form signed by a family doctor or pediatrician.  Children must be four years of age by December 1 (of the present year) to register for Pre K.  Kindergarten students must be five years of age by December 1 (of the present year).   First grade students must be six years old by December 1 of the year in which the academic year begins.  Families requesting entrance into first grade must submit evidence of successful completion of Kindergarten.  The other grades have similar requirements.

All children enrolling in the program are required by state law to be fully vaccinated.  Parents or guardians must provide documentation for required doses of vaccines.  All children who have not entered a K-12th grade program are required to have at least one dose of Hepatitis B vaccine.  Failure to meet these requirements as set by the Michigan Department of Community Health, requires the program director to exclude a child from attendance.

The Ingham County Health Department offers free immunizations.  The department has offices in locations accessible to all parents.  Call (517) 887-4316 for the location nearest to you.

Top of Page

Admission Policy

“No gift among all the gifts of a father to his child is better than education.” (The Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H.)

The Greater Lansing Islamic School was established to serve the children of Muslim families that reside in the Greater Lansing area.  The Muslims of the Greater Lansing community are from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and are firm believers in the value of an Islamic education and the saving power of an Islamic environment.

Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran are major subjects required of every student enrolled in the school.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin or economic status.  However, the school reserves the right to dismiss any student who has very poor attendance, serious behavioral problems, or destroys school property.

Candidates for admission to the Greater Lansing Islamic School are selected according to the following:

1. Previous school conduct and academic performance
2. Results of the readiness test
3. Availability of space
4. Sincere commitment to educational and moral excellence from the family
5. Commitment to meet the financial obligation to the school.

All students requesting admission must supply the following:

1. Updated immunization records
2. Official school record for each year of attendance at another school
3. Letters of recommendation from an appropriate source
4. A copy of a birth certificate or passport documentation verifying age
5. Physical examination form signed by the family doctor or physician

Entrance Examination

Every new student is required to take an entrance test. New students will also be assessed relative to Arabic, Quran and Islamic knowledge.

Top of Page

Financial Policies

Tuition (2008-2009 Academic Year)

***Please note: parents/guardians are responsible for the full yearly tuition cost even if the student is absent for any reason or is withdrawn from the school.  Any exceptions to this policy need to be addressed directly to the school committee

TUITION TABLE

Payment Policy

1. A tuition plan agreement must be filled out and signed by the parent or guardian on the day of registration.
2. Payment, other than direct deposit, should be made in person and handed to the Principal.  A receipt will be issued to you.
3. Checks/automatic deductions returned by the bank due to insufficient funds must be replaced immediately.  There is a $10.00 service charge.

Delinquent Accounts
A delinquent account is one that is not paid after thirty days.  If payment is not made, the following consequences will result:

1. Children will not be allowed to attend school until the tuition account has been paid or specific arrangements made with the principal and treasurer.
2. Test scores, report cards and student records will be held until tuition and fees have been paid in full.
3. All delinquent accounts from previous years must be paid in full before children will be permitted to enroll or re-register.

Sponsorship Program

Monthly or annual pledges represent an important source of school income.  Several members of the community, most of who are not parents, participate in this program.  It is hoped and expected that parents who can afford to do so will join the sponsorship program by pledging an annual contribution of $1,200 ($100 per month).  This pledge may be higher or lower according to the parent’s wishes.  Monthly pledges may be made by direct deposit.  Please see the principal for a direct deposit form.

Fund-raisers

The budget at the Greater Lansing Islamic School depends on fund raising.  We will be conducting several fund raising events in addition to one major fund raising dinner in the spring.  The school needs the support of all of parents, as well as the rest of the community.

Top of Page

Attendance/Promptness

Regular attendance will help your child make steady progress in school.  Irregular attendance can cause low achievement, and low achievement may lead to retention.  Therefore, when a pattern of irregular attendance occurs, a parent conference will be called to address the problem.

Please make sure your child arrives on time.  Tardiness disrupts the entire class and hampers your child’s classroom routine, so please encourage your child to be punctual and to attend regularly.

A written excuse signed by the parent stating the reason for any absence is required.  It should be returned to the teacher the first day the child returns to school.  If, however, your child is absent for 3 days or more, please notify the school office as to the cause of absence.

Absences are classified into two categories; excused and unexcused.  Excused absences are those absences in which the student brings a written statement from home explaining the absence(s).  The excused absence will guarantee the opportunity that the work missed may be made up.  Unexcused absences are those absences that the student has acquired that are not supported by a written statement from home.  Schoolwork missed due to an absence not supported by a written statement from home may not be made up.  Students will be allowed one day for each day absent to make up missed work following an excused absence.

Long Absences

If your child is ill or injured and will be out of school for a long period of time (more than a week), please let us know so that we can help your child keep up with his/her schoolwork.

In order to give teachers ample time to prepare homework/make-up work, please allow 24 hours after request to pick up homework/make-up work from school.

Procedures for Excused absences:

1. Each time a child is absent, the school’s office must be called by 9:00
   (517) 332-3700.
2. When a child returns to school after an extended absence, he must bring in a signed explanation from his parents or /and physician.
3. If a child becomes sick during the day, parents will be contacted to take the child home.

Examples of Excused Absences

1. Illness of the student
2. Serious illness or death in the family
3. Physician’s appointments – medical or dental

Extensive unexcused absences will result in suspension from school.

Procedures for Tardiness

A student is considered tardy if he/she does not arrive by 8:25 a.m.  Every two tardies will receive a disciplinary notice. Every six tardies will count as one unexcused absence.

Dismissal Request Procedure

If parents desire early dismissal, they should contact the school a minimum of one day prior to the dismissal date.  An exception to this rule is in case of emergencies.  Children will only be released to the parent or guardian from the office.  A student leaving the building for any reason, during the school day, will only be released through the school office.  A note to the child’s teacher for an early dismissal is sufficient, but the parent or guardian must sign out the child. Parents are requested to not visit the classroom without prior notification.  Refusal to follow these procedures could have serious consequences.

Special effort should be made to make medical and dental appointments outside of school hours.

Top of Page

Please notify the school if your child has contacted a communicable or infectious disease.  The school is obligated to report all communicable diseases to the health department each week.

The following form may be used as a guide for re-admission to school after communicable and infectious diseases:

Nuisance Diseases

Chronic Illnesses

Fevers

Immunization Requirements

In accord with the Department of Public Health, Act #368, Section 92011, Immunization Requirements, we are enforcing the state’s minimal immunization standards, which are stated as follows:

1. All students MUST be immunized against the following diseases: Measles, mumps, rubella (German Measles), polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and chicken-pox (varicella).
2. School entry requirements for children at the age 4 years through 6 years are 4 doses of DPT (one after 4 years of age), 3 polio (one after 4 years of age), 2 MMR (the first after 12 months of age), and 3 Hepatitis B.
3. School entry requirements for children at the age 7 years through 18 years are: 4 D and T or 3 Td if #1 given after 7 years of age (Must have 1 dose within last 10 years), 3 Polio, 2 MMR (after 12 months of age), and 3 Hepatitis B.
4. Chicken-pox requirements for all age groups are: 1 dose if given after 12 months of age and prior to 13th birthday, or 2 doses if initiated after 13th birthday, or current lab immunity, or reliable history of disease.

Students “identified” as not having proper immunizations will be excluded from attending school unless arrangements have been made to obtain immunizations.

Vision Screening

All kindergarten new entrants are required to have a vision screening from the Michigan Department of Community Health or a licensed medical or osteopathic physician or optometrist at least once after the age of three and before entry into school.

Medication

The administration of medication shall be the immediate responsibility of the parents.  In the absence of the principal, his/her designee will be responsible for administering prescribed medications for long-term health problems.  School policy prohibits school faculty and staff from administering any medication whether prescription or non-prescription, whether taken by mouth, inhaler, injection, or drops to the eyes and nose.  If your child requires medication during the day, you must adhere to the following procedures.

The administration of medication policy can only be put into effect if ALL of the following procedures have been accomplished:

1. Parent Request Form for Giving of Medication has been signed by the parent/guardian and is on file in the school office.
2. A plan and instructions for the administration of all medicine has been received and is on file from the prescribing physician.
3. Medication is in the original container with student’s name, prescribing doctor, name of medication, and dosage area displayed on container.
4. All medication has been brought to school by parent/guardian.
5. The school must have parental permission to administer aspirin, which must be supplied by the parent in its original container.
6. Medication must not be given to the child to bring to school.  This is the parent’s responsibility.

Top of Page

Promotion/Retention

Promotion is the advancement of a student to the next higher grade when s/he has met the grade level expectations.

Lifting is the placement of a student in the next higher grade.

Retention is the assignment of a student to repeat the same grade.

Step 1: The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) will be informed of the student’s
lack of progress through any or all of the following: Progress Reports; Report Cards; Conference(s).

Step 2: In grades K-8, if a teacher(s) suspects that retention may be
recommended for a student the following action will be taken:

A. During the first semester the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be informed of the student’s level of progress.

B. Prior to the end of the first semester, the teacher(s) shall confer with the principal and other staff members involved with the student about
the student’s level of progress.

C. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be invited to a meeting with the teacher(s), principal and other appropriate staff members, as soon as feasible, but no later than the end of the third marking period.  At this time, discussion of the current academic standing, social and/or emotional adequacy in relationship to his/her peer group, and his/her own individual ability will be undertaken.

D. Specific learning goals will be established for the remainder of the school year.

E. No later than the fifth week of the fourth marking period, another parent(s)/guardian(s), teacher(s) and principal conference will be held to review the goals and the student’s progress.  The teacher and the parent(s)guardian(s) will each make a recommendation
regarding the student placement for the following year.  Parent(s)guardian(s) will be given an opportunity to submit any evidence to support their position regarding their child’s retention.

F. The teacher(s) shall make an individual recommendation based on input from all appropriate sources on whether a student shall be promoted, or retained.  This recommendation shall be recorded on the student’s placement record.

G. The decision within the school shall rest with the principal.  If the decision is different from the teacher’s recommendation, it shall be recorded who made the decision.

H. If a parent(s)/guardian(s) disagree with the principal’s decision regarding student promotion/retention, the parent(s)/guardian(s), after exploring the alternatives, shall have ten days to appeal the decision to the School Committee.  After consultation with the
appropriate staff and the parent(s)guardian(s), the School Committee shall make a decision regarding such appeal.

Top of Page

Parents/School Relationship

In Islam, God gave the parents the responsibility to raise their children with Islamic morals and values, and to nurture them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.   Their children are a trust from God, and the parents are answerable to Him regarding the fulfillment of such responsibility.  In turn, God teaches Muslims to respect their parents highly, and to obey their authority over them.  He put guidelines for a merciful relationship between them, in order to develop this love and respect.

We, at The Greater Lansing Islamic School, believe that parents are ultimately responsible for raising their children Islamically.  The school supports and strengthens their efforts.  It is of utmost importance that the parents, the school, and the community as a whole develop a strong relationship to help the parents fulfill their responsibility.  Parents must not neglect their responsibility at home simply because their children attend an Islamic school.

The school is responsible for providing three subjects to be taught as regular school subjects.  These are Islamic studies (Islamic history, Hadeeth, A’ keedah, Fiqh…etc), Arabic Language and Quran.  We believe that starting each day with a dua will foster the children’s spiritual growth and support the parents’ efforts at providing an Islamic education in North America.  Students will also pray the Zuhr prayer in congregation (refer to the FRIDAY PRAYER section of this handbook), and study Islamic values and concepts that have been written into the curriculum. 

The school believes that the parents have the right to know what their children are learning in school, their progress, and their behavior while away from home.   Therefore, the school has a Parent/School connection system, which includes: 

1. Parent Council (to organize different activities for the children)
2. Students’ Friday folders which will be sent home weekly
3. Weekly report by the teachers of what was covered in class
4. Monthly newsletter with school news and different topics to be discussed
5. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held
6. When a parent needs to contact his/her child’s teacher, he/she must call the office at 332-3700 and leave the message to the teacher.  The teacher will call the parent back after school hours.  If it is an emergency, the administration will take the necessary steps to ensure the message reaches the teacher.
7. If the parent needs to meet with the teacher to discuss his/her child progress, he/she must set a time, which will be mutually agreeable to both of them.
8. If there is a problem or a concern the parent feels very strongly about and needs to discuss with the teacher, an appointment will be set so that the teacher, parent and principal may take corrective actions beneficial to the child.
9. When a parent needs to contact his/her child, he/she must call the office and specify the message he/she wants to relate to the child, and the administration will take the necessary steps to ensure that the message reaches the child.
10. When a parent forgets to pack lunch for his/her child and needs to drop it at school, the parent must leave it with the administration, and they will ensure that the child will receive it.
11. If the parent wishes to visit their child occasionally and observe them in class, he/she must first call the school at 332-3700 to set an appointment.  Observations in classrooms will be limited to half an hour, in order that the students will concentrate on their school work and not be distracted by the parent.
12. Parents will be informed of any misbehavior or disruptive action done by their child, and will work with the school to correct the situation (refer to the Discipline Policy).

Top of Page

Student Discipline

The discipline system at the Greater Lansing Islamic School emphasizes self-control, and/or school control.  The major ingredients of the system include stated misbehaviors and standardized consequences.  The most visible component of the system is a list of offensive behaviors, which labels particular student’s actions as ‘unacceptable’ or ‘inappropriate’.   Actions substantiated by a principal or staff person as ‘unacceptable’ are considered major offenses and result in the same specified serious consequences, which may include in-school or out-of-school suspension.  The possession, sale and/or use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and/or look-alike products are considered among the ‘unacceptable’ offenses.  Extensive use of profanity after three warnings is also considered unacceptable.  The Greater Lansing Islamic School has zero tolerance for the following offenses:

1. weapons or look alike weapons
2. profanity
3. intentional disrespect toward a teacher, administrator or staff member
4. deliberate destruction of school property
5. willful and continued disobedience
6. undermining the religious ideals of the school
7. unexcused absences
8. excessive tardiness
9. name calling
10. assault or the infliction of bodily harm on another individual
11. leaving the school grounds without written permission of the parents or the school office
12. harassment
13. fighting
14. cheating or plagiarism
15. lying
16. violating the laws or regulations of the state of Michigan

Discipline Procedures for Serious Offenses

If the infraction is one that has been marked as zero tolerance, the student will be immediately suspended until the parent appears before the school committee.  At this point the procedures relative to suspension will be followed.

If the infraction is one which has been designated as serious but tolerable then the following procedures will be followed:

1. A warning will be issued to the student and the parent will be notified.
2. If the misbehavior continues, the student, the student’s parent, the teacher, and the administration will hold conferences to settle the matter.
3. Should the behavior continue, the student might be subject to suspension or permanent expulsion from the school.

Actions reported and certified to be of an ‘inappropriate’ nature are considered minor and are subject to discretionary and less serious consequences by the principal.  Such consequences may include in-school detention, or an appropriate solution.

If you do not understand the discipline procedure used at the school, please contact the principal.

Due process

It is our expectation that all children will participate in school activities in an acceptable manner.  There are times when this does not occur.  In the event a child’s behavior is disruptive to himself or to others, parents will be contacted regarding the child’s misbehavior and the pre-established consequence.

The School Committee sets forth the following precepts, which shall be adhered to, for the protection of the student’s rights to due process:

1. The student must be given oral or written notice of the charges.
2. If there is denial of the charges by the student, an explanation of the evidence the administration has will be given to the student.
3. The student will be given the opportunity to present his/her side of the situation.
4. The school will notify the parents immediately.
5. During the suspension period, the child is not allowed on school grounds.
6. In certain cases, students returning to school following a suspension may be referred to a guidance counselor.

 
A parent or guardian of a student facing disciplinary action, which results in loss of recess, special work projects, a detention or in-school suspension, may appeal the decision to the principal.  Such requests shall be made within one (1) school day.  The principal shall affirm or modify the terms of the action within two (2) school days from the date of the request to appeal.  THE PRINCIPAL’S DECISION SHALL BE FINAL.

Students facing disciplinary procedures of a more serious nature may appeal to the school committee within three days of the infraction and consequence.

Detention
Students may be detained during recess or after school for minor infraction of a less than serious nature.  Parents will be notified about the detention and are required to pick their children up right after detention.

Consequences of Cheating

The school recognizes and encourages honesty.  In keeping with this condition of trustworthiness, the administration expects that each student should complete his/her own schoolwork.  When a student is found to be in violation of this condition, as defined by the teacher/principal as unauthorized (i.e. giving, taking, or exchanging of answers on a test, class work or homework), the student shall be awarded the consequences for non-compliance.

Each case will be assessed on an individual basis.  Consequences for cheating shall be based upon the principle of constructive discipline.  The form of constructive discipline incorporated will vary based on the developmental stage of the student.

Top of Page

Under Section #438(b) (1) (B) Protection of the Rights and Privacy of Parents and Students - student records may not be released without the written consent of the parents to any individual or agency other than to the following: officials of other schools or school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, upon the condition that the act includes the following:

1. The right to be provided a list of the types of education records, which are maintained by the institution and are directly related to students.
2. The right to inspect and review the contents of those records.
3. The right to obtain copies of those records, which may be at the expense of the parent of the eligible student (but not to exceed the actual cost of the educational institution’s reproduction costs.
4. The right to a response from the institution to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of those records.
5. The right to an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the contents of those records.

In compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, notice is hereby given that the school intends to release the following student directory information: Name, address, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, courses of study, awards and recognitions received, and the name of the most recent previous school attended by the student.

Be it further advised that only a parent/guardian has the right to refuse to permit the release of any or all of the types of information designated by the school.  If you desire that all or part of the items listed in the directory information should not be released, contact the principal of the school within two weeks of the receipt of this notice.

It is the responsibility of the principal to maintain student records and educate the staff regarding proper information, which will be placed in the student record.  These records are to be kept. locked at all times.  The principal or designee shall record each request for and release of information in a permanent record book. 

School personnel within the system may examine students’ records for legitimate educational purposes.  Officials or other schools may obtain records for a student who intends to enroll in their school.

Information from records will be supplied by the school without a signed consent form only upon receipt of a subpoena or judicial order; the parent or guardian or eligible student will be notified of such release in advance of compliance therewith.

Student records are available for inspection by a parent or guardian upon completion of a written request form.  The parent or guardian of a student, who is 18 years of age, may inspect records only with the written consent of the student.  A minor student is not permitted to see his/her records without the written consent of a parent or guardian.

A parent, guardian, or eligible student wishing to review records must complete a written request form, which is available at the principal’s office.  The review of the student record will be in the presence of the principal or his/her designee.

A parent, guardian, or eligible student has the opportunity to seek correction of the records of the student through a request to amend the records or a hearing with the principal or his/her designee.  A parent, guardian, or eligible student is permitted to place a statement in the education records of the student.  The principal’s decision may be appealed.

Copies of the student education record shall be made available upon request for a minimum fee of $1.00 and five cents per page of copy.  There shall be an additional charge for all material mailed sufficient to cover the cost.  Fees are to be paid before copies are made.

Top of Page

Harassment may be because of race, color, sex, national origin or physical handicap or physical characteristics.  Harassment in the school is considered to be any actions in the aforementioned situations that make a student feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, name calling, inappropriate touching of a person or clothes, improper remarks or jokes, or any improper action displaying power over or hostility toward a person.

The school will not tolerate any harassment of individuals. Harassment is unlawful under both Michigan and Federal laws.  All contact between students, teachers and other employees should be in keeping with respect for the individual and should create a favorable learning environment.

Reports of harassment will be investigated and anyone found to be in violation would be subject to disciplinary action according to the school’s discipline plan.

Top of Page

Transfers

Students transferring should notify the principal’s office of an intended move, so that their academic and health records can be prepared and sent to the receiving school.

Records:
Procedure:  If you wish to see your child’s records, the school encourages that you contact the school principal to arrange a time.  At the time of review, you will be asked to fill out a request form and show proof of identity.

Report Cards and Conferences

Parents will be given a report on their child’s progress at the end of each 10-week period, four times a year.  All parents will be scheduled for a parent-teacher conference at the end of two marking periods.  However, either the parent or the child’s teacher may initiate additional conferences.  If you wish an additional conference, please notify the school office or your child’s teacher.

School Supplies

The Greater Lansing Islamic School provides textbooks and workbooks to students free of charge.  Children are responsible for bringing pencils, paper and crayons. Please encourage your child to take proper care of materials.  We urge you to become familiar with your child’s instructional materials.  Students will be charged for damage to textbooks other than normal wear.  Parents must purchase replacement of lost workbooks.

Emergency Procedure Card

At the beginning of the school year, each child will receive a new emergency procedure card and registration packet.  Please complete and return the packet to the school immediately.  To assist the school in making a direct contact with you in case of emergency, please include your employment telephone number, cell phone number, and any other identification that may expedite reaching you.  In case of illness, it is your responsibility to take your child home.

Money Payments

All money sent to the school should be in a sealed envelope.  The name of the child, the name of the teacher, amount enclosed and purpose of the money should be on the envelope.  If a check is used, make it payable to The Greater Lansing Islamic School.

Lost and Found

Such items as coats, gloves, hats, boots, and lunch boxes, SHOULD BE MARKED plainly with your child’s name.  Articles, which are found, are placed in the main office.  These articles will be disposed of it they are not claimed within a week after the close of school.

Emergency School Closing
The Greater Lansing Islamic School will follow the East Lansing Schools in their closings due to severe weather conditions.  Severe weather will automatically cancel all scheduled school activities on that day.   The school will send announcements through the television and radio stations (specific stations will be announced to parents once we have all information available regarding the weather).

Early School Closing

If it is necessary to close school early because of an emergency, be sure that your child knows where s/he should go and what to do. Parents will be contacted by telephone in the event of an early dismissal.

Tornado Alert

In the event of tornadoes or other severe weather conditions, the principal will notify you of any change in the school day plans.  Local radio and television stations will also be alerted to the change in plans and parents should listen for school information.  If a tornado warning has been sounded, students will be directed to shelter areas in the building.  School is not dismissed and students are not released during a tornado watch or warning.  Exceptions will be made upon request of the parent.

Fire and Tornado Drills

Fire and tornado drills are practiced at school so children will know how to leave the building and what to do in case of an emergency.

Safety

We believe in good safety habits to protect everyone. The school rules do not allow hardballs, fighting, stone or snowball throwing, or tackle football, for safety reasons.  Knives, hardballs and bats, guns or squirt guns or other dangerous toys are not to be brought to school.  We recommend that students not bring walkie-talkies and skateboards.  Glass containers may not to be brought to school.

School Property/Islamic Center Property

The School and the Islamic Center are our home away from home.  We should treat it exactly the same way we protect our home and our property.  Any child, who will cause any damage to the School or the Islamic Center’s property, his/her parents will have to pay the cost of replacing or fixing what was damaged. 

Holidays and Birthdays
Birthdays and secular holidays (such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter) are not celebrated at school, although school is closed during traditional American holidays, such as (Christmas) winter break, Labor Day and Memorial Day to accommodate our teachers and families.

We do celebrate the two ‘Eids, ‘Eid al-Fitr (after Ramadan) and ‘Eid al-Adha (during the Hajj season).

Field Trips

Field trips will be organized during the school year to complement the different subjects being studied.  When a field trip is scheduled, parents will be notified.  Parents have signed a blanket field trip form as part of school registration.  The parent must initiate exceptions to this.
If any of the parents wish to help in transportation or organization of any of the field trips, please contact the Principal at 332-3700.

Friday Activities
The school does not hold regular classrooms on Fridays following the Friday Prayer. Instead, the school offers activities such as sports, arts and crafts, knitting, cooking, computer club, public speaking, etc. The activities vary from term to term. A student can participate in different activities during the school year. Teachers and volunteers offer the activities. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in this program. A parent can volunteer for one or more of the 10-week terms.

Visitors

Visitors are welcomed to school.  They need to contact the office and set a time if they need to visit a particular classroom.  If they need to look at the facility, it is better to make an appointment with the Principal to escort them and show them around.

All visitors must please check in at the office.  We are reducing any possibility of disturbance or distraction to the children while receiving teaching instructions. 

May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) make all our efforts beneficial to our students, our teachers, and parents.
May Allah (SWT) help us realize our goal to educate successful, productive Muslims who will be of credit to humanity and the future of mankind.

“Are those who know equal to those who do not know? 
Only the possessors of understanding will remember.”

Quran 39:9

Top of Page

Standard Time

Day-Saving Time

Fridays

Top of Page