PARENT–STUDENT HANDBOOK
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Grades 6 to 12
2014-2015
Please note: Changes to the Parent-Student Handbook that occur after the printing of the student
agendas (April 22, 2014) will appear bolded in yellow. Students are expected to be aware of any changes
as they are posted on the school webpage: www.pasb.com.br
IB LEARNER PROFILE
The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing
their common humanity and share guardianship of the planet, help to create a better
and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
They develop their natural curiosity.
They acquire the skills
necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence
in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will
be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global
significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and
develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of
disciplines.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and
creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make
reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of
communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration
with others.
Principled
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness,
justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and
communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the
consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal
histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of
other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking
and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from
the experience.
Caring
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and
feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and
act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the
environment.
Risk-takers
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new
roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in
defending their beliefs.
Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and
emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and
others.
Reflective
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and
experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths
and limitations in order to support their learning and personal
development.
Dear Secondary Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Pan American School of Bahia. This handbook is designed to familiarize you
with the school’s mission and philosophy as well as all requirements and policies. Your
understanding of these policies will guide you in complying with them and ensuring that students
demonstrate the kind of academic and social behavior that is expected of them.
Our handbook reflects what our expectations are for the community we serve. Remember that
the handbook is a living document. This means information is periodically updated and modified.
Our goal is that each student will meet with success in our school and its programs. This
success is to be demonstrated through classroom achievement, participation in our athletic and
extracurricular programs and personal involvement in our service learning projects that help
students grow as individuals within both our local and international communities.
Whether you are new to the school or a returning family, please, carefully, read the entire
Handbook with your child (ren). When you have finished reading it, please sign the last pages
and return them to the appropriate office (elementary or secondary). If there is more than one
student in your family, please make a copy of the last page or stop by any of the offices for
additional copies. This is important to do together as it reminds all of us of our personal
responsibilities.
In addition, parents who do NOT wish to have their child’s photo or samples of their child’s work
appear on the school web page can ask the school to keep their child anonymous. If reading
this manual does not answer all of your questions, be sure to see us for further clarification.
Accept our sincerest wishes for a most memorable and successful school year!
Please note the request for updated contact information at the end of this booklet. It is vitally
important that the school has the most recent phone numbers (both home and cellular) as well
as current email addresses of parents to help us stay in communication with you throughout the
year. If this information changes at any time, please contact the secondary office and let us
know the changes.
The PASB Administration, Faculty and Staff look forward to an outstanding school year and a
close relationship with every family and student.
The Administrative Team
Dr. William Johnston
Superintendent
Mr. Thomas Connolly
Secondary School Principal
PASB CONTACT GUIDE
WHO DO YOU CONTACT?
The following plan is based on the understanding that whenever a question, issue or
problem arises, the solution is to first go to the source. In any situation, it is best to go to
the person directly concerned in order to ensure that you:
•
•
•
•
gain first-hand information
get the complete story
achieve a quick response
support the concept of open sharing of information as an aid to assisting your
child’s learning
In general, if it involves your child’s day-to-day education, classroom activities,
relationships or requirements you should first contact your child’s teacher, either
personally or in writing (email).
The following issues should be addressed directly to your child’s teacher:
TEACHER
• subject or course information
• class materials
• homework
• student behavior
• project or research requirements
• student progress
• classroom and school
relationships
•
•
•
•
•
questions about general day-today routines and expectations
teaching or classroom
procedures
missing items
field trips and excursions
enrichment activities
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
High School Counselor, Ms. Logan Westmoreland (3368-8418)
Middle School Counselor, Mr. John Martyn (3368-8438)
• School Relationships / University and Careers
• Emotional, Social, Adjustment Issues / Family Conflict
ATHLETIC COORDINATOR
Ms. Consuelo Souza
• Sports competition, coaching, team trips, team issues
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or
if you require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the
Principal or Coordinator, with the knowledge of the teacher concerned.
PRINCIPAL / COORDINATOR
Secondary School Principal, Mr. Tom Connolly
IB Coordinator, Mr. Doug Smith (3368-8444)
Brazilian Program Coordinator, Ms. Bianca Begrow
In addition to the above, you may wish to consult the Principal directly on matters of:
• scheduling
• tutoring / extra help
(Coordinators)
• broad issues involving schoolrelated policies
• school trips
• communication and information
• issues related directly to the
relating to a specific division of
responsibilities of the particular
school and its operation
Principal or Coordinator
• student report cards
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or
if you require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the
Superintendent, with the knowledge of the Principal concerned.
SUPERINTENDENT/HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. William. Johnston
• whole-school issues or concerns such as security and application of school
policies
ADMISSIONS
Ms. Paula Oliveira Terres
BILLING/FINANCIAL AID
Ms. Millena Rezende
HEALTH
Ms. Alessandra Coelho, nurse
• Matters related to student health
CAFETERIA
Ms. Marina Skelton, Business Manager
BUSINESS MANAGER
Ms. Marina Skelton
• finances
• school buildings and facilities (including maintenance, safety & security)
• accounts and finances
• cafeteria
If the situation is still unresolved after communicating with the appropriate personnel, or
if you require more information, you may wish to make an appointment with the
Superintendent, with the knowledge of the Business Manager.
In summary, as depicted below, there are two main points of contact. We trust that in
following this contact guide you will receive timely and appropriate attention to your
questions and concerns, and that the resultant open communication will assist in
ensuring that ours is an effective, efficient and friendly learning community.
Educational Issues
Financial Issues
Teachers
Business Manager
Principal/
Coordinator
Superintendent
Superintendent
GENERAL COMMUNICATION POINTS
1. Students should make their classroom teacher their first point of contact.
2. Parents are encouraged to make maximum use of the sources such as the ParentStudent Handbook, the Falcon Flyer, Parent Information meetings, and PTO
meetings in order to be well informed on school matters.
3. We encourage open dialogue between parents and teachers. Since teachers have
busy schedules, we ask that you make an appointment through the Secondary
School Secretary to meet with your child’s teacher rather than arriving without an
appointment and finding the teacher has prior commitments.
Important Phone Numbers:
Dial (+55-71) if you are calling outside of Brazil
PASB Receptionist
Superintendent:
Admin Assist.to the Superintendent
Elementary Principal
Elementary Principal Secretary
Secondary Principal
Secondary Principal Assistant
Brazilian Program Coordinator
Brazilian Program Secretary
Student Support Services Coordinator
Business Manager
Nurse’s Office
Athletic Coordinator
Administration & Outreach Coordinator
3368-8400
3368-8401
3368-8401
3368-8406
3368-8406
3368-8404
3368-8404
3368-8442
3368-8442
3368-8406
3368-8401
3368-8421
3368-8423
3368-8401
Ms. Virginia Prates
Dr. William Johnston
Ms. Sabrina Amorim
Mr. Richard Alix
Ms. Renata Giannotti
Mr. Tom Connolly
Ms. Julia Lima
Ms. Bianca Begrow
Ms. Roberta Rodrigues
Dr. Jacque Jacobs
Ms. Marina Skelton
Ms. Alessandra Coelho
Ms. Consuelo Souza
Ms. Paula Oliveira Terres
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
PASB communicates with parents through the use of school notices, the Weekly News
Flash, Edmodo, students’ progress reports and report cards, scheduled conferences
between school personnel and parents, parent coffees, the Superintendent´s Breakfast,
Parent Academies and question/answer forums at PTA meetings.
The Board of Trustees recognizes the need for proper communication between and
among students, parents, teachers, administration and the Board. The following
general procedures are recommended to achieve this objective:
1. When the problem concerns your son or daughter and his/her work in school, the
best person to see is the classroom teacher. An appointment to see a teacher
(grades 6 – 12) may be made by calling the Secondary School Principal’s Office.
Problems of a personal nature or questions about a student’s program, his overall
potential and progress may also be discussed with the counselor.
2. Problems that cannot be resolved through a conference with the teacher, counselor,
or area coordinators and questions of a more general nature concerning the
operation of the school may be discussed with the principal. Appointments may be
made by calling the Secondary School Office.
3. Problems that have not been resolved after conferences with the teacher and
principal may be taken to the Superintendent, who will also be happy to discuss any
questions relating to the school’s operation and policies. An appointment may be
made by calling the Superintendent´s secretary.
4. The Superintendent is the executive officer of the Board of Trustees and is
responsible for the organization, operation and administration of the total school
program. Therefore, he provides the channel of communication between the Board
and the public.
Questions about school policy should be directed to the
Superintendent for reply or action. Individual members of the Board do not involve
themselves directly in administrative matters involving students, teachers and
school administrators.
5. Requests for changes in school policy and appeals of decisions made by the
Superintendent may be addressed to the Board. All communications to the Board
should be in writing and should be addressed to the President, Board of Trustees.
Only the Board of Trustees, acting as a whole, in a regular or special meeting will
make decisions about school policy.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Parent-Student Handbook undergoes revisions and changes periodically to meet
the growing demands of being supportive of students and reflective of their needs.
The printed copy of the handbook in our Student Agendas and booklets is not the most
recent version and all community members are expected to open the link on the school
web page for the most up-to-date wording. Any significant change is communicated to
the students and parents where applicable. The school web site is the following:
http://www.escolapanamericana.com/pdf/PASBMSHSHandbook.pdf
Contents
General Information ...................................................................................................................................... 1
PASB Mission Statement .......................................................................................................................... 1
PASB Core Values .................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
PASB Beliefs ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
School History ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Educational Program / Accreditation ......................................................................................................... 2
Middle School Program ............................................................................................................................. 3
High School Program ................................................................................................................................ 3
Administration ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Faculty ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Student Body ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) ............................................................................................................ 3
School Day ................................................................................................................................................ 3
School Nurse ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Canteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Library and Policies for Library Use .......................................................................................................... 4
Lockers ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Textbook Distribution and Responsibility .................................................................................................. 5
Loss or Damage of School Material .......................................................................................................... 5
Lost and Found .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Open House .............................................................................................................................................. 5
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8 Grade Moving-On Ceremony ............................................................................................................... 6
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12 Grade Graduation Exercises .............................................................................................................. 6
Visitors to the School ................................................................................................................................. 6
Parental Communication ........................................................................................................................... 6
Parental Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................... 6
ATTENDANCE POLICIES ............................................................................................................................ 7
General Attendance ................................................................................................................................... 7
All Absences .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Approved Absences .................................................................................................................................. 7
Pre-Arranged Absences ............................................................................................................................ 8
Unapproved Absences .............................................................................................................................. 8
Truancy ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Tardies ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Early School Exits .................................................................................................................................... 10
Field Trips (Class, Club or Sports) .......................................................................................................... 10
Emergency Medical Need ....................................................................................................................... 10
ACADEMIC PROGRAM.............................................................................................................................. 11
Master Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Advisory Period and Clubs ...................................................................................................................... 11
Graduation Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 11
PE Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 12
Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages (PSOL) ........................................................................... 13
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) ................................................................................. 13
Humanities and Science Fairs ................................................................................................................. 13
Assessment ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Grade Reporting ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Course / Program Adaptation .................................................................................................................. 17
Recuperation ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Subject Dependency ............................................................................................................................... 18
Retention ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Academic Advisement and Assistance Program .................................................................................... 19
Academic Probation, Re-Enrollment and Non-Enrollment ...................................................................... 19
Academic Recognition ............................................................................................................................. 20
Awards ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Academic and College Counseling ......................................................................................................... 20
Standardized Testing............................................................................................................................... 20
Study Abroad / Temporary Withdrawal ................................................................................................... 21
Mid-Term or End of Year Exit .................................................................................................................. 21
ATHLETIC, CO-CURRICULAR and AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ........................................................ 22
After-School Activities Program ............................................................................................................... 22
Eligibility Guidelines for Co-Curricular Activities...................................................................................... 22
Interscholastic Athletics ........................................................................................................................... 23
Model United Nations .............................................................................................................................. 23
Drama .................................................................................................................................................... 244
Student Council (STUCO) ....................................................................................................................... 24
National Honor Societies (NHS and NJHS) ............................................................................................ 24
Community Service ................................................................................................................................. 24
Recycling ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Fund Raising Activities .......................................................................................................................... 255
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS ................................................................................................................ 25
Honor Code ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Academic Honesty................................................................................................................................... 26
Intimidation, Hazing, Harassment and/or Fighting .................................................................................. 27
Dress Code .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Behavior off Campus ............................................................................................................................... 28
Use of English ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Passes ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Canteen Use ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Littering .................................................................................................................................................... 29
Gum ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
USE OF TELEPHONES AND MOBILE PHONES ...................................................................................... 29
Use of Electronic Devices........................................................................................................................ 29
Money and Valuables .............................................................................................................................. 30
Appropriate Computer Use ...................................................................................................................... 30
Use of School Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 30
Smoking, Drug, and Other Substance Abuse ......................................................................................... 30
Off-Limit Areas ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Parties...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Public Display of Affection ....................................................................................................................... 31
Lost and Found ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Student Driving ........................................................................................................................................ 31
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY and DISCIPLINE POLICIES ................................................................. 31
Community Responsibility Processes ..................................................................................................... 32
Hierarchy of Discipline for Behavior ........................................................................................................ 32
Bullying / Cyber-Bullying.......................................................................................................................... 32
Inappropriate and Unacceptable Behaviors ............................................................................................ 32
Behavioral Consequences Rubric ........................................................................................................... 33
Application of Disciplinary Consequences .............................................................................................. 33
Loss of Privileges .................................................................................................................................... 34
In-school Suspension .............................................................................................................................. 34
Out-of-School Suspension....................................................................................................................... 34
Disciplinary Probation and Conditional Matriculation .............................................................................. 35
Behavior Probation .................................................................................................................................. 35
Non-Matriculation or Expulsion ............................................................................................................... 35
Disciplinary Policy.................................................................................................................................... 35
Technology Acceptable Use Policy ............................................................................................................. 38
PASB Student Internet and Email Policy .................................................................................................... 39
PASB Release Forms ................................................................................................................................. 42
PASB Parent-Student Handbook Sign-Off.................................................................................................. 44
General Information
PASB Beliefs: As an International School Community…
1. We believe that each student is a valued individual with unique intellectual, social, creative,
emotional and physical qualities.
2. We believe that students learn best in a nurturing multi-cultural community where achievements are
recognized.
3. We believe that students become life-long learners when they take charge of their own education
and communicate effectively.
4. We believe that highly qualified teachers and administrators who continuously develop and
demonstrate their expertise are the foundation on which quality educational programs are built.
5. We believe that a curriculum should challenge and inspire, creating authentic learning experiences
that require students to synthesize new constructs and realities.
6. We believe that an actively involved school community positively impacts learning.
7. We believe that everyone has the right to a physically and emotionally safe environment.
8. We believe that learning environments should empower students to be principled risk-takers.
PASB Core Values
The spirit of community is greatly strengthened by shared values and common goals. Joining our school
community means accepting and supporting the following ethical principles:
Kindness
Acting in a compassionate and caring manner; practicing courtesy and forgiveness while
valuing diversity.
Integrity
Being consistently honest, principled and trustworthy.
Respect
Valuing diversity and the rights and opinions of others while treating them and one´s
environment with dignity.
Leadership
Embracing challenges with flexibility and creativity, persevering to positively influence
change.
Responsible
Stewardship
Being accountable to self, community, and the environment, managing resources
effectively to build a sustainable future.
Collaboration Working together constructively to achieve a common mission, objective or goal.
PASB Mission Statement
The Pan American School of Bahia prepares students to face challenges as confident, principled global
citizens. Our outstanding American and Brazilian programs, offered in a safe, nurturing environment,
empower students to reach their fullest potential.
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PASB Vision Statement
Upon realizing our Mission, PASB students will truly love learning and be driven to fulfill their individual
potential. They will embody the School´s Core Values and excel academically, athletically and artistically
as they grow toward fulfilling their goals. They will be admitted to higher education institutions of their
choice, recognizing their responsibility as global citizens.
The School will be recognized as one of the premier educational institutions in Brazil. The PASB
community will constantly evaluate its performance, focusing on continuous development toward an everevolving conception of excellence.
School History
The Pan American School of Bahia (PASB) was established by American families, residents of Salvador,
who wished to provide their children with an education similar to that available in the United States. The
School's objective was to offer an American and Brazilian curriculum to American, Brazilian and third
national children, regardless of race or creed.
The school was inaugurated on Monday, August 6, 1960 at 10:00 a.m. in the presence of the then
Governor of the State of Bahia, General Juracy Magalhaes, who presided over the ceremony, and Mr.
James Flanagan, American Consul in Salvador. The school occupied the Pimenta da Cunha mansion
located at 12 Campo Grande, no longer in existence. The first student body was composed of sixty
pupils, ninety percent of whom were Americans. The first graduating class included one student!
Throughout its 50+ years of existence, PASB has aimed to offer a quality educational opportunity for the
Brazilian, American, and international communities of Salvador. The school community reflects an ever
expanding profile with families of differing cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. As the only
international school in the city of Salvador, the school plays an important part of the lives of our
community members. As such, PASB enjoys a positive relationship with the local community, as well as,
other educational organizations in the city of Salvador and the state of Bahia.
The mission and vision statements reflect the views of all school stakeholders from students, faculty and
staff and school administration to the PTA and parent attendees of the superintendent breakfasts and
members of the Board of Trustees. The most recent accreditation approval by the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) was March, 2014.
Educational Program / Accreditation
The Pan American School of Bahia offers an American curriculum delivered through American
methodological and pedagogical practices. As an American school, we are accredited by the NEASC
(see above) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). To serve our Brazilian student population, the
curriculum incorporates the educational requirements of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, allowing
students to earn both an American and Brazilian diploma. PASB is also recognized by the United States
Department of Education, is a member of the Association of American Schools of Brazil (AASB), the
Association of American Schools of South America (AASSA), the Council for International Schools (CIS),
and also the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).
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PASB includes an early childhood program (PreK3, PreK-4 and Kinder), an elementary school (1 to 5
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grade), a middle school (grades 6 to 8 ) and a four-year high school program (grades 9 to 12 ). At all
levels, our curriculum encourages students to question, to discover, and to form and defend their own
ideas. Children develop through active involvement with subject matter and according to their own pace
and abilities. Our commitment is to help children discover the very best in them.
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Middle School Program
The PASB Middle School believes in providing its students with an education that is developmentally
responsive to the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of adolescents. At this level, a team of
teachers work together with our school counselor, Principal, and parents to assist students in acquiring
good study habits, organizational skills, and greater responsibility for their learning and behavior. The
goal of the middle school years is to develop confident, well-adjusted young learners prepared to take on
the academic responsibilities of our college-preparatory high school program.
High School Program
Our college-preparatory high school program requires 4 years of English and Portuguese including both
literature and composition in languages, plus science, math and social studies. By their final year,
students will have received guidance in their choice of higher education through the counselor’s office
and/or the Brazilian Program Director. Those students who are preparing for U.S. universities receive
preparation for college entry essay writing as well as for the SAT and/or ACT university admissions
examination. Students who choose to attend a Brazilian university focus on preparation for the Vestibular
Brazilian university entrance tests.
Administration
The Board of Trustees and Superintendent of the Pan American School of Bahia govern the operation of
the school. A team of administrators consisting of an Early Childhood Coordinator, Elementary and
Secondary School Principals, Brazilian Studies Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Student Services
Coordinator and IT Coordinator perform the day-to-day administration of the school.
Faculty
The faculty is comprised of U.S., Brazilian and other international educators, many of whom have worked
in various schools throughout the world. The faculty is pedagogically and methodologically prepared to
provide a fully integrated U.S. and Brazilian curriculum. The school also maintains three school
counselors (one for elementary, one for the middle school, and one for high school), two learning
specialists in the elementary school and one in the secondary school, two learning support specialists in
the elementary and one in the secondary school, a library-media specialist, physical education, art and
technology specialists and a full-time nurse.
Student Body
Although the student population at the Pan American School of Bahia is predominantly Brazilian, another
twenty nationalities are represented within the school. The school student population is made up of
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approximately 740 students PreK-3 through 12 grade.
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent-Teacher Association is an organization whose goal is to integrate all aspects of the PASB
community. All parents are encouraged to become active members of this organization and to participate
in the varied activities held during the school year.
School Day
The school calendar consists of 200 days including a number of academic, cultural and sporting events
held on Saturdays fulfilling both Brazilian and U.S. requirements. Classes begin promptly at 7:45 A.M.
and end at 2:30 PM for all grades, Monday through Friday.
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A morning break and an afternoon lunch period are scheduled for all students. After-school activities,
competitive sports and reinforcement, enrichment and recuperation sessions are offered between 2:40 to
5:00 PM.
Students who share transportation with others staying for scheduled after-school activities and not
participating in the scheduled activities are expected to be in the library studying or in the cafeteria doing
homework or reading. Students may NOT run around the campus during the after-school time and will not
be allowed to stay on campus if they do not follow this expectation.
School Nurse
The school maintains a qualified nurse on campus at all times during school hours in order to meet the
needs of ill or injured students. Parents will be contacted if their child is unable to return to class due to
illness or injury. In the event of an emergency, the school will contact emergency medical personnel and
inform parents immediately.
If a student requires dispensation of medication throughout the day, parents should contact the school
nurse for complete instructions regarding such procedures.
Canteen
The school provides meal services through a contracted outside agency. Snack schedules and lunchtime
are reflected in the student schedules. Students may purchase canteen items only during designated
times. Carbonated soft drinks may only be consumed by students in grades 6 through 11 after 2:30 PM.
Students may also bring their lunch from home. Microwave ovens are available for student use.
Library and Policies for Library Use
PASB provides a computerized, internet-linked library of over 21,000 volumes as well as a wide variety of
periodicals and newspapers.
Students should use their time in the library appropriately. The library is a place for research, exploration
and study. Users are asked to maintain appropriate conduct and refrain from loud talk or rowdy activity.
No one is allowed to eat, drink, or chew gum in the library.
Students who visit the library outside of their regular classes will need a pass signed by their teachers.
Students should come to the library prepared to use their time efficiently. If a student is disruptive, she/he
will be asked to leave.
All materials will be checked out at the front desk (even if a student/teacher only needs to make a quick
photocopy). Library books are checked out for a period of up to two weeks. There is a limit of books per
student. Reference books, current periodicals, and newspapers may not be taken from the library for any
reason.
Students are asked to return library books by the due date. If books are needed for a longer period of
time, they may be renewed. Any unreturned materials will be considered lost at the end of the semester.
Students responsible for lost books or other materials will be charged the current list price of the item,
plus shipping and handling charges. If not already paid, the amount will be added to the monthly tuition
bill. If the item is returned to the library at a later date, the amount paid will be reimbursed.
Students are financially responsible for returned materials damaged beyond repair. Students will be
charged the current list price, plus shipping and handling charges. An identical item, pending librarian’s
approval, can also replace the damaged material.
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Lockers
Students will be assigned lockers in which to keep their books and other school materials. Lockers are to
be kept neat, well organized, and securely locked at all times. Students may not arbitrarily change
lockers. PASB is not responsible for the loss of any items students may keep in their lockers.
Student guidelines for school lockers and locks:
• Never share your lock combination with anyone. As soon as you do, you are placing your
belongings at risk.
• If you forget your combination, ask the office. The office keeps records of the lock combinations
and a master key.
• For safety and tidiness, students must have their belongings in their lockers and the lockers
locked at all times. Placing items on top of the lockers is not allowed.
• Students whose materials are left unattended on tables, on the floor, in the hallway, on top of
lockers, or in the library, etc. will receive disciplinary consequences.
• Students may not exchange lockers without permission from the office.
• Locks are loaned by the school and collected at the end of each year. Students will be charged
R$65 for any missing or damaged locks. Damage to lockers will also be assessed. Locker
assignments are rotated at the end of each semester.
Textbook Distribution and Responsibility
The school provides students with books and other materials that are the property of the institution. At
the beginning of each semester, teachers will distribute these textbooks and materials. The identification
number, condition of the book, and materials will be recorded and signed by the student acknowledging
the condition. Students have the responsibility of exhibiting responsible care of the textbook and/or
materials and returning in the same condition as received. At the end of the semester, if a book has been
abused (pages torn, water damage or graffiti), the damages will be reported to the principal and students
are expected to settle all fines with the business office. Students whose materials are left unattended on
tables, on the floor, in the hallway, or the library, etc., will be called in to discuss expectations and
responsibility with the principal and may receive disciplinary consequences.
Loss or Damage of School Material
Students who lose or permit their books or materials and/or furniture and installations to be damaged
(including locks and lockers) will be responsible for repair or replacement costs. Students will be
assessed the replacement costs as well as an administrative charge to cover shipping charges, to be
added to their family’s school billing. Students will not be issued report cards until they have either
returned all textbooks and materials distributed by their teacher(s) or reimbursed the school for
lost or missing materials.
Lost and Found
Students who have lost an item are encouraged to check with the principal´s office to see if it has been
found. Books, supplies, and personal items that are found around the campus are picked up by the
school maintenance staff or others and turned into the office. All students’ personal belongings should be
labeled for identification purposes. Items that are not claimed within a few days are placed in a box at the
entrance to school and, by the end of the semester, those not claimed are donated to a charitable
organization within the community. Please be reminded that PASB does not accept responsibility for any
lost or stolen items. Please work together – parent and child – to secure personal belongings.
Open House
Each year at the beginning of the academic year, parents are invited to an “Open House”. At this time,
parents are introduced to the curriculum and methodology utilized by teachers in their respective
disciplines. This is not the time to discuss the progress of individual students. Parents will have the
5
st
opportunity to discuss student progress at the Parent-Teacher Conferences after the completion of 1
rd
and 3 quarters.
8th Grade Moving-On Ceremony
Following the successful completion of grade 8 and Middle School, students receive their promotion
certificates for entry into 9th grade. This ceremony is held at the school a few days prior to the end of the
final term. Students who have not met all the promotion requirements will not be allowed to participate in
this ceremony. The ceremony usually consists of a slide show or video of student involvement during the
school year and a presentation of certificates by the Principal. Following the ceremony, students and
their parents gather at the school canteen for a small reception. Parents may choose to have the event
professionally videotaped and/or photographed at their own expense with advance notice to the Principal.
12th Grade Graduation Exercises
Upon successful completion of grade 12 and their High School program at PASB, students participate in
a formal Graduation Ceremony. Students who have not met all the PASB graduation requirements
will not be allowed to participate in this ceremony. The ceremony generally takes place off campus at
a rented facility. Each senior is given a specified number of graduation invitations for distribution to family
members and invited guests. The graduation exercises consist of formal speeches by class officers and
select students as well as invited faculty and administration and/or community members. Certificates and
awards are also presented at the ceremony to students who have distinguished themselves with their
academic and extracurricular performance.
Each senior is responsible for renting his/her cap and gown. The graduation event is held in the evening,
generally at 7:30 p.m. Following the ceremony, a celebration event is sponsored by the senior class.
Visitors to the School
Only those students currently enrolled at PASB are permitted to attend classes. Visitors to PASB may
request authorization from the Principal to remain on campus during break and lunchtime but are not
allowed to attend classes. In the event the visitor is abusing this and disrupting class (es), the visitor will
be asked to leave campus.
Parental Communication
A weekly newsletter is made available on the school’s website: www.pasb.com.br. The newsletter
contains articles about school programs and also announcements of upcoming events and activities.
The newsletter is published every Friday afternoon and is posted on the bulletin board in the front
courtyard near the school entrance.
Parents wanting to communicate with their son or daughter during the school day are requested to
contact the school office. Please note that the school will not interrupt any class in session to pass on a
note from home unless it is an emergency and requires the student to exit school. Notes for students will
be posted on the bulletin board outside the secondary office.
Parental Responsibilities
Our Community Responsibility and Discipline Policies are included at the end of this handbook so that
parents can review with their children the responsibilities they hold as members of the PASB community.
It is the responsibility of parents to familiarize themselves with the Parent-Student Handbook and to
review all school policies with their children.
Parental involvement is critical to the educational process. Parents should attend scheduled conferences
with their child’s teachers and request conferences if they have specific concerns or questions regarding
6
the academic or social progress of their child. Parents may not, however, “drop in” on classrooms during
school hours, as this may interrupt the classroom and teacher’s daily planning. Parents are requested to
schedule meetings through the Principal’s secretary or school receptionist
Messages to students will only be delivered in the case of obvious emergencies; delivery of personal
items is prohibited.
1. Parents must assure that students arrive on time to school each day. Students who are
consistently tardy will face disciplinary consequences. All classes begin at 7:45 a.m. Parents must also
arrange for students to be picked up promptly at the end of the school day. Students in grades 6-12 are
dismissed at 2:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Students who register to participate in an afterschool activity or who are actively involved in an extracurricular activity, tutoring, reinforcement,
enrichment or recuperation may remain on campus until 3:30 p.m. or later depending upon the schedule
of the activity. Students not involved in the above mentioned activities are required to remain in the area
inside the main gate until transportation arrives.
2. NO SUPERVISION IS AVAILABLE AFTER THE SCHOOL CLOSES: TEACHERS LEAVE AT 3:30
P.M. Please refer to regulations in this handbook concerning late arrivals, tardiness and after-school
activities.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
General Attendance
Good attendance is the first requirement for academic success. It is part of the educational philosophy of
PASB that regular attendance and participation in classes are vital to a student's education. Daily
participation and interaction between teacher, student and peers is essential; therefore, a student who
misses more than 25% of any one class during a school year for any reason may not receive
credit for that class as well as forfeit the entire year and must repeat the grade level. A student
who misses four or more classes on any given day for any reason will be considered absent for that day.
In cases of long-term illness or injury, home tutoring or other arrangements provided or approved by the
school may satisfy attendance requirements.
All Absences
•
•
•
•
•
All absences, whether approved or unapproved, count toward the 75% attendance requirement.
Students are responsible to submit all work on the due date that was assigned prior to an
absence except for extenuating circumstances such as an extremely serious medical condition.
School examinations, such as tests or final semester examinations, will not be given early to any
student under any circumstance.
Students who have not reported to class are officially considered “absent” and subject to
disciplinary consequences if determined to not have proper authorization.
Students who are absent during the school day will not be eligible to participate in any afterschool
or school sponsored activity on that day including all sports and extracurricular activities.
Approved Absences
Approved absences are those related to student illness or other medical problems; serious illness or
death in the immediate family; religious holidays; legal obligations; or other educational purposes
approved by the Principal if directly related to the PASB curriculum or graduation requirements.
Participation in non-PASB related athletic, artistic, or other organized activities may be approved at the
discretion of the Principal if the student has a strong record of consistent academic growth and
achievement.
• Students who miss a day of school where an assessment was given must be prepared to write
that assessment on the day they return to school.
7
•
•
•
Students excused from classes to attend school-sponsored activities, such as athletic and/or
academic events, can make up missed work for 100% credit.
Students who miss school because of an illness or approved absence as stated above may be
allowed to make-up their work upon their return to school and with the permission of the teacher.
For each day absent, one day for make-up may be allowed up to a maximum of five days.
For health related absences of more than two days, a medical certificate (“atestado”) from a
doctor must be presented. For absences of two days or less, parents must send a written
explanation with the student to be presented to the office by 07:45 on the day of the return.
When a student misses school, parents must send a written explanation with the student to be presented
to the secondary school office on the morning of the student’s first day back in school. It is
recommended that parents inform the school office when their child will be missing school because of an
illness. Upon the student´s return to school, the office will determine whether the absence is approved or
unapproved and sign the parent’s letter. An admit slip will be issued by the office to allow the student to
enter the class. Teachers will consider all absences unapproved unless the student presents an admit slip
to the teacher. 100% credit is available for all approved absences.
Pre-Arranged Absences
A request for an Advance Absence form for any planned absence must be submitted to the office of the
Principal in writing by the parent at least one week before the absence is to occur. The administration
will then review the request and notify the parents and student whether the absence will be considered
approved for 100% credit or 60% credit. Pre-arranged absences are not automatically approved but they
allow the student to request from each teacher the work that will be missed and to submit it on the due
days without penalty.
Keep in mind that providing work in advance will depend on the types of assignments and the pacing and
planning of the classes. Teachers may not always be able to provide assignments at the time of the prearranged absence. In any case, it will be the student´s responsible to collect all assignments before
departure and meet all due dates.
Unapproved Absences
Unapproved absences are absences that have not been approved or no parent note has been submitted
to the Secondary Office preceding or following the absence. Students must bring a parent authorization
letter and have it signed by the Principal or the Principal’s designee in order for the student to be
readmitted into the classroom or the student will be considered Truant (see Truancy below). Work
missed because of an unapproved absence (including quizzes, papers, tests, projects and
semester exams) may only be made-up to a maximum of 60% credit.
The faculty will not be obligated to inform students of any assignments in the event the student has an
unapproved absence, unless the student directly contacts his or her teachers prior to the unapproved
absence. It is the student´s responsibility to request assignments from teachers when the student is
absent from class for reasons other than school-related or approved absences.
Any absences due to early departure before a holiday, late return from a holiday, or any personal travel
during the regular school session will be considered unapproved and should be avoided. Parents are
reminded to arrange all travel plans well in advance. School examinations, such as tests or final
examinations, will not be given early to any student who plans to miss school before a holiday. Medical
examinations, whether in Brazil or in another country, should not be scheduled immediately preceding or
following a holiday and absences for these reasons will be considered unapproved. Medical certificates
for absences immediately preceding or following a holiday will only be approved for emergencies such as
major illnesses or injuries.
Students who are absent during the academic day are ineligible to participate in after-school activities.
8
Truancy
Absence from school or any class without parental knowledge and/or permission is considered a serious
disciplinary infraction (refer to Community Responsibility and Discipline Policies at the end of this
handbook) and will be considered as truancy. Missed work cannot be made up and will receive zero
credit. Students who fail to show teachers a parent letter authorizing their absence and containing the
signature of the Principal or the Principal’s designee will be considered truant and not be allowed to make
up any work missed.
Tardies
The school day begins at 07:45. Students are responsible to arrive on time for the start of the
school day and for each class throughout the day. The first few minutes of the school day and of each
class set the tone for learning. When a student arrives late for class, valuable instructional time is lost.
Late arrivals are disruptive for the teacher and for other students; thus, the tardiness of one student has a
negative effect on the learning environment of the entire class. Students do not have the right to disrupt
teaching and learning by being tardy to class.
Tardy to Class at the Beginning of the School Day
Students who arrive late to school must report to the office and obtain an admission pass from the office
prior to entering any class. Students must present a written note or phone call from a parent or guardian
or they will be considered unexcused. The Principal will determine whether or not the tardy is excused or
unexcused based on the following criteria:
• A student is considered tardy if he or she is not in his/her class when the bell stops ringing.
• Teachers will mark the student tardy in their grade books. If a student arrives late to class ten
minutes or more, this will be considered a “cut” with consequences of a one hour Student
Responsibility Conference (SRC).
• Patterns of unexcused late arrivals are considered an infraction subject to disciplinary
consequences (by quarter):
st
rd
1 to 3 Tardy Offense – Verbal warnings
th
4 Tardy Offense – Parent notification and one hour SRC after school
nd
th
2 SRC Parent notification and two hours of SRC after school (after 8 tardy)
rd
th
3 SRC One day in-school suspension and parent signature on letter (after 12 tardy)
th
th
4 SRC One day out-of-school suspension and mandatory parent conference (after 16 tardy)
Tardy to Class during the Day
Students must report to all classes and school activities on time. Students who miss a class or a school
event, such as assemblies and presentations, without written permission from a teacher will be
considered skipping class and subject to disciplinary consequences. If a student is late to a class for a
valid reason (under the direct supervision of another teacher, nurse, librarian, or Principal), he/she is
responsible for acquiring an excuse note from that school authority and presenting it to the teacher.
Classroom teachers maintain a record of late arrivals to their classes. Students who fail to be punctual to
class and to respect the classroom-learning environment will be considered under Category II of our
Community Responsibility and Discipline Policies. Students will be subject to disciplinary action after
three or more referrals for tardiness within a quarter. Please note the following for further clarification:
• Students who arrive to class late will be recorded tardy by the teacher. Consequences for
students who arrive late to class during the day include: a lowered ¨participation¨ grade, making
up for the missed learning during the student´s free time, holding conferences with the parent,
and Student Responsibility Conferences. After these steps, students with more than 3 tardies per
quarter will be Referred to the Principal for excessive tardiness (refer to Community
Responsibility and Discipline Policies).
9
•
•
•
•
Student Responsibility Conferences will be held after school. Students who fail to attend a
conference assigned by the Principal will receive an additional hour for SRC.
If the student tardiness to class is the result of a meeting with a PASB staff member, the student
must present a note from the person responsible for the time the student was out of class.
Students who do not have a pass will be marked unexcused tardy (UT), and requested to present
a valid pass the next day. Failure to present the pass will be reported to the office for follow up.
Students who arrive to class more than 10 minutes late and without a pass will be considered
cutting the class with the consequence of an hour SRC.
Chronic tardiness may result in denied admittance to a class after having been referred to the
Principal. Activities, tests, presentations, and other assessments which are missed due to
chronic tardiness may only be made up to a maximum of 60% credit.
Attendance is taken for each class and counted on a per-class basis. Failure to report to the office prior
to entering a class after an absence or a late arrival is considered a disciplinary infraction subject to
consequences.
Early School Exits
Any student who needs to leave school early (medical appointments or other personal matters) will be
permitted to do so only with a pre-arranged written request signed by a parent. Students must notify
teachers one week in advance if they are going to miss class and are responsible for obtaining missing
work via the Advance Absence form obtained from the office. Students will not be allowed off campus
without an Exit Slip from the Secondary Office. This Exit Slip must be presented to the guard at the gate.
Students are not allowed to leave early for any reason without written parental permission and the
Principal’s authorization. Early departure from school for health reasons must have the prior approval of
the school nurse. Students who leave school without an Exit Pass authorized by the school will not
be allowed to make-up any missed work or examinations.
Field Trips (Class, Club or Sports)
Field and class trips are held at various times during the school year. Any field trip or class trip is
considered an extension of the classroom and all school rules are in effect. All students are expected to
participate in a scheduled trip unless there are unusual circumstances and the student has received
permission from the teacher not to attend. Any student whose grade will be seriously jeopardized by
missing another teacher’s class may be denied permission to participate. Students who have been
suspended out-of-school or placed upon disciplinary probation within the previous two academic
quarters will not be allowed to participate in school field trips.
School-sponsored field trips are considered as approved absences; students are expected to make-up all
work missed while on the trip. Parents or guardians must sign a permission slip and return it to the
sponsoring teacher to be allowed to participate in the trip. Students should remember that when they are
on a field trip of any kind, they are representing the entire PASB community and must behave in a way
that reflects the values and standards of the PASB community. All school rules apply during the trip.
Emergency Medical Need
In the event of emergency medical need for any student beyond what can be provided by the school
nurse, the student will be taken by ambulance or other arranged school transportation to the nearest
medical facility or the clinic/hospital of the parent’s choice. The student’s parent(s) will be contacted. The
parent or guardian is responsible for all medical coverage costs.
10
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Master Schedule
Middle and High School classes meet for 55 minute periods during a rotating schedule. The core
academic classes (English, science, math, social studies and Portuguese) meet more frequently that the
courses in the Brazilian Studies Program and elective courses. The master schedule is available from the
Secondary School Office.
Advisory Period and Clubs
Middle School advisory classes meet periodically on a rotating basis. In the high school, elective classes
meet on a rotating basis. Advisories are designed to provide time for different needs including student-run
assemblies, team building and counseling activities as well as club meetings for NHS, NJHS, class
meetings and Student Council. Elective classes may vary from semester to semester and have included
classes such as cheerleading, dance, debate, film-making, gardening, guitar, knowledge bowl, mosaics,
newspaper, origami, photography, poetry, psychology, astronomy, study skills, and more.
Graduation Requirements
The Pan American School of Bahia offers a high school program in grades 9-12 equivalent to college
preparatory schools in the United States as well as the necessary courses for students to meet Brazilian
university entrance requirements. Students in grades 9-12 must fulfill all the graduation requirements of
PASB for American diploma and all Brazilian-born students must meet the requirements of the Brazilian
Ministry of Education in order to receive the Brazilian diploma. In addition, grade 11 and 12 students may
enroll in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.
Courses and diploma programs offered at PASB are updated each February/March prior to registration
for the next school year.
American Diploma:
SUBJECT
CREDITS
English
Language Other Than English
Mathematics*
Science**
Social Studies***
Physical Education
Fine Arts
Electives
KEY
Including Algebra I, Geometry,
Algebra II and Pre-Calculus or IB
Mathematics
** Including Biology, Chemistry and
Physics
*** Including World History, History of
the Americas and U.S. History
4
2
4
4
3
2
2
3
*
Total Credits = 24
Brazilian Diploma:
In addition to the American Diploma requirements listed above, any student of dual nationality and/or
holding a Brazilian passport must complete the following requirements for the Brazilian Diploma:
Brazilian Social Studies****
Portuguese Literature
Spanish (counts as a For. Lang.)
4 credits
4 credits
2 credits
**** Including Brazilian Geography,
Brazilian History, Philosophy and
Sociology.
11
International Baccalaureate Program:
Students enrolled in the IB Program must satisfactorily complete all the requirements as listed with this
program for the IB Diploma. Students may also take classes for a certificate without a diploma. In
general, a student enrolled in the full IB Diploma Program has three high level classes and three standard
level classes that culminate in exams that are given on the same days world-wide for two weeks in May.
The combination of high and standard courses must be discussed with the IB Coordinator prior to
enrolling in the program. It is possible for a student to enroll in one to five IB classes and sit the exams
for certificates, not the entire diploma. Please note that IB Brazilian Studies courses (Group 6 options) do
not count toward the American Diploma since they are taught in Portuguese. Students in the IB Program
should also note that course material may vary from one country to another and students are encouraged
to spend their final two years at PASB.
All Brazilian national students, including those who are of dual nationality and hold a Brazilian passport,
are required to complete the Brazilian program course requirements. Brazilian nationals who are
pursuing the diplomas (Brazilian, U.S., and/or I.B.) are encouraged to participate in the Pre-University
courses offered after school for a fee. This program offers subject specific instruction to better prepare
students for the national entrance university examinations (Vestibular or ENEM). These courses include
chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology.
PE Requirements
The Brazilian Ministry of Education requires physical education to be offered during all four years of High
School to all Brazilian students. It is possible that some schedules within the full IB Diploma program may
not have time in their schedule to fit physical education classes and, therefore, an alternative is needed to
meet this requirement. For this reason, Diploma candidates who do not have room for PE and who are
also Brazilian students must complete their PE requirement outside of school. According to the Brazilian
Ministry of Education (MEC), valid documentation would include the following submitted on a monthly
basis:
1) The official letterhead of the agency, Gym, Club or School where the physical education is
taking place must include all entries for a one-month period. The logo on the letter head must
include a telephone number to verify the authenticity of the organization.
2) The name of the coach / trainer working with the student, his or her signature, and the name of
the activity must be included.
3) The total number of hours and the dates of each meeting must meet the MEC physical
education requirements (minimum of 90 minutes per week).
The above information must be submitted to the PASB PE teacher within one week (7 days) of the end of
the month. Each month during the school year requires a separate document. Any school sport, physical
activity that is an Olympic event, ballet or dance will qualify. Other questions about the validity of the
child`s physical activity should be directed to the Athletic Coordinator. Grades will be awarded on a
pass/fail basis only. Missing a single month of PE documentation will result in a failing grade for the
semester and automatic enrollment in PE recuperation after school.
This PE exemption policy is only available under two conditions: 1) the student is an IB Diploma
candidate who is also enrolled in the Brazilian program and 2) the student’s IB schedule does not allow
for PE during the school day. If an IB Diploma Candidate drops out of the Diploma program, or in any way
changes his or her schedule in a way that allows for PE, that student will automatically be re-enrolled in
regular in-school PE classes.
All other students will be enrolled in the regularly scheduled in-school PE classes offered at PASB.
Students are required to complete their full senior (grade 12) academic year at PASB in order to
be eligible for the U.S. diploma and/or the Brazilian certificate of completion. Grade 12 students
must have met all the graduation requirements in order to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
12
In addition to meeting the above academic requirements, students in high school must also recuperate
any/all lost graduation credits for any failed semester courses required for U.S. and/or Brazilian
graduation.
Special Note: International students who arrive at PASB in the middle of a high school program which had
been initiated at an institution with different graduation requirements may solicit a review of course work
and an individual graduation plan. This graduation plan will require the fulfillment of all normal PASB
requirements including the completion of grade 12 at PASB.
Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages (PSOL) (formerly called Portuguese as a
Foreign Language – PFL)
Portuguese Language classes are required for all foreign students. Students entering the school who do
not speak either English or Portuguese may not be enrolled in Portuguese Language classes initially to
provide them with additional EAL classes. Students exiting Portuguese classes for foreigners into the
regular Portuguese program (native speakers) may receive modifications in the regular program,
including modified curriculum, assessments and instruction.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Foreign students admitted into the Middle School who do not have sufficient English language skills to
succeed in the regular program are provided with an English as Another Language (EAL) program to
meet their specific needs. The EAL program may include sheltered immersion classes in the regular
classroom (co-taught by the regular and EAL teacher), English for Academic Purposes classes (pull-out
and/or after school), and/or private EAL tutoring classes. Students entering grade 9 and above must be
proficient in the English language and not require EAL classes.
Humanities and Science Fairs
Every year the Middle and High School hosts a Humanities or Science Fair, alternating every other year.
The fairs will be held in the second semester and follow the pattern of Science 2013-2014 and
Humanities 2014-2015. Students may work as individuals or in small groups on their projects. Each fair
takes place during the regular school day with no regular classes being held during this time.
Humanities Fair projects are develop in the areas of languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese),
social studies (History, Geography, Government, Philosophy, Sociology), and the arts (Art, Drama, and
Music). These projects may include presentations, simulations, debates, dramatic events, film-making,
and other forms.
Science Fair projects are developed in the areas of Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science,
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics. Students must follow a PASB Safety and
Ethics Code, which they learn as part of our science curriculum.
Credits
Credits are awarded for high school classes meeting a full year on the following basis:
4 or more periods of 55 minutes in a 6-day rotation:
1 credit
Braz. Prog. / Elective courses meeting 3 periods in a 6-day rotation:
0.5 credit
Credit is given for successfully completing all the requirements of a course. One full credit is earned by
successfully completing two semesters of a course that meets the entire school year. One-half credit will
be awarded for passing a course that meets for one semester and one quarter credit for passing a course
that meets the minimum number of minutes in a semester. A student failing a course over the duration of
two semesters will not receive any credit for the course. If the course is required for graduation, the class
must be repeated.
13
Assessment
Number grades are given for all courses. Students can expect to be graded on almost every assignment
required in core subjects. The following grading scale shows the letter grade and grade point average
(GPA) equivalent.
LETTER
GRADE
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
PERCENTILE GRADE
97-100 excellent or superior
93-96
90-92
87-89 very good, above average
83-86
80-82
77-79 average, satisfactory
73-76
70-72
67-69 below average
63-66
60-62 unsatisfactory
Below 60 unacceptable or failing
GRADE POINT
AVERAGE (GPA)
4.0
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0.0
The averaging of the first and second semester grades will determine the final grade in all year-long
courses. In one special case, Physical Education may be taken “Pass/Fail”. Credit is awarded if course
requirements for both semesters are fulfilled but no grade is entered for computing GPAs for P/F courses.
A half credit is awarded for courses that only meet two quarters (one semester).
Comments are reported at the close of each quarter to reflect general summaries (up to two per course)
by each teacher. The comments are designed to help clarify the student´s effort in the class.
Annual academic grades for middle and high school courses are calculated as follows:
Middle School
st
1 Quarter Grade
nd
2 Quarter Grade
st
1 Semester Grade
rd
3 Quarter Grade
th
4 Quarter Grade
nd
2 Semester Grade
Final Grade
50%
50%
st
nd
(1 + 2 Quarter)
50%
50%
rd + th
(3 4 Quarter)
st
nd
(1 and 2 Sem.)
High School
st
1 Quarter Grade
nd
2 Quarter Grade
Semester I Final Exam
st
1 Semester Grade
rd
3 Quarter Grade
th
4 Quarter Grade
Semester II Final Exam
nd
2 Semester Grade
Final Grade
40%
40%
20%
st
nd
(1 + 2 Q + Sem. Exam)
40%
40%
20%
rd + th
(3 4 Q + Sem. Exam)
st
nd
(Average of 1 and 2 Sem.)
Homework
At PASB, homework is given on a regular basis in all subjects. There are a variety of purposes for
homework, including the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Reviewing: consolidation or practice of something learned in a previous lesson.
Anticipating: preparation, reading, or research for a future lesson.
Independent Learning: proactive learning, self-discipline and time management.
Assessment: assess knowledge and understanding of work covered.
Extension:
taking knowledge and skills beyond that done in the lesson.
14
Time Limitation
The amount of time spent on homework may vary, but homework for all academic subjects combined
should follow the general guidelines per night listed below:
•
•
•
•
•
th
6 Grade = 60 minutes + independent reading (20+ minutes)
th
7 Grade = 70 minutes + independent reading (20+ minutes)
th
8 Grade = 80 minutes + independent reading (30+ minutes)
th
th
9 -10 Grades = 90 -120 minutes + independent reading (30+ minutes)
th
th
11 -12 Grades = 120-150 minutes + independent reading (30+ minutes)
The total may vary somewhat during the times that major projects, such as MUN reports, research
projects, or science fair projects are due.
The suggested time limitations described above do not include time for recommended or independent
reading. Daily reading is highly beneficial and should be a part of every student’s regular schedule. The
time devoted to reading is above and beyond the regular homework time limits.
If a parent sees that a child is consistently taking more than the specified time to complete his homework
assignments, the teacher should be contacted to see if there is a problem or if consideration can be given
to modifying the assignment to meet the child’s capability.
Although homework may be assigned over weekends and holidays, the amount should be kept to a
reasonable limit in deference to the known social and cultural activities in which many of our students
regularly engage during these occasions. Summer / winter reading assignments may be assigned by a
teacher for which students must fulfill the reading requirement over the course of the vacation period.
Grading of Homework and Assessments
Homework assignments and grading follow the school guidelines where 100% credit is available when
completed/turned in the day it is due. Homework turned in late and after the due date must have the
approval of the Principal to receive 100% credit. Without approval, credit for homework may lose 10%
per day to a maximum of 60% credit. Only in the event an assignment is not turned in for credit will the
assignment be graded a zero. After a quarter marking period is completed, there is no possibility of
earning credit for the previous quarter without permission from the Principal. Please also see the section
on grading and “Incomplete” marks referring to report card grades (p. 16).
Student assessment is equal to 100% credit if received on the date assigned. If a student has a valid
excuse approved by the Principal and an alternative date for the assessment has been assigned, the
value of the credit is 100%. In most cases, the alternative date is the first available day back from an
excused absence. Once the agreed date has passed and the student has not completed the assessment,
the maximum credit will be 60%. If the student fails to take the assessment within a marking period
(quarter), the value will be zero. Credit for an assessment is limited to the marking period the assessment
was originally assigned. Only in special circumstances and with the Principal´s approval may an
assessment be taken after the close of a marking period. An example would be to clear an “Incomplete”
grade.
Homework Responsibilities
Teachers
• Publicize homework policy annually to students and parents.
• Give homework assignments clearly in writing, to be recorded in student agendas.
• Clearly explain all homework assignments to ensure student understanding of desired preparation.
• Assign homework regularly, according to the guidelines provided.
• Communicate with teaching colleagues to balance daily homework and major assignments.
• Collect, grade, record, and return student work in a timely fashion according to assessment policy.
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•
•
•
•
•
Deduct partial credit if assignments are not submitted on time.
Provide the necessary resources to students to successfully do assignments.
Ensure that all assignments are appropriate to the course.
Consider homework as part of the marking period report card grade.
Contact parents if a student is not completing homework regularly.
Students
• Bring agenda to class daily.
• Record daily homework assignments in student agenda.
• Complete assignments and turn in on time (including work assigned prior to an Advance Absence).
• Seek assistance from teachers or parents when unable to complete work independently.
• Alert teacher about problems encountered while doing homework.
Parents
• Provide a good working environment for doing homework.
• Ensure that the child has sufficient time in his or her schedule to complete homework.
• Do not do homework for child but be available as a help resource.
• Monitor the time the child spends doing his/her homework.
• If the task consistently takes longer than is reasonable, speak with the teacher.
• Communicate with the teacher via the agenda or email regarding homework problems.
• Contact the teacher for an appointment if there are any concerns.
Semester Examinations
High School semester exams are administered during the final weeks of first and second semester. All
students in grades 9-12 are required to take these exams. PASB does not permit early or late
administration of semester exams for unexcused absences, such as family travel. It is the
responsibility of parents to ensure student attendance during scheduled semester exam sessions.
Students who miss semester exams due to illness must provide the Principal with a doctor’s certificate
confirming the illness.
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Seniors may be exempt from individual final examinations in the 2 Semester (May/June) if they have
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earned an average of 90% during the 3 and 4 quarters in that class. In this case, the teacher may elect
to compute the final grade without the semester exam. Seniors are allowed, however, to sit the
examination if they want to attempt to increase their final average in the course.
There are no semester exams for middle school students. Teachers may elect to hold a “final” exam at
the conclusion of each semester.
Grade Reporting
Students receive report cards at the end of each quarter. These report cards provide information
regarding both academic achievement and general comments about a student´s performance. Report
cards are emailed to parents directly one week following the close of the quarter. The first and second
quarters combine as the first semester and the third and fourth quarters combine as the second
semester. An average of the first and second semester grades equals the final grade in each class. For
high school classes, the student´s score on a semester exams counts 20% of the semester average for a
class while the first and second quarter grades each count 40% of the semester grade for a class. See
page 12 for a more complete explanation.
Progress reports are emailed to parents at the mid-point of each academic quarter. Students earning
grades below 70% in any class are considered at risk. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers at
any time throughout the school year and especially whenever they have a concern.
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Incompletes
An “incomplete” (I) grade may be issued if a student has not completed required course work. Any
incomplete work becomes a zero if the course work is not made up within two weeks after the
grading period ends.
Exceptions to this require special permission from the Principal.
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Incompletes will not be given at the end the 2 Semester. Special circumstances may necessitate
correspondence or independent study options. Requests to pursue correspondence or independent
study must be submitted to the Principal for approval.
Tutoring
Parents are advised that teachers may not receive remuneration for tutoring their own students. In the
event that additional assistance outside of the normal class period would benefit a student, the school,
through the school counselor’s office, can provide a list of all possible tutors for parents. All tutoring of
students must be conducted off campus and after regular school hours. Any exceptions to this policy can
only be authorized by a school administrator. It is the responsibility of the parents to handle all payment
arrangements directly with the tutor. Teachers are available to meet with students daily from Monday to
Friday (14:30 to 15:30) at the end of regular classes at no extra pay. Please note that faculty meetings
generally take place on Mondays once or twice a month.
Course / Program Adaptation
Students who are of Brazilian nationality and are enrolling as new students after having previously
studied outside of Brazil will be required to complete an “adaptation program of study.” The same
requirement applies to any PASB student who chooses to follow a period of study abroad in another
school during a period of one semester or a full school year exchange program.
In addition, the requirement to complete the “adaptation program of study” applies to any student whose
admittance to PASB comes mid-way through a quarter or semester or who was required to be away from
school for an extended academic period due to medical or other personal reason approved in advance by
the school administration. Important to emphasize as well is that a student is obligated to be in
compliance with the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) attendance requirements which state that a
student cannot miss more than 25% of the required 200 school days.
Enrollment or re-admittance to the Pan American School of Bahia will be made under the following
conditions:
1) the student successfully completed all subject(s) required by PASB and the Ministry of Education
that he/she did not complete at PASB during his/her period of study abroad or extended absence,
2) the student can provide evidence of regular attendance of the adaptation subject(s)/classes for
the period(s) designated,
3) the student can submit all assigned work in accordance with the established deadlines set by the
school (by the end of the semester that the student returns to PASB), and
4) the student has earned a successful passing mark in the adaptation subject(s).
Given the additional work involved in the elaboration of these adaptation courses by the selected
teacher(s), the school assesses a special “extra fee” per subject per academic quarter. This fee will be
assessed along with the regular school tuition and the parent/guardian is required to make timely
payment based upon a plan elaborated by the school’s business office.
This adaptation program of study is required of ALL Brazilian students, without exception, as per
mandated educational legislation, since all Brazilian students must complete all specified subjects that
lead to the Brazilian diploma. A Brazilian student is any student who holds a Brazilian passport,
independent of holding a passport from another country. It is strongly suggested that the parent/guardian
closely follow the progress of their son/daughter during the adaptation period.
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Recuperation
A student who earns a failing grade (below 60%) in any subject at the end of any quarter of the academic
year may voluntarily enter a system of parallel recuperation to recuperate this grade. Parallel recuperation
consists of additional classes in the subject offered during the succeeding quarter in which a failure
occurred. These sessions may be conducted between 2:40 and 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday
and/or Friday or Saturday, if possible. Parallel recuperation is available for all classes failed. An
additional fee will be charged for these extra classes to pay for the additional work involved in elaboration
of the subject recuperation. After 6 or 7 weeks, the recuperated grade is averaged with the original failing
grade and changed in the report card if there is improvement. Recuperation is applied to the quarter
grades only; semester averages may only be affected when the two quarters are averaged after the
recuperated grade is applied.
There are no school-offered recuperation classes for any course(s) failed during the fourth quarter and
the student may only recuperate this grade by a test during the month of July. If a student is already
passing the course based on the semester grade or final grade, recuperation of the class failed during the
fourth quarter is not required.
Please note: If a student passes two quarters in a semester but fails a semester exam and the final
semester average is a failing grade, there is no recuperation available to recover the semester average.
A recuperation grade is averaged with the original quarter grade. Only in the event there is a positive
increase in the quarter grade will this impact a semester grade or a final year grade.
Upon completion of the full academic year and in the event a student fails one or more Brazilian Program
courses, the student will be obligated to take an end-of-year recuperation examination for each failed
course in the month of July to recuperate the failed course(s). If the student fails the recuperation exam,
the course is officially registered as a failure. For a failed course in the American Program, a student may
enroll in a school approved distance learning course offered through the University of Nebraska or
another accredited program approved by the school administration. Upon completion and passing of this
course, the credit earned may be applied to the American Diploma. The decision as to what is
considered the most academically appropriate means of recuperation is based on whether the
failed course is with the Brazilian or American program. The final decision must meet the
approval of the school administration.
Subject Dependency
As approved by MEC, any secondary student who, at the end of all recuperation efforts (as described
above) still maintains a failing grade in “any one subject” may carry this subject in what is called
“subject dependency” into the following academic period. However, this will represent the last opportunity
for recuperation and the student will be OBLIGATED to earn a passing mark in the subject.
The missing subject credit must be recuperated within one semester from the end of the academic year in
which the course was failed. This recuperation can once again be attempted through either completion of
a school approved and accredited distance learning course or through successful completion and earning
of a passing mark on a course examination.
It will also be OBLIGATORY for the student to acquire regular remedial assistance from a non-PASB
school tutor/teacher who will be required to work closely with the school in the monitoring and completion
of the subject Failure to pass the subject dependency course listed above will result in repeating
the entire school year in which the course failed.
Special Note: As per MEC regulations, the above policy is not applicable to students in the last year of
the middle school or the last year of their high school education. These students are not permitted to
have any subjects in “dependency.”
Retention
Any student who fails up to two subjects at the completion of the regular school year has the option of
sitting recuperation examinations in each of these subjects. It is, however, recognized that the possibility
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of a student being successful in three or more recuperation examinations is improbable. The school
administration, therefore, reserves the right upon the recommendation of the Class Council to
recommend retention of the student in the grade level.
It is important to emphasize that a student who, at the end of all recuperation efforts, still maintains a
failing grade in more than one subject, will not be permitted to carry forward to the subsequent academic
period more than one subject in dependency (see above policy on Subject Dependency). This student
will therefore be required to repeat the grade level and/or exit the school.
Academic Advisement and Assistance Program
PASB expects all students to demonstrate conscientious and disciplined academic performance. If a
student earns a grade of less than 60% (failing) in any class, earns 3 or more grades between 60% and
69% (grades of D), or has an overall average below 75% (2.0 GPA), he/she is immediately placed in our
Academic Advisement and Assistance Program (AAAP) and monitored for the next academic grading
period by the Student Services Committee. The AAAP Program entails the following:
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•
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A Student Services Committee, consisting of the Secondary School Principal, the Brazilian Program
Coordinator , the secondary school counselors, the Student Support Specialist and, when required, a
representative grade level teacher, monitors all students placed in AAAP and develops a program of
assistance to aid students in reaching their academic potential. This program of assistance may
include either of the following: remaining after school to meet with teachers for assistance and/or
attending “Parallel Recuperation” classes.
Attendance in Parallel Recuperation classes (as described above in “RECUPERATION”) may result
in a passing grade and, therefore, removal from Parallel Recuperation classes at the end of the
quarter. If the student does not participate in these voluntary Recuperation classes, the grade for the
quarter will remain as indicated on the Report Card.
Parents will be updated with quarterly progress reports and asked to closely monitor and participate
in their child’s recommended program of assistance through regular communication with the
counselor and teacher(s) and by attending Parent-Student-Teacher conferences.
If the student earns one or more failing grades at the end of the academic year while on Academic
Advisement, he/she will be required to take the end-of-year Recuperation examinations for a
maximum of two failed courses in July during the school break.
A student placed in AAAP is allowed to participate in after-school co-curricular activities but may not
travel or participate in any competition related to the activity, including any tournament at the close of
the season.
Academic Probation, Re-Enrollment and Non-Enrollment
Our school community holds high academic expectations for PASB students. At the close of a semester
(two quarters), any student who, prior to recuperation, meets any of the conditions listed below will be
placed on Academic Probation for a period of one semester:
1. Academic grade point average of 1.70 or less for the preceding semester;
2. Failure in two subject areas in a given semester; or
3. Failure in one subject and grades of D in two or more subjects in a given semester.
A student who is on academic probation for two consecutive semesters may be recommended for noncontinuation. In addition, any student failing one or more courses or earning three or more D´s during a
quarter will be reported to the Counseling Office and the Principal and placed in the Academic
Advisement and Assistance Program. The counselor will meet with the student and his/her parents to
determine possible reasons for the poor grades and to make recommendations to the student and his/her
teachers for a plan of improvement. Students on Academic Probation are not allowed to participate in
any co-curricular activities either on or off campus as well as any travel representing the school for the
semester. Please note that Academic Probation is based on semester grades. Eligibility to participate in
co-curricular activities (p.22-23) is based on quarter and semester grades and also part of the AAAP
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program. Final year grades will determine the status of students for the succeeding school year in both
AAAP and Academic Probation since recuperation may be involved.
A student who has repeated a grade level previously at PASB or another school and who earns two or
more grades below 70% or is failing any course (below 60%) will not be allowed to re-enroll at PASB for
the following school year.
Academic Recognition
The Pan-American School of Bahia takes pride in recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional
academic achievement. Each quarter, a Highest Honor’s List and Honor's List are published based on
students' academic average. Highest Honors recognition is awarded to students with all grades of 90% or
above for the quarter. Honors recognition is awarded to students with all grades of 80% or above for the
quarter.
Awards
At the end of each academic year, awards ceremonies are held for the Middle and High Schools. The
PASB faculty recognizes students in grades 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 who demonstrate “Outstanding
Achievement, Dedication, and Passion” in various subject areas. In addition to the core academic
subjects, awards are also given for athletics, art, drama, music, technology, community service, and most
improved. A “Scholar of the Year” award is given in the different grade levels to the student with the
highest average grade percentage.
During the Senior Graduation ceremony, the following academic recognition awards are presented:
• Summa cum Laude – awarded for a cumulative GPA throughout high school of 95% or higher.
• Magna cum Laude –for a cumulative GPA throughout high school of 90% or higher.
• Cum Laude – awarded for a cumulative GPA throughout high school of 85% or higher.
• The Peter M. Nowel Award – This award is granted to an outstanding member of the senior class
who has consistently demonstrated an active concern about humanity through the pursuit of
international diplomacy. He or she has a positive attitude toward life, embraces means to
promote good relations between his or her peers, and exhibits a constant effort to reach his or her
fullest potential.
Academic and College Counseling
The Secondary School Counselor and Senior Class Advisor maintain reference materials and information
regarding universities in the U.S., Canada and Europe and are available to assist students and parents
throughout the entire application process. The Counselor is also available to assist students with personal
and academic issues. College and Career Counseling is available on an individual basis and through
CCC sessions at the grade 12 level.
Standardized Testing
Students in the Middle and High School are given annual U.S. standardized assessment examinations.
The purpose of the standardized testing instruments is to provide an assessment of the student’s
individual learning growth and achievement as well as a comparison of the results of PASB’s students
against students in the United States and other international schools which administer the same
instrument.
Students in grades 10 and 11 are given the opportunity to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
(PSAT/NMSQT) which serves to prepare them for the SAT college admissions examination. The SAT is
generally administered to grade 11 and 12 students and is required for entry into U.S. universities.
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The Educational Records Bureau Writing Assessment Program (ERB WrAP) test is administered to all
students in grades 6-11. The Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) examination is also
administered twice a year to students in grades 6 to 10 in the Middle and High School.
Study Abroad / Temporary Withdrawal
PASB believes that school exchange programs can be very valuable to students who study abroad and to
those who want to experience living in another culture. Students and their parents should research
exchange programs carefully and work with the PASB administration in making exchange plans as early
as possible. Please note that students must complete the full grade 12 academic year at PASB in
order to receive both the U.S. and Brazilian program diplomas. Students who participate in an
exchange program during their final year will not receive a diploma from PASB.
Students who leave PASB for one or two semesters should follow a similar academic curriculum at the
exchange school. Brazilian students must put in writing with the Brazilian Program Coordinator a plan to
recover Portuguese and other required Brazilian courses when they return to PASB through the
adaptation system of coursework (see policy on COURSE / PROGRAM ADAPTATION, page 14.) In
addition, students must meet with the school’s counselor to outline a program of studies consistent with
grade level requirements at PASB.
Before returning to PASB, the student is responsible for obtaining official exchange school records (i.e.,
transcripts). Brazilian students must submit their transcripts for approval by the Brazilian Consulate
nearest to their residence in whatever country they are residing as an exchange student.
All students seeking re-matriculation at PASB upon return from an international exchange must complete
the regular admissions process. Students who fail to follow the above-suggested guidelines may
jeopardize their return and/or graduation from PASB. Students must maintain satisfactory academic
achievement and receive positive behavioral conduct reports from their exchange school in order to be
re-admitted to PASB. The lack of equivalent course work or credits as documented on the host school’s
transcript may result in insufficient credits to be advanced to the next grade level. The student will then
need to make up missing credits through a PASB-approved distance learning program or repeat a grade.
The Brazilian Program Director will determine the requirements for making up credits in the Brazilian
Program.
In order for credits to apply toward graduation at PASB, the following conditions must be met:
• The host school is accredited in the USA or host country;
• The course work matches the requirements for graduation from PASB regarding content, class
hours and credits (Carnegie units); and
• The host school can document successful completion of work by the student with an official
transcript which includes the dates of attendance, hours of instruction in each subject, grades
earned and grading scale, the accrediting agency, and the pertinent stamps, seals and signatures
required by Brazilian authorities.
Please note that grades earned during an exchange program will not be averaged in with the GPA of
grades earned at PASB. Also be aware that some awards for seniors are based on the attendance at
PASB for the final two years of high school (including Valedictorian and Salutatorian).
Mid-Term or End of Year Exit
Parents are requested to advise the office in writing and with sufficient advance notice about the pending
withdrawal of any student. The school’s registrar will then provide parents with the appropriate exit forms
and documents.
Parent Conferences
The School schedules two types of conferences during the school year so that parents can remain
informed about their child’s progress. In addition, parents may request separate conferences with
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teachers at any time by arranging appointments through the school receptionist. When parents arrive for
a scheduled appointment they are asked to report to the receptionist and wait for the teacher or
administrator to come. Parents are asked to refrain from interrupting classes by appearing in the building
unannounced.
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1 Semester Parent/Teacher Conferences: Scheduled in October following the end of the 1st quarter,
this conference allows teachers to meet with parents individually. Students are required to attend with
their parents.
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2 Semester Student-Led Conferences: Scheduled in April following the end of the 3rd quarter, this
conference is conducted by students with their parents, allowing students to demonstrate to their parents
their academic development through reflection on a variety of work/learning samples organized in the
form of a portfolio. At this time, teachers function as facilitators and review progress to date.
Teachers are also available to meet with parents by appointment before and after school, during morning
or lunch break, or during a teacher’s preparation periods. These meetings must be scheduled in advance
and parents are requested not to approach teachers during the regular school day while they are
conducting their daily responsibilities.
ATHLETIC, CO-CURRICULAR and AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
After-School Activities Program
A number of after school activities are available to students after 14:30 and are open to all students.
Students are expected to participate in a productive and cooperative manner. Repeated disciplinary
problems during after school activities will be referred to the school Principal and may result in the loss of
the student’s right to participate.
Parents are expected to follow registration procedures as outlined by the After-School Activities
Coordinator. Only students registered for specific activities will be allowed to participate. A nominal fee is
charged for each after school activity. Information on activities will be provided at the beginning of each
semester.
Eligibility Guidelines for Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are defined as those lying outside the regular curriculum for which a student’s
participation carries no academic credit. In some cases, such activities require a student to be absent
from regularly scheduled classes. Academic eligibility for any co-curricular activity is determined in
accordance with the following criteria:
1. Students are considered eligible to participate in co-curricular activities if their previous semester
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grades meet the following situations (including 4 quarter of previous year):
• GPA is at or above 2.0
• Student did not earn more than one failing grade in any subject; or
• Student did not earn more than one failing grade and two grades of D in any subject.
2. Students being monitored by the Academic Advisement and Assistance Program (AAAP) based on
quarter grades are eligible to participate in practices after school but not allowed to participate in
games, tournaments or other school-related activities both on and off campus. A student is placed on
AAAP for earning one or more grades below 60% (failing), three or more grades between 60% to
69% (“D” grade), or has a GPA below 2.0 (75%) during the previous quarter.
3. IB Diploma candidates need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to participate in co-curricular activities. The
approval of a student’s teachers is mandatory if the period of the activity coincides with a major IB
deadline for internal or external assessment.
4. The eligibility of students new to PASB will be determined at Progress Report time and/or via grade
checks by the coach or activity sponsor during the first marking period for the new student. Quarter
grades and GPA will be the indicators of eligibility. If a student is declared ineligible, the time period
will be from the first to the last day of the succeeding quarter.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Incomplete grades (I) will count as failing grades until such deficiencies have been removed.
If a student withdraws from a course, the grade recorded upon withdrawing will count towards
eligibility.
A student on behavior probation or who is placed on behavior probation at any point in the quarter is
declared ineligible.
A student serving an after-school detention may participate in a co-curricular activity as long as the
activity takes place after the assigned detention.
A student serving an in-school or out-of-school suspension is not eligible to participate in that day’s
activities or any other activities that fall before the next school day.
Class attendance is mandatory the day of and, in the event of a weekend activity, the day following
(Monday) any co-curricular activity. If the activity is at the end of a school day, students must attend
classes that day in order to participate in the activity.
Students may not miss any more school time than what has been organized by the school for cocurricular activities, i.e., students must attend school up to the time of departure for an event off
campus that involves a trip.
Students who miss class due to participation in any co-curricular activity must follow the procedure
for missing class as outlined under “Field Trips”.
Students are successfully completing adaptations, recuperations, credit make-up classes or
“dependencies”.
In addition to meeting academic expectations, participants in the interscholastic sports program must
meet certain other expectations relating to attendance, behavior etc. These expectations are provided to
students and parents in writing at the beginning of each activity. It is the responsibility of the student and
parent to review and sign these expectations. Students who fail to meet the indicated expectations for
participation will be declared ineligible. Students may also lose their privilege of participating due to
inappropriate conduct in school.
Students who miss class due to participation in any co-curricular or athletic activity are required to
complete all missed work. Please refer to the section in this handbook relating to absences (p. 6-7).
Interscholastic Athletics
Each semester, several middle and high school teams compete against other American and international
schools at tournaments around Brazil. In addition, our sports teams play against other local school teams
in the Salvador community and various intramural teams are formed and compete with each other
throughout the year. All interscholastic athletic activities are under the supervision of the Athletic Director.
Students wishing to participate in an athletic activity should be aware of, and committed to, the team's or
activity's expectations, practice schedule, travel arrangements, housing requirements, and established
rules and regulations. Written explanations of all such matters will be distributed by the Athletic Director to
all participants at the beginning of an activity or season. Students on Academic Probation are not allowed
to participate. Students in the AAAP program are allowed to attend practices but not compete in
games.
Model United Nations
All students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in our Model United Nations program. MUN is an
integral part of our curricular program at PASB as it fulfills many of our over-arching academic goals
including reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, critical thinking, cooperative learning, and global
citizenship. Each year, HS students are eligible to participate in SALMUN, a three-day MUN program
simulating the roles of international United Nations delegates in committees and the General Assembly.
Students may receive academic grades in their English and Social Studies classes for their participation.
In addition to our PASB SALMUN conference, high school students have the opportunity to participate in
additional MUN conferences including the Brazil MUN (BRAMUN) and THIMUN Latin America. There are
also other opportunities for students selected to chair committees to attend Leadership Training.
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Drama
Each year our Drama Department sponsors two plays, one per semester. One of the plays is generally a
musical production coordinated in conjunction with the Music Department. These plays are generally
open to students in all grade levels when appropriate and when allowed due to practice schedules.
The Drama Department also sponsors the PASBeatnik Café near the end of the school year. The event,
based on a “coffee house” theme is an opportunity for students and faculty to show their talents in an
“open-mic” forum, including singing, dancing, playing instruments, reading poetry, original oratory and
other bohemian talents.
Student Council (STUCO)
There is a separate Student Council for the middle school and high school to represent student issues
and to organize student events. Students are elected to STUCO at the beginning of each year. Students
must maintain good behavioral conduct and an academic average of 75% (2.0 GPA). Any student may
volunteer to help with STUCO projects. The middle and high school STUCO are each advised by a
faculty member who is selected by and collaborates with the Principal on all STUCO issues.
National Honor Societies (NHS and NJHS)
The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are organizations that
involve a select group of students with exemplary participation in the following areas: leadership,
service, scholarship and character. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible for NHS membership and
students in grades 7-9 are eligible for the NJHS membership. To be selected for NHS and NJHS
membership, one must demonstrate outstanding performance in all four areas (as well as citizenship for
NJHS members) and maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA / 87% academic average.
Community Service
The goals of PASB´s community service program are to encourage interaction with the local community,
develop inquiry and communication, and foster open-mindedness and reflection. Service should be an
opportunity for students to understand challenges in the community and help create solutions or action
plans that could achieve improvements. We encourage students to be creative and address needs
according to their individual interests, for example, education, health, animal rights or the environment as
well as Lar Harmonia. Service activities are intended to be real and purposeful with significant outcomes.
They should personally challenge our students to apply their skills in an environment different from their
own. It should involve planning, reviewing and reflecting on outcomes and personal learning. It is
expected that students will show respect for the dignity of others and develop empathy for those living
under different socio-economic conditions.
These objectives are consistent with the IB Program´s requirement of Creativity, Action and Service
(CAS). The IB program, which begins in the 2012-2013 school year, requires Diploma Candidates to be
active in community service. For this reason, we encourage all students in middle and high school to
seek out community service opportunities to develop interests and habits that will help them be
successful in the IB Program. PASB has both middle and high school community service clubs, guided by
teachers, in which students can develop their interests and plan action and service. IB Diploma
Candidates will keep CAS portfolios to record their activities, creativity and service as evidence that they
have fulfilled their IB requirements in this area. PASB has a Community Service Coordinator and
volunteer teachers to guide students with their individual plans.
Recycling
School-wide recycling efforts are organized by our Eco-Club, which is a student-led club and offered both
semesters.
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Fund Raising Activities
Fund raising events for various student organizations, classes, or teams must comply with the
expectations of the school, which includes appropriate behavior during the event and correct
administration of collected money.
At the end of the money-raising event, the faculty advisor will lock the money in a secure location and, as
soon as possible, turn the money over to the business manager to be credited to the organization that
collected the funds. If the PTA or another organizing body used fichas, the PTA will redeem the fichas to
the advisor, not the students.
Prior to any monies being withdrawn by a group or organization, written approval is needed from both the
faculty advisor and Principal. The request for funds must describe the purpose to which the money will
be spent. In no case can money collected on campus be used to sponsor any activity where alcohol is
served. This includes the twelfth grade graduation ceremony where champagne may be served and the
school administration has determined how senior class funds are used.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Honor Code
The school firmly believes that all members of the PASB community should deal with each other and the
world they encounter in a most understanding and tolerable manner. It is essential that, in order for this
communication to be effective, it must be honest. This creates trust which is a crucial component of any
human relationship. Fulfillment of the PASB Honor Code is a fundamental expectation for all PASB
community members, and failure to comply will result in severe disciplinary sanctions. Teachers at each
grade level will review with students at the beginning of each academic year the PASB Honor Code.
PASB HONOR CODE
I will be open and honest in all my words and actions.
I will expect all others to be honest with me.
I will show respect for all others.
My work is my own work.
PASB describes dishonesty as students instigating, being ready to, or engaging in any unauthorized
communication, written, spoken, or performed; and truth being hidden or contradicted. These acts
include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
Copying the work of others
•
Lying when asked a question
•
Not telling the entire truth when being questioned about it
•
Forging a signature
•
Bringing or using crib notes or cheat sheets to school
•
Plagiarism which includes taking passages, in whole or part, from the Internet or in
print without proper documentation
•
Possessing or using any unauthorized electronic device such as an iPod, cellular phone
or other device during a test or exam
•
Using any paper or portion of it to satisfy the requirements of more than one course
•
Displaying any disturbing act or behavior during an examination
•
Looking at another student’s work, talking, or gesticulating during an examination
•
Giving or receiving any unauthorized aid on work presented for evaluation
•
Not following instructions during a quiz or test
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Students and parents must commit to upholding the PASB Honor Code by completing the PASB ParentStudent Handbook Sign-Off (p.42 of this Handbook), and returning this page along with parental
signature, to the school.
Academic Honesty
Academic Honesty is the cornerstone of a learning community. Faculty, parents and administrators
subscribe to the ideal of academic honesty and students are held responsible for their work. Academic
Malpractice is unacceptable. It devalues the educational experience and its legitimacy not only for the
perpetrators but for the entire learning community.
As an International Baccalaureate World School, our Academic Honesty Regulations must reflect the
mission, vision and philosophy of the Pan American School, as well as the International Baccalaureate
Organization. The purpose of this document is to provide all components of the school community with a
clear understanding of the philosophy and uses of this regulation.
Philosophy of Academic Honesty
We encourage students to be:

Inquirers – who acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research

Knowledgeable – who explore concepts, ideas and issues and develop understanding across a
broad and balanced range of disciplines

Principled – who act with integrity and honesty, and take responsibility for their own actions

Open-minded – who are able to seek and evaluate an eclectic range of points of view

Risk takers – who have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies

Communicators – who understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively
in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication
PASB defines Academic Honesty as a set of values and skills that promotes personal integrity and good
practice in teaching, learning and assessment. Any student product submitted for evaluation must be an
“authentic piece of work”, which is defined as work based on a student’s own original ideas.
Academic Malpractice is defined as behavior not respecting the precepts of Academic Honesty.
Academic Malpractice includes but is not limited to:
1) Plagiarism - the representation of the ideas or work of another person as the student’s own.
When students use or refer to material other than their own thoughts or creations, whether in the
form of direct quotes or through paraphrasing, those sources must be fully acknowledged with the
appropriate notation and format.
2) Collusion - when students allow their work to be copied or when a student submits inauthentic
pieces of work.
3) Duplication of work - the presentation of the same work for different assessment components
without express permission by teachers.
4) Any behavior that gives a student an unfair advantage or that affects the results of another
student, for example cheating or disruptive behavior during a test. This category also includes
lying, forging signatures, possessing or using unauthorized electronic devices when instructed not
to use them.
Procedures for investigating Suspected Cases of Academic Malpractice
1. If a teacher suspects that a student has committed malpractice, the teacher will inform the
Secondary School Principal and provide evidence as well as inform the parents. Faculty and
administrators will respect the highly confidential nature of the allegation.
2. The Secondary School Principal will consult with the teacher and the student suspected of
Malpractice.
3. The Secondary School Principal is responsible for deciding whether Academic Malpractice was
committed and will, when necessary, assign consequences as outlined below. The Secondary
School Principal will communicate that decision to the student and parents in writing.
4. For any student guilty of Academic Malpractice, a written explanation of the event and any
relevant documents will be entered into the student’s school record. That document will remain in
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the student’s record the following school year and be purged thereafter. For example, a grade 9
plagiarism incident will be cleaned from the student´s record at the start of grade 11.
The consequences of Academic Malpractice in the secondary school may include the following:
st
1 Offense Student will be allowed to rewrite the work for up to 50% credit. In addition, the student will
be issued an in-school suspension to be served as soon as possible. While on suspension,
the student is allowed to complete class work and to complete assessments. Parents will
be notified of the following consequences for repeated offenses.
nd
2 Offense The student will receive zero credit for academic malpractice and will not be allowed to
rewrite the work for credit. Parents will be called in for a conference and the student will be
issued a two-day in-school suspension. While on suspension, the student is allowed to
complete classwork and to complete assessments.
rd
3 Offense The student will receive zero credit for academic malpractice. Parents will be notified that
the student will be sent home for a three-day out-of-school suspension with zero credit for
all work missed, including assessments.
A parent conference is required before the
student may return to classes.
th
4 Offense Recommendation is made to the Superintendent for a long-term suspension of the student
from school.
For Academic Malpractice on International Baccalaureate assessments, refer to the IB Response to
Malpractice document available on the PASB IB homepage.
Conventions for citing and acknowledging original authorship
MLA format will be used for all student work produced in English for Secondary School. ABNT format will
be used in Portuguese Literature. See appendix 1 and 2 for guidelines in using MLA text citations.
Intimidation, Hazing, Harassment and/or Fighting
Any act that interferes with the student’s mission to learn, the faculty’s mission to teach, or that hinders
the creation of an atmosphere conducive to learning, will be viewed with the utmost concern by the school
administration. Additionally, any behavior that intimidates, harasses, insults, bullies, humiliates or
demeans another human being is unacceptable within this school community as it is in society.
Infliction of physical or verbal abuse or violence, damaging or destroying the property of others, threats,
intimidation, sexual misconduct (coercion, exploitation or abuse) or behavior inside or outside the
community that violates propriety and adversely affects the well-being of an individual or the community
will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions as prescribed in this handbook, including possible
dismissal from school.
Specifically, PASB prohibits in all its programs discrimination against or harassment of any individual or
group based upon personal animosity or on such factors as age, gender, race, color, national origin,
religion, sexual orientation or handicap.
Dress Code
All Secondary School students in grades 6-11 are required to wear official school uniforms each school
day at PASB unless explicitly authorized by the principal. Approved school uniforms are available in the
PTA store.
The Secondary School uniform consists of the school-approved white or navy blue polo shirt and schoolapproved navy blue Bermuda shorts, Cargo shorts or long pants. All students must wear tennis shoes
(sneakers). Uniforms may not be altered or “decorated”.
The appropriate attire for Physical Education classes includes the school t-shirt, sport shorts and tennis
shoes (sneakers). Pre-approved sport shorts for both males and females are available from the PTA
store. Students are expected to change into their PE uniform for PE classes and not wear the PE uniform
at any other time of the school day.
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Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the buildings.
Exceptions to the above policy include the wearing of school-event shirts (t-shirts created for PASB sports
and PASB academic events) on Fridays. Any further exception to the dress code, including medical
excuses, must be approved in advance by the Principal before the start of the school day at 07:45.
Students who have a documented, approved medical reason for using footwear other than sneakers must
still wear tennis shoes (sneakers) on the non-injured foot.
On occasion, free dress days may be granted at the discretion and approval of the Principal. Free dress
must be consistent with the expectations as identified below for seniors. Any student wearing
inappropriate free dress will be considered out of uniform and may lose future free dress privileges.
Seniors are granted daily free dress as a senior privilege in return for their on-going contributions
to the school community. However, senior free dress does not extend to wearing casual clothing that is
not considered appropriate for school (see below). Senior boys may wear jeans, slacks or shorts that
meet the school design (Bermuda-style shorts or cargo shorts) and a collared shirt. “Jeans” includes blue
jeans in good condition (not faded, no holes or torn/unraveling cuffs and the like). Acceptability levels
remains with the Principal´s and staff’s interpretation. The shoes must be closed in front (casual shoes or
sneakers).
The following is the expected attire for senior girls:
Acceptable attire includes:
• Footwear must be closed - casual or “dress” shoes, clean tennis shoes (sneakers)
• Conservative length dress or skirt (no shorter than five (5) centimeters above the knee),
Bermuda-length shorts, jeans or slacks/pants/trousers
• Conservatively styled and fitting blouse or top
Unacceptable attire includes:
• Chinelos / flip-flops / Crocs / sandals with or without a back
• Gym or workout spandex type shorts
• Leggings without a covering top
• T-shirts / Low cut blouses / Tops with “spaghetti” straps / Tops which leave the midriff exposed
• Transparent or semi-transparent clothing that is revealing
• The “braless” look
• Clothing with inappropriate language or images
Teachers or other staff members who determine that a student has failed to comply with the dress code
will send the student to the Principal´s Office. Students will then remain under the supervision of the
Principal or his/her designee until appropriate apparel is arranged. If the student´s parents are not
available or able to send the appropriate uniform to school at the start of the school day, the student will
be required to purchase the appropriate school uniform at the PTA store. Students who chronically
break the dress code policy will be subject to the Community Responsibility Policy. Students not
admitted to class for non-compliance with the dress code are responsible for obtaining information about
missed work and assignments.
Senior free dress privileges may be rescinded if they are not exercised in an appropriate and responsible
manner or if the senior disregards his or her responsibilities as a leader and role model within the school
community.
Behavior off Campus
Students are to be aware that their behavior as members of the PASB school community should always
reflect the education and values supported at PASB. When involved in activities in representation of the
school off campus, they are to consistently demonstrate a mature and responsible behavior and realize
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they represent the school first and themselves second. Any behavior that might discredit the school’s
reputation will be subject to disciplinary action.
Use of English
English is the official language of instruction in all subjects except Brazilian Social Studies (History,
Geography, Philosophy, and Sociology), Spanish and Portuguese. The use of English inside the
classroom is mandatory. Students are also encouraged to use English outside the classroom although,
with the high percentage of Brazilian students in enrollment in the school, Portuguese is often times used
as the social language.
Use of English while outside the classroom serves to reinforce and help build English skills for all
students for whom English is their second language and for whom opportunities for English use outside of
the school campus are limited given the school’s setting being in Brazil.
Passes
Students are expected to remain in their classrooms during class time. Visits to the nurse, counselor or
library require an appropriate pass, signed by the teacher and nurse, counselor or librarian. Absence
from a scheduled class without an appropriate pass will be considered a serious offense.
Canteen Use
The canteen is open to students during regularly scheduled breaks, lunch, and from 14:30 to 15:30 PM.
Students may not purchase canteen items during class time or passing time and may not take food or
drinks into the school buildings. Students in grades 6 to 11 may not purchase soft drinks before 14:30.
Littering
Maintaining a clean and orderly campus is everyone’s responsibility. Trash should be placed in the
appropriate containers. Students who litter or who do not take responsibility for picking up after
themselves in the canteen area or other areas around school may lose certain school privileges and/or be
assigned to assist in cleaning up the canteen or other areas of the school.
Gum
Chewing gum is not allowed on campus.
USE OF TELEPHONES AND MOBILE PHONES
Office telephones are to be used by students only in the case of an emergency; otherwise, calls are only
allowed during break, lunch or before and after school. There are no “public phones” on campus.
The use of cellular phones is limited to the courtyard area near the front gate of the school before 7:40
a.m., during morning break, during lunch and after 14:30. Mobile phones must remain completely turned
off and stored away at all other times.
Use of Electronic Devices
Electronic devices such as beepers, electronic games, laser toys, walkmen, diskmen, MP3 players,
iPods, card games, etc. are considered an unnecessary distraction and are detrimental to the
teaching/learning environment. Their use is not permitted on campus. Teachers are permitted to
confiscate electronic devices and leave them in the office to be retrieved by the student at the end of the
school day.
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Teachers are permitted to collect any electronic device capable of storing, receiving and transmitting data
prior to a testing session.
A cellular phone or any electronic device that is confiscated by a teacher or administrator will only
be returned at the end of the school day. Upon the third violations, the cell phone or electronic
device will only be returned directly to the parent following a conference.
Money and Valuables
Students should not bring excessive amounts of money or items of great value to the school. PASB will
not be responsible for money or personal possessions lost or stolen on school grounds.
Appropriate Computer Use
Technology at PASB is a resource that helps to further the educational goals of the school and its
mission. PASB believes that technology serves as a dynamic tool for learning that optimizes productivity,
connectivity, collaboration, and creativity. Our goal in providing Internet access and digital devices to
students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating innovation, communication and collaboration.
In order to meet our goal, users are expected to abide by and model the Technology Acceptable Use
Policy. Abuse or improper use of school technology will result in the loss of privileges and/or disciplinary
actions. Students and parents must sign that they have read and understand these guidelines.
Use of School Facilities
Use of school facilities for any class or community event, i.e. school field, canteen, library, etc. may be
solicited by completing and submitting a request form. This form is available in the school’s main office.
Fees may be charged to cover incurred expenses. One week’s advance notice is required.
Smoking, Drug, and Other Substance Abuse
Smoking is not permitted at any time on campus, including the parking area in front of the school and the
van loading area in back of the school, or during school-sponsored events either on or off school grounds.
The possession of harmful, dangerous or illegal substances or items, alcohol or drug possession,
consumption or distribution on or near the PASB campus or during a field trip, class trip or any school
sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Offenders will be subject to serious disciplinary action as described
in our Community Responsibility Policy as well as the steps below:
1. If a student is suspected of involvement with drugs on campus or a school-related activity off
campus, s/he will be immediately placed in suspension with the Principal or chaperone in charge.
2. Upon further investigation and confirmation of possession of illegal drugs, parents will be notified
to pick up their child from school. If it is a school-related trip off campus, the student will be sent
home at the parent´s expense.
3. The student will be sent home for 10 days while the next steps are being considered.
4. If there is no confirmation that the student is in possession of illegal substances, a mandatory
meeting with the counselor will be scheduled.
Off-Limit Areas
In order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment, certain areas of campus are considered
off limit: at all times, the area immediately behind the middle/high school building as well as both the preprimary and primary playgrounds; hallways near classrooms which are in use during lunch time; and
those areas (playing fields/gymnasium) which are in use during Physical Education classes.
30
Parties
Birthday parties are not permitted in school. Class parties for any reason must have the prior approval of
the Principal.
Public Display of Affection
Public display of affection such as kissing, prolonged embraces, etc. are considered inappropriate in a
school environment.
Lost and Found
Items left in the hallways and other areas of the school campus are stored in the “lost and found” box
located near the elementary classrooms. The lost and found box is open each day during middle and high
school lunch periods.
Student Driving
In order for students to drive cars to school and park in the external school lot, the following regulations
must be met:
• Written authorization from parents must be presented to the school administration;
• Students must prove their eligibility to drive by providing an official copy of their driver's license;
• If another student is to ride in the car as a passenger, written authorization must be provided from
parents of both the driver and the passenger.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY and DISCIPLINE POLICIES
The Pan American School of Bahia shares with parents a commitment to develop positive values and
character traits in its students. The PASB Core Values are: Kindness, Integrity, Respect, Leadership,
Responsible Stewardship, and Collaboration. It is the intent of the School Board and Administration of
PASB to promote a sense of community responsibility among students, parents, faculty and staff of the
school; to develop social, civic, and leadership skills in all students; to encourage respect for the rights
and property of others; and to foster an appropriate educational environment in which all members of the
community are treated with respect. Behavior that is disruptive or disrespectful toward students, faculty,
staff or administration will not be tolerated.
In order for optimum teaching and learning to take place it is necessary to provide a safe, supportive, and
constructive educational environment. Our community responsibility standards and expectations have
been jointly developed by the PASB teaching staff, students and administration. They are based on the
philosophy and principle that part of our responsibility as a school is to educate young people to make
careful, thoughtful decisions and to help students understand how their decisions affect their own learning
and development as well as others around them.
At the beginning of each school year students will have the opportunity to review and discuss our
community responsibility standards and expectations which are published in their student agendas. In
addition, our Parent-Student Handbook will be made available on the PASB website as well as hard
copies in the respective offices.
The following policies and procedures play an integral part in the process of educating our students to
participate as constructive members of a productive and harmonious school community. Their purpose is
to promote an optimum learning environment by informing parents and students about community
responsibilities at PASB. Ultimately, the goal is to educate students to take responsibility for their own
actions and decisions, be self-disciplined regarding their role in our school community, and self-reflective
about their responsibilities to themselves and their school community.
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Community Responsibility Processes
The first step in the process of developing community responsibility within students who have shown
disregard for the school community is teacher-student and parent-student communication. Teachers are
responsible for clearly communicating to and clarifying for students the behavioral expectations
established by the school. Parents are responsible for reading and discussing with their sons/daughters
the Parent-Student Handbook (available on the PASB website and as hard copies in the office),
including this Community Responsibility Policy. Teachers and parents share a further responsibility to
serve as positive role models.
Students are responsible for reading the student handbook and class rules and for asking teachers and/or
the administration to clarify any information that they do not understand. They have a further responsibility
to conduct themselves appropriately as positive and constructive members of our school community.
Hierarchy of Discipline for Behavior
The Secondary School will follow the general steps listed below in dealing with discipline:
1. Verbal warnings (up to two) for behavior issues.
2. One hour of Student Responsibility Conference (SRC) with letter to parent (signature returned).
3. Second hour of SRC with letter to parent (signature returned) or parent meeting with principal.
4. In-school suspension and letter to parent (signature returned) or parent meeting with principal.
5. Second in-school suspension and mandatory parent meeting with principal.
6. Out-of-school suspension with mandatory parent meeting prior to student return to school.
7. Additional out-of-school suspension for up to five days and mandatory parent meeting.
8. Recommendation for long-term suspension to the Superintendent.
Bullying / Cyber-Bullying
Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean, hurtful or aggressive things to
another person who has a hard time defending him or herself.
Cyber-bullying is when a student is harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or threatened using electronic
communications. This can be done using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, computer or
mobile phones and can take many forms including instant messages, email, blog posts, apps and
websites such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Snapchat.
Inappropriate and Unacceptable Behaviors
Inappropriate student decisions and actions are generally identified in the four categories detailed below.
When an incident cannot easily be confined within one of the established categories as indicated or when
there are extenuating circumstances in individual cases, the Principal will make a final determination as to
the categorization. These categories include, but are not limited to:
Category 0: Minor behavioral issues, either in the classroom, or in the school at large. This includes
tardiness to classes.
Category 1 : General lack of respect or failure to meet community responsibilities including: rudeness,
disruptive behavior, inappropriate (disrespectful) behavior towards members of the school community,
continued tardiness, verbal aggression and teasing, disobedience, verbal dishonesty/misrepresentation of
the truth, inappropriate language, inappropriate use of mobile phones or electronic devices, dress code
violations, missing a teacher or administrator assigned conference or meeting, gum-chewing, littering,
and non-compliance with basic school rules.
Category 2: Situations of disrespect or lack of community responsibility of a more serious nature
including: accumulated category 1 infractions, chronic tardiness, defiance, physical aggression, fighting,
academic dishonesty, inappropriate use of school technology, truancy, leaving school grounds without
permission, stealing, removing personal items from desks, classrooms, lockers, bags, backpacks, etc.
32
without the owner’s knowledge and/or permission, theft, possession of property reported as missing,
possessing or accessing graphic or pornographic materials or other inappropriate materials, participation
in games or pranks which involve the taking and/or hiding of personal or school property, destruction or
defacement of personal or school property, smoking on campus or during school sponsored events,
forging and/or delivering forged school-related documents, bullying or harassment of any nature, and
behavior that might be a discredit to the school’s reputation.
Category 3: Accumulated category 1 or 2 infractions, possession of harmful, dangerous and/or illegal
items or substances, possession, use and/or sale of drugs, alcohol or weapons on school grounds or at
school sponsored functions, physical aggression toward school administrative, instructional and/or
support staff.
Behavioral Consequences Rubric
When students fail to be responsible or respectful of community members and/or carry out
Inappropriate/Unacceptable Behavior in one of the above categories, the student will receive the
consequences detailed in the Behavioral Consequences Rubric, detailed below. These processes have
been designed to help guide students toward understanding their responsibilities to themselves and the
school community, while also setting set clear boundaries and consequences for acceptable conduct.
Behavior
1st offense
2nd offense
Teacher manages classroom /
Verbal warning
Teacher manages classroom /
Verbal warning
Student calls parent +
Teacher-student conference
Student calls parent +
SRC at lunch or after school +
Written referral to principal
Student calls parent +
3 SRCs lunches +
Loss of privileges (see below) +
Student-Principal Conference +
Documented in student file
Student calls parent +
In School Suspension +
Parent-Principal Conference +
Documented in student file
Out-of-School Suspension +
Parent-Principal Conference +
Documented in student file
Extended Out-of-School
Suspension +
Disciplinary Probation +
Principal-Parent Conference prior
to student return to school +
Documented in student file
3rd offense
Category 0
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Recommend NonMatriculation /
Expulsion +
Documented in
student file
Application of Disciplinary Consequences
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to obtain information related to in-class activities or work
assignments missed due to absences from class.
Student Responsibility Conferences
Students who make decisions or take actions that exhibit a lack of respect toward their school community
may be assigned a conference with their teacher(s), counselor, parent, Principal, or the Principal’s
designee. Student responsibility conferences may be assigned during lunch or between the hours of
14:30 and 16:30 PM. It is the student’s responsibility to inform a parent that they have been assigned an
after-school conference. Students must arrive promptly or they may be re-assigned one or more
additional conferences. During the conference, students will have an opportunity to explore, with the
teacher, counselor, or Principal, alternative decisions and/or actions to those they have chosen. Failure to
33
attend an assigned responsibility conference will be considered truancy. Any student assigned an afterschool conference may not participate in any after-school activity, including pre-arranged games or
tournaments for that day. Students may not change dates or times of responsibility conferences in
order to accommodate either in-school or out-of-school activities.
SRCs may be assigned for tardiness, dress code violations, habitual disruptive behavior, cutting class
and other offenses at the discretion of the administration. Generally students are assigned an SRC prior
to receiving more serious consequences such as suspensions. Parents will be notified in writing of all
suspensions and a parent conference will be scheduled before the child is allowed to return to class.
1. After school SRC begins promptly 5 minutes after the dismissal bell from school. Students are to be
in the SRC room and seated by that time. The supervising teacher will be the sole judge as to
whether a student is tardy to the SRC room.
2. Tardiness to SRC will result in an additional period of SRC.
3. There will be no talking, eating, drinking, gum chewing, listening to music, sleeping or moving around
the room while serving SRC. Students must do their homework or an in-class essay will be assigned.
4. Dismissal will be by the supervising teacher 60 minutes after SRC begins.
5. A student who has earned four (4) hours of SRC will be issued an in-school suspension. A student
assigned a second in-school suspension will be assigned an out-of-school suspension for a minimum
of one day. A student will not be allowed to make up quizzes, tests, or exams missed during an outof-school suspension.
6. Students who are assigned an after-school SRC will not be allowed to attend athletic practices,
games or other co-curricular activities if they conflict with the detention.
Loss of Privileges
Student’s school privileges may be restricted as a result of decisions or actions taken by the student
exhibiting a lack of respect to their school community responsibilities, as determined by the Principal
based upon the nature of the situation. The privileges which may be restricted include, but are not limited
to: access to parts of the school campus (hallways, sports fields, computer lab, library, canteen, etc.), free
break or lunch recesses, free dress, attendance at school events, participation in sports teams, sporting
events and field trips, and membership in school organizations such as STUCO and the National Honor
Society.
In-school Suspension
In-school suspension is assigned for serious situations of disrespect toward the school community,
indicated in Category 2. The date and class periods of the suspension will be set by the Principal.
Parents may be required to meet with the Principal before the date of the in-school suspension.
The student must report to the Principal at the start of the school day and will remain under the
supervision of the Principal or his designees for the suspension periods as determined by the Principal.
Students under in-school suspension will not attend regular classes.
The student is expected to
complete all assignments submitted by teachers for that day. Academic credit will be awarded based
upon the quality of work produced during the day; the student will retain the right to recover any
examinations or projects missed during the in-school suspension. Students may not change the date
of the in-school suspension or participate in after-school activities on the day of the suspension.
Out-of-School Suspension
Out-of-school suspension is assigned for extremely serious situations of disrespect toward the school
community, indicated in Category 2 or 3. During an out-of school suspension the student is not permitted
to enter the school campus or to participate in off-campus school related activities such as athletic
contests, tournaments, trips, etc. Suspended students may not recover missed work. The date(s) of the
out-of-school suspension will be determined by the Principal. A parent must conference with the
Principal and their student prior to the student’s readmission to classes after a suspension.
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Disciplinary Probation and Conditional Matriculation
A student who makes decisions and/or takes actions that are extremely disrespectful or exhibits a pattern
of disrespect to their school community responsibilities may be placed on probationary status for
continued enrollment at PASB. The Principal will review the student’s behavioral record with the student
and his/her parents in a probationary conference and present a Letter of Conditional Matriculation to the
family indicating the student’s probationary status as a member of the PASB school community. This
probationary status may include the possibility of non-matriculation to PASB for the following school year
and/or the possibility of the immediate expulsion of the student for the remainder of the current school
year depending upon the student’s further disciplinary (and/or academic) record.
Behavior Probation
Students involved in major rules infractions or consistently in violation of school expectations may be
placed on Behavior Probation. This means that the student may be prohibited from participating in cocurricular activities. Probationary status will be determined on a semester basis. Students and parents
will be informed in writing and through conferences of the terms and reasons for the probation. Students
failing to show the necessary improvements may be subject to more severe discipline including
cancellation of matriculation.
Non-Matriculation or Expulsion
Non-matriculation is defined as withdrawal of the school’s offer to accept registration of a student during
any given academic year. Expulsion is defined as the permanent removal of a student from the Pan
American School of Bahia. Non-matriculation or expulsion may be the result of a single infraction as
indicated above in Category 3 or an accumulation of decisions or actions exhibiting a lack of respect
toward their school community responsibilities during a single or successive academic school year(s).
The Administrative Council will render decisions regarding non-matriculation or expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy
University Applications
In most cases, applications to colleges and universities include a question asking if a student has ever
been suspended from school during grades 9 to 12. The main concern involves an out-of-school
suspension and the reason for the suspension. Students are given the opportunity to explain the situation
and note that some schools will contact the high school to confirm if the student response is what is on
file with the school. We expect the student to explain the matter on the college application and we will
reveal what is in our records when asked. If a PASB student was not asked to leave the school, students
have earned our full and unconditional support.
Class Council
The Class Council consists of appropriate representatives of the school Administration, including the
Principal, and those teachers with whom the student has classes. The purpose of the Class Council is to
serve as a further resource in identifying strategies which might serve to help a student understand the
impact of their decisions/actions on the school community, assist them in identifying alternative decisions
or actions, and/or to recommend further school actions in response to the situation
External Documentation
External documentation means that a student’s disciplinary history for any given academic year may be
presented to the conselho tutelar and/or ministerio publico-promotoria da infancia e da juventude or other
appropriate agency in an effort to receive guidance.
Appeal and Grievance Procedures
Students who believe academic or disciplinary measures have not been applied appropriately have the
right to appeal such decisions. After first having tried to solve the problem directly with the other party
involved (such as another student or teacher), students who wish to appeal academic or disciplinary
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measures or have a grievance against another member of the school community have the right and
responsibility to the following procedures:
• Request a private meeting with the Principal;
• Request a meeting with their parents and the Principal;
• Submit a written appeal or grievance letter addressed to the school Superintendent and request a
meeting with their parents and the school Superintendent.
If a student is refused re-matriculation or expelled from school and the parent(s) believes due process of
rights and/or Board Policy has been violated, the student may appeal the Superintendent´s action in
writing. This appeal should occur within 2 days of notification of non-re-matriculation or expulsion, should
be addressed to the Board of Trustees of the Pan American School of Bahia and should include any
previously undisclosed relevant information or extenuating circumstances. Upon reviewing all pertinent
information the Board of Trustees will render a final decision upholding, revoking or modifying the
disciplinary action.
The overall philosophy of the PASB secondary educational program is to assist and support students in
displaying positive self-discipline. Students are expected to conduct themselves in responsible,
respectful, and honest ways at all times. We believe that any disciplinary action must be preceded by
clear and gentle communication and implemented in a fair, firm, and consistent manner.
The collaborative role of school and parents is critical to any child’s successful learning and becoming a
contributing and respected member of their school environment and the greater community.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us to apply the rules and policies in this ParentStudent Handbook.
And lastly, please review the final pages of this handbook and complete the sign-off page / releasing form
in order for our files to be updated and complete.
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Dear Parents of Prospective IB Students:
As the Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, I encourage all parents
to consider this comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory program servicing 11th and 12th
grade student. This is an exciting educational opportunity for our children and it takes our school
to an even higher level of academic excellence.
For those of you unfamiliar with International Baccalaureate, it was created in the late 1960´s
and has since become the preeminent university preparatory program in the world. I.B. diploma
candidates concentrate on six areas: a student´s native language, a second language, social
studies, experimental science, math and the arts. Additional components include the Theory of
Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service).
The I.B. program balances the opportunity of academic specialization with the ideals of an
eclectic liberal arts education. Also, the program is flexible to reflect the interests and needs of
individual students while the emphasis on concurrency of learning ensures interdisciplinary
connections that enrich the educational experience. Moreover, the community service and
extracurricular activities required by the CAS help students integrate their intellectual and
emotional development while increasing their global awareness.
The Pan American School of Bahia and the International Baccalaureate Organization share
crucial core values which makes the program a perfect fit for our school. Our mission statement
commits us to inspire students to become life-long learners and responsible global citizens while
equipping students with the skills and passion to reach their full potential. The International
Baccalaureate program is predicated upon similar values.
Informational meetings are offered during the first semester of each school year and are open to
all parents interested in learning more about the I.B. Diploma program. In the meantime, if you
have any questions, please don´t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
I look forward to working with all of you.
Douglas Smith
Douglas R Smith, IB Coordinator
For further information about the I.B. and its programmes, visit: www.ibo.org
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Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Pan American School of Bahia believes that Information Technology is a tool to prepare our students to
face challenges as confident, principle global citizens. These tools for learning promote productivity,
connectivity, collaboration and creativity. Our goal in providing Internet access and digital devices is to
promote educational excellence by facilitating innovation, communication, and collaboration.
Each user is responsible for his/her own use and should treat and use technology responsibly and
appropriately.
Please understand that communication systems and use of the School’s networks should not be
considered confidential and may be monitored by the School at any time to ensure reliability, integrity,
security, and appropriate use. Use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software, torrent downloads, and
any other application that can be used to download illegal content and/or jeopardize Internet access for all
members of the PASB community is unacceptable.
A strong respect for the principles of digital citizenship is essential for us to live our mission at PASB.
Use of the PASB Network is a privilege, not a right.
Students may use digital devices in supervised areas including classrooms and the library.
Respect Yourself
I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate. I will
consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my
life, experiences, experimentation, or relationships I post and the impact that will have on me in the future.
I will refrain from using technology that is not relevant to my PASB studies. I will not use offensive,
obscene, or harassing language in any of my electronic work or communications.
Respect Others
I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to flame, bully, harass, or stalk other
people. I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites. I will not visit inappropriate sites. I
will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people’s private spaces or areas.
Respect Intellectual Property
I will make sure I have permission and I will properly cite the creator of the original work any time I use
media from any source. I will use and abide by the fair use rules.
Respect Property
I will respect the property of others including school IT property such as networks, hardware, software, or
other user’s files and data. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation, uploading, or downloading of
computer viruses or other malicious software, pornographic or inappropriate material. I will abuse
bandwidth through the likes of peer-to-peer file sharing and multiplayer online gaming. I will respect the
physical and/or intellectual property (music, art, words, images, etc…) of others by not pretending that
they are mine.
Protect Yourself
I will ensure that the information, images, and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not
publish my personal details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or
inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources. I will find a
healthy balance between online and offline activity.
Protect Others
I will protect others by not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications, spam, or junk mail and
will not visit inappropriate sites. I will protect others by reporting abuse.
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Protect Intellectual Property
I will only use software and media others produce with their permission. I will use free and open source
alternatives rather than pirating software OR I will purchase, license, and register all software. I will
purchase my music and media, and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their licenses.
I will act with integrity.
Protect Property
I will follow all SAS Laptop Use Guidelines so that I am prepared to learn every day. This includes, but is
not limited to, coming to school with a fully charged battery, carrying my laptop in the school approved
case, not leaving my laptop unattended, and backing up my data on a regular basis.
CONSEQUENCES:
Deliberate attempts to violate PASB's Acceptable Use Policy, compromise, degrade or disrupt system
performance may result in the following consequences: Verbal warning, Restricted use of technology,
Detention, Suspension, Report to police, Expulsion.
PASB Student Internet and Email Policy
Authorized Use
PASB’s Internet connection is intended primarily for educational use. That means we expect you to use
your Internet access primarily for education-related purposes, i.e. to communicate with teachers and
other students, to research relevant topics, and to obtain useful information. The following are specific
provisions regarding authorized use of PASB’s Internet connection:
• Users may use the organization’s Internet services for personal improvement provided that such
use is consistent with professional and educational conduct.
• Internet use should be restricted to sites and materials such as news or information that might be
considered reasonable if read as a text publication in a classroom or library environment.
User accountability:
Users are responsible for their Internet use and are accountable for honoring acceptable use policies of
networks accessed through the organization’s Internet services.
Privacy and monitoring:
PASB has software and systems in place to monitor and record all Internet usage. Our security systems
are capable of recording each website, email, and instant message into and out of our internal networks.
We reserve the right to do so at any time. No student should have any expectation of privacy as to their
Internet usage. We reserve the right to inspect any and all files stored on our network in order to assure
compliance with this policy.
Accidental/unintended violations:
PASB does use independently-supplied software and hardware that provides data to identify
inappropriate or sexually-explicit Internet sites. We may block access from within our networks to all such
sites. If you find yourself connected accidentally to a site that contains sexually explicit or offensive
material, you must disconnect from that site immediately, regardless of whether that site had been
previously deemed acceptable by any screening or rating program. A user who accidentally accesses a
prohibited site is encouraged to report the incident to the school’s IT Department without the threat of
incurring a violation penalty.
Violation penalties:
Violations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that a user has violated one or
more use regulations, that user will receive a reprimand from the principal’s and/or their future Internet
use will be closely monitored. If a gross violation has occurred, the principal will take immediate action.
Such action may result in losing Internet privileges or other discipline as outlined in the Student
Handbook.
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Witnessed Violations:
Any person who suspects or knows of violations to this policy or law should report it directly to the
principal or IT department.
The following provisions reflect issues concerning the application of the above Email Policies.
School Property:
• Email services are extended for the sole use of school faculty, staff, students and other
appropriately authorized users to accomplish tasks related to and consistent with the school's
mission.
• PASB email address and account is assigned by the school to the individual, it is the property of
the school.
Authorized Service Restrictions:
• Email users are required to comply with school policies and normal standards of professional and
personal courtesy and conduct.
• Access to school email services is a privilege that may be wholly or partially restricted by the
school without prior notice and without the consent of the email user:
o when required by and consistent with applicable law or policy;
o when there is a reasonable suspicion that violations of policy or law have occurred or
may occur;
o when required to meet time-dependent, critical operational needs.
Misuse:
• Using email for illegal activities is strictly prohibited.
• School email services may not be used for commercial activities not approved by the appropriate
supervisory school personnel consistent with applicable policy.
• Applicable school policies include, but are not limited to, those policies and guidelines regarding
personnel, intellectual property, or those regarding sexual or other forms of harassment.
• Email users shall not give the impression that they are representing, giving opinions, or otherwise
making statements on behalf of the school unless expressly authorized to do so.
Personal Use:
School email services may be used for incidental personal purposes provided that such use does not:
• directly or indirectly interfere with the School operation of computing facilities or email services;
• interfere with the email users' obligations to the school; and
• violate this Policy, or any other applicable policy or law, including but not limited to use for
personal gain, conflict of interest or commitment, harassment, defamation, copyright violation or
illegal activities.
Confidentiality:
The confidentiality of email cannot be assured. Users, therefore, should exercise extreme caution in using
email to communicate confidential or sensitive matters, and should not assume that their email is private
or confidential.
Security and Preservation:
• Email to users and operators must follow sound professional practices in providing for the
security of email records, data, applications programs, and systems programs under their
jurisdiction.
• Users are responsible for safeguarding their passwords, and for using them only as authorized.
Academic Honesty:
Users must respect the intellectual property of others and adhere to school standards of academic
honesty. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, accessing or using the files of
others without their permission, altering or destroying their files or messages, plagiarizing information
accessible electronically, or using copyrighted software in violation of the copyright agreement.
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System Disruption:
Users must not intentionally disrupt the campus electronic communication systems or obstruct the work of
other users by interfering with the accounts of others or knowingly consuming inordinately large amounts
of system resources or in any other way. Users may not alter system software or hardware configurations
without authorization.
Unacceptable Use:
Users shall not use PASB’s Internet or email services to view, download, save, receive, or send material
related to the following (whether from a school or personal computing device):
• Threatening or harassing messages, including such that is currently defined as “cyber-bullying”
• Personal, political or religious purposes
• Offensive content of any kind, including pornographic, sexually explicit, obscene, or otherwise
inappropriate materials
• Propagate a virus, worm, Trojan horse, or trap-door program code.
• Disable or overload any computer system or network.
• Circumvent any system intended to protect the privacy or security of another user.
• Promote discrimination on the basis of race, gender, creed, national origin, age, marital status, or
disability.
• Log in through another person’s account or attempt to access another user’s password or files
• Visiting websites that promote threatening or violent behavior.
• Distributing commercial messages.
• Engage in commercial activities or activities for personal financial gain except as permitted under
applicable academic policies or approved by the appropriate authority.
• Gambling web sites.
• Hosting of ‘game servers’ for online or network gaming.
• Students are specifically prohibited from using or accessing non PASB email accounts during the
regular school day.
• Using the Internet for illegal activities including the illegal downloading of music, movies,
or other copyrighted materials.
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PASB Release Forms
Name of Student: ______________________________________________Grade: ________
(Please Print )
Photo/Video Release for Student
I hereby grant the Pan American School of Bahia the absolute right and permission, to use my
son’s / daughter’s photograph(s) or video(s) in its promotional materials and publicity efforts. I
understand that the photograph(s) or video(s) may be used in a publication, print ad, direct-mail
piece, electronic media (e.g., video, CD-ROM, Internet, World Wide Web), or other form of
promotion. I release PASB, the photographer/videographer, their offices, employees, agents
and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right I may have in
connection with such use.
I agree: 
I disagree: 
Student Artwork/Photography Release
Any (PASB) student who takes photographs as part of their job, or any outside agent who takes
pictures of the campus, students or any school related activity or event cannot claim
photographer rights of the resultant images unless proscribed expressly, in writing, by the
Superintendent.
I hereby grant PASB, and all those acting with its permission and authority, the absolute right
and permission, and without any compensation now or in the future, to use photograph(s),
publish, republish, print, reproduce, copyright, or otherwise use any photographic portrait,
pictures or images my son and/or daughter photographed, created or own, or composite,
illustration or distortion, without restriction as to changes or alterations, made through any
medium or form, for promotion, advertising, trade or for any other purpose; all of which may be
done without any prior inspection or approval by me. All such pictures, photographs, portraits or
images, shall be and remain the property of PASB and its successors and assigns.
I hereby release and discharge PASB and its successors, assigns and all those acting with its
authority or permission from any claim of liability by me, relating to any such use, publication,
duplication, printing, reproduction, copyright, printing or other use of my photographic portrait,
picture or image as described hereinabove, whether arising now or in the future.
I agree: 
I disagree: 
Technology Acceptable Use Policy
I have read the “Pan American School of Bahia Technology Acceptable Use Policy” and
understand the contents. I agree to abide by the guidelines and regulations contained therein.
Student Signature:______________________________________________Date: _________
As the parent/guardian of this student, I have read, understood and accept the “Pan American
School of Bahia Technology Acceptable Use Policy”. I understand that the school will
monitor students’ use of the Internet. I also recognize it is impossible to restrict access to all
controversial materials and I will not hold the school responsible for materials acquired on the
network.
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________Date: _________
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Standardized Testing Release
In order to improve and maintain the quality of education provided by PASB, I understand that
the school needs to measure, record, gather, preserve, and transfer to others Student personal
data, including sensitive data as well as educational and testing results.
Personal data, including sensitive data, may include any of the following:
• Name of Student
• Student identification number (not a social security number)
• Date of birth
• Ethnic background
• Gender
• School attended
• Information related to testing, including scale scores, percentile, etc.
I understand that PASB may arrange for an educational testing and assessment consultant to
assist the school in the school's assessment and evaluation of student learning. This is limited
to the collection, processing and transfer to selected organizations outside the European
Economic Area, including the US, even where the country or territory in questions does not
maintain adequate data protection standards, of the data listed above. The consultant's
processing may include but is not limited to the production of reports comparing various student
performances in relation to groups of students with similar or different characteristics. Student's
personal data, including sensitive data, may be disclosed to organizations based in the US for
the purposes of conducting educational research. When data is de-identified, the student's
name or identification number is removed from any record that is provided to a third party for
educational research, eliminating all tracing back to the student.
I understand the above, and I give this Informed Consent voluntarily until terminated by me in
writing at my sole discretion and delivered to the Pan American School of Bahia.
I agree: 
I disagree: 
Name of Parent: ______________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Parent's Signature for above releases: ____________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________Country: ________________ Zip (CAP): ___________
Home Telephone: ________________
Date: __________________________
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PASB Parent-Student Handbook Sign-Off
We have read the PASB Parent-Student Handbook and the philosophy and mission of the school. We
agree to support the school and to abide by school regulations.
More specifically:
Parents agree to give their support to the mission, programs and good governance of the school and to
uphold and promote the school’s good name and reputation in the community. They agree to encourage
good study habits and the completion of homework; they will send students to school dressed
appropriately and support and reinforce school rules with their children. They will communicate directly
and positively with faculty, staff and administration.
Students agree to follow the regulations and rules of the school, to strive to work to their capacity in their
classes, to treat everyone on the campus with respect and to take advantage of the educational
opportunities available at PASB.
Students will be disciplined for violations of the school rules and placed on academic probation for
maintaining minimum academic standards. Parents will also be asked to meet with the administration if
their children are unable or unwilling to benefit from the educational programs at PASB. Parents are held
accountable with the paragraphs above and expected to treat faculty, administration and staff in a
reasonable and respectful manner. The Head of School reserves the right to deny continued attendance
to any student whose parents do not comply with this condition.
Signatures and Updates for Communication:
Date: ___________________Grade of student: _____
(Duplicate page for each additional child)
Student’s Name (please print): ___________________________________________________
Passport # of Student: ____________________Nationality:_____________________________
Parent’s Name (please print): ____________________________________________________
Home address: _______________________________________________________________
Parent’s Email (primary contact): ________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Parent’s Cell phone (for emergency contact):
Mother: _____________________________ Father: _____________________________
In the event the parent cannot be contacted, the following person is an approved guardian by the parent:
Name: ____________________________Phone #: __________________________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED PAGE TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Updated August 22, 2014
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