I. COLEGIO MAYA OVERVIEW

A. Colegio Maya Philosophy and Mission Statement

Colegio Maya intends to provide an excellent educational opportunity, based on a U.S. curriculum, primarily for the international community in Guatemala, regardless of race, nationality or creed. Colegio Maya shall offer a program of studies to prepare for success in the U.S. university system. Recognizing the transient nature of the student body, the curriculum should enable students to transfer between the Colegio Maya and other U.S. international and Guatemalan schools, insofar as equivalency requirements do not conflict with U.S. curriculum standards. Colegio Maya shall endeavor to provide a program that maintains, and benefits from, the international diversity of the community. Colegio Maya is committed to the development of the whole individual and is dedicated to forstering students' intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth to prepare them to become good citizens and productive members of society. (Policy Manual, 1.20: School Philosophy, Mission, and Beliefs)

B. Colegio Maya Graduate Profile

The Colegio Maya educational program is designed to nurture a graduate who:

• Is competent in the application of the skills of communication-reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English.
• Demonstrates competency in quantitative, scientific, and technological literacy.
• Demonstrates competency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending Spanish at appropriate level.
• Is able to find and access information efficiently and effectively.
• Evaluates information critically and competently.
• Uses information accurately, creatively, and responsibly.
• Exhibits and practices sensitivity to environmental preservation.
• Demonstrates the ability to solve problems and think critically.
• Demonstrates an understanding of history and its relationship to the world today.
• Understands and values the skills of participating in a democratic society.
• Understands wellness and its implications for a healthy lifestyle.
• Expresses herself/himself creatively and responds with sensitivity to the creative work of others.
• Understands the personal rewards of community service.
• Can live successfully in a multicultural, global society by exercising tolerance, understanding, and open-mindedness.
• Sustains and enhances self-esteem through the demonstration of integrity, responsibility, and self-knowledge.
• Demonstrates an active desire for learning and understanding the world.
  

II. ADMISSIONS

A. Admission & Grade Placement

Students are usually placed in the grade which follows next in sequence from their previous schooling. The U.S. educational system consists of one year of kindergarten (at age five) and a total of five years of elementary (grades 1-5) and seven years of secondary (grades 6-12) education.

• Students entering Maya are enrolled as full-time students. Maya does not offer part-time, partial, or correspondence programs.
• Students admitted to Maya who have no previous school records will be enrolled on an audit basis pending receipt of previous school records.
• Students admitted to Maya when there are fewer than 20 days left in a semester and who have current grades from a previous school, may receive Maya course credit if they obtain a minimum of a passing grade as the result of an equal weighting of their previous grades and the Maya semester exam grade.
• Students with limited English ability and/or who are transferring from schools with a calendar year that is different from Maya's, will not be admitted after March 1 of any academic year.
• Students who enter from schools with a U.S. curriculum or other schools with the same calendar will be placed on the basis of past school records, number of years in school, age, and other factors deemed relevant by the administration and the professional staff.
• Students transferring from schools with a different academic calendar who enter during the second semester and have completed a grade level in their previous school, will be placed in the same grade level they completed.
• Other decisions regarding placement will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Students with limited ability in English, acceptance will be in accordance with the admission's policy concerning English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).
• A student with a below average academic record may be admitted on an academic probation status.
• The school does not generally accelerate high-achieving students.

Testing and other appropriate means are used to ensure that students are placed properly. The school has the absolute discretion at all times to determine the proper placement for new students.

B. Transfer Students - Students entering Colegio Maya in grades 6, 7, or 8 will be permitted to transfer academic coursework for each year they have completed.

C. Withdrawal - Students who withdraw at any time must complete a clearance form before school records and transcripts can be released. This form may be obtained in the secondary office. If a student withdraws from Maya before the end of a semester, only a "progress grade" (to date) can be given. Course credit will not be granted for the semester.

III. ATTENDANCE

A. Absences - There is a direct correlation between class attendance and academic performance, and it is important that students make every effort to attend school on a regular basis.

Students who frequently miss class time jeopardize their learning and consequently the ability of the school to evaluate their work and/or grant credit for work done. In addition, at the high school level, a comprehensive final examination is an integral part of the learning process and will be scheduled during the last three days of each semester. Students must be present for these examinations.

Attendance is recorded daily and students may not miss more than 6 days in a semester and/or 6 sessions of any one class. More than 6 absences (excused or unexcused) in any course will result in loss of course credit for the semester. Any unexcused tardiness is counted as an absence.

Participation in school-sponsored activities that involves missing school, such as AASCA events or field trips, will not be included in the 6 maximum allowable absences during a semester. The student will be allowed to make up missed work and assignments for credit.

Valid reasons for excused absences include illness, family emergencies, religious observances, and college interviews. Absences for any other reason will be judged on a case-by-case basis as to whether or not they will be considered as excused or unexcused. Teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work for a student after an unexcused absence.

Parents are expected to contact the school by telephone on the day of their son's/daughter's absence from school. Students returning to school after an absence must bring a note from their parents to the secondary secretary in order to obtain an admission slip before proceeding to class. The admission slip indicates the reason for the absence and date(s) of the absence.

B. Punctuality

Tardiness: Being on time to class is an important part of academic life. Students who are tardy must check in with the secondary office. Students will be permitted to enter class with a tardy slip and will be recorded as tardy in the teacher's attendance record. More than three tardies will result in an office referral. The student will be charged with an unexcused absence for that period and will not receive credit for work missed. Excessive tardiness of this nature may therefore affect a student's ability to earn credit.

C. Make-up Work

1. If a student is present in class when an assignment, quiz, or test is announced but is absent on the day that the assignment is due or quiz/test given, the student must turn in the assignment or take the quiz/test on the day of his/her return to school.
2. Students who anticipate a prolonged absence from school must make arrangements with their teachers at least one week in advance in order to receive the assignments and work schedule for the time he/she will be absent.
3. It is the responsibility of students returning to school after an absence to find out from teachers what they have missed and make up the work. They will be given time to complete missed assignments and tests. Make-up time is usually equivalent to the number of days absent and may never exceed that amount of time.
4. Students arriving late must contact those teachers whose class(es) they missed to find out about assignments, quizzes, or tests given earlier on the same day. The student may make up work according to the teacher's discretion.
5. Students who leave school early must notify their teachers in advance.
6. Students who are absent are also encouraged to call classmates at home for assignments and to check the school website.
7. Students who are ill during the school day and miss a quiz or test must make up the quiz or test the next time that class meets.
8. Students who skip class will not be permitted to make up work for that class. A grade of zero will be issued, and no credit will be given.
9. Students who are suspended from school must make up all missed assignments but will not receive credit.
   
   

D. Late Work Policy

1. All teachers will have a published late work policy.
2. Work is late if turned in after the beginning of the period.
3. Due dates are congruent with the day the class meets.
4. Technology is not a valid excuse for late work. Students need to plan ahead, use technology appropriately and should have their work printed and ready to turn in the day before it is due.
   
   

E. Leaving Campus

Students engaged in after school activities may not leave campus at the end of the regular school day and tehn return. Should a student need to leave the school grounds for emergency reasons, parents will be contacted prior to the student's departure from school.

Special Circumstances: Students may be permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day with prior permission in writing from parents and the approval of the principal. A parent may personally request early dismissal via the telephone, by coming to the principal's office, or sending written authorization. If approval is granted, students must check out with the receptionist before departing.

IV. ACADEMICS

A. Student Academic Progress Reports

B. Report Cards - The school year is divided into two grading periods (semesters). Grades for the semester are based on student achievement. A weighting of the semester grade (90%) and the final semester 8th grade exam (10%) determines the student's second semester grade.

NOTE: Students with outstanding debts, overdue library books, or unfinished school business will not receive their report cards until they secure clearance.

A percentage grade is issued for all courses. Percentage grades may be converted to a letter grade by using the following scale:

C. Exploratory Courses - Students in Middle School take 9-week exploratory courses. Students receive grade reports at the end of each 9-week period with grades of Outstanding, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory.

D. Grade Point Average (GPA) - The GPA is determined by calculating the average of the numerical letter grade equivalents in each Colegio Maya course taken. Following is the conversion table:

Non-weighted classes:

A system of weighting is used and a half point (0.5) is added to the grade earned in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

The semester GPA is used to determine academic probation and honor roll status.

E. Semester Exams - Final exams are given at the close of the second semester for eighth grade students only. Middle School teachers may also require students (6-8) to take cumulative tests at the end of each semester.
Eighth grade students leaving school before the final exam period will be penalized with a zero (0%) averaged in for the 10% value of the exam. Final exams can only be taken during their scheduled times. Eighth grade students absent during scheduled exams must submit a medical certificate in order to be allowed to take a make-up exam.

F. Incomplete Grades - An incomplete (I) may be given if there is a valid reason for the student's not having completed the required coursework. An incomplete (I) becomes a permanent "F" if the work is not made up within two weeks after the end of the grading period unless the principal has made an exception.

G. Academic Probation - Any student with a semester GPA below 1.7 will be placed on academic probation. This is determined at the end of each semester or at the time of entrance to Colegio Maya.

Consequences:

1. 1. Parents will be informed of the academic probation status by a letter from the principal no later than two weeks after the student is placed on academic probation and will be required to meet with the counselor and principal to discuss the conditions of academic probation.
2. The parents and the student will sign a contract with the principal stating the expectations of the student, parent, and school for the duration of the academic probation.
3. Faculty will be informed of all students on academic probation.
4. The student will attend mandatory study hall twice a week.
5. Students must have teachers, parents, counselor, and principal sign a bimonthly progress report.
6. Students in 8th. grade cannot represent Maya at AASCA events.
7. Students might not be allowed to participate in student government.
8. Students who are on academic probation for two consecutive semesters risk not being allowed to return.
   

H. Academic Risk - Any student with a GPA of 1.70-1.99 at the end of a semester, or upon
entrance to Maya, is considered to be at risk.

Consequences:

1. The principal meets with the students and sends a letter to the parents.
2. The student must have the teachers, parents, counselor, and principal sign a
   bi-monthly progress report.
   

I. Students Who Fail a Class: A student who fails a class might be required to follow a summer program including make up work or taking a correspondence course.

J. English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) - ESOL is offered in grades 6 through 8. Students in the ESOL program will receive Pass-Fail or letter grades as determined by the ESOL teacher. When an ESOL student does not make the expected progress after an extended period of time, he/she will be expected to request private tutoring and/or enroll in an intensive English course outside of Maya.

K. Textbook Loan - All teachers distribute textbooks, which are to be returned at the end of the course. Fines or replacement costs will be assessed if books are damaged or lost. A student who loses a textbook during the school year must pay for its replacement before being issued a second text. Should the lost book be found, the replacement cost will be reimbursed to the student. At the end of the year, report cards will be withheld if fines have not been paid.

V. DISTINCTIONS AND AWARDS

A. Awards Assembly - At the end of each year, student achievement and effort are celebrated at an awards assembly.

B. Honor Roll - A list of students who made the honor roll is posted in the main lobby at the end of each semester. Honor roll placement is determined by the student's grade point average (GPA).

First Honor Roll: students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher and no grade below 80
Second Honor Roll: students with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and no grades below 80.

C. National Honor Junior Society - Maya inducts 8th grade students into the National Junior Honor Society each September. National Honor Junior Society members are selected on the basis of their academic accomplishments (a minimum GPA of 3.3 is required) as well as their accomplishments in the areas of leadership and service, and their character.

VI. RULES/DISCIPLINE

A. Rules, Regulations, and Procedures - When a student enrolls in Maya, he/she and his/her parents agree to conform to school procedures and to comply with school rules. Respect for rules, regulations, and procedures greatly enhances the educational atmosphere at school and reflects positively on the entire Maya community. Even more important, respect for one another, cultural sensitivity, and understanding are essential elements in an international school community.

Maya rules and regulations are applicable and in effect at all times on campus, on the bus, during school-sponsored events, off campus, and in the immediate vicinity of the school.

School officials are authorized to question any student concerning his/her behavior while the student is under school supervision. All property in school, including lockers or items brought onto the school campus by students or others, is subject to search by school officials at their discretion.

Requests by non-school officials to see students while under school supervision must be referred to the director or appropriate school official. If authorized, the director and/or school official will be present throughout such interviews. When possible, parents will be notified by telephone prior to the requested interview.

B. Disciplinary Measures - It is important that students understand the positive results of proper behavior as well as the consequences of improper behavior. In the case of improper behavior, one or more of the following consequences will be applied depending on the individual circumstances and according to the severity of the offense.

• Written communication will be sent to parents and a copy will be placed in the student's cumulative file regarding the infraction
• Lunch/transition detention
• In-school suspension: student is isolated in school, kept out of class, must do work, and receives credit for work done
• Out-of-school suspension: student is at home, must do work, and will not receive credit
• Parent conference
• Social probation and subjected to further restrictions
• Behavioral contract
• Ineligibility to participate in AASCA, field trips, and other activities on and off campus
• Loss of privileges (student council, team membership, etc.)
• Recommendation of expulsion to Board
  

Maya reserves the right to include disciplinary information (when requested) along with official school transcripts, should this be necessary to protect the integrity of the school.

C. Infractions - Conduct code violations include but are not limited to:

• Inappropriate language.
• Disruptive behavior.
• Littering.
• Being out of class without a pass.
• Arson.
• Vandalism.
• Possession of explosives and/or fireworks (including smoke or stink bombs).
• Sexual harassment/sexual acts.
• Possession of any kind of weapon (firearms, knives, sticks, bb guns, lighters, etc.)
• Fights, assaults, and hazing. This includes any activity that threatens to cause or causes bodily damage to another student.
• Participation in or inciting acts of organized disobedience.
• Unjustified activation of a fire extinguisher.
• Theft (the taking of individual or school property without permission).
• Skipping class (leaving the school grounds or failing to attend class without authorization).
  • NOTE: No teacher is allowed to cause a student to miss any portion of another class; therefore, students should not arrange to meet with a teacher when they are assigned to be in another teacher's class. Only the principal or counselor can take a student out of class.
• Possession of illicit or pornographic publications or material-videos, tapes, magazines, posters, etc. Any attempt at distributing these materials will result in more serious consequences.
• Chronic repetition of any of the above-mentioned offenses.
  
  

D. Academic Dishonesty - Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying on quizzes, tests, homework, projects, and/or assignments. All teachers who assign essays and term papers will require students to cite their sources to insure originality of work. Maya has accepted the following definition of plagiarism, taken from the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (student edition, Joseph Gibaldi and Walter S. Achtert, Modern Language Association, 1977):

Derived from the Latin word plagium "kidnapper" and also "plagiarist" in the modern sense, plagiarism is defined by Alexander Lindley as "the false assumption of authorship: the wrongful act of taking the product of another person's mind, and presenting it as one's own" (Plagiarism and Originality, New York: Harper, 1952, p.2). Plagiarism may take the form of repeating another's sentences as your own, adapting a particularly apt phrase as your own, paraphrasing someone else's argument as your own, or even presenting someone else's line of thinking in the development of a thesis as though it were your own. Plagiarism applies to ideas in written, verbal, or electronic form. In short, to plagiarize is to give the impression that you have written or thought something that you have in fact borrowed from another. Although a writer may use another person's words and thoughts, they must be acknowledged as such.

Maya will not tolerate plagiarism as defined above or any other form of academic dishonesty including invading teachers' records and property. Students who aid in another student's attempt at cheating will be held accountable as well.

On the first offense related to academic dishonesty, the student will receive a zero on the assigned task. He/she will be referred to the office and his/her parents and teachers will be notified. A subsequent offense may result in suspension, a parent conference, and even expulsion.

E. Acceptable Use of Software - Colegio Maya is bound by the copyright of the United States of America and will follow the licensing agreement of the software purchased. The law prohibits any unauthorized duplicating without the permission of the software company. It will be the responsibility of the person requesting the copy to obtain the permission from the software company. Software cannot be checked out to students for use at home. Students may use the software at school only.

F. Dress Code - Students are expected to come to school appropriately dressed and groomed. Inappropriately dressed students will not be permitted to attend class until they are appropriately clothed.

Dress Code Clarifications:

• Shorts must be tailored and reach mid-thigh level.
• Shirts, blouses, and tops which advertise or refer to alcohol, drugs, and smoking; or are printed with slogans, sayings, or allusions that may be interpreted to contain profanity or any racial, or sexual biases may not be worn to school.
• Revealing clothes, undershirts, and spaghetti strap shirts are not permitted.
• Tattered or torn clothing, including hems, is not permitted.
• Pants must be worn at the appropriate waist level. No exposed mid-drifts or underwear allowed.
• Hats and caps, including stocking caps may not be worn while in class or assemblies.
• Body piercing is not allowed except for earrings in ears.
• Hair must be clean and neatly groomed.
  

F. Public Displays of Affection (PDA) - Maya students are expected to show good judgment and restraint when on campus. Maya students may hold hands and partake in the customary greetings, however, prolonged displays of affection are not permitted. Students engaged in public displays of affection will be referred to the counselor and/or principal's office, where appropriate action will be taken. Parents will be notified of repeated violations.

G. Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drugs:

Board Policy 8.402 Smoking by Students: The Board recognizes the health hazards associated with smoking and tobacco use. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco, and the possession of tobacco products by students are prohibited on campus, buses, and at school sponsored activities. Repeated failure to comply with this policy may result in expulsion.

Board Policy 8.403 Alcohol Abuse by Students: The Board reaffirms the position of prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on campus. Possession or consumption of alcohol on campus is a serious offense.

Board Policy 8.404 Drug Abuse by Students: Any student found within the school or at school functions, to be in possession, or buying or selling, giving or receiving any narcotic, stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic drug will immediately have his/her privilege of attending Maya irrevocably withdrawn.

VII. STUDENT SERVICES/AUXILIARY SERVICES

A. Guidance and Counseling - The counseling department of Colegio Maya is designed to help students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths and to become responsible and productive citizens. This program takes into special consideration the needs of the international student, specifically addressing the issues of cultural and linguistic differences.

B. Health Concerns - The school nurse is on duty from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Her primary responsibility is to give first aid for emergencies and to treat minor injuries and illness that occur at school. Every effort will be made to ensure that your child receives the best possible care while on the school campus. Colegio Maya has Alerta Medica coverage for all students.

Upon enrolling your child at school, and each year thereafter, you will be asked to submit a "Health Information/Release Form," and details of your child's vaccination record to the school nurse. Please make sure that all the requested information is provided as this information will assist us in providing appropriate health care to your child. Also, please provide us with current telephone numbers for your home, office, and cellular phone in case of emergency.

Students who become ill or injured during the school day are sent by their teacher to the nurse's office. Minor ailments and injuries are treated in the office. If a child is so ill that he/she cannot
continue to attend class, he/she is kept in the nurse's office and the nurse contacts the parent or guardian by telephone.

If a student's illness or injury is such that a doctor and/or a visit to the hospital is required, the nurse or an administrator, with the parents' permission, will arrange for the student to be transported to the hospital or clinic specified by the parents. The method of transportation will depend on the situation and the parents' wishes. If the illness or injury does not require transportation by ambulance, the nurse will transport the student to the clinic or hospital of parents' choice in a school vehicle. If the parents do not have a preference, the student will be taken to the Sanatorio Pilar in zone 15.

If the illness or injury warrants it, the student will be taken to the hospital by ambulance, accompanied by the school nurse or an administrator.

If a student must take prescription medicine at school, parents must send it together with the corresponding doctor's prescription for its administration. All prescription medicine should be left with the nurse during school hours.

A student will be sent home if he/she has a fever or a generalized rash indicative of a communicable disease or if he/she is vomiting or has diarrhea. Parents are asked to keep their son/daughter home for 24 hours after the symptoms have cleared up. A student returning from an absence due to an infection or contagious disease is required to have a doctor's note or submit to an examination by the school nurse.

A note from the parent or guardian is required if a student is to be excused from PE for a period of less than a week, and a note from the doctor if the student is to be excused from PE for a week or longer.

C. Guests/Visitors - Sudents may invite a friend or relative to spend a maximum of one day at Maya. Visiting ex-Maya students are allowed up to two days. The Colegio Maya student host is responsible for the guest while he/she is on campus and for advising the guest that he/she is expected to abide by the same regulations that apply to Maya students. Guests wishing to visit with a friend or relative during the school day may do so if they attend all classes with the Maya student on that day. Guests will not generally be permitted to visit Maya students during the lunch break.

A guest form, available in the secondary office, must be filled out a week in advance and signed by the host's parent and approved by the principal.

All visitors are required to check in with the receptionist before proceeding to the school office. Visitors must be appropriately dressed and must adhere to Maya policies and regulations.

Maya reserves the right to refuse permission to any visitor to enter the campus. Maya will require visitors to leave the school if, in the view of school officials, the visitor is not complying with school regulations or is a threat to the safety of other students or guests. It may also be necessary to sanction the Colegio Maya student responsible for the guest.

D. Permission for Field Trips/AASCA Events - Any student participating in a school-sponsored field trip must have written permission in compliance with the procedures indicated by the principal, teacher, or sponsor of the event.

Students who have had disciplinary problems may be prohibited from participating in out-of-town field trips at the discretion of the chaperones with the concurrence of the secondary school administration.

E. Behavior at Assemblies/Drama Productions

• Food and beverages are not permitted.
• Students may not leave during a performance unless there is an emergency.
• Catcalls, whistling, and other types of disruptive noises are not permitted.
• Students are also expected to be polite and considerate upon entering and leaving the auditorium.
  

F. Food and Beverages - Food and beverages may be consumed outside the cafeteria in designated areas if these areas are kept clean. However, the privilege of eating outside the cafeteria will be revoked if students fail to clean up after themselves. Furthermore, no trays are to be taken from the cafeteria. Food and beverages may be consumed in classrooms only during special activities with teachers present. Also, gum is not permitted on campus.

G. Electronic Devices (personal/on campus) - Walkmen/compact disc players are permitted on campus if earphones are used and the volume does not disturb others. They should not be used during drills, assemblies, or at other times and places when specifically prohibited. Classroom use of Walkmen/CD players is at teacher discretion. They are not allowed to be used during semester exams.

Maya strongly recommends that students not bring CD players, cellular phones, or other items of value to school. Students who bring cellular phones to school are not allowed to use them until school is over at 2:50. Parents will be asked to come to school to pick - up the student's cell phone if it is used during school hours. These items may be targets of theft, and Maya officials urge students to leave these items home. Maya is not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings on campus.

H. Emergency Drills - Fire, earthquake, and evacuation drills are scheduled periodically. Classroom teachers will give students specific instructions. Students are expected to take all drills seriously.

I. Lockers - Every student will be assigned a locker by the Secondary Office at the start of the school year. Students must provide their own combination lock and give the combination to the Secondary Office. Students are not permitted to deface lockers or decorate the outside. The contents of lockers are the personal property of the student to whom the locker is assigned; however, the school reserves the right to inspect lockers. Students are expected to keep their lockers and the locker area neat and clean. Students may not go to their lockers during class time.

J. Transportation - Transportation to and from school is available to all Maya students. It is expected that students maintain appropriate behavior at all times.

Bus Regulations - The bus privilege may be revoked due to any of the following:

1. Not wearing a seat belt
2. Eating or drinking on the bus
3. Putting arms, hands, or head out of the bus window
4. Talking loudly, getting out of one's seat, rough play, or fighting
5. Throwing objects out of the bus window
6. Getting off the bus at a designated stop without permission
7. Disrespect towards the bus monitors or drivers
8. Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of the bus passengers
9. Vandalism
   

Bus Passengers

1. Students assigned to the smaller vans are not normally allowed to take a friend on the van for any reason due to space considerations. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of Maya officials if there is space.
2. Students riding the bigger buses may, on special occasions, have a friend ride home with them. A student wishing to ride a big bus that is not their usual means of transport must bring the corresponding permission form, signed by a parent, to the receptionist that morning. Before they get on the bus in the afternoon, they must pick up a pass and give it to the bus monitor as they enter the bus. Phone calls home during the day to get permission are not allowed.
   

Car Passengers

1. All students coming to or leaving campus by car must file the information about the car and driver on the corresponding form at the reception desk. Copies of the form are available from the receptionist.
2. Students who wish to ride in a car as a guest must follow the procedure outlined above for bus riders. They must bring written permission from home, pick up a pass before leaving the main building, and hand the pass to the guard as they pass the exit (garita) on their way off campus.
   

After School Bus Transportation
Maya offers bus transportation for students involved in after-school activities. If you wish to make use of this service, please fill out the after-school bus service contract (available in the secondary office) and return it to the receptionist.

K. Fund Raising/School Representation - All activities involving fund raising by student groups must be authorized by the designated school administrator. No individual student or student group may represent Maya without prior school authorization. The school's name may not be used to advertise groups or activities without the school's express consent.

Guidelines for Colegio Maya class/student organization funds: Students are invited and encouraged to participate in organized class, club, and student organizations. Students can expect supervised leadership opportunities within these, including management of funds when appropriate.

Student organizations doing fund raising must keep their monies in a petty cash fund with the Colegio Maya business office. All fund raising activities need to be approved by advisors and the dean of students. Students must deposit monies earned for any given event with the cashier on the next business day after the event. A recognized student organization may have a petty cash fund according to the following guidelines:

1. An account can be opened with the cashier during office hours.
2. The account can be opened by the treasurer of the organization with the sponsor's signature
3. The treasurer will be given a ledger book in which to record all financial activity
4. Deposits and withdrawals
   1. The treasurer can make deposits with the cashier as well as request withdrawal of funds. He/she must do a monthly reconciliation with the cashier, copies of which will be sent to the advisor, the dean of students, and the principal.
   2. Students can request withdrawals from their account on a withdrawal form available at the cashier's office. The treasurer and one advisor must sign any withdrawal slip. Funds can be redeemed the same day as requested, but not immediately. Students need to expect a lapse time of at least an hour before receiving the cash. The treasurer must present actual cash receipts for the money expended to the cashier within 24 hours after the expenditure. Failure to present receipts may result in cancellation of the account.
5. If they have a balance of over Q1,000, an organization may ask to open a savings account in a local bank. Three signatures are required to open an account including the treasurer or president's, the advisor's, and the dean of students's. Accounts cannot be opened in the name of the school or the organization; they can only be opened in the name of an individual. Any two signatures may be used to request a withdrawal. Deposits to this account will be made by the cashier through his/her office. The activities within this account will be included in the monthly ledger reconciliation with the cashier.
6. Organizations must prepare an end-of-year reconciliation with the cashier and may carry funds over from one year to the next.
   

VIII. PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

The Board of Directors recognizes the need for proper communications between and among students, parents, teachers, administration and the Board.

The school will maintain regular communication with parents via school notices, the school web page, monthly newsletters, student progress reports, scheduled conferences between school personnel and parents, and question-and-answer sessions at PTA (parent-teacher association) meetings.

If there is a specific problem with your son or daughter and his/her work in school, the best person to see is the classroom teacher. An appointment to see a secondary school teacher (6-12) may be made by calling the secondary office. Problems of a personal nature or questions about a student's program and his/her overall potential and progress may also be discussed with the student's counselor.

Problems that cannot be resolved through a conference with the teacher or counselor and questions of a more general nature concerning the operation of the school may be discussed with the principal. Please call the principal's secretary to make an appointment.

Problems that have not been resolved after conferences with the teacher and principal may be taken to the director, who will also be happy to discuss any questions related to the general operation of the school or to school policies and will answer any such questions addressed to him/her by mail. An appointment may be made with his/her secretary.

The director is the executive officer of the Board of Directors and as such is responsible for the organization, operation, and administration of the total school program. Therefore, he/she is the
normal channel of communication between the Board and the public. Questions about school policy should be referred to the director. Normally, communications directed to the Board will
be referred to the director for reply or action as I ndividual board members do not directly involve themselves in administrative matters involving students, teachers, and administrators.

Requests for changes in school policy and appeals of decisions made by the director may be addressed to the Board. All communications to the Board should be in writing and should be addressed to the chair of the Board of Directors. Only the Board acting as a whole in a regular or special meeting will make decisions about school policy.

IX. STUDENT LIFE

A. Student Involvement in Decision Making - Maya encourages students, as individuals and as members of the student body, to contribute to their school and to their own education by becoming involved in extra-curricular activities and school government.

Participation is encouraged in two major ways:

1. Maya encourages students, in keeping with their level of maturity, to form class or school organizations (such as student council), which offer practice in self-government and serve as forums for student ideas.
2. As part of their growth toward independence, students are also encouraged to take an active part in making decisions about their individual educational goals and plans. By learning about themselves and about the career opportunities open to them, they can set personal educational goals and find the best ways to achieve these with the help of the staff.
   

B. Student Council - The purpose of student council at Colegio Maya is to initiate, organize, and operate activities throughout the school year inclusive of the entire middle school student body.

The student council is composed of an executive council, which includes the following
members elected by the middle school student body: student body president, student body
vice president, student body treasurer, and student body secretary. The grade representative,
from each section, individually elected by section, are also members of the student council.

The student council will abide by its constitution and by-laws, which include responsibilities,
rules, voting procedures, and eligibility requirements.

Elections: Elections for all positions for the school year are held sometime during the first month of the school year.

C. Student Activities - Maya feels that clubs and activities offer students a venue for meeting friends and getting involved with their school and community; therefore, Maya sponsors various activities, depending on student interest and participation. However, participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities is an additional responsibility that should not conflict with the student's primary academic responsibilities. Students are urged to think carefully before deciding to participate in these activities, many of which require a serious time commitment and may involve missing time from class (es) during special events. Careful consideration should be given as to what effects this will have on one's over-all attendance.

Maya views after school activities as an extension of the regular school day. Therefore, school regulations and rules apply in all situations. Also, students participating in extra- curricular activities will be required to adhere to the dress and conduct code because of the responsibilities they assume while representing the school at events and activities.

Maya does not allow students to remain on campus after school unless they are involved in a supervised activity or in a supervised location (e.g. library).

D. Student Complaints and Grievances - Decisions made by Maya personnel which students believe to be unfair or which seem to contradict policies or regulations of the school may be appealed to the principal. However, in the interest of the safe and orderly running of Maya, it is expected that students obey directions first and ask questions later. Much as Maya wishes to emphasize students' development in self-discipline and intelligent decision making, it must be made clear to students that the persons in charge of the school have special responsibilities that can be carried out only if their authority is recognized, respected, and supported by all. Every attempt is made at explaining the rationale behind decisions and policies.

This must not be construed to mean that students who feel they have been treated unfairly have no recourse. Most complaints and grievances can and should be settled at the level where they arise: between the student and the teacher or other Maya employee, as necessary, with the help of the counselor, dean, or principal. Student complaints will be dealt with courteously and promptly by Maya personnel.

E. Classroom and Campus Environment - Students are encouraged to contribute to the attractiveness of their school environment by discarding trash in the appropriate receptacles and by refraining from producing graffiti and vandalism. Special work assignments will be issued to students involved in such activities. Students will be charged for any damage to school property.

F. Athletics - The athletic program at Colegio Maya offers male and female students the experience of wholesome competition in team, self-testing, and individual activities. These activities occur within four areas: 1) varsity athletics, 2) intramural activities, 3) inter-grade competition, and 4) the physical education program. Varsity traditionally fields teams in basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Students are expected to read and follow the guidelines in the Athletic Handbook.

G. Drama - Maya's Middle School Drama program mounts at least one major effort each year; a musical and/or a play.

H. Lost and Found - Students should report lost or stolen items to the secondary school office immediately. All lost and found articles, including textbooks, will be sent to the secondary office to be reclaimed. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity. To prevent loss or theft, students should not leave book bags or personal belongings around the campus unattended.

X. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) - The Colegio Maya community encourages parents to become involved in activities at school. All parents and teachers are members of the Parent Teacher Association, which provides a forum for participation. The PTA elects a board every spring to handle the coordination and execution of activities at Colegio Maya. The following are among the many PTA-sponsored activities:

Welcome Back Breakfast for Staff
Parent-Teacher Pot Luck dinner
Bingo nights
Fun Run
Book Fairs
International Day (World's Fair and Luncheon)
Christmas Bazaar
Father/Daughter Dance
Mother/Son Kickball
Friendship Fair
Teacher Appreciation Week
Reading Incentive Program

The PTA also sponsors monthly meetings with guest speakers and presentations and stocks and operates a school store selling basic school supplies and P. E. uniforms.