Handbook, Parent

About this Handbook

• The Parent Handbook is a collection of important information arranged in alphabetical order to help you support your child's education at CAJ.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is very important to our work at CAJ. Our Core Values and Student Objectives call for a learning community in which teachers and students conduct themselves with honesty and humility before God, and with care and respect toward their neighbors.

Purpose

The purpose of CAJ’s Academic Integrity Policy is twofold. First, we seek to guide students in the process of Christian character formation, which requires teachers to model wise conduct while holding students accountable for their choices in ways that lead to learning and growth. Second, we seek to prepare students for the high standard of academic integrity that will be expected of them at the university level.

Academic Integrity Explained

Submitting work that is not one’s own as if it were one’s own constitutes academic dishonesty and a violation of our Academic Integrity Policy. Students who knowingly allow another to cheat or copy their work also violate our Academic Integrity Policy. Students are expected to uphold academic integrity in all of their work, from major assignments to daily classwork.

Group Work and Academic Integrity

CAJ values collaboration and encourages students to work together to develop skills and understand course content. However, a student should not receive unauthorized help when the purpose of an assignment is to show what a student knows and is able to do on his or her own.

Violations of Academic Integrity

Cheating:
This violation includes any of the following.

1. Copying someone else’s work during an assessment (such as a quiz, test, or exam).
2. Taking a test or exam in place of another student.
3. Using notes or answers during a test without the teacher’s authorization.
4. Using personal devices during a test without the teacher’s authorization.

Plagiarism:
This violation usually pertains to papers, essays, and written work and includes the following.

1. Quoting or paraphrasing a source – whether it is a book, article, online source, or the paper of another student – without proper documentation.
2. Submitting another student’s work as if it is your own on any assignment.
3. Submitting the English-language output of translation services as if it is your own work.
4. Submitting work generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard, as if it is your own.
   

Teacher Responsibility
CAJ's curriculum requires that teachers teach and remind students about best practices for academic integrity. Teachers instruct students on how to cite sources appropriately for assignments that require documentation, such as research papers and projects.
Student Responsibility and Consequences
Students are responsible to understand the issues and consequences of academic dishonesty. When a student has been found to have plagiarized or cheated on an assignment, the principal and the student’s parents will be notified. The assignment will receive an automatic zero and the student will meet with the principal. A second violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will result in an automatic two-day suspension. Any subsequent violation will incur more severe consequences, up to and including expulsion.

The following policies were consulted in the making of this policy and may be useful for reference, but only the policy as written above is in force at CAJ.

• “Code of Academic Integrity at Cornell,” Cornell University .
• “The Honor Code,” Harvard University.
• “ICU Policy on Academic Integrity,” International Christian University .
• “Plagiarism,” University of Oxford .

Academic Office

• This is where students go to get passes when late to class or leaving early.
• This is also where you would call or write to say your child will be late or absent to school (attendance@caj.ac.jp, 042-471-0022 ext 9933), and where you can bring items that your child may have forgotten for the day.
• The Academic Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

After School Supervision

Event Attendance and Supervision

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend sporting events, concerts, plays, and other student activities.
• Elementary students attending after school events must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Weekends

• CAJ campus is open to CAJ community members on the weekend.

Campus Security

• Campus opens at 8:00 a.m. except on Wednesdays when it opens at 9:00 a.m.
• Students involved in before school programs should not arrive before 7:00 a.m.
• Supervision of elementary students ends at 3:55 p.m. and elementary students should leave campus by 4:00 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or in an after school program.
• All students are expected to leave campus at 5:00 p.m. unless participating in a supervised activity.
• Parents/guardians are asked to always wear their nametag on campus or check in at the reception desk to get a visitor tag.
• Parents/guardians are welcome in the elementary hallways when special class events are taking place. *At other times please check in at the office (for forgotten items, or picking up a child early).
• If you bring a visitor on campus please be sure to have them check in at the reception desk and receive a visitor tag.
• Dangerous items such as real or realistic weapons (knives, etc), lighters, and fireworks are not permitted on campus and will be confiscated.
• The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs on or near school grounds and at any school-sponsored events is prohibited.

Animals on Campus

• Please keep any animals on a leash at all times when on campus.
• Do not leave your pet unattended.

Appropriate Behavior at school

Expectations

In our life together at CAJ we enter voluntarily into a kind of covenant. The terms of this covenant are these:

1. For students
   • Be responsible.
   • Promote a safe, healthy environment.
   • Be respectful.
   • Be appropriate.
2. For parents:
   • Know the rules and support our efforts to teach students to abide by them.
   • Attend PTA meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school programs/events as often as possible.
   • Communicate with teachers and administrators about the nurture of your child.
   • Support our school by praying for us and volunteering your time for projects.
   • Be diligent in meeting your financial responsibilities to our school.
3. For staff:
   • Provide diligent, responsible, caring attention to the needs of each child—academic, spiritual, and social.
   • Provide regular communication to let you know how your child is doing, what’s going on at school, and explanation and clarification of policies.
   • Be available to discuss your concerns.
   • Pray for your child.

Conflict Resolution

• We are people created in God’s image and a part of the CAJ community.
• Conflict does happen between students and between students and adults. As a community we wish to resolve conflicts and find ways we can work together.
• Issues between students should be communicated with the classroom teacher or the principal.
• If the issue cannot be resolved, the principal or other administrator should be contacted to become involved.
• CAJ’s Child Protection Policy has its own process to protect all parties including the Mandated Reporter.

When/If Someone Gets in Trouble

• We’re looking for growth and change. We believe that the consequences of doing wrong should help achieve that growth and, wherever possible, correct or repair the harm that has been done. Sin against people almost always requires personal confession, apology, and forgiveness in order for reconciliation to take place. Sins against property may require restitution.
• If doing wrong seems to be a habit or a pattern, or if the deed seems especially willful or serious, we will contact parents. A conference with the parents to discuss the problem and some solutions may be required.

Restitution for damage to property

• When a student damages school property, it is important that he/she faces consequences and makes an effort at restitution which may include community service at school and/or payment.

Discipline

Terms Defined

• Detention: when a student is asked by their teacher or the principal to come before or after school for up to 30 minutes for disciplinary reasons.
• Probation: a status in which a student is placed for a specified period of time because of misconduct or lack of achievement. If no improvement is made then suspension or expulsion may result.
• Suspension: a penalty under which a student is not permitted to attend classes for a specified period of time.
• Expulsion: the exclusion of a student from the school with no credit being given for that semester’s work.
• Withdrawal: an action taken by the parents to remove their child from school.
• Denial of Re-enrollment: the student is allowed to finish the school year but is not allowed to return.

Due Process and Appeals

• Parents of students who are placed on probation or suspended will be notified in writing.
• Parents will be notified in person and in writing of the head of school’s decision to expel a student.

All disciplinary actions may be appealed using the Grievance Policy.

Assessment

Assessment Philosophy

• Assessment is a process that provides teachers, students, parents, and administration with information and insights to determine how best to support and plan for future learning. It also informs instructional decisions, promotes student engagement, and improves student learning. Assessment helps educators to gather, record, evaluate and report information about student performance and progress toward agreed standards.

Assessment Practices

Definitions:

• Formative Assessments are a wide variety of methods that teachers use to evaluate student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course. They are used to improve instruction and student learning.
• Summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning progress and achievement at the conclusion of a specific instructional period—usually at the end of a project, unit, course, semester, program, or school year.

In other words, formative assessments are for learning, while summative assessments are of learning. Communication of progress

• The school communicates to the student and to the parents in various ways in order to show what the student understands regarding what is being taught and regarding their overall behavior at school. Ways we communicate student progress are as follows:
• Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a classroom web interface provided by Google for Education. This allows the teachers to interact with the students through announcements, assignments and other online postings making for easier communication, distribution of work and collaboration. Parents can also access Google Classroom to find out what their child should be working on.

• LearnerBuild

CAJ uses the system known as LearnerBuild to enter and display grades. The grades entered on LearnerBuild are posted by the teachers and are available to be seen by the teacher, students, parents, and other staff members.

• Report Cards

Students receive 2 report cards per year indicating their grade for each of the courses they took in that semester.

• Standardized Assessments
• Standardized test results at CAJ are not included as part of the students’ grades. They are another piece of information to help the students, their parents, and teachers know what the student may or may not know or understand. Teachers do not base their curriculum and teaching towards these tests.
• SAT
  • The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a test that is offered by the College Board in the United States. The test score is often used for college admissions in the US as well as in some other countries. CAJ is a test site for the SAT. Taking the SAT is highly recommended for college admissions, though not compulsory.
  • Students are able to see their scores on their College Board account.
  • CAJ uses the summary information provided by the College Board in our profile, school improvement process, and curriculum development.
• PSAT
  • The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, is taken in the fall by all our 9th-11th grade students. This test is used as a stepping stone to the SAT and gives the students and parents an indication of what score is expected in the actual SAT. It is also used to help students know what they should study before taking the actual SAT.
  • The PSAT is given on a day in October as specified by the College Board. There is no retake date.
  • Students with Student Support Team accommodations (scribe, reader, extra time, etc.) may use these when taking the test.
  • Students may discuss their test result with the guidance counselor by appointment, usually in December.
  • Students are able to access their scores and some useful advice through their College Board account.
• World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)
  • WIDA testing takes place once a year for students in our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.
  • The assessments measure students' academic English language in four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing.
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP®)
  • MAP tests were created by Northwest Evaluation Association™ (NWEA). CAJ gives MAP tests in Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics to our students in grades 3-8. We are able to administer the MAP tests up to three times a year, allowing teachers, students, and parents to see academic progress within a school year.
  • MAP tests are computer adaptive tests, which means that every student gets a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. **If the student answers correctly, questions become harder; if the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. The tests are not timed.
  • The Student Support Team is able to set up accommodations for students according to their needs.
• easyCBM
  • This test was designed by the University of Oregon, as part of Response to Intervention, and is a tool used by teachers to make good decisions on how to help students to meet and exceed learning standards.
  • This test Is given to students in Kindergarten through grade 2.
• Benchmark Assessment System (BAS)
  • The BAS test is used to determine students’ independent and instructional reading levels. **Teachers are able to observe student reading behaviors one-on-one, engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling, and make informed decisions that connect assessment to instruction.
  • This test is given to students in Kindergarten through grade 5.

Attendance

• Faithful attendance is an important requirement for our life together and one of the keys to academic success. But sometimes a student might not be able to attend school, and at those times we ask that he/she tell us what's happened so we don't worry unnecessarily. Absences and tardies are recorded not so much for disciplinary reasons, but to uphold the integrity of the education we are providing in each of our courses.
• Elementary and Middle School: Excessive absences are defined as missing any class 10 times or more during a semester. The divisional principal may contact the parents to discuss ways for the student to make up missed work or to provide extra support to help the student be successful and prepared to move on to the next grade.
• High School: Excessive absences are defined as missing any one class 10 times or more during a semester. Students who are in sports or a co-curricular activity that requires a student to be out of school multiple times will receive 2 additional days per season they participate. Excessive absences (excused and unexcused) for zero-period classes are defined as missing any one class (for any reason other than a school activity) 10 times over the whole school year.
• HS students with excessive absences will receive an F for courses in which such absences have accumulated. Exceptions may be granted by the head of school upon appeal by parents and satisfactory documentation about the reasons for the absences.

Unplanned absences (for example, sickness)

• Parents should call the school office between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays) on the day the student is absent to give notice of the absence and the anticipated duration. An email can be sent to attendance@caj.ac.jp.
• If the school is not contacted, a call home will be attempted to make sure the student hasn't had some unexpected difficulty on the way to school.

Planned absence

• Family trips should be planned for school breaks. *Parents should expect to have a conversation with the divisional principal if their child will be missing 5 or more days in a semester for planned absences. More than 5 days in a semester may be marked as unexcused absences.
• Planned absences should be arranged at least one week in advance by email with the school principal and the academic office receptionist.
• Students are encouraged to complete assignments ahead of time, if possible, and are expected to complete assignments by the due dates set by the teacher.

Truancy

• Students who are absent without parental permission are considered truant. Truant students are ineligible to make up tests/quizzes but are eligible to submit assignments. The principal may take additional disciplinary steps to address truancy.

Co-curricular participation:

• Students must attend at least two block periods in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on that day.
• Participation in a scheduled physical education class is required in order to participate in sports after school.
• Additional sports related attendance policies can be found in the Athletic Handbook.

Tardies

• Tardiness is inconsistent with our desire to respect the time we have together.
• Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of each class period in secondary and at the start of the day in elementary.
• Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work at the start of each class period.
• Students who arrive late for school must report to the academic office; students will receive a tardy for each period for which they are late.
• Teachers or administrators who are responsible for a student’s tardiness to another class must supply the student with an excused pass.
• Students may bring documentation of exceptional situations (i.e. doctor's appointments, train/bus delays, at embassy or immigration, or you were with a staff member ) and the tardy may be recorded as excused. These decisions will be made on an individual basis.
• Students will receive an unexcused tardy for any reason other than what is mentioned above.
• Elementary and Middle School students who have 10 tardies in a semester will have an email sent to their parents with the number of tardies. At 15 tardies, the parents will be asked to come to school to have a conversation with the divisional principal.
• Middle School students can receive “unprepared tardies” when they do not complete assignments or they otherwise come to class unprepared (i.e. without the needed materials).
• Students who have 6 unprepared tardies in a semester will have a warning email sent to their parents. Students who receive 10 unprepared tardies are required to come to attendance class.
• The student's account is charged ¥1000 for attendance class.
• For a High School student, every 3 unexcused tardies in 1 class per semester will be given 1 absence in that class. (for example, 3 unexcused tardies in English will equal 1 absence in English class).
• Attendance class on Wednesday morning from 8:15am-9:15 am may be required for a student with excessive tardiness

Awards

• CAJ desires to develop the unique gifts and talents of each student.
• As part of this process, we present a wide variety of awards to recognize and encourage the use of these talents.
• These awards are presented on a variety of occasions throughout the year, including at graduation and during assemblies.

Beginning a New School Year

Each summer a letter is sent from the head of school in preparation for the new school year with pertinent information.

Biblical Perspective

• The core values of CAJ are
  • God is the author of all truth
  • God created humans in His image
  • God designed people for community
• Every teacher looks at their curriculum through a biblical lens.
• Teachers are trained with a framework, Teaching for Transformation which helps invite students into God’s story to shape the world.
• Our desire is for students to grow in their understanding of who God is, who they are in God’s creation and what is their role in God’s world.

Business Office

• Is open from 8:00 - 5:00
• Is where students go to pick up completed student forms (tsugaku shomei sho) needed for train/bus passes. This must first be applied for online by going to the Knights Login page and clicking on Forms.
• Is where parents go to settle any payment in person if needed and to sign in if they are visiting or have an appointment.
• Is where students or parents may go to buy CAJ merchandise, play tickets, yearbook, etc.
• Please see your monthly statement to see how and when to pay your bills.

==Cafeteria==

• Students may bring their lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria.
• See [Cezar’s] page on the CAJ website for costs and menu.

Chapel

• Is a time for our students to worship God and learn more about Him.
• ES chapel twice a month and MS/HS has chapel weekly.

All students are expected to attend chapel.

Child Protection

• CAJ desires to keep all members of our community safe.
• The CAJ Child Protection Policy is based on three guiding principles of visibility, accountability, and appropriate use and balance of power.
• Please see the Child Protection Policy for more specifics

Co-Curricular

• A variety of co-curricular activities are available to students
• Elementary level - Choir, news club, art club and various other activities depending on available space and sponsors.
• Middle school and high school - a variety of sports, fine arts and student council activities are available
• There is a charge for participating in any co-curricular activities.
• Eligibility - The principal, in cooperation with the guidance staff and teachers, will determine student eligibility using the following criteria:
• Regular Season
  • Students must display satisfactory conduct and are expected to represent CAJ well.
  • Students who are on academic probation due to failing one or more semester classes may not be permitted to participate in co-curricular activities. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal.
    • Students must attend at least two class periods in a day in order to participate in co-curricular activities on that day. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal.
• Athletic Tournaments: CAJ participates in Far East and other inter-school tournaments.

Communication

• Parents and guardians are expected to participate in their child's education by being informed and responsible for all CAJ expectations and communications.
• Parents are required to understand and sign the Parent Responsibility Agreement each year.
• CAJ asks that parents make an appointment in order to discuss an important issue with a teacher or principal. Important matters should not be raised in impromptu settings such as school hallways, co-curricular events, or workshop services.
• Parents wanting to talk to a teacher should either email the teachers or call and leave a message with a receptionist. Most of the time, teachers are busy teaching and are not available to respond immediately and will not be able to answer phone calls during the school day.
• If a question or concern is not resolved, please contact the principal.
• Parents are asked to make necessary updates of any contact information through the website to stay informed.
• Email and the website are our primary methods of contact for general information, calendars, grades, and announcements about disruptions to our program (closures and delayed openings). Having the ability to check your email and our website is necessary for ongoing communication with CAJ.
• CAJ Chronicle is a full-color magazine intended to help the extended CAJ community understand what is currently happening on campus.
• An internet connection and computer access is also necessary for students to complete homework, practice keyboarding, and be in communication with the school and their teachers.

Third Party Advocacy

• Third party advocacy is acting on behalf of someone else who should be dealing with an issue him/herself.
• It is taking on the issue or grievance of another person or persons (first party) and seeking to deal with the issue with the alleged offender (second party) without the person or persons on whose behalf you are speaking (first party) present.
• Parents are welcome to advocate for their child, but should encourage their child to try and deal with the issue him/herself. We recognize that not all children are able to advocate for themselves and may need the support of a parent and/or teacher.

Commuting to School

• Students are not allowed to drive motorized vehicles to campus including scooters, motorcycles and cars.
• Bicycles must be used according to the laws of Japan.
• All bicycles should be parked in the designated parking areas and should be kept locked.
• All bicycles must be identified with a CAJ sticker.
• Bicycle stickers identifying CAJ community member’s bicycles are available at the business office.
• To protect pedestrians, bicycles should not be ridden on the campus outside the designated parking areas and should not be used during the school day. *Bicycles are not to be used in the plaza area when school is in session or an event is taking place.
• The playground is off-limits to bicycles at all times to protect the play surface.
• All bicycle riders are urged to wear helmets when riding.
• Bicycles are personal property and should not be borrowed without the owner’s permission.

Conferences

Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences

• CAJ schedules Student-Parent-Teacher conferences in fall. Conference appointments are made via the CAJ Web site CAJ prefers to have parents and teachers speaking about students when students are present.
• Students are also encouraged to contact teachers if they need or want help or clarifications throughout the year.

Student-led Conferences

• CAJ schedules student-led conferences for middle and high school in February. These conferences involve significant preparation on the part of students and teachers before they take place. Students go through a goal setting process and collect portfolios of their work.
• CAJ also values these conferences as a time when students can demonstrate gratitude toward their parents for sacrifices made so the students can attend CAJ.

Courses and Schedules in Secondary Curriculum

• The Christian Academy in Japan offers its high school students a variety of courses. A complete description of the CAJ high school curriculum is available online in the Course Descriptions. Students earn 1 credit for each semester class. Yearlong courses (for example, math) are worth 2 credits.

Selection process

• High school students begin their course selection process after first semester, by indicating their desired courses in a survey. Once the schedule is compiled, course selections are completed by the end of the school year.
• Middle school students have a choice of language and music studies. This information is collected in the fourth quarter.

Course Descriptions

• See the High school student handbook for course descriptions of each class.
• See the Middle School Scope and Sequence document for descriptions of each course in Middle School

Course Load

• CAJ reserves the right to help a student to manage his/her course load.
• Seven courses and a study hall are considered a full course load in any semester.
• Intentional exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on a student’s needs.

Correspondence courses

• Students may take CAJ-approved correspondence courses to make up classes they did not pass. Students are not to take correspondence courses to complete required classes unless specifically directed by the principal to do so. For a correspondence course to be approved, parents must contact the registrar with a request, and the registrar will submit the request to the principal for a final decision.

Independent Courses

• Independent study courses using CAJ staff are not offered. In specific and rare circumstances intentional exceptions might be made. The principal must approve all independent study courses that use CAJ staff or that are to be included on the transcript.

Repeating a course

• A student may repeat a class he/she has passed with the permission of the principal. (For example, students who earn grades of C- or below in math may be asked to repeat a class and earn a higher grade to be eligible for the next level of math.)
• The student may earn credit for the repeated course; if the course is a graduation requirement, the repeated course will count as elective credit.

Transferring

• Unless transferring to a different school for unavoidable reasons, students who withdraw from classes before the end of the semester receive no credit. Exceptions may be granted by the head of school.

Curriculum

• The Christian Academy in Japan uses a standards based curriculum which is research based, best practice and appropriate for our students’ population.

Textbooks

• CAJ will loan textbooks to students for those classes that require them, usually in middle or high school.
• Many resources are online and teachers may not be using traditional textbooks.
• Some teachers may require students to cover textbooks loaned to them from CAJ.
• Students who lose or damage textbooks (beyond what is reasonable wear/tear) will be charged a replacement fee.

Daily Announcements

• All parents are strongly encouraged to read the daily announcements sent by email or on the website in order to keep up with school activities.

Dances

• CAJ does not sponsor social dances.

Donations

• Donors wishing to give money to CAJ are asked to contact the Business Manager. Donation information is available online.
• Donations may be made at any time to Christian Academy in Japan by bank transfer in Japan, online using a credit card or through the business office on campus.
• Donors who wish to receive a US tax-exempt receipt may make donations through Resourcing Christian Education, see our website.

Dress Code

Dress code is a school function code. It applies whenever a student is on campus for school events (either as participants or spectators) or off campus and representing the school (either as participants or spectators) on school functions (field trips, concerts, games, etc.).

• At CAJ, we try to make a positive impression on each other and on those outside our community.
• We also do whatever we can think of to provide an environment that promotes learning.
• In order to do these two things, we need to decide on an age appropriate standard of dress.
• ES students may have a modified dress code from what is listed below. Please see the Elementary Handbook.
• We assume students and parents agree to abide by the school’s definition of appropriate dress and /or according to the principal’s interpretation of this definition.

All students must wear:

• Clothes that cover the following at all times: buttocks, mid-chest, midriff and undergarments.
• Tops that cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit and have straps.
• Any see-through or mesh garments must be worn with appropriate coverage underneath.
• Skirts and shorts that are at fingertip in length. This is approximately 10 - 15 cm above the knee. Final decisions about length may still be made by the principal, since skirts and shorts vary in style. The rips or tears in pants/skirts must be below this area as well.
• Footwear at all times.

Students cannot wear:

• Clothing that shows undergarments, features violent language or image, or features language or images that may embarrass or discriminate against another student.
• Clothing that has tears in areas that are supposed to be covered.
• Leggings/spats/biker shorts without a cover (can only be worn under shorts or skirts that are of proper length).
• Clothing that represents cross-dressing.
• Clothing, hairstyles, or body accessories that might distract, intimidate, or leave a negative or misleading impression with fellow students, younger children, guests at our school, or with the outlying Japanese community of which our school is a guest (includes areas through which our students commute).
• Middle School students are not permitted to wear hats indoors.

In addition:

• There is a supplemental athletic handbook dress code for secondary students.

Dress code violations:

Violations of the dress code will be handled as follows:

1. First violation
   • change of clothes (supplied by principal)
   • violation is recorded
2. Second violation
   • change of clothes (supplied by principal)
   • warning note home to parents
3. Third violation
   • change of clothes (supplied by principal)
   • one-hour detention arranged by the principal
4. Fourth violation
   • change of clothes (supplied by principal)
   • parents contacted
   • students and parents will sign a letter of compliance
5. Fifth violation
   • change of clothes (supplied by principal)
   • possible out-of-school suspension assigned by head of school
   • meeting with parents must take place to discuss the status of the student at the school before student will be allowed to return to school

Emergency

School closures

• If school is closed because of bad weather or some other emergency, we will:
  • Post the closure on the CAJ website caj.ac.jp
  • Activate a school closing message on our answering service 042-471-0022

Emergency Response

• The school is equipped with generator power as well as emergency supplies of food and water. In the aftermath of a disastrous situation that occurs while school is in session:
  • Until a general “all clear” statement is issued by authorities, students will not be permitted to leave campus without administrative consent or being accompanied by a parent or guardian;
  • No student will use the CAJ telephone unless directed. Cellular phones may be used by students if operational
• Parental responsibilities are as follows:
  • Ensure that students carry school and other identification cards with them at all times
  • Advise children of the necessary actions and responsibilities if caught en route to/from school

Graduation requirements for high school students

In order to graduate from CAJ, students are required to obtain 50 credits in total which includes the following courses in high school:

• 4 credits Bible (one credit for each year enrolled at CAJ)
• 8 credits English
• 2 credits Creative arts
• 4 credits Foreign language
• 4 credits Mathematics
• 4 credits PE/health
• 4 credits Science
• 8 credits Social Studies (World History, Comparative Government and Politics, US History, Japanese Culture, Senior Capstone (including the Senior Comprehensives process))
• Electives

Transcripts

• Requests for school transcripts, school records including documentation of attendance, enrollment, etc. can be made by filling out a form under the FORMS icon on our website. All requests should be made two weeks in advance of the date needed.

Senior Comprehensive Program

• A semester-long culminating event requires seniors to select an issue, analyze it, apply a Biblical perspective to it, and generate an action plan for it that is personal, Biblical, and viable.

Senior Service Hours

• CAJ’s mission statement indicates that we are here to equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ. We aim to integrate skills and knowledge needed to serve throughout our curriculum in order to equip our students to accomplish this goal. We also provide opportunities for students to practice how to serve and to lead others in a Christ like manner.

Homework

• Individual teachers will communicate homework expectations which may vary from class to class.

Final Assignment Deadlines for high school

• At the end of each semester, usually a date approximately several days before the last day of the semester is designated as the final assignment deadline.
• No work for any class will be accepted beyond that day.
• Special circumstance exceptions can only be granted by the High School Principal.

Late Work Policy

• Please see the high school student handbook for more information.

Late Payment Policy

• If an account is not paid in full (or according to an agreed payment plan), the following steps will be taken in progression:
  • Warning letter will be sent.
  • Ability to make new charges will be suspended – for example: cafeteria, elective classes, co- curricular activities, purchasing goods. Only cash payments will be accepted for future services until payments are made to bring the family account fully up to the payment plan.
  • A meeting with CAJ staff will be scheduled to establish a payment schedule or confirm an existing payment schedule.
  • Child’s enrolment will be suspended at the end of the semester unless payments are made to bring the family account fully up to the payment plan. Student transcripts will not be released until the account is fully paid.

Library Usage

• The primary purpose of the library is to provide books and resources for current CAJ students, parents and staff.
• See the Library page on the CAJ website for more information

Lockers and Property

• Students are expected to respect the property of others.
• Students in Grades K-5 are given a place to hang their bags and coats. They are encouraged to keep their bag closed.
• Students in Grades 6-12 are assigned school and PE lockers. Students are expected to keep their lockers locked at all times. Students who do not use their locks do so at their own risk.
• All lockers and school desks are school property loaned to students. Principals may inspect lockers and desks at any time.
• Damage to lockers (which includes anything students stick on that won't come off) will be repaired and students billed for the cost.
• Unfortunately, occasionally a member of our community does not respect the property of others. *Students should not leave money or things of value where others may take them. If you must take something valuable to school, ask a teacher or someone in the office to keep it for you until you need it. Students should report suspected thefts immediately to the teacher or principal.
• Lost and Found items are kept in the library (valuables only), outside the cafeteria, and the gym (shoes). Please check in each location when looking for a lost item. Unclaimed items will be donated or thrown away.

Locks
Students in grades 6-12 are issued two combination locks without charge when they are admitted.

• These locks will remain the property of CAJ, but students are responsible for them - HS students are responsible for them including over summer breaks. MS will collect the locks at the end of the year
• Students must use the locks issued by the school and may not substitute other locks, even if they are the same brand and type.
• If students believe their combination number has been compromised (someone else knows their combination), they may request a new combination or lock and they will not be charged for the replacement.
• If a lock is lost, stolen or damaged through neglect, whether during the school year or during summer break, student accounts will be charged ¥1000 per lock for replacement.

Meet and Greet

• Meet and Greet day is usually held during the second or third week of September.
• The purpose is to inform parents about classes their children will be attending, meet teachers and learn more about school events and how to get involved.

New Students

• Monitoring: a status most commonly used for new admissions, whereby the student is observed to ensure s/he can succeed academically, behaviorally and socially at CAJ.
• New Family(Student) Orientation is held before school begins to help student and families become familiar with CAJ.
• If a student begins new in the middle of the year, orientation is given for grades 6-12 prior to attending

Overnight school trips

5th grade

• One night trip to the Okutama area.

8th grade

• One night trip to Kyoto

10th grade

• Three nights to Yamanaka

11th grade

• Three nights in the Okutama area

12th grade

• Three nights in Nagasaki (fall)
• Seven nights in Thailand (spring)

Parents away from home

• Students are expected to be living daily with a parent or a legal guardian while attending school.
• If the student is not living with their parent(s), prior arrangement must be made with the Head of School.
• If the student will not be with their parent or legal guardian, the school must be notified of the length of time they will be away, who they will be staying with and emergency contact information.

Personal Information

• Information found on ClassList (our contact app), and contact information in the directory, are not to be shared or used without permission from that specific family.
• Photos on Vidigami may be downloaded for personal use, but are not to be shared without permission from the photographer and parents of other students' pictured.
• See the privacy policy for more information on how CAJ uses personal information.

PTA (Parent Teacher Association)

• The CAJ PTA is an organization that supports the ministry of Christian Academy in Japan in fulfilling its mission of equipping students to serve Japan and the world for Jesus Christ.
• The PTA is led by an executive committee that is responsible for its activities.
• All CAJ parents are automatically PTA members. PTA members help with activities that help fund students through scholarships, service projects, and equipment. PTA members also reach out to the greater CAJ community and neighborhood.
• Throughout the academic year, the PTA hosts a variety of events and activities. We rely on you as parents to assist us in various ways: listening to students recite Scripture, baking, setting up and serving food, praying, etc.
• We appreciate your willingness to participate! Please see the PTA tab in Life@CAJ for more information.

Probation Policy

Students who are struggling to succeed academically will be placed on academic probation.

High school

• CAJ uses an academic probation system to help students succeed in school. The high school policy is as follows:
• Failure in any semester course will result in academic probation for a minimum of one semester.
• Probation status for those failing a course needed for graduation will remain in effect until the student takes and passes that course (or an agreed substitute course) so that the deficiency is removed and the student is back on track toward completing graduation requirements(see Graduation Requirements above).
• The student must make up the course needed for graduation according to the following schedule:
  • A course failed during first or second semester of the freshman year must be made up prior to the start of the junior year.
  • A course failed during first or second semester of the sophomore year must be made up prior to the start of the senior year.
  • A course failed during first or second semester of the junior year must be made up prior to graduation.
  • A course failed during the senior year must be made up prior to graduation.
• If the student does not make up the course by the time specified above,
  • The student who failed a course in the freshman or sophomore year will face probable suspension and will not be readmitted until the course is made up.
  • Further, to be readmitted in the proper grade level, the student must have completed appropriate credits for that grade level missed while on suspension.
  • The student who failed a course in the junior or senior year will not graduate at the end of the senior year.
• If, while on probation, the student fails a second course, or if the student fails two or more courses in one semester, the student will face probable suspension and will not be readmitted until all courses (or agreed upon substitute courses) have been taken and passed.
• Further, to be readmitted in the proper grade level, the student must have completed appropriate credits for that grade level missed while on suspension.
• Students who are on academic probation will not be eligible for co-curricular activities. Exceptions to this policy may be made for any student with a documented learning or emotional disability.

School Hours

• Supervision begins at 8:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Classes begin at 8:30 am on those days and end at 3:30 pm.
• Supervision begins at 9:00 am Wednesday. Classes begin at 9:30 am and end at 3:30 pm.
• Supervision on the field and playground ends at 3:55 pm.
• Campus closes at 5:00 pm.

School Closure

• In an emergency we communicate mainly through our website.

Student Support

• The Student Support Team consists of guidance counselors, resource staff, health coordinator, and divisional principals to help serve the diverse learning needs of our school community. We not only offer academic support but behavioral, emotional, mental, and social support so that all students can thrive at CAJ.
• Our services include offering academic support in the Learning Resource Center, training behavioral and social skills, individual counseling, coming up with interventions for students with various learning needs, monitoring progress, and delivering individualized programs for students with learning needs.
• If deemed necessary, the Student Support Team may recommend/require students to obtain Comprehensive Educational Evaluation from a qualified professional who has been approved by the school so that we gain a better understanding of the student's educational needs.
• If, after an extended period of support, it becomes evident that CAJ is not equipped to meet the student’s academic, social, or behavioral needs, the family may be asked to find an alternative school placement.

Spiritual Life Emphasis Week (SLEW)

• Typically is a week at the end of January or beginning of February.
• Chapels are held each day for secondary students.
• Is an opportunity for our students to hear an outside speaker who will share how God has impacted their life and be challenged to know Jesus more intimately.

Sunday Activities

• In order to preserve our witness as a Christian institution, to support families involved in their churches and ministry, and to support the concept of Sabbath keeping (a time set aside), CAJ does not generally allow or schedule student events on Sundays nor are staff required to work on Sundays (other than security and emergencies).
• Exceptions are made for:
  • Ministry opportunities including performances by music ensembles
  • Unavoidable travel conflicts (most commonly with sports tournaments - see athletic handbook)

Summer Programs

• CAJ offers a limited summer program in June and the beginning of July.
• Course offerings are posted on the CAJ website in spring.

Technology at CAJ

Please review the Technology Guide under Life@CAJ

Personal Device Policy

We value communication and interactions that happen between all members of the CAJ community. Although we acknowledge that technology can help us communicate and interact with others, we believe that this cannot replace what we gain through face-to-face interactions. Therefore, to encourage healthy communication and interactions, we are implementing the following guidelines:

• Cell phones or other personal electronic devices (including the Apple Watch, personal computers, or similar communication devices) may not be used on campus during school hours by students. (“School hours” begin when a student passes through the gate.) Students must keep personal devices in their bags or lockers during school hours, not in their pockets. Students may not have ear buds or other headphones (unless they have permission) in their ear during school hours unless in study hall or during lunch in the designated area (see below). Students may not use their devices during break even if they are off campus. Chromebooks may not be used in-between classes for non-educational purposes.
• Exceptions to this are the following situations:
  • High School students may use personal devices in the cafeteria and on the cafeteria porch during high school lunch hours.
  • Teachers may give permission to use personal devices for educational purposes during class. (If students are working outside of the classroom, they need to have a device pass.)
  • Students may use their personal devices after school.
• Consequences: Cell phones and other electronic devices used inappropriately will be confiscated and must be reclaimed from the principal at the end of the school day. Consequences are the following:
  • First offense: warning
  • Second offense: parents notified
  • Third offense: parents notified and 1 hour detention
  • Fourth offense: conference with parents and contract issued
  • Fifth offense: in-school suspension, conference with parents, discussion of future
  • If a cell phone or other electronic device is confiscated because certain types of inappropriate behavior are suspected (harassment, cheating, pornography, illegal activities, etc.), the principal may examine the contents of the device. At least one other staff person will be present during the examination.
  • Students may be required to provide access and show the administrator what is preserved in the memory.

Transcripts, records, and official letter -

Please look under FORMS for the Request for Official Documents to request the document you need. IF you do not see what you need, please contact the registrar at registrar@caj.ac.jp.

Tuition and Fee

Please click on link below to see current fee chart General Fee Schedule is available as a PDF download.

Visitors on campus

• To minimize disruption to student learning, campus visits are limited. Please contact the school or principal prior to coming on campus.
• Visitors should check in at the reception desk in the business office and receive a name tag.

Volunteering

• Our community has a tradition of volunteering, and we are grateful for volunteers who help us equip students to serve Japan and the world for Christ.
• Contact your child’s classroom teacher or the division principal if you are interested in volunteering.

Withdrawing from school

• Parents are asked to notify the divisional principal and the registrar, registrar@caj.ac.jp several weeks in advance.
• As a general rule, students may not receive credit for the grading period if they leave school more than two weeks before the end of the period.
• With enough advance notice, however, arrangements for exceptions can be made through correspondence course work or special tutoring so that students won’t miss out on vital school experiences when they need to move before the end of the year.
• Students who withdraw in good standing will be welcomed back upon submission of re-enrollment forms and required documentation if there is space available.
• Students who withdraw because of academic or behavioral problems may be considered for readmission based on submission of re-enrollment forms, necessary documentation, and an interview with the principal and head of school.