APU Boarding Guidebook

www.apu.edu.vn APU - American International School APUBoarding Guidebook

APU Values APU envisions future generations to be educated with foundational knowledge in areas of critical analysis, creativity, and independence that builds toward the overall success of the individual and the global community. Academic Excellence Learning should emphasize creativity and critical thinking. Empowerment Learning should foster independence while empowering students to lead their communities according to their individual strengths and interests. Social Responsibility Learning should emphasize leadership through a curriculum that nurtures empathy and instills a sense of responsibility toward community development, support, and engagement. Boarding Develops Character Our Boarding Program has been developed to teach students how to be good people. Students learn how to share, communicate, collaborate, and be responsible people. Our Dorm parents will teach our students how to be polite, how to resolve conflicts, and how to develop long lasting friendships.

Our Boarding Program Accepts Students of All Ages Our Boarding Program is developmentally appropriate for all ages. We work to ensure that all of our students are learning the appropriate skills that will help them to be prepared for their next stages of learning. We work to teach students independence. Elementary Boarding: The students in our elementary boarding program room together and sleep under the supervision of a Dorm Parent. The Dorm Parent will be available for emergencies, sleepless nights, and any sickness. The students feel secure knowing there is an adult in the room. Our Dorm Parents ensure that students wake up in the morning, brush their teeth and ensure that all students are clean and well dressed for school. Students also learn self-care as the Dorm Parents teach them to make their beds, wash their clothes, and clean up after themselves. Middle School and High School Boarding: Our students learn to live independently. Students share a large space with three or four to a room, with all students sleeping in king sized beds. Students are responsible for their own laundry, to make their beds, and to clean up after themselves. Dorm parents check the rooms and ensure that students wake up on time and are hygienic. All Dorm Rooms and Bathrooms Are Cleaned Daily by Our Sta

Developing Community APU is situated on a large, lush campus of over 200 acres. Here you will find gardens, fountains, fruit trees and ponds. Our campus is a tropical oasis halfway between the bustling city of Danang and the UNESCO Heritage site, Hoi An. Our campus is a few minutes drive to a very peaceful public beach, which feels more private as it is used only by those who are local to the area. Students may be taken to the beach in the evenings or weekends for recreation, and under the supervision of a life guard. Our boarding program is structured to include after school activities, evening study sessions, and weekly outings. Parents do not need to worry as all meals are included, including weekends. We also include all meals on outings, but parents may consider putting money into an account for incidental shopping as well as additional purchases during outings. It is recommended that parents put 500,000 into the account at the beginning of every month. The money will be held safely and will be provided only during outings. The reason for this is to ensure that students do not have to lose money, or use money outside of the supervision of adults. This helps us to keep our campus safe.

Student Housing Student housing is located on campus, providing a unique opportunity and environment for the APU student to receive care, support and a home away from home. Our rooms are on the third and fourth floor of our academic building, and are very spacious with three students sharing a room, each having their own desk, wardrobe, and king sized bed. A shared bathroom is at the end of each hallway, with multiple shower and bathroom stalls. Dorm Parents Each section, both boys and girls will have minimally one dedicated dorm parent who will provide supervision and support at all times when students are present in the dorms. The dorm parent will not only supervise, but will also provide structure and nurturing care for our students in their “home away from home”. Their job is to help all students grow into better young men and women. The Dorm Parents will model and encourage polite and responsible behavior. The dorm parents are supervised by a Boarding Director, who works as part of our leadership team. Use of the The dorm rooms are shared spaces with three to four Dorm Rooms students in a room. This sharing of dorm rooms has led to many friendships where students become family. Students may decorate dorm rooms taking care not to damage or make any permanent changes to the original room. Students may be in the dorms during the evenings and in the early mornings. The dorm may not be accessed during the school day. This is for safety and supervision purposes. The dorm rooms will be locked during the day, and can only be accessed under the supervision of the dorm parent. APU reserves the right to inspect rooms at any time. This may include a thorough search of the room if necessary Room Inspections

The cafeteria will provide most meals for our students, to include breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days of the week, except when special arrangements and outings have been arranged. Cafeteria Cooking is not allowed in the dorm rooms, however students may have special cooking activities under the supervision of the dorm parent. Cooking Shared Space The students have access to a shared lounge. This will be used by both the boys and the girls, but will be under the strict supervision of the dorm parents. This area has soft furniture, as well as a large space for play indoors. Use of the campus Students may access the outside space of the campus, under the supervision of the dorm parents. This includes basketball, the pool area, garden, and the driving paths which are largely free of traffic after school. Students are encouraged to bring bicycles, skateboards, and other personal sporting equipment to use in addition to our sporting equipment on campus. Outings Students will participate in special outings on weekends and some evenings. All students are expected to attend unless they have a valid reason such as the need to study or sickness. These students will be supervised by the remaining Dorm Parent to ensure that they are on task.

Electronics The use of electronics is encouraged for homework, and under the supervision of the Dorm Parent. We discourage the free use of electronics such as phones, ipads, and laptops as these become a distraction from making friends, finding something wholesome to do, and completing homework. Dorm Parents will hold all electronics until the designated “free time”. During this time, students can use electronics in the lounge. Parents can always reach their children by calling the Dorm Parent. We have set-aside a half hour time period in the evening for students to call their parents. Phone Calls Home Day students are not allowed in the student dorms without written permission from the Boarding Director, and parents are not allowed without permission from administration. Visitors

Daily Schedule Weekdays: 7:00 am Wake up and Ready for School 4:00 to 6:00 pm Free Time: Basketball, Soccer or Pool as designated by the Boarding supervisor. Students may also participate in community service such as playing with or reading to the little ones, gardening, or creating decorations and displays for the buildings. This is not mandatory, but may help the students feel more a part of our campus life. Or Nap in the dorms with a dorm parent present 6:00 to 6:30 pm Dinner 6:30 to 8:00 pm Homework under the supervision of the boarding supervisor. 8:00 to 8:30 pm Homework should take place in the school library, or in the lounge. 8:30 pm Cell phone time: Call parents, check messaging. Boarding supervisor to monitor Prepare for bed for our elementary students 8:30 to 9:00 pm Reading or quiet tv watching for our elementary students 9:00 pm Lights out for elementary 8:30 to 9:30 pm Evening Activity as described by the boarding supervisor. Examples include: movie night, night under the stars, walk on the beach, visit to dessert shop, arts and crafts night. On some nights, students may be allowed access to their electronics for fun, but only under the supervision of the Dorm Parent. 9:30 to 10:00 pm Prepare for Bed 10:00 to 10:30 pm Sleep or Read in Bed 10:30 pm Lights Out Weekend Schedule: On weekends, students typically go to Vincom Center or Lotte Mart for shopping and fun. Each weekend there will be one additional outing so that our students can experience the happenings and beauty of Danang and Hoi An. All students are expected to attend. There will be some “free time” allowed on weekends, under the supervision of the Dorm Parent. Bedtime and Lights Out will be one hour later on weekends.

Curfew/Lights Out Students perform best in school when they are well-rested. We insist on students going to bed at a reasonable time and to observe lights out. The following rules are to be observed by all students: 1. Room lamps and corridor lights are to be turned off. A small night lamp is authorized for reading 2. Students are not permitted to take a shower, wash clothes, or use electronics after lights out 3. Students are not permitted to make phone calls, play music, or make other loud noises. 4. Other inappropriate behavior that disrupts other students from sleeping is not permitted. 5. Students should leave a small opening in the curtain so that Dorm Parents can check the room from the outside at night Dorm parents will notify the Boarding Director of any rules violations Dorm rules, Regulations, and Procedures APU students are expected to maintain a high standard of excellence, and must always be reflective, show good effort and spirit, and follow the rules to the best of their abilities. As such, there are rules that all students at APU must follow. PERSONAL SPACE: - Keep your room clean, neat, and tidy. - Do not smoke, gamble, drink alcohol or use drugs. - Do not cause noise or disturbances. - Do not paint or hang inappropriate pictures on the wall. - Do not use radio and/or television during studying and sleeping hours. - Do not use electrical devices to cook, reheat food or iron clothes in your room. - Do not cook or eat in the room. - Possession of weapons, explosive substances and unhealthy products is not permitted. - Stealing property from others and from the school is strictly forbidden. - The use of incense, worshiping in the room and practicing a superstition are not authorized.

- Students are not permitted to gather or assemble in another student’s room. If there is a need for an assembly, the common area lounge should be used. - Do not invite outside guests into your room. Let no stranger in the dorm. If relatives or parents are visiting, students should seek permission from the dorm manager. - Guests or non-resident students cannot stay in the dorm overnight. - Take good care of the furnishings in the room. Furniture may not be removed from the dormitory, from one room to another, or to the hailways. - Maintain the dorm’s properties just like your own. Anything damaged will be compensated. A student who intentionally or carelessly destroys dormitory property will be charged for any damages, and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. - Self-management of personal belongings (money, jewelry, electronics, mobile phones clothes…) will be allowed only when the amount or estimated value does not exceed 500,000 VND. If the amount exceeds 500,000, personal belonging and/or money will be sent to the dorm manager for safekeeping and gradually drawn when needed. - Turn on fan, lights, and water before leaving the room. When leaving the room, close the windows and lock the door. The school will not be responsible for any personal losses. - When leaving the dorm, students need to have the consent of the dorm management board, parents or the school. Any student who violates this rule will be sanctioned accordingly. - In the event of electrical fire; immediately turn on the fire alarm, turn off the circuit breaker, and use the fire extinguisher as per rules and regulations of the fire department. CODE OF CONDUCT: - Friendly toward other students, the guard, dorm manager, and guests who come for a visit. - Talk appropriately with everyone, dress elegantly and properly. - Treat the dorm as your own home, and your friends as family members. Care for one another and help each other out in studying. - If there is any problem, you need to report immediately to the dorm damager and get resolved. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. PROCEDURES FOR NEW DORM STUDENTS: - Students shall use furniture and appliances provided in the room, and have to sign an acceptance form and inventory list. - While living in the dorm students must report to the management board of any item which gets damaged for inspection and solution. - When no longer living in the dorm, students need to return all the assigned items. If the student moves or alters the furniture settings which lead to damage or loss, the student shall be liable for the cost of damage or replacement. If everything is in order, the school will return your deposit. 2. ACTIVITIES: - To ensure activities according to the routine, as well as maintenance of good security in the dorm, the management board request student to be observant of the following requirements:

- Strictly abide by the rules and regulation listed in section A/ and B/ - Save electricity and water - A security guard and dorm manager will inspect each room weekly, without prior notice. - Should you have any questions please refer to the dorm manager. Any violation of the rules will be disciplined as follows: - First violation: dorm manager will give an official warning as a reminder. - Second violation: the school will call parents in to work it out. - Third violation: student is no longer allowed to stay in the dorm, and the dorm fees will not be refunded In general, keeping valuable items and large amounts of cash in school is not recommended. If students choose to keep valuable items, it is highly recommended they lock-up any items of value, including money, jewelry, and other valuable items, to avoid any of their items being taken. APU is not responsible for lost or stolen goods. Students found to be guilty of stealing from others will be held accountable by administration. Medical Concerns, Emergencies and Medication Because APU International School is a 24-hour residential facility, it has policies in place to assist students who experience medical concerns. If a student feels ill or injured, they are to report immediately to the dorm parent, even after lights out! The dorm parent will notify the Boarding Director. At that time, a decision will be made regarding the appropriate action to take. This may include notifying parents, administering aide on-sight, or taking the student to the appropriate healthcare facility. If students wake up in the morning feeling unwell, they are to notify the dorm parent on duty and report to the main office after breakfast. No one is to remain in bed without permission of an administrator. If students are prescribed medicine/medication from a doctor, they are authorized to use it with care, but are not permitted to share it with other students. Over the counter medicine, such as Ibuprofen, is to be used with care, and should also not be shared with other students. Students should report to the office/school nurse if they are feeling unwell. Throughout the year, emergency preparation drills will be held to prepare the students for a variety of natural disasters and other anticipated emergencies. These procedures will be revisited throughout the year. Students are expected to listen to the instructions given by staff members in these situations.

Technology Policy School computers can be checked out to students during the Evening Enrichment Program, and can be checked out in certain designated areas. They are to be used for academic purposes only. If students are permitted them, any personal computers are to be used only for academic purposes during the Evening Enrichment Program. If technology is misused, or used after lights out, it will be confiscated and given to the Boarding Director. Food Policy APU International School provides healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some food will be allowed in the dorms, but students should be aware of the following, and should practice effective food management skills: 1. Students should be aware of their own, and their classmates’, food allergies. 2. Students should avoid smelly foods, like durian, stinky tofu, and other pungent foods. 3. Ordering and receiving take-out food from others, including classmates or parents, is prohibited. This includes birthday cake, which can be eaten on the weekends at home, and restaurant food. If found, the food will be confiscated. 4. Students will not have access to refrigerators, so they should not store any food that can spoil. 5. If bringing homemade or take-out food from home on Sundays, it is to be consumed that same day. 6. Cafeteria food is not to leave the cafeteria. Students are to finish their meals in the cafeteria. Dress Code Students are free to wear clothes of their own choosing throughout the school day. While there is no designated uniform, students are expected to wear clean, appropriate clothing. Staff will require students to change if the clothing is inappropriate. Clothing with any drug, alcohol, or sexual reference will not be permitted to be worn on campus or during school-related functions.

Bullying, Cyberbullying and Harassment The American Psychological Association defines “Bullying” as “a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions.” “Cyberbullying” is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices” (Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying). “Harassment” refers to “the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one group or person towards another, including threats and demands.” (The Legal Dictionary) Bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment are prohibited against any student for any reason, including but not limited to any action that is directed toward a student on the basis of his or her academic performance or disability, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry or the need for special education services. Any student who: a. engages in an act of bullying; b. acts as an instigator by encouraging others to engage in bullying or harassment; or c. takes retaliatory action against a person who in good faith reports an incident of bullying; is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include: a meeting with parents; mediation with counselors and other students; and/or detention, suspension, or even expulsion. At APU International School, we expect all students to contribute to a safe learning environment for all. Our expectation is that no students will simply be bystanders. Instead, all students will support one another, and will demonstrate their leadership skills by reporting incidents of bullying or harassment to faculty and staff immediately, or intervening when appropriate to assist students who have been victimized by bullying or harassment. APU International School is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Our school works to ensure that all students have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential and share a personal and meaningful bond with people in the school and boarding community. There is no room at APU for anyone who bullies, and students who make others feel unsafe will be held accountable. In general, students are expected to be honest with others, and to treat others with respect. Students should avoid cursing at others or provoking other students, and should practice The Golden Rule (“Treat others as you wish to be treated”).

Student Prefects The APU dorm student prefect leadership program is essential to the successful function of the student dormitories. Student prefects are chosen by the staff for their outstanding personal characteristics. Student prefects are also chosen for their maturity, professionalism, interpersonal communication skills, and display a strong potential for leadership. To be named a prefect is among the highest honors a student can achieve. As such, student prefects are expected to live up to the APU Standard expected of all students. To help these students develop their leadership skills, student prefects will participate in various leadership training opportunities throughout the year. Prefects will also attend monthly meetings with the administrative team to discuss dormitory and school-related matters. On the dorm floors, prefects will serve as assistant dorm parents, and are to be treated with the same respect given to dorm parents and other staff members. Each dorm floor will have two student prefects, who will represent and lead the dorm floor, and will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Assist the dorm parents in the act of ensuring that students leave the floor by 7:30, and will ensure students leave the floor for ASAs on time as well. 2. Assist the dorm parent on duty to ensure that students on the floor are acting appropriately during study hall and free time, are on the floor by sign-in and in bed by lights out. 3. Sign in students at dinnertime and at check-in time in the evenings, and notify the dorm parent of any student who is not present at these times. 4. Ensure that nightly cleaning is completed by the dorm room responsible for the evening. 5. Welcome new students to the dorm floor, introducing them to the school community, rules, policies, and procedures, and serving as a guide and role model.

6. If the dorm parent on duty must leave the floor for any reason during study hall or free-time, prefects are responsible for ensuring the floor operates smoothly. 7. Serve as a bridge between the students and the dorm parents and the students. They are the “voice” of the boarding student body, serving as an advocate for their fellow students. They will help resolve conflicts on the dorm floor by anticipating potential problems and helping to solve these issues in an appropriate manner. They will also help to set the agenda for the dorm meetings. 8. Adhere to all school rules at all times, setting a positive example for other students to follow in all aspects of the school curriculum, in the classroom, in ASAs, and in the resident halls. 9. Assist administrators, teachers, and dorm parents in other tasks and duties not specifically stated in this document. Prefects are expected to uphold high standards, and will be held accountable if they fail to maintain the expectations expected of them.

APU - American International School 299 Tran Dai Nghia St., Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang City Tel: (84 - 236) 3928 664 - 3828 666 - Fax: (84 - 236) 3928 662 www.apu.edu.vn - Email: [email protected]