NLIS Handbook

 

 Welcome to New Life International School! NLIS encourages the love of learning, and teachers work hard to inspire happy, healthy children to follow God's teachings and encourage the students to serve each other in love. This handbook explains the school's basic plan, policies, and regulations.

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New Life International School welcomes all students regardless of race, color, nationality, or religion; we value cultural diversity and respect human rights.

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VISION To provide quality English Christian Education in a safe, loving, family atmosphere.

 

MISSION We equip students to be active, independent, expressive, and loving.

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I press on toward the goal of winning the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 

 

NLIS students are:

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God-centered

Outreaching

Actively expressive   

Loving to learn 

 

K-2  NLIS students are:

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God-centered

• Apply Bible principles to daily life

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Outreaching

• Warmly welcome and help those around us

• Love and respect our families 

• Practice good citizens 

• Respect for other cultures 

 

Actively expressive

• Write clearly 

• Ask questions

• Speak in class discussions

• Read with expression

 

Loving to learn

• Build lifelong learning habits

• Read well in English and Japanese

 

3-12 NLIS students are:

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God-Centered

• Apply Biblical principles to daily life.

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Outreaching​

• Love and respect our families.

• Welcome diverse cultures and love individuals despite differences.

• Recognize and value multiple perspectives.

• Take action to improve the world with service locally and globally.

 

Actively Expressive

• Demonstrate higher-order thinking skills of application, synthesis, and evaluation through active communication in writing and speaking.

• Communicate clearly in English and Japanese with high-level writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills.

• Investigate and describe worldwide economic, environmental, political, social, and technological interdependence. 

• Communicate well with technology.

 

Loving to Learn

• Practice lifelong learning habits.

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School policies and procedures curriculum: 

NLIS is a Christian school, so we endeavor to teach a worldview seen through the Bible. The curriculum at NLIS is English-based, with primarily American texts and teacher-made units. The curriculum is chosen for each grade by the principal and teachers, reviewed annually, and updated as needed. 

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The curriculum throughout our school, from kindergarten through high school, uses the following standards:

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• Common Core Curriculum in America for language arts, math, and social studies

• National Arts Standards for fine arts

• Shape America Standards for Physical Education

• Christian Schools International Curriculum for Bible

• National Science Standards for science classes from kindergarten through sixth

• Next Generation Science Standards for secondary classes  ​

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Subjects taught at NLIS in grades K-6 include the following:

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• Mathematics:  Singapore Math, a world-known and high-level math curriculum

• Science and Health:  Grades K-3 McRuffy hands-on experiments, including use of STEM, projects, research from grade 3, and personal safety week with a study on stranger danger and safety lessons

• Science and Health:  Grades 4-6 BJU Science textbooks, labs, and unit tests, projects, research, and grades K-12 engage in a personal safety week with a study on puberty, stranger danger, and abuse (material is altered for the younger grades)

• Bible: Positive Action Curriculum, NIV Bibles used daily (chapel on Fridays)

• Language Arts:  English grammar, phonics in grades K-2, spelling, writing, reading, literature, poetry

• Social Studies: community, history, economics, geography, and Culture 

• Japanese literature: Students study grade-level kanji from trained, native Japanese teachers using the National textbook and other texts

• Art:  History, crafts, paints, sculptures, drawing

• Drama: Students usually perform one drama at least every other year; they sing or present poetry, projects, and research annually

• Music: songs and dances in grades K-2, handbells in grades 3 and 4, ukuleles in grades 5 and 6; annual Christmas concerts are held

• Physical Education in all grades from grade one through six, twice a week for 30 minutes

• Daily recess for grades K-6, Kindergarten has several recess times a day 

• Computer Skills in all grades from grade one 

• Keyboarding in all grades from grade three and up

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Subjects taught at NLIS in Junior High include the following:

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• Singapore Math, a world-known and high-level math curriculum

• Kesler Earth Science 

• Language Arts:  English and grammar with interactive notebooks, at least four novel studies a year, short stories, including O Henry and other famous writers from around the world, newspaper studies, and current events

• Asian history, geography, culture, politics, and government

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Subjects taught at NLIS in Junior High and High School include the following:

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• Bible:  Route 66, a survey of the Bible, a study on Proverbs and the book of John, chapel on Fridays

• Japanese four days a week: Grade-level Japanese National Textbook, kanji workbooks, texts

• Japanese for foreigners four days a week: Focus on passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Tests, N5-N2  

• Health: including personal safety week, focused on puberty, abuse, cyberbullying, a study of the Endocrine system, a survey of drugs and their harm

• Introduction to Art Elective:  Drawing and sketching with lines, contour, shading, perspective, elements of art, principles of design, sculpture, painting, and mixed media

• Home Economics Elective: Cooking, Cross-stitching, knitting...

• Photography Elective:

• Physical Education Elective: Fitness testing, four-square, basketball, jump rope, soccer, volleyball, badminton

• Introduction of Psychology Elective:

• Technology Information Elective:: Keyboard, coding, Google Drive, Word Processing using Google Docs, Slideshow presentations (Google Slides),  Online Surveys (Google Forms), Spreadsheets (Google Sheets) Drive, Excel, and coding

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Subjects taught at NLIS in the High School include the following:

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• English: British Literature, American Literature, World Literature, and Literary Criticism

• Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, and other courses depending on the program chosen

• Science: Biology and Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics, depending on the program chosen

• Social Studies: World Geography, World History, and another course of choice depending on the program chosen

• Japanese:  Two tracks - One is for students who speak Japanese at home. They study the Japanese national textbooks (Kokugo).  The track two class is for students who do not speak Japanese at home.  These students focus on the Japanese Language Proficiency Tests N5 to N1.

• *Advanced Placement Courses and Honors classes: Students are encouraged to take advanced placement courses. AP is recognized for credit and placement around the world. Qualifying AP Exam scores earn credit, advanced placement, or both in nearly all universities in the United States and Canada and are recognized in over 100 other countries worldwide, including Japan. Advanced Placement is similar to the IB program, but AP is used worldwide. All AP courses are done online in the classroom.

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*extra fees required 

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NLIS High School Programs

There are three choices of studies:

• Minimum High School Program

• Recommended High School Program

• Distinguished High School Program​

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Digital requirement: One online course is required to help prepare the students for the digital age. There is an additional charge for online courses.

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Non-Course Requirement for Graduation: Students do an independent community project.

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+Bible class is .05 credits a year.

 

NLIS has two semesters a year.

 

Transferring seniors must take at least five full-credit courses from NLIS toward graduation.

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Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) are available online at an extra charge.

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Program 1:  Minimum High School Graduation Program

To graduate from NLIS with the minimum program, students must take the following:

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English 4 credits

• British Literature

• American Literature

• World Literature

• Literary Criticism

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Mathematics 3 credits

• Algebra 1

• Geometry

• Math course of choice

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Science 2 credits

• Biology

• Physical Science or Chemistry

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Social Studies 2 credits

• World Geography

• World History

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Physical Education 1 credit​

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Japanese 4 credits​

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Computer 1 credit

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Fine Arts 1 credit

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+Bible 2 credits

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Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Minimum High School Graduation Program

 

Total Credits: 22

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Program 2:  Recommended High School Graduation Program

To graduate from NLIS with the recommended program, students must take the following:

 

English 4 credits

• British Literature

• American Literature

• World Literature

• Literary Criticism

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Mathematics 3 credits

• Algebra 1

• Algebra 2

• Geometry

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Science 3 credits

• Biology

• Physical Science

• Chemistry or Physics

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Social Studies  2 credits

• World Geography

• World History

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Physical Education 1 credit

 

Japanese 4 credits

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Fine Arts 1 credit

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Computer 1 credit

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Bible 2 credits 

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Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Recommended High School Graduation Program

 

Total Credits: 24

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Program 3: Distinguished High School Graduation Program

To graduate from NLIS with the Distinguished Program, students must take the following:

 

English 4 credits

• British Literature

• American Literature

• World Literature

• Literary Criticism

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Mathematics 4 credits

• Algebra 1

• Algebra 2

• Geometry

• Choice of advanced math

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Science 3 credits

• Biology

• Physical Science or Physics

• Chemistry

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Social Studies 3 credits

• World Geography

• World History

• One approved elective

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Physical Education 1 credit ​

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Japanese 4 credits​

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Computer 1 credit​

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Bible 2 credits​

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Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Distinguished High School Graduation Program

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Total Credits: 26

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Computers:  The school provides one computer for every elementary and junior high student. The students are encouraged to use the computers for research, to improve their typing and computer skills several days a week, and occasionally to play computer games. High school students are asked to buy their computers since some of their classwork will be done daily on their computers. 

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School language:   The school language is English. Thus, Japanese is not used in regular classrooms. The students learn much more quickly by focusing on English in school. Immersion is a fantastic tool for language. Japanese is studied four days a week in grades 1 through 12. All languages are used and encouraged during their playtime and at lunch. The goal at NLIS is for the students to be bilingual since both languages are equally important.

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Calendar:  NLIS follows the Japanese calendar by starting the school year in early April and finishing early to mid-March. NLIS observes all Japanese national holidays. Students meet for 183 class days a year, plus one day for a student-led conference with the parents. Another day is scheduled for a teacher/parent meeting without the student. A separate detailed yearly calendar is issued with exact dates of class days and holidays each year. Important school dates can also be found on the school website.

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School cancellations and makeup days:  School may be canceled due to bad weather or emergencies. In case of heavy snow, dangerous typhoons, or other emergencies, the school will post a message on Facebook and the school website about whether your child should attend school. If the school is canceled a day during a given school year, the students will not have to make up that day of cancellation. However, if more than one day is canceled within the school year, the second day and all the following canceled days must be made up to six days. For example, if only one day is canceled, no makeup day is necessary for that year. If two days are canceled, one day of makeup classes is necessary. And if three days are canceled, two days of makeup classes are required. However, if more than six days are canceled due to snow or any other emergency, only five days of makeup classes are necessary.  

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School Hours:   

Regular school hours are as follows, Monday through Friday: 

 

K-2nd grade:      9:00 am to 3:00 pm       

3rd - 6th grade:  9:00 am to 3:15 pm             

7th-12th grade    8:50 am to 3:30 pm

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Please be on time when picking up your child. This allows the parking lots not to become too crowded. Please do not stay more than ten minutes unless you meet with a teacher.

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To encourage family times together and to allow for church attendance, the school will not hold clubs, sports events, festivals, or other events on Sundays.

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Parking Lot Safety Rules

NLIS has many parents and teachers who use the parking lots regularly. NLIS has two parking lots with 23 spaces. Therefore, the teachers and staff have created the following guidelines:

 

1. Parents with large cars or vans, please only use the side gravel parking lot. Large vehicles have trouble getting in and out, thus slowing the traffic.

 

2. Please come at your oldest child’s class time. The younger sibling will wait in their classroom until their older sister or brother finishes the school day. For example, if you have a child in 7th and kindergarten, please come at 3:30. Your kindergarten child will wait with their teacher until you get them at 3:30.

 

Release times are:

 

3:00 for kindergarten through 2nd grade

3:15 for 3rd grade through 6th grade      

3:30 for 7th grade through 11th grade    

 

3. Children must not play in the parking lot. Parents must come into the classroom to pick up their children when they arrive and should keep them from playing in the parking lot. If a parent wants to talk with another parent, please arrange to come ten minutes early and talk before you come in to get your child.

 

4. Fifteen minutes should be the maximum time in the parking lot for each car unless the parent has an appointment with a teacher or staff member.

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Arrival and departure times  

For the safety of the children, all children should only be on school grounds when faculty and staff are present to watch and protect them. As a result, children should come to the school grounds no earlier than 8:40 and leave within 35 minutes of dismissal unless the parents pay for after-school care or if the student is involved in an extracurricular activity. If students commute independently, the school cannot guarantee their safety, so NLIS asks parents to know when and where their child travels. If a child is still on the school grounds 35 minutes after class has been dismissed, there is a fee of 300 yen per hour. The teachers need the time after school to grade papers, visit with parents, and prepare for the next day's lessons. Please inform your child's teacher if you will be late by calling the school office at 287-9577.

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Lunches 

At Hanazen Bento, you can order a lunch box of the day from 350 to 400 yen and have it delivered to the school. Online ordering and online payment are required by the parents.  Please see the homepage of "Hanazen Bento" for details.   http://hanazen.co.jp/yoyaku/

Other than the Obento company, students bring their lunches. The school has no food rules. We believe parents have the right to choose their children's food daily. However, we ask parents to provide balanced meals. We suggest fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, grain, and drinks. Parents may also include a dessert. The lunches are usually very simple leftovers from the night before or something from a convenience store. There are no comments about each other's lunches, so parents are not pressured to prepare obento boxes that take hours to make. 

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Parties, field trips, special days, and special speakers

NLIS has 3 class parties each year, fall, Christmas, and Valentine's parties. There are also school-wide parties during the year, including summer water relays and end-of-the-year minute-to-win-it relays. Some parent volunteers are asked to bring snacks for the class parties and activities. We also have special days which focus on themes: Beach Day, Camp Literacy Day, 100 Days, Opposite Day, Christianity Week (with special guests), and special days during the last week of school. These events reward the students for their diligent work and help to increase motivation in school learning.

 

Two field trips are taken so the students can explore their community. Please look at our school website on the calendar for a detailed list of special days and activities. 

 

Special speakers come and share their talents several times a year. Police officers, dentists, train conductors, a ventriloquist, artists, world travelers, and many more have come to speak English or Japanese. Parents are welcome and encouraged to come and share their talents and teach the students about their jobs or interests. The students learn a lot from the community and families.

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Recess and Physical Education 

Each class will be given a playtime called "recess," in which students play outside in the front parking area (a gate is used to block off cars), the local park, or the gym for 30 minutes each day. The students also have 30 to 50 minutes of physical Education at least twice a week. They learn the rules of cooperation with teams doing sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and kickball and learn about fitness and health through various exercises.  Grades 7 through 12 have their recess with their hour lunch.  

Kindergarten has at least three recess times daily in the park and the gym. The students alternate playing with studying all day.

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Transportation

NLIS is only 800 meters from Kofu station, and many students take the train or bus and walk together to and from school. Students may walk, ride a bicycle, or take a bus or train, or parents may drive the student directly to the school by car. Students may choose any bike they wish to use but must always wear a helmet when going to and from school.

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Clubs and extracurricular activities

ESL (English as a second language), JSL (Japanese as a second language), and Eiken classes are available after school. Karate is offered on Thursdays. Teen Girls' Bible Study is on Wednesdays. Student Council meets once a week during lunch and once a week after school. Please see anyone in the administration for more information about our after-school classes. Most NLIS students are involved in local after-school and weekend clubs and activities, including gym, piano, violin, karate, sculpture, art, ballet, swimming, Lego clubs, and tennis. Please see the school for more information on these activities. 

 

Pro-family 

New Life International School's policy is that the school assists the parents in raising children. Thus the teachers and staff are here to help parents raise their children. Parents are asked to help the teacher as they train and discipline their children by supporting their decisions. NLIS encourages parents to spend quality time with their children, teach them morals and social skills at home, and communicate freely and frequently with the child about their feelings and experiences at school and with friends.

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Christian teaching

Bible is taught in the classrooms daily, and a chaplain comes to the school every Friday to provide a small chapel service with singing, games, and a Bible story. All teachers are Christians. Prayer is said in the mornings and before lunch each day. Students are not required to follow the Christian religion but must agree to participate in the chapel singing, prayers, and Bible teaching. All students, regardless of religion, feel accepted in our school.  

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Use of heaters and air-conditioners

Students focus better when comfortable and not stressed from heat or cold. Therefore, each classroom will be heated in cold months and cooled in hot months. The average temperature setting for cold months will be 20-23 degrees. The moderate temperature setting for hot months will be 25 degrees.

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Grades 

NLIS recognizes that grades are important but doesn't overemphasize one grade or skill above another. Students in grades K through 6 will receive grade cards three times a year to let parents know how each student is progressing. Students in grades 7 through 12 will receive grade cards two times a year to let parents know how each student is going. Parents will be asked to read the grade cards, sign them, and return them to the teacher. Please see "What is a Christian, Western-Style Education" on our website. quality

NLIS teachers push the students to do their best and celebrate their unique talents. Students' grades come from daily work, written and verbal, projects, portfolios, and tests. No test should make up more than 20% of a student's semester grade. A passing grade is considered 60%, and students must make an average of 60% on their assignments and test grades to pass. Because of the school's small teacher-student ratio, teachers are keenly aware of each student's abilities and work hard to ensure every student's success. If there is a problem, the teachers call the parents and ask for the parent's assistance with homework. The teachers are all invested in the students and want them to succeed. Two days are scheduled each year, one in June and one in October, for parent/teacher conference days. Parents are asked to come to the school to meet with their child's teacher and discuss the child's achievements on these days.  

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Retaining students  

NLIS does not encourage retaining students because research shows that students who repeat a year of classes usually do not improve. Students who continue onto the next grade level do as well as those retained. It is usually only done in the early grades and not done in later grades, and it is not traditionally done. However, for developmentally slow, very young students or delayed English learning, students may need to repeat a grade level to succeed in school. If required, the parents would be a part of this decision.

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Attendance  

Students must attend 90% of their classes to pass their school year. Since NLIS meets for about 183 days, students may be absent for 18 days. A student who transfers from another school should provide grades and proof of attendance from his previous school. Those attendance numbers and grades will be calculated as part of the year's attendance and grades for NLIS to pass the final grade level.

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Lateness 

School begins at 8:50 am for 7-12 grades and 9:00 am for K-6 grades. Students who arrive after the class starting time are considered late to class. Students who are late to class 5 times in 6 weeks may have to stay after school or inside for recess to compensate for the lost time.

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Standardized tests

NLIS uses curriculum-based measurement standardized testing. It is done throughout the year in grades K through 8. Most are done on the computer and are not timed. These tests are norm-referenced. Thus we can see how our students compare to American students and other students in international schools. A chart shows each child's academic growth in reading comprehension, fluency, and math skills throughout the year. Parents see these results on Parent/Teacher Conference Days.  

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Grade 9 takes a practice PRESAT test online.  

Grade 10 takes the PRESAT test.

Grade 11 may take the SAT to help students apply to universities in America, Canada, and more than 800 universities worldwide, including some universities in Japan.

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Uniforms

To keep clothes competition down and to help students feel unified, students must wear only black, navy, white, off-white, beige, or gray tops and bottoms. The bottoms may also be plaid, similar to other school uniform styles. Dresses, skirts, trousers, short pants, jackets, and sweaters should all follow the uniform colors. No T-shirts, blue jeans, sweatpants, or yoga pants, please. The uniform should be followed Monday through Thursday of every week. The exception is the school T-shirt. This may be worn daily. Friday is considered a free day.   

 

Shirts

Shirts must have no logos, designs, ribbons, or stripes but be solid colors. Boys' shirts must have a collar, either button-up or polo style. Girls may wear nice blouses or sweaters. T-shirts are only allowed during physical education classes and on Fridays, except for the NLIS t-shirt.

 

Dresses, skirts, and shorts

Girls may wear dresses, skirts, and trousers, but all must be in the school colors; skirts and shorts must not be shorter than 15 centimeters above the top of the kneecap, and underwear cannot show. Dark leggings are allowed. 

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Badges

All students must wear the school badge to school to help the community identify the child as part of our school. It should be pinned onto the shirt above the front left pocket or in that position if there is no pocket. Students receive one school badge free of charge. Parents may purchase a badge for 300 yen if they want more badges. 

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Shoes

Students are free to wear shoes, boots, sandals, etc., as long as they are safe and useful for school. Students are also asked to bring one pair of indoor shoes to be kept at school for use in case of rainy weather. Indoor shoes are not typically worn in school.

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Fridays

Fridays are "free days." Students may wear any color and style of clothes they desire as long as they are respectable. 

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Physical education uniform

All children from Grade 7 must wear separate clothes for physical education classes. These should also be in the school colors. A time and a place will be given for the students to change. Students should take the P.E. clothes home every week to wash. 

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Other fashions

Though NLIS requires uniform colors, students are given some freedom in their hair length and body fashion; therefore, things such as perms, dyed hair, nail polish, etc., are left to the parent's choice as long as they are not so extreme as to distract from learning. The fashion is not distracting to others' learning. Elementary girls may wear lipgloss and small, post-earrings, and girls in secondary girls from 8th grade may wear light makeup and wire earrings. However, the biblical teaching of 1 Peter 3:3-4 is encouraged: Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (NIV)

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Fashion Rules

Students should not wear clothing or fashion that distracts them or others from learning that appears immoral or unsafe. The word, immoral, implies something that might cause sexual temptation or encourage sin, according to Christian teachings. A distracting fashion would be so noticeable or shocking as to distract students from focusing their eyes and ears on learning in the classroom. In line with our policy regarding learning, morality, and safety, NLIS clothing and fashion rules at school or even on the way to and from school are:

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1. No brightly colored hair (green, pink, yellow, etc.) or distractive face paint. (Face paint may be worn during parties with the teacher's permission.)  Dyed hair is allowed in natural colors (brown, auburn, black, blond).

2. Boys and girls must keep their hair out of their faces. They must cut the hair above the eyes or keep it away from the face by putting it behind the ears or fastening it. Hair over the eyes can distract the student from studying and causes one to hide from others emotionally. We want the students to have every advantage to learn well, mentally and emotionally. 

3. No bags, jewelry, or clothing with a wrong message: foul language, offensive pictures, evil or immoral themes in images or words, or pro-alcohol, pro-tobacco, or pro-drug messages.

4. Head coverings are not to be worn inside the classroom.

5. No rolling up, unbuttoning, or loosening clothes so the stomach, back, shoulders, mid-chest, or upper thighs can be seen.

6. They are showing any part of underpants or underclothes.

7. No visible tattoo should be seen at or on the way to and from school.

8. No earrings on boys since these are so controversial for males. For safety purposes, girls' earrings must be small (e.g., small studs or tiny hoops) so they cannot be easily pulled off. Earrings may need to be removed during physical Education for safety's sake.

9. Crossdressing is boys dressing like girls and girls dressing like boys.

 

We request parents not allow their children to bring expensive jewelry or clothes to school. We will not take responsibility if such items are damaged, lost, or stolen.

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School Rules for student behavior   

Students should take a positive view of school in the following ways:

        1. Follow the instructions of all teachers and school leaders.

        2. Do all homework and complete all class assignments with a positive attitude.

        3. Attend classes daily and attend school and class events on time.

        4. Follow NLIS dress regulations.

        5. Love and show respect to all classmates, teachers, and school staff. 

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Students must not do the following:

• Cheat on tests, copy others' homework, have someone else do the homework, or turn in a written essay or research paper copied from books or other sources without the teacher's approval.

• Use bad words or vulgar language (including talking about sex or obscene things) in any language.

• Break the school clothing regulations or wear clothing or other body fashion that disrupts learning, appears immoral, or is unsafe. 

• Use cell phones or computers without the school's permission. All cell phones must be on manner mode and may not be used during class. Teachers may confiscate a cell phone if wrongly used, but it will be returned after school. NLIS will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any cell phone brought from home.

• Damage things that belong to other students, teachers, or the school. Examples: drawing pictures on the wall, breaking a student's pen, hurting someone's clothes, etc. Students will be asked to restore or replace any damaged item.

• Harass and bully: gossiping, teasing, making threatening gestures, touching, hitting, pushing, kicking, taking items from a child, sending wrong computer messages, telling lies about a child, etc. We will not allow one student to lead others to refuse to play with or communicate with another child or guide others to reject a child in any way—no jokes or insults about race, religion, culture, family, etc. Please see NLIS's bullying policy below.

• Be involved in sexually related behaviors, including talking about or writing notes about sex, carrying or looking at pornography, drawing pictures containing naked bodies, or being sexually suggestive. Also, no sexual harassment: teasing about the body, sexual jokes, inappropriate touching, pointing, talking, sexually suggestive actions, etc. Students may also not participate in kissing, holding hands, etc., at or on the way to and from school. We ask all students to refrain from dating until they are in the 10th grade. 

• Take or "borrow" anything without the owner's permission.

• Take part in any illegal activity, including under-aged participation with alcohol or illicit use of drugs, possession of drugs, or smoking cigarettes.

• Attempt to encourage others to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs or encourage others to break the law in any way.

• Commit violence: Hit or kick a teacher or student. Carry or use weapons.

• Threaten to harm another student or teacher in any way—physically, socially, or emotionally.

 

NLIS bullying policy

No child may be bullied, teased, or insulted, no matter how different that child may dress, talk, act, or think. A child may not be bullied no matter the child's religion, race, culture, language background, family, or anything else that makes the child seem different. We do not accept the support of bullies for any reason from a child or parent, and all bullying will be dealt with firmly. If you feel your child is being bullied, please contact us immediately.

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Christian discipline

The following was taken from the school handbook of the Christian Academy of Japan in Tokyo. It is appropriate, so we have adopted this stance regarding our punishment and discipline policy: 

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Because of sin in our lives, there are times when the law of love and mutual respect is broken, school rules are violated, and disputes arise among students, teachers, staff, and parents. We all have sinful inclinations, but how we deal with sin, and its effects must differ from those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible is our guide for dealing with sin. The Biblical process for dealing with sin includes:

-Admonition in love ("Did you have permission to take that from Yuko's locker?")

-Confession of wrong ("I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to do that.")

-Restitution ("I'll put it back right now.")

-Reconciliation ("I forgive you; let's be friends.")

 

When we follow this pattern, we can grow toward Christian maturity through our mistakes.  

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Consequences 

Whenever something is done wrong, there are consequences. NLIS follows the following guidelines when a student makes a bad choice. Because growth and change are the goals, the results of doing wrong should correct or repair the harm that has been done. Reconciliation requires personal confession, apology, and forgiveness. Abuse of property may require restitution. For example, if a student makes a mess, they may have to spend extra time at school cleaning; if he or she wastes time in class or is frequently late, they may have to skip recess; if a privilege is abused, that privilege may be lost for a while. If doing wrong seems to be a habit or a pattern, or if the deed seems especially willful or severe, the parents will be contacted. A conference may be requested with the parents to discuss the problem and possible solutions. Proactive communication between parents and teachers is encouraged. A teacher might find it necessary to punish a child for strengthening their sense of sorrow and willingness to change. In addition to this process of admonition, confession, restitution, and reconciliation, each teacher might also have a system of rewards, warnings, and punishments to train the children. The following consequences are used for all children of NLIS who break the rules:

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• The student may be removed from other children, primarily to concentrate on the lesson or to give the student a little space.

• The student may write a letter of apology.

• The student may have to eat alone.

• Parent conferences will be made when a student has a severe problem or a repeated problem that cannot be easily solved.

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Approved disciplinary measures

NLIS approves using "pulling tags" in the classroom with clear rules and consequences discussed, written, and explained to the students and the parents. When a child breaks a classroom rule, the child pulls a cardboard-colored tag below their name. This is not done in an angry or threatening manner. It's just a clear reminder to the students to follow the rules. 

 

1. The first tag pulled is a warning.

2. The second tag requires the student to write a letter of apology.*

3. The third tag requires the student to eat alone at lunch.

4. The fourth tag requires a meeting with the head of the school and possibly a parent.

 

*The letter of apology is a handwritten note from the student acknowledging that they understand that they have disrupted learning and will try not to repeat it. The younger ages have a form letter that the teacher reads and has the student sign. The teachers keep the note until the end of the year. If the child has many letters, the teacher may show the parent to discuss ways to help the student improve their behavior. If the child doesn't have many, the teacher will tear them up and dispose of them.  

Other disciplinary measurements may include student disciplinary or behavioral probation and suspension of student attendance. These would be used in repeated fighting, stealing, or cheating cases. Corporal punishment shall never be used; however, reasonable physical restraint to protect persons and property shall be permitted. For instance, a teacher can pull apart the individuals to protect them if a fight occurs.

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Expulsion from school 

When all other attempts have failed, a child may be permanently removed from the school, so they are no longer enrolled. English schools in Kofu are limited, so this would be a last resort. NLIS will not allow one distraught child to destroy the school. However, NLIS will deal with troubled children with love, decisive actions, and patience. So far, there haven't been any of these cases at NLIS. 

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Open door policy

All parents may come and observe the classes at any time. However, it will help the teachers if the parent calls the school ahead of time so the teacher can prepare a seat and so that the parent can be sure that a regular lesson will be taught at that time. If you would like to volunteer regularly, please talk with your teacher. We love our parents to come and get involved by helping in the classes. 

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Parent-teacher conferences

NLIS invites parent-teacher dialogue to build a more substantial school. NLIS has two scheduled conferences and several observation days during the year. However, if questions or problems arise, parents are asked to contact the child's teacher for discussion after class hours. If contact with the teacher has been made, but the problem is not solved, parents may further appeal to the principal regarding dissatisfactory issues.

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NLIS classes are combined as follows:

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2023-24:

K4 and K5                    (ages 4 & 5)

Grade 1                         (age 6)

Grade 2                         (age 7)

Grade 3 and Grade 4    (ages 8 – 9)

Grade 5 and Grade 6    (ages 10 – 11)

Grade 7 and Grade 8    (ages 12-13)

Grade 9 to Grade 11     (ages 14-16)

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As NLIS grows, the elementary school plans to have separate class grades; however, we will use mixed-age classrooms until we have enough rooms. The following are the advantages of Multi-Aged Classrooms:

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1. Gender

By having combined classes, there is a better chance of maintaining a balance of genders.

 

2. Students learning from students

Every teacher who teaches a multi-age class notes the value of students learning from the teacher and each other. Older children commonly mentor younger ones. This helps both the older and younger students in the class reinforce their learning. It can also raise the students' self-esteem, encourage responsible behavior, and establish a healthy class atmosphere. NLIS is very proud of its family atmosphere. The mixed classes help the students interact with everyone in the school.

 

3. Teacher continuity

Having multi-age classes at NLIS allow teachers to get to know their students for two years. The students and teachers get to know each other well and develop a close relationship with each other.  

 

Are all subjects taught together?

No. All math classes are taught separately for each grade. Each teacher teaches two math courses separately. While one group is doing independent work, the teacher introduces the other.  

 

Reading, spelling, and handwriting are taught separately in all elementary grades. The teacher teaches one group while the other group works independently.   

 

All other subjects, writing, grammar, novel units, Bible, social studies, science, art, music, computer, and physical Education, are done as a whole class.

 

Japanese is taught separately in grades 1 and 2. It is taught independently in grades 3 through 11 in the multi-class rooms. Each teacher teaches two Japanese courses separately. Track 2 is done together in three groups from steps 3 through 10. While one group is doing independent work, the teacher instructs the other group.   

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Are "multi-age" classes found only in smaller schools?

No. Schools and educational authorities have adopted multi-age classes because of the advantages.

 

Is there a disadvantage for children moving from a multi-age to a single-grade system?

No, because in terms of paperwork, all students at NLIS are enrolled within a given grade. There are no complications if they transfer to another school.

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Pray for the school 

Please pray for God to bless your child and this school every day. Pray that God will guide us, give us wisdom, and give peace to the students, teachers, staff, and parents of NLIS. Pray for your child each day that God will bless them on the way to school and our halls with physical protection, learning, friendships, healthy emotional development, and most of all, love and faith in God. Thank you for your support and prayers! 

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