Al Misbah Hifz School – Policies & Guidelines

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS:  PDF Download

Following are the policies and guidelines to which all of the students and parents are expected to adhere. Hereafter, the word school implies the Al-Misbah Quran Academy (AMQA), and the word students implies to the students who are currently enrolled in the school. The Imam is defined to be the leading Imam of the Jammat Ibad Ar-Rahman (JIAR). AMQA Principal and Imam are used interchangeably as, generally; the Imam is also the Principal of AMQA

1. Mission: The mission of the school is to mentor, guide, and supervise the students in learning how to read and memorize the Quran, and implement the teaching of Quran and Sunnah in their lives to become exemplary Muslims and citizens.
2. Governance: The head (Principal) of the school is the Imam. The Imam is supported by admin, teachers and other support staff to operate AMQA. The affairs of the school requiring JIAR Board input and approvals are facilitated by a committee appointed by the JIAR board of directors.
   1. Conflict Resolution: Any conflict which shall arise must be brought to the attention of the teachers, Admin, Imam, and the school managing committee, in the order mentioned.
3. Academic
   1. Admission: The admission to the Al-Misbah school is by the permission of the head of the school after evaluation.
      1. Admission schedule and methodology is communicated and shared with parents via available communication channels: Messages, web and verbal announcements.
   2. Fees: The fee is due at the start of the semester. In case of financial hardship, fee assistance from JIAR can be requested.
   3. Goals: Each student and parent must accept long-term, short-term, and weekly goals set forth by the teachers in consultation with the student and the parent. These goals shall be put in writing and signed by the teacher, student, and the parent.
      1. Long-term goals: These tasks refer to the yearly goals set forth for the student and the parents
      2. Short-term goals: These tasks refer to the semester-wide achievements set forth by the teachers in consultation with the parents and the students.
      3. Weekly goals: These goals are set forth by the teachers in order to meet and exceed the short-term and long-term goals.
      4. The goals may also be in form of lesson plans developed by class teacher and the principal. These lesson plans are published. The progress is shared via regular updates.
   4. Progression: In order to progress weekly, in the short-term, and in the long-term goals, at least 50% of the stated goal shall be met or otherwise the stated goals need to be renegotiated between the student, family and the school. Failure to satisfy or renegotiate the goals may result in probation. 
      1. Academic Probation: In the event of not meeting the progression standard, the student shall be placed on probation for a period determined by the teacher. The student shall be evaluated at the end of the probation period by the teacher. A maximum of two probation periods can be granted to a student in one year.
      2. Academic Expulsion: A student who is not found performing according to the stated goals, and at least two probation interventions have taken place, a student can be expelled from the school. An expelled student can re-apply for admission after a period of one semester.
   5. Class Movement: Students are moved between classes based on evaluation of teacher. The factors considered are student learning abilities, grasp of class material, progress shown and assignment completion.
   6. School Events: Students and parents are expected to attend the Quran Nights and other events organized by the school. The students are expected to recite Quran during the Quran nights. The students who have met their goals may be awarded during the Quran nights
   7. Arrival & Departure: The student shall arrive on the stated times for the semester and the day of the week. Any student arriving more than 15 minutes late would receive a tardy. Upon arrival, the student shall report directly to his/her class teacher. The students shall be picked up by the parents or the assigned party immediately after the end of the school. The school and JIAR are not responsible for children who are dropped off 10 minutes prior to the school start or 5 minutes after the school ends.
   8. Activities During School: Students are not allowed to leave the school premises during the school. The school/JIAR is not responsible for the actions of the students who violate this regulation.
   9. JIAR/school is not responsible for any physical injury or harm sustained to any student during the school.
4. Behavior
   1. General: Students are expected to behave in a manner which is consistent with ethical and moral standards of Muslims and adhere to the standards of respect for teachers and the sanctity of the Masjid.
   2. Phone Use: The use of cell phones or other media devices is prohibited during the school. These devices can only be used with the permission of the teacher and for educational purposes or in case of emergencies.
   3. Dress Code: Students are expected to follow the appropriate dress code while in school. Both boys and girls are required to wear clothing in accordance to the ethics of Islam. For example, girls may choose to wear long dresses or abayas with hijab and boys are requested to wear full-length pants and shirts.
   4. Any student found behaving in a manner not aligned with the guidelines as mentioned above shall receive warnings from the teacher, and the Imam. If the ill-behavior or violation of school policies continues, the school reserves the right to expel the student from the program. These behaviors include, but are not exclusive to:
      1. Dressing inappropriately;
      2. Using foul language and/or engaging in verbal or physical altercations; and
      3. Disrespecting the teachers and the school staff by not following directions.
   5. Behavioral Probation: In the event of not meeting the behavioral standards, the student provided two written notices and put on probation. The parent(s) will be informed and invited for a probation hearing. The meeting will include student, parent and school representative such as teacher, AMQA admin, principal or any other party as needed.  The student will be given an opportunity to understand the violation and provided opportunity to explain. In event of confirmation of incident, parent and student will sign and be given written notice. Student will be put on probation.
   6. Behavioral Expulsion: A student who is not behaving according to the stated goals, and at least two probation interventions have taken place, a student can be expelled from the school. A student expelled for behavioral issues may not reapply for admission for two semesters. The registration request for such students will be reviewed and if granted based on improved behavior and parental commitments and on a probationary basis.