american international school of monrovia · lesson plans p.11 13-week unit plans p.11 2-day...

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American International School of Monrovia

Year of The Honey Bee

Liberian Physical Address

Old Road, Congo Town

Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia

Director: Jeff Trudeau

Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775

Email: [email protected]

AISM 2019-2020

Faculty Handbook

YEAR OF THE HONEY BEE

mailto:[email protected]

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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AISM Overview and History p. 3

Mission p.7

Philosophy p.7

Teachers as Models p.8

School procedures p.8

After School Activities p.8

Attendance p.8

Care of buildings and grounds p.9

Certification p.9

Classroom events p.9

Bulletin Boards p.9

Dress Code p.10

Faculty lounge p.10

Forms p.10

Goals p.11

Health p.11

Medications p.11

Internet p.11

Lesson plans p.11

13-week unit plans p.11

2-Day Emergency Lesson Plans p.12

Expectations p.12

Observation/Evaluation p.12

Open House p.12

Conferences p.12

Jupiter Communication p.13

PTA Association p.13

Schedule changes p.13

School Day p.13

School property for Overseas hired teachers p.13

Sick leave and other absences p.15

Staff meetings p.15

Supervision p.15

Tobacco policy p.15

Citizenship code p.16

Discipline policy p.16

AISM Citizenship Code: UNIFIED p.19


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


AISM Overview and History

The American International School of Monrovia

Liberia

Over 40 years ago -- with the arrival of a large expatriate community involved in everything from missionary

work to mineral excavation -- a need arose to provide an education for expatriate children. Thus, American

Cooperative School came into being. Starting out with just a handful of students, ACS evolved into a school of

over 600 students and was known as one of the top American-International schools in Africa. Shareholders of

the school were, and continue to be; multi-national companies, members of the diplomatic community, and

qualified local Liberians in search of a quality U.S. Education. A change in the economic and political climate

during the late 1980‟s and 1990‟s discouraged many of the multi-national companies and diplomatic community

from remaining in Liberia. When they left the country, the school population declined, and with the onset of

Liberian Civil War, the school closed in 1988.

On October 8, 2007, after five years of peace in Liberia, the school reopened under a new name: The American

International School of Monrovia. For the 2014-2015 school year, AISM anticipated over 150 students.

However, the Ebola Crisis of 2014 led to a virtual shut down of essential services in the city of Monrovia,

which led most international missions and embassies to issue an “ordered departure.” As a result, the Board of

Trustees took the difficult, but prudent, decision to close AISM‟s doors (under Government Decree that all

schools in Liberia be closed until further notice) to ensure the safety of its teachers and pupils.

It was with great excitement that the Government of Liberia allowed all schools to open once again in early


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Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


February of 2015, for AISM‟s eight continual year of operation, signaling the containment of the Ebola virus,

and the resumption of normal life, in the country of Liberia.

The crisis, however, did take a toll as the American International School of Monrovia looks to open its doors for

the 2015 School Year with between 70-80 students in our Early Years Program (EYP) through Upper School.

Approximately 120 students are anticipated for the 2019 - 2020 School Year.

Recently, as the economic, political and health situation in Liberia have turned the corner and business

conditions have improved, there has been a direct increase in enrollment due to the fact that companies and the

diplomatic community brought in more expatriate workers and their families.

The American International School of Monrovia is a modern air-conditioned facility that, in the future, could

once again enroll well over 600 students. Presently, there is ample classroom space for all of our students. In

addition to the main school building, our facilities include a basketball court, gymnasium and weight room, and

a soccer/baseball field. The curriculum is North American, the medium of instruction is English, and the

student/teacher ratio is 6.7/1. AISM is in the pre-accredited stage by the Middle States Association of Colleges

and Schools. We have completed our 5-year strategic improvement plan, which will culminate in a visit from

educational experts from around the world, in April of 2016, and result in a renewed U.S. certification for the

next five years.

Monrovia is Liberia‟s largest city with a population of just under a million. Although we are a capital city,

Monrovia has a rustic urban feel. There are modest swim and tennis clubs; there are several nice restaurants,

adequate shopping close at hand, two fitness gyms, and high-quality housing with central air conditioning. On

long weekends and vacations there is a diversity of environments to explore. Picturesque African beaches, the

highlands of the dense jungle interior, and rain forests are all within driving distance.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Theme for 2018 - 2019: “Year of the Honey Bee”

This is … AISM!!

It is with great confidence and with great purpose that AISM begins its 12th

year of operation, continuing to

provide our students with a quality, and fully accredited, International Education on this historic school site!

AISM’s THEMES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS…

In 2012, AISM left its cocoon to soar to new

heights during our Year of the Butterfly.

In 2013, we worked together

during the Year of the Horse to help our

students make measurable student progress.

In 2014, during the Year of the Chameleon,

we adapted and evolved to assist our students

in meeting challenging new environments.

In 2015, we maneuvered and adapted to best

meet our students' needs during the Year of the

Swallow.

In 2016, the Year of the Emperor

Penguin allowed us to shelter and provide for

our learning community.

Last year, in 2017, the Year of the Mountain

Zebra showed us that although we were small

in numbers, we were able to be nimble on an

unsteady surface, as Liberia transitioned its

Government for the first time in 12 years.

Last year, as we resiliently embarked on our

second decade of the rebirth of our educational

program, we were pleased to show our tenacity

by welcoming the Year of the Wildebeest!

This year, we are delighted to announce

that the Honey Bee will be our theme for the

year. The American International School

of Monrovia, over the years, has demonstrated

a committed focus on our "interconnected

community." Here at AISM, everybody plays

an important part in our educational ecosystem.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Honey Bees are social insects that live in hives, and are known for their ability to work together in both the

construction and maintenance of their large-sized colonies. They play a significant role in pollination and

ecology, and through their interconnected efforts, they are able to produce a surplus production of honey,

while cross-pollinating various plants and flowers to help them reproduce and grow! Two years ago, the Mountain Zebra smoothed over rugged terrain allowing it to be roamed by Wildebeest. Last

year, during the Year of the Wildebeest, the grass was grazed, which in turn has set the stage for the Honey

Bee to make a unified and coordinated effort to beautify our environment in our interconnected colony. The challenges that we have faced since we first left our cocoon, some seven years ago, have given us plenty of

opportunities to learn, change, transform, maneuver, expand, and work together to meet each of our students‟

individual learning needs.

Please note this is a condensed version of our school policy manual

The American International School of Monrovia Condensed Policy Manual

Full Policy Manual found available at:

http://www.aismonrovia.com/index.php/board-of-directors/6-aism-policy-manual/file


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


The American International School of Monrovia’s mission is to offer its present and ever-changing student population a challenging curriculum (designed to meet or exceed U.S. Standards), while enabling AISM's student body to achieve their full social, intellectual, emotional and physical potential. Our intellectual community teaches values and good manners, is dedicated to academic excellence, demands responsibility and promotes the power of collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

The American International School of Monrovia is committed to providing a high quality English language education, rooted in an American oriented curriculum for students from a wide range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds, within the city of Monrovia, Liberia. The School pledges to maintain educational excellence and, in order to reach this goal, will: Provide a safe, nurturing and friendly environment for all students. Recognize the uniqueness and worth of each child. Teach the information, skills and processes that prepare students to function effectively in a rapidly

changing world. Encourage students and cultivate in them an inquisitive nature as well as the love of learning so that both

become life–long activities. Teach students the methods and disciplines necessary to be able to utilize effective study habits for the rest

of their lives. Provide instructional programs that stimulate and challenge students, providing for their present and future

needs, while consistently stretching the limits of their abilities. Help and encourage students to develop personal values, which enable them to be responsible members of

society and as such to make their own decisions as informed individuals. Impart an understanding of the complexity and interdependence of people, cultures and the environment. Take advantage of the cultural diversity within the School and the community. Make full use of the opportunities and resources available to the school in any country. Be aware of the often-transient nature of our pupils and prepare them to transfer successfully to any other of

similar level and quality educational institution. Encourage and recognize the importance of cooperation and communication between home and school.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


TEACHERS AS MODELS

Teachers are asked to remember the following valued behaviors:

● Being student-centered

● Providing a supportive, stimulating learning environment

● Being punctual to class and to supervisory responsibilities

● Creating well-planned lessons

● Being organized and meeting deadlines

● Having timely and open communication with parents

● Being loyal to their colleagues and to their school

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

For Student procedures and expectations, please see Parent Handbook.

After School Activities

The Student After School Activities Program is a vital part of our overall educational plan. Every faculty

member will sponsor one individual activity each trimester. After School Activities are offered to students from

3:40-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays are teacher directed with Wednesday‟s being reserved for

meetings. AISM teachers are expected to lead at least one activity per trimester. The choice of activity is up to

each teacher and can range from soccer to yoga, to study hall. Teachers may change their activity each trimester

or may repeat the activity. Students are encouraged to change in order to have many experiences.

Attendance

Illness

It is very difficult to find qualified substitute teachers in Monrovia. If a teacher is absent, it will be necessary for

regular staff to assist in covering classes. In the event of illness, teachers are asked to contact the school

secretary by text message or whatsapp between the hours of 6:00a.m. and 7:00a.m. Text message should be

sent to the Director during this time.

Note: Emails are not accepted for informing of sick leave. If the school is not notified by

phone/text/whatsapp prior to 7:15a.m, pay deductions will result.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Personal Days

Contractually, teachers have 2 personal days per year. These days are designed so that teachers may conduct

personal business that they could not do outside of the school day. Personal days are not vacation days and may

never be used just prior or immediately after a holiday.

Leaving School Grounds

Faculty may find it necessary to leave campus occasionally when they do not have a class.

Teachers are expected to use the sign-out sheet located with the School Secretary.

Care of Building and Grounds

Every teacher is asked to help prevent students from littering and defacing the school building and grounds.

Certification

All areas of certification and or agreements to be certified when hired by AISM must be kept current while

employed by the school. Document copies are to be given to office upon arrival.

Classroom Events

Activities other than those considered part of the curriculum will be kept to a minimum. For example, as of

September 2012, birthday parties are only allowed to be held at the American International School of Monrovia.

at the discretion of the teacher, who is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the curriculum. All activities

(including birthday parties) must be approved in advance by the Director.

Bulletin Boards

New bulletin boards have been purchased for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Bulletin boards are one reflection of

your program and of our school. Your efforts to keep them attractive, current, and educational are appreciated

by all the members of our community.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Dress Code

It is important that our dress allows us to maintain an image of professionalism in our school community. Jeans

are not to be worn by teachers except on “Free Dress Day,” which is the first Friday of every month. Male

teachers are not permitted to wear open toe sandals, and both teachers and students are not permitted to wear

hats in the school building.

Faculty Lounge

Teachers are kindly asked to keep the lounge neat and orderly. All staff are reminded that we work in a

„community of trust,‟ and not to take food from others. Students are never allowed in the faculty lounge.

Forms

JUPITER ON-LINE PORTAL REPLACES THE FORMS FOR THE 2019 - 2020 SCHOOL YEAR

In the past, we used hard copy forms. However, Jupiter is now our main method of communication, and should

be used:

A. To contact parents (not just about grades, but also about items below) for:

● Activity Permission

● Conference Request: To be used if you wish to have a conference with a parent and wish to inform

them in writing.

● Progress Reports: To be sent home to parents at progress report time, but also may be used at any

other time to inform the parents about the progress of their child.

● Accident Reports

B. To send a request to the Administration:

● Activity Request: Sent to the Director

● Local Purchase Order: Sent to the Business Manager and Director

● Work Order: Sent to the Business Manager


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Goals/Personal Mission Statement/Professional Growth

Each year the Director will determine a method of teacher self-reflection to assist in the betterment of the school

community, and/or professional/personal development.

Health

Injuries

Please send students who have minor cuts and bruises to the nurse. The school nurse will administer basic first

aid. In case of emergencies of a more serious nature, send a student to get the Director and/or the secretary.

Parents will be contacted and they will make decisions concerning further medical action. Should a student be

injured under your supervision, an incident report will need to be filed immediately.

Medications

Children may be assisted in taking prescribed medication while at school using the following guidelines:

● A signed note giving parent permission, stating the medical problem, the correct dosage, and time must

be provided.

● The office must approve each parent request for this procedure to be implemented.

Internet

We have “high speed” Internet access for the computers at AISM. Faculty may use it for personal use during

their free time. Most of AISM Internet access is presently wireless.

LESSON PLANS

13-Week Unit Plans

Unit plans and/or course syllabi need to be turned into the Director within the first two weeks of each trimester.

These plans will layout the schedule of how you plan to cover the curriculum during the school year. This plan

should be a general, not a detailed outline.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


2-day Emergency Lesson Plans

Two-day emergency lesson plans may be requested at the Director‟s discretion.

Expectations

Teachers in EYP-Grade 5 are asked to develop a brief overview of what they will cover during the year, along

with any student or parent expectations. Teachers in the Upper School are asked to provide students with a

course syllabus on the first day. This document needs to include your grading policy and your expectations for

the students.

Observation/Evaluation

The observation/evaluation process will be based on formal and informal observations, as well as on a teacher

self-assessment.

Open House

Open House is scheduled in early September and is a time for parents to visit the school on a less formal basis.

Teachers will have children‟s work on display as well as materials used for daily instruction. Open House is not

a time for parents to discuss their own children and their progress. Individual conferences may be scheduled

with the teacher at any other time to meet this objective.

Conferences

Student-Led Conferences are scheduled twice a year. Students are encouraged to lead the academic conference.

This is a time for parents, students, and teachers to talk about student progress and to plan strategies to help

students be more successful. Parents are also encouraged to schedule conferences at any time during the year if

they feel there is a need to do so.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Jupiter Communication

The intent of the quality communication is to keep the parents informed about school business, to make

announcements, and to inform parents about any calendar changes. Every teacher is responsible for providing

noteworthy information on a frequent basis about what is going on in his or her classrooms.

PTA Association

The PTA is an organization, which supports the operation of the school and provides a liaison between the

school and parent community. Teachers are asked to attend all PTA-organized and AISM school events.

Schedule Changes

When there are changes in the schedule, the involved teachers are asked to inform the elementary and secondary

teachers of the classes concerned. There are no schedule changes unless they are approved by the Director.

School Day

The school day for students is 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Teachers need to be at school no later than 8:00a.m. and

are expected to stay on campus until at least 4:00 p.m. The after-school activities program runs from 3:30 until

4:30 p.m. Please note that the school building locks down to non-AISM employees at 5:00 p.m. on

weekdays. Non-employees are not permitted in the school building. Should teachers need assistance with non-

AISM staff, they are asked to sign them in and out at all times. The sign-out form is located at the gate.

School Property for Overseas Hired Teachers

The AISM Board understands the need to provide living and transportation support for the overseas hired

teachers. Therefore, the school invests a significant amount of money each year for that purpose. Likewise,

overseas hired teachers are asked to honor these benefits by respecting the following:

● All school property is for AISM personnel only, with AISM housing only for personal who have this

benefit in their contract. No non-AISM employee may live in the housing or may use the laundry

facilities. Teachers may invite out-of-town friends and family members for short visits, providing that

this has been cleared with the Director.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


● In cases where housing is limited, AISM personnel will be assigned shared housing based on seniority

and/or job title.

● Personnel in shared housing are allotted the same privileges as those living in a single residence.

● Personnel living in shared housing residents will share the space with respect and equity.

● Any overnight guest in shared residents must have approval from both the roommate and the Director.

● All furnishings provided are inventoried and must remain in each house. We ask that teachers do

not “swap” furniture, etc. This includes at the end of the year, even if one of the houses is being

vacated.

● All non-residents of THE RESIDENCE will be expected to sign in and show identification after 5:00

p.m. Teachers who host a party are asked to give the guards notification in advance, along with a list of

attendees.

● Smoking is strictly prohibited in THE RESIDENCE, and within all AISM buildings. (Please see school

tobacco policy.

● Pets are not allowed in THE RESIDENCE, without Director‟s and Board approval and subject to

financial deposit..

● Students are not allowed in RESIDENCE housing, nor are minors under the age of 18, (family

exceptions to be cleared by Director.) All visitors to THE RESIDENCE must present photo ID.

● While every effort is made to provide the use of transport for our teachers, sometimes a car needs to be

serviced. Priority usage of all school vehicles is for school related business and work. In the event that a

car is available for teacher use, AISM requests teachers to use the sign up sheet provided to ensure that

everyone has fair use of school transportation.


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


Sick Leave and Other Absences*

The following is a brief summary of the school policy:

Sick leave: 10 days per year (one for each month worked)

Bereavement leave: up to 10 days, depending on location and Director approval.

Personal leave: 2 days, approved by the Director, cannot be taken before or after long weekends,

holidays, and/or vacations. These days are only provided to teachers in case they

cannot tend to personal business outside of the school day. They are not vacation

days.

Professional leave: At the discretion of the Director.

Resignation: Import teachers, who leave AISM prior to the completion of their contract, will be

required to reimburse the school a pro-rated portion of their relocation allowance.

*Note: Absences brought about by transportation delays will not be accepted as valid, and pay deductions will

be made for the time missed.

Staff Meetings

Staff meetings will take place on Wednesday afternoons from 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. This meeting time will rotate

between faculty, team, and committee work.

Supervision

Classroom

Teachers are never to leave a class unattended, no matter how small the class is, or if a learning assistant is

present.

Tobacco Policy

This is 2019! Who smokes! AISM is a smoking free zone. AISM employees who choose to smoke must

always do so in a designated area, which cannot be observed by students. (i.e. blue palava hut.) Import

teachers who utilize international health insurance will be deducted $1500 annually to cover the higher

cost of their insurance coverage


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


Telephone: 00231(0)777-818-775


The Citizenship Code

The Citizenship Code of the American International School of Monrovia promotes an environment where

everyone is a good citizen and is appreciated regardless of race, religion, personal beliefs or individual

differences. All members of the school community are expected to be good citizens.

To be good citizens, Teachers must avoid the following behaviors:

● Disagreeing with a student, parent or colleague in a public forum

● Tutoring their own students for pay

● Criticizing AISM or members of the school community “behind their backs!”

● Using the classroom as a platform for personal beliefs

● Making assumptions without checking out information

Discipline Policy

The purpose of the Discipline Policy is to create an effective learning environment in which the rights of

everyone are respected and the needs of all are fulfilled. The goal of the disciplinary system at AISM is to

stimulate self-discipline through reflection on how individual actions affect others and to establish procedures

on dealing with breeches of expected conduct.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Students enrolled in the school shall conduct themselves in a manner, which will bring credit to themselves and

the school. Conduct expectations have been established with the intent to guarantee the welfare and safety of

everyone. Guidelines are designed to help promote responsibility, reasonable order, and the good citizenship

skills of each student.

CITIZENSHIP CODE

The American International School of Monrovia promotes an environment where everyone is expected to be a

good citizen and is appreciated regardless of race, religion, personal beliefs or individual differences. All

members of the school community are expected to be respectful at all times.

RESPECTING OTHERS


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Monrovia, Liberia



Monrovia, Liberia


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AISM strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all of its students. Therefore, the following

behavioral expectations have been established.

Fighting and/or physically abusing another person are subject to a minimum of one-day suspension.

It is also always inappropriate:

To harm another person verbally

To use language which is considered offensive on campus

To take something that belongs to someone else

To cheat, copy, and/or plagiarize

To vandalize the school environment.

The punishment for such offenses is at the discretion of the Director, but generally will follow the following

steps*:

First offense: verbal warning, and possible further consequences as deemed necessary by teacher and/or

director.

Second offense: meeting with director, and parents contacted.

Third offense: one-day suspension.

In the event of cheating, a student will not receive credit.

*Repeated misbehaviors will be treated more seriously.

STUDENT RIGHTS

Each student has the right to the following:

1. A meaningful education based on high academic standards which meet the individual needs of the student

within the limitations of the American International School of Monrovia.

2. Physical safety and protection of their property, including the right to practical School facilities.

3. Appropriate dialogue with teachers, counselors, administrators and other School personnel.

4. Protection from Discrimination and Harassment.

5. Due process procedures regarding their alleged involvement in an incident of misconduct.

STUDENTS´ RESPONSIBILITIES


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Rights come with responsibilities. Students are responsible to:

1. Attend school regularly.

2. Be on time for classes.

3. Come to class with the necessary books and materials.

4. Complete Homework assignments and meet deadlines.

5. Wear proper and appropriate school attire.

6. Respect the rights of others.

7. Be respectful to teachers.

8. Abide by classroom and school rules.

9. Cooperate with school staff at all times.

10. Respect people and property.

11. Use proper language.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

When students are disciplined in the classroom or are referred to the office for disciplinary reasons, the student

shall be:

1. Advised as to the particular misconduct and the basis for accusation

2. Be given an opportunity to explain his/her version of the situation prior to any action being taken.

All staff, including the Director, will apply these procedures.

A parent or guardian will be contacted in a timely fashion, informing them when corrective measures have been

taken that involve loss of privileges, time outs, in school suspensions or other similar actions. If a child is to be

suspended from school, notification to the parent is required prior to implementation.

EXCEPTION TO THE PROCEDURES

It is understood that immediate removal from the school premises without benefit of the above procedures may

be initiated by school personnel, should a student‟s continued presence in the school pose a danger to persons or

property, or be an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process. The parent or guardian shall be so

advised as soon as practical.


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american international school of monrovia · lesson plans p.11 13-week unit plans p.11 2-day...

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