Accredited by CITA
Makoteks Compleks, Nikola Parapunov bb
Karpos IV 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
Tel +389-2-3063-265. Fax: +389-2-3091-331
contact@asm.edu.mk
www.asm.edu.mk

Parent and student guide: school information

Student Discipline Policy and Rules

About us

American School Macedonia is located in a business park not far from the center of Skopje, in a quiet part of town. Since 1994, it has been an independent, non-profit institution offering Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary and High School education. The main aim of the American School Macedonia is to stimulate the intellectual and cultural development of its students, who come from all around the world.  

Accreditation

American School Macedonia is accredited by CITA the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation: www.citaschools.org and has been since 1995, and is a Member of the U.S. College Board.

Mission of American School Macedonia

As an academic institution, we actively encourage our students to embrace learning to the fullest extent of their individual abilities. We aim to produce life-long learners that will go on to become knowledgeable individuals, responsible and productive citizens, effective communicators and critical thinkers. Only with a wide range of skills and a mature attitude to learning are students ready for the world of tomorrow.

School objectives

• To provide students with a balanced curriculum.
• To provide students with a nurturing environment that is responsive to their educational needs, interests and abilities.
• To improve students academic achievement.
• To provide experience in the use of technology as it relates to learning.
• To encourage students to challenge themselves, and develop their own ideals and attitudes.

A wonderful experience for international students 

The time spent at American School Macedonia is enriching experience to all international students. The school offers an excellent education with a tuition that costs only a fraction of that which similar institutions charge anywhere in North America or Europe.

Our students have the opportunity to: 

• Attend first-class courses taught solely in English
• Study in a small group classroom environment
• Be instructed by very professional and qualified instructors
• Receive full credit in any educational institution anywhere in the world
• Experience Macedonia’s rich and diverse culture
  

Admission requirements 

The candidates are asked to submit: 

• A completed application
• Previous report cards or transcripts
• A passport that proves that the elementary student is a non-Macedonian citizen
  

Tuition

All text books are loaned free of charge to students.

Staff and curriculum

Our staff consists of Native English speakers and Macedonians who are fluent in English. All instruction takes place in English, except for foreign language classes.

Our “American-style” elementary curriculum consists of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Art, Music, Physical Education and Foreign Languages (computer science and foreign languages are available to 5th grades and higher). Our High School curriculum offers a wide variety of accredited subjects, and the courses offered change from year to year, according to our students’ needs.

High School credit requirements

These credit requirements are based on the system used by the State of California. A full semester of any class is worth 5 credits. Some courses are mandatory, and are indicated below. In order to receive an ASM diploma, students must have all mandatory credits, plus at least 10 optional credits. Not all courses will be offered each year, but all mandatory courses will be offered during a four-year period. Transfer credits from legitimate, accredited schools may be accepted towards an ASM diploma. ASM reserves the right not to accept transfer credits from other schools, in particular if such credits do not represent our course requirements.

Total credits required for an ASM diploma: 220

(210 mandatory credits + 10 credits of an optional course)

Mandatory credits (210 required)

* Note: All four semesters of “Foreign Language” must be in the same language.

Optional Credits (10 required)

Attendance

American School Macedonia requires all children to attend school every day unless they are sick. Each day’s learning is based on the day before, so regular attendance is very important. Unless your children are in school every day, you cannot expect them to keep up with their work.

It is important to establish good attendance habits at an early age. Teachers and parents must work together to help our children realize that school is an important part of his or her life. We expect your child to go to school every day and to be on time for class.

For any kind of absence, we must be informed prior to beginning of the school day either by a phone call or a written note by a parent/guardian. Please explain the reason for the absence for our records. Please schedule all medical and dental appointments either before or after school and send your child to school even if he/she will be late.

Release during school hours

If the child needs to be picked up during school hours the school office needs to be informed earlier. Please come into the office where the child will be waiting.

Parent-teacher conferences and report cards

Parent-teacher conferences are held four times a year. Conferences are one of the most important ways to establish a positive environment for the student’s progress. It is also strongly recommended that parents contact the classroom teacher any time when there are questions concerning progress or problems. If these questions are still not answered, please contact the principal.

Physical education

Students participate in physical education at a nearby gymnasium. Students participate in games and sports as well as physical fitness activities. Appropriate attire (sports dress and sneakers) is required. Each child is required to participate in physical education activities.

After-school activities

ASM likes to organize various after-school activities for our students. The ones that are offered at any particular time depend on interest from students and parents. In the past we have held dance, drama and music classes, as well as arts and crafts and sports activities.

Lunch services

ASM uses the services of a nearby cafeteria for lunch. Meals consisting of salad, soup and an entrée are offered, as well as various sandwiches and snacks. Students may choose whether to join the lunch program offered by the cafeteria or to bring a lunch from home.

While we understand each parent must make food choices for their children, we encourage healthful food that reflects a balanced diet. Candy, high sugar foods, soda pop, and other food items that have minimal nutritional value are generally discouraged. We would appreciate it if parents would not pack sodas in their children’s lunches.

Lost and found

Lost articles will be turned in to the school office where they will be kept until claimed. Items not claimed by the end of December and June will be given to welfare agencies.

Telephones

Children may use the office telephone only for emergencies with the permission of the teacher or office staff. The use of mobile phones is allowed only outside of the school premises, during breaks. Mobile phones that students bring to school may be left in the office at the beginning of the day, and picked up at the end of the day. Having a mobile phone upon one’s person during class time is strictly prohibited.

School discipline policy/rules

We believe you will find the standards and rules set forth in this brochure both reasonable and supportive of your child’s growth toward personal and social responsibility. School is more than reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and science. It is often the first place children begin to develop an understanding of both their own needs and wants, as well as an understanding of the needs and wants of others. It is a place children begin to take turns, confront issues of fairness, and resolve differences peacefully. At the American School Macedonia we are committed to providing a safe, academically challenging and supportive environment in which children can learn and grow.

“Discipline is like holding a wet bar of soap. If you squeeze it too tightly, it will propel itself away (i.e., overly restrictive). If you squeeze too lightly it will fall from your hand (overly permissive). If you grasp it firmly but gently, it will serve the purpose for which it was designed (training for responsible behavior). It is to our collective advantage to have more responsible people.”—Gene Bedley

ASM’s everyday rules

• Show respect to every student and every adult.
• Use words that make people feel good about themselves.
• Settle differences peacefully.
• Take care of the school, your belongings and the belongings of others.
• Treat the school like you would treat your home.
• Do not take things that are not yours or given to you without permission.
• Do not damage things that belong to you or someone else.
• If you make a mistake, know that you can always do better the next day.
  

ASM student qualities

• You are always honest – even if you did something wrong. This is the only way to gain the trust of those around you.
• You say no to a friend if you know it will get you into trouble. Come up with a different and better idea.
• You wait your turn. There are times you will be first. There are times you will be last, and there are times your turn will be in the middle.
• You tell people what you like about them.
• You say thank-you a lot.
• You offer your help.
• You keep on trying, even if it gets really hard.
• You ask lots of questions.
• You find a friend or two that you can call to find out what you missed when you were absent.
• You always let your teacher know if you don’t understand. We are here to help.

And don’t forget to smile, laugh and enjoy yourself with your friends at ASM!