The main objectives of the Middle School Division are to:

• Facilitate a gradual transition from childhood to adolescence through balanced  academic and extracurricular programs and appropriate social interaction
• Provide students with Christian and social values and develop their critical thinking
• Prepare students to sit for their first official exam and consider prospective academic and career opportunities

• In Grade 7, the science material is divided, in alignment with the national curriculum and SJS standards, into three different areas with more emphasis placed on social studies. A module system is applied to help the students meet the academic requirements of the Middle School Division
• In Grade 8, students follow the mapped curriculum as they are assisted to meet the requirements of adolescents’ intellectual and biological growth and the search of self identity
• In Grade 9, the last year of basic education, the final preparations for the official exams take place including the coverage of the subjects required by SJS standards

The subjects taught are the following: Christian Education, Arabic, English, French, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), Social Sciences (History, Geography, and Civics), Computer, Art, and Physical Education.

The curriculum integrates the Counseling Department, the Child Development and Nutrition Awareness programs and the morning assemblies that help the child grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Students participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports, choir, clubs, competitions, campaigns, exhibitions, and projects. The activities held throughout the academic year are the following: DEAR program (Drop Everything and Read), Morning Assemblies, Award Distribution Ceremony, Flag Day celebrations, Christmas, Lent and other campaigns, Book Fair, Reading Week, “Vintage”, and other celebrations.

The aim of such activities is to help each child become a caring, committed and active member in the community.

In order to be promoted, the student must meet the following general criteria:

• A minimum attendance of 135 days during the academic year
• A minimum conduct grade of 85/100
• A minimum final general average of 11/20
• A minimum final average of 11/20 in each of the following core subjects: Arabic, English, French, and Mathematics

The general final average is calculated as follows: 50% on the Daily Grades and 50% on the Term Exam Grades.

In case of failure to meet one of the above required criteria, the following will apply:

• A student who fails to meet some of the academic requirements may be conditionally promoted and must sit for qualifying exams and follow-up procedures required by the promotion committee
• A student with a final average below 11/20 may be asked to repeat or change school depending on the general profile of the student. A subsequent failure results in asking the student to change school
• A student with a conduct grade of 85/100 or below may be asked to change school.
• A student with a conduct grade between 86/100 and 90/100 will be placed under disciplinary probation for one year. Failure to abide by the probation requirements may result in asking the student to change school.

Promotion Requirements from Grade 9 to First Secondary Academic:

• Passing the official exam
• A minimum general final average of 11/20
• A minimum general final average of 11/20 in each of the following subjects: Arabic, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

The student is always expected to do his homework. In case a homework assignment is not completed, the following measures will be taken:

1^st time:   the student has to do extra work at home

2^nd time: if the student does not do the homework in the same subject, one point is    deducted from the test that follows and the student’s parents are notified.

 3^rd time: if the student does not do the homework in the same subject, a detention will be given on Saturday. In this case, a demerit may be issued, because this reflects lack of discipline

All students are bound to conform to the SJS honor code and guiding values.

Arrival

Doors open at 7:25 am and close at 8:00 am. All students are asked to be present at 7:50 am for the morning assembly. For students arriving after 8:00 am, parents are requested to accompany them to the Administration prior to attending class.

             Dismissal

Students are dismissed at 2:50 pm. Students who use the school transportation are asked to head to their respective buses promptly, while those who leave by private means, should head to the school main gate and leave by 3:15 pm.

              Discipline

Discipline is a shared responsibility among the students, the parents, and the school. Students must conduct themselves with self-respect and show respect to others, including teachers, staff and peers.

Merit and Demerit System (Cf. School Policies page 16)

             Uniform and Attire

Students are expected to wear the SJS uniform and school appropriate shoes. All students’ belongings must be clearly marked (full name/class/section). Students are not allowed to come to school wearing the PE outfit.

Boys are expected to have short hair and come to school well groomed and shaved and girls are expected to maintain their hair in an appropriate manner that does not impede their work in class or during activities. Girls with long hair should tie it to the back.

Odd hair colors and cuts, nail polish, and jewelry are not permitted.

Tuck Shop and Cafeteria

Students are encouraged to bring their lunch from home. A tuck shop in the division is available for healthy snacks. Moreover, the school cafeteria provides a well balanced lunch.

Medicine and Illness

• Parents are required to complete the medical report update provided at the beginning of the year. This report will be kept confidential
• Parents are asked to promptly contact the Middle School Administration in case their child does not come to school
• Students on medication should hand the medicine to the division nurse with a written note from the parents.
• Whenever a student is feverish (38° or above), he/she will be isolated and the division nurse will call the parents to take the student home.
• A student must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school

The school may require the submission of a doctor’s written permission to assure that the student’s illness is not contagious. If lice are detected, parents are asked to keep the child at home until the treatment is effectively finished.

In case of sickness and absence on a test date, a medical report must be presented.

        Communication

• The Report Card is sent four times a year: in November, February, April and July. Upon receiving it, parents or guardians are requested to sign the detachable slip and   return it the following school day
• Parents are encouraged to regularly check their child’s test schedule and agenda
• Parents are asked to send a written note if there is a change in their child’s transportation mode. Phone calls and last minute notices will not be considered sufficient
• The email address is midschool@sjs.edu.lb. Updated news are available on the school website: www.sjs.edu.lb
• Major changes in family circumstances should be communicated to the Middle School Administration.

            Parent Teacher Assembly

A general assembly for the parents of grade 7 students is held at the beginning of each academic year and upon the request of the Administration.

Parent Teacher Conferences

A parent teacher conference by invitation for parents is held after the distribution of the first and third daily report cards. A general parent teacher conference is held prior to the midyear exams. If parents require an appointment, they should request it from the Middle School Administration two days ahead of time. Parents can meet with teachers during their office hours. Individual parent/teacher/principal conferences may be held when needed. 

Library

The library provides a wide range of books, activities and events throughout the academic year. Students may borrow books and take them home. For any delay in returning the book or for any loss of books, students must pay the appropriate fee in compliance with the library policy. (cf. Library Policy on p. 26)

Field Trips

Middle School students go on instructive field trips. The Middle School Administration will inform parents in advance about the details. All students must return a signed permission slip in order to participate.

Clubs

Clubs target spiritual, social, environmental, and kinesthetic aspects of the student’s holistic growth. Students in the Middle School Division have the opportunity to join the available clubs in order to develop talents and skills in their respective areas of interest.