Page 1

PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK

Our Vision:
To educate each individual to reach his/her full potential in a sustainable and caring community that fosters
excellence and responsibility

Our Mission:
Danah Universal School of Kuwait (DUSK) offers challenging and caring educational environment, in which students
are active participants in the learning process.

DUSK fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills, to ensure its students achieve their full potential as individuals and
as members of the global community.

Our Objectives:
DUSK aims to provide a supportive environment in which learners can develop their academic potential, their
personal and social awareness, and their career and goals.
We seek to develop the intellectual, physical and aesthetic potential of our students, along with moral sensitivity.
Students will learn how to analyze, synthesize and evaluate new situations with confidence and creativity. In
education, we focus on the development of the student as a whole.

We encourage all members of the school community to play an active part in the instructional.

DUSKs Core Values :

Appreciation Empathy

Commitment Enthusiasm

Confidence Independence

Cooperation Respect

Creativity Tolerance
Curiosity

Page 2
 Table of Content
Page
S.N. Contents S.N. Contents Page No.
No.
1. Students Code of Conduct 3 5. Programs and Services 13 -14
2. Attendance 4-6 a) H.S. Orientation 13
a) Tardiness Policy 4 b) Guidance Counseling 13
b) Attendance Probation 5 c) Health Services 13
c) Attendance Procedure 5 d) MAP Tests 14
d) Truancy 6 6. Agreement 15
Behavior guidelines
3. 7 - 10 7 Registration Norms in Arabic 16 - 17
& expectations
a) English Language 7
b) School Lunch & Breaks 7
c) Food on Campus 7
d) Money and Valuables 7
e) Lost and Found 7
f) Phones 7
g) Lockers: 7
h) Public Displays of
7
Affection
i) Behavior chart 8 -10
11 -
4. Grading and Credits
12
a) Evaluation of Student
11
Progress
b) Progress Reports /
11
Communication Progress
c) H.S. College Board
12
Grading System

Page 3
 Students Code of Conduct
We work to foster an environment in which the needs, rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups are respected. We are proud of
the outstanding behavior of our students and staff members. Teachers and staff members encourage students to be responsible,
disciplined, respectful and honest members of the school as well as of society.

Every member of our community shares the responsibility to ensure that DUSK continues to be a safe and caring learning environment.
Our Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will bring credit to themselves, their families and their school.

At DUSK, students enjoy the right to:

A safe and secure learning environment.

Open and consistent feedback.
Obtain extra help from a subject teacher at a mutually convenient time.
Express themselves within the bounds of acceptable social behavior.
Be fully informed of school rules and to be held accountable for inappropriate actions.

Each Student is expected to:

Act considerately and respect the rights of others.

Respect personal belongings, belongings of others and school property.
Use suitable language.
Act with honesty and integrity.
Attend classes, activities and events organized, punctually and regularly.
Work diligently and cooperatively.
Respect the culture and customs of people of other nationalities and backgrounds.
Make good choices.
Find opportunities to extend their friendships.
Respect the rights of individuals and groups and treat others in a fair and considerate way.
Be responsible for own self-discipline whilst on and around school property, school buses, and during out of
school activities that are related to the school program.
Adhere to school policies regarding any violation that might happen. For example;
harassment, violence, drugs, tobacco, school uniform, academic conduct and attendance.

If a Student has difficulty in fulfilling these expectations, he/she will meet with the responsible staff member, who will
review expectations for appropriate behavior with the student, develop an action plan, and will be asked to fulfill an
appropriate consequence based on the incident.

Page 4
ATTENDANCE
Tardiness Policy
Attendance is critical for the academic achievement of all students. Even, when a student comes late to class it disturbs the whole class.

The satisfactory completion of a semesters academic work requires regular attendance to class. To be eligible for credit, students must sit
for a minimum of 115 clock hours in a standard year-long class.

The school day at DUSK begins at 7:25 a.m. We highly recommend punctuality as a valuable life skill which teaches the student to be
responsible. One of the most important times of the school day is the morning when important school news is announced and the morning
assembly is held.

SCHOOL MORNING ROUTINE:

7:25 a.m.: Morning assembly starts (Students Should be present. 1st period teacher should check his\her attendance and uniform in the
assembly and uniform.)
7:35 a.m.: The school gate will be closed.

CONSEQUENCES FOR TARDINESS:

1st Time Tardy:
The student signs a pledge and parents are contacted.

2nd Time Tardy:

The student gets first period detention and gets zero for this periods class work. Parents will be contacted.

3rd Time Tardy:

Parents will be called to a meeting. They sign the final warning and they will be informed that the student is registered as absent
without excuse and that next time he/she will go back home.

4th Time Tardy:

Parents will be called to pick their child home. He/She wont attend any classes.

Note: When parents are to be contacted, the receptionist calls via phone and the social worker through email.

Others:
Teachers will not accept students without a tardy pass from the VP or social worker.
Attendance is essential for student success. When students miss school, they miss educational opportunities. HS students miss the
required number of periods for a credit fulfillment and thus his/her grades will be affected.

Tardy Code of Conduct:

Students arriving late to class are expected to adhere to the following procedures:
Enter the room quietly.
Refrain from greeting friends or making noise of any kind.
Proceed directly to an open seat.
Quickly and quietly take out materials and demonstrate a keen intention to catch up on the days lesson.
See teacher after class to determine any missed work, if the student has a valid excuse for the tardy.
Failure to comply with the Tardy Code of Conduct will result in consequences as determined by teachers and administrators:
Parents will sign a warning letter for every five days of absence, or it will be sent via email. Excessive absences, 15 or more, will
result in;

The student failing the course due to excessive missing work and instruction.
The student may not be accepted to register at DUSK for the following school year with excessive absences and tardiness
as this demonstrates a lack of commitment to their education.
Page 5
 ATTENDANCE

Attendance Probation
A student will be placed on probation, if he/ she reach six absences in any class per semester. If the student meets the following
requirements, while on probation, he/she can maintain the grade and receive credit for the course at the end of the semester.

Requirements:

Excellent attendance
Excellent punctuality
Demonstrated commitment to academic work
Demonstrated cooperation with the teacher

Absence(s) includes the following: Absence because of illness, doctor visits, travel, vacations, etc. Please note that these are NOT
excused absences, until complete documents are submitted.

It is critical that students miss as few classes/days as possible in order to not miss classroom instruction and activities that cannot be made
up.

Attendance Procedure:

1. Students are expected to attend class every school day. All teachers take roll and keep a record of absences and tardiness.
2. Students who arrive late to school must wait at the reception to sign-in the tardiness form.
3. If a student has to leave school prior to the end of the day, ONLY a parent can check him/her out.
4. If a student is returning to school, the parent must check him/her back in. In order to leave he/she should have a document
that proves the reason. A copy of the civil ID should be submitted by the parent.
5. The school must be contacted and a designated temporary guardian should be appointed if parents plan to travel for an
extended period of time.(one week or more)
6. Students who are absent from any of their scheduled classes will not be allowed to take part or participate in that days co-
curricular activities (athletics, music, art, etc.).

Make-Up Work:

Students who miss any work due to excused absence should cover their missing work. It is the students duty to follow up with the
teachers and to get the work done. This has to be done during breaks or co-curricular activities.

Late Work Policy:

Some teachers may not accept late work at all, particularly from students with excessive absences and/or tardiness. This decision is at the
discretion of the teacher.

Page 6
ATTENDANCE

Prior Arrangements For Early Withdrawal:

Students are strongly discouraged from taking extended vacations/leaves during school days or leaving school prior to holidays or the end
of school. Parents and students should understand that teachers cannot pre-teach the lessons nor provide make-up assignments to cover all
the material that will be missed for extended leaves. Students need to attend the full semester to earn full credit, therefore, extended
absences will normally result in lower grades.

Nevertheless, occasions may arise where extended absences are unavoidable. In this case, the school will make every reasonable attempt
to reduce the damage to a students educational program .It must be understood that:

1. A letter of application to the Higher Management and Principal outlining reasons for the absence, expected duration, and departure date
must be provided.
2. A copy of any document that proves the reason (air ticket, Ministrys notes passport with the stamp out and in (copy)).
3. The student should cover up all his/her missing work once he/she is back.

If he/she needs the teachers assistance, he/she should find the suitable time to sit with his teachers. It is his/her full responsibility.

Please note that exams and assessment are NEVER done in advance.

Students traveling on school or government sports sponsored trips are responsible for contacting their teachers during the week
prior to travel. They may have to complete some make-up work prior to their travel. They will be responsible for all previously
announced assignments, projects and exams upon their return. It is the decision of the student and the family for students to
participate in extracurricular travel, and students may not request extensions to deadlines because of their travel. All teachers
will work with students to ensure a fair timeline for make-up work.

Absence from Exams:

The school follows the rules and policies of MOE in regards of students absence from exams.

Page 7
ATTENDANCE
TRUANCY
A truant students grade shall be affected if a graded activity or assignment occurs during the period of time when the student
is absent without an excuse, whether for one class or more. The student will not be allowed to make up the missing work and
will receive zeroes in on all assignments, quizzes and tests missed during the truancy.

Students who are truant will receive one day suspension and consequences will increase with repetition.

A student is considered truant if he/she:

1. Is absent without the knowledge and consent of a parent; falsifies parental notification; Participates in an unauthorized class
skip/ditch day.
2. Leaves school without checking out with the administration.
3. Is absent from class without permission of that class teacher.
4. Obtains a pass to go to a certain place and does not report there.
5. Stays out of class without reporting to the respective office.
6. Fails to attend a scheduled assembly repeatedly.
7. Is absent from class after once arriving on campus without the knowledge and consent of the school.

Absence from Exams:

Students arriving at school must be dropped near the HS gate. They must immediately enter the campus. All Middle and High School
students must use the Middle and High School entrance gate.

Upon dismissal from school or school activities, students are to remain in the school campus. If a students transportation arrives on
the opposite side of the street, he/she may cross, enter the vehicle, and immediately depart. Students who drive to school are expected
to have their valid driving license and the school is not held responsible for any resulting problems.

Unless meeting with a teacher or involved in a school sponsored activity, students are not allowed on campus after 2:30 p.m.
Once a meeting or activity has concluded, students must leave campus.
Under no circumstance should DUSK students loiter off campus (on foot or in vehicle) in the area of the school. If a student
has left the campus at 2:30 they will not be allowed back in to the school area.

Nearby Supermarket (Bakala):

The local Supermarket down the back street across from the school is out of bounds to DUSK students both before school and after
school. Upon arrival, students are to immediately enter and remain on campus. At the end of the day at 2:30 p.m., students are
required to go directly to their bus or private vehicle. We do not want students congregating across the street with friends and/or
acquaintances we do not know. Students should be on their way home by 2:30 p.m. Students participating in scheduled activities after
school must remain inside the campus premises.

We consider the Compliance with Rules, School Arrival and Departure, and issues pertaining to the Outside Supermarket to be
security issues. As a result, please understand that failure to comply, will result in serious consequences, such as...

Formal suspension (at home)

Expulsion from school
Cancellation of registration for the following year

Page 8
 BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES & EXPECTATIONS

English Language

The language of the school is English. Except for Arabic and Religion classes, English is the language of instruction. Only English
should be spoken in the classroom as this will promote and improve fluency. Since English is the language common to all, it is simply
common courtesy to speak in English when in a diverse group even outside the classroom.

School Lunch & Breaks

Food and beverages will be available for purchase on campus at break time, except duringRamadan. Snacks brought from home
should be kept in student lockers until break time.

Food on Campus

Ordering food is not allowed. In exceptional scenarios, it should be done through the social counselor after the approval of upper
administration.
Junk food, fizzy drinks, gum, chocolates, etc., are never allowed at school.

Money and Valuables

Students are advised not to bring money or valuables to school. The school will not assume responsibility for money or possessions
lost or stolen at school.

Lost and Found

A report should be made to the High School counselor whenever something is lost. Items found should be delivered to the
administration office.

Phones

Cell phones are not allowed in school according to instructions from MOE. In case a student wants to call his/her parent, he/she may
use the counselors phone. Reception phone is not for students use.

Lockers

Students have the privilege to use a school locker. Lockers will be issued to students upon request. Lockers must be kept locked, and
valuable items should not be left inside. The school is not responsible for items left in the lockers.
Students will be responsible for any damage to his/ her locker. Students are authorized to use only the lockers assigned to them.
Sharing lockers, without approval from the office, is not permitted.

Page 9
Textbooks:

The school sells textbooks to students. Students are responsible to maintain their books. In case of losing a book second copy of a text
will be issued only when a replacement fee has been paid for the lost copy.

Tutoring:

DUSK teachers are not allowed to give personal tuition. If a student needs assistance due to certain conditions, the school
administration arranges for that.

Transportation:

The school offers transportation through a private company. If the student does not follow the code of conduct while on bus, he/she
loses the right to use this facility.

Dress Code:

All Students:
DUSK uniform(s) only.
Jacket, sweater, sweatshirt with only DUSK logo are allowed. Shirts must be appropriately buttoned.

Restrictions:
No accessories or jewelry.
No hats or hoodies.
PE uniform and sports shoes to be worn on PE days only.

Free Dress Days:

Occasionally, students are allowed free dress days. Decent dress code is expected.

Dress Violation:

1st time: Verbal warning

2nd time: Student signs pledge
3rd time: Parents sign a pledge
4th time: Student wont be allowed to enter the school.

Page 10
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
Consequences for misbehaving is as per the following chart:
BEHAVIOR CHART
Action Definitions
Academic Dishonesty Copying, plagiarism, assistance from another on
All forms of academic Dishonesty tests, quizzes, papers, etc. Any talking during
and plagiarism. test, any books or notes not completely put
away, any use of mobile phones, etc. The
appearance of cheating is treated as cheating.
Alcohol & Drugs Use-to consume / ingest in school.
Use Possession-having on your person, clothing,
Possession locker or other personal effects.
Distribution Distribution-to divide or apportion to one or
many.
Arguing Arguing or not following the first request of a
teacher, staff member, or school employee.
Arson The malicious burning of or attempt to burn
property.
Assembly Behavior When in assemblies, concerts, presentations,
plays, or speeches, students must not
demonstrated is respectful behavior such as
talking, laughing, rhythmic clapping, making
any noise, or distracting either the audience or
the on-stage participants.
Bullying Bullying may be physical, verbal, or
relational.
Disrespectful / Obstinate Behavior Showing a lack of respect or stubbornly
refusing to change ones chosen course of
action despite attempts to persuade one to do
so.
Fighting To contend through physical contact or
Play (fooling around) altercation. All who participate, regardless of
Real who initiates the contact, are guilty.
Forgery Falsely or fraudulently making or altering
school-related documents or instruments of
any kind, for example, a progress report to
parents, hall pass, etc.
Loitering& Truancy Hanging Around on/off campus in the
neighborhood of the school before or after school.
Obscenity Use of obscene or vulgar language by students, in
verbal or written form, or in gesture or in pictures
Consequence
Student receives a0 for the
assignment, quiz or test and parent will
be noti fie d. Teachers wi l l report all
cheating incidents to the office.
Academic dishonesty will jeopardize
your standing in school organizations.
Repeated in fractions may carry more
severe consequences including
suspension.
Suspension or recommendation for
expulsion.
Academic Detention. Continued after
first request may be in school
suspension.
Recommendation to the
Superintendent for immediate
expulsion.
Immediate removal from assembly,
loss of the privilege of attending
assemblies, detention. Increasingly
severe consequences may include a
complete ban on attendance at any
school performances or events.
Suspension. Number of days
depends on incident.
In School Suspension depending on
severity of incident.
Suspension. Number of days
depends on incident.
Indefinite suspension until a meeting
with parents, student, and other
relevant school personnel. A second
violation warrants recommendation
for immediate expulsion.
1. PE Detention.
2. Contact parent & suspension.
Parents will be informed & suspension.
Page 11

Physical Assault or Threat of Assault
on a staff member or administrator.
Public Display of Affection.(PDA)
Sexual Harassment
Smoking
Theft
Theft of an Exam, Test, Quiz
Weapons or Look-a-Like Weapons,
Knives or any Other Dangerous
Objects.
Calling students from outside of DUSK
totalk or fight after school.
Note:
The School Administration and Principals reserve the right to impose additional consequences to those listed above (i.e.)
expulsion, etc., depending upon the circumstances, nature or repetition of the action. All decisions will be in accordance with the
Ministry of Education.
Parents are notified of any disciplinary action ever is its a verbal warning.
or caricatures in or on school property.
Assault- A violent physical or verbal attack or the
threat to do harm to another with or without doing
any harm.
Touching, hugging, or kissing or in any way
displaying affection for one another, especially
male-female affection.
Any communication or conduct of a sexual nature
where the conduct interferes with educational
performance, intimidates others, or creates a
hostile or offensive environment on the basis of
sex.
To be in possession of, or use of, tobacco
products at or around school or at any school-
related activities.
To take or assist someone in taking or attempting
to take the property of another without
permission with intent to keep or make use of.
Theft means stealing.
To take or assist someone in taking or attempting
to take a quiz, exam, or test from any school
personnel without permission with intent to keep
or make use of.
Use - Threatening to utilize or utilizing a weapon
or a look-a-like weapon.
Possession - having on your person, clothing,
locker or other personal effects.
Calling family members or friends who do not
attend DUSK to come to the school after school
for any reason.
This includes talking to a family member at
home and knowing that they plan to come to
the school and not reporting it to the office.
Follow MoPE policy
This is against Ministry rules.
Administration will take extreme
measures to enforce this rule.
Suspension depending on the nature
of the harassment. Increasingly severe
consequences for additional
infractions.
Mandatory out of school suspension.
Increasingly severe consequences for
additional violations.
To be referred to discipline
committee.
Students receive zero for the
assignment, quiz, or test and parents
will be notified. This action also
constitutes academic dishonesty.
3 days immediate suspension from
school until further investigations.
Indefinite suspension and/or
recommendation to the Administration
for immediate expulsion.
Page 12
Grading and Credits

Evaluation of Student Progress

Evaluation of student progress by members of the faculty is a continuous process. When evaluating student achievement, teachers
consider homework assignments and classroom participation, together with test, quiz, and project scores. Teachers observe
performance in the classroom daily. When students miss classes, waste time during the class period, or are disruptive, learning
opportunities are lost and student might lose marks.

Progress Reports / Communication Progress

Emails from teachers to parents may be sent at any time during the school year. Progress reports are used by teachers to inform
parents of Parents or invite them to a meeting, especially when circumstances require discussion or clarification. Formal progress
reports are distributed to parents four times during the school year.

Letter Grades used at DUSK (Grade 2-Grade 12)

Letter Grade Percentage

A+ 97 100
A 93 96
A- 90 92
B+ 87 89
B 83 86
B- 80 82
C+ 77 79
C 73 76
C- 70 72
D+ 67 69
D 63 66
D- 60 62
F 59 and below

F (59% and below for English subjects)

F(49% and below for Arabic subjects as per MoPE)

Page 13
Grading and Credits

H.S. College Board Grading System

GPA
Letter Grade
Regular Course
A+ 4.0
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0

*E 59-50 is passing in Arabic subjects & carries a GPA of 0.7

**Acceptance to Kuwait University and application for scholarships is conducted by the Ministry of Education and
other universities by implementing the following scale to determine a percentage
(this is not to change or recalculate the GPA) :
Accumulative (GPA+1) x20. Example: GPA(2.7+1)x20=74%

Page 14
Programs and Services

HS Orientation
G9 and New students are scheduled for a conference with the HS Administration to discuss enrollment, select courses, and receive
orientation to the school.

Guidance Counseling
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to get an early start on selection of and application to colleges. The school administration organizes
visits from universities and known companies to guide students and broaden their view concerning the choice of a suitable college and
career.
The counselor as well will work with students to discuss and assist in career information.

Health Services
School Nurse:

A registered nurse is available at school throughout the school day. Matters pertaining to student health should be directed to the
school nurse.

Students must obtain a pass from their regular teachers before reporting to the nurse; students must also report to the office before and
after their nurse visit.

The nurse gives immunizations required by the School Health Department as per MOH with permission from the parents.
Medicines are administered to students only with written permission from the parents. Any authentically prescribed drugs (essentially
with the Doctors approval) required by a student during school hours should be registered with the nurse.

Accidents and Injuries:

Injuries that occur at school must be reported to the nurse. STUDENTS MUST NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE ANYONE WHO
CANNOT MOVE HIM or HERSELF but must get the nurse, principal, or a teacher to help. Students injured at school receive first
aid from the nurse and if picked by parent, he/she should be taken to hospital. A report must be submitted to school later.

Page 15
Programs and Services

MAP Tests
MAP is measurement of Academic Progress. This is administered twice/ thrice a year. Results help in planning and supporting the
students weak areas.

Activities:

DUSK organizes some extracurricular activities such as:

Sports Day
Open day
International Day
Championships (soccer, basketball)
Field Trips

Students must participate in these activities and they may earn bonus marks for their attendance.

Page 16
 A Partnership for Success
It is our firm conviction that our school and our students will be best served when we work together in close collaboration:
students, parents and school. At The Danah Universal School of Kuwait, we expect our parents to assist us in the education of
our students. The education begins by both parents and students reading this handbook, understanding all of the contents
and agreeing to abide by the policies, rules and guidelines contained in the handbook. Parents and students must show that
commitment by signing the acknowledgement and agreement section at the bottom of the page.

Other ways that parents may assist us and their child work towards success are listed below:
Ensure that your child arrives at school on time each day
Send your child to school in a clean uniform each day
Ensure that your child gets plenty of rest each night(atleast8hours)
Provide classroom supplies and re-supply them as needed
Guide your child with homework. DO NOT do it for them. Give them a chance to try the homework and then assist
him or her with it.
Provide a quiet place and set a time for your child to do his/her homework
Ensure your child is picked up promptly after school or school activities each day.
Have reference books, reading books and a dictionary available in your home.
If you have concerns about your child, first consult with the teacher, then the counselor/principal, if needed. If you are
not satisfied, then the Principal and School Admin may be consulted.
Read the School Hand book with understanding, especially sections on dress code, attendance, punctuality,
academic honesty and appropriate use of computers/internet.

DUSK Code of Conduct:

As a member of the community:

I will live by its mission: to act with integrity, strive for excellence, and think critically.
I will apply these principles to all problems I encounter.
I will treat others, regardless of position or background, with respect, honesty, and dignity
I will ensure that my actions, attitude, and contribution are conducive to maintaining a positive learning
environment for all.
I will be responsible for my own learning and will ensure that my work reflects both my integrity and the best of my
abilities.
I will take proper care of my belongings and respect the property of others.
I will accept my responsibilities to the DUSK community by following the schools rules and regulations.

A Partnership for Success

We have read the School Handbook. We appreciate the importance of working together with DUSK to achieve the greatest
possible level of success. We have read thoroughly and understand the information within the document, including policies,
rules and guidelines. Our signatures below indicate we agree to abide by the policies, rules and guidelines contained in the
DUSK Handbook and the Code of Conduct.

Students Name Parents/Guardians Signature

This page must be returned to the registrar upon registration of the student in DUSK

Page 17


2116/2/1 : 2116/4/14 :
2116/9/29 :
2116/4/14 (
)..............

( )2781 .2114/4/12

.

7102:
-
. 917_ 12
2113/1/1
.
() : ( )88/86 1988/5/2 :
:
25.

:
2116/9/15.
( )28394 1997/5/31
.

Page 18
 :

( -1
) .
:/ 3592/3 1996/12/17 :. -2
-3
.
. -4
-5
( / )4364 /2 1995/9/2
( ). -6
( /) -7
.
-8 :
-1 .
-2 .
-3 .
-4 - .
-9
( )
.
- 11

.
- 11 ( ) :
- .
- .
- 12 .
- 13 ( / )2813 / 1998/5/6 :

.
- 14 .

.
- 15 .
- 16 2117/2116
.
- .

Page 19