Attendance
It is important that all students attend classes every day. In case of an absence, call the School office so they may notify the class teacher. Make up work may be allocated in case of excused absence. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to check with the teacher about any missed assignments.
Tardiness is excused with an explanation and a note from the parent/guardian. Un-excused tardiness will affect student’s promotion.
Promotion
At the Islamic School of Columbia Missouri (ISC-M) all students must successfully complete the requirements of core subjects (Math, Science, Social studies, Language Arts, Arabic, Qur’an and Islamic studies) and special subjects (Computer, Art, PE) in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Promotion depends on the following criteria:
• At least 80% attendance.
• Minimum average total grade of 2.0 in the first and second trimesters and a minimum average total grade of 2.5 in the third trimester for all objectives taught on a 1-3 scale with 3 being the highest.
Retention
A student not meeting the promotion requirements listed above will be retained at the current grade level. Any exceptions to this matter will be determined by the School administration. Any student who earns 69% or below for core subjects will automatically be retained in the same grade. Re-test will not be granted in this case. A conference will be set up with the parents, teachers, and the administration to discuss student’s academic problems.
Advancement
ISC-M currently does not have a program in place to service students with advanced academic, high potential, and gifted educational needs. Parents are referred to the Gifted Educational Services offered through the Columbia Public School District.
Grading Policy
ISC-M establishes a grading system that consists of the following letter codes. In grading, the role of the teacher is not to make grades to suit the student; but to record the grades earned by each student himself/herself, as accurately as possible.

Pre-school / Kindergarten
3	Student demonstrated “Consistent Satisfactory” achievement
N	Student “Needs reinforcement”.
I	Student is “Improving” in his or herperformance.

 



1st-5th Grade
3	Signifies the student has demonstrated consistent and superior understanding and achievement.
2	Signifies the student has sometimes demonstrated use of the skill or objective with understanding.
1	Signifies the student does not use the skill or objective with understanding.
I	Signifies the student cannot earn a grade because his/her work is incomplete. An incomplete will be changed to a letter grade by the next grading period.

 

Student Records
Student records are calculated and maintained by teachers and office personnel. Records are kept in strict confidence. Parents have a right to inspect and review all their child’s official records. Requests by parents / guardians for access to the child’s records will be granted within a reasonable time frame and mutual convenience of the requestor(s) and the office personnel. All record requests should be in writing. Due to the right to privacy; Islamically, as well as legally, ISC-M will not release the record of any student without written permission from the legal parent or guardian of the child except, as required by law. Where changes are to be made to the child’s permanent records, Parent/guardian must submit the request in writing. Parents transferring their child(ren) to another School also need to complete an official withdrawal form to terminate any contract arrangements with ISC-M and to allow for the release of the student’s records.
Each teacher keeps adequate records of daily progress of the students to facilitate such request.

Progress Reports/Report Cards
ISC-M teachers send home weekly progress reports. Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester. Academic grades are recorded at these times. During the year, teachers or parents may schedule special conferences to discuss specific issues with each other as need arises.
Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled at the end of first and second trimester. During these conferences, parents and teachers together follow up on student’s learning and behavioral progress. Teachers or parents may also request conferences at other times during the school year.

Home/School Communication
The Islamic education of a child begins at home with the parents from the moment the child is born. It is very beneficial for the child if parents are actively involved in the Islamic education process with the School. Children learn by example. The parents and guardians should model a positive attitude about being a Muslim. It is in this way that all members of the Muslim community can demonstrate that they value Islamic education.
The learning environment of the child is enhanced by communication between the parents or guardians and the School. Parents are expected to attend all parent-teacher conferences. It is essential for you as parents to help your child prepare for School. Insist that your child has a good night’s rest and nutritious breakfast. In addition to a clean body, make sure your child has clean school uniform, supplies, books and homework. Please do not allow your child to bring toys of any kind to School without the teachers’ permission. Students should also avoid bringing excessive amounts of money or other valuables to School. Over $5.00 is considered excessive. Monies for trips, tape recorders (for projects) and etc., should be turned in to the appropriate teacher for safekeeping. Please make tuition payments directly to the office. ISC-M distributes its own newsletter quarterly. Please look for this as it holds very informative information about the School for the whole quarter.

Emergency School Closing
Emergency closings due to weather, broken pipes, etc., will be announced on the following Television channels; KOMU, and Also, tune in to these radio stations KBIA, KFRU. ISC-M usually follows Columbia Public Schools with regards to snow days.

School Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit and participate in school programs. However, parents are requested to make arrangements at least one day in advance to allow the staff to accommodate your request. Visiting parents may not bring other children or adults unless prior permission has been given or the person(s) accompanying the parent is a prospective enrollee. Likewise, parents may not send other non-enrolled children to spend the day or part of the day with their enrolled child without the principal’s advanced authorization.
To help teach our children the value of the Islamic dress; all parents are also required to observe Islamic dress standards and behavior at ISC-M. All visitors must sign in with the School’s Administrative Assistant.

ISC-M Principal has an open door policy. This means the parents may come to see him or call to talk to him anytime during working hours, if he is not with staff, students or other parents. However, for the sake of courtesy and to make sure not to waste the parents’ time, parents should call for appointments. If a concern or problem is not satisfactorily resolved at the initial conference, the School Education Board may be contacted for assistance.