Code of Conduct

Chapter 1 BASICS

1.1 School campus and grounds

This Code includes the entire property of Moscow Economic School.

The property of the School is limited by the fence of the School situated at 29, Zamorenov Street, Moscow.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

1.2 Educational philosophy

The Moscow Economic School Board considers that education should work to develop the individual potential of each student and to place great emphasis on the value of individual personality. In education the Board attaches primary importance to the development of a student's personality and pays attention to the fact, the importance of respecting the law and other peoples' rights, understanding rights and duties of a citizen, and being a member of a democratic society. Individually oriented attitudes to education emphasizes the development of personality, for whom participation in social life is a result of his/her inner motivation and thoughtful choice than a duty imposed from requirements.

Education of an "integrated personality" is of primary importance as opposed to other philosophies that only teach knowledge. For current school graduates, the ability to make good decisions when solving emerging life problems, is of major importance. That is why it is very important in contemporary education to convey to the students a system of values, to develop their ability to think critically and creatively, to effectively communicate, to act successfully in various situations, and to equip them with skills that will allow them to manage their health and life.

The volume of information in each educational area is so huge that "encyclopedical" attitudes in evaluating the quality of education can no longer be applied. Training of "how to study" is becoming as important as studying educational subjects alone.

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL

The mission of the School is to provide conditions enabling a complete development of individual abilities of each student, their freedom and emancipation, fruitful communication and cooperation of all the parties of the educational process (students, teachers, parents, Administration, and the Board), psychological comfort, creative atmosphere, and motivation of education as well as other types of activities.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997

1.3 Aims and goals. Planning

The content and the nature of the work program of the School are determined by the mission and the goals as formulated by the MES Board in par. 1.2 of this Code.

MES is a School with:

Clear educational standards with a high level of requirements to the students and the teachers as well as with effective technologies to achieve these standards. It is very prestigious to study well, to be a member of MES School team, and to be elected into an Honor society.
The teachers and administrators are all highly skilled professionals.
The students and teachers are distinguished by their strong discipline. They strictly obey the "Code". The School is free of smoking, drinking, and drugs, and is secure for all visitors.
The students read well, both in Russian and in English, by the end of fourth grade.
The students are ready to study advanced levels of mathematics by the end of seventh grade.
The students are socially active and participate with pleasure in School life and in socially significant School projects and programs upon completion of the Primary School.
The students can write, compose, and perform with confidence in Russian and English languages by the end of ninth grade.
The students have well formed general educational skills and knowledge and are capable of self-education and are self-educating with enthusiasm by the end of ninth grade.
The students are prepared for continuing their studies in higher education institutions.
All study rooms are provided with Internet access. All teachers, administrators, and students are technically literate people.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

1.4 Educational programs of the School

The choice of MES educational programs is determined by the fact that upon completion of school, every graduate must have an opportunity to receive a state approved Secondary Education Diploma and to continue his/her education in some Russian Federation higher education institution. MES also provides its graduates with opportunities to continue their education in colleges and universities in other countries.

This is why MES must acquire and regularly meet with standards and requirements of the state accreditation. It means that educational standards and School programs have to be approved by or adjusted with the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

MES is a member of the International Baccalaureate. It uses PYP (Primary Years Program), MYP (Middle Years Program) and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs, which most adequately reflects the MES education philosophy as stated in the Code, and allows it to be applied in educational practice.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

Chapter 2 EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

2.1 Aims of educational process

The mission of the School Board is to create conditions which allows each student to achieve overall development of his/her individual capabilities, freedom, meaningful communication, and cooperation with all the participants of the educational process, psychological comfort, high level of creativity and motivation in education and other activities.

Moscow Economic School is a school that helps its students to develop their personality by fulfilling its national and international educational programs.

Which type of personality does Moscow Economic School develop?

The characteristics of such personalities are described in "Practical results of educating children in the School".

PRACTICAL RESULTS OF EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE SCHOOL

By the end of their studies in the School the children will become:

Inquirers

Their natural curiosity will be nurtured. They will acquire the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and their love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Thinkers

They will exercise initiative in applying thinking skills both critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems.

Communicators

They will be able to receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.

Risk takers

They will approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They will become courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

Knowledgeable

They will spend time in school exploring themes that have global relevance and importance. In doing so, they will acquire a critical mass of significant knowledge.

Principled

They will have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They will have integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness and justice.

Caring

They will show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others. They will have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.

Open-minded

They will respect the views, values, and traditions of other individuals and cultures, and they will be accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.

Well-balanced

They will understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal wellbeing.

Reflective

They will give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyze their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

Every department of MES is led by its department head and is obliged to develop and fulfill practical measures corresponding to the above-mentioned aims of the School.

These educational aims of MES must serve as criteria for development or selection of educational standards and programs, educational technologies, and a student assessment system. The responsibility for reaching the educational aims of the School is carried by the President of MES and heads of departments.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997

2.2 Practice of student assessment

Administration of Moscow Economic School believes that use of the following principles ensures fair assessment of student's progress:

Methods of assessment should correspond to the purpose of assessment, namely:
- student progress;
- collecting information about student's progress in reaching educational aims;
- collecting data necessary to evaluate effectiveness of educational program and educational process.
Students should have an opportunity to demonstrate the results of education, which are to be assessed.
The procedures of student assessment should correspond to the goal of assessment and they should be continuously updated.
The summation procedure of a student assessment should finally accurately and clearly demonstrate what results a student has achieved (grades, reports, summarizing, and comments).
Results of assessment should be very specific, exact, and have practical meaning for those who they target.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997

2.3 Student grades. Grading procedure

The School Administration is responsible for grading the students on a fair and professional justification. In cases where the students or their parents consider there was a grading mistake they may appeal.

The procedure of appealing and considering appeals is as follows:

A student or his/her parent must first ask the teacher for an explanation of this or that grade. If initial explanation does not satisfy, the student or his/her parent may insist on an explanation in a written form. The teacher must give a reply regarding the grounds for his/her grading in a written form. In his/her reply the teacher must indicate the date when the student appealed to the teacher and what was his/her decision after considering this appeal. When preparing his/her reply the teacher should advise his/her direct chief and keep a copy of the signed reply in student's file.
If a student or the parent does not agree with the decision of the teacher, they may submit a letter addressed to the Head of the School with indication that the teacher did not manage to persuade the student or to remove the doubts of the parent regarding the grade in question and that further investigation of this issue is necessary. Having received this letter the Head of the School initiates own investigation of the situation. After this investigation is over he/she informs the student or the parent of his/her decision in a written form. A copy of his/her reply is kept in student's file.
In case a student or the parent does not agree with the Head's decision they may appeal to the President of the School. In their letter they should indicate a reason for the appeal and note that the explanations given by the teacher and the Head did not satisfy them. The President or the expert, whom he/she will appoint to take the case, will consider the appeal. The result of this consideration will be discussed with the Head and he/she will be given instructions which grade should finally be entered into the relevant School documents. The President informs the student or the parent in a written form of his/her final decision.

NOTES:

The term of appealing is 3 days after receiving current, quarter, year and exam grades.
A text of appealing procedure is to be placed in a student grade book.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997

2.4 Programs for children with difficulties or delays in development and for disabled children

Such programs are developed and applied only for the children placed for education by institutions-founders of MES and having difficulties or delays in their development or being disabled. In other cases children with difficulties or delays in their development are not admitted to the School or, if they have already been admitted to the School, they are dismissed from the School and their parents receive a compensation for the fee they paid for the development of MES.

School heads and heads of departments develop under the guidance of School Vicepresident - head of a group of School advisors and in cooperation with the parents, individual educational programs for children of this category corresponding to their ability to study. Students may also participate in program development.

This category includes those students who, due to defects in their intellectual, social, physical, and/or psychological development require special educational approaches, means and/or programs for maximum use of their potential. There must be a special educational environment created, which corresponds to their individual needs.

Most of the students of this category may study in the class along with other students, if special correction and support are provided. In case of students having various serious disabilities or deviations in their development, significant correction of their educational program may be required. In such cases, a decision may be taken to apply individual procedures for the student when he/she studies part of the day in the classroom with other students and has individual studies another part of the day. In cases when behavior of such students seriously endanger security of the other students or disturb their studies he/she may be transferred to a purely individual education mode.

Decisions related to studies of students with disabilities or deviations in their development are based on an understanding between psychology-educational staff of the School and the parents (or people representing them). The backbone of mutual understanding is mutual confidence, confidential exchange of information about the child, and teamwork with him/her.

Programs for the children with disabilities or difficulties in their development as well as decisions related to the education of such students are adopted by the Pedagogical Council summoned by the President of MES. Only the Pedagogical Council can amend the work with students of this category. Decisions of the Pedagogical Council on issues related to studies of students with delays or deviations in their development are obligatory to all the parties of educational process.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.5 Programs for talented students

MES does its best to provide each student with a wide range of possibilities (school facilities, equipment, and experienced teachers) to allow everyone to reach his/her full potential, interests, and abilities. Consequently, the Board makes it possible to provide a wide range of educational services, including services related to meeting the educational requirements of especially talented students.

Capabilities of the School to nourish especially talented students are significantly widened due to its use of a variety of external sources like teachers from the Higher School of Economics and other universities, top experts among the parents, etc.

Especially talented students have a wide choice of advanced courses including extracurricular ones.

The best five students of a parallel in each subject comprise the backbone of a class team, which participates in a School Olympiad. Members of a class teams are admitted to one of subject Leagues:

Computer League
English League
Mathematics League
Economic League
History League
Physics League
Chemistry League
Biology League
League of "What? Where? When?" clubs.

The top five students of the school-wide Olympiad are selected to represent MES in local, city, national, and international competitions.

A student who was a member of any MES team for three years or won a prize at any of city, all-Russia, and international Olympiads becomes a member of one of Honor societies:

Russian Honor society
English Honor society
Honor society of Economics
Honor society of Mathematics
Honor society of History
Honor society of Natural Science
Honor society of Arts.

The most talented students have the possibility to study in the International Baccalaureate classes operating in the School.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

2.6 Language of instruction

The languages of instruction in Moscow Economic School are Russian and English.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.7 Size of a learning center (classroom)

Learning centers of a pre-school class consist of 18 students. Learning centers of 1-9th grade are limited to 36 students. Learning centers are divided into three study groups of 12 students for general education subjects, and into four study groups of 9 students to study foreign languages.

The number of students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades should not exceed 16.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

2.8 Educational means and materials

The MES Board does its best to provide teachers and students with various educational means and materials to ensure fulfillment, support, and improvement of educational programs of the school. These means and materials, varying in their shape and difficulty, must reflect different points of views on the subjects being studied and must meet the requirements of all the teachers and students of the School, without any exemptions.

Educational means and materials include any sources and materials having educational function. They include approved and advised school books, problem and exercise books, magazines and newspapers, training aids, games, audio and video records, computer software etc. They also include educational trips from the school, meetings with prominent and interesting people, visiting museums, performances, participation in events arranged by different organizations and institutions, etc.

School heads and heads of departments select educational means and materials. They write requests for purchasing (or financing) and turn them into the MES Vice-President in charge of educational issues. Upon approval by the Vice-President, action is taken to satisfy the requirements.

The Vice-President and Head of the Library may also propose to purchase educational means and materials required for the School. Teachers who wish to order educational means and materials should address the heads of departments and heads of corresponding schools.

Every month the Library informs teachers, students, and the Administration of new arrivals of educational means and materials.

Criteria for selection of educational means and materials:

Educational means and materials must support and enrich the educational programs of the School while taking into consideration a variety of interests, abilities, and levels of social and cultural development of the students.
Means and materials must stimulate intellectual and aesthetic development of students, improve their literacy, and develop creativity and research skills.
Means and materials must be as varied as possible, facilitate active thinking and decision making by the students, and create an atmosphere of critical analysis in a student society.
Means and materials should motivate the students to judge their own actions and behavior, to help students learn about their civil rights, duties and privileges.
Means and materials must contain information about contribution of different religious, political, ethnic, and culture groups to the development of our state and world society.
Educational means and materials should contain exact and adjusted information.
Educational means and materials should correspond to the age, abilities, emotional, and educational levels of the students.
Educational means and materials should have aesthetic, literary, and/or social value.
Educational means and materials which carry distorted facts or information may be used only in specific cases, for example, when students are taught to recognize propaganda tricks and their use in a specific context.
Among other criteria taken into consideration when choosing educational means and materials, one should take into account their price, durability, security, convenience of their assembly, and storage, etc.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.9 Use of computer networks and Internet

Students are allowed to use the computer equipment only under supervision of respective MES staff.
No street clothes and shoes are allowed in the computer classes. Brief cases and bags should be kept at the entrance not to block the passageways.
It is prohibited to run, make jerky movements, or rock and balance on the chairs in the classes equipped with computers. The height of the chairs should be adjusted to accommodate the user's stature, and feet should have support.
It is prohibited to have classes in the classrooms with installed computers if the doors are locked.
After use, one should disconnect from the server (servers).
It is strictly prohibited:
- To bring food, drinks, or gum into the rooms where computers are installed;
- To switch off block units and remove safety cases, to stretch arms towards rear panels of system units, monitors, and peripheral devices, to touch screens and protection filters;
- To switch on and off equipment comprising of an information circuit without the permission of teacher of information or engineer (consultant), to connect and disconnect equipment to the power supply line, to switch over devices under power supply, to move any equipment except PC keyboards and PC mouse;
- To change the mode of operation of PCs, monitors and other devices;
- To change system installations, to record and delete information on hard disks with the exception of working files in specially designed directories as prescribed by study program;
- To register and work in the information circuit using an password other than the one provided;
- To open, change, and delete others' information stored on the hard disk;
- To install software without permission of respective MES staff;
- To download Internet information without permission of respective MES staff;
- To use diskettes and CD-ROMs without permission of respective MES staff;
- To use diskettes without prior virus check by respective MES staff;
- To use software which would interfere with the local network (interception/password deciphering/unauthorized administration of the network);
- To play PC games without permission of respective MES staff;
- To visit Web-sites with indecent, unprintable, porno, racist, fascist, or sadist information;
- To carry out any types of work without prior agreement with respective MES staff.
In case of failures of equipment or malfunctioning of software as well as other unpredictable system changes, one should immediately stop working with it and inform the respective MES staff without trying to solve the problem him/herself.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.10 Field Trips

The Board considers that objects, organizations, and institutions beyond the School campus are of great educational importance. "Educational" trips outside of the School widen the scope of view of students and stimulate their interest to School programs.

In most cases, field trips should be arranged using School buses. Relevant Order or Instruction appoints the person who has general command over the group of students and staff members. This Order or Instruction defines the responsibilities of other staff members during such trips.

In case of lack of such Order or Instruction, the head of a department or the teacher arranging such trip ensures general supervision. The security guard following the group is responsible for its security and for protecting the health of the students.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.11 Access to internal School documentation, information about grades of the students, and grade books

Documents with information related to student grades and progress must be stored for a long time. If necessary and if agreed with the head of the school students and parents may become acquainted with these documents.

Grade books are stored for 10 years. Individual files of students are accumulated and are kept in a relevant learning center during their academic career at MES. After graduating, student files are placed in an archive and are stored there for 10 years.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

2.12 Announcements and advertisements in the School

Circulation of announcements and advertisements in the School including use of the School Web-site is allowed only in case of consent by heads of departments and organizations legally operating in the School. Such departments and organizations are:

The Board
MES Administration
Head of Primary School or PYP coordinator
Head of Middle School or MYP coordinator
Head of Secondary School or IB coordinator
Students Council
Council of Parent-Teacher Association
Head of a learning center, class teacher or advisor
Russian and Literature Department
Foreign Languages Department
Mathematics Department
Information Technologies Department
Social Sciences Department
Science Department
Fine Arts Department
Guidance Department
In-service Training Center
"Moscow Giraffes" children's sports school
"Kamerton" children's music school
Managers Club
School store
Council "Books of the year"
Editorial offices of "MES World" and "3E" newspapers
Editorial offices of "MESomania" and "Vertical razvitiya" magazines
Security Service
Cafeteria
Medical Service
"Don Giraffe" Family Club
MES-TV/MES-Radio

Announcements and advertisements placed by all the afore-mentioned organizations or departments must designate the relevant organization or department in the lower right corner.

School Administration has the right to prevent announcements or advertisements if they violate the procedures indicated in this part of the Code.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

Chapter 3 TEACHERS

3.1 Code of a teacher

A teacher at MES is an educational specialist who believes in:

Value and dignity of each person;
Necessity to look for the truth and to conform it in all situations
Superiority of democratic principles of management and relationships between people.

He/she is free in his/her educational and created work and has the right to free expression and to share personal convictions.

A teacher of MES guarantees equal educational possibilities for all students. He/she is guided in his/her work by the following principles:

Responsibility to the student

A teacher of MES always does his/her best to help a student realize individual potential. He/she supports the students and stimulates their curiosity, their desire to acquire knowledge, and to reach understanding. He/she helps the student to set up worthy goals.

Therefore a teacher of MES:

Should not groundlessly limit students in their independent actions aimed at learning the object of studies
Should not groundlessly limit or prohibit student access to different points of view in issues studied
Should not purposely suppress student progress
Should do his/her best to protect students from everything which is harmful to their health, security, or studies
Should help students to overcome eventual difficulties
Should not allow persecution of students due to their race, family status, political, religious, and other convictions. He/she should be impartial towards the students. He/she has no right: to exclude students from participating in a work or a project; to grant a student special conditions for fulfilling a task (with the exception of cases indicated in par. 2.4 of the Code);
He/she should not use his/her professional relationship with the students for personal benefits
He/she should not disclose information about students, which he/she received while fulfilling his/her professional duties. (This excludes disclosure that serves the best interest of a student.)

Attitude to his/her profession

A teacher of MES highly values the trust of students and their parents and demonstrates a high responsibility in professional activities. He/she constantly self-educates, increases his/her professional qualification, reads much, follows the global tendencies in education, participates in innovation processes, and by his/her work contributes to strengthening the reputation of MES.

A teacher of MES:

Is a fair person who does not commit distortion of facts about professional activities in the documents submitted to the Competition or Evaluation Commissions.
Helps School Administration to recruit the best teachers in Moscow to work at MES.
Does not permit him/herself to demonstrate disrespect or ill-intentions towards his/her colleagues.
Has no right to accept money fees or gifts from parents or other persons if this may result in a change of his/her professional decisions or activities.
Should avoid statements or actions that may negatively affect the MES reputation and cause moral or material claims against the School or its staff, students, or parents.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

Chapter 4 STUDENTS

4.1 Code of a Student

A student of Moscow Economic School demonstrates virtues that confirm and support the high reputation of MES. He/she demonstrates courtesy and politeness towards other people, cares about appearance, has neat clothes, and behaves with dignity.

MES students do their utmost to create and sustain an environment that preserves dignity and self-respect of individuals as well as one that ensures obedience and discipline.

A. Common rules

The School is open for students from 8.30 till 20.00 six days a week (Monday to Saturday). Students may attend the school during other hours or days either upon consent of administrator on duty or under supervision of any educational staff. Security on duty should be informed of the place where the student is present beyond study hours.
"Grade book of MES student" with his/her photo inside serves as a pass to the school. The student should have his/her Grade book with him/her at all times. If a student loses a Grade book, he/she must pay for the replacement. Students are generally prohibited from leaving the school campus during study hours with the exception of cases such as an emergency or upon consent issued by a head of a school. After study hours, students may leave the School only with parents or persons whom the parents have authorized. The only students who may leave the school unattended are those whose parents have written and received approval from the MES President. (The head of the school security service has a permanent list of such students).
Meals are allowed only in specially designated places and only during meal or free time.
Stairwells and passages should be kept free. When using staircases the students should keep to the right and should not run, but go slowly without pushing or hindering others.
It is strictly prohibited to write on the walls, desks, chairs, and wardrobes, to scratch or break School furniture, equipment and other items.
Students have no right to bring or use medical paraphernalia, drugs, explosives (including squibs), weapons (including gas, pneumatic and replica/toy weapons), gas sprays, tobacco, alcoholic drinks on school property or any event related to the school.
Smoking is prohibited on the school campus and grounds.
Rubbish should be disposed of only in litterbins.
During breaks for second breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack students have access to the library, laboratories, sports and dancing halls if school staff is present there.
Students are not allowed to run and romp in the passages.
During study hours it is prohibited to chew gum.
Student's clothes should comply with the requirements of "MES dress code".
A permit to invite a guest to the school should be obtained in advance from the head of security service.
Students are allowed to use personal stereo players and electronic games during breaks, but not in classrooms or canteen.
When entering the school, headdress should be removed. One may put it on when leaving the School.
Foul language and fighting are strictly prohibited in the School.
A MES student must look after his/her hairstyle: hair of boys and youths should not touch the collar of a coat or shirt, cover eyes, or fully hide the ears. Hair should have natural color.

B. Rules of classroom behavior

When attending the classes students must:

Have their homework completed.
Come to the classroom on time. To determine the right time classes are provided with wall clocks.
Get ready for the lesson, prepare all the required books, copy-books, and other study materials.
Do not disturb others from preparation for the lesson.

At the lessons students must:

Speak Russian or English languages, except lessons of second foreign language.
Raise their hands to make a statement or to ask question. It is not tolerable to interrupt the teacher or to talk to other students during lessons.
Have their own writing aids, books, Schoolbooks, copybooks, and other educational materials, and do not borrow them from other students.
Show independence in thoughts and actions. Cribbing and plagiarizing are absolutely prohibited. Cribbing and plagiarizing are intolerable when doing personal creative works: essay, composition, reports etc.; when using quoted phrases, references to the originals are a must.

After the lesson is over students must:

Write homework down into the grade book and make other notes required.
Wait until the teacher dismisses the class from the lesson.
Put their works space in order and put the chairs back under the desk.

C. Student work at School.

Every week and every month results of student work are summarized. The best students of learning centers are proclaimed "Student of the week" and "Student of the month". In the end of a School year, best students are proclaimed "Student of the year" and "School scholar". The decision is made by teacher's committees, with mandatory participation of all the students of a relevant learning center. When proclaiming someone "Student of the week", "Student of the month", "Student of the year" and "School scholar" the following major criteria are taken into consideration: school results, attitude to studies, behavior, and participation in School activities.

Each month student achievements in studying various subjects are marked by proclaiming "Best in a subject". MES has a system of encouraging students who are not the best in studies but who make much effort in their studies of a subject. Such students are graded with a certificate "For determination in subject studies".

Students who do not succeed in a subject and do not make big efforts to improve and have unsatisfactory grades for one or several subjects within one or two quarters of a School year are called to initial pedagogical council of a Primary, Middle, or Secondary Schools. The pedagogical council proposes a program to overcome the difficulties during the forthcoming quarter and, if necessary, adjusts the student's educational plan. If this does not help to improve progress during the quarter following the meeting of pedagogical council, the student may be advised to have extra lessons with a tutor for extra payment by parents. If these extra lessons with a tutor within a period of time prescribed by the initial pedagogical council do not help, it may advise to expel the student or keep him/her in the same grade for another year. The MES Pedagogical Council makes the final decision.

D. Exams, contests, Olympiads, tests

Cheating is an extremely serious violation both for a student and for a group of students. It is intolerable in any form. The School highly appreciates honesty and this determines student behavior in exams, during tests, contests, Olympiads and other competitions.

During exams, contests, Olympiads, and tests:

All books and copybooks should be removed from the tables.
Students are not allowed to look into others works.
Students are allowed to leave the classroom only in case of absolute necessity.
During exams talking is not allowed.
Students have no right to plagiarize or to use cribs.

In case cheating is detected, the student receives gets an unsatisfactory grade and is removed from a contest or Olympiad.

E. Use of cafeteria.

One should not violate the queue.
One should take only meals for oneself and avoid taking meals for friends.
Chairs should be kept at the tables and should not be moved to other tables.
One should clean the table after the meal and slide in the chair.
One should bring the tray and plates and dishes to the proper place.

F. Use of Library.

It is prohibited to shout in the library and in the reading room, to speak loudly, to run, to make rough movements, to rock or roll on the chairs. One should respect the right of others to study in silence.
It is prohibited to write anything in the books and textbooks belonging to the School or to tear out pages from the books. In case of damage to or loss of a book or textbook from the library, the student has to replace it with exactly the same book or reimburses five times its cost.
It is a rude violation to take a book or textbook out of the library without registering it with the library staff.

G. Violations of a Code of Moscow Economic School

Vice-president of the School who is in charge of education process controls fulfillment of the Code of MES.

Violations of the Code are considered as prescribed in par. 4.8 of Moscow Economic School Code.

Penalties as indicated in par. 4.8 of the Code of Moscow Economic School will be applied to the students who have violated the Code of a student of Moscow Economic School.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

4.2 Attending School

Student attendance of the School is controlled every day. Since School attendance and student progress in education are directly connected to each other, it is important to minimize absence from and being late to the lessons. Absence from the lessons and being late to the lessons influence both individual progress of a student and progress of a whole class.

The students should schedule all meetings and phone calls after school hours.

A student is responsible for individually learning all missed material within a week's time, unless there is another agreement with the teacher.

Students should not miss the lessons without a good reason.

Unplanned missing of lessons

If a student cannot attend school, his/her parents should call the administrator on duty in the morning, explain the reason for their son or daughter not attending school, and inform of the approximate date of his/her or her coming to school. Having returned to school after missing lessons, a student must have a note, signed by the parents, which indicates the reason for missing the lessons. This note is given to his/her psychology tutor. The note should have information regarding eventual limitations of the student's activities, especially physical activities, and eventual doctor's recommendations. Only a medical certificate allows exemption of a student from lessons of physical training.

Planned missing of lessons

Students may be allowed to miss school for a specified time if there is a request from one of the student's parents, if it is presented to the President of the school not less than one week before. In such cases, the lessons missed by the student should be learned on his/her own or with the help of a teacher either before or after missing school. The student gives an account for the missed lessons by passing respective tests.

Tardiness

A student who is tardy to School three times spends an extra hour in school doing his/her lessons on his/her own.

Early Dismissal

If parents of a student want their son or daughter to leave school before the regular time, they must make a written request to the School Vice-president in charge of educational process and receive permission.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

4.3 Admission of children of foreigners

MES is a general education secondary school established to educate children of Russian Federation citizens. Children of employees of enterprises, which established the school, or children sent by them to the school, have priority in being enrolled in MES.

At the same time the School is interested in admitting a certain number of children of citizens of English-speaking countries. This is necessary to create an environment of bilingual communication and education. The quantity of foreign children at MES shall not exceed 10% of the total number of school students.

Foreign children are enrolled in MES according to general rules. Just like Russian children, they pass entrance tests in English and Russian languages, and in mathematics. In case of positive results of testing and availability of vacant seats at school, a contract as per par.

5.1 of the Code will be signed with the parents.

Foreigners who have enrolled their children in MES are released from paying an entrance fee used for school development. Instead, in addition to the child's education fee fixed by the Board for school development, they have to pay annually, not later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a School year, an additional amount, which equals to one tenth of the entrance fee, paid by the Russian citizens.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

4.4 Student foreign exchange programs

The MES Board supports the programs of exchanging students of MES with students from other countries. The exchange program can be initialized by the school or by student's parents.

Instead of a student leaving for education abroad, a foreign student of the same age may be admitted to the school. Financial relations with the school where the student will attend and his/her parents have a currency-free basis. The parents of the student studying abroad cover expenses related to board and education of a foreign student. Expenses related to staying abroad and education of a MES student are covered by the hosting family.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

4.5 Enrollment of students in school and in a class

Enrollment of other children occurs according to general rules. Children aged 3-6 years pass a medical, psychological, and pedagogical entrance test. Children aged 7 years and more pass an entrance test in English and Russian languages and in mathematics.

In case of positive results of testing and availability of vacant seats at the school, a Contract will be signed with the parents as per par.5.1 of the Code. After the Contract is signed by one of parents and the school President, the child is enrolled in the school and becomes MES student.

As a result of testing, the Examination Committee of MES issues a protocol with recommendations to the student, to his/her parents, and teachers. Fulfillment of the recommendations of Examination Committee is obligatory for all parties of educational process (student, parents, and teachers). Based on the recommendations of Examination Committee heads of Primary, Middle, or Secondary Schools make a decision regarding enrollment of a student in this or that class or learning center.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

4.6 Student Dress Code

The MES students should always have a neat appearance. The clothes, whether uniform or personal, must be clean and not show wear. One should pay much attention to taste in wearing clothes.

The School uniform has three characteristic colors: dark-blue, gray, and burgundy. Different parts of the uniform may have colors, which match the main color specter: white, pale blue, shades of red, shades of blue, and shades of gray. The MES badge or emblem is a mandatory attribute of the school uniform.

There are three types of MES uniform:

Gala uniform
Daily uniform
Sports uniform

Gala uniform includes:

For boys: For girls: Color: Jacket Blue Waistcoat/pullover Waistcoat/ pullover Blue/gray/burgundy Trousers/shorts Trousers/shorts/skirt Blue Shirt with long sleeve Blouse with long sleeve White Shirt with short sleeve Blouse with short sleeve White Tie Tie/scarf burgundy Shoes Black The daily uniform includes some parts of the Gala uniform: waistcoat or pullover with trousers, shorts or skirt. Shirt/blouse colors: white, light gray or pale blue. Dark blue trousers, shorts or skirts of jeans or cotton cloth are acceptable.

Sports uniform set includes:

For boys: For girls: Color: Sports shirt with short sleeve Sports shirt with short sleeve Gray/ burgundy /dark blue/ white/pale blue Sports shirt with long sleeve Sports shirt with long sleeve Gray/ burgundy /dark blue/ white/pale blue Shorts Dark blue Cap Dark blue/ burgundy /gray Blazer Dark blue/ burgundy /gray Sports trousers Sports trousers Dark blue Running shoes Running shoes Black

The festive events requiring obligatory use of a corresponding School uniform are:

the 1st of September which marks the beginning of a new school year;
the 1st of February - the day of foundation of MES;
the Last Ring holiday;
the Graduation party;
participation of MES students as a school team at regional, city, national or international competitions, contests or Olympiads;
presentations of school projects, school fairs of new ideas;
other events of major importance for the school.

When organizing a school event, the School Administration has to specify which type of uniform is recommended.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

4.7 Student discipline. Investigation into discipline violations

All parties of educational process at Moscow Economic School are doing their utmost to create and maintain an environment, which ensures dignity and self-respect of individuals as well as observing discipline.

Discipline violations:

Tardy to lessons
Absence from lessons without good reason
Foul language
Assault and fighting
Smoking
Drinking of alcohol and using drugs
Insulting others by word or by action
Intended damage to School property
Other violations of the Code of a MES student as in par. 4.1 of the Code

A student or an employee who considers that behavior, words, or actions of a student or a group of students is offensive to him/her or represent violations of a School Code as indicated in this paragraph, must immediately inform the administrator on duty of this in a way described below.

Procedure of making complaints about discipline violations

Every person who considers that behavior, words, or actions of a student or a group of students insults his/her dignity or who has witnessed a discipline violation must immediately inform the administrator on duty of this. The administrator on duty will inform the President of MES.

Depending on the nature of the violation the President submits it for consideration to:

Students' class (learning center) council.
Students' School council.
Small pedagogical council of a Primary/ Middle/ Secondary School.
Administrative meeting.
Pedagogical conference.
Council of the Parent-Teacher Association.
Pedagogical council of MES.
MES Board.

The body must consider the facts of the violation within a month's time and must inform the President and the Head of a corresponding School in a written form about the measures taken.

Disciplinary penalties.

The following disciplinary penalties may be applied to persons who have committed discipline violations:

Warning.

A written warning that states that upon a new violation of the School Code he/she may be facing a more severe discipline penalty, including expulsion from the school.

Disciplinary order.

An order by the head of a department or the school that prescribes future behavior of the Code infringer. If the infringer fails to follow the prescriptions of the order he/she may face a more severe penalty.

Suspension.

A written notification about suspension from the lessons or from some work for a fixed period. It foresees suspension from attending school or using some school property for a certain period of time.

Expulsion from the School.

Depriving the student of his/her status of MES student.

The penalties are ranged according to their strictness. Depending on the specific situation they may be applied in combination with each other.

If the situation requires it, the President may consider it necessary to expel a student from the School even if he/she did not have any prior penalties.

Whatever penalty is applied, it should be accompanied by a conversation of the teacher or head of a school with the student.

Parents must be informed about the violation. This should be done before the student leaves the School.

The teachers must be fair when determining the penalty and try to ensure that the penalty improves the discipline.

Corresponding School Heads are responsible for supervising student discipline.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997

Chapter 5 PARENTS

5.1 Mutual responsibility of Parents and the School. Contract with the parents

Responsibility of parents towards the school and of the school towards the parents is determined by the Contract. MES Administration writes the contents of the Contract, which is approved by the Board. Only the President of the School can make amendments in the Contract with agreement from the Board.

approved by mes board on 27 of july 2000

5.2 Complaints and appeals

The MES Board welcomes constructive criticism of the school if it is caused by a sincere wish to improve the quality of the educational process or programs or if it is aimed at ensuring more effective results related to achieving the mission of MES (see para 1.2 of the Code).

Therefore, in order not to miss the value and usefulness, which may be incorporated in complaints and appeals, and to make good use of them, the Board adopts the following rules:

A person or a group of persons, having complaints or appeals, should be advised to address them initially to a corresponding school staff member (teacher, head of learning center, school head, head of a department, Vice-President or President), irrespective of whom these complaints or appeals were handed over to (for example, directly to the Board or to some of its members).

The channels for submitting complaints and claims are as follows:

Teacher
Head of a Learning center
Head of Primary, Middle or Secondary school
Vice-President
President
MES Board

The MES Board considers complaints and claims of parents only after they have been considered by corresponding MES staff members and in case the result of this consideration does not satisfy the parents. Exception is made for complaints about the work of the Board itself.

Submitting of complaints or appeals by a parent or a group of parents is considered a form of their participation in school management. Procedure of processing complaints or appeals submitted to the Board is defined in para 5.4 of the Code.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

5.3 Parent's complaints about the School staff

MES Board completely trusts the school staff and makes everything possible to guard it from groundless, ill-intended and negative criticism and complaints.

Therefore, whether complaints or claims are addressed directly to the Board or some of its members, they should be submitted for processing and taking decisions to the School Administration. The staff member, against whom the complaint is being submitted, should be acquainted with its contents and be given opportunity to explain the situation, provide his/her comments, and give his/her perception of the events and the relevant facts.

If it seems necessary, the person submitting the complaint, the staff member against whom the complaint is submitted or the Administration may request a public processing of the complaint in order to achieve maximum objectivity. In such cases, both parties including Administration are invited to take part in the processing of the complaint. Parties invited should present new facts and explanations so as to clearly understand their standpoint.

When making decisions, the Board (or any of its subcommittees) does not consider rumors or gossips as an argument. Emotions are not taken into account, if only they are directly related to the facts.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

5.4 Participation of parents in School management

The MES Board believes that the School should do everything possible to gain understanding and respect of the parents and to ensure their approval of actions undertaken by the Committee. Therefore the Administration and MES staff should do their utmost to involve parents into School life, to encourage their participation in the educational process, and to take into account public opinion when creating and fulfilling MES development programs.

Participation of parents in sessions of MES Board

The MES Board welcomes parents to be present at MES Board sessions where everyone may raise questions as per agenda and receive answers from the Committee.
The MES Board sessions are open for parents of MES students. No parents may be denied attendance or be removed from it with the exception of cases of indecent behavior.
Use of photo, TV and video cameras, illumination means, flash bulbs, sound recording devices, tape recorders as well as other types of mechanical, electronic and the like equipment used for audio and video recording, at sessions of the Board and its subcommittees is prohibited if only the Board gives a special permit for that.
Parents, who wish to participate in the Board session, must submit a written request for that with explanation of their position regarding an issue to be discussed at the session. Such request should be submitted not later than 3 days prior to the session.
If a parent, who wishes to speak at the session, represents a group of people, he/she must indicate in his/her request his/her name as well as the names of the people represented. He/she should not fail to indicate the address and the telephone for the Board to be able to establish contact.
A speech at the Board session must be as short as possible and be limited to 5 minutes, if there are no other instructions to this effect from the Board. Another 15 minutes are reserved for the members of the Board to put questions to the person, submitting a claim, and to make a judgment from the answers to their questions.
Those speaking at the Board sessions can criticize the work of the school or its educational plans and programs in general. The Board does not accept for consideration and does not consider at its sessions claims against separate staff members or individuals related to the school. The Code envisages in para 5.4 other procedures for considering matters related to the work of separate individuals.
When someone delivers a speech, the members of the Board do not express any opinions, but ask questions aimed at better understanding the situation. The Board considers the materials provided by the representatives of the public within its regular working procedures.
The parents presenting their materials for considering by the Board are reminded that any questions and statements made by the members of the Board reflect their personal but not the official position. This means that questions addressed to individual members of the Board receive answers that reflect their own personal views. An official reply in the name of the Board may be given only after the materials provided have been considered by all the members of the Board and a relevant decision has been made.

Letters and appeals, received by the Board, may be included into its agenda.

When preparing discussion of a letter or an appeal, The Secretary of the Board must indicate:

Who has submitted the letter or the appeal (a person or a group of persons);
The subject for the Board discussion and decision.

The Board member, who has received a letter or an appeal from the parents and who wishes to bring it for discussion at a session of the Board or its subcommittee, must hand it over to the Board Secretary with indication of reasons for his/her proposal to discuss this material.

Every parent wishing his/her letter to be received by the School Board and brought for its discussion, should send it to the School address:

123376, Moscow, Zamoryonova str, 29.
Board of Moscow Economic School.

If received in due time, such correspondence will be brought for the Board consideration.

At the Board sessions, any parent who is not a member of the Committee and who, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Board or a person acting for him/her, demonstrates indecent behavior or disturbs the discussion, may be asked to leave the session. If he/she refuses to cooperate, he/she may be removed from the session.

Procedure for addressing the School Administration by the parents.

Every parent may address any member of the MES Administration on any matter related to school activities. The President, Vice-Presidents, School Heads, Heads of Learning centers, and Chief Accountant receive parents at a time specified by MES Cyclogramme every week, which is annually adopted by the School President. Information about the schedule when Administration will receive parents is placed on the information board in the central hall.

Depending on the nature of the address and whether additional investigation is necessary, an answer or an explanation may be given to the parent immediately at the meeting. If additional investigation is required the author of the address is appointed for a new meeting at a certain day and time when he/she will be provided with a proper answer to his/her appeal. The parent may be invited to attend meetings of the Pedagogical Council, of the Pedagogical Conference or other bodies to participate in processing of his/her appeal.

Visits of the lessons by parents.

The School is open for visiting lessons by the parents. Every month the School conducts "Open House" days when the parents may attend lessons held by any teacher. Since observations by large groups of people creates additional psychological and emotional strain on the teacher, parents may visit additional lessons only with consent of the teacher and the MES Vice-President in charge of educational process.

Participation of parents in the work of Parent-Teacher Association

The membership and participation in the Patent-Teacher Association (PTA) provides parents with a possibility to constantly influence the state of the educational process at MES. The main activities of PTA are described in para 5.5 of the Code.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997
amendments made on 27 of july 2000

5.5 Parent-Teacher Association

The membership and participation in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) provides parents with a possibility to constantly influence the state of educational process at MES.

PTA is a non-commercial public organization.

The goals of establishing the PTA are as follows:

To ensure mutual understanding and cooperation between the school and the family
To involve parents into the school activities
To consolidate main principle of MES, that a student is the most important part of the school educational system
To ensure care of the students and support of MES educational aims.

The PTA Statute is coordinated with the MES Board.

The MES Administration, headed by the Board Chairman, must meet the representatives of PTA at least once a year in order to present its views regarding school development and discuss matters of interest for the parents. If necessary, any party may initiate the arrangement of such meetings more frequently.

approved by mes board on 26 of december 1997

Chapter 6 MAKING AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE

Only the Board of the School can make amendments to the Code.

Subcommittees of the Board and the President of MES may propose to the Board their amendments to the Code. Proposals should be submitted in a written form.

The MES Code assigns to subcommittees of the Board a function of ensuring and controlling the fulfillment of concepts and plans related to certain activities of the Board. The Chairman of a subcommittee of the Board must regularly consider the contents of those paragraphs of the Code that are related to the area of activities of his/her subcommittee at the Board sessions. As a result of such consideration, the subcommittee proposes to make amendments to certain paragraphs of the Code. In case such amendments concern interests of groups of people, the subcommittee, before bringing its amendments to the Board, should have consultations with the corresponding groups.

Separate members of the Board wishing to propose new paragraphs of the Code or amendments to existing paragraphs, can do so at a regular session of the Board when "New items" of the agenda are being discussed. The Board may address these proposals to some of its subcommittees for evaluation and recommendations.

approved by mes board on 14 of november 1997