Message from Mrs. Holmquist 9/4

Dear Secondary School Parents,

It was wonderful to see so many families at the TIS Open House yesterday. Seeing our students happy, healthy, and excited about the year ahead was a wonderful reminder of the strong partnership that exists between our school and our community. Thank you for taking the time to attend and for your continued support of your children's learning.

As we move further into the school year, I would like to take a moment to revisit several important aspects of student life in the Secondary School. At Tirana International School, our primary mission is education. We want students to be fully engaged in their learning, connected to their teachers and classmates, and able to take full advantage of the many opportunities available to them each day. The expectations we set around personal devices, dress, and student leadership are all intended to help create a positive school culture where learning, responsibility, and involvement are at the forefront.

During the first weeks of school, we have intentionally provided students with some grace as they adjusted to routines, schedules, and expectations. As students have now had time to settle into the school year, we will begin enforcing our school policies more consistently and will follow the established progression of consequences when violations occur. Our goal is not to be punitive, but rather to provide clear and predictable expectations that support a focused learning environment for everyone.

Our "Away for the Day" phone policy requires that all student phones be turned off and locked in lockers throughout the school day. Phones should not be kept in backpacks or pockets. This expectation also extends to personal headphones, earbuds, and iPads. Research continues to demonstrate that limiting access to personal devices during school hours improves focus, engagement, and academic performance. Students remain able to contact home through the school office when necessary, and parents can always contact the school should an urgent message need to reach a student.

When a student is found using or possessing a phone outside of the policy expectations, the phone will be confiscated and consequences will progress throughout the school year. A first violation results in confiscation until the end of the day. A second violation requires the student to turn in the phone to the office each morning for the following two school days, with parent notification and a warning in Trustworthiness. A third violation extends the morning phone check-in requirement to five school days and results in an "N" for Trustworthiness. A fourth violation extends the check-in period to ten school days. A fifth violation results in a parent meeting and the creation of an individualized plan. These consequences remain cumulative throughout the school year.

Our dress code serves a similar purpose. We want students to feel comfortable and confident while ensuring that clothing does not distract from learning or create discomfort within the school community. Students are expected to wear clothing that appropriately covers undergarments and private areas, wear shoes at all times, and avoid clothing that contains references to alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, profanity, obscene gestures, or messages and images that may be offensive to others.

Dress code violations also follow a progressive process. A first violation results in a verbal warning. A second violation includes a meeting with administration and the counselor, along with parent notification. A third violation leads to a parent meeting involving the student, counselor, and administration. A fourth violation may result in a nomination for an "N" in Responsibility. A fifth violation may result in further administrative action.

I would also like to encourage students to become involved in one of the most important student leadership opportunities at TIS. Our first Student Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 9th, at 11:35 a.m. All secondary students are invited to attend. This meeting is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about Student Council, the role it plays in shaping school life, and what it takes to become a class representative or run for a Student Council office. Whether a student is interested in leadership, service, event planning, or simply having a stronger voice within the school community, I encourage them to attend and learn more about the opportunities available.

The start of the school year has been extremely positive, and I have been impressed by the enthusiasm, energy, and engagement I have seen from our students. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education.

Katie Holmquist
Director of Instruction
Tirana International School