Rules & Regulations

 

• GENERAL SCHOOL ETHOS

Dream International School is built on respect, responsibility, and excellence. Our rules exist to create a safe, productive environment where every student can achieve their full potential while upholding our values of Deen, Ilmo, Somaliyaanta, and Wellness.

• ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

1. School Hours:

• Saturday-Thursday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Students must arrive by 7:00-7:25 AM
• Late arrivals require office sign-in and parent note

2. Attendance Requirements:

• Minimum 90% attendance required each term
• Medical absences require doctor’s certificate
• Planned absences require 3-day advance written notice
• No student may leave campus during school hours without parental permission

3. Academic Integrity:

• Zero tolerance for cheating or plagiarism
• Cambridge exam rules apply for all assessments
• All work must be original with proper citations
• Digital plagiarism detection tools may be used

 

Homework & Assignments

1. Submission Rules:

• All work submitted on time via specified method
• Late work: 10% deduction per day (max 3 days)
• Extensions require teacher approval 48 hours before deadline
• Digital submissions must follow naming convention: Name_Subject_Date

2. Assessment Protocol:

• All tests supervised according to Cambridge standards
• No electronic devices during assessments
• Assessment calendar published at term start
• Re-sits only for documented medical/emergency reasons

3. UNIFORM & DRESS CODE

Standard Uniform

Boys (Saturday -Wednesday):

• White shirt and dark brown pant and also brown tie with the logo for secondary
• medium brown shirt and black pant for lower primary 
• brown light pant and white shirt and also brown tie with the logo for upper primary
• closed shoes must (unless excuse)
• Neat, trimmed hair (no extreme styles)
• No jewelry except watch

Girls (Saturday -Wednesday):

• dark brown skirt and hijab with the logo for secondary
• light brown skirt and hijab with the logo for upper primary
• medium brown hijab and black skirt
• closed shoes (no heels above 2 inches)
• No jewelry except for watch

PE/Sports Uniform:

• sports and track pants
• Sports hijab for girls 
• Appropriate sports shoes
• Change required after PE lessons

Prohibited Items:

• Makeup (except clear lip balm)
• Colored contact lenses
• Expensive jewelry or accessories
• Inappropriate hairstyles or colors
• Tight/revealing clothing

• BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Respect for All

1. Language & Communication:

• Speak respectfully to all staff, students, and visitors
• English during academic lessons
• Somali/Arabic encouraged during cultural/religious studies
• No profanity, insults, or disrespectful language
• Report bullying immediately to any teacher

2. Islamic Etiquette (Adab):

• Begin interactions with Islamic greetings
• Show respect to elders and teachers
• Maintain modesty in behavior and speech
• Participate respectfully in Islamic activities
• Respect prayer times and spaces

Classroom Conduct

1. During Lessons:

• Arrive prepared with books and materials
• Electronic devices only when permitted
• Active participation expected
• No eating or drinking (except water)
• Raise hand to speak
• Complete all assigned work

2. Electronic Device Policy:

   . No electronic devices are allowed all levels especially (smart, phones watches e.t.c)

• Secondary: Devices may be used for learning when directed
• Prohibited: Social media/gaming during school hours
• Damage: Personal responsibility for devices

5. CAMPUS REGULATIONS

Movement & Safety

1. Zoned Campus:

• Early Years zone (separate secure area)
• Primary zone (Years 1-6)
• Secondary zone (Years 7-13)
• Islamic Studies/Somali Studies wing
• Sports and recreation zone
• Students remain in designated zones

2. Security Protocols:

• All visitors sign in at main gate
• Student sign-out requires parent/guardian ID
• Emergency drills monthly (fire, lockdown, evacuation)
• No unauthorized vehicles on campus
• CCTV in public areas for safety

Facility Use

1. Library Rules:

• Silent study zones enforced
• Books borrowed for 2 weeks maximum
• Late return: 5$ per day fine
• Damage/loss: Replacement cost plus 20%
• No food or drinks except water

2. Laboratory Safety:

• Follow all safety instructions
• Wear lab coats and safety gear when required
• No unsupervised experiments
• Report accidents immediately
• Clean workspace after use

3. Prayer Facilities:

• Separate, clean prayer halls for boys/girls
• Maintain wudu areas cleanliness
• Respect prayer times and those praying

6. DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM

Progressive Discipline

Level Infraction Examples Consequences Documentation

Level 1 Minor uniform violation, tardiness, incomplete homework Warning, parent notification, make-up work Teacher log

Level 2 Repeated Level 1, disrespect, class disruption, minor bullying Detention, parent meeting, behavior contract Head of Year file

Level 3 Academic dishonesty, defiance, vandalism, serious bullying Suspension (1-3 days), restitution, counseling Principal’s file

Level 4 Violence, theft, drugs/alcohol, major safety violation Expulsion consideration, police notification if criminal Board review

Restorative Practices

1. Conflict Resolution:

• Mediation sessions for disputes
• Restitution for damages
• Community service assignments
• Reflection and apology letters
• Peer support circles

2. Appeal Process:

• Student may appeal disciplinary decision within 3 days
• Appeal to next level (Teacher → Head of Year → Principal → Board)
• Parent/guardian involvement at all levels
• Final decision within 7 school days

7. HEALTH & WELLNESS RULES

Medical Protocols

1. Illness & Medication:

• Fever > 37.8°C: immediate parent pickup
• Prescription medication: office storage with doctor’s note
• No medication sharing between students
• Emergency contact information must be current
• Annual medical checkup required

2. Food & Nutrition:

• Healthy snacks/lunches encouraged
• No sharing food (allergy considerations)
• Nut-free school policy
• Halal food only on campus
• Clean eating areas after use

PE & Sports Safety

1. Participation Requirements:

• Medical clearance for sports participation
• Proper attire and safety gear mandatory
• No jewelry during physical activities
• Hydration breaks every 20 minutes in heat
• Report injuries immediately

8. TRANSPORTATION RULES

School Bus Regulations

1. Bus Conduct:

• Arrive at bus stop 2 minutes early
• Remain seated while bus is moving
• Use quiet voices on bus
• No eating or drinking on bus
• Respect bus driver and monitor
• Dismissal only to authorized adult

2. Parent Drop-off/Pick-up:

• Designated zones only
• No parking/waiting in traffic lanes
• 10-minute maximum in drop-off zone
• Follow traffic marshal instructions
• Carpool encouraged

9. TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Digital Citizenship

1. Network Use:

• School WiFi for educational purposes only
• No downloading unauthorized software
• Respect bandwidth limits
• Report security concerns immediately
• Personal hotspots prohibited

2. Online Behavior:

• Respectful digital communication
• No cyberbullying or harassment
• Protect personal information
• Academic integrity in digital work
• Follow Somali laws regarding online content

3. Device Management:

• Charging stations in designated areas only
• School not responsible for lost/stolen devices
• Monitoring software may be installed on school devices
• Regular digital citizenship education

10. PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Expectations

1. Communication Protocol:

• Check school portal weekly especially on (Thursday )
• Respond to teacher messages within 48 hours
• Attend parent-teacher conferences (3 per year)
• Update contact information promptly
• Respect teacher working hours (7 AM – 4 PM)

2. Support Requirements:

• Ensure homework completion
• Monitor student online activity
• Support uniform and attendance policies
• Participate in school events (minimum 2 per year)
• Pay fees by due dates

11. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Religious Accommodations

1. Islamic Observances:

• Ramadan: modified schedule and accommodations
• Eid holidays: school closure as announced
• Prayer times respected in timetable
• Fasting students have quiet study options
• Islamic dress code accommodations

2. Cultural Celebrations:

• Somali Independence Day celebrations
• Cultural dress days (announced)
• Traditional food days
• Language and poetry competitions
• Community elders visits

Medical Accommodations

1. Learning Support:

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs) where needed
• Extra time accommodations with documentation
• Specialized equipment provision
• Counseling services available
• Parent support group meetings

12. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Response Protocols

1. Emergency Types & Responses: 

Fire Alarm → Evacuate to football field

   Lockdown → Shelter in locked classrooms

   Medical Emergency → Call 0617205584, notify office

   Severe Weather → Move to designated shelters

   Security Threat → Follow teacher instructions

2. Emergency Contacts:

• All students must have 3 emergency contacts
• Medical information on file
• Evacuation plans in each classroom
• Regular drills conducted
• Parent notification system tested monthly

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT

All students and parents must sign the DIS Rules Agreement Form annually, acknowledging understanding and commitment to these regulations. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

“These rules exist not to restrict, but to create the optimal environment for learning, growth, and the development of future Somali leaders who excel academically while remaining true to their faith and heritage.”

Dream International School reserves the right to update these rules as needed. Current version: January 2026