Secondary Division A–Z Guide

Regular Arrival  

Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. Students may arrive at school at the main entrance on Lishui Road as early as 7:45 a.m. On rainy days, the building lobby will be open at 7:30 a.m. Students who take the school bus will be dropped off in front of the Lishui Road Gate.  

Absence Request 

If a student needs to arrive late or take leave due to a planned arrangement, please complete the "Leave Request" form via the WeChat Parent Portal at least one day in advance to notify the school. The WeChat leave request system will close applications for the current day at 10:00 AM each morning. Parents who miss this deadline should promptly email the Operations Manager to request leave. 

Late Arrival

Students who arrive late will be marked “late” in our records. If the tardiness is caused by an unexpected event on the way to school, please notify the school via the “Absence Request” on WeChat parent portal. For planned or predictable late arrival, it will be marked as a leave request. Notify the school via the “Absence Request” on the WeChat Parent Portal at least one day in advance for the leave request as possible.   

Regular Dismissal

Students will be dismissed at 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays). In general, middle and upper grades students will be dismissed without a caregiver or parent needing to pick them up.  

CCMI Dismissal

If a student’s final class of the day ends at CCMI, parents/guardians may submit the CCMI Student Self-Dismissal Safety Acknowledgment Form (Optional) at the beginning of the school year to authorize the student to leave independently from CCMI after school. 

Early Dismissal

If a Secondary Division student needs to leave campus early due to special circumstances, parents/guardians must submit a “Dismissal Change” request via the WeChat Parent Portal with the reason stated. 

Campus Allocation 

To  help students and families understand the main campus facilities, operating hours, and related procedures, the campus building allocation is outlined below: 

A8: Secondary Building

Regular Opening Hours: 7:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Rainy Day Open at 7:30 a.m. )

Student Dismissal Times: 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays

After dismissal, Secondary Division students may not remain in Building A8 unless supervised by a teacher. Students must leave on time or proceed to the designated Study Lab classrooms in Building A19.

CCMI

Wellness and Movement（ WAM） Classes and after-school sports team

8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

WAM Classes and after-school sports team training are held at CCMI; all non-sports clubs and activities are held on campus. Students participating in after-school sports programs at CCMI must take the shuttle bus to CCMI. The shuttle departs from the Lishui Road school gate at 4:15 p.m. (3:15 p.m. on Wednesdays). Students who miss the shuttle may not travel to CCMI independently and should either go home or attend the Study Lab.  

Students dismissed from CCMI may take the return school bus, leave independently if authorized by their parents/guardians, or be picked up by parents/guardians at the designated pick-up point. Private vehicles are not permitted to enter CCMI.

A19-FOOD

Lunch Time: 12:10 p.m. –12:40 p.m. 

Students should use the Dining Hall during the designated lunch period and follow the school’s lunch and campus behavior expectations.

A19-StudyLab

4:00 p.m. –5:30 p.m. (3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m. on Wednesday) 

The StudyLab is available to all Secondary Division students who wish to remain on campus for supervised study after dismissal. Secondary Division families do not need to register in advance; students may attend as needed. Students must go to the designated classrooms in Building A19 unless they are staying in Building A8 under teacher supervision.  

All students must leave the teaching buildings after 5:30 p.m

A8-School Bus Point

* Morning Arrival: before 8:00 a.m.

* First-round dismissal bus: 4:10 p.m. (3:10 p.m. on Wednesdays)

* Second-round dismissal bus: if available, 6:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays)

Families may refer to the Avenues School Bus Route&Timetable. 

Morning school buses operate according to each bus route's schedule and arrive at school.at A8 main gate.  

All dismissal buses depart from the A8 campus. The availability of the second-round dismissal bus service will be determined by the number of students registered for after-school programs each semester. Students who do not arrive at the school bus pick-up and drop-off point on time must independently arrange alternative transportation to school or home. 

General Attendance 

Regular attendance is an essential part of the educational experience of each student. We expect students to attend ALL assigned classes and meetings and to be on time.  The attendance rate is calculated based on individual class sessions missed.   

Attendance Thresholds 

90% and above — Students must meet this threshold each semester to participate in leadership activities and roles (Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Student Led Workshops).

85% and above — Students must meet this threshold each semester to participate in sports, Campus Exchange, and Global Journeys. 

80% and below — Students falling at or below this rate are at risk of not graduating or advancing to the next grade level. These students will be required to meet with a member of School Leadership and sign an attendance contract with their parents present.  

Please note: Students’ attendance will be deducted by 1% for missing important school events (Showcases, PoL Day, Mastery Defense, WAM Slam, etc.)  

Student attendance will be reflected in students’ final report cards and transcripts that will be sent to universities and colleges. Please note that a students’ overall attendance rate may impact their admission to a university even after being accepted, as well as their ability to move to the next grade level. It is essential that students maintain good standing throughout the year.   

Tardiness 

Students are expected to come to school on time each day at 8:00 a.m. Students who are consistently late  iwill be subject to consequences, such as Habit Hall and loss of privileges, including involvement in school events or student leadership activities.  

Attendance & Outside Commitments 

Students and families are expected to communicate with the school about outside academic and extracurricular commitments that may impact their overall attendance. 

Upper Grade students’ attendance rate will not be impacted by designated test days, such as AP exams in the spring. These dates should be communicated with leadership team in advance so teachers and faculty can plan accordingly. 

It is important to note that students are not permitted to take extended time off to study for outside exams or participate in competitions, as it impacts their overall academic and attendance standing at school. If a student does this, they will not be granted additional extensions or accommodations. 

Cumulative Excused Absences  

A record of more significant Excused Absences will trigger a review by the school leadership team, who is responsible for following up with the parents, documenting an explanation. 

If a student requests sick leave for three or more consecutive days, they must provide medical records and other diagnostic documentation. Otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.  

If a student needs to request personal leave for three or more days, parents and students must submit a leave request in our WeChat parent portal。 

A record of significant absences per school year in a single course will trigger a review by the school leadership. Students who miss more than ten classes in a single course may not be eligible to earn credit or will be placed on “Academic Hold”. 

Students are not permitted to excuse themselves from classes.  

Cumulative Unexcused Absences  

A record of more than three Unexcused Absences on Toodle will trigger a review by the mentor and  school leadership who is responsible for following up with the parents, documenting an explanation.   

Changing Dismissal Plans 

Students are not allowed to leave the campus during school hours unless accompanied by a teacher. Upper grades students are permitted to leave campus during lunch hours only. They are not at liberty to dismiss themselves early unless they follow the protocol outline below. 

If students need to leave school before the end of the school day, or school bus riders need to cancel or change the afternoon bus service, an early dismissal request MUST be received from a parent or guardian via “Dismissal Change” on the WeChat Parents Portal by 1:30 p.m. on that day. Parents should include the time the student will be leaving or who will be picking up the student (unless the student will be leaving early by themselves). After receiving an early leave request from the parent, the operations manager will notify the security team to permit students to leave. 

On-Campus Illness Procedures 

If a student feels unwell during school hours, they should first inform a teacher and go to the school nurse. After assessing the student, the nurse will notify the class teacher and parents as appropriate, and arrange for early dismissal if necessary. 

Please note that early dismissal is generally not available while students are at CCMI. If a student is injured or becomes ill at CCMI, the CCMI nurse may make an exception to this policy based on the circumstances. 

Responsibility of the Student  

Students are expected report to school and all classes on time. If a student is absent, they should communicate with their teachers and stay up to date with assignments.  

When necessary, the school may require students to remain after school for reflection and completion of missing assignments. Advance notice will be provided to both students and parents to accommodate schedule adjustments. 

If students are unable to participate in WAM classes at CCMI, they should still take their designated bus to CCMI with their class. Students unable to participate in WAM will sit with the CCMI nurses. If the student’s health condition doesn't allow them to take the school bus to CCMI, they must stay with the A8 nurses. If a student misses the school bus to CCMI, they will check in with the security team at the A8 Lishui Road Gate and wait until their class returns or a teacher/administrator tells them otherwise. 

Responsibility of the Family  

Families must submit a request via WeChat for all attendance-related matters, including absences, lateness, and early dismissals. For same-day requests, parents must submit late requests before school starts and early dismissal requests by 1:30 p.m. All requests must include a clear explanation. 

Parents are requested to arrange medical appointments during holiday times or outside of school hours. When it is not possible to arrange appointments outside of school hours, students are expected to return to school afterward.

Student Communication

Communication between Secondary Division students and teachers primarily occurs through in-class discussions, face-to-face conversations, Toddle, and school email. Students are expected to develop the habit of checking their school email at least once a day and to use email to communicate with teachers in a timely, clear, and appropriate manner when needed. Students are also expected to check Toddle for course information, assignments, and teacher feedback in a timely manner.

ID Badges  

Secondary Division students and parents will each receive an ID Badge.

The parent ID Badge is used for access to campus and division events. Parents are required to wear their ID Badges when attending school activities.

The student ID Badge is used for campus access and printer usage. Middle-grade and upper-grade students will have different colored lanyards to indicate which students are permitted to leave campus during lunch. Under no circumstances may upper-grade students give their lanyards or ID badges to middle-grade students.

Please note that UG students are required to have their badge if they choose to leave campus at lunch time. This will be checked and enforced by faculty and the security team.

If an ID Badges is lost, please email the Operations Manager and copy the security team at security-sz@avenueschina.cn to request a replacement, the replacement fee will be the family's responsibility. If the lost card is found, it must be returned to the security at A12 reception, and only the most recently issued card may be used. ID Badges may not be lent to others under any circumstances.

Lunch and Snacks 

Avenues’ dining program covers a wide variety of dietary needs by being nut-aware, offering dairy-free alternatives, and providing vegetarian options. No outside food is allowed on campus. Morning snacks, lunch and afternoon fruits will be provided by school on a daily basis. 

Middle-grade students are not permitted to leave campus during lunch and may not bring or order outside food or drinks to campus.

Upper-grade students may leave campus for lunch but must return on time for their afternoon classes. Upper grade students are not permitted to bring outside food or drinks to campus. Outside food and food delivery are not permitted. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of off-campus lunch privileges. 

During school excursions, field trips, guest lectures, Project Showcases, and related events, students may not bring or consume outside food. Students are expected to consume only snacks, meals, or beverages provided by the School during these periods.

Please note that this policy is subject to change. Students are expected to adhere to the policy currently in place based on the needs and expectations of the school community.

Parents should email the Operations Manager if they wishing to adjust their child's on-campus dietary arrangements or have special dietary needs to fill out the 《Consent Form for Dietary Arrangements at School》.

Elevator Use 

Students are asked to take the stairs when they are at school. Elevator access is reserved for students who have a documented injury or are accompanied by a teacher. 

Upper Grades students have the privilege to use the elevator during the following times if they are going to the 5th or 6th floor:

• * Before 8:00 a.m.

• * After lunch at 12:30 p.m.

• * After school at 4 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays)

If a student is late, they are required to take the stairs as a natural consequence. 

Upper Grade students are not permitted to use the elevators outside of the times listed above and misuse is subject to consequence and follow up.

Please note, this policy is subject to change and students are expected to adhere to the policy in place based on the needs and expectations of the school community. 

Locker Use

Students are required to use their personal lockers properly, keep items organized, and may not store food inside. During school hours, students must store their backpacks, mobile phones, and watches in their lockers. Students are responsible for their personal belongings and must ensure that their lockers remain locked at all times.

At the end of each academic year, the school may require students to clean and organize their lockers and take all personal belongings home. Personal items may not be stored at school over the  summer holiday, particularly due to re-classing needs and the prohibition on storing food in lockers during school breaks. 

Phone & Technology Use

We are a school that prioritizes community and presence, while students are on campus. Phones must be stored in lockers from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays), unless they are being used for a designated class or project. All Avenues faculty are expected and permitted to help enforce this on campus both in and outside the classroom. If a student is found with their phone, it will be collected and brought to the leadership office. 

Initial consequences include the student emailing their parent to inform them of the incident; if the behavior continues, the student may be required to be on a technology contract and turn their phone in at the start of each day.

Students are also not permitted to use their phones or watches to contact their parent(s) during the school day. If a student to contact their parent, they can do so in the Office 215 with the Secondary Operations Manager.

Personal devices are not permitted on campus. Students are expected to use their school issued devices unless granted permission for a specific school purpose. Faculty may collect personal devices as needed and follow up with families accordingly.

Avenues Shenzhen Style Guide

Our style guide builds a sense of belonging by making our students easily recognizable to each other and other members of our community. It also reinforces that school is a place for purposeful, active, and collaborative endeavor, and our students pledge to dress in accordance with these goals. We ask students to take pride in their appearance as representatives of the Avenues community. School faculty and leadership will address students and their parents as necessary, when student clothing choices show a pattern of running counter to these guidelines.

Avenues faculty and staff will enforce the following style guide expectations:

Student Behavior Consequences & Support

If a student is not able to follow the norms and expectations of our campus or any of the policies outlined they may be subject to the following consequences:

• * Attendance Contract

• * Behavior Contract

• * Technology Use Contract

• * Habit Hall 

• * Community Duty 

• * Ineligibility for Boarding

• * Ineligibility for Student Leadership Opportunities

• * Suspension

• * Expulsion

Reflection is often a core part of our repair practice when students are not able to meet school expectations; they are expected to engage in this process thoughtfully and respectfully as directed by their teachers or School Leadership team.

Based on the nature of an infraction, there may be other consequences in place to ensure full repair and accountability beyond what is listed above.

Assessment and Reporting

Avenues Secondary Division assessment and reporting approach is designed to reflect accurately students’ performance, progress and growth and to provide parents with frequent, convenient information on how their child is progressing.

Please refer to Assessment and Reporting Guideline for details.

Parents may access students’ report cards from previous semesters and academic years through “Reports” in the WeChat Parent Portal. To request an official stamped report card, please email the Registrar.

Acknowledgment & Confirmation

In signing the Family Handbook, students, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to all the policies, expectations, and consequences outlined.