Benchmark School Parent Handbook 2016-17

WELCOME to A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS: 2016–2017

WELCOME TO THE BENCHMARK COMMUNITY! As the parent of a Benchmark student, you are an integral part of what is widely recognized by experts in the field as one of the most dynamic educational programs in the United States. We encourage you to take advantage of all that Benchmark has to offer, from after–school activities for your child to the educational opportunities offered for parents.

We consider open communication between home and school to be a key component that facilitates student progress. We welcome you sharing your questions, concerns, and celebrations related to your child. We will do the same.

We look forward to working with you to help your child grow as a learner and individual as we have done with families since 1970.

Sincerely,

Robb Gaskins, Ph.D. Head of School

PREPARING FOR SCHOOL To help you and your child become familiar with the Benchmark community, we have created this guide filled with information about school life. We hope it will answer many of your questions. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 610–565–3741 or MainOffice@BenchmarkSchool.org, or refer to the school’s website, BenchmarkSchool.org.

WHERE TO FIND IT Mission & Philosophy.............................................................................................................................3 Working Together

Home & School Communication.........................................................................................4

What We Offer Our Students..............................................................................................5

Additional Support for Families..........................................................................................6

Getting Ready for School Forms..........................................................................................................................................7

School Supplies........................................................................................................................7

Lunch/Snacks...........................................................................................................................8

Dress Code................................................................................................................................9

Transportation..........................................................................................................................10 Arrival/Dismissal......................................................................................................................10

After–School Programs.........................................................................................................11

Helpful Information................................................................................................................................12 Absences......................................................................................................................................12

Health & Safety.........................................................................................................................13

Inclement Weather & Emergency School Closings.......................................................14

Student Life...............................................................................................................................15

Getting Involved

Annual Family Events.............................................................................................................17

Supporting Benchmark School............................................................................................18

Benchmark Parents Association (BPA).............................................................................19

Calendar....................................................................................................................................................21

OUR MISSION Benchmark School is committed to helping bright students who learn differently, or have yet to reach their academic potential, develop the confidence, strategies, and knowledge to become lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem–solvers.

OUR PHILOSOPHY We believe that each child is a unique individual whose potential has yet to be realized.

To help students develop their potential, we endeavor to provide an inclusive and supportive environment that is grounded in an appreciation of who each student is as a learner and individual. Since every child is unique and constantly developing, we tailor our instruction to students’ current strengths, challenges, and overall profile as we develop their confidence and competence.

From the day students begin at Benchmark School, we help them grow as learners by scaffolding their instruction—providing as much support as is needed but no more than is necessary as they move toward independence.

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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

WORKING TOGETHER: HOME & SCHOOL COMMUNICATION We believe that a major component of a Benchmark student’s success is the collaboration between home and school. The following avenues of communication are in place: • Weekly Announcements are emailed to you each Sunday to inform you about upcoming school events, school news, and other important information. We believe that you will find them an enjoyable way to hear more about the many activities that occur each week.

• Back–to–School Night is an opportunity to become familiar with the instructional goals for your child.

• New Parent Meetings and other informative workshops are offered throughout the year.

• Parent Conferences enable staff and parents to collaborate in an effort to ensure the best possible educational experience for your child.

• Email and Phone Calls allow parents and staff members to share information that will help us work with your child.

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WORKING TOGETHER: WHAT WE OFFER OUR STUDENTS Working together with our students and their families, we change the trajectory of our students’ lives. We offer our students: • A safe, calm, and nurturing environment where they can take risks • An academically challenging, full–curriculum program where we differentiate our instruction to address the strengths and challenges of each student • Guidance in understanding themselves as learners and recognizing their potential for success • A commitment to their well–being, with attention to the whole child • Caring teachers who provide explicit instruction, mentoring, and coaching in executive skills • Teachers who value and respect them as individuals with unique strengths and differences • Teachers who stay on the leading edge of best practice in educational research • Collaboration among their families, team of teachers, and other professionals • Continued development of our longstanding and deep commitment to excellence and innovation and its application in the classroom • A continuation of our investment in on–going professional development

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WORKING TOGETHER: ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES Child and Family Support Services: Focused on nurturing every aspect of a child’s development, Benchmark provides professional guidance in helping children address the social and emotional tensions that often accompany difficulties in school. Our staff of counseling professionals partner with teachers and parents to provide a dynamic continuum of communication and care to help them address each student’s needs. The staff meets with students and parents both individually and in small groups and leads class meetings in the lower school and town hall meetings in the middle school.

Transition Services: Benchmark’s educational model is designed to facilitate the successful transition to a traditional high school environment. Benchmark School’s intentional 1st–8th grade experience equips students with the tools to succeed in any academic setting.

High school is the optimal time for our students to take the next step, testing what they have learned and applying it independently while still in a supportive home environment. Benchmark’s Transition Team partners with families to identify the best fit for their child’s secondary education.

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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL: FORMS Health Forms Benchmark is committed to the health and safety of your child. The following is a checklist of the forms and information that can be found in the “Parent Portal” section of the Benchmark website. In order to comply with state regulations, we ask that you print the forms and send them to school. We truly appreciate your attention to these important guidelines.

• Yearly Forms: — Administration of Medication Form (all students) — Concussion Information Form (all students) — Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Form (all students) • Grade–Level Forms: — Physical Examination Form and Immunization Record (new students and 6th grade students) — Dental Form (3rd and 7th grade students) — Sports Physical (only required for students participating in middle school team sports of soccer and basketball) • Forms for Students with Medical Conditions: — Authorization to Self–Carry Epinephrine and/or Inhalers (only required for those students whom it concerns) — Action plans for student with medication conditions (only required for those students whom it concerns): • Asthma • Anaphylaxis • Diabetes • Seizure Disorder Student Emergency Information & Permissions Form You will be provided with a Student Emergency Information & Permissions Form.

Please return it to the Main Office and let us know by phone or email of any mid–year changes in address, phone numbers (home, work, or cell), or email so that your child’s information always remains current.

School Supplies List • Lower School Students: School supplies are provided by Benchmark.

• Middle School Students: A back–to–school supplies list can be found in the “Parent Portal” section of the Benchmark website.

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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL: LUNCH/SNACKS Lunch Program Students may bring their lunch from home or take advantage of the Benchmark Parents Association (BPA)–sponsored Lunch Program. You will find menus and ordering information on the Benchmark website at BenchmarkSchool.org/parents/ bpa/lunch–program.

Lower school students have lunch in their classrooms with their teachers, and middle school students have lunch in the S.M.V. Hamilton, Jr. All–Purpose Room.

Snack Policy • Lower School: The snack policy for lower school students is determined by each classroom teacher.

• Middle School: Middle school students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to school to have during mid–morning Mentor Group.

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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL: DRESS CODE Clothing items featuring the Benchmark logo are not required. However, during the school year Benchmark logo wear may be made available through an online school store. In addition, Benchmark logo wear is available through Lands’ End.

All clothing items must be plain, with no insignia, graphics, or logos, with the exception of the Benchmark logo.

Dress Code for Girls: • Skirts, shorts, skorts, jumpers, pants, or dresses in tan or navy • Collared shirts in solid white, solid navy, and solid dark green (including turtlenecks, long or short–sleeved, or sleeveless) • Sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn over collared shirts or turtlenecks (solid white, solid navy, or solid dark green only) • Shirts and pants/shorts must overlap • Sneakers are required for gym class • The only acceptable graphic is the Benchmark logo Dress Code for Boys: • Collared shirts in solid white, solid navy, or solid dark green (including turtlenecks, long or short–sleeved) • Sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn over collared shirts or turtlenecks (solid white, solid navy, or solid dark green only) • Pants and shorts in tan or navy • Shirts and pants/shorts must overlap • Sneakers are required for gym class • The only acceptable graphic is the Benchmark logo

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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL: TRANSPORTATION Arrival and Dismissal The regular school day runs from 8:15 AM to 2:50 PM. Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 AM. At that time, supervision is provided in a classroom, in the Carrington Commons of the middle school, or on the playground.

Late Arrival Students arriving late should report to the Main Office and obtain a late pass before proceeding to their classrooms.

Changes in Transportation Plans Please notify the Main Office of any change in transportation home for your child no later than 2:30 PM by emailing MainOffice@BenchmarkSchool.org or calling 610–565–3741.

Parking Lot Safety Every effort is made to make the arrival and dismissal times a safe and efficient experience. Your attention to these procedures is appreciated.

• In order to insure the safety of all during arrival and dismissal, please refrain from the use of cell phones while in the parking lot.

• Please remember to leave an opening in the line of cars as the driveway meets the lane so that cars picking up at the gym may pass through.

• Please do not park at the curb in front of the school or leave your car unattended in the bus line.

• At the request of the Upper Providence police and for the protection of all, vehicles are prohibited from using the private lane between the school and the gym to gain access to or from Providence Road.

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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL: AFTER–SCHOOL PROGRAMS After–School Activities & Clubs After–school activities are an important part of Benchmark’s program, as they allow students an opportunity to develop outside interests, friendships, and learn new skills.

Each trimester, students will receive a permission form listing the various activities offered. This form will also be available in the Weekly Announcements and on the Benchmark website. Some activities have limited space and may be offered on a first–come, first–served basis.

Activities are scheduled from 2:50–4:00 PM daily, except on early dismissal days.

A sampling of current activities include: • • • •

Art Club Basketball Board Games Confidence Course Club

• • • •

Field Hockey Club Girls’ Club Golf Club Robotics Club

• • • •

Running Club Soccer Sports Club Ukelele Club

There are no additional charges for these activities.

After–School Guided Study Program The purpose of the Guided Study program is to provide students with a place conducive to working on homework where teachers are available to provide help and encouragement. During Guided Study, students are encouraged to work on major written assignments and to study for tests, leaving nightly reading to be completed at home.

Guided Study is held Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00–4:00 PM and is open to all students (with the exception of students in the youngest class). It does not meet on early dismissal days.

From 2:50–3:00 PM students may eat snacks (please send in only prepared, single– serving snacks), go to the library, or touch base with their teachers. Lower school students also have a brief recess.

Students may register to participate in After–School Guided Study from one to four days per week.

There is an additional charge for this program.

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HELPFUL INFORMATION Absences To report an absence, please contact the Main Office by calling 610–565–3741 or emailing MainOffice@BenchmarkSchool.org. A written note may be requested upon the student’s return to school. In some cases, a physician’s note may also be required.

Missed School Work When students are absent, they are encouraged to take the following actions to keep up with schoolwork: • Check each teacher’s website for assignments • Email questions to teachers, remaining aware that teachers may not check their email until after the school day has ended Recess Students should arrive at school with appropriate outerwear, as recess is held outdoors each day except during extremely inclement weather.

Lockers & Cubbies At the beginning of the school year, each student is assigned an open locker or cubby.

We suggest that students have their possessions clearly marked.

Lost & Found Clothing and large items that are unclaimed are kept in the gym. Small items, such as eyeglasses, keys, or jewelry are held in the Main Office until claimed. Parents and students may wish to check these areas for lost items. (Labeled items are more easily returned.) We urge you to monitor what children bring to school and recommend that valuable items be left at home.

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HELPFUL INFORMATION: HEALTH & SAFETY Medication Policy It is our policy that all medication taken by students during the school day is administered by the school nurse.

Sick Child Policy Your child should be kept home from school in the following situations: • Fever of 100 degrees or higher without the use of fever reducing medication (Your child should be fever–free for 24 hours before returning to school unless cleared by a healthcare provider.)

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the past 24 hours, unless the vomiting can be attributed to a non–contagious illness • Chest pain or shortness of breath until cleared by a healthcare provider • Symptoms of a concussion until cleared by a healthcare provider • Drainage from the eyes until cleared by a healthcare provider Children Participating in Team Sports We ask that parents request a sports physical along with the annual physical examination for all middle school students who participate in sports.

We highly recommend that all children 10 years and older participate in baseline testing for concussions.

Sign–in Procedure for Parents and Visitors For the safety of students and staff, please sign in and pick up a name tag at the Main Office when you arrive at school. No visitors are allowed beyond the reception area without checking in with the receptionist.

Pets/Animals on Campus For the safety of students, staff, parents, and visitors, animals of any kind are not allowed on Benchmark School property except those needed for instructional purposes or identified as service dogs/animals. This includes animals running free, leashed, in cars (unless in a crate or cage), and in all buildings and classrooms.

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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

HELPFUL INFORMATION: INCLEMENT WEATHER & EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS School Closings The Benchmark School closing number is #463. If inclement weather occurs overnight, the decision to close the school or delay opening is shared with the community by phone before 6:30 AM by an automated phone message. Additional notifications will be posted on the school’s website and Facebook page, and local radio and TV stations.

If your child rides your school district bus to Benchmark and we have a delayed opening, please check with your district to determine if it is open and providing bus transportation that day.

Early Dismissals Due to Inclement Weather The decision for early dismissal due to inclement weather is generally dictated by your school district’s transportation department. If a district makes the decision to send a bus to Benchmark earlier than usual, students will be dismissed when the bus arrives. The Main Office will make every effort to contact the parents before putting a child on the bus.

Parents of students who do not take bus transportation will be notified if an early dismissal decision is made by Benchmark.

Cancellation of After–School Activities As soon as a decision is made to cancel after–school activities due to inclement weather or any other unexpected situation, Benchmark staff will notify parents through our automated phone message system. Additional notifications will be posted on the school’s website and Facebook page.

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HELPFUL INFORMATION: STUDENT LIFE At Benchmark, learning is an interactive process of analyzing, questioning, and discussing that extends beyond the school walls. Students have opportunities to continue learning beyond the classroom in a variety of ways, such as participating in service projects and going on field trips.

Service Learning Each spring, Benchmark School proudly partners with the Four Diamonds Fund to host a Mini–THON, a fun–filled, multi–hour event modeled after the Penn State Dance Marathon. The mission of the Four Diamonds Fund is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. All Benchmark students are invited to participate in Mini–THON. Students who choose to participate will be asked to request monetary donations from family members and friends that will be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund.

Students are also encouraged to organize and support collections for food banks and under–served schools and develop partnerships with area organizations throughout the school year as the opportunities arise.

Field Trips Throughout the school year, all of our students take part in field trips that serve a variety of functions, from community building, to expanding on the concepts they are studying in social studies or science, to enjoying a theatrical performance that may relate to something they are reading in Language Arts.

Previous field trips have included visits to the Kimmel Center, Longwood Gardens, Tyler Arboretum, the Arden Theater, the Franklin Institute of Science, People’s Light and Theater, Fort Mifflin, and Valley Forge National Park.

In middle school, students take part in three traditional field trips: • • •

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6th Grade—Outward Bound experience 7th Grade—Washington, DC 8th Grade—New York City

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HELPFUL INFORMATION: STUDENT LIFE Social Events In addition to working hard in their classrooms, we know it is important for students to have opportunities to share social time with their peers. Some of the social events that our students participate in include: •

Lower School: — All–School Picnic Lunch — Halloween Parade and Party — Classroom Parties following the Winter Arts Festival — End–of–Year Classroom Parties following the Celebration of Accomplishments — Field Day (last day of school)

•

Middle School — All–School Picnic Lunch — Holiday Party prior to Winter Break dismissal — Cast Party following the final evening of the musical production — Semi–Formal Party — End–of–Year Kickball Tournament — “30 Days Out” Breakfast for 8th grade graduates & their families — 8th Grade Portfolio Sharing & Reception — Middle School Celebration of Accomplishments & Graduation/Reception — Field Day (last day of school)

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GETTING INVOLVED: ANNUAL FAMILY EVENTS We want our families to become as much a part of the Benchmark School community as our students. Attending the many traditional events that take place on campus is a great way to connect with other families and staff. Here are a few cherished annual events.

Ice Cream Social (September) The annual Back–to–School Ice Cream Social is a great opportunity for students and their families to come together to see old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a make– your–own sundae extravaganza!

Lower School Arts Festival (December) An annual showcase of the visual and performing arts talents of our lower school students.

Family Math Night (April) One evening each spring, students and their families are invited to participate in planned games, challenges, and activities at the school that highlight “having fun with math.”

Grandparent & Special Guest Morning (April) Each student may invite special adult guests to visit Benchmark. The morning includes a continental breakfast in the Clemens Lobby, the opportunity to visit the student’s classroom, and a tour of the campus.

Family Gym Night (May) One evening in May, students and their families are invited to participate in planned sports activities inside the gym and outside on the playground. To cap off the fun, the night ends with a frozen treat for all.

Middle School Musical & Art Exhibit (June) Each spring the entire middle school community participates in the production of an elaborate, Broadway–style musical that takes place in the A. Palmer West Performing Arts Center. Students are involved in performing, set design, costumes, makeup, and light and sound.

At the same time, the middle school students’ remarkable creativity (both two– and three–dimensional) is on display in the Clemens Lobby of the A. Palmer West Performing Arts Center.

Field Day (June) On the last day of school, the entire student body is divided into two teams for a morning of friendly competition. Activities include a soccer game, a water balloon toss, tug of war, relay races, and obstacle course races. Parents are encouraged to attend and cheer on the participants.

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GETTING INVOLVED: SUPPORTING BENCHMARK As is true in independent schools around the world, tuition revenue does not cover the entire cost of educating our students at Benchmark School. As a result, we rely on the gracious and generous support of parents, staff members, trustees, businesses, and community members to fill the gap.

Your contributions enable us to provide a dynamic and ever–evolving educational program that is acknowledged for excellence across the globe and, most importantly, transforms students’ lives. These gifts may take the form of underwriting tuition through scholarship aid, supporting teacher training, or continuing to provide cutting–edge technology in our classrooms.

We offer a variety of ways for you to provide your financial support, including: •

The Benchmark Fund—Beyond the costs covered by tuition, the Benchmark Fund is the financial heartbeat of the school, providing the support necessary for every student and faculty member every day.

•

Pennsylvania State Tax–Credit Programs—The EITC and OSTC programs enable Pennsylvania businesses to direct up to $750,000 of their state tax dollars directly to Benchmark’s scholarship program.

•

Planned Giving—Leave a legacy for future generations by including Benchmark School in your will.

However how you choose to contribute, please know that through your gift the Benchmark tradition of teaching excellence continues. For additional information, please visit BenchmarkSchool.org/giving/benchmark–fund or contact Louisa Hanshew, Director of Development, at LouisaHanshew@BenchmarkSchool.org or 610–565–3741, ext. 150.

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GETTING INVOLVED: THE BENCHMARK PARENTS ASSOCIATION All parents of Benchmark students are members of the Benchmark Parents’ Association (BPA), which is an active and dedicated group whose purpose is to support the school in a variety of ways. The success of each school year depends on an engaged parent community. We hope you’ll lend your time and talents in a way that is meaningful to you and your family.

All parents are invited to the monthly BPA meetings. These meetings offer a wonderful opportunity to get to know other parents, learn more about what is happening around the school, and find out how you may help as a volunteer.

2016–17 BPA meetings will be held from 8:30–9:30 AM on the following dates: Thursday, October 6 Thursday, November 3 Thursday, December 1 Thursday, January 5

Thursday, February 2 Thursday, April 20 Thursday, June 8 (Thank You Breakfast)

There are many opportunities to volunteer that can enrich your child’s experience at Benchmark School and help you get to know faculty, staff, parents, and your child’s classmates, as well as learn more about what is happening at school. We encourage you to take a moment to review the opportunities on the “Parent Portal” of the Benchmark website. You may just find the one that is right for you! Some of the BPA–sponsored programs include:

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•

Spring Social and Auction: The BPA Spring Social & Auction is the school’s major social event and the BPA’s only active fundraiser. The proceeds of the Spring Social are donated to the Benchmark’s Children’s Fund for the purchase of equipment and supplies to enhance curricular programs and student life. The Spring Social is an opportunity for parents to work together toward a common goal, form lasting friendships, and provide the school with additional financial resources.

•

Informal Coffees & Parent Socials: Socials are typically held early in the school year so that parents in each class may become better acquainted. These informal gatherings are usually hosted by parents.

•

Classroom Parents: Each classroom has a volunteer parent or parents who, along with the teachers, are responsible for arranging classroom parties for the students.

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GETTING INVOLVED: THE BENCHMARK PARENTS ASSOCIATION •

Lunch Program: The BPA organizes a variety of programs that enable parents to pre–order lunch and beverages for their children. In order for the program to be successful, it requires the help of a large group of volunteers. For more information about the Lunch Program, please go to the “Parent Portal” of the Benchmark website.

•

Children’s Programs: Each year, the BPA underwrites the cost of several enrichment assemblies for the students, such as music and theater performances, author visits, and science and nature programs.

•

Library Committee: This committee is composed of volunteers who spend at least one morning or afternoon a month assisting the librarian with shelving books. The library is the heart of Benchmark and the help is much appreciated.

•

Book Fair Committee: The Book Fair provides Benchmark students with an opportunity to browse and buy a variety of interesting new books. All proceeds from the Book Fair go toward the purchase of books for the Benchmark School library.

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2016–17 EARLY DISMISSAL & HOLIDAY CALENDAR September 6, 7, 8

8:15 AM—1:00 PM

Middle School Students

September 6, 7, 8

Individual Appointments

Lower School Students (Teachers will contact parents)

September 9

8:15 AM—2:50 PM

All Students: First Full Day

October 3

NO SCHOOL

Rosh Hashanah

October 12

NO SCHOOL

Yom Kippur

November 7

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

November 16

1:00 PM Dismissal

LS and 6th/7th grade parent conferences

November 23

1:00 PM Dismissal

Begin Thanksgiving Holiday

November 24, 25

NO SCHOOL

Thanksgiving

December 20

12:00 Noon Dismissal

Begin Winter Break

December 21—January 2

NO SCHOOL

Winter Break

January 3 (Tuesday)

8:15 AM—2:50 PM

School Resumes

January 9

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

January 16

NO SCHOOL

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 6

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

February 20

NO SCHOOL

Presidents’ Day

March 11

7:00 PM

BPA Spring Social & Auction

March 8

1:00 PM Dismissal

LS and 6th/7th grade parent conferences

March 20

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

April 3

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

April 10—14

NO SCHOOL

Spring Break

May 1

1:00 PM Dismissal

Professional Development

May 29

NO SCHOOL

Memorial Day

June 16

12:00 Noon Dismissal

Last Day of School

*2017 SUMMER CAMP: Wednesday, July 5—Friday, August 4

Find Out What’s Happening Every Day: View our full calendar at BenchmarkSchool.org.

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT YEAR! Robert W. Gaskins, Ph.D. Head of School RobbGaskins@BenchmarkSchool.org Sally Laird Assistant Head of School & Head of Lower School SallyLaird@BenchmarkSchool.org Eleanor Gensemer, Ed.D. Head of Middle School EleanorGensemer@BenchmarkSchool.org Adam Lemisch, Ph.D. Head of Child and Family Support Services AdamLemisch@BenchmarkSchool.org Rosanne Crowe Head of the Math Department RosanneCrowe@BenchmarkSchool.org Main Office 610–565–3741 MainOffice@BenchmarkSchool.org Benchmark admits students without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, or handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, ancestry, sex or national origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid program, athletic and other school– administered programs.

Benchmark School is a tax–exempt organization as provided by IRS regulations and is registered as a charitable organization within the State of Pennsylvania. The official registration and financial information for Benchmark School may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll–free, within Pennsylvania, 1–800–732–0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

2107 North Providence Road • Media, PA 19063 BenchmarkSchool.org • (P) 610-565-3741 • (F) 610-565-3872

The policies and practices contained herein may be amended at any time and are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the head of school. The policies set forth in this handbook are not intended to create, nor are they to be construed to constitute, any contractual rights or obligations.