New Family Welcome Guide

Welcome to CHATHAM HALL!

Welcome to Chatham Hall! We are so excited to have you and your family join us. You have chosen to be a member of a warm and vibrant community, a place where everyone belongs, and a place where everyone can be their best selves. Here at Chatham Hall, you will be encouraged to choose courage over comfort, ignite the light for others, and illuminate your world. We can’t wait to get started.

In these pages, you will learn a little more about who we are and how things work as you transition into our campus community. Use it to get to know some of the people who are here to help you over the summer and throughout the year. It also explains some of the terms we use that are important in our community. We are excited to have you as part of our sisterhood. See you in August!

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Mission Statement

Equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact.

Core Values

• Choose Courage Over Comfort

• Ignite the Light for Others

• Appreciate the Journey

• Do the Right Thing

• Be Your Best Self

Honor Code

I will not lie. I will not cheat. I will not steal. I will report all infractions of honor.

Purple & Golden Rule

The Purple & Golden Rule is founded upon the expectation of mutual respect, consideration, and thoughtfulness. The rule holds all members of the Chatham Hall community accountable for their actions and seeks to create a principled and caring sisterhood.

Belief Statement

At Chatham Hall, we believe that when a young woman steps beyond the boundary of her own comfort zone, she realizes the true power of her potential.

Every day across campus, you’ll discover your individual passions, learn to balance joy with challenge, gratitude with ambition, and to champion each other as you begin to weave together informed perspectives that will make up your worldview.

With endless opportunities illuminated before you, you’ll feel confident taking the first steps toward a life that is all your own.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Sara Stephenson Incoming Rector

Beth Barksdale Dean of the Chapel & Spiritual Life

Deborah Glymph Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Christine Knight Chief Advancement Officer

Josh Doyon Dean of Students

Martha Griswold Dean of Academics

Erin McHugh Dean of College Counseling

Caroline Fisk Chief Enrollment Officer

Jennifer Hiltwine Chief Financial Officer

Mary Semler Director of Athletics

OUR PEOPLE

One of the hallmarks of the Chatham Hall experience is the people you meet and with whom you bond during your time here. Here are just a few of the many who will become indispensable. You can reach out to them with questions you might have over the summer.

Old Girl - Affectionately referred to as New Girls, each newly admitted student is matched with an Old Girl. These returning students are a fantastic resource for you! From offering advice on what you really need for your dorm room or telling you about her favorite Chatham Hall tradition, your Old Girl is here to help. Ask her anything! She will also be ready to greet you on Move In Day and will help you learn your way around campus.

Advisor - Every student has a faculty Advisor. Your Advisor is your (and your family’s) go-to adult. Whether it’s registering for classes or having a cheerleader on the sidelines at your game, your Advisor is always available. You’ll have scheduled meetings each week, but you can always drop in to see them at other times, too. You’ll also meet for various activities and outings throughout the year. Additionally, you will be a part of an Advisory group of students from all grades, dorms, and classes. This is a built-in support system from day one. Your Advisor is also there for your parents and is a great resource when they have questions. Advisors are assigned in August and they’ll reach out to you then. You and your family will meet your Advisor on Move In Day.

Dorm Advisor & Prefects - Dorm Advisors are adults who live on dorm with the students 24/7. They also partner with Prefects, our student leaders on dorm, who provide support for their peers. Your Dorm Advisor and Prefect(s) are a great source of information related to living on campus.

Dean of Students Josh Doyonjdoyon@chathamhall.org

Dean Doyon oversees everything related to student life, from roommate and dorm assignments to weekend activities and healthcare.

your classes for the upcoming year. Whenever you have academic questions, don’t hesitate to let her know!

Dean of Academics Martha Griswoldmgriswold@chathamhall.org

Dean of Academics Martha Griswold will be in touch with you over the summer to help you select

Health Care Center - nurses@chathamhall.org

Our team of nurses in the Health Care Center are there to answer any questions you may have about medical appointments, prescription medicine, allergies, using Magnus Health, or anything else.

Director of Counseling Services Stephanie Tuttlestuttle@chathamhall.org

Ms. Tuttle serves our students as the director of counseling services. A licensed counselor, she is available to students by appointment throughout the school year, and also for walk-ins as needed.

Tech Team - techteam@chathamhall.org

Chatham Hall’s esteemed Tech Team will get you and your devices connected. You will hear from them soon about how to set up your Chatham Hall email address. Please reach out to the Tech Team if you have questions about which devices to bring to school, need a password reset, have issues with Wi-Fi, or anything else.

International Student Coordinator Mara Jarrettmjarrett@chathamhall.org

In addition to teaching and coaching, Ms. Jarrett is the international student coordinator and serves as a resource and point of contact for families from around the globe.

Director of Athletics Mary Semlermsemler@chathamhall.org

As the director of athletics, you can expect to hear from Coach Semler this summer when it’s time to choose your fall afternoon activity. She will motivate you to do your best at whatever sports and activities you choose throughout the year.

Director of Riding Ally Doyonadoyon@chathamhall.org

Miss Ally is the director of riding and your go-to for everything having to do with our Riding Program, IEA, lessons, and horse boarding.

Ms. Cruz ‘10 - vcruz@chathamhall.org

Not only is Ms. Cruz ‘10 an alumna of Chatham Hall and a Dorm Advisor, but she also manages both the Mailroom and the School Store.

OUR SYSTEMS

Getting connected on the following platforms will be essential to your transition to Chatham Hall. Through your email, TurtleNet (our academic and school life database), and Magnus Health (our healthcare database), you will have access to lots of helpful information.

TurtleNet - TurtleNet (pictured above) is our digital hub! So much information is available to you here. Both students and parents will have TurtleNet accounts so you can check your class schedule, view report cards, access our directory, and much more. Please spend time on the Resource Board and review the many helpful items that are posted there, including our Community Handbook, packing list, and book list. All required matriculation forms (other than health forms) will be available in TurtleNet. A banner at the top of the page will alert you about forms to be completed.

Email - Chatham Hall uses Gmail as our email platform. We will email your student email address with instructions on how to set it up. We do have an expectation that you will do this immediately as your Chatham Hall email account will be how we communicate with you from now on. The only exception is if you are currently in a country which does not support Gmail.

Magnus Health - Chatham Hall uses Magnus Health to maintain student medical records. Your family will receive an email with instructions for accessing Magnus and completing the required health forms. Magnus Health is accessible from the Resource Board in TurtleNet.

REACH - REACH is a key component of life at Chatham Hall. It’s the way students sign in and out to leave campus, share their location while on campus, and sign up for weekend activities. It helps us to keep you safe at all times. You will learn how to sign up and use it during Orientation.

Emergency Alerts - Student and parent alerts may be sent via text message, voicemail, and/or email during emergency situations. The School will perform tests of the emergency alert system each year.

SCHOOL SCHEDULES

The 2024-2025 School Calendar, which is available on TurtleNet year-round, shows the year at a glance, listing all vacation periods, important campus events, and other times you may wish to note. You will also have access to various Chatham Hall calendars through your email which will post daily events once the school year begins (student life, athletics, etc). Please also review the travel guidelines for all students.

This Daily Schedule offers a general overview of the school day. This schedule is also available at all times in TurtleNet. You’ll find out what classes you have each period at matriculation.

Important Dates

Aug. 21 New International Student Move In

Aug. 25 New Domestic Student Move In

Aug. 26-28 Orientation

Aug. 29 First Day of Classes

Oct. 11 Family Day

Oct. 12-15 Fall Long Weekend

Nov. 22-Dec. 2 Thanksgiving Break

Weekly Community Gatherings

Dec. 18-Jan. 6 Winter Break

Jan. 7-23 January Term

Jan. 27 Spring Semester Begins

Jan. 30-Feb. 4 Winter Long Weekend

March 7-23 Spring Break

May 24 Baccalaureate & Commencement

May 25 Summer Break Begins

We gather as a community just about every day at the following:

• Monday: Assembly, 9:30 a.m. (Well); Advisory Lunch, 12:00 p.m. (Yardley)

• Tuesday: Chapel, 9:30 a.m. (St. Mary’s Chapel)

• Wednesday: Cookie Break, 10:00 a.m. (Advisor Chooses Location)

• Thursday: Rotating Lunch, 12:00 p.m. (Yardley)

• Friday: Chapel, 9:30 a.m. (St. Mary’s Chapel)

• Sunday: Chapel, 6:00 p.m. (St. Mary’s Chapel)

MOVE IN & MATRICULATION

Move In at Chatham Hall is so much fun! When you arrive on campus, Old Girls will be waiting to help direct you to your dorm and unload your car. You won’t need to lift a finger! Once the car is empty, your first stop is Lee Library for Matriculation. Day students can report directly to the library. Here, you will be able to drop off any last minute forms and check off some final details. The last person you meet in the library will be the dean of students who will give you a move in pass and you’ll be all set to go to your dorm!

All matriculation forms are due on July 1. Many of these forms can be completed in TurtleNet by you and/or your parents. You will receive an email notification when they are available and will also see a banner appear in TurtleNet. Health forms are available through Magnus.

Required forms include:

• Parent Guardian Contact Form

• Community Handbook Acknowledgment (available in late summer)

• Parent & Family Volunteer Opportunities

• Activities & Trips Permission

• Roommate & Advisor Survey

• Student Cell Phone Verification

Additional required forms should be submitted to Magnus Health - head to TurtleNet and select the Magnus Health board.

Additional forms and waivers may be required based on program enrollment such as music lessons and riding.

Set up your email Log in to TurtleNet and explore Course selection with Dean Griswold MAY

Get to know your Old Girl Work on matriculation forms

Select your fall afternoon activity Do TurtleNet trainings

JUNE Note:

JULY

Forms due

Check out the packing list Work on summer reading Sign up for fall afternoon activity

Meet your Advisor Receive your schedule Move in!

AUGUST

SCHOOL LIFE

Turtle Card - Your school ID, or Turtle Card, is used to access all buildings on campus. During Move In, your family will learn more about options for placing money in your account so you can use your Turtle Card in the School Store, Snack Bar, or to get cash from the Business Office for activities. The suggested monthly allowance for students is $150, with the understanding that this may change due to your daughter’s needs and spending habits.

Mail & Packages - All mail should be sent to you using your name and the Chatham Hall address: 800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA 24531. Mail will be placed in your box in the Mailroom. If you have a large package, you can collect your package from the Mailroom.

Day Students - Day students are an important part of our community! Day students are encouraged to participate in campus activities outside of the class day, such as weekend and evening activities. Select weekend activities are required and will be communicated throughout the year. Day students also have access to a room on dorm for occasional sleepovers and lounges for relaxing during the school day.

Dress Code - Chatham Hall makes distinctions regarding appropriate dress for certain times and places. Students need to be dressed suitably for each occasion. The dress code first and foremost expects that you keep our professional academic environment in mind, while also taking into consideration your comfort and freedom of expression. Chatham Hall is a safe environment that celebrates all body types. We understand that everyone’s style preferences and comfort vary. For the full dress code, please read the Dress Code & Decorum section of the Community Handbook.

• Undergarments should not be visible at any time.

• Low cut shirts require a tank top or camisole to be worn underneath.

• If sheer clothing is worn, there must be an undergarment worn with it.

• No midriff should ever be visible.

• Caps should not be worn in the dining hall or in classes.

• Dresses and skirts must be no shorter than three inches from the top of the knee.

• No athletic sweatpants, pants (example: Adidas, Nike, or various colleges), or shorts are allowed during the academic day.

• Shorts and rompers that reach the base of your thumb when standing are permitted. Shorts must always be visible (t-shirts and tops should not cover shorts).

• No slippers, pajamas, or sleepwear are permitted below dorm during the academic day.

• Event dress is required for certain activities throughout the year, please see the Community Handbook for guidelines.

Community Life

At Chatham Hall we gather often as community. In addition to the list of traditions included, you can find videos and lyrics to our School songs below that you will soon learn by sining along with your peers.

Traditions

Chatham Hall’s more than 130-year history has given rise to many traditions. Ask us about:

100 Days ‘til Graduation

Charter Day

Community Weekends

Cookie Break

Decoration Weekend

School Songs

Family Day Graduation

Junior Ring Hunt

Lantern Ceremony

Lessons & Carols

Alma Mater

School days bright, that fly so swiftly Down life’s stream beyond recall, Leave within our hearts abiding Loyalty to Chatham Hall.

Chatham Hall, our Alma Mater, Love for thee, a pledge for all, And forever and forever

We’ll be true to Chatham Hall.

When the golden sun is sinking And the shadows o’er us fall, Memories will take us backward To our days at Chatham Hall.

Chatham Hall, our Alma Mater, Love for thee, a pledge for all, And forever and forever

We’ll be true to Chatham Hall.

Picnic Honoring the New Girls Purple vs. Gold Challenges Rector’s Free Days

… and so much more!

ACADEMICS & ACTIVITIES

School Supplies - You are free to have the school supplies of your choosing. Some teachers may request or recommend you have a particular tool for their course, but they will let you know in the early days of school or even on the book list. Our Campus Bookstore stocks some essentials and we also have weekly shopping trips for anything you need. We definitely recommend having a good daily planner.

Tech - Chatham Hall requires an iPad for all new students—these can be new or refurbished. Laptops are not required. See the Schedule of Charges for specs. Don’t forget, you can always email techteam@chathamhall.org with questions.

Summer Reading - Please visit the Academic Resource Board on TurtleNet to review any required summer reading or work.

Music Lessons - Students who wish to take private voice or instrument lessons can view the Schedule of Charges for rates.

World Language Placement - World language course placement is primarily based on previous class experience. If the placed level appears too advanced or not advanced enough, teachers and students can request placement in a more suitable class level.

Afternoon Activities

We like to know our students are up and moving, so a performance-based activity is required for all students in the afternoon!

Theatre - Fall Play, Winter Musical, & Spring

Collaborative

Dance - Offered each season

Robotics - Robotics takes place in the fall as a club and in the winter as a team and member of the FIRST global robotics community.

Sports

• Fall: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Tennis, Volleyball

• Winter: Basketball, Strength & Conditioning, Swimming & Diving

• Spring: Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field

• Year-Round: Riding, Yoga

Riding - Students may try out for the IEA team when school begins. Riding is also available seasonally as an afternoon activity, and students may take private lessons. Please see the Schedule of Charges for associated fees.

TURTLE TALK

Read up on a few terms that are important at Chatham Hall.

• ALT: Short for our Administrative Leadership Team, led by the Rector.

• AOD: The administrator on duty (AOD) is a member of the ALT that is available for any emergencies. Please add the number (434.709.8853) to your phone and call it in an emergency, text if you need permission to go off campus, etc.

• Dorm Advisor: The adults who live on each hall in the dormitories.

• Dutch: Van Voorhis Lecture Hall is most often referred to by its nickname, Dutch. A little tricky at the beginning!

• HCC: The Health Care Center is currently located in Pruden Hall and will move to the new athletics, health, and wellness center.

• LDR & SDR: The Large Drawing Room (LDR) and Small Drawing Room (SDR) are located off the Well in Pruden Hall and are

comfortable spaces for meetings or studying.

• Niche: The Niche is located in the bottom floor of Dabney Hall and serves as the student commons.

• New Girl: New student (New Girls become Old Girls during the school year).

• Old Girl: Returning students.

• Penny Lane: Penny Lane is the path that takes you from the main School buildings to the barn and beyond.

• TurtleNet: Our online hub for students, faculty, and parents. Houses schedules, grades, directories, and more.

• Well: The Well is located inside of Pruden Hall under the dome, and serves as our welcome area. We meet in the Well for our weekly Assemblies and as a gathering spot for trips.

• Yardley: Yardley is our dining hall located to the left of Pruden under Walker Buck Dorm.

STAY CONNECTED

Front Desk: 434.432.2941

Security: 434.728.0030

Administrator on Duty: 434.709.8853

Health Care Center: 434.432.5545

admissions@chathamhall.org communications@chathamhall.org transportation@chathamhall.org

Weekly P&G - Every Friday afternoon, the P&G Newsletter will arrive in your inbox. It’s filled with news from the week and upcoming events. Be sure to read it so you don’t miss anything.

To ensure you receive School emails, please add communications@chathamhall.org to your contacts or safe sender list. Click here to learn more and for instructions.

Chat

The Chat is the School’s magazine published twice yearly. Check your mailboxes to stay up to date on campus news, community features, and more!

Social

Media

Get an inside look into the Chatham Hall experience by following us on social media. We are active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and often share pictures and updates from inside classrooms and around campus.

Turtle Café - Run by a group of parents, the Turtle Café has meals and snacks during home horse shows.

Parent Advisory Council (PAC) - PAC is made up of parents from each grade. Your family will hear from a PAC representative over the summer to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. They also help to organize volunteers for various events throughout the year and keep all parents active and engaged at Chatham Hall.

Jenny Denny P’21, ‘25 (jbdenny@gmail.com) is the PAC president and your Chatham Hall PAC contact is Chief Advancement Officer Christine Cutright Knight P’19 (cknight@chathamhall.org).

Parents are welcomed and encouraged to be involved on campus! Whether it’s attending a play, horse show, athletic event, or a weekend visit with your child, we love to see and get to know you.